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Reloading Bench: The Classic .30-30 Winchester

By
Philip Massaro
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8

Fall in love with the 125-year-old .30-30 Winchester all over again, this time on the reloading bench.

Does anyone shoot a .30-30 anymore? I mean, it doesn’t say “Creedmoor,” it doesn’t launch bullets with a BC of .900, and it sure won’t take an elk at 700 yards.

However, the resounding answer is, Hell, yeah! It still makes an excellent close-quarters rifle for deer, black bear, feral hogs and more. It’s very easy to shoot, it usually comes in a slim, svelte rifle that’s easy to carry, and it handles well in the thick woods.

Is it sexy? Certainly not by modern standards, but there’s absolutely no arguing the effectiveness of the cartridge in the hands of a hunter who knows how to get within 100 or so yards of their quarry.

Like my father, I took my first whitetail with a .30-30. I had a Winchester Model 94, and my father had a Marlin Model 1893. It was affordable to shoot (to this day, a decent box of ammo can be had for under $20), and while I’ve had many rifles since, I can honestly say that I’ve had more misfires with factory .30-30 ammunition than probably all others combined. Across the multitude of Marlins, Savages, H&Rs and Winchesters, it seemed as if the 1980s and ’90s were eras of lousy .30-30 ammunition.

However, it did have an upside: It drove me to learn how to handload my own ammunition.

The .30-30 Backstory

With a big rim for positive headspacing and a neck long enough for good neck tension, the .30-30 Winchester isn’t at all hard to handload. Historically, it has the honor of being the first American small-bore cartridge designed around smokeless powder, and it’s simply a .38-55 Winchester case necked down to hold .308-inch-diameter bullets.

For the New York bear season, especially the early season when the vegetation is still thick, a .30-30 and a round-nose Partition make perfect sense.
For the New York bear season, especially the early season when the vegetation is still thick, a .30-30 and a round-nose Partition make perfect sense.

At the time, our beloved .30-caliber was not anywhere as popular as it currently is (.32-caliber was actually more popular in the late 1890s), but as the .30-30 Winchester, along with the .30-40 Krag, it was about to change all that. The John M. Browning-designed Model 1894 Winchester would be the major vehicle to bring the cartridge to the masses, going on to sell more than 7,000,000 units—with the majority in .30-30 Winchester.

The very name of the cartridge hints at the proper powder charge; while using the black powder-era nomenclature, the latter number in the name is actually the smokeless powder charge. (My own favorite loads weigh at or near 30 grains … but more about that in a minute.)

Like so many of the rimmed, lever-action cartridges of that era, the .30-30 Winchester has a rather thin case. While this doesn’t pose an issue if pressures and velocities are kept in check, when a reloader tries to push the envelope, the case will often fail prematurely, usually in the form of cracked necks. In some lever guns, excess pressure could manifest itself in the form of primers popping out of the pocket slightly.

Barrel Lengths & Velocities

I’ll say this straight-faced: Trying to turn the .30-30 Winchester into the .300 Savage or .308 Winchester is no good for you or your rifle, but if you accept the parameters of the cartridge, you’ll have a lifetime of great shooting. The factory ammunition for the .30-30 lists the 170-grain load at roughly 2,200 fps and the 150-grain load at 2,400 fps. Those numbers are usually spot-on in the longer-barreled rifles, but no so much in the carbines.

At 125 years old, Winchester’s .30-30 still makes an excellent hunting cartridge.
At 125 years old, Winchester’s .30-30 still makes an excellent hunting cartridge.

For example, my Winchester Model 94 AE XTR is a light and handy rifle, but its 20-inch barrel gives velocities about 150 fps lower than the advertised values. My dad’s 1902-vintage Marlin Model 1893 (with its 26-inch barrel) gives muzzle velocities much closer to those listed on the box.

Does that mean my rifle is ineffective? No, but it does affect the trajectory out past 100 yards, and I’m not comfortable shooting iron sights much farther than that anyhow.

So, when reloading for the .30-30, plan to see velocities commensurate to your barrel length. Handloaded ammunition for the .30-30 will generally run about 50 fps behind factory ammunition, and then, you should adjust for your barrel length—about 25 to 30 fps for each inch of deviation from the test barrel—adding speed if your barrel is longer and subtracting if it’s shorter.

Best .30-30 Winchester Loads

The most accurate load in my Winchester 94 uses a 170-grain Hornady InterLock round-nose bullet over 30.0 grains of IMR4064, sparked by a CCI 200 primer, with a muzzle velocity of 2,025 fps. It’ll print three in an inch at 50 yards, and just over 2 inches at 100. At 170 grains, the Hornady Interlock has enough sectional density to give good penetration on both deer and bear.

Load Up On Reloading Info:

I also like the 170-grain Nosler Partition—with a good round-nose design so there’s no issue in a tubular magazine—over 31.2 grains of IMR4320 in the longer-barreled Marlin, giving 2,190 fps. The same bullet is equally accurate with 27.0 grains of Norma 200 powder (while not nearly as popular as the IMR, Hodgdon and Alliant powders, the Norma series is excellent stuff). Be sure to check the barrel length on the test data, and if your barrel is longer, it’s most important to start at the bottom of the scale and work upward.

If you live in a lead-free zone or prefer the performance of a monometal bullet, the 150-grain Nosler E-Tip, with a round, polymer tip and boat-tail (for ease of loading), makes a great choice. That Marlin 1893 likes a charge of 31.5 grains of IMR4895 for 2,415 fps.

I like to seat my bullets to the middle of the cannelure, and I set my seating die up for a good roll crimp. Both these rifles use a side-loading gate and a tubular magazine, and the nose of the bullet will be used to push the previous cartridge farther into the tube magazine; even with the .30-30’s good neck tension, the bullet can be pushed into the case without a good crimp.

A standard large rifle primer (I lean heavily on the Federal 210 and the CCI 200) will work just fine for the .30-30 case, because the capacity usually runs between 34 and 36 grains, depending on brand and bullet seating depth. For powder choices, the .30-30 likes medium-burning choices such as IMR4064, IMR4320, Varget, Reloder 15 and IMR4895. I’ve had good results with Norma 200 and Accurate 5744 as well.

For lever rifles, I highly recommend full-length resizing all your cases, because the rifles don’t have the power to cam the action closed like a bolt rifle does. Keep things consistent, and I bet you’ll fall in love with the 125-year-old cartridge all over again.

The article originally appeared in the November 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Purchase The Components Used In This Article:

Taking It In The Crotch, Is Appendix Carry For You?

By
Patrick Roberts
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1
Appendix Carry 6

Appendix carry is often maligned. In truth, its comfortable and offers quick access to a gun no matter what position you're in.

What An Appendix Holster Must Have:

  • Covers the trigger guard and slide
  • Has a built-in wedge or the ability to add one
  • Offers a belt attachment option in the “better” or “best” category
  • Provides adjustable ride height
  • Has a means of rotating the pistol inward
  • There are no sharp edges along the bottom of the gun

When the topic of appendix carry comes up, some of the oft-used responses are along the lines of, “Appendix doesn’t work for me”; “AIWB isn’t comfortable for me”; or (my personal favorite): “I don’t want to shoot my @#$% off.”

These complaints are almost always rooted in a poor understanding of how to make appendix carry work, assuming that a shorter pistol slide is better or allowing an opinion to be formed while using a $25 eBay holster that “works for them.”

Once you’ve understood the elements of a good appendix holster and how it should fit onto your body, nearly every concern critics make is almost always addressed with proper equipment selection. If your holster, gun or gun belt isn’t well-suited for appendix, you’re going to have a bad time.

Is appendix carry for everyone? No, but you should be able to follow the tips in this article to have the best chance at success.

Holstering a Loaded Gun Is Dangerous

The most likely time to have a negligent discharge is when holstering your pistol. That isn’t limited to AIWB: Holstering a pistol is universally dangerous if you’re careless. Appendix carry just has higher stakes than other positions. A properly functioning gun in a good holster, along with quality training, will mitigate risk.

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“Shooting your @#$% off” should be the least of your concerns if you botch holstering your gun. A far more valuable bit of anatomy than your reproductive organ is also at risk: your femoral artery. Because I don’t like the idea of dying, I came up with some easy-to-remember rules (“N.U.T.S.”) for holstering a loaded gun when carrying appendix:

  • Never rush to reholster your firearm.
  • Uncover your holster completely.
  • Thrust your hips forward.
  • Slowly insert your pistol into the holster.

Appendix Carry Benefits

If the whole “if you mess up, you’ll die” thing didn’t put you off, which it shouldn’t, there are some solid payoffs to AIWB. As long as you remember my N.U.T.S. acronym and use quality gear, you probably won’t mess up and die.

Faster and Easier Draw. Some people will note that appendix carry is faster because the gun is closer to where your hands spend most of their time—in front of the body. That isn’t entirely true. Yes, our hands spend most of their time in front of the body, but the draw stroke when placing your gun in the AIWB position is a more natural motion. Your arms want to bend into the centerline of your body; they don’t want to be moved around to your back. Removing the need to reach behind your body’s centerline means you’re no longer at a mechanical disadvantage.

You’re also able to draw your gun in a ton of odd body positions, such as seated (think car, restaurant or place of worship), on your back and pretty much every other position you might find yourself in … as long as you don’t find yourself pinned face-first against something, thereby blocking access to the holster.

"Carrying

You Have More Control. Where carrying on your strong-side hip leaves you at a disadvantage when trying to maintain control of your gun, with appendix, you just push the pistol down into the holster with whatever hand you have free. While it’s a less-ideal method of controlling the pistol, the option to close the gap between you and your attacker and block access to the pistol by sandwiching it between your body and the attacker is another way you can maintain control of your gun.

Concealing Large Guns Is More Comfortable. The most surprising benefit to appendix carry is that when you use a properly set-up holster, appendix carry is generally more comfortable than traditional IWB carry, even when you’re seated. Think of how traditional IWB either places the pistol over your hip bone or presses the slide and muzzle into your gluteal medius (hip muscles) and gluteal maximus (butt cheek) muscles.

When you have a holster that incorporates a way to tilt the gun into your stomach and also rotates the grip toward your body, you’re able to pull off what some might view as impossible—true concealment of large pistols in the same everyday clothing you would wear normally. In fact, there are many who carry (including me) and are able to conceal a Glock 34 or 5-inch 1911-sized pistol on a daily basis without printing.

Appendix Carry Myths

I’m only going to touch on the two most prevalent myths. Addressing every myth about AIWB would not only take a lifetime, but this magazine would deforest a small country!

Regardless of where you choose to conceal your handgun, reholstering is the action that causes most accidental discharges. Be diligent in your movements, and remember that there’s never a need to hurry while returning your handgun to its holster.
Regardless of where you choose to conceal your handgun, reholstering is the action that causes most accidental discharges. Be diligent in your movements, and remember that there’s never a need to hurry while returning your handgun to its holster.

‘Big’ People Can’t Carry Appendix. “I can’t carry appendix. My gut gets in the way.” Hogwash! There isn’t any magic to being able to conceal a pistol AIWB as a bigger guy, but a larger wedge (we’ll talk about later) is needed to prevent the pistol from tipping out of the pants. Carrying a longer gun—as counterintuitive as it sounds—is also rather helpful in making appendix carry work for bigger guys due to more holster and gun being below the beltline.

You Can’t Draw With One Hand. Again, this is hogwash. Just like traditional IWB, you still need to clear your cover garment. With strong-side carry, this means you rip the cover garment up and use your thumb and palm heel to keep it clear while you acquire your grip and draw. With appendix carry, the process is very similar: Rip the cover garment with your free hand and then stuff it behind the gun and draw.

Choosing An Appendix Holster

Your holster will either make or break your appendix carry experience. While different body types will dictate what best suits you, there are some general features you should look for.

For more information on concealed carry holsters check out:

Thermoplastics Rule; Leather Drools. The only material I will accept for an appendix holster is Kydex or Bolteron. There are some other derivatives out there, such as Holstex or injection-molded holsters, but anything that can be molded into a ridged shell gets a thumbs-up. Leather isn’t a material that I find acceptable for an appendix holster for one simple reason: Leather degrades over time and becomes soft. Stories of negligent discharges when holstering aren’t hard to find and are almost always linked to a leather or leather-backed hybrid holster past its service life.

Appendix Carry 1

A Means to Rotate the Pistol. There are tons of ways to rotate the pistol in toward your body. The purpose is to prevent the butt of the gun from printing and help a flat object follow the contour of your body a bit more closely. These are called “claws,” “camming bars” or “wings.” They all rotate the pistol toward your body.

The concealment wing’s function is simple: to rotate the gun and holster into the torso to prevent printing. It does this by being attached to the holster shell and using pressure from the belt to tuck the gun in neatly. Some good concealment wings to add to a holster include Raven Concealment wings, the ModWing, Dark Star Gear’s Dark Wing or PHLster’s TuckStrut. The Keepers Concealment accomplishes rotation differently; it uses an angle on the forward face of the holster.

Wedges. The purpose of a wedge is to push the muzzle out and the top of the pistol toward your torso for better concealment and comfort. An additional benefit is that depending on your gun selection, the wedge could keep the muzzle clear of anything vital if you mess up while holstering. Most people will benefit from one.

• Built-in Wedges. Tenicor holsters, with their body contour wedge, are the most comfortable integrated wedges I’ve tried. When choosing a holster with a built-in wedge, keep in mind where on your belt line that holster will go. In addition, know that you might need to make some adjustments by adding some foam to the back for more height.

• Semi-Permanent Add-On Wedges. Some holsters (such as my daily-carry Bawidamann Gotham and the Raven Concealment Eidolon) use a rubber wedge that screws onto the back of the holster. A semi-permanent solution that attaches to the holster shell with hardware is an entirely acceptable option if one of the holsters with a built-in wedge doesn’t excite you.

• Add-On Foam Wedges. Other holsters, such as the AIWB holsters from ANR Design, don’t have a good option for a wedge. There are ways around not having a purpose-built wedge—such as using some closed-cell foam, a technique made popular by Spencer Keepers. And some industrial hook-and-loop closures make it a snap to attach a pre-made wedge (for instance, the Keepers Concealment foam wedge or Dark Star Gear’s Flat Pad or Muzzle Pad).

Appendix Holsters to Avoid

No matter what that talking head on YouTube is telling you, a hybrid holster is a terrible option for concealing a pistol in any carry position. What makes holsters such as the Alien Gear line or CrossBreed’s leather-backed holsters so comfortable is that the backer softens over time and conforms to your body. While that’s great for comfort, it’s bad for safety.

Stick with Kydex for your AIWB holster. Leather will become soft over time ... which is a bad trait for an appendix rig.
Stick with Kydex for your AIWB holster. Leather will become soft over time … which is a bad trait for an appendix carry rig.

When that backer becomes pliable enough, there’s the chance it will fold over while you’re reholstering and make its way into the trigger guard. Sure, you can get one that has a “combat cut,” but I’d recommend just skipping hybrid holster designs altogether.

While there are exceptions to the no-leather “rule,” there just isn’t a good reason to choose leather over a more-modern material such as Kydex. As with the hybrid holster design, leather will soften over time and conform to your gun and body—which, again, is great for comfort. Nevertheless, as was the case with the hybrid holster, that comfort comes at the cost of safety.

Your Belt Matters

Selecting a good gun belt is just as important as selecting a quality holster. That bargain belt you bought at a Sears store liquidation sale or the trendy gun belt you found on Amazon for $39.99 is going to be less than optimal.

My first stop will always be Mene Gene Leather for any leather goods. Gene’s craftsmanship is outstanding, and the Victory Aegis line of belts will allow you to get the belt placed in just the right spot. Want something that uses more-modern materials? Magpul’s Tejas El Original is a proven belt that combines a sweatproof flexible polymer layer and a more-traditional bull’s hide outer layer.

"Are

There are a few out there that will do the job, but the gold standard has been the Ares Gear Aegis Enhanced. After using a dozen or so different synthetic belts, I don’t see a point in suggesting you get anything other than the Ares Gear. If it’s not for you, take a look at the Blue Alpha Gear line or even the obvious Aegis Enhanced knockoff: Bravo Concealment’s Cinturon belt.

Holster Placements And Adjustments

A poorly placed and/or adjusted holster is going to give you a less-than-ideal carry experience, even if you have the perfect gun-belt-holster combination.

Holster placement is pretty straightforward, but so many seem to get it wrong. Rather than place the muzzle or weapon light in the inguinal crease (you may know it as the “thigh brow”), some self-proclaimed experts compensate for a poorly designed/adjusted holster by moving the pistol more to the centerline of the body. Not only does that make concealment harder, it also makes AIWB less comfortable.

You should place the holster just ahead of the hip bone so that the light bezel on your pistol light or the muzzle sits in that inguinal crease. Proper holster placement allows you to use the bathroom without moving the gun or sit in a chair without crushing something important. It also maintains the highest level of concealment.

Ride height is also key to a good appendix carry experience. Remember: The more gun below the beltline, the easier it is to conceal the pistol. My general guideline is to set the ride height to place the pistol as deeply as possible while still allowing enough space for my fingers to pass easily between the belt and grip. Too deep, and you have to jam your fingers between the belt and grip. Too high, and you might experience holster tip-out or poor concealment.

Is Appendix Carry Worth Trying?

If you haven’t given appendix carry a try, you really should. Not only is it the easiest way to conceal a pistol worth fighting with, it’s also comfortable, fast, easy to put on and safe … as long as you remember to think “N.U.T.S.” when holstering.

Suggested AIWB Holster Makers:
Bawidamann
Tenicor
Keepers Concealment
Harry’s Holsters
PHLster
Henry Holsters
ANR Design
Dark Star Gear
LAS Concealment
Raven Concealment

The article originally appeared in the 2020 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: Real Avid Level-Right Pro Scope Mounting System

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

Real Avid Level-Right Pro 2

Vastly improving on the old methods to leveling a scope, Real Avid's Level-Right Pro ensures everything is squared up and ready to hit the mark.

Properly mounting a scope is a skill of with every shooter should strive to add to their arsenal. Not relying on a gunsmith to do the work will save you considerably in the long run, as well as foster a more intimate knowledge of your shooting systems. That said, it does take some know-how, beyond drilling down the right set of rings.

Perhaps one of the most common and fundamental mistakes of the process is getting an optic on at a cant—that is the reticle sloped one direction or another. Even going slightly off-kilter can cost you, especially if you stretch your rifle's legs. Though, Real Avid has done its bit to ensure your optics are precisely squared up and ready to get dialed in with its Level-Right Pro.

Real Avid Level-Right Pro 1

Instead of leveling the action, barrel and scope independently, the Level-Right Pro indexes the entire firearm-optic system. It does so rather ingeniously, situating the bubble level off the gun and optic, then using light projection to get everything lined up. Sounds a bit complicated. It’s anything but.

A flashlight mounted to the Level-Right Pro shines through the object lens of the scope, projecting the reticle on to a gridded board. Also leveled, this board gives you a reference point to perfectly align the X and Y axis of your reticle so it doesn’t slant either way. Given these components are independently leveled from the gun/optic proper, it off a much more certain scope mounting process than the old way of putting a bubble level on a turret.

Howard Tripp, Chief Innovation Officer at Real Avid said, “Until now, there have only been complicated old school methods that aren’t capable of the kind of precision modern shooters demand. We eliminated fumbling with small levels and went right to the heart of the problem and created a Master Grade tool that quickly levels the reticle, not the turret. Our Gun DIY customers want to do the job themselves, and they want the best tool for that job.”

The Level-Right Pro system has an MSRP of $69.99 and comes with Level-Right Pro, alignment grid barrel and Picatinny attachments, and rechargeable light. The system certainly costs more than a simple bubble level, but pays shooters back in accuracy and un-frayed nerves.

For more information on the Real Avid Level-Right Pro, please visit realavid.com.

Scope Out More Optics Info:

  • 8 Revolutionary Reticles For Long-Range Accuracy
  • Buying the Perfect Precision Scope
  • The Best Tactical Red-Dot Performance-to-Price Option?
  • Shifting Winds: SIG BDX Changing Shooting For The Better

Beyond The 6.5 Creedmoor: The Other 6.5 Cartridges

By
Richard A. Mann
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6

Despite the rise of the 6.5 Creedmoor in recent years, the 6.5 caliber is nothing new and has a storied history. Here's a look at other talented 6.5 cartridges.

What Are The 21st Century 6.5 Cartridges:

This shouldn’t surprise you, but 6.5mm rifle cartridges have been around for over a century. The Norma ammunition company was founded in 1894 to make bullets for a single cartridge—the 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser. In 1914, Norma started loading 6.5x55mm ammo using once-fired military brass. A couple of Olympic records later, Norma began loading 6.5x55mm hunting ammunition.

The thing is, no one on this side of “the pond” really gave a damn.

Even though it might have killed more moose than any other rifle cartridge, it’s mostly considered a military antique. It will launch a 140-grain bullet at about 2,850 fps. One of the most accurate hunting rifles I’ve ever seen was chambered for the 6.5×55. It was a CZ 550, and I watched a friend shoot a 10-shot group that measured under 3/4 inch.

Love-Hate Relationship

America’s first true 6.5mm rifle cartridge was introduced in 1959. With a SAAMI-specified maximum average pressure of 64,000 psi—as compared to the 6.5×55 at 45,000 psi—it also offered a 40 percent increase in case powder capacity. The .264 Winchester Magnum was unquestionably a “magnum” cartridge and would push a 140-grain bullet 350 fps faster than the 6.5×55. Initially offered in the Winchester Model 70 Westerner rifle, it was intended for shooting game animals at longer ranges.

Guess what? 6.5mm bullets have been killing moose in Sweden for many years. This one was taken with a 6.5 Creedmoor at a shade past 300 yards.
Guess what? 6.5mm bullets have been killing moose in Sweden for many years. This one was taken with a 6.5 Creedmoor at a shade past 300 yards.

It was well received but soon earned a reputation as a “barrel-burner.” Although most big-game hunters shoot fewer than 100 rounds each year, this was really of no consequence. However, when Remington introduced the 7mm Remington Magnum three years later, the .264 began to wane in popularity.

Maybe one reason American sportsmen disdained 6.5mm cartridges was because one was used by the most notorious assassin of all time—Lee Harvey Oswald.

That rifle was chambered for the Italian 6.5x52mm Carcano, a cartridge designed in 1899. Remington introduced the short-action, belted 6.5 Remington Magnum three years after that tragic event. With a 140-grain bullet at around 2,900 fps, it was ideal for, well, just about anything.
It was mostly ignored.

21st-Century 6.5s

260 remington

.260 Remington: Just prior to the turn of the 21st century, the only other American 6.5mm cartridge to ever gain any real acceptance was the .260 Remington. Also known as the 6.5-08 A-Square, it was a .308 Winchester necked down to 6.5mm, and it pushed a 140-grain bullet to 2,750 fps or a bit more. The .260 would also work in short-action rifles (the 6.5×55 required a long-action). It found favor with target shooters and a few hunters.

The 6.5 Grendel is finally becoming a very popular 6.5mm rifle cartridge in the AR-15. It’s also gaining a following in compact bolt-action rifles.
The 6.5 Grendel is finally becoming a very popular 6.5mm rifle cartridge in the AR-15. It’s also gaining a following in compact bolt-action rifles.

6.5 Grendel: In 2003, with some help from other savvy shooters, Bill Alexander of Alexander Arms developed the 6.5mm Grendel. Intended to provide a highly accurate, flat-shooting AR-15 alternative with low recoil, you might think it would’ve been an instant hit. It wasn’t. For the most part, the Grendel, which is unquestionably one of the best—if not the best—current commercial hunting cartridges for the AR-15, remained mostly a cult cartridge. It’s generally loaded with a 120-grain bullet at about 2,400 fps, but the Grendel can push a 140-grain bullet to about 2,200 fps.

More 6.5 Info:

The 6.5 Creedmoor wasn’t the first 6.5mm rifle cartridge. However, it’s the one that started the revolution.
The 6.5 Creedmoor wasn’t the first 6.5mm rifle cartridge. However, it’s the one that started the revolution.

6.5 Creedmoor: The most important 6.5mm cartridge introduction came in 2008, when Hornady released the 6.5mm Creedmoor (yes, it’s been around that long). Ironically, until about 2014, most shooters just gave it a yawn. In reality, Clint Eastwood is singularly more responsible for the almost-overnight rise in popularity of the 6.5 Creedmoor. In 2014, his movie, American Sniper, began America’s current fascination with long-range shooting.

Since 2014, rifle and ammunition manufacturers can’t make 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and ammunition fast enough. Each year, the new rifle and ammunition introductions are dominated by new offerings in that chambering. For instance, MidwayUSA currently lists 70 different loads for the 6.5 Creedmoor, and it lists only 60 for the .243 Winchester. I’ve used the Creedmoor extensively across North America and Africa to take bear, caribou, kudu, coyote, warthogs and even moose. For most hunters and target shooters, it’s all the cartridge they’ll ever need.

However, with its popularity, many consider it a fad or a cartridge for those who just can’t handle a “man’s rifle.” The 6.5 Creedmoor has as many haters as it does fans. The truth is, it delivers an almost ideal balance of trajectory and recoil. It will push a 140-grain bullet to about 2,750 fps, and with its undeniable popularity, by about 2017, shooters began wanting a 21st-century version of the .264 Winchester Magnum: a faster Creed. Ironically, they already had one, but it seemed to be a bit much for most shooters.

26 nosler

.26 Nosler: The .26 Nosler was announced to the public in 2013. This was the second proprietary cartridge in the Nosler line capable of pushing a 140-grain bullet to about 3,300 fps. Because it was faster than a .264 Winchester Magnum and the same length as the .30-06 cartridge, you’d think it would have been a sensation—but it’s never really found mainstream acceptance. Recoil might be the primary reason: The .26 Nosler kicks twice as hard as a 6.5 Creedmoor.

The 6.5 PRC is quickly becoming a very popular long-range target and hunting cartridge. It’s like a better version of the .264 Winchester Magnum.
The 6.5 PRC is quickly becoming a very popular long-range target and hunting cartridge. It’s like a better version of the .264 Winchester Magnum.

6.5 PRC: In 2018, Hornady gave shooters the revised .264 it had been dreaming of—the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge). Working with George Gardner of GA Precision, Hornady settled on the parent case of the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum. The cartridge will scoot a 140-grain bullet along at about 3,050 fps. No, it’s not as fast at the .26 Nosler and is a tad slower than the .264 Winchester Magnum, but it also doesn’t kick as hard as either of those. Now, in 2020, it seems clear that the balance of power, trajectory and recoil this cartridge offers is right in line with what modern shooters desire.

6.5 Cartridges 12
Weatherby’s big, powerful and incredibly fast 6.5-300 cartridge might have been the fastest 6.5 ever. It’s possibly also the shortest-lived 6.5mm rifle cartridge in existence.

6.5-3000 Weatherby Mag: It was introduced in 2016, just as the 6.5 Creedmoor was beginning its climb to fame. The thing is, this cartridge was just too damned hot. Bullet selection was critical; the muzzle blast was horrendous; and it ate barrels for breakfast (the 6.5-300 Weatherby will launch a 140-grain bullet at a sizzling 3,400 fps). It was very popular—in conversation—for about a year. Now, it’s mostly forgotten.

However, Weatherby realized its mistake and, in 2019, the company tried again with the 6.5 RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum). This cartridge is based on the old .284 Winchester, but with a lengthened case. It essentially duplicates the ballistics of the 6.5 PRC.

65-284-norma

6.5-284 Norma : Engineered by Norma in 1999, the company just necked down the .284 Winchester; it didn’t extend the case. The 6.5-284—approved by CIP, the European version of SAAMI—has enjoyed some success as a wildcat cartridge in America.

However, in what is now “the age of the six-five,” Nosler submitted the 6.5-284 to SAAMI, which approved it. I expect you’ll begin seeing new rifles and new ammunition from a variety of manufacturers soon. Why? The 6.5-284 will work in a short-action rifle and, like the old 6.5 Remington Magnum, it’ll push a 140-grain bullet to around 2,900 fps.

An Explanation Is in Order

The point of this history lesson is to set the stage for the explanation of why there is this current fascination with new 6.5mm rifle cartridges. As mentioned, we can’t ignore the impact that American Sniper had. We also can’t ignore the fact that the 6.5 Creedmoor will shoot flatter, with less recoil, than the .308 Winchester.

It all comes down to something very simple: When you look at the projectiles for handheld sporting rifles of a reasonable weight, 6.5mm bullets can be made with the highest ballistic coefficients—without being too heavy. Sure, you can make a .284- or .308-caliber bullet just as long, lean, trim and aerodynamic. The problem is that when you do this, bullet weight crowds 200 grains.

There’s nothing wrong with heavy bullets; they ring steel, punch paper and can kill critters very well. The issue is velocity. It takes a lot more powder to push a 200-grain bullet to get the same trajectory as you can from a 140-ish-grain 6.5mm bullet. This means there’s a noticeable—very noticeable—increase in recoil.

In truth, we found this magic bullet diameter in Sweden back before the turn of the 20th century and then amplified it about 60 years later. Americans were just too in love with their .270s and .30-calibers and just too damned prejudiced about 6.5mm cartridges to notice what a good thing they really were.

The article originally appeared in the February 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Expand Your Knowledge on Creedmoor Ammo

Dry Fire Training To Improve Defensive Handgun Skills

By
Richard A. Mann
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A laser bore insert that emits a flash or beam when the gun is fired can be a great dry-practice tool.
A laser bore insert that emits a flash or beam when the gun is fired can be a great dry-practice tool.

Lack of range time is no excuse for gathering rust. Here's the dry fire training that will keep your defensive handgun skills sharp as a tack.

What Are The Dry Fire Traing You Should Focus On:

Dry fire training involves working with a firearm that’s unloaded. Admittedly, messing with unloaded guns has limited appeal; it’s like playing with a motorcycle with an empty gas tank.

However, the goal with dry practice is to become more familiar with the gun and develop a relationship with its trigger, sights, controls, operation and presentation. Dry fire training can cover several aspects of gun handling; it’s not just about pulling the trigger.

Even if you consider yourself an average shooter, I’d urge you to become devoted to dry practice. I’ve been shooting most of my life, and hardly a day goes by that I don’t dry practice in some manner.

Presented here are several dry fire drills, along with dos and don’ts. The number-one most important aspect of dry fire training is to always work with a for-damned-sure unloaded gun, no matter what type of dry practice you’re conducting. I’d also recommend you conduct dry practice in a location where there’s no live ammunition. Remember: always, always, point your handgun in a safe direction!

Trigger-Pull

Pulling triggers or “dry-firing” is the most common form of dry practice—and rightly so. As the late, great Jeff Cooper said, “The purpose of shooting is hitting.” And hitting comes about by you being able to maintain a proper sight picture while pressing the trigger. In fact, if you could boil the secret to shooting down to two concepts, it’s sight alignment and trigger control.

There are many dummy rounds you can use. Some even offer a laser beam to help you diagnose your skill and then improve.
There are many dummy rounds you can use. Some even offer a laser beam to help you diagnose your skill and then improve.

The trigger press—with the proper sight alignment—should be a part of your presentation dry fire training, but it can also be done independently. The worse the trigger in your firearm, the more of this you’ll need to do. Building a relationship with a bad trigger is like doing the same with an ornery co-worker: It takes time and patience.

As with any other form of practice, start slowly in order to develop a relationship with your trigger. Use a small aiming point so you can notice any wobble or jerk as the trigger’s pressed. If you can connect a laser to your handgun, these wobbles or jerks are much easier to see. Some folks even rest a dime or penny on the barrel of the gun and attempt to press the trigger without allowing the coin to hit the floor.

With handguns, you can even use a pencil. Insert the pencil in the barrel with the sharpened end toward the target. Tape a piece of paper on the wall with a small aiming point and aim at that point with the muzzle about an inch from the wall. When you press the trigger, the firing pin will hit the eraser and force the pencil out of the barrel. The sharpened end will hit the paper and create a mark. You can do this over and over and even shoot a group.

Do use snap caps. They’re a great accessory for dry fire training; they save wear on your gun; and they add a visual indication that the gun is unloaded.

Don’t focus on the target. Your attention should always be on the front sight or reticle.

Firearms Presentation

Firearms presentation is generally thought to apply only to handguns. Presenting a handgun or getting it out of the holster and orientating it toward the target is a skill that needs to be practiced. But so, too, is bringing a rifle to your shoulder so that it’s pointed at the target. Firearms presentation, whether with a handgun, rifle or shotgun, is one of the least practiced—but most important—aspects of dry fire training.

Those who carry a concealed handgun should spend time dry practicing their draw so they’re adept at clearing the cover garment out of the way.
Those who carry a concealed handgun should spend time dry practicing their draw so they’re adept at clearing the cover garment out of the way.

When practicing presentation, it’s best (at least, initially) to do it in steps. As you perform each step of the process, take careful pains to make sure you’re executing the action to perfection. For example, if you’re practicing your draw from concealment, make sure you’re wearing a concealing garment that you must clear. By the same token, if you’re working on shouldering a hunting rifle or shotgun, it might be a good idea to be wearing your hunting jacket.

Do practice from the initial movement all the way through the trigger press and follow-through.

Don’t rush the process. Start slow—crawl, walk, run.

Get On Target With More Handgun Training:

Follow-Through And Holstering

Firearms instructors commonly tell me one of the skills that’s most lacking in their students is the follow-through and holstering. Not only do shooters tend to ignore proper form when doing this, it’s also an area in which they tend to become very unsafe.

The “pencil drill,” which can be conducted with any defensive handgun (with revolvers, it’ll have to be done in single-action mode), is a great form of dry practice.
The “pencil drill,” which can be conducted with any defensive handgun (with revolvers, it’ll have to be done in single-action mode), is a great form of dry practice.

Celebrations or actions of disgust occur frequently on the range and in the field. The elation of a hit or dissatisfaction of a miss can override our safety valve, and guns end up being pointed in directions they’re not supposed to. Establishing proper follow-through and holstering habits with dry fire training will not only make you safer, it will also make you a better shooter.

There are several aspects to consider here:

When the trigger breaks, focus on maintaining your sight picture. Then, you can focus on putting away the gun. However, with a long gun, this is the time when you might need to cycle the action—run the bolt, work the pump or rack the lever. This should be done before the long gun leaves your shoulder. The final step is to holster the handgun or lower the long gun to a proper “ready” position.

Do conduct the proper follow-through every time you conduct a dry fire training trigger press.

Don’t ever be in a hurry to holster a handgun.

Reloading

Competition shooters have been dry fire training the reload for many years. And, they often use a shot timer to gauge their proficiency. This is fine but, of course, not all of us are competition shooters. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be practicing reloading our firearms.

It’s important to practice the reload with a handgun or long gun. This can easily be done during dry practice—just make sure you use dummy rounds.
It’s important to practice the reload with a handgun or long gun. This can easily be done during dry practice—just make sure you use dummy rounds.

Regardless of the weapon system you’re operating, there are several generally accepted methods for reloading it. It might be as simple as replacing a magazine or as complicated as topping off a bolt-action or lever-action rifle.

Whatever the process, it can be easily dry practiced. After a dry practice trigger press, conduct the reload and pay particular attention to doing each step correctly. For example, if you’re replacing the magazine in your handgun, don’t drop the magazine that’s in the gun to the ground until your hand has found the replacement magazine on your belt. Sure, you can run a shot timer to see how fast you can conduct a reload, but what’s more important here is that you learn to conduct the reload correctly. As they say: Bad practice equals bad performance.

Do concentrate on keeping the muzzle orientated in a safe direction and the target in your peripheral vision as you conduct a reload.

Don’t ever, ever use live ammunition for dry reloading practice. After all, dummy rounds are too affordable to ignore.

Immediate Action: Stoppages

Guns jam. All repeating firearms jam. Glocks jam, revolvers jam, lever-actions jam and yes, even the celebrated Mauser-style bolt-action rifle will jam.

What you can do with dry fire training is simulate various types of stoppages and then work the proper techniques to clear them. Being fluent with these techniques could potentially save your life in a gunfight with a bad guy or a bad critter such as an African buffalo. It might also mean the difference in being able to get that trophy elk, sheep or whatever you might be after.

They make dummy rounds for a reason. Use them!
They make dummy rounds for a reason. Use them!

There are a couple of ways to practice immediate action. You can set up the stoppage yourself and then attempt to clear it. In fact, until you become at least moderately proficient with the process, this is the preferred method. Alternatively, you can let a buddy set up the stoppage while you’re not looking. This requires you to diagnose the situation and respond accordingly.

One thing to remember when performing immediate action or working with a stoppage, particularly with a firearm that feeds from a detachable magazine, is that sometimes the best—fastest—answer is to just conduct a reload.

Do use dummy rounds when practicing immediate action, and make sure you’ve practiced it multiple times before you ever try to do it in a hurry with live ammunition.

Don’t point your firearm in an unsafe direction when clearing a stoppage. Just because it seems to not be working doesn’t make it inert.

Frequency

How often should you conduct dry fire training? Well, that depends on how serious you are about shooting and how often you get to shoot live ammo. I generally do a little dry fire training every day. However, as a gun writer, I live around guns; there’s always one (or more) within reach for me to work with. That’s not the case with most folks, who have jobs at which they can’t just get their pistol out and go waving it around at lunch time.

The good thing about dry fire training is that the sessions don’t have to be long. In fact, frequency is more important than duration. If you can carve out five to 10 minutes every day or a least a few evenings a week to do a little dry practice—always away from the distraction of work or family—you’ll see a significant improvement in your shooting very soon.

The article originally appeared in the 2020 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Ammo Brief: Accurate And Inflexible .32 Smith & Wesson Long

By
Gun Digest Editors
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32 SW Long 1

Accurate as the day is long, the .32 Smith & Wesson was hindered by its lack of versatility compared to iconic .38 Special.

What Are The Defining Qualities Of The .32 S&W Long:

  • Developed for the Smith & Wesson First Model solid-framed, hand-ejector revolver in 1903.
  • It has a reputation for excellent accuracy and has been used for target- and match-shooting.
  • The advent of the .38-caliber revolvers spelled its demise as a defensive cartridge.

The .32 Smith & Wesson Long cartridge was developed for the Smith & Wesson First Model solid-framed, hand-ejector revolver, which was introduced in 1903. The same cartridge, loaded with a flat-nose bullet, is called the .32 Colt New Police.

Colt, Harrington & Richardson, Iver Johnson and Smith & Wesson were the principal companies making revolvers in this chambering in the United States. Many Spanish and other European revolvers, such as the Bayard and Pickert, chambered the round. In Europe, it had not been as widely used as the shorter .32 Smith & Wesson until some ISU centerfire target-shooters discovered the .32 S&W Long. Now, there are several high-class European target auto-loaders for the wadcutter loading of this cartridge.

On-Target Ammunition Information:

General Comments

The .32 Smith & Wesson Long was the smallest revolver cartridge deemed adequate for police use in the United States in its day and was fairly popular with detectives or plainclothes officers. It has always been available in a variety of short, light, small-framed revolvers, some of which are very well-made.

It has a reputation for excellent accuracy and has been used for target- and match-shooting in the past, as well as in ISU shooting. It’s as accurate as the .38 S&W Special but not as versatile. It is the minimum size for sporting use and, with handloaded, hunting-type bullets, it’s quite effective on small game. It’s not as popular or widely used for self-defense as it once was because of the development of compact .38-caliber revolvers. Its range and effectiveness can be increased by handloading. The original load was 13 grains of blackpowder and a 98-grain bullet.

32 sw specs

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World, 16th Edition.

Is The .44 Magnum A Wise Choice For Concealed Carry?

By
Max Prasac
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7

You heard that right … an on-person defensive .44 Magnum. Crazy as it might sound, there are good reasons to carry a compact hand cannon.

Why The .44 Magnum Is A Solid Concealed Carry Choice:

  • Nearly double the bullet weight compared to the .357 Mag, thus potentially delivers more energy on target.
  • With an exceptionally large diameter, creates a larger and more devastating wound canal.
  • The larger diameter bullet doesn't preclude marksmanship but does allow a bit more margin of error.
  • Recoil can prove an issue, though is mitigated through practice and ammo selection.
  • Guns chambered for the .44 Magnum are generally renowned for their reliability.

Let me say this up front: Concealed-carry guns are personal choices that should be based on what works for the individual—not on popular opinion, gun writer declarations or anonymous voices on Internet sites.

This choice is strictly mine, and mine alone and is one I recommend only for those recoil-insensitive individuals among us. I can only provide you with my reasons (or rationalizations for the cynical among us) for my choice. There; that’s my disclaimer.

When Gun Digest Editor Luke Hartle contacted me to ask what I carry on a daily basis, I have to say that he was actually expecting something along these lines. My carry piece and I have a long history together that dates back to college and the first earnings I made as a prizefighter. It’s a Smith & Wesson Model 29 Lew Horton. You read that correctly—a Model 29, meaning that it’s a .44 Magnum.

For those unfamiliar with the 29, it’s a six-shot, double-action, N-frame revolver in blued steel that’s arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing revolvers ever made. The Lew Horton edition featured a 3-inch barrel and a rounded grip frame. This one was likely “hatched” in 1985 and is one of 5,000 produced between 1984 and ’85. It’s heavy (relatively speaking), but it should be, because it’s supporting a rather raucous (relatively speaking) cartridge.

It’s also really smooth—Smith & Wesson smooth—despite the much maligned production during the hit-or-miss Bangor Punta days of Smith & Wesson. The action is like velvet; the double-action pull is like passing a hot knife through room-temperature butter; and the single-action pull is light and crisp, with no creep. It breaks at 2.5 pounds.

But why, on Earth, would anyone choose to carry a .44 Magnum on purpose? Good question. I’ll try my damnedest to answer it.

The ‘Stopper’

Early on (for those who remember the days of police officers carrying revolvers), in the hands of law enforcement officers, the .357 Magnum earned a reputation as a stopper—stoked with 125-grain hollow-points with a full head of steam.

What constitutes “stopping” a perpetrator? In this context, it clearly means incapacitation, thereby eliminating the threat. The .357 was loaded hot; it was fast-stepping and violently expanding. The statistics of the day clearly reflected what was most in use at the time, and the .357 was heavily represented. The .44 Magnum never really made its mark (despite “Dirty Harry” Callahan’s best efforts), because the reality was such that no one really carried a .44 Magnum—or rarely did so—so the .44 Magnum is underrepresented in the statistics of one-shot stops.

One feature that sets apart the Lew Horton edition from other production Model 29s is its 3-inch barrel (seen here compared to a 4-inch Model 29).
One feature that sets apart the Lew Horton edition from other production Model 29s is its 3-inch barrel (seen here compared to a 4-inch Model 29).

My reason for choosing the .44 Mag is because it’s built on the same concept as the .357 (high velocity and violently expanding), but the .44 Mag takes it further by nearly doubling the bullet weight (in standard configuration) and significantly increasing the bullet diameter.

Recoil: It Kicks

Now, let’s talk recoil, because I suspect this will be the biggest criticism the scrutinizers will put forth loudly. Yes, it kicks. It’s a .44 Magnum, loaded with what I like to call “proper” .44 Magnum loads, so the kicking part is to be expected. This is where familiarity rears its head. I have owned this revolver for more than 30 years and have put a lot of rounds downrange with it. Also, if you know anything about me, you’ll see that I have more than an unhealthy obsession with large-caliber revolvers and, in fact, I hunt large game (sometimes really large game) with revolvers at every opportunity. Frankly, in my twisted, little paradigm, the .44 Mag is pretty much an entry-level cartridge. I also have a bit of numbness between my ears that enables me to shoot reasonably heavy-recoiling revolvers with little ill effect (at least that’s my wife’s explanation).

Make Your Day With The .44 Magnum:

The factory grips actually work quite well with my hands and, despite my lousy up-close vision, the factory Smith & Wesson white outline rear and red insert front sight combination is more than adequate for my visual shortcomings. However, this piece was meant for up-close-and-personal work; in that capacity, it works exceedingly well. Muzzle blast is noticeably more present due to the short barrel. Again, that’s the price to pay for such a configuration.

Accuracy is Smith & Wesson good. As I mentioned previously, the Bangor Punta ownership days were hit or miss from a quality-of-production standpoint, but this one’s clearly one of the good ones. I don’t know whether it’s the additional attention to detail provided by Lew Horton’s involvement or that this particular example was “produced on a Wednesday,” but it will shoot a wide array of factory fodder with more-than-acceptable accuracy; and, in the case of some loads, it will deliver exceptional accuracy.

Caliber Size Does Matter

In this day and age of high-capacity plastic wonder pistols, it seems archaic to carry a six-shot revolver. Some newer revolvers even feature eight-shot capacity! With the popularity of some of the “lesser” cartridges (such as the 9mm) comes a level of investment and development in maximizing the potential of these defensive cartridges. Taking nothing away from the effectiveness or usefulness of the large-capacity configurations—or the fact that nearly anyone with even minimal grip strength can shoot them (and shoot them well)—they’ll never have the terminal effectiveness of a properly loaded .44 Magnum. You can take that to the bank.

With all else being equal, size matters. A large caliber doesn’t preclude shot placement, but it will give you a bit of a margin of error and will also produce significantly more damage—again, assuming that all else is equal, such as bullet type/construction and velocity.

Another external distinguishing feature is the rounded butt with finger groove grips that are surprisingly comfortable for the author.
Another external distinguishing feature is the rounded butt with finger groove grips that are surprisingly comfortable for the author.

Do you want to know what my answer to high capacity is? Marksmanship. It’s better to hit with one shot that’s well-placed than to spray your target in hopes of a significant hit. There’s also a false sense of security that 15 rounds might impart to the shooter. I’m not arguing that having more rounds can be an asset; I’m merely saying that perhaps knowing you have fewer rounds forces you to take more care when obtaining your sight picture and sight alignment.

Uncompromising Reliability

That said, there’s a level of reliability inherent to the design that no auto-pistol can ever hope to achieve. Yes, I know there are plenty of great semi-autos out there that are extremely reliable, but the simplicity of the revolver design ensures uncompromising reliability.

However, some designs simply point better than others, and the Model 29 just works for me (this is a scientific measure), and I’ve had more than three decades to become really intimate with this particular revolver.
A concealed-carry .44 Magnum? Sure. Why not?

Expand Your Knowledge on Concealed Carry

The article originally appeared in the 2020 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Firearms Essentials: 5 Must-Have Henry Rifles

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

Of all the Henry rifles, these five are the top of the bunch.

What Henry rifles do you need in your collection:

Everybody Loves Henry

Henry rifles… utter the phrase and even the most novice firearms enthusiast knows of what you speak. It’s brass and hardwood and lever-actions and a good dash of the old west. Tried and true performance and perhaps more fun than might be legally advisable.

The New Jersey-based company has become legendary in a relatively short amount of time. Just a quarter century that’s all the gunmaker has been around. But in an industry that tends to measure longevity in half and full centuries, it’s a blink of an eye. And Henry’s success, in many respects, came against the odds.

Historical Beginnings

Always steeped in old-style firearms, Louis Imperato started the company as a manufacturer of replica black powder revolvers in Brooklyn, NY in 1993. Acquiring the rights to the Henry Repeating Arms brand name soon after with his son and long-time company president, Anthony, the company soul product was what is now known as the Classic Lever-Action .22. Black powder and lever-actions, gutsy choices in the go-go 1990s and right on target.

Striking a nerve with the American shooting public, those humble roots blossomed into one of the country’s most substantial gun manufactures. Now, Henry Repeating Arms are made in two states (New Jersey and Wisconsin), has roughly 250,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and employs more than 475 people. Furthermore, they turn out everything from rifles, shotguns even pistols (yes, the Mare’s Leg is considered a pistol) in lever-action, semi-auto, single-shot, even pump action. The gunmaker even dusted off the old 1860 Henry Rifle design in recent years, truly helping it live up to its name.

The Five

Impressive, still for many one thing will always come to mind when talking Henry and that’s Henry rifles. And like any Titan, the company has produced some must-have models over the years. So, without further ado, here’s a look at five Henry rifles no gun safe is truly complete without.

All-Weather Lever-Action .45-70 Government

Henry-Rifle-Government

Chance meetings with coastal browns or big timber bull elk, you might not find better medicine than the .45-70 Government. Furthermore, it’s arguable Henry’s All-Weather Lever-Action is the ideal delivery system. Configured as a guide gun, the 18-inch barreled rifle is nimble as they come allowing shooters to deliver 300 to 500 grains of heavy metal to a target in a snap. Though, with a more tactical bent, the Model X is also a solid choice, especially given it boasts a loading gate. Many will consider this a huge advantage. As to the All-Weather, a semi-buckhorn rear sight aids in its quick-handling, especially with a diamond insert that draws the eye intuitively to the notch, while also providing the capability of more precise work at distance. Furthermore, the rifle comes drilled and tapped, so adding a scope requires minimal effort.

Some will have a bone to pick with the four-round lever-action, given metal components are hard-chrome plated, not stainless steel. Yet, the treatment, when done properly adds hardness to the surface of the metal components, reduces friction and proves as resistant, if not more so, than some stainless steel. A break from in looks from most Henry rifles, the furniture is dark – jet black, due to specially-treatment to the walnut meant to resist temperature, moisture and abuse. Some might like the idea of polymer better, but the hardwood isn’t a particularly bad option on the .45-70, giving the gun recoil-eating heft. MSRP: $1,050


Long Ranger .243 Win.

Henry-Rifles-Long-Ranger

Users demanded it and Henry listened. A newish addition and a break in design from traditional Henry rifles, the Long Ranger has succeeded wildly in its charge. As its name suggests, the rifle aims to extend the range of Henry’s lever-actions, which forced the company to reevaluate how they’d tackle the platform. The receiver is longer, made of aluminum and features a six-lug rotating bolt, as well as a removable box magazine. The results are more than respectable, given the Long Ranger is capable of MOA performance with the benefit of lever-action speed.

The nice part, Henry didn’t compromise in creating what is fast becoming a shooter favorite. Despite the modernization, the Long Ranger is completely American made and retains the attractive lines common to Henry rifles. To the latter point, the rifle’s straight grip, excellent walnut stock and sharp checkering (fore-end and grip) go a long way towards this end. Available with or without iron sights, in either case, the rifle comes drilled and tapped, so adding a scope is no fuss, no muss.

To my mind, the mild recoiling, yet highly effective .243 Win., would get plenty out of the 20-inch barreled rifle and potentially makes it pure dynamite for anything from deer down to varmints. Yet there are no complaints about 6.5 Creedmoor, .223 Rem./5.56 NATO and .308 Win. options, which opens the rifles to nearly any application short of dangerous game. MSRP: $1,066


Golden Boy

Henry-Rifles-Golden-Boy

Might it be the finest .22 LR to ever come down the pike? There’s certainly a case for it. Even if it didn’t happen to boil down the “Best,” there’s still no denying the Golden Boy is a hell of a fun gun to run. From Hollywood cowboy good looks to fast action, and of course accuracy, the brass-frame rimfire has and continues to mesmerize shooters of all ages. Why not? In practiced hands, the 20-inch octagon barreled lever-action is nearly as fast as any semi-auto out there and, with rich walnut, is more attractive than most of that lot. Easy to see why the Golden Boy is among the most popular of all Henry rifles.

Thing is, looks and tradition come at a cost, above and beyond dollars and cents. The rifle is heavy for a rimfire, a whisker under 7 pounds. This aspect could make it a bit cumbersome, especially in young hands, walking timber after squirrels or cottontails. And yes, there is a price – monetary this time – to get behind the Golden Boy’s business end; it runs nearly twice as much as most Ruger 10/22. Then again, just look at it – you’re not getting cheated. A few of the other notable points on the rifle are a semi-buckhorn rear sight, tapped and drilled receiver (for scope) and a transfer-bar safety so the rifle is safe to carry with a round in the chamber. MSRP: $587

Raise Your Lever-Action IQ:

Big Boy Classic .44 Mag.

Big-Boy

Pistol-caliber long guns tend to raise some shooters’ hackles. But Henry’s Big Boy line of lever-actions smashes most of their objections. Chambered in a wide selection handgun magnums, the rifle is plenty powerful, in many cases substantially enhancing a cartridge’s ballistics compared to a revolver. How much more? In the neighborhood of 300 to 400 fps, when making the jump from a 4-inch barreled handgun to an 18-inch barreled rifle. In the end, you’re left with a manageable firearm with the chops to defend your home and put meat on the table On top of that, with the Big Boy you’ll look good doing so.

Of the nine models and seemingly endless variations, the Big Boy Classic has the most to offer in the aesthetics and flexibility departments. Though, the more tactically configured Big Boy Model X comes in a close second, given it conforms more to modern-shooters' wants and needs, such as a rail and loading gate. As far as the Classic goes, it's brass-frame (it is a Henry after all), rich walnut, semi-buckhorn rear sight and octagon blued steel barrel, the model is the epitome of the company’s gun-making ethos. Additionally, with five caliber choices (.44 Mag., .45 Colt, .357 Mag., .41 Mag., and .327 Fed Mag.) it’s fit to fill any role you demand of it. All of the options are solid, though, it seems a crime not to go whole hog with a Big Boy and chamber it .44 Magnum. MSRP: $945


U.S. Survival AR-7

AR-7

The most practical of all Henry rifles, the AR-7 has lifesaving potential. Designed by Eugen Stoner as a survival gun and optimized to provide rugged performance no matter the circumstances, the semi-automatic stays at hand wherever you might venture.

The bugger is only 3.5 pounds and, when broken down and stowed in the buttstock, roughly 16-inches in length. That compact, it’s ideal to stow in a rucksack for a deep backcountry trek or as an emergency gun in a boat, car or camper. Additionally, the AR-7’s weight, or lack thereof, means you can pack in more ammo – never a bad idea.

Constructed of ABS plastic, foam filled, the stock gives the rifle a unique property – it floats. Or at least it does when broken down and stowed in the watertight stock. The 16-inch barrel is steel covered with corrosion-resistant ABS plastic, which attaches to the receiver via a barrel nut. The receiver then slides directly into the stock and stays in place via a set screw. Assembly takes less than a minute. The blowback rimfire feeds off 8-round steel magazines and has a 3/8-inch accessory rail, so an optic is a possibility. Barebones, the semi-auto comes outfitted with a rear peep-aperture and front blade. Best of all, for the penny-wise prepper, the AR-7 comes nowhere close to breaking the bank. MSRP: $305 (Black finish model)

Were we on target with our Henry rifle picks? Do you have favorite in the list? What gem did we miss. Tell us in the comments below.

For more information on Henry Rifles, please visit henryusa.com.

First Look: Escort BTS Bullpup Shotgun

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

Escort BTS
Escort's 12-gauge BTS Bullpup Shotgun

Looking for a tactical smoothbore nimble enough for close-quarters action, but doesn't compromise on performance? Take a gander at the Escort BTS Bullpup.

Generally considered mud-fence ugly and a bit of a novelty, the bullpup configuration doesn’t get a ton of respect. The IWI Tavor and Steyr AUG being the exceptions. Expect, it’s a mistake to write off the un-orthodox set up as just another unnecessary break from traditional gun design. More compact, while allowing for more ballistic-boosting bore, bullpups are close-quarter gems that compromise little to nothing in performance.

Escort must see it this way as Hatsan’s shotgun brand has unleashed a new smoothbore pup on the world. A riff of the Turkish gunmaker’s VTS (Versatile Tactical Shotgun), the Escort BTS Bullpup Shotgun offers the same rock-solid operating system, excellent capacity and smooth operation at a fraction of the size. So, exactly how compact are the 12-gauge and .410 bore options? Small, 28.5 and 30 inches in overall length respectfully despite boast respectably sized 18- and 20-inch barrels.

Adding to the BTS Bullpup’s appeal, the shotgun is magazine-fed—5 rounds in both chamberings—making it potentially quick on the reload. In addition to this, the gun also uses the VTS’s inline gas piston system to cycle, an innovative design in which the piston is situated around the barrel and action bars in a straight line to the receiver. Inherently slim, this allows Escort to keep the gun overall trim in dimensions, thus more nimble to and at the shoulder.

Escort's .410 BTS Bullpup Shotgun
Escort's .410 BTS Bullpup Shotgun

Making the BTS Bullpup more manageable, Escort has included a long recoil spring behind the piston and a soft rubber buttpad to eat up recoil. To this, at least with the 12-gauge, there's the option to run an extended cylinder bore choke brake, which should aid a bit in taming some of the muzzle rise in the tail-heavy configuration. This is removable, and the larger bore shotgun comes with full and improved flush-mount chokes as well. The .410, on the other hand, has a fixed choke, but Escort does not define the type.

Overall, the Escort BTS Bullpup is fairly affordable $590 MSRP for its black finished model and $680 for FDE.

More From Escort:

Bentonville, AR – New to the Escort Versatile Tactical Shotgun lineup is the BTS bullpup. It offers all the perks of the VTS series shotguns in a more compact, portable package. This next-generation shotgun is available in either 12 ga or .410 cal, and is offered in either black or FDE Cerakote. The new inline gas piston design is mounted around the barrel, minimizing bulk and allowing the use of a proper bullpup layout. The tough polymer lower receiver also doubles as the forend grip, with soft rubber inlays for improved handling. Its magazine well is lined with durable alloy for smooth, long-lasting performance.

The synthetic barrel cover features Hatsan's patented ThermoDefend technology that absorbs and dissipates heat while containing the gas piston operating system.

Recoil control is distributed between a soft rubber buttpad and a long recoil spring located behind the gas piston. The reversible charging handle offers versatility to suit varying shooter preferences. The soft rubber pistol grip is removable and can be exchanged for one of many currently available aftermarket options to suit the individual user. The one-piece carry handle sight can be replaced with included flip-up sights for a lower profile or when using mounted optics. Picatinny rails are also located on either side of the forend to accommodate a variety of accessories.

The 12-gauge models feature an 18″ barrel with removable chokes, including an extended cylinder bore choke brake that helps tame recoil with heavy shot or slugs. Also included are Full and Improved Cylinder flush-mount chokes, with additional options available from HatsanUSA. Each gun ships with two 5-round magazines, but an optional 2-round magazine is also available. The gun is chambered to accept both 2 ¾” and 3″ shells and will cycle them interchangeably with no external adjustments required by the shooter.

The .410 models feature a 20″ barrel with integrated choke suitable for both shot and slugs. Offering the same recoil-absorbing characteristics as the larger caliber models, this shotgun is one smooth operator. Also shipping with two 5-round magazines, the optional low-capacity mag holds 3 shells. The gas piston operates in the same manner, cycling both standard and magnum loads smoothly and reliably.

As with all Escort shotguns, the barrels are proof tested at the factory to ensure quality and durability. The hard chrome and/or Cerakote coatings are built to withstand the harshest conditions and look good while doing it. HatsanUSA offers a 5-year limited warranty with all Escort firearms.

BTS Features:
Modern Sporting bullpup gas operated semi-automatic shotgun
12ga or 410cal, 3″ / 76mm chamber
Self-regulating gas piston cycles both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells
Detachable box magazines
18″ or 20″ barrel for shot or slugs
12-gauge model features interchangeable choke tubes (F, IC, Cyl w/ Brake)
Oxidation proof chrome plated steel barrel
All barrels are proof tested at the factory to ensure maximum durability
Reversible cocking handle for ambidextrous operation
Shell deflector diverts spent shells downward
Integrated buttstock with elevation adjustable cheek rest and soft rubber buttpad
Soft rubber ergonomic pistol grip
Durable alloy upper receiver and a light-yet-durable synthetic lower receiver
Picatinny rail integrated into upper receiver and hand guard
Synthetic ThermoDefend hand guard with ergonomic forend grip
Manual safety selector switch
Adjustable front and rear sights
Detachable carry handle front and rear sights
Optional flip-up front and rear sights included
Mounted sling loops
Tough matte black or FDE Cerakote finish
MSRP: $589.99 – Black / $679.99 – FDE

BTS12 Specs:
Gauge: 12
Operation: gas-operated, semi-automatic
Barrel: 18″ hard chrome plated barrel with removable chokes
Overall Length: 28.7″
Weight: 8.1 lbs.
Capacity: 2x 5-rd magazines included
Chokes: F, IC, and CYL (brake) chokes included

BTS410 Specs:
Gauge: .410
Operation: gas-operated, semi-automatic
Barrel: 20″ hard chrome plated
Overall Length: 30.7″
Weight: 6.7 lbs.
Capacity: 2x 5-rd magazines included
Chokes: Fixed cylinder

For more information on the Escort BTS Bullpup, please visit hatsanusa.com

Draw A Bead On Shotguns:

The Makarov And Other 9x18mm Pistols

By
George Layman
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An almost identical comparison is the 9mm Russian-made Makarov at top, with a Bulgarian-licensed copy at bottom. This particular Russian example is one of those that mistakenly entered the United States with import marks of “Germany.” Actual legal Russian importing lasted but a few years.
An almost identical comparison is the 9mm Russian-made Makarov at top, with a Bulgarian-licensed copy at bottom. This particular Russian example is one of those that mistakenly entered the United States with import marks of “Germany.” Actual legal Russian importing lasted but a few years.

A cloak-and-dagger icon from the Cold War, the Makarov 9x18mm still delights collectors today … if they can get their hands on one.

How The Makarov Pistol Became A Cold War Icon:

  • Designed around the Walther PP/PPK series of pistols.
  • Like the German handguns, the Makarov is straight blowback-operated and can be shot in double action.
  • Its cartridge, the 9x18mm Markorov, has a no-typical diameter—.365″.
  • Due to trade restrictions, the pistol had a very short importation window–3 years.
  • While wildly used in Soviet satellite countries' militaries, it was not universally adopted.

The Makarov Pistol is Born

In 1949, the Soviet Union was searching for a replacement for their aging Tokarev TT-33 pistols. By 1951 they had adopted a completely new design that ended up being licensed to two Eastern European countries, and to China as well. Manufactured at Russia’s Izhevsk factory, the Pistolet Makarova or Makarov Pistol was the brainchild of Nikolai Fyodorovich Makarov, who designed his new double-action, straight blow-back pistol around the proven Walther PP/PPK series of pistols.

After World War II, the Russians had access to the Walther factory in Germany and shipped much of its tooling back to the USSR. Nikolai Makarov opted for a cartridge developed by Boris Semin, who in 1946 developed it from the older Walther 9mm Ultra, an experimental cartridge originally intended for the Luftwaffe. Christened the 9x18mm Makarov, its bullet diameter is an odd .365” unlike the typical .355” of the 9mm Luger and the .380 ACP (9mm Browning). The idea behind it was in the case of a supposed contingency where stocks of 9mm Makarov ammunition might be captured by an enemy, that the cartridge could not be used in standard 9mm Luger pistols.

The Makarov semiautomatic pistol incorporates many features of the Walther in that it disassembles identically by grasping the trigger guard, bringing it downward, and pulling back the slide and upward to disengage it from the frame. Additionally, its double-action safety features are similar in that a cartridge can safely be carried in the chamber with the hammer down. With the hammer at full cock, thumbing the manual de-cock safety upward allows the hammer to fall and subsequently blocks the loaded chamber by use of a transfer bar on the safety, preventing contact with the firing pin. The eight-shot, medium-weight pistol with its 3.68-inch barrel uses a single screw in its assembly to secure the rear fastened grip. The checkered red Bakelite grips also have a circled star in the center. Markings on the Russian Makarov are the serial numbers on the left slide flat and frame with a Cyrillic prefix, and the year of manufacture is at the rear of the left frame.

Russian variant shows the identifying markings of the Izshevsk Arrow in a circle with the production year of 1976 at rear. Serial numbers are located on the frame and slide with a Cyrillic prefix. Equally as well manufactured, the Bulgarian version is still available from some distributors.
Russian variant shows the identifying markings of the Izshevsk Arrow in a circle with the production year of 1976 at rear. Serial numbers are located on the frame and slide with a Cyrillic prefix. Equally as well manufactured, the Bulgarian version is still available from some distributors.

It is important to reiterate that importation of the Russian Makarov lasted but a few short years between 1992 and 1995 due to the eventual trade restriction on Russian military imports during the Clinton administration. Soon after, this also included military arms from China as well. Ironically, a number of Russian-made Makarov pistols inadvertently entered the United States between 1998 and 2009 and have become known as the “sneak” Makarovs. These pistols were imported from Bulgaria and East Germany and were marked with the country of origin, as each of these nations obtained a quantity of the Russian-made versions in the 1970s and ‘80s as supplementary arms to make up for shortages in their ordnance inventories. Apparently, some of these Russian versions were mixed in and marked with the aforementioned two countries as the origin of manufacture until close BATFE inspection revealed the Russian Izhevsk Triangle cartouche on some of the pistols. These are rather desirable on the collector’s market because of this import marking error.

Soviet Satellite Makarov Clones

Regarding licensed Eastern European versions of the Makarov, East Germany was the first of the Soviet satellites to manufacture them, beginning in 1958. Made at the Ernst Thaelmann State Factory, the first two years of production saw some difficulties in getting off the ground, with full-scale manufacture underway by late 1959 and early 1960. In the United States, the East German Makarov has become one of most highly sought of their ilk given the beautiful dark blued, smooth finish, coupled with jet-black checkered plastic grips. The East German pistols also have their internal parts marked by electro pencil with the last two digits of the serial number. Production ceased in 1965. It appears that those with small, unobtrusive import marks together with condition, determine the higher price and overall desirability.

Da … We Have More Russian Guns:

The final licensed Makarov in communist Europe was the Bulgarian version. Given the green light for licensing rights in 1970, few were produced until five years later. Actual production took place at the Friedrich Engels Machine Works – known also as “Factory 10.” The Soviets supervised and trained the Bulgarians to manufacture the Makarov, and remained in charge of all production throughout 1975. The next year saw the Bulgarians assume control, and they steadily continued production of the Makarov up to 2007, some 15 years after the fall of communism. Prior to their sale on the U.S. surplus market, Bulgaria sold quantities of Makarov pistols to Slovenia, well past the communist break up. Most from this country were imported to the U.S. following Bulgaria’s and Slovenia’s admission to NATO in 2004.

The East German copy of the Makarov seems to be the most desirable among collectors and shooters given its silky smooth blue finish and black plastic grips. They are readily identified by the “K100” in a rectangle on the left frame along with a triangle cartouche and a circle within. Gun condition and discreet import marks have an influence on current prices. (Photo courtesy the author’s collection)
The East German copy of the Makarov seems to be the most desirable among collectors and shooters given its silky smooth blue finish and black plastic grips. They are readily identified by the “K100” in a rectangle on the left frame along with a triangle cartouche and a circle within. Gun condition and discreet import marks have an influence on current prices. (Photo courtesy the author’s collection)

Identical to the Russian version with the checkered, red Bakelite grips with a circled star along with the Russian dark blue finish, the Bulgarian Makarov is unquestionably a high-quality copy that prior to 1975 used some Russian internal components until the factory became entirely self-sufficient. Marked with an encrypted prefix for the production year, and followed by the serial number on the left slide and frame, quick identification of the Bulgarian variant is the presence of the Circle 10 stamped on the left frame. Surplus Bulgarian Makarov pistols are still available as of this writing from some U.S. distributors.

Breaking From The Herd

Interestingly, not all former European communist block countries opted for licensing rights to produce a Makarov clone. Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland, which all had established arms factories, were quite nationalistic regarding their choice of a 9x18mm-caliber military pistol. Hungary was the first to stick with an indigenous design. The FEG factory in Budapest introduced the first 9x18mm Makarov in 1959, which was the RK-59. For economic purposes, Hungarian engineers decided to build their pistol with an aluminum frame and fashion it almost directly after the Walther PPK. The RK-59, however, was a blunder from the start as it was learned that after about 1,000 rounds, the aluminum frames developed hairline cracks and galling, which eventually deemed them unserviceable. However, Hungary quickly went back to the drawing board and after one year found its solution. Adding a 1 percent mixture of Titanium to the aluminum alloy sufficiently hardened the frame, and after a 5,000-round test, it was found that evidence of stress cracks was now passé. Thus, their second 9mm Makarov pistol was introduced in 1961 and appropriately named the R-61. This straight-blowback, semiautomatic pistol seemed to fill the bill, however, its biggest drawback was a small capacity, six-shot magazine and heavy felt recoil, a similar problem later to be seen with Poland’s first pistol of like caliber. Marked with the crest of Hungarian communist premier Janos Kadar on the left slide flat, the R-61 would last in regular service for a mere three years, but remained as a reserve sidearm until 1972.

Hungarian arms engineers were ordered to find a replacement and introduced the larger framed, PA 63 in early 1964. This seven-shot semiautomatic pistol remained in standard service until 1996, and thousands were imported to the United States beginning about 1999, and are commonly encountered on the American surplus circuit. In regression, its predecessor the R-61 was imported in limited numbers and many distributors had them rechambered to the popular .380 ACP. Those in the original 9mm Makarov chambering, however, will reap a higher price. Aside from minor dimensional contours, the Hungarian PA 63 with its 3.9-inch barrel is cosmetically close to the Walther PP and has become a favorite carry arm for American shooters. Supplied with a thumb rest left grip made of black plastic, aftermarket copies of the early flat grips are available from suppliers. The light aluminum/titanium frame has a more significant degree of felt recoil than the all-steel Walther. What is unique about both the R 61 and PA 63, is that neither have an external slide catch, and rely upon an empty magazine to lock the slide to the rear.

The much-improved Polish P-83 that replaced the P-64 offered a wider, Makarov-like frame, as well as grips with a width that greatly assisted in control of recoil. Though large numbers were imported to the United States in the late 2000s and later, many are still retained by Poland in reserve.
The much-improved Polish P-83 that replaced the P-64 offered a wider, Makarov-like frame, as well as grips with a width that greatly assisted in control of recoil. Though large numbers were imported to the United States in the late 2000s and later, many are still retained by Poland in reserve.

Following Hungary, the next former Soviet bloc country to opt for a domestically produced 9mm Makarov pistol was Poland. As with the PW wz.33 Tokarev copy, Poland once again manufactured the new replacement at the Lucznik factory Number 11 in Radom. The development of their new military pistol was the culmination of a six-man team at the WITU, a Polish acronym of the Military Institute of Armament Technology. Beginning in 1958, it would be three years later that this group of engineers would come up with a pistol coined at first as the CZAK, taking its initials from the names of some of the designing members. The new blowback semiautomatic pistol was one of two former test versions: the Model W with a longer barrel and the Model M with a shorter 3.3-inch barrel, the latter of which was approved for adoption.

This pistol was similar to the Walther PPK in many respects, but utilized a small-capacity six-round magazine. The final nomenclature for the approved pistol was the 9mm Pistolet wz.1964 – abbreviated as the P-64. Adopted in 1965, the pistol was unique in that like the former Hungarian 9mm Makarov family of semiautomatic pistols, it did not have an external slide catch and relied on an empty magazine to lock the slide in the open position. Though very compact and concealable, its main drawbacks were excessive recoil and a six-shot magazine. The P-64 has been imported into the U.S. since 2005 and was retained by Poland for a time as a reserve weapon. As of 2016, it appears that Poland released the greater majority of them, as it is now being offered in large numbers by several dealers and distributors, and is by far the lowest priced Eastern Bloc surplus pistol of its caliber.

It wasn’t until 18 years later that Poland finally adopted a much-needed replacement for the P 64. In 1983 a new pistol christened the P-83 Vanad was adopted by the Polish military and police forces. A great improvement over its predecessor, this eight-shot blowback semiautomatic pistol is dimensionally close, but slightly wider than the Russian Makarov. The P-83 began to surface in the United States around 2009-2010 and remains in Polish service as a reserve police arm. It was officially replaced by the 9mm Luger Glock 19 and the WIST 94, both of which conform to NATO standards.

Shown with its original military holster, the Czech CZ 82 is the most advanced of all of the Soviet Bloc 9mm Makarov caliber pistols made during the Cold War. With an ambidextrous safety and magazine catch, and a 12-shot staggered magazine, it is the most highly sought after of all pistols of like caliber. Serial numbers and government ownership marks are located on right frame and slide.
Shown with its original military holster, the Czech CZ 82 is the most advanced of all of the Soviet Bloc 9mm Makarov caliber pistols made during the Cold War. With an ambidextrous safety and magazine catch, and a 12-shot staggered magazine, it is the most highly sought after of all pistols of like caliber. Serial numbers and government ownership marks are located on right frame and slide.

The P-83 has rubber-lined, semi-wrap-around grips, and recoil is far more controllable compared to its predecessor. As with the P-64, it has a protruding loaded-chamber indicator. The one important addition was its external slide latch, and its most unique modification was its stamped-steel trigger guard. In lieu of pulling the trigger guard down and to preclude the occasional back snap of the guard during disassembly, the P-83 has two striated grips on both sides of the frame and when pulled down, allow the trigger guard to remain in place, unlocking the slide rail latch when pulling the slide back and up for removal from the frame. It is obvious from the number available in the United States, that substantial quantities likely remain in Polish government inventory.

Perhaps the top of the line semiautomatic pistol in 9mm Makarov caliber is the Czech CZ 82. Here we have the pistol that finally replaced the already 30-year-old CZ 52, and it appears Czechoslovakia was the last Eastern European country to comply with Russia’s directive to switch over to the official Warsaw Pact caliber of 9x18mm Makarov. There couldn’t have been a better pistol that took its time to kowtow to Soviet demands. By far the most up-to-date double-action blowback pistol mentioned thus far, it offered an ambidextrous safety and button-type magazine release, as well as a high-capacity 12-shot staggered magazine. Adopted in 1982, this semiauto is a design that has contemporary features acceptable by even today’s standards. Fewer of these have been seen on the U.S. surplus scene compared to the others simply because the Czech and Slovak Republics still maintain it as a police reserve arm. This pistol is also used by the People’s Republic of Vietnam, Kazakhstan, with known sales to North Korea as well. Accuracy wise this pistol is very effective out to 50 yards. Loading the 12-round magazine, however, becomes work after the sixth or seventh round is inserted due to its extremely stiff spring. Its most unattractive point is the black paint-like finish that easily chips off with use over time.

Keeping A 9x18mm Fed

No surplus 9mm Makarov ammunition has yet to be released in quantity by former communist nations. As can be seen, however, there is plenty of commercially available ammo. All appears to be made in Eastern European countries as well as in Russia, with Winchester even offering it in their metric cartridge lineup. Interestingly, Winchester’s high-quality product is made in the Czech Republic.
No surplus 9mm Makarov ammunition has yet to be released in quantity by former communist nations. As can be seen, however, there is plenty of commercially available ammo. All appears to be made in Eastern European countries as well as in Russia, with Winchester even offering it in their metric cartridge lineup. Interestingly, Winchester’s high-quality product is made in the Czech Republic.

As noted earlier, it is very apparent that none of the aforementioned countries have released any sizeable quantity of surplus ammunition for the 9mm Makarov cartridge, due to several countries holding numbers of pistols in this caliber as contingency war stock. Fortunately, there are about nine different ammunition makers worldwide that offer the 9x18mm Makarov. Prices vary from $11 to $24 per 50 rounds, and in some cases are less in cost than that of the popular 9mm Luger. Hornady, Brown Bear, Silver Bear, Privi Partizan and Sellier & Bellot are just a few of those companies that offer the 9mm Makarov. The author’s personal favorite is Russian-made TulAmmo. Loaded with a 95-grain bullet and steel cases, TulAmmo offers several American calibers in their line as well, but they do not list the 7.62x25mm Tokarev – which is rather peculiar. TulAmmo’s Berdan-primed, steel cases are naturally not reloadable, in this case however, the attractive prices of most loaded ammunition in this caliber alone are almost enough to omit the procedure. For those who insist on cooking up their own fodder, Winchester, Sellier & Bellot and PPU offer this cartridge with Boxer-primed cases. The author has used each of the above-mentioned brands of factory loads and has found that all perform equally as well in all of the above-listed pistols.

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

Concealed Carry: The Always Vital Flashlight

By
Richard A. Mann
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Flashlight 3

No matter how cool, wicked or expensive your defensive handgun is, it’s worthless if you can’t see what you need to shoot at. Thus lies the importance of a quality gun light or flashlight.

It’s after sunset, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are parked around the corner of the liquor store, smoking a joint and listening to Pearl Jam on the radio. Their piece-of-junk Ford Probe is idling because they’re afraid that if they turn it off, it will not start again. Tweedle Dum has a bottle of Mad Dog wine between his legs and a ring in his nose. Tweedle Dee is rolling another joint and complaining about forgetting to pick up his food stamps.

These fine, upstanding citizens (actually, Tweedle Dum is an illegal alien), are looking for an easy score: a victim. A new Chevy Malibu pulls up next to a streetlight that isn’t working. Between a slug on the bottle of Mad Dog and a drag on the joint, Tweedle Dum notices a woman getting out of the car. He pokes his partner in the ribs and says, “Let’s go.” They both step out of the car.

The woman looks across the parking lot and notices the beat-up Probe with its engine running. She goes condition orange, reaches into her purse and pulls out a compact flashlight. Taking a step back, putting the car between her and the potential threat, she clicks the button and sweeps the parking lot with the beam, stopping the light on the crappy car with the two goobers stumbling out of it.

Tweedle Dee shields his eyes from the 200 lumens of light and blurts, “Damn witch!” as the woman’s other hand slips inside the side pouch of her handbag and her fingers wrap around the grip of her Sig Sauer P365.

“What the hell!” exclaims Tweedle Dum as he tosses the empty bottle of Mad Dog out onto the parking lot and kicks the near-flat tire on his ghetto wagon. He pulls up his pants (because they were about to fall off) and then slides his worthless ass back into the car, which Tweedle Dee already has in reverse. They back away into the darkness and then wheel out onto the street.

The woman gets back into her car, locks the doors and gets on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, describing the two dirtbags and explaining that their car has a cracked rear glass and a taillight out. Cops like clues like that.

Your First Line of Defense
Some people are afraid of the dark, and frankly, their fears are justified—not because of vampires, but because that’s where real-life villains thrive.

The Crimson Trace CWL-300 is a fantastic flashlight for everyday carry. It weighs only 2.3 ounces and has a tail switch and a dual output of 50 or 200 lumens.
The Crimson Trace CWL-300 is a fantastic flashlight for everyday carry. It weighs only 2.3 ounces and has a tail switch and a dual output of 50 or 200 lumens.

I worked the night shift for 13 years. That was long enough to realize why the privilege of working dayshift came with seniority. Darkness gives the advantage to the predator, not the prey. Nature’s most effective predators are creatures of the night. Humans are, indeed, sophisticated predators, and even the dumbest human scoundrel knows his chances for success are substantially increased in the absence of light.

Why is light so important? Light is power. Light signifies authority, and it facilitates control. Imagine any disaster scene in the dark—a car wreck, a fire or just a collection of police cars. If you want to know what’s going on, go to the guy with the flashlight.

Bad guys like the anonymity that darkness provides and the element of surprise it allows. Regardless of how young or gun-savvy you and your family members are, if they can walk and talk, they can manipulate a flashlight. When bad guys are looking for a score, they look for the easy one—the most opportunity with the least risk. They’ll lurk in the darkness of the shadows, waiting. They don’t want to be in the spotlight or draw attention.

Cover Your Six, Get More Conceald Carry Info:

Light should be your first line of defense. Stay in the light, and shine light on anything you cannot see clearly. Light can even be a stunning device: Even brief exposure to 100-plus lumens of light at a close distance destroys vision momentarily. Control the light, and you can better control any situation. Excitement in the dark leads to chaos, and shooting in darkness leads to misses. If you’re serious about protecting yourself with a handgun, you should also be serious about flashlights.

Flashlight Triad

The two things you must do are identify the threat and see your sights. This requires light, either ambient or manmade. Night sights and lasers will help you see your sights on target, but they do nothing to help you see or verify the threat. Most consider about 60 lumens of light the minimum for a tactical light. I prefer 100 lumens; it gives more reach and has a more-stunning effect.

A dual-output light that has low and high illumination settings—one that can provide a bright beam for target identification, disorientation and shooting and a low-output beam for navigation—might be the best option. But lumens are just part of the “three-L flashlight triad.” A self-defense light should also have lithium batteries, because they have such staying power, and LED bulbs, because they are much more shock resistant than incandescent bulbs.

A survival/fighting light should also have the activation switch located on the tailpiece. This provides more positive activation under stress and works well with all popular flashlight shooting techniques. It also allows you to hold the flashlight so that you can strike with the bezel end if it comes to hand-to-hand combat.
Light is on the side of the good guys; don’t leave home without it. No matter how cool, wicked or expensive your defensive handgun is, it’s worthless if you can’t see what you need to shoot at.

Editor's Note: This article is a condensed excerpt from Richard Mann’s best-selling book, Handgun Training for Personal Protection. Go to GunDigestStore.com and search under that title.

The article originally appeared in the November 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: The Select-Fire Hatsan Blitz PCP

By
Elwood Shelton
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Hatsan Blitz

A pre-charged pneumatic, the Hatsan Blitz brings some serious muscle to full-automatic air rifles.

Key Features Of The Blitz:

  • Capable of shooting a .30-caliber slug 730 fps at the muzzle and a .22 1,050 fps.
  • Feed off 16-round rotary magazines.
  • Air tank capable of more than 100 shots per charging.

Agreed, this isn’t exactly the select-fire you were hoping for. But with the National Firearms Act still on the books, beggars can’t be choosers. Anyhow, the Hatsan Blitz has much more potential than previous full-auto air guns.

Its predecessors, for the most part, are BB guns, run off CO2 cartridges. Wildly fun, but completely novel. They chew up paper like no tomorrow, but barely have enough oomph to dissuade a determined squirrel from the bird feeder. The Hatsan Blitz, on the other hand, brings some muscle to the table.

The Turkish concern’s pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) kicks out slugs with some serious authority. For .22 caliber the list is 1,050 fps at the muzzle, .25 caliber 970 fps and .30 caliber 730 fps. For some context, Federal Premium lists its 40-grain American Eagle .22 ammo’s muzzle velocity at 1,240 fps. The Blitz isn’t up to that mark but isn’t a world away either—certainly enough to put down varmints and small game at appropriate ranges.

Rate of fire is not divulged, only Hatsan’s boasts that it’s high. However, it is limited. Feeding off 16-round rotary magazines, the air rifle will require quite a bit of reloading when running full auto. Though, it’s 580cc carbon fiber air tank keeps the fun going, providing more than 100 shots between chargings. The potential is always there to slow things down a touch and flick it over to semi-automatic if you have the oaken will to do so.

Full-auto fun doesn’t come cheap, the MSRP on the Hatsan Blitz is $999.

More From Hatsan:

Bentonville, AR – New for 2020 is another airgun innovation from Hatsan. The Blitz is a select-fire semi-/full-auto, Pre-Charged Pneumatic, .30 caliber air rifle that produces upwards of 50 ft-lbs of energy. Users can easily switch between either firing mode with just the flick of a switch. The gas-operated cycling mechanism does not rely on battery power and is capable of firing at a high rate of speed. This new rifle features a large 580cc carbon fiber air tank that can provide over 100 shots of semi- or full-auto excitement. Two 16-round spring rotary magazines are included with the rifle, and the loading key has its own unique storage space on the stock.

The tactical all-weather synthetic stock not only looks great but boasts excellent ergonomic features, as well. The integrated pistol grip has rubberized panels to help facilitate a secure grip in any environment. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment, and the buttpad is both elevation and angle adjustable so it can be customized to fit just right.

Equipped from the factory is a 1-piece carry handle with adjustable open sights that can be removed to make way for lighted and/or magnified optics of choice. Hatsan's standard combination optics rail is integrated into the top of the receiver, allowing for the use of either 11mm dovetail or 22mm Weaver mounts. Three Picatinny accessory rails surround the air cylinder for ultimate flexibility in accessory mounting options. The Blitz also features a built-in manometer that is color-coded for easy reference.

Blitz Features:
-Select fire, semi-/full-auto, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifle
-Currently available in .30 caliber
-Detachable spring rotary magazine holds 16 pellets
-2 Magazines included
-Gas-operated cycling mechanism does not rely on batteries
-580cc carbon fiber air tank fills to 250 BAR (3625 PSI)
-Tactical all-weather synthetic stock with integrated pistol grip
-Rubber pistol grip panels for enhanced control and feel
-Elevation adjustable cheek rest
-Elevation and angle adjustable rubber butt pad
-Combination 22mm Weaver and 11mm Dovetail optics rail
-Included 1-piece carry handle with open sights
-Built-in pressure gauge to monitor tank pressure
-Black anodized aluminum receiver and barrel shroud
-Manual safety switch
-Fitted/integrated sling mounts
-MSRP: $999.99

Hatsan Blitz Specs:
Calibers: .22, .25, .30
Max Velocity: 1,050 FPS, 970 FPS, 730 FPS
Max Energy: 53 Ft-lbs
Magazine Capacity: 16 pellets
Air Cylinder Volume: 580cc
Fill Pressure: 250 BAR (3625 PSI)
Number of Shots: 100
Overall Length: 45.2″
Barrel Length: 23″
Weight: 8.9 lbs

For more information on the Hatsan Blitz, please visit hatsanusa.com.

Reap The Air Rifle Whirlwind:

Understanding The High Standards Of SAAMI

By
Richard A. Mann
-
0

Every manufactured product–from sports car to toy boat–are held to certain standards. SAAMI sets these for ammunition and keeps them exceedingly high.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) was established in 1926 at the request of the federal government. Driven by safety, the goal of SAAMI was to publish industry standards for interchangeability, reliability and quality in regard to arms and ammunition. SAAMI’s current mission statement is, “To create and promulgate technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition, and components; and to be the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage, and use of these products.”

This all sounds rather bureaucratic, but even though it was created at the behest of elected politicians, SAAMI isn’t a government agency. It’s the organization that—to put it simply—makes it possible for you to purchase a .270 Winchester rifle and then buy .270 Winchester ammunition that will safely and effectively work in that rifle. Buying ammunition that works in your gun might not seem a big deal, but that’s because after almost a century of doing it, we shooters have come to expect it. We expect it with little or no regard as to why it’s even possible.

Critical Ammo Specs

To deliver the level of accuracy and safety shooters expect, a bottlenecked rifle cartridge has to fit perfectly inside a rifle’s magazine and chamber (actually, it has to be slightly smaller than the chamber). For a cartridge such as the .223 Remington, there are more than 20 different measurements to consider. To complicate the process, some of these measurements have a plus or minus tolerance. This is because even though there are SAAMI specifications on chamber dimensions—another 20-plus measurements—no two chambers end up being absolutely identical.

The .250 Savage—also known as the .250-3000—was introduced in 1915. Because of the establishment of SAAMI, the factory ammunition manufactured today will work in any .250 Savage.
The .250 Savage—also known as the .250-3000—was introduced in 1915. Because of the establishment of SAAMI, the factory ammunition manufactured today will work in any .250 Savage.

If you’ve ever loaded ammunition, you realize how critical it is that the cartridge fit inside your rifle’s chamber. And, I’ll also bet that if you’ve loaded ammunition very much at all, you’ve undoubtedly loaded some rounds that would not fit in your rifle.

However, the handloader has an advantage: He has the rifle he’s loading for at hand. Ammunition manufacturers that load for commercial sales have no idea in which brand or model rifle you’ll be using their ammunition. MidwayUSA lists 125 loads for the .223 Remington—from 23 different manufacturers. Because all that ammunition is loaded to SAAMI specifications, it’ll all fit in any .223 Remington rifle that’s built by any manufacturer … as long as the rifle was built to SAAMI specifications.

Specs Are Just the Beginning

But SAAMI specs go beyond only physical measurements. Just like handloaders, who must load ammunition within certain pressure limits so they’ll be safe in their rifles, ammunition manufacturers must load ammunition that will be safe in any rifle.

This wildcat cartridge was designed by the author, and Hornady created the dies. It might exist in other forms and by other names. These variations are what SAAMI acceptance and approval circumvent.
This wildcat cartridge was designed by the author, and Hornady created the dies. It might exist in other forms and by other names. These variations are what SAAMI acceptance and approval circumvent.

When Remington loads .30-30 Winchester ammunition, it doesn’t know if you’re going to use it in a brand-new Marlin 336 or a Winchester model 94 built in 1926. The pressure limits established by SAAMI guarantee that the ammo you buy will be safe in your firearm.

On-Target Ammunition Information:

Here’s another way to look at it: SAAMI sets the size and power limits for the manufacture of commercial ammunition. Manufacturers that are SAAMI members build ammunition to these standards. This keeps the playing field level and safe, just like how NASCAR establishes standards for the building of race cars that compete in NASCAR events. There may be slight differences in how two similar factory .223 Remington loads perform, but they’ll both be safe and operate at very similar pressures in any .223 Remington rifle.

The size and pressure limits for a particular cartridge are generally established by the designer/submitting manufacturer. SAAMI, for the most part, just confirms their safety. Once the specifications are approved by SAAMI, those are the specifications that all future ammunition and rifles will be built to. This is the reason modern .30-30 Winchester ammunition works perfectly in a .30-30 Winchester rifle that’s 100 years old. This is also the reason the newer 6.5 Creedmoor is ballistically superior to the older .260 Remington … well, at least when factory ammunition and rifles are compared.

Not only do SAAMI standards deal with cartridge case shapes, SAAMI also sets the standard for the reamers that will cut the chamber in a barrel.
Not only do SAAMI standards deal with cartridge case shapes, SAAMI also sets the standard for the reamers that will cut the chamber in a barrel.

Let me explain. When the .260 Remington was submitted to SAAMI by Remington, the company specified a 1:9 twist. This meant that .260 Remington ammunition would have to be loaded to work within a 1:9 twist. When Hornady submitted the 6.5 Creedmoor, it specified a 1:8 twist. This meant that factory 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition could be loaded with bullets that have a higher ballistic coefficient than the .260 Remington and that all factory 6.5 Creedmoor rifles would stabilize those bullets. The 6.5 Creedmoor also has a slight power advantage. Hornady specified, and SAAMI approved, a maximum average chamber pressure (MAP) of 62,000 psi. When Remington submitted the .260 for SAAMI approval, it requested—and SAAMI approved—a 60,000 psi MAP.

Is It Safe?

Handloaders, custom rifle builders, and ammunition and gun manufacturers not members of SAAMI can, of course, build ammunition and rifles to whatever standards they want. They can build a .260 Remington rifle with a 1:7-twist barrel if they like, and they can load .260 Remington ammunition with any bullet to any pressure they want. Will that rifle and ammunition be safe? Who knows? Remember: One of the foundational goals of SAAMI is safety, and its specifications do a damned fine job of establishing it.

In order to sponsor the submission of a new cartridge to SAAMI, a company must be a SAAMI member or partner with a SAAMI member. The sponsoring company must submit a complete submission package, dimensionally defining the cartridge and chamber, as well as the performance of both service and proof ammunition. This also includes the supply of action-proving dummy rounds, proof loads and reference ammunition for the industry marketplace.

The .260 Remington (left) and 6.5 Creedmoor (right) are ballistically very similar. But the SAAMI specification on rifling twist allows one to outperform the other in factory form.
The .260 Remington (left) and 6.5 Creedmoor (right) are ballistically very similar. But the SAAMI specification on rifling twist allows one to outperform the other in factory form.

This package goes through an extensive review process conducted by every SAAMI member and committee and generally takes about six months. Once approved, the standards are published, and then guns and ammunition can be built to an established standard.

This very involved and technical process is the reason some cartridges you might hear about never become real SAAMI-approved cartridges. It’s not uncommon to hear of a new wildcat cartridge that’s supposed to be the “next best thing.” Well, there’s a reason it never becomes the next best thing, and that’s because a SAAMI member won’t sponsor submission of the cartridge. Another reason is that it can’t pass the SAAMI approval process.

Among many other things, this could be because the case shape might allow for unsafe cartridge mismatches or because to achieve the exciting velocities or performance the wildcat cartridge is delivering, it’s actually operating at a dangerous MAP.

When you buy a set of dies for a cartridge, the specifications set forth by SAAMI are what allow the ammunition that comes out of those dies to work in any rifle—any rifle built to SAAMI standards—of that chambering.
When you buy a set of dies for a cartridge, the specifications set forth by SAAMI are what allow the ammunition that comes out of those dies to work in any rifle—any rifle built to SAAMI
standards—of that
chambering.

For instance, I’ve developed several wildcat cartridges. Most recently (about five years ago), I worked with Hornady’s Neal Emery to neck down the 6.5 Creedmoor to 0.257 caliber. I call it the “2Fity-Hillbilly,” and Hornady lists the dies for this cartridge as the 25 Hillbilly. The only change we made to the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge case was a reduction in neck diameter.

This means you can actually load this cartridge with 6.5 Creedmoor brass, dies and a smaller neck bushing. Other wildcatters call a similar version of this cartridge the “.25 Creedmoor,” and case dimensions, load data and performance will vary. You could purchase a .25 Creedmoor rifle from some builder and discover that the ammo loaded with Hornady .25 Hillbilly dies won’t work in it at all.

Once Approved

This perfectly illustrates exactly why SAAMI is important. Once a cartridge is approved by SAAMI, all rifle manufacturers know how to build rifles to work with it, and all ammunition manufacturers know how to build ammunition for it that will perform well and be safe. Just as importantly, those who manufacture reloading dies, shell holders and anything else that’s cartridge-specific have a guide for building their products. This means that when you purchase a set of dies to load your new .224 Valkyrie cartridge, the ammo you load will actually fit inside the rifle’s chamber. These standards also guide those who establish handloading data … and this keeps you from blowing up your gun.

Standards, Standards … and More Standards

According to Richard Patterson, safety, reliability and interchangeability (fit, form, function) are really what SAAMI is all about. SAAMI is an American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI—the U.S. representative to ISO) accredited standards developer, and it follows ANSI’s rigorous standards development process. These standards ensure that products’ characteristics and performance are consistent; that people use the same definitions and terms; and that products are tested the same way. The consensus-driven ANSI process is also designed to eliminate personal bias and prevent creation of standards that give unfair competitive advantage. This builds confidence with the consumer but also provides assurances to the manufacturers. For this reason, almost all firearm manuals include instructions to only use ammunition manufactured in accordance with SAAMI standards.

If you’re a fan of the .260 Remington, you probably hate SAAMI, because its standards limit the external ballistic effectiveness of factory ammunition for the cartridge. You shouldn’t feel this way: Because of SAAMI, you can actually purchase .260 Remington ammunition that works in your rifle. If you want to use factory ammunition to shoot a little flatter than what factory .260 ammunition is capable of, just buy a 6.5 Creedmoor. Fortunately, the 6.5 Creedmoor is an approved SAAMI cartridge too. And, you can choose from a plethora of 6.5 Creedmoor loads built to the SAAMI standard.

For more information on SAAMI, please visit saami.org.

The article originally appeared in the January 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: Zev Technologies Gassed Up Sig Pistols And Upgrades

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

Zev Technologies
ZEV Z320 XCOMPACT

Known for its top-shelf Glocks, Zev Technologies has turned its attention to Sig Sauer with two complete pistols and a load of upgrades.

If gassed up pistols are your thing, you’re most likely acquainted with Zev Tech. High-end, high-performance Glocks have been their thing for some time with specimens that look as good as they perform. Now the company is moving in a different direction, turning its attention to Sig Sauer with two complete pistols and a load of upgrades. It’s enough to get a fella drooling.

As far as the pistols are concerned, the options are Z320 XCompact and Z320 XCarry models that dimensionally mirror of the originals, but are decked out with Zev Technologies upgrades. In both cases, the pistols boast Sig’s X-series trigger, Octane Slide cut for compatibility with Trijicon RMR optics, Zev Pro barrel and fiber-optic Combat Sights. Zev’s has also included the company’s signature diamond pattern laser-cut into the grip for a solid handle on both models of the Z320. The enhance Sigs don’t go for chicken scratch, both listed at $1,299 on Zev’s website.

Concerning Zev Technologies Sig upgrades, the Octane slide is available for P320 and P365 pistols. Aside from sporty looks, they feature a glare-resistant finish and grip enhancement thanks to Zev’s slide channeling and ample cocking serrations. Similar to the complete pistols, the slides are also compatible with Trijicon RMR and Shield RMSc optics cuts. For both Sig models, a stripped Zev slide has an MSRP of $420.

Set Your Sights On More Handguns:

Additionally, Zev Technologies is offering up its Pro Barrels for the P320 (in three sizes: XFive, XCompact and XCarry), P365 and P365XL. The fire tubes feature barrel dimpling and streamlined hood design, complete with Zev’s logo and caliber markings. Across the board, the barrels have a $199 MSRP. Rounding things out, Zev also has Combat Sight upgrades for the Sig slides, which include a serrated rear sight and fiber-optic front. The MSRP on the sights is $99.

For more information on Zev Technologies Sig pistols and upgrades, please visit zevtechnologies.com.

Mossberg MC2c: Ergonomics, Reliability And Accuracy

By
Richard A. Mann
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0

The whole package, the Mossberg MC2c delivers the reliability, accuracy and comfort you want in a concealed carry pistol … and the capacity.

What Makes The MC2c A Top Defensive Pistol Pick:

  • At 1.10-inch and 21-ounces loaded, the pistol is easy to conceal and carry.
  • Accessory rail is long enough to accomodate most accessories.
  • With its flush-fit magazine, the pistol has 13-round capacity; with its extended mag 15.
  • Thin and easy to fit in the hand, the pistol has a comfortable grip.
  • A crisp 5.5-pound trigger break enhances the accuracy potential of the pistol.

I carry concealed everywhere, and that’s why I’m always testing every new compact and sub-compact pistol that’s been released. I look for comfort, ergonomics, reliability and accuracy.

Early in 2019, Mossberg shocked us all with its first pistol (well, its first pistol in 100 years): the Mossberg MC-1sc, a sub-compact, 9mm, single-stack pistol. The MC-1sc gave us a series of features that made the pistol a desirable choice for both concealed carry and EDC.

Now, a year after the introduction of the MC-1sc, Mossberg has introduced a slightly bigger sibling to the MC-1sc: the MC2c, the new entry from Mossberg for its pistol series.

Comparing the Siblings

The new MC2c is a compact-sized pistol with almost identical features and ergonomics as the MC-1sc. They both share a black glass-reinforced polymer frame; a stainless steel slide in either DLC finish or a matte stainless steel finish for a two-tone look; a 416 stainless steel DLC-finished barrel with a 1:10 right-hand twist; and almost identical esthetic features as the MC-1sc. In addition, the MC2c uses the same comfortable, flat-faced polymer trigger. Mossberg will be offering two models with external cross-bolt external safeties, two models without it and one model with Tru-Glo night sights.

Even though it’s compact and slim, the Mossberg MC2c offers reliability and accuracy with either a 13- or 15-round capacity.
Even though it’s compact and slim, the Mossberg MC2c offers reliability and accuracy with either a 13- or 15-round capacity.

Mossberg also continued to use the Sig Sauer-pattern dovetail front and rear sights used on the MC-1sc. The basic pistols ships with a 3-dot white-dot. Both the front and rear sights are adjustable for drift.

A common feature on both the MC-1sc and the MC2c is the takedown process. This is one of the most innovative takedown processes I’ve seen in any striker-fired pistol. To take down either pistol, you must first remove the backplate on the slide and the striker, thereby rendering the pistol inoperable. This completely removes the necessity of having to press the trigger to release the slide and the possibility of any accidental discharge in the takedown process.

One detail I really like on both the MC-1sc and the MC2c is the cocking serrations. Not only are they grippy, they’re also very esthetically pleasing—at least to me. (Although I don’t use the front cocking serrations, I love the look of them; they just look good!)

And that’s where the similarities end.

Load Up On More 9mm Knowledge:

The Younger, Slightly Larger Sibling

The new MC2c has slightly larger dimensions than its older brother: a 7.10-inch length, 4.90-inch height and 1.10-inch width. It weighs in at only 21 ounces unloaded and 29 ounces loaded. With a 4-inch barrel length, the MC2c offers a 6.40-inch sight radius. Unlike its older, smaller sibling, the MC2c has an accessory rail that fits most lights, lasers or accessories.

The rear sight is also adjustable for windage and fits the Sig Sauer slide. The author decided to black out the white dots to fit his shooting style.
The rear sight is also adjustable for windage and fits the Sig Sauer slide. The author decided to black out the white dots to fit his shooting style.

Another MC2c difference is capacity. Unlike the smaller, single-stack MC-1sc, the new MC2c features a metal double-stack magazine with a capacity of either 13-round flush or 15-round extended magazines. It’s interesting to note that the grip on the MC2c isn’t that much thicker than the grip on the MC-1sc.

When I first picked up the MC2c, I was pleasantly surprised with its ergonomics and feel. The grips were nice and thin; in fact, I couldn’t believe that a 13-round flush magazine could fit in this compact and comfortable grip. The trigger pull breaks at a crisp 5.5 pounds, but it really doesn’t feel that heavy.

Shooting the MC2c at Gunsite Academy

Now, enough about the pistol; let’s do some shooting.

I spent two days with the MC2c at Gunsite under the great guidance from the Gunsite staff, especially Charlie McNeese and Ed Head. There’s nothing better than having two great instructors guiding you through some heavy training.

The flat-faced polymer trigger yields a crisp, 5.5-pound trigger pull.
The flat-faced polymer trigger yields a crisp, 5.5-pound trigger pull.

Over the course of two days, we ran the basic Gunsite drills, as well as a couple of shoot houses. We used both Hornady Critical Defense and CCI Blazer Brass ammunition.

The MC2c pistol ran for two days without a single malfunction, and I didn’t clean it once. I’m fairly sure I ran more than 300 rounds over the course of those two days. It’s quite impressive that in spite of constant shooting in cold, drizzly weather, I didn’t experience a malfunction. It’s very telling and speaks volumes about this new pistol.

One funny incident: Halfway through the first day, most of the participants in the group had used a black Sharpie to black out the white dots on the rear sight; I did too. Even though most of the shooting community really appreciates the 3-dot sight system, I’ve grown to prefer black rear sights. (I think Mossberg should include a black Sharpie in every box for those of us who prefer black sights!)

After the Gunsite class, I took the MC2c to my local indoor range (C2 Tactical in Scottsdale, Arizona) for a quiet accuracy test. I used the new Ransom Steady Rest—an aluminum rest that allows the shooter to have a steady platform for more-repeatable and -accurate shooting.

An accessory rail allows the installation of lights, lasers or any other accessory that fits the rail.
An accessory rail allows the installation of lights, lasers or any other accessory that fits the rail.

I tested ammo that ranged from premium defensive ammunition all the way to practice ammunition: Hornady Critical Defense 115-grain FTX, Federal Hydra-Shok 135-grain, Federal Train & Protect 115-grain Versatile HP, Federal Syntech Defense 138-grain SJHP and Federal Syntech Training Match 147-grain TSJ.

I did all my testing at a distance of 10 yards, because the MC2c is a CCW/EDC pistol, and most armed encounters won’t happen farther than 10 yards (most happen within 3 yards).

I fired five, five-round groups with each type of ammunition, and my results were as expected: The premium ammunition performed great, with groups under 1 inch with the Federal Hydra-Shok, giving me an average group of .96 inch. The Hornady Critical Defense gave me an average group of .95 inch.

The practice ammunition performed very well too. The Federal Train & Protect gave me an average group of 1.25 inches; the Federal Syntech Defense gave me an average group of 1.5 inches; and the Federal Syntech Training Match gave me an average group of 1.6 inches.

The cocking serrations on the MC2c are as functional as they are esthetically pleasing. And the slim grip of this pistol makes it very comfortable for concealed carry in most holsters tested with it.
The cocking serrations on the MC2c are as functional as they are esthetically pleasing. And the slim grip of this pistol makes it very comfortable for concealed carry in most holsters tested with it.

For some reason, perspective buyers of defense handguns expect a little heavier shooting than just a couple of days of Gunsite training and some slow-paced accuracy testing. I remember the days when consumers would buy a defensive pistol, run a couple of hundred rounds through it, clean it and immediately start using the pistol as their main defensive pistol. But with the advent of social media, minor defects in some pistols get blown out of proportion.

As a result, some consumers believe that any pistol should have at least 1,000-plus rounds fired through it without a single malfunction before they consider the pistol “worthy” of becoming their carry pistol. I don’t understand this way of thinking, but it’s a new fact of life.

Reliability Testing

I decided to add a little bit of fast shooting to test the MC2c for the final step—reliability testing. I loaded two 13-round magazines and did two back-to-back mag dumps just as fast as I could press that trigger. I also did one slide lock reload as fast as I could do it.

I had some leftover CCI Blazer brass … so, why not, right? Well, it didn’t disappoint, and, again, not a single malfunction. In all reality, after the Gunsite class, I honestly didn’t expect any malfunctions, but I decided to perform the test anyway.

MC2c Specs

I’m not surprised with my conclusions about the Mossberg MC2c—I like it. It’s big enough to fit my hand comfortably and narrow enough to comfortably fit in any IWB or OWB holster. Sights are easy to find and offer a great sight picture.

Reliability is just what I expected … and then some. Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to carry this pistol as my EDC, because I already know it will run in pretty much any weather condition and will be both accurate and reliable if I ever need it to protect myself and/or my family.

Mossberg MC2c Specs:
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Semi-automatic
Frame: Compact
Capacity: 13-round (flush)/15-round (extended)
Safety: Integrated trigger blade safety;
cross-bolt manual safety (optional)
Frame: Glass-reinforced polymer, matte black
Slide: 416 stainless steel, DLC finish or matte stainless finish (two-tone)
Barrel: 416 stainless steel, DLC
Length: 7.10 in.
Height: 4.90 in.
Width: 1.10 in.
Weight: 21 oz. (unloaded); 29 oz. (loaded)
Barrel Length: 4 in.
Barrel Rifling: button-rifled six-groove
Twist Rate: 1:10 RH twist
Sight Radius: 6.40 in.
FRONT Sight: White dot, drift adjustable; dovetail sight
REAR Sight: Dual white dot, drift adjustable; dovetail sight
Trigger: Flat-profile trigger
Trigger Pull: Approx. 5.5 lb.
Trigger Travel: .5 in.

For more information on the Mossberg MC2c, please visit mossberg.com.

The article originally appeared in the 2020 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: Savage Arms Model 110 Line Goes .300 PRC

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

300 PRC 110 Precision

A logical move for the bolt-action specialists, Savage Arms release four Model 110 rifles in the ballistically talented .300 PRC.

What Are The .300 PRC Models:

The world is awash in .30-caliber cartridges. Was there a call for another? Hornaday and the Department of Defense certainly believed so. Thus the .300 PRC is with us today. Designed to milk the most out of heavy-for-caliber, hyper-sleek very-low drag bullets, the cartridge’s main task is to save soldiers’ lives by putting more effective range between them and the enemy. Though, don’t think Joe-average shooter doesn’t have something to gain from the long ranger. Cross-canyon attempts on elk or country-mile hits on steel plate, the .300 PRC is becoming the pick of the litter to get the job done.

Gunmakers have taken note. A slew of irons have rolled out over the past couple years chambered for the beltless magnum. The most recent, Savage Arms. Pure candy for the bolt-action specialists, the Massachusetts gunmaker jumped into the caliber in a big way releasing four Model 110 rifles chambered for the .300 PRC, including the Long-Range Hunter, Precision, Elite Precision and HS Precision. Running the gamut, Savage Arms has an option for about every occasion.

Making particular waves presently is the 110 Precision, logical given it’s among the most affordable chassis options available. Though, across the board, it’s hard to argue with how the rifles are priced, with MSRPs running from $968 for the Precision hunter to $2,149 for the premium chassis Elite Precision. Check out the specs below for more information.

From Savage Arms:

June 26, 2020 – WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – When the Department of Defense began looking for a long-range sniper round that produced consistent results with lighter recoil and less muzzle flash, Hornady's 300 PRC quickly rose to the top. Now Savage has chambered several rifles in the outstanding new caliber that allow hunters and marksmen to make the most of the new round.

“The 300 PRC has opened up new possibilities for extreme long-range shooting,” Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms, said. “There's no better platform for the round than a Savage. With their AccuTriggers and AccuStocks, Savage rifles offer the rugged stability needed for reliable accuracy at any distance.”

While 300 PRC is capable of exceptional accuracy, the round is not simply a paper-puncher. The true potential of the 300 PRC comes from the intentional pairing of heavy .30 caliber bullets with non-belted cases and temperature-stable powders. The 300 PRC's projectiles achieve repeatable accuracy thanks to their high ballistic coefficients. The 30-degree shoulder of the case provides stable chamber alignment, while the non-belted cases stack efficiently and feed reliably from magazines. The combination allows for fast follow-up shots.

When these attributes are combined with Savage's thread-in headspacing, floating bolt head, and button rifled barrels, the 300 PRC achieves astounding accuracy. With the stability of AccuStock and the precision of Savage's AccuTrigger, the round's potential is fully realized.

Savage builds rifles that enable shooters to make the most of their abilities. Now, with these guns in 300 PRC, competitors can reach new distances, hunters can push the limits of ethical shots—even southpaws will have off-the-shelf options that, once again, demonstrate Savage's commitment to accessibility for all shooters.

300 PRC Features
·Proven platforms chambered for 300 PRC.
·User-adjustable AccuTrigger Button-rifled barrel
·Detachable AICS Magazine
·Thread-in barrel headspacing
·1-Piece 20 MOA Rail Serrated lock nut

300 PRC 110 Elite Precision

110 Elite Precision .300 PRC Specs:
Action: Bolt
Barrel Color: Natural
Barrel Finish: Matte
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Magazine Capacity: 5
Hand: Right
Length of Pull: 14-15.5 inches
Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine
Overall Length: 49.75-50.75 inches
Rate of Twist (in): 1 in 8.5
Receiver Color: Black
Receiver Finish: Matte
Receiver Material: Stainless Steel
Stock Color: Grey
Stock Finish: CeraKote
Stock Material: Aluminum
Stock Type: Chassis
Weight: 14.95 pounds
MSRP: $2,149.00

300 PRC 110 Precision 1

110 Precision .300 PRC Specs:
Action: Bolt
Barrel Color: Black
Barrel Finish: Matte
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
Magazine Capacity: 5
Hand: Right
Length of Pull: 13.5-14.5 inches
Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine
Overall Length: 43.625-44.625 inches
Rate of Twist (in): 1 in 8.5
Receiver Color: Black
Receiver Finish: Matte
Receiver Material: Carbon Steel
Stock Color: Flat Dark Earth
Stock Finish: Matte
Stock Material: Aluminum
Stock Type: Chassis
Weight: 11.05 pounds
MSRP: $1,499.00

300 PRC HS Precision

110 HS Precision .300 PRC Specs:
Action: Bolt
Barrel Color: Black
Barrel Finish: Matte
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
Magazine Capacity: 5
Hand: Right
Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine
Overall Length: 45.25 inches
Rate of Twist (in): 1 in 8.5
Receiver Color: Black
Receiver Finish: Matte
Receiver Material: Carbon Steel
Stock Color: Black
Stock Finish: Matte
Stock Material: Synthetic
Stock Type: Tactical
Weight: 10.7 pounds
MSRP: $1,284

300 PRC 110 Long Range Hunter

110 Long-Range Hunter .300 PRC Specs
Action: Bolt
Barrel Color: Black
Barrel Finish: Matte
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
Magazine Capacity: 5
Hand: Right
Length of Pull: 12.75 – 13.75 inches
Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine
Overall Length: 49.5 inches
Rate of Twist (in): 1 in 8.5
Receiver Color: Black
Receiver Finish: Matte
Receiver Material: Carbon Steel
Stock Color: Grey
Stock Finish: Matte
Stock Material: Synthetic
Stock Type: Sporter
Weight: 8.85 pounds
MSRP: $968

For more information on the Model 110 rifles in .300 PRC, please visit savagearms.com.

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