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Gun Review: The LWRCI M6IC-A5 Rifle

June 7, 2017

Boasting a patented short-stroke gas-piston operation, the LWRCI M6IC-A5 is a rugged-built rifle ready to answer the call of duty.

They say competition breeds innovation, which couldn’t be more true than it is for LWRC International (LWRCI). The company was founded to pursue the development of a short-stroke, gas-piston-operated firearm that would replace the M4 as the main service weapon for the U.S. Army.

Although the Individual Carbine competition was cancelled in 2013, that original research and development led to a whole family of LWRCI rifles that are produced under the Individual Carbine (IC) nomenclature and sold to everyone from warfighters and law enforcement to hardcore civilian shooters.

One of the latest rifles from the manufacturer is the LWRCI M6IC-A5 chambered in 5.56 NATO and available in OD Green, which, like the Incredible Hulk, is a highly evolved and technologically advanced version of a Bruce-Banner-like classic, Eugene Stoner’s AR-15/M16. As with the original Individual Carbine design, the hallmark of the A5 is LWRCI’s patented short-stroke, gas-piston operation, which is designed to improve upon the original direct gas impingement system developed by Stoner in the 1950s.

The short-stroke, gas-piston system is constructed with aerospace-grade superalloys that can withstand extremely high temperatures without losing their strength or becoming fatigued. This makes the LWRCI M6IC-A5 highly reliable even in the worst conditions. Because the A5 is duty built for tip-of-the-spear military personnel around the world, durability and functionality are non-negotiable.

Piston Driven
One of the known issues with the direct gas-impingement system developed by Stoner is that hot gases and carbon from the discharged cartridge are dumped into the action of the rifle where they strike the gas key, pushing the bolt carrier rearward against the buffer spring and thus cycling the action. This causes carbon buildup in the action and eventually contributes to functionality issues. If nothing else, this necessitates more regular weapon cleaning.

The beauty of the short-stroke, gas-piston operating system, however, is that gases from the spent cartridge move through the gas block where they strike a piston—the piston then drives the bolt carrier rearward while the dirty gases exit the firearm clear of the action itself. Combined with LWRCI’s nickel-boron coating and the superalloy components used in the piston system, this means the action stays cleaner, longer, thus reducing carbon buildup that leads to malfunction.

The tradeoff, of course, is that piston-operated platforms typically cost more than their direct gas-impingement counterparts. Some have pointed out that the piston system increases felt recoil, but the difference is negligible, especially with the 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. cartridge.

For some people the increase in cost is worth it, particularly when the mission profile includes the discharge of high volumes of ammunition and minimal time for cleaning. For the warfighter, reliability is obviously paramount, and the cost is often negligible in comparison to the value gained. For the weekend shooter, the cost may not be necessary but could nonetheless be desirable.

Historically, the other problem has been the way in which the piston operating system has been applied to the AR platform. Early on, several manufacturers tried to take Stoner’s design and modify it for use with a piston system, but without considering the effects this would have on components that weren’t designed for that purpose. Ultimately this led to issues like carrier tilt and damage to the lower receiver.

What LWRCI and others have done, however, is engineer the AR concept and components specifically for use with a short-stroke, gas-piston operating system. Rather than being an afterthought, the short-stroke piston operation is foundational to the LWRCI M6IC-A5.

The AR Evolved
Among the standout features on the new A5 is a machined Monoforge upper receiver with an integrated rail base that is lighter and stronger than previous two-piece designs. The rail comes pre-drilled for a host of rail segment configurations to meet the user’s needs and preferences, including the option to install a quad rail via the retaining screw holes.

The upper also eliminates the need for a standard barrel nut, and instead is secured by a proprietary non-indexing torque ring. This ring system provides even pressure around the barrel for optimal fit. Not only is the upper and rail design functional, it’s also visually appealing. Available Cerakote finishes include Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Olive Drab Green (ODG) and Patriot Brown (PBC), and then of course as Henry Ford always said, there’s black.

LWRCI prides itself on providing the customer with top-tier quality parts in its firearms, according to Jeff Clemmer, vice president of product development, which is why it manufactures its cold hammer-forged barrels in house. The barrels are forged from 41V45 steel alloy and are treated with NiCorr surface conversion technology, which the company claims is more resistant to wear, heat and corrosion than hard chrome.

The LWRCI M6IC-A5 features eye-catching spiral fluting to provide a barrel that’s 20 percent lighter than those of similar diameter. The barrel is pretty damn sleek to look at, but the spiral fluting also allows the barrel to cool faster and, according to LWRCI, provides greater accuracy. Featuring a scallop-cut design on the front of the handguard, the A5 also has an easy-to-access, two-position gas block for use with or without a suppressor and includes a standard A2-style flash hider.

As a duty-built rifle, the LWRCI M6IC-A5 is fully ambidextrous, allowing the shooter to manipulate the firearm from a number of different positions and/or around, over or under barriers. This includes ambidextrous safety selector, charging handle and mag release.

The bolt and carrier group feature LWRCI’s patented nickel-alloy coating, as does the trigger unit. The nickel-alloy coating, according to the company, provides a permanently lubricated surface that never rubs off or attracts debris. Two barrel length options are available, either a 14.7- or 16.1-inch configuration, with not even half a pound of weight difference between the two. The rifle tested was the 16-inch version.

Range Tested
Accuracy testing was conducted at 100 yards from a bench with a Steiner M5Xi 3-15x50mm Military optic, while close-range target work was performed with EOTech’s HHS II EXPS2-2 with G33.STS magnifier. Velocity was measured with a Competition Electronics ProChrono chronograph from Brownells.

The first load tested was the Nosler Custom 69-grain Match Grade, which posted an average velocity of 2,507 feet per second (fps), a standard deviation of 15 fps and an extreme spread of 27 fps. The best group of the accuracy testing came with the Nosler Custom, which produced an uber-impressive group of just .254 inch. The average group was 1.28 inches.

The second load tested was Hornady’s 55-grain V-MAX, which is quite typically a top performer. The 55-grain V-MAX posted a miniscule best group of .361 inch and an average group of .80 inch. The average velocity was 2,793 fps, with a standard deviation of 27 fps and an extreme spread of 49 fps.

Third and finally, HPR’s 62-grain Black Ops was tested. Packaged to perfection, the Black Ops load produced a best group of 1.38 inches and an average of 1.67 inches. The average velocity was 2,694 fps, with an extreme spread of 32 fps and a standard deviation of 21 fps.

Parting Shots
One of the main advantages with the LWRCI M6IC-A5 is that you get a highly-advanced, highly-functional, short-stroke, gas-piston operated AR right out of the box for $2,749 (MSRP). Sure, you could make similar upgrades yourself, but let’s face it — not everybody wants a do-it-yourself AR build. Even then, very few DIY builds would rival the A5.

The A5 also comes fully loaded with Magpul pistol grip and magazines, as well as a nickel-boron coating on the trigger, bolt carrier and group, and barrel. Flip-up sights come standard, while a continuous top rail provides a great number of day and night optic configurations. The rifle is also fully ambidextrous, incredibly ergonomic in design and functional to operate. Color options match an already sleek design, and you know you’re getting an aerospace-grade gun with unsurpassed longevity.

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the July 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Video: New Lineup of CZ-USA Pistols

Gun Digest Editors

June 6, 2017

Take a gander at the new CZ-USA pistols hitting the market this year, including the gunmaker’s heralded new striker-fired P-10.

CZ-USA is a prolific gunmaker. Whether your passion is wingshooting, tactical arms or punching tightly grouped holes in paper, the Czech manufacturer has something to offer.

This year the company has turned its studied eye toward its pistol lineup, and as Gun Digest editor Luke Hartle finds out in the above video, CZ-USA is offering quite a selection.

But of the three pistols CZ-USA’s Danae Hale showcases, it’s the first one that has generated the most attention in the gun world. While the P-10 isn’t the first striker-fired pistol the company has produced, it is the first new model it has brought to market in a spell. And with features such as an oversized trigger guard and aggressive grip texturing, the pistol has some pretty well thought out characteristics that should make it a player in the concealed carry market.

It’s the last gun in the lineup, however, that catches Hartle’s attention, a slick-as-grease, race-ready CZ-USA pistol — the Shadow 2. With more than 2 years of R&D invested in the pistol, it is a worthy heir to the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow, promising to be a faster competitive pistol, with more customizable features.

Of course, Hartle falls for the most expensive new pistol in CZ’s booth. Too bad he’s on an editor’s budget.

New: Ruger American Rimfire Stainless Rifle

Elwood Shelton

June 6, 2017

The Ruger American Rimfire Stainless rifle is a fetching firearm, configured to thrive in the roughest conditions.

There is something spectacular about stainless steel barrels. There is an edgy aesthetic appeal to the lustrous alloy, one that makes a firearm appear ready to tackle any task it’s called upon to complete. But it’s not just its striking good looks that attracts shooters, there’s also a little matter of performance.

Stainless steel barrels have built a reputation for their accuracy potentials, with shooters willing to shell out the extra bucks for an alloy that aids in tightening groups. On top of that, there is the durability of the stainless steel. While it will still rust if untended, the alloy certainly is inherently better at handling the elements than high-carbon steel.

With these qualities in mind, Ruger‘s newest addition to its popular bolt-action rimfire rifle line comes as no surprise. The Ruger American Rimfire Stainless looks the part of an all-weather, all-purpose rimfire, and it seems configured to be just that.

Available in three calibers – .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR – the stainless series of the bolt-action boasts an 18-inch barrel composed of 416 stainless steel. As has become more common in the modern era of rifle making, the Ruger American Rimfire Stainless also comes suppressor ready with a 1/2″-28 threaded barrel. The pattern makes the rifle compatible with numerous suppressors and muzzle devices presently available. The rifle comes with a factory-installed knurled thread protector that also maintains the integrity of the crown when not mounted with a suppressor.

The cold-hammer forged barrel is free floating in a black lightweight polymer stock. The stock itself is modular, being adjustable for both comb and length of pull, which enables shooters to modify the rifle to fit their frame. It is also outfitted with Ruger’s Power Bedding system, which consists of four opposing angled aluminum bedding blocks that fit into corresponding receiver grooves. Simply tightening the bedding screws pulls the receiver straight down, wedging it into place and creating a rigid and accurate shooting platform.

The American Rimfire Stainless boasts Ruger’s adjustable Marksman Trigger, which can be tuned between 3 and 5 pounds. It is outfitted with a one-piece aluminum scope rail directly above the receiver. And the rifle features a detachable, flush-mounted 10/22 BX-1 10-round rotary magazine and accepts all 10/22 magazines, including the BX-25, BX-25×2 and BX-15.

Presently, the MSRP on all three calibers of the Ruger American Rimfire Stainless Rifle is $429.

Specifications:

Ruger American Rimfire Stainless
Calibers: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR
Stock: Black Synthetic
Capacity: 10 .22 LR, 9 .22 WMR & .17 HMR
Overall: Length 37 in.
Barrel: Length 18 in.
Front Sight: None
Rear Sight: None
Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
Length of Pull: 13.75 in.
Weight: 5.3 lb.
Barrel Material: 416 Stainless Steel
Finish: Satin Stainless
Twist: 1:16″ RH .22 LR, 1:14″ RH .22 WMR, 1:9″ RH .17 HMR
Grooves: 6
Suggested Retail: $429.00

Review: Remington New Mexico Rifle

Brian McCombie

June 6, 2017

The Remington New Mexico AR from Remington’s Law Enforcement division is a capable rifle that can meet a variety of needs.

At its annual new products media seminar held this past October, Remington and Remington Law Enforcement showed off its latest AR-15 rifle, the R4 New Mexico, a rifle made for a law enforcement agency located in the state of the same name. “Oh, another AR,” I thought. “Uh-huh.” I didn’t yawn. Yet, the truth is, it’s pretty tough for me to get excited about yet another AR in a firearms world (and market) already awash in AR-15s.

But something in the New Mexico’s spec sheet did catch my attention: a barrel twist rate of 1:7.

I regularly use the .223 Rem./5.56mm for deer and hog hunting and have taken a good number of each animal with the round, including a 310-pound West Texas boar. The AR-15 will do the job—but not if you’re flinging 45-grain varmint loads out of the barrel.

For deer- and hog-sized game, I find solid bullets between 62 and 79 grains work best. But these heavier, longer bullets require barrels with a twist rate of 1:7—not the 1:8 and 1:9 that tend to be the norm—needing the faster twist rate to stabilize. You can fire these stouter bullets in barrels with 1:8 and 1:9 twist rates, but they are less accurate; in some cases, I’ve had these bullets tumble in flight, leaving keyholes in paper targets.

So, because of that 1:7 twist rate, I took a closer look at the New Mexico, liked what I saw, and asked Remington for a production unit for testing and evaluation. The rifle arrived in December 2016.

Ready to Hunt
The New Mexico comes standard with Troy Battle Sights, front and rear. I removed them and installed an optic on the rifle, a new EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm, a compact, first focal plane scope with an illuminated BDC reticle.

I was leaving for a hunt soon and wanted to take the New Mexico, so my initial time with the rifle was simply getting used to it and zeroing it for the hunt. Zeroing was very easy, first at 50 yards and then onto the 100-yard targets. Within a few shots, I was placing rounds at or near the bullseye.

The hunt consisted of five days in the Mississippi Delta, mostly from enclosed stands. I did a good deal of walking to the various stands, toting the New Mexico on a two-point sling. The rifle was an easy carry at about 6.5 pounds, and its compact size made it a nice fit inside the stands.

It rained over half the time, and the Mississippi Delta was a regular mud fest. So I hunted with a wet and muddy rifle more often than not, and that provided a good, if unintended, field test for the hard-coat black anodized finish on the receivers and the barrel’s manganese phosphate parkerized finish. Wet or muddy, all the New Mexico required was a quick wipe down and it was ready to go. I found no rust anywhere on the outside of the rifle, even after being home a couple weeks and (having forgotten to care for the rifle) finding it in a gun case with dried mud splattered from flash hider to the front half of the handguard.

I took two deer with the New Mexico, one at 212 yards, the other at 242 yards. Both were whitetail does, right around 100 pounds each, and both dropped to through-and-through lung shots. I was impressed with the rifle’s accuracy and utility as a hunting weapon.

At the Range
Back home in Wisconsin, I took the New Mexico to the range for a more thorough examination. For accuracy testing, I selected three brands of .223 Rem. ammunition: Federal Premium Vital-Shok with a 62-grain Trophy Bonded tip; Fusion MSR and its 62-grain solid bullet; and Remington Hog Hammer, launching a 62-grain Barnes TSX bullet.

I also brought along a couple .223 Rem. ammo brands loaded with lighter bullets to see how these performed, too.

I shot from a sandbagged rest at 100 yards, outside; the temperature stayed right at 38 degrees Fahrenheit, with no breeze, and an overcast sky.
My very best four-shot group came in at 0.54 inch (measured with my Tool Shop electronic calipers) using the Fusion MSR. The best five-shot group was 0.61 inch with the Remington Hog Hammer.

After I was done with the various 62-grain loads, I also tried out Hornady’s Superformance with a 53-grain V-MAX bullet and pegged five-shot groups of 0.80 and 1.53 inches. Horandy’s Full Boar load with a 50-grain GMX bullet produced 0.95- and 1.20-inch groupings.

From beginning to end, accuracy was outstanding, and I was most impressed with the last two groups with the Hornady Full Boar. By this point, I had fired over 120 rounds through a barrel that hadn’t been cleaned by me, ever. The barrel itself was hot enough to blister the skin. I was nearly two hours into the evaluation, so I wasn’t at my sharpest, either. And the very last five-shoot groups were still right around 1 inch. That’s some accuracy from a semi-automatic rifle with a 16-inch barrel.

In all the shooting I did—hunting and at the range—I never had a jam, a failure to fire or a failure to extract. The bolt stayed open at the end of every magazine.

The trigger is standard Mil-Spec, but at the higher quality end of Mil-Spec. I’ve used other Mil-Spec triggers that felt like a small file being pulled across sandpaper. Not so here. The trigger on the New Mexico snaps off very cleanly and pops back into the firing position quickly, with little to no overtravel. Some may still want to install an after-market trigger, and that’s fine, but most shooters will do fine without that addition.

LE Roots, All-Around Versatility
Remington Law Enforcement (LE) made the New Mexico on a contract with the New Mexico State Patrol after that agency did its own extensive testing with several AR’s.

“They wanted the reliability and the heart of the Mil-Spec AR-15 platform,” said Robin Eaves, of the Remington LE Division’s sales department. “But they wanted it to be lighter and slimmer than many of the ARs currently on the market —more of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ AR for a police force made up of hundreds of individual troopers.”

Much of that was achieved with the use of the SSK 12 mid-length Keymod rail system made by Midwest Industries, plus a Magpul Slim line stock and grip. Other features include a 16-inch M4 profile barrel, made of 4150 CMV steel. The chamber and bore are chrome lined, and the full-auto-rated bolt carrier group has a properly staked gas key. The New Mexico uses a carbine-length, direct impingement gas system and a low-profile gas block.

The 1:7 barrel twist, Eaves noted, is the current Mil-Spec for U.S. military AR carbines. Of course, military specifications have changed over the years. During the Vietnam War, the Mil-Spec barrel twist for the 16 was 1:12. As the services went to larger, heavier bullets, that twist rate changed, and currently, Mil-Spec barrel twist rate is, you guessed it, 1:7.

Though the New Mexico was made for law enforcement, anyone can purchase the rifle as long as they go through a Law Enforcement firearms dealer or distributor. LE officers can buy a New Mexico at a substantial discount. Eaves added that other LE agencies are now looking at the New Mexico as their duty rifle, too.

For law enforcement, hunting or recreational shooting, a shooter will find a very accurate and extremely reliable rifle in the New Mexico. It’s a rifle that will protect an officer on duty, punch paper and bring home the wild bacon (or venison), too.

Specifications

Remington New Mexico
Type: Semi-auto, direct impingement gas
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington
Gas System: Carbine-length system
Receivers: Mil-Spec, forged upper and lower, hard-coat black anodized
Barrel: 16 in., 4150 CMV steel, manganese phosphate parkerized finish
Trigger: Single-stage Mil-Spec duty trigger
Length: 33.25-36.25 in.
Weight: 6.5 lbs. (approx)
Handguard: Midwest Industries SSK 12 mid-length KeyMod rail
Stock: Magpul SL
Grip: Magpul SL grip
Sights: Troy Industries front and rear Folding Battle Sights
Capacity: 30 rounds
Price: Non-LE buyers – $1,715; LE customers – $1,299
Manufacturer: Remington Law Enforcement

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the May 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Video: The Striking New Remington 783 Walnut Edition

Gun Digest Editors

June 5, 2017

Decked out with a classy new stock and enhanced for accuracy, the Remington 783 Walnut Edition has everything shooters look for in a rifle, including a price that can’t be beat.

Remington seemed to hit a sweet spot with the release of the Model 783 a few years back. A true workingman’s bolt-action, the rifle provided excellent accuracy for almost any practical shooting situation, at a price that came nowhere near breaking the bank. And as Gun Digest editor Luke Hartle discovers in the above video, Big Green has added another facet to the versatile entry-level line of guns – a touch of class.

As the name implies, the Remington 783 Walnut Edition finds the rifle decked out in an attractive stick of American Walnut. As Remington’s John Fink explains, this is quite a break from the status quo. Up to this point, the 783’s stock has been strictly a synthetic affair. But the Walnut Edition’s striking good looks isn’t the only reason why the rifle might be worth a look.

Fink points out a number of simple, yet desirable features that enhance the accuracy potential of the 783 Walnut Edition, from the robust and stiff action to the meaty and rigid magnum-contour barrel. On top of that, Remington is also offering a package deal on the rifle, complete with a Vortex Crossfire 3-9x40mm scope. Best of all, as a stand alone rifle or decked out with an optic, the Remington 783 Walnut Edition comes in under $600.

Learn more about this striking new Remington rifle in the above video and check out more great gun reviews and shooting tips at Gun Digest’s YoutTube Channel.

Review: Springfield Armory SAINT Rifle

Drew Warden

June 5, 2017

The new Springfield Armory SAINT is a feature-packed rifle at an affordable price designed for honest Americans looking to defend their legacies.

Most people familiar with the Springfield Armory brand, or with the firearms industry as a whole, know that the company built a name for itself, at least initially, with its production of classic designs like the M1911 and the M14, which it produced in a commercial variant as the M1A. The M1A was synonymous with Springfield Armory ever since its official founding in 1974, just six years after the U.S. Government closed the original Springfield Armory, which had been in service as a federal armory since George Washington ordered its creation almost 200 years prior in 1777.

The American manufacturer has diversified its handgun offerings since its inception. It introduced the XD series back in 2001, and it has brought out many different versions of the XD in the following years, as well as a number of 1911 variants. However, on the rifle side of production, the M1A has still been pretty much the only horse in Springfield’s stable.

At least, this was the case until November 1, 2016, when the company revealed its new Springfield Armory SAINT, an AR-style carbine, to the public. This represented the manufacturer’s first-ever AR-15 to be developed and produced for the civilian market, and despite the sea of other black rifles available and the vast number of new and existing firearm manufacturers jumping into the AR market in recent years, the SAINT certainly made a splash, with shooting blogs and websites of all stripes carrying the news of Springfield’s latest creation.

An Improved AR
A few weeks ahead of the SAINT’s official launch in November, Springfield Armory held an event in Las Vegas where it revealed the rifle to a group of gun writers and industry media. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance and was able to get a firsthand look at the new SAINT and to shoot it extensively.

Upon first glance, the rifle looks very similar to other entry-level ARs on the market. And the SAINT’s retail price of $899 certainly positions it in, or very near, that category. However, Springfield has made some nice changes to the base AR with the SAINT, which elevates it from a lot of other ARs out there.

One of the most important improvements Springfield made was its decision to use a mid-length direct impingement gas system instead of the traditional carbine-length system found on most base-model ARs. The mid-length system has typically been a smoother experience than the carbine length, and this certainly felt true on the soft-shooting SAINT. The choice of a mid-length system also allows the shooter to use a longer handguard as well, which is helpful if you’re like me and prefer to place your support hand farther forward on the forend than standard handguards permit.

Speaking of handguards, another change Springfield Armory has implemented with the SAINT is to use furniture from Bravo Company Manufacturing instead of the typical GI-style furniture found on most entry-level guns. The handguard on the SAINT is Bravo Company’s new PKMT Handguard, a slim-profile, polymer handguard with KeyMod attachment points. This handguard was developed and produced exclusively for the SAINT, but was slated to become available as one of Bravo Company’s aftermarket accessories a little while after the 2017 SHOT Show.

The PKMT has a relatively comfortable, smooth feel in the hand, and while it’s not quite as long as I would prefer, it did have a nice hand stop built into the polymer design, which helped keep me from sliding my hand too far forward and making contact with the barrel. Overall, it was a dramatic improvement over the standard M4 handguard.

Other Bravo Company additions include the manufacturer’s Mod 3 pistol grip, BCM Gunfighter stock and BCM Gunfighter oversized trigger guard. The Mod 3 grip has a good feel, being adequately textured for positive retention and featuring a reduced angle that improves ergonomics. Aesthetically, the adjustable BCM Gunfighter stock has a great appearance and, once adjusted to your desired length, fits the shoulder well; however, to me, making adjustments seemed more difficult than with the standard GI-style six-position stock or many of the other aftermarket stocks on the market. While I didn’t really get to test the SAINT with gloves, an enlarged trigger guard always seems like a good idea for those users who will.

The receivers on the new Springfield Armory SAINT are both type III hard-anodized aircraft-grade 7075 T6 aluminum. The flat top upper receiver comes equipped with a forward assist and M4 feed ramps, while the lower features Springfield Armory’s proprietary Accu-Tite Tension System, which consists of a nylon-tipped tension set screw that tightens the fit between upper and lower to remove any play that might exist. The SAINT also has an M16 bolt carrier group with a Carpenter 158 steel shot-peened and magnetic particle inspected bolt for more reliable function and a properly staked gas key.

The Springfield Armory SAINT features a 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO and utilizes a 1:8 twist. The 5.56 NATO chambering obviously permits shooters to use both standard 5.56 NATO loads and the host of .223 Remington hunting, personal defense and target loads available to shooters. The 1:8 twist also helps in this endeavor, being a compromise between the faster 1:7 and the slower 1:9 rates, and which allows it to adequately stabilize a wide array of bullets ranging from those in the 50-grain range up to the heavier 70- and 80-grain bullets. As an added bonus, the barrel’s chamber, bore and external surfaces receive a Melonite finish for increased durability.

The trigger on the SAINT is a proprietary design from Springfield that’s a GI-style trigger, which has been enhanced with a Nickel-Boron coating for a smoother, less-gritty pull than is often found with standard factory AR triggers. The rifle also utilizes a heavier “H” tungsten buffer in its buffer assembly that helps reduce wear and tear on internal components and improves upon the SAINT’s already light recoil. Sights on the SAINT consist of a GI-style “F” height front sight that is adjustable for elevation and one of Springfield Armory’s low-profile flip-up, dual aperture rear sights that’s adjustable for windage.

Potent and Practical Defender
At its heart, I firmly believe the SAINT is intended, and is well suited, for use as a home defense or personal defense carbine. Based on the teasers and promotional material Springfield Armory devised for the gun’s release, it seems that’s also what the company envisioned for its use. A major emphasis of the entire event in Las Vegas, and of Springfield’s marketing efforts, was the notion of average Americans of all sorts “Defending their Legacies.” As such, the Springfield Armory SAINT is not expressly intended for the “tacticool” crowd or hardcore hunters. Rather, it’s a simple, easy-to-use AR with excellent features for the money that can be used for protection of home or person.

To that end, at the event in Las Vegas, the writers in attendance were able to put the new Springfield Armory SAINT through its paces with a Trijicon MRO — a great choice for a defensive carbine — as well as a low-powered Bushnell scope, which we used for engaging targets at more intermediate ranges. We used the MRO-equipped SAINT in a competitive challenge in which we had to engage 100 steel popper targets for time, and it performed admirably in that and during all the other shooting we did with it at the event.

Along with several other writers and industry media, I was also able to run a SAINT with Force on Force training rounds and gear through a home defense scenario put together by professional firearms trainer Rob Pincus. It was a relatively simple scenario, but it was certainly enough to get my heart rate elevated and to affect my decision-making abilities, and it underscored Springfield’s emphasis of using the SAINT for self-defense applications.

A while after the event, Springfield sent me a sample of the SAINT for review. The SAINT ran flawlessly during my time in Vegas with it, so I was pretty sure it would do so again in my independent testing, but I did want to see what kind of accuracy it was capable of producing, something I was not able to do at the event itself.

For accuracy testing, I chose to equip the Springfield Armory SAINT with the recent Tango 6 3-18x44mm scope from SIG’s relatively new Electro-Optics line. It’s a great mid- to long-range scope that features a first focal plane reticle with illuminated ¼ MOA milling marks and comes with SIG’s LockDown Zero System turrets.

In my testing, I used five different loads to gauge performance, all .223 Remington loads: HPR’s 55-grain FMJ, Hornady’s new American Gunner 55-grain HP and BLACK 62-grain FMJ, Aguila Ammunition’s 55-grain FMJ and SIG Sauer’s Elite Performance 77-grain OTM Match. I measured velocities with a Competition Electronics ProChrono Chronograph from Brownells placed about 10 feet from the muzzle. Accuracy data was produced from three, five-shot groups taken at 100 yards from a Caldwell Matrix shooting rest, also from Brownells.

The HPR 55-grain FMJ load produced the best average group at 1.41 inches. It also scored the best group overall at 1.07 inches. The Hornady American Gunner 55-grain HP load was close behind, with an average group of 1.44 inches and a best group of 1.09. Before I pulled one of the shots, a four-shot cluster in one of the American Gunner groups measured 0.74 inch. And the 77-grain SIG Sauer load was right at its heels with an average group size of 1.47 inches.

Overall, the SAINT’s accuracy was about what I anticipated. It wasn’t stunningly accurate, but it was plenty capable for a defensive carbine — accuracy that I’d feel comfortable with in a defensive scenario at close to intermediate ranges.

The SAINT’s proprietary Nickel-Boron-coated, GI-style trigger I think certainly makes a difference. I’ve shot some less-than-stellar GI triggers in entry-level ARs, and the SAINT’s felt like a definite improvement. Even if the pull weight remains the same, the added smoothness with the Nickel-Boron coating seems to help.

Parting Shots
In a crowded market of black rifles, particularly at the entry level, the new Springfield Armory SAINT manages to stand out from the rest. With its mid-length gas system, Bravo Company furniture, Nickel-Boron coated trigger, heavier buffer tube and other improved features — not to mention its sub-$900 MSRP — the SAINT represents an excellent value to potential buyers.

I believe Springfield envisioned the SAINT as sort of an everyman’s defensive carbine, and based on my experiences with the rifle, it has largely succeeded in that endeavor. The SAINT has most of the things a shooter could want in a serious self-defense carbine, and it’s available at a very competitive price.

It has taken a while for Springfield to finally jump into the AR game, but it has done so in dramatic fashion and with a product that I’m certain will prove itself worthy in the coming years.

Specifications:

Springfield Armory SAINT
Type: Semi-auto, direct impingement gas
Gas System: Mid-length system
Barrel: 16 in., 1:8 twist, Melonite finish
Overall Length: 32.25-35.5 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 11 oz.
Receivers: 7075 T6 aluminum, hard anodized, Accu-Tite Tension System (lower)
Trigger: Springfield proprietary Nickel-Boron-coated single-stage trigger
Sights: A2-style front post; flip-up, dual aperture rear
Grip: BCM Mod. 3
Handguard: BCM PKMT KeyMode
Stock: BCM Gunfighter, six position
Capacity: 30 rounds
Price: $899
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory; Springfield-Armory.com

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the May 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Review: Uberti 1875 Top Break No. 3

Doug Larson

June 1, 2017

The Uberti 1875 Top Break No. 3 is a working replica of the famous Schofield revolver. It’s a faithful rendition and great fun to shoot.

Shooters are fortunate to live now because they have not only modern, state-of-the-art guns to shoot for recreation – and self defense – but also because they have access to guns from the past. Some very old guns that were manufactured over 100 years ago are still working and being used today for hunting and to protect the homestead, but they are not common. Use and neglect over the years eventually wears them out.

Those who know and shoot the old guns have an enjoyment of the shooting sports that others sadly miss. Shooting them slows the pace and creates an appreciation of the workmanship and old technology inherent in the vintage pieces. And shooting them gives the shooter an insight into the challenges faced by those of the past who used those guns – guns that were modern in their day – for serious pursuits like putting meat on the table or protecting themselves and loved ones from evil-doers.

Not everyone has access to a real antique, but some companies like A. Uberti of Italy make working replicas of the old guns that are very nearly identical to the originals. Much of the demand for these guns comes from participants in Single Action Shooting Society matches, but a great number are sold to people who appreciate the old designs and want to experience shooting them.

Made with modern equipment, Uberti’s 1875 Top Break No. 3 2nd Model is very close to the original Schofield revolver from the mid-1870s. The most notable feature of the No. 3 is the top break design that permitted the simultaneous ejection of all fired cases from the cylinder. When the latch was manipulated and the barrel and cylinder pivoted away from the frame and grip, the ejector was activated.

All the cases being ejected at the same time with one motion made reloading under stress faster than with a Single Action Army. Hopeful for a government contract, Smith & Wesson submitted the No. 3 to the Army Ordnance Board for testing, and while the board liked it, a centerfire version was requested to replace the original .44 Henry rimfire chambering. So S&W offered the gun in .44/100, which eventually became known as the .44 American, as well as .44 Henry.

Eventually, Major George Schofield, serving with the 10th Cavalry in Kansas, learned of the No. 3 and became S&W’s sales agent for Colorado and Kansas. He then later made some design changes and was granted patents that included a different latch and an improved extraction system.

The original latch was pushed up to operate, which is very difficult to do with one hand while holding the gun and riding a horse. Schofield’s latch was pulled backwards and down, requiring only one hand, making it easier for a mounted trooper to operate. Even though the Army adopted the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) in .45 Colt instead, Schofield kept pushing the Army to try his Schofield design and finally persuaded it to buy 3,000. Other purchases followed that initial one, but the SAA was still the main service handgun.

Two versions of the Schofield were made, the 1st and 2nd models. There were some minor mechanical differences, but the main difference was that the latch on the 1st model had a smooth top surface and, on the 2nd, had a knurled one for better purchase.

The Schofield required a different cartridge than the SAA due to the length of the cylinder chambers and the extraction method. So the Army approved what was essentially a modified .45 Colt cartridge for the Schofield and called it the .45 S&W Schofield. Both rounds could be fired in the SAA, but the .45 Colt could not be fired in the Schofield. This is probably what caused the Schofield to eventually be set aside by the Army in favor of the SAA.

By 1880, the Schofields were declared surplus by the Army and were sold to the civilian market. Wells, Fargo & Company bought many of them and shortened the 7-inch barrels to 5 inches. Many individuals also carried Model No. 3s, making them very popular in the Old West, and several notables, including Jesse James and Buffalo Bill, carried them.

The sample 1875 Top Break No. 3 is closest in design to the 2nd model Schofield because of the serrated latch. The barrel, cylinder and frame are very nicely finished in a lustrous blue, and the hammer, trigger guard, ejector lever and latch are nicely color case hardened with good amber, brown and blue coloring in interesting patterns.

The front blade sight, which is pinned to the barrel, appears to be made of brass. The rear sight is a V notch cut into the top of the latch, and while not easily acquired by today’s standards, the sights did work and were regulated to the point of impact. Glare off the front and rear sight may cause some difficulty in aiming if the light source is in the right – or wrong – place. The gun has a 7-inch barrel, but various barrel lengths are available depending on the model selected.

The hammer has a broad spur that is checkered after a fashion but provides a slip-resistant surface for cocking. There are four hammer positions. After pulling the trigger, the hammer is all the way forward at rest with the integral firing pin protruding from the breech face. Pulling the hammer back to the first click withdraws the firing pin, but the cylinder remains locked. Another click back unlocks the cylinder so that it rotates freely. In either one of the first two partially cocked positions, the latch can be activated and the barrel and cylinder rotated down to eject the shells. The fully cocked hammer position is all the way back and is self-explanatory.

When the latch is pulled backwards and down, the barrel and cylinder pivot down, and at the same time, the ejector is raised away from the cylinder, ejecting the cartridges. Continuing to rotate the barrel down allows the ejector to snap back into the cylinder, allowing fresh cartridges to be inserted. Once loaded, the barrel can be pushed up and locked into place. When doing so, the shooter must pay attention that, for safety reasons, an empty chamber rests and is locked in place beneath the hammer. That may require cocking the hammer and while restraining it, allowing it to go forward on an empty chamber.

The walnut grip panels, or stocks, on the test gun were nicely executed with a dull, oil type finish, which afforded a solid grip while shooting. The trigger broke cleanly at a little more than 4 pounds after some slight creep. The fluted cylinder held six rounds of .38 Special, but the gun is also available in .45 Colt, .44 Russian and .44-40.

The S&W Model No. 3 was the first American made large-frame revolver built specifically to shoot self-contained metallic cartridge ammunition. It has a rich history despite the small production numbers, and shooting a replica brings to mind a time when things moved more slowly and self-reliance was more highly valued.

For more information, visit Uberti.com or contact Stoeger Industries at 800-264-4962.

Specifications:

Uberti 1875 Top Break No. 3
Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel Length: 7 in.
Overall Length: 12.5 in.
Weight: 3 lbs.
Stock/Grip: Walnut
Sights: Fixed rear notch and front blade
Action: Single action, break open
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 6
Price: $1,079

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the January 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

How To: Normal Suppressor Maintenance

Patrick Sweeney

June 1, 2017

Suppressor maintenance is a must, but overall the process of keeping a can polished and in working order is simple.

For a sealed suppressor, all you really have to do, and then only if it is a QC/QA design, is brush the mounting system clean between uses. That way it will always tighten onto the muzzle aligned with the bore, and to the same spot.

User-serviceable suppressors, on the other hand, are another situation. And the user-serviceable ones are made that way for a reason.

The typical user-serviceable suppressor is a rimfire or pistol-caliber can. Some rifle-caliber suppressors are made to be disassemble-able, but most of them are rimfire or pistol cans. And there’s a good reason for that.

Rimfire suppressors in particular can have a great deal of build-up. You really can’t shoot a rimfire handgun or rifle enough in one session to heat up the suppressor sufficiently to burn out the residue. If you could, the (typically) aluminum construction would complain. And .22 LR ammo is really, really grubby. As a result, a rimfire suppressor builds up an incredible amount of gunk inside.

The usual manufacturer’s recommendation is to disassemble and clean a rimfire suppressor after each 500 rounds fired. If you don’t, you can easily build up enough residue inside that you essentially carbon-weld the suppressor together. If you get too much build-up, the force needed to unscrew the end caps can exceed the strength of the aluminum, or the threads. Or your wrench makes a mess of the wrench flats so carefully machined into the end caps.

Suppressor Maintenance — This is what happens when you shoot a pistol-caliber suppressor and never clean it. The baffles get choked with residue.

Pistol-caliber suppressors can have the same problem, which is why you really don’t want to be using lead bullets, cast or swaged, through a suppressor. You can build up enough powder and lead residue that you seize the assembly. Oh, it will still work, but once you can’t take it apart, you can’t clean out the build-up and it will gradually get heavier and less effective as a suppressor.

The end result isn’t great, but it can be enough to notice. If you have, for example, a full-packed 9mm suppressor and a brand-new one of the same model, you can tell the packed one is heavier just by hefting the two, side by side. And it will be noticeably, albeit marginally, less quiet.

So you want to clean the ones you can clean.

Scrubbing a fired suppressor is straightforward, but messy. After all, you have both end caps, the tube, and if it is a baffle stack, 5, 6 or 7 baffles. If it’s a monocore, you have a framework tube that has a dozen grubby surfaces. The big problem here is the mess. If you are used to cleaning a much-fired pistol, you can scrub the bore, and scrape and wipe out the packed powder residue in the slide and on the frame. A pistol-caliber suppressor is like that, except there is something like 10 times as much surface that has collected residue.

Back when I was a gunsmith, I had a love-hate relationship with the parts cleaning tank. I suspect all gunsmiths do, or have had.

The cleaning tank is simple – a basin or sink, with a tank under it holding cleaning solvent, usually mineral spirits, and a pump. The drains drain down to the bottom of the tank, and the tank has water in the bottom, and the pump pumps cleaning solvent off the layer of mineral spirits that float on top. (Mineral spirits, being a hydrocarbon, are less dense than water, and float on top as a layer.) The water acts as a filter, and the grubby stuff gets separated.

It works, and you can scrub guns more-or-less-clean pretty quickly. But it is messy, and the compressed air you use to blow the parts dry sprays solvent (and the grub still in the solvent) all over the place. And, you end the workday smelling of mineral spirits. After a few months, you really don’t want to look inside the barrel, because the slime down there, cleaned off of guns, is enough to make you go pale.

As bad as it got, and as much as I came to loathe the parts cleaning tank, it sure would come in handy now that I’ve got a steady supply of suppressors I’m testing.

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from Gun Digest Book of Suppressors.

Video: The Short and Stout Remington 870 Tac-14

Gun Digest Editors

May 31, 2017

The Remington 870 Tac-14 arms shooters with a maneuverable and wicked smoothbore without any of the headache of complying with the NFA.

To say the Remington 870 is ubiquitous is an understatement. The shotgun has filled every role, from top-notch fowling piece to rough-and-ready combat arm. But the tried-and-true pump-action shotgun is undertaking a completely new role this year — a non-NFA firearm. The Remington 870 Tac-14 takes the shotgun’s 3-inch magnum receiver and mates it with a 14-inch barrel and a Shockwave birds head Raptor pistol grip to make a short, wicked and maneuverable smoothbore. When it comes to home defense or personal defense, it’s hard to argue against a tool like this.

The new gun’s technical classification with the ATF is a firearm — not a NFA-regulated short-barreled shotgun — given its overall length and the fact it never had a buttstock, instead boasting a factory-installed pistol grip. By ATF definition, a shotgun is “designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder…” These details allow Remington and other manufacturers to save shooters the headaches of paperwork, wait times and taxes.

Gun Digest Digital Editor Luke Hartle gets a rundown on the Tac-14’s features from Remington’s Daniel Cox at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the above video. And as Hartle discovers, there’s plenty to love about the scattergun, above and beyond its compact size.

Learn more about the Remington 870 Tac-14 in the above video and get more great gun reviews and shooting tips at Gun Digest’s YouTube channel.

Video: New Bushnell Engage Binoculars

Gun Digest Editors

May 31, 2017

If you’re in the market for top-notch ‘tactical’ optics, you might not need to look further than the new Bushnell Engage Binoculars. Long on features and durably constructed, these binos will help shooters find their target in any conditions or distance.

The more time you spend afield, the more you appreciate the need for high-performance optics … from binoculars to riflescopes. Cheap glass simply doesn’t cut it in low-light conditions, when the hunt is on the line, or you’re looking down the barrel at a steel plate that’s a long, long way off.

With the addition of the new Engage line, Binoculars for Hunting from Bushnell are set to arm shooters of every stripe with an optic they need to excel. The new binos come in four configurations from 8x42mm to 12x50mm and are loaded with features, as Bushnell’s Steve Smith explains in the above video.

Unveiled at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, the Bushnell Engage Binoculars are backed with the all-weather assurance of Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier that repels dirt, debris, oil and moisture. And they feature fully multi-coated optics to offer maximum brightness and clarity and a lightweight and rugged chassis. To boot, ED Prime Glass ensures razor-sharp images, while the PC-3 Phase Coating enhances resolution and contrast.

Learn more about Bushnell Engage Binoculars in the above video and get more great gun reviews and shooting tips at Gun Digest’s YouTube channel.

New Grand Power Q100 Now Shipping

Elwood Shelton

May 31, 2017

The Grand Power Q100 isn’t just another striker-fired, polymer pistol. Utilizing an uncommon action, this Eastern European Gem is a real smooth shooter.

Grand Power, just the mere mention of the name conjures up thoughts of “Who exactly?” I guess flying under the radar is part and parcel of being a Slovakian firearms maker.

Despite its svelte profile, the manufacturer has steadily built a reputation of producing firearms that offer a lot in terms of performance, especially for the money. And with the help of Eagle Imports, the Eastern European gunmaker is shooting to tackle what could be considered one of the toughest nuts to crack in the U.S. gun market — striker-fired pistols.

Yes, the Grand Power Q100 is another one of those black-finished handguns long on polymer. But, with that said, the 15+1 capacity pistol definitely breaks the cookie cutter mold and offers shooters quite a different option than what they’ve grown accustom to from this segment. What sets the 9mm apart is the use of a rarely used locking system that imparts the pistol with some desirable qualities.

Unlike the modified Browning tilt-barrel design, the action utilizes a rotating barrel lock, which keeps the muzzle on the same axis throughout the entirety of the shot. A cutout on the barrel provides the rotating motion in conjunction with a roller bearing in the frame that disengages its two locking lugs through the energy of the recoil. Opting for this particular design has allowed Grand Power to lower the Q100’s bore axis, keeping it more in line with the shooter’s arm, thus reducing the felt recoil of the pistol. It also increases the accuracy potential by eliminating vertical play in the barrel.

The rotating barrel lock is an atypical, but not new, concept developed by Czech firearms engineer Karel Krnka. There are several other gunmakers who use the design besides Grand Power, though it’s fair to say this style of action is uncommon overall.

The 4.3-inch barreled Q100 is a full-sized pistol, tipping the scales at 26.1 ounces. But with 1.4-inch width, it should still be a manageable concealed carry option for those comfortable with holstering a larger pistol.

The Grand Power Q100 is outfitted with a CNC machined chassis embedded into its polymer frame. All of its controls — magazine release, slide release — are ambidextrous. It has drift-adjustable steel rear sights and a plastic blade front. It comes with four interchangeable handgrips, to help the fit conform to any shooter. And it is has an integral Picatinny rail for the easy addition of accessories.

Perhaps one of the most eye-catching features of the pistol is its price tag. With an MSRP of $574, it is competitive with the entire striker-fired market.

Specifications:

Grand Power Q100
Caliber: 9 mm
Action: DAO
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.3″
Front Sight: Plastic
Rear Sight: Drift-Adjustable Steel
Finishes: Black
Grips: Polymer Construction: Steel Slide, Steel Frame, Polymer Grip
Safety: Firing pin and trigger
Weight: 26.1 oz.
Length: 8″
Height: 5.3″
Width: 1.4″
MSRP: $574.00

IWI USA Galil ACE GAP556SB Now Shipping

Elwood Shelton

May 30, 2017

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

Colt Competition Pistol Line Now Uses Series 70 Firing System

Elwood Shelton

May 30, 2017

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.

Review: Mossberg’s MVP Scout Rifle

Eric Conn

May 25, 2017

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.

Mossberg MVP Scout review - 3 — 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.

Mossberg MVP Scout review - 2 — 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

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the Fall 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Review: New Savage A22 Rimfire Rifle

Jon R. Sundra

May 25, 2017

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 of the company's rifles, the Savage A22 comes with the AccuTrigger. — 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 Savage A22. — 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.

Editor’s Note: This article is from the Spring 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Ammo: Choosing the Right Bullet Design

Philip Massaro

May 24, 2017

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.

External Ballistics — 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.

Bullet Design evaluation. — (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.

Bullet Design — 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.

Even an older bullet design has its place. — 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.

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the Big Book of Ballistics, available at GunDigestStore.com.

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GUN DIGESTWE KNOW GUNS SO YOU KNOW GUNS

Boasting a patented short-stroke gas-piston operation, the LWRCI M6IC-A5 is a rugged-built rifle ready to answer the call of duty.

Take a gander at the new CZ-USA pistols hitting the market this year, including the gunmaker’s heralded new striker-fired P-10.

The Ruger American Rimfire Stainless rifle is a fetching firearm, configured to thrive in the roughest conditions.

Decked out with a classy new stock and enhanced for accuracy, the Remington 783 Walnut Edition has everything shooters look for in a rifle, including a price that can’t be beat.

The new Springfield Armory SAINT is a feature-packed rifle at an affordable price designed for honest Americans looking to defend their legacies.

The Uberti 1875 Top Break No. 3 is a working replica of the famous Schofield revolver. It’s a faithful rendition and great fun to shoot.

Suppressor maintenance is a must, but overall the process of keeping a can polished and in working order is simple.

The Remington 870 Tac-14 arms shooters with a maneuverable and wicked smoothbore without any of the headache of complying with the NFA.

If you’re in the market for top-notch ‘tactical’ optics, you might not need to look further than the new Bushnell Engage Binoculars. Long on features and durably constructed, these binos will help shooters find their target in any conditions or distance.

The Grand Power Q100 isn’t just another striker-fired, polymer pistol. Utilizing an uncommon action, this Eastern European Gem is a real smooth shooter.

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 Colt Competition Pistol line will now come outfitted with Series 70 firing systems, making the trigger pull that much snappier.

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.

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.

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