The Cyclone Case Dryer gets shooters to the range or the reloading bench quicker.
The details on the new Cyclone Case Dryer:
The case dryer can hold 1,000 .223 Rem. cases or 2,000 9mm.
It is capable of holding most handgun parts.
The Cyclone Case Dryer can finish most drying jobs in 2 hours.
Gun and case cleaning has advanced by bounds in recent years. In addition to old standbys — bore brushes, solvent, granulated corncob — are cutting-edge instruments that almost guarantee getting every bit of grime and speck of carbon off a metal surface.
Indeed, ultrasonic and rotary cleaners have made firearms housekeeping chores easier and more thorough than ever before. However, given they utilize cleaning solutions, they present a new challenge — drying. In turn, the horizon in finishing a cleaning project has been extended, sometimes to the length of days in the case of brass, as every nook and cranny dries.
Lyman is taking a crack at speeding up this process to a matter of hours with a clever (and obvious) solution it unveiled at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Just like your clothes drier — except without tumbling — the Cyclone Case Dryer harnesses heated forced air to get gun enthusiasts back doing to what they really love — shooting and reloading.
“What is great about the Cyclone Case Dryer is the fact that it is a time saver,” Trevor Mullen, VP of Global Marketing and Business Development for Lyman Products, said. “What may have taken someone days to accomplish is now dry and spot free in just an hour or two. And for gun parts, you can’t beat the time it will take to get your gun cleaned and dry. You can get back on the range in just hours now.”
Configurable, the five-tray unit can dry most handgun parts and a good volume of brass in a fairly short time. Lyman pegs the Cyclone Case Dryer’s capacity of up to 1,000 .223 Rem. cases or 2,000 9mm cases. And while the company claims most jobs can be finished in two hours, the dryer can be run up to three hours. For anyone who uses a fluid-based cleaning system, even at three hours, this is a godsend.
Per usual, Lyman has set a fairly affordable price for the Cyclone Case Dryer, with a MSRP of $64.95. For anyone shooting to get their handgun back in action faster or eliminate bass tarnishing, that could turn out to be a square deal.
The AR is basically an internal combustion engine. Instead of gasoline, it runs off gunpowder, which burns dirtier than gas. With cleaning and lubrication, the AR will serve you well, always ready for use. Or, if it’s going into the safe for winter, you’ll want to make sure it’s prepped for long-term storage.
To properly clean the AR, you’ll need some specialty pieces of equipment. Can you clean it with your standard packaged kit? In an emergency, anything will probably do. But, the AR is a little different than Granddad’s huntin’ rifle.
Must-Have Tackle
First, get a good cleaning rod. I use Dewey rods, which are nylon coated with a rotating ball-bearing handle. The coating prevents carbon and residue from impregnating the rod, which ends up damaging the barrel. The handle allows the rod to rotate on the rifling as it travels down the bore. Segmented steel or aluminum rods and “snakes” are for field use only.
Use a bore guide. This is a tube that goes into the upper receiver and seats into the chamber. As you push the rod down the barrel — always travel in the same direction the bullet goes — the guide prevents damage to the chamber and throat. I use a jag to hold patches, as opposed to a loop. With a loop — think about the eye of a large sewing needle — there’s a chance the loop will rub against the bore. The patch goes around the jag so there is less chance of this happening.
You’ll also need a chamber brush. The barrel extension — rear of the barrel that contains the chamber — has female lugs that the male lugs of the bolt seat into. This area gets a lot of residue built up and must be cleaned to maintain reliability and accuracy. The chamber brush is the only way to clean it well.
Be sure to get a tool for cleaning the bolt and bolt carrier, too. This is much more efficient than doing it by hand. An upper receiver cleaning kit has a large rod, brush and mop to clean the upper receiver where the bolt carrier rides. High-quality patches and cleaning swabs are a must. You don’t want lint and little strings inside your engine. Over the years, I’ve collected various wood dowels and “sticks” that I put patches on to clean small, tight areas. Eventually, you’ll figure out what works best for you.
Efficient And Effective Cleaning Tips
I start by cleaning the chamber, using the chamber brush and my specialty tools. Cleaning the barrel first and then the chamber will just reintroduce grime back into the clean barrel, and then you have to start over.
Ask 20 shooters how they clean the barrel and you’ll get 30 different answers. Everyone has their way, and almost none are the same. When I clean the barrel, I want to remove all carbon and powder residue but leave the copper in the bore’s microscopic imperfections. The copper build up in the small hills and valleys makes the bore smoother. If you clean that out, it has to build back up once you start shooting again. However, if the gun is going into the safe for a long time, I will use Hoppes to clean out the copper and then heavily lube everything prior to storage.
To clean the barrel, I use Break-Free’s CLP cleaner and patches on a jag. I run a wet patch with CLP down the bore, followed by dry patches. After each pass, I pull the rod out and wipe it down. Once the dry patches are coming out clean, I repeat the process several times. Once everything is coming out clean, I lube the barrel with SLIP 2000 EWL oil. If the rifle is going to sit for a while, I’ll leave the barrel “wet” with oil. With my work rifles, I’ll run one dry patch through to collect any excess oil.
Never attempt to clean the gas tube. This gets cleaned when the high-pressure gas travels through it. Trying to clean it will only create more trouble. If it’s questionable, then replace it.
Lube For The Long Haul
Lubrication is critical for the AR. I have an AR — one of the Shootrite Katanas built by MHT — that has more than 20,000 rounds through it without ever having been cleaned, but it does get lubricated regularly. I don’t recommend this for a work rifle; however, it proves that an AR will run dirty but it won’t run dry.
Lubes break down into two categories: grease and oil. Over time, grease will start to gum or cake up. Oil will eventually start to wick whichever way gravity is pulling it and evaporate. I use a combination of both — Mil-Comm’s TW25B grease and Slip 2000 EWL oil. When combined, the oil keeps the grease from solidifying and the grease prevents the oil from wicking and evaporating. I start by putting on grease, working it into the pores of the metal. The SLIP oil goes over that.
You want to lubricate any areas that see friction. On the bolt, the lugs and the raised shoulder about midway back get grease and oil. For the gas rings, ejector and extractor, I’ll put a drop of oil only. A little oil on the back of the bolt, behind the gas rings, will make it easier to clean. The bolt carrier has raised shoulders where it rides in the receiver, the bottom where it resets the hammer and the gas key on top that rides in the channel of the charging handle. Look at the carrier and you’ll see wear marks on these areas. They get grease and oil, as do the cam pin and firing pin.
One area that people tend to forget is the buffer spring. Remove the buffer and spring, clean the buffer tube and lube the spring. On the trigger group, I put one drop of oil on each side of the hammer and trigger pins — where the springs are — a drop on the disconnector and the bottom hook of the hammer. Too much lube on the trigger group will just attract more gunk.
The charging handle is also a big source of friction. Lube the sides and top, which are the areas in contact with the upper receiver, with grease and oil.
General Maintenance Guidelines And Tactics
While cleaning and lubing, always inspect all parts for wear or breakage. This includes checking the extractor and ejector springs, gas rings and making sure the gas key on top of the bolt carrier hasn’t worked loose. The key is staked in place, but if it’s not properly staked it can work loose.
For fieldwork, you should have a small, compact cleaning kit, along with lube. It’s also a good idea to have a few spare parts like the firing pin retaining pin, a cam pin, gas rings, extractor spring and firing pin. These parts are small and easily lost, or if there’s a part breakage, you can get the rifle up and running again very quickly.
How often should you clean your AR? That depends on how many rounds you’ve fired, how dirty the power burns and the temp and humidity. How long should it take to clean your AR? A thorough cleaning takes me about 45 minutes — and that’s to clean, inspect, lube and reassemble.
As the Marine Corps’ Rifleman’s Creed says, “I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.”
Take good care of your AR, and it will always be ready for any challenge you ask it to overcome.
This article originally appeared in the December 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
CMMG has jumped on the .224 Valkyrie bandwagon with the Mk4 DTR2, optimized to make the most of the ballistically talented cartridge.
The scoop on the .224 Valkyrie and CMMG’s new Mk4 DTR2:
CMMG is one of eight gunmakers with rifles chambered for the .224 Valkyrie.
The Mk4 DTR2 is optimized for long-range shooting.
It boasts a 24-inch barrel with a 1:7 twist.
It is decked out in Magpul furniture, including fully adjustable PRS Stock.
Mk4 DTR2 build components are also available.
The complete rifle has an MSRP of $1,700.
The .224 Valkyrie is still in its infancy and has plenty of growing pains to endure before it’s cemented as tried-and-true. Despite its youth, Federal Premium’s bundle of long-range joy has already attracted its fair share of admirers.
And why not? The ammo maker hasn’t been shy in ballyhooing the potential of its small-bore hot-rod. The company claims the round maintains supersonic velocities out to 1,300 yards, outperforming nearly everything in its class — 22 Nosler, .223 Rem., and 6.5 Grendel. Additionally, it pegs its performance at the heels of the 6.5 Creedmoor, while producing less recoil along the way.
That’s quite a package, one that hasn’t only turned long-range shooters’ heads, but also gunmakers. With only scant factory-loaded ammunition on the shelves and SAMMI certification expected this month, no less than eight manufacturers have announced rifles chambered for the Valkyrie. And given the .224’s main concept is extending the range of AR-style rifles, it’s little surprise CMMG is among the cartridge’s early adopters.
The Missouri rifle-smith has made a name for itself keeping abreast of the latest trends in the black rifle market. In turn, its Valkyrie offering — the Mk4 DTR2 — fits right into its ethos. And the rifle should have what it takes to end up on many interested shooters’ short lists for something to launch the new round.
More than anything, CMMG has turned its eye to configuring the rifle so it milks the full ballistic potential out of the Valkyrie. A quick gander at the Mk4 DTR2 and it’s obvious what this means — barrel and plenty of it.
In all, the medium-taper stainless steel barrel is 24 inches, capped with CMMG’s SV Brake. This makes it an overall large rifle, especially compared to other AR-15s at 44.5 inches in length and 9.2 pounds unloaded. In size and heft, that’s more the territory of a wood-stocked bolt-action. But, the long barrel has a purpose, allotting plenty of bore for all the powder from the Valkyrie’s necked down 6.8 SPC/.30 Rem. parent case to burn. As an added benefit, it also provides a stable platform for long-range shots, one certain not to produce much recoil — a plus for multiple-shot strings.
Given the Valkyrie shoots heavy-for-caliber bullets — 60-grain to 100-grain — the barrel also has a faster twist rate — 1:7. And shooters won’t have to wait to run the full spectrum of projectiles through the Mk4 DTR2, since Federal has already released a good selection of ammunition, including: Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing, 60-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, 100-grain Fusion MSR and 75-grain American Eagle TMJ.
In addition to the chambering, the Mk4 DTR2 also has a beefed up bolt to handle the larger case and more powerful load. Additionally, the gun utilizes 6.8 SPC magazines — it comes with two 10 rounders — given the wider cartridges do not stagger correctly in a .223 Rem./5.56 NATO magazine. The Mk4 DTR2 comes outfitted with a Magpul MOE pistol grip and a PRS Stock, which is fully adjustable with .8 inches of play in the comb and 1.4 inches in length of pull. The rifle comes with a Geissele SSA 2-Stage Trigger standard and boasts CMMG’s RML14 M-LOK handguard and new Ambi Charging Handle.
The company is also offering a standalone Mk4 DTR upper group, bolt carrier group and barrel for the Valkyrie, opening the door for individual builds. Price-wise, the Mk4 DTR2 is at the upper end of the AR market, with an MSRP of $1,700. The upper group runs $900, carrier group $175 and barrel $260. But given its configuration, the Mk4 DTR2 might be price right for those itching to put the Valkyrie to flight.
MOA accuracy with a muzzleloader is achievable, but requires attention to the smallest details.
Thoughts on how to achieve accuracy with a muzzleloader:
Consistency is the key to accuracy with muzzleloaders.
Every step of loading should remain the same, so the next shot performs like the previous.
Saboted bullets add a level of forgiveness to this process.
The Holy Grail of muzzleloading is to shoot 1-inch groups at 100 yards. To achieve MOA with a muzzleloader you must be consistent with everything you do.
When you pour powder into your measurer, do you tap on the sides to make it settle? If so, how many taps? Do you scrape the excess powder off of the measurer so it’s precisely full every time? When you swab out the barrel between shots, do you use one side of the damp patch or both sides? Do you follow the damp patch with a dry patch? If you vary your technique you’ll never obtain great accuracy.
I start with a completely clean and dry bore. I run a dry patch down the barrel to remove oil from storage, then I put rubbing alcohol on a patch and swab the bore using both sides of the patch. Then I fire three Winchester W209 primers through the gun to foul the bore with non-corrosive residue.
I always use saboted bullets because they are forgiving, and because every barrel is slightly different. A plastic sabot will compress and take up the difference between a .500-inch bore or a .502-inch bore.
I went out the other day to test a rifle. I started with ffg Triple Seven powder and 250-grain Hornady Monoflex bullets that have shot great for me in other rifles. I shot groups with 110 to 150 grains of powder and the best group measured 2 inches at 100 yards. I then switched to a 300-grain Bloodline Bullet. I started with 110 grains of ffg Triple Seven and worked my way up. Every increase in powder reduced my group size, which is contradictory to what normally happens. Regardless, at 150 grains of ffg Triple Seven, I shot a 1-inch group at 100 yards.
Why that bullet and that powder charge? Because it’s a muzzleloader.
Editor’s Note: The article originally appeared in the January 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
With an adjustable comb and length of pull, Savage’s new AccuFit System allow shooters to customize their rifles to their frame.
The skinny on the new AccuFit System:
The AccuFit System uses spacers to adjust comb height and length of pull.
Length of pull can be adjusted a full inch in 1/4-inch increments.
Comb height can be adjusted 1/2 inch in 1/8-inch increments.
The AccuFit System will be available on nine Model 110 rifles.
There’s no replacing the bolt-action. The age-old design provides target shooters, competitors and hunters nearly the complete package — relatively decent rate of fire, simple manual of arms and, above all, accuracy.
If there is a sticky point to the design, it’s the rigidness in adaptability — particularly when it comes to stocks. Certainly, at the higher end of things, there are precision stocks available, and there’s always an option to upgrade. But as far as production rifles are concerned, a system adaptable to any shooter has been sorely missing.
Savage is out to change that in a big way. The Massachusetts gun maker is set to launch its fully adjustable AccuFit System at the Jan. 23-26 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Following in the footsteps of the AccuTrigger adjustable trigger and AccuStock, the system offers another step toward accuracy in a package that does not break the bank.
In essence, the system is a fully adjustable stock, both in length of pull and comb height through the use of spacers. Savage includes five comb risers and four LOP inserts, allowing the stock to adjust to nearly any shooter behind the trigger. The comb is adjustable from ½ inch to 1 inch of elevation in 1/8-inch increments, while there is a full inch of play in LOP, adjustable in ¼-inch increments. This should provide enough flexibility of fit for the greater swath of the shooting world.
The AccuFit System, however, requires forethought, compared to many of the precision-shooting numbers presently available; it’s definitely not shift-on-the-fly. Customizing the fit requires tools — a Phillips-head screwdriver. But, as long as shooters aren’t sharing a rifle on a backcountry elk hunt, this should not be a huge issue.
There will be a slew of choices when it comes to rifles outfitted with the AccuFit System, given Savage is releasing nine Model 110s outfitted with the stock, including: 110 Hunter, 110 Storm, 110 Long Range Hunter, 110 Varmint, 110 Predator, 110 Wolverine, 110 Bear Hunter, 110 Tactical Desert and 110 Scout. The rifles will also come with the AccuTrigger and AccuStock embedded rail system standard, giving shooters a fairly decked out bolt-action.
Federal is shooting to help pistol competitors to the top of the podium with the introduction of Syntech Action Pistol ammo.
How does Syntech Action Pistol help gun down gold?
Syntech Action Pistol has a cutting-edge full polymer jacket.
This reduces bore wear and heat by eliminating metal-to-metal contact.
It also produces less friction, thus reducing recoil.
Syntech Action Pistol rounds have been optimized for performance and to meet pistol competition standards.
Whether Steel Challenge, Practical Pistol or what have you, pistol competitions are tough and not only on the competitor. While nerves, reflexes and discipline are all tested on a course, so is the engineering and the stamina of a pistol. And, as is the case in any high-volume shooting situation, fouling and gunk can make that expensive race gun run like a Studebaker.
Federal Premium is shooting to eliminate some of this concern for competitors tuning one of its newest and cutting-edge ammunition lines for those who are gunning for gold. While it’s no substitute for a good old-fashioned bush and solvent, Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition might have what it takes to give shooters an advantage the next time they unholster their pistol.
“Syntech Action Pistol utilizes all the same technology as the standard Syntech ammunition, but is tailored specifically to the competitive pistol application,” said John Swenson, Federal Premium handgun ammunition design engineer. “During extended matches, the reduced fouling and cooler gun temperatures allow competitors to keep their focus on their performance and the match rather than equipment maintenance.”
The edge Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition, which will be released at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, brings to a match is its projectile. Replacing the standard copper jacketing on the bullet, the polymer-encapsulated lead core causes less wear and fouling in a bore, given it eliminates all metal-to-metal contact. Additionally, the polymer creates less overall friction; in turn, barrels suffer less heat damage, extending their life, according to Federal. The company even claims the rounds will aid in accuracy, given the design causes less recoil and muzzle flip, thereby making for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
The particular TSJ (Total Synthetic Jacket) bullets used in Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition produce larger, more defined holes when they hit the target.
“The flatter nose provides a larger-diameter perforation, making scoring clearer for hits that are near the edge of scoring zones rather than having to rely on the grease ring,” Swenson explained.
Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition is loaded with clean-burning powders that minimize barrel residue, and its Catalyst lead-free primer provides consistent, reliable ignition. Federal Premium is offering the line in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 Auto. Each is configured to meet the accuracy, reliability and power factor requirements of shooters who compete in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).
Walther has expanded its handgun lineup with its new PPQ SC, a subcompact version of its popular PPQ.
What to know about Walther’s new PPQ SC:
The PPQ SC scales down the popular PPQ for a more comfortable carry option.
It’s 6.6 inches in overall length, 4.4 inches in height and 1.3 inches in width.
Controls (slide stop and magazine release) are ambidextrous.
It uses Walther’s Quick Defense Trigger, a 5.6-pound trigger with a quick reset.
It’s available with a variety of magazine options and has an MSRP of $649.
Today Walther has announced its newest addition to its handgun lineup, and it’s something fans of the brand have been wanting for some time — a sub-compact option in the PPQ line. The new Walther PPQ SC (for Sub-Compact) takes the popular PPQ down to a more manageable size for comfortable carry, while keeping all of the great standard PPQ features shooters love.
The new PPQ SC shaves off almost an inch in length from the PPQ M2 and roughly three ounces in weight. In terms of height, the PPQ SC knocks off about another inch, taking it from 5.3 inches to 4.4 inches. Those figures might not sound like a lot, but as most who carry know, an inch or two and a few ounces here and there can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and concealment.
Like the earlier PPQ models, the new PPQ SC features an excellent trigger (Walther refers to it as a Quick Defense Trigger) that breaks cleanly at 5.6 pounds and a short 0.4-inch travel and quick 0.1-inch reset. The trigger guard is also serrated.
As with all of Walther’s handguns, there is still an emphasis on ergonomics with the PPQ SC. This starts with the grip, which features a non-slip, cross-directional surface for improved control, even under quick and repetitive recoil. It continues with the gun’s interchangeable backstraps designed to fit a variety of hands.
If that weren’t enough, Walther’s PPQ SC also features ambidextrous controls. The slide stop and thumb-activated magazine release are both left- and right-hand friendly. And the slide stop is extended for easy activation, even with gloves. The PPQ SC’s Tenifer-coated slide also wears front and rear serrations for more efficient manipulation.
Sights are simple but effective low-profile three-dot polymer combat sights. The sights facilitate quick aiming, yet remain unobtrusive to prevent snagging on the draw. The rear is also adjustable for windage.
Other noteworthy features include a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny forward rail for accessories such as a laser or light and a Tenifer-coated barrel and inside action parts. In addition, the PPQ SC will be available with a few different magazine choices, including flush fit, finger extender and extended sleeve options.
I had the opportunity to test the new PPQ SC several months back at a Walther media event, and though I can’t provide a full review here, I can say that it performed very well. The event was a training program at a Deliberate Dynamics facility outside of Price, Utah, and Inceptor Ammunition provided a ton of its ARX defensive and RNP training loads for our use. And Clinger Holsters offered holsters for the event. Our group of writers and industry professionals put a ton of rounds through the guns and they all proved quite reliable.
The new Walther PPQ SC has the dimensions and performance capabilities to make it an excellent concealed carry piece. Shown here with Inceptor Ammunition ARX ammo and a Clinger Holsters concealment holster.
The Quick Defense Trigger was pleasant, and the gun handled well, even with the flush-fit magazines, though I did tend to shoot better with the finger extension magazines. The sights were fairly easy to acquire and put on target — perfectly suitable for an everyday carry piece. Operating the gun was also simple, with the mag release activating seamlessly and dropping magazines freely.
I did have a little trouble with the slide not locking back on an empty magazine, not because there was anything wrong with the gun, but simply because of the placement of my thumbs on the slide. Once I made an adjustment, it locked back each and every time.
Overall, I came away very impressed with the gun in my time with it. It’s everything you might need in a daily carry gun — highly concealable, comfortable in the hand and plenty shootable at appropriate distances.
MSRP on the new PPQ SC is currently listed at $649. For more on this new subcompact, keep an eye out for a full review in an upcoming issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Specifications:
Walther PPQ SC (Sub-Compact) Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 3.5 in. Barrel Twist: 1:10 Overall Length: 6.6 in. Height: 4.4 in. Width: 1.3 in. Weight (empty mag): 21.2 oz. Sight Radius: 5.6 in. Trigger: 5.6-lb. Quick Defense Trigger Finish: Matte Black Sights: Low-profile, three-dot combat iron sights Capacity: 10 rounds (standard) MSRP: $649
In the ebb and flow of the gun world, pistol-caliber carbines have been on the rise in recent years. But the concept of a long-gun that grazes on handgun ammo is almost as old as America’s love affair with firearms.
As those familiar with this class of firearms know, short rifles chambered for handgun ammo were a staple on the American frontier. Back then it made sense, given you never knew if the next wagonload of ammunition might get bushwhacked. The redundancy of owning, say, a Colt Frontier and a Winchester 1873 not only delivered peace of mind, it probably saved lives.
Nowadays, the viability of pistol-caliber carbines is a topic of fierce debate. Honestly, few subjects in the gun world, short of the best caliber for self-defense, are more heated. To some, the long guns are perfect for penny-pinching at the range, manageable home-defense options, and prepping for TEOTWAWKI. To others, they’re akin to slapping a four-cylinder engine in a three-quarter-ton truck.
No matter where you fall on this spectrum concerning PCCs, there are likely a couple that have caught your eye at one time or another. Admit it. So we’re going to take a gander at six of the coolest pistol-caliber carbines available today. Even if you don’t buy into the pistol-caliber carbine concept, you’ll have to admit these are still some pretty dandy guns.
CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1
Photo: CZ
The original Skorpion had a dark mystique about it, fostered by the full-auto’s birth behind the Iron Curtain during the height of the Cold War. This intrigue most certainly added to the clamor when its namesake reentered the market a few years back. And while it might not be a bullet hose like its predecessors, the carbine variation — the Scorpion Evo 3 S1 — still has plenty of sting.
Combined with lightweight, yet durable polymer receivers and stock, the Scorpion provides plenty of firepower from a highly manageable platform. And chambered in 9mm, CZ‘s carbine is simple to feed and has more than enough power to handle most situations. It’s an ideal home defense gun, and given its folding stock, can also hit the road with ease.
The 6-pound blowback semi-automatic also comes with all the features shooters look for in modern carbines as well: M-LOK slotted handguard, ambidextrous controls and capacity to spare (20- and 30-round magazines available).
Kel-Tec SUB-2000
Photo: Kel-Tec
Kel-Tec might not have set out to create the ideal backpack gun, but that’s exactly what it did with the SUB-2000. The spindly pistol-caliber carbine wins top marks for its compactness, due in large-part to its unique design. Unlike anything else on the market presently, the gun folds in on itself through a hinge at the fore of the receiver into a neat 16-inch package. And it deploys in seconds through the push of a button.
At around 4 pounds, the SUB-2000 — now in its second generation — is light to boot. This is thanks to the extensive use of polymers (fiberglass-filled nylon) of which the blowback semi-automatic is composed. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the carbine is also easily paired with a pistol, given Kel-Tec offers magazine compatibility with Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Beretta and Glock.
Despite its Spartan appearance, the pistol-caliber carbine isn’t short on features: fully adjustable aperture rear sight, plenty of rail real estate, adjustable buttstock and sling mounts.
Aero Survival Rifle
Photo: TNW Firearms
Surviving is about adapting to circumstances and TNW Firearms has come up with the perfect tool for the job. The Aero Survival Rifle is among the most flexible pistol-caliber carbines on the market today, and not only in configuration.
Its quick-change barrels open a host of caliber options, including many that are rare in the carbine world: .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, 10mm and .357 SIG. And the Oregon gunmaker has .22 WMR and .17 HMR conversion kits on the way for the blowback semi-automatic.
Adding to the Aero’s versatility is the fact it is a takedown rifle, which makes it a perfect insurance policy in a truck, boat or backcountry. This is especially true if mated with the specially designed case TNW cooked up to stow the carbine and a couple different barrels, to match caliber to application.
The 5.5-pound survival rifles — centerfire models at least — are compatible with Glock magazines, a good thing given their availability and capacity options. Ruggedly built, the carbine boasts milled aircraft-grade aluminum receivers.
Kriss Vector
Photo: Kriss
The pistol-caliber carbine world brims with oddballs. The Kriss Vector definitely falls in this category, but there is method in this engineering madness. The carbine’s one-of-a-kind designed allows it to jump between calibers with ease and provides a more manageable firearm.
To the former point, the rather pronounced fore contains the action and the barrel and does not require tools for removal. In turn, the assembly is quickly removed and replaced with another fore in one of five calibers: 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG.
To the latter point, the low bore axis and the carbine’s unique toggle action work in concert to mitigate recoil by re-vectoring the energy down and away from the shoulder. This makes it a particularly fast and accurate shooter, in an already very manageable class of firearms.
Rossi Circuit Judge
Photo: Rossi USA
Taurus made waves a number of years ago with its .45 Colt/.410 Gauge Judge. But Rossi’s take on the revolver moves the concept to a whole new level, perhaps one that is more useful.
The Italian gunmaker’s Circuit Judge offers the same ammunition flexibility as the revolver, but with an 18.5-inch barrel delivers the bore to make the rounds count. Honestly, small to medium game and fowl should be on the alert if the Circuit Judge holds court. Perhaps only a drillings gun would be more versatile afield. The five-shot cylinder is also a nice touch, endowing the carbine, not only with uniqueness in the modern era, but with the reliability and simplicity of a revolver.
Really, the sky could be the limit with the 5-pound carbine’s applications. Field gun, training firearm for youths or survival firearm are all well within its wheelhouse.
MechTech Conversion
Photo: MechTech
The allure of the pistol-caliber carbine for many is matching their long-gun’s ammo to their pistol’s. But what if that concept could be carried a step further? It can and MechTech has done it, practically marrying pistol and carbine in one platform in what it calls a conversion unit.
The unit is basically an upper receiver, barrel and stock that mates with a pistol’s frame. The switch over is simple, does not require tools and adds a lot of flexibility to a single firearm. A sub-compact “Baby Glock” can be configured into a 16-inch barreled blowback carbine in a matter of minutes.
Additionally, MechTech’s conversion unit is available for a wide spectrum of calibers — 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm — and makes — Glock, Springfield XD and 1911s. MechTech also offers some interesting configurations in their units — including one that is somewhat reminiscent of the M3 Grease Gun.
Maybe best of all, the unit is completely paperwork free because it consists of an upper receiver and barrel and is not considered a firearm in and of itself. And yes, it’s all legal — even the all-mighty BATF has said so in extensive legalese.
Hydra-Shok Deep provides a defensive round with greater penetration and improved terminal performance.
What Hydra-Shok Deep brings to the table:
The improved core allows for 50-percent greater penetration over the original.
In testing on bare ballistic gelatin, the round penetrates 15 inches.
The round will be loaded with optimized Federal components.
This includes a flash-reducing propellent.
In 1989, the FBI called for a bullet with improved terminal ballistics compared to the old cup-and-core projectiles in use. Federal Premium Ammunition‘s response was the Hydra-Shok.
Since then, the notched jacket, non-bonded lead core, center-post hollow-point has been among the top defensive rounds used by both law enforcement and armed citizens alike. And for 2018, Federal is shooting to make its legendary defensive round even better.
Hydra-Shok Deep is designed to deliver improved penetration and reliability through design modifications to the original projectile. In particular, the core design has been tweaked to provide 50-percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok bullets. Additionally, the center post is more robust, creating a bullet that retains more of its structural integrity through barriers.
What this adds up to in Federal’s testing is a round that penetrates 15 inches in bare ballistic gelatin, the optimal depth according to FBI standards.
“Hydra-Shok Deep offers consumers a round that results in consistent, reliable performance through typical defensive barriers and penetrates to the depth deemed optimum by the leading law-enforcement agency in the United States,” Federal’s director and chief engineer of handgun ammunition Larry Head said in a press release.
The re-engineering in the Hyrdra-Shok Deep also keeps the projectile up to current professional standards.
“FBI performance requirements and protocol testing have evolved over time,” said Head. “One of the most notable changes has been the desire for deeper-penetrating rounds and more consistency in penetration depths through all intermediate barriers.”
Hyrdra-Shok Deep is slated for release at the Jan. 23-26, 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Initially it will be offered in a 135-grain 9mm, but other loads for the most popular self-defense calibers are on the horizon. The rounds will feature optimized projectiles and components as well, including premium propellants that ensure optimum performance and reduce muzzle flash.
H&H Precision Rifles has more than made a name for itself as one of the nation’s foremost maker of, well, precision rifles. From exacting tactical rifles customizable down to the magazine to chassis numbers that group in fractions of an inch, H&H Precision Rifles are instruments born of rigor and discipline. With that level of engineering at their fingertips, the company wants to make certain its shooters get the most out of their guns.
In turn, H&H invites every person who buys their rifles to a special weekend class each year to teach them all about their firearms and shooting in general. Modern Shooter got a seat (or range lane) in this year’s class and discovered first hand what these incredible H&H Precision Rifles are capable of, which is plenty. Along the way, we got to meet some of personalities that have made the company a success in the long-range shooting world and with marksmen whose standard is a ¼ MOA group. But, as the above video shows, even with precise tools and steely men and women behind them, there will be the occasional flyer.
Be sure to tune in on Mondays at 12 p.m. EST, Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. EST and Fridays at 10 p.m. EST on the Pursuit Channel for the newest Modern Shooter episodes and keep your fingers on the pulse of the gun world.
The Precision Rimfire puts a chassis rifle in reach of more shooters and looks to be a slick training tool.
What makes the Precision Rimfire tick:
The Precision Rimfire can adjust to a 3-inch bolt throw.
It has a glass-filled nylon chassis.
This feature trims the rifle’s weight to 6.8 pounds.
The Precision Rimfire has an 18-inch barrel, threaded for a muzzle device.
And it’s outfitted with the Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger.
The rifle has an MSRP of $529.
The concept of .22 LR versions of full-sized firearms has played out well in many segments of the shooting market. Consider concealed carry. The plinker models of many of today’s most popular defensive guns have become valuable diagnostic and training tools, not to mention they make practice much easier on the pocketbook.
But does this notion hold over to the arena of precision shooting? Ruger is betting it does with the introduction of a rimfire variant of its popular chassis rifle. And while the Precision Rimfire might not have the pep to place rounds dead on target 1,000 yards out, it certainly looks more than capable of stitching together tight groups within the .22 LR’s range.
Interestingly, Ruger seems to have the idea the rifle will fill a similar role the supplementary .22s have for other firearms — training. Not only has the New Hampshire gunmaker shot for like results to its Ruger Precision Rifle downrange, but also experience.
This is blatantly obvious in one interesting aspect of the Precision Rimfire — its bolt throw. Removing a spring clip, the rifle’s throw goes from a typical rimfire’s 1½-inch throw to 3 inches — the same as the centerfire Precision rifle’s. This emulates much of the operation of the larger gun for a practice routine and, as Ruger’s press release points out, is a feature that reduces the chance of short stroking the bolt in competition.
While extremely similar in design to the centerfire rifles, the Precision Rimfire is scaled down and tweaked for the caliber. But where it’s changed in form, it still retains the function of the Precision Rifle.
Perhaps the Precision Rimfire’s biggest break from its bigger brother is the heart of the system — the chassis. Freed from the material constraints required to fire a high-powered centerfire cartridge, Ruger has opted for glass-filled molded nylon for this key part of the rifle. The polymer, however, should still provide the stiffness, strength and stability to make it a highly accurate rifle.
Additionally, the chassis makes the rifle featherweight. At only 6.8 pounds, the Precision Rimfire isn’t just bound to target practice and competition, it’s a legitimate field gun. On top of that, its 18-inch barrel (1/2-8 muzzle thread pattern) has the ability to ensure the round itself lives up to its full ballistic potential.
The rifle features a completely adjustable buttstock with 3.5 inches of play in length of pull and ample amendment in the cheek rest. It has a Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger, which is user adjustable between 2.25 to 5 pounds. And it’s outfitted with a 15-inch hard black anodized aluminum handguard featuring M-LOK slots on all four sides.
QD pockets, an integral Picatinny rail (30 MOA of elevation), an AR-pattern grip and other small but important features give the all the qualities sought after in a precision rifle on a rimfire platform.
The Precision Rimfire ships with one 15-round BX-15 magazine, but it is compatible with 10/22 magazines. This adds a nice bit of flexibility to the rifle, especially when it comes to aftermarket magazines.
The price of the rifle is also a reason to get excited about what Ruger has brought to the table. With an MSRP of $529, it definitely resides in a tonier neighborhood than most rimfires. However, as a training tool or the entryway to a chassis rifle, the Precision Rimfire could be priced just right for a lot of shooters.
Specifications:
Ruger Precision Rimfire Caliber: .22 LR Stock: Quick-Fit Precision Rimfire Adjustable Capacity: 15 Barrel Length: 18 in. Overall Length: 35.13-38.63 in. Grip: AR-Pattern Handguard: Free-Float M-LOK Aluminum Handguard Finish Hard Black Anodized Thread Pattern: 1/2-28 Length of Pull: 12-15.50 in. Sights: None-Rail Installed Barrel: Threaded Cold Hammer-Forged 4140 Alloy Steel Weight: 6.8 lbs. Twist: 1:16″ RH Grooves: 6 Suggested Retail: $529
A new wind blowing across the sporting rifle landscape is delivering a dominating combination of affordability and accuracy — the rise of the fat-bolt rifle.
What are the fat-bolt rifle’s benefits compared to traditional twin-lug bolt guns?
Bolt thrust or axial forces are more evenly distributed to three points than two.
Components require less machining, so tolerances between bolt and raceway can be much closer.
Tri-lug actions require only 60 or so degrees of bolt rotation.
This makes them faster to operate than standard 90-degree dual-lug actions.
Most fat-bolt rifles are less expensive than standard dual-lug bolt actions.
Unless you’ve been living on another planet, you probably know that the age of the twin lug ’98 Mauser-type bolt-action rifle is history. Now, there is no question that the twin-lug action has had a helluva run these past 120 years — we’ve only to look at the popularity of the Remington 700, Savage 100 series, Winchester Model 70, Ruger M77 or Mossberg Patriot to prove it.
But if starting with a clean sheet of paper, I’m saying that no established or start-up rifle manufacturer is likely to come out with a Mauser-type action because there are simply better and more efficient ways to produce a rifle. As always, there are and will be exceptions — Barrett’s recent introduction of its Fieldcraft rifle is a good example, it being a Remington 700 clone. But like I said, generally speaking, the days of the twin-lug action are over when it comes to new rifle introductions.
From left to right is the 9-lug Weatherby, the 6-lug Roessler Titan 6 and the 3-lug Ruger American, tri-lug actions all because the lugs are all oriented on 120-degree centers rather than being twin-opposed as on a Mauser-type action.
So what growing trend is it that’s relegating the twin-lug bolt action to the dustbin of history? That’s easy; it’s the tri-lug full-diameter action as exemplified by the Ruger American and Winchester XPR, to name just two of a growing family of turnbolts sharing the same basic design characteristic.
I believe it was me who coined the term “fat bolt” in an article I wrote nearly 50 years ago describing the Weatherby Mark V Magnum, for it was Weatherby who, in 1957, introduced the concept. In a nutshell, the defining characteristic of the fat-bolt tri-lug action is a bolt body that’s large enough in diameter that the three (or multiples of three) locking lugs oriented on 120-degree centers can be formed by removing metal at the head of the bolt.
In other words, the locking lugs do not protrude beyond the outside diameter of the bolt body behind. There can be three rows of three, as in the case of the nine-lug Weatherby, two rows of three, as in the case of the six-lug Sauer 202 and Roessler Titan 6, or just a single row of three lugs as employed by the Ruger American and Winchester XPR. In every case, the lugs are of less depth than on a twin-lug action, but the shear surfaces are greater.
In addition to the five rifles already mentioned — the Browning A-Bolt III, Thompson/Center’s Venture and Dimension, the German Sauer 100 and Steyr SM-12, the Austrian Roessler Titan 3 and 6, and the Australian Lithgow — all comprise the 13-member fat-bolt tri-lug family. And I may have missed a few.
Having no protruding locking lugs for which raceways must be broached or otherwise machined into the inner walls of the receiver, only a round hole is needed to accommodate the bolt. Inherent, however, in all fat-bolt actions is that the bolt stop/release also serves as the bolt guide by engaging a lengthwise slot on the left side of the bolt body.
Without this arrangement, if the bolt stop is disengaged and the bolt out of battery, it would be free to rotate 360 degrees if it were not for the bolt handle hitting either side of the stock. It’s an academic point but one that one must be aware of.
The basic difference between a fat-bolt tri-lug and a Mauser-type twin lug action can be seen here in this pic of a T-C Venture bolt and that of a Remington 700.
Machining Efficiency Well, for one thing, bolt thrust or axial forces are more evenly distributed to three points than two; it better ensures a bolt face that’s square with the barrel bore. Also, there’s less machining of the components required, so the tolerances between the bolt and its raceway within the receiver can be much closer than for a twin-lug action with protruding locking lugs. This translates into smoother bolt glide and less lateral play in the bolt when fully withdrawn against the bolt stop.
All tri-lug actions have shorter bolt rotations which leaves more clearance between the bolt handle and the ocular bell of a scope. They’re faster to cycle, too.
Quick Operation All tri-lug actions require only 60 or so degrees of bolt rotation (handle lift), as opposed to a twin-lug action which requires 90, so another advantage of falt-bolt rifles is that they are faster to cycle for a follow-up shot, and there’s more clearance for the hand as it slides past the scope’s ocular bell.
The Ruger American series of rifles is one of the most affordable out there right now — mostly due to its three-lug design and injection-molded stock. Photo by Eric Conn.
Minimized Price Tag Bottom line: When mated to inexpensive injection-molded stocks, the typical fat-bolt rifle like the Ruger American and Winchester XPR can be produced for far less than their pricier siblings, the Hawkeye and the Model 70, respectively.
How much less? Consider: The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Standard rifle has an MSRP of $979, while the American goes for $489! The Model 70 Sporter commands $1,049, while the XPR can be had for $549! I use Ruger and Winchester here as examples because they are the most typical and familiar manifestations of the fat-bolt genre in the American marketplace, but in all other cases the same price disparity exists if a given rifle maker has two distinct lines.
The economy of production makes the new generation of fat bolt rifles far more affordable without compromising performance. Indeed, this Ruger American in 6mm Creedmoor delivered these groups for Sundra using Hornady factory ammo.
Affordable Accuracy But there’s an even better aspect than the affordability of these guns, and it’s that they’re easily as accurate as their more expensive siblings, and in my experience having tested dozens of them, even more so. The only compromises are those of aesthetics. The degree of machining and polish on these $500 guns is a mite less than on rifles costing twice as much, but the growing number of owners obviously could not care less. Ditto for the injection-molded stock, which can be just as elegant of line and dimension as the most classic masterpiece handcrafted in French walnut.
The current Remington Model 700 SPS is a perfect example. Replace the existing rubberized grip panels with a classic checkering pattern (molded of course), and you have a stock that visually can rival that of any custom stockmaker. The only compromise is a tactile one: These stocks do lack the warmth and solid feel of real wood, but again, it’s a compromise value-conscious owners are more than willing to accept.
The Ruger American’s “Power Bedding” system is unique, providing consistent bedding that better maintains zero, yet is less expensive to produce.
Impeccable Bedding Consistency One advantage the injection-molded stock brings to the table is one of bedding consistency. Every stock is exactly like every other dimensionally, and in high-volume production, manufacturing tolerances can be held at much higher standards than with wood. Whatever bedding dynamic a manufacturer chooses to employ — pillar, partial or full barrel float, tip pressure, V-block … whatever — every stock is exactly the same.
One of the most innovative bedding systems is found in the Ruger American, where two massive steel V-Blocks are embedded into the stock fore and aft of the magazine mortise to cradle and center the receiver. What’s more, these V-blocks engage grooves milled into the underside of the receiver to double as recoil shoulders. It’s a system that guarantees a perfectly consistent bedding dynamic.
As to how well this system works, I recently tested a Ruger American Predator chambered in the new 6mm Creedmoor that, with factory ammunition, proved to be one of the most accurate sporter-weight rifles I’ve ever tested. Three-shot 100-yard groups with Hornady’s 108-grain ELD Match ammo were incredibly consistent, ranging from .52 to .66 inch, with a five-group average of .59 inch!
More simple variations of the Ruger’s “Power Bedding” as they call it, can be found in T/C’s Venture, the Finnish Tikka and Winchester’s XPR. All employ a steel plate embedded in the stock to mate with a groove on the underside of the receiver ring. It does the job of transferring recoil forces to the stock as well as any other system, and it’s far easier to produce than having a separate washer-type recoil plate a la Remington 700 and the like, or a receiver with an integral lug like on the Winchester Model 70.
Unitized polycarbonate magazines like this Ruger rotary reflects the new technology that is gradually replacing both blind and fixed box types.
Magazine Evolution Another trend we’re seeing is the ascendency of the detachable magazine over the traditional fixed box with hinged floorplate. What has evolved is the virtual one-piece polycarbonate magazine which weighs less than half of a sheet metal version; it can’t rust, it’s virtually indestructible, it has integral feed lips which can’t be bent, and a natural lubricity that makes cartridge feeding incredibly smooth and effortless. Tri-lug rifles have no monopoly on this trend, as there are many excellent examples out there, tri-lugs or otherwise.
The perennial gripes against a detachable magazine is that they can be lost, or due to heavy recoil, release and drop out of a rifle at the most inopportune time — like when you’re being charged by a wounded Cape buffalo! Over the course of my 50 years as a gun writer, I’ve encountered only one big-bore rifle whose floorplate opened during testing.
Today’s detachable magazines are designed so that inadvertent release is virtually impossible. And for sheer convenience, a detachable magazine makes it so much faster and convenient to empty. I swear that with a hinged floorplate, at least one cartridge will likely fall to the ground every time you try to empty the box with one hand. And with a blind magazine, each cartridge must be partially cycled to unload, which is a real pain when you’re hunting out of a vehicle and where the law requires the chamber and magazine be vacant.
A Lot More, For Far Less As I see it, there’s no question but that there’s a new wind blowing across the sporting rifle landscape — a wind that brings better, more advanced designs, a higher level of accuracy, and at prices within reach of more hunters and shooters than ever before. How can that be bad?
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the Winter 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Not that the 300 AAC BLK was actually new; by then, it was less of a wildcat cartridge than the 300 Whisper. And you can see that was part of my issue. I was very confused about what the 300 AAC BLK was. Was it the 300 AAC Blackout, or was it the 300 Whisper? Maybe the 7.62x35mm? Isn’t it the 300 BLK?
The short answer is that they are basically all the same cartridge with different names. The 300 Whisper is considered the progenitor to the cartridge. Most manufacturers of the cartridge have settled on calling it the 300 BLK. The fact the cartridge is offered in supersonic and subsonic loads also confused some hunters. What’s better for hunting?
Hornady’s 110-grain GMX, which comes loaded in the manufacturer’s Full Boar ammo, is something the author recommends as a 300 BLK hunting load.
The Magic Number What started my curiosity with 300 BLK was the .30-caliber bullet. When I hear .30-caliber bullet, I start thinking in terms of deer, and how the cartridge and bullet combination will work for hunting deer. We deer hunters really like calibers that use .30-caliber bullets — .30-30 Win., .300 Savage, .30-06, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag. — they all perform well in the field. Simply stated: We have peace of mind with .30-caliber bullets.
I learned to hunt white-tailed deer by silently cocking back the hammer of a lever-action rifle and knowing the limitation of the .30-30 Winchester cartridge. Silence doesn’t spook deer, and a correctly placed shot leads to less tracking and more dragging. That caliber also helped me better understand trajectory in relation to bullet weight and velocity. Call it home-schooled ballistics.
While the AR-15 platform is about as far away from a Marlin or Winchester lever gun as you can get, I appreciate the AR-15 platform as a hunting rifle. That appreciation did not come quickly nor easily because the 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. caliber, which is the caliber typically associated with the AR-15, is effective on wood chucks, ground hogs and coyotes — not game animal taller than knee high.
What I liked about the 300 BLK cartridge was that it used a .30-caliber bullet and was specifically designed to fit in the AR-15 platform. OK, I admit it: I was getting jazzed.
After using the 300 BLK at the range, I started to like it even if there were not that many ammunition manufacturers producing 300 BLK ammo at the time. Now that more factories are producing a variety of loads — both supersonic and subsonic — I was all in. At the range and through AR-15 platforms, I could easily shoot groups with match ammo that were sub-MOA. Recoil was mild. Muzzle blast tolerable. That’s sweet.
Quirky Cartridge, Surprising Accuracy The 300 BLK cartridge itself is odd-looking, like too much bullet was stuffed into too little a case. The reason for this is the original 300 Whisper wildcat cartridge was designed to use lightweight bullets at supersonic velocities and heavier bullets at subsonic velocities. The 300 BLK was designed to provide ballistics similar to the Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridge in the AR-15 platform, as well as perform at super and subsonic velocities. Even though the round was designed for combat and defensive scenarios, and not specifically for hunting medium-size game, it offers excellent performance if kept within its range of effectiveness.
It’s also an accurate round. When I tested a Windham Weaponry RMCS-4 rifle in 300 BLK, my smallest group measured 0.28 inch with Sig Elite 125-grain Sierra Match King bullets. Not a hunting bullet by any means, but it’s an excellent example of the accuracy you can expect from the 300 BLK.
A hunter who knows the limits of the caliber being used and stays within its capabilities will be successful. Those hunters who blame a cartridge’s inability to kill are bad shots and/or shoot at distances where they have no business shooting. You know those hunters; they’re the ones who blame the caliber and trade up for .30-06, and when that doesn’t work, they buy a .300 Win. Mag. My shoulder hurts just thinking about those guys.
I put the 300 BLK in the same class as the .30-30 Win. and 7.62x39mm. Both are quite capable for deer hunting — I just don’t push the range farther than 125 yards. In my neck of the woods, which was in Northeast hardwoods, a typical shot at a deer was well under 50 yards. For still hunting in maples and oaks, the 300 BLK is quite effective. Now that I’m living and hunting past the Mason-Dixon Line and ranges are farther than up North in some cases, I still find the 300 BLK is a great choice.
As seen here, the Hornady GMX expands and penetrates plenty to handle most medium-size game, such as deer and hogs.
Available bullets range in weight from 78 to 240 grains depending on the application. Lightweight 78-grain bullets are designed for close-quarters defense, while at the opposite end of the spectrum are 220-grain bullets loaded for subsonic velocities and designed for use with a suppressor. These are good for special ops work and hunting.
All 300 BLK bullets start out with decent velocity: 110-grain bullets crank out of the muzzle at 2,350 fps. Because the cartridge uses a large bullet and has limited case space for powder, the bullets tend to shed velocity more quickly than other .30-caliber cartridges.
For hunting, I stick with supersonic rounds loaded with 110- to 130-grain bullets such as Hornady’s Custom loaded with a 110-grain V-Max bullet. Out of a DRD Tactical CDR-15, I easily grouped three shots on average at 1.1 inches at 100 yards. Better yet, the DRD liked Barnes VOR-TX ammo loaded with 110-grain TAC-TX bullets. The DRD spit these into groups that measured 0.8 inch.
My Ruger SR-556 Takedown particularly likes the Barnes load. My best group with that ammo measured 0.41 inches. And I like the performance with these bullets. Other good choices I’ve used include Hornady’s Full Boar 110-grain GMX bullets and Federal’s Fusion ammo loaded with a 150-grain Fusion Soft Point. Sig’s Elite Performance 120-grain solid copper expanding bullets are also a good choice. LeHigh Controlled Chaos bullets were designed for maximum expansion with minimal pass-through and are loaded by LeHigh Defense as well as Underwood and Gorilla ammo in weights of 115 and 110 grains, respectively.
Here is Hornady’s new subsonic expanding 300 BLK ammunition that the author references. It features a 190-grain Sub-X (subsonic expanding) bullet with a lead core and Hornady’s patented Flex Tip insert to help it reliably expand at lower velocities.
Suppressor Ready Shooting subsonic ammo without a can is like wearing a rain slicker on a sunny day. What’s the sense? When you fire supersonic and subsonic 300 BLK ammo with a suppressor, you experience less muzzle blast, less recoil and less noise. With subsonic ammo, the noise and blast are substantially less, which enables shooters who are more affected by noise to get back on target quicker. That means you can see your hit on the animal, quickly recover from the shot, and deliver a speedy follow up if needed. Plus, if you hunt close to populated areas or have neighbors who don’t like the noise of gunfire, a suppressor is a very smart investment, as you will keep the noise level down.
This deer fell to the Barnes VOR-TX 110-grain 300 BLK fired through a 16-inch barrel and a Silent Legion suppressor.
You also don’t need a bullet that over-penetrates and could potentially hit and destroy something unintended. Farmers hate equipment with holes in it. Subsonic expanding-point ammunition is a smart move. Rifles with adjustable gas blocks, like the Ruger SR-556 Takedown, allow you to tune the rifle’s operating system to the cartridge. You might find that your AR does not cycle properly when shooting subsonic ammo through it. Make sure you run ammo through your rifle prior to a hunt.
Ed Schoppman, owner of Silent Legion, and his pal Dutch Moore, recently conducted a hunt out in Wyoming and used the 300 BLK with Barnes VOR-TX 110-grain bullets and Silent Legion’s 300 Blackout suppressor Model SL-BK with SRS (Suppressor Retention System). They tagged out on deer and antelope. The speedgoat was shot at a distance of 178 yards, and the deer were 120 to 165 yards. They used a typical 16-inch barrel on a DPMS lower. The “field test” was nothing short of an overwhelming success.
The New Deer Camp Companion I haven’t had a chance yet to use the new Sig Sauer and Hornady subsonic soft point ammunition, but next deer season, you know what I’ll be hunting with. More hunters each year are embracing the AR-15 platform for deer hunting, and that means more deer camps will see the 300 BLK cartridge. The round is capable and adaptable to your hunting situations. I don’t think it is too soon to call the 300 BLK the next classic deer cartridge — or the next pig and antelope cartridge, either.
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the January 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Gun Digest editor Luke Hartle takes a look at what the Honda Pioneer 1000LE brings to the table for shooters and outdoorsmen.
What is the Honda Pioneer 1000LE packing?
The Pioneer 1000LE is fully automatic.
It can be driven in manual at the flick of a switch.
The off-road vehicle boasts a 999cc engine.
The Pioneer features versatile seating and cargo stowage.
Whether it’s traversing the backcountry on a hunt or setting up a shooting course on the back 40, off-road vehicles and shooting have always had a close relationship. Gun Digest Editor Luke Hartle takes a look at one of the most versatile ways for a marksman or woman to get to their target in the above video.
The Gun Digest editor gets wowed by the 2017 Honda Pioneer 1000LE after a couple of days tooling around in the cutting-edge side-by-side. From the 999cc engine to the i4WD to the automatic dual clutch transmission and independent wishbone suspension, Hartle discovers there’s little that stands in the way of the off-road vehicle. On top of that there’s the Pioneer’s versatility — in seating and cargo storage. It’s everything you need to create your own adventure.
As Hartle points out, the Honda Pioneer 1000LE runs toward the top end of the powersports market price-wise. But he makes a good analogy concerning the money it costs. Like a Smith & Wesson Perfomance Center M&P10 6.5 Creedmoor, you’ll pay a little more for a lot more. Not to mention, you’ll get to your shooting destination in style.
Springfield has launched its first production 10mm with the release of two TRP Operator models chamber for the powerful round.
What’s the hubbub on the new Springfield TRP Operator in 10mm?
The 10mm TRP Operator comes in 5- and 6-inch barreled models.
The smaller model is geared to carry, while the larger is meant for hunting.
The 5-inch model has tactical-rack rear sights, the 6-inch fully adjustable rear sights.
Both TRP Operators have forged steel frames and slides and are finished in Black-T.
They have enhanced grip texturing and a scallop pattern on the front strap and mainspring housing.
The price for the 5-inch TRP Operator is $1,790, the 6-inch $1,842.
At the moment, the pistol market has two hot rounds and they couldn’t be further apart.
On the one end of the spectrum is the demure and more than 100-year-old .380 ACP. At the other end, the comparably newer, much heftier and hotter 10mm. If a gunmaker hasn’t released a pistol chambered for one of the cartridges in recent years, it’s almost certain they’ve banged one out for the other.
Springfield Armory has gone one better in 2018, with its newest pistol releases amounting to a ballistics odd couple. Early this year, the company caught the interest of those in the market for a highly concealable semi-automatic with the 911 pistol in .380. But, before that, in late 2017, it jumped all the way to the other end of the caliber scale, not to mention shooting ethos, with the introduction of the TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) in 10mm.
It’s quite a chasm Springfield is bridging, but one where it appears to be banking more on the big dog, as the company is releasing two models of the 10mm 1911 pistol. It makes sense, given fans of the brand have wanted this exact setup for some time, so Springfield is giving them all they want and more apparently. But it also is reasonable when the variations of the TRP Operator are considered and the types of shooters they are targeting.
For those looking to add a 10mm to their carry routine, Springfield offers a 5-inch barreled TRP Operator. And for the quickly expanding handgun hunting ranks, there is a 6-inch barreled model.
It might not sound like a drastic difference, but, like football, ballistics are at times a game of inches. The extra barrel length allows the pistol to burn all of a scorching hunting round’s powder in its bore, thus achieving the round’s full ballistic potential.
There are few notable variations between the two 10mm TRP Operator models, outside of barrel length. The 6-inch pistol has more rail, which shouldn’t be a shock given its larger frame. And the smaller TRP features a tactical-rack rear sight, while the larger boasts a fully adjustable rear. In both cases, they are three-dot tritium night sights, so they should each excel at low-light applications.
The new TRPs are Springfield’s first 10mm production guns (the manufacturer has offered the caliber out of its custom shop previously) and the first in the line not chambered in .45 ACP. Aside from caliber, the pistols offer all the features, plus some recent upgrades, shooters have become familiar with in a TRP.
Among the run of the mill TRP features include a forged steel frame and slide (beefed up for 10mm), precision fitted with a match-grade stainless steel barrel with fully supported ramp. Additionally, the frame and slide are finished in Black-T, a self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant finish. And each pistol has an ambidextrous thumb safety, and high and ample beavertail, expected in a 1911.
Regarding some of the new twists to the platform, the pistols have plenty of texturing on their front straps and mainspring housings (a scallop pattern Springfield calls Octo-Grip), as well as on their G10 grips. This should prove a definite plus when launching the snappy round. And combined with the pistols’ weights — 40 ounces for the 5-inch model, 45 for the 6-inch — the new TRP Operator models have the potential to be fairly manageable shooters.
The TRP Operator models are also outfitted with Springfield’s Gen 2 Speed Trigger, a skeletonized job tuned to right around 4.5 to 5 pounds. And each comes with two eight-round flush-fit magazines.
Given the TRP line resides on the top shelf of Springfield’s ample 1911 selection, there is a robust price tag, even comparable to most of the production 10mm market. The 5-inch model rings up an MSRP of $1,790, the 6 inch $1,842. That’s not exactly chump change, but for fans of Springfield and the wicked 10mm, it might not be too much of a speed bump in adding one or both models to their gun safe.
Specifications:
TRP Operator (6-inch barrel) Caliber: 10mm Recoil System: GI Style, 16 lb. Recoil Spring, Long Slide Plug, Fully Supported Sights: Fully Adjustable, 3-Dot Tritium Weight (with empty magazine): 45 oz. Height: 5.5 in. Slide: Forged Steel w Ball Cut & Front Serrations, Black-T® Finish Barrel: 6 in., Stainless Steel Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp, Bull Length: 9.6 in. Grip Type: VZ Alien, Dirty Olive G-10 Frame: Forged Steel, Integral Accessory Rail, Octo-Grip™ Front Strap, Ambi Thumb Safety & Black-T® Finish Magazines: 2 – 8 Round, Stainless Steel MSRP: $1,842.00
TRP Operator (5-inch barrel) Caliber: 10mm Recoil System: GI Style, 18.5 lb. Recoil Spring Sights: SA Tactical Rack Rear, 3-Dot Tritium Weight (with empty magazine): 40 oz. Height: 5.5 in. Slide: Forged Steel w Ball Cut & Front Serrations, Black-T® Finish Barrel: 5 in., Stainless Steel Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp w/ Bushings Length: 8.6 in. Grip Type: VZ Alien, Dirty Olive G-10 Frame: Forged Steel, Integral Accessory Rail, Octo-Grip Front Strap, Ambi Thumb Safety & Black-T Finish Magazines: 2 – 8 Round, Stainless Steel MSRP: $1,790.00
Although it’s the least influential of the three environmental variables, humidity does have an influence on bullet trajectory.
Contrary to common thought, higher humidity results in thinner air, this affects bullet trajectory
Therefore, a bullet travels easier through humid air.
However, humidity is the least influential environmental factor.
Without a ballistic calculator, the way to track the net effect of all environmentals is density altitude.
It’s a figure that shows the cumulative effect of all three environmental variables.
This includes pressure, temperature and humidity.
In the last two columns we explored the first two elements of the three external/environmental variables: air density and temperature. In this column, we’re going to discuss the third element, humidity, and introduce a way to account for all three elements at once as it relates to bullet trajectory.
Does Humidity Even Matter?
If you’ve followed along so far, this one might be a curveball. As air density increases, the bullet experiences more resistance as it flies through the air and therefore slows down more than it would in less dense air.
Higher density = slower bullet = lower impact on a target.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, contrary to common thought, higher humidity results in thinner air. Yes, you read that right. Despite how it feels to walk out into high humidity (the air feels “thicker”), the air is actually less dense. Therefore, it has the opposite ballistic effect that you might expect — a bullet travels easier through humid air.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking — water is denser than air. That’s true with water in its liquid state. As a gas, it displaces the air molecules and actually results in less matter for the bullet to pass through.
The good news is that humidity is the least influential of the environmental effects and can be ignored in most cases.
Putting It All Together: Density Altitude
How are you supposed to track the net effect of changes in air pressure, temperature and humidity? Well, without a ballistic calculator, it can be maddening. An increase in one variable makes the air thinner while an increase in another makes the air thicker.
There are two ways to keep track of the net effect of environmentals:
Always use a ballistic calculator and have it do the work for you
Focus only on the “density altitude”
Density altitude is a normalized figure that represents the cumulative effect of all three environmental variables. It’s a figure that’s calculated off of a set of “standard” conditions (pressure, temperature and humidity) at sea level and then representing all three as the altitude you’d have to be at in order to experience your current conditions. Essentially, if the net effect of the variables results in thinner air, then your density altitude value will be higher because with these “standard” variables assumed, you’d have to be at a higher altitude to experience the thinner air.
By using density altitude, you can understand bullet trajectory and record your elevation data required to hit certain targets at your current density altitude. Then, when you change locations — or the environmental variables change — you can look to see what the new density altitude is.
Of course, you’ll likely need to start with a ballistic calculator to gather/confirm your elevation data. However, you can record your new data for that new density altitude. Then, whenever you experience that same/similar density altitude again (whether it’s due to your actual altitude change or the net effect of changing environmental variables), you can reference the data you recorded for that density altitude and start shooting.
Yes, you still need to worry about the environment. However, by using density altitude, you can reduce all of the variables to one single value to track.
What Does It All Mean?
Our march through these ballistic topics in the past few columns can be summarized simply like this:
The amount your bullet drops on the way to the target – bullet trajectory – isn’t really about how far away the target is; it’s about how long it takes the bullet to get to the target. If one bullet leaves the gun faster than another similar/same bullet, or it starts at the same speed but travels through the air more efficiently, then it won’t drop as much.
Also, a bullet’s time of flight at a certain distance isn’t a constant. Environmental variables can allow a bullet to better retain its speed or slow down more, thereby resulting in a different time of flight. The same can be said when considering how much of an effect wind will have.
Therefore, the only things that change a bullet’s path are gravity and wind. And, anything that changes the time it takes for a bullet to reach a particular target will change how much of an effect that gravity and wind can have.
Your job is to learn what your bullet does in certain conditions, record its performance, and track how it changes as certain variables change. Then, you can use your information to predict how your bullet will behave in similar conditions in the future.
Remember, know what your bullet does at certain density altitudes and you’ll be able to predict what it will do wherever and whenever you find yourself shooting next.
Editor’s Note: This article original appeared in the November 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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