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Weatherby on Target with Vanguard Adaptive Composite Rifle
Weatherby has been churning out rifles for 72 years, with many of its long guns reaching icon status. The venerable Mark V and other tried-and-true models have trudged after moose in Canada’s great north woods, chased gazelle across Africa’s endless veldt and collected their fair share of American whitetails.
The California gunmaker's relentless pursuit of quality, wrapped up in handsome burled walnut and rosewood has served them well. But in recent history, Weatherby has turned its studied eye and manufacturing prowess to another, fast-growing corner of the firearms market.
Precision tactical bolt-actions have grown in popularity as more non-hunters have joined the shooting world. In response, the West Coast company has started to make a marked turn the past two years to rifles meant to print sub-MOA cloverleaf groupings from a country mile.
Weatherby’s most recent offering in this niche is the Vanguard Adaptive Composite rifle. This is the manufacturer’s third tactical bolt-action and the second in the Vanguard line of rifles, joining the Vanguard Modular Chassis and Mark V Tacmark. And the rifle — available in .223 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. — appears to have the features that should raise the eyebrows of the precision minded.
The heart of the VAC is its composite target stock, featuring a push-button system that makes tailoring the dimensions of the rifle a snap. The stock is fully adjustable, allowing 1.25 inches of play in the length of pull, as well as fully modifiable drop at comb and heel. These are key adjustments for shooters to intuitively shoulder a rifle and hold it on target with a minimum of movement.
The stock features a widened forend, allowing shooters to build a more solid rest when taking a shot. And it has a full vertical grip with rubberized panels to ensure a strong, positive grip, thus, more control over the rifle.
Weatherby has opted for its heavier No. 3 contour barrel for the VAC, 20 inches in length for every caliber. It has also threaded the muzzle, allowing for the quick addition of a suppressor. The .223 Rem., has a ½-28 thread pitch, while the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win., both have 5/8-24 pitch — which opens the rifle, regardless of caliber, to a great selection of suppressors.
Weatherby has outfitted the VAC with its Vanguard action, which has a one-piece machined bolt body, fully enclosed bolt sleeve and dual front-locking lugs. The rifle features the company’s two-stage adjustable trigger, which can be dialed down to 2.5 pounds.
As far as MSRP, the gun presently has a price tag of $1,269 from the factory — cheaper once at the gun store. This is not a bad deal in the world of precision rifles, which can quickly tax a shooter's wallet. Only time will tell if long-range marksmen and tactical enthusiasts make Weatherby’s VAC as popular as the company’s previous offerings.
VANGUARD ADAPTIVE COMPOSITE (VAC) Specs
Calibers: .223 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win.
Approx. Weight: 8 3/4 lbs.
Overall Length: 39.5-40.75 inches
Magazine Capacity: .223 Rem & .308 Win 5+1; 6.5 Creedmoor 4+1
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Rifling: .223 Rem. 1-9″, 6.5 Creedmoor 1-8″, .308 Win. 1-10″
Length of Pull: 13.25-14.5
MSRP: $1,269
Firing Line Video: TruGlo TruBrite 30 Hunter
Solving the glass equation can put shooters in one heck of a conundrum. Optics, including rifle scopes, are one of the key accessories that can do more than any other piece of gear to put a shooter on target, and they’re pretty much a necessity for long guns. One of the troubles today is that a good piece of glass can cost more than the rifle it's mounted on.
What’s the uncompromising marksman to do? One great solution comes from TruGlo and a new, versatile optic that'll fit the needs of many hunters and shooters alike. The Texas-based company’s TruBrite 30 Hunter offers shooters the precision required to make the shot hit the mark, without breaking the bank along the way.
Gun Digest Editor-in-Chief Eric Conn put TruGlo’s newest piece of glass, which retails for around $100, through its paces in a recent Firing Line episode and was more than impressed.
The scope’s coated optics and 24mm objective lens produced crisp, clear and bright images, but it was its versatility that really set it apart. The TruBrite 30 Hunter is a 1-4x variable power scope, making it ideal for close- to medium-range work. This glass is dynamite, whether you're drawing a bead on a coyote or plinking away at the range.
The Weaver-style rings (included) make it a snap to mount, while ½-click MOA windage and elevation adjustments make dialing in a breeze.
Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting by Wayne van Zwoll is a complete guide for long distance shooting, and is perfect for the rifle enthusiast interested in hunting and competitive shooting. Dive into the history of snipers from the Civil War era to present, then explore how to choose the correct hardware for varying conditions. Learn what to expect from the right ammo and bullets for target, military and hunting rifles. Get Your Copy Now
The Ins and Outs of Fireforming Cases
Rimless and rebated cases are easy to fireform for Ackley chambers if the headspace is correctly set as described earlier in this chapter. You can fire factory ammunition for the parent caliber in the chamber with no ill effects. The result will be velocity slightly reduced as compared to firing the same load in a standard chamber. This loss of velocity is primarily as a result of energy being used to form the brass, secondarily because the larger volume of the improved chamber requires more powder to get the same velocity.
Rimmed or belted designs headspace on the rim or belt respectively so you can fire factory ammo and in most cases will produce good results most of the time — even though the shoulder is often blown forward. One exception would be using old fired brass: often it is too brittle and will split during fireforming. So using new unfired cases is recommended for fireforming.
If you happen to have a wildcat that requires a large amount of forming, firing factory ammo will sometimes cause an unacceptable loss of brass, resulting in split cases. This happens because the cases expand so quickly that if there is a flaw or weak spot in the brass it will pop like an overfilled balloon. One example of this would be the .219 Zipper Ackley Improved. If you experience this there are two possible solutions. Try annealing the neck and shoulder down the body to as much as half way along the body. Make sure you do not anneal the case head or the thick web area just above the head. Annealing the head will greatly reduce the case’s ability to handle pressure. Once annealed, load the cases as normal and try fireforming a few. Initially don’t load more cases than you are willing to pull bullets from.
Fireform using corn meal or “Cream of Wheat.” George Nonte, in Home Guide to Cartridge Conversions tells how to develop fireforming loads using no bullet. In Custom Cartridges Ken Howell expanded on the concept.
First insert a spent primer (for safety) in an unformed case. Fill the case with Bullseye® pistol powder to the top of the neck (DANGER, never to be fired). Then pour this charge into the pan of your powder scale and weigh the charge. Divide that amount by 10, so that 1/10 of the total volume will become your starting load. Now take that 10 percent load for your case and put it in your normally primed case. It may take some testing to get a load that fully forms the case. Tear a single sheet of toilet paper in quarters, insert one quarter as a wad over the powder charge. Now fill the rest of the case with your inert filler (corn meal, or fine ground hot cereal, etc., dry of course). You will want to place a wad of some sort over the cereal so it does not spill. Bees wax, bullet lube, or toilet paper work, it must be light enough so that the wad can be blown down the barrel without doing any damage.
You are ready to fireform a case. Keep in mind that even without a bullet these loads could be deadly, so use all normal gun safety practices. Pointing in a safe direction fire the first load. If it is not fully formed, bump your 10 percent load by one-half grain at a time until you get a fully formed case. It is possible to generate dangerous pressures if you use too much powder in these inert filler loads, so be careful. The interesting thing about this method is that it will often form cases without any loss to ruptures when a factory load will cause ruptures.
L.R. Wallack wrote this method up for American Rifleman. After describing the method he said, “I then did 10 cases with this load with no splits and all formed nicely. Such success has been practically unheard of, as anyone who has formed cases for this wildcat well knows. I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending the method.”
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from P.O. Ackley: America’s Gunsmith.
New Product: Hudson H9 Pistol
The new Hudson H9 from Hudson Mfg., a relatively new, Texas-based manufacturer, made a big splash at the SHOT Show this year. Find out more here.
Hudson Mfg., a relatively new, Texas-based manufacturer, made a pretty decent splash at the 2017 SHOT Show with its introduction of the H9 pistol. Something of a hybrid design featuring aspects of a 1911 and characteristics of modern day striker-fired pistols, the Hudson H9 drew a crowd at both the company's booth at the Industry Day at the Range and its booth on the show floor.
Released just ahead of the show, the new Hudson H9 represents Hudson Mfg.'s flagship product. It features a 1911-style, single axis, straight pull trigger but also incorporates an integrated trigger safety similar to those found on many striker-fired guns. And with a pull weight of between 4.75 and 5 pounds and only 0.115 inches of trigger travel, the gun is slated to be a capable shooter.
Another truly unique aspect of the H9's design is its profile. This can be seen clearly just in the gun's appearance, and the result of this innovative frame is a very low bore axis, which, as many shooters are aware, contributes to less perceived recoil and generally improves accuracy and precision.
The gun's frame utilizes an insert chassis and the slide is manufactured from stainless steel. The finish is black nitride, which is provided by H&M Metal Processing. These features contribute to a gun that, in addition to being very shootable, is also fairly durable.
The new Hudson H9 design is also user-adjustable, and very friendly to left-handed shooters. The gun features ambidextrous slide stop levers, as well as a reversible magazine catch for right- or left-handed use. For those who prefer a gun with a 1911-style feel, the H9's trigger can be replaced with a Hudson trigger without the integrated trigger safety, and an external thumb safety can also be added. There is no grip or backstrap safety.
Chambered in 9mm, the H9 comes equipped with a 4.28-inch barrel for an overall length of 7.625 inches. As with a 1911, the width of the H9 is fairly svelte at just 1.24 inches, and the loaded weight is 42.6 ounces.
Other features built into the new Hudson H9 include a Trijicon HD front sight, premium interchangeable VZ G10 grip panels and a textured lower backstrap designed and manufactured by Hogue. Capacity on the H9 is 15 rounds. It also incorporates an accessory rail for mounting things like a laser sight or a flashlight.
Hudson's new H9 pistol is available now with an MSRP currently listed at $1,147. For more information, check out the specs below or visit the Hudson Mfg., website.
Specifications:
Hudson H9
Type: Semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.28 in.
Overall Length: 7.625 in.
Height: 5.225 in.
Width: 1.24 in.
Weight: 36.5 oz. (empty mag), 42.6 oz. (loaded)
Trigger: 4.75-5 lbs.
Sights:Trijicon HD front, notch rear
Grips: VZ G10 interchangeable, Hogue textured lower backstrap
Finish: Black nitride
Price: $1,147
Manufacturer: Hudson Mfg.
Great Aluminum AK Handguards
Check out these great aluminum AK handguards to turn your Kalashnikov rifle into a more tactical firearm.
Although the plastic hand guards with Picatinny rails would work fine on just about any AK rifle, the thing to remember is that plastic, like any material, is subject to fatigue and stress when under load. It will break, crack, melt, chip, or disintegrate at much less stress and load parameters than metal, including aluminum.
The reason the original Russian polyamide hand guards could take more abuse is simply because they were steel-reinforced. For AK shooters who would like a more rigid mounting option that still involves the hand guards, there are several products made out of aluminum that offer just that.
Because the lack of elasticity in metal is simply the nature of the beast, almost all metal or aluminum AK hand guards require a mechanical mounting on the gun. They have to be securely bolted in place for a rigid installation because the upper part of the set that replaces the original AK upper hand guard is usually affixed to the lower hand guard with bolts. And since the lower hand guard is bolted to the gun, the aluminum hand guard system, as a general rule, offers a far better platform for mounting optical sights on the upper rail.
I have already highlighted several aluminum hand guard options in the “Mounts” section of this book, but I wanted to describe them in detail so that the reader gets a better idea how to install them and how they fit the AK rifle.
The first handguard I would like to cover is Midwest Industries’ AK47/AK74 Universal Hand guards in Quadrail. I have been using this rail and its variations for years now. It is a solid piece of equipment that once installed, will last for a long, long time.
The lower portion is rigidly attached to the barrel of the rifle and the upper part bolted to the lower. The beauty of the Midwest Industries AK hand guard system is that shooters can choose an optic specific upper instead of the 1913 rail. There are several variations to accommodate the most popular optical or collimator sights and their copies. There are several variations of the original Quadrail hand guards now that the company released over the years. All had to do with different ways to install the “mission specific” 1913 rails instead of the integrated quad rail, thus reducing the weight and size of the hand guards.
There is an SS model that smaller two-inch rail sections can be attached to using screws. The SS model was followed by the more advanced KeyMod hand guard, and later an M-LOK version.
I have tested all of these and they are good-to-go no matter which one is chosen. They all attach the same way and accept the same top covers that are interchangeable. The Midwest Industries AK47/AK74 Universal hand guards do not require any irreversible modification to the gun and can be removed and replaced at will. The AK front sling ring stays untouched. However, most of the Midwest Industries AK hand guards come with built-in QD sling attachment.
The Midwest Industries’ AK47/AK74 Universal Hand guards offer pretty good flexibility for mounting accessories on an AK. However, their longer AK47/AK74 Extended Hand guards offer even more.
Unlike the Universal hand guards the extended ones do require the permanent modification to the AK’s lower hand guard retainer. Again, it has to do with the front sling attachment that must be removed. I said it before and I will say it again: the benefits far outweigh the small mod to remove a redundant part. Apart from the standard quad rail configuration, the extended hand guards come in SS and KeyMod versions.
In addition, Midwest Industries offers several variations of their AK hand guards to fit just about any AK rifle model that is available on the market today. Having had a chance to work with these I would consider them to be second-to-none and among the absolute best AK accessories.
As I’ve mentioned before, Krebs Custom offers two types of their own AK hand guards. The Krebs Quad-Rail Fore-End for standard AK rifles is similar to aluminum hand guards with integrated Picatinny rails from other manufacturers, but with one exception: Krebs Custom has come up with a very solid attachment to the gun that does not involve the barrel.
The Krebs Quad-Rail hand guard is a very good option for an AK rifle. However, for those who don’t like the “cheese grater” effect of the quad rail hand guard, Krebs Custom has released their latest AK-U.F.M. AK hand guards. These are perhaps one of the best aluminum AK aftermarket hand guards available today. The AK-U.F.M. hand guards install on the rifle similarly to the Quad-Rail and sits solidly on the rifle. The accessory rails attaches to the hand guards with the KeyMod mounting system on the side and the bottom.
The top part of the hand guard, however, has a four-inch integrated 1913 rail. The new AK-U.F.M. AK hand guards from Krebs have rounded corners and feel just right in the shooter’s hand. The smooth and slick form makes even an ancient AK rifle look like a modern fighting carbine. The hand guards’ KeyMod system offers a necessary flexibility for mounting mission-specific accessories. The Krebs Custom’s AK-U.F.M. hand guards are definitely one of the best aluminum AK hand guard solutions available on the market today.
The last option for an aftermarket AL aluminum hand guard replacement comes from Troy Industries with their AK47 Bottom Short Rail. Troy’s rail is a one-piece replacement for a lower hand guard and works with either the AK’s original upper hand guard or an aftermarket replacement.
I have already described Troy Industries’ AK47 Top Rail as a replacement for the AK’s gas tube in the “Mounts” section of this book. Together, the top and bottom rails make a complete and very flexible hand guard mounting solution for any AK.
The Troy AK47 Bottom Rail is made entirely from aluminum. It is long enough so when installed on the gun it goes from the front of the receiver all the way forward past the gas block covering it. With the added length, this hand guard not only provide an adequate space to mount any combination of tactical implements, but it also gives the shooter more gripping surface, which AKs usually lack to begin with.
The hand guard itself is rounded in its cross section, mimicking (to the point) the longer rounded AR hand guards. The shape and length of it is conducive to improved handling of the rifle, resulting from a better grip. The necessary rail-mounting holes are provided along the entire length of the hand guard. This allows any number of rail sections in different sizes to be installed if the need arises. Although this is a longer hand guard it does not require any permanent modifications to the rifle. It installs in minutes in place of the AK original lower hand guard using the same retention system. It comes with an Allen key wrench to tighten the tension on the hand guard retaining bracket. No other tools are necessary.
There are other options that come from small and large manufacturers of AK accessories. The ones I have described above are the ones I have personal experience with. Whichever option is selected, the shooter must make sure that practicality is driving his or her decision on what accessory to use on the AK rifle.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to AKs.
Proper and Effective AK Use
Proper AK use and operation is something anyone who plans on owning one should become familiar with. Learn more about its unique operation here.
All AK-pattern rifles use a long-stroke gas-piston system of operation. The gas bled from the barrel directly impacts a long, chrome-plated steel piston that is permanently affixed to the bolt carrier and charging handle. This carries the rotating bolt, which features two locking lugs on its face. When fired, the operating rod, handle and unlocked bolt move back as one unit, improving the rifle’s reliability in field conditions.
This is nevertheless a lot of mass slamming back and forth, which can increase perceived recoil and shift point of aim, affecting accuracy. Indeed, AKs are not generally admired for their accuracy, although they are capable of achieving very good results. The effect of this system on reliability is undeniable however, and is one of the AK’s key strengths. The rifle’s inherent reliability is attributed to its design and basic method of operation. No need to look for lots of extraneous controls or ambidextrous add-ons — there aren’t any, really.
Loading and Firing
The standard AK magazine uses a staggered column design in which the cartridges sit diagonally one above the other. This maximizes the magazine capacity. The feed lip at the top of the magazine uses this staggered column system to keep the rounds in place until they are pushed forward from the rear. As a result, the opening at the top of the mag is wide enough so that rounds can be inserted straight down and will stay in place.
Unlike a pistol or single-column magazine where the rounds have to be inserted at the front and then pushed down and back under the feed lip, AK magazines load like an AR: just push the rounds straight down. This makes loading easy and allows for the use of various speedloaders — you can load the magazines from a pre-loaded 10-round stripper clip using an adaptor.
To place the magazine into the rifle, the system is very different than what American shooters are accustomed. The AK mag must by inserted by first placing the front lip inside the receiver and rocking it back so that it locks into place. This can provide a loose or tight fit, depending on the make of the rifle and magazines.
To remove the magazine, simply press forward on the paddle release behind the magazine and rock it forward and out. The mag will not simply drop free when you press the release, as it is still hooked at the front.
To load a round, make sure that the safety is in the down/off position. When the safety is in the up/on position, it blocks both the trigger and bolt handle. The right-side charging handle protrudes for easy manipulation. Pull it all the way back and release it to load the rifle. As the charging handle is attached to the bolt, it can be used as a forward assist as well. Since it is attached to the gas tube, it will reciprocate when the rifle is fired, so left-handed shooters should beware.
If you are not immediately going to fire the rifle, the safety should be engaged. The right-side safety is a simple latch that you push up to engage, down to fire. There is no bolt hold open device, and the bolt will not remain open on an empty magazine (unless you are using one of those Yugoslavian mags).
The rear sight can be adjusted for elevation using a slide mechanism. The front sight can be adjusted for elevation as well. Actually, the front sight can be adjusted for windage, too, but this requires a special tool, and it should have been at least bore-sighted at the factory, so adjustment should not be needed.
The trigger fires the gun. You squeeze it.
These are all the basic controls on a standard AK. However, some customized AKs and newer variants may include thumb-operated safeties, improved magazine releases and ambidextrous charging handles which may or may not reciprocate. Make sure to become familiar with the operation of your specific rifle.
This article is an excerpt from Gun Digest Guide to the Modern AK.
How To: Outfitting the Ultimate Reloading Bench
The way you outfit your reloading bench is as personal as the way you reload your ammunition; there’s no true right or wrong answer, so long as it works for you. Invariably, you’re going to need the basic tools to get the ammunition made properly, but there are some newer tools that will definitely make the reloader’s life easier. We’ll take a look at some great options so you can make a better, more informed decision when investing your hard-earned money.
You’ll need a reloading press, a means of trimming your brass cases to length, some reloading dies, a scale to weigh powder charges, and a means of measuring both cartridge cases and the overall length of assembled ammunition. It’d also be nice to have some form of eraser, to disassemble cartridges that may have some sort of flaw, whether it is a powder charge that is over or under the desired weight, or a bullet that is seated too deep. Let’s start with the press, as it is the heart of the operation.
Reloading Presses
There are two types of presses available to the reloader: the single-stage press and the progressive press. The progressive performs multiple operations at once, and is usually reserved for the advanced reloader, but you may want to end up owning one if you’re a high-volume pistol shooter; they can save an awful lot of time. Let me offer this piece of advice regarding a progressive press: Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time setting up and maintaining your progressive; it isn’t difficult at all to throw a progressive into a tailspin and have you dismantling the press in order to realign or clean the machine. If you’re okay with that, don’t shy away from the progressive, but be aware of the level of dedication needed to keep it running smoothly. Among the progressives, I’ve liked the RCBS ProChucker 7 and the Dillon 650; both have given repeatable and accurate results.
The single-stage is a different story altogether, in that once you get it mounted to the bench, it really doesn’t require much maintenance other than a gentle cleaning and lubrication. The beauty of the single-stage press is its simplicity, and there are a number of good models available. Undoubtedly, the RCBS RockChucker was, is, and always shall be a great value, as it offers both affordability and reliability. Holding one reloading die at a time, it is a solid piece of gear that I still have on my bench. However, Redding’s T7 turret press can be a God-send to the reloader, especially if reloading for any straight-walled cartridge in a single-stage manner. Capable of holding seven dies simultaneously, you can easily rotate the turret head to get to your flaring die or crimping die while leaving the resizing die or seating die in place, saving the time spent screwing and unscrewing dies. This press is one very solid piece of gear, and well worth the investment.
Reloading Dies
These are a necessity, and you definitely get what you pay for. I like the best dies money can buy, and I’ve come to rely on both RCBS and Redding dies, as they’ve given me the best results over the years. I’ve used other brands with varying degrees of success, but these two are what I use most. Redding is more expensive, but they have the tightest tolerances I’ve seen, and the RCBS dies offer a great value to the reloader. Both offer the really nice micrometer adjustable seating dies, allowing me to provide slight, yet precise adjustments to my ammunition.
Powder Scales
A balance beam scale is an absolute necessity on any reloader’s bench no matter how much faith you place in a digital scale. I like the industry-standard RCBS 505, and the Redding Model 2; both are reliable and sturdy. However, the digital scales are wonderful, and I like both the Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 and the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500. Neither has ever let me down. I have also come to rely heavily on the RCBS 1500 ChargeMaster combination dispenser/scale, as it throws accurate powder charges time and time again, and it saves a heck of a lot of time.
Trimmers
Keeping brass cases trimmed and prepped is a must, and you’ll need a dependable means of doing so. I like the RCBS CasePrep Station, as it allows me to dial in a precise case length, and it has a set of universal jaws that holds almost any cartridge. In one unit, I can trim, chamfer, deburr and clean the primer pocket. If you prefer to do the trimming and prep work by hand, the Lee Case Trimmer uses a steel length gauge and cutter in conjunction with a shellholder for an inexpensive, yet accurate means of trimming brass. Combine this with a Wilson dual-sided chamfer/deburring tool, and you’re set. Or, if you’d like a bit more control, pick up a Redding piloted chamfer/deburring tool for a more controlled experience.
Priming Tools
You’ll definitely need to install new primers, and while most reloading presses offer a means of priming, I prefer to use a hand primer. The Lyman E-ZEE Prime universal priming tool is a great choice, as is the RCBS Hand Priming tool; both will give that positive feel that allows for a uniform seating depth for your primers. Both models will install large and small primers. The RCBS model uses universal, spring-loaded jaws, while the Lyman model relies on the cartridge’s shell holder for priming.
Measuring Tools
A set of calipers is a definite must for any reloading bench, in order to assure your cases and assembled cartridges are of proper length. I like the RCBS electronic calipers, as they are affordable, yet give reliable measurements. This tool is easy to zero, and even easier to read, which is a nice feature for older eyes. While a micrometer would be a nice feature on the bench, a good set of dial calipers should suffice for almost all of our needs.
Erasers
Your bench needs to be equipped with a means of pulling a bullet from a cartridge case. Inertia hammers, like the one I use from Frankford Arsenal work well, but often damage the meplat of the bullet. I prefer the press-mounted RCBS Bullet Pullet, as it uses the power of your press and a caliber-specific collet to safely and neatly pull the cartridge apart without spilling powder all over. You’ll also need a method of removing a stuck cartridge case from a resizing die, and I like the RCBS Stuck Case Remover for just such an emergency; it requires only a drill and an adjustable wrench, and will save your session.
Your reloading bench can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be, but remember this: If you buy the best gear you can afford, you’ll have a much more rewarding reloading session.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the December 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Firing Line Video: Swagger Bipod
The bipod has long been a tool used by shooters to obtain a more steady firing position in the field or on the range. However, in its many years of use, the fundamental design and function of a lot of traditional “stiff” bipods have not changed all that much.
Swagger Bipods, a Nebraska-based manufacturer, has developed a couple of bipods that offer the shooter a ton of flexibility and functionality, all while remaining incredibly lightweight. Using what the company calls Crazy Legs Technology, these bipods afford the shooter a wide array of shooting positions. The flexible, hyper-extending Crazy Legs are shock-corded and are easily adjustable with a simple twist motion.
Gun Digest Editor in Chief Eric Conn had the opportunity to experiment with a Swagger bipod this winter while sighting in for an upcoming predator hunt and came away very impressed with the bipod's flexibility and ease of use.
For more information on these great shooting aids, check out the video above, or visit the Swagger Bipods website.
Wrecking Ball: CMMG MkW-15 ANVIL Review
Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Big Stick Diplomacy” has sculpted much of America’s political and cultural ideologies over the years. The expression, “Speak softly and carry a big stick—you’ll go far,” may have even earned Roosevelt a Nobel Peace prize for his soft-spoken negotiation tactics to end the Russo-Japanese war in 1905. However, there are times when speaking softly isn’t an option and the big stick needs to do the negotiating.
Echoing the latter part of Roosevelt’s ideology is CMMG’s new MkW-15 Anvil rifle, chambered for the beastly .458 SOCOM cartridge. As many know, the .458 SOCOM was designed to give U.S. military personnel greater close-range stopping power than the .223 Rem., while maintaining compatibility with most mil-spec M16 parts. Naturally, the civilian firearms market adopted the .458 SOCOM for the AR-15 rifle. The ability to fire 300- to 550-grain bullets with the simple swap of an upper receiver is an appealing feat for hunting, home defense or vaporizing watermelons.
Like anything, there’s always a trade-off, and firing the .458 SOCOM from a standard AR-15 platform isn’t immune to problems. The bruised shoulders of many shooters provide vivid illustrations of the increased felt recoil of the cartridge. In fact, the .458 SOCOM introduces standard AR-15 parts to physical stresses that they were not originally designed to withstand. Additional forces produced by the cartridge are known to cause mechanical and cycling problems with standard AR-15s such as unreliable feeding, over-gassing, and metallurgical stress on moving parts. Cycling issues are also known to destroy brass, which is inconvenient given the cost and availability of .458 SOCOM brass cases.
A Bigger Stick
Enter the CMMG MkW-15 Anvil rifle, which was specifically engineered to achieve optimal performance and longevity with the .458 SOCOM. From a glance, the Anvil looks like any other AR-15. Pick it up, and it even has the same ergonomics and controls as your favorite .22-caliber carbine. But pull the trigger and you’ll know immediately that you just delivered a bit more lead than a 55-grain XM-193 downrange.
While it looks, wields and operates like a standard AR-15, look a bit closer and you’ll find the direct impingement, gas-operated semi-automatic CMMG Anvil was designed more like a Hummer H1 than a Jeep Wrangler.
Compared to other Mil-Spec ARs, the Anvil’s parts are beefed up all-around to give it greater longevity. Its receivers and bolt carrier group are significantly reinforced with extra aluminum and steel for added rigidity. In fact, many of the Anvil’s major mechanical parts are not cross-compatible with standard AR-15 components—an intentional engineering decision by CMMG to give the Anvil maximum performance and reliability with the .458 SOCOM cartridge. CMMG utilized a similar beefed-up design with its Mk47 Mutant rifle introduced in 2015, which was built around the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
The introduction of the Anvil rifle marks the first semi-auto rifle (that I know of) that was designed from the ground-up for the .458 SOCOM cartridge. Diverting from other manufacturers who simply slap a bigger barrel and bolt onto existing AR-15 hardware, CMMG’s Anvil is actually a bigger hammer entirely. In fact, its billet aluminum upper and lower receivers will not even attach to standard AR receivers. While shooters who desire cross-compatibility may see the proprietary design as a turn-off, the Anvil’s enlarged skeleton enables the rifle to run more reliably, reduces recoil and adds longevity through high round counts. Though its major mechanical components are scaled up to handle the .458, the Anvil maintains compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines and some common parts such as the fire control group, pistol grip and buttstock.
Given the Anvil’s compatibility considerations, do the potential risks of using proprietary parts outweigh the performance benefits of its custom-tailored design? In short, absolutely. Even with standard AR-15 rifles that have been converted to fire .458 SOCOM, the parts most prone to failure—the bolt and the barrel—are still relatively expensive and hard to find. Personally, I find greater comfort in the fact that the Anvil’s components were specifically engineered to maximize reliability by minimizing the known failure points of standard AR components at the mercy of the .458 SOCOM.
Like a Wrecking Ball
Quite simply, if you had to pick one semi-auto rifle equally capable of stopping a car, a hog and a home intruder on the same day, look no further than the CMMG MkW-15 Anvil.
Thumping out almost 2,400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, the Anvil is more than capable of delivering serious stopping power in the form of .45-caliber projectiles. Not only that, but the gun is capable of handling the gamut of .458 SOCOM loads on the market. Its adjustable gas block and threaded barrel are also inviting for custom-tuning the Anvil to run smoothly with your favorite loads through a suppressor.
Range Tested, Writer Approved
During testing, we found the factory gas block setting was a bit excessive, likely tuned for maximum reliability. Dialing the gas flow down a small amount seemed to reduce felt recoil without affecting reliability.
In terms of accuracy, the Anvil produced average groups of 2.25 inches at 100 yards with a Nikon M-223 1-4×20 scope. Greater magnification would likely increase accuracy; however, the intent of the .458 SOCOM round is not necessarily to offer pinpoint precision but rather superior stopping power at close range.
Among the variety of ammo tested, the MkW-15 took no distinct favorites, making it a very versatile firearm for anything from hunting to home defense. For domestic applications, some may argue the .458 SOCOM is overkill when in fact it is very suitable for home-defense with the right ammunition choice. Projectiles such as the Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing copper or the Polycase ARX are likely the best candidates for home-defense applications because they offer reduced penetration and devastating terminal effects on soft targets. When bigger is better—as is often the case with .458 SOCOM—we found the CorBon 300-grain Deep Penetrating Expanding (DPX) to function reliably through the Anvil and perform exactly as advertised.
After firing 200 rounds of various .458 SOCOM rounds through the MkW-15 Anvil, not one mechanical or cycling problem was observed. Firing that many beastly rounds was surprisingly comfortable, especially compared to standard AR-15s converted to fire the mighty .458. While the Anvil certainly doesn’t eliminate recoil, its beefed up design absolutely makes each trigger pull more enjoyable.
Parting Shots
With the Anvil, CMMG makes it harder than ever to justify not owning a rifle in .458 SOCOM. The Anvil is clearly capable of delivering 300- to 550-grain bullets with great accuracy. Based off the AR-15 platform, the MkW-15 is ergonomic and has familiar controls that make it easy to shoot well. Its reinforced design offers peace of mind that the major components can handle the .458 SOCOM cartridge. Most of all, this gun is just flat out fun to shoot and follows Roosevelt’s time-tested motto about carrying a big stick. As far as positives, it’s a beast. Accurate. Versatile. Reliable. Ergonomic. Fun to shoot. If there are negatives, it’s heavy (almost 10 pounds fully loaded with scope), and .458 SOCOM ammo is expensive (a great reason to reload!).
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the December 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Thompson/Center Arms Adds 6.5 Creedmoor to Catalog
6.5 Creedmoor for All
Since its birth in the heart of Nebraska a decade ago, the 6.5 Creedmoor has taken the shooting world by storm. What’s not to like about the Hornady-designed round? It’s flat shooting, its bullets offer superior ballistics, and it's a pussycat to shoot, even for the recoil shy.
With these considerations in mind, it’s been little surprise to see more and more manufacturers chambering rifles for this competition and medium-sized game round. The latest to go Creedmoor — Thompson/Center Arms. And the company isn’t just sticking its toe into the 6.5 waters.
Thompson/Center Arms 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
The Massachusetts gun maker announced it’s taking a full-fledged plunge into the highly accurate round. Four of the company’s centerfire rifle models are now being offered in the 6.5 Creedmoor, with accessory barrels also being available in the caliber. Thompson/Center’s Compass and Venture Weather Shield are available in Creedmoor as complete rifles, while the Dimension and Encore Pro Hunter can be outfitted with 6.5 accessory barrels. The barrel for the Dimension comes with a magazine kit.
The four new guns will each be rifled with a 1:8″ twist rate, which will give shooters the ability to shoot heavier bullets, 140 grains and up, with confidence the projectiles will stabilize. The barrel lengths, however, differ with the Encore Pro Hunter boasting a 28-inch fluted barrel, while the other models have 22-inch barrels.
The new Thompson/Center Arms 6.5 Creedmoor Compass has an MSRP of $399, while the Venture has an MSRP of $578. The MSRP for the accessory barrels was not available at time of writing.
Learn More About the Creedmoor 6.5
- Best 6.5 Creedmoor Semi Auto Rifles – Performance Meets Speed
- Top Picks for the 6.5 Creedmoor Upper Options
CZ’s Vz 58, Not Another AK Knockoff
While most of the Warsaw Pact countries walked in lockstep with Soviet Union weapons designs, Czechoslovakia went its own way. One of the results was CZ's Vz 58 rifle.
This gem is nearly as rugged as the AK and on many design points superior to the better known battle rifle from behind the Iron Curtain.
To the casual observer, the 58 looks like a Soviet Kalashnikov. The magazine has the same banana-shaped silhouette. The grips have a similar shape, as does the stock. And the front grips and barrel also have a similar profile. Internally, though, they couldn’t be more different.
The Samopal (Sa) Vz 58 was designed by Jirí Cermák starting in 1956, and the Czech army adopted it in 1958. It was used by the Czechoslovakian army until the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993. After that it was in use by the Czech and Slovak armies, and continued until the Bren 805 replaced it in the Czech army (though it is still in use by some reserve units). The Slovak Army continues to use it as the standard service rifle, mostly due to financial reasons, though they are also looking at the Bren 805 to replace it eventually (they have purchased 688 Bren 805s).
It is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, selective-fire weapon. It has a short stroke piston gas operating system. It uses breech-block locking systems that include a separate tilting locking piece. In all, the bolt assembly consists of a bolt carrier, bolt, locking piece and striker. The top surface of the bolt carrier (actually the top two surfaces, because it’s two surfaces of the triangle-shaped (loosely) bolt carrier) is exposed, and the cocking lever is machined into it.
What serves as the receiver cover is also the housing for the spring units; both the return spring and striker spring are held in place by their guide rods, which are part of the return mechanism base.
The firing group is an interesting design as well. Unlike most military assault rifles and their civilian semi-auto counterparts, which are hammer-fired, the Vz 58 is striker-fired. As the bolt carrier group moves forward and the bolt goes into battery, the striker nose catches on the sear, holding it in place, well behind the bolt. When the trigger is pulled, the sear drops out of the way and the striker spring (which as I mentioned is attached to the receiver cover) pushes the striker forward and into the firing pin, firing the cartridge.
It uses a machined receiver, unlike the original AK design which is stamped (the AK would later change to a milled receiver, and then later back to stamped). The tolerances on the Vz 58 are far tighter than on Russian-made AKs.
The Vz 58 also has a last-round bolt hold open, though of an unconventional design. A rib, or fin, runs the length of the magazine, and inside it is a knob offshoot from the magazine follower. When a magazine is inserted into the rifle, the bolt catch button on the rifle fits inside the rib on the magazine. Upon the last round being fired, the magazine follower knob inside of the rib presses against the bolt catch button, holding the bolt hold open.
When the magazine is inserted and the last round has been fired, the magazine follower knob will press against the button and hold the bolt to the rear.
The magazine is lighter than the AK mag, which can be good or bad, depending on your point of view. It’s not as indestructible as an AK mag, but it does cut down on some of the extra weight. It’s more akin to an AR15 USGI magazine.
It uses a more conventional AR15-like selector switch than does the Kalashnikov, but the position of it is horrible. Instead of mounting it on the left side of the receiver to be manipulated by the thumb of the shooting hand, it’s on the right side, to be manipulated by the trigger finger. This is naturally going to slow down engagement time, as the finger has to go from the selector switch to the trigger. It’s also not that comfortable. Modern practice is, when not firing the weapon, the trigger finger is held straight, outside of the trigger guard. This would place the trigger finger just over the lever portion of the selector. Over the long haul, that’s not comfortable.
A short stroke piston gas system — like the Vz 58 — is one in which the piston is not attached to the bolt carrier, and when the weapon is fired, it only moves an inch or two, using a short, strong burst of energy to transfer its momentum to the bolt. This kicks the bolt out of battery, sending it on it’s way where the recoil forces of the cartridge firing do the rest to cycle the bullet. The short stroke system is generally made up of two or three parts, aside from the bolt carrier.
Compare that to a long stroke piston gas system, in which the piston is part of the bolt carrier group and it moves as one unit throughout the entire reloading process. The Kalashnikov is a prime example of a long stroke system.
The downside to the long stroke piston gas system is that there is a lot of extra mass that is moving, which increases recoil and also slows the cyclic rate of fire (though that only affects those shooting select-fire weapons in fully-automatic mode). The short stroke is generally easier to make; however, the downside is that it has more moving parts.
Of all the Cold War communist bloc weapons, this is my favorite. My fascination with it started from a shallow perspective — I thought the furniture looked pretty cool, in a communist chic kind of way. I mean, who else would use wood chip impregnated plastic resin?
I really like the simplicity of it, and believe it is a superior weapon to the Kalashnikov. It has higher build quality, is more accurate, and I believe is more reliable. Now, I’ve had one friend tell me that over in the sandbox, he saw allies having issues with the Vz 58 getting sand in it, due to the open receiver design. I can’t verify this, however, as I wasn’t there first hand.
Where it loses out to the Kalashnikov, however, is despite being fielded to some degree by over 20 different user nations, it has never seen large scale use in major combat operations. It’s just not as combat proven as the AK. It’s seen skirmishes and it’s seen limited use in battle, but mostly non-linear combat operations. Never one large army equipped with it, going into battle against another country. It does continue to see service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest Book of CZ Firearms.
Ruger LCRx Line Grows Bigger with .357 Magnum
Next to dependability and potency of caliber, comfort is typically among the top considerations for shooters aiming for a concealed carry piece. The goal is, after all, to have the handgun on person at all times, and that won’t happen with a bulky, awkward sidearm.
Ruger made headway in this department nearly a decade ago first with the release of the LCR line of revolvers, then following up with the LCRx line soon after. Tipping the scales at 13 to 17 ounces, the streamlined wheelguns have been just the ticket for many seeking a reliable and concealable everyday carry piece. And the New Hampshire gunmaker has continued to expand shooters’ options in these models, chambering the revolver in a litany of popular — and some offbeat — pistol calibers.
The latest addition comes in the LCRx line with Ruger introducing the model in .357 Magnum. This was an expected release with the time-tested and extremely widespread revolver round making its appearance in the LCR line in 2010.
The caliber expansion in the newer model should appeal to many, given this line of the lightweight concealable revolver features an external hammer, allowing the gun to be fired in single-action, as well as double-action. This is the first time Ruger has deviated from .38 Spc., in the LCRx, with the company offering three variations of the caliber beforehand — all of them +P rated.
While the dimensions of the .357 are the same as the 1.87-inch barreled .38, the new revolver does come in a bit heftier. The magnum is almost 4-ounces heavier than .38 LCRx, due to its stainless steel monolithic frame. The Special utilizes aircraft-grade aluminum in its frame, but this was not an option for the .357 given the round's higher pressure.
The 5-round revolver measures in at 6.5 inches in overall length and features the line's polymer fire control housing, which accounts for much of the gun’s reduced size and weight. It is outfitted with a stainless steel barrel and fluted cylinder, and it boasts Ruger’s patented friction-reducing cam in its trigger assembly. This feature is meant to facilitate a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull in double-action. The pull weight in double-action also feels lighter, as it builds towards the end of the stroke.
The LCRx comes with Hogue Tamer Monogrip, which should be a welcome addition with the snappier .357 Magnum round. The grips, however, are easily switched out, held in place by a single screw at the base.
The revolver has an integral u-notch rear sight and a pinned white ramp front sight — the front sight can be removed and replaced. The LCRx .357 Magnum's external steel components have a matte black finish. Presently, the MSRP of the revolver is $669.
LCRx .357 Magnum Specs
Grip: Hogue® Tamer™ Monogrip®
Front Sight: Replaceable, Pinned Ramp
Barrel Length: 1.87 in.
Cylinder Finish: PVD
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Rear Sight: U-Notch Integral
Finish: Matte Black
Weight: 17.1 oz.
Height: 4.50 in.
Overall Length: 6.50 in.
Capacity: 5
Grooves: 6
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $669.00
Unveiling the Greatness of the .357 Magnum
- Choosing the Best .357 Revolver for Your Needs
- Pros and Cons Explored: Is .357 Magnum Good for Self-Defense?
- Exploring Pistol-Caliber Rifles – Is .357 Magnum the Best Option?
- Top Features of a .357 Snub Nose Pistol for Self-Defense
SHOT Show: Great New Shotguns for 2017
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Every year, the SHOT Show serves as a massive event where firearms manufacturers can launch their latest and greatest new products to an audience of retailers, law enforcement/armed forces and members of the firearms and outdoor media. This year, in addition to the host of rifles and pistols introduced, manufacturers brought out quite a few excellent new shotguns for 2017.
Whether you’re an avid waterfowl hunter looking for a new fowling piece, a dedicated competitive shooter searching for a new over/under or a homeowner looking for a capable home defense scattergun, firearms manufacturers developed something to fit the bill. Here’s a look at some of our favorite new shotguns for 2017.
New Optic: Meopta MeoTac 3-12×50 RD
The Meopta name is one that may be slightly less familiar to U.S. shooters than some of the domestic and other international optics manufacturers, but the company, which has facilities in both the Czech Republic and here in the states, produces some excellent quality glass. While much of its product line is geared toward hunters, in recent years, Meopta has also been making a concerted effort to meet the needs of tactical shooters as well.
A clear example of this can be found in the company's newest introduction for 2017, the MeoTac 3-12×50 RD riflescope. Announced just ahead of the 2017 SHOT Show, the Meopta MeoTac scope is engineered for tactical shooters and represents a great option for medium-range engagements.
Built around a solid 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the new MeoTac 3-12×50 RD utilizes Meopta's excellent MeoLux lens coating and Schott glass, which allow for 99.8 percent light transmission per lens surface. This permits shooters to see both better and farther, even without ideal light conditions.
The new Meopta MeoTac 3-12×50 RD offers the shooter great flexibility, providing 55 MOA of windage adjustment and 100 MOA of elevation adjustment. Click adjustments are in 1/3 MOA increments via the scope's precision, tactical-style turrets. The turrets are large, easy to grip, and each click is easily distinguishable. They also feature a zero-stop function for quickly returning to an established zero.
A first focal plane scope, the MeoTac comes equipped with an illuminated MilDot 3 RD reticle that allows shooters to use the rangefinding elements of the reticle on any power setting. The RD illumination system incorporates a highly visible red dot with 16 variable intensity settings, with the illumination control located conveniently on the side of the center of the scope. In between each power setting is an intermediate “off” setting, so users can simply and easily click the illumination off without dialing back down past the lowest setting. The scope also has an auto-off feature, which will automatically power down the illumination after an hour of inactivity.
Additional features include a side-focus parallax adjustment, which ranges from 27 yards to infinity, and Meopta's MeoQuick fast-focus eyepiece. The scope is 12.6 inches long and weighs just 34.2 ounces, making it a great fit for a variety of tactical rifles.
In terms of durability, the new MeoTac utilizes Meopta's MeoShield protective lens coatings, an erector system designed to withstand the heavy recoil of larger-caliber cartridges, and an anodized exterior to prevent scratches. The scope is also waterproof and fog proof, and it is covered by Meopta's North American lifetime transferable warranty for added insurance.
Pricing on the new Meopta MeoTac 3-12×50 RD is currently slated at $2,529.99. For more information, check out the specs below or visit the Meopta Sports Optics website.
Specifications:
Meopta MeoTac 3-12×50 RD
Magnification: 3-12x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Main Tube: 34mm
Exit Pupil Diameter (mm): 4.2-16
Eye Relief (in.): 3.5-4.5
Field of View (degrees): 1.77-7.00
Field of View (ft.@100 yds.): 9-37
Focal Plane Position: First
Dioptric Compensation (dpt): -1.4
Impact Per Click (inch@100 yds.): 0.36
Windage Adjustment: 55 MOA
Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
Parallax Adjustment: 27 yards to infinity
Length: 12.6 in.
Weight: 34.2 oz.
Hoppe’s Black Gets the Most Out of Modern Firearms
Hoope’s might just be the great equalizer in the gun world. Dang near every shooter has or has had the 110-year-old company’s venerable No. 9 cleaning solvent in their kit at one point or another. That sauce is pretty much the dictionary definition of time tested.
Hoppe’s hasn’t wed itself to an “If it was good enough for Granddad” attitude though, as one of its newest lines attests. In fact, Hoppe’s Black has been specifically designed to meet the modern shooter’s cleaning and lubrication needs. In short, it’s meant to slick and shine up gas-operated and tactical firearms that throw a high volume of copper-jacketed lead down range.
The new Black lineup includes gun and copper cleaner and oil, each formulated to function in temperatures from -65 to 540 degrees Fahrenheit. Basically, there isn’t a temperature or climate these products can’t handle. A grease syringe and lubricating cloth are also available to help in applying the Black products.
Hoppe's Product Manager Laurie Kokoruda also points out, “The Hoppe's Black formula is designed for MSRs and other high-volume firearms, but will work with any gun.”
The MSRP on the Hoppe's Black line is as follows: Black Cleaner, 2.5 oz. $6.45, Black Cleaner, 6 oz. $9.45, Black Lubricant, 2 oz. $6.45, Black Lubricant, 4 oz. $9.45, Black Copper Cleaner, 4 oz. $9.45, Black Grease Syringe, 12 cc. $10.95, Black Lubricant Cloth $6.45.
For more information on the new Black line from Hoppe's visit the company's website.
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