Turnbull Restoration is proud to announce a collaboration with Henry Repeating Arms and Top Shot Armory to produce and bring to market a customized version of the well-known and popular Henry lever action rifle. Henry has long been the standard for American-built lever guns, and now Turnbull is joining with them to produce a limited-edition known as the “Henry-Turnbull Rifle.”
“Working with the amazing people at Henry and Top Shot has been a pleasure. It’s our shared dedication to preserving the legacy of great American lever guns that’s brought us together,” said CEO and Founder Doug Turnbull. “Henry rifles have been beloved American-made rifles for as long as I can remember, and we’re proud to be able to work with them on this offering.”
The rifle, American-made to Henry’s precise standards, is finished with the distinctive Turnbull bone charcoal color case hardened receiver, lever, hammer and forend cap. This limited-run rifle is available only through Top Shot Armory and its network of dealers.
“Top Shot Armory is a great retailer and distributor that shares our love for iconic lever guns, as well as our dedication to making sure these rifles stay part of the American firearm story,” Turnbull emphasizes. ”Henry Repeating Arms and Turnbull Restoration are partnering up with Top Shot to bring the consumer an instant classic.”
The Henry-Turnbull Rifle is available in .30-30 Win, .41 Rem Mag., .44 Rem Mag, .45-70 Govt., .45 Colt, .327 Fed and .257 Mag. There will only be 250 of each caliber produced. Recognizing the demand for this rifle, Turnbull, Henry and Top Shot Armory took the opportunity to raise some much-needed funds to support Hunting Heritage Trust. Serial number one of each caliber was specially laser-engraved and dubbed “The President’s Collection.” The Collection was auctioned off on GunBroker.com’s website at the recent NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, raising more than $17,000 for this vital cause.
“This is an All-American effort by three great American companies – Tunrnbull Restoration, Henry Repeating Arms and Top Shot Armory– to produce and deliver an instantly-collectible example of one of America’s most beloved classic lever rifles,” explained Turnbull. “We’re looking forward to more such projects with the great folks at Top Shot throughout 2019.”
The Henry-Turnbull Rifle is only available through Top Shot Armory and its network of dealers. They can be found online at www.topshotarmory.com, by phone at (574) 288-4867,and at their location in South Bend, Indiana.
Turnbull Restoration Co., Inc. is known globally for the ability to take even the most damaged collectible firearm and return it to its original look, feel and function. Founder and CEO Doug Turnbull is renowned for his period-correct metal finishes which stand out as the most striking and authentic. The company offers a line of new production firearms that incorporate the same quality look and feel as the collectibles they are famous for restoring. Also available are authentic vintage firearms of many iconic brands from private collections that Turnbull has purchased and inspected, cleaned and restored where needed. Please visit www.turnbullrestoration.com for more information.
Glock’s extremely popular Slimline Series took a big step forward with the enhanced-capacity Glock 43X and Glock 48.
Undoubtedly, Glock has been among the top players in the concealed carry pistol market. Outside of their long-slides, there’s a case to be made that nearly every model in the legendary gunmaker’s catalog is a potential undercover option, at least for some armed citizen out there. In recent years, however, the company has turned its studied eye to producing pistols optimized to the hilt for everyday carry.
The Glock Slimline Series is the gunmaker’s response to consumer demand for single-stack options. This year the line got a couple upgrades that make it hard to deny Glock is hitting its groove with this configuration. The Glock 43X and Glock 48 not only offer enhanced capacity over the original Slimline G42 and G43, but greater shootablity. Actually the two walk hand-in-hand for the 9mms.
More Information On Glock:
Glock 17: How The Full-Sized Striker-Fired Set The Standard
To squeeze in more rounds for 10+1 capacity, Glock had to extend the grip of the pistols. Given its mastery at packing rounds into limited real estate, the lengthening wasn’t by leaps and bounds. With a magazine, the Glock 43X and Glock 48 both have a height of 5.04 inches, which is around ¾ of an inch greater than the Glock 43. This shouldn’t make them a bear to conceal, at the same tick, most shooters will have enough grip to get their entire hand on the pistols. It makes a difference.
Not satisfied with simple capacity and shootablity upgrades, Glock also decked out the Slimline Series additions with a few other notable features. The most prominent are the fore and aft cocking serrations and a rather striking silver-finished slide. Definitely a different look for a factory Glock. Also, the G48 is a bit of a break as well. While the G43X, predictably, mirrors the G43, the G48 is built along the Glock 19’s dimensions. If you carry the tried and true double-stack, the Glock 48 might prove the perfect warm-weather complement.
For more information on the Glock 43X and Glock 48, please visit www.glock.com. For more information on The Modern Sportsman, please visit www.themodernsportsman.com.
Generations past learned to shoot behind a .22 LR bolt rifle. Today, the .22 LR AR-15 is that perfect learning tool.
How the .22 LR AR-15 is the perfect tool to learn the platform:
It’s reliable caliber, no matter the ammo you run.
Given its light recoil, it’s easy to shoot.
It is extremely accurate.
Ammo is very affordable.
Hands down, its plain fun to shoot.
I was raised on guns. There are pictures of Dad holding a .22-caliber rifle in my shoulder so I can fire it. I can’t remember not shooting, but I do remember is that it all started with a .22 LR single-shot rifle and firing from prone. In those days, you were expected to learn how to shoot a .22 from prone — one accurate shot at a time — before ever progressing to anything else.
The .22 LR is available in a variety of types. You buy bulk ammo for plinking, and match ammo if you’re working on marksmanship. With a .22, you’ll need to experiment until finding the right ammo for your gun.
And the same is true today. Regardless of age, learning how to shoot begins with the fundamentals. The AR is a lot like a .22 LR many of us grew up on: It’s reliable, easy to use and extremely accurate — it’s an “if I can see it, I can hit it” kind of rifle. It’s the perfect platform to use on your way to becoming a rifleman or woman. But, this journey is about a lot more than just acquiring the gear.
Learning how to use the AR, or any other firearm, starts with the fundamentals of marksmanship: Aim, hold, press and follow-through. The cool thing about the AR is that you can still do this with the .22 caliber, buying a dedicated .22 LR AR — my favorite is the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 — or using a conversion kit with a .223 Rem./5.56 NOTA AR. And prone is still the best position to start with.
What You Should Work On With Your .22 LR AR-15
Finding NPOA
You start by learning about natural point of aim, or NPOA. This is a firing position that relies on bone support as opposed to muscle tension. You get into position with the sights on target. Shut your eyes, and inhale and exhale several times. Now, open your eye and note where the sights are. While breathing, your body settles into its “natural” position — you’re not using muscles to hold the sights on target. If the sights shifted left or right of the target, then reposition your entire body instead of muscling the sights back on target.
Using your bone structure to keep the rifle on target is always more consistent than relying on muscle tension, and shooting accurately is always about consistency. You do the same thing — the exact same way over and over until achieving the desired results — which is the ability to place your shots exactly where you want them.
Before ever firing a shot you check, establish and confirm your NPOA. This is true for every firing position — even standing or offhand. Eventually you get to the point where you can line up the target, assume your firing position and you’ll have a solid NPOA. This is the true “aiming” part of marksmanship.
In the beginning, it’s best to start with the basics, both for equipment and learning the skills needed to become a rifleman. Dummy ammo is mandatory: It allows you dry practice, logging in the repetitions necessary to learn how to manipulate your AR.
But there’s a lot more to NPOA than getting the first shot to land where you want it: NPOA helps “hold” that position as the shot is fired and in-between multiple shots.
Sight, Breath And Trigger
Your visual hold with iron sights is achieved by focusing on the front sight. If you’re a pistol shooter, you already know this. Our eyes don’t have the ability to focus on the target, the front sight and the rear sight all at the same time. So, you focus on front sight — the middle of these three objects. The target will be blurry, but you can still tell if the front sight is holding where it should be. The rear sight is blurry — a ghost ring sight is perfect for this because your eye naturally wants to center the front sight in its rear ring or aperture — but again you can hold the front sight stead in its center.
Hold also involves breath control. If you’re breathing while pressing the trigger, the front sight and muzzle will be moving, which is going to cause vertical separation in your shots. You have to stop breathing to hold the sights steady, and the best place to stop breathing is after you exhale. Empty lungs are always more consistent than “half” full, which will vary according to physical stress. Plus, there’s a natural pause that occurs between exhaling and when you start to inhale. You’re just trying to extend that natural pause out a little longer than normal in order to press the trigger.
Pressing the trigger smoothly is mandatory for shooting accurately as well. Think about it this way: Your job is to hold the sights on target and smoothly press the trigger. It’s up to the rifle to decide when to fire the shot. When the shot does break, it should be what Jeff Cooper called a “surprise” break. Otherwise, you’ll anticipate the shot, muscling in behind the rifle in anticipation of the recoil that’s coming – and this will throw your accuracy way off. Hold it steady, pressssssss the trigger and let the rifle fire the shot.
Once the shot fires, you follow through … which consists of recovering from the recoil, reacquiring the sight picture and resetting the trigger. This sequence ensures you don’t disturb the harmonics of the rifle, which will affect your accuracy. You concentrate on recovering from the recoil as opposed to attempting to control it. You’re focusing on the front sight before, during and after the shot, and then returning it to the target.
Trigger reset, of course, means keeping it pressed to the rear and then — once the sights are back on target — you release the trigger, but only far enough until you feel the internals of the AR “click,” which means the disconnector has released the hammer so the trigger is holding it back. If you let your finger fly off the trigger after the shot, it will certainly affect accuracy … and not in a good way. Plus, follow through prepares you to shoot again if necessary.
Today’s Best Learning Tool
Eventually, you start working with other positions, such as sitting and variations of kneeling, and learning how to manipulate the AR — loading, unloading and reloading, and clearing malfunctions. Again, the AR is a great platform for this. All its controls are in exactly the right place for both right- and left-hand shooters.
A rifleman should also know how to maintain an AR. Keeping it clean and lubricated ensures a lifetime of service. It’s usually a simple task to replace a broken or worn part, which doesn’t happen often.
At some point, you start to develop an understanding of ballistics and trajectory. You learn what’s necessary to make a shot at distances multiple-hundreds of yards and beyond.
Rifle work is like a religion, with a little “r.” You have to practice it regularly … otherwise it does you no good. You study and research. It’s something you never master; you’re always striving to improve. The AR is a great firearm to take this satisfying and rewarding journey with.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Combined with a Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1 Scope, the Howa KRG Bravo smashed expectations.
How the Howa KRG Bravo is set up for long-range shooting success:
Howa’s 1500 barrel-action.
Stock has a full-length aluminum spine that gives it rigidity.
Ample M-LOK slots on the forend for accessories.
Grip hook to pull the rifle snugly into your shoulder.
Adjustable cheek riser and LOP.
3 lbs., 10 oz., trigger-pull.
KRG Bravo bridges the gap between tactical and hunting.
My first long-range rifle took a chunk out of my savings to the tune of nearly $6,000 buckaroos, and so did the second one I had built. These custom rifles also took better than six months to complete from the time ordered. Since those days — just a few short years ago — the cost of entry into long-range shooting has come way, way down.
The Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1 scope is an ideal match for the KRG Bravo in .308 Win. Thanks to its cavernous 34mm tube it has a wide range of internal adjustment — up to 26 mils or 89 MOA — and its ZeroHold elevation turret lock lets you set your zero but also adjust below zero.
It’s benefitted from the repeatability of CNC machine tools and innovations in stock-to-action fit that promotes accuracy. Partnerships between rifle makers and the burgeoning aftermarket stock industry help, too. Expectations of sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) precision are now assumed. The message from the shooting public: Make my groups small and keep my rifle around a thousand dollars. And companies like the Japanese concern Howa, imported and distributed by Legacy Sports International of Reno, Nevada, have delivered. Case in point: The Howa KRG Bravo.
Howa KRG Bravo .308 Review
Built on Howa’s 1500 barrel-action, which has come to be regarded as one of the best in the industry, the KRG Bravo was introduced at the 2018 SHOT Show and features the Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Bravo stock. Clearly competing with crossover models like the Bergara HMR (Hunting Match Rifle), Howa’s KRG Bravo bridges the gap between benchrest, tactical, law enforcement, Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition and hunting. All polymer, the stock is not really a true “chassis” type, but more of a hybrid design with just enough modularity so you can customize to your heart’s content. Yet, it still feels like a traditional stock. The stock has a full-length aluminum spine that gives it backbone rigidity while keeping the weight down. Since I’m accustomed to bedded rifle actions in heavier fiberglass stocks, like those from H-S Precision and McMillan, I found the Howa KRG to have a somewhat top-heavy feel, but I quickly got used to it.
The Howa KRG Bravo is a fusion between chassis-style precision rifles and field guns. It’s fully capable of hunting or long-range tactical applications.
The Howa 1500 KRG Bravo is available in black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE) color schemes and is packed with features. For one thing, the barrel comes threaded to accept a muzzle brake. The KRG Bravo stock has an in-built grip storage compartment that would be a good spot for small tools and a Bore Snake-type cleaner. A removable section under the buttstock comes off with the turn of an Allen screw and reveals a grip hook to pull the rifle snugly into your shoulder while shooting. In addition, M-LOK slots adorn the forend section for even more customization. The stock also includes a quick-release stud that fits into a milled recess near the top-right side of the buttstock, just in front of the recoil pad. I took advantage of this feature and installed a Magpul quick-detach sling swivel. That made it simple to attach a Rhodesian sling from Andy’s Custom Leather to support field operations (hunting). The system was flawless.
Speaking of the recoil pad, the modular system includes three spacers to customize the length of pull (LOP). The rifle came without them installed, and the out-of-box 12.5-inch LOP was way too short for me. To rectify this, I simply removed two Allen screws accessible via holes in the recoil pad, added the three spacers and put it all back together for a final LOP of 15 inches. The adjustable cheek riser gives you an instantly perfect cheek weld and eye alignment through the scope.
Mils vs. MOA: Which Is The Best Long-Range Language?
The Howa’s action and bolt throw are remarkably smooth for a factory rifle. The two-position safety is located next to the action and is operated easily with your thumb. The trigger is exceptional, breaking cleanly at an average 3 lbs., 10 oz., as measured with the Lyman trigger-pull gauge.
Optics and Accessories
When it comes to optics, there are two ways to think about a “budget” precision rifle build. There are now a lot of excellent riflescopes in the $500–$800 price range that would make an ideal and affordable match for a rifle system such as the Howa KRG Bravo. Indeed, many shooters go this route and it’s a winning combination — even in competition. The other way to think about it is to use the money saved on the rifle and put it into high-end optics. That was my thinking behind contacting Nightforce, which supplied an ATACR 4-16×42 F1 scope with the Mil-C reticle. They also sent along the excellent Nightforce TS-82 spotting scope, which allows you to count nose hairs on flies at 500 paces (and spot black holes on black targets at 300 yards or more — exceptional resolution).
Saving money on the affordable Howa, you can put more into best-of-class optics, such as the Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1 scope. The first focal plane scope uses extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and has a massive 34mm tube to suck light in like a black hole. It offers a total of 89 MOA or 26 mils of elevation adjustment.
The ATACR scope’s features would require a full dedicated review to even begin to do it justice. This first focal plane scope has glass that stands with any of the premier German makers in edge-to-edge clarity, resolution and light transmission. Clicks are solid and precise and the built-in illumination — activated by a simple push of the gold button on the left parallax turret — makes this military-grade optic extremely versatile for any tactical application one might face.
While there have been many advancements in bipods in recent years, the gold standard remains the Harris S-BRM 6-9 in. notched model, which provided all the support and adjustment needed for bench and field shooting.
Howa KRG Bravo Benchrest Test Results
One note about the Howa 1500 barreled-action: While it is often compared to the Remington 700 (it is indeed very similar), the scope base hole pattern on the receiver is uniquely Howa and you will need a Howa base.
A new addition to Federal’s lineup, the Law Enforcement 168-grain Tactical Tip MatchKing load took top prize in the 100-yard accuracy test with a .98-inch average and .49-inch best group.
I tested four selections of ammo from 100 yards. Those included the Federal Gold Medal 185-grain Berger Juggernaut OTM, Federal LE 168-grain Tactical Tip MatchKing, Federal Gold Medal Match 175 grain and Hornady TAP in 168 grains. The table below details the results; averages came in around 1 MOA or under from a pre-broken-in barrel. I am quite certain those groups would shrink further after a barrel break-in period. Best groups ranged from .49 to .83 inch — meeting Howa’s .5 MOA guarantee.
During shot strings, groups remained consistent as the Howa’s heavy barrel shrugged off heat. From the bench and prone positions, the Howa KRG Bravo came to shoulder quickly and printed tiny groups as the action spit spent brass like a champ. What didn’t I like? The AICS steel mag gouged brass as rounds were fed, and it was rougher to feed than a rusty old military bringback caked in Cosmoline. Thankfully, the solution was easy. A switch to the Magpul PMAG AICS 5-round polymer magazine slicked up round extraction and ejection, made it feel like a completely different rifle.
Parting Shot
On the range and in the woods the Howa KRG Bravo is an impressive rifle system for the price. Its affordable accuracy was a nice break from the custom rifle option costing several times more. My only complaint is that, due to time constraints, I didn’t have a chance to really wring the system out to 1,000 yards. It would have been nice to let the Howa’s accuracy and the Nightforce scope’s exceptionally high-resolution glass flex their combined muscle while perched on some western draw. Even so, at the modest distances found here in the Midwest, the combination of Howa KRG Bravo, Nightforce ATACR and Federal match ammo made drilling bullseyes as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.
Howa KRG Bravo Specs:
MODEL: Howa KRG Bravo CALIBERS: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm Creedmoor, .308 Win. BARRELS: 20-, 24-, or 26-in. heavy barrel BARREL TWIST: 1:7.5 (6mm CM); 1:9 (6.5 CM); 1:10 (.308 Win.) MAGAZINE: 10-round AICS COLOR OPTIONS: Black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE) STOCK FEATURES: Built-in buttstock grip hook for rear bag use; grip storage compartment; M-LOK compatible fore-end LENGTH OF PULL: 12.5–15 in. WEIGHT: 9.9–10.2 lbs. MSRP: $1,279–$1,339
The Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle shows Bergara’s first foray into precision competitive rifles is right on target.
How the Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle is configured for long-range success:
Fully adjustable Grayboe Ridgeback stock.
Embedded anti-cant level.
Available in six of the most popular precision calibers.
Bergara’s Premiere action.
Trigger Tech trigger standard.
Still perhaps not at the levels of trap and practical pistol shooters, competitive long-range shooting has ballooned in recent years. Just check out a Precision Rifle Series schedule, in all likelihood, there’s a country-mile event within a reasonable drive of where you live. And compared to when custom rifles ruled the roost, it’s easier than ever to put your chips on the table at a match given the surge in production precision shooting irons. Case in point, the Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle.
Released during the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the company’s first competition specific bolt-action is decked out with everything to get you on target at the longest of ranges. This includes a relatively affordable price, though it’s a big “relatively.” The Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle has an MSRP of $2,000, which doesn’t exactly qualify it as an economy shooter. But in a game that can demand a magnitude more cash to play, the rifle isn’t cost prohibitive.
Mils vs. MOA: Which Is The Best Long-Range Language?
Bergara outfits you fairly well with the gun, which boasts the company’s Premiere Action, 20- to 26-inch stainless steel barrel (depending on caliber), Trigger Tech trigger and Grayboe Ridgeback stock, among other features. The 10-pound rifle’s stock is especially intriguing, by Bergara’s telling, the first composite stock that fully supports the M-Lok system, with 12 slots running the forend. Fiberglass, the stock also has a fully adjustable cheek rest, adjustable length of pull and an embedded anti-cant level. The Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle is available in 6 of the most popular precision calibers: .223 Rem., 6.5mm Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag. and .300 PRC. And it feeds off an AICS-style detachable magazine.
More from Bergara:
Lawrenceville, Georgia – BPI Outdoors / Bergara Rifles is pleased to announce the release of the Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle the 2019 S.H.O.T. Show in Las Vegas, NV during January 22-25, 2019.
Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle
The Bergara Premier Series Ridgeback Rifle is Bergara’s newest offering, geared towards precision rifle shooting. This rifle features Bergara’s Premier action mated with a Medium Palma tapered, stainless steel Bergara barrel. The new Grayboe Ridgeback is the first composite stock to fully support the M-LOK system. It comes with a total of 12 slots to which you can attach any M-Lok compatible accessory. Another first in its class is the embedded bubble level in the stock to ensure the rifle is level to the ground when shooting at long distances. The weight is 10.5 lbs.
Nate Treadaway, CEO of BPI Outdoors, which is the parent company of Bergara stated, “From the moment we laid our hands on the Ridgeback stock in early 2018, we knew it was destined to cradle a Premier barreled action.” He continued with, “Our only question was how fast we could work it into the production schedule. It truly has everything that a serious PRS shooter wants and needs in a production-class qualifying rifle.”
All Premier Series rifles are built around legendary Bergara barrels and feature world-famous TriggerTech® triggers among other industry-best components. All are personally qualified for accuracy by the Bergara rifle builders prior to shipment and are guaranteed to produce sub-MOA groups using quality factory ammunition.
The Premier Series as an extension of our Custom Series, but with standardized features for greater efficiencies in parts production and assembly – providing near custom performance at prices that are affordable to serious shooters.
In the era of cutting-edge expanding bullets, does .45 ACP ‘Hardball’ have a place as defensive ammo?
How does .45 Hardball perform:
230-grain projectile loaded to an average chamber pressure of about 21,000 psi.
Nominal muzzle velocity of between 800 and 900 fps.
Typically penetrates to around 30 inches in 10 percent ordnance gelatin.
Generally considered reliable out of a 1911.
I spend about a month in South Africa every year. Most of that time is spent hunting, and I’ll have a rifle nearby. However, I carry a handgun every day and feel kinda naked if I don’t have one on my side. The problem is, you cannot take a defensive handgun to South Africa. Fortunately, having friends in African places has its advantages, and every year a professional hunter loans me the use of his original Colt’s 1911 in 45 ACP.
Though often overlooked for self-defense, hardball ammo penetrates deep and functions very well in most semi-automatic handguns.
The first year he offered I was a bit surprised to find the magazines loaded with 230-grain FMJ ammo. Commonly referred to as “hardball,” most defensive handgun experts consider this stuff only marginal as a carry load. I generally prefer an expanding bullet as well, so I asked the professional, “Is this the only ammo you have?” He gave me a quizzical look and said, “Yeah. Why? That not good enough for you?” Ecstatic with the loan of the handgun, and a bit concerned I might have insulted him, I said, “No, this’ll do just fine.”
And, it did.
.45 ACP Hardball Performance
“Hardball” is shooter-slang for copper-jacketed, lead, handgun bullets, more technically described as “full metal jacket” or “FMJ.” Early handgun projectiles were simply lead bullets with a round-nosed shape. But, as velocities increased, applying a copper or gilding metal jacket circumvented excessive barrel leading, improved accuracy, and increased penetration when bone or intermediate objects were encountered.
Some say the common cliché of “playing hardball” refers to the playing of baseball — with a hard ball — as opposed to softball. However, given the aggressive and ruthless action the term playing hardball communicates, I think it’s a better expression of the difference in shooting someone or something with a hard, jacketed bullet as opposed to a soft bullet of exposed lead. Regardless, what many shooters do not realize is how effective .45 hardball can be.
In what they would like to you believe is their infinite wisdom, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has determined a defensive handgun bullet should penetrate at least 12 inches in 10 percent ordnance gelatin. The FBI also believes the bullet should expand. That expansion is what makes meeting the magical 12 inches of penetration problematic. For example, one of Federal’s most respected loads for the .45 ACP is the 230-grain HST. It expands wide — to almost an inch — but just barely meets the 1-foot penetration threshold.
The new 135-grain .45 ACP Honey Badger load from Black Hills is a new form of hardball. It’s a solid copper projectile with a scalloped nose, it produces a muzzle velocity of more than 1,300 fps and it will penetrate about 18 inches in 10 percent ordnance gelatin.
On the other hand, 230-grain hardball ammunition will generally penetrate to around 30 inches in 10 percent ordnance gelatin. In fact, even non-jacketed, 230-grain loads, like Federal’s Syntech and Action Pistol, will penetrate just as far. Granted, none of these bullets will expand, but, short of adequate penetration, nothing else really matters. And, let’s not forget that the fantastic reputation the .45 ACP cartridge gained during both World Wars was founded with good ol’, GI ball ammo: 230-grain hardball.
Over the years I’ve used that borrowed 1911 loaded with hardball to dispatch and kill a multitude of critters. Just this year it put the finishing touches on several large warthogs, including one that two .308 Winchester rounds had failed to put down. The professional hunter who loaned me the pistol told me he’d used hardball to kill 11 warthogs, one kudu, one gemsbok, two red heartebeest, two blesbok and three porcupines. He said he never needed more than one shot, and added, “I believe in the ability of the .45 ACP as much as I believe in the Bible.”
That’s about as strong a testament of a cartridge and ammunition as you’re going to find.
How .45 ACP Hardball Is Made
When it comes to hardball, it’s not all created equally, but it’s all very similar. A 45 hardball load is formed by pressing a sheet of copper or gilding metal into a cup around what is generally a pure lead core. The thickness of the jacket — copper or gilding metal — might vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as might the content or hardness of the core.
Yet another take on hardball is this new bullet from D&L Sports. It’s a .45 caliber, 200-grain, fully coated hardcast — Brinell hardness of 17 — round-nose semi-wadcutter. It will penetrate deep and cut a large round hole.
These 230-grain projectiles are then loaded to an average chamber pressure of about 21,000 psi, at a nominal muzzle velocity of between 800 and 900 fps. With muzzle energy between 326 and 413 ft-lbs., recoil is moderate, and even the 800 fps loads will make IPSC’s Major Power Factor. And, an often-overlooked virtue is reliability: Hardball tends to function extremely well in a wide variety of handguns.
.45 ACP Hardball For Self-Defense?
When it comes to defensive handgun ammunition, the quest is to find an ideal balance between penetration and expansion, with the ability to defeat varying types of intermediate barriers, ranging from heavy clothing to automobile glass. That’s the underlying premise of the protocol used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Hardball ammunition represents one end — the penetration end — of that spectrum.
For self-defense, the ideal answer is most likely somewhere between the two extremes. But, one thing’s for sure: There’s nothing wrong with playing hardball, especially if your goal is to shoot two bad guys at once. Just because it’s old does not mean it will not work. I know a lot of veterans and at least one professional hunter who swear buy it.
Editor’s Notes: This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Adding two popular self-defense calibers to the Hydra-Shok lineup, Federal Premium has armed citizens covered.
How Hydra-Shok Deep improves on the original:
50-percent greater penetration than original Hydra-Shok.
15-inches of penetration in bare ballistic gel and through heavy clothing.
Improved center post that helps bullet retain structural integrity.
Better barrier penetration.
Released a year ago, Hydra-Shok Deep was Federal Premium’s attempt to improve on a legend. With an improved core design, the defensive rounds were devised to provide 50-percent deeper penetration than original Hydra-Shok. Furthermore, the hollow point’s trademark post in the center was beefed up, creating a projectile that retained more of its structural integrity through barriers. The only problem was Hydra-Shok Deep was strictly a 9mm affair … until now.
Federal Premium tacked on additional loads for the .40 S&W and .45 ACP for 2019, which means the line now has an option for the most popular defensive semi-auto pistol calibers in use today. The .40 S&W Hydra-Shok Deep is a 165-grain load with a muzzle velocity of 1,050 fps and the .45 ACP is a 210-grain load which leaves the muzzle at 980 fps. According to Federal, the new Hyrda-Shok loads have shipped to distributors, so should appear on store shelves soon.
ANOKA, Minnesota – – Federal unveils two new Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep loads that better meet modern handgun performance measurements. Shipments have been delivered to dealers.
In 2018, Federal reinvented the proven Hydra-Shok bullet design with Hydra-Shok Deep in 9mm Luger. Now, it has expanded the line with new loads in 40 S&W and 45 Auto. The bullets feature a more robust center post and a core design that penetrates to critical depths through common self-defense barriers, without over-penetrating.
Features & Benefits
Now available in 40 S&W and 45 Auto
Penetrates 15 inches in bare ballistics gel and through heavy clothing — the optimal depth according to FBI standards
Improved penetration to optimal depths
Significant improvement in FBI protocol score
Iconic center post design has been improved for better, more consistent expansion through standard barriers
Consistent, specially formulated propellant
Extremely reliable Federal primer
Part No. / Description / MSRP
P9HSD1 / 9mm Luger 135-grain Hydra-Shok Deep HP / $27.95 P40HSD1 / 40 S&W 165-grain Hydra-Shok Deep HP / $31.95 NEW P45HSD1 / 45 Auto 210-grain Hydra-Shok Deep HP / $33.95 NEW
Loaded to normal velocities and topped with a highly engineered bullet, Aguila Ammunition develops a highly-shootable defensive round that doesn’t lack in terminal performance.
Over the years, Aguila Ammunition has built its reputation as a range ammo manufacturer. It’s done a pretty good job in this quarter too, churning out some of the most consistent full-metal jacket options around – be it pistol, rifle or rimfire. But the scrappy ammo-smith switched gears in a big way at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Now they’re gunning for the self-defense market and isn’t holding back jumping into this niche.
In all, Aguila has four jacketed hollow-point options to choose from in some of the most popular defensive calibers, including .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. And they’ve embraced an interesting concept in what they’ve scratched together for your concealed carry or home-defense gun. Instead of gassing up the rounds so they’re white-hot, Aguila pieces together much more moderate rounds that, theoretically, should prove easier to shoot. What does this mean for you? Potentially a more accurate option shot to shot that doesn’t compromise on terminal ballistics.
How Aguilar pulls off this somewhat impossible feat is through a highly-engineered bullet, one designed for maximum expansion at normal velocities. A large hollow point is one part of the equation, skiving – perforations in the jacket that ensure it opens upon impact – is the other. Together, the elements make for a deadly round for what is perhaps the most important gun in your possession. And in Aguilar Ammunition’s load, it also guarantees you’ll have a something you can place on target every time.
For more information on Aguila Ammunition’s 5mm RRM, please visit www.aguilaammo.com.
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Hitting the sweet spot for price and performance, the Riton RT-S MOD 7 4-32X56mm IR proves a great optics value.
Good glass, it doesn’t come cheap. But when it’s on your gun, my what a difference it makes.
Thankfully, the market has accommodated shooters looking for a top-performing scope that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Certainly, they still cost you a pretty penny – you get what you pay for, after all. But, at the same tick, they won’t put you in the soup line.
A relatively new addition to Riton Optics’ lineup, the RT-S MOD 7 4-32X56mm IR hits a real sweet spot for high-quality, yet affordable optics. The long-range specialist has an MSRP of $1,470, but features the quality glass and high-end assets you’d expect out of a scope twice, if not three times the price. Not a bad deal, if you take precision seriously.
Perhaps the most notable asset the RT-S MOD 7 4-32X56mm IR brings to the table is its brilliant illuminated reticle. Whether on 4 or 32 power, it makes target acquisition second nature and overall compliments the second-focal plane scope’s Christmas-tree reticle. Furthermore, the Riton optic gobbles up light like a greedy kid, with an ample 56mm objective lens and the company’s performance coating on the lens surfaces. In addition to enhancing images in low-light operations, it also adds a level of scratch resistance, ensuring the overall resilience of the optic.
Absolutely, it’s difficult ponying big bucks for optics. But marrying price and performance, Riton makes it a bit easier with the RT-S MOD 7 4-32X56mm IR.
For more information on the RT-S MOD 7 4-32X56mm IR, please visit www.ritonoptics.com.
Sometimes, shooting targets for tiny groups needs to be balanced by shooting targets for plain ol’ fun.
Target shooting could never be classified as boring. Never ever. Punching holes in paper or banging steel simply does not get old. But, what if I were to tell you that there are ways to make target shooting even more enjoyable? Casually competitive?
Here are 10 “targets” that will change the way you look at — and experience — target shooting.
1. Zombie Industries “Bobo Clown” 3-D Bleeder
I don’t care if you’re a doomsday prepper, believer in the undead or just want to watch a zombie clown bleed — the Bobo Clown from Zombie Industries is for you. All of the zombie targets from ZI are life-sized and bleed when shot. They also show hits in orange and are biodegradable. Each order includes a zombie of your choice, a wooden stake to mount the zombie on and a box that becomes a dual-purpose target. One side is a tactical silhouette, while the other side holds clays and transforms into a reactive outbreak target. At $109, the zombie targets are a bit steep, but, they can withstand 1,000 rounds from anything from BB guns up to .50 cal. The zombie targets are great for group outings or tactical courses. The best part about them? They’re made in the USA by non-infected workers. www.zombieindustries.com
2. Birchwood Casey Pregame Battle At Sea
Who doesn’t remember playing Battleship? Who still plays Battleship? Well, with the new Birchwood Casey Battle at Sea targets, you can play something similar to Battleship while on the range. The ships are visible, so the guessing part is out — but hitting the targets is more fun than guessing anyway. The first person to hit all of the circles on the ships wins. Eight targets costs $12, or you can go big and get 100 for $100. These targets are also very fun for group outings, and a fun game for rimfire shooters and kids. www.birchwoodcasey.com
Champion realized that people were sick of covering shot holes with stickers, and re-stapling new targets over old ones. Champion teamed up with the Post-It Notes folks to create a peel-and-stick target. Simply peel it like a Post-It Note and stick it on top of the old target. They come in a large variety of styles, including life-sized deer vitals and turkey targets. The turkey targets have been my favorites when it comes to patterning each spring. The targets have a nice note-taking section to write in the loads tested, yardage and caliber — and they’ll cost you $10 per pack, which is very reasonable. www.championtarget.com
4. ShootSteel Magnum Rifle Spinner
The Magnum Rifle Spinner is everything you need to start banging steel. This setup comes complete with a stand that has 24-inch legs and a 24-inch crossbar, making the system compact and portable. The steel is made of ½-inch AR500 and has a 6-inch strike face — it’s perfect for out to 600 yards or more. For those large-caliber aficionados, the Magnum Rifle Spinner is rated up to .300 Winchester Mag. at 200 yards, and .308 Win. at 100 yards. This target doesn’t only help you with accuracy, but it can really fine-tune your timing as well: Hitting the target while it spins is a real challenge, and to do so required that you get your head in the game and keep it there. The 6-inch Magnum Spinner will cost you $180, and it’s also available in an 8-inch version. www.shootsteel.com
5. VisiColor Zombie Targets
“Another fun zombie target?” Yep, because, who doesn’t enjoy playing out a zombie apocalypse scenario whilst at the range? These reactive targets are a very large 18 inches by 12 inches high-quality paper target with VisiColor technology. Zombie heads show hits in bright green, body shots are bright yellow and misses or hits on hostages appear in white. A variety 6-pack will run you about $10. www.championtarget.com
6. Champion Center Mass AR500 Pop-Up Targets
The 4- by 14-inch pop-up silhouette target has been great for me and my wife, as it’s the perfect size for brushing up in preparation for our annual prairie dog trip. The 3/8-inch-thick AR500 steel targets stand up straight upon set-up, and they lay down flat before popping back up when hit. And best of all, they give off that beautiful tell-tale “ping” when hit. Besides prepping for a prairie dog shoot, these targets are great for AR practice and long-range precision shooting. The 14- by 4-inch model will cost you $130. www.championtarget.com
7. Benchmaster Shoot The Dice Targets
These consumable dice-shaped targets are not only long-lasting, but they’re also extremely creative. For $10, you get a pair of high-density foam dice targets that measure 4 inches square. They’re weather and chemical resistant, and they are also impervious to rot, mold and mildew for years of hard-hitting practice — they even float! The possibilities are endless when it comes to games … just be careful you don’t lose all of your money to your buddy. www.benchmasterusa.com
8. Tannerite Starter Kit
Yes, Tannerite combusts into a glorious ball of glory, and everyone has to experience it a few times — though “a few” is certain to lead to “a lot.” The Starter Kit is perfect for the beginner: This single case comes with six ½-pound targets, pre-measured packets of catalyst, a mixing container and instructions. At $28, this is the perfect kit to get your feet wet with binary exploding targets. And of course I have to say the obvious: Be sure to use extra caution, and follow the directions carefully. www.tannerite.com
9. Duraseal Interactive Targets
Duraseal targets have been wildly popular over the past few years. The entire lineup of Duraseal targets features self-healing material that will withstand shots from .17 caliber up to .50 caliber (yes, you read that right: .50 caliber). They come in a wide-range of options, from spinning varmints to soup cans that can be filled with fluids, chalk or flour. A favorite is the 7-inch varmint-orange spinner. It’ll cost you $22, and you won’t regret spending a penny of it, because it’s great for kids and adults alike. www.championtarget.com
10. Tannerite Bunker Box
If you’re looking for a gift for that special someone — or for yourself — the Bunker Box from Tannerite is right up your alley. This pack comes in a beautiful cedar box (which is great for ammo when you shoot up the contents), eight 1-pound targets, pre-measured packets of catalyst, mixing container, instructions, stickers, earplugs, a pen, limited edition safety glasses, a hat … and one of five mystery items. Coming in at $100, this box is great for a group party or bachelor/bachelorette party. The massive clouds of water vapor and the giant “boom” have made Tannerite land atop the list of fun range goodies. Again, use caution when dealing with binary exploding targets. www.tannerite.com
Remember to try to introduce someone new to shooting. And trust me when I say that having a few of these with you at the range could make shooting a lot more enjoyable for someone new to the sport.
Editor’s Notes: This article originally appeared in the 2018 Shooting Is Fun issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
It was my first big-bore rifle, and I was beyond excited to own it. It was a classic combination — a Winchester Model 70 in the undeniable .375 Holland & Holland Magnum — and when I headed to the range with several boxes of good ammunition, I was more excited than a kid on Christmas Eve.
Imagine my disappointment when I saw three-shot groups that measured between 2-3 inches at 100 yards.
I was immediately concerned that the recoil was too much for me — up to that point, the .308 Winchester was my main squeeze — so I asked Dad to shoot a few groups while I watched through the binocular to make sure the rifle was all good.
Dad’s first shot touched the edge of the bullseye at 2 o’clock, the second struck 3 inches up and to the right, and the third was within a half-inch of the first. Puzzled, I waited to see the second group, and I then noticed a pattern: The second of the three shots was always the flyer, and shots No. 1 and No. 3 were within an inch of each other.
Dad insisted the rifle wasn’t happy with the factory load ballistics, so we headed straight for the reloading bench. No matter the bullet weight, type, profile — no matter the primer or powder type or charge — I could not get the rifle to group within 2 inches.
I was near the end, and ready to proclaim the rifle as hopeless, when I made one last-ditch effort: I recalled an advertisement in the Safari Club magazine about a company in Texas who offered a problem-solving service. On the phone with the good folks at Hill Country Rifles in New Braunfels, Texas, the gentleman on the other end cut me off halfway through the description of the problem and finished my sentence for me. It was like a weight had been lifted … and the problem wasn’t me after all.
The High Desert Outdoor Research anodized aluminum bottom about to be installed in the author’s Tikka T3x Lite.
“The Model 70s of that particular era were notorious for having this issue,” he said without hesitation. “It’s a relatively simple fix.”
What I had was a bedding problem, though I may never have known it without that phone call. That was almost 20 years ago, and I’ve learned an awful lot about the subtleties of bolt-action rifle issues. So, I’d like to address the issues I’ve been exposed to, and relate some experiences I’ve had, perhaps to help you recognize some potential problems and save you some grief.
The mechanics of a bolt-action rifle are not all that complex. Among the myriad of forms of repeating rifles, the bolt-action is among the simplest. Yet, the simplicity and strength leads us to expect the finest accuracy from the design. Let’s explore which fixes can be done at home, and which will require the services of a good gunsmith.
No. 1: Rifle Bedding
A rifle’s bedding can make or break the way it shoots. If the connection between the action and the stock isn’t solid, accuracy is most definitely going to suffer. A good gunsmith can see that your rifle’s action is properly bedded, making contact with the stock where it should, to keep things where they were meant to be.
There are some at-home fixes, including epoxy kits that can fill and level the stock inlets, and I know many people who have solved a bedding problem at their own bench. Aluminum-pillar bedding is a means of providing metal-to-metal contact between the bottom metal and the action, via two aluminum pillars (betcha never saw that coming) that will surround the action screws. They can be set in epoxy in a wood stock once it has been drilled, though I personally feel the drilling is best left to a competent gunsmith with the proper tools, especially if the stock not easily replaceable. Better still, a replacement stock with aluminum pillars already set in the stock can be purchased for your existing action.
There are also complete aluminum blocks that are set into the stocks, which are machined perfectly to match your action’s profile. This increases the contact area, as well as the stock’s rigidity, all the while keeping things from moving unnecessarily. Bedding issues are not difficult to fix, but they can make a tremendous difference in the accuracy of your rifle.
A rifle’s crown — that area where the rifling ends at the muzzle — plays an important role in a rifle’s accuracy. It needs to be concentric, and it needs to be protected. A ding or burr on the crown will result in errant shot placement; most times the factory crown is just fine, but every once in a while you’ll find one that is slightly imperfect.
The crown of the author’s Winchester Model 94 .30-30 Winchester, with wear from 3 decades of being cleaned from the muzzle.
I have a .22-250 Remington that groups flat-based bullets very well, but it refuses to digest boat-tail bullets. The issue is an imperfect crown, and the gases are escaping unequally — albeit slightly — with a boat-tail bullet, opening the groups sizes significantly. A simple re-crowning will solve the problem, but it gave me quite an education.
A good, even chamfer is what will provide the finest results, and this is work that most definitely should be left to a good gunsmith. For years, we all carried our hunting rifles muzzle down, against the floorboard of the car or truck — this practice should be avoided because you run the risk of damaging the rifle’s crown and affecting the accuracy.
Many of the older lever action rifles — which are usually cleaned from the muzzle end — will show wear to the crown after decades of a grimy cleaning rod wearing against the muzzle. Should you suspect that your rifle’s crown is damaged, regardless of how slightly, find a reputable gunsmith to inspect and possibly correct it.
No. 3: Trigger Upgrade
A sloppy or heavy trigger can easily degrade accuracy, and I often wonder how many hidden tack-drivers are regulated to the back of the safe because of their trigger. When Ruger first introduced the Model 77 Mk II, my Dad bought me one for Christmas in .308 Winchester … and I had more adventures with that rifle than I could’ve imagined. But, that trigger was the stuff of nightmares.
A Timney trigger is one of the author’s favorite brands of replacement triggers; they’re smooth, dependable and reliable. A good trigger can dramatically improve a rifle.
If I recall correctly, the non-adjustable trigger broke at just over 6 pounds, and you’d nearly pass out from lack of oxygen when developing a load at the bench. The rifle would, on a good day, give 1-inch groups (often larger), but once I decided to replace the factory trigger with a Timney trigger, and groups tightened up to a consistent ¾-inch. Shooting the rifle went from being a chore to a pleasure, all with the simple swap of a trigger.
Timney is just one brand — though it’s my favorite — of trigger that can be done at your home workshop. If you don’t feel confident in the operation (most companies offer written and/or video tutorials, so you can decide beforehand), your gunsmith will happily replace and/or adjust your trigger.
Now, let me be clear: There’s nothing wrong with doing trigger adjustments or replacements yourself, so long as you’re well-versed in how the operation works. Should you feel the slightest bit hesitant, take it to a gunsmith — a truly accidental discharge from a mal-adjusted trigger is a scary proposition. Either way, if you enjoy your rifle and want to get the most out of it, a good crisp trigger — with little creep or overtravel — is most definitely the way to go.
I have a nice little Tikka T3x Lite in 7mm-08 Remington; it makes a great gun for hiking the steep parts of the Catskills and Adirondacks. The polymer stock is a well thought-out design, with solid contact between the bottom of the action and the molded recess in the polymer stock. However, in lieu of a metal trigger guard and magazine well, Tikka uses a light-weight polymer, which isn’t rigid at all.
The rigid fiberglass stock of the author’s Bansner Custom most definitely enhances accuracy. Wood is stunning, but aftermarket polymer and fiberglass stocks will withstand years of harsh environments.
The folks at High Desert Outdoor Research make a black anodized aluminum trigger guard, complete with magazine-release latch. The exchange is a simple procedure, totally worthy of the garage workbench or even kitchen table: Remove the bolt, and using the provided T-25 Torx bit, simply remove the front and rear action screws to remove the barreled action from the stock. The polymer trigger guard will then simply pop out of the stock and you can replace it with the High Desert aluminum model. There are some 0.010- and 0.020-inch washers included, and you might need them as shims to get the magazine to seat properly. The magazine should pop in with an audible snap and have the slightest amount of play at the muzzle end.
The change definitely made an improvement in my rifle, bringing factory loads that were printing 1¼-inch groups down to under an inch, and making the best factory load in this rifle — the 140-grain Nosler AccuBond from Federal Premium — shrink from 1 inch down to 5/8-inch at 100 yards. My rifle required 0.040-inches shimming on both the front and rear action screw, and I found the magazine is easier to install and remove than it was when it came from the factory.
As a point of note, even though I completely took the action out of the stock and readjusted the action screws, the point of impact moved just about an inch, which goes to show how well the action/stock fit is on these rifles. But, across the board, the High Desert Outdoor Research bottom metal made a marked improvement in accuracy, and it was well worth it. The Tikka T3 line is accurate to begin with, and this simple switch made a good rifle even better.
Note: Sometimes, changing the stock altogether can really make a huge difference as well. A good, rigid polymer stock — I find the McMillan and Bansner stocks to be particularly handsome as well as useful — can remove some of the idiosyncrasies of some wooden stocks. They will certainly resist the plaguing headaches of swollen barrel channels affecting the bullet’s flight when hunting in inclement weather. The fiberglass models are especially rigid, and though they certainly lack the charm and allure of a fine stick of walnut, they offer decades of service in the most hostile environments.
No. 5: Rings And Bases
I’ve spent enough time with inexpensive and poorly constructed scope rings and bases to know they can drive a rifleman nearly insane. These days, I find myself making an unabashed switch to Talley rings and bases — on rifles from .22-250 Remington and .243 Winchester, up to the true big-bores such as the .404 Jeffery, .416 Rigby and .505 Gibbs — they perform flawlessly.
A good set of rings and bases, like the Talleys shown here, can greatly enhance the performance of a riflescope.
The tolerances are tight, the manufacturing is consistent, and here’s what I like best about them: They mount so well on the receiver that they allow the scope to operate in the center third of its adjustment range, and that’s where scopes operate best. The detachable models — which I like so much for the dangerous game rifles, where access to iron sights is very important — return to zero within ½-MOA.
And, they’ve never let me down: I’ve had inferior models come loose at the worst possible points in time, like in the middle of a Cape buffalo hunt in Tanzania. There are some equally good brands — many hunters favor Warne rings as well — but I’ve come to rely on Talley’s products for all sorts of different rifles, without issue. There are less-costly alternatives, but they certainly don’t represent the greater value to the shooter or hunter.
These five points above are some different ideas to think about before deeming a rifle unfit. Obviously, there are other possible issues — more serious, and requiring a good gunsmith to tear the rifle down to its basic elements — but with a minimal investment, the ideas presented might radically change the way your bolt-action rifle performs, for the better.
Editor’s Notes: This article originally appeared in the 2018 Shooting Is Fun issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Stoeger shocked SHOT with the release of the 9mm STR-9. Does the pistol have what it takes to survive the demanding striker-fired market?
How the STR-9 measures up against other striker-fired pistols:
Extremely affordable with $329 MSRP.
Aggressive cocking serrations running the better part of the slide.
Ergonomic grip with finger grooves and assertive texturing.
Ample barrel length (4.17 inches) to make it a manageable shooter.
At 24 ounces unloaded, shouldn’t be an overburdening carry pistol.
The fact a new striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol hit the market isn’t a surprise. It’s who’s churning out the latest addition to the swollen and ever-growing corner of the handgun world. Stoeger. Yes, you heard right, the company with those easy-on-the pocketbook shotguns.
Is the Stoeger STR-9 the affordable striker-fired pistol the market has been waiting for?
There was no lack of clucking at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas over the surprise move by the Beretta subsidiary. More than anything, simply because the STR-9 came so abruptly out of right field. Who would have expected a company that’s earned its daily bread arming waterfowlers and wingshooters to go 9mm, striker-fired and polymer-framed? On the other hand, at this point, if Daisy added the style of handgun next to its Red Ryder it most likely wouldn’t drop many jaws.
So, given the utter profusion of polymer guns on the market today, has Stoeger made a wise move with the STR-9? Or is it simply another face in a vast crowd? Given a few assets — including an incredible price — the smoothbore specialists seem to have a pistol that should hold its own in the STR-9.
STR-9 Basics
If the emanate catcher and baseball manager Yogi Berra wrote a gun column, he might quip the STR-9 is “déjà vu all over again.” Certainly, most modern pistols for nearly 40 years now are, almost all echoes of a certain Austrian gunmaker’s creations. But the STR-9 seems an echo of an echo. While not a dead ringer for Beretta’s striker-fired APX by any means, the Stoeger 9mm brings it to mind.
The semblance is particularly pronounced on the STR-9’s aggressive cocking serration running the majority of the slide. The geometry is different, but the amplitude is similar. Along with that, the STR-9 boasts a similar grip rake, texturing and ergonomics. When it comes to the pistol’s handle the finger grooves, texture and checkering on the backstrap all seem to mimic the APX. Though, the checkering on the STR-9 isn’t as refined as the Beretta, teetering on almost too assertive. Of course, an interchangeable back-strap system is also part of the mix on both. But that’s standard fare for most polymer-framed pistols nowadays.
Not exactly the same as the Beretta APX cocking serrations, but similar in aggressiveness and amplitude.
On the other side of the coin, the Stoeger pistol has a more Glock-like takedown system, a full curved trigger, shorter barrel (4.17 inches) and is slightly lighter (24 ounces). The STR-9 is also a couple rounds shy of the APX, with a 15+1 capacity. It also doesn’t boast a striker deactivator like the Beretta, nor is it modular.
Other notables, the STR-9 is outfitted with steel three-dot sights, reversible magazine release and an ample accessory rail.
STR-9 Affordability
Aside from what, on the surface, appears a fairly solid package, the STR-9 got the rabble roused with its price tag. An opening MSRP of $329, the 9mm is among the most affordable in its class. That probably translates to right around $300 on a store’s shelf. Pretty dang wild.
Though there are some caveats, chiefly the starting price gets you a very stripped-down package — 1 magazine and one backstrap (medium). To obtain what many would consider a complete setup — 3 magazines and 3 backstraps (small, medium and large) – the MSRP jumps to $389. Tritium night sights kick the MSRP up to $449. Still, it’s difficult to complain — it’s still less than nearly anything comparable.
Impressions Of The STR-9
Unfortunately, I cannot report how the STR-9 shoots. If Stoeger had the 9mm at SHOT Range Day, I plum missed it. So, grain of salt territory ahead.
For the price point, Stoeger appears to offer a fairly solid pistol.
Handling the gun at SHOT Show proper, it seemed an impressive pistol for its price.
Given the profusion and assertiveness of its cocking serrations, it is a simple pistol to manipulate — which is never a bad thing. Whether a press check or a reload, there is plenty of real estate to get the pistol into play.
The STR-9 also felt comfortable in the hand. Yes, the backstrap is aggressive, but it’s difficult to tell if that’s an issue without live fire.
Finally, there was no play in the trigger, it had a crisp break and short reset. Off of strictly looky-loo fiddling at the Stoeger booth, I’d guess a 6- or 7-pound pull, which should make it familiar to most striker-fired fans.
Parting Shot
The STR-9 is hardly Stoeger’s first foray into handguns. The company had such models as the DA/SA Cougar 8000 (based on the Beretta pistol of the same name) and the rather slick American Eagle Luger to its name. But what seems a lifetime since the release of the Cougar — the newer of the two pistols — handguns seemed almost an afterthought, if that, at Stoeger.
That’s no longer the case. On price alone, the Stoeger has given shooters plenty to consider with the STR-9, even more with its full gamut of features.
STR-9 Specs
Barrel Length: 4.17″ Weight Unloaded: 24 oz. Capacity: 15+1 Type of Sights: Quick read 3-dot sight Overall Length: 7.44″ Action: Striker fired Magazine: Includes 1 magazine Backstrap: Includes medium backstrap MSRP: $329
Sun up or down, NiteSite’s new day/night scope will keep you on the hunt longer.
What’s better than shooting in the day? Also, shooting at night. More and more this is becoming a reality with the advancements in night vision scopes.
Much less arduous an ordeal than in the past, the optics have become less bulky and more affordable over the years. More importantly with day/night scopes growing in availability, they’ve also become more convenient and flexible than ever before. The result, scopes that not only keep you on target, but allow you to stay in the field longer, with much less kit to haul around.
NiteSite is at the vanguard of this multi-purpose optics movement and released a real doozy at the 2019 SHOT Show. At a glimpse, it’s difficult to peg the British company’s new day/night optic as a night vision scope. Certainly, bigger than a run-of-the-mill riflescope, relative to most other night rigs it’s downright miniscule. Furthermore, NiteSite has made it as simple as a trigger-pull to operate. The scope toggles from day to night mode with a simple turn of a dial. Plus, video recording in night vision is a pushbutton affair.
To be sure, where applicable, a night vision scope gives you a decided advantage on the hunt. And NiteSite has made harnessing that power more accessible and adaptable than ever.
For more information on NiteSite, please visit www.nitesite.com.
With a number of additions to its rimfire and shotgun catalogs, CZ-USA has a new long gun for nearly every shooter.
Never one to hold back come SHOT Show, CZ USA released its typical flood of new guns and upgraded models a few weeks ago. While the expansion of the company’s P-10 line of striker-fired pistols stole much of the spotlight, the gunmaker also unveiled a number of new long guns that should nab shooters’ attention. The weightiest came in the company’s rimfire and shotgun catalogs, which saw not only the introduction but also the reboot of some guns that appear right on target.
CZ 457
Some diehards might have their noses bent out of place with the 457 replacing the venerable 455 as gunmaker’s flagship bolt-action rimfire rifle, but the company is far from shortchanging its fans. The line is diverse and decked out, covering almost any conceivable plinking interest. In all, CZ released eight models, including the 457 American, 457 Lux, 457 Suppressor Ready, 457 Scout, 457 Training Rifle, 457 Varmint AT-One and 457 Varmint MTR. Three of the rifles – American, Lux and Varmint – are available chamber .22 LR, .17 HMR and .22 WMR, while the rest are strictly .22 LR. MSRP in the line runs from $365 to $660.
Built to run like a top no matter the abuse, the CZ 1012 appears a worry-free option in a do-all field gun. Inertia driven, the 12-gauge should have a less demanding maintenance schedule than gas-operated shotguns. To boot, it chews through shells — from smoking-hot 3-inch magnums to featherlight loads — like it’s been starved for a week. Available in a stick of Turkish walnut or camouflaged synthetic stock, the shotgun has a reasonable price range — $659 to $749.
G2 Bobwhite
Shooters demanded. CZ listened. In this case, rabble-rousing breathed new life into the CZ Bobwhite, which was discontinued a few years back. The new Bobwhite G2 seems a solid entry-level side-by-side, with the features you like to see in this style of gun — walnut stock, double trigger and English style grip. Furthermore, it’s available as a 12-, 20- or 28-gauge. Still, the Bobwhite G2’s price tag is the head turner of its return, with the gun starting at $655 dollars. Tough to beat when it comes to SBS shotguns.
For more information on CZ USA, please visit www.cz-usa.com.
Bad shotgun habits abound, nine times out of 10 precipitated by a gun’s recoil.
What are the three ways to reduce a shotgun’s recoil:
Increase the weight of the gun.
Shoot lighter loads with less velocity.
Insert some form of compensation between the gun and your shoulder.
Without a doubt, the greatest foe of our shooting enjoyment is the old demon recoil. Recoil — and the resulting “kick” — is the root of most all evil in our shooting habits, whether we flinch, jerk triggers or stop our gun swing as we try to compensate for getting hammered when the gun goes boom. Recoil is the greatest obstacle of novice and first-time shooters even getting introduced to the sport. Ask any new shooter as they line up to try the shotgun, and the thing they’re universally most worried about is getting kicked. Hard.
Back in the alleged good old days, it was common practice to hand a kid an ill-fitting shotgun and laugh when it kicked him like an army mule. I would like to say this practice has gone by the wayside, but I still hear about it and see it on various embarrassing videos. There are legions of shooters who will carry bad habits to the grave, most of which are associated with recoil. The point is, shooting a shotgun should be fun — and that means we need to do all we can to control recoil.
There are basically only three ways to reduce recoil in a shotgun: The first is to simply increase the weight of the gun. A heavier shotgun absorbs more of the recoil than a light one. This is why field guns used for hunting are heavier than competition shotguns for trap or sporting clays — hunting loads kick harder. But, you will carry the field gun more than you will shoot it, and just the opposite is true for a competition gun.
Next, you can shoot lighter loads with less velocity. Reducing the amount of powder and lead in the shell will help greatly with recoil reduction. (Newton’s Third Law of Motion, opposite and equal reactions, remember?)
Last, you can insert some form of compensation between the gun and your shoulder. A recoil pad, a compressible device in the stock or a gas-operated action in the shotgun that disperses some of the gases expelled, all lessen recoil.
Gas-operated actions on shotguns can take several forms, but all of them use some type of piston which, by the pressure of the fired round, moves the action of the weapon. In this way the action is opened, the bolt moves back, the empty is extracted and the new round placed in the chamber. Boom, boom, boom.
Remington’s V3 utilizes a series of ports located within the chamber. These ports are positioned so that recoil reduction happens regardless of the shotshell size being used. With a 2¾-inch shell, all seven ports are exposed — directing the expelled gas into two compartments that hold the VersaPort pistons, which work the action of the shotgun. With a 3-inch round, four of the ports are utilized. And with a 3½-inch shell, only three ports are uncovered.
Looking back, 1963 was definitely the watershed year for gas-operated shotguns because Remington introduced the Model 1100. The 1100 followed the Remington Model 58 and 858, and it replaced them as it became the first successful (and reliable) auto-loading gas-driven shotgun. Soon after coming onto the scene, the 1100 became the darling of trap shooters, skeet shooters and hunters as well.
Much of what made the 1100 so successful was that its gas-driven action took some of the sting out of shooting, and it could run different kinds of ammo — such as 2¾- and 3-inch shotshells in the Magnum models. This happened to be foreshadowing of the appearance of the VersaMax years later by Remington.
The Model 1100 bleeds off some of the gasses from the fired shell and uses part of them to work the action as any auto-loader gas gun does. The real genius in the 1100 action is that it’s basically a gas-powered Model 870 pump gun. The ports, which bleed off excess gas, are found near the front of the forearm. The gas from the fired round is used to work the action and move the action sleeve, which connects to the bolt carrier and ejects the empty casing. A new shell is released from the magazine: This trips the carrier release, and as the action spring in the stock pushes the bolt forward, the bolt grabs the new round and pushes it into the chamber.
All of this sounds fairly easy on paper, but as you might suspect, the sequence has to be finely tuned to function properly, and the Remington engineers made sure they had it right before they unveiled the 1100. Like all gas-powered actions, the Model 1100 has one big nemesis: The accumulation of burned powder and fouling from the fired shells. Most 1100 shooters will tell you that the gun needs to be stripped down and cleaned after 200 rounds or so.
Gas-powered shotguns did not change much after the Model 1100 for years. In 2010, Remington brought a new operation system to the shotgun world: Remington revamped a model for a gas-powered shotgun that was first created in Italy and put to use in the Benelli M4. Remington engineers worked their magic on this concept and gave us the VersaPort system.
The VersaPort in the VersaMax system utilizes the pressure from a fired shell very quickly by venting it through the orifice holes in the chamber. This enables the Remington V3 and VersaMax to convert the energy created by the gas into work to drive the system sooner, over a longer period of time — enabling the system to spread out the energy created over a longer period of time, reducing felt recoil.
The VersaPort system was revolutionary in a couple different ways. First, it used the length of the individual shell being fired to regulate how much of the expelled gases to be used. With a 2¾-inch shell in the chamber, all seven of the small ports are exposed — and these ports put the expelled gas into two compartments that hold the VersaPort pistons, which work the action of the shotgun. With a 3-inch round, four of the ports are utilized. And with a 3½-inch shell, only three ports are uncovered.
Another major breakthrough of the VersaPort system is the concept of how quickly the gas from the fired shell is captured and used. Firearms engineers have long known that the faster the gases are captured and used to function the shotgun — or ported out of the system — the less recoil will be transferred to the shooter.
“The impulse (impulse = force x time) created by the ignition of a given shell is the same in any shotgun,” said Andy Haskins, a Research and Development Engineer at Remington Arms company. “The VersaPort system utilizes the pressure from a fired shell sooner than other gas systems by venting it through the orifice holes in the chamber. This enables the V3 and Versa Max to convert the energy created by the gas into work to drive the system sooner … and over a longer period of time. By venting the gas earlier, combined with the Supercell recoil pad, we’re able spread out the energy created by the recoil event (impulse) over a longer period of time, therefore reducing the peak force felt by the shooter.”
Conventional gas-operated systems before VersaPort located the gas ports as much as 10 inches in front of the chamber; the VersaPort utilizes the gases almost immediately. The twin pistons below the chamber move very little by using the force of the expelled gas, but the bolt is moved backward and the fired casing is ejected and a new round is chambered. The twin piston system eliminated the use of different O-rings, metal adjustment rings and other items that are sometimes a headache to deal with.
Facing Inertia-Driven Recoil
No doubt you’ve heard more about a gun inventor from Utah named John Moses Browning than you have about Danish gunmaker Christer Sjörgren. In 1903, both unveiled what would become iconic recoil operated shotgun actions. Browning gave us the Automatic 5, with what became known as the long recoil system. Sjörgren’s shotgun harnessed the force of inertia and used it to move the bolt backward as it pushed against a spring. This motion ejects the fired shell and loads a fresh round as the bolt returns to battery for firing.
ComforTech recoil systems on Benelli synthetic-stocked guns, like the Super Black Eagle 3, utilize 24 synthetic, recoil-absorbing chevrons. The chevrons are arranged diagonally from the heel of the buttstock to a point just behind the grip. The stock is designed so the exterior shell flexes outward to further dampen recoil.
So, the inertia gun was born — but the idea remained largely dormant until it was resurrected by Benelli in the late 1960s. Benelli embraced the inertia system and incorporated it in its line of semi-auto shotguns, including its iconic Super Black Eagle. It should come as no surprise that other shotgun-focused companies — Franchi and Stoeger — also offer inertia shotguns.
Here’s the deal on inertia-driven shotguns: Most have less moving parts than the gas-operated guns, there are no pistons and chambers to capture and route the expelled gases, and with less parts these guns are almost always lighter. The inertia gun uses the force of the gas to move the action of the gun rearward — it doesn’t vent any of it off to lessen recoil. Inertia guns are generally considered less finicky, easier to clean and will operate under severe conditions. The downside is that they’re also known to kick harder than gas-operated shotguns.
So, how do we handle the old demon recoil in inertia guns?
The folks at Benelli knew long ago that they’d have to deal with the recoil associated with inertia guns. Currently, Benelli employs two systems for recoil control in semi-autos: Wood-stocked shotguns use the Progressive Comfort System, and synthetic-stocked shotguns have the ComforTech technology.
The Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system incorporates three sets of patented interlocking flexible buffers that absorb recoil at different stages, dependent on the strength of the shotshell’s load. Looking at the inside of a Benelli Ethos shotgun stock, you can see the polymer system, which includes three sets of fingers. These three sets of fingers each have a different elasticity, and the load used determines which sets of fingers are utilized for maximum recoil reduction. The first set of fingers is very flexible for light loads, the second set a bit stiffer for field loads and the third set is optimized for heavy magnum loads.
Benelli uses the Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system in its wood stocks, which incorporates three sets of patented interlocking flexible buffers that absorb recoil at different stages, dependent on the strength of the shotshell’s load. As shown in this Ethos stock, the first set of fingers is very flexible for light loads, the second set a bit stiffer for field loads and the third set is optimized for magnum loads.
ComforTech recoil systems on Benelli synthetic-stocked guns, such as the company’s flagship Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun, deal with recoil in a different manner. The stock is divided by 24 synthetic, recoil-absorbing chevrons. The chevrons are arranged diagonally from the heel of the buttstock to a point just behind the grip. The stock is designed so the exterior shell flexes outward to further dampen recoil. Together with the ComforTech Plus recoil pad, this design spreads the peak force of recoil over a longer period of time.
A nice addition to the Benelli line is the ComforTech Plus Comb Pad. Part of what we associate with the “kick” of a shotgun is the pounding we may get from the comb of the stock on your cheek. This pad cushions the cheek during recoil and provides a slick surface that allows your cheek to slide along the comb during recoil. This eliminates frictional resistance and insulates your face from shock and vibration.
Remember: The “kick” you feel when shooting a shotgun — known as felt recoil — is subjective. How much you think a shotgun kicks may not be the same for me or your shooting buddy. How much a recoil pad or a certain stock design helps with demon recoil may be like saying who the prettiest girl in your senior class was — everyone may not agree.
So, with that in mind, find a system that works well for you and your shooting style: Your comfort level and overall accuracy will greatly improve.
This article originally appeared in the 2018 Shooting Is Fun issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
SAAMI gives Winchester’s straight-walled wonder – the .350 Legend – its blessing.
How the .350 Legend is set up for deer-hunting success:
Around 20-percent more penetration than a .243 Win.
Approximately 20-percent less recoil than a .243 Win.
Delivers nearly 15-percent more energy at 200 yards than the .300 BLK.
The Winchester XPR bolt-action currently chambered for the cartridge.
Deer hunters hemmed in by straight-walled-cartridge regulations, never fear! Winchester has you covered.
The iconic company unveiled perhaps one of the most unique cartridges in a spell at the 2019 SHOT Show, introducing the .350 Legend. Essentially a modified .223 Rem., blown out to accept a .357-caliber bullet, the new offering has the potential to help those who hunt areas with restrictive rifle regulations reach out a bit more and hit harder. By Winchester’s billing, it shoots flatter and longer than most straight-walled cartridges currently available. Furthermore, by the company’s telling, it delivers more energy to a target than the .30-30, while producing less recoil than the deer-season classic. If that holds up in the field it’s nothing to turn your nose up at, give the mountain of venison the .30-30 has put on the table over the years.
Last week, the .350 Legend had its final initiation into a full-fledged production cartridge with the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute accepting the cartridge. Good thing for Winchester, given the company has hit the ground running with the .350 Legend. Currently, the company offers six loads, including 150-grain Deer Season XP, 180-grain Super X, 145-grain USA Full Metal Jacket, 265-grain Super Suppressed and 160-grain Power Max Bonded.
A taste of what the cartridge offers, the Super X load leaves the muzzle at 2,325 fps, only losses 15-percent of its velocity at 100 yards and delivers 1,289 ft/lbs of energy at that range. That should get the job done.
From Winchester:
NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®), the firearms and ammunition industry’s technical standards-setting organization, is pleased to announce the acceptance of a new cartridge and chamber standard, the 350 Legend (350 LGND), introduced by Winchester Ammunition.
“SAAMI member ammunition and firearm companies are driven by technological innovation.” said Randy Bimson, Director of Technical Affairs and Technical Advisor of SAAMI. “Winchester’s 350 Legend cartridge brings a fresh look and innovation to a very mature cartridge category opening up new options to both the hunter and recreational shooter. SAAMI is pleased to include the new 350 Legend in the SAAMI standards.”
Winchester Ammunition is addressing a rapidly growing market segment, “straight-wall-cartridge-compliant” deer-hunting states. A growing number of states that previously restricted deer hunting to limited-range slug guns or muzzle loading firearms are now allowing rifles chambered in straight-walled centerfire cartridges, many of which originated as handgun cartridge designs. The Winchester 350 Legend offers a significantly flatter trajectory and better terminal performance over current straight-wall cartridges while remaining compliant in most applicable states.
“The 350 Legend is a high-performing, straight-walled cartridge that dominates in velocity, energy, recoil and affordability, all of which are vital to our customers,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “Winchester is dedicated to innovation and it’s paramount that we continue to deliver meaningful, technology driven products that have a tremendous impact on the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
