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New Handgun: Kimber’s Super Jägare

April 25, 2017

Kimber’s new Super Jägare sets to arm hunters with a trustworthy semi-automatic ready to take aim at large, medium and small game alike.

Given the selection of large-bore cartridges, handgun hunting used to be exclusively the realm of revolvers. But as the discipline has gained favor with hunters seeking a new challenge, more and more semi-automatics have been heading afield.

The venerable 10mm round has made the style of pistol a viable and reasonable option for a wide variety of game. Combined with a semi-automatic platform, it offers enthusiasts a number of interesting advantages, including relatively judicious recoil and the potential for fast follow-up shots.

Kimber is the latest to go on the hunt, applying its 1911-knowhow to build a 10mm that aims to excel in function, as well as elegance. The Super Jägare is now available and comes purpose built to chase anything from whitetails to coyotes straight from the box.

Perhaps one of the more intriguing aspects of the 10mm is it comes standard without traditional sights. Taking the place of the customary blade and notch is a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro rear-mounted red-dot sight.

This is a logical move in many respects, given most in the handgun hunting game opt for an optic anyhow. And in this case, hunters get a rugged reflex sight that facilitates fast target acquisition and hand-free operation. The sight features Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology that activates illumination upon any movement of the unit.

The 42-ounce Super Jägare is outfitted with a 6-inch barrel to maximize the potential of the round. And it is configured to keep the gun on target during multiple shots, utilizing a ported barrel intended to reduce muzzle flip. Aligned ports on the slide allow gas to escape more freely and add a touch of flair to the design, while keeping internal mechanisms cleaner.

The pistol’s controls have been maximized for easy operation in the heat of a hunt or in gloved hands. The ambidextrous thumb safety provides ample space to get the gun into the hunt and an aggressively checkered magazine release facilitates speedy reloads of the 8-round magazine — should the occasion call for it.

The slide has also been augmented to include forward scallop cocking serrations, but along the length of the top. This was done to avoid the ports, but at the same time it offers plenty of real estate to manipulate the pistol and its 18.5-pound recoil spring.

Kimber has endowed the Super Jägare with its usual panache, making the pistol an eye-catching two-tone design. However, the KimPro gray stainless steel frame and matte black Diamond-like Carbon coating on the slide shouldn’t catch light to tip off potential game that they’re in a hunter’s sights. The high-grip beavertail and undercut trigger guard should give shooters a firm grip and allow the deeply checkered Micarta grip panels to do their job.

Like all Kimbers, the Super Jägare leans toward the ritzier end of the 1911 market. But given all its bells and whistles, the $2,688 MSRP might be just right for some hunters, especially those itching to hit the field as soon as possible.

Super Jägare Specs
Caliber: 10mm
Height: 5.25 in.
Width: 1.28 in.
Overall Length: 9.7 in.
Barrel Length: 6 in.
Weight: 42 oz.
Capacity: 8+1
Twist Rate: 1:16
Pull Weight: 4-5 lbs. approximately

New AR: CMMG’s MkG-45 Guard in .45 ACP

Drew Warden

April 25, 2017

CMMG has released its new MkG-45 Guard, an innovative AR chambered in .45 ACP and featuring a unique Radial Delayed Blowback system.

CMMG has always been an innovator ever since its founding in 2002. However, in the past few years especially, it has really made an effort to redefine what the AR can be. In late 2014, the company introduced its Mk47 Mutant, a hybrid AR/AK design, and this past year, it brought out the MkW-15 Anvil in .458 SOCOM. Now, CMMG has just announced its new MkG-45 Guard, a .45 ACP pistol-caliber carbine.

The new MkG-45 Guard is offered in five different configurations and feeds from common Glock magazines. The gun also uses a unique, patent-pending Radial Delayed Blowback system that the company has developed.

“With the Guard, we set out to engineer an affordable, highly reliable AR chambered in .45 ACP that would use the widely-available Glock magazines. In the early stages of design, we tested out a variety of different operating systems, including straight blowback and direct impingement, but none of those options gave us the reliability we were looking for. We ultimately came up with the design for the Radial Delayed Blowback system and from there, all the pieces started falling into place,” said Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO/CFO at CMMG.

Most pistol-caliber carbines feature a straight blowback operating system. In fact, CMMG’s own Mk9 series of 9mm ARs utilizes a straight blowback design. However, CMMG found that a new system was needed with the larger, more potent .45 ACP.

The new Radial Delayed Blowback system on the CMMG MkG-45 Guard actually uses a bolt carrier group (BCG) not unlike those on a standard, direct impingement AR. However, its operation is different. Following a shot, it’s the bolt’s forced rotation to unlock that slows down the BCG enough to safely cycle .45 ACP loads. Without that delay for rotating and unlocking, the MkG-45 would be unable to safely handle the increased power of the .45 ACP. This system also permits the BCG and buffer system to be lighter than those on straight blowback 9mm ARs, which also translates to a lighter firearm overall.

The new MkG-45 utilizes AR-style controls, so lack of familiarity shouldn’t be an issue. This also includes a last-round hold open function, which shooters are sure to appreciate. The Guard .45 ACP incorporates a new, patent-pending, dual-pinned, fully machined bolt catch linkage. This linkage should offer consistent and reliable operation without needing adjustments or tuning, and the actuation from this linkage is sturdy enough that it still uses a standard bolt catch spring.

The MkG-45 Guard ships with one 13-round factory Glock 21 magazine, and CMMG recommends factory double-stack Glock .45 ACP magazines if shooters are looking for additional mags. CMMG will also be offering bolt weight kits for shooters looking to fine-tune their gun for +P ammo or use with a suppressor.

For more information on the new CMMG MkG-45 Guard in .45 ACP, visit the CMMG website, or check out the specifications below.

Specifications:

CMMG MkG-45 Guard T
Type: Semi-auto, Radial Delayed Blowback
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 16.1 in., 1:16 twist, medium taper 4140 SBN barrel
Overall Length: 32.5 in. (stock collapsed)
Weight: 5.6 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV Brake, threaded .578-28
Handguard: CMMG RKM11
Grip: A2-style pistol grip
Stock: Six-position M4-style
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 aluminum
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage GI-style trigger
MSRP: $1,299.95

CMMG MkG-45 Guard DRB
Type: Semi-auto, Radial Delayed Blowback
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 16.1 in., 1:16 twist, medium taper 4140 SBN barrel
Overall Length: 32.5 in. (stock collapsed)
Weight: 5.8 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV Brake, threaded .578-28
Handguard: CMMG RKM14
Grip: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
Stock: Magpul CTR stock
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 aluminum
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage GI-style trigger
MSRP: $1,399.95

CMMG MkG-45 Guard PDW
Type: Semi-auto, Radial Delayed Blowback
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 8 in., 1:16 twist, medium taper 4140 SBN barrel
Overall Length: 25 in. (stock collapsed)
Weight: 5 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV Brake, threaded .578-28
Handguard: CMMG RKM7
Grip: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
Stock: Magpul MOE adjustable stock
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 aluminum
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage GI-style trigger
MSRP: $1,349.95

MkG-45 Guard PDW Pistol
Type: Semi-auto, Radial Delayed Blowback
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 8 in., 1:16 twist, medium taper 4140 SBN barrel
Overall Length: 24 in. (stock collapsed)
Weight: 4.7 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV Brake, threaded .578-28
Handguard: CMMG RKM7
Grip: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
Stock: CMMG pistol receiver extension
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 aluminum
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Trigger: CMMG Single Stage GI-style trigger
MSRP: $1,299.95

MkG-45 Guard DRB2
Type: Semi-auto, Radial Delayed Blowback
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 16.1 in., 1:16 twist, medium taper 4140 SBN barrel
Overall Length: 32.5 in. (stock collapsed)
Weight: 5.8 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV Brake, threaded .578-28
Handguard: CMMG RKM14
Grip: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip
Stock: Magpul CTR stock
Lower Receiver: Billet 7075-T6 aluminum
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Trigger: Geissele Automatics SSA
MSRP: $1,599.95

Firing Line Video: Black Hills Ammunition’s HoneyBadger

Gun Digest Editors

April 24, 2017

Tipped with a specially designed solid copper bullet by Lehigh Defense, Black Hills Ammunition’s HoneyBadger provides an excellent-performing self-defense round.

The honey badger don’t care! Especially if it’s the new self-defense round by Black Hills Ammunition. Designed to produce superior velocities and overcome layers of clothing to produce devastating wound channels, the HoneyBadger has everything shooters look for in a reliable defensive round.

What makes the round so potent is that it’s tipped with a specially designed solid copper bullet from Lehigh Defense. Wait a tick, monometal bullets for self-defense? Might as well shoot full metal jacket, right? Not quite. Plenty of engineering has gone into Lehigh’s monometal wonders, which helps them outperform hollow points while avoiding the dangers of overpenetration.

The bullet’s machined flutes dump a majority of the projectile’s energy at the front end of its entry into a target, producing massive wound channels. This feature also brings it to a controlled stop well within the FBI’s 12-18 inches of penetration standard. Its hard, front cutting edges ensure it slices through barriers that often plug hollow points, giving it consistent performance. And, the bullet retains all its weight upon entering a target, creating a longer, more devastating wound channel.

Smith & Wesson Shipping New M&P15 Models

Drew Warden

April 24, 2017

Smith & Wesson has announced it is now shipping new models of its classic M&P15 modern sporting rifle with M-LOK compatibility.

Ever since 2006, when Smith & Wesson introduced the gun public to its new M&P15 rifle, the M&P15 has represented a great option for entry-level buyers. And within the past decade or so, the M&P15 line has only continued to expand.

This past week, Smith & Wesson announced that it had begun shipping two new models of its classic modern sporting rifle. These two new additions are the M&P15X and M&P15T. The two new products keep the original appearance and function of past rifles in the line but offer a few key enhancements, such as M-LOK-compatible forends.

The new M&P15X utilizes a new M&P slim, aluminum carbine-length handguard outfitted with M-LOK slots. A 2-inch M-LOK Picatinny-style rail panel is also included with the rifle, and the gun features a standard Picatinny top rail. Another nice upgrade is the addition of a chromed firing pin.

The M&P15T, on the other hand, comes equipped with a longer 13-inch M&P, slim, M-LOK-compatible, modular free-float rail system. It also arrives with Magpul’s MBUS flip-up iron sights as standard.

Both of these new rifles feature a 16-inch barrel with a 1:8-inch twist and 5R rifling for improved accuracy and easier cleaning. The barrel on each is also treated with an Armornite finish on both interior and exterior surfaces. Each rifle has a forged, integral trigger guard and is outfitted with a patented S&W flash suppressor on the muzzle.

Jan Mladek, general manager for the M&P and Smith & Wesson brands, said, “We are proud to continually deliver new and innovative additions to our M&P15 rifle series in order to meet the changing needs and wants of our fans and consumers. We remain dedicated to developing the finest products possible. From the seasoned competitor to the professional user, these enhanced M&P15 rifles are a must-have for any shooting enthusiast.”

At this year’s SHOT Show, famed competitive shooter Jerry Miculek demonstrated the new M&P15T’s capabilities during the show’s Industry Day at the Range event. Miculek used the M&P15T to set a new speed record, firing 10 shots on three targets in 1.59 seconds. Miculek said, “Attempting speed records is never easy, but using the right equipment improves my chances. I really like what Smith & Wesson has done with the M&P15 rifle.”

The new M&P15X and M&P15T are available now for $1,239 and $1,190, respectively. Each rifle ships with a 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine.

For more information on these two new rifles, visit the Smith & Wesson website, or check out specifications on the new rifles below.

Specifications:

Smith & Wesson M&P15X
Type: Semi-auto, direct impingement gas
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Barrel: 16 in., 5R rifling, 1:8-in. twist, 4140 steel
Overall Length: 36.8 in.
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Stock: Six-position standard AR
Grip: Standard GI-style grip
Sights: Adjustable A2-style front post, Magpul MBUS folding rear
Handguard: M&P slim, aluminum, carbine-length with M-LOK
MSRP: $1,239
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson M&P15T
Type: Semi-auto, direct impingement gas
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Barrel: 16-in., 5R rifling, 1:8-in. twist, 4140 steel
Overall Length: 36.6 in.
Weight: 6.7 lbs.
Stock: Six-position standard AR
Grip: Standard GI-style grip
Sights: Magpul MBUS folding front and rear sights
Handguard: 13-in. M&P, slim, modular free-float rail system with M-LOK
MSRP: $1,190
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Gun Review: Stevens S1200 Shotgun

Josh Dahlke

April 21, 2017

The Stevens S1200, the company’s first autoloader, performs under pressure and is attainable by the masses.

It was a hot summer morning when I joined a gang of gun industry compadres at a backyard shooting range to prepare for a day of fast-paced wingshooting. Our six-man crew gathered around a picnic table full of clay pigeons, shotguns and ammo to burn. We would warm up on clays flung from a Champion WheelyBird trap before heading to a nearby dairy farm to help with a real pigeon problem. However, the core of our mission that day was to test the new Stevens S1200. We uncased four of the hungry 12-gauge autoloaders and fed them until our supply of clays turned to dust.

Inside the S1200

Before we headed down the road to pound pigeons, I sat down with J.J. Reich, communications manager for Stevens, to get some insider details about the S1200.

Q. What prompted Stevens to bring this new autoloader to the market?

A. We wanted to expand the depth of our shotgun line by offering shooters more options in actions and provide a greater variety within each family. Stevens has a proven stable of field and security shotguns, plus a popular youth model introduced just last year. Adding a series of semi-automatics to the roster gives shooters even more choices that are equally at home busting clays on the range or helping you enjoy banner days in the field.

Q. How diverse is the S1200 line?

A. There are five different models in all, providing options in barrel lengths from 26 to 28 inches; black synthetic and walnut stocks; and two full-gun Mossy Oak camo patterns—Shadow Grass Blades and Bottomland. This kind of variety gives our customers the chance to choose the perfect combination for their style of shooting.

Q. How is the inertia system different or similar to other shotguns in this category?

A. There’s nothing unique about our inertia system. What I will say is the S1200 is loaded with amenities that serious shooters will appreciate and at a highly competitive price point.

Q. What enables Stevens to keep the price of the S1200 so reasonable?

A. Like other Stevens shotguns, the new S1200 is crafted by trusted overseas suppliers who work tirelessly with us to provide great quality at an affordable price. Such a partnership helps us provide the kind of performance shooters have come to expect without cutting corners to keep costs down.

Q. Are there plans to expand the S1200 line?

A. Yes, we’re working toward releasing a few 20-gauge options (S1220) for 2017.

S1200 Details

The S1200 is built with a 3-inch chamber to accommodate 2.75-inch (5+1 capacity) or 3-inch (4+1 capacity) shells. It weighs 6.6 pounds with a 14.25-inch length of pull. The receiver is made of lightweight aluminum. A carbon-steel barrel sports a front metal bead sight that sits on a ventilated rib. It accepts the Beretta Mobilchoke System, which offers a full spectrum of task-specific choke constrictions; the S1200 comes with five popular options: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified and full. Prices range from $573 for the utilitarian black synthetic models up to $685 if you demand the more classic walnut stock, with camo models in between at $629.

Running the Gun

Our pigeon-hunting posse jumped into a couple of pickup trucks and rode into cattle country. As we pulled into the driveway of a farmyard, flocks of pigeons circled the barn overhead. It was a target-rich environment, well suited for our field test of the S1200.

There’s no limit on pigeons, so the first thing we did was remove the plug from our guns. The configuration of a plug might seem like a small detail, but if you’re jumping between waterfowl and upland birds with one all-purpose scattergun, a plug can become a pain in the rear. Unlike most shotgun manufacturers, Stevens really nailed it with the plug placement in the S1200. Unscrew the forearm cap and the plug pulls out effortlessly—no worries about a flying magazine tube spring or extra steps to access it.

We had a variety of Federal Premium cartridges with us for testing purposes. The S1200 smoothly cycled 3-inch Black Cloud steel and 2.75-inch Wing-Shok lead upland loads, knocking down dirty birds by the dozens. The guns shouldered comfortably, balanced well and smoothly swung through the avian acrobats.

In basic terms, an inertial autoloader cycles rounds with the aid of a tightly wound spring that compresses upon recoil, which forces the bolt rearward to eject the spent shell and serve up a fresh one. Benelli, Franchi, Beretta and Stoeger use this system, whereas Remington, Mossberg, Winchester and others use gas-operated systems.

The primary benefit of inertial autoloaders is that they run cleaner than gas guns, but generally this comes with a noticeably heavier dose of felt recoil. A proper grip and mount will do wonders for any recoil-sensitive shooter. I’ll never pretend to be a tough guy. Recoil sucks. After firing a couple hundred rounds through the S1200—at least half of which were magnum loads—I can say it’s certainly harder hitting than most gas guns I’ve handled, but it’s not overpowering by any means.

Felt recoil aside, there is another downside to running an inertial semi-auto: It won’t reliably cycle the little guys. A light, low-brass cartridge doesn’t generate a big enough of a bang to work the action. The S1200 didn’t escape this fault, as it was totally incapable of running tiny target loads. This is a standard issue for any inertia-driven shotgun, and for most shooters it’s not a concern because the application of shooting such light loads is pretty limited.

There’s one other literal chink in the armor of the S1200: All of our test models that wore a camo finish started to exhibit paint loss after minimal abuse. When we pointed this out to Reich, he immediately and urgently took note and passed the word on to Stevens’ production team. Hopefully this weak link in the manufacturing process can be strengthened. If this is a concern, one might opt for the rugged and gentlemanly walnut-stocked, blued-barrel version of this shotgun.

As a whole, the S1200 is a solid performer at a price point that’s difficult for a budget-conscious shooter to ignore. It’s a practical performer that won’t make you cry if it gets bumped or bruised.

Specifications:

Stevens S1200
Type: Semi-auto
Gauge: 12 ga.
Barrel: 26 or 28 in.
Barrel Material: Carbon steel
Barrel Finish: Matte
Overall Length: 47.25 or 49.25 in.
Weight: 6.8 or 6.9 lbs.
Capacity: 5
Stock: Synthetic
Price: $571

Blast Through the Basics: All About Shotguns

Best AR Style Shotgun – A Comprehensive Review
Best 410 Pump Shotgun – A Buyer’s Guide
Best Over Under Shotgun – Affordable Doubles
Best Home-Defense Shotguns
Double Barrel Shotgun Reviews – Affordable Doubles
What is an 8 Gauge Shotgun? Everything You Need to Know
Best Tactical Shotguns A Comprehensive Guide
Lever Action Shotgun Reviews – The Past, Present And Future
The Best Pump Action Shotgun Guide
Bullpup Shotgun Buying Guide – Best Options for Self-Defense

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

New Gear: Ruger AI-Style Magazines

Drew Warden

April 21, 2017

New Ruger AI-style magazines offer shooters a Ruger factory-produced option for their Ruger Precision and Gunsite Scout Rifles, as well as other rifles that use AI-type magazines.

In recent years, Ruger has expanded its production into categories outside of its typical base. It branched out into the ammo game with Ruger-branded ammunition, joined the ever-growing suppressor market with its Silent-SR .22 LR suppressor, and delved into accessories with its BX Trigger for the 10/22 and its Elite 452 Trigger for the AR. Now, the American manufacturer is adding factory-produced Ruger AI-style magazines to its list of aftermarket accessories.

These new Ruger AI-style magazines are molded from 50 percent glass-filled nylon for improved strength and durability. They feature corrosion-resistant, stainless steel springs for reliable feeding, as well as dust covers for protection during transport and storage.

The new magazines are compatible with Ruger’s Precision Rifle and the company’s Gunsite Scout Rifle. They are also designed to be used with many of the available AICS (Accuracy International Chassis Systems) type bottom metal assemblies.

There will be two models of the new Ruger AI-style magazines: a .308 version and a .223 variant. The .308 magazines are compatible with rifles chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and other .308-sized cartridges. Meanwhile, the .223 version is capable of utilizing .223-sized cartridges with a maximum overall length of 2.5 inches.

The new Ruger AI-style magazines for rifles chambered in .223 Rem. are offered with a 10-round capacity, while the .308 magazines are available with a 5- or 10-round capacity in the standard variation or with a 3-round capacity for use in sporter-stocked rifles, such as Ruger’s Gunsite Scout.

These new magazines are currently available for $39.95 at Ruger’s online store.

New Ammo: The 22 and 33 Nosler Cartridges

Drew Warden

April 20, 2017

The new 22 and 33 Nosler cartridges fill some gaps in the ammo manufacturer’s cartridge lineup and should be exciting developments for any serious shooter.

The Nosler name has been synonymous with advancements in ammunition and bullet design ever since John Nosler developed the famous Partition bullet and founded the company in 1948. In the past few years, the manufacturer has continued that legacy of innovation with the development and introduction of several proprietary cartridges.

In late 2013 and early 2014, Nosler introduced and began producing its very first SAAMI standardized cartridge, the 26 Nosler. An incredibly flat-shooting 6.5mm cartridge, the 26 Nosler used the .404 Jeffrey as a parent case, shortened to fit in a standard .30-06-length action, and was capable of impressive velocities – retaining as much velocity at 400 yards as a .260 Remington produces at the muzzle. In 2015, Nosler followed that up with the 28 Nosler, and in 2016 it released the 30 Nosler, both of which utilized the same .404 Jeffrey as a parent case.

Now, for 2017, Nosler has added two more cartridges to its ever-growing list: the 22 Nosler and 33 Nosler. The two new additions represent both the low end and the high end of the Nosler cartridge line, with both filling in important gaps.

33 Nosler
Officially introduced in the fall of 2016, the 33 Nosler shares the same .404 Jeffrey parent case as the previous entries in the Nosler cartridge family but fires larger .338-caliber bullets. Dubbed the “patriarch” of the family by Nosler, the 33 Nosler is set up for big game and shooting at long range.

The new 33 Nosler boasts the ability to launch a 225-grain AccuBond bullet at a brisk 3,025 feet per second (fps) or a new, slightly heavier 265-grain AccuBond Long Range bullet at 2,775 fps. According to Nosler, that’s roughly 275 fps faster, and with 20 percent more energy than the .338 Winchester Magnum using the same length action. It’s also listed as being a touch faster than the revered .338 Lapua Magnum at the muzzle, and it does so burning around 18 percent less powder.

Nosler is currently offering three loads for the new 33 Nosler, two from Nosler’s Trophy Grade hunting ammo line and one from its Match Grade line. The Trophy Grade loads feature either a 225-grain AccuBond bullet or a 265-grain AccuBond Long Range bullet, while the Match Grade offering utilizes a 300-grain Custom Competition projectile. Predictably, buying 33 Nosler ammo is not a cheap affair, with pricing for a 20-count box currently ranging from $71.50 to $77.50, depending on the load selected.

The company will also be supporting the new 33 Nosler with factory-made brass and with its full line of M48 rifles in 26-inch barrel configurations.

22 Nosler
On the other end of Nosler’s cartridge spectrum is the new 22 Nosler. Formally introduced during the 2017 SHOT Show, the 22 Nosler is one of the more exciting and, frankly, surprising developments for the new year.

It is unexpected for two reasons. One, it deviates from the rest of the Nosler cartridge family in that it does not use the .404 Jeffrey as a parent case. In fact, the 22 Nosler has no parent case. And two, unlike Nosler’s other cartridges, which are built for bolt guns, this new offering is tailored from the start for use with the AR-15.

According to the manufacturer, the 22 Nosler was born from a desire to create the most powerful .22-caliber centerfire cartridge that could readily function in an AR. To that end, the new 22 Nosler offers 30 percent more energy and almost 300 fps of added velocity when compared to the standard .223 Rem./5.56 NATO. Nosler has also designed the 22 Nosler’s case in a way that makes it relatively easy to convert a standard AR from .223 Rem./5.56 NATO to the new cartridge.

All that’s required to convert an existing AR to one utilizing the 22 Nosler is swapping in a new barrel (or a dedicated 22 Nosler upper, if that’s the user’s preference) and changing out the magazine. Because the case diameter and taper are similar to the 6.8 Remington SPC, the 22 Nosler can feed from standard 6.8 SPC magazines. And because bolt face dimensions for the 22 Nosler are identical to those of the .223 Rem./5.56 NATO at .378 inch, users will still be able to use their rifle’s existing bolt carrier group.

The 22 Nosler is capable of velocities approaching those of the iconic .22-250 Rem., and does so in a significantly smaller package. It offers almost 25 percent more case capacity than the standard .223 Rem./5.56 NATO and is capable of driving a 55-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet and a 77-grain Custom Competition bullet at 3,350 fps and 2,950 fps, respectively, out of an AR equipped with an 18-inch barrel.

“The AR-15 is indisputably one of the most popular firearms among shooting enthusiasts across the globe” said John Nosler, Executive Vice President for the company. “While there are other hard-hitting cartridges that exist for the platform, as far as .22 caliber is concerned, nothing compares to the performance of our newly engineered 22 Nosler case. It was important to us that every AR-15 owner could instantly customize their existing rifle to 22 Nosler without any fancy gunsmithing. In keeping with that goal, a simple switch of the magazine and upper will do the trick. With a cartridge innovation this significant, any shooter running other .22 cals in their AR-15 will at the very least have to reconsider their efficiency.”

Nosler says it will be producing brass for the 22 Nosler, and it also plans to chamber its full line of M48 rifles in 24-inch barrel configurations for the 22 Nosler. In terms of fully loaded ammunition, the company will be offering two loads, one in its Trophy Grade Varmint line and the other in its Match Grade line. The Trophy Grade loading features a 55-grain Ballistic Tip Varmint projectile, while the Match Grade offering has a heavier 77-grain Custom Competition bullet.

Pricing on ammunition for the new 22 Nosler starts at $29.95 for a 20-count box of either the Match Grade or Trophy Grade loads.

For more information on either the 22 or 33 Nosler, visit the Nosler website.

5 Fundamentals of Defensive Shooting

Tiger McKee

April 19, 2017

In a defensive shooting situation, these are the basics that will help to save you and your loved ones’ lives.

Most violent confrontations are sudden, dynamic and unpredictable. After all, if you knew there was going to be a fight, you would apply our number one tactic, which is avoid and escape. There are times, however, when this isn’t an option, and an immediate defensive response is required. The fundamentals of responding to a threat or attack are move, communicate, use cover, shoot, if necessary, and think.

The problem with these fundamentals is that none of them are natural; almost everything you need to do in response to a threat goes completely against our natural instincts. Our natural response to a threat is to freeze until we figure out what’s going on. Once we decide to fight, our instinct is to root to the ground. What we need to do is move. Communication consumes a large part of our brain’s resources. Under stress it’s extremely difficult, and it requires practice to overcome the lockjaw you’ll experience. The same thing is true when using cover. Almost everything you must do to take advantage of the protection cover offers goes against our natural inclinations. Shooting isn’t instinctual to begin with, and it’s even more difficult under stressful conditions. We aren’t built to have explosions going off in our hands, even the controlled explosion of shooting a firearm. Finally, thinking is mandatory. Defending against a violent attacker is a mental process – problem solving at high speed. If you’re not thinking and acting, then all you’re doing is reacting, which is a bad place to be when someone is trying to harm you or your family.

Move

There are a lot of reasons to move. Creating distance from the threat (or threats) greatly reduces the chance of being injured, regardless of the type weapon being used against you. There are bystanders in the environment, so you’re moving in order to get a clear angle of attack on the threat, reducing the possibility of injuring someone if you have errant rounds. You move to get to cover and the protection it provides. You move to the exit, toward your family or to get to better cover.

A moving target – you – is more difficult for the threat to engage. Moving is one of the best ways to put the threat into a reactive mode. The threat charges at you. You move a few steps to the side. Now he has to react to your actions, assessing, creating a response, and redirecting the attack.

Communicate

Communication is a key tactical skill that’s often overlooked during training and practice. You communicate with threats. “Leave my home now!” “Stop, drop the weapon!” Millions of times every year, strong verbal commands accompanied by a firearm defuse violent confrontations, and this is only the number of times that this is documented. You communicate with friends and family, telling them what you need them to do or where to go. Communication is mandatory when working with an armed partner in order to coordinate your tactics and actions. As discussed previously, sometimes it’s good idea to talk to yourself, verbalizing your actions in order to help maintain mental focus.

Communication is an exchange of information. I talk to my dog, but I communicate with my wife. Keep your communications short and sweet. Under stress, simple works best. Using names, in order to get someone’s attention, makes communicating more efficient. The act of communicating consumes a large part of our brain’s resources, or “random access memory.” In order to communicate effectively under stress, you need to practice it in advance.

Cover

Get to cover as quickly as possible, preferably as soon as you spot potential trouble, before the confrontation gets physical. Cover provides protection against the threat’s weapon. Cover is relative to what type weapon the threat is armed with. If they are trying to physically assault you, or they are armed with a knife or impact weapon (which means they have to be close in order to attack) something like a large table provides cover, as long as you can position it between you and the threat. When it comes to protection against firearms, everything is relative to what type weapon the threat is using. Cover stops or redirects incoming rounds. Something that protects you from a handgun round may not hold up against a high-velocity rifle round.

Concealment hides you, but doesn’t offer any protection, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work in response to an attack. If the threat can’t see you, they don’t know where you are; it greatly reduces the chance of them attacking. Then, if you decide it’s necessary, you can let them know where you are when you decide it’s time.

Stop the Threat

There are two ways to stop a threat – the psychological stop and the physical stop. Moving, issuing verbal commands and using cover may force the attacker to change his mind about what he was going to do – the psychological stop. The other way is to physically stop the threat by shooting, placing accurate hits on the threat and inflicting the physical damage necessary to stop the attacker.

When it’s necessary to shoot, you have to apply the fundamentals of marksmanship – aim, hold, press, and follow through – in order to get accurate hits. The speed at which you can shoot depends on the accuracy you need. With a large, close target you can fire fairly quickly, putting the hits where they need to go. As the distance increases and/or the size of the target decreases you need more precision, ensuring that when you do press the trigger you get accurate hits.

Think

Defeating a lethal threat is problem-solving at high speed. You have to constantly be thinking, forcing threats to react to you. Normally you have a very short amount of time to come up with a solution to the problem and then implement the action. Once you gain the upper hand, you keep pressing the advantage, which means thinking about what you’re going to do next and what you’ll do if that doesn’t work; and mentally plugged in and ready for the unexpected, which occurs in fights with regularity.

In order to focus on the problem-solving aspects of the conflict, the majority of your skills must be applied at a subconscious level. The AR runs empty. The conscious mind says “reload” and then the subconscious mind takes over to perform the actual reload. There’s no time to think about how to reload, it just has to happen. Ditto for clearing malfunctions if they occur, using cover or transitioning to the handgun. The ability to perform these actions at the subconscious level frees up the conscious mind to think about your problem.

Self-defense is more art than science. Your “artwork” will be different from that of everyone else. Train, practice, learn, and remember that your ultimate weapon is your mind. If you’re not thinking and acting, then all you’re doing is reacting, which means the threat is in control. The only thing you can control in a fight is what you do, so make sure to practice so that you can apply your skills efficiently, safely and under all types of conditions.

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from AR-15 Skills & Drills.

New Shotgun: Winchester’s Super X4

Elwood Shelton

April 19, 2017

Winchester has christened its new line of autoloading shotguns, the Super X4. Combining tried-and-true technology with improved controls and ergonomics, the company believes it has found a way to replace a classic.

They say change is the only constant. That seems no truer than in the gun world. Present case, Winchester’s line of autoloading shotguns.

The Super X3 has been the company’s tried-and-true top-end semi-automatic smoothbore for a spell now. And it has won its fair share of fans along the way, whether in the duck marsh or the trap range. But it appears the sun is setting on the venerable SX3 and rising on its heir apparent, the aptly named Super X4.

The new line, released this year, will be Winchester’s bread-and-butter autoloading shotgun, as the company phases out the SX3 over time. The shotgun, initially available in 12 gauge, isn’t a radical departure from the past, carrying over important technology that made its predecessor popular. In particular, the new shotgun still features Winchester’s Active Valve Gas System that automatically self-adjusts to cycle a vast spectrum of common loads. But the company has fiddled with a number of the SX3’s ergonomics in a bid to make the next-generation scattergun more functional — especially in the field.

However, right off the bat, what will catch the attention of those familiar with the SX3 line is how the new Super X4, SX4 Waterfowl Hunter, SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact are balanced. The guns are more forward-heavy than their forerunners, with the center of gravity well into the forearm. This will give the guns a different feel to those who have handled the more center-balanced SX3. The change does have the potential to improve the gun’s follow-through, thus making it harder to miss a target.

From there, the name of the game on the Super X4 is ergonomics. Winchester has enlarged a number of the key controls on the shotgun, making them easier to manipulate. The bolt handle, bolt-release button, trigger and safety have each increased in size, making them easier to locate and work, especially on the fly. These considerations will be especially welcome for waterfowlers, who often operate with the impediment of gloves. Aesthetically, the cross-bolt safety and bolt release have been modified, as well, with Winchester opting for a polygonal design.

Winchester has also modified the stock, slimming down the forearm and the pistol grip. Once again, the idea is to make the firearm more compatible to gloved hands. But even without this gear, it should assist shooters in placing more of their hand on the firearm, affording them more control.

Winchester has done away with the brass bead common on the SX3 line. In its stead is a TruGlo Long Bead fiber-optic front sight, which should more readily draw the eye on the point. And finally, the company has outfitted the gun with its Inflex Technology Recoil Pad meant to reduce the gun’s felt recoil.

Other notable features of the Super X4 line include: a hard chrome-plated chamber and bore, a drop-out trigger group, Invector-Plus removable choke tubes and a back-bored barrel.

The SX4 and SX4 Waterfowl are available with both 3- and 3 1/2–inch chambers, and both have composite stocks. The Waterfowl model is covered from buttstock to muzzle with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern. The SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact are only available with 3-inch chambers and come dressed in a stick of Grade I walnut.

Nearly the entire line comes in under the $1,000 mark, save the 3 ½-inch chambered SX4 Waterfowl that has an MSRP of $1,069.99. The price appears right, but it will take a few seasons chasing pheasants and pintails to see if the Super X4 reaches the mark the SX3 set.

Specifications:

SX4
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Composite
Stock Finish: Matte
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Stock Material: Composite
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: 3-in. chamber $799.99; 3 1/2-in. chamber $939.99

SX4 Waterfowl
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Stock: Composite
Stock Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Stock Material: Composite
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: 3-in. chamber $939.99; 3 1/2-in. chamber $1,069.99

SX4 Field
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Grade I Walnut
Stock Finish: Satin
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: $939.99

SX4 Field Compact
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 24, 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 43 3/4, 45 3/4 or 47 3/4 in.
Length of Pull: 13 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (24- and 26-barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Grade I Walnut
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: $939.99

Review: Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope

Eric Conn

April 19, 2017

The Vortex Razor HD spotting scope proves it’s sharp enough to run with the big dogs.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the decades as a hunter and shooter, it’s that big, open country demands high-quality glass. When you spend dozens of hours each year picking the right hunting unit, putting in for points, stretching the maximum effective range of your rifle at the range and glassing high-altitude ranges for that trophy animal, poorly made optics are simply an unacceptable strain—and a waste of time.

I’ve done my time afield with cheaply made binoculars and bargain-basement spotting scopes, and I’ve also had the opportunity to tour the wild backcountry with some of Europe’s finest optics. The great tension, of course, is that we’d all like to own the Bugatti of glass, but many of us simply can’t afford to drop four or five grand on a spotting scope. If you’re facing that dilemma, one of the best solutions comes from Vortex Optics.

Based out of Wisconsin, Vortex has built a solid reputation in the optics industry by offering premium quality glass at a price point that’s significantly less than the European bigs. With the help of a well-crafted marketing and social media strategy, a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty, and the knack for building performance optics that don’t crush your bank account, Vortex has carved out a strong following with long-range shooters and hardcore hunters alike.

One of its best new spotting scopes is the Razor HD 20-60x85mm, which features premium high density (HD), extra-low dispersion glass that is precision crafted to produce outstanding clarity, resolution and color fidelity. The Razor HD carries a very reasonable MSRP of $2,000 (which means you can find it on the street for quite a bit less) and has the optical horsepower to hang with the big dogs. Ruggedly built to stand up to the worst elements, the Razor HD is also backed by the famous Vortex lifetime warranty—unlimited, fully transferrable, no receipt needed—which makes it an extremely tantalizing option for the serious hunter or shooter.

Features and Design
The Vortex Razor HD comes in a few different setups and represents the top-of-the-line for Vortex spotters. The scope comes with the option for either straight or angled eyepieces and is available in variants of 11-33x50mm, 16-48x65mm, and 20-60x85mm (reviewed here). Magnification is obviously one thing to consider when choosing which scope you’ll invest in, but weight is the other. The 85mm version weighs 4.1 pounds, which isn’t a big deal if you’re scouting by vehicle, but it gets bulky if you’re packing that sucker on your back. On the other hand, I prefer the 85mm for Western hunting and the many times I’m watching elk at 1,200 yards or more. The 85mm also allows you to make out bullet holes in paper at considerable distances, certainly at 100 yards.

The Razor HD features a Porro prism design that provides excellent optical capabilities without sending the price to the moon. Invented by Ignazio Porro around 1850, this particular prism design, recognizable by the dog-leg design of the tubes, incorporates at least one triangular prism that transmits light and turns an upside down image right side up for the viewer. Porro prism optics generally offer a robust, sharp viewing experience for less cost than roof prism designs, which are characterized by straight, long tubes and a more compact design. Roof prism technology has come a long way over the decades and prices have fallen as a result, but binoculars and spotting scopes of this make are still generally more spendy because they require greater precision in manufacturing. In terms of quality, both styles offer premium-quality optical performance, all other things being equal.

The Vortex Razor HD features a dual focusing ring, with the base ring providing macro adjustment and the smaller, outer ring providing micro adjustment for fine-tuned precision viewing. The dial is located at the top medial position, which enables you to easily adjust focus without taking your eye off the viewfinder. Once focused, only minor adjustments on the micro dial have to be made when alternating between distances. To change magnification, the eyepiece turns left or right and features 20x, 30x, 40x, 50x and 60x setting designations. A 20mm eye relief adjusts easily and smoothly at the end of the eyepiece, perfect for use with or without glasses.

The Razor HD also features a built-in sunshade that extends out roughly 43 millimeters. A permanent tripod mount with standard-sized mounting screw is attached to a band around the middle of the scope, while a small knob allows you to rotate the body of the scope in its base. The scope comes with a zippable carrying case that helps keep it from getting dinged in the truck or a pack.

Straight or Angled?
Like most spotting scopes, the Vortex Razor HD comes with the option of a straight or angled eyepiece. Neither option is necessarily superior, but each offers a different set of benefits and more or less comes down to preference. The straight eyepiece (reviewed here) is ideal for use from a truck window and works well from the seated or standing position from a tripod, though you’re in for some serious neck strain if you’re looking upward at a steep angle, as you would be for sheep and goat hunting. Some people also feel the straight eyepiece makes it easier and quicker to acquire a target. The downside is that you have to raise your tripod higher, especially when standing, which makes it more susceptible to shaking in the wind and is less desirable for keeping a low profile when stalking animals. The angled eyepiece is great for tripod viewing and steep angles and allows you to keep a shorter profile with the tripod, but would be difficult to use from a car window. Since I do most of my viewing from a tripod in the field, I lean toward an angled eyepiece.

Performance
I put the Vortex Razor HD to the test this spring in Colorado during what has been a particularly wet year. It’s also a time of year when temperatures and weather change rapidly, so it’s t-shirts and sunshine one moment and jackets and snow the next. The Razor HD performed exceptionally well in all those conditions, and I never had a problem with fogging up or fading out in sunshine, heavy fog or cloud cover. The Razor HD is argon-gas-purged to prevent fogging in a wide range of temperatures, and that feature certainly came in handy. The XRPlus Multi-Coated lenses provide premium light transmission, anti-reflection and improve use in midday sunlight.

Light transmission was impressive, and I often found myself with elk in clear view at full magnification well after sunset. For comparison’s sake, I pulled out a $5,000 European spotting scope for late evening glassing and found, not surprisingly, that the big difference in optical capability comes at low light. The European optic was a clear winner in clarity and light transmission, but not by as much as the price disparity would indicate. For $3,000 less, the Razor HD still handled low light incredibly well and produced sharp picture clarity out to 1,000 yards.

Parting Shots
The Vortex Razor HD offers an incredible amount of bang for your buck, pairing premium quality glass and scope construction with a very reasonable price point. The scope is a homerun for Vortex, which continues to bring superb optical quality down to the range of the workingman’s budget. After reviewing the scope in all weather and light conditions in the vast spaces of the Rocky Mountains, there was nothing the Razor HD couldn’t handle. It’s backed by the legendary Vortex lifetime warranty, which as I’ve personally experienced is as good as advertised. At four pounds it’s not exactly lightweight, but that’s very typical of even the high-end 85mm scopes. If you’ve been holding on to that old clunker of a spotting scope for too long or have simply gone without because the price tag has always been too great, the Razor HD is your excuse to make one of the best purchases yet. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85mm
Magnification: 20-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 85mm
Glass: Premium High Density (HD), extra-low dispersion
Construction: Porro Prism
Body Type: Straight
Waterproof: Yes
Focus: Dual focus ring
Eye Relief: 20mm
Length: 15.8 in.
Weight: 65.7 oz. (4.1 lbs.)
MSRP: $2,000
Manufacturer: Vortex Optics

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

Gun Review: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield

Brian McCombie

April 18, 2017

Smith & Wesson’s new M&P45 Shield packs the firepower of the potent .45 Auto cartridge into the manufacturer’s classic single-stack carry pistol.

First introduced in 2012, the M&P Shield line of pistols has been a huge success for Smith & Wesson, with the company selling 1 million Shields by November 2015. Slim and trim, the single-stack 9mm and .40 S&W models are a favorite with concealed carriers. But if there was one complaint, it was that the Shield wasn’t available in a larger caliber. Until now.

At the NRA Annual Meetings, Smith & Wesson launched the M&P45 Shield chambered in .45 ACP. It is a bit heavier than previous models but has essentially the same proportions as its smaller-caliber cousins.

“We were often asked at trade and consumer shows, ‘When are you coming out with a Shield in 45?'” said Jan Mladek, Smith & Wesson’s director of marketing. “Listening to our consumers, combined with our own market research, made it clear that we needed to develop an M&P Shield to chamber the popular .45 Auto.”

I received a 45 Shield for testing and can say without hesitation that it is accurate and reliable. It will be on many people’s short list for carry, especially for those who want a smaller pistol with the ability to pack 6+1 or 7+1 rounds of the mighty .45 ACP.

For accuracy and function testing, the .45 Auto ammunition brands I used were American Eagle’s Syntech 230-grain FMJ, Creedmoor Ammunition 230-gr. FMJ, and Remington UMC 230-grain FMJ.

Also, for general shooting practice and functionality, I added two more .45 ACP loads to the mix: Dynamic Research Technologies 150-grain HP frangible and SRPS Team Never Quit Ammunition’s 155-grain HP frangible.

With well over 300 rounds through the M&P45 Shield, I experienced zero malfunctions. Every round fed fine and ejected positively; the slide stayed open when each magazine was empty.

The slide and the barrel on the .45 Shield are both stainless steel and are finished in black Armornite, a very durable and corrosion-resistant finish. The M&P45 Shield came with two seven-round magazines, one a flush-fit model, the other an extended model.

Once I began firing the pistol, the first thing I really noticed was the texture on the pistol’s butt. As Mladek told me, “The 45 Shield has a new, more aggressive texture compared to our other Shield models, and it was developed for the heavier recoil of the .45 Auto round.”

I find the recoil on most mid-sized 9mm and .40 S&W’s snappy — sharp and mostly up — including Shields. The recoil on the M&P45 Shield is more substantial than these smaller calibers, of course! Yet, it’s more of a shove back into the hand versus the snappy up-pulse of the 9mm and .40 S&W Shields. The new texturing on the .45 Shield grabs the skin of the hand in a way that directs the recoil more or less straight back toward the forearm.

Of course, there is muzzle flip. You are firing a .45 Auto load out of a 3.3-inch barrel, after all. But that texturing helps you get back on target quite fast.

Much of my range work with the new Shield was done in temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s, with very high humidity. Sweaty hands didn’t affect the superior grip on the Shield a bit. I also did my own “water test,” pouring water onto my hand and the butt of the pistol, rubbing the water into the texturing and then popping off two magazines fairly fast. My grip was still rock solid; my hand might as well have been dry.

The M&P Shields were known for pretty good triggers, and Smith & Wesson went one better with the 45 Shield, incorporating a lighter, crisper trigger; the striker-firing system makes for a fast reset, too. The trigger is also hinged, and it won’t pull back unless the tip is first engaged. A Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge measured the Shield’s trigger pull at 5.6 pounds.

The M&P45 Shield can be had with or without a thumb safety. Mine had the safety, and it actually snapped in and out of the safe position with my thumb (not always the case with some semi-autos). The magazine release worked fine, popping out the magazine easily. I found the slide stop a little tough to engage at first. You have to move the slide all the way back to get it to engage, and it takes some practice to time the back movement of the slide with your finger pushing up on the slide stop.

To test accuracy, I did 25-yard shots from a rest, firing five-round groups and printing three to five groups per brand of ammunition. For a short-barrel semi-auto, I thought the accuracy was impressive. This was especially true with the Creedmoor Ammunition, a relative newcomer to the ammo industry, which laid in two five-shot groups at just over 2 inches, one at 1.83 inches, and — the overall winner of all the ammo tested — a 1.49-inch group.

I decided a more complete testing of accuracy would need to include the M&P45 Shield at closer ranges, too, so I did the same five-round groups with the same ammo brands at 10 yards, firing from a rest. Not surprisingly, groups shrunk, by nearly a full inch.

I also used the M&P45 Shield for my daily concealed carry for the better part of a week. I used an inside-the-waistband Sticky Holster (Model MD-4) and tucked it into the small of my back. I found the 45 Shield comfortable to carry. That aggressive texturing also makes it easier to grab onto and withdraw than a number of other carry pistols I have tried.

All in all, the Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield is one fine pistol — slim and concealable, easy to use, accurate and packs that .45 Auto punch. I’ve got nothing against smaller calibers, but if an armed confrontation is coming my way? Well, in that case, I’d much prefer a carry pistol that can launch .45 ACP self-defense loads downrange versus 9mm or even .40 S&W. That’s my personal preference, and it is a comforting one.

Specifications:

Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield
Type: Semi-auto, striker-fired
Frame Size: Compact Slim
Caliber: .45 Auto
Capacity: 7+1, 6+1
Barrel: 3.3 in., stainless steel, Armornite finish
Overall Length: 6.45 in.
Trigger: 5.6 lbs. (as tested)
Sights: steel, white three dot
Width: 0.99 in.
Height: 4.88 in.
Grip: Polymer, textured
Weight: 20.5 oz. (empty)
Frame: Polymer
Slide: Stainless steel, Armornite finish
Finish: Black
MSRP: $479
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

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

New Gear: Mossberg JM Pro Drop-In Match Trigger

Elwood Shelton

April 18, 2017

Affordable and simple to install, Mossberg‘s JM Pro Drop-In Match Trigger offers shooters a way to quickly upgrade their AR’s accuracy potential.

It’s been said far and wide, over and over — trigger upgrades are one of the quickest routes to accuracy. This is especially true when it comes to stock AR-style rifles.

The Mil-Spec triggers typically found in the off-the-shelf variety of America’s favorite rifle leave much to be desired. They’re squishy on the take-up, gravelly once they hit the wall, and their overtravel can go coast to coast. Luckily, in the modern day, this is one of the simplest problems to rectify with a head-spinning array of trigger options that will improve the accuracy potential of a rifle the minute they’re installed.

Mossberg is one of the most recent entrants to this end of the market, recently releasing the trigger group found in a number of the models from its redesigned AR line (MMR rifles) as a standalone. The JM Pro Drop-In Match Trigger offers shooters what appears to be an economical and functional option to upgrade any Mil-Spec AR-15 or AR-10 rifle with .154-inch trigger and hammer pin holes.

The trigger was designed with the input of 3-Gun world champion Jerry Miculek (the JM in the name) and has been engineered to offer a crisp, creep-free break. The pull weight is factory set at 4 pounds and features user-adjustable overtravel. The latter feature should help make a rifle a faster shooter, creating a more efficient trigger pull, not to mention one more comfortable for the user.

Mossberg’s JM Pro Drop-In Match Trigger is also priced to be within reach of most shooters. With an MSRP of $161, the upgrade comes in on the lower end of the drop-in market’s price scale.

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FN Introduces New FN 509 Pistol

Drew Warden

April 18, 2017

FN America has introduced its new FN 509, a full-size polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol born out of the Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition.

FN America has announced the release of a new full-size, 9mm striker-fired pistol. Dubbed the FN 509, this new pistol was developed out of FN’s work to produce a contender for the U.S. Army’s recent Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition.

As many shooters are aware, the Army’s MHS competition, designed to replace the aging Beretta M9, has been an ongoing process for several years. The competition was first announced back in 2011, but delays pushed back the deadline for entry to February of 2016. Close to a year later, on January 19, 2017, the Army chose its winner.

A number of major manufacturers participated in the competition, and though only one pistol was chosen, much to the delight of civilian shooters, many of those pistols entered in the MHS have also found their way onto the commercial market. FN’s new 509 has now joined that list.

The new FN 509 isn’t the exact pistol FN submitted for the competition. According to the manufacturer, it is heavily based on that pistol but has been re-tailored for the U.S. law enforcement and commercial markets.

“When the requirements for MHS were released, our team of engineers immediately went to work, taking the successful elements of the FNS Compact and further developing those to meet the needs of the U.S. Army’s solicitation for a new, full-size pistol,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO of FN America, LLC. “Between the submission of MHS and the commercial release of the FN 509, we have worked with law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. and captured on-site feedback that we used to further optimize the pistol to far exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”

As Cherpes notes, the FN 509 is built upon the proven FNS Compact framework. FN has made several key internal and external design changes in accordance with some of the Army’s MHS requirements, but the FNS Compact lineage is clearly evident. And since the conclusion of the MHS competition, industry experts have also helped refine the design into what is now the finished FN 509.

The FN 509 has been tested to meet extreme reliability, durability and ammo compatibility standards. According to the company, more than 1 million rounds were used to test the FN 509.

There are some new, easily observed changes on the FN 509 pistol. One of the most prominent includes the grip, which features an enhanced texturing scheme. The parts of the grip are uniquely textured to be more gritty where needed and smoother where excessive texture can become abrasive. Side panels are more aggressively textured, while texturing on the front and rear backstraps is less pronounced.

Other enhancements include more aggressive cocking serrations on the slide for easy manipulation, redesigned controls for easy and secure operation and an improved cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel with a recessed target crown. The new 509 does not have a manual safety, but a non-manual safety works in conjunction with passive safeties for safe operation.

The full-size pistol features a 5.5- to 7.5-pound striker-fired double-action-only (DAO) trigger and comes equipped with fixed, three-dot luminescent sights (fixed, three-dot night sights will be available for law enforcement buyers only). The 509 will be available in 9mm and will have a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, with state-compliant 10-round magazines also an option.

According to FN America, two models of the new FN 509 pistol should be available to consumers in early May 2017, with two law enforcement models becoming available sometime in early June. The company states that additional models, including those with manual safeties and other features, will also be in the works.

The initial models of the new FN 509 pistol will be available for $649. Each gun ships with two interchangeable backstraps, two 17- or 10-round magazines, a locking device and an FN logo soft pistol case.

For more info on the new FN 509 pistol, visit the FN America website.

Specifications:

FN 509
Type: Semi-auto, striker-fired double action
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4 in., 1:10 RH
Overall Length: 7.4 in.
Height: 5.56 in.
Width: 1.35 in.
Weight: 26.9 oz.
Trigger: 5.5-7.5 lbs.
Sights: Fixed three-dot luminescent
Grip: Polymer, enhanced grip texture, interchangeable backstraps
Capacity: 17, or 10 rounds
MSRP: $649

Bone Up On FN Guns:

Video: Look at CZ-USA’s P-10 C Pistol

Gun Digest Editors

April 18, 2017

Over the years, CZ-USA has built a solid reputation in the hammer-fired pistol market. That kind of happens when a company conjures up a classic, such as the CZ 75. But the Czech gunmaker is making another run at striker-fired shooters with its new P-10 C.

The P-10 C isn’t the company’s first foray into this style of handgun, but it does represent its first updated design in quite a spell. The new compact 9mm (a .40 S&W model will be available later this year) has been met with plenty of fanfare, and the above video with Gun Digest the Magazine Editor-in-Chief Eric Conn shows it’s merited.

As Conn discovers, CZ put plenty of thought into how it would offer a modern variation of the pistol, addressing main user complaints of this style of handgun. Perhaps chief among these is outfitting the pistol with a dynamite trigger. Breaking at 4 1/2 pounds, it’s light and snappy. It also features one of the shortest resets available today. On top of that, CZ has put plenty of thought into the pistol’s ergonomics, designing a handgun that can be modified to fit any shooter’s hand, thus allotting more control and greater accuracy.

Watch the video to learn more about CZ’s P-10 C and checkout Gun Digest’s YouTube channel for more great gun and shooting videos.

When the Iron Curtain fell a firearms icon arose

Reorganized after the fall of the Iron Curtain from a century-old, communist state-owned gun maker, CZ Firearms has taken the world by storm. Around the globe, the Czech manufacturer’s name has become synonymous with well-crafted and dependable pistols, rifles and shotguns. Gun Digest Book of CZ Firearms pulls back the veil on the iconic company and its guns, arming you with the definitive resource for everything CZ. Get Your Copy Now

New Handgun: STI’s DVC Steel 2011 Born to Run

Elwood Shelton

April 17, 2017

STI’s new DVC Steel 2011 is a sized-down iteration in the line that grazes on off-the-shelf ammo and gets steel targets shaking in their boots.

Serious pistol competition is typically a labor of love.

There’s the training end of things, of course. Hours spent at the range, developing a lightning-fast sight picture, learning to deftly transition from target to target and honing silky smooth reloads. But there is also the time whiled away perfecting the pistol itself. Trigger jobs, slide modifications, grip adjustments, anything so that baby shaves off seconds and throws lead worthy of gold.

As running and gunning under the clock has grown more popular over the years, the competitive pistol market has become more sensitive to providing race-ready guns. STI Guns has always turned an eye to this end of the gun world, offering semi-custom handguns born to run the second they hit an USPSA or IPSC course. And when it comes to figuring out the ideal configuration for a pistol to shoot its way to the top, the Texas-based company is still hard at work at the drawing board.

A titanium nitride-coated barrel and compensator help add to the DVC Steel 2011’s striking appearance. They also aid in the pistol running smoothly.

STI’s most recent creation comes in its high-capacity 2011 family, a follow up of its top-end DVC Open 2011 Pistol, but without the requirement of major power ammunition. The DVC Steel 2011 is designed to shoot off-the-shelf ammo, and it is constructed to overcome minor power factor handicaps and to terrorize steel shooting competitions.

The DVC Steel’s main asset is being slightly more demure than the Open, and, thus, a speedier gun on target transitions. The new pistol is 1¼ inches shorter than the previous DVC, even with its TX1 Compensator, and it comes in lighter than the 48-ounce pistol.

Like its DVC predecessor, the Steel has all the bells and whistles to make it run like a thoroughbred. Some of the more notable features of the pistol — available in .38 Super and 9mm — are its reversible dual detent slide racker, 2.5-pound trigger with minuscule reset, ported slide and titanium nitride-finished barrel that enhances lubricity.

As a 2011 (a configuration STI pioneered), the DVC Steel boasts a 20-round capacity for both calibers, cutting down on reloads. But when it does need to be re-juiced, the reload is expedited by a flared magwell, cutting down on the margin of error.

Like the DVC Open, the Steel has an attractive DLC hard chrome finish that has a tri-tone effect contrasted with the black polymer grips and gold TiN barrel and compensator. The gun also comes ready for competition in the sight department, being fitted with a C-More 6 MOA Dot Sight.

Even though competitors won’t have to invest a ton on the backend to make STI’s DVC Steel 2011 race ready, like all competitive pistols, there is a sizable up-front cost. Presently, the pistol has a $3,999 MSRP. But for those who are gunning for laurels and less time customizing their gun, it could be a solid option.

STI DVC Steel:
Caliber: .38 Super, 9mm
Barrel Length: 4.15 in., titanium nitride finish
Muzzle Device: TX1 compensator
Sight: C-More 6 MOA
Trigger: 2.5 lbs.
Grip: 2011 DVC stippled, black
Finish: Hard chrome
MSRP: $3,999
Manufacturer: STI International

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Affordable and simple to install, Mossberg‘s JM Pro Drop-In Match Trigger offers shooters a way to quickly upgrade their AR’s accuracy potential.

Bone Up On FN Guns:

Over the years, CZ-USA has built a solid reputation in the hammer-fired pistol market. That kind of happens when a company conjures up a classic, such as the CZ 75. But the Czech gunmaker is making another run at striker-fired shooters with its new P-10 C.

STI’s new DVC Steel 2011 is a sized-down iteration in the line that grazes on off-the-shelf ammo and gets steel targets shaking in their boots.

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