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The Flash And Oddity Of Hollywood 1911s

By
Patrick Sweeney
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This is a space gun. Well, it’s a movie space gun—one used in a movie in space: Serenity. It’s Jayne Cobb’s personal 1911.
This is a space gun. Well, it’s a movie space gun—one used in a movie in space: Serenity. It’s Jayne Cobb’s personal 1911.

Hollywood 1911 pistols run the complete gamit, from specimens you find at your local gun store to renditions that are out of this world.

For a supposedly obsolete, old firearm, the 1911 is well-represented on the silver screen. It always has been. However, what you see on the screen may or may not be a 1911 or 1911A1. It may also not be a .45 ACP. There are several reasons for that.

OK, let’s set the stage. (See what I did there?) Our hero needs to prevail, and he needs to be properly armed for the climactic shoot-out. But that shoot-out—the part you see on the screen for a minute or even a few seconds—takes months of planning and practice. The director must lay it all out on what are called “storyboards,” which are drawn representations of how they want the camera to see the scene. Then, the producer plans the distances, timing and locations with the location scout and the cinematographer. The producer schedules the practice time, equipment and budget with the prop master.

And that’s where the guns come in. The guns on screen that you see today come in four types: rubber, Airsoft, blank-firing and live. And blank-firing firearms come in four types: quarter, half, three-quarter and full power. Why all these types? Because they need them . It’s just that simple.

OK, start the debate: Was Rick Deckard (Blade Runner), himself, a replicant or human? And, if one or the other, what evidence do you have to prove it? This is a real firearm, in that the receiver on top is a Sauer bolt-action rifle receiver. How does it work? Who cares? The only real question is, Would you run off with Rachael and bet that Gaff wouldn’t chase you?
OK, start the debate: Was Rick Deckard (Blade Runner), himself, a replicant or human? And, if one or the other, what evidence do you have to prove it? This is a real firearm, in that the receiver on top is a Sauer bolt-action rifle receiver. How does it work? Who cares? The only real question is, Would you run off with Rachael
and bet that Gaff wouldn’t chase you?

The rubber guns are for extras who will never use them and to protect the actors (and the guns) from the day-to-day wear and tear of being worn. If you see a squad room scene in a police procedural where everyone is armed, they are all rubber guns. A squad of soldiers who are not actually firing their weapons? All rubber or plastic. In fact, most of the guns you’ll see on the screen and on TV are rubber, plastic or composite dummies, because they are inexpensive; and, compared to real firearms, there is no real paperwork involved.

The molding and casting processes are so high quality that you can read the original serial number of the model used to create the mold. They come in soft rubber (more comfortable, but less durable) and harder compositions. The Airsoft guns allow film crews to work in locations where the noise of blank-firing handguns might be disturbing, such as indoors. The slides cycle, and the computer wizards add in the muzzle flash and flying brass later. There may not even be the little plastic pellets of Airsoft being used. (The sounds are all added in after, regardless of the type of firearm or rubber gun used.) That’s done with CGI.

Blank guns are modified to run with blanks. Despite being so modified and often irreversibly so, they are still firearms and, as such, strictly controlled. Generally, this involves grinding off the locking lugs and putting a plug in the barrel to allow enough gas pressure to cycle the action. The power level represents the power the blanks are loaded to and the power the firearm is built to properly cycle with. A full-power blank gun, being fed quarter-blanks, won’t cycle. A quarter-blank gun being fed full-power blanks can be damaged.

It isn’t a 1911, and it may not even be chambered in .45 ACP, but the author just had to include this in the photo lineup. Yes, this is Mal Reynolds’ sidearm—the Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier Model B—from the movie Serenity.
It isn’t a 1911, and it may not even be chambered in .45 ACP, but the author just had to include this in the photo lineup. Yes, this is Mal Reynolds’ sidearm—the Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier
Model B—from the
movie Serenity.

There is also the safety aspect. Blanks can still cause injury or even death. A scene for which the director wants the actors close to each other cannot use full-power blanks. The distance must be calculated and maintained. That’s a big reason for Airsoft and CGI.

Live guns? Sometimes you need live guns for certain scenes, which means you have to acquaint some actors with how they work. Some won’t want to touch these “icky “guns, but some like learning and having fun. And there are those interested in “verisimilitude”—a fancy word meaning “the appearance or semblance of truth.” In other words, it means it’s like the real thing. Also, the sound guys might want to capture the exact report of the firearm being used, just in case. A perfect example of this is in the movie Saving Private Ryan, when the GIs have beaten the German MG42 crew. We hear the machine gun cooling off and the clicks and pops as it settles back down to air temperature. You only get that from the real thing.

And that leads us to another aspect of the prop house: historical accuracy. The prop house is the expert (except for some directors, such as Michael Mann) and makes sure the gear is correct. A Korean War movie with M16s in it is a no-go. A modern police procedural with World War II-era firearms being used better have a good explanation for the viewers, or else they will change channels in disgust. This means prop houses maintain a huge inventory, keep track of the firearms and know what is appropriate, where and when.

Not what a lot of competition or EDC owners would carry, but it is Hollywood, right? And nothing is actually wrong with it; it would serve you well for many uses, as it did for Charlie Hunnam’s character in Sons of Anarchy.
Not what a lot of competition or EDC owners would carry, but it is Hollywood, right? And nothing is actually wrong with it; it would serve you well for many uses, as it did for Charlie Hunnam’s character in Sons of Anarchy.

Now, if the director insists on something that is not period-correct, you shake your head, make sure you fulfill the contract and keep that in mind the next time his people call you for the next movie.

Oh, one other part of the firearms experience are the impacts. Called “squibs” in the industry, they are small powder charges that are detonated electrically to show the bullet impact on walls, cars, etc. This can be an incredibly expensive part of a production. You’ve got the actors who will be handed the blank-firing firearms just before the scene starts filming. Then there’s the camera crew, cinematographer, sound man and lighting crew. You can even have two, three or four cameras going at once. You have the prop master and the triggerman for the squibs.

After “lights, camera, action,” the actors start shooting, the squib triggerman sets off the squibs and, if it all goes right, you have a “take.” Then, you set it up and do it again, because the director and editor always want options.

The 1911A1 that Thomas Magnum, aka “Magnum P.I.,” carried and used in the show. Be jealous!
The 1911A1 that Thomas Magnum, aka “Magnum P.I.,” carried and used in the show. Be jealous!

What if the blank gun jams or a blank or squib fail to go off? There are dozens of things that can ruin a take, and when something fails, you set it up and do it all over again.

And finally, there is the legal aspect of things. Not only must the production company keep track of the laws where it is filming — usually the responsibility of the prop master — but it also must know the backgrounds of the actors. (Hmm, how shall I put this? Some actors have lived less-than-stellar lives. In fact, some of them have been convicted of crimes such that they cannot own, or even handle, real firearms. They get rubber guns and CGI.)

Raise Your 1911 IQ:

Production companies have gotten themselves into trouble by trying to ship firearms into a country or state in which they’re not permitted or for which they simply haven’t completed the required paperwork. The people involved must know the laws and regulations, have the proper licenses and paperwork, and make sure it is all filled out correctly. I found this out when I visited Independent Studio Services, one of the biggest prop houses. It deals not just with firearms (in fact, firearms are a small part of what it does), and it was head-spinning.

A period-correct LAPD SWAT pistol from the early 2000s. Before that, no Kimber. After that, a different Surefire light.
A period-correct LAPD SWAT pistol from the early 2000s. Before that, no Kimber. After that, a different Surefire light.

First, anytime there’s going to be a specific firearm on the set of any production, the prop house brings at least two. So, that police procedural with 12 officers walking around? Two dozen rubber guns, at least. Filming an action scene requires at least two blank-firing guns plus rubber clones—for the setup, walk-through and camera framing—and, if the prop master is at all paying attention, other spares of the blank guns of different power levels. Huh?

What if the director suddenly decides that a scene needs to be changed? Instead of a shoot-out in the house of the serial killer, he wants it outside next to the pool, which means you’ll need to switch from quarter-power to full-power blanks, maybe even with extra flash blanks. You’d better have the guns and the ammo on hand, because a production company costs like you wouldn’t believe. Depending on the talents involved, it could be $10,000 an hour, and if the prop master holds things up while a courier drives back to the warehouse to pick stuff up, he will not get hired next time.

And the paperwork? Again, you wouldn’t believe it. OK, let’s say you stage an epic shoot-out with multiple machine guns, squibs for the walls and cars, breaking windows, explosions and more on set somewhere in California. First, the company has to be licensed by both the feds and the state. This includes a standard FFL, an 07 Manufacturers FFL and an ammo manufacturing license (for the blanks). Then, California insists on more licensing for dangerous weapons such as the machine guns, and if explosives are used, that triggers the need for another federal license—plus certification for the training before the licenses will be issued. Then, depending on the firearms that are involved, you might even need to have a transport permit … and dear God, if the local municipality also requires more licensing or paperwork.

Sometimes, a movie would have something such as this 1903 pocket hammer model Colt standing in as a .45, because it would work with blanks.
Sometimes, a movie would have something such as this 1903 pocket hammer model Colt standing in as a .45, because it would work with blanks.

The pistols used might not have been 1911s in the past and often were not .45s. Making 9mm blanks that worked reliably and consistently was a lot easier than doing the same for .45 ACP. As a result, you can see in some movies in the past (if you look closely or use freeze-frame) that the “1911” someone is using is actually a 1903 hammer model or a 1905 or other early Colt pistol.

Later, 1911s that started out as 9mm or .38 Super pistols that had been built as blank-firing guns were used in the movies as .45s. Now, they can be blank-adapted as actual .45s. When I visited Independent Studio Services, I had the opportunity to handle and photograph some famous guns and even shoot some of them. Fun? You have no idea.

Serenity
In the movie Serenity, set in the indeterminate future (supposedly 500 years from now—but, hey, it is a story), the crew of the ship Serenity is working to make a living, shlepping cargo from one plant to another. Despite it being the future, there are a lot of old guns still in use, with some of them upgraded.

Jayne Cobb, the muscle played by Adam Baldwin (no relation to the Baldwin brothers), is very knowledgeable about firearms. His personal 1911 has been worked on and upgraded. What are the upgrades? No idea, but figuring out what would be useful and tactical centuries from now is not the point. I mean, how would you explain a comp on an Open gun to a doughboy?

Rambo
“Rambo” has moved from a movie title reference to a word used in common life as a reference and touchstone. Rambo comes back from Vietnam and, of course, he’d be using a Vietnam-era pistol, which would be a box-stock 1911A1. Except, this one isn’t entirely stock. But, hey, things happen. When Rambo came out in 1982, IPSC was still mostly unknown to Hollywood. The Michael Mann-directed movie, Thief, had just come out the year before.

Sons of Anarchy
“Shakespeare on motorcycles” might describe the TV series Sons of Anarchy. In it, Jax, the son of the club founder, has to take over the reins of power, find his way and stay alive. You would imagine that a series about a motorcycle club would have plenty of opportunities for violence … and you’d be right. Charlie Hunnam (“Jax” ) carries a “blingy” customized 1911A1. The comp on it is a standard stick-a-threaded-barrel-into-a-1911-pistol modification, and the extended slide stop is something that hasn’t been common for almost two decades now. But the rest of it shows attention to proper tools of the trade. And, hey, if the leader of a motorcycle gang wants to carry something, who is going to tell him “no?”

You could see this in the holster of a SWAT officer or a Special Operations team member, because it is so current and correct.
You could see this in the holster of a SWAT officer or a Special Operations team member, because it is so current and correct.

Black Panther
Anyone who does not envy the Marvel crew is not paying attention. Having spent more than half a century building a universe populated with a huge number of characters, it now gets to see it all up on the big screen. In Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan plays Erik Killmonger. That character packs a current-day tool for shooting, a railed and threaded-for-suppressor Springfield Operator, which reflects the character’s Special Operations background. It is hard to argue with it as a choice, either for real-world trials or in the movie setting where it is placed.

Magnum, P.I.
In 1980, Tom Selleck was a tall, handsome guy who had been knocking around Hollywood for a decade, getting parts in TV shows and movies. Nothing big, but he was working. Then came the Hawaiian shirts, Ferraris, helicopters and the 1911A1.

Playing a Navy SEAL (before every wannabe was a SEAL) Vietnam veteran, he was the TV draw for most of its eight seasons and 158 episodes. Men wanted to be him. Women wanted to date him. Everyone dreamt of Hawaii and high-speed car chases.

The 1911A1 used in Rambo, with some additions that probably came later. The magazine funnel was not available in 1982, but the extended thumb safety and slide stop could have been (it was close enough for movie work).
The 1911A1 used in Rambo, with some additions that probably came later. The magazine funnel was not available in 1982, but the extended thumb safety and slide stop could have been (it was close enough for movie work).

And the 1911 that Mr. Magnum carried? It was a Colt Series 70 chambered in 9mm. It had no changes made to it other than being adapted to blanks. And it fired full-power blanks, which I can attest to, having fired it when I visited. Let me tell you: Full-power blanks, even the 9mm ones, are ferocious. The slide cycle felt like live fire, and the blast and heat from the blanks were everything a live round would be—and more.

I’d have worn a suitable shirt for the test-firing, but the patterns are licensed, and you have to pony up $70 each for the shirts he wore. Maybe I will someday.

SWAT
The first SWAT TV show appeared in 1975. In the time since, the gear carried by SWAT officers has changed. So, if you are doing a movie or TV show and there are SWAT cops involved, the time period represented in its firearms and gear needs to be spot-on.

It is a situation such as this that adds to the inventory of a prop house. You can’t have a realistic show set in the present day if the main characters are using flip phones, driving cars from the muscle-car era and shooting it out with gangster-era firearms. Viewers are going to notice.

So, prop houses and producers work hard to make things period correct. That leads to multiple generations of SWAT gear, among other props, to ensure viewers can keep track of when it aired.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from Patrick Sweeney’s book, “1911, The First 100 Years, 2nd edition.” For a deeper look into the must-have resource for any 1911 owner, go to GunDigestStore.com.

Taurus Model 942: An Absolute Bull Of A Snubbie Rimfire

By
Michael Shea
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Taurus 4

Available in both .22 LR and .22 WMR, the Taurus Model 942 revolver exceeds expectations and should have shooters looking differently at the Brazilian gunmaker.

SHOT Show is a funny experience. You walk the 12.5 miles of exhibitors at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas over that third week in January. You handle, dry-fire and chat with product managers about dozens of new firearms.

When you get back home, your jealous buddies ask, “What’s new?”

You just shrug and say, “Uh, not much.”

A week or two away from that virus-infested casino air, memories of the better guns handled and guns discussed always percolate up. For me, I couldn’t shake that feeling of palming the new rimfire revolver from Taurus: the Model 942. Here was an all-steel snubnose that had weight—a real gravitas in the hand—plus a great trigger, great grip, interchangeability with aftermarket sights and grips, and a deep bench of available holsters—all this for a real-world price well under $400.

Snob that I am, I was surprised it was a Taurus.

To put it bluntly, Taurus suffers a reputation problem. For many years, its made-in-Brazil firearms hit the American market in sub-standard shape.

There were recalls. Class-action lawsuits. Settlements.

Taurus_9A lot of looks, fit and finish ... for not a lot of money. This burnished stainless is the best-looking model. 42_2-942029
A lot of looks, fit and finish … for not a lot of money. This burnished stainless is the best-looking model. 

But, it wasn’t all bad. The .410/.45 Colt Judge revolver that was released in 2006 invented a category. Yet other innovations didn’t go over so well (remember the Curve?). Despite it all, many value-minded shooters stayed loyal throughout the rough spots—and for good reason: Where else can a broke shooter find a $300 .357 that goes bang! every time you pull the trigger?

Reading the news, focused always on the negative—and with zero Taurus trigger time—I was like so many keyboard warriors who’ve come to dominate our modern gun culture (I never publicly expressed distaste for Taurus, but I wasn’t going to buy one, either). But then I’d talk to buddies who had a Taurus and loved it, such as Gun Digest Editor Luke Hartle.

Luke bought a Model 44 when he was 18, because “it was the only .44 Magnum I could afford.”

It’s been running strong for almost 20 years. Topped with a red-dot, it’s still his go-to bait barrel bear gun. Another friend, an editor on a popular firearms website, bought a PT845 in 2010—a now-discontinued 12+1 SA/DA .45 ACP that had an MSRP of $260! Over the years, he’s put thousands of rounds down the barrel without a single hiccup.

With its short sight radius, the 2-inch snubbie—like all 2-inch pistols—is hard to shoot well, making it an excellent training gun. 
With its short sight radius, the 2-inch snubbie—like all 2-inch pistols—is hard to shoot well, making it an excellent training gun. 

“The hate on Taurus is mostly bullshit,” he told me. “It had some slip-ups, but overall, it makes great guns, especially now.”

The Old and the … Now

Forjas Taurus (Taurus Forge) opened shop in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1939 as a tool-and-die maker. Then, in 1941, it released its first revolver—the Model 38101SO, which drew on proven designs from Colt and Smith & Wesson.

In 1968, Taurus started exporting revolvers to the United States. In 1970, a controlling interest in Taurus was purchased by Bangor Punta Corp., then the owners of Smith & Wesson. In 1974, Beretta won a contract to make 92s for the Brazilian Army, which required in-country manufacturing. When that contract expired in 1980, Beretta sold its facility, along with everything within it—including the schematics, tooling and a skilled workforce that would soon churn out the well-received Taurus PT92 and PT99.

By that time, Bangor Punta had sold Forjas Taurus back to Brazilian ownership. The company now had facilities, designs and talent with Beretta and Smith & Wesson experience. In 1982, Taurus set up an affiliate company, Taurus U.S.A., in Miami to import its firearms and eventually design guns stateside.

Eight rounds are loaded and ready to party. If you must carry a rimfire for self-defense, a revolver is the way to go. If a shot doesn’t go off, pull again to drop the hammer on a fresh round.
Eight rounds are loaded and ready to party. If you must carry a rimfire for self-defense, a revolver is the way to go. If a shot doesn’t go off, pull again to drop the hammer on a fresh round.

Over the next 20 years, Taurus grew to one of the largest small arms shops in the world. It had a reputation for experimenting with alloys and Space Age materials such as titanium while offering standard features such as barrel fluting and interchangeable cylinders that the big American manufacturers only provided as high-dollar custom shop options. Young shooters on a college budget now had an option if, say, they wanted a .44 Magnum to take bear hunting.

There were stumbles along the way. After a few high-profile models didn’t cut the mustard, Taurus got a new CEO, and all firearms imported to Miami “got a 100 percent inspection,” says Oliver Coulombier, director of engineering for Taurus U.S.A. “We rejected a lot of product at that time, and soon, the lights went on for the folks in Brazil.”

More Rimfire Info:

Last year, Taurus U.S.A. opened a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing center and corporate headquarters on a 75-acre campus in Bainbridge, Georgia. Compared to Miami, there’s surely a big tax advantage in that move; however, it’s also allowed the company to expand stateside engineering and production capability. Currently, the TX22, PT22 and Spectrum are manufactured in the United States, and new models are in development.

If you still think there’s a quality issue with Taurus, I dare you to run anyone of those pistols or the new 942 rimfire revolvers.

A Wheelie Done Right

The eight-round DA/SA Model 942 is chambered in .22 LR or .22 WMR. It comes in 2- and 3-inch barrel lengths and in matte black or stainless steel. There’s also a 2-inch, hard-anodized, black, ultra-light model that comes in at slightly fewer than 18 ounces. The steel guns in 2-and 3-inch weigh 23.6 and 25 ounces, respectively, giving them a real command in-hand—as I first discovered on the floor at SHOT and later, while testing the 2-inch snubbies in .22 LR and .22 WMR.

After several hundred rounds through each, the author decided a 2-inch .22 LR is the ideal trainer, while a 3-inch 942 in .22 WMR would make a better trail gun. 

After several hundred rounds through each, the author decided a 2-inch .22 LR is the ideal trainer, while a 3-inch Model 942 in .22 WMR would make a better trail gun. 

Beyond the weight, part of that in-hand appeal is the ergonomic rubber grip, which seats well in my large, glove-sized hands. The grips are interchangeable with aftermarket options made for Taurus 85, 856, 605, 380 and 905 revolvers, including the red-laser option from Viridian. The weight and the grip make it a sound-handling iron.

Dimensionally, the 942 compares to the 605—a J-frame-comparable subcompact. The cylinder rotates counterclockwise, and the release and hammer have a nice burring. The drift rear sight, held in place with a small flat-head screw, can be adjusted for windage,. The replaceable front serrated ramp sight is pinned. It’s black, but that can be cured with a little nail polish or by swapping in a fiber-optic, if so inclined.

The 942 shares some DNA with Taurus’ previous rimfire revolver, the Model 94. The main criticism of the 94 was its overly stiff trigger. Taurus engineers corrected that with the 942 by improving the trigger leverage and tweaking the return spring design. In single-action, the trigger breaks at 4 pounds on my test .22 LR and 4 pounds, 6 ounces on the .22 WMR, as tested with a mechanical Timney gauge. There’s very little creep. In double-action, the trigger stages beautifully.

The overall package is accurate, laying down 3-inch groups with every .22 LR and .22 WMR load on my shelf … when I did my part. A 2-inch rimfire revolver will separate the crack handgun shots from the rest of us, which is the main reason I can see for adding this little gun to the arsenal. With its short sight radius, it forces good sight and trigger discipline—or shots run away quickly.

Available in .22 LR and .22 WMR, the 942s are identical—without the cylinder and barrel. Both make excellent plinkers, trainers, backup carry guns or pack pistols. 
Available in .22 LR and .22 WMR, the Model 942s are identical—without the cylinder and barrel. Both make excellent plinkers, trainers, backup carry guns or pack pistols.

These pistols are safe to dry-fire, unlike most rimfires. Add the Viridian laser grip, and you have a first-rate, indoor dry-fire training tool. Ensure the gun is empty, point the laser at the wall, and then squeeze the trigger without the laser jumping all over the place. With no slide to rack, you can practice on easy repeat until your finger starts to blister.

In .22 LR, the 942 makes an excellent trainer, plinker, kit gun or hiking trip sidearm. In .22 WMR, all the same applies, but it’s also a self-defense tool for those unable to command a .380 or 9mm. (For self-defense applications, look at the Speer Gold Dot 40-grain GDHP-SB.) And, it’s a great backup firearm in an ankle holster A revolver is easily the best format for a rimfire self-defense handgun. If the shot doesn’t go off, squeeze again; the cylinder will still rotate, and the firing pin will still drop on a fresh round.

To try to replicate a malfunction—and as something of a backyard torture test—I put 600 rounds through the .22 LR in a single afternoon. At about the 400-round mark, the gun was so dirty that bullets started to tumble, leaving holes in my paper targets like little sideways rectangles. It takes 12 to 16 inches of barrel to burn up a .22 LR powder charge—depending on whether it’s subsonic or hypersonic ammo—so, in a 2-inch barrel, there’s inevitably a lot of fouling. Two hundred rounds later, I pulled the trigger, and there was no bang!—a light strike on the Aguila .22 target.

I switched over to CCI, Federal and Winchester bulk-pack ammo, and every round went off again. When I switched back to Aguila, there were two more light strikes, but the cylinder kept turning, and the remaining shots went off. Was it the ammo? The filthy revolver? Well, it was probably a combination of the two. In the real world, this is a moot point: If you put 600 rounds through a rimfire handgun and don’t clean it, you don’t deserve to own a rimfire handgun.

Compact and highly concealable, the 942 in .22 WMR makes an excellent backup iron. 
Compact and highly concealable, the 942 in .22 WMR makes an excellent backup iron.

The Model 942 from Taurus is a compact, quality, rimfire revolver at a price that can’t be beat. It could play a role in a self-defense kit or as a kit gun in the mountains or on the water. But, more than anything, it’s simply a fun and accurate plinker—ideal for training shooters, both new and old.

Model 942 Specs:
Chambering: .22 LR or .22 WMR
Frame size: Small
Capacity: 8 rounds
Height: 4.64 in.
Width: 1.34 in.
Weight: 23.60 oz.
Barrel length: 2.00 in.
Overall length: 6.60 in.
Front sight: Serrated ramp
Rear sight: Drift adjustable
Safety: Transfer bar
MSRP: $369.52 (matte black); $384.97 (matte stainless)

For more information on the Taurus Model 942, please visit taurususa.com.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

MSR 10 Hunter: The Savage Way To Take Game

By
Gun Digest Editors
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0
Sponsored Content

Nimble and powerful, Savage has cooked up the nearly perfect big-game semi-automatic with the MSR 10 Hunter.

By now, the hunting credentials of the AR-10 and its little brother, the AR-15, are well established. A rare combination of firepower, speed and manageability, the popular rifles have earned their stripes downing everything from lowly rock chucks to towering bull elk. Yet, there are still issues with finding the best black iron to shoulder next time you shoot to fill a tag.

Offering the traditional Savage Arms performance in a modern package.
Offering the traditional Savage Arms performance in a modern package.

While the AR-15 is light and nimble as they come, big-game appropriate chamberings aren’t standard fare. On the flip side, the AR-10 has power to spare—particularly when talking most North American large game—but generally has the agility of Peterbilt truck. If there was only some way to combine the endearing attributes of Eugene Stoner’s brainchildren, then you’d have one heck of a hunting rifle. A regular whack-and-stack ‘em shooter fit for everything from tree-blind whitetails to third-ridge-back mulies.

Thing is, there is—Savage Arms’ MSR 10 Hunter.

Power And Grace

By now, a few years down the road from their introduction, Savage’s MSR (Modern Savage Rifle) line has proven its mettle. Funny, given it wasn’t long ago the company focused almost exclusively on one thing and one thing only—affordable and deadly accurate bolt-action rifles. They still turn those out, but have stormed the semi-auto market by taking a unique angle.

Savage’s game isn’t one mil-spec AR-15 or a single meat-and-potatoes AR-10, instead, each model is purpose-built. Need a long-range option? Look at the MSR 10 Precision. Require a tactical Jack-of-all-trades carbine? The MRS 15 Recon fits the bill And hunting? Few options beat the MSR 10 Hunter.

Part of the vanguard of a line that now stands at 11 models, the Hunter more than lives up to its name. Is it any surprise? From the Model 99 to the Model 110, the gunmaker has turned out some of the most trusted and accomplished hunting rifles of the past century.

Recently, Savage introducted a new model MSR 10 Hunter, the Hunter Overwatch, boasting Mossy Oak's Overwatch camo.
Recently, Savage introducted a new model MSR 10 Hunter, the Hunter Overwatch, boasting Mossy Oak's Overwatch camo.

Where Savage’s game getter and its Mossy Oak Overwatch camo-clad sibling, the MSR 10 Hunter Overwatch, excel is striking a nearly perfect balance between power and grace. Its chambering options (.308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor) are fit to tackle nearly any American game animal. At the same time, it’s a slight package that’s quick to the shoulder and intuitive to the eye. That quite a combination, and rare.

Though, words don’t truly do the MSR 10 Hunter justice. To understand its advantages you have to get one in your hands. Only then can you appreciate its mountain rifle heft (7.8 pounds) and surprisingly compact size. Just the things that make it ideal for long treks to a stand and ready at a moment’s notice.

Read Also: Savage Arms' Accuracy-Enhancing AccuFit System

Yet at the same time, the rifle doesn’t suffer the manageability issues—thus shot-to-shot accuracy decay—common to many featherweight hunters. Yes, there’s a bit more buck in the Hunter than, say, a comparably chambered AR-10 creeping up on 10 pounds. But, Savage didn’t skimp in putting together the MSR 10, thus the rifle isn’t something you have to manage to the hilt. Quite the opposite—it shoots and operates as smooth as greased skids.

Top-End Build

If you hunt with an AR-10 you know the routine: find one with a good barrel and receivers, then strip and renovate the rest. It’s accepted that time, money and upgrades are part and parcel of the platform. Except they aren’t with the MSR 10 Hunter.

Savage jettisoned the idea the AR is something you aftermarket to perfection with the Hunter, giving shooters a finely tuned rifle from the box. While it might not suit some who can’t live without a SuperDuper Black X Roundabout Stalker Handguard on their rifle, for the rest it’s a huge energy-saver.

The muzzle brake is a nice addition on the Hunter, aiding fast follow-up shots.
The muzzle brake is a nice addition on the Hunter, aiding fast follow-up shots.

Even if you have a pet upgrade, before swapping out it’s well worth looking at what Savage brings to the game with the MSR 10 Hunter:

  • Magpul MOE Stock
  • Free-float M-LOK handguard
  • Two-stage trigger
  • Proprietary Savage muzzle brake
  • Adjustable gas block
  • Melonite QPQ coated, 5R rifled barrel
  • Full-length Picatinny rail

It would take weeks to tinker a rifle to the level the MSR 10 Hunter comes off the rack. A huge advantage when you think about it. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend time looking for sign and mapping out potential bedding areas, not scrabble through parts sites hunting for the right pistol grip?

Accuracy Enhancement

It’s lingering on a few facets of Savage’s build and what they bring to the table. Chief among these is accuracy. If you didn’t mind a lighter rifle at the range, the MSR 10 Hunter is a more than capable target rifle—which spells big things in the field. To this end, there are two aspects that really milk precision out of the platform.

The first is the barrel. Certainly on the compact side (16-inches in .308, 18 in 6.5 CM), Savage ensures excellent ballistic potential through 5R rifling. Those not familiar with the relatively new rifling design, it’s fairly straight forward. The lands are tapered, causing less deformation as the bullet travels down the bore, thus the integrity of the projectile’s ballistic coefficient is maintained in flight. Basically, you’ll get a bullet drop and wind drift performance closer to what’s on the side of an ammo box—excellent news, especially for those who opt for the long-range specialist 6.5 Creedmoor. A side benefit, no matter the caliber, a 5R rifled barrel is easier to clean.

Snappy two-stage trigger and svelte receivers are just the ticket in taking the AR-10 on the hunt.
Snappy two-stage trigger and svelte receivers are just the ticket in taking the AR-10 on the hunt.

Equally important, the MSR 10 Hunter boasts a lights-out trigger. Unfair as it may be, that one little motion in your finger has more to say about if you hit the mark than nearly anything else. With no creep, the proverbial “like-glass” break and minuscule reset, the trigger is everything you want on a semi-auto hunting rifle. A bit more, considering it’s nickel-boron impregnated, leading to less wear and better lubricity (that is, the 1,000th trigger pull will be as smooth as the first).

Recoil Management

Magpul’s furniture contribution also plays a role in the MSR 10 Hunter’s field performance. Combine with Savage’s solid-bottom brake, the MOE buttstock goes a long way in taming the rifle’s recoil. An important factor in this case. Remember this is a light AR-10, which means snappy hunting loads aren’t only going to have bite downrange.

Aside from the adjustable length of pull, where the MOE cuts some of the kick is the addition of a rubberized recoil pad. Absorbing some of the rifle’s kick, it allows for lightning-fast follow-up shots—an impossibility if you’re rattled to the bone after your first trigger pull.

Furthermore, Magpul originally designed the MOE for use with body armor. While this sounds off base when talking hunting rifles, it is an important factor. Bulked up in winter gear, you never have to worry about getting the MSR 10 Hunter properly shouldered or having to hunt for your cheek weld.

Parting Shot

The AR-10 is here to stay in the hunting field. The rifle has just too much going for it, whether you’re talking its pinpoint accuracy or breezy heft. This leaves only one question up in the air: which is the right rifle for your next hunt. With the MSR 10 Hunter, Savage Arms has made the answer simple.

Get More Information On The Savage MSR10 Hunter

First Look: Rival Arms R-22 Precision Chassis For The Ruger 10/22

By
Elwood Shelton
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R-22

Constructed from precision machined aluminum, the Rival Arms R-22 Precision Chassis gets 10/22 barreled actions to reach out.

The long-range game requires a lot of turf to play. Enough that in some corners of the country urban sprawl and population density make it all but prohibitive. (Rhode Island, we’re looking at you.) Hence, the growing appeal of National Rifle League .22-caliber matches (NRL22) is understandable. Requiring the same set of skills as the centerfire competition, it’s scaled-down so as the most modest venues can host an event.

Hand in hand with the rise of Lilliputian precision competitions comes the ascension of irons and upgrades up to the job. A recent entry in this niche, Rival Arms with its R-22 Precision Chassis System for rifles with Ruger 10/22 barreled actions. While bolt-actions make up a hefty segment of NRL22 competitions, the precision components manufacturer pick of the iconic semi-auto makes sense. The plinker is as common as dead leaves in autumn, and no slouch in the accuracy department. Also, the 10/22 is the AR of rimfire, easily modified and upgraded with a minimum of tools.

More Rimfire Info:

With the R-22 Precision Chassis System, would be small-bore snipers get a billet aluminum rig, precision CNC-machined for a flawless fit up. The fore has room enough to free-float a 1-inch diameter barrel, and includes scalloped texturing aft for grip enhancement. Additionally, there are ample M-Lok slots upfront at the 3- and 9-o’clock positions for accessory attachment, and it is tapped to accept a sling swivel stud or bipod.

Taking advantage of the thriving AR-parts market, the R-22 Precision Chassis is compatible with AR-15 buffer tubes (1 3/16-16 inch Mil-Spec), stocks and pistol grips. The chassis comes in fairly light, at 1 pound, and is available in three finishes—hard black anodized, as well as KG GunKote Flat Dark Earth and Satin Gray.

As to cost, like anything precision the R-22 Precision Chassis is on the spendy side. Yet, for those shooting to dominate their next match, its $254.99 MSRP shouldn’t prove prohibitive.

For more information on the R-22 Precision Chassis, please visit rival-arms.com.

Recoiling Recoil With Kick-Eez Grind-To-Fit Pads

By
Gun Digest Editors
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Sponsored Content

Kickeez 1

Constructed of a cutting-edge polymer, Kick-Eez Grind-To-Fit recoil pads take a bite out of your gun's kick.

If you’re like most marksman, the buttstock of your gun rarely crosses your mind. Hey, that rifle or shotgun shoulders “well enough”. Why burn the glucose fretting over such a paltry feature? Then funny things happen at the range. Clays go unbroken and bullseyes remain unperforated.

Troubleshooting these issues generally orbit around the obvious—swing, breath control, trigger squeeze … the fundamentals. However, it might not be as simple as all that. Difficulties sometimes creep around where shooters least expect—the meet-up point between body and firearm. We’re talking the gun’s butt here.

No two shooters are created identical. In turn, the 13.5-inch average length of pull of most long guns makes them awkward in some hands. Additionally, what a shooter can endure while maintaining accuracy also varies wildly. Some take a lot of kick and hit the mark, others not so much.

In either case, a quality recoil pad can make a world of difference in performance behind the trigger. Say, like the Kick-Eez Grind-To-Fit models.

Cutting-Edge Construction

Kick-Eez customizable Grind-To Fit pads aren’t a new player to the game. The Kentucky concern has developed a solid standing over the years with a system that works. That’s saying a lot, given most recoil solutions are more placebo than actual cure. They just hope you don’t notice the difference.

In the proverbial bad eggs’ cases, issues reside in their engineering. Most are hard rubber, perforated in some form to create more give against the shoulder. The problem is they still push all the recoil energy in one direction—and you’re in the way. Plus, they’re constructed out of material that over time and use provides diminishing returns.

Kick-Eez’s difference is a single word—Sorbothane. No, it’s not some made-up marketing term. Instead, it’s a special polymer specifically designed for, well, taking and absorbing a blow so you don’t have to. No joke.

In fancy talk, Sorbothane is what is known as a viscoelastic urethane, which means it’s a urethane polymer with both liquid and solid properties.

Its liquid aspect allows it to disperse force in all directions (think a rock hitting water), thus greatly reducing a blow in a short matter of time and not necessarily into what’s behind it. The solid end of things, basically it keeps its shape, thus can be formed into all sorts of useful things—running shoe insoles and recoil pads to name two. Additionally, it doesn’t lose its properties with use, which is mighty impressive.

So, how exactly does Sorbothane measure up to more traditional recoil pad materials? In the hand it’s obvious. Kick-Eez pads are squishy and supple, almost akin to the meat of the heel of your hand and just as resilient. By the numbers, the company's testing is impressive. Compared to traditional rubber recoil pads, Kick-Eez reduces felt recoil by half. Substantial, enough so even those who aren’t recoil shy will notice a difference.

Tame That Recoil:

Custom Option For Any Gun

Pleasant as reducing a gun’s recoil by 50 percent is, there’s more to the Kick-Eez system. Material can only go so far in creating a long-gun that’s comfortable to shoot. Fit also plays a role.

Too small a gun, you run the risk of excessive recoil. Too large, you’ll struggle with finger placement on the trigger, thus accuracy issues. There are more to each, sufficed to say none of them good.

Kickeez 2

Length of pull addresses each and is exactly what Grind-To-Fit pads address. Available in1/2-, ¾-, 15/16- and 1 1/8-inch thickness, the pads lengthen a firearm for a perfect. Need to cajole it further, Kick-Eez also offers a complete line of spacers pads (also made of Sorbothane)—1/8, ¼ and ½ inch in length.

Conceivably, the pad and spacer systems could be used similarly as a fully-adjustable stock, allowing more than one shooter the perfect fit on the same gun. Given Kick-Eez recently expanded this line with colored options, a quick-fit color-coding system for adjustment on the fly isn’t out of the question. Just a thought.

Parting Shot

For most shooters, recoil pads aren’t the belle of the gun accessories ball. This should change.

Recoil isn’t something that should be endured as some sort of badge of honor. It should be tamed, eliminated, thrown on the ash heap of history. The name of the game is hit the bullseye, not bite the bullet.

Furthermore, in this day and age shooters shouldn’t abide ill-fitting guns. It’s the 21st Century for crying out loud! Even your old irons should fit like a well-worn sweater.

Kick-Eez Grind-To-Fit pads solve both dilemmas in one felled swoop. And they do so for less than you’ll pay for a couple boxes of ammo anymore. Honestly, with a solution like that, there’s no reason why you should boot recoil mitigation down the road.

For more information on Kick-Eez Grind-To-Fit pads and spacers, please visit kickeezproducts.com.

7.62x25mm Tokarev: The Many Copies Of The Combloc Icon

By
George Layman
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The Czech CZ 52 is the only “un-Tokarev” of the communist Eastern European semiautomatic pistol designs in the Soviet caliber of 7.62x25mm. Perhaps a more contemporary design, the CZ 52’s greatest drawback is the lack of a slide latch, and it depends upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear. The Bakelite grips are fastened by a U clamp. At the range, the author feels it handles somewhat better than pistols of the Tokarev pattern.
The Czech CZ 52 is the only “un-Tokarev” of the communist Eastern European semiautomatic pistol designs in the Soviet caliber of 7.62x25mm. Perhaps a more contemporary design, the CZ 52’s greatest drawback is the lack of a slide latch, and it depends upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear. The Bakelite grips are fastened by a U clamp. At the range, the author feels it handles somewhat better than pistols of the Tokarev pattern.

Among the best known Combloc pistols, true-to-life Russian Tokarev pistol specimens are few and far between stateside. But its clones abound.

Ironically, Russia never released the surplus Tokarev TT-33 semiautomatic pistols after the fall of communism. Chambered for the powerful, high-velocity bottlenecked 7.62x25mm cartridge, the Tokarev was well known, but not readily available in the West for over five decades. In reality, it used a round that was an almost identical, but hopped-up version of the old 7.63mm Mauser “Broomhandle” cartridge. Adopted by the USSR in 1933, those very few that have come into the United States were either wartime bring-backs, including a limited quantity of imports from the Ukraine. In years gone by, Service Armament (later Navy Arms Company) offered a handful in the 1960s, all of which were Spanish military surplus and were leftover Soviet “gifts” from the Spanish Civil War in 1936, however, most of those ‘60s imports came from Finland.

Manufactured at the Tula Arsenal, this eight-shot, short-recoil-operated semiautomatic pistol that takes much of its mechanics from both John Browning’s Colt Model 1903 and Model 1911, is probably one of the most widespread military handguns used throughout the world. Furthermore, it was licensed by the Soviet Union to at least three European countries behind the Iron Curtain, as we shall later see. Currently, aside from those 1990s arrivals from the Ukraine, the author has yet to observe any Russian-made Tokarev TT-33 in this country that came to our shore directly from its Motherland. Thus, the specimens most commonly available in this country are once again, more often than not, bring-backs from the Vietnam War, Korea or other former combat zones. For that short period of time in the mid- to late-1990s, the limited numbers of Russian-made TT-33 pistols imported by Century International from the Ukraine were equipped with a mandatory aftermarket manual trigger safety required by federal law. This unwanted addition was demanded by the BATFE on all pistols of Tokarev design. Nevertheless, though former Ukraine state property, all are marked “Russia” along with the importer’s address.

Shown here is the Romanian TTC and the Yugoslavian M-57 copy of the Russian Tokarev. It can be seen that physically the two differ primarily with the longer grip of the latter, which accepts a nine-round magazine in lieu of the standard Tokarev’s eight. Romanian TTC pistols were for the most part refinished prior to export, and the majority of the M-57 variety were imported in “as is” condition. Note the added thumb safety on the Romanian example – a feature demanded by the BATFE prior to import of any pistol of the Tokarev design. The M-57 is equipped with a far more cosmetically pleasing sliding safety adjacent to the left frame.
Shown here is the Romanian TTC and the Yugoslavian M-57 copy of the Russian Tokarev. It can be seen that physically the two differ primarily with the longer grip of the latter, which accepts a nine-round magazine in lieu of the standard Tokarev’s eight. Romanian TTC pistols were for the most part refinished prior to export, and the majority of the M-57 variety were imported in “as is” condition. Note the added thumb safety on the Romanian example – a feature demanded by the BATFE prior to import of any pistol of the Tokarev design. The M-57 is equipped with a far more cosmetically pleasing sliding safety adjacent to the left frame.

In the beginning, it appears that one of the earliest semiautomatic pistols in 7.62mm Tokarev caliber introduced to U.S. shores was the indigenously designed Czechoslovakian CZ-52. Between 1993 and 1996, Century Arms International was among the first to offer the CZ 52 on the American surplus market. Its arrival was certainly a welcome one as practically no American shooters or collectors had ever had the opportunity to examine, let alone own, one of these unique semiautomatic pistols. From 1952 to 1954, the Czech government manufactured a total of 200,000 CZ 52 pistols, which bear no resemblance to the Tokarev physically, nor internally, whatsoever. Its original Czech nomenclature was the Vzor or VZ 52 (Vzor translated to “Model” in Czech) is more commonly known to Americans with the prefix “CZ”, and was the brainchild of engineers, Jaroslav Kratochvil and Frantisek Myska who were fairly prominent in Czech ordnance circles.

Da … We Have More Combloc Guns:

  • Is A Mosin-Nagant Still Worth The Money?
  • The AK-47: Rifle for the Motherland
  • SKS Collecting: The Last Hold Out?
  • The Makarov And Other 9x18mm Pistols
  • The Peculiar Pioneer Arms PM-63C Pistol
  • Nagant Revolver: Unique Relic From Behind The Iron Curtain

The entire mechanical concept of their design was unlike any other semiautomatic military pistol manufactured to date. The action of this unique eight-shot, single-action pistol utilizes a roller-locked, short-recoil system equipped with a cam block that is quite efficient at allowing the use of both standard velocity or high-pressure submachine gun ammunition. Similar to that of the German MG 42 machine gun, the CZ 52’s beefy lock-up system has never been applied to another semiautomatic pistol. Czech military’s reasoning behind this was to allow the use of one cartridge for both pistol and submachine gun, a logistically clever move precluding the requirement to maintain and identify two varieties of cartridges for two different firearms. Design-wise, no screws are used in its construction and its multiposition, manually operated safety system allows it to be de-cocked and locked with a round in the chamber as the firing pin has a sear block system allowing safe carry. The red-lined Bakelite grips are retained by a “U” clip and unless reworked, most pistols have a phosphate-like finish similar to Parkerization. The CZ 52 remained in uninterrupted service until it was replaced in 1982 by the CZ 82 in 9mm Makarov caliber.

At the range, the Romanian TTC performs superbly at ranges up to 50 yards. This tight group was fired at 15 yards using surplus Romanian 7.62x25mm ammunition. Much of it is surefire, 1980s manufacture, and is still readily available.
At the range, the Romanian TTC performs superbly at ranges up to 50 yards. This tight group was fired at 15 yards using surplus Romanian 7.62x25mm ammunition. Much of it is surefire, 1980s manufacture, and is still readily available.

A word of caution on the CZ 52 drop safety is that many of these are well known for worn safety disconnectors, and may inadvertently fire when using the de-cock feature on a loaded chamber if such parts are not replaced. The best advice is not to use the de-cock feature at all on a loaded CZ 52 chamber. Replacement parts for the CZ 52 may be found at harringtonproducts.com.

Three post-World War II Soviet satellites opted to build copies of the Russian TT-33 Tokarev in their own factories, and examples of these were seen for the first time in the 1990s when these countries began selling off their Soviet-era hardware. Among the first licensees to manufacture a clone of the Russian Tokarev service pistol was Poland. Since 1922, Poland’s Fabrika Broni, located in Radom and known also as Lucznik Arms Factory Number 11, had a reputation for producing high-quality military arms, and were temporarily taken by Germany during the Nazi occupation. FB continued to remain active following the end of World War II when Soviet domination dictated Poland’s governmental affairs. In late 1946 the Polish military adopted the Russian Tokarev as their standard military sidearm and received licensing rights to manufacture the pistol domestically. Earlier that year, tooling and gauges were shipped to Poland from Russia’s Tula Arsenal with production of the PW wz.33 copy of the Tokarev commencing soon after.

The surplus M-57 pistols made prior to the early 1980s have “29 November 1943 Yugoslavian Republic” crest representing the date of the council at Jajce, located on the rear of the slide. Highly detailed when seen magnified, its presence will increase prices on pistols.
The surplus M-57 pistols made prior to the early 1980s have “29 November 1943 Yugoslavian Republic” crest representing the date of the council at Jajce, located on the rear of the slide. Highly detailed when seen magnified, its presence will increase prices on pistols.

The Polish variant is practically identical to its Russian counterpart – with the physical exception of its grips. The Soviet version has a five-point star with CCCP in between the star points (USSR in the Cyrillic alphabet), whereas the hard rubber grips on the Polish copy have vertical striated lines from top to bottom minus the circle and star logo. Serial numbers are located on the left frame and upper slide along with the year of manufacture and Factory’s Circle 11 logo. In regression, as the original Tokarev’s sole safety feature is a half-cock position on the hammer, the BATFE-added trigger safety is located beneath the slide catch. The most commonly encountered type of supplementary safety found on Tokarev imports is a rotating thumb-type affair. Though noble in concept, the unsightly addition simply detracts from the Tokarev’s original cosmetics. Having long since sold out from import surplus distributors, they are regularly encountered on Internet websites.

A peculiar note is appropriate regarding the Tokarev copies. Along with the former Soviet Union, the one Eastern European nation that did not export their Tokarev copies is Hungary. Receiving their license rights to build the Tokarev at the Budapest Fegyvar factory in 1948, their variant is known as the Pistoly M48. From the end of the Cold War to the present, Hungary has not released any domestically produced Tokarev copies and the reasons are yet unknown. Hungary did export their 9mm Makarov caliber surplus handguns as shall be seen later. With very limited numbers of the M48 pistols in the United States, it should be considered the rarest of Eastern European Tokarev copies. Currently, most are found ranging in price from $1,600 to $2,500 on the surplus firearms circuit.

From left is 1980s Romanian surplus ammo, of which is presently the most plentiful and packed at 72 rounds per box. The center is the Czech M-48 submachine gun ammo, 40 rounds per box in stripper clips. This is no longer as common as it was 15 years ago and is the most expensive.
From left is 1980s Romanian surplus ammo, of which is presently the most plentiful and packed at 72 rounds per box. The center is the Czech M-48 submachine gun ammo, 40 rounds per box in stripper clips. This is no longer as common as it was 15 years ago and is the most expensive.

Following Poland, it appears that both Romania and Yugoslavia began exporting their surplus licensed Tokarev pistols with the former appearing about 1997 up until 2013, when supposedly the final lots were received. Romania’s licensing rights to manufacture the Tokarev began about 1952 and ceased production in 1959. Known as the TTC or Tulskiye Tokarev Cugir, they were produced at the Romanian military arms factory at Cugir and remained in regular service until the Romanian revolution of 1989. Practically identical to the Polish version, its major differences are the narrow, rear slide grip serrations, whereas the Polish copy had the spaced oval serrations, similar to those found on the original Russian TT-33. Also, the Romanian TTC has the hard rubber grips with a circled five-point star. The lettering located between the star points is “RPR,” an abbreviation for Republica Socialistica Romania. The Romanian TTC has its serial number and year of manufacture on the rear left frame with import markings and country of origin usually on the center of the left slide flat. The identical, and non-original, swiveling thumb safety is located similar to that of the Polish variant. Incidentally, some gunsmiths have removed these, filling the space with a dummy pin. However, this can be a tricky procedure and are perhaps best left alone.

Research has found that PW Arms of Washington state possibly imported the most recent, and perhaps final batches. Many of the TTC pistols included an original military-style brown flap holster and a cleaning rod, and the majority were refinished and in crisp mechanical condition. The author has fired this pistol with hundreds of rounds of fresh, but corrosive, Romanian surplus 7.62x25mm ammunition loaded with 86-grain copper jacketed bullets; and it is a superb performer at the range. At 50 yards, 3- to 4-inch groups were commonplace on a half-size silhouette target. Overall, it’s a great combination for the shooter searching for economy, satisfactory accuracy and a piece of Iron Curtain history, to boot.

At right is the Polish-made 7.62 Tokarev ammunition that is still for sale at various times. The string-tied, blue-paper wrapped Bulgarian surplus ammo is presently available in large quantities. It is sold in either the 16-round pack as shown, or in sealed zinc cans of 440 or 600 rounds.
At right is the Polish-made 7.62 Tokarev ammunition that is still for sale at various times. The string-tied, blue-paper wrapped Bulgarian surplus ammo is presently available in large quantities. It is sold in either the 16-round pack as shown, or in sealed zinc cans of 440 or 600 rounds.

The last of the licensed Tokarev copies imported into the United States are those from the former Yugoslavia, a former communist country that broke off relations with the USSR in 1948. The Yugoslav M-57 is believed to have first appeared on the U.S. surplus market sometime around 2000 to 2004. We must remember that the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo ended just a short time earlier and most of the old Yugoslav republics hung on to much of their obsolete surplus firearms. Licensed to Yugoslavia during Premier Tito’s reign in 1957, manufacture of the M-57 was produced at the Crvena Zastava arms factory in Serbia.

There are a few twists to this particular pistol that differs from the standard Tokarev design. First off, the grip of the M-57 is some 15 millimeters longer than the standard Tokarev and was purposely lengthened to accept a nine-round magazine. The eight-round standard Tokarev magazine, however, is not interchangeable – nor vice versa. Furthermore, the M-57 has a magazine disconnector, which will not allow it to fire without a magazine inserted. In addition, the forward portion of the upper slide flat is serrated to reduce glare and it has a dovetailed front sight base to adjust windage. Also, the firing-pin retaining system differs by way of a three-piece “U” clamp assembly rather than the simple crosspin retainer of the standard Tokarev. Apparently, the engineers at Yugoslavia’s former state factory at Zastava sought to improve building a better Tokarev using reverse engineering. Perhaps the most cosmetically appealing, but non-original, feature is the sliding frame safety, which is installed along the left frame panel above the inner grip. This was by far a better approach to satisfy the BATFE demands for the added safety. For this reason the M-57 is advertised in the United States as an M-57A, the A indicating alteration for installation of the required safety. Be that as it may, the left slide flat remains stamped with M-57 as most military surplus variants were manufactured up to the late 1980s.

The author has found that the Yugoslav imports are in varying grades of condition from good to near excellent. It serves to be noted that the values of the M-57 for the collector have increased, especially those with the presence of the old Yugoslavian republic crest on the upper rear of the slide. Most of these pistols were produced before 1989, prior to separation of the six republics of Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia. This crest has a typical communist wreath with six flames, a star, and 25 November in Roman numerals and the year 1943. Prior to 1964, another crest with five flames was stamped in the same location and represented the five ethnic groups of Yugoslavia. Several U.S. importers have handled the M-57/57A with import marks of various countries of origin from within the former Yugoslav republics.

In addition to the availability of these pistols for the past two-plus decades, American shooters can also consider themselves quite fortunate to have been able to obtain substantial quantities of 7.62x25mm surplus ammunition. Prior to the end of the Cold War, this cartridge was practically impossible to obtain in the West, and what was available at the time was prohibitively expensive. Military surplus ammunition from Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Poland are where the majority of 7.62x25mm fodder has originated and it is all corrosive. Quality of the ammunition varies with some showing chronic evidence of case splitting after firing, particularly in some lots of the Polish and Bulgarian varieties. Being Berdan primed, none of it was intended to be reloaded. The occurrence of minor case neck splitting after firing is not dangerous to the shooter, but can raise eyebrows. However any loaded ammunition with any such visible deficiencies should not be fired. Examine before you purchase. Perhaps the smallest quantities of imported 7.62×25 surplus ammunition is from Czechoslovakia. The majority that has been available is of the M 48 submachine gun variety, which are packed with five, eight-round stripper clips, 40 rounds to a box. As previously noted, the action of the Czech CZ 52 pistol was purposely built to be able to handle both standard and high-pressure submachine gun ammunition.

The M48 cartridge is loaded with an 85-grain steel jacketed, or copper-cased bullet, which is the average weight for most 7.62 Tokarev ammunition manufactured in former communist arsenals. The heaviest bullet weight loaded were some Russian-made varieties with a 90-grain projectile. In addition to surplus fodder, there are ample numbers of commercial ammunition makers in Europe and the United States that offer the 7.62x25mm cartridge. For those bent on reloading this number, Boxer-primed Winchester 7.62x25mm ammunition is available in their Metric Cartridge Line. Actually manufactured in the Czech Republic, nonetheless, they are of the highest quality, adhering to the typical Winchester standard. Average muzzle velocity for the 7.62 x25 mm is in the 1,230 to 1,350 feet per second range, however, the surplus Czech M 48 submachine gun cartridge attains a whopping 1,730 fps on average.

Editor's Notes: This article originally appeared in Gun Digest 2018, 72nd Edition.

New Guns And Gear December 2020: Aiming Solution Special

By
Gun Digest Editors
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In the market for some class glass? Check out some of the best new optics and aiming solutions ready to get you on target.

What Are The Top New Optics:

  • Aimpoint CompM5b
  • Viridian HS1 Laser-Sight Hand Stop
  • Maven CS.1 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope
  • Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm
  • Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Multi-Turret Riflescope
  • Meprolight R4E Tru-Dot
  • Swampfox Liberty and Justice Red-Dot Sights

    • Whether it’s a top-of-the-line scope to make a long shot a sure bet or a minuscule red dot for hitting center mass every time, you need a solid aiming solution. Optics, laser sights and red dots are better than ever and, in many cases, won’t break the bank. We’ve gathered up seven of the best new optics to hit the market recently. All you’ve got to decide is, which will get you on target?

    Aimpoint CompM5b

    GG Aimpoint

    It’s no secret that Aimpoint delivers the goods. But the respected optics maker might’ve outdone itself with the CompM5b. The red dot offers a truly tactical system, not only delivering outstanding accuracy, but also quick calibration. This, in part, is thanks to an interchangeable turret system adapted for different calibers at different target ranges. It’s also compatible with an array of Aimpoint magnifiers, including the 3XMag-1 and 6XMag-1 magnifiers, as well as all generations of Night Vision Devices. Its 2-MOA dot is excellent for precise close-quarters engagements, but fine enough to handle midrange work. And, as expected from Aimpoint, the 6.3 unit is tough. MSRP: $1,124

    Viridian HS1 Laser-Sight Hand Stop

    GG Viridian

    Simple concepts oftentimes prove the most useful. That perfectly pegs Viridian’s new additions. Pulling double duty, the HS1 is the first and only hand stop laser sighting device on the market. Hard to believe it’s taken this long for someone to cook up this concept, given the AR-15 is more than a half-century old. As to the particulars of the Viridian HS1, it uses a highly visible green laser, which extends its use to some daylight applications. M-Lok mounts make it compatible with a wide spectrum of handguards. And, it has a simple operating system, powering on via a pressure pad on the stop. There might not a more practical addition for a close-quarters AR. MSRP: $179

    Maven CS.1 15-45x65mm

    GG Maven

    Compromise isn’t part of the game with once-in-a-lifetime hunts. From rifle to boots, you’ve got to have equipment up to the job. Maven gets this, which is why they’ve designed the CS.1 spotting scope. At once, the precision optic is lightweight and unimposing, while delivering pristine details at ranges most other scopes only dream of. Boasting the same extra-low dispersion, multi-coated glass found in Maven’s C Series binos, the CS.1 has impeccable light-gathering capabilities, producing bright, high-contrast images. And with an aluminum/magnesium frame, the 40-ounce optic is next to nothing in a rucksack with the durability to stand up to the toughest hunt. MSRP: $650

    Gear Up!:

    Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm

    GG Sightmark

    Lack of light is no excuse to head home from the field. Not with the Wraith HD 2-16x28mm digital riflescope on your rifle. Boasting a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor that delivers pristine images on a 1280×720 FLCOS display, the day/night optic is the perfect option to fill your bag, no matter the hour. The dandy optic is easy to use, too. Switching from full-color daytime mode to green or black-and-white night IR is push-button simple. Additionally, the Wraith comes with a removable 850nm IR illuminator to enhance nighttime images for accurate target acquisition out to 200 yards. If that’s not enough, the scope’s built-in video recording system comes with seven hours of memory. MSRP: $600

    Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Multi-Turret Riflescope

    GG Bushnells

    Next to surgical-like precision, long-range shooting pursuits are known for one thing—a hefty price tag. However, Bushnell has done a dynamite job moderating the expense of adding a quality optic and continues the trend with the AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Multi-Turret. The scope’s defining feature is its quick-swap elevation caps. Simply choose from four popular calibers—6.5 CM, .224 Valkyrie, .308 Win. and .223 Rem—and you’re ready to dial in at any range. Large controls, from magnification ring lever to turrets, make this tactical marvel easy to adjust on the fly. And with a large 40mm objective and magnification to spare, it’s certain to get you on target no matter the distance. MSRP: $270

    Meprolight R4E Tru-Dot

    GG Mepolight

    While suppressors have taken the shooting world by storm, it takes more than just a threaded muzzle to make one compatible with most handguns. Given the diameter of some cans, sights are a concern. Meprolight solves this dilemma with the introduction of the R4E Tru-Dot day/night sights. Tailored for Glock and H&K VP9 pistols, the upgraded sights stand taller, allowing for a clear sight picture over a suppressor. The sights also boast three vertical and two horizontal lines that produce a reticle-type sight picture that improves target acquisition time. Furthermore, the lines are tritium enhanced on the rear sight to help improve target acquisition in low-light conditions. Available in orange, yellow or green, the sights are ideal to get on target with your suppressed handgun. MSRP: $129

    Swampfox Liberty and Justice Red-Dot Sights

    GG bliad

    What? You aren’t shooting with a red dot yet? As far as modern accessories go, there are few that do more for your accuracy behind a handgun. Swampfox makes red dots an easy, not to mention effective, addition to your target or defensive pistol with the introduction of the Liberty and Justice red-dots. The next-generation optics are optimized for concealed carry, robust enough to take everyday knocks, and adequately low-profile to keep under wraps. Liberty is Swampfox’s standard-window model, measuring 22mm wide, while the Justice is the big-window 27mm variant. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a 3 MOA dot, shake-and-wake power system and incredibly long battery life.
    MSRP: Liberty: $249 / Justice: $259

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    New Texas Bill Requires Victims to Attempt Retreat before Using Deadly Force

    By
    Gun Digest Editors
    -
    1
     

    AdobeStock_129793745

    Lone Star Gun Rights is alerting Texans to a bill pre-filed by Texas Rep. Terry Meza; HB 196: AN ACT relating to the use of deadly force in defense of a person or property. Per LSGR:

    …a very worrying piece of legislation was introduced by Irving State Representative Terry Meza. HB 196 seeks to repeal the Castle Doctrine, preventing a homeowner from using firearms to defend their property.

    Yes and no. The bill does strike “robbery, or aggravated robbery” from the list of things one can use deadly force against in Sections 9.32(a)(3)(B). But the use of deadly force — and not just with a firearm — to prevent the loss of “tangible, movable property” is left intact in Section 9.41.

    Now, in my own state one cannot use deadly force to prevent a theft, but nonlethal force is permissible. And if a criminal is stupid enough to escalate the situation by assaulting you in order to complete the theft, deadly force would then be on the table. That's also the case in Texas under Section 9.31. So I don't think that would be too great a problem in of of itself, other than the precedent of restricting rights.

    The problem is that HB 196 would also do something else, something problematic. Texas has no duty for victims to retreat. This bill would require a victim to attempt to retreat in the face of an attacker before using deadly force, except when you are in your own home (Section 9.31(c)). This eliminates so-called stand your ground protection.

    I call duty to retreat Faster Than A Speeding Bullet, because if your attacker is armed with a firearm, that's how fast you would have to be for a retreat to work.

    Texans should read LGSR's entire alert for a list of other bad Dem-sponsored 2A infringements.

    This article originally appeared on TheTruthAboutGuns.com

    Top AR-15 Upgrades From Top To Bottom

    By
    Luke Hartle
    -
    0

    AR Upgrade Lead

    Fast, easy and inexpensive AR-15 upgrades.

    What Are The AR-15 Upgrades On This Rifle:

    Have you ever seen a NASCAR driver roll up his sleeves and dive, elbow-deep, under the hood of his machine? Yeah, me neither. Now, I’m confident that every driver has an intricate understanding of what goes on under all those logos while he’s chewing up asphalt at 200 mph, but when parts need swapping and tweaks need tweaking, there’s a guy on the team for that. The driver drives, and the mechanics wrench.

    For the most part, gun owners work like this too. The majority of riflemen I know—and I’m referring to people who have multiple gun safes to house all their firearms—do little more to their firearms than pull the bolt to clean the gun. The thought of checking the torque on the action’s screws or pulling the trigger assembly for a clean-and-lube darned near paralyzes them. In their minds, they do the “driving,” and a qualified gunsmith does the “wrenching.”

    Now, don’t misunderstand me one bit here: If you’re uncomfortable opening that hood, don’t do it. Tinkering with a firearm is always best left to the trained hand.

    A Different ‘Racecar’

    But, with that said, the AR is a completely different type of “racecar”—the type that can make even the newest of shooters (or those hardcore shooters who are completely new to the platform)—look like a master mechanic. While I don’t agree with those who refer to the platform as “Legos for gun guys,” the modularity advantage of this statement certainly stands up. And, as a result, it’s possible to change up the body and the handling of the rig without messing around with the “drivetrain.”

    Here’s my point: Customizing something to fit your needs and personality is, simply put, fun … whether we’re talking about outfitting a truck or tweaking a firearm. I know a lot of hardcore gun guys—people who own a dozen bolt-action rifles, a half-dozen revolvers, a bunch of 1911s and even a few poly guns—who avoid the AR platform entirely, simply because it’s so different from what they know.

    And none of them is wrong: The AR is quite radical by old-school standards. But, in this case, radical equals intuitive, and intuitive equals easy customization.

    To prove my point in an effort to inspire you to find that special “this one is mine” Zen, I detailed a part-by-part breakdown of my most recent AR-15 upgrade project. And, to further prove my point about this being so simple that even an AR amateur can do it, I timed a good friend (who owns a bunch of rifles and pistols but has only shot one 20-round mag through an AR) during each phase. He knows guns, but he’s new to ARs.

    For the install of each piece, I silently observed while the included instructions were referenced. YouTube was consulted for additional instruction, as needed.

    For this article, I’m not going to crawl down the torque-spec rabbit hole. You don’t have to be the head cashier at Bass Pro to know that managed torque is extremely important in every firearm, regardless of platform. For torque specs, hit up the instructions or the website of the manufacturer that made your specific part(s).

    All right; enough of that. Let’s get on with it.

    Gun

    RRA

    Make: Rock River Arms
    Model: RRAge AR-15 in 5.56 NATO
    MSRP: $760
    Time: N/A
    Notes: N/A
    When ARs first entered the consumer market, ground-level guns were quickly replaced by the manufacturers with, “Let’s see what unique features we can slap on this gun to make our black gun different from the rest.” With that came a substantial jump in pricing, and that movement essentially created a forest of niche-based ARs with price tags that alienated many potential new-to-platform shooters.

    Today, “budget-friendly” is a market phrase that’s re-infiltrated the lineups from most manufacturers. Finding a sub-$500 AR is very possible: There are some diamonds in the rough, but a cheap car isn’t really “cheap” if you have to replace the transmission within a few thousand miles. Get me?

    I chose the Rock River RRAge as the chassis for this AR-15 upgrade project, largely due to the company’s outstanding reputation. As with others in this class (for example, Sig Sauer’s Tread or Springfield’s Saint), the reliability comes stamped with a company name that’s proven its competence.

    The RRAge’s furniture wares are as expected from a budget-friendly rifle: an M4-style stock, six-position receiver extension, very basic, A2-style pistol grip and an ejection port cover. A 16-inch barrel with a carbine-length gas system and an RRA single-stage, mil-spec trigger are also included. Absent are a forward assist and a case deflector, but I honestly couldn’t care less (apologies in advance to any traditionalists out there).

    Bolt Carrier Group

    BCG

    Make: Velocity Triggers
    Model: Recoil-less Bolt Carrier
    MSRP: $299.95
    Time: 12 minutes
    Notes: Synchronized removal of the bolt carrier group and the charging handle can be a delicate dance. It’s easy, but it’s gotta be just right. The same goes for the re-install of each.

    I consider this AR-15 upgrade the biggest novelty buy of this build … but it was so damned easy! Although the low-mass bolt carrier can be purchased separately, this beauty (yes, the nano-diamond nickel coating visually matches my comp and trigger quite well) performs best with the fine-tuning capabilities offered with an adjustable gas block.

    In case it isn’t clear, the entire premise behind the low-mass, Recoil-less bolt carrier is designed to do exactly as its name indicates: minimize recoil. Sure, the 5.56 NATO doesn’t produce much to begin with, but with recoil reduction comes a reduction in muzzle rise—which means faster follow-up shots, one after another.

    Trigger

    Rise Trigger drop in ar-15 upgrade

    Make: Rise Armament
    Model: RA-434 High-Performance Trigger
    MSRP: $169
    Time: 14 minutes
    Notes: Two pins remove the two-piece mil-spec trigger. Two pins secure the one-piece drop-in.

    If you retain a single sentence from this entire article, let it be this one: Replace your mil-spec trigger immediately. Take money out of your child’s college fund to pay for its replacement if you have to, but get it done! It is, without question, the most impactful AR-15 upgrade equation … and, it’s not that expensive. While brand options are many, I elected to go with Rise Armament’s RA-434 because it operates in a sweet spot between speed (not a priority concern for my shooting disciplines) and smoothness (which should be everyone’s priority) from a single-stage function.

    Remember what your grandfather told you? “The gun should surprise you when it goes off.” Um, no. I want a trigger that breaks cleanly and consistently so I know exactly when it’s going to release during each and every shot cycle. I got that—at a 3.5-pound break—with the Rise 434. Plus, it comes packaged with anti-walk pins. And, in the name of true vanity, the trigger’s silver color closely matches the bolt carrier and the comp. (Hey, looks matter!)

    Get On Target With The AR:

    Stock

    Stock

    Make: Hogue Grips
    Model: Rubber Overmolded Collapsible Buttstock
    MSRP: $69.95
    Time: Under 1 minute
    Notes: It’ll take you longer to open the new stock’s packaging than it will for you to make the swap!

    Pop the pin, slide the old stock off the rear of the tube. Push the pin on the new stock and slide it on. Don’t even waste your time YouTube-ing this step … you’ll have it done before you find a suitable instructional video.

    I chose the Hogue for the AR-15 upgrade project because it markets its stock as being a “beard-safe design,” and anyone that creative and honest can have my money. However, more important than that was the rubber overmolding for a hard and comfortable cheekweld. There’s a bit of a recoil pad, but it’s semi-unnecessary with the light tickle of 5.56 NATO fire.

    It’s also worth noting here that not all buffer tubes are created equal (yes, I learned the hard way during my first stock swap a few years back); thus, your stock must fit accordingly. In the sometimes convoluted world of the AR, there’s a “commercial tube” and a “mil-spec” tube. My RRAge has the commercial variant. Simply: The commercial buffer tube has a slightly larger diameter—about 3/100 inch. Whatever genius thought we needed two buffer tube sizes should be kicked. Hard.

    Grips

    AR-15 upgrade Grip

    Make: VZ Weapon Solutions
    Model: Recon M-Lok Bundle
    MSRP: $129
    Time: 5 minutes
    Notes: Remove the original grip slowly, and don’t take your eyes off that selector spring. It’s Houdini-like!

    Remember when I said that looks matter? A good-looking AR had better have a grip and rail panels that match, and they’d better tie in with the rest of the build as well. But, alas, the form must have a function if I’m spending the money and the time to affix it to my AR.

    Like AR manufacturers, the companies that offer AR accessories are thick these days. And, honestly, VZ Grips came out of left field. Like a bee to honey, I was attracted to the availability of a blue pistol grip to match my handguard. However, after a wee bit of digging, I also realized I’d be adding an increased palm swell for better control, as well as textured rail panels for grip indexing and control up front. It’s an excellent upgrade. I also swapped the grips on my 1911 Executive carry gun to match.

    I have two words of warning here: First, clear your afternoon schedule before jumping onto the VZ Grips website. It’s like a grown man’s candy store. Second, keep an eye on that darned nomadic selector spring when you pop off the factory grip. It’ll wander off on ya.

    Trigger Guard

    Trigger Guard

    Make: Velocity Triggers
    Model: Sentinel Trigger Guard
    MSRP: $14.95
    Time: Less than 5 minutes
    Notes: Pop a roll pin and a detent pin to remove the old guard. Three screws secure the new one.

    For me, this AR-15 upgrade is a complete vanity item—for no other reason than to get some more beautiful blue onto this build. It’s very much true that the Sentinel does allow for a bit more finger room inside the guard; and, for some shooting styles, that little bit of room makes a big difference. Me? I just like the color!

    Mag Catch Release

    Mag Release

    Make: Velocity Triggers
    Model: VMR Magazine Release
    MSRP: $21.95
    Time: 6 minutes
    Notes: Remove the original by pushing the mag release button in with a punch and unscrewing the mag release on the opposing side. The new one goes on just as easily.

    The award for “tiny, but mighty” goes to Velocity’s “extended” mag release button. My mom always said that habits are just cobwebs that become cables. Still, even after countless rounds through an AR, I occasionally struggle to quickly and efficiently find the mag release button on a tactical reload. This little AR-15 upgrade not only matches in color (Velocity’s website lists 10 color options), it also adds just enough real estate for my index finger to find easily.

    Handguard

    Handguard AR-15 upgrade

    Make: Rise Armament
    Model: RA-905 M-Lok
    MSRP: $229
    Time: 22 minutes
    Notes: Most handguards will come with a replacement barrel nut, which means that removal of the gas system is mandatory. This isn’t as daunting as it sounds! YouTube is your friend here.

    How does one not select a handguard with the color name, “Patriot Blue”? To make sure the function fits the form, the RA-905 is free-floating (as it should be), loaded with M-Lok slots and complete with Picatinny rail mounting options at both the muzzle and breech of the handguard. What I really like about this handguard is the slim profile through the center, which allows my fat mitts great control over the muzzle end of the gun.

    Muzzle Device

    Compensator

    Make: Rise Armament
    Model: RA-701 Compensator
    MSRP: $109
    Time: 3 minutes
    Notes: Keep an eye on how the washer references the barrel to avoid putting it on backward.
    I know that a stainless steel comp is going to show shooting debris 10 times more than a black one, but when it’s clean … man, does it look sharp! Plus, top porting is designed to mitigate muzzle rise. Most importantly, I wanted the flash hider off my gun.

    Unless you’re trying to do something with the rifle that you really shouldn’t be doing anyway, a flash hider does little more than protect the threads (and they make thread caps for that).

    The Sum of All Parts

    A handful of years ago, there was a movement within the shooting industry to try to relabel the AR as an “MSR” (an acronym for “modern sporting rifle”). The motives were a pure attempt to distance the platform from the “dark shadow” cast by the mainstream media’s interpretation of the tool. The efforts never really took root, and I’m good with that. After all, a rose by any other name is still a rose.

    Regardless of its moniker, the AR-15 is, and always has been, “America’s rifle.” And, with a little creativity and about an hour’s worth of very enjoyable work, this one is mine.

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    Is The Trijicon Huron The Ultimate Whitetail Optic?

    By
    Brad Fitzpatrick
    -
    1
    The Huron scopes come with a matte-black, nonglare finish on the 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum body. Trijicon exposes its scopes to a litany of abuse tests, so there’s no worry that rough baggage-handlers, bumpy ATV rides, or heavy recoil will ruin your scope.
    The Huron scopes come with a matte-black, nonglare finish on the 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum body. Trijicon exposes its scopes to a litany of abuse tests, so there’s no worry that rough baggage-handlers, bumpy ATV rides, or heavy recoil will ruin your scope.

    In sub-zero conditions, the Trijicon Huron riflescope still put whitetails on ice.

    The big news from Trijicon for 2020 is certainly the release of its groundbreaking Ventus, a portable rangefinder that doubles as a sophisticated wind mapping device. As significant an advancement as the Ventus is, it’s hardly Trijicon’s only new product for 2020: The company is offering a whole host of brand-new scopes for hunters and shooters.

    Huron Scopes

    One of the new Trijicon releases is the Huron line, a family of optics that’s aimed at (pun intended!) the white-tailed deer hunter. The whitetail is, far and away, the most popular big-game animal in North America, and approximately 80 percent of the hunters who head to the field each year do so in search of whitetails. As a result, it makes sense that Trijicon would make an effort to build the perfect deer scope … if such a thing exists.

    If it does, it might be the Huron.

    Trijicon optics have a reputation for superb clarity and excellent construction, but optics of that caliber don’t come cheap. In designing the Huron, Trijicon’s engineers set out to provide the same level of optical quality at a price that would be more palatable to the average deer hunter by providing them with every feature they need and nothing they don’t.

    Trijicon’s Huron is available in four different magnification ranges: 1-4x, 2.5-10x, 3-9x, and 3-12x. All of these scopes come with Trijicon’s BDC Hunter Holds reticle. The 3-9x40mm (shown here) is also available with Trijicon’s Standard Duplex and German No. 4 reticles.
    Trijicon’s Huron is available in four different magnification ranges: 1-4x, 2.5-10x, 3-9x, and 3-12x. All of these scopes come with Trijicon’s BDC Hunter Holds reticle. The 3-9x40mm (shown here) is also available with Trijicon’s Standard Duplex and German No. 4 reticles.

    To be clear, the Huron scopes share the same military-grade construction and premium glass you’ll find in the company’s more expensive optics, so the Huron offers the same clarity, contrast and construction quality you’ll find on optics such as the AccuPoint. What the Huron doesn’t offer is Trijicon’s battery-free illumination tritium/fiber-optic lamps that are found in the AccuPoint line. The Huron offers AccuPoint-like clarity and light transmission in a package that costs about $500 less than the company’s flagship hunting optic. There are four Huron models available for 2020: 1-4x24mm, 3-9x40mm, 2.5-10x40mm, and 3-12x40mm. All are available with either 30mm or 1-inch tubes.

    Trijicon is bucking the trend toward very large objective bells, but that’s not a bad thing. For starters, the notion that a very large 52mm or 56mm objective lens allows for better light transmission at dawn and dusk simply isn’t true. A 40mm lens with good-quality lenses and coatings will allow the shooter a clear view, even in low light.

    The downside of those oversized objective bells is that they demand the rifle be mounted higher above the bore (and this, in turn, demands higher rings), and they weigh more than scopes with smaller objective lenses. Forty-millimeter objective lenses not only cut weight, they also allow the scope to be mounted closer to the rifle’s bore, and this prevents the shooter from having to increase comb height or break their cheek weld on the rifle to clearly see through the scope.

    The compact 1-4x24mm scope measures just 10.4 inches long and weighs 15.9 ounces. At 17.8 ounces, the 3-12x40mm is very light for its magnification class, and that makes these optics ideal for sporter-weight rifles.

    Weighing in at 18 ounces or less, the Huron line of scopes is ideal for lightweight mountain rifles such as this Christensen Arms Mesa Titanium. With the Huron scope mounted, this rifle—chambered in 6.5 PRC—weighs less than 8 pounds.
    Weighing in at 18 ounces or less, the Huron line of scopes is ideal for lightweight mountain rifles such as this Christensen Arms Mesa Titanium. With the Huron scope mounted, this rifle—chambered in 6.5 PRC—weighs less than 8 pounds.

    Huron scopes offer a long list of standard features that include MOA adjustments in both the 30mm and 1-inch models. They also come with Trijicon’s Easy-Focus Eyepiece so the diopter can be adjusted to match the shooter’s vision for a clear, consistent sight picture.

    The scope body is made from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum with a black satin finish that’s durable and glare-resistant, and the capped windage and elevation turrets can be adjusted without special tools. The fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass lenses are equipped with an anti-scratch coating, and there are different second focal plane reticle options: Standard Duplex, German No. 4, and BDC Hunter Holds. The BDC Hunter Holds’ crosshair offers quick reference points for windage and elevation adjustments, and these scopes offer extremely wide fields of view (up to 33.8 feet at 100 yards for the 3-9×40; up to 95 feet at 100 yards for the 1-4×24).

    Backed by Trijicon’s class-leading warranty, the Huron is a lot of glass for the money. MSRPs range from $650 to $699, and that’s a bargain for optics of this quality from a brand with such an outstanding track record.

    Range-Testing the Huron

    The Huron model I tested was the 2.5-10x40mm 30mm version with the BDC Hunter Holds reticle, and I tested it on an ER Shaw Mark X bolt-action rifle in 6mm Creedmoor. I knew part of the test would include a hunt in Canada’s far north for November whitetails, and the Mark X was the rifle I intended to take on that hunt—because, like the Huron, it promises excellent performance at an affordable cost.

    The Huron’s 40mm objective lens allows it to be mounted lower on the rifle. Yet, the smaller objective doesn’t reduce low-light clarity.
    The Huron’s 40mm objective lens allows it to be mounted lower on the rifle. Yet, the smaller objective doesn’t reduce low-light clarity.

    Because ER Shaw builds all its rifles to customer specifications, I designed the Mark X rifle myself, mating the Shaw action with a 24-inch, matte-finish sporter target barrel with an 11-degree crown, a 1:8 twist rate, and a Grade 5 walnut stock. Together, the rifle and optic carried an MSRP of less than $2,000, but the performance was equal to guns costing much more.

    With the Huron mounted on the rifle, Hornady’s 103-grain ELD-X and 108-grain ELD Match bullets averaged groups between 0.6 and 0.87 inch at the range, and recoil from the 8-pound rifle was essentially nonexistent. The Huron’s reticle is wonderfully free of clutter, offering a wide and unobstructed sight picture.

    The BDC Hunter Hold reticle is a great option for hunters, because it offers clear holdover points for fast reference in the field. While hunting, you might not have time to fool with making click adjustments to find the right elevation hold. The BDC reticle is faster—and that can make a huge difference when you’re presented with a narrow window of time to take a shoe.

    Unlike other hunting scopes, the Huron’s click adjustments are precise and easy to count. What’s more, resetting the zero on your scope is fast and simple. To do so, you simply zero the scope, lift the dial, turn to the “zero” mark, and drop the dial. It locks into place, and you’re re-zeroed without the need to fiddle with tools. Not only is the design wonderfully simple, it’s also precise.

    Trijicon’s Huron 2.5-10x40mm and ER Shaw’s Mark X rifle in 6mm Creedmoor proved to be a deadly combination on Saskatchewan whitetails. This rifle shoots well under an inch with factory loads, produces little recoil, and the optic performed well in dim light.
    Trijicon’s Huron 2.5-10x40mm and ER Shaw’s Mark X rifle in 6mm Creedmoor proved to be a deadly combination on Saskatchewan whitetails. This rifle shoots well under an inch with factory loads, produces little recoil, and the optic performed well in dim light.

    Into the Great North

    Trijicon rates the Huron effective from -20 to +140 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures were at the low end of that range when I arrived in Saskatchewan in November for my whitetail hunt.

    On the first morning in the Safari Rivers Outfitters camp, the thermometer read -12 degrees F, making for a bitterly cold ride to the blinds scattered deep within the Northern Provincial Forest. The formula for hunting Saskatchewan’s huge whitetail bucks is relatively simple: Position yourself along a prime travel corridor … and hope that the drive to reproduce compels the bucks to move during daylight hours.

    I had complete confidence in my rifle/scope/load combination, and I knew that if a deer showed, the 6mm Creedmoor would do its job. If you believe the stories regarding body size on these big, Canadian bucks, you might be compelled to consider bringing a .30-caliber magnum on such a hunt. But the reality is that while northern-tier whitetails are larger than their southern cousins, they aren’t that much larger.

    Nevertheless, like all whitetails, they’re elusive and hard to find, and that’s especially true in the massive forested tracts of northern Saskatchewan. It’s easy to lose heart and hope when the bitter cold seeps in and the woods are still and frozen, but the knowledge that the deer of a lifetime (several lifetimes, maybe) could be just out of sight around the closest stand of pines keeps you going.

    The daylight hours are short in these woods, and even in full sun, the forested canopy blocks the light. It’s essential, therefore, to have a scope that offers excellent light transmission.

    Canada is tough on hunters and gear, and that’s why it was the perfect proving grounds for both the new Trijicon Huron scope and the ER Shaw rifle. As you can see, both performed well.
    Canada is tough on hunters and gear, and that’s why it was the perfect proving grounds for both the new Trijicon Huron scope and the ER Shaw rifle. As you can see, both performed well.

    The concept that scopes “gather” light isn’t really true, but clear glass with good coatings goes a long way toward managing available light properly and providing hunters with a clear enough image to see their target.

    As the days passed in the cold blind, I had several opportunities to test the Trijicon’s low-light efficiency, and it’s very good—on par with scopes costing much more. There’s very little color distortion, and the optic is clear, edge to edge. By the end of the second day, I’d thoroughly vetted the Huron as an observational tool in low light. Even so, I really needed to test it on game.

    The first blind location was on a small ridge looking down into a winding creek that was frozen solid as steel pipe. The open understory was a mass of telephone-pole-straight pine trunks, and often, the only feature that betrayed the presence of an approaching deer was a horizontal, brown backline passing through the wall of vertical pines.

    There was no shortage of deer in that pine forest, but the bucks that were hanging out around my quaint outpost in the big pine woods were immature. My guide, Joel, made the decision to move me to another area that was even deeper into the forest—far from anything resembling human habitation.

    Scope Out More Optics Info:

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    • Shifting Winds: SIG BDX Changing Shooting For The Better

    When the sun “warmed” (a relative term, I assure you), and chickadees began peeking into the blind windows, I could see a pair of does 100 yards ahead of me. I hoped that they would bring in a buck, but after moiling around for over an hour, they vanished into the trees, and the woods fell silent.

    At noon, I pulled my lunch bag from underneath my outer layer of clothing (to keep everything from freezing) and peeled the wrapper off my sandwich with the Shaw rifle across my legs. I’d just finished when I saw movement through the trees.

    It was a buck, and although he wasn’t one of the giants that are sometimes found in these woods, he was mature and far better than anything I’d seen. I slipped the rifle into position on the shooting sticks and turned the dial on the 2.5-10x40mm Huron to max power.

    The buck turned to the right, quartering slightly away from me. I slid the safety forward and held the crosshairs of the Trijicon at the seam between the buck’s leg and chest a third of the way up his body. When the rifle was steady, I exhaled sharply, settled myself and pressed the trigger.

    The afternoon silence was shattered by the sharp crack! of the 6mm Creedmoor, and the buck fell, nose-first, into the snow. He then managed to regain his feet before vanishing out of sight. I listened for any sound: Other than a series of four or five thumps in the snow, there was nothing.

    The Hornady bullet had passed through the deer’s lungs and broke the off-side leg, and the deer had barely made it out of sight before expiring. He was a better buck than I thought—fat, healthy, and with very dark main beams that reached around and nearly touched. By the time I reached him and snapped a few pictures, the day’s light was quickly fading, and I radioed that I had a deer on the ground and for someone to come and pick me up.

    I came away from that hunt very impressed with the Huron’s performance, and it’s advantage to hunters that Trijicon is offering its high-quality scopes at a price that’s more manageable for the average whitetail hunter. The Huron is marketed as the “ultimate whitetail hunter’s scope,” and it performed exceptionally well in some very challenging conditions.

    Trijicon Huron 2.5-10x40mm Specs
    Tube diameter: 30mm
    Tube material: 6061 aluminum
    Eye relief: 2.4-3.3 in.
    LengtH: 12.5 in.
    Weight: 18.2 oz.
    Finish: Satin black
    Reticle: Trijicon BDC Hunter Holds
    Adjustments: ¼ MOA
    Adjustment range: 70 MOA total
    Exit pupil: 0.58-0.16 in.
    Focal plane: Second
    MSRP: $699

    For more information on the Trijicon Huron scope, please visit trijicon.com.

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    Henry Repeating Arms Expands Side Loading Gate Offerings

    By
    Elwood Shelton
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    Henry Lead

    Henry goes all-in with side loading gates, expanding its selection to nearly every model.

    Say hello to the new Henry, same as the old Henry only different. No, no, the hallowed brand hasn’t reinvented the wheel with its brand-new catalog of lever-action rifles. All the favorites are still there, from the Big Boy to their All-Weather models. Only, now the modern-throwbacks will feature a rather startling modification—a loading gate.

    Alleluia! So, it might not be true to the original Tyler Henry design—then again, steel receivers weren’t either—but boy oh boy does it improve the ease of use. Henry Repeating Arms got the ball rolling in 2019 with the “Kings” gate addition with the Side Gate Lever Action. It struck a chord. Now all of Henry’s .30-30 and .45-70 rifles, .410 bore shotguns, and revolver caliber Big Boy rifles in their blued steel, All-Weather, and Color Case Hardened finishes include the side loading gate. In all, the company is replacing 29 of what it calls “legacy” models with the upgrade.

    Don’t fret if you’re a traditionalist. Henry hasn’t completely broken its successful mold. While the guns now all have side loading gates, they also retain the original removable tubular magazine based on Henry’s (the man) patented 1860 design. Best of both worlds. Given the modification came about due to customer demand, the loading gate will likely get more use. Why not? It’s a world more convenient.

    Henry Loading Gate

    “Ever since our fans and customers got a taste of a side loading Henry, the requests started rolling in immediately to include this feature on their favorite finish or caliber. These new models are going to make a lot of people very happy, and we are always going to have options for fans of our legacy configuration as well,” states Anthony Imperato, president and owner of Henry Repeating Arms. “The removable tube magazine is a core part of our product DNA, so that’s not going anywhere, and fans of the classic brass and octagon barrel configurations will always be able to get that from us.”

    Along with the loading gate addition, the Henry also expanded its Single-Shot Rifle line-up to include two new chamberings—.350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. The calibers are popular in regions around the Great Lakes, where only straight-wall rifle cartridges are allowed for deer season. In all, the break-action, hammer-fired rifle is now available in 10 calibers, also including .223 Rem., .243 Win., .308 Win., .44 Mag./Spl., .45-70 Gov’t, .30-30, .357 Mag./.38 Spl.

    New Henry Rifles

    Steel in .30-30

    Steel 30-30

    Color Case Hardened in .30-30 and .45-70
    CC Hardened

     

    Steel Wildlife

    Steel Wildlife

    Steel in .45-70

    Steel 45-70

    All-Weather in .30-30 and .45-70

    All Weather

    Big Boy in .44 Mag/Spl, .45 Colt and .357 Mag/.38 Spl

    Big Boy

    Big Boy All-Weather in .44 Mag/Spl, .45 Colt and .357 Mag/.38 Spl

    Big Boy All Weather

    Big Boy Color Case Hardened in .44 Mag/Spl, .45 Colt and .357 Mag/.38 Spl

    Big Boy CC Hardened

    Lever-Action .410 Bore

    410 SG

    Single-Shot in .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster

    Single Shot

    For more information on Henry side gate loader rifles, please visit henryusa.com.

    Raise Your Henry Rifle IQ:

    Is It Time to Rethink Your Pet Load?

    By
    Philip Massaro
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    You needn't be a slave to your pet load.
    You needn't be a slave to your pet load.

    We all have our favorite recipes we follow to the letter. But with new components available, you might improve your pet load with some tinkering.

    For a handloader, one of the beauties of a canister-grade powder is that it’s consistent (within reason) from decade to decade. Rifle or pistol, if the brand and type of powder, primer, and make and weight of bullet stay the same, the load should give consistent performance.

    I know loaders who reach for a recipe they’d cooked up during the late Carter administration, put it all together and head to the range or woods just as happy as can be. And frankly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a pet load if it fits the bill and performs in a manner you’re happy with.

    But, as with any other aspect of the shooting industry, great pains have been taken to improve both powders and projectiles. For the first time in shooting history, we can—with great confidence—grab an affordable rifle off the shelf, screw a scope on it and, with factory-loaded ammunition, print MOA groups. In fact, this might be the “golden age” of affordable accuracy. So, the results we obtained years ago with older components might warrant a revision; or, at the very least, some of the new components might deserve an audition.

    Irrefutable Results

    My favorite, old .300 Winchester (a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless that shoots rather well) likes a 180-grain boat-tail bullet and 68½ grains of IMR 4350 with a Federal GM215M primer. Hornady’s InterLock, Sierra’s GameKing, Swift’s Scirocco II—all will print sub-MOA at 100 yards with that same formula. The extreme velocity spread on these bullets runs anywhere from 30 to 50 fps. And while that might not make a huge difference inside of 300 yards, it will on a target rifle that you’d want to stretch out to 1,000 yards.

    Check Out The Gun Digest Reloading Data Center

    With the longer ogive bullets such as the Nosler AccuBond Long Range, this rifle shows a definite preference for IMR Enduron 4955. With bullets of 150 grains, and especially the mono-metal bullets of this weight, the rifle likes IMR Enduron 4451. I’m not sure why, but this gun likes the newer powder designs with different bullets.

    When the author starts a new load, such as the .280 Ackley Improved he took to Namibia, he usually picks a new powder.
    When the author starts a new load, such as the .280 Ackley Improved he took to Namibia, he usually picks a new powder.

    I had a variety of load data for the .318 Westley Richards that was provided by the good folks at Woodleigh Bullets and tested in real rifles instead of universal receivers. However, the best results came from some data Nathan Chesney and I interpolated with the newer Reloder 16 from Alliant: It gave extreme velocity spreads in the single digits, and the velocity hit 2,475 fps with the 250-grain Woodleigh Weldcore. By contrast, many other powders were struggling to attain the 2,400 fps mark that the century-old formula called for. If Nate and I hadn’t been willing to experiment with a new powder, I’d have missed the sub-MOA accuracy and enhanced velocity this rifle delivers.

    There are so many new powders and projectiles on the market that I’m sure there’s a “sleeper” somewhere in your gun safe; a rifle or pistol that has, up until the point at which you experiment with some new components, given only mediocre results. Some time at both benches could have you looking at that rifle or pistol in an entirely different light.

    New and Proven Winners

    Am I insinuating that the old pet loads are somehow invalid or obsolete? Not at all, although things are most definitely changing. Some of the older powders are being discontinued. For instance, IMR 4320, which was the factory propellant for the early .308 Winchester ammunition, will be leaving us soon. It’s a shame, because I have quite a few loads for different cartridges based on using this powder.

    Nevertheless, it’s not the end of the world if this powder or, speaking more broadly, any single powder were to be discontinued. Looking at a burn rate chart, powders have been added that are very close to—although possibly not interchangeable with—some of the older classics, but with more-uniform characteristics.

    “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So saith “Ol’ Grumpy Pants” (my father), who still wears a sweatshirt from 1989 and is convinced that his old dot-matrix printer might come in handy someday. His mystical formula of a .308 Winchester with a 165-grain bullet over IMR 4064 has become the “song of his people,” in spite of the fact that I’ve shown him better accuracy with Hodgdon’s Varget and H380 or Alliant’s Reloder 15—and this is in his own rifle. He has redefined the concept of “stubborn” and simply likes his proven formula.

    There was good data for the author’s .318 Westley Richards, but he decided to think outside the box for his ammo.
    There was good data for the author’s .318 Westley Richards, but he decided to think outside the box for his ammo.

    But I enjoy experimentation, and finding a new load—even with a proven bullet—with a new powder that might provide better accuracy or velocity is a labor of love.

    Those new powder developments—IMR’s Enduron line, Hodgdon’s Extreme line, the newer powders from Accurate and Ramshot, as well as the new offerings from Alliant—have proved to be winners, and I can’t think of a single example of a new powder released in the last few years that hasn’t proved to be an improvement. They burn cleaner, offer copper-fouling remover and are much less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. In addition, I’m seeing velocity spreads getting narrower all the time.

    I’m not exactly abandoning my IMR4350 loads: I’ve found that the .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum and .375 H&H Magnum really like that powder (or any of the classics). However, because the IMR Enduron line has five offerings, and each is very close in burn rate to an existing classic powder, I’m slowly developing my own new data centered around those powders.

    Load Up On Reloading Info:

    Winchester’s new StaBALL 6.5 is a new powder that’s highly intriguing; it sits right in between the various 4350s (IMR, Hodgdon and Accurate) and IMR4831 and H4831SC. But because of the grain structure, it’ll take up less room in the case and meters wonderfully. It’s been showing an increase in velocity when compared with powders of similar burn rate, and it possesses all the copper-fouling reducers and temperature insensitivity the IMR Enduron and Hodgdon Extreme powders have.

    Is Your Pet Load Obsolete?

    While I could spend half the pages of this issue pontificating on this point, the recent developments in projectiles warrant some attention.

    Component bullets, such as the Trophy Bonded Tip (newly available as a component) and Terminal Ascent from Federal for hunters; the A-TIP Match from Hornady for the long-range crowd; and the Gold Dot G2 for pistol fans are all fantastic designs that could re-inspire you.

    We seek the best reloading gear—VLD chamfer tools, micrometer-adjustable crimp dies and seating dies, etc.—and, of course, we prepare our cases to be as uniform as possible. So, it stands to reason that we’d want the best projectiles and powders money can buy … or, at least, that we can afford.

    Personally, I have those go-to pet loads that have never let me down, but I truly enjoy the new developments and using them in the field.

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    All Steel, Hammer Fired And Affordable: Sarsilmaz SAR 2000

    By
    Elwood Shelton
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    SAR 2000

    Move over other CZ-75 clones, the SAR 2000 is ready to give all comers a run for their money.

    How Does The SAR 2000 Stand Up To Other Clones:

    • All steel construction for a hefty and durable pistol.
    • Respectable trigger, with a very crisp single-action break.
    • Priced competitively relative to nearly any other CZ-75 clone.

    An echo of an echo, it’s difficult to tell where the CZ-75 starts and its clones end. By all rights, it’s among the most copied handguns to ever come down the pike, perhaps only overshadowed by the throngs of Single Action Army and 1911 riffs swelling the market. There’s a whole story about CZ-75 clones and how they multiplied like fleas on a feral dog. Sufficed to say, its proliferation is a testament not only to poor Combloc patent law, but the genius of the design. Imitation, flattery and all that.

    Like so many European gunmakers, Sarsilmaz long ago succumbed to the CZ-75 siren song and has now introduced its crack at the old 75 to U.S. gun buyers. Well, the SAR 2000 is a reintroduction of sorts. Yanks have fawned over the Turkish concern’s double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistols previously under the banner of Armalite, the unfortunately somewhat forgotten AR-24. Though this latest iteration is more closely related to the original Sarsilmaz DA/SA—the Sarsılmaz Kilinç 2000. Pretty much a dead ringer.

    Following the original’s lead, the SAR 2000 isn’t a true-to-form CZ-75 clone. The 9mm has an Italian accent, taking a cue of another prolific 75 clone-maker, Tanfoglio—best known stateside nowadays for the EAA Witness. This is mainly seen in the fire control, which at times some shooters have contended was better than what came out of CZ. (That’s a barbershop debate point, not set-in-stone gospel.) The single-action especially won praise with a short take up, crisp trip and bearable reset. What more could you ask from a pistol whose first trigger pull (in double-action) hovers around 14-pounds?

    SAR 2000 1

    As to the SAR 2000’s tale of the tape, it features a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel, recessed match crown and forged stainless steel slide—tri-top, with plenty of material shaved away. Forged steel frame too, which should strike a chord among traditionalists.

    While dimensionally, the pistol comes in compact enough to conceal, it’s got the stuff to test waistbands. Unloaded, the SAR 2000 tips the scales at a robust 35 ounces, considerably more with a fully-loaded 10- or 17-round magazine (both are available). On the flip side, the pistol is a smooth shooter, with much of its heft devouring the already polite 9mm’s recoil. This gives it the chops as a budget competition gun.

    The pistol’s ergonomics are solid as well. Grip rake is nearly identical to the CZ-75, and it boasts ample beavertail facilitating a fundamental high grip without fear of the SAR 2000’s bite. The front and back straps are lightly textured, rubberized panels do the lion’s share of keeping the gun in hand. No decocker either, just a relatively streamlined thumb safety, so it’s possible to run the pistol cocked and locked. As to the sights, no frills here—steel three-dot. But front and rear are dovetailed and upgradable.

    The part to get very excited about with the SAR 2000 is its price, which in a word is “low”. The company’s black-finished pistol has an MSRP of $477 and the stainless-steel model an MSRP of $500. Given its assets, if it proves a shooter, the DA/SA qualifies as a value.

    SAR 2000 Specs
    Caliber: 9 mm
    Height: 5.5 inches
    Capacity: 17+1 or 10+1 rounds
    Width: 1.4 inches
    Overall length: 8.0 inches
    Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
    Weight: 35.2 ounces
    MSRP: $477.77 black finish; $499.99 stainless steel

    For more information on the SAR 2000, please visit sarusa.com.

    Load Up On More 9mm Knowledge:

    Terminal Ballistics: Shooting Through Walls

    By
    Philip Massaro
    -
    2
    Have you ever wondered what a handgun bullet will do if it hits the walls of your home? Author Phil Massaro put together a backyard experiment to find out.
    Have you ever wondered what a handgun bullet will do if it hits the walls of your home? Author Phil Massaro put together a backyard experiment to find out.

    Drywall, insulation, plywood—what exactly do these materials and combinations of them do to the terminal ballistics of premium defensive bullets?

    As someone who owns a handgun and is willing to take action to defend you and yours, you’ve certainly given thought to the possible consequences of firing that gun within your home. There are many premium handgun bullet designs that will give fantastic performance through all sorts of media.

    But what happens in the event of a missed shot in the home?

    I was intrigued to see what these premium bullets would do in a few “real-world” environments, such as an interior wall with studs or an exterior wall with drywall, fiberglass insulation and plywood exterior.

    • Do certain materials cause different behavior?
    • Will the premium bullets whistle through a door with enough apparent energy to wound, maim or kill?
    • What will it take to stop a handgun bullet?
    • What effects do caliber and bullet weight have?

    While my testing was the “rudimentary/backyard” style instead of some controlled laboratory environment, it’s real … and there were some informative and eye-opening results.

    Gathering Guns and Ammo

    Officer Mark Nazi from the Catskill, New York, police force and co-owner of Double Eagle Tactical Training and I got together with some of our favorite handguns and a variety of makes and models of premium ammunition: S&W Model 36 in .38 Special, a Glock G45 in 9mm Luger, Mark’s personal-carry gun—a Glock G22 in .40 S&W—a Kimber 1911 TLEII in .45 ACP and … just to add some spice, my own Ruger BlackHawk in .45 Colt.

    Once you hear that “bump in the night,” you need to be extremely cognizant of what might be behind your prospective target, because your home’s walls probably won’t stop a bullet.
    Once you hear that “bump in the night,” you need to be extremely cognizant of what might be behind your prospective target, because your home’s walls probably won’t stop a bullet.

    Ammunition ran as light as the 110-grain bullets for the .38 Special (Hornady Critical Defense +P) to the 325-grain slugs in the .45 Colt (Choice Ammunition’s Bear load, featuring a wide, flat-nosed, hard-cast bullet). Barriers included one interior wall comprising two pieces of sheetrock screwed to a pair of 2×4 studs and an exterior wall comprising one piece of drywall, studs, fiberglass insulation and a plywood exterior.

    (Now, before you start to find fault with these simple designs, please realize that we were not trying to build a home; rather, we wanted to find the effects of common building materials on premium handgun projectiles' terminal ballistics.)

    We needed a way to stop our bullets—with minimal damage to the design. Mark brought along an old bulletproof vest that we attached to the back side of our mock wall, allowing it to move enough so as to not overly influence the shape of bullet. We recovered all but one projectile.

    Massaro and Officer Mark Nazi mocked up both an exterior wall and interior wall for the penetration and terminal ballistics test.
    Massaro and Officer Mark Nazi mocked up both an exterior wall and interior wall for the penetration and terminal ballistics test.

    Mark and I then discussed the average distance at which a shooter would be using a handgun in the house. We settled on 10 feet and set the targets accordingly.

    Bullet Trio

    Let’s start with this premise: Nearly all handgun bullets, including those from a .22 Long Rifle, will penetrate a couple of panels of sheetrock … unless a stud, pipe or electrical wire is hit. While wooden studs and drywall aren’t the only combinations used for home construction, they represent very common choices.

    Accordingly, different construction materials will have varying effects on any bullet (for instance, masonry construction is much tougher than the thin wood paneling that was so popular in the 1970s) regarding its deformation and retained energy. However, observing the ferocity with which our test bullets whistled through both barriers, along with how much they moved the vest (which was stapled to the top of the target so it could rotate upward), showed us both the varying power levels of the cartridge/bullet combinations, as well as which bullets expanded regularly and which plugged up with material.

    Mark Nazi of Double Eagle Tactical Training staples a used bulletproof vest to the rear of the mock wall in order to stop and recover bullets in this "backyard" terminal ballistics test.
    Mark Nazi of Double Eagle Tactical Training staples a used bulletproof vest to the rear of the mock wall in order to stop and recover bullets in this “backyard” terminal ballistics test.

    S&W .38 Special

    I tried a trio of bullets in my snubnose S&W .38 Special: the 110-grain Hornady FTX Critical Duty, 130-grain Winchester PDX-1 Defender and the 158-grain Hornady XTP in my handload. Firstly, of all the cartridges tested, the .38 Special had the least visible movement of the vest. Secondly, all three bullets were nearly plugged with gypsum from the drywall.

    More Ballistics Information:

  • Ballistics Basics: Initial Bullet Speed
  • How Does Barrel Length Affect Accuracy And Ballistics?
  • Truth About Straight-Walled Cartridge Ballistics
  • Working With Ballistic Gelatin at Home
  • Ballistics Basics: Bullet Efficiency And Ballistic Coefficients

    • Expansion was rather uniform, with expanded bullets measuring between .429 and .486 inch (from the original .357-inch diameter) and weighing just under or a bit over original weight (the drywall material added to the bullet weight). I don’t doubt the effectiveness of the .38 Special cartridge—especially in the +P guise—and although the 2-inch barrel of the Model 36 gives up a bit of velocity, in a crowded house, this cartridge came out as my favorite.

    9mm Luger

    The 9mm Luger offered a visible increase in momentum, pushing the 135-grain Hornady FTX bullet at slightly more than 1,000 fps from the 4-inch barrel (the 110-grain .38 Special load lists an equal velocity—but with a 4-inch barrel, not the 2-inch barrel of the Model 36), and it expanded to an average of 0.576 inch, retaining 131.8 grains of its original 135. This might have been an instance of velocity gain due to barrel length, but the visual impact of the 9mm into the vest had a definitive advantage over the .38 Special.

    This is the exit hole through the second sheet of drywall on the mock interior wall.
    This is the exit hole through the second sheet of drywall on the mock interior wall.

    .40 S&W

    Bumping up to the .40 S&W, things changed radically. The interior wall offered virtually zero resistance, other than to start the expansion, but the exterior wall didn’t offer much more, because our bullet-stopper vest was flipping around. Mark carries the Federal Hydra-Shok 180-grain load on duty, and that load is well-proven throughout the law enforcement community, as well as the CCW crowd.

    I could say the same about the 155-grain Federal HST load; that HST has been my favorite defensive bullet for quite some time. The 180-grain Hydra-Shok expanded from .400 to .717 inch, weighing 183.6 grains (picking up material through the wall). The lighter HST load expanded to .635 inch, weighing 158.2 grains. The .40 S&W has bridged the gap between the 9mm and .45 ACP for some time now and gives a great blend of low recoil and wonderful terminal ballistics.

    .45 ACP

    Turning to the classic .45 ACP, its additional throw weight more than made up for the diminished velocity, especially at the test distance we chose. The .45 ACP is my favorite all-around defensive cartridge.

    The Sig Sauer FMJ load for the .45 ACP gave the kind of penetration and deformation you’d expect from a premium FMJ design in the penetration and terminal ballistics test.
    The Sig Sauer FMJ load for the .45 ACP gave the kind of penetration and deformation you’d expect from a premium FMJ design in the penetration and terminal ballistics test.

    There are also some wonderful projectiles available for the .45 ACP; and among those tested, there were a few that gave excellent performance. Regarding momentum: The visible movement of both the wall and the bulletproof vest was the greatest we’d seen as of that point, with most designs being nearly equal (from a visual standpoint).

    As they showed me during a more formal test at the Federal plant in Anoka, Minnesota, both the Hydra-Shok Deep and HST gave stellar performances. Browning’s BXP load and the Sig Sauer V-Crown load (the latter being a bullet from Sierra) also had high weight retention and good expansion throughout the test.

    .45 Colt (just because)

    When firing the Choice Ammunition Bear load, the .45 Colt in my Ruger Blackhawk—replete with a 7½-inch barrel—showed an amazing amount of energy. It blew the vest 3 yards off the two combined walls, giving far and away the most dramatic impact. That 325-grain, wide, flat-nosed, hard-cast bullet retained 95 percent of its original weight, expanding to .548 inch in diameter and hitting our mock walls like a category 5 hurricane.

    What Does It All Mean?

    Well, Mark and I clearly established that neither the interior nor the exterior wall stopped much. Even the combination of the two didn’t offer much resistance. In fact, we added three more sheets of ½-inch plywood to the mix and, with the exception of the .38 Special, our premium bullets still escaped the obstacle we’d created. I can say rather confidently that firing through the exterior wall of the average house does little the terminal ballistic potential of a round and could very easily result in the death of someone standing on the other side.

    Hornady’s Critical Duty FTX load in 9mm Luger gave good expansion through the wall, thus slowing down the bullet.
    Hornady’s Critical Duty FTX load in 9mm Luger gave good expansion through the wall, thus slowing down the bullet.

    As basic as it was, this little experiment opened my eyes to just how careful one has to be when even considering using a firearm in the home. I want to know exactly where beds, couches, desks and seats—as well as any other possible location of a person in my home—are, and I want to be able to establish that from many different angles from within my home.

    Premium bullets are exactly that: They give the best performance available. Of the bullets tested, it seemed the Hornady FTX design had the greatest tendency to plug with wall material and have its expanded diameter reduced—at least in comparison to the figures and conformation demonstrated by shooting these bullets into gelatin.

    That said, I don’t think this casts any sort of a shadow on Hornady’s design, because the parameters of bullet design can’t possibly account for the post-penetration performance through all types of barriers. As is true for any soft-point bullet delivered from any firearm, the higher the impact velocity, the greater and more radical the expansion. With that expansion comes a decrease in velocity … and that might very well equate to a saved life on the other side of that wall.

    Of all the cartridge/bullet combinations put through the "backyard" terminal ballistics tests, the author found that the .38 Special with Hornady’s Critical Defense 110-grain +P ammo had the least amount of visible overpenetration.
    Of all the cartridge/bullet combinations put through the “backyard” terminal ballistics tests, the author found that the .38 Special with Hornady’s Critical Defense 110-grain +P ammo had the least amount of visible overpenetration.

    I have a favorite handgun bullet, and I make no excuses about being such a fan: Federal’s HST is one of the best designs I’ve come across. Yes, the Hydra-Shok Deep solved many of the issues associated with the original Hydra-Shok design. However, the recovered shape, weight retention and wound channel of the HST, combined with the accuracy of Federal’s loaded ammunition, has earned that bullet a position at the top of my list.

    There was nothing highly technical about this test—with the possible exception of the vest to stop the bullets. However, if you had to replicate it with wet newspapers, I’m sure it would work. Should you find yourself curious about the combination of handgun/cartridge/bullet you’ve chosen, you can easily replicate this simple experiment using sample materials of those used in your home.

    It’ll make you a more careful—and more confident—shooter.

    Terminal Ballistic Results

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    On The Trail Of The Kimber Open Country

    By
    Philip Massaro
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    0

    Kimber Open Country 6

    For the discerning hunter looking for a rifle that goes the extra mile, the Kimber Open Country stands in a class of its own.

    We’d spent the morning making a concerted effort to cross a creek—swollen with the recent rains—to no avail. Although we sat on the near bank, glassing a mule deer buck and his trio of does on the far hillside, they might as well have been on another planet.

    My pal, Mike Mattly, and I decided to pull up stakes and try another location: a deep series of gorges that just seemed to appear in the South Dakota terrain … the ones those mule deer like to haunt. As the old saying goes, I’d rather be lucky than good.

    We’d barely stopped the truck—in fact, it wasn’t in “park” yet—when two bucks bounded from their beds. Mattly gave what amounted to an order.

    “Run!”

    And run we did. With a near-cliff in front of them, the deer had to break either left or right, and we took a gamble to head left. It paid off, because the larger of two deer, a big-bodied 3×4, had slowed down just long enough to allow me to send a 140-grain Hornady ELD-X into his vitals. I stood in the South Dakota mud, looking proudly upon my first mule deer buck. The rifle I was testing performed so fluidly that I never gave it a second thought.

    Mini Mauser

    The rifle? Kimber’s Open Country. And, it performed so well on that mule deer hunt that I asked Kimber to send me another rifle for a more in-depth review.

    Hornady’s Precision Hunter proved to be one of the best rounds of the bunch, printing groups between ½ and ¾ MOA.
    Hornady’s Precision Hunter proved to be one of the best rounds of the bunch, printing groups between ½ and ¾ MOA.

    For more than 40 years, Kimber has offered sensible and reliable rifles for the hunter who prefers to hunt the toughest terrain. Kimber offers lightweight actions, which still offer controlled round feed, claw extraction, a Winchester Model 70-style, three-position safety, smartly designed stocks (both synthetic and walnut) and a range of cartridges suitable for everything from paper and steel, prairie dogs, and right on up to buffalo and elephant. The Open Country rifle, part of Kimber’s Open Range line of hunting rifles, offers a well-balanced blend of match-grade components and ruggedness.

    Built around the Kimber 84M short-action receiver, and offered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the Open Country is loaded with features a hunter will most certainly appreciate. My test rifle for this review, as well as the rifle I had on that South Dakota hunt, was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor—a sound, if controversial, choice for hunting deer and similar-sized game, as well as for the target range.

    Kimber’s 84M action is what I refer to as a miniature Mauser, in that the benefits of the non-rotating claw extractor and controlled round feed are there, but at a significant reduction in weight. The bolt features a beefier target-style handle, which affords a positive grip, even under stress (as the situation with that mule deer buck certainly was). A fast, second shot was no issue whatsoever.

    Four 8-40 screw holes in the receiver allow for the attachment of scope bases. For the test rifle, I used Talley Lightweight one-piece bases and rings, mounting a Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm riflescope with the CDS turret on board. Although the 84M action might be small, the Open Country wears a beefy, 24-inch barrel with deep flutes, threaded and capped for a muzzle brake or suppressor. I measured a diameter of 0.860 inch at the muzzle.

    The Kimber 84M action is the perfect size and weight for the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
    The Kimber 84M action is the perfect size and weight for the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.

    Kimber equips the Open Country with a carbon-fiber stock finished in—you guessed it—the Gore OptiFade Open Country camouflage pattern. With a length of pull measuring 13¾ inches, the stock comes easily to shoulder (in spite of the fact that I generally prefer stocks about ½ inch longer), and the wide forend allows the shooter’s left hand to steady the rifle for the shot. In fact, at the widest part of the forend, the stock measures a full 2 inches, and that width sits in the palm very nicely, in addition to sitting nicely on a sandbag.

    The stock has no cheekpiece and has a comb designed for use with optics. The Open Country rifles have no iron sights. They come equipped with a pair of sling swivels mounted on the forend, making the attachment of a bipod and sling simultaneously easy as pie. Two aluminum pillars help keep the stock affixed to the action, without risk of crushing the carbon-fiber stock from overtightening, and to prevent the action from moving within the stock.

    While the stock of the Open Country is a light, strong design, I found the rifle to be just the slightest bit nose-heavy while carrying it, but it settled down nicely for the shot from field positions. Measuring 43 3/8 inches overall, the Open Country rifle is nice to carry, even in the woods, because it’s not long enough to get caught on tree limbs or to pose a problem in the average deer blind. Even so, its barrel is long enough to wring the proper velocity from both the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.

    Tipping the scale at 8 pounds, 7 ounces (unloaded and with the Leupold scope onboard), the Open Country sits nicely on the shoulder. It stays put (when using a decent sling) and doesn’t wear a groove in your trap muscle. Nevertheless, it’s heavy enough to offer stable shots from common field positions, even the offhand shot I had to take on that mule deer buck. From the knee, or when leaning on a tree, fence post or other solid object, the rifle settles nicely.

    Kimber provides a hinged floorplate, placing the release on the inside the trigger guard at the front.
    Kimber provides a hinged floorplate, placing the release on the inside the trigger guard at the front.

    And, I’ve come to love the mix of weight, magnification, clarity and ruggedness the Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x offers; and, in those Talley rings, it mounted perfectly, sitting no more than 1/8 inch off the barrel and aligning wonderfully with the comb of the Open Country’s stock.

    Bone Up On Kimber:

    The Open Country At The Bench

    I could tell you that Kimber built an accurate 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, with the hopes of you making that “shocked” face, but I feel pretty confident that you’re aware of the accuracy reputation of the Creedmoor, in spite of the sub-MOA guarantee Kimber makes for this rifle. I could also allude to the fact that a sub-MOA guarantee in a rifle offered only in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester is not a great boast in today’s market, but there are a good number of rifles on the market that don’t live up to the guarantees their tags make.

    Happily, this isn’t the case with the Kimber Open Country.

    I grabbed a wide selection of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo—both target and hunting bullets—to see what the Open Country was capable of in the accuracy department. I settled on three-shot groups (because this is a hunting rifle) and settled into the bench on a hot summer afternoon.

    To measure velocity, I set up my trusty Oehler 35P chrono and began to have fun. None of the ammo I chose was disappointing; in fact, the worst of the three-shot groups measured 1.2 inches, and I have to attribute some of that to barrel heat on that 90-plus-degree day.

    A Hornady ELD-X 6.5mm 143-grain softpoint handled this big-bodied mule deer very nicely.
    A Hornady ELD-X 6.5mm 143-grain softpoint handled this big-bodied mule deer very nicely.

    The rifle showed a definite preference for Hornady’s Precision Hunter with the 143-grain ELD-X bullet, as well as the ultra-affordable American Eagle Match load and Choice Ammunition’s 140-grain Nosler AccuBond load. These three routinely printed groups just over ½ MOA.

    Looking at the trio, you’ve got an attractively priced target cartridge, one of the best cup-and-core bullets ever designed in the ELD-X, and the terminal strength and hair-splitting accuracy of Nosler’s AccuBond handloaded in the Choice Ammunition load. What more could you ask for? Or, perhaps put a better way: This trio of factory loads will do anything you should be doing in the hunting fields with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

    In South Dakota, I used Black Hills ammo topped with the 143-grain Hornady ELD-X, and the three-shot groups were sub-MOA. And, after I’d taken my mule deer, a young hunter used the rifle to take his first buck—at more than 300 yards. The Open Country is a shooter!

    Kimber Open Country Range Data

    During the entire afternoon testing, I experienced no issues with either feeding or extraction, irrespective of muzzle velocity or bullet shape. The hinged floorplate—released via a button located at the front inside of the trigger guard—only released its contents when I asked it to; and the shape of the stock, combined with the mounts and that Leupold scope, made a bench session a pleasure.

    Talley’s one-piece lightweight ring/base combination cradled the Leupold VX-5HD scope perfectly, mounting it as low to the bore as is practical.
    Talley’s one-piece lightweight ring/base combination cradled the Leupold VX-5HD scope perfectly, mounting it as low to the bore as is practical.

    The three-position safety gives a positive feel, with a definite click when switching between positions. In addition, the wider trigger gave great control at the range in the field, the trigger didn’t even come into play; it just did what I asked of it. Grabbing the Lyman digital trigger scale, I measured the break of the Kimber’s trigger at 3 pounds, ½ ounce, and that figure was very consistent. I like the width and the feel of the trigger, both from the bench and from other field-like positions.

    The Oehler reported velocities in congruence with the advertised figures … or at least within the parameters I’ve come to expect for the Creedmoor, given the slight variations in barrel dimensions from rifle to rifle.

    A Lifetime of Hunting

    In a market flooded with sound and solid designs, where does the Kimber Open Country sit? Well, at just under $2,300, it isn’t an entry-level rifle, nor is it in the league of a custom rifle. I feel it sits in the league of rifles that offer a good value to the hunter who’s more concerned with functionality than appearances.

    The rifle’s weatherproof coating sheds rain and snow wonderfully, the stock is a smart design (if the digital camo pattern suits your fancy), and the now-famous Kimber action provides a reliable platform for a lifetime of hunting. It’s not often that I get to test two different models of the same rifle, but I can honestly say they are consistent from model to model. In fact, there were two other Open Country rifles on that hunt, and all shot well and performed flawlessly.

    Kimber’s controlled-round-feed action is scaled down, yet rugged, giving excellent performance in the field.
    Kimber’s controlled-round-feed action is scaled down, yet rugged, giving excellent performance in the field.

    Regarding the choice of cartridge, I find the .308 Winchester to be a better all-around choice, simply for the additional bullet weight, should the hunter want to take the rifle for elk, moose, and bear. The 6.5 Creedmoor and cartridges of similar proportions have taken all three, but the bullet weight usually tops out at 140 to 143 grains, whereas the .308 Winchester will offer bullet weight up to 200 grains. Either way, the pair of cartridges is easy on the shoulder, equally easy on the wallet and shares a reputation for exceptional accuracy. Kimber’s Open Country is a great platform for either cartridge and makes for a serious rifle for the traveling hunter whose focus is deer and similar-sized game … especially when topped with good, versatile glass such as that Leupold VX-5HD.

    I get to shoot, test, and hunt with a lot of different rifles, and I really enjoyed my time with the Kimber Open Country. If I had one thing to change about the design, I’d want about another ¾ inch of length added to the stock, but that’s common to almost every mass-produced American rifle I pick up.

    Take a look at the Open Country; I think you’ll find an immediate friend.

    Kimber Open Country Specs
    Approximate weight (pounds/ounces): 6/15
    Overall length (inches): 43.25
    Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
    Barrel Finish: Gray, KimPro II
    Barrel Length (inches): 24
    Twist rate (right hand): 8
    Grooves: 4
    Trigger: 3-3.5 pounds
    Stock Material: Reinforced Carbon fiber
    Stock Finish: Optifade Open Country
    Recoil pad thickness (inches): 1
    Length of pull (inches): Adjustable
    Drop at heel (inches): 0.54
    Drop at comb (inches): 0.43
    Action Material: Stainless steel
    Action Finish: Gray, KimPro II
    Magazine capacity: 4
    MSRP: $2,269

    For more information on the Kimber Open Country, please visit kimberamerica.com.

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    How To Buy Or Build A Custom Precision Rifle

    By
    Frank Galli
    -
    1
    The M700 Rifle from Ashbury Precision Ordnance starts out as a barreled action. Then, because they can be adjusted to particular specs, the chassis and other features were added by the author. The color was the main choice here.
    The M700 Rifle from Ashbury Precision Ordnance starts out as a barreled action. Then, because they can be adjusted to particular specs, the chassis and other features were added by the author. The color was the main choice here.

    If you're going to spend serious money on a custom precision rifle, make certain you get what you pay for.

    What Features Do You Need To Consider On A Custom Precision Rifle:

    Production, semi-production, custom shop. We have several choices when it comes to purchasing a firearm. Most of the time, I speak about production- or semi-production-class rifles—products you’ll find on the shelf locally. Shooters like to be hands on, so buying rifles sight unseen can be a daunting task.

    I’ve been very fortunate in my shooting career to work with some of the very best custom gunsmiths. The custom rifles in my collection have a lot of personality and some deep connections behind them.

    Gain-Twist Barrels

    Today, I still start with a barreled action—it’s the heart of every rifle. My first step is to decide what caliber I want. Then, I look to Bartlein barrels to customize the twist rate. Today, I’m entirely sold on this company’s gain-twist barrels.

    Bartlein, because of its computer-controlled rifling machines, can do gain-twist barrels correctly—which is about a three-quarters transition. This means that for my 6.5-caliber barrels, I use an 8.25 twist at the chamber and finish at 7.5 as my exit twist rate. This small transition puts less pressure on the bullet while enabling on overspin of the twist rate.

    Going custom with a full build, a Mausingfield action was put together with an AICS chassis—and an amazing paint job. The Mausingfield is a high-end action, so you’ll end up spending more, depending on its specs.
    Going custom with a full build, a Mausingfield action was put together with an AICS chassis—and an amazing paint job. The Mausingfield is a high-end action, so you’ll end up spending more, depending on its specs.

    Why a gain-twist? Bullets are the weak link: They’re mass-produced from two dissimilar metals. As a result, the lead can slip under the jacket, thereby deforming it. In most cases, you take this shot to be a flier; in the worst-case scenario, the bullet will come apart midflight. Gain-twist barrels fix this problem.

    The other benefit I’ve found is that when it comes to changes in bullet weight, they’re more forgiving. We want to balance the twist rate with the bullet weight. This is where the heavy-versus-light-bullet debate comes into play. I’ve found that the gain-twist barrels end this debate.

    For instance, I can shoot 130-grain Prime ammo or use my 136-grain Scenar handload with my 260 gain-twist barrel for my Accuracy International AX. They’re two completely different loads that just happen to zero in the exact same place. And the accuracy? Sub-½ MOA. They only start to deviate from each other after 400 yards, when the weight and BC kick into gear.

    This is the benefit of a custom barrel. I can decide every factor—from twist rate to profile or contour all the way to length. In most cases, I feel that 22 inches is optimal for me; in other cases, I might choose 25 inches.

    Get On Target With Frank Galli:

    Action

    The caliber and barrel are my first considerations in a custom precision rifle. I then pick an action. I can go super-expensive custom or a little-less-expensive custom. Today, my main go-to custom action is Zermatt Arms’ Origin. The Bighorn action started locally here, in Colorado. It features a floating bolt head that’s also interchangeable. That feature, alone, is worth the $850 price of admission.

    The MCM A10 stock is designed for smaller-statured shooters to reach the trigger better; and it fits the rifle to the shooter. Customizing a stock helps with fit. Fit lends to comfort ... and comfort to success.
    The MCM A10 stock is designed for smaller-statured shooters to reach the trigger better; and it fits the rifle to the shooter. Customizing a stock helps with fit. Fit lends to comfort … and comfort to success.

    I see actions as a delivery device and not something I get overly obsessed with. The best case for me? A three-lug action, because those tend to be beefy (and yes, they also cost more). I also like shorter bolt throws when I can get them.

    Trigger

    Triggers are the main point of human contact with the rifle, so make sure to spend some time understanding the different options and features of the triggers out there.

    Two-stage triggers are my preferred style; I like to marry-up to my trigger shoe so I can’t have it fire with just a look: I want to feel it take up the slack of the first stage, balance against the wall of the second and break on my command. I’m a tactical shooter who’s out in the field a lot. I need a trigger that can handle a certain amount of dirt and debris. Today, I run Trigger Tech or even Elfmann triggers.

    There are a lot of choices in triggers, so explore them all and decide which one meets your needs. I’d rather use a 3-pound, two-stage Accuracy International trigger as opposed to an 8-ounce Jewell, but that’s me; it’s what I want.

    Stocks

    Think of a stock as being the same as your car’s seats, steering wheel and mirrors. How comfortable would you be driving eight hours in a vehicle in which the seat was stuck out of position? Imagine not being able to adjust your mirrors to your needs. Picking the wrong stock for a custom precision rifle is the same thing.

    The semi-custom Sniper’s Hide Edition APO M700 comes with a test target to show you what you paid for. At an MSRP of $1,950, this rifle is a winner and has customized features pre-spec’d out.
    The semi-custom Sniper’s Hide Edition APO M700 comes with a test target to show you what you paid for. At an MSRP of $1,950, this rifle is a winner and has customized features pre-spec’d out.

    Chassis offer off-the-shelf adjustability, whereas fiberglass stocks have to be made to order. Yes, this process takes a lot longer. It’s one of the reasons I think we’ve seen a decline in custom orders from companies that focus on semi-production rifles. This semi-production model is designed to be in the buyer’s hand quickly. Why wait four weeks or longer for a part when the entire rifle can be in your hands in half the time?

    The reason is that custom-fit products are comfortable and have a value that transcends money. For instance, the McMillan A10 stock has been designed with smaller-statured shooters in mind; it’s meant to fit me better. I can choose the style and colors. I can add options and accessories that fit my needs.

    Make it All Your Own

    The point is that you don’t have to take what manufacturers offer. Instead, you can make your rifle all your own.

    Custom precision rifles give us a mission and a goal. We research, we compare, and we’re forced to provide an objective to our decisions—what we’re looking to accomplish and how much we’re willing to pay to get it. And, when your custom-designed rifle is done, the sense of pride never goes away.

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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