Flashlights and laser sights are excellent additions to any home defense firearm and strategy. Check out these great lasers and lights for home defense.
Bad things happen to good people. According to the Department of Justice, an average of 3.7 million household burglaries take place each year. More than a quarter of a million involve some sort of violent confrontation with the homeowner. Are you prepared? Owning a capable home defense firearm and knowing how to use it is a good start. You can’t protect your family if you don’t have the necessary tools. However, even the most competent gun owner can’t hit his target if he can’t see it. A high-quality light and a reliable, accurate laser sight can put the odds in your favor.
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the March 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The new Meopta MeoPro 8×56 HD binoculars offer incredible low-light viewing performance and incorporate a host of other great features.
In his 1999 landmark book, “Optics for the Hunter,” John Barsness wrote, “Binoculars almost provide another dimension to our planet, and even the heavens.” Barsness also references Jeff Cooper’s anointing of the rifle as the queen of firearms and then goes on to call binoculars the “prince of the hunt.” I tend to agree with Cooper and Barsness but must offer that binoculars are not just for hunting.
Early on binoculars were just tools to allow both of your eyes to look at a magnified version of what they might gander at nakedly. With advancements in optics, we’re starting to see more specialized offerings. And, while the new roof-prism 8×56 MeoPro HD binoculars from Meopta might seem as though they’re just your average field glasses, they were built expressly for low-light performance.
According to Reinhard Seipp, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Meopta USA, “The MeoPro 8×56 HD is the perfect low-light binocular. Its large 56mm objective and 8x magnification create an exit pupil of 7mm, which is about the maximum pupil dilation of a normal human eye.” This large exit pupil floods the eye with light, allowing hunters to see fine detail in extremely dim conditions. This is important for hunters and shooters. You might need to assess an elk’s rack or you might be trying to see bullet holes in your target, just before or after sunset.
But these binoculars are not just about a large exit pupil. All MeoPro binoculars are assembled in the United States and utilize Fluoride HD objective lenses and MeoBright ion-assisted multi-coatings. The lightweight magnesium chassis is built to withstand rugged conditions, and the sculpted, shockproof, rubber-armored exterior is comfortable in hand. They’re also nitrogen purged and fully sealed for complete fog and waterproofness.
All external lenses are also treated with MeoShield. This is an abrasion-resistant coating, meeting military specifications. Twist-up eyecups feature four click-stop positions to accommodate users with or without eyeglasses and a right side ocular diopter control provides +/- 3 D adjustment for simple individual tuning. For their size, these binoculars are surprisingly light, and they have a capped tri-pod attachment on the front of the hinge. A soft case, strap and front and rear lens caps are included. Ingeniously, the strap and its quick disconnectors work for the binoculars or the carry case.
All you can really do when evaluating binoculars is look through them, toss them around, and get them wet. I subjected these field glasses to all that, but in the end, it generally comes down to a “take-my-word-for-it” evaluation. I really liked the way these glasses felt in my hands, and their low-light performance was astounding. I used them on several late evening whitetail hunts. Their brightness will easily fool you with regard to when the legal shooting hour has passed.
My eyes told me the MeoPro 8x56s were simply stunning, though I did notice minimal but inconsequential fuzziness in the extreme outer edge of the field of view. My only real complaint was with regard to the interpupillary distance – the separation between the left and right barrel. I have predator eyes – my pupils are only 55mm apart – and that was just outside the lower limit of adjustment with these binoculars. Admittedly, only 5 percent of the human population has eyes as close together as mine, so check before you buy.
Barsness also remarked in his book that most usually own two to four pair of not-so-good binoculars before stepping up and that it’s far cheaper to buy the best you can afford in the beginning. Considering the clarity and low-light performance of the Meopta 8×56 HDs, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to start or end your binocular search.
With Apologies to Dusty Springfield, “In the cool of the evening when everything is gettin’ kinda gloomy,” binoculars like these are what you want!
Specifications:
Meopta MeoPro 8×56 HD Magnification: 8x Objective Lens: 56mm Field of View: 6 degrees/314 ft. at 1,000 yards Eye Relief: 18.5mm Close Focus Distance: 7.2 ft. Exit Pupil: 7mm Twilight Factor: 21.2 Interpupillary Distance: 58-73mm Dioptric Correction: +/- 3 Height: 7.0 in. Width: 5.6 in. Depth: 2.6 in. Weight: 36.3 oz. MSRP: $1,034.99 Manufacturer: Meopta USA
The firearms industry has, at times in its history, been accused of being hidebound, stuck in the past and resistant to innovation, but there’s plenty of evidence that is no longer true.
As a case in point, consider the Spanish manufacturer Bergara, which found success over the past 10 years producing aftermarket replacement barrels and OEM barrels for rifle makers. Bergara’s approach was to wed an old technology—button rifling—to state-of-the-art machinery, robotics and exacting processes to mass-produce affordable, custom-quality barrels from the finest Spanish stainless steel. Bergara succeeded, in part, thanks to guidance from the late Ed Shilen, a legendary precision barrel-maker.
Building on that success, Bergara’s parent company, BPI Outdoors, launched a line of U.S.-built Bergara custom rifles in 2012, and the guns quickly established a solid reputation for accuracy. These rifles, as you might expect of most guns with the word “custom” attached to them, were not cheap. Recognizing the demand for more affordable high-quality rifles, the company responded last year with two new lines of production rifles, the Premier Series and the Performance Series, which brought prices more in line with high-end production guns.
One of the newest offerings to emerge from the Premier Series is the BPR17 LRP Elite, a chassis rifle chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and, surprisingly, the 6mm Creedmoor, a wildcat.
Now, before you stodgy old hunters (like me) deride this new gun as just another heavy chassis rifle for snipers or the tacticool crowd, you may want to take a closer look. With a weight of 10.5-11 pounds, depending on caliber, the gun is heavier than most traditionally stocked bolt-action rifles, but that added weight is no hindrance in a deer blind. It can actually be advantageous when sniping prairie dogs at distance in wind, and you get the added advantages of bulletproof bedding and the ability to accessorize with optics, lights, lasers and suppressors. The LRP Elite has already found a home with several law enforcement agencies, and it’s showing up in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches.
Custom-Quality Barrels To understand Bergara rifles, you need to understand Bergara’s innovative approach to making barrels. This is the only component of the LRP Elite rifle that isn’t made or assembled in the U.S.
Our .308 Win. test rifle came with a 20-in., 416 Premium stainless steel, Cerakoted barrel. It began life as a straight bar of highly regarded Olarra stainless steel, which must demonstrate less than .004 in. of deviation before Bergara will use it for a barrel. It is straightened, if necessary, and a precise hole is drilled through the bar. Three separate honing spindles with diamond-tipped bits polish the interior surface to a mirror-like finish, removing tool marks and leaving only a very fine cross-hatch pattern.
“These honing marks are truly microscopic and are similar to, but much finer, than what you will find in a freshly honed engine cylinder,” said Ben Fleming of BPI Outdoors.
A carbide rifling button is then drawn through the barrel, at an appropriate twist rate per caliber, and the barrel is inspected to ensure groove diameter deviation of less than 2/10,000 (.0002) of an inch. Barrels are then stress relieved in a high-temperature heating process. Since much of the work is accomplished with advanced machinery (and one or two manufacturing secrets that Bergara won’t reveal), the company is able to offer custom-quality barrels at production-barrel prices.
Rifled barrels for the LRP Elite are shipped to a shop in Georgia, where final production and assembly of the rifle is done. This includes barrel profiling, chambering, threading and crowning. The No. 5 taper LRP Elite barrel, which I would call a medium-heavy profile, comes with a threaded muzzle (5/8×24) and a Dead Air Armament Key Lock Muzzle Brake. Whether a .308 rifle really needs a muzzle brake is open to debate, but this one does more than reduce perceived recoil. It serves as a mount for attaching Dead Air Armament Sandman-L and Sandman-S suppressors directly to the brake.
It’s worth noting that all work at the Georgia facility is overseen by a former production manager from the U.S. Marine Corps Precision Weapons Section.
Slick Action, Great Trigger The Georgia facility is the birthplace of the LRP Elite action. Bergara says it has a Remington 700 “footprint,” and one of the first things you’ll notice when you pick up this rifle and work the spiral-fluted bolt is the smoothness of the action. It is, in a word, slick. I found it easy to cycle the action using just the pinky finger of one hand.
The action is made of 4140 Chrome Moly steel and has a black Cerakote finish like all other exterior metal surfaces on the rifle. The bolt head, gas shield and other small parts are nitride-finished to increase hardness and wear resistance. The bolt body is made of 416 stainless steel and left unfinished as a nice contrast to the otherwise all-black, all-business countenance of the rifle.
The floating, two-lug bolt head is self-adjusting, which theoretically contributes to enhanced accuracy. Inside the bolt face, you’ll find a standard plunger ejector. The extractor is a sliding plate design, and is dovetailed into the face of a locking lug. The bolt handle is smooth and slightly oversized.
I was pleased to discover that the rifle is equipped with a Timney 517 flat-blade trigger. I haven’t counted lately, but I’d guess that half of my bolt-action rifles wear Timney triggers, so it’s safe to say I’m fond of them. This one comes with a two-position safety which does not lock the bolt down. The trigger’s pull weight is adjustable from 1½ to 4 pounds. The trigger on our test rifle broke cleanly and crisply at 3 pounds 2 ounces, with absolutely zero creep, and I left it at its factory setting to duplicate a buyer’s out-of-the-box experience.
The LRP Elite rifle comes standard with a 20 MOA base, manufactured by Talley, attached with 8×40 screws versus standard 6×48 screws.
No Bedding Required A Mega Orias chassis (a collaboration between Killer Innovations and Mega Arms) nestles the Remington 700-ish action into a solid V-block, and secures it using a patent-pending, self-adjusting recoil lug locking system. Tightening the bolt on the bottom of the chassis makes an expansion clamp expand against the recoil lug. The recoil lug, in turn, is pushed against a self-adjusting, half-round piece of steel that’s held in place with a magnet. This system automatically adjusts for any angularity difference between the recoil lug and the chassis, eliminating the need for traditional bedding materials. The system sounds more complicated than it is, but provides rock-solid bedding for the action.
“It is genius,” said Fleming.
The Orias chassis is machined from 7075-T651 billet aluminum and has a protective black Cerakote finish. It has a removable rear trunnion which is compatible with all AR-style buffer tubes and buttstocks. There are four hardened-steel, anti-rotational, nitride-coated QD inserts for attaching slings, and you’ll find 11 KeyMod attachment slots on either side of the forend and seven on the underside.
There’s also an ambidextrous magazine release consisting of twin paddles, with raised grooves, riding flush with the leading edge of the trigger guard and protruding to either side. It takes a bit of getting used to if you haven’t used this style of magazine release before, but operating it quickly becomes second nature. There’s plenty of room inside the trigger guard for a gloved trigger finger, and gloves won’t get in the way of using the magazine release.
The chassis comes with a rubberized pistol grip that will find favor with those who like finger grooves. It is also equipped with a Magpul PRS (Precision rifle/sniper) stock. I’ve used this stock to good effect before, most notably in a NRA long-range shooting school, while working over targets at 400-1,000 yards. The stock, which is adjustable for length of pull and comb height, provided a precise individual fit and optimal eye-to-scope alignment.
Range Results Happily, our test rifle arrived with a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 scope mounted and zeroed at 100 yards, minimizing set-up time for testing. Unfortunately, I had to contend with spring weather in south-central Texas, which meant thunderstorms with windy days in between. As a result, all testing was done over two days when the wind gave me mild fits, with wind speed varying eight to 19 mph on both days. Talk about real-world conditions.
The Bergara handled it like a champ, turning in great groups despite the windy conditions and being fed only hunting, not match, ammunition. Half of the tested loads turned in average groups measuring an inch or less, while all six tested loads averaged well under an inch and a half.
Federal’s 165-grain Trophy Copper load and Hornady’s Custom Lite 125-grain SST load tied for best-group honors, with both loads producing single-best groups measuring 0.58 inches. For that matter, the rifle shot sub-MOA best groups with all but one of the tested rounds. With factory hunting ammo, under windy testing conditions, this was very good performance.
There was only modest velocity drop-off, ranging from 29 to 88 fps, from factory advertised velocities for five of the loads out of the rifle’s 20-inch barrel. The Federal Trophy Bonded Tip load actually zipped along 32 fps faster than advertised.
Functionally, the rifle did everything it is supposed to do. It fed from the detachable five-round magazine flawlessly. Extraction and ejection were normal. The trickiest part of operating the rifle was inserting the magazine while shooting the rifle from the bench. It takes a little practice to get the magazine started smoothly, and I would gently suggest that the chassis could benefit from a little beveling of the magazine well.
That’s just nit-picking on my part. Overall, it’s hard to find fault with the way the rifle is put together or how it performs. The main objection some may have is the price ($2,600), but it helps to remember that you’re essentially buying a custom-quality gun at a production-gun price. As I quickly discovered, the more you shoot the LRP Elite, the more it starts to look like a bargain.
Specifications:
Bergara Premier Series LRP Elite Type: Bolt action, pushfeed Caliber: .308 Win., as tested Barrel: 20 in., 416 stainless steel, 1:10 twist Weight: 10.5 lbs. Chassis: Mega Orias Stock: Magpul PRS Grip: Rubber finger groove Trigger: Timney 517 flat blade Magazine: Accuracy International 5-round Muzzle Device: Dead Air Armament Key Lock Muzzle Brake Price: $2,640 Manufacturer: Begara
In an effort to continue advancing the AR platform, Troy Industries has brought out several new accessories for customizing the AR in 2017.
Although it’s true that Troy Industries manufactures a number of innovative firearms, including its line of Pump-Action Rifles (PARs) – pump-action operated versions of the classic AR-15 carbine — the company is also a well-known and highly respected player in the AR accessory game. It’s been making rail systems, stocks, back-up sights, muzzle devices and other accessories for some time now.
So, it’s no surprise that for 2017 the manufacturer has brought out several new accessories and upgrades for fans of the AR platform. Above, we take a brief look at these new accessory options from Troy Industries.
The new Springfield Armory EMP 4 provides fans of Browning’s classic design with a dedicated and upgraded 9mm 1911 well suited for carry.
As a writer and instructor, I’m often asked to suggest a quality concealed carry pistol. There are so many exceptionally good pistols and revolvers today that it’s more difficult to find a bad carry gun than a good one. Still, the concealed carry market is the hottest segment in the firearms industry, so manufacturers are constantly striving to upgrade offerings to make them more desirable. While modern polymer frame striker-fired pistols own the lion’s share of the market, there still are many who prefer the old school 1911-style pistols.
Adapted for military service 105 years ago, the 1911 is still a viable choice for self defense. It’s earned a reputation for ruggedness and reliability, and no one in their right mind would argue with over 100 years of success. Modern metallurgy and engineering have improved the already-proven design, and today’s 1911s are even better than the originals.
Springfield Armory was formed to manufacture the M1A rifle in 1974. A few years later it began producing the 1911 pistol in service grade. In 2001, the company introduced the highly successful XD line of pistols produced in Croatia, but it’s still one of the most recognizable 1911 producers. In 2001, Springfield introduced the Range Officer (RO), a 1911 that came from the factory with competition upgrades. With an excellent BoMar-style rear sight, an ambidextrous safety and extended grip safety, the Range Officer was a basic platform for the competitive shooter and saw considerable success.
The original 9mm 1911 was the Colt Commander, with a 4.25-inch barrel and an aluminum frame. It was more concealable and manageable for service and concealed carry. Recently, Springfield Armory introduced the 9mm EMP, reviewed in these pages. While the 9mm round was easily adapted to 1911s, the magazines always used either a spacer in the rear or a crimped area up front to keep the shorter 9mm round from floating around in standard 1911 magazines. The EMP series of pistols are redesigned in the grip area to better fit shorter 9mm and .40 S&W rounds, with the added bonus of a smaller and more compact grip.
The EMP 4 features a matte finished stainless steel slide and a 4-inch barrel.
At first glance, you don’t see the difference, but go from the standard size to the EMP grip, and it’s noticeable. Designed primarily as a self defense, concealable pistol, the EMP is definitely more concealable. While the grip is .125 inch shorter from front to back, it’s also .200 inch thinner than the standard 9mm Range Officer grip due to thinner grip panels. The result is a gun that’s much more comfortable for those with smaller hands. Also, the thumb and grip safeties are more smoothly contoured than the Range Officer. The original EMP was introduced at the 2016 SHOT Show with a 3-inch bull barrel and now, there’s a 4-inch version, the subject of this review. Weighing in at 31 ounces, the EMP 3 features a Novak-style rear sight with two white dots and a high-visibility front sight that comes with both red and green inserts. Both sights are drift adjustable for windage. While the slide is matte finished stainless steel, the frame is matte finished black aluminum alloy. There are cocking serrations on the rear of the slide, and in 9mm, racking the slide is easily accomplished. The hammer and trigger are skeletonized, and there’s no backlash adjustment on the trigger, a reasonable choice since it’s designed as a defensive pistol. The front strap and flat mainspring housing are nicely checkered, offering good grip without being uncomfortable. The beavertail grip safety has an enhanced bump at the bottom. Grip panels are checkered walnut with the familiar crossed cannons Springfield Armory logo. The safety is ambidextrous, and the 10-round magazines have a polymer base cap.
The EMP 4 uses a full-length one-piece guide rod that requires an L-shaped tool for disassembly. While disassembly is more complicated than most modern striker-fired pistols, it’s still easily accomplished. Trigger pull was a crisp 5.4 pounds with only a small amount of backlash, certainly reasonable on a defensive gun.
Shooting the EMP4 was pleasant, with mild recoil, good sights and an easily managed trigger. I experienced no malfunctions during the test, even with a light competition loading of three grains of TiteGroup and a 147-grain coated bullet. I also tested three different defensive loads, Remington 124-grain Golden Saber, 115-grain Winchester Silvertip, and Black Hills 124-grain 9mm+P. At 7 yards, I ran multiple magazines and kept almost everything in the ten ring of the B34G targets I use for training. Accuracy testing was done off sandbags at 25 yards with groups averaging a bit less than 3 inches and my best group at 1.6 inches with Winchester Silvertip 115s. I did find the EMP 4 shot a bit high for me with all loads tested, but most shooters tend to shoot lower than I do anyway.
During my weekly training sessions, I let several clients shoot the EMP and all were favorably impressed. Two were under the age of 16, and both remarked how easy the EMP is to shoot and operate. I think this is because of the smaller grip and light recoil spring.
Like many other Springfield Armory products, the EMP 4 comes in a hard plastic pistol case with a holster, magazine pouch, tools, sight inserts, a lock, and three magazines. Due to the changes in the grip frame, standard 9mm 1911 magazines won’t work. With an MSRP of $1,199, the EMP is a moderately priced, premium pistol. Compared to the recently tested XD Mod 2, it’s a bit short on magazine capacity yet noticeably slimmer. Probably the most impressive thing I can say about Springfield Armory relates to reliability. As a gun writer, I’ve done reviews on almost a dozen different Springfield Armory models, from competition guns to carry guns. Of all those guns tested, I’ve only experienced two malfunctions, and both were ammunition related.
We are blessed in the number of really good handguns that are currently available. We all have preferences, and the 1911 has a loyal following. Modern 9mm ammunition is much more effective than it was a couple of decades back, and hardly anyone considers it less than effective as a defensive round now. The ease of operation, low recoil, and low cost of practice ammunition have made the 9mm a favorite for personal defense. Springfield Armory has delivered a viable 9mm concealable 1911 that’s bound to find favor in the modern self defense market.
Specifications:
Springfield Armory EMP 4 Type: Semi-auto, single action Caliber: 9mm Luger Capacity: 10+1 Barrel Length: 4 in. Barrel Material: Stainless steel Twist Rate: 1:16 LH Overall Length: 7.5 in. Height: 5.5 in. Grip Material: Walnut Grip Design: Individual panels, checkered Sight: Two-dot Novak rear, high-visibility front, dovetailed Trigger Pull: 5.4 lbs. Weight: 31 oz. Price: $1,199 Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the September 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Formulated to resist moisture and provide a hot, reliable ignition, 209 Muzzleloading Primers aim to add consistency to muzzleloaders.
Among the ranks of off-the-shelf ammo shooters, primers barely raise an eyebrow. As long as the metallic buttons of pressure-sensitive explosives are seated correctly, they’re not worth a second thought.
There are other realms in the world of firearms where primers are deadly serious business, perhaps none more than that of muzzleloaders. Given their exposure to more of the ignition-extinguishing elements than primers found in other firearm types, they can become the make-or-break element of the system.
Federal Premium Ammunition has taken this issue head on with the release of the 209 Muzzleloading Primer. The primers are designed to add a level of consistency to the classical-style firearms, making them even more reliable when the shooter heads afield.
Designed to work in conjunction with Federal’s B.O.R. Lock MZ bullets, the 209 Muzzleloading Primer is formulated to resist moisture and provide a hot, reliable ignition. The primers work with both granulated powder and pellets and help minimize crud ring fouling in the breech area. This last aspect not only makes the primers an ideal ignition mechanism but also one that aids in keeping a muzzleloader clean and easy to load.
Presently, Federal is offering 209 Muzzleloading Primers in 100-count packs with an MSRP of $8.95.
Leica has introduced commemorative, 25-year anniversary models of its Geovid and Rangemaster optics, and just like the originals, these new commemorative models still have the ability to absolutely wow their users.
For diehard sporting optics enthusiasts, 1992 marked a sea change. That year, for the first time, not only could a hunter spot his quarry at distance, he could also range how far the critter was for a potential shot all from one tool.
Things have never quite been the same since Leica married a precise laser rangefinder to its high-end optics. The company’s Geovid rangefinding binoculars innovated how many hunters and shooters went afield, and the platform has only grown more useful over the years. Not only has the German manufacturer made the optics smaller and more rugged, but it has loaded them with incredible features, such as an onboard ballistics computer.
Leica is celebrating this company and industry milestone this year with the release of commemorative versions of the rangefinding binoculars and rangefinder. And like the original Geovid, these tools still have the ability to absolutely wow their users.
Edition 2017 Geovid HD-B
Geovid HD-B Edition 2017 Tracing its linage directly from the original Geovid, these rangefinding binoculars offer shooters crystal-clear images, precise ranging and a whole bunch more. Offered in 8x42mm and 10x42mm, the optics offer ample power for most shooting and hunting situations. And the generous objective lens and Leica’s proprietary HDC-Multicoating ensure the binoculars gobble up every scrap of light to deliver unparalleled images. The commemorative editions feature an attractive and tough green rubber armoring over its magnesium housing. The coating is attractive and adds a layer of protection to the optics and LoS ranging hardware, ensuring it can measure the distance out to 2,200 yards. Perhaps in an example of German over-engineering, the Geovid HD-B is also outfitted with a multi-functional ballistics computer. The system reliably delivers accurate real-time shooting data, while also allowing shooters to upload their own ballistic preferences via a microSD card. The 2017 model comes with an attractive and distinctive green carrying case, making certain nothing happens to this top-shelf optic. MSRP on the 8x42mm Geovid HD-B is $2,949, the 10x42mm is $2,999.
Rangemaster CRF 200-B Edition 2017
Rangemaster CRF 200-B Edition 2017 Precision shooting at distance has never been easier with Leica’s 2017 edition of its famed rangefinder. In fact, its features almost make it like cheating. In addition to gauging distances out 2,000 yards, the Rangemaster CRF 2000-B also dishes up a mind-boggling array of ballistic data. The device is able to measure the equivalent horizontal range up to 1,200 yards and provide inches of holdover, MIL and MOA corrections to one decimal point. This takes all the guesswork out of shot angles and is fed to the shooter in less than a blink of an eye — .3 seconds. The unit also measures important environmental shooting data, such as air pressure and temperature and incorporates them into its ballistic calculations. It also provides 7x magnification, delivering sharp, high contrast images. Perhaps most impressive of all, Leica has packed all of this digital wizardry into an incredibly compact unit. The commemorative edition has an attractive green rubber armor and comes with a green carrying case. The Rangemaster CRF 2000-B only tips the scales at 6.4 ounces with batteries. The high-end rangefinder has an MSRP of $799.
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. Order Your Copy Now
Revamping the MMR Carbine based on user demands, Mossberg has introduced new rifles ready to tear up the X-ring straight out of the box.
Mossberg AR-15s built a bit of a reputation as a workingman’s black rifle.
Since its inception 6 years ago, the MMR (Mossberg Modern Rifle) line offered shooters a Spartan system at one heck of a price point. Given the bare-bones nature of the rifle — particularly its Mil-Spec trigger — it typically required a tweak or two to truly meet an individual shooter’s tastes. But with plenty of money left over, this was more than worth the effort, given the rifle’s potential to produce more cloverleaves at the range than an Irish meadow.
Mossberg has taken the MMR line in a different direction for 2017. Revamping the rifle based on user demands, the Connecticut gunmaker has introduced a firearm ready to tear up the X-ring straight out of the box. This is especially true of the new MMR Tactical Vortex Red/Green Dot Combo.
Designed to have shooters hit the ground running, the package would be ideal for those interested in a home-defense rifle or playing with the idea of 3-Gun Competition. The combo includes Mossberg’s upgraded Tactical Optic-Ready rifle and a Vortex StrikeFire II optic.
The 30mm optic is 1x magnification, facilitating quick target acquisition and shooting with both eyes open. The cantilever mount positions the optic 40mm off the top rail to allow for the addition of backup iron sights. The unit only adds 7.2 ounces to the overall package, doing little to impede the agility of the rifle. Able to switch from red to green dot and 10 brightness levels, the StrikeFire II is as comfortable shooting in broad daylight as it is in low-light environments. Though, with a 4 MOA dot, the optic will produce its best results at close to close-medium range.
The 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem. rifle the optic is attached to is the evolved iteration of Mossberg’s Tactical branch of the MMR line. And of the new features, the one that has the potential to turn the most heads is the new trigger — the JM Pro Drop-In Trigger.
The JM in the name stands for 3-Gun World Champion Jerry Miculek, who offered design points for the new MMR line’s enhanced trigger. The freshly engineered trigger does away with the creep of the old Mil-Spec trigger group, breaking crisp and clean at a scant 4 pounds.
The other major modification the MMR line has enjoyed is a slimmed down forend, making the free-floating 16-inch barreled rifle much easier to handle. The 13-inch handguard utilizes the M-LOK modular mounting system, opening the door for a host of accessory configurations. It has a fast-mounting, full-length Picatinny top rail.
Some other notable upgrades include the addition of a forward assist, ejection port dust cover and six-position stock that’s compatible with Mossberg’s FLEX System recoil pads. This last feature allows users to fine tune the length of pull with three thickness options.
The MMR Tactical is available as a stand-alone rifle with an MSRP $1,253. The Tactical Vortex Red/Green Dot Combo has an MSRP of $1,399. MMR Tactical Specs Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 REM Capacity: 31 Barrel Type: w/ A2 Flash Suppressor Barrel Length: 16 inches Sight: None Twist: 1:8” LOP: 11-14.25 inches Barrel Finish: Phosphate/MilSpec Hardcoat Anodized Stock: 6- Position w/ Magpul MOE grip and trigger guard Weight: 7 pounds Length: 33 inches
StrikeFire II Red Dot Magnification: 1 x Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm Eye Relief: Unlimited Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA Travel per Rotation: 25 MOA Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA Parallax Setting: Parallax Free Length: 5.6 inches Weight: 7.2 ounces
Shooters have a long-standing love affair with accurate, affordable rimfire rifles. Here’s a closer look at 10 of our favorite models.
Like so many other kids, I started my shooting career behind a .22 rimfire rifle. Empty Pepsi cans doubled as targets, and with a little practice even walnuts and hickory nuts were fair game. Just after Halloween, as other kids were digging through piles of dime-store candy, I was busy setting up my annual “pumpkin safari,” a rimfire shooting course through the woods where overripe jack-o-lanterns and gourds were the quarry. Later, I hunted squirrels, rabbits, and woodchucks with rimfire rifles by day and, if one of the neighbors had a good hound at the time, raccoons at night.
Those early days carrying rimfire rifles were fun, but they also taught me lessons that would prove valuable later in my shooting career. I learned trigger control, sight alignment, proper stance, and—most importantly—gun safety, skills that would become the framework for hunting, competitive, and tactical shooting down the line. So I have a soft spot for rimfires, and maybe you do too. I went through a magnum phase, like I think all shooters do, when I only liked guns that kicked hard, shot flat, and cost a lot to shoot. That ended pretty quickly. I dabbled in competitive shooting and trained with AR rifles as well, but more and more I’m compelled to pull out those light-recoiling, fun-to-shoot rimfires from the safe when I’m headed for the range.
There have been many great rimfire rifles throughout history, but here’s a look at some of our favorite modern rimfires.
Champion’s VisiColor line of targets has a few new additions that hunters and recreational shooters will definitely want to take a shot at.
Asking what’s the best caliber, bullet, load for taking deer, elk, bear or any other tasty critter — it’s like a kid poking at a hornet’s nest. The query will spark passionate novel-length responses on shooting and hunting forums and near fistfights in certain barbershops and bars around the country.
Honestly, the question doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in most respects. Yes, there are certainly gun-and-ammo combinations that perform well in given circumstances. But what really counts is delivering a deadly and ethical shot on a game animal every time the trigger is pulled. And what determines precision and accuracy more than anything is practice.
Champion Trap & Targets has gone a long way in helping hunters of every stripe make certain they’re placing shots dead on an animal’s vitals in the most recent expansion of its VisiColor Reactive Target line.
The line of instant feedback targets now features photo-realistic North American big game, including bear, antelope and white-tailed deer.
Built off images taken by well-know outdoor writer and photographer Brad Fenson with accurate outlines of each animal’s vital organs, the targets help hunters build a solid understanding of where they need their bullet to land. Perhaps best of all, Champion’s VisiColor system allows hunters to evaluate whether or not they’ve made a fatal shot the second after they’ve pulled the trigger.
Each vital zone shows a burst of color when struck , showing whether or not it would have downed the animal. And outfitted with two bullseyes integrated into the photo-realistic target, shooters can zero in before taking a crack at the big-game animal itself.
North American Big Game is one of four new additions to the VisiColor Line. Champion has also rounded out its reactive targets with two training patterns and a recreational series.
Shooters can test and hone their reaction time and target acquisition skills with the VisiColor Reflex targets. With eight different shapes in four colors, the challenging layout is perfect for calling out shots. VisiColor Training Silhouette targets feature multiple numbers, colors and shapes, again providing an ideal format for sharpening target acquisition skills, particularly for self-defense. The targets are sold separately and in a combo pack as well.
Finally, Champion has added the VisiColor Fun Games package, which includes 12 targets, comprised of three games — alien invaders, shooting pong and shrinking targets.
The MSRP VisiColor Big Game targets are $27.49, the Training Combo is $22.49, the Reflex is $20.95, the Silhouette is $21.95 and the Fun Games is $26.95. Each package comes with 12 targets.
The Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Handgun Marksmanship presents in-depth information on proper handgun skills in a user-friendly guide. This handgun shooting guide is a great addition for anyone looking to sharpen their target skills, as well as prepare for self-defense usage. Learn how to make the shot the right way with double-action and single-action triggering and drills that will take you from “plinker” to expert marksman. Order Your Copy Now
E.R. Shaw has jumped into the AR game, and the company’s ERS15 is a multi-purpose masterpiece.
The AR-15 platform is one of the most diverse and versatile of any design in firearms history. AR-style rifles are so popular because the design lends itself to customization. Not only are there a myriad of available grips, stocks, triggers, sights and other options that can be easily installed, completely different upper assemblies are available in everything from a pre-charged pneumatic .177-caliber pellet rifle to a single shot chambered for the mammoth .50 BMG cartridge.
It’s estimated that there are between five and 10 million AR-15-type rifles in the United States, and one website reports there are 386 makers, brands, and vendors of the AR-15. As of recent times, there are 387 because E.R. Shaw, a maker of rifle barrels for more than a hundred years, has now thrown its hat into the ring of AR-15 manufacturers. AR-15-type rifles are the Barbie Dolls of the gun world, with countless easy modifications available to match the owner’s desires. A friend recently received a package of parts containing almost everything to build a rifle except the upper and lower receivers. The leftover parts had been taken off the previous owner’s gun as he upgraded it. Doubtless, there are tons of similar parts in basements, garages and backrooms across the nation.
Do It Yourself Not Required While most AR-15 manufacturers sell stock rifles equipped with specific features and furniture, E.R. Shaw’s approach is to build the rifle to match the customer’s desires. It’s a method the company’s been using for years in its Mk. VII bolt-action rifle series in which customers can choose from calibers from .17 Fireball to .458 Winchester, along with dozens of combinations of stocks, receivers and barrel weights and lengths.
My test gun came with a 15-inch floating APF handguard with a full-length top picatinny rail and T-Mod rails. The 18-inch barrel had a 1:8-in. twist, was manufactured from 416 stainless steel and helical fluted and came with a standard flash suppressor, but the customer can specify between 1:7-, 1:8-, or 1:9-inch twist. The customer can also choose from nine different barrel combinations in lengths from 16 to 24 inches, with three fluting patterns and three barrel finishes combined with four receiver colors. There are four choices of handguards, from the MOE carbine length to the 15-inch APF, as my gun was supplied. The stock is a standard Magpul MOE in a color to match the receiver and handguard tube.
A Do-Everything Carbine As configured, the E.R. Shaw ERS15 is a general-purpose rifle, capable of performing a number of tasks well. While it isn’t an all out big-game hunting rifle, it’s certainly a capable rifle for taking hogs and deer-sized game. As a predator rifle, it’s well equipped. As a defensive carbine, the additional features like the improved handguard with T Mod capability for adding accessories is a plus, and the additional accuracy of a stainless match barrel is certainly no liability. While it isn’t a competition rifle, it certainly has adequate accuracy for NRA High Power if equipped with a suitable optical sight, and it would be fine as a carbine or three-gun rifle at club level matches. In effect, it exemplifies the versatility of AR-15 rifles, and the customization allowed with E.R. Shaw’s custom rifle program allows the buyer to spec out his own rifle for his needs rather than buy a rifle and end up with a shelf of discarded parts after the rifle is configured to the owner’s desires.
For testing the ERS15, I mounted a Nikon 3-12 power M223 scope for accuracy testing and added a Crimson Trace Linq light/laser for added versatility. So equipped, it’s capable of handling almost any imaginable situation from personal defense, to shooting hogs or predators in the dark, to service as a long-range varmint rifle at ranges out to 500 yards or more. I tested with Winchester 69-grain Match, 55-grain Tin Lead Free, and 55-grain FMJ, again, a broad range of ammunition that covers multiple applications.
Reliable and Versatile Accuracy In extensive shooting with all three loads, I experienced zero malfunctions and accuracy levels that allow the ERS15 to serve well in almost any application. Accuracy was on par for a stainless-barreled quality AR with groups with Winchester 69-grain Match averaging under MOA and 55-grain FMJ at just over two MOA. The trigger on my test gun broke at 5.4 pounds, not a competition trigger, but reasonable for a general-purpose AR. The single-stage trigger broke clean with no creep but some backlash. It did have the most audible reset click of any AR I can remember; the reset was as loud as the striker falling on an empty chamber. As a hunting and defensive trigger, it was far better than the average AR trigger, but those wishing to increase the long-range capability would be served by a trigger upgrade.
The 15-inch T-Mod forend tube worked well both on the Lead Sled and for offhand shooting. I particularly like the 15-inch length because for fast transitions the shooter’s hand should be well forward, and standard forend tubes don’t allow this without contacting the hot barrel or gas block. Repeatable off-the-bench sub-MOA accuracy is nothing to scoff at, and with the Winchester 69-grain match, all five of the test groups met this goal. Remarkably, the E.R. Shaw barrel managed to group bullet weights from 50 to 69 grains quite well. In one shooting session at a friend’s range, I tried some 75-grain handloads and they shot well also. The best part was the consistency of zero between the three different loads. Correction for any of the three loads would have been less than a half-minute.
Adding a Linq I equipped the test rifle with a Crimson Trace LiNQ laser/light system mounted to the T-Mod rail. It was a viable addition in keeping with the versatility of the E.R. Shaw ERS15. For defensive use, the addition of a laser to a carbine is an excellent idea since 70 percent of defensive situations occur in low-light conditions. Having a laser/light combination is even better because it allows certain identification. Of course, a light and laser also offer utility in predator and hog control applications as well.
The Crimson Trace LiNQ is innovative because it’s the first laser/light combination that offers wireless communication between the control switch and the light unit. I moved the LiNQ all the way forward on the forend to allow a forward grip without obstructing the unit. The 300 Lumens of light allow clear illumination of targets, and with the laser co-witnessed to the optical sight accurate heads-up shots are easily accomplished. Looking through the scope, the laser painted on the target looks like an illuminated reticle.
In Summary The E.R. Shaw ERS15 is not the best hunting AR, or the best competitive AR, or the best defensive carbine, but it serves admirably well at any of those applications. The concept of a custom build should be appreciated by those who don’t care to become an amateur gunsmith or wind up with a drawer full of unused components. Order it to suit your needs, and it will serve you well.
Specifications:
E.R. Shaw ERS15 Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas Caliber: 5.56 NATO Barrel: 18-in., 416 stainless steel, helical fluted (many other options) Trigger: 5.4 lbs., single stage Handguard: 15-in., free-floating APF (other options available) Stock: Magpul MOE Muzzle Device: Standard flash hider Price: $756 and up ($1,043 as configured) Manufacturer: E.R. Shaw
Working on the basics of rifle marksmanship is the key to improving your precision shooting.
Precise and consistent performance when behind the trigger isn’t rocket science. It’s mastering the basics of shooting — position, breath control, trigger discipline, clear sight picture. Then it’s drilling these fundamentals to a razor’s edge, so if the occasion arises, a shooter can cut right through a target. Firearms instructor and member of Colt’s Combat Unit Daryl Holland goes over how these fundamentals come together to make a perfect shot in the above video. It’s a great introduction for those who are new to the way of the gun and an excellent review for grizzled marksmen looking to enhance their precision shooting abilities. Perhaps as important as Holland covering the elements of making an accurate shot is his advice for shooters to challenge themselves at the range. Real life — be it a self-defense situation or a golden opportunity afield — rarely has a rock-solid rest at the shooter’s beck and call. In turn, shooters should look to put themselves in true-to-life positions and attempt to break off shots as accurately as if they were at a bench.
Fred Zeglin at work in his shop.Zeglin’s new book P.O. Ackley: America’s Gunsmith explores this intriguing man and his impact on the firearms world.
We talk with gunsmith and author Fred Zeglin on P.O. Ackley’s incredible influence on the modern firearms world.
When it comes to P.O. Ackley, Fred Zeglin knows of what he speaks. The master gunsmith, gunsmithing instructor and author has spent the better part of his career studying the life and works of the firearms icon in one way or another. Whether tinkering on a rifle in his workshop, developing a new wildcat cartridge or expounding on the finer points of barrel reamers, Ackley has always been close at hand for Zeglin. In a way, Zeglin was able to repay the patron saint of firearms with his most recent book: P.O. Ackley: America’s Gunsmith. The riveting work not only looks at the many contributions Ackley made to the firearms world, but also the humble and unique man himself. We were lucky enough to catch up with Zeglin and talk a little Ackley with him. And after our interview, there is little doubt that few men have had the impact on the world of firearms like Ackley.
From John M. Browning to Charles Newton to Eugene Stoner, the firearms world is filled with characters that advanced the industry. What in particular drew you to P.O. Ackley as your subject?
First, I would argue that Ackley is equal in stature and contribution to all of those men. He did as much for cartridge development as Browning did for guns. Newton may have had equally good ideas, but it took a couple of generations for his ideas to catch on with the shooting public. Ackley was far more prolific in his work than Stoner. Ackley produced well over 100 cartridges. Beyond that, he designed and built machines for barrel making; gunsmithed; taught; made barrels, reloading dies; designed bullets; and finally, was a well-respected writer.
As a gunsmith turned writer myself, I felt a natural pull toward Ackley’s work. I started looking around and since his death in 1989, there have been a few small articles written about some of Ackley’s work. However, nobody had taken on the job of researching his entire career and reporting on it. It didn’t take long till I was hooked on the story and just kept digging. Starting the process, I had no idea the time and effort I would spend to gather the information in this book, but I am proud of the end product.
P.O. Ackley’s work with cartridges is perhaps what he is best known for, but there is much more to his career.
Your previous writing has dealt with Ackley. Was there anything new you learned about the man or his work in researching this book?
Quite a bit of what I found along the way is new and unreported prior to this book. The story of Ackley’s work at Ogden Arsenal during the war and who he worked with provides a web of contacts that shaped much of his later career. How the school in Trinidad (Trinidad State Junior College gunsmithing school) actually got its start was different than previously reported. The sale of P.O. Ackley Inc. and subsequent move to Salt Lake City tells a lot about Ackley as a business man. Like most subjects, the devil is in the details.
Much of what I learned was small facts that have been misreported in articles over the years. Even so, there are some pretty big stories that came to light. Not many people know about Ackley’s involvement with EMDEKO Inc. building production rifles. The development of the Ackley ACE Bullet design is one of those things that was almost lost to history. I collected more cartridge designs attributed to Ackley than have ever been reported and added as much pressure tested load data as I could lay my hands on. In short, absolutely there is new information in this book.
Ackley’s impact on firearms was vast — cartridge development, barrel making, custom rifles, writing. Having delved so deeply into his life and works, where do you feel he made his biggest impact?
Ackley’s biggest impact is without a doubt something that most people would never consider; he worked with and trained a huge number of gunsmiths and barrel makers. I would be willing to bet you could find Ackley’s influence in most barrel companies in the U.S. But that’s not how the shooting public will remember him.
Ackley will always be remembered for Ackley Improved cartridges – mainly because shooters generally want a little more out of every gun they shoot. The concept of Improved cartridges as perfected and marketed by Ackley offers at least some benefit in nearly all cartridges, even if it’s only longer lasting brass. But for most shooters, it’s a little more velocity that they care about.
P.O. Ackley came along at just the right time. Powders were improving, case designs were becoming more modern in shape with less taper and sharper shoulder as Newton had envisioned decades earlier. He was brilliant in his design choices that allowed the average shooter to experiment with wildcatting. Improved cartridges allow the shooter to use factory ammo to fireform cases, so the need to understand headspace, or buy expensive forming dies is removed from the equation. You just have to learn to reload, and you’re ready to play with “Improved” cartridges.
Given your background as a gunsmith and working with wildcat cartridges, not to mention writing on Ackley, I have to suppose you’ve had extensive experience with his cartridges — improved or otherwise. Is there any particular one that stands out for you and why?
Wow, it’s really tough to narrow it down to just one. I would say that the best ones are the Improved cartridges that gain the most case capacity in fireforming. Cases like the .25-35 WCF, the Winchester .30-30, 7×57 Mauser and .257 Roberts would be at the top of my list. Over the years, I have built guns in most of Ackley’s Improved designs; none have ever disappointed.
Interestingly, many of the concepts of Ackley Improved have been adopted by the firearms industry as a whole. When new cartridges come to the market from any of the big gun making companies, they now sport minimum body taper and sharp shoulders right from the factory, proving P.O. had it right long before the rest of the gun industry.
P.O. Ackley studies a rifle.
Personally, how has Ackley influenced your work in the gun industry — aside from giving you fodder for writing?
Well, I might never have taken up teaching about firearms and gunsmithing if it were not for Ackley. You might say his career path has turned into a challenge to me to try to keep up. Naturally, with my interest in wildcats, Ackley was an early source of information. He demonstrated the value of being scientific and analytical when experimenting. His writings gave me the desire to understand things, not just work with a monkey-see-monkey-do attitude.
As a result of researching this book, I have spoken to a number of guys who worked with or for P.O. Ackley at some time in his career. In the time since I started the research, many of these men have passed on. So the biggest influence that Ackley has had on me is the desire not to waste time, and to work at what I love.
One of Ackley’s contemporaries said, “He (Ackley) just did what he thought was interesting, and it turned out a lot of other folks thought it was interesting too.” Unwittingly, I have always followed that path as well and have been lucky enough to have clients who were interested in what I was doing.
Utilizing a similar design scheme, Ritter & Stark has produced a slightly scaled down model of its flagship SX-1, meant to handle lighter loads.
Ritter & Stark is a relatively new player in the firearms market, hitting the stage around a year ago. But in that short time, the Austrian gunmaker has firmly laid its crosshairs on one particular firearms niche — precision bolt actions.
The company has been fast to follow up on the release of its flagship SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle that made a splash at the 2016 SHOT Show. Utilizing the same design scheme, Ritter & Stark has produced a rifle identical in features and purpose, but slightly scaled down and meant to handle lighter loads.
The short-action SLX series was introduced at the IWA Outdoor Classic 2017 in Nuremberg, Germany with the SLX-308 MTR taking center stage. As can be guessed, the rifle is chambered for .308 Win./7.62×51 NATO, but Ritter & Stark plans to follow up with .260 Rem. and 6.5 Creedmoor models at a later date.
The gun comes in right around 2 pounds lighter and nearly 11 inches shorter than the .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Lupua Mag. versions of the SX-1. The new .308 Win., is available with a 20-, 22- or 24-inch barrel, whereas the SX-1 starts out with a 24.5-inch barrel for its smallest caliber. Note, there is a .308 SX-1 that plays a bit of a Mama Bear role in the two series, though is still heftier than the SLX model of the same caliber.
With a fully adjustable buttstock, the SLX series is ready to fix any shooter.
Given the more utilized calibers and lighter overall platform, the company appears to be shooting at a more mainstream audience — hunters and target shooters— with the rifle.
It’s no surprise that the new SLX is being offered in multiple calibers, as the previous SX-1 modular design facilitates lightning fast caliber changes, taking only minutes to switch out barrels. The same is true for the SLX.
The system is well thought out, especially for those who can afford to maximize either platform to their full potential. In particular, a barrel-mounted MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail gives shooters the advantage of swapping calibers without losing their zero — if, that is, a scope dedicated to each barrel is within budget.
A few of the other notable features of the SLX line include a fully adjustable folding buttstock, Picatinny rails and M-Lok mounting systems, detachable AR-15 pistol grip and adjustable two-stage Remington 700 standard compatible trigger. Also, Ritter & Stark guarantees .5 MOA from its barrels, with match ammo, up to 5,000 rounds. At time of writing, there was no MSRP available.
SLX-308 MTR Specs: Caliber: .308 Win. Barrel length: 508 mm (20″)/558 mm (22″)/ 609 mm (24″) Overall length: 1000 mm (39.4″) Length with folded stock: 760 mm (30″) Overall width: 81 mm (3.2″) Width with folded stock: 103 mm (4″) Rifling – # of grooves: 6 Twist Rate: 280 mm (1:11″) right Total weight: 3.73…5.18 kg (8.2…11.4 lbs.) Magazine capacity: 10 rounds Min. barrel life: 5000 rounds (compliance to NATO AC-225 D.14) Stock length adjustment: 60mm (2.4″) Cheek piece height adjustment: 27mm (1.1″) Butt plate height adjustment: ±23mm (±0.9″) Trigger adjustability: slack, preliminary pull, pull, drag Trigger weight: Adjustable between 600 g…1500 g (1.3lbs….3.3lbs.) Safety system: 3-position safety: F…fire, S…safe (firing pin locked), L…lock (locks the bolt for transport) Optical interface: MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail with 12, 20 or 40 MOA forward inclination. Accessory interface: M-LOK Allows the installation of MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rails via M-LOK or M5-Screws. The octagonal cross section enables the handguard to accept accessories in 45° steps.
The second generation Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 takes the classic S&W pistol to the next level with ergonomic and performance upgrades.
There are two ways you can look at the new S&W M&P M2.0. One way is the philosophy of “Why fix what isn’t broken?” The M&P9 M1.0 worked fine; so, leave it alone, right? The second way is, “Test them like you use them.” Forward-thinking manufacturers know life is not static, nor does it occur in a vacuum. Needs evolve and change, and S&W delivers on change. S&W chooses to learn, listen, test, adapt and evolve, and that is what it did with the M&P9 M2.0.
I like the M&P series and found that these pistols perform. I’ve witnessed M&P pistols endure excessive round counts. As fast as magazines were loaded, the pistols constantly chattered, churning up the dirt backstop so much that the pistols became hot to the touch. The high round count did not faze the M&P, and it did not cave under the torture. In reality, no one will ever shoot 1,000+ rounds as fast as possible through their pistols, unless you happen to be like me and try to find a gun’s weak spot. I couldn’t break the old M&P9 M1.0.
There are other things I like about the old M&P, which I hoped S&W would leave well enough alone, and that was the grip. The 18-degree grip angle of the M&P is similar to a 1911 and comfortable to shoot. A Glock in comparison is about 22 degrees. S&W wisely chose to keep the angle at 18 degrees.
The trigger on older models was good, but the trigger is always the thing that can be improved. Forget about the ease of use and fieldstripping. The M&P is simple and safe and, yes, a thumb safety is available on older M&P models if that feature is a requirement. The new M2.0 I tested came with the optional ambidextrous thumb safety. I tried the thumb safety on the test sample just to tick that off the checklist. It is easily manipulated with the thumb of the shooting hand. If I owned this gun, I would probably never use it because the built-in safeties of the M&P keep it drop safe. Having the safety redundancy in the thumb safety is a good feature, nonetheless.
The slide release is the same as on the M1.0 except on the M2.0 it is ambidextrous. Also the magazine release is reversible, and the button is made of steel.
Some of the M2.0 design changes are obvious. Others are not so obvious. The first thing that I noticed when I pulled the M&P9 M2.0 out of the case was the aggressively textured grips. It reminded me of medium grit sandpaper but with none of the abrasion. Think the Glock RTF2 texture but not as spiny. The M2.0 texture offers good adhesion without feeling like my palm is being worn down one layer of skin at a time. The M2.0 comes with four grip inserts for petite to large hands. The palm swell grip inserts are actually sized small, medium, medium-large and large.
What I like about the M&P grips are the palm swells, which enable the pistol to stick to more of your hand with less gaps like pistols with flat grip sides. Another plus with the new M&P is the front grip strap is void of finger grooves. Sometime finger grooves fit, sometimes they don’t. Some finger groove grip straps feel like they were made especially for me, others feel like my big brother’s hand-me-down clothes, except I’ll never grow into them.
The next features that caught my eye were the new muzzle-end slide serrations in the trademark S&W scallops. When I compared it to my personal M&P9 C.O.R.E. Pro Series pistol, I could see the stainless steel slide was profiled a bit different. Relieved of metal to make it lighter.
What was odd and new were cutouts in the polymer frame. These cutouts reveal one of the major renovations to the M&P series, an extended stainless-steel chassis embedded in the polymer receiver. The chassis makes the pistol more rigid to reduce flex and torque when firing. I fired my M&P9 Pro Series next to the full-size M2.0 and felt the difference in recoil. The M2.0 had less felt recoil.
There are the changes that you can see, but there are also changes that can be heard and felt. The M2.0 uses a new trigger. The new trigger is crisper and has a tactile and audible reset. It is the same trigger in the Performance Series M&P pistols. This trigger really separates the M&P M2.0 from all the other striker-fired polymer frame pistols. The trigger is wide, and I feel I have more control with it compared to triggers with a safety lever built into the trigger face. I also feel it is more consistent.
My test sample was equipped with a 5-inch stainless steel barrel, but it is also available in a 4.25-inch model. Previous 5-inch M&Ps were only available from the Performance Center. The finish was a nicely executed Cerakote FDE.
The high grip on the M&P means the barrel-to-bore axis is close, which translates into the pistol being more comfortable to shoot with faster aim recovery since the muzzle flips less in your grip. But the truth is in the shooting. I loaded up both 15-round magazines—the M2.0 comes with two steel magazines—with some hot handloads and 115-grain hollow point bullets. A piece of broken clay pigeon on the dirt bank at 25 yards worked as a target. I covered the piece of pigeon with the front sight and squeezed off the first. Dead bird. It’s not a target pistol by any means, but the M2.0 will gladly do your bidding. I ran the remainder of that magazine and the other to get a feel for the rhythm of the pistol’s cycle.
Hornady American Gunner with 115-grain XP bullets, Aguila 124-grain FMJs and Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 50-grain HPs rounded out the ammunition—a wide assortment of bullet weights and different bullet types. The M2.0 chewed through all the test ammo, which is what I expected from an M&P. I used my backpack as a rest to collect accuracy data, and the Hornady American Gunner ammo gave me 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards. The Aguila and Liberty were both under 2 inches at 25 yards. Shooting for speed—the best part of a test in my opinion—revealed that the new M2.0 had less felt recoil. The enhanced trigger allowed me to get on target fast and fire fast.
The other attractive feature of the M2.0 is a price point of $599. The S&W M&P M2.0 has evolved an already excellent pistol platform into a pistol that is easier and more comfortable to shoot. Expect .40 S&W and .45 ACP variants, too. There is a lot to like about the M2.0. Change is good.
Specifications:
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Caliber: 9mm Action: Striker-fired, locked breech, tilting barrel Barrel: 5 in. Overall Length: 8.3 in. Grip: Textured polymer, modular, four inserts Weight: 26.9 oz. Finish: Cerakote FDE (Flat Dark Earth) Capacity: 17+1 Price: $599
Howa has expanded its MiniAction rifle line to incorporate a shooter favorite — the classic and widely available 7.62x39mm.
Going small isn’t always a bad thing, particularly if it means shooting zippy or cost-effective centerfire rifle rounds. Howa hit on this winning concept a couple of years back when it introduced a shortened down version of its 1500 action, which it fittingly dubbed the MiniAction.
The rifle series featured the most concise bolt throw in Howa’s catalog, giving shooters a lightning-fast bolt-action to send light-to-intermediate rounds down range. It was a target shooter and varmint hunter’s dream, one that has only gotten more pleasant with the company’s newest addition to the line.
Following last year’s introduction of the 6.5 Grendel to the MiniAction family, Howa has now released a rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm. This is an interesting move and one that allots the rifle a measure of exclusivity, given there are few bolt-actions presently available that feed on the Russian-born fodder. For certain, the new Howa MiniAction should be an option for shooters who tend to keep a close eye on their wallets. For the most part, 7.62x39mm ammo is as ubiquitous as references to Russia on cable news and relatively cheap, particularly the steel-cased variety. But, along with the Grendel, it gives the platform a heftier round than its original MiniAction calibers: .204 Ruger, .222 Remington and .223 Remington.
Throwing the 7.62x39mm round around, the new MiniAction would make quick work of anything from deer to feral hogs to whistle pigs. It might be a perfect example of the ever-rarer breed of truck gun, perfect to tote along while working on a fence and ready for that overly curious coyote.
Shooters have the choice of 20- and 22-inch barrels in lightweight, standard and heavy configurations. And similar to almost all Howa rifles, the MiniAction is available as a stand-alone gun or topped off with a Nikko Stirling scope. In this case, it’s the 3-9×40 Panamax Riflescope and includes base and rings.
Like the rest of the MiniAction line, the new rifle is outfitted with Howa’s proprietary two-stage H.A.C.T. trigger, pillar bedding and synthetic stock. The rifle has a 5+1 capacity and feeds from a detachable magazine. The 7.62x39mm Howa MiniAction is fairly easy on the pocketbook, with an MSRP range of $652 to $840 — depending on stock color.
MiniAction 7.62x39mm Specs Caliber: 7.62x39mm Action: MiniAction Barrel Length: 20 and 22 inches Twist Rate: 1:9.45″ Overall Length: 39.5 or 41.5 inches (depending on barrel length) Weight: 5.7 or 6 pounds MSRP: $652 to $840 (depending on stock choice)
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
The new Meopta MeoPro 8×56 HD binoculars offer incredible low-light viewing performance and incorporate a host of other great features.
According to Reinhard Seipp, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Meopta USA, “The MeoPro 8×56 HD is the perfect low-light binocular. Its large 56mm objective and 8x magnification create an exit pupil of 7mm, which is about the maximum pupil dilation of a normal human eye.” This large exit pupil floods the eye with light, allowing hunters to see fine detail in extremely dim conditions. This is important for hunters and shooters. You might need to assess an elk’s rack or you might be trying to see bullet holes in your target, just before or after sunset.
