The Galil ACE GAP556SB takes IWI's innovative design, chambers it in one of America's favorite rounds and configures the firearm for fast, close-quarters action.
The updated civilian model of the classic Galil has captured shooters’ imaginations since it returned to the U.S. market in 2015. Addressing many of the original firearm’s issues, particularly weight, the Galil ACE has been a unique, potent and reliable addition to the stateside marketplace. And, if the expansion of the line is any indication of popularity, it’s been one that has struck a cord with consumers.
In a little over two years, Israel Weapon Industries has released numerous variations of the updated Israeli take on the Finnish take of the Polish variation of the Soviet’s iconic AK-47. As planned, the Pennsylvania-based subsidiary (IWI US) of the Israeli company recently turned its eye to chambering the rifle for an American favorite — the 5.56×45 NATO. The round should make a perfect match for the most recent iteration now being shipped, the Galil ACE GAP556SB.
The pistol is outfitted with a SB Tactical stabilizing brace, which combined with the 5.56 round’s mild recoil should make it a dandy close-quarters combat option. It’s important to note, due to recent developments, this stabilizing brace can be used as originally designed, wrapped around the forearm, or it can be shouldered. This comes after much volleying by the ATF over whether shouldering a stabilizing brace constitutes a redesign of the firearm into a short-barreled rifle (which would make it regulated by the NFA). The Federal department determined it does not, but only if manufactured by SB Tactical, as it was the company's products the clarification was addressed.
This is the third such configuration of the Galil ACE, with the 7.62 NATO GAP51SB and 7.62x39mm GAP39SB coming on line over the past couple years. The new pistol is nearly identical to the GAP39SB, except at 7.6 pounds without a magazine, it comes in around a pound heavier that the previous iteration.
The Galil ACE GAP556SB is designed as a fast-maneuvering weapon, boasting an 8.3-inch barrel and measuring in at 27.5 inches in overall length with the brace extended. For easy storage, the stock folds to the right, cutting down the firearm’s length to 19.5 inches.
The pistol has a Tritium front post and two-dot Tritium rear aperture sights, giving it a leg up in low-light situations. And it has a side-mounted charging handled (a tweak from the original design) that allows manipulation with the off hand. However, the handle does reciprocate upon firing. The pistol is also compatible with any Mil-Spec AR magazine and comes with a 30-round Magpul AR/M4 GEN M3 Window mag.
IWI has priced the Galil ACE GAP556SB the same as the other folding stock pistols it has released, with an MSRP of $1,849.
Specifications:
IWI USA Galil ACE GAP556SB Caliber: 5.56 NATO Operating System: Closed rotating bolt, long stroke gas piston Magazine Type: MAGPUL PMAG GEN M3 with Window Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds Barrel Material: Cold hammer forged, CrMoV, chrome lined Barrel Length: 8.3″ Overall Length: 27.5″ w/brace extended; 19.5″ folded Weight: 7.6 lbs w/out Magazine Rifling: Right Hand, 1:7 inch twist Stock Color: Black Sights: Adjustable with Tritium front post and 2-dot Tritium rear aperture. MSRP: $1,849
The Colt Competition Pistol line will now come outfitted with Series 70 firing systems, making the trigger pull that much snappier.
Gun ownership in recent years has surged, much to the benefit of shooting competitions. More and more shooters have gone about testing their skill and accuracy at everything from long-range rifle shoots to fast-paced practical pistol matches and everything in between.
While there have been great leaps forward in many competitive arms and accessories, one thing seems to have remained the same — the 1911. The time-tested and proven design is still one of the top choices available to competitive shooters, and it's still turning hot lead into cool gold match after match. And when it comes to John M. Browning’s brainchild, Colt continues to be a competitor’s favorite.
The company recently announced it was upgrading one of its popular match pistols by actually taking a step back. All the models in the Colt Competition Pistol line will now be outfitted with Series 70 firing systems. Previously, they were outfitted with Series 80 firing systems. This is an intriguing change, one that should hit the mark with traditionalists and shooters who are after the snappiest trigger pull possible.
The Series 70 firing system does away with the trigger-activated firing pin block safety found in the 80s. This was, for some, a controversial addition in the evolution of Colt’s 1911s that added unnecessary weight to the trigger pull. Although others claimed the Series 80 was up to snuff, especially with some light gunsmithing to ease the operation of the safety.
The Series 70 firing systems made their way back into Colt’s catalog earlier this decade with a bit of elegant engineering to ensure they were drop safe. The key was the use of a lighter firing pin and stouter firing pin spring. This bit of ingenuity allows the pistol to stay true to the design's roots of the heralded original Series 70 pistols and older iterations of the 1911.
Colt has not messed with anything else on the Competition Pistol line, offering shooters exactly what they’ve always billed — a race-ready gun straight from the box. Perhaps best of all, especially for budget-conscious competitors, revamping the Colt Competition Pistol line does nothing to the models’ prices. The blued Colt Competition Pistol in .45 ACP or 9mm still has an MSRP of $899, while the stainless steel model in .45 ACP or 9mm retains its MSRP of $999. The Colt Competition Pistol is also available in .38 Super in both finishes — $949 for the blued model and $1,049 for the stainless steel model.
The Mossberg MVP Scout shows it can hang with the best the firearms industry has to offer in terms of scout rifles.
To say it was a momentous and historic event would be a gross understatement. In July of 2016, Gunsite Academy, near Paulden, Arizona, hosted its second-ever Scout Rifle Conference, the first being in 1984 when Col. Jeff Cooper gathered the ranks to display the capabilities of his scout rifle concept. I attended the most recent event alongside several industry writers, manufacturers and Gunsite students in order to put the latest scout rifles currently in production to the kind of field test Cooper himself would be proud of.
The mastermind behind the conference was scout rifle aficionado and Gun Digest contributor Richard Mann, who has studied Cooper perhaps more than any other current gun writer. We spent three days going through field drills with scout rifles from Ruger, Steyr, Savage and Mossberg, while one student wielded a Winchester Model 70 customized in Cooper-fashion by gunsmith Jim Brockman. For the duration of the three days, as well as the fourth and final day of scored competition, I’d be using a Mossberg MVP Scout chambered in .308 and firing Hornady’s Custom Lite ammunition with 125-grain SST bullets.
The author shooting Gunsite's famous scrambler.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend Many folks have argued over the definition of the “true” scout rifle ever since Cooper himself began developing the concept over three decades ago. And a development, after all, is the best way to describe Cooper’s thoughts, since even in published writings he seems to have bounced between different positions. Fundamentally, however, Cooper’s goal was to come up with one rifle that would be the answer to almost any shooting situation. It wouldn’t be the best at any single discipline, but it would be versatile across a spectrum of scenarios encountered in the field. Cooper was looking for that one rifle to rule them all.
What he more or less ended up with was a rifle shorter than 39.37 inches in length; chambered in either .308 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., or .243 Win.; built on a short action; having an 18- to 20-inch barrel, or 22 inches in .243; a good trigger; and weighing between 7.71 (good) and 6.61 pounds (best). In addition, the scout rifle would feature a low-mounted, 2- to 3-power, long eye relief scope with a ghost ring rear sight and post front sight. Because it was built to be carried afield, the scout rifle would feature a Ching sling (named for a former Gunsite instructor), or as we used in the course, a Rhodesian sling made by Andy’s Leather (AndysLeather.com).
The whole point of this design was to produce a rifle that was easy to carry over long distances and periods of time, could be quickly brought to the shoulder for snap firing, and would be deadly accurate from close range out to 300 yards. It would have both an optic and iron sights as a backup.
The Mossberg MVP Scout For the four-day crash course, I’d be carrying the Mossberg MVP Scout, which is built around the MVP platform and features a detachable magazine of the Magpul type. With scope and sling the rifle weighed roughly 8.5 pounds — more than Cooper would have ideally liked, but much better for consistent, balanced shooting, in my opinion. Combined with the Hornady Custom Lite ammo, the extra weight saved my shoulder from taking the same kind of beating doled out by the 6- and 7-pound rifles in our group. After the final competition, I had the chance to shoot some of the lighter rifles, and I was immediately appreciative of the lavish recoil pad and extra pound and a half of the Mossberg rifle.
The Mossberg MVP Scout features a Picatinny rail for easy scope attachment, and the rail runs to the rear of the action to allow for either long or traditional short eye relief scopes. The rear ghost ring sight and fiber optic front post are easily visible in broad daylight, and this particular rifle came as a combo with Vortex’s 2-7x32mm optic. Barrel length is 16.25 inches with a 1:10-inch twist with matte finish. The rifle features a flash hider and Picatinny rail sections at the front of the synthetic black forend for light or accessory attachments.
Instructor Il Ling New shows the class how to setup in the prone position.
The first three days of training, headed up by Il Ling New and Mario Marchman, were designed to put all these features to the test. We drilled on snap shooting, as well as short-, intermediate- and long-range work. We shot Gunsite’s famous Scrambler—a speed-based drill on steel targets fired from multiple obstacles and positions—as well as the timed big game walk, which forces you to locate and hit multiple steel targets from various field positions (sitting, kneeling, rested on an object, etc.).
The first thing that stood out to me was the trigger on the MVP Scout; it was remarkably crisp and carried a pull weight of roughly 3 pounds. The Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) trigger is adjustable from 3-7 pounds, built in the same style as the Savage AccuTrigger or Ruger Marksman. A crisp trigger is essential for snap shooting and steady long-range work, and this was proven true again on the course.
For those used to resting your trigger finger along the stock of the rifle underneath the bolt handle, this proved to be an adjustment (every gun has them). There is no three-position safety, and hence no way to lock the bolt down, so if you rest your finger under the bolt and nudge it ever so slightly, you’ll get a click instead of a bang. That’s also a serious consideration when carrying your gun afield. What I and the other Mossberg shooters had to learn was to keep the trigger finger on the top of the bolt, which was slightly awkward when trying to simultaneously manipulate the safety with your thumb, or constantly push down on the bolt handle in between shots to verify the closed position. The upside is that the bolt runs smoothly, allowing for fast follow up shots. More than anything, it’s just something you have to be aware of in the field.
The Grand Competition The fourth day was a competition designed by Mann to test the rifles and each of the various features. There were five stages altogether, with scoring based on time and—most of all—hits on target. Cooper was adamant that misses counted for nothing, so a 20-second penalty was allotted for every miss.
On the first stage, we were timed and had to place three shots in the vital zone of a camo/man-shaped paper target at 25 yards; this drill was repeated three times. The second test was with iron sights at 50 yards, on paper and repeated thrice. Third, a shoot-and-load stage in which we fired one round from the seated position, then reloaded a single shell from the top of the action (again, rinse and repeat three times). Fourth, the standing shooter drops to prone and fires three times at the vitals from 100 yards. Fifth, shooters walk a timed field course, locating and hitting steel targets placed at various unknown distances.
At the end of the day, an engineer from Steyr flew in from Europe and won the deal (that’s what we Yanks call a “ringer”), but the top five positions (out of 20 participants) were all separated by only a few points. Jeremy Stafford of Guns & Ammo placed fourth, while I placed fifth; both of us were using the Mossberg MVP Scout. Two students, using Ruger and Steyr rifles, placed second and third. Monte Long of XS Sight Systems shot the entire tournament with irons and a Mossberg and placed a very respectable seventh place. All in all, a very strong showing for team Mossberg.
Parting Shots There’s so much that goes into marksmanship afield, and the Gunsite instructors are as good as anyone at drilling those habits into you. Likewise, you need a rifle capable of performing when your life or hunt is on the line. For around $900, the Mossberg MVP Scout scoped combo is one tough deal to beat. It shot MOA or better all week, functioned perfectly (I had exactly zero issues with feeding or loads all week), and was lightweight enough to carry and shoot for four days straight. The Hornady Custom Lite loads were also flawless and saved my shoulder from undue recoil trauma.
This was my first intensive exposure to the scout rifle platform, but I have to say I’m a believer in the concept. While I’d opt for a bit heavier of a rifle than Cooper preferred—the Mossberg being in my sweet spot at almost 9 pounds, fully outfitted—the concept simply works. Mossberg’s MVP Scout, chambered in the ever-versatile .308, is a great platform for hunting, personal defense, or whatever the wild world throws at you. The rifle is affordable, versatile, and highly dependable—everything you’d expect from a company like Mossberg.
Specifications:
Mossberg MVP Scout Type: Bolt-action Caliber: .308 Winchester Barrel: 16.25 in. Twist Rate: 1:10 Weight: Approx. 9 lbs. (with scope) Sights: Rear ghost ring, fiber optic front post Optic: Vortex 2-7x32mm Stock: Synthetic, black Trigger: 3-7 lbs.; Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) MSRP: $962 Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Building off the success of the cutting-edge A17, the Savage A22 is the semi-auto rifle A-series' .22 LR variant and proves to be one fun plinker, decked out with unique features.
It was in 2002 that the Hornady folks set the rimfire world on its ear with the introduction of the .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), a cartridge based on the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) case necked down to .17-caliber. Launching a diminutive 17-grain V-Max poly-tipped bullet at 2,550 fps, it opened a whole new world of possibilities for rimfire hunters and shooters. Actually, the development of a tipped jacketed bullet that wasn’t much bigger than a grain of rice was an achievement in and of itself, let alone launching it at centerfire-cartridge velocity.
To produce that kind of speed, the little bottlenecked cartridge operated at a MABP (Maximum Average Breech Pressure) of 26,000 psi, only 2,000 more than that generated by the .22 LR and the .22 WMR. With just an 8-percent increase in pressure, many existing bolt-action rimfire rifles proved stout enough to handle the cartridge. But semi-autos were a different story entirely. It wasn’t just the modest increase in operating pressure that posed the problem, but complicated dynamics with regard to bolt velocity and the low resistance of a super-light 17-grain bullet made the simple blowback action used in .22 rimfire semi-auto rifles unsuitable.
The Savage A22 has a straight comb stock and a 13.75-inch length of pull.
Savage was one of the first to solve the problem with its A17, a semi-auto designed expressly around the .17 HMR. However, it turned out to be more of a project than Savage envisioned. Though developing a totally new rifle was discussed as early as 2005, it would be seven more years before the company decided to go ahead with it, and another 2½ years to make it happen.
The key to solving the problem was to employ a delayed rather than a simple blowback action for the A17. Neither system has a bolt that “locks up,” per se, with the barrel or receiver; rather, the combined mass of the bolt and the spring(s) that power it provide enough resistance to delay the rearward movement of the bolt long enough for the bullet to exit the barrel and the pressure to drop before the bolt opens. Simply stated, with a delayed blowback, the system is designed so that the bolt has to overcome more resistance before it can begin its rearward movement.
In other words, the action stays closed a few milliseconds longer before the bolt can move rearward. This can be accomplished several ways, none of which are germane because the subject of this article is Savage’s newest addition to the A-series, the .22 LR Savage A22, which employs a simple blowback mechanism. About the only visible difference between the A17 and the Savage A22 in .22 LR is in the bolt handles, but internally the latter’s bolt and inner receiver are quite different.
Like many Savage rifles, this one comes with the AccuTrigger.
The vital stats for the rifle sent to us for review had the gun weighing in at 5¼ pounds and measuring 41 inches in length with a 22-inch tapered barrel, which, interestingly enough, is threaded to the receiver and headspaced using a barrel lock nut, just like Savage’s centerfire rifles. That cannot but help the accuracy potential of this gun. Most inexpensive rimfire rifles sport non-tapered barrels that are press-fit to the receiver. A surprisingly stout and fully adjustable rear sight, and a towering front blade are standard. Also standard is the presence of pre-installed Weaver bases to greatly simplify the mounting of a scope.
The Savage A22 is fed courtesy of a 10-round rotary magazine that fits flush with the belly of the stock. The magazine is under mild spring pressure, so when the release latch is pulled, it pops out into your waiting hand regardless of the gun’s orientation — a nice feature. The straight comb on this classic-style stock is only ¾-inch below the bore line, and some shooters may find it difficult to cheek the stock low enough to use the iron sights. I was just barely able to use the irons, but then most shooters will opt for a scope. Length of pull is 13¾ inches, which makes it a full-size stock.
The barreled action is mated to its injection-molded polycarbonate stock by two Allen-head machine bolts; one is exposed forward of the magazine, but the rear bolt is accessed from above once the plastic cowling at the rear of the receiver is removed. That accomplished, the receiver can be reduced to its basic components for routine maintenance. The entire fire control system — the cross-bolt safety, hammer, hold-open button, AccuTrigger and sear — are contained within a poly module, which is integral with the trigger guard bow.
A 10-round, flush-fitting rotary magazine feeds the Savage A22. No malfunctions were experienced with the magazine during testing.
To ready the test gun for a little range work, we mounted a Bushnell 3-9×40 Rimfire scope using Weaver’s Grand Slam all-steel rings. The scope comes with three elevation turrets, one calibrated in standard ¼-inch graduations, while the other two are BDC-calibrated to the trajectory of the .22 LR and the .17 HMR. As it comes from the box, the standard turret is installed, and it’s the one we chose to use.
The .22 LR turret is calibrated to a 75-yard zero, which I feel is stretching the capabilities of that round. I prefer a 50-yard zero, which leaves me about a couple inches low at 75 and is easily compensated for with my hold.
In addition to the BDC turrets, this scope is built on a one-piece, 1-inch tube; has multi-coated lenses; is waterproof/fogproof; has tool-less finger adjustments, a Euro-style fast focus eyepiece and a side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. This scope is a far cry from the cheap ¾-inch rimfire scopes I had when I was a young man!
The diet I chose for the test gun consisted of three Federal loads — the 40-grain solid, 40-grain Match HP, 40-grain bulk Value Pack — and CCI’s Green Tag Competition 40-grain. Over the course of firing some 220 rounds, there was not a single malfunction, which is impressive for one of the first production examples of a new design.
Obviously, the rotary magazine had to work flawlessly; however, charging the damn thing is a royal pain in the rear. If there’s a secret to it, I failed to discover it. I actually wanted to shoot a bit more because it’s really a fun gun, but after 22 loadings, my fingers were so sore I couldn’t continue.
I tried everything, and the only method that worked for me was to orient the cartridge 90 degrees to the right, and with the base of the case push the top round down and to the left, then rotate the cartridge to align with the loaded top rounds and push very hard on the case rim while trying to slide it rearward under the feed lips. Sometimes it actually worked, but most of the time it didn’t, hence the sore fingers. They have to make charging that magazine easier!
Pre-installed Weaver bases for scopes are standard on the A22.
The AccuTrigger broke at 52 ounces as it came from the box, and checking it with the little wire-like adjustment tool showed it to be at its lower limit. There was noticeable creep to the pull, but it was smooth and not a problem. Actually, for a swinging hammer ignition, it was a pretty decent trigger. The hold-open lever at the front of the trigger guard bow is conveniently located, but the action does not lock open after the last shot.
Accuracy was OK, but not phenomenal. The best-performing load was the Federal Premium 40-grain HP, which averaged right at 1 inch at 50 yards. The others averaged from 1-1/4 to 1-7/8 inches. With the addition of this .22 LR version, Savage now has a complete rimfire family: a .17 HMR, a .22 WMR (Magnum) and the LR. The Savage A22's MSRP is $281.
Choosing the appropriate bullet design is crucial for any task. Comparing and contrasting options will demonstrate the different applications for the various types. There is a tool for every job, and a job for every tool.
Master the complex topic of ballistics with the down-to-earth guide Big Book of Ballistics
Each bullet design has its advantages and weaknesses, and depending on your shooting requirements, you might choose to employ several, if not all of the designs. Take for example a bullet that’s .308 caliber, 180 grains, with a flat base and a round-nose design. If you were to compare it to a flat-base, spitzer design, you could easily see how and why there would be a bit less bearing surface on the sharp bullet. After all, the bullet needs to interrupt the bearing surface to make room for the long, sharp nose.
Again, look at a spitzer bullet, but this time put a boattail on it, and you can see how the bearing surface (that portion of the bullet which engages the rifling) is further reduced based on the design itself, in turn affecting the pressure data.
Even closer scrutiny will reveal that when looking at the most aerodynamic bullet designs — bullets scientifically engineered to provide the least amount of air drag possible — you’ll find that the nose profile curve that gives the least resistance might not be the profile curve that behaves the best between chamber and muzzle. So, you need a balance of performance between interior and exterior ballistics. In other words, it’s no good having a bullet that defies the effects of gravity and wind drift if it doesn’t give repeatable results (accuracy) that allow the shooter to actually hit the target.
(Top) The G1 bullet model, the most popular model for ballistic coefficient comparisons. (Bottom) The G7 bullet model, a better representation of modern, boat tail spitzer bullets.
When you look at those models or benchmarks that verily define ballistic capability, and compare them with the projectiles available for the calibers and cartridges you own, it will help you make an educated decision regarding the range of projectiles for your hunting and shooting applications. These models are known commonly as the G1 and G7 models; G1 being a flat-base spitzer bullet, while the G7 is a more modern, sleek bullet design that correlates to the latest developments in bullet technology.
It’s like comparing a Ferrari coupe to a box truck. One would yield one set of data, which would seem radically impressive, yet if we put that Ferrari in its own class — say compare it to the Corvette design — the discrepancy won’t be so dramatic, but will be much more accurately represented.
You’ll find that most bullet companies tend to reference the G1 model; it’s universal and easily understood. That model, when used as a reference, yields impressive figures that work well in the marketing department. Any which way you want to slice it, when you compare these benchmark figures to the bullet you’re using, it will indeed give you a feel for both interior and exterior ballistics.
Longer bullets with better BC figures invariably take up more space in a cartridge case with a SAAMI-specified overall length dimension. That factor will “eat up” case capacity, and needs to be balanced out when it comes to manageable pressures. However, longer bullets give a desirable effect once they leave the barrel, but that’s for later.
In the interior ballistics world, the longer, sleeker bullets come with a particular set of issues that should be understood. The ogive of such bullets is typically of a secant curve profile, instead of the tangent ogive of the G1 model. Such are known as VLD, or Very Low Drag bullets.
While VLDs fly through air better than their tangent curve counterparts, they don’t engage the rifling as well. Berger’s Hybrid line of bullets, designed by ballistician Bryan Litz, uses a blend of secant curve from the nose through a good portion of the ogive, yet transitions into a tangent curve to best guide the bullet into the throat of the barrel.
Note the unique shanks of North Fork premium bullets.
The same thing can be said for the boat tail angle of the bullet. Looking at the interior section of the bullet’s path, a boattail has a base that is a measurable dimension smaller than caliber, and the burning gas from the powder charge surrounds the base of the bullet up to the bearing surface. If, as I’ve had happen in some of my rifles, this gas doesn’t exit equally around the muzzle or crown of the barrel, accuracy can be affected.
Should the crown be imperfect, gas will escape faster on one edge of the circle than the others, and you’ll see inaccurate results in as little as 100 yards. It’s certainly not the boattail bullet’s fault, and these symptoms can actually be masked by a flat-based bullet. However, as in the case of my Ruger .22-250, a re-crown will solve the problem.
As the boat tail angle becomes steeper, the internal problem can get magnified; just as the benefits can be magnified on the opposite end of the muzzle. Again, while the long-range shooting crowd relies on a low-drag, steeply boat-tailed bullet to flatten trajectory and retain velocity, it does come with a set of issues that must be dealt with in order to make things work properly.
A round-nose, flat-based bullet.
This is the very dilemma that many hunters will face: While the long-range style bullet certainly shines for shots out past 300 yards, sometimes a flat-base bullet would better serve your needs, especially in the hunting fields. Again, a tool for every job, and a job for every tool.
I like a flat-base bullet, which will seal the gas best and keep things as equal as possible, for shots within 300 yards; this comprises about 95 percent of my hunting shots. For my long-range work, I totally rely on the multitude of spitzer boattails to make things go easier.
I’m not Moses, let alone God, but the following 10 bits of advice are written in stone nonetheless. Not by God, but by the vastly powerful mechanisms of logic, law and reality.
Understand your right to self-defense with Deadly Force.
Commandment I: If You Choose to Carry, Always Carry As Much As Is Possible Hollywood actors get to see the script beforehand, and nothing is fired at them but blanks. You don’t have either luxury. Criminals attack people in times and places where they don’t think the victims will be prepared for them. It’s what they do.
The only way to be prepared to ward off such predators is to always be prepared: i.e., to be routinely armed and constantly ready to respond to deadly threats against you and those who count on you for protection. It’s not about convenience. It’s literally about life and death.
Commandment II: Don’t Carry A Gun If You Aren’t Prepared To Use It The gun is not a magic talisman that wards off evil. It is a special-purpose emergency rescue tool: no more, no less. History shows us that – for police, and for armed citizens alike – the mere drawing of the gun ends the great majority of criminal threats, with the offender either surrendering or running away.
However, you must always remember that criminals constitute an armed subculture themselves, living in an underworld awash with stolen, illegal weapons. They don’t fear the gun; they fear the resolutely armed man or woman pointing that gun at them. And, being predators, they are expert judges of what is prey, and what is a creature more dangerous to them than they are to what they thought a moment ago was their prey.
Thus, the great irony: The person who is prepared to kill if they must to stop a murderous transgression by a human predator is the person who is least likely to have to do so.
Commandment III: Don’t Let The Gun Make You Reckless Lightweight pseudo-psychologists will tell you that “the trigger will pull the finger” and your possession of your gun will make you want to kill someone. Rubbish. The gun is no more of an evil talisman that turns kindly Dr. Jekyll into evil Mr. Hyde than it is a good talisman that drives off evil. Those of us who have spent decades immersed in the twin cultures of American law enforcement and the responsibly armed citizenry know that the truth is exactly the opposite.
A good person doesn’t see the gun as a supercharger for aggression, but as brakes that control that natural human emotion. The law itself holds the armed individual to a “higher standard of care,” requiring that they do all that is possible to avoid using deadly force until it becomes clearly necessary. Prepare and act accordingly. Commandment IV: Carry Legally If you live someplace where there is no provision to carry a gun to protect yourself and your loved ones, don’t let pusillanimous politicians turn you into a convicted felon. Move! It’s a quality of life issue. Rhetorical theory that sounds like “I interpret the law this way, because I believe the law should be this way” – which ignores laws that aren’t that way – can sacrifice your freedom, your status as a gun-owning free American and your ability to provide for your family.
If you live where a CCW permit is available, get the damn permit. If you don’t, move to someplace that does. Yes, it IS that simple. And if you are traveling, check sources such as www.handgunlaw.us to make sure that you are legal to carry in the given jurisdiction.
Don’t let the legal system make you a felon for living up to your responsibilities to protect yourself and those who count on you. If you carry, make sure you carry legally.
Commandment V: Know What You’re Doing Gunfights are won by those who shoot fastest and straightest, and are usually measured in seconds. Legal aftermaths last for years, and emotional aftermaths, for lifetimes. Get educated in depth in the management of all three stages of the encounter beforehand.
Commandment VI: Concealed Means Concealed If your local license requires concealed carry, keep the gun truly concealed. The revealing of a concealed handgun is seen in many quarters as a threat, which can result in charges of criminal threatening, brandishing and more. A malevolent person who wants to falsely accuse you of threatening them with a gun will have their wrongful accusation bolstered if the police find you with a gun where they said it was. Yes, that happens.
Some jurisdictions allow “open carry.” I support the right to open carry, in the proper time and place, but have found over the decades that there are relatively few ideal times or places where the practice won’t unnecessarily and predictably frighten someone the carrier had no reason to scare.
Commandment VII: Maximize Your Firearms Familiarity If you ever need that gun, it will happen so quickly and terribly that you’ll have to be swift and sure. If you don’t, you’ll still be handling a deadly weapon in the presence of people you love. Making gun manipulation second nature – safety as well as draw-fire-hit – is thus doubly important.
Commandment VIII: Understand The Fine Points Don’t just read the headlines or editorials, read the fine print. Actually study the laws of your jurisdiction. What’s legal in one place won’t be legal in another. Cities may have prohibitions that states don’t. Remember the principle, “ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
Commandment IX: Carry an Adequate Firearm A Vespa motor scooter is a motor vehicle, but it’s a poor excuse for a family car. A .22 or .25 is a firearm, but it’s a poor excuse for defense.
Carry a gun loaded with ammunition that has a track record of quickly stopping lethal assaults. Hint: If your chosen caliber is not used by police or military, it’s probably not powerful enough for its intended purpose.
Commandment X: Use Common Sense Common sense – encompassing ethics and logic and law alike – must be your constant guide and companion when you carry a gun. Not idealism, not rhetoric. When you carry a gun, you literally carry the power of life and death. It is a power that belongs only in the hands of responsible people who care about consequences, and who are respectful of life and limb and human safety, that of others as well as their own.
The .17 HMR is known for its blistering velocities, but it required fine tuning from ammo companies to make the rimfire round dependable when taken afield.
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (abbreviated as HMR and sometimes given the nickname “hummer”) is one the most written-about cartridges of all time. In fact, it may even hold the title! We are, it seems, caught up in the velocity craze again, this time in the area of rimfire cartridges.
The word “again” is used because such a craze existed many years ago when Roy Weatherby introduced the line of centerfire cartridges that constitute the Weatherby magnums. With large belted cases and free bored chambers, the velocities produced by the Weatherby magnums are high. As with any other area of human endeavor, there are newer series of cartridges that eclipse the Weatherby magnums in velocity.
In the .17 HMR, a new standard for velocity produced by a rimfire cartridge was established. The case for the .17 HMR cartridge was formed by necking a .22 WMR case to hold a bullet of 0.172-inch diameter. A 17-grain polymer-tipped bullet was driven to a velocity of 2,550 ft/sec. The trajectory of that bullet is considerably less curved than that of any fired from a .22 WMR cartridge.
Small bullets at high velocity expand violently or disintegrate on impact, so reports of the effects of the .17 HMR began to detail dramatic kills on everything from sparrows to coyotes. However, some writers also began to report that, even on groundhogs, the bullets sometimes blew up without penetrating sufficiently to drop the animals on the spot, so they made it back to their holes.
An increasing number of such reports began to appear, and they somehow offset the reports of dramatic one-shot kills on coyotes at over 200 yards. The designers decided that a heavier bullet of different construction would be appropriate, so a load featuring a 20-grain hollowpoint bullet having a velocity of 2,375 ft/sec was produced. Such a load is offered as the CCI Game Point® and the Hornady XTP®. These loads join the 17-grain polymer-tipped loads from Hornady, Federal, CCI, and Remington as well as the 17-grain hollowpoint load from CCI.
With the sharp-pointed bullet at high velocity, the trajectory of the .17 HMR has relatively little curvature for a rimfire, so hits at long ranges are possible. Moreover, the bullets used in .17 HMR ammunition are of the premium “varmint bullet” type, so accuracy of most .17 HMR rifles is outstanding, which also contributes to scoring hits at long ranges.
The bullets are tiny and explosive, so they are suitable for smaller varmint species. Hornady also offers the NTX® load that utilizes a 15.5-grain bullet having a muzzle velocity listed as 2,525 ft/sec. The bullet does not have a lead core, and it is sharply pointed, so it has a remaining velocity of 1,828 ft/sec and energy of 119 ft.-lbs. at a range of 100 yards.
In terms of firearms, the .17 HMR was given a flying start because most firearms, except autoloaders, that could function with a .22 WMR could be altered to .17 caliber by means of a different barrel. Case and rim diameter and rim thickness are the same for both calibers.
The number of firearms chambered for the .17 HMR is very large. The problems with autoloaders chambered in .17 HMR have been solved by several manufacturers, and a new load designated as the A17 has been developed by CCI. It gives a 17-grain polymer-tipped bullet a muzzle velocity of 2,650 feet per second.
Totally American-made, Century’s RAS47 further hones Kalashnikov’s classic design.
If the modern equivalent of the Japanese katana is the AR-15, the AK-47 is a battle-axe. It's not as precise or refined, but it's inarguably effective. This metaphorical chopper originally rose to prominence among American shooters with a combination of its near-mythic reliability and its affordable nature. Most shooters who bought one in the last 30 years did so from a single company: Century Arms.
For decades, the Century Arms business model for Avtomats was to import parts kits from military AKMs, then rebuild them stateside with enough U.S. parts to make them 922r compliant. As these rifles became sparser for political and other reasons, their cost increased along with the end product’s price. The budget-priced WASR rifle of the early 21st century quickly rose to the price of an entry-level AR-15.
In response, Century future-proofed its AK carbine sales by moving all production stateside. Thus, the milled C39 was born. Now, Century has used this experience coupled with decades of AK-construction knowhow to develop and produce a 100-percent American-made AKM rifle — one incorporating desirable features, classic aesthetics and the same unequalled reliability that made the rifle famous more than half a century ago.
Enter the RAS47 The RAS47, or Red Army Standard, is a semi-automatic, long-stroke, piston-driven carbine chambered in the AKM standard 7.62x39mm. It feeds from detachable box-type, staggered column AK-47 magazines ranging in capacity from 5 to 100 rounds. The RAS47 ships with two 30-round polymer AK PMAGs made by Magpul. While the most common types are made from steel stampings, they’re also available in polymer, aluminum and even imitation Bakelite.
The RAS47 represents a clear departure from Century’s initial entry into the all-American avtomat market, the C39. Where the C39 is a modernized milled rifle designed to offer shooters not concerned with traditional aesthetics the next evolution of the AK, the RAS47 instead appeals to traditionalists and pragmatists concerned with weight and modularity.
This is why it’s available in two basic configurations: one with traditional blonde wooden furniture and another donned in Magpul polymer furniture. Aside from the furniture, Century’s newest carbine is a Mil-Spec AK carbine. As such, it accepts standard AKM furniture and accessories. By doing so, it opens itself to a tremendous array of aftermarket parts, allowing shooters to configure the Soviet-inspired rifle to suit their needs.
Like all Mil-Spec AKM carbines, the RAS47 uses post-and-notch iron sights. The front post is adjustable for both windage and elevation, while the rear notch features elevation settings ranging from point blank out to 1,000 meters. While somewhat rudimentary, these sights are all but bomb proof, and surprisingly effective at close to medium range.
Another military-grade feature is the Russian-type side rail. This rail allows shooters to mount optics to the carbine using any standard AKM mount or optic. While the number of mounting options available for the AK is somewhat limited by comparison to the ubiquitous AR-15, there are more than enough choices available to suit virtually every occasion. If you’re scratching your head wondering why anyone would mount optics on such an inaccurate rifle, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Tales of AKs producing “minute-of-bad-guy” groups are grossly overstated, though older mil-surp AK builds are often unimpressively accurate. In an attempt to remedy this, Century builds its RAS47 with a 4150 Green Mountain black nitrided barrel. The results are incredible.
In testing, the RAS47 proved more accurate than nearly every AK commercially available. In fact, I was capable of regularly engaging 8-inch steel gong targets out to 300 yards with iron sights. When coupled with a 4x Primary Arms optic with 7.62x39mm BDC reticle, 12-inch targets were successfully hit at nearly 500 yards.
The RAS47’s black nitride barrel is lacking one thing though: a bayonet mount. Functionally unimportant to most shooters, purists may find its absence upsetting. It’s one of only four areas where the RAS47 makes a serious departure from Mil-Spec, and arguably the only one that could be interpreted as a downside.
The other non-Mil-Spec areas include the magazine release latch, the safety lever and the pistol grip. The release latch is slightly longer than usual and about three times as wide. This is a definite step up from Mil-Spec, as it allows shooters to more easily remove magazines from the rifle.
In the same vein of improved ergonomics are the safety selector and the pistol grip. The lever features a small square cut that permits it to double as a bolt hold open when engaged, a must at some ranges that require firearms be placed in this condition. The grip is built from polymer and features molded finger grooves and aggressive checkering for better retention. Shooters not enamored with either of these can swap them with Mil-Spec parts or any AKM-compatible replacements.
The same can also be said of furniture. Whereas, in the past, AK owners were limited to either Mil-Spec options or limited offerings from U.S. makers, the current AK aftermarket furniture business is rapidly catching up to the prolific AR-15.
This is so much so that Magpul, the most prolific accessory maker for the AR-15 family of rifles, now also makes furniture and magazines for the AKM. Century clearly understands that this is a popular upgrade to AK carbines, offering the RAS not only with traditional wood but also black polymer Magpul furniture from the factory.
Accurate, modular and modern, the AKM has truly evolved since its introduction more than half a century ago. Thankfully, during this metamorphosis, the engineers at Century haven’t forgotten what made the AK great: reliability. The RAS47 was fed half a dozen varieties of ammo from as many different magazines and ran without issue. The self-regulating ventilated gas tube and robust long-stroke piston action hungrily devoured everything it was fed. This is a rifle a shooter can count on even in the worst of conditions.
The RAS47 is the result of taking a great design and further honing it to a fine point. It may not have the razor-sharp accuracy of the AR-15, but it more than holds its own. Shooters looking for a solid bug-out rifle, an inexpensive plinker or a dependable ranch rifle won’t be let down by Century’s RAS47. Whether adorned in wood or polymer, the RAS provides an affordable, reliable rifle to the masses, something its progenitor sought to accomplish nearly 70 years ago.
Yankee Hill Machine goes for gold with its new burnt bronze Model 57 Specter.
While it has been manufacturing dependable AR-type rifles and parts for the last couple of decades — often for other big name manufacturers and military contracts — Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) introduced the burnt bronze Model 57 Specter in 2015, showing that it’s ready to go for gold.
YHM has developed a reputation for making some of the best AR parts in the industry, and in the mid-90s decided it would produce complete rifle builds distinct to its name and unique style of machine work. In addition to AR-type rifles, YHM manufactures handguards, rail and optic mounts, muzzle devices and suppressors. The Model 57 Specter is a sort of crowning achievement in the company’s line of ARs, with a fitting burnt bronze Cerakote finish to give it that golden look of AR royalty.
The Model 57 was originally introduced in a black finish at the 2014 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, with additions like a new KeyMod-integrated, SLR Slant hanguard and YHM tactical charging handle latch added in 2015. The Model 57 is available in several chamberings, including 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout and 6.8 SPC II. This review featured the 6.8 SPC, which comes with a 16-inch barrel and 1:10-inch twist. The most eye-catching addition is obviously the industry-standard burnt bronze finish, while the foundation of the rifle is the artfully machined receiver set.
Built for Gold The Model 57 Specter features billet 7075-T6 aluminum receivers that are machined at the company’s Florence, Massachusetts, facility and have matching grooves on the receivers and handguard. Those stylistic grooves run along the sides of the 9.5-inch SLR Slant handguard, on the front of the magazine well and on the sides of the upper receiver.
While billet aluminum receivers are considered to possess slightly less strength than their forged counterparts, they are still tremendously tough. One of the biggest advantages with a billet receiver, however, is the customization that can be applied through machining into the design. And that’s exactly where the YHM Model 57 Specter shines — the lines and grooves crafted into the burnt bronze rifle are head turning, to say the least. Fresh out of the box at the local gun shop, a group of onlookers swarmed around the rifle with oohs and aahs. It was much the same at the range, as other shooters congregated to inquire about the gold-looking AR.
The upper and handguard feature a continuous top rail for plenteous optic mounting options, while Picatinny rail mounts are positioned at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions at the front of the handguard. The handguard also comes pre-equipped with YHM Q.D.S. flip up sights and has a slanted front section to match a Slant muzzle brake. The brake, which is really a brake/compensator hybrid that works to reduce recoil and limit muzzle rise, is an especially nice option for the 6.8 SPC chambering, which carries a bit more punch than the 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. The forward rail sections are great for accessories, though they do not provide the most ergonomic or comfortable hold for those who prefer a forward grip.
The beauty of the Model 57, however, is that its stunning exterior is equaled by its well-made integral parts. The Specter features a 16-inch barrel in the 6.8 SPC chambering, as well as a 1:10-inch twist. The barrel is heat treated, 4140 steel with YHM’s exclusive ball-cut fluting to improve rigidity and aid in barrel cooling. The barrel is also threaded for various muzzle products, including the standard Slant compensator/muzzle brake.
The rifle also utilizes a two-stage, 5-pound, drop-in trigger that makes it enjoyable to shoot and highly accurate. The aforementioned flip-up sights come stock, as does the tactical charging handle latch and low-profile gas block. The Model 57 comes with a Magpul CTR buttstock and MOE pistol grip, as well as two PMAGS (the 6.8 version comes with two standard metal magazines). The overall weight of the rifles is 7.6 pounds, which makes it well balanced to shoot but light enough to provide added maneuverability.
Range Tested The Model 57 Specter was tested for accuracy with two loads: the 115-grain American Eagle FMJ from Federal Premium and Nosler’s 90-grain Defense Bonded Performance. Accuracy testing was conducted from a bench at 100 yards with Steiner’s uber-impressive M5Xi 3-15x50mm Military optic. Accuracy data was based on five three-shot groups. Close-range target work was also conducted with Trijicon’s RMR and the stock YHM Q.D.S. flip-up sights.
With a rated velocity of 2,675 feet per second (fps), Federal’s American Eagle 115-grain FMJ produced an average group of 1.37 inches and a best group of 1.25 inches. For everyday range work, the American Eagle FMJ is accurate and cost effective, running you about $16 for a box of 20.
The second test load was Nosler’s 90-grain Defense Bonded Performance, which has a rated velocity of 2,840 fps. The best group produced by the 90-grain bullet was 1.10 inches, with an average group of 1.29 inches.
Parting Shots Yankee Hill’s Model 57 Specter is visually appealing and made for long-term reliability. Its components are made in the U.S. and produced by one of the most skilled machine shops in the country. For an upgraded rifle straight out of the box that sets you apart from the crowd, the Model 57 is just the ticket. It comes in all the hot AR-15-platform calibers, including the rising stars like the 6.8 SPC and .300 BLK. And if burnt bronze isn’t your color, you can always go with a Henry Ford classic: black. For a price of $2,635, you do pay more than you would for a bargain basement build, but you also get a lot more, too.
Specifications:
YHM Model 57 Specter Burnt Bronze Type: Semi-auto, direct gas impingement, carbine-length gas system Caliber: 6.8 SPC Barrel: 16 in., 1:10 twist Weight: 7.6 lbs. Handguard: SLR-Slant 9.5 in. Stock: Magpul CTR Grip: Magpul MOE Trigger: Two-stage, drop-in, 5 lbs. Capacity: 25 rounds MSRP: $2,635 Manufacturer: Yankee Hill Machine, Co.
Nanuk Protective Cases are more than just gun cases. They're the peace of mind that firearms will remain in tip-top shape and corrosion free, no matter where they're transported.
It's easy to strip off greenbacks for new guns, ammo and the latest must-have shooting accessory. What often gets overlooked is firearms storage and transportation gear. But as any serious shooter will tell you, these are as important to have in your arsenal as a tricked out AR-15 or the sharpest new red-dot optic. After all, you spent your hard-earned cash on your dream pistol, rifle or shotgun, you'd better protect it.
At the recent 2017 NRA Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, Gun Digest editor Luke Hartle was able to check out an incredible option for keeping firearms safe and sound for long-term storage or heading to the range or into the field. As the above video shows, Nanuk Protective Cases are engineered to keep guns — no matter their size and shape — in tip-top condition, on the road or in the home.
Drawing on years of experience crafting protective cases for sensitive technical equipment, Nanuk offers hard gun cases in 22 sizes, designed to stow and protect any conceivable firearm. In addition to being shock proof, the extreme-duty cases are fully water resistant (IP67 rated), ensuring your firearms are always functional and corrosion free.
As Nanuk's David Vigor explains, there is an even more intriguing aspect to Nanuk Cases — their flexibility. Shooters can choose from a nearly endless array of preformed interior configurations, keeping pistols and long guns and their magazines in perfect order. There is even a pick-and-pluck foam option, which allows you to tailor the exact dimensions of the retention material to your firearms and needs.
Find out more about Nanuk Protective Cases and innovative ways to keep your guns in excellent order in the above video. And get more great gun reviews and shooting tips at Gun Digest's YouTube channel.
Many Angles to Personal Defense More than a single perspective, Straight Talk on Armed Defense offers an in-depth, full-spectrum study of the most important self-defense and concealed carry topics from today's top experts. The timely reference gathers the sage advice of Massad Ayoob and 11 other respected armed-defense authorities to deliver decades of practical know-how in one convenient volume. Get Your Copy Now
The Springfield XD Mod. 2.4-Inch Service Model offers improved ergonomics in a mid-size pistol perfect for any shooter.
When we find an exception to a rule, the first thing we tend to do as humans is to exploit that exception for a personal benefit or a competitive advantage. Examples are all around us, from diet and exercise to schoolwork, politics and, of course, firearms. With one of its latest pistols, Springfield Armory has created an exception to the old cliché, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Springfield’s venerable XD Compact polymer pistol received a major facelift in 2015 after more than a decade of faithful service. But why change a reliable pistol that has earned widespread trust among thousands of different shooters? It’s simple: The folks at Springfield Armory knew they could successfully innovate the pistol while maintaining the dependable performance we’re used to.
The result is the new Springfield XD Mod. 2 Service Model, with updated ergonomics and styling that’s already proving why it’s an exception to the rule.
Get in the Zone With its 4-inch barrel and a grip length that can accommodate large hands, the dimensions of this 27.5-ounce pistol meet a modest middle ground that will fit nearly any shooter. However, its size is only one factor that gives this 9mm striker-fired polymer pistol a wide range of capabilities.
Anyone from casual weekend target shooters to the more experienced tactical shooters will enjoy handling its ergonomic grip, distinctly labeled with the “Grip Zone” billboard on each side of the grip, which will certainly be a turn off for some. On the bright side, you can’t see the grip while you’re shooting it.
Springfield Armory engineered this grip to provide three different textures (zones) in each area of the grip where friction occurs during firing. During testing, the grip was comfortable after 500 rounds. No callused hands or awkward pressure points to report. The grip felt like a brand new baseball glove that was already broken in and ready to play ball.
The Illinois-based manufacturer makes it easy to take the Springfield XD Mod. 2 4-inch right out of the box and put it to work. It comes equipped with features we’ve come to expect from more expensive pistols: a fiber optic front sight, an ambidextrous magazine release, an accessory rail and a loaded chamber indicator. Additionally, the sample used during testing came with a holster, double mag pouch, two 16-round magazines and a magazine loader, all of which were neatly nestled in custom-cut foam inside a hard-sided carrying case.
As tested, the 5.6-pound trigger pull had a reliable break and a crisp reset. The take-up was consistent but felt gritty at first. After 500 rounds through the gun, the gritty pull seemed to get smoother, and we expect it would continue to improve after additional range sessions and cleanings.
Springfield is offering two versions of this pistol, one in all-black finish and the other in bi-tone. The pistol tested here was the all-black version with Melonite finish. The finish seemed to hold up well to scratches and scuffs, even in the field during photography work and range usage.
When it’s time to bust out rubber ducky and give the pistol a bath, takedown is familiar to that of all previous XD variants: Remove the magazine, lock the slide rearward, rotate the disassembly lever 90 degrees clockwise, release the slide, pull the trigger (unloaded) and remove the slide.
Everyday Carry: The 5 “Cs” of CCW Any time I evaluate a handgun for an everyday carry application I consider the following five factors — what I call the 5 “Cs” of Concealed Carry — to assess important areas of the handgun’s performance.
Concealability/Comfort: The Mod. 2 4-inch provides an ideal middle ground between full-size performance and subcompact concealment. During testing, this firearm was easily concealed inside the waistband with dress clothes.
Confidence: During a 500-round function test, the only problem I noticed was my hand sometimes would not fully engage the palm grip safety, which is common for me with these types of safety mechanisms. Aside from this issue, I would be confident trusting my life with this pistol.
Control: The Mod. 2 handles like a dream with its grip texturing. Combine ergonomics with a 6¼-inch sight radius, and you have the makings of an all-purpose duty gun.
Capacity: A generous magazine capacity of 16+1 provides plenty of firepower, specifically, one more round than a Glock 19. Also important to note: The Mod. 2 4-inch will accept all magazines from 4-inch or 5-inch first-generation XD9 pistols.
Caliber: 9x19mm ammunition is more than adequate for most purposes. Make sure to use quality 9mm self-defense ammunition for everyday carry purposes, and you’ll be set for virtually any two-legged threat.
Lyte ‘Em Up The Springfield XD Mod. 2 4-inch in 9mm comes with an accessory rail for attaching lights, lasers, bayonets or whatever else you can think of adding. During testing, we tried LaserLyte’s new Lyte Ryder Universal Rail Mount laser sight. Installation was simple, as the laser sight came with all necessary mounting tools and hardware. We slid the sight on the rail and secured it in place with a single crossbar screw.
The laser features ambidextrous activation that’s easily engaged when the trigger finger is indexed down the frame of the pistol. With simple windage and elevation adjustments, we were able to get dialed in for precise POI/POA and found that the laser made target acquisition faster, especially in low light. The Lyte Ryder laser also closely matched the look and feel of the Springfield XD Mod. 2, giving it a custom appearance and an effective advantage.
Conclusion Springfield Armory made its flagship XD9 more comfortable and easier to shoot for a wider range of shooters with the next generation Mod 2. Very slight variations from the original design result in enhanced performance, especially during high round counts. While the “Grip Zone” billboard will be a turn-off for some, the improved grip texturing and re-shaping was very well engineered.
The Springfield XD Mod. 2 4-inch in 9mm gets high marks all around, with the capability to perform a variety of functions right out of the box. It’s clear that Springfield improved its old XD9 workhorse with the Mod. 2, and we expect to see this lineup continue to expand into more sizes and caliber options. In terms of accuracy, the Mod. 2 performed well with a variety of different ammunition and posted average groups between 1.3 and 2.5 inches at 7 yards.
Whether you’re a casual weekend target shooter or carrying the pistol everyday, the XD9 Mod. 2 4-inch Service Model is a pistol that nearly anyone can pick up and shoot well. When you see one at your local gun store, give it a try and feel for yourself how Springfield Armory found an exception to that old rule, “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Specifications:
Springfield XD Mod. 2 4-inch Service Model Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 4 in., hammer forged, 1:10 twist, Melonite finish Overall Length: 7.3 in. Height: 5.5 in. Grip Width: 1.20 in. Weight: 27.5 oz. (with empty magazine) Frame: Black polymer Slide: Forged steel, black Melonite finish Trigger: 5.6 lbs. Sights:Fiber optic front, low profile combat rear Capacity: 16+1 Price: $565 Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the Concealed Carry 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
CMMG has added four new models to its classic and reliable Mk3 AR-10 rifle line — all chambered for the flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor.
Hot on the heels of its recent introduction of the MkG-45 Guard carbine in .45 ACP, CMMG has another big new release for fans of the AR. Earlier this week, CMMG revealed four new additions to its established Mk3 rifle line — all chambered in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor.
“With the new 6.5 Creedmoor models, we set out to deliver our most accurate line of rifles to date,” said Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO of CMMG. “We're extremely excited about this up-and-coming caliber and are pleased to offer it to our customers in our proven Mk3 line.”
For those who don't know, the 6.5 Creedmoor, introduced by Hornady back in 2007, is one of the hottest new cartridges of the past few years. Originally designed for target shooting, particularly at some longer ranges, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a flat-shooting cartridge that uses high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) .264-caliber bullets. It chambers in short-action bolt guns, as well as AR-10 rifles, and in addition to its target-shooting applications, it's also started seeing more and more use as a hunting cartridge, especially on thinner-skinned game such as deer and pronghorn.
Like its recent and popular Mk47 Mutant, the new Mk3 rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor utilize a receiver set manufactured from billet 7075-T6 aluminum. As with earlier Mk3s, these new models also use a rifle-length direct-impingement gas system to get the most out of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
With the four different 6.5 Creedmoor Mk3 models, CMMG is offering varying levels of performance features at a range of prices. The base model, the Mk3, features a 20-inch medium-taper barrel rounded out with an A2 compensator. This model also incorporates a CMMG single-stage trigger, an A2-style grip and buttstock and CMMG's RKM15 KeyMod handguard. Priced at $1,799.95, it weighs 9 pounds total.
The next step up is the Mk3 P, which adds a 24-inch heavy-taper barrel, a CMMG SV brake, a Magpul MOE pistol grip and an MOE stock. It weighs slightly more at 10.4 pounds and comes in at about $100 more than the base model. Other features that appear on the base model, such as the CMMG single-stage trigger and RKM15 KeyMod handguard, also show up on the Mk3 P.
Close-up shot of CMMG's new RML15 M-LOK handguard, found on the DTR models.
The Mk3 DTR model swaps the RKM15 handguard for CMMG's new RML15 M-LOK handguard. It also incorporates the excellent PRS fully adjustable stock. Like the Mk3 P, it utilizes a 24-inch heavy-taper barrel, the same SV brake and single-stage trigger and the Magpul MOE grip. The final weight on the Mk3 DTR is 11.3 pounds, and its price is slated at $2,099.95.
Last but not least is the Mk3 DTR2, the top-end model. It shares most of the same features as the Mk 3 DTR but adds Geissele's renowned SSA two-stage trigger for even more precise shooting. It also weighs 11.3 pounds and is priced at $2,274.95.
For more information on these new CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, visit the CMMG website, or check out the full specifications for each model below. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for a full review of the new CMMG Mk3 in an upcoming issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Specifications:
CMMG Mk3 Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor Gas System: Rifle length Barrel: 20 in., 1:8 twist, medium taper 416 stainless steel Overall Length: 41 in. Weight: 9 lbs. (unloaded) Muzzle Device: A2 compensator, threaded 5/8-24 barrel Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod Receivers: Billet 7075-T6 Trigger: CMMG single stage Mil-Spec type Grip: A2-style Stock: A2-style MSRP: $1,799.95 Manufacturer: CMMG
CMMG Mk3 P Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor Gas System: Rifle Length Barrel: 24 in., 1:8 twist, heavy taper 416 stainless steel Overall Length: 45 in. Weight: 10.4 lbs. (unloaded) Muzzle Device: CMMG SV brake, threaded 5/8-24 barrel Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod Receivers: Billet 7075-T6 Trigger: CMMG single stage Mil-Spec type Grip: Magpul MOE Stock: Magpul MOE MSRP: $1,899.95 Manufacturer: CMMG
With lighter, faster projectiles, .17-caliber rimfires such as the .17 WSM and .17 HMR offer some advantages over more established rimfires like the .22 Long Rifle.
Undoubtedly, the majority of our hunting careers were sparked by an experience with the .22 Long Rifle cartridge; it has become a ubiquitous icon in the youth of any shooting upbringing. The simple rimfire design, coupled with a complete lack of recoil, has been used to teach generations of marksmen how to properly hit a bullseye and to put meat on the table, no matter how small the portions might have been.
However, just as the .22 LR was an evolution of the .22 Short and .22 Long that preceded the legendary design, the .22 Winchester Rimfire Magnum became an upgrade of the .22 LR, giving greater velocities and more striking energy. In 2002, ballisticians at Hornady decided it was high time to shake things up and neck the .22 Magnum down to .17 caliber; the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) arrived with much fanfare. It would utilize a 17-grain spitzer bullet, driven to 2,550 feet per second (fps) for a flat trajectory, flatter than any rimfire that had come before.
The .17 HMR has less long-range capability than the WSM, but more to offer by way of bullet selection.
The new, hyper-velocity cartridge was an instant success, and even though the tiny bullet was extremely sensitive to wind drift, many hunters flocked to the gun shops for a new cartridge to play with. The .17 HMR is a very accurate cartridge, fully capable of taking headshots on squirrels and other small targets, as well as extending the effective range of the rimfire rifle on distant woodchucks, coyotes and foxes. It was followed, two years later, by the .17 Hornady Mach II, based on the CCI Stinger variant of the .22 LR cartridge.
Fast-forward a decade and you’d see the great firm of Winchester as busy as a beehive, hard at work releasing the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM). Having seen the success of Hornady cartridges, Winchester created a cartridge based on, of all things, the .27-caliber nail gun blank — used for driving nails in concrete and other hard surfaces. For three years, the wizards at Winchester secretly toiled away in their towers — with some help from the sages at Savage — crafting a rimfire cartridge that would achieve unprecedented velocities, and upon release to the shooting public, lived up to its goals. The .17 WSM drives a 20-grain bullet to an even 3,000 fps and a 26-grain bullet to 2,600 fps.
Hornady’s .17 HMR, left, and WSM, right.
How do the two compare and contrast? And for what hunting/shooting situations are they best suited? Well, let’s get this statement out of the way: They aren’t as economical or available as the good ol’ .22 LR, and while both of the cartridges have a velocity and trajectory advantage over the reigning rimfire cartridge, it’s going to be very difficult to become a threat to the crown.
Being rimfire, and therefore virtually un-reloadable, the cartridges are a one-and-done proposition. But, for the hunter who wants a rifle that can reach out for the occasional 150-yard shot, without the report of the smaller centerfires — like the .17 Hornet and .17 Remington — the .17-caliber rimfires have an appeal. While the .17 Hornet — one of the slower centerfires of this caliber — bests the velocity of the .17 WSM by 650 fps, the rimfire .17s fill a needed void.
Those tiny .172-inch diameter pills will certainly get the job done on the smaller game animals such as squirrels and rabbits, as well as the furbearing mammals like foxes, bobcats and even coyotes, at closer ranges. For the fur hunter, these little bullets with their high velocity and light sectional density figures will help minimize pelt damage.
They both make a bit of noise; being supersonic, they probably aren’t the best choice for shooting garden pests while trying to go unnoticed. But in a situation where you don’t want a high velocity bullet sailing out of control, the .17 HMR and .17 WSM provide a relatively flat trajectory, yet with a highly frangible bullet that significantly reduces the risk of an errant bullet causing harm.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the .17 HMR and the .17 WSM in some real-world situations. Hornady makes ammunition for both cartridges, so to keep things even, I’ll use their stuff for the basis of the comparison.
Both of these cartridges are fully capable of maintaining a 100-yard zero, without the mid-range trajectory becoming ridiculous. Using a 20-grain bullet loaded in both cartridges you’ll find the .17 WSM with a V-Max bullet hits 4.10 inches low at 200 yards, while the .17 HMR loaded with a 20-grain XTP hollowpoint hits just under 10 inches low at the same distance. Now, while the WSM needs just a touch of holdover at two-hundy, the HMR needs some careful attention out past 125 yards. Not that the shot is impossible, but the holdover becomes crucial, especially on the smaller targets.
Whether HMR or WSM, both .17s are great for small game excursions.
Wind can be an absolute nemesis to any .17-caliber cartridge, be it centerfire or rimfire. The bullets simply lack the weight to defy the effects of crosswind, and learning how to dope the wind with any of these rifles will test the mettle of any rifleman. That being said, it’s a matter of simple physics to explain that all bullets of equal shape and weight will drop at the same rate.
With that in mind, the faster a bullet travels, the more ground it will cover before that drop occurs, hence the trajectory advantage of the WSM cartridge. If you are looking for a rimfire cartridge that has the capability to reach-out-and-touch-someone, I feel that the .17 WSM has the advantage. If you like a cartridge with more choices in the bullet weight department, perhaps the .17 HMR is your baby. Hornady loads the 15.5-grain NTX, 17-grain V-Max and the 20-grain hollowpoint XTP.
In either case, the faster .17 rimfires will provide a definitive advantage over the .22 LR, and in certain circumstances even over the .22 Mag. Even though the .17s are a specialty case, requiring their own special cleaning rods and patches, they are a ton of fun to shoot and very effective in the field.
The Guncrafter Model 4 in the potent .50 GI is a high-class 1911 that’s big on performance.
I’ve heard the statement a thousand times, “I carry a .45 because they don’t make a .50.” I like .45s, but that statement is getting a bit old. Now I have a great response: “Sorry, but they do make a .50.” In fact, Guncrafter Industries has been making the .50 GI now for a dozen years. Just slightly shorter than the .45 ACP, the .50 GI case measures .530 inches in diameter. It has a rebated rim, so it would use the same shell holder. A .45 ACP round sits nicely inside an empty .50 GI case. Yes, it’s an imposing round to see, in case you were wondering.
I’ve tested two other Guncrafter guns in the past, both chambered for the clasic .45 ACP round. The CCO and Frag models I tested were as close to perfect as pistols get, with match-level triggers, super slick actions, and ragged-hole accuracy. They didn’t sport high-tech features like full-length guide rods or bull barrels, but they functioned perfectly and shot tiny groups with any ammunition.
The .50 GI Model 4 has the same perfect fit and finish. You’d think guns with a price past the $3,000 mark would all be perfect, but that’s not always the case. Not long ago, a friend purchased a prestigious race doublestack 1911. He felt the trigger wasn’t up to par, and when he disassembled the gun, he found upgraded parts he’d paid for weren’t even on the gun. I reviewed another company’s 9mm race gun—a $3,400 gun—and found the trigger was gritty and the magazine wouldn’t drop free, big problems. This hasn’t been the case with the Guncrafters guns I’ve tested. So far, with three guns tested, I’ve found not a single flaw.
My test gun was the Model 4 Long Slide model with a 6-inch bull barrel. It’s a big gun, weighing just less than 45 ounces, empty. It features a Wilson Combat adjustable rear and a Trijicon Tritium front sight. The safety is ambidextrous, and there’s a blended magazine well and a flush-cut, deep-crowned bull barrel. The front strap and flat mainspring housing are checkered, as is the contact surface of the magazine release. The solid trigger has a backlash adjustment screw, but needed no adjustment. There was no discernible creep in the trigger. It broke crisp and clean at just over 4 pounds, but felt lighter due to the clean break.
The finish is a pleasant and functional matte black Melonite. It provides a classy look and lowers the coefficient of friction while hardening the surface of the parts. It’s also extremely rust resistant. Every Guncrafter gun I’ve tested has been more than the sum of its parts. Choosing the right components is important, but fit and finish are at least as critical, especially with 1911s, where exacting fit produces both accuracy and reliability.
The relationship between the metal parts is impeccable. The slide is smooth and has no lateral or vertical movement, a perfect mating of slide to frame rails. The thumb safety, grip safety and mainspring housing are a perfect fit and are gently melted to remove any sharp edges that contact the hand.
Loading the oversized magazines is easy because the big rounds provide a lot of area to push against. Magazine capacity is seven rounds, and there’s a witness hole on the side to indicate a full magazine. Since the .50 GI round has a rebated rim, the rear of the magazine lip is slightly crimped in to keep the round positioned correctly. Magazine insertion is simple with the extended magazine well, and magazines seat easily, even when fully loaded with the slide down. Magazines drop free of the magazine well, as they should. The Model 4 comes with two stainless magazines with polymer bases. It also comes with a takedown wrench for the one-piece guide rod, a ballistic nylon carrying case, and an embroidered Guncrafter towel.
Shooting the .50 GI isn’t much different from shooting hot defensive loads in a compact 1911. The extra weight helps with the added power. Fully loaded with 230-grain copper hollow points, the Model 4 Longslide weighs 54 ounces. The gun’s weight and carefully matched recoil spring with full-length recoil spring guide helps keep recoil smooth. You won’t forget the factory loads (purchased from Guncrafter) have about 30 percent more energy than a defensive .45 ACP load, but you won’t be uncomfortable. Recoil is a strong push—no feeling of slamming or peaks.
Accuracy was exceptional. Bench rested at 25 yards, five-shot groups ran a bit above one inch, with my best group measuring just .551 inches. I’m sure there was a bit of luck in that one, but suffice it to say the Model 4 is accurate. The sights are both easy to see and easy to adjust. The Model 4 feels like a regular 1911 in the hand despite the larger frame and magazines. My friend Mike and I tried running the Texas star on his range with the Model 4, but neither of us managed to clean it. We both came close, but it just didn’t happen.
While the .50 GI is certainly capable as a defensive round, I imagine the extreme penetration of most of the available loads might be a liability. Should one choose to use it for defense, the 185-grain copper hollow point would be the right call. With a muzzle velocity of almost 1,250 feet per second (fps), the solid copper hollow point expands into a perfect four-pointed star when fired into ballistic gel.
Another reasonable use for it would be as a trail gun in bear country. The 275-grain jacketed hollow point at about 950 fps approaches .44 Remington Magnum energy, with a power factor of over 260. With eight rounds in a semi-auto, it’s an impressive package indeed. There is some extra weight in the Long Slide version, but there’s also a measurable increase in performance, and that weight also results in more manageable recoil and faster follow-up shots.
Accurate, powerful, reliable, beautiful, OK, where’s the down side? Well, there are a few. First is the availability and price of ammunition. Currently, .50 GI is available from Guncrafter Industries. Pricing runs from about $30 for a box of 20 300-grain FMJ loads, to about $50 for a box of 20 copper hollow points. While this seems a lot for the FMJ loads, the price of the hollow points is only about 40 percent more than quality .45 ACP defensive ammunition. I suspect most of the .50 GI guns won’t see daily use as high-volume shooters, so maybe this isn’t a big factor.
Another downside is the initial purchase price, and again, for what you’re getting, it isn’t unreasonable. The days when guns that cost $3,000 were unusual are long past. As mentioned above, I’ve tested several $3,000 pistols, and some have been unsatisfactory. This certainly isn’t the case with the Model 4. It’s as perfectly executed as any 1911 I’ve ever tested, and several of them have run north of $3,000.
This isn’t a pistol for everyone, and I suspect that’s part of the appeal. It’s a quality piece of equipment, unique in many ways, and it performs as designed. Guncrafter Industries isn’t trying to build guns for everyone; they build guns for a certain demographic, and from what I see of the Model 4, they’ve come pretty close to the center of the target.
Specifications:
Guncrafter Industries Model 4 Type: Semi-auto, single action Caliber: .50 GI Barrel: 6 in., match-grade, bull Weight: 45 oz. (empty) Trigger: 4 lbs. Sights: Wilson Combat adjustable rear, Trijicon Tritium front Finish: Matte black Melonite Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds MSRP: $4,125 Manufacturer: Guncrafter Industries
This article is an excerpt from the September 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The right muzzle device — whether it's a flash hider, compensator or muzzle brake — is an often-overlooked feature when shopping for an AR. But it shouldn't be, as each enhances the rifle in its own way. Understanding and selecting the right option for your black gun can go a long way in making a more effective firearm.
A flash suppressor or flash hider reduce the muzzle flash caused by still-burning powder exiting the barrel behind the bullet. Some powders have flash retardants in them, so a smaller signature will be seen. Others are naturally bright, and using ammo with these powders will create quite the bloom when fired. Furthermore, rifles with muzzle brakes attached tend to flash brightly, but in a more directional manner.
Here’s an example. I once conducted an experiment to see how effective a couple of these were. Now this wasn’t a truly scientific experiment, but it still was pretty definitive. I shot my 16-inch carbine nekkid muzzle, with a standard A2 flash suppressor, and with a Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5C2 flash suppressor. I did this around 8 p.m. in the autumn, dark enough that there was little ambient light. The ammo used was Winchester 5.56 (Q3131A for a part number if you care), made in Israel for Olin Industries (owns Winchester name for ammo), known for producing a bright flash.
The Smith Enterprises Vortex flash suppressor is arguably the most effective model on the market and has been copied repeatedly. The long tines vibrate as the bullet passes through, breaking up the burning powder. You will be lucky to see a spark come out of this one.
The first shot with the nekkid muzzle produced an orange basketball-sized globular flash. It was bright and did in fact disrupt the night vision I had at the time. I followed this up with the Mil-Spec A2 flash suppressor on the muzzle.
The result when fired was a small orange flash about the size of the average Clementine orange. Then I fired with the Phantom and I was duly impressed. There was no flash visible to me or the observers (my extended family), but there was a single spark that traveled a few feet from the muzzle before extinguishing. A. Spark.
Anyone within several hundred meters would have seen the nekkid muzzle flash, and within at least a hundred meters would have seen the A2 flash. I doubt anyone within as little as 20 feet would have seen the spark and they would have had to have been looking directly at me to even catch a glimpse of it.
The Phantom, at least that model, is a superb flash suppressor and it is even pretty affordable. You can get one for under thirty bucks, and there are several models that have closed bottoms so you don’t kick up dust when firing prone. They work just as well as the standard models. They are similar to the A2 flash suppressor, which also has five open ports on the top and sides, but has a closed bottom. They have the added minor benefit that they combat muzzle rise slightly like dedicated muzzle compensators.
Back when I tried this, the only options were the Mil-Spec A1 (six evenly spaced ports), A2, the Phantom and the Vortex (Smith Industries) and the copies thereof. Now, you’ll get a headache trying to figure something out and you will ultimately probably decide based purely on the aesthetics of the device.
Get More Suppressor Info:
The Suppressor: How Is It Made, It Works And How To Buy One
There are a number of well-functioning flash suppressor on the market now, though the best seem to be variants of the Phantom or the Vortex. The Vortex has long tines similar to the Phantom, but the tines are not connected at the end. This allows the tines to vibrate like a tuning fork when the gun is fired, and this is the mechanism to disperse the flash. These types of flash hiders are arguably the most effective designs, but also tend to approach $50 in cost. You also have to watch where your muzzle goes (you already do anyway, right) or you might get stuff stuck in between the tines.
Compensators
The Vais compensator can sometimes be found on ARs but it is usually seen on traditional hunting rifles. The large series of holes vent gas 90 degrees to the bore axis, all the way around. This particular brake requires non-standard threads. Be aware of things such as thread pitches when you order your muzzle devices from retailers.
The term compensator is almost always ascribed to a muzzle device that is designed to reduce muzzle rise, not necessarily recoil. Indeed, if the device pushes the muzzle down, more recoil force is often transmitted straight back, enhancing felt recoil while keeping the muzzle movement minimal. It is true, however, that compensators and muzzle brakes can be combined effectively in the same unit, and we’ll talk about those in the following section on muzzle brakes.
The vast majority of compensators are designed with a common element of holes or slots on the top. These slots may extend somewhat to the side but then they become more like brakes. When the bullet exits the barrel and passes through the compensator, the expanding gas behind the bullet exits through these holes before exiting the “muzzle” of the comp. This produces a jet of gas that is going straight up or up and to the rear, acting as a counterforce to the rise of the muzzle. The higher the pressure of the gas behind the bullet the more effective the comp.
The A2 flash suppressor also acts as a compensator, where the older A1 flash suppressor did not. Many companies, in particular YHM, make compensator or brake versions of their flash suppressors that look virtually identical.
Muzzle Brake
One of the originals. The JP Recoil Eliminator is huge and works extremely well. However, it often looks out of place on barrels because of its large profile. The tactical models on the right are more common.
Brakes are designed a bit differently and are typified by the inclusion of baffles in the design. They work by using the expanding gas, as the compensator does, but in a different manner. These are designed to reduce felt recoil, not necessarily muzzle rise.
To do this, they have what amounts to virtual expansion chambers formed by the baffles. When the expanding gas following the bullet hits the rear face of the baffles, the gas literally pushes the baffles, the brake and the rifle it is attached to, forward. The gas then vents out the large holes on the side of the brake.
Most brakes also incorporate a few holes on the top to vent some of the gas up, giving them very good muzzle compensation in addition to the braking. You will see these in variations of two basic designs. The first is simply a hollow cylinder, bored out with dozens of holes all the way around the outside of the comp. These are reasonably effective as long as there is a front face to deflect some of the gas out, and are typified by the Williams muzzle brakes.
The second type is much larger and will have the large flat baffles and large side vent ports and most of these work incredibly well. The JP Enterprises, Dreadnought Industries and other similar models are very popular in the varminting and sporting realms because of the ease of follow-up shooting.
A very important note must be made. Compensators and muzzle brakes are so loud that you must have hearing protection. Do not shoot these guns indoors if you can help it. The concussion on these can be quite powerful and much of it is directed to the side or rear. Do not teach new shooters, especially women (who seem to be particularly sensitive to concussive effects) to shoot with centerfire rifles equipped with these muzzle devices.
On the other hand, if you are at the range and you have a couple stupid couch commando tough guys next to you (you know the type, too tough to wear sissy hearing protection, and smells like he hasn’t showered in an week), you can get rid of him quickly by getting out your compensated rifle and ripping off five or six shots one right after the other. He will quickly want to be elsewhere.
The presence of more than one assailant is common in criminal assaults. Swarms of assailants are more likely than they were a few years ago, and it is a good self-defense strategy to avoid pockets of able-bodied young men who appear capable of delivering harm.
The classic criminal assault with a second assailant, though, is usually a pincer movement conducted from the blind spot. To put this in perspective let’s re-address the encroachment problem. More than likely there’s a verbal component from the predator and the objective is to get the citizen engaged in dialogue. While engaged in dialogue, the likely approach is from behind by the second adversary. This is a difficult problem to manage and requires a significant adaptation to how one normally reacts to forward encroachment.
Even if one is aware of the potential that a second party may be coming from behind, the cost of looking may very well be the window that the initial adversary uses to throw a punch or draw a gun. So how do we maintain awareness and vigilance to a known potential problem and scan the area behind us for the most likely avenue of approach for a second adversary without making the job of the initial encroacher easier?
The key element here is movement, and the natural reaction to wanting distance and space – which is moving backwards – must change and adapt. Backwards movement is expected by any bad guy and it’s quite easy to “steer” the uninitiated pretty much anywhere, once this basic reaction is understood.
One recommendation is to “arc” around the adversary and not move backwards. A good way of visualizing this is if one were to place themselves on the face of a clock with the predator standing at twelve o’clock and the citizen standing at 6 o’clock, the objective would be to try to cut a perfect arc up to either the 9 o’clock or the 3 o’clock position.
This is not a natural or instinctive thing to do. In fact, it’s quite counter-intuitive, as are many of the best practices in self-defense. It’s also not intuitive to look at the tiny metal post at the end of the reciprocating slide in an exchange of fire, but it is most assuredly the best practice to guarantee that the bullet goes where desired.
A key in dealing with more than one assailant is moving in unanticipated ways, thus throwing them off their plans.
Arcing up to the three o’clock and nine o’clock positions provides two significant advantages in managing unseen space to the rear. First, by following the arc, we can literally maintain our primary field of vision with the known problem in front of us while simultaneously pulling what was behind us into our peripheral vision. This is significant because now we don’t lose the primary problem by “checking our six.”
The second advantage of this movement tactic is that, if indeed there is a second adversary, then what the good guy has done is remove him/her self from a 180-degree pincer problem and significantly narrowed the field of threat. Much has been written about dealing with multiple assailants, and one of the few successful tactics is lining them up as much as possible. The arcing movement does this not perfectly, but it does remove us from the unmanageable 180-degree problem and begin this process of “stacking” multiple assailants.
One more real benefit of the arcing movement goes well towards de-selecting us from a criminal selection process. The arcing movement is so out of pattern from average that, often, the reports back from those who have actually used this tactic are that the encroaching party gives the good guy an odd look and walks off mumbling. So, movement is a key element in managing a second adversary, which is common within the criminal assault paradigm.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
