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Lightweight Riflescopes: Top Options & Their Future

By
Richard A. Mann
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Rifles keep getting lighter, so why haven’t scopes kept up? Here we discuss the future of lightweight riflescopes and look at the top models currently available.

It all that long ago, there were a lot of lightweight riflescopes to choose from. This was back before hunters and most shooters thought 18x magnification was necessary to hit anything, and it was also before target turrets and parallax adjustments on riflescopes became standard features. When I first started writing for gun magazines about 25 years ago, the fixed power Leupold 4×33 riflescope was very popular. Leupold has since discontinued that riflescope, and lightweight riflescopes in general are now on the endangered species list.

Arguably, this transition from light to heavy riflescopes began in 2014 with the release of the movie American Sniper. The martial and marksmanship abilities of the rifleman have always impressed us, and that combined with Chris Kyle’s patriotism, devotion to duty and untimely and terrible death, made for a fabulous story. The movie was also an anthem to every American who has worn the uniform. Most importantly, then as now, American’s needed a hero.

Much like Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry film of 1971 launched the .44 Magnum revolver to stardom, American Sniper was the inspiration shooters needed to spark an indulgence in long-range rifle craft. Not only did this create a demand for heavy long-range riflescopes, but it also elevated the 6.5 Creedmoor—which had been languishing with only so-so interest since 2008—to one of the most popular rifle cartridges of all time.

As happens with all shooting disciplines, a bubble of interest developed, like with cowboy action shooting and three-gun competitions. Today, we’re at the height of long-range shooting popularity, and the rifles and riflescopes being manufactured reflect the demands of the consumer.

Interestingly, our hunting rifles are getting lighter. Just look at the six-pound Redline from Springfield Armory, the lighter than 6- and even 5-pound NULA rifles from Wilson Combat, as well as a host of lightweight hunting rifles from other manufacturers. Oddly enough, some hunters are using these lightweight rifles as an excuse to go with a heavy riflescope.

lightweight riflescope leupold

An acquaintance recently purchased one of the Wilson Combat NULAs that weighed less than 6 pounds and then paired it with a Nightforce riflescope that weighted nearly 2 pounds. While his overall field-ready weight is less than it would have been with a heavy rifle, the heavy scope destroyed the lithe and nimble handling qualities of the expensive featherweight rifle he chose.

The beauty of the lightweight riflescope is that it pairs perfectly with a lightweight rifle. And, as the great gun writer Townsend Whelen once so astutely observed, “A man will travel farther, hunt over more country, have a better chance of coming on game, and be in better condition when he does if his weapon is light.”

For hunters looking to keep weight down in the field, or even for shooters who do not want to overburden themselves or maybe youngsters with an overly heavy rifle, there’s still a valid and practical —though seemingly much overlooked—need for lightweight riflescopes.

Modern Lightweight Riflescopes

I spent a full day crawling the internet looking for lightweight riflescopes that are still in production. I found six options that weigh 12 ounces or less and that I thought practical for general-purpose use and common hunting applications. Here’s a rundown of the best of the current less than 12-ounce lightweight riflescopes available. The good news is I’ve used them all and can recommend them.

Burris

Burris makes great riflescopes that are dependable. Over the years I used several of them and their now discontinued 2-7x35mm Fullfield II was one of my favorites. Currently, Burris doesn’t catalog a traditional riflescope weighing 12 ounces or less. However, what Burris does have is what’s arguably the best and most traditional scout scope offered by any manufacturer. Their fixed power 2.75x20mm Scout scope weighs only 7 ounces and features a heavy plex reticle and Burris’ Forever warranty. A variable power scope might be more appealing and more versatile, but you won’t find one this light. It retails for $348.

Burris 2 75x20mm Scout scope
Burris 2.75x20mm Scout scope.

Leupold

Leupold has been and continues to be the leader when it comes to lightweight riflescopes. Even if you’re comparing heavy riflescopes, it’s more than likely the Leupold will weigh the least. Even though Leupold has discontinued some of their best lightweight riflescopes like their fixed power 4x33mm and 2.5x20mm, they still catalog five excellent lightweights that should serve most any practical need.

An excellent choice for lever-action rifles, muzzleloaders and other short to moderate range rifles is Leupold’s VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm riflescope. I’ve used several of these over the years and now it even comes with Leupold’s excellent CDS trajectory compensating dial system. This riflescope weighs only 10.1 ounces, but it also costs $500. In today’s economy, some of us don’t have $500 to spend on anything but groceries and gasoline.

Leupold VX-3HD 1 5-5x20mm
Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm riflescope.

Leupold’s VX Freedom line replaced their VX-I and VX-II riflescope line; they’re American made and recoil rated to withstand the energy of a .458 Lott. They have click adjustments, Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, and they all have 1-inch scope tubes. If you’d really like the VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm but just cannot afford it, Leupold’s VX Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is a great option, and it’s available with the unique MOA Ring or the Pig Plex reticle. It weighs 9.6 ounces and retails for only $299.99.

Leupold VX Freedom lightweight riflescope
The Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x28mm IER scope will work on scout rifles but must be mounted further back than a traditional scout scope.

If you want a lightweight scope but need a bit more magnification, I think the Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8X36mm is one of the best riflescopes money can buy. I’ve had one on my dedicated whitetail rifle, which is a 5-pound New Ultra Light Arms Model 20S chambered for the 30 Remington AR for almost a decade now. This riflescope is less than a foot long and weighs 11.9 ounces. Like the VX-3HD 1.5-5X20mm Leupold, it also comes with the CDS dial system and has a suggested retail price of $499.99.

A lesser expensive but similar option is the Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33mm. The first riflescope I ever purchased for a centerfire rifle was a 2-7X, and I used it to take a lot of groundhogs, a lot of deer and to even win my first off-hand silhouette match. This less expensive lightweight Leupold weighs 11.1 ounces and has a suggested price of only $299.99.

The is another lightweight Leupold that comes in at only 9.6 ounces, and it’s the Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x28mm IER Scout scope. This riflescope is a great companion to any scout rifle but must be mounted a bit further back due to its 6.0- to 6.9-inch eye relief. However, this amount of eye relief is almost perfect for some of the modern lever guns outfitted with a rail and an aperture sight like Marlin’s new SBL and Dark series rifles.

Swarovski

Swarovski makes some of the finest optical instruments hunters and shooters can look through. Their $5,100 dS riflescope will range the target and instantly provide you with an aiming point that reflects the shooting solution. Their less expensive Z8i line ($3,299 to $4,049) contains some of the most optically brilliant riflescopes money can buy, but they’re also heavy. The dS riflescope weighs 39 ounces and Swarovski’s lightest Z8i weighs 21 ounces.

swarovski lightweight riflescope
Swarovski Z3 3-9x36mm riflescope.

Because of the steep prices, weight and size of Swarovski’s best riflescopes, shooters often overlook them when it comes to a compact and lightweight option. However, Swarovski’s excellent Z3 3-9x36mm is one of the best general-purpose riflescope made. My wife used it on her 243 during her first African safari, and I’ve used the same scope on several hunts and to frequently evaluate lightweight rifles. The Z3 3-9x36mm retails for $799 and weighs in at 12 ounces on the nose.

Swarovski Z3 3-9x36mm africa hunt
The author’s wife used the Swarovski Z3 3-9x36mm riflescope with great success in Africa and West Virginia.

SWFA

SWFA Outdoors is a family owned and operated business located in Waxahachie, Texas. SWFA used to retail a wide range of riflescopes but today they only offer their own line, which has a long story behind it. In 1993, Tasco provided a 10X sniper scope to the U.S. Navy. Now a lot of shooters don’t have a high opinion of Tasco riflescopes, but Tasco outsources their manufacturing, and the Navy’s scope was built very well and to government contract specs.

SWFA lightweight riflescope

Ultimately, Bushnell acquired Tasco and SWFA worked with the factory Tasco was using to build the Navy’s excellent riflescope to develop their own comprehensive line, which is now known as SS riflescopes. The SWFA 2.5-10x32mm SS Ultralight riflescope is one of three similar lightweight riflescopes offered by SWFA. One has a BDC-style reticle, another has a 50-yard parallax for rimfire application, and the third has the conventional Plex-style reticle. At 9.5 ounces, these just might be the lightest 2.5-10X riflescopes in the world. The lenses are fully multi-coated, and the scope is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. It retails for $349.95.

SWFA 2 5-10x32mm SS Ultralight riflescope
SWFA 2.5-10x32mm SS Ultralight riflescope.

The Future

The interests in various shooting disciplines have a half-life. They rise in popularity and then slowly fade away. Oddly enough, in 2024, at the height of the popularity of long-range marksmanship we saw the introduction of a wide assortment of lever-action rifles. Some were traditional and others were radically modified lever guns that some refer to as “tactical” renditions of what is truly an iconic American firearm. The lever gun is the antithesis of the long-range sniper rifle and as its popularity ignites, I expect we’ll see more compact and lightweight riflescopes better suited to this weapon system.

Leupold VX-3HD 2 5-8x36mm riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm riflescope is one of the author’s favorite hunting scopes, especially on lightweight rifles.

Hopefully, with the influx of modern lightweight rifles, manufacturers will also begin to offer re-engineered and even lighter lightweight riflescopes suited to more general-purpose applications. Fortunately, I’ve still got several and until the times change, I’d suggest that you pick up one or two when the opportunity presents itself. Who knows what shooting trend will drive the market next or when we will see a return to more practical and lighter weight riflescopes?

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

More Riflescopes:

First Look: Kimber CDS9

By
Adam Borisenko
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Kimber has just expanded its line of KDS9c handguns with the CDS9, a new high-capacity micro-compact carry pistol.

Last year we reviewed the Kimber KDS9c, a pistol that the author described as a modernized 1911, and it left us very impressed. Since then, Kimber has released a couple more variants of the design featuring accessory rails and threaded barrels, but all were “commander-sized” with roughly 4-inch barrels. Now, the company is adding a micro-compact version to the lineup with the CDS9.

Kimber CDS9

Like the KDS9c, the CDS9 is a single-action-only, hammer-fired 9mm pistol with a robust metal frame. Unlike the KDS9c, its barrel is only 3.18 inches. Each pistol will ship with one 13- and one 15-round magazine, but flush-fit 10-round mags will be available as well. The CDS9 also comes standard with an ambidextrous safety and slide release alongside a reversible magazine release button. Other features of the pistol worth mentioning include their optics-ready slides (RMSc footprint), accessory rails, G10 VZ grips, flat-faced triggers and TAG Precision iron sights with fiber optic front sights.

Mountie Mizer, Vice President of Sales at Kimber, said this about the new concealed carry pistol:

This product is a spectacular example of how Kimber continues to build consumer focused products with the attributes they are looking for. The CDS9 is just an awesome handgun for individuals looking for the most capacity with the greatest concealability.

Kimber CDS9 TFS
Kimber CDS9 TFS.

The Kimber CDS9 is available now and has an MSRP of $1,075, as well as a TFS variant with a threaded barrel that has an MSRP of $1,095.

For more information, visit kimberamerica.com.

More Micro-9mm Carry Pistols:

Ammo Brief: .22 PPC-USA

By
Gun Digest Editors
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Here we take a quick look at the short, stubby and screaming fast .22 PPC-USA cartridge.

The .22 PPC-USA was developed in 1974 by Dr. Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell, primarily for use as a benchrest cartridge. Although originally a wildcat, Sako of Finland introduced commercial rifles and ammunition late in 1987. Norma followed suit in 1993 with loaded ammunition.

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

Because the .22 PPC-USA is an American development, it’s listed here as a current American rifle cartridge, with the “-USA” appended, rather than as a European cartridge. The cartridge is based on the .220 Russian case, which is a necked-down version of the 7.62x39mm Soviet military cartridge.

The Wichita Engineering and Supply Co. made the first rifles for both the .22 and 6mm PPC cartridges. Many custom rifles have been built around this cartridge. In 1993, Ruger announced its No. 1V and M77 varmint rifles in this cartridge as well.

General Comments

The originators altered the .220 Russian case by giving it a 10-degree body taper and 30-degree shoulder angle, as well as expanding the neck to accept the standard .224-inch diameter bullet used in the United States. The cartridge cases are made in Finland by Sako, or in Sweden by Norma, and use small-rifle primers.

Although the .22 PPC-USA is a short, rather stubby case only 1.51 inches long, it nevertheless develops ballistics superior to some larger, longer cartridges such as the .222 and .223 Remington. The 52-grain bullet can be pushed out of the muzzle at more than 3,500 fps, and this definitely places the .22 PPC-USA in the varmint and small-game class. A 1:14 twist has become standard for these rifles, although a 1:12 twist can sometimes be found.

.22 PPC-USA Loading Data and Factory Ballistics

BULLET (GRAINS/TYPE)POWDERGRAINSVELOCITYENERGYSOURCE
40 Nos BTVarget29.53,5601,125Hodgdon
52 HPBL-C228.33,4001,335Speer
52 HPW74828.03,3001,258Speer, Nosler, Hornady
55 SPH33527.03,2001,251Speer, Nosler
55 SPW74828.03,2001,251Hornady, Nosler, Speer
52 Sierra MK HPBTFL9.13,3401,288HSM 22PPC-1-N

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.

Raise Your Ammo IQ:

Beyond The 6.5 Creedmoor: The Other 6.5 Cartridges
The Lonesome Story Of The Long-Lost 8mm
Why The .300 H&H Magnum Still Endures
.350 Legend Vs .450 Bushmaster: Does One Win Out For Hunting?

Franchi Momentum Review: Hands-On With The All-Terrain Elite

By
Len Waldron
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0

We hit the range with the Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite to see if the rifle proves all-season ready.

Imagine if a new, camo’d-out and fully loaded Ford F-150 arrived in your driveway, and all you had to do was punch start and go right-pedal-down to your next adventure.  Maybe Ford isn’t your brand, but you get the picture. Such is the feeling of unboxing Franchi’s Momentum All Terrain Elite (MATE) rifle.

The MATE is a shorter but feature-rich variant of Franchi’s Momentum Elite hunting rifle released in 2022. Designed as a bolt-action, box magazine-fed, everyday-use constant companion rifle, the MATE has a well-chosen set of features on a foundation of quality components at a price that reflects its broad utility.

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite Specs:

Cartridge: .308 Winchester (tested)
Type: Bolt action
Capacity: 10+1
Overall Length: 40 inches (with factory brake)
Weight: 7 pounds, 9 ounces
Barrel: 18 inches ; 1:11-inch twist Midnight Bronze Cerakote
Stock: Polymer, injection molded; integrated QD and M-Lok attachments
Trigger: Franchi RELIA trigger, 3 pounds (tested), adjustable 2 to 4 pounds
Sights: Folding ; 3 dot (folded), or aperture and post (unfolded)
MSRP: $1,449

Red Meat, No Salad

The first impressionist crowd might snap-label the MATE as just another scout rifle or truck gun.  You could certainly set it up as either or both, but its rugged and utilitarian design reflects an aspiration for a flexible rifle that can guard the yard or fill the freezer and take some punishment in the process.

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite
Packed with functional features, the Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite (MATE) is a fun utility player for the field, range or vehicle.

For example, the MATE’s 18-inch barrel gives it a compact overall length of 40 inches and an empty weight of 7.5 pounds. It doesn’t have Euro-inspired lines or sport rainforest hardwoods. Instead, its rust-proof and impact-friendly molded polymer stock is covered in a True Timber Strata camouflage that dares you to strap it to something knobby tires and sling mud on it.

However, beyond the rugged exterior are design features that make this rifle customizable for a variety of applications and preferences. 

The MATE is a rifle made to be stowed and carried. The stock features three quick-detachment (QD) points on both sides and the bottom of the butt, with the same number at the forend. This allows the shooter to quickly configure (or reconfigure) the sling attachments for centerline, one-sided or single-loop-dangle-from-a-treestand options. For African stalks with frequent crouches, I appreciated a one-sided sling orientation that kept the bolt handle facing out and the optic flat, whether I carried the rifle on my shoulder or diagonally across my back.

All-Terrain Elite stock
The MATE’s design is a nice blend between form and function: There are creature comforts worked into the stock in various places … none of which detract from the overall look of the rifle.

Forward of each of the forend’s three QD points are two metal Magpul M-Lok Modular Locking System attachment slots. This allows the shooter to go AR-crazy with attachments like bipods, lights or vertical grips. The M-Lok system slots sit flush and inside the polymer stock, adding rigidity and eliminating the cheese grater feel of Picatinny rails on handguards—though you can always attach them.

All-Terrain Elite front
The MATE features a flat forend designed to fit flush on horizontal field rests such as packs and fence rails. Like both its sides, the bottom of the forend features an M-Lok slot that can be utilized for a sling mount or, as pictured here, a bipod.

The forend has stippled sides and a flat bottom that provides a stable surface for field rests, but it’s not so wide that it feels unnatural in your support hand. Franchi’s final stock touches are grippy, rubberized surfaces on the palm swell, low and high interchangeable modular check pieces, and TSA recoil pads that come in three sizes to customize to the shooter’s preferred length-of-pull.

At first touch, Franchi’s investment in ergonomics on the MATE pays immediate returns—your hands just know where to go and what to do when they get there.

The function of the MATE follows its design. The 60-degree throw, three-lug bolt is spiral-fluted, chromed, and fitted with an oversized bolt knob. In addition to being cool to remove and look at, I found the narrower throw range quicker and an easy handling adjustment compared to traditional bolts. You won’t be finger-cycling the action like an Olympic bi-athlete, but neither will you feel like a short-armed hydraulic press operator. 

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite bolt
The Franchi features a three-lug bolt face. This design increases the engagement area over the traditional two-lug design and adds a third angle of radial stability.

The MATE’s controls are similarly well-designed. The trigger is Franchi’s curved and rounded Relia Trigger, adjustable between 2 and 4 pounds. Out of the box, mine broke consistently at 3 pounds. An ambidextrous magazine release extends to and is slightly recessed into the leading edge of the trigger guard and the trailing edge of the polymer M5-style box magazine well. With normal-to-large-sized hands, I could comfortably reach the safety, trigger and magazine release controls by extending my fingers from a natural, fixed position on the curved grip.

The rifle comes with a 10-round polymer Magpul AICS magazine. The close tolerances of the polymer-to-polymer mating surfaces inside the magwell took a few reloads to smooth out, but after a few cycles, even empty magazines fell free with a moderate index finger touch on the release lever.

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite mag trigger
The modular stock comb allows shooters to adjust the rifle to their eyes and head. Franchi supplies two heights with each rifle. Plus, the box mag release lever is accessible yet tucked away to avoid an accidental extraction.

The MATE’s 1:11 twist, 18-inch Midnight Bronze Cerakoted barrel shortens the rifle’s overall profile, begging you to throw it in the truck like a loyal hound dog. The muzzle is threaded 5/8×24 and comes with a flared radial muzzle brake that adds 1¼ inches to its overall length but transitions smoothly from the barrel line without gaping zig-zag cuts or creating a speargun profile. Though Franchi includes a matching thread protector, unless you’re a length-minimalist, the muzzle brake and rubber TSA buttpad combination softens recoil considerably.

Utilitarian functionality also rides proudly atop the barrel. The MATE features folding front and rear sights that work as three-dot pistol-style sights in the down position and adjustable peep sights in the up position. The rear sight’s base is anchored in a cast pocket at the rear of the Pic rail, protecting its hinge. It’s a clever design element … except for the 8.5 inches of Pic rail notches that sing a siren’s song to attach optical accessories and block the iron sights. 

Whatever your choice, there are two backups to a glass optic instead of one. Again, the MATE is what you make it, and doesn’t leave many excuses not to like it.

On The Range With The Franchi Momentum

Offered in .308 Winchester and .223 Remington, I tested the larger, more plains game-appropriate chambering. Initial range time returned a smooth-functioning action with no failures to feed or extract, using five different loads from 150 to 178 grains. I added a bit of lubricant to the action before I began, but not much. Franchi’s choice to chrome the bolt and the tighter cycling radius made for an easy experience.

I also switched out the muzzle brake for a SilencerCo Omega suppressor. This extended the overall length to 44.75 inches, which is still shorter than some of Franchi’s Momentum Elite series rifles.

All-Terrain Elite scope mount
The MATE comes with a healthy one-piece 10-inch rail mount that includes 8.5 inches of Picatinny rail and a three-dot or pop-up peep sight built into the rear of the rail.

I ran my practice time and load testing with the same setup I took to Africa. I added a Steiner H6Xi 2-12×42 scope with Vortex rings, a Magpul adjustable sling mounted on the left-side QD attachments and a short, ramped section of Pic rail in the M-Lok slot on the bottom of the forend to attach a bipod. At the range, and especially for re-zeroing in Africa, I like to have an easy and consistent way to stabilize the rifle, so the bipod made both trips. Without the suppressor, the recoil was moderate. With the can, it was minimal. For a medium-length rifle, the MATE manages recoil well.

The best three-shot groups stayed well within Franchi’s 1-MOA guarantee with premium factory ammunition. The smaller and faster Hornady 150-grain SST had the tightest at group 0.38 inch. The laws of physics being as immutable as a dripping sink, the shorter barrel traded off its length and slow twist rate for the ability to control larger bullets. But the rifle handled loads across a 38-grain spectrum with consistent accuracy.

CARTRIDGEVELOCITY (FPS)BEST 3-SHOT GROUP (INCHES)BEST 5-SHOT GROUP (INCHES)
Federal 165 Grain Bonded SD2,5500.481.74
Hornady 150-grain SST2,9490.380.71
Black Hills 175-grain BTHP2,5090.321.06
Hornady 178-grain ELD-X2,5470.832.12
Hornady 165-grain AW InterLock2,6580.570.84
Tested at 5,100 feet ASL; 52 degrees F; bench rest, bipod and rear bag; 2-12x42mm Steiner optic, SilencerCo Omega suppressor. Results reflect the best of three, 3-shot and 5-shot groups. Velocity data: Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.

World Traveler

The MATE survived the trip from Utah to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, approximately 100 miles north of the coastal city of Port Elizabeth on the Indian Ocean. Despite a drop off the airline conveyor belt I witnessed helplessly from inside the plane and stops in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, the rifle required no windage adjustments and only a moderate elevation adjustment. Our African hunting area was 40 degrees warmer and 2,000-foot in elevation lower than my home range, so a 3-MOA adjustment wasn’t a surprise.

With a box magazine full of Hornady 178-grain ELD X ammunition, my Professional Hunter (PH) Chris Jonker and Tracker Mike Moukiwa set out in a traditional Land Cruiser “bucky” to glass for blue wildebeest—the poor man’s Cape buffalo. A slow crawl through the acacias produced a herd of Cape Buffalo and a family of giraffes before we found a high-sided canyon wall with a herd of wildebeests mixed in with Cape Zebra and springboks. Our stalk didn’t meet with success before the sun fell, but we had a spot to restart our search.

We relocated the herd the next as the morning sunlight burned thick white coastal clouds off the hillsides. Chris and Mike communicated with nods and hand signals to guide us quietly over and around a cliff where we hoped to ambush the herd on the back side.

For my part, I carried the rifle and watched the masters anticipate where the game might move and position me for a shot. After several climbs and descents along a ridgeline, we moved down and across grass and acacia-covered slopes strewn with football-sized rocks. Fortunately, we had the wind in our faces, dampening our steps and keeping our scent out of the herd’s noses.

Chris located a very big bull at the edge of the group, moving through cover just over 200 yards to our front.  We crouched and maneuvered slowly closer, slightly to the bull’s left. Standing and braced on shooting sticks, I broke the shot. The bullet took him in the high shoulder, and he fell where he stood—in the shade of an acacia tree. From the looks of his “nubby” teeth, ground nearly flat with age, we chose an old bull beyond the end of his prime.

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite hunt
The .308 Franchi MATE and the Hornady 178-grain ELD-X .308 cartridge brought down this old blue wildebeest bull quickly and cleanly in the shade of an acacia tree.

Final Rounds

Though not from a traditionally snobbish line of African safari rifles, the MATE was a fun and effective partner in the field. Its short length (even with a suppressor) made loading vehicles and crouching stalks under low trees easier. The .308 cartridge and Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm optic were more than sufficient for typical plains game ranges.

I experienced no failures or issues of any kind. As a working tool, the MATE became more familiar, faster, than any rifle I have taken to the field. It seemed to want to stay in Africa to keep hunting and managing the environment for the next generation—or maybe that was just me.

Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite Deals

Franchi$1,449PngItem_4588935
EuroOptic$1,299.99Gun Price Check

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

More On Hunting Rifles:

New Guns And Gear October 2024

By
Gun Digest Editors
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Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0

Wilson Combat EDC X9 2
Welcome to the Future of Everyday Carry: the EDC X9 2.0. Launched in 2016, the EDC X9 rapidly rose to popularity, merging the timeless design of 1911 with the cutting-edge features modern shooters demand. The 2.0 builds upon this with upgrades that deliver superior performance and reliability. Of note, the new iteration has a solid-frame construction using a durable, high-capacity compact aluminum X-Frame. And the 9mm’s grips are fully adjustable, fine-tuning the gun to your hand. And it’s set up to feel great in hand, striking the perfect balance between comfort and concealability. The pistol was a knockout to begin with, and now is more so with Wilson dolling it up.
MSRP: $3,307

Freedom Munitions 44 Magnum 240-Grain X-Def Ammo

Freedom Munitions 44 Magnum
Freedom Munitions has expanded its X-DEF defense line with a powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. This self-defense round features a brass case loaded with a 240-grain X-DEF hollow-point expanding bullet from X-Treme Bullets and premium low-flash powder. Tested extensively in their ballistics lab, the 240-grain projectile achieves a velocity of 1,350 fps from a 6-inch barrel and penetrates 15 to 18 inches in ballistic gelatin, delivering 971 ft-lb of kinetic energy. This combination makes it an effective choice for protection. Over the past year, Freedom Munitions has also added several new calibers to the X-DEF line, including .38 Special, .357 Mag, .10MM and .357 Sig.
MSRP: $44, box of 50

Ed Brown Kobra Carry Dual Caliber

Ed Brown Kobra Carry Dual Caliber
Few have escaped the .45 ACP-9mm debate at some point in their lives. However, it seems Ed Brown may have come up with an answer of which is the better carry caliber—both. This is precisely what the gunmaker’s Kobra delivers with a system that slips seamlessly between the German wonder caliber and the American standard bearer. Shipping with dedicated slides, barrels and components for each cartridge, the 1911 gives you the perfect one-two punch. Ed Brown angles the .45 setup as a bit more of a range tool, with the upper outfitted with fixed sights, while the 9mm is meant for carry with the EVO upper coming outfitted with a Vortex Venom red dot. It’s quite a package all wrapped up in one gun.
MSRP: $4,700

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2
For more than a decade, armed citizens have trusted their lives to the Bodyguard. Now, Smith & Wesson looks to protect another generation of shooters with a revamped version of the handy little .380 Auto. The prolific gun manufacturer hasn’t attempted to reinvent the wheel with the 2.0. Much of what made the pistol popular in the first place remains—namely its petite size. However, it has freshened up the design with what should prove welcome upgrades. Chief among these are higher 10-round flush fit and 12-round extended capacity magazines. Additionally, S&W has outfitted the gun with more aggressive cocking serrations, a snappy flat-faced trigger and very comfortable ergonomics. Overall, the .380 looks to have a lot of muscle for a micro pistol.
MSRP: $450

Brownells Gunsmithing Vise

Brownells Gunsmithing Vise
Get beyond basic firearms cleaning and you quickly find out a bench vise is a dang handy addition to your workbench. Nowadays, getting one worth the money is a challenge. Enter Brownells and its newly minted Gunsmithing Vise. The German-made tool is compact, yet sturdy—an extra hand designed to last a lifetime. Some of the vise’s highlights include forged-steel construction, reversible (one side smooth the other checkered) and replaceable jaws and rolled trapezoidal spindle thread for distribution clamping force. Not to mention, it’s a looker too.
MSRP: $400

Sig Sauer Romeo-X Enclosed

Sig Sauer Romeo-X Enclosed
Like guns, optics go through the trend cycle. Peaking presently are enclosed red dots. Sig is the latest to leverage these rugged aiming systems with a new addition to its legendary Romeo line of optics. In addition to the inherent assets of an enclosed red dot—namely, less chance of fowling the emitter—the device has a lot more going for it. What most will like are that the dimensions are tailored to a micro-compact pistol, the dot comes in both 3, 6 MOA and circled-dot reticles and crystal-clear glass. Furthermore, the Romeo-X Enclosed offers up to 15 brightness settings, including night vision settings.
MSRP: $630

Walther WMP SD .22 WMR

Walther WMP SD
Undoubtedly, one of the grand aspects of rimfire guns is their supreme suppressibility. This even goes for the brusque cartridges, such as the .22 Magnum. In turn, Walther adding a threaded-barrel option to its WMP line of rimfire pistols should prove music—quiet music—to plinker’s ears. In addition to boasting a 4.9-inch barrel with a 1/2×28 thread on the muzzle making it ready for most rimfire suppressors, the pistol has several other assets shooters should appreciate. It comes with a slide cut making it red-dot ready out of the box, a Picatinny accessories rail making adding a light or laser a snap, and 10- and 15-round magazines keep plenty of firepower on tap.
MSRP: $600

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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First Look: Taurus 22TUC

By
Adam Borisenko
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0

We take a quick look at the new Taurus 22TUC, a .22 LR pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel.

.22 LR may not be an ideal self-defense cartridge, but it’s better than nothing and may be the best choice for certain individuals based on their circumstances. For those who fall into that camp, or anyone looking for a small, lightweight backup gun, Taurus has just announced the 22TUC.

22tuc taurus tip-up barrel

The 22TUC is a .22 LR pocket pistol that features a tip-up barrel, a 9-round magazine capacity and a double-action-only trigger. The tip-up barrel means that the pistol can be loaded without having to manually cycle the slide, a good feature for anyone with hand strength issues, and it also makes it easier to stick an extra round in the chamber when loading to bring the capacity up to 10 rounds. Taurus also says that the double-action-only trigger helps to ensure reliable ignition of rimfire ammo.

taurus 22tuc

Featuring a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide and barrel, the 22TUC weighs in at only 10 ounces unloaded. Combined with its overall length of 5 inches, overall height of 4.35 inches and width of 1 inch, the 22TUC makes for one very compact and lightweight package. This makes it ideal for pocket carry or as a backup gun in an ankle holster. It also features a manual safety, a fixed rear sight and a fixed orange dot front sight.

The 22TUC is available with either a stainless or black finish on its metal parts and each gun will ship with one magazine. The black version has an MSRP of $333.99 and the stainless version has an MSRP of $348.99

For more information, visit taurususa.com.

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S&W Model 432 Review: A .32 H&R Magnum Snubbie

By
Richard A. Mann
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1

Here we test out the S&W Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum, an ideal concealed carry revolver setup.

If you’re a frequent reader of this magazine and column, you know I have an affinity for the .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum revolver cartridges. And, in contrast, I’m often perplexed as to why so many shooters cannot seem to grasp the appeal of either cartridge.

The combination does a fantastic job of bridging the gap between the .22 Long Rifle/.22 Magnum and the .38 Special/.357 Magnum. They’re substantially more powerful than the first pair, more comfortable to shoot and offer a higher capacity than the second. So, anytime there’s a new .32 H&R Magnum or .327 revolver, I’m fast to give it a look, which is why as soon as I learned about Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum I requested one for review.

S&W Model 432 Specs:

Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
Capacity: 6
Action: Double Action Only
Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
Overall Length: 6.31 inches
Overall Height: 4.3 inches
Overall Width: 1.3 inches
Weight: 16.3 ounces
Sights: Night Sights
MSRP: $759

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • 6-round capacity
  • Easy to shoot
  • No Hilary hole

Cons

  • Not as powerful as a .357 Mag. or .327 Federal Mag.
  • Lipsey's Exclusive, limited supplies

The Cartridge

The .32 H&R Magnum cartridge is essentially a .32 S&W long cartridge lengthened by 0.155 inch. Additionally, the .32 H&R Magnum is loaded to a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 23,000 psi, as opposed to 15,000 psi. That’s a pressure increase of 53 percent. The result is that the .32 H&R Magnum has an instrumental velocity of 1,020 fps with a 95-grain bullet as opposed to the .32 S&W Long’s 750 fps with a 98-grain bullet.

Another neat feature of the .32 H&R Magnum is that the cartridges are only 0.337 inch in diameter as opposed to 0.379 for the .38 Special. This means that, in most compact revolvers, the cylinder will hold six .32 H&R Magnum cartridges … as opposed to five .38 Specials. Also, a largely unknown fact about .32 H&R Magnum revolvers is that they can chamber and fire .32 Short, .32 Long and even .32 ACP ammunition.

sw 432 shooting
The little S&W Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum from Lipsey’s is compact and comfortable to shoot, and the notched rear and XS front sight makes it easier to aim than most snub-nose revolvers.

The Revolver

The Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver has been a trusted companion for those wanting a concealable revolver for personal protection for almost 75 years. Recently, S&W announced a partnership with Lipsey’s to offer a Model 432 J-frame with an aluminum frame and chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum. This revolver is only 6.32 inches long and weighs a scant 16.3 ounces. This is a concealed hammer design, so it’s double-action only, but the revolver has some features not commonly seen on factory new J-frame revolvers.

S&W fitted this revolver with XS Sights’ Minimalist Revolver front sight, which features a Tritium vial surrounded with a photoluminescent green ring. This is a highly visible sight in any light, and S&W smartly paired it with a dovetailed U-notch rear sight that has a Novak-like profile. One of the weaknesses of the J-frame has always been the sights, and this fixes that problem.

Also, S&W worked with Lipsey’s and designed a special set of VZ “High Horn” G10 UC “boot” grips that are slim—but also very comfortable. The revolver comes in two finish options: matte black and matte stainless. The barrel is 1.8 inches long, the front edge of the cylinder is beveled, and the charge holes are chamfered. It also has an enhanced trigger and uses titanium pins. The other good news is that this revolver doesn’t have what has become to be known as the “Hillary Hole,” which is an external keyed lock. It retails for $759 … while supplies last.

The Holster

I’m not a fan of pocket carry—not because I think it’s a bad idea, but because it just doesn’t fit my wardrobe and carry/training style. I like a handgun on my strong side just behind my hip bone. That’s how I train with all the handguns I carry concealed, so that’s where I like to wear them, no matter the make or model. When I received the revolver for review, I ordered a Galco Gunleather Concealable Belt Holster ($169) for OWB carry and one of their Royal Guard 2.0 holsters ($212) for IWB carry. Both are very comfortable, easy to draw from and re-holster into, and they make this compact revolver seemingly disappear on my side.

sw 432 holster
With Galco’s Concealable Belt Holster, the little .32 H&R Magnum from Smith & Wesson can easily and comfortably be carried outside the waistband. It’s so compact and light you’ll hardly know it’s there.

The Load

Though this little revolver will chamber and fire four different cartridges, there’s not a lot of .32 H&R Magnum ammo options to choose from; a major online retailer lists only six loads. So, in the interest of providing potential customers with a complete defensive handgun package, Jason Cloessner of Lipsey’s worked with gun writer Jeff Hoover and Buffalo Bore Ammunition owner Tim Sundles to develop a load specifically for this mini gun.

The problem with low-power, small-caliber handguns is that they tend to not deliver great terminal performance with hollow-point bullets. This is because they lack the velocity and energy to push an upset hollow-point bullet very deep. The answer to this problem is a hardcast bullet with a flat nose, like a wadcutter or semi-wadcutter. These non-deforming, flat-nose, hardcast bullets cut a caliber-size hole in anything they hit, they penetrate extremely deep, and they don’t need to be loaded to extreme pressures or velocities to deliver this kind of performance. There are the same type loads outdoorsmen often choose for bear defense with larger handgun cartridges.

The Load Buffalo Bore ($38.32, per box of 20) created for this revolver uses a 100-grain, hardcast, wadcutter bullet that’s loaded to a standard pressure, and it’s advertised as offering a muzzle velocity of about 900 fps out of the revolver Buffalo Bore designed it for. My testing showed these velocities to be spot-on, and when I fired these loads into blocks of Clear Ballistics, they penetrated more than 2 feet. No, this isn’t the same level of performance you can expect out of a .357 Magnum or even a .327 Federal Magnum, but it will for sure deliver enough penetration—no matter how big and fat your attacker might be—and this is from a little gun that’s easy to carry and that doesn’t have a lot of recoil.

The Package

If you like the idea of a compact, lightweight revolver for concealed carry, and if you want a complete setup that includes the gun, and an IWB and OWB holster, and a good self-defense load, the exclusive S&W 432 in .32 H&R, two Galco holsters and the Buffalo Bore load makes for a complete package.

Wouldn’t it be cool if Lipsey’s would just bundle all those items together in a single box? I doubt that will ever happen, and even though they know my affinity for .32s, and I helped them with their limited edition .327 Single Seven, nobody asked my opinion. So, I’m giving it to you—if you buy the revolver, get at least one of the holsters and the ammo to go with it.

S&W 432 Deals

Smith & Wesson$759PngItem_4588935
Guns.com$778.99Gun Price Check

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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How To Choose A Self-Defense Attorney

By
Alex Ooley
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4

It’s smart to have a good lawyer lined up before the trouble starts. Here we discuss how to choose the right self-defense attorney.

When faced with the prospect of needing legal defense after a self-defense incident, the importance of selecting the right attorney cannot be overstated. This critical decision can mean the difference between safeguarding your rights and facing serious legal consequences—even when you are completely innocent.

Following are the essential considerations and questions to ask when seeking an attorney for self-defense cases.

It can be a daunting task to find legal counsel who you are comfortable with, and who can provide you with the defense you want … and need. People often encounter dismissive or unhelpful attorneys when seeking legal advice.

The legal profession, like any other, includes both highly skilled and less competent individuals. The key to finding the right legal counsel is not just identifying a knowledgeable professional, but finding one who can build a relationship of trust and confidence with you. Mounting a successful legal defense after acting in self-defense demands an attorney well-versed in criminal defense and, more particularly, self-defense cases. There are many criminal defense attorneys but very few who are well-versed in the nuances of a self-defense claim.

Finding a Self-Defense Attorney

First and foremost, it’s crucial to engage an attorney who is engaged in criminal defense and has experience with self-defense cases. This specialization ensures that the attorney understands the nuances of defending individuals who have used force to protect themselves or others. You don’t want someone showing up to a self-defense case who primarily handles divorces or bankruptcies, but you also don’t want someone who only represents criminals. There are nuances and important considerations when defending a case of justifiable self-defense versus other sorts of alleged crimes.

Verify the attorney’s legitimacy by checking their standing with the state bar association. This simple online check ensures they have no disciplinary history that might compromise their ability to represent you effectively. Understanding the attorney’s track record in handling similar cases, including their experience with trials and negotiations, is essential.

Aligning Philosophies on Self-Defense

Equally important is assessing the attorney’s philosophy on self-defense, and their understanding of the Second Amendment. This alignment ensures that they approach your case with a perspective that resonates with your beliefs and values regarding the right to self-defense and firearm ownership. Most people want an attorney who sees self-defense from my perspective—not just as a legal concept or theoretical framework—but as a fundamental, natural right.

Interviewing Multiple Attorneys

Interviewing multiple attorneys is recommended to find the best fit for your case. While this process may involve paying consultation fees, it’s a worthwhile investment in ensuring you have the right advocate by your side. It’s a lot like finding the right doctor before a medical emergency: You want someone you trust and who has the expertise to handle your specific needs. You want someone you feel comfortable working with. This is not a choice to make after the emergency arrives.

For proactive legal preparedness, joining a legal protection program like the Armed Citizen’s Legal Defense Network offers distinct advantages. These programs provide access to a network of attorneys who defend gun owners and provide a good place to start in your search for a self-defense attorney.

Practical Steps in Choosing an Attorney

During your initial consultations, ask prospective attorneys about their experience with self-defense cases, including their trial experience and success in negotiating favorable outcomes. Understand their fee structure and ensure transparency regarding costs. While referrals and testimonials can provide insights, recognize that personal fit and professional compatibility are paramount. Google reviews are great, but they’re not an adequate substitute for personal consultations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right attorney for self-defense cases requires careful consideration and thorough research. It’s not merely about legal expertise but also about shared values and a commitment to protecting your rights. By engaging a competent attorney early and potentially joining a legal protection program, you can enhance your preparedness and mitigate the uncertainties associated with legal challenges after a self-defense incident.

Proactive legal planning is crucial. The time to find an attorney is before you need one. By doing your homework now, you can ensure that, if the worst happens, you’re prepared with the right legal support. Remember, your choice of attorney can profoundly impact the outcome of your case and your future.

The legal journey after a self-defense incident is daunting and emotionally taxing. It demands that your attorney bring their “A” game from the start and maintain it until the end. The stress of knowing that an innocent person is relying on you is immense. Your attorney must have the ability to stand strong, face the sleepless nights and still be able to competently defend you. Keep searching until you find someone who can.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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First Look: Walther PPK/S SD

By
Adam Borisenko
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1

Walther Arms has just announced the PPK/S SD, a .32 ACP PPK/S variant with a threaded barrel.

Walther recently reintroduced the famous PPK and PPK/S in .32 ACP, and now the company has announced a suppressor-ready version called the PPK/S SD as well. If you’ve ever wanted to LARP as a secret agent, things just got a whole lot easier.

Walther PPKS SD black

Chambered for .32 ACP, the Walther PPK/S SD is the same as the standard PPK/S besides its new threaded barrel. Walther has not specified the thread pitch, but it’s presumably the standard 1/2×28. However, the threaded barrel extension was designed to ensure proper alignment when using a suppressor. Each gun will ship with two 7-round magazines and a thread protector.

Walther PPKS SD

Rob McCanna, President and CEO of Walther Arms, said this about the new pistol:

The PPK/S SD .32 ACP is a celebration of Walther’s legacy of precision engineering and innovation … By integrating modern features like the threaded barrel into such an iconic design, we've created a firearm that bridges the gap between timeless style and contemporary performance. We're excited to offer our customers a PPK/S that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern shooters.

The Walther PPK/S SD is available now with either a black or a stainless steel finish and the MSRP is $1,099 for both versions.

For more information, visit waltherarms.com.

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Reloading: Crimping & Rifle Accuracy

By
Philip Massaro
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0

Here we discuss crimping techniques that can take your rifle’s accuracy to the next level.

Crimping a bullet in place might be the last phase of the reloading process, but it certainly isn’t the least important. In a number of instances, it’s absolutely necessary; other times, it’s optional and, sometimes, it should be avoided altogether. Knowing which type of crimp to use is important … and knowing whether to use a crimp at all can be a complete game changer.

Basic reloading techniques dictate that a straight-walled cartridge requires a roll crimp—which curls the case mouth into the bullet—to keep the projectile from moving deeper into the case under recoil or, in the case of a revolver, moving out of the case and locking up the cylinder.

However, the use of a roll crimp requires a bullet with a cannelure, or a crimping groove, or else you run the risk of bulging the case, deforming the bullet … or both. If your chosen projectile doesn’t have a cannelure, a taper crimp—one which squeezes the case wall radially inward against the shank of the bullet—is the only way to prevent damage to your case or projectile.

crimping handgun bullets
The .45 Colt definitely requires a good crimp; in a modern revolver, the recoil will pull those bullets out of the case. Photo: Massaro Media Group.

The handgun cartridges I shoot most—.38 Special, .45 ACP and .45 Colt—are all crimped in some fashion, I don’t crimp bottlenecked rifle cases unless absolutely necessary. The lever gun cartridges—at least those that use a tubular magazine—get a good roll crimp in order to hold things in place, but I rarely use a roll crimp on my .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .470 Nitro Express or .22-250 Remington; the neck and its tension does the work for me.

crimping rifle bullets
The .500 Jeffery has a recoil level that tests the mettle of the short neck; a heavy roll crimp is a good idea. Photo: Massaro Media Group.

Ramp up the recoil to the hard-kicking Weatherby cartridges, or the .500 Jeffery and .505 Gibbs, and those cartridges in the magazine can have their bullets driven deeper into the case from the aggressive recoil.

Solution: Proper Crimp

In fact, it was a problem-solving conversation with my buddy, Bob Rose—who has a newly built .505 Gibbs—and is having all sorts of trouble keeping his bullets at the depth he seated them. He’s used several different bullets, with cannelures of varying depth, having applied roll crimps from what would be considered light, to “this time you’re not going anywhere,” only to see the same results: Those cartridges in the magazine had their bullets sunk deep into the case.

We covered a number of scenarios, as I’ve loaded rather extensively for both the .500 Jeffery and .505 Gibbs—both have hellacious recoil—and have solved a good number of problems with both. Looking at Bob’s reloading technique, I saw no flaws in the process or the logic; instead, it was an examination of the magazine boxes of the respective rifles we were loading for that I feel is to blame here.

crimping rifle accuracy
The author doesn’t crimp the .505 Gibbs, as there’s plenty of neck tension to keep the bullets in place—if the magazine doesn’t allow the cases to move during recoil. Photo: Massaro Media Group.

You see, I loaded the vast majority of the .505 Gibbs and .500 Jeffery ammunition for rifles that had a magazine box of specific geometry—that is, the side walls of the magazine box have a correlative “shoulder” to the cartridge in order to prevent the cartridge from slamming forward under recoil. In Bob’s case, it seems there’s a bit more room for play, and he’s seeing the nasty effects of the high level of recoil. He’s got a Lee Factory Crimp Die on order and hopefully that'll help solve his ordeal without having to change the magazine box of his rifle.

Some folks use a crimp as a means of evening out velocity. Since I was a kid, I remember reading about how the Weatherby magnum’s cartridges were best served by using a roll crimp to achieve both consistent velocities and optimize accuracy. The theory is that the additional pressures built during the ignition phase—required to move the bullet out of the roll crimp—will help to generate a repeatable pressure curve, resulting in improved accuracy. Considering that so many factory loads are roll crimped—and not just Weatherby ammo—there might be some credence to this concept.

I’ve pulled apart several factory loads over the years and have found that some timeless component bullets, such as the Nosler Partition that have been offered as components since the 1940s without a cannelure, are offered to the OEM ammo manufacturers with a cannelure. This is presumably to meet a requirement for crimping the factory ammunition, though I have often wondered why that would be, as the match-grade ammo featuring Sierra MatchKings, Berger Match or Hornady ELD Match bullets had no such cannelure.

I started experimenting with what I’ll call “unnecessary crimping,” and I did find that, in some instances, it has helped to even out velocities. Though by my own admission, the situation depends more on the rifle and its chamber than it does some universal law regarding crimping.

So, what is the rule regarding a crimp on bottlenecked rifle cartridges? Providing there’s enough neck tension to properly hold the bullet in place—and by that I’ll say that the .300 Winchester Magnum, with a neck length of 0.264 inch is enough—I feel comfortable saying there’s no rule. If you feel that you’re seeing your bullets move as a result of recoil, try a firm roll crimp, or grab one of those undervalued Lee Factory Crimp Dies and see if that tool will even things out for you.

Trial And Error

Experimentation can be the key to success when it comes to reloading; the goal is to achieve repeatable results by any means necessary. Each rifle can present a different set of challenges, and I like to have a diverse set of tools when trying to get my ammo and rifle combination to perform the way I want.

Quite a bit of emphasis is put on varying seating depth, changing primer brands, minuscule changes in powder charge weight or even powder type, but if adding a crimp into the mix gives me one more tool in the box to get that rifle where I need it, I’m good with that. For a hunting rifle, the level of accuracy might not be the same as that of a long-range target shooter, but when you want the best, it’s smart to consider all options.

Try your pet load with and without a roll crimp, and see if you find any difference, for better or for worse. You might find an unexpected solution, making a good load even better. Use your chronograph to best observe the differences between crimped and un-crimped, and I’d wager that the one with the more consistent velocity figures will also be the most accurate.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2022 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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First Look: Aero Precision Tephra-22 Suppressor

By
Adam Borisenko
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0

We take a quick look at the Tephra-22, the latest suppressor from Aero Precision.

Aero Precision is a relative newcomer in the suppressor game, having only released its first can in 2022 with the Lahar-30 line. Since then, all three sizes of the Lahar-30 have received good reviews and have gained a general reputation of having very good performance in relation to both their size and price, so it’s exciting to see Aero continue to expand its suppressor lineup. The company recently announced its newest can in the form of the Tephra-22.

Aero Precision Tephra-22 black

Weighing in at 7.2 ounces and shipping with 1/2×28 mounts, the Tephra-22 is rated for .22 LR to 5.7×28 and is compatible with both rifles and pistols. It features seven 17-4 stainless steel baffles as well as a stainless steel serialized housing and mounting hardware, and outside it features an aluminum tube and end cap. The stainless steel components receive a black nitride finish and the aluminum parts feature an anodized finish in either black or brown. Additionally, the Tephra-22 is user-serviceable and can be disassembled and cleaned without any specialized tools.

Aero Precision Tephra-22

Both colors of Tephra-22 suppressors are available for pre-order now and are expected to begin shipping at the end of November. MSRP is $375 for both models.

For more information, visit aeroprecisionusa.com.

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Gunmag Warehouse Wares: Savior Specialist Range Bag

By
Gun Digest Editors
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0
Sponsored Content

We check out the Savior Specialist Range Bag, one of the many excellent range gear options available at Gunmag Warehouse.

Far too many shooters are guilty of using a subpar range bag. Sure, that old duffel may “work”, but why not make life easier with something specifically designed for the task? GunMag Warehouse has plenty of excellent range bags to choose from, one of which is the Savior Equipment Specialist Range Bag 2.0.

Savior Specialist Range Bag Storage

How many times have you gone to the range and been forced to waste several minutes digging through your stuff just to find that one tool or box of ammo? The problem with most range bags is they’re just bags. Featuring one large compartment and maybe a couple of smaller ones, they can fill up quickly and without any semblance of organization. This is where range bags like the Savior Specialist come in.

The primary draw of using a range bag like the Savior Specialist is its organizational features. Its main compartment is 13 inches long, 8.5 inches wide and 9 inches deep, providing a total internal volume of 994.5 cubic inches. That’s big enough to fit two whole ammo cans if you desire, but there are more efficient ways to utilize the space. This is aided by some of the accessories included with the bag.

Savior Specialist Range Bag ammo cans

One of those is a divider for the main compartment which is both adjustable and removable. When installed, it bisects the large space to help keep your kit logically separated. On one side, there’s enough space to store loose earmuffs, eye protection, ammo boxes or any similar shooting equipment, all while retaining enough room on the other side to store three handguns.

Range Bag main compartment

That leads us to the next organizational aid—three handgun pouches. These measure 12 inches across and 8 inches tall, so they’re big enough to fit some pretty large irons, and most average-sized pistols will leave enough room for extra magazines. That said, the bag’s front compartment features a better way to store spare pistol mags, as it has six elastic pouches that should fit most double-stack pistol magazines. Each pouch can also easily fit two single-stack mags.

The spare pistol mag panel is also removable for when you’re having a dedicated rifle day and just want additional space in the front pocket. Once removed, the pocket easily fits six AR-15 mags instead.

Savior Specialist Range Bag pistol mag pouch

Many ranges charge by the hour, keeping you acutely aware that time is money. If that’s how your go-to range operates, it means that every second saved from rummaging through your bag means more time can be spent shooting. Being able to draw spare, loaded mags from a central location will certainly help with that.

It’s also worth mentioning the smaller compartments found throughout the bag because they can still fit quite a bit of kit. The front compartment where the spare magazine pouches are located also features zippered internal and external pockets, and the same is true for the two side compartments as well. One of the side compartments also has internal organizational pockets for pens, notebooks and other small tools, and both side compartments feature netting pouches on the outside for additional storage.

Range Bag admin pouch

Finally, we’re just left with the top panel that covers the main compartment when zipped. This panel has two additional means of storage, including another zippered internal pocket as well as a MOLLE panel made of hook-and-loop material. That last detail means you can attach additional MOLLE pouches, such as an IFAK, to the bag’s top or attach a hook-and-loop accessory like the included spare pistol mag panel.

Savior Specialist Range Bag molle
An IFAK pouch (not included) attached to the bag's MOLLE panel.

These features combine to make the Savior Specialist one very modular and versatile range bag. Regardless of what you plan on taking to the range on a given day, you can easily and quickly rearrange the various components to make a dedicated handgunner bag, rifleman bag or a mix of both.

For those who enjoy being extra organized, the bag also comes with six hook-and-loop label panels for the three handgun pouches if you want to mark what each one is specifically holding.

Other Savior Specialist Features

Better organization isn’t the only thing the Savior Specialist has going for it, as good range bags also protect your guns and other expensive gear like binoculars or range finders. Thankfully, this bag offers that in spades as well.

Firstly, the pistol sleeves and external side pouches feature much more padding than what’s found on typical range bags. They’re not bulletproof, but they’re certainly thick enough to keep what’s inside from getting too banged up.

range bag pistol pouches

More important is the durability of the main bag itself. While the external shell is made from the typical 600D polyester, what sets the Savior apart is its internal polymer frame. This keeps the bag rigid and offers multiple advantages over most soft-range bags.

Most obviously, that includes protection. It would take serious effort to damage the bag badly enough to compromise the polymer frame, and until that happens, whatever you put inside of it will stay perfectly safe from impacts. Speaking of safety, for protection against theft, all of the bag’s zippered pockets can also be locked with a small padlock.

The bag’s rigidity also means that it’s easier to load and unload, as it won’t be flopping over itself when empty like soft bags do. Additionally, the bag can conveniently double as a shooting rest. While it won’t be as ideal as a dedicated rest, the Specialist is both tall and rigid enough to easily serve as a gun rest.

Savior Specialist Range Bag rifle rest

As for carrying the bag, it’s about what you’d expect. It has a set of straps on the top for carrying with one hand as well as a removable strap for slinging it over your shoulder. That said, the shoulder strap is very generously padded, so it’s still comfortable to carry even when loaded with a lot of guns and ammo.

The final point to mention is fashion, as you do have several colors to choose from including black, green, gray, red and FDE. The range bag has an MSRP of $109.99, but GunMag Warehouse currently has the Savior Specialist available for $89.99. For the features this bag has, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t pick one up sooner.

More Gun Cases And Range Bags:

Rifling Evolution: Cutting Through The Spin On Twists

By
C. Rodney James
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0

Here we examine the twists and turns of early rifling development.

In the 1500s, spiral grooves cut into gun bores were used to spin-stabilize bullets fired through them. While the method of creating these grooves has changed, this system has remained the same and is considered “best” by nearly all barrel makers.

gun digest 2023
This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest 2023, 77th Edition.

Attempts to improve land-and-groove rifling included choke boring, free boring, gain twist, deep and shallow grooves, few and many grooves, and odd and even numbers. No one system demonstrated significant superiority over another. About 1850, the first alternatives to land and groove (L&G) rifling made their appearance.

Charles Lancaster was considered the first to produce a rifled barrel using a spiral bore in England. Referred to as oval or elliptical boring, the oval interior was turned as though a straight oval tube was twisted, causing a bullet fired through it to be swaged into a slightly oval shape and spun as it traveled down the bore. The idea (in part) was to create a barrel that would perform equally well with a solid bullet or a charge of shot, but that goal did not succeed if experiments firing shot loads through rifled shotgun barrels are any indication. Nevertheless, the system worked with solid bullets. The success was tempered, for blackpowder fouling presented a more significant problem than a deep-groove rifled barrel.

The Civil War saw the Greene Oval Bore Rifle, an early bolt action wherein two bullets were loaded, with the second bullet with its powder charge acting as a gas check behind the charge of the first load. When the action fouled, the rifle had to be used as a muzzleloader. They were made in America with machinery bought from Lancaster. Recovered bullets from Antietam indicate some use.

Joseph Whitworth
Sir Joseph Whitworth (December 21, 1803–January 22, 1887) was an English engineer, entrepreneur, inventor and philanthropist. He devised the Whitworth rifle, often called the “sharpshooter” because of its accuracy, considered one of the earliest examples of a sniper rifle.

A similar spiral-bore effort used polygonal rifling. While it is unknown who produced the first such barrel, the best-known effort was by Sir Joseph Whitworth in England in 1853. While the hexagonal-bore Whitworth could be fired with a cylindrical bullet, it was soon found that the best accuracy was obtained only with a six-sided bullet contoured to a mechanical fit.

Whitworth bullet
The 560-grain Civil War-era Whitworth bullet measures .450 inch across the flats. The design may have inspired the .45-70-500 gr. “long-range” bullet developed for the M-1884 and M-1888 Springfield rifles.

Semi-military Whitworth rifles, equipped with telescopic sights, were used by Confederate sharpshooters to pick off several Union officers. Major General John Sedgwick was the most famous who was killed by a single bullet at more than 500 yards. The system was also successfully used in artillery pieces, two of which were employed by Confederates at Gettysburg. 

Pedersoli Whitworth
The Pedersoli Whitworth reproduction allows you to try a unique hexagonal-rifled gun like those used during the Civil War, which equipped the sharpshooters of the Confederate Army, hence the name “Whitworth sharpshooters.”

The last rifling innovation of the 19th century came in 1871, the work of William E. Metford, a British engineer. Metford’s system utilized shallow rifling with rounded lands, which reduced the bullet’s drag and deformation. Accuracy was excellent, and the design was used in the British military rifle designed by James Paris Lee in 1888.

Screenshot
William Ellis Metford (October 4, 1824–October 14, 1899) was a British engineer best known for designing the Metford rifling in .303 caliber Lee-Metford and Martini-Metford service rifles in the late 19th century.

Unfortunately, highly erosive smokeless powders and corrosive primers soon degraded the accuracy of the soft-steel barrels of the day. A similar system was used in Japanese Arisaka rifles, which benefited from better steel and maintained accuracy better than conventional L&G barrels. Barrels made in America by Charles Newton also used this system, utilizing five rounded lands and grooves.

Lee-Metford Mk II
The bolt-action Lee–Metford was a British army service rifle that used James Paris Lee’s rear-locking bolt system, detachable magazine, and an innovative seven-groove rifled barrel designed by William Ellis Metford.

In 1901, the first head-to-head tests of an oval-boring system versus conventional rifling began at the Springfield Armory. The details are fully documented in the Annual Reports of the War Department for the Fiscal year ended June 30, 1902, Volume VII, Reports of the Chief of Ordnance and Board of Ordnance and Fortification, Appendix XII.

The project began July 16, 1901, with the following letter to the Chief of Ordnance:

“Dear Sir: I have invented a gun with an elliptical bore of .30 caliber, suitable to take the ordinary fixed ammunition of this caliber. I desire to have a thorough Government test, such as will demonstrate the quality of the gun for service. I desire to have the test made at the earliest convenience in order that I may be present.

Very Respectfully, W.F. Cole M.D.”

The Chief of Ordnance was Brigadier-General A.R. Buffington, inventor of the Buffington “wind gauge” sight—the most sophisticated military type of its day—used on the M-1884 and M-1888 Springfield rifles and carbines. General Buffington ordered, “test without delay the gun presented by Dr. Cole” and invited Cole to attend the tests.

Springfield Armory experimental shop Bldg 28
The Springfield Armory’s experimental shop (Building 28), circa 1923.

Two days later, Dr. Cole met with the Board to test his rifle, which had the same 30-inch barrel as the Krag and used the same ammunition. “The cross-section of the bore is an ellipse the short diameter being .30 inches, the long diameter .31 inches, and having a twist of one turn in 7.29 inches.”

Springfield Model 1896 Krag
The U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jorgensen bolt-action in .30-40 Krag.

The rifle was tested against the Krag at 1,000 yards. Three five-shot groups for each rifle averaged 25.11 inches for the Krag and 13.72 inches for the Cole rifle (extreme spread). The next day, a 300-yard test was conducted with a different Krag with better results. Velocity tests for the Krag (at 53 feet) were 1,991.55 fps, and for the Cole, 2,058.66 fps. On July 23 and 26, three five-shot groups were fired at 1,000 yards. Results were 18.96 inches (Krag) and 17.46 inches (Cole.) The test on the 26th had the Krag set up with a different stock and fittings.

Results: 15.71 inches (Krag), 17.68 inches (Cole). On October 1, firings were done at 1,200 and 1,500 yards. At 1,200: 28.6 inches (Krag), 23.5 inches (Cole) and 23.1 inches (new model Springfield rifle 2,300 fps velocity). At 1,500 yards, the results were 40.3 inches (Krag), 37.0 inches (Cole) and 26.9 inches (Springfield).

At this point, the Board in charge of testing sought to conduct further tests to determine the effects of different twist rates and the type of rifling with “an exhaustive series of firings with a barrel rifled according to Dr. Cole’s plan.”

On June 14, 1902, the Board met to consider test results comparing a new Cole barrel with an 8-inch twist to the new Springfield barrel with 8-, 9- and 10-inch twists.

Through March and April, 80 five-shot groups were fired in the above three twist rates at 500 yards with a group average of 4.4 inches for the four-groove Springfield barrel. The same number was fired through a Cole barrel rifled with an 8-inch twist for a group average of 3.9 inches. 80 groups were shot through the Springfield at 500 yards from May through June using 8- and 9-inch twists for a group average of 4.07 inches. Through the same period, 72 groups were fired through the Cole, and the group average was 3.8 inches. From February through June, 46 groups were fired at 1,000 yards through the Springfield for a group average of 11.33 inches. Simultaneously, 38 groups were fired through the Cole for group averages of 10.33 inches. Pressure measurements for the Cole and Springfield rifles were virtually the same.

The Board recommended that Cole system barrels be made for the first 500 Springfield magazine rifles produced for field and armory testing.

By this time, Buffington, who had served as interim Chief of Ordnance, had been replaced by William Crozier. Crozier raised the issue that the superiority of Cole’s system may have resulted from gas escape in the four-groove barrel and recommended cupping the base of the bullet. Frankford Arsenal produced 3,000 rounds of this ammunition.

Beginning July 26, 1902, 20 barrels of each type were produced for further testing with a 1:10-inch twist. The results for 500-yard tests (one five-shot group per barrel) yielded an average of 5.6 inches for the Cole and 5.9 for the Springfield. At 1,000 yards, the results were 15.6 for the Cole and 22.3 for the Springfield. Considering the terrible results of the Springfield 1:10 twist, two additional barrels with a 1:8-inch twist were produced of each type. At 500 yards, the Cole averaged 4.6 inches and the Springfield 5.4 inches for five groups, and at 1,000 yards, the results were Cole 7.5 inches, Springfield, 10.0. In terms of velocity, at 1,000 yards, the Cole had an advantage.

At the request of Captain Lissak, the above two rifles were sent to the Seagirt, New Jersey range, where the National matches were being held. There, opportunities were offered to various and sundry to try them out. The reported results for 200, 600 and 1,000 yards rated both rifles equally accurate, with opinions favoring the Springfield rifling.

In its September 23, 1902, report, the Board recommended two other rifles be produced with the 1:8 twist, one with each type of rifling for analysis of accuracy plus endurance. To this end, the production of 10,000 cartridges was requested for a 5,000-round test for each rifle. The Board’s report garnered the following reply:

“OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE

Washington, September 29, 1902

Respectfully returned to the commanding officer, Springfield Armory. The experiments with the elliptical-groove system (Cole’s) should be discontinued. Dr. Cole has been informed that the Department does not consider that it possesses sufficient advantages over present system to warrant further experiments.

William Crozier

Brigadier-General, Chief of Ordnance”

The Annual Report offers no further comments from Board members or any expert shooters at the Springfield Armory, including Freeman Bull and Richard Hare! 

In the January 13, 1910 Arms and the Man (which predated American Rifleman), gun-designer Charles Newton excoriated the Crozier decision. “In conclusion we have failed to find any point in which the land and groove system is proven or even claimed to be superior to the oval bore in a smokeless-powder rifle and the latter is conclusively shown by the Ordnance Department’s experiments above cited to be more accurate and it will hardly be questioned that it is more durable, more easily cleaned and delivers its bullets in more perfect condition than the land-and-groove type.”

To this day, barrels of every U.S. military small arm have been rifled with the land and groove system.

rifling systems chart
Rifling systems: While this chart doesn’t cover everything, it hits the high points. The main issue in the 1850s was the odd-versus-even land and groove numbers, the theory being that with an even number, the pressure of two opposed lands created more bullet distortion than when each land was opposed by a groove. What became the standard Springfield rifle resulted from extensive testing at Springfield and Harper’s Ferry, published by the authority of the Secretary of War in 1856. After 1855, rifles and carbines from the Springfield Armory (until the Krag was adopted) featured three grooves of approximately equal width. The Krag had four. The idea of gain-twist rifling never demonstrated any improvement over a fixed system.

The next phase in alternative rifling came in the late 1930s with the German application of hammer forging to barrel making. This method was first applied to the MG42 machine gun, where the barrel was hammered into shape over a mandrel placed in the bore of a barrel blank, shaping, rifling and chambering in one step. Hammer forging requires expensive machinery. 

In the Post-War era, this technique is mainly used to produce what is now termed “polygonal rifling.” For clarity’s sake, the only actual polygonal rifling was that in Whitworth-pattern barrels with flat sides and angled corners. Current “polygonal” bores have sloping sides and rounded corners. This term also encompasses Metford rifling and oval boring.

In the 1960s, Heckler & Koch (HK) began marketing a line of rifles and handguns with polygonal rifling. While the details of HK’s testing are proprietary, its conclusion is as follows: “Compared to conventional land-and-groove profile barrels, bullets fired through polygonal barrels have a higher muzzle velocity, as there is little gas leakage. This increases the amount of energy acting on the base of the bullet. There is no chance of the propellant gases “overtaking” the bullet and adversely affecting its flight properties and directional stability.

A polygonal profiled barrel does not have any sharp internal edges. This virtually eliminates the deposit of residues. A polygonal barrel is easily cleaned, reflects heat more efficiently and has a high resistance to erosion. With no sharp edges as with land and groove barrels, the notching effect on bullets is also avoided. The net effect is increased barrel service life plus no need to finish machine the barrel or chrome plate it. Manufactured with HK’s famous cold hammer-forged barrel process, these polygonal barrels are made of HK proprietary cannon grade steel.”

polygonal vs conventional rifling
The Heckler & Koch rifling system features rounded corners and sloping sides.

Given the advantages of longer barrel life, virtually all current polygonal barrels are used on semi-automatic and automatic guns (both rifles and handguns), which see far more shooting than other actions.

Additional advantages of polygonal bores: they can be produced through buttoning and cutting. There is controversy over the use of lead-alloy bullets, particularly in semi-auto handguns where lead buildup just forward of the chamber can cause excessive pressures. Careful inspection and cleaning are the rule and heeding warnings issued by the manufacturer.

Currently, polygonal rifling is used by HK, CZ, Kahr, Glock, Magnum Research and Tanfoglio. The only American company to enter this market is La Rue Tactical, which produces high-end uppers for M-16 platform rifles and its own competition/sniper models.

Will polygonal rifling become the new standard? Significant changes may soon follow with the U.S. Army’s adoption of the HK M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, Cal 7.62×51 (.308). A modified version, the G28 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS), is the latest. 

The reader may well wonder at the abrupt and apparently nonsensical decision to abandon oval boring on the part of William Crozier. The politics within the American military bureaucracy gives new meaning to the word “byzantine.” This dynamic is documented in the 1994 book Misfire: The History of How America’s Small Arms Have Failed Our Military by William H. Hallahan. Though this work has been criticized for specific technical errors, in terms of analyzing the personality quirks of those in charge of small arms development, it appears dead on. 

A.R. Buffington was required to retire at age 64. Crozier (then a captain) was a popular and highly respected inventor in the Ordnance Department. His work on an improved Krag had little resemblance to the 96 Krag. Crozier was on good terms with Teddy Roosevelt and his Secretary of War, Elihu Root. When Root appointed Crozier Chief, the latter jumped over thirty officers his senior and rank to brigadier general. The old guard fought the appointment in Congress, but Root won in his shake-up of the military. Roosevelt and Root pressured Crozier to deliver a rifle equivalent to the Mausers Roosevelt had faced in Cuba. 

Model 1896 Krag
The Model 1896 Krag figured prominently in early U.S. military rifling tests.

It would seem understandable that Crozier had little interest in any modifications that might delay the delivery of the new rifle. The M-1903 Springfield was indeed an equivalent to the 98 Mauser. In fact, it bore enough similarities that the government paid Mauser $200,000 to avoid a patent-infringement lawsuit. Crozier later tangled with Isaac Newton Lewis over his machine gun. After a Senate investigation, Crozier was fired.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest 2023, 77th Edition.

Raise Your Firearms IQ:

Ammo Brief: 6mm ARC

By
Gun Digest Editors
-
0

We take a quick look at 6mm ARC, a cartridge that’s ballistically superior to 5.56 NATO in almost every way.

The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) SAAMI cartridge (and chamber specs) was introduced in January 2020 and revised in June 2020.

Hornady ballistician Jayden Quinlan said, “The 6mm ARC began with a simple question: What can we do with today's technology to maximize the performance of the AR-15 platform? We subsequently modeled and tested a variety of designs in different calibers until we were able to produce the most flexible cartridge possible within the limits of the AR-15 system.”

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

The 6mm ARC was engineered using a long, high-B.C. bullet in modern autoloading rifles. The SAAMI maximum average pressure is 52,000 psi. The twist rate should be 1:7.5 to stabilize 105- to 108-grain high-B.C. bullets and 1:7 twist to stabilize the 115-grain Berger VLD.

According to an article by Richard A. Mann on June 18, 2021, “Hornady … identified a need for an ‘unnamed' Department of Defense entity and a concept cartridge was discussed. The entity showed extreme interest, so Hornady began development. Ultimately, the result of that collaboration is what's now known as the commercially available 6mm ARC.”

“However, the 6mm ARC isn't really new. In about 1975, Dr. Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell took the .220 Russian case, which is based on the 7.62x39mm Soviet cartridge, necked it up to 6mm (0.244 inch) and changed the shoulder angle to 30 degrees. Even though the 6mm PPC never gained SAAMI approval, it found great popularity in the bench-rest competition circuit. Most shooters made their own brass and loaded their own ammo.”

“However, note that there are several versions of the 6mm PPC. Though they're minutely different, this results from a cartridge not having SAAMI approval. While some believe the 6mm ARC is based on the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, it's really nothing more than yet another variation of the 6mm PPC.”

Quinlan said it delivers less felt recoil than larger short-action-based cartridges. However, it also uses modern, heavy-for-caliber 6mm bullets that provide excellent accuracy and ballistic performance at an extended range. The 6mm ARC delivers better ballistics than the 5.56 NATO with similar recoil. It delivers comparable ballistics to the .308 Winchester with 30 percent less weight on the firearm platform and ammunition.

General Comments       

The maximum cartridge overall length is 2.26 inches, the head diameter is 0.441 inch, and the case capacity of the 6mm ARC is 34 grains. With Hornady's 108-grain ELD-Match, the 6 ARC drops and drifts less than any .223 Rem. bullet. The 6mm ARC is available in: 105-grain BTHP Hornady Black, 108-grain ELD Match, and 103-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter. Hornady lists reloading information for gas guns (52K max pressure) with bullets as light as a 58-grain V-Max.

6mm ARC Factory Loading Data And Factory Ballistics:

BULLETPOWDERGRAINSVELOCITYENERGYSOURCE
103 Hornady ELD-XFL–2,8001,793Hornady 81602
105 Hornady BTHPFL–2,7501,763Hornady 81604
108 Hornady ELD-MFL–2,7501,813Hornady 81608
58 V-MaxAccurate 223031.93,3001,402Hornady (Gas Gun Max)
75 V-MaxLEVERevolution33.63,0501,549Hornady (Gas Gun Max)
90 GMXLEVERevolution31.12,7501,511Hornady (Gas Gun Max)
105 BTHP MatchLEVERevolution29.52,5501,516Hornady (Gas Gun Max)

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.

Raise Your Ammo IQ:

Beyond The 6.5 Creedmoor: The Other 6.5 Cartridges
The Lonesome Story Of The Long-Lost 8mm
Why The .300 H&H Magnum Still Endures
.350 Legend Vs .450 Bushmaster: Does One Win Out For Hunting?

Galco Hawkeye Holster Now Available For SIG P365 XL

By
Adam Borisenko
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0

We take a quick look at the Galco Hawkeye for the SIG P365 XL, a leather IWB holster designed for optic-equipped pistols.

Who says you can’t have a classy leather holster for your red dot-equipped carry pistol? The Galco Hawkeye makes that possible, and the company has just added a new fit for the popular SIG Sauer P365 XL.

The Galco Hawkeye is made from reinforced premium steerhide and is available in tan or black for right-handed fits. Unfortunately for lefties, no left-hand options are currently available. The design features snap-on belt loops so the holster can be attached or removed without taking off one’s belt, and each will come standard with 1.75-inch belt loops. However, 1.25- and 1.5-inch replacement belt loops are also available for purchase separately.

Galco Hawkeye Holster black sig
SIG P365 X-Macro model shown.

If you couldn’t tell from the name, the Galco Hawkeye was designed to accommodate pistols with compact, carry-style red dot sights installed, and as such it features a protective leather optic shroud. The holster also features an open-top design with a butt-forward cant to help facilitate a full firing grip when drawing.

Galco Hawkeye Holster tan sig
SIG P365 X-Macro model shown.

The Galco Hawkeye for SIG P365 XL pistols is available now and has an MSRP of $149. Other available fits for this holster model include the SIG P365 X-Macro, the SIG P365 XL Spectre Comp, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 3-inch, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus and the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. 3-inch.

For more information, visit galcogunleather.com.

More On Holsters:

SIG P365 Upgrades: Top Barrels, Grips And More

By
Josh Wayner
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0

SIG Sauer’s P365 is one of the most popular carry guns in the country. Since it was introduced, it has quickly outpaced the sales for other guns in the same category and has inadvertently created something of an arms race all its own.

Why? Well, it’s extremely tiny, but it has an onboard capacity of 10+1 rounds standard. Not only did this completely upset the balance of power in the micro-compact world, but it also set the stage for a reinvention of what we know when it comes to accuracy and reliability in the size class. It could be said that the P365 completely redefined the carry gun.

upgraded sig p365 left

Modular Madness

However, we as a people rarely leave well enough alone. In many cases, this hubris results in “upgrades” that are anything but. We’ve seen it time and time again—some type of gimmick becomes all the rage but ends up offering no real benefit for the shooter in the end.

I remember that feeling of coming home with a blank slate whenever I picked up a new Glock, Beretta or 1911. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve permanently altered something because of the words of an instructor I saw on YouTube, or the creeping sensation that if I didn’t have the right stippling on my grip I was at a serious disadvantage.

Most guns on the market today are fine just as they are. Even though many people regard the standard Glock sights, for example, as merely dovetail protectors, they’re, in fact, quite functional and perfect for most end uses. Yet, it’s very hard to find somebody at competitions, carry classes or even the range who shoots with stock sights. The culture of “customizability” has infiltrated every aspect of shooting, and up until now, you had to take a gamble on your gun’s value if you wanted to increase certain aspects of its performance.

It took the shooting public quite a while to realize the potential of SIG’s modular handgun systems. The original attempt to add such a design wasn’t well received, and I wonder as I write this how many shooters even remember the P250, the progenitor of the P320. While not a reinvention of the handgun wheel, the P250 was a step in the right direction when it came to treating a user to a customizable pistol that could be quickly and easily converted between full-size and subcompact on one internal chassis. This design was eventually discontinued.

However, the stage was set and, while not a groundbreaking design in its own years of production, the P250 is owed the credit of being an important design. In the following years, the P320 and subsequent P365 have dominated the national scene. Unlike some others, SIG has embraced the aftermarket and even endorsed the use of third-party parts on their guns. While this might seem insignificant in the world of modular everything, this is really the first time in the commercial history of arms production that small shops have the ability to supply a major manufacturer with custom parts … and have those parts assembled out of the factory for shipping to the customer.

upgraded sig p365 right
The Mischief Machine Omega module has 1911-style grip panels that allow you to change textures and colors quickly and easily.

P365 Barrels

My top recommended brands for P365 barrels are True Precision and Faxon. I’ve shot these brands extensively with zero issues. They are, in my direct experience, slightly better in terms of on-paper accuracy than SIG factory, Grey Ghost Precision and ZEV.

p365 true precision barrel
In the author’s opinion, True Precision makes some of the more accurate barrels for the P365, though by merit of size alone the gun is limited on long-distance accuracy.

How much better? Well, True Precision and Faxon average about 1 inch at 10 yards for five shots, the others 1.5 to 2 inches. At 25 yards, True Precision offers the best across the board, about 3.5 inches for five shots of any given load. The sights on the P365 aren’t exactly fine, but they’re precise enough. The sight radius is the real limiting factor, and at a point you just can’t expect to be shooting dimes with a micro 9mm.

p365 threaded barrel
A threaded barrel isn’t a requirement on a modern pistol, but since there’s the affect length of the flashlight to consider, a bit more barrel won’t hurt.

Luckily for you, all the above brands are readily available online. These barrels are great, but the stock P365 barrel is very accurate. Most of these barrels are a cosmetic upgrade, and if you want added function, you’re looking at a threaded model. I’d consider the cost of the threaded models to be worth it simply if you want to buy yourself an additional 50 fps on most loads.

P365 Grip Modules

Because the serialized part of the P365 is the internal chassis (fire control unit), you’re free to swap out your grip style as much as you like. Polymer versions are pretty nice and can be had for relatively cheap. If you want to practice your own stipple patterns, SIG sells OEM grip modules. If you mess up, you aren’t out a gun. SIG makes these in several styles, including 10- and 12-round sizes, and in a few colors.

Aluminum modules are all the rage now, and there are a growing number of companies that offer them. Icarus Precision has several variations encompassing any finished size and barrel length currently made. These are very well-made pieces; however, I find them to be too slender in the grip and have some uncomfortable bumps on the trigger guard. You might feel differently. SIG offers Icarus models on the P365 build studio.

p365 manual safety
Mischief Machine makes a variety of grip modules, such as the manual safety version here and variants for the XL models. The author prefers a manual safety on his guns, having spent so much time with 1911s.

Mischief Machine is another company that’s hitting the aluminum module market quite hard. These are very clean designs that mimic the shape of the stock unit. They work with all of my normal P365 holsters. Available in both a single-piece and with grip panels, the Mischief Machine designs are very well made and have some nice, subtle performance-enhancing touches, such as a 4140 steel recoil lug and bushings for the grips. Not only does this grip module have a tangible impact on accuracy, but it’ll also likely outlast the rest of the parts with just how well it is made.

p365 upgrades wilson combat grip
Wilson Combat's P365 grip module.

Wilson Combat makes an excellent polymer grip module that’s an affordable, functional upgrade over the SIG stock module. At a retail price of about $65, it offers quite a bit, including an undercut trigger guard, optional weight channels to balance the gun, an extended beavertail and comfortable texturing. For the money, this is a very good P365 upgrade, and it’s a fraction of the cost of an aluminum module.

Optics

Optics are starting to appear on all types of pistols these days, and SIG was one of the first companies to offer optically equipped pistols from the factory. Grey Ghost makes a great optics-ready slide that’s at the top of my list. I’ve put many rounds down range with one, and it was a clean and well-made upgrade. If you prefer something a bit flashier, ZEV has their Octane slide with RMSC optics cut, and it has about as much serration as the Emerson knives I carry. While it may appear to be overkill, the P365 is a very small gun, and extra traction never hurts.

true precision 365 optic slide

Last on the list is the True Precision Axiom. Like the others, it’s a drop-in proposition and allows for a couple different types of optics to be mounted. I wasn’t a huge fan of the cosmetics and the ports cut in the sides—while it might a be a moot point, I don’t like places where lint can collect, but to each his own.

Small P365 Upgrades & Parts

The nice thing about the P365 is that you can order most of the small parts direct from SIG. They have a parts shopper on their website that’s very helpful. A growing number of companies are also producing small parts, such as triggers and enhanced springs. But, at that point, you might just want to invest in a SIG FCU and build up your gun around it.

p365 upgrades sig flat trigger
Sig Sauer stocks a large number of small parts. The flat trigger upgrade came directly from Sig.

The P365 is a relatively easy gun to work on—though there are more things going on in that small gun than you’re probably aware of. If you want to make some changes, make sure you educate yourself or watch enough tutorial videos on how to navigate the inner workings.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Everyday Carry special issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

More Upgrades For Your Firearms:

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