U.S. $12.95
Included
SIG Sauer Morale Patch
T H E
G U N S
O F
3
JOHN WICK SIG MPX PCC, Taran Tactical STI Combat Master + Taran Tactical Benelli M2
Featured Material
•
Primary Weapon Setups
•
A Visit to a Firearm Speakeasy
•
DIY: 25¢ Glock Trigger Job
•
One-Piece Scope Mount Buyer’s Guide
•
Twin AR-10 & R700
ISSUE
UN12mag.com
006
D E TA I L
O R I E N T E D
KHX CUSTOM/RL (OI) A V A I L A B L E I N 9 M M , . 4 5 A C P, 1 0 M M L E A R N M O R E AT K I M B E R A M E R I C A . C O M
MADE IN AMERICA MADE IN A MERIC A
WHAT ALL GUNS SHOULD BE
TM
©2019, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.
(888) 243-4522 KIMBERAMERICA.COM
70 The Guns of John Wick 3 Cover Feature
UN12 Issue 006
04
UN12 / Issue 006
Table of Contents
30
62
120
Custom Glock 17 Gen 3 Firearm Feature
The Vault III General Feature
Personalized Knife Customization Feature
38
82
124
King of the Hammers Outdoor Feature
Optimizing Your PWS General Feature
Unity Tactical FAST Mounts Product Review
44
96
128
Quarter Circle 10 General Feature
One-Piece Scope Mounts Buyer’s Guide
Freedom Street Defense Customization Feature
48
106
The Powder Keg General Feature
“Twin” Precision Rifles Firearm Feature
52
116
Suppressed Precision AR-10 Firearm Feature
Ghost Gunner 2 Product Review
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
DISCLAIMERS: UN12 is created for MATURE AUDIENCES and may include adult language and humor. PRICES shown are deemed accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. FIREARM SAFETY is paramount. Obey firearm safety rules at all times. UN12 assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of its author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN12.
TOC
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
16 Every Day Carry
Dept.
08
132
Editor’s Letter
Shoot This Drill
10
136
New Products
Influencers
14
137
Morale Patch
Guns of IG
24
138
Do It Yourself: The 25¢ Glock Trigger Job
Retailer Directory
24
132
Booth 6502 06
UN12 / Issue 006
006
DEPT.
Editor’s Letter
Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only: UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS
—
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, a major influence
roots. Then we gain entry into a hidden speakeasy
Publisher
on our young minds were action flicks that can now
where guns, scopes, and cigars are on the menu—as
Howard C Lim
be considered “classics.” We’ve all but worn out our
is a full kitchen remodel if you so choose. Gear expert
VHS tapes on iconic movies such as Die Hard, Lethal
Charles “Chip” Lasky shows us four mission-driven
Editors
Weapon, Rambo, Aliens, Terminator 2, Predator,
primary weapon setups for real-world work. Chip always
The UN12 Creative Team
Commando, RoboCop—the list goes on and on. Lucky
puts together informative and fascinating reads, and you
for us, we can now stream these nuggets of action
won’t want to miss this one. Elsewhere, if you’re looking
Technical Editor
without fear of the VHS player chewing up the tapes.
for a new custom Cerakote job, perhaps Freedom Street
Michael Penhall
The artistry and creativity these movies helped
Defense can help you out. We meet the company’s
unleash has inspired a generation of inventors,
owner, Wes Reames, and check out his impeccable
Creative Direction
innovators, and craftsmen, who are in turn influencing
work. We also showcase sixteen of the newest one-
James Ho, Jerry Tsai
the next generation of firearm enthusiasts. Yes, we’ve
piece scope mounts in an extensive buyer’s guide.
got action movies on our minds, and there’s one man to
We thank you for your support of UN12 and for print
blame—John Wick. The latest chapter in the John Wick
magazines in general. We are proud to create what we
saga is about to be released, and to say we’re excited about it is an understatement. UN12 was invited to examine the guns used in the new movie and hear some behind-thescenes stories about each one courtesy of Xtreme Props. We
“We’ve got action movies on our minds, and there’s one man to blame: John Wick.”
bring you what we learned,
believe is the highest quality firearms publication around. We have also recently made digital versions available for those who prefer that kind of platform at issuu.com/un12mag, but we should remind our digital readers that the morale patches aren’t downloadable.
Art Director James Ho
Contributors Martin Anders, Jim Barnett, Jay Canter, Danny Chang, Jeff Chen, Jason Davis, Michael Grey, Charles Lasky, Chris Lee, William Petty, Roland Wilkes, James York
Special Thanks Aristotle Bartolome, Roberto Flores, George Huang, John Hwang, Allison Lai, Jeff Lai, OC Armory
direct from the prop house. We also caught wind of
Speaking of which, Issue 006 features a very special
a special collection of John Wick guns that is being
collection of morale patches. Celebrating the release of
Copy Editor
prepared for sale in an ultra-limited release; we visit
John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum, UN12, SIG Sauer,
Frank Stroud
Taran Butler to take a look at it, too.
and Aprilla Design, with the help of Xtreme Props, have collaborated on not one, not two, but three limited-
Advertising Sales
custom firearm builds, innovative technologies, and
edition morale patches. Which one you get with this
Danny Chang
the artistry of the firearms world. We recognize that
issue is purely chance. Like the magazine, they’re made
personalizing a gun or piece of gear is something
in small quantities and will not be reissued.
UN12 is a passion project that does deep dives on
special that should be shared with fellow enthusiasts.
We’re always looking for innovators and cool custom
Join us as we look at several fully customized firearms,
guns to feature. If you have a firearm or other piece of
including a set of precision shooting “twins,” one a
gear that you customized, we want to know about it. Tag
semi-auto and the other a bolt gun. We also take a look
us at @un12mag on Instagram if you have something
at a customized Glock that was built to sway over an
that UN12 readers would like to see. Let us know what
old-school shooter who otherwise wouldn’t think twice
you think we got right or could do better in this issue on
about polymer pistols.
our Facebook page at: /un12mag.
Ad Coordinator Frank Stroud
LIFE BEGINS AT 50 ROUNDS. The Magpul PMAG D-50 LR/SR GEN M3 ®
™
The same unstoppable Magpul drum reliability, now for 7.62/.308. Featuring 50 round capacity, rounds remaining indicator window, and compatibility with ammunition up to 2.830” OAL (including M118LR). The only 7.62x51 drum that passes MIL-SPEC dust tests. Capacity. Reliability. Magpul. Printed in the USA
Elsewhere, we pay a visit to Quarter Circle 10 and its owner Bettina Mathis to find out more about the brand’s
www.magpul.com
- The UN12 Creative Team 005-2019
08
UN12 / Issue 006
© 2019 Magpul Industries Corporation. MAGPUL, MAGPUL LOGO & DESIGN, and others are trademarks of Magpul Industries Corp.
FEATURE
Text by ROLAND WILKES Images by JERRY TSAI
“The owner built this Glock to convince his father that a polymer-bodied pistol could be as accurate and reliable as his own 1911.”
Custom Glock 17 Gen 3
: : Cerakote by Tampa Cerakote Facility (slide), Arsenal Engraving & Coating (frame) : : Chambered in 9mm : : Owner’s first customized firearm
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
30
UN12 / Issue 006
UN12mag.com
31
FEATURE
01
02 04
03
05 O
ld habits die hard.”
law enforcement and military professionals. That would
That’s a nugget of wisdom you have probably
be the Austrian-made Glock.
heard before. Maybe it was your dad who said it, maybe it was Grandpa. Maybe it was a variation on the
customized Gen 3 Glock 17, was convincing Leigh’s
adage, something like “It’s hard to teach an old dog
dad that more modern offerings could be every bit as
new tricks.”
functional and effective as his old military standby.
Whatever the saying or setting, the meaning is clear.
compliant pistol that’s comfortable in the hand and
like pepperoni on pizza in lieu of pineapple, traditional
could also be used for competition,” Guarnieri says. He
tastes tend to win out in the end.
goes on to say it was also to “convince my dad that a
For Leigh Guarnieri’s father, that traditional taste was sidearm design that’s been in service for more than
plastic gun could be as accurate and reliable as the 1911 he’s been shooting for as long as I can remember.” To older generations, the word “plastic” can be a
a century, starting with John Browning’s original Colt
something of a loaded term. Except for the barrel, slide,
M1911 in the year nineteen hundred and eleven.
and some small internal components, Glock pistols are
Leigh himself has a different taste in sidearms, one that gravitates toward a more contemporary design.
constructed entirely from polymer. A 1911, on the other hand, is fashioned entirely from
It’s a more modern platform for newer generations of
wood and steel, and its construction makes it feel
shooters, but one that’s become nearly as ubiquitous
quite substantial as it sits in the hand—if not downright
as the 1911, both in private hands and riding the hips of
heavy. To someone accustomed to this inherent
UN12 / Issue 006
A custom Zaffiri Precision ZPS.6 G34 slide features an RMR optic cut to accommodate the Trijicon optic.
“The purpose of the build was to create a California-
Trends and fads come and go, but at an individual level,
for the venerable 1911, the legendary semi-automatic
32
In fact, one of the driving forces behind this gun, a
01
02 The optic itself is a Trijicon RM07 Type 2 RMR adjustable LED sight with 6.5 MOA red dot.
03 Jack Bardos at Rocket City Stippling provided the reshaping of the grip and the aggressive texturing.
weightiness, it may be tempting to look down your nose
an engineering degree to quickly become a name in the
at the much lighter Glock as “cheap.”
custom slide and barrel world.
Any dedicated Glock user knows nothing could be
The Cerakote scheme on the slide was laid down by
further from the truth. Because of its more modern
Tampa Cerakote Facility, what Guarnieri bills as one
construction, in terms of cost any Glock is overall less
of the premiere graphics applicators in the Southeast.
expensive than virtually any 1911. And because the
Owner and operator (and armed forces vet) Tony
polymer frame is so much easier and more forgiving
Mittelstaedt applied the custom MultiCam pattern
to work with, customization tends to be a much more
using Cerakote Armor Black, Sniper Grey, and Titanium
straightforward proposition—even for a do-it-yourselfer.
overlaid with a matte finish.
When the project began in earnest Guarnieri tore the
The frame went to Rocket City Stippling in Huntsville,
pistol apart and had work performed on the slide and
where RCS owner Jeck Bardos executed a full custom
frame simultaneously to keep the overall build time
re-shaping that includes an overall reduction of the
down. “I needed to get the slide finished and run some
grip’s rear palm “hump” and narrowing of the backstrap,
rounds through it,” Guarnieri says, “to make sure it
removal of the finger grooves, and a double undercut, all
performed as needed with lower-FPS ammo that would
to allow a higher and more comfortable grip on the gun.
be used with lighter competition springs.” The slide itself is a Zaffiri Precision ZPS.6 G34 unit
04 The owner packs the custom G17 to and from the range in a rugged ZEV Technologies SKB hard case.
05 The Glock feeds via ETS 10-round smoked magazines fitted with Taran Tactical baseplates.
The frame then went to Arsenal Engraving & Coating (also in Alabama) for a full application of Cerakote Sniper
crafted from 416 stainless with an RMR optic cut.
Grey to match it up visually with the slide. Then it went
According to Guarnieri, Stephen Zaffiri has augmented
back to RCS, where Bardos added his signature Gap
his background as a humble tool-and-die apprentice with
Borders and a super-aggressive triangular grip texture UN12mag.com
33
01
Feature: The Powder Keg
01
The Powder Keg is accessed through a secret entrance.
02
A selection of Vortex Optics are available to examine.
03
The Speakeasy also has historical artifacts on display.
04
Blades of all types are also available in the store.
05
05
The classic decor makes us want to hang out there all day.
06
There are plenty of guns available to look at and handle.
07
It reminds us of a museum—with stuff we’d actually be interested in.
08
Not enough for you? Gittus has access to many more guns; all you need to do is ask.
twist. The Powder Keg opened its
idea grew, so did the shop. It morphed
was 16 and volunteered with a local
have several historical artifacts in the room
(hidden) doors in October 2018 with the
from a small room with a few guns to
law enforcement agency for 7 years.
from the Civil War, both World Wars, and
aim of providing a unique experience in
a firearms Speakeasy with many more
“I am passionate about firearms and
Vietnam, as well as other antiquities. If you
firearms purchasing. It’s a firearms store
offerings and a gun shop experience like
everything around firearms,” he adds.
have a chance to visit, it’s worth spending
like none that we’ve encountered before.
no other. “My goal has been to create
“For those who share the passion
some time talking with Gittus about these
a fun space for those who are firearms
already, the Speakeasy is a fun place with
pieces.
kitchen remodeling business via a hidden
fanatics,” Gittus explains, “as well as a
personalized service without the retail
We asked Gittus what some of his
entrance. Yes, that’s right. It’s a firearm
relaxing environment with no pressure for
store feel or experience. For the same
favorite gun customization styles are at
Speakeasy. Because the Speakeasy
those who are newer, or brand-new, to
reasons, the Speakeasy is a great place
the moment. “I love seeing customized
is hidden in a kitchen showroom and
firearms.”
for those less experienced with firearms.”
1911s and love the fact that they are still a
First of all, it’s accessed through a
is accessed through a pantry cabinet,
02
06
Born and raised in Arizona, Gittus
The Powder Keg is clearly unlike
current firearm after over 100 years (sorry
access to the shop is gained through
has had a passion for firearms and
your run-of-the-mill gun shop, and, in
.45 haters),” he replied. “I also really enjoy
saying the phrase “I’m interested in a
hunting since he was a kid. He has been
fact, it’s designed specifically to not be
seeing the creativity in the pistol-caliber
pantry remodel.” We’re suckers for this
in the construction industry since he
like the others. It’s much more about
carbine world.”
the experience than anything else.
UN12 ]
kind of thing. Also, unlike most other shops, the service that The Powder Keg provides is completely one-on-one. You can come to the Speakeasy to talk guns, optics, gun safety, gear, knives, and cigars without distraction or the feeling of being rushed. Proprietor John Gittus started The Powder Keg with the idea of creating a very small shop with a personalized “friends and family” feel to it. As the
50
UN12 / Issue 006
“The Powder Keg is unlike your run-of-the-mill gun shop; in fact, it’s designed specifically to not be like the others.”
03
04
07
08
The shop sells firearms of all types, optics, ammunition, knives, and other accessories. They don’t just sell guns,
If you’re interested in setting up an
but also buy them. We like their style.
appointment to visit The Powder Keg,
“While we stock quite a few items,”
the best way is to contact them over their
Gittus points out, “we have access to
social media accounts on Instagram @
most firearms and accessories within a
the.powder.keg and on Facebook @
day or two if we don’t already have it.”
firearmspeakeasy. Next time we’re in
Aside from guns, The Powder Keg is also home to history lovers. In fact, they
Tempe, we’ll be looking for a pantry remodel for sure. UN12mag.com
51
AR-10 FEATURE
SUPPRESSED PRECISION
Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by JAY CANTER
: : Custom-assembled
: : Chambered in .308 Win : : Suppressed, thermal-equipped
“Like many of us, this AR-10’s owner is a gun fanatic who always has his eyes set on the next build.” 52
UN12 / Issue 006
UN12mag.com
53
FEATURE
“The action sequences in the John Wick movies can only be described as a brutal ballet of precision ‘gun-fu.’”
T H E
G U N S
3
O F
JOHN WICK Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by JERRY TSAI Film images courtesy of
LIONSGATE
: : Featured in John Wick: Chapter 3— Parabellum : : Actual screen used guns from the movie : : The inside story on each firearm
70
UN12 / Issue 006
UN12mag.com
71
FEATURE
T
he visuals are sleek. The action is mind-blowing.
Tuers, a third-generation Property Master, has been
The action sequences in the John Wick movies can only
crew showed us a wide variety of guns that were used in
on and around film sets since he can remember. Movie-
be described as a brutal ballet of precision “gun-fu.” Wick
the movie. Some have a screen time of only a few seconds
after all. As a lifelong fan of both the cinema and firearms,
making is in his blood. In fact, his family has been in the
mixes martial arts with gunplay to create scene after scene
when used by the cannon fodder that Wick quickly
I qualify as the perfect target audience member for action
movie business for over a hundred years. At an early age,
of hypnotically beautiful, yet bloody, action scenes. It may
dispatches, and others were used by the main characters,
movies in general, and the John Wick film franchise in
his father introduced him to firearms and firearm safety as
be strange to call such violent sequences beautiful, but
played by Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry, to fight their
particular. I was hooked on the assassin-populated world
the family oftentimes recreationally shot together; .22LR
damn it, they are.
way out of seemingly impossible situations. We were
of Wick ever since I saw the trailer for the first movie back
rifles and .410 shotguns (plus ammo) were common
in 2014. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited to see the
Christmas gifts in the Tuers household while he was
story directly where Chapter 2 left off. Wick is on the run
continuation of John Wick’s story in the third chapter of the
growing up.
with a $14 million global contract on his head. Expect
Sauer MPX PCC, Taran Tactical STI Combat Master, and
The vengeance is palpable—they did kill his puppy,
John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum continues the Wick
immediately fixated on the main hero’s guns. Wick’s guns from the film include a customized SIG
plenty of assassins looking to collect their bounty. We
Taran Tactical Benelli M2. As you can probably guess,
profile action movies that feature a lot of guns. Getting
don’t know the particulars of the story just yet, but what
Taran Butler of Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) was
up for UN12 to visit the real-life weapon sommeliers who
these kinds of gigs isn’t easy, but due to Tuers’ expertise,
we do know is that John
instrumental in the planning, modification, outfitting,
provided John Wick his guns, Xtreme Props and Weapons
plenty of studios trust him with the work. This year his
Wick is outfitted with at
or building of the guns that were used in not just this
Rentals, located less than an hour’s drive from Hollywood,
company has worked on the third John Wick and other
least three guns that he
third chapter, but all the Wick films to date. Butler also
California. Xtreme Props owner Gary Tuers was kind
projects you may recognize over the past few years,
will undoubtedly put to
trained the actors in their use as well. You may recall a
enough to invite us over to check out the actual on-screen,
including Jurassic World 2, Fate of the Furious, John
good use. Tuers and his
video on social media a couple of years back showing
fully functioning prop guns. Tuers, along with his crew
Wick 2, and The Magnificent Seven. Some older favorites
Reeves tearing up a competition shooting stage. That
members Dominick Bruno and Tristan Hall, gave us some
that you might recognize his work in include Mr. and Mrs.
video was shot at Butler’s training facility, and is a good
insider stories on the guns as well as the film’s production.
Smith, Miami Vice, and GI Joe 2.
demonstration of the skills Reeves has learned from Butler.
His company usually works on big-production, high-
action-thriller franchise. You can imagine my reaction when the opportunity came
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
JOHN WICK
01 The oversized Radian Weapons Raptor charging handle allows for ambidextrous charging and malfunctions clearing.
02
01 02 03 04
The TTI-exclusive BCM buttstock is outfitted with a Magpul MS4 sling.
03 The optics suite comprises a Trijicon MRO in a Geissele mount and a Streamlight TLR-8 light-andlaser unit.
“For those who are wondering why the TLR-8 is mounted right in front of the MRO, it was placed there to allow for ambidextrous use while keeping it out of the way.”
04 The carbine also employs an oversized TTI magwell and carbide treatment on the carbonfiber handguard’s lower portion.
72
UN12 / Issue 006
UN12mag.com
73
FEATURE
“TWIN” RIFLES Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by JERRY TSAI
“Gough deployed 15 times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hostile theaters with the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a Global Response Staff (GRS) operator. To put it mildly, the dude knows how to shoot.”
: : Built for precision shooting : : Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor : : Coatings by Blowndeadline
106
UN12 / Issue 006
UN12mag.com
107
FEATURE
Night Vision A Knight’s Armament AN/ PVS-30 attaches to the Vortex if need be.
Riflescope
“We were told that the AR is built off of a Spike’s Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor Roadhouse Precision Rifle—and even though it doesn’t look like it, it is almost all stock.”
The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27 x 56 FFP scope is secured in a Spuhr SP-4616 (6mil/20.6 MPA) cantilever mount.
Handguard
Buttstock
A Spike’s Tactical 15-inch .308 M-Lok rail floats over the 22-inch Krieger barrel.
The XLR Industries unit features an adjustable length of pull and cheek weld.
ometimes you’ll meet a pair of
were created for competition shooting and
the elite 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger
SPIKE’S TACTICAL AR
Spike’s Tactical R2 Brake, Timney Calvin
efficiently with a wide range of ammunition,”
buddies that are so in step with one
precision rifle instruction. Gough’s daily grind
Regiment, with six of those years as a sniper.
We were told that the AR is built off a
Elite Trigger, Radian Raptor-LT AR10, and
Gough replied. “However, I only run Eagle
another that they themselves even joke that
sees him share his time between Dark Corner
He graduated the U.S. Army Sniper School
Spike’s Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor Roadhouse
Magpul ACS Stock. The list of quality parts
Eye Precision ammunition, so using the
they’re brothers from another mother. In a
Concepts and Spike’s Tactical. Gough is the
and Special Operations Target Interdiction
Precision Rifle, and even though it doesn’t
explains a lot about why Gough left the rifle
adjustable gas block I tuned the gas system
way, you can probably say the same thing
owner of and lead instructor at Dark Corner
course with top honors as a sniper section
look like it, it is almost all stock. In fact,
mostly untouched.
to operate most efficiently with that.”
about these two rifles. It may seem strange
Concepts, a dedicated precision rifle training
leader. Gough deployed 15 times to Iraq,
Gough informed us that other than a few
to call a bolt rifle and a semi-auto gas gun
company, and the military/law enforcement
Afghanistan, and other hostile theaters with
parts that he added, he shoots it pretty
challenges that he may have encountered
own rifles, he did turn to Cerakote expert
twins, but in a fraternal, non-identical sort of
program director at Spike’s Tactical.
the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a Global
much as it comes from the factory. The rifle
for this build. “As with any gas gun, the
Blowndeadline to help him change up the
Response Staff (GRS) operator. To put it
comes with plenty of upgrades as standard,
initial ‘challenge,’ if you had to call it that,
rifle’s look. He asked them to coat the AR in
let’s first learn more about the man behind
mildly, the dude knows how to shoot. Now
including a 20-inch stainless Krieger Barrel,
was finding the balance that allowed the
a MultiCam motif. As you can see, the results
them. Gough served nearly eight years in
let’s get back to his rifles.
Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block,
gas system to operate smoothly and
are truly fantastic.
S
way, they are. Nick Gough, former Army Ranger sniper, is the owner of these two rifles. Both long guns
108
SPIKE’S TACTICAL AR
UN12 / Issue 006
To understand more about the rifles,
We asked him if he could recall any
While Gough generally works on his
UN12mag.com
109
Product Review: Ghost Gunner 2 UN0012 / GHOST GUNNER 2 —
01 COMPACT Ghost Gunner 2 is about the size of a microwave oven.
02 STARTER KIT Ghost Gunner 2 requires jigs and hardware to load the 80% receiver or frame. This optional AR-15 starter kit came complete with everything we needed.
04 EAST SETUP Ghost Gunner 2 is set up and ready to mill out the fire control pocket.
03 EFFICIENT
The first operation we ran was the cutting of
AR-15 receiver. The results were magnificent, with
of vacuums, we do suggest having one around to help
was a mil-spec forged 80% from an unknown
prompts on the laptop, we were able to load and
the trigger well/pocket. That took the longest, as
each of the milled areas looking as smooth as can
suck up all the metal shavings. The Ghost Gunner will
brand. Both receivers had slightly different
set up the jig and 80% lower into the machine.
it requires the most material to be removed. That
be. It was much better than my other 80% lowers,
not work properly if metal shavings are built up inside
exterior contours, and both were finished by
Cutting codes can be loaded into the program
operation took two hours to complete. Before we
that’s for sure.
the machine or the receiver that it is milling.
the machine without issue.
in multiple ways. You can instruct the machine
moved on, we needed to reset the jig so that the
to cut the trigger well, selector hole, and trigger
receiver would be oriented vertically for the selector
low-volume machine. We measured an average of 85
finish 80% receivers and frames with ease. We can
other 80% receivers and frames such as
and hammer holes as one large operation, or you
switch hole and trigger and hammer pin holes to
dB when it was machining with a few brief spikes at 98
unequivocally attest that it does do what it sets out
AR-308, 1911, and Polymer80’s Glock-
may single out each area as its own operation. In
be cut. We also needed to vacuum the aluminum
dB. Although an average rating for a vacuum cleaner is
to accomplish. Being completely unfamiliar with the
compatible PF940C, the machine is plenty
our case, we elected to do the whole lower in one
shavings from the inside of the machine and the
said to be 70 dB, we didn’t feel that the Ghost Gunner
machine prior to our time with it, we were done and
capable. At $2,000 (before shipping)
go, but due to operator error we had to start the
receiver itself.
2 was as loud as one. That’s probably because it
cutting a second receiver only a little over three hours
however, Ghost Gunner 2 may not be for
doesn’t give off a constant noise like a vacuum cleaner
from opening its shipping container.
everyone. If you can get ahold of one, we
After following well-thought-out onscreen
Sound-level-wise, Ghost Gunner 2 is a relatively
hammer and trigger pin operations over again.
The final two operations went by just as easily
Instead of loading the entire cut code again, we
and smoothly as the first. All in all, it took us three
does. The louder noises come and go as the end mill
singled out just the pinhole cut codes to run.
hours and five minutes to completely mill the 80%
works on the aluminum in varying intervals. Speaking
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Ghost Gunner 2 was created to help people
The first 80% receiver we completed was a billet one that we got from Ghost Gunner, while the second one
With programs and jigs available to cut
don’t think you would be disappointed. [ UN12 ]
: : For more info: Ghost Gunner 2 MSRP: $2,000 ghostgunner.net
UN12
An AR-15 80% receiver can be completed in a little over three hours.
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FEATURE
Customization
Personalized Knife
: : Based on Spyderco’s McBee C236TI : : Personalized by the owner : : Self-taught customizer
Text by DANNY CHANG Images by CHRIS LEE
M
uch like firearms, knives are works of art that are oftentimes modified by
their owners to reflect aesthetic sensibilities
customizing his knives for the last couple
or practical needs. Knives come in a diverse
of years. “There’s a lot you can learn on
assortment of shapes, sizes, and styles.
YouTube, from how to fix a leaky faucet to
Some are custom crafted while others are
anodizing metal,” he informs us. “A few
churned out en masse. For a knife enthusiast
years back I got hooked on watching how-to
like Dylan P., whose collection of knives spans
videos on metalworking. It was then that I
mass-produced models to truly one-of-a-kind
got bit by the bug to start customizing my
masterpieces, the idea of customizing his
store-bought, off-the-shelf knives.”
knives came to him in a vision... a vision he glimpsed on his laptop’s screen, that is.
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Dylan has been a knife collector for about a decade now but has only been
He continues: “I’ve always liked the way customized knives stood apart from other
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