Home Authors Posts by Steve Gaspar

Steve Gaspar

Enhanced Ruger Precision Rifle Makeover

A makeover for the made-over Enhanced Ruger Precision rifle.

When the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) debuted at the 2015 SHOT Show, it was hotter than MAGA hats after President Trump’s election night victory.

The RPR’s out-of-the-box accuracy, combined with a comparatively attractive price point, created instant demand. The marketing campaign certainly helped, with the company using a quote from its president, Mike Fifer, “Sixteen hundred yards. Enough said.”

Ruger Precision Rifle
The finished product – and upgraded Enhanced Ruger Precision Rifle.

Shooters soon found out the tagline was more than mere marketing hype. seemingly overnight social media was bombarded with videos of RPRs being shot accurately beyond 1,000 yards and even up to a mile. The rifles were so popular many writers (including this one) couldn’t get ahold of them for testing without waiting for several months. The RPR chassis rifle was somewhat unique at the time – a bolt action rifle with several black rifle components. In no time people were customizing the RPR – most commonly swapping out the handguard, adding a metal bolt shroud, and putting on some kind of muzzle brake.

As time passed, the popularity of the Ruger Precision Rifle continued to bloom. The platform is still gaining support, with nearly 16,000 members at the time of this writing on the dedicated Ruger Precision Rifle Facebook page. In 2016 the company took note of some of the modifications that were being done to the RPR and Ruger began offering the Enhanced RPR. Refinements included a billet aluminum bolt shroud, a new handguard, and a muzzle brake. Coincident with these upgrades Ruger also bumped the price by about $200 to $1,599 MSRP. While these were clearly welcome upgrades, there remained areas for improvement if one were so inclined. This article walks through some of the more common upgrades to the Enhanced RPR. As with all firearm modifications, ensure your rifle is completely unloaded before beginning your work (magazine removed, visually inspected empty chamber).

Stock


Perhaps the first thing noticed on the RPR is the stock. The design is very space-gun like, and it is adjustable for length of pull, cant, and cheek weld. Some shooters like the stock while others can’t pull it off their gun fast enough. Though it is a folding stock, it may be replaced by nearly every type of aftermarket stock designed for a black rifle. The folding component remains on the rifle, so that feature is retained after this customization. For this project the Magpul Precision Rifle Stock (PRS) Gen 3 was selected. The PRS has been a go-to stock for precision black rifle builds for many years. It is easily field-adjustable for length of pull (1.4 inches of adjustment) and cheek weld height (0.8 inches of adjustment) without the use of tools. It is also adjustable for butt stock pad height and cant. The Gen 3 PRS is compatible with both small and large frame black rifles, and it works on the RPR. Other enhancements to this latest generation of PRS include limited rotation QD sockets for sling attachment both fore and aft on the stock – the latter being part of a removable and reversible sling loop. Magpul also designed MLOK slots in the bottom of the stock to allow for attachment of an accessory. Finally, the Gen 3 PRS is almost 10% lighter at 27.8 ounces compared to the Gen 2 PRS.

RPR-stock
The new Magpul Precision Rifle Stock (PRS) 3.0 is lighter than previous models, yet retains full adjustability. The Magpul MOE+ has a grippy texture and a storage compartment.

Swapping out the stock is as straightforward as on any black rifle. Simply loosen the nut near the action on the original stock to relieve the pressure of the clamp that holds the stock to the buffer tube. Next install the PRS by sliding it onto the buffer tube. Total time for this modification was less than 5 minutes.

Trigger


The stock trigger in the Enhanced RPR is very good, but it is not for everyone. Most people can use the stock trigger with good results, but the center blade safety feature bothers some shooters. For those who want to upgrade the RPR trigger the Timney drop in trigger is a great option.

Ruger Precision Rifle trigger
The red Timney 2 stage trigger assembly can be seen here.

To trade out the stock trigger the clam shell action must be disassembled. This is a simple process, but it’s nerve racking to do the first time. Three hex head bolts must be removed – two on the side of the action and one at the rear of the action. The latter is concealed by the folding stock. Ruger made these bolts identical to each other, so you don’t need to keep track of which is which. A 3/16 hex wrench is required for this step. If the bolt has not yet been removed, now is a good time to do so. A single hex bolt holds the trigger assembly to the action. This is also a 3/16 hex head. On the side of the assembly a detent in a J-shaped slot must be moved to the top of the J. Next pull the silver tabs away from the action. Finally, tap the trigger assembly on the muzzle side with a nylon mallet and the whole thing pops out. The Timney trigger installs in the reverse manner. Slide the Timney assembly into position and install the retaining screw. The two stage Timney trigger may be adjusted for pull weight, but only the second stage may be adjusted once installed. Make any adjustments to the take up stage now. The trigger may be put on safe manually at this point by pushing on the bar on the side of the assembly. This opens the recess into which the safety selector will insert. Total time for this modification was 15 minutes.

Handguard


The new handguard on the Enhanced RPR is an excellent upgrade from the original. As compared to the original RPR handguard it is lighter in weight, and does not have a full length rail. Complaints were answered and the new version addresses many user concerns. However there are other options out there. For this project the Seekins Precision SP3R Rail System – Ruger Compatible was selected. Seekins products are works of art, combining form and function in a ways that delight shooters. Having used a SP3R Rail System on my 3-gun rifle for years I was very familiar with the features. The SP3R has a proprietary mounting nut and precision rail-to-nut fit that creates a very rigid free floating rail. The flat bottomed rail makes it easier to shoot off of many barriers used in action shooting competitions. MLOK or Keymod slots are available, and the Keymod version got the nod on this build.

Changing the handguard on the RPR is the exact same process as for a black rifle. Mounting screws are backed out and the original rail is removed. Next the mounting nut is removed. After replacing the barrel (below) the Seekins mounting was threaded all the way on and then backed off to roughly index the rail. The jam nut was tightened hand tight and then the SP3R Rail was indexed, which was achieved by taking a one piece scope mount and attaching it on both the upper and the SP3R. Finally the rail was removed and the jam nut tightened fully. The SP3R handguard attaches to the mounting nut with 12 screws. Total time for this procedure was 10 minutes.

Barrel


The barrels used by Ruger in the RPR produce very good results. Removing them is a challenge because they are “on there”, but an AR armor’s wrench and a good barrel vise will take care of business. There are plenty of YouTube videos covering this process if you wish to do it yourself. The key is to have a very good barrel vise. Some may wish to have this done by a reliable gunsmith. This is the route this writer chose, in part because the process requires head space gauges and I didn’t have the gauges for 6.5 Creedmoor at the time.

Ruger Precision Rifle Barrel

A carbon-fiber-wrapped match grade barrel from PROOF Research was selected for this project. These barrels are 50% lighter than stainless barrels of similar contour and they dissipate heat better as well. The advantage of the latter is PROOF barrels keep tight groups even after long shot strings. Beyond sustained accuracy these barrels just look great. I’m all for viewing my rifles as tools to be used, but I have to admit I smile every time I look at that PROOF barrel. The weight loss is significant, but it does not transform the RPR into a mountain gun.

Other Items


The stock grip is nothing special, and since I was using a Magpul stock I went with the Magpul MOE plus grip. This is a grip I use on several other rifles, so the familiarity added to the appeal. The stock safety for the RPR is a standard black rifle safety retained by a simple spring. For this project Seekins Precision ambidextrous safety was installed during the trigger swap out. This simple modification gives the shooter some flexibility when operating the rifle. Likewise, the stock muzzle device was changed for an AAC Brakeout 2.0 that allows an AAC SR-7 suppressor to be attached as necessary. The only trick with this upgrade is to note the stock muzzle brake has a jam nut that is hard to see. It allows the brake to be clocked to the appropriate position. The AAC Brakeout 2.0 does not require indexing.

RPR-brake
Detail of the Advanced Armament Brakeout 2.0 muzzle device and the Proof Research carbon fiber wrapped match grade barrel.

The Finished Ruger Precision Rifle


This rifle shoots better than I do I’m sure, but sub-MOA is relatively easy for me to achieve. I have been able to take the rifle out to 1100 yards using factory ammunition. Hornady ELD Match 140 grain ammunition has produced the best results to date. The ELD bullet tip developed by Hornady’s research team does not deform at high speeds and retains its high ballistic coefficient better than other ammunition.

For more on the Ruger Precision Rifle, please visit ruger.com.


More Precision Shooting

Gear Review: MBX Extreme Basepad Extension And Inter-Loc System

The Basepad Extension and Inter-Loc System from MBX Extreme offer speed and stability for all genres of shooting.

What advantages do the MBX Extreme Extension and Inter-Loc System offer?

  • The MBX Extreme Inter-Loc System is a clever way of coupling magazines.
  • It also increases their capacity.
  • The attachment of wings to the Inter-Loc System doubles as a shooting rest.
  • This keeps shooters from having to compete in the open class of 3-Gun.
  • Best of all, it can be modified without tools, allowing for adjustment on the fly.

Extreme sports tend to lead to unique innovations that might not otherwise occur. Consider drag racing for example. Nearly 100 years ago, drivers raced each other on a straight quarter-mile raceway. The desire to win led to improvements in engines, tires and transmissions — anything that could make a car go faster. Early advances in drag racing even led to better aircraft engines that helped the United States in World War II.

Shooting sports has its share of people who invent things to help with speed and accuracy. Many shooting disciplines, such as 3-gun, employ what’s known as “time-plus” scoring. That is, the winner is the fastest shooter after adding in any penalties for missing targets. A shooter’s need for speed leads tinkerers down the innovation path. Adrian Cobb is one of these firearms innovators.

MBX Extreme

Cobb’s story begins in California by way of the United Kingdom. Originally from England, he moved to the Golden State at the age of 21 after marrying an American citizen. There he got involved in racing Triumph motorcycles and eventually car racing. A self-taught engineer, he modified engines and cars as he strived to go ever faster.

“I basically learned engineering skills from the ground up,” said Cobb. As time went on, I started to do competitive shooting. The two sports are similar in that there is a timer and you try to go faster and faster.”

Cobb started modifying magazines and guns for people, eventually starting a business called Mag Blueprinting. When he finally got his FFL, Cobb had to come up with a new company name, and he started with “MB” from Mag Blueprinting.

“I noticed every company had a three-letter acronym. I put an X on there and, well, Extreme sounded good, too,” he quipped. MBX Extreme was born.

“Originally, I started with tuning magazines,” Cobb added. “After a while, I couldn’t get magazines because they weren’t available. I could see there were some design issues with what was out there. I sat down and set out to design a magazine that people would want.”

Over a couple of years in his shop, Cobb designed, tested and failed, until one day he made a magazine that worked. His company still makes high-quality pistol magazines for the following styles: STI, Caspian/Tangfolio and Para/Armscor.

Playing The Field

In the same way that drag racing has classes such as top-fuel dragsters, funny cars or pro stock, 3-gun and other timed shooting sports have classes based on gear. Magazine lengths are regulated as a way to level the playing field in a given class. Working within the constraint of length, Cobb designed magazines that would hold more rounds.

“I try to design things that people have overlooked,” said Cobb. “I used to tune magazines to hold 29 rounds or 21 rounds or whatever, and in the competitive shooting world, having an extra round can be a big advantage.”

MBX Extreme closeup of Inter-Loc System's wings.

A few extra rounds might not seem like much of an advantage at first. However, when a match might be decided by tenths of a second, an unnecessary magazine change can prevent a trip to the podium.

The Birth Of The Inter-Loc System

One of Cobb’s latest developments is the Inter-Loc System for magazines. This patent-pending gear is a magazine extension system for black rifles that allows the shooter to couple and decouple two magazines without the use of tools. The base pads are machined from aluminum and come in a variety of colors, and they attach to Magpul Gen 3 magazines. The system also has “wings” that may be attached to the sides of the base plates to provide a stable rest for the shooter, and this too may be done without tools.

In most competitions, shooters who use a bipod on their rifle are pushed into the “open” or unlimited class where there are few, if any, gear restrictions — resting one’s rifle on coupled magazines is usually permitted without having to go to the open class, however. This is one place where the Inter-Loc System shines. The platform the system creates is extremely solid and not much different than shooting from a bipod.

In addition to providing a stable shooting platform, the advantages of the Inter-Loc System include capacity (adding 4-5 rounds on a 40-round magazine), weight (helps with dropping an empty magazine clear of the rifle) and versatility. The latter is due to the ability to change configurations without tools. Magazines may be coupled, decoupled, have wings added or removed with no tools. This is a great advantage for competition shooters who often optimize their gear from stage to stage.

Suppose for example a shooter used coupled mags with wings on a 3-gun stage that required precision prone shooting. The next stage might not have that requirement, so the shooter may quickly decouple the mags, remove the wings, and simply use the higher capacity magazines. These adjustments can be done in seconds. Versatility is also provided in the form of different colors. Colored pads may seem like a fashion statement or novelty at first, but shooters often use different (expensive) ammunition for long-range steel rifle targets as compared to close-range paper targets. Color-coded magazine bases help keep things organized, and they are easy to identify under pressure.

The MBX Extreme Inter-Loc System supporting a rifle.

Cobb has been surprised at how people have used the MBX Extreme Inter-Loc System more than anything else.

“It was originally designed to have the wings at the back and to be used as a platform,” said Cobb. “People have used them to stage a gun or use the wing to keep the grip up off the deck so they can grab the gun more easily. Some people have liked putting one wing one way and one wing the other way because they like the support it gives.”

In spite of his success with a variety of MBX Extreme products, Adrian Cobb is probably just getting started. When he first arrived in the United States, he found the opportunities here captivating and unlimited.

“I was like a kid in a candy store,” remarked Cobb. “I think you tend to appreciate the opportunities if you come from a different country where there aren’t as many. Many people I’ve met don’t really recognize how lucky they are with all you can do here and the freedom you have. I think this gives me a certain drive because I didn’t have these opportunities [in England] and, suddenly, I did.”

It was clear from the conversation that Cobb not only saw the opportunities here in the United States, he pursued them aggressively. True to his racing roots, he gave no indication of slowing down anytime soon.

Editor's Note: This “Modern Gunnery” column is an excerpt from the September 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Gun Review: Seekins Precision SP10

Seekins Precision’s SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor is a large-frame black rifle that delivers accuracy, even as distances stretch.

  • The new SP10 is available in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor, a capable long-range cartridge.
  • Seekins Precision's SP10 is a highly accurate rifle packed with features such as Seekins' SP3R handguard, ambidextrous controls and a crisp 3.5-pound single-stage trigger.
  • At $2,650, the SP10 is expensive, but quality costs, and it's a price some shooters will be willing to pay for a quality precision rifle.

The 6.5 Creedmoor has taken the long-range world by storm over a relatively short period of time. Ammunition manufacturers have taken notice and are now producing high-quality factory ammunition for shooters seeking recreation as well as competition or hunting success. The flat trajectory, low recoil and high ballistic coefficients make the cartridge a natural for anyone wanting to stretch their limits.

For a long while, this was a bolt-action-only affair. Enter Seekins Precision.

Glen Seekins has been making great rifles in Lewiston, Idaho, for many years. The company’s reputation for quality and accuracy is as strong as anything in the industry.

Its SP10 was introduced a few years ago as a large-frame black rifle in .308. When Seekins started producing the SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor, this writer had to take the plunge. This article profiles this superb rifle.

Seekins Precision SP10 - 1Feature-Packed Rifle
With many black rifles, modifications must be made to stock components in order to increase accuracy. This rifle is a semi-automatic tack driver right out of the box, with virtually nothing left for improvement by the end user. Just add a scope mount and quality optic and go shoot out to 500 yards with little effort whatsoever — and 1,000 yards with a ballistic app and some practice.

The SP10 upper and lower are CNC machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum, and just like all Seekins Precision actions, they are perfectly mated. The fit between the upper and the handguard is tight enough to appear monolithic at first glance, but upon close inspection, they can be seen as two separate pieces. However, the top rail extends beyond the action and over the barrel mount.

At first, this seems trivial, but this extra space comes in handy for mounting a rifle level (see below). This extra rail real estate on the upper would also be useful for other optic setups, such as a clip-on thermal scope.

The controls on the lower receiver are truly ambidextrous, including the safety, magazine release and bolt release. A very nice feature is the ambidextrous bolt catch, which may be used to lock the bolt back from either side. The single-stage trigger is tuned from the factory at 3.5 pounds and is very crisp. A Strike Industries charging handle and Melonite-coated bolt carrier group round out the action.

The handguard is the 15-inch Seekins Precision SP3R, a free-float design, which is flat on the bottom for stable shooting off of bags or barriers. The version tested had KeyMod slots, although M-LOK is another option. The hardcoat anodized finish on the SP3R perfectly matches that of the action. The barrel is a 22-inch match-grade stainless barrel with a 1:8 twist.

The gas system is rifle length and uses a Melonite-coated gas tube. The Seekins Precision adjustable gas block is a set screw and adjustment screw design. The muzzle brake is the Seekins Advanced Tactical Compensator, which minimizes the already light recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

The stock and grip are from Magpul, the latter being an MOE+ with a storage compartment. The Magpul PRS stock is a proven design, with tool-free adjustments for cheek height and length of pull. One 20-round Magpul magazine is included with the rifle.


Seekins Precision Send iT sidebarSend iT Electronic Rifle Level
The Send iT electronic rifle level manufactured by Long Range Arms is the invention of longtime precision shooter Bennie Cooley. It is an extremely well-thought-out product for long-range shooters. The cant of a riflescope — how much the vertical reticle varies from being truly vertical due to tilt introduced during scope installation or by the shooter while shooting — has very little effect at short ranges. However, at 1,000 yards or more, this becomes a material issue.

To combat this, shooters commonly use bubble levels to install scopes and rifle-mounted bubble levels during shooting. “The accuracy of spirit levels is limited by the manufacturing process to 15-20 degrees max,” said Cooley in a recent interview. The Send iT electronic level is designed to detect and display deviations from vertical within 2/10ths of 1 degree.

Seekins Precision SP10 -sidebar 2The accuracy advantage of the Send iT is only its first attraction. The sensitivity may be modified by the user anywhere from 2/10ths of a degree to 1 degree. Five LED lights indicate whether the rifle is canted — two blue lights, two red lights and one green light in the center.

A green light indicates the rifle is level to within 2/10ths of a degree if the sensitivity is on that setting. One blue light indicates 2/10ths cant, and two blue lights mean 4/20ths off of level. The red lights mean the same thing going the other way.

Beyond increased accuracy, the LED indicators on the Send iT level are very easy to see — especially for older eyes. “We average 4-6 seconds faster shots,” said Cooley. In a precision rifle match, that amount of time per shot is an eternity. This writer can no longer see a crisp clear bubble level while behind a riflescope, but the Send iT level lights are obvious and easy to read even using peripheral vision.

The third advantage is the unit may be mounted to a rail at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, or 9 o’clock. Finally, the Send iT electronic rifle level can be used to ensure that scopes are installed perfectly vertically every time. ($225; LongRangeArms.com)


Seekins Precision SP10 - 3Testing And Reflections
Unboxing the rifle was a bit like Christmas morning the year I was 12 and my dad presented me with my first gun. The Seekins Precision SP10 had this writer grinning like a little kid.

The SP10 is gorgeous. All controls have a precision feel, and the hard coat anodized finish on the action and handguard is pure black satin goodness. This rifle is dead sexy. A trip to the range couldn’t happen fast enough.

At 10.5 pounds unscoped, one would think it handles like a beast, but that is not the case. While not a lightweight rifle, the SP10 is well balanced and easy to use.

A side focus Leupold VX6 4-24×52 was selected as an optic, and for the first run to the range, a Larue 34mm QD one-piece scope mount was used. The latter will be swapped out for Seekins Precision rings in the near future.

Seekins Precision SP10 - 4Hornady 140-gr ELD Match ammunition was used to sight in the rifle and to shoot a few groups. A KeyMod rail section was attached to the bottom of the SP3R rail system, allowing an Atlas bipod from Accu-Shot to be used during testing.

Sub-MOA groups from day one were produced with Hornady’s factory ammunition. The rifle performed as perfectly as it looked.

All of this beauty, precision and accuracy comes at a price: $2,650. But quality costs money, and for those who adhere to the “buy once, cry once” school of purchasing, the SP10 is absolutely worth considering. The fact that the SP10 6.5 Creedmoor is currently back-ordered on the Seekins website should tell readers one thing: This rifle is a shooter, as many people are finding out.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the July 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

How To: Creating a Custom Day/Night Ruger 10/22

Ruger 10/22 Custom build - 1In this custom build, a standard factory Ruger 10/22 is transformed into a suppressed predator and varmint slayer capable of daytime or nighttime operation.

Many shooters own or have fired a Ruger 10/22. For some, it was their first rifle, their first real gun.

With millions of them sold since 1964, the accessory aftermarket for customizing Ruger 10/22s is very robust. These rifles can easily be transformed from stock, Plain Jane wood-stock-blued-barrel guns to nearly Star Wars status. This article covers the conversion of a stock factory Ruger 10/22 into a compact and stealthy day/night rifle designed to deal with daytime varmints and nocturnal pests.

There are many versions of the Ruger 10/22 available from the factory. For this project, I used the bare-bones model 1103, essentially for the action alone.

Immediately after purchase, I removed the stock as well as the trigger group and barrel. These items were later sold to cover part of the cost of this build. Although it carries an MSRP of $309, the model 1103 10/22 carbine can be found on sale for about $250.

After stripping the rifle to the action, I did some work to the bolt. Using a belt sander, I gave the back of the bolt a new radius to raise the part that strikes the trigger when the action cycles. This is done to smooth out the action.

Ruger 10/22 custom build - 2
The action largely remains the same, but just about every other element has been tinkered with.

Then, using 240-grit sandpaper, I polished the surfaces of the bolt that mate to the action. This was followed with 400-grit sandpaper on a flat surface using some oil. Any factory imperfections inside the action were taken down with a Dremel.

I replaced the stock charging handle and spring with a KIDD charging handle assembly. The KIDD is quite a bit smoother than the stock option, as it is precision ground and polished.

Next, I added a Ruger BX trigger assembly after modifying the bolt catch to release simply by pulling back on it. This bolt catch upgrade can be done in about 5 minutes with a Dremel. The BX trigger breaks crisply at about 3 pounds, and helps increase accuracy. The BX simply drops in after pulling the two action pins.

Ruger 10/22 build 3Finally, I replaced the stock steel buffer with a soft aftermarket model. All of these upgrades made the action far smoother than how it arrived from the factory. A Hogue Overmolded stock in ghillie tan was selected for this stealthy rig. The rubber overmolding keeps the stock very quiet for when things go bump in the night.

In order to be able to easily attach a light to the rifle, I made an aggressive modification to the stock. A polymer Magpul picatinny rail section was attached to the underside of the stock near the sling stud.

This customization was not simple, as part of the inside of the stock had to be removed with a Dremel to make room for fasteners. Also, the bottom of the stock angles toward the barrel, so the rail section had to be sanded down at an angle to get alignment between the light and the bore.

The light I chose was the Inforce WML IR/visible torch. This light has one of the easiest to use quick-detach (QD) mechanisms out there and toggles between visible and IR light quickly. It only weighs 3 ounces, and it puts out 200 lumens of visible light and 850 nm/75mW of infrared output.

Ruger 10/22 build 4When used with a helmet mounted PVS-14 night vision device, the IR illuminator/laser combination create a point-and-click solution for close-range nighttime varmints. For IR illumination beyond about 30 yards, another IR flashlight is required.

One choice here is the Torch PRO Mk II from TNVC (TNVC.com). The Torch Pro is a bit overkill for this Ruger 10/22 application, but it can also be used for long-range nighttime predator hunting. Check your local game laws for legality.

The barrel I chose was the SB-X by Tactical Solutions. The SB-X is a unique design, which allows for a suppressor to be recessed inside a permanently attached barrel shroud. This gives the finished product the practical length of a short barreled rifle (SBR) with a suppressor attached, without the need for an SBR tax stamp from the ATF (The suppressor still requires a tax stamp).

Ruger 10/22 custom build 6The rifled portion of the SB-X barrel is 12.375 inches, but the ATF considers the shroud part of the barrel. The resulting ATF barrel length is 16.625 inches. The threads are standard 1/2×28.

The SB-X is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and is very lightweight. A chromoly steel barrel liner delivers good accuracy.

The barrel must be fit to the action by lightly sanding the barrel extension by hand using 400-grit sand paper. This is a quick and easy operation. After fitting the barrel, the v-block is replaced and torqued to about 10 inch/pounds.

I selected the Tactical Solutions Axiom from the Silencer Shop (SilencerShop.com). The Axiom’s titanium body and baffle stack keep the weight low at about 6 ounces. Running .22LR ammunition clogs suppressors, so they must be disassembled and cleaned periodically (usually about every 1,000 rounds). The Axiom design uses a split, stainless steel tube that surrounds the baffle stack, which makes maintenance easier.

At just under 6 inches in length, the Axiom is a perfect match to the SB-X barrel. The end of the suppressor sticks out just an inch or so from the end of the shroud. The Axiom can stand up to full auto fire for everything from .22LR to .17HMR and even 5.7 x 28mm.

Ruger 10/22 axiom suppressorThe daytime optic chosen was a Burris Fast Fire red dot sight atop a Tactical Solutions one-piece Picatinny base. This little red dot is lightweight, fast-pointing and easy to zero. It is perfectly at home on a 10/22.

A red dot sight is not intended for long-range precision, but for predators and varmints inside 100 yards, it is more than adequate. Using the red dot sight, the rifle groups a couple of types of ammunition around an inch at 50 yards for five-shot groups (see table).

For nighttime operations, an infrared laser from Crimson Trace was added just in front of the red dot. While the red dot does not appear to the casual observer to clear the laser it actually does.

Ruger 10/22 build - comparison
A before and after shot illustrating where the rifle began, and where it ended up.

This dual sighting set up broadens the applications for this rifle significantly. When used with helmet mounted night vision, it is easily capable of hitting coyote-sized targets at 100 yards with good shot placement using only the infrared laser. Shouldering the rifle in the usual sense is not even necessary. Just point and click.

Alternatively, by using the visible light and the red dot sight, similar results can be had without the need for night vision. And of course the red dot works very well during the day.

One very practical application for this rig is to carry at the ready when approaching coyote hunting stands day or night. Coyotes or random varmints accidentally happened upon en route to a stand may be engaged without ruining that set.

This is particularly true with subsonic ammunition because the thump of the impact is louder than the report of the rifle. This high-speed, low-drag project was very easy to accomplish, and the end result is a welcome addition to this writer’s gun collection.

Specifications:

Ruger 10/22 Customized Day/Night Rifle
Action: Ruger 10/22 model 1103, MSRP $309, Ruger.com
Stock: Hogue Overmolded, MSRP $89.95, HogueInc.com
Barrel: Tactical Solutions SB-X, MSRP $295.00, TacticalSol.com
Trigger: Ruger BX Trigger Assembly, MSRP $89.95, Ruger.com
Charging Handle Assembly: KIDD bolt handle charging assembly with guide rod and springs, MSRP $35.95, KiddInnovativeDesign.com
Suppressor: Tactical Solutions Axiom, MSRP $440, TacticalSol.com
Optic: Burris Fast Fire 2, MSRP $239, BurrisOptics.com
Scope Base: Tactical Solutions 1 piece base, MSRP $33, TacticalSol.com
Laser: Crimson Trace 201-IR infrared laser, MSRP $269, CrimsonTrace.com
Illuminator: Inforce WML IR/visible weapon light, MSRP $165, Inforce-Mil.com
Illuminator option for longer range: TNVC Torch PRO Mk II, MSRP $248 with mount, TNVC.com

This article is an excerpt from the November 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

SHOT Show 2017: Top 10 New Products from the Show

The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show is the largest gathering of its kind. The event is held at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas and boasts over 65,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Within this sea of products, we sorted out the good from the bad to bring you the 10 best products of SHOT 2017. And the winners are…..

SilencerCo Maxim 9 integrally suppressed pistolSilencerCo Maxim 9
SilencerCo has a habit of leapfrogging the competition. The company’s products are consistently redefining what is considered leading edge, and this year is no exception. SilencerCo’s integrally suppressed handgun, the Maxim 9, was introduced last year, but it was still in development at that time. This year the Maxim 9 goes into production, and some were available at the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range for testing.

In a word, the Maxim 9 is stunning. It is well balanced, extremely quiet, and smartly designed—form has followed function. Designers paid attention to details, like the functional, ambidextrous stippling for the support thumb right where it should be. The Maxim 9 can be configured in a short or long version by removing two sections of the integrated suppressor. The trigger pull is crisp, and the pistol’s sound is amazing. It is extremely quiet for the shooter and hearing safe with all 9mm ammunition in the standard configuration (also hearing safe with subsonics in the short configuration).

There were many new pistols at SHOT this year, but there is only one integrally suppressed, production-ready pistol, and that is the Maxim 9. ($1,499; SilencerCo.com)

G2 Precision Mk12CFG2 Precision Mk12CF
When you mention the name Marcus Luttrell, several things come to mind: decorated Navy SEAL, “Lone Survivor,” and “never quit.” Given Luttrell’s reputation, for him to get behind something makes one take notice. Luttrell and Garrett Golden, a former SEAL teammate, founded G2 Precision and are now taking orders for a precision rifle based on the Mk12 rifles designed and used by SOCOM operators.

“[The Mk12CF] is the gun I would want to take with me into battle,” Marcus said, which is significant coming from someone who made a living as a gunfighter.

While not inexpensive at $2,899 (MSRP), the components are of the highest quality: Proof Research carbon fiber barrel, CMC trigger, a titanium muzzle brake, and more. Each rifle is personally inspected by Garrett Golden himself. Several of the components are serialized and engraved with “TNQ” for Team Never Quit, an organization started by Luttrell. It is rumored there will be a limited run of these rifles, and they are sure to become collector’s items as much as they are competition, defense, or hunting rifles.

Lower/Upper: 7075-T6 Type III hard anodized aluminum, G2 ambi selector, G2 forward assist

Barrel: Proof Research 18-inch carbon fiber wrapped 416R stainless steel barrel in .223 Wylde, 1:8-in. twist, rifle-length gas system, match grade, hand lapped; titanium brake, ½-28 threads

CMC curved two-stage trigger 2-pound take up and 3-pound release, G2 15-inch Recce M-Lok 6061-T6 handguard, G2 nickel boron-coated BCG, Magpul SPR buttstock, Ergo grip, AXTS Raptor ambi charging handle. (sales@g2precision.com)

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
One of the best shotguns of the SHOT Show was the redesign/update of the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3. The SBE was cutting edge 26 years ago when it was introduced, but it was due for another update. All of the refinements to this proven design are well thought out. Benelli had this gun at Industry Day at the Range at SHOT; it handles like an upland shotgun, kicks politely, and looks like a duck gun should (available in several camouflage patterns).

The action locks up better now with a spring assist to eliminate the embarrassment of an open bolt. The safety, bolt release, bolt handle and trigger guard are all enlarged for ease of use with gloved hands. The loading port is also opened up similar to those used in 3-gun competitions for faster loading. A third-generation ComforTech stock and CombTech cheek piece make this a very comfortable gun to shoot. Available in 26- or 28-inch barrels, the new SBE3 only weighs a hair over 7 pounds, and it handles shells up to 3½ inches. ($1,899 in black, $1,999 camo; BenelliUSA.com)

Leupold VX-3i LRPLeupold VX-3i LRP
This year at SHOT there were many, many new high-end scopes. While it was tempting to award Best Riflescope there, the fact is they cost a couple thousand bucks and are out of reach for most shooters. Enter Leupold. This made-in-the-USA company has packed its new LRP riflescope with features without breaking the bank.

Starting with its VX-3i scope, Leupold has added an exposed elevation turret with zero-stop and a power ring lever. The capped windage turret has a thread protector for those who want that knob exposed at all times. What makes this the best riflescope of SHOT 2017 is a shooter can pick up a first focal plane mil 4.5-14x50mm zero stop scope with the Tactical Milling Reticle for $1,100 (MSRP). This will get anyone started in precision rifle series matches for a lot less money, and it still comes with the best warranty you will never need. (Leupold.com)

StingerWorx Emperor 556-L2StingerWorx Emperor 556-L2
Suppressors are hotter than ever, and SHOT 2017 was loaded with new models. The one that stood out from the pack was the Emperor 556-L2 by StingerWorx. What’s different about the Emperor 556-L2, and StingerWorx suppressors in general, is the titanium blast chamber design. This patent-pending chamber directs gasses to two chambers, thereby eliminating the need for heavier materials. This design makes it very light. The baffle stack itself is not welded, and the suppressor is full-auto rated.

An Over the Barrel expansion Chamber (OBX) quiets the suppressor even more without adding extra length. They include a tool for removing a suppressor that is “carbon welded” on after extended fire. This is a thoughtful value add because suppressors get stuck and usually become marred in the process of removing them by force. This tool lets you avoid that problem. Finally, the baffle stack is replaceable without having to send serialized parts into the factory. (StingerWorx.com)

MSRP: $995
Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 12.8 oz, 16.7 oz with OBX
Diameter: 1.75 inches

I2 Technologies PVS-14I2 Technologies and Systems Integrations PVS-14
More and more companies are offering consumer night vision as military contracts are drying up. As technology has advanced, crisp night vision images have become more available to nighttime predator and hog hunters. In recent years, however, few true advances have occurred in night vision, but the DEP PVS-14 from I2 Technologies and Systems Integrations changes that.

Night visionPeter Lesbo of I2 Technologies had these at SHOT 2017 and the clarity was nothing short of amazing. The image color was blue, similar to white phosphor night vision, but it was much, much clearer. It can best be described as high definition black and white television with a blue tint to it.

The secret of the DEP is the Photonis intensifier tube. It is described by the manufacturer as “a 40 percent improvement in detection/recognition/identification range over any other night vision available,” as reported by an experienced in-theatre operator. We can’t verify this claim, but based on just one session of amazed use, the assertion is likely accurate.

Another feature is the auto-gating speed which protects the unit and the user from temporary blindness in the presence of sudden white light—the day covers can be removed without harming the unit or losing any situational awareness. Seeing is believing, and this unit is very hard to believe in person! All of this goodness will run you $4,750 (MSRP) for a DEP outfitted PVS-14 monocular. (ISquaredNightVision.com)

Angel ArmorAngel Armor Body Armor
Choosing Angel Armor for this “best of” list was easy. Selecting among the manufacturer’s innovative products was far more challenging; it has a lot going for it. The company makes products to preserve the lives of our nation’s police officers. They do so by focusing on effectiveness and practicality. While body armor is not a necessity to everyone, it is for law enforcement and people prepping for when the SHTF.

As a practical matter, body armor is usually heavy, as it is often comprised of heavy metal plates. Angel Armor has brought lightweight composite armor to the market in a package that is comfortable and reasonably affordable. The company’s magnetic snap paired with the Truth Snap plate system is a modular two-plate system that offers protection up to .44 magnum with the thinner plate in place and .308 rifle-level protection with both plates installed.

The 8×10-inch Shooters Cut two-plate system weighs only 2 pounds. The idea is that an officer can roll around with the thin plate all day and, if called into a situation involving a rifle threat, he can simply snap on the additional plate. Although Angel Armor offers an excellent vest of its own (RISE vest), the plates fit in most popular body armor vests out there. MSRP for the two-plate Level III protection in the Shooters Cut is $461. (AngelArmor.com)

Crimson Trace Laserguard ProCrimson Trace Laserguard Pro
The utility offered by the Crimson Trace Laserguard Pro light/laser combination is hard to beat. Most shooters shoot more effectively in a short period of time when an aiming laser is added to a pistol. The Laserguard Pro’s 150-lumen light integrated with the industry standard Crimson Trace aiming laser is compact, effective and intuitive to use. When installed, the unit looks like it is part of the gun.

The Laserguard Pro is offered in models that fit the most popular compact pistols including Glock, Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory. Technological advancements allow the red and green laser models to be the same size, which is also a plus. The lasers have windage and elevation adjustments and a master on/off switch. The red version has a 4-hour run time, versus 2 hours for green (if the light/laser were on continuously). MSRP is $279 for red, $379 for green laser, and only an additional $20 for a Bladetech holster. (CrimsonTrace.com)

5.11 Tactical jeans5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Jeans
There were plenty of clothing introductions at the SHOT Show, including camo, tactical, cold weather, warm weather, and on and on. To make the list, clothing has to be practical and innovative at the same time. The 5.11 Defender-Flex jeans fit that bill. Once the decision to carry a concealed firearm is made, people often find their usual clothes just don’t cut it for carrying. After 10 years of research and development, 5.11 Tactical has you covered.

Defender-Flex jeans are good-looking, purpose-designed jeans for carrying concealed. The material is a flexible rip stop cloth that looks good and feels good too. It moves with you, so it doesn’t have to be baggy to be functional. Even the pockets are engineered to perform. The front watch pocket is enlarged to hold a pistol magazine or knife, and there are AR magazine pockets in the back (besides the regular back pockets). Available in men’s and women’s styling and a variety of colors, the Defender jeans are an absolute must for any concealed carry wardrobe. ($69.99; 511Tactical.com)

Magpul X-22 Backpacker StockMagpul X-22 Backpacker Stock
This is a broad category, and this year’s winner for Best Bug Out Accessory is the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock. A takedown 10/22, such as the Tactical Solutions 10/22 Takedown Stock and Barrel, is perfectly paired with this stock. When broken down, the barrel fits into the underside of the stock along with the fore end. Extra magazines or a suppressor may be stowed in a compartment in the top of the buttstock. The entire thing easily fits into a small day pack or bug out bag. ($109.95; Magpul.com)

Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2 Review

surefire socom 556 rc-2 -fThe second-generation model of Surefire’s SOCOM 556 RC suppressor adds to the design while reducing the overall cost.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Or so the old saying goes. One might wonder, then, why Surefire updated the SOCOM RC to the RC-2. The advancements of competitors may have been one motivator, but increases in technology and experience at Surefire were likely strong factors as well. When The Silencer Shop offered to send me the RC-2 to evaluate, I jumped at the chance. Back in 2013 I used a Surefire RC suppressor in a 3-gun match with good success. The RC had a solid quick-detach (QD) mechanism that attached to the Surefire muzzle brake installed at the factory on my Colt Competition CRP-18. The original RC was quiet, accurate, and performed well. It was marketed as the SOCOM556 RC, indicating it had been awarded a SOCOM contract for use with the Mk18 and M4.

surefire socom 556 rc-2 -11
The original Surefire RC, shown here in Dark Earth Cerakote, was a quiet, accurate suppressor capable of withstanding significant abuse. The new Surefire RC-2 improves on this design in several areas.

The Surefire SOCOM RC-2 has improved on the original design in several areas. Back pressure, a source of excess gas in the face, was reduced in the redesign. Less back pressure also reduces the cyclic rate of the action, which is of importance to those shooting full auto suppressed. Most civilian users don’t really need a dampened cyclic rate, but having less gas pressure in the action to deal with is a welcome improvement. Durability was improved with the addition of a blast shield in the rear of the suppressor.

surefire-socom-556-rc-2-2The QD mechanism was upgraded in the RC-2 to provide a more solid lock up by using tapered bearing surfaces. This is something several manufacturers have moved to in the past few years. It seems nobody likes a wobbly suppressor. A less obvious improvement in the RC-2 QD system is that now the index tab is in a low carbon build up area. This makes the suppressor easier to remove after extended shooting sessions. As a seasoned suppressor shooter, I can attest to the utility of this design change. QD suppressors exist that are anything but quick-detach after a few hundred rounds, and there is nothing more irritating than having to take a pipe wrench to a “quick-detach” suppressor.

Point of impact (POI) shift when going from suppressed to unsuppressed varies by brand and model of suppressor, sometimes significantly. The Surefire RC had minimal POI shift in this regard, and the RC-2 retains this feature. The test unit used in this evaluation shifted POI down a little less than an inch at 100 yards when going from unsuppressed to suppressed fire. This shift was consistently repeatable. While many of us simply shoot suppressed almost all the time, this feature is desirable for some users.

surefire socom 556 rc-2 -3One of the most noticeable differences between the Surefire RC and the RC-2 is the price. The RC-2 is cheaper! With MSRPs of $1,395 and $1,095, respectively, the $300 reduction is a welcome change. Made in the USA, the Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2 is a solid addition to any collection.

Specifications:

Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Full Auto Rated: Yest
Attachment: Brake Mount
Weight: 17 oz.
Length: 6.2 in.
Diameter: 1.5 in.
Sound Level: Not stated
Finish: Cerakote
Materials: High temperature alloys and stainless steel
MSRP: $1,095
Manufacturer: Surefire

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the November 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

MUST READ ARTICLES