2017 SHOT Show Guns & Gear Preview

January 12, 2017

With over 13 acres of floor space, 1,600 exhibitors and hundreds of new shooting, hunting and related items introduced, it’s no wonder gun enthusiasts are anticipating the opening bell of the SHOT Show. It’s the biggest trade show in the shooting and hunting industry and attracts tens of thousands of dealers, writers, buyers and others associated with the firearms business.

It’s not open to the general public, but you don’t have to wait. We’re giving you a sneak peak at some of the hot new products gun and ammo makers will be introducing this year.

Browning Black Label 1911 Compact
You don’t have to choose between beauty and function when you look for your next carry gun. Browning’s new compact Black Label 1911-380 Medallion Pro offers a handsome .380 Auto built on a 1911 platform for good looks and reliable performance on the range and unfailing confidence everywhere else. The barrel is 3 5/8 inches and the gun weighs about 16 ounces. It comes with two eight-round magazines and is available with three-dot or night sights.
($799.99; Browning.com)

Taurus Curve Viridian
It may look unusual, but the Taurus Curve Viridian is one of the most functional and practical guns you’ll ever see. The .380 Auto comes with a built-in red laser and light, including a strobe mode. It has a 6+1 capacity and is built with polymer grips, a carbon steel slide and 2.7-inch barrel. The rounded edges allow for a fast draw and the simple features save fractions of seconds when they matter most. ($419; TaurusUSA.com)

Clinger Trump Tuck Holster
If you’re looking for a new holster for concealed carry, Clinger Holsters has a new product that offers a lot of flexibility, and of course, concealment. The new Trump Tuck Holster conceals handguns using only a single IWB Soft Loop with a Pull the Dot snap. This holster has a very small footprint and is completely adjustable. The cant can be adjusted from 0 to 30 degrees for either strong side or appendix carry, depending on the shooter’s preference. Or you can adjust it to a negative cant for cross-draw and small-of-back carry. The Trump Tuck is, of course, tuckable and is adjustable for ride height and belt size. (Pricing unavailable; ClingerHolsters.com)

Remington RP9
Remington’s new striker-fired, polymer-framed RP9 is sure to turn some heads at this year’s SHOT Show. It’s a blunt show of practicality and functionality in a single package. The double-stack magazine holds a whopping 18 rounds of 9mm, but the grip is small enough to fit most shooters’ hands, thanks in part to three interchangeable back-straps. It also has a tactile loaded chamber indicator, an ambidextrous slide lock, a Picatinny front rail and a reversible magazine release. ($489; Remington.com)

Ruger LCP II
Ruger’s original LCP is one of the most popular carry pistols on the market, but the new LCP II just may be even more popular. The 6+1 round .380 Auto is a tad smaller than the original version, allowing you to carry anywhere, anytime without even noticing it’s there. It weighs just 10.6 ounces and is just over 5 inches long. The LCP II comes with a single-action trigger, a larger-framed textured grip and fixed front and rear sights. It comes with a pocket holster and a magazine. ($349; Ruger.com)

Federal Premium Hunter 22 LR
There’s rimfire ammo and there’s Federal’s new Hunter Match rimfire ammo. It’s more than just your standard .22LR ammo. Built specifically for small game and varmint hunters who demand superior accuracy, reliability and maximum knockdown power, Hunter Match 22LR is perfect for a variety of applications. The hollow-point bullet is loaded for maximum velocity and the nickel-plated case provides reliable functioning in a variety of platforms. ($7.95; FederalPremium.com)

Hornady Black Ammunition
Built specifically for modern sporting rifles, yet functional in all types of guns, Hornady’s Black is made with the same high-quality components as Hornady’s other ammunition. The cases feed and function smoothly in suppressed and unsuppressed direct impingement, gas operated and inertia driven auto-loaders, along with bolt-action and pump-action rifles. It’s available in 15 different calibers and bullet choices, plus 12-gauge buckshot. It’s suitable for target shooting, hunting and a variety of other uses. (Starts around $17; Hornady.com)

Alliant Powder Sport Pistol
High-volume shooters can rest easy. Alliant’s new Sport Pistol powder isn’t just reliable and consistent; it’s clean burning, giving competitive shooters and backyard plinkers alike peace-of-mind. It’s designed for polymer-coated bullets, but it works with all kinds of bullets. It has low muzzle flash and provides versatile ballistics options for a variety of loads. Sport Pistol is a medium-fast burning powder. ($27.25; AlliantPowder.com)

SIG Sauer Match Grade .223 Elite Performance Ammunition
When it’s all about accuracy, reach for SIG’s Match Grade ammo. The .223 is loaded with a 77-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet for a muzzle velocity of 2,750 fps and a muzzle engery of 1,293 ft-lbs. It is designed for use in AR platforms, but it excels in bolt-action rifles, too. SIG uses premium primers and the highest-quality brass for reliable functioning under the most demanding conditions. ($24.95; SIGAmmo.com)

Savage Arms DOA Hunter
You don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for a high-quality hunting rifle. Savage’s new DOA Hunter package does everything those high-dollar rifles do for a fraction of the cost. And it even includes a Bushnell Trophy scope. Available in 15 calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, 6.5-284 Norma and various other popular calibers, it’s the perfect choice for budget-conscious big-game hunters everywhere. It comes with a detachable box magazine, a black synthetic stock and Weaver Grand Slam rings. ($684; SavageArms.com)

Beretta A400 Lite Synthetic
Beretta is now making its great A400 Lite Syntetic shotgun available in 20 gauge and with a Realtree Max5 camo pattern. The excellent A400 Lite Synthetic utilizes a 3-inch chamber and comes with new features like S Grip surfaces on the stock and foreend, the Kick-Off Plus system, and a cross-tube piston for maximum capacity. For serious hunters, the new lightweight A400 Lite is the perfect option. (Beretta.com)

Sako A7 Big Game Roughtech 6.5 Creedmoor
This new Big Game combines Sako’s world-renowned receivers and barrels with the durable Roughtech stock, giving the hunter a rugged and reliable tool that performs in all weather and terrain when that trophy of a lifetime presents itself. And Sako is now excited to introduce 6.5 Creedmoor to the list of available calibers. (Sako.fi)

Stevens 555 Enhanced
Over-unders don’t have to break your bank account. Stevens’ 555 offers an affordable alternative that shoots just as well, feels just as good and is just as reliable as models that cost twice as much. It’s not only cheaper; at just 6 pounds, it’s also lighter than most other O/Us thanks to a light alloy receiver. It comes with a single trigger, a selective tang safety, automatic ejectors, chrome lined barrels and five choke tubes. Available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge, as well as .410.
($863; SavageArms.com)

Winchester SX4
Just when you thought Winchester’s popular autoloading shotgun couldn’t get any better, along comes the SX4. Building on the popular and tested SX3, the new SX4 includes more accessible operating controls, enhanced ergonomics, faster, more reliable cycling and an improved swing. The 12-gauge comes in four models, including a composite, field, waterfowl and field compact. The composite and waterfowl are available in 3 or 3 ½-inch versions. ($799.99; Winchester.com)

SIG Optics Whiskey 5
The farther the distance, the more room for error. SIG Optics’ Whiskey 5 removes some of the error with its anti-cant, LevelPlex technology. An integrated digital level accurate to +/-.5 degrees, it helps you stay on target in a variety of conditions. The TH100 turrets feature the LockDown Zero System. Six configurations range from 1-5×20 to 5-25×52 and four illuminated reticle options. Even better, scopes come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.
(Starts at $1,079.99; SIGOptics.com)

Meopta MeoTac 3-12×50
Designed specifically for AR platform rifles, Meopta’s brand new MeoTac 3-12×50 is made for medium-range shooting and is ideal for law enforcement, military and civilian tactical shooters. It features Meo-Lux, Meopta’s highest-quality lens coating. It allows 99.8 percent light transmission. The 34mm tube allows for 55 MOA windage and 100 MOA elevation adjustments with 1/3 MOA click adjustments. It comes with an illuminated MilDot 3 RD reticle, along with numerous other features. ($2,529.99; MeoptaSportsOptics.com)

Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56
Long-range shooters who demand superior performance in a quality scope will find plenty to like with Nightforce’s newest scope. The ATACR 7-35×56 offers the highest-quality glass and other features that will help you make the shot every time. Built with a strong 34mm tube and a light-gathering 56mm objective, the ATACR also includes ZeroStop turrets, and a 100 MOA and 60 MOA elevation and windage adjustment, respectively. ($3,600; NightforceOptics.com)

Springfield Armory SAINT
Just when you thought AR rifles couldn’t get any better, Springfield Armory gives us the SAINT. Built with high-quality components, yet affordable, the SAINT combines reliability, accuracy and flexibility in a single 5.56 NATO rifle. It uses a direct-impingement gas system and comes with an SA nickel boron coated trigger, a 16-inch chrome moly vanadium barrel, low-profile flip-up sights, a keymod handguard, a six-position stock and a Bravo Company Mod 3 pistol grip. It weighs 6 pounds, 11 ounces. ($899; Springfield-Armory.com)

Tikka T3X TAC A1
Utilizing Sako’s famous Tikka T3x receiver and barrel, the TAC A1 is ready to meet the challenges of long-range tactical shooting. It is a compact, lightweight yet supremely durable package that offers consistent, dependable performance. The gun has an aluminum chassis stock system with a foldable rear stock that uses a quick-adjustable cheek piece and features adjustable length of pull. Mounting options include a full length Picatinny rail on the receiver and an AR-type forend for mounting NVD, LAD and other accessories. All in all, this rifle is loaded with great features. (Tikka.fi)

FN 15 DMR II
One look at FN’s new DMR II 5.56 and you’ll see a high-quality gun built with the finest components. The cold-hammer forged, chrome-lined, 18-inch barrel is free-floating for maximum accuracy and the Timney match trigger offers a smooth, crisp, 3.5-pound pull. It comes with a Magpul adjustable stock, a Magpul MOE grip, a FN handguard with M-LOK technology and a SureFire ProComp 556 muzzle break. The DMR II weighs 7 pounds and includes a 30-round magazine. ($1,999; FNAmerica.com)

Redding 22 Nosler and 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Die Sets
Shooters who demand the most accurate ammo make their own. Now, Redding Reloading Equipment is giving shooters two new die sets in calibers that have grown in popularity. The 22 Nosler and 6.5 Creedmoor premium dies come with a carbide expander button and a micrometer adjusting seat stem and are packaged in a distinctive black and gold box. The bullet seat depth is adjustable to 1/.001” for maximum consistency. The three-die set includes a full-length sizing die, a seating die and a neck-sizing die. ($194.55 ; Redding-Reloading.com)

Ramrodz Cleaning Rods
These little guys are great for cleaning your firearms. Specially engineered and caliber-specific, RamRodz cleaning swabs are available for pistols, rifles and shotguns. The swabs feature industrial-grade, low-lint cotton heads mounted on strong yet flexible bamboo handles. They expand deep into a firearm’s rifling grooves and also do a great job cleaning slides, receivers, chambers, magazine housings, breeches and more. These cleaning tools are disposable and biodegradable, offering excellent cleaning performance in a fraction of the time, and without the traditional mess of cotton patches. (Price varies; RamRodz.com)

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

Get your copy now at GunDigestStore.com

YHM Introduces New Turbo 5.56 Suppressor

Drew Warden

January 11, 2017

Yankee Hill Machine has brought out its new Turbo 5.56 suppressor, a high quality option at a relatively affordable price point.

The market for suppressors has been growing quite a bit in the past few years, especially with recent changes in legislation in many states to allow civilians to own suppressors, and in some cases, hunt with them. Manufacturers have begun offering a wide variety of options ranging from more affordable rimfire suppressors up to highly expensive big-bore cans.

Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) has announced a new 5.56 NATO suppressor built to be lightweight, quiet and durable, while remaining relatively affordable. Dubbed the Turbo, this new can is priced at a reasonable $489 and is intended to offer high-quality features at a price point that's attractive to first-time buyers that may have been holding off on buying a suppressor due to the cost.

The new YHM Turbo 5.56 suppressor features a tubeless design with heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and a heat-treated 718 Inconel blast baffle. Because of these design materials, the Turbo 5.56 can is rated for full-auto fire and can handle repeated abuse.

With a length of 6.5 inches, a diameter of 1.5625 inches and a weight of just 13.5 ounces, the new Turbo 5.56 suppressor is relatively low profile and doesn't excessively weigh down the muzzle. And this new can is lightweight without sacrificing sound reduction. It has an average sound pressure level of 134 dB on a 14.5-inch AR shooting 55-grain projectiles, placing it within the hearing safe range of 140 dB or less.

The new Turbo is built according to YHM's rigid quality standards to ensure it is a well-built, high-performance suppressor. It also ships with an included QD (quick-detach) brake for fast attachment and removal.

For more information on the new YHM Turbo 5.56 suppressor, visit the YHM website.

FN Adds M249S Para to Military Collector Series

Drew Warden

January 10, 2017

Last year around this time, FN brought out its new Military Collector Series of firearms. In that first launch, the manufacturer introduced three firearms: the FN 15 Military Collector M4, FN 15 Military Collector M16, and the FN M249S, a semi-automatic version of the company's classic military M249 SAW.

This year, FN has announced it is expanding its Military Collector Series to include a fourth firearm, this one another M249S variant. The new M249S Para is a semi-auto replica of the M249 originally developed for and issued to airborne troops.

The two most notable changes between the original M249S introduced this past year and the new M249S Para are the iconic telescoping and rotating buttstock and the shorter 16.1-inch cold hammer-forged, machine gun-grade barrel. These changes result in a shorter overall length of 30.5 to 36 inches compared to the original's 40.75-inch fixed overall length, and they shave off roughly a pound from the overall weight.

“The M249S Para is the fourth in our series of classic, semi-automatic FN military rifles and like the Standard, the Para is authentic to the last possible detail,” said John Keppeler, senior vice president of sales and marketing for FN America, LLC. “You’ll notice only two major differences between the semi- and full-auto versions – the barrel length and reconfigured internal components to change the rifle’s operation from open-bolt to closed-bolt. Authenticity was critical in this series and we changed as little as possible.”

In pursuit of this authenticity, the new FN M249S Para incorporates the classic M249 flip-up feed tray, an integrated steel bipod, and FN's robust gas-piston system. The new gun does retain most of the features found on the previous M249S, and it can be converted back to the original model configuration in around 30 seconds.

The new M249S Para will be available in either black or in Flat Dark Earth (FDE). MSRP is currently listed at about $1,000 more than the original at $8,799 for the black version, and $9,199 for the FDE variant.

For more information, check out the full specs below, or visit the FN America website.

Specifications:

FN M249S Para
Type: Semi-auto, closed bolt, gas piston
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Barrel: 16.1 in., cold hammer-forged, machine gun-grade
Twist Rate: 1:7
Overall Length: 30.5-36 in.
Height: 9.5 in.
Weight: 16 lbs.
Trigger: 4-6.5 lbs.
Receiver: Formed steel frame with claw extractor design, fixed and pivoting ejector
Stock: Rotating, telescoping buttstock, non-slip buttplate, hydraulic recoil buffer system
MSRP: $8,799 (black), $9,199 (FDE)
Manufacturer: FN America

First Look: Colt Delta Elite Rail Gun

Drew Warden

January 10, 2017

The original Colt Delta Elite came about just a few short years after the Bren Ten launched the 10mm Auto into existence. It was considered to be the first firearm chambered in 10mm produced by a major manufacturer, and many credit it with saving the 10mm from obscurity. Colt ceased production of the Delta Elite for some time, but several years back the company reintroduced it, and even more recently, it tinkered with the gun, creating a redesigned pistol.

Now the American manufacturer is further improving on its Delta Elite by bringing out a version with an accessory rail. The new Colt Delta Elite Rail Gun offers serious stopping power for hunters or shooters in an accessory-ready platform.

Colt Delta Elite Rail gun 1 — The accessory rail is an obvious improvement to the Delta Elite and will be useful to many shooters.

Bone Up On Legendary Colt Firearms

“The Delta Elite started its life as tactical option for 1911 enthusiasts who required more stopping power than your traditional .45 ACP,” said Justin Baldini, Product Director for Colt. “In that world, an accessory rail makes a lot of sense. What we’ve seen, though, is that this is a great platform for hunting pig or other medium sized game. In those types of scenarios, proper illumination is critical, so I think hunters will really appreciate the ability to add on their favorite rail-mounted lighting.”

While attending Colt's Media Day event at Gunsite this past November, I was able to get a first hand look at this new Delta Elite before it was released, and it definitely seems well suited to either of those applications. With an unloaded weight of 38 ounces and an overall length of 8.5 inches, the Delta Elite Rail Gun handles the 10mm's substantial recoil quite well, and the gun comes with all the same great features built into Colt's current Delta Elite. These include things like an upswept beavertail safety, an extended thumb safety that's quick and easy to engage and disengage, and a classy and durable all-stainless steel construction with a brushed stainless finish.

Colt Detail Elite Rail Gun 2 — The three-hole aluminum trigger on the new Delta Elite Rail Gun felt quite good.

As with most of Colt's recently introduced pistols, this one comes with Novak's excellent sights. The front is a Novak white dot, while the rear is Novak's genuine Low Mount Carry. The great sights paired with an equally good three-hole aluminum trigger with a pull weight of between 4.5 and 6 pounds make for a pistol with great accuracy potential. Although I don't generally shoot a lot of 10mm Auto pistols, I still managed to be fairly accurate with the gun, ringing the steel targets that Colt had setup downrange.

Colt did not have any accessories mounted on the new Delta Elite Rail Guns used at the event, but I can definitely see where the forward rail might be beneficial to tactical shooters or to hunters in the field. Of late, quite a few people have been using semi-auto pistols chambered in 10mm to go after pesky hogs due to their power and their quick follow-up potential, and an attachment, such as a laser sight or a light, could definitely be beneficial in those pursuits in states where permitted.

Colt Delta Elite Rail Gun grip — The Delta Elite Rail Gun's lightly textured grip felt comfortable during repeated firing, and the classic Delta medallions are eye-catching.

The new Colt Delta Elite Rail Gun has a capacity of 8+1 rounds and ships with two magazines and a cable lock. It is available at an MSRP of $1,299.

For more information on the new Colt Delta Elite Rail gun, check out the full specifications below, or visit Colt's website.

Specifications:

Colt Delta Elite Rail Gun
Type: Semi-auto, single action
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Barrel: 5 in., polished, stainless steel
Overall Length: 8.5 in.
Height: 5.5 in.
Width: 1.25 in.
Weight: 38 oz. (unloaded)
Frame: Stainless steel
Slide: Stainless steel
Finish: Brushed stainless
Sights: Novak white dot front, Novak Low Mount Carry rear
Trigger: 4.5 to 6 lbs., three-hole aluminum
MSRP: $1,299
Manufacturer: Colt

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Choosing the Right Hunting Revolver

Max Prasac

January 9, 2017

Before you head afield there is an important question that must be answered: Exactly which hunting revolver is right for you?

Gun Digest Book of Hunting Revolvers opens the door to this fun and changing form of hunting.

Finding a hunting revolver that suits you well is critical. Comfort goes a long way to building confidence. Should you choose a single- or double-action? .357 Mag. or .44 Mag? .454 Casull? Long barrel? Short barrel? Scope? Open sights? What configuration will fulfill your needs?

There are a number of questions you need to answer honestly to zero in on what will best serve your big-game hunting aspirations. If at all possible, you should try a number of different potential hunting revolvers. Recoil characteristics vary greatly between the different types and makes, and let’s face the facts, large-caliber revolvers deliver sizable recoil.

Double-action revolvers tend to concentrate recoil force straight back into the web of your hand, while single-actions tend to twist upward, sparing the shooter some of the unpleasantness. The two configurations are worlds apart in how they transfer recoil to the shooter.

I could go into the various single-action grip-frame profiles, but we don’t have room for that here. My personal favorite is Ruger’s take on the Bisley grip frame, as it is optimal for control in my hands because it has more of a double-action-like recoil dynamic. Freedom Arms’ Model 83 grip is another that I really like.

I would again recommend testing out a few of the different makes, models and calibers before you make this decision. If you don’t know anyone with a variety of revolvers to try, I would suggest joining any number of websites that are dedicated to revolvers and handgun hunting. You may find someone local who is willing to let you shoot some of their guns.

Everyone has different preferences, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picking a platform. For me, single-action revolvers point more intuitively than double actions. They are almost an extension of the hand. Gunslingers of the Old West were undoubtedly well aware of this handling characteristic, relying on point-shooting for survival. On the other hand, we are not gunslingers but handgun hunters, and the double action may offer some advantages when quick follow-up shots are needed to dispatch a departing animal.

One of the best pieces of advice in finding the right hunting revolver is to test out as many as you can to discover what fits you.

This is as good as any time to briefly discuss calibers. While the .357 Magnum is not my first choice, it can be effective. Remember that shot placement is key, and a half-inch hole won’t make up for lousy marksmanship. Loaded with a quality bullet, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the .357 Mag. on deer. However, I still prefer erring on the larger side with regard to calibers. The .41 Magnum is a good starting point and compromise, though factory ammunition is somewhat scarce. The champion of all big-revolver rounds from an ammunition availability standpoint is the ubiquitous .44 Magnum. No other caliber can boast the sheer variety and quantity of available ammunition, and it is fully up to the task of taking any and every game animal that has ever walked the face of this earth.

One of my personal favorites is the .45 Colt — yeah, that old black-powder cartridge from the late 1800s. It can be loaded considerably hotter than its original configuration (limited to 14,000 psi). I’m not suggesting turning your .45 Colt into a .454 Casull, but revolvers like Ruger’s Blackhawk in .45 Colt are considerably stronger than a Colt Single Action Army or the many facsimiles available on the market and are able to safely handle considerably hotter loads than the 14,000-psi maximum imposed upon the smaller and more fragile revolvers. Adhere to published load data, and do not exceed the maximums recommended by the manufacturer, as there is no need to turn your favorite hunting revolver into a hand grenade.

There are quite a few big calibers that are fairly brutal to shoot, and I don’t recommend them to the neophyte. There are some, such as the .480 Ruger, that offer a fine compromise between power and recoil. However, you can load the big calibers down to “soft” levels and they still offer a sizable advantage over their smaller siblings. They don’t need to be pushed hard to be terminally effective. Keep this in mind when you are deciding on a caliber for a hunting revolver.

You need to be honest with yourself as far as your limitations. There is no shame in a low tolerance for recoil. These big-bore revolvers can be very difficult to shoot, as you generally have only 3 pounds to contain the considerable recoil generated by some cartridges. Take pride in being able to shoot your chosen hunting revolver well and effectively. Let someone else’s ego dictate their caliber choices. Confidence and competence will go a long way to filling the freezer with game meat. Confidence follows competence, and consistent competence is the offspring of practice.

Editor's Note: This article is from Gun Digest Book of Hunting Revolvers.

Firearms D.I.Y.: Building Your Own Custom AK

Jorge Amselle

January 9, 2017

Custom AK — Given the volume of aftermarket parts and upgrades now available, it's no trouble making a custom AK.

Get the most out of your Kalashnikov with the Gun Digest Guide to the Modern AK.

For many years now, fans of the AR rifle have been able to buy off-the-shelf parts to completely personalize and customize their guns. Today, AK owners have nearly as many options.

The fact is that the design of the AK, based as it was on the utilitarian needs of a ruthlessly efficient Soviet empire, is a little lacking in the area of consumer-friendly features and ergonomics. Fortunately, we live in a wonderfully chaotic free market and, combined with good old Yankee ingenuity, there are a growing number of aftermarket accessories that can turn the stock AK into a much more tactical weapon with improved functionality.

What follows is my own experience in selecting parts and building my own custom AK. For this project, I began with a made-in-the-USA AK rifle: The I.O. Inc. Sporter. This semi-automatic, gas-operated, long-stroke piston system rifle is chambered in the traditional 7.62x39mm, and the construction and design is based directly from Polish AKM blueprints with a stamped receiver.

The main improvement most shooters will make — often the first accessory they purchase — is a suitable optic, either a red dot holographic sight or one with magnification. However, the iron sights on the Sporter, like those found on most AK variants, are utilitarian. They are typical notch and post variety, with no top Picatinny rail as AR rifle owners have become accustomed. Many AKs, like my Sporter, include a left-side steel CNC-machined scope mount, but these are not ideal.

The first thing I installed was the Parabellum Armament AK-47/74 Adaptive Rail System (AKARS). This is a perfect solution for optics, providing a rock steady 5.5 inches of Picatinny rail as low as possible on top of the receiver cover. The AKARS actually comes in two parts: the Picatinny rail with integrated rear sight (which replaced the standard rear sight), and a new receiver cover with an attachment point for the front sight mounted rail section.

On top of this rail, I opted for the Aimpoint Micro T-1 red dot sight with a new 2 MOA dot instead of the standard 4 MOA. Made from high strength extruded aluminum and waterproof to 25 meters, this unit features a five-year battery and 12 brightness settings, including four for night vision. There is plenty of room left for a magnifier if so preferred.

Adding rails to your AK is one of the quickest modifications you can make and opens a wealth of customization options.

What I really like about the AKARS is, once the unit is assembled and locked down, there is never any need to remove it. To field strip and clean the gun, the entire top rail and receiver cover simply hinge up for access and snap back down to close. The unit retains zero for optics and, since it is low enough, allows for co-witnessing the iron sights for backup. The new rear sight provides a wider notch than the factory original, for faster target acquisition. It is not, however, elevation-adjustable, but this is hardly necessary at combat ranges of less than 300 yards.

Another area of complaint, at least for American shooters, is the AK’s short length of pull, which is fine if you wear a lot of body armor or heavy clothing in sub-zero temperatures. Command Arms Accessories (CAA) offers a lot of AK upgrades, not least of which is their AKTS aluminum buttstock tube. This sturdy unit accepts any commercial AR collapsible stock and gives the AK an adjustable length-of-pull from 12.5 inches to almost 16 inches.

The AKTS, available for milled-receiver AKs and with a recoil reducer, has length numbers on top so you can return the length-of-pull to your desired position without having to guess at it. It includes ambidextrous sling attachment points. I especially liked this unit because of its solid construction and sturdy feel.

I then added the BULS-Battlelink Utility Low Profile Stock from Mission First Tactical (MFT), a tough polyamide AR stock with a lot of well-designed features, including front and rear ambidextrous quick-detach sling swivels. This stock accepts MFT’s GPS attachment kit and adjustable cheek piece. The rear of the stock has a rubber non-slip buttpad and a water tight storage compartment for batteries, small cleaning kit, spare parts or other accessories.

The high quality of MFT’s stock accessories for the AK led me to install their extremely comfortable and ergonomic pistol grip. This is not to say that the standard AK grip is bad, but I prefer a wider one. The MFT Engage grip is not only wider but well-textured for a firmer hold in inclement conditions, with comfortable finger grooves and a sizable internal storage space.

For the ultimate in accessorizing the AK, a new handguard rail system is essential, and while there are many options in this regard, I stayed with MFT’s TEKKO Polymer AK47 Integrated Rail System. This two piece unit is lightweight and comfortable with sufficient rails at top, bottom and both sides for multiple accessories, including lights, lasers, vertical grips and bipods. The lower rail includes a cover that neatly hides it when not needed. Given the propensity of the usual AK handguard to heat up under fire, I opted for the MFT REACT Short Vertical Grip, which protects the hand, offers sufficient purchase and does not interfere with magazine changes. It includes its own waterproof storage space and matches perfectly with the rest of the MFT stock furniture.

The standard AK slanted muzzle brake was designed to vent escaping gas up and right to counter the effect of recoil in full-auto fire. In low light conditions, however, this does nothing to mitigate muzzle flash (which can be intense), so instead I installed an M16-style birdcage flash hider from TAPCO, which included a handy front sight elevation adjustment tool.

Options, such as paddles for the magazine release, abound and make the good old Kalashnikov more pleasant to shoot.

The paddle safety on the AK is already easy to use and ambidextrous, but I am used to being able to drop a magazine with my trigger finger alone. For that, CAA makes a very easy to install polymer unit that extends the magazine release and allows for ambidextrous operation with one finger. You still have to rock the magazine forward and out, but this makes it a lot faster.

Another source of complaints with the AK is in the safety, which is almost impossible to operate with the trigger finger unless you remove your hand from the pistol grip. Here, there are two excellent solutions: the first from US P.A.L.M, an enhanced drop-in AK safety with a lowered, extended trigger finger tab that makes flipping it on or off simple while keeping a firm grip. Another enhanced safety from Krebs Custom has an extended trigger finger tab and adds a cutout to allow you to lock the bolt open (something range officers will appreciate).

In keeping with the all-black polymer look of the rifle, I added the excellent 30-round waffle pattern polymer mags from US P.A.L.M. These are truly built tough, with an integral floor plate and vented self-cleaning, low-friction follower. The locking surfaces that engage the magazine release and receiver are of stainless steel, embedded into the polymer for maximum durability under any conditions.

Lastly, I added the Blue Force Gear Victory one-point sling with a quick-detach swivel. This adjustable, value-priced, black nylon sling features a quick-release option for fast removal.

On the range, the improvements to the I.O. Inc. Sporter AK proved their worth, making magazine changes and hits effortless and fast. The improved ergonomics aided greatly in the handling and feel of the rifle, as well as adding distinctly to its appeal. The Sporter is a high quality AK that can be had for less than an AR, but performs equally well, with good accuracy and no malfunctions.

This article is from Gun Digest Guide to the Modern AK.

Ruger Introduces American Pistol Compact in .45 ACP

Elwood Shelton

January 9, 2017

When Ruger unveiled the American Pistol a little over a year ago, it was a fairly sure bet it was a line destined for growth. The feature-rich polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatics had all the bells and whistles certain to turn heads and open wallets. And sure enough, Ruger’s newest family of handguns has multiplied like rabbits in a relatively short period of time.

In all, there are now 14 models of the American Pistol shooters can choose from. And the most recent addition is certain to catch the interest of enthusiasts who have a yen for an on-person self-defense piece in one of the most popular and potent calibers.

Ruger recently announced the release of the American Pistol Compact chambered in .45 APC. The handgun is the first compact of that caliber in the line — the rest are duty sized — and it has some features certain to appeal to the concealed carry crowd.

Chief among these is that the company has introduced its compact .45 without an external manual thumb safety. Instead, the 3.75-inch barreled model features an integrated trigger safety and internal automatic sear block system. This puts the new American Pistol in line with a majority of the existing striker-fired guns in the concealed carry market.

Shooters who desire a manual external safety, however, most likely won’t be left out in the cold. The 28.6-ounce pistol will likely follow suite with the rest of the line, with a thumb-safety model released sometime in the future.

The new American Pistol is outfitted with a number of the features that has made the family of handguns a success.

Like Ruger’s other polymer-framed pistols, the compact .45 has a low bore axis and barrel cam, both of which reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip. It is equipped with Novak LoMount Carry 3-Dot sights, which cut a lower profile and are rounded, reducing the risk of a snag upon a draw. And it has Ruger’s pre-tensioned striker system that facilitates a solid firing pin strike on the primer without requiring a heavier trigger pull.

The trigger itself has a short take-up and breaks smoothly, allowing for maximum accuracy shot to shot. And with a tactile positive reset, the pistol is certain to offer fast follow-up shots — should an occasion call for them.

The compact .45 has a 10+1 capacity with its grip extension magazine, but it also comes with a seven-round option, cutting the pistol’s profile down. The handgun is also rated to shoot +P ammunition, opening the door for a wider ammunition selection.

The pistol is right- and left-hand friendly with ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. It has aggressive non-slip texturing on its grip and a modular backstrap system, adjusting to palm swell and trigger reach. And it has easy-to-manipulate cocking serrations at the aft of its stainless-steel slide, making it easy to rack, even with gloves. It also features a Picatinny rail beneath the barrel, allowing for the addition of an accessory.

Presently, the MSRP on the American Pistol Compact in .45 ACP is $579, which means by the time it reaches a local gun store, it should be in plenty of shooters’ price ranges.

Specifications:

American Pistol Compact .45 ACP
Type: Striker-Fired Semi-automatic
Caliber: .45ACP
Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
Overall Length: 7.25 inches
Overall Height: 4.65 inches
Overall Width: 1.05 inches
Weight: 28.6 ounces
Slide: Stainless Steel (Black Nitride finish)
Frame: Glass-Filled Nylon
Sights: Novak LoMount Carry 3-Dot
Capacity: 10+1 (also comes with 7-round magazine)
MSRP: $579

Video: New Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0

Elwood Shelton

January 6, 2017

For a healthy section of handgun shooters, Smith & Wesson‘s M&P line is the pinnacle of polymer pistol perfection. Messing with these gems of the striker-fired world would be akin to allowing the designated hitter, changing the recipe of Coke and releasing another version of Windows all wrapped up in one. Smith & Wesson, however, hasn't left well enough alone with the iconic company's first big release of 2017. But the new M&P M2.0 line of pistols shouldn't be a bone of contention, even with the most ardent fans of the original models. The company has shot at engineering a more shootable, practical and rugged handgun. And building off a decade of experience manufacturing polymer pistols, it appears to have hit the bull's eye on all accounts.

The M&P M2.0 line – available in 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP – features improved grip ergonomics, including an optimized 18-degree angle, interchangeable palmswell grips and even more aggressive texturing. It's outfitted with an extended stainless steel chassis, giving the platform more rigidity during firing, thus more accuracy. Its bore axis has been lowered, lessening the felt recoil and muzzle flip – making follow-up shots more accurate and faster. And it has one snappy trigger, breaking like glass and complete with an audible reset. This final point, the trigger, is what really caught Gun Digest Editor in Chief Eric Conn's attention when he stepped to the firing line to put the full-sized M&P M2.0 through its paces in the above video. Priced competitively at $599 and with more compact models expected in the future, Smith & Wesson definitely appears to have moved the M&P line into the future, while staying true to its roots.

The Most Comprehensive Guide to Smith & Wesson

From Schofield Revolvers to M&P AR-15s, for more than 150 years Smith & Wesson has turned out some of the world’s most desirable firearms. Gun Digest is ready to arm shooters with the tools they need to know, appreciate and add more of the iconic guns to their collections. The newly updated Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition is the industry’s most comprehensive guide to the well-respected manufacturer’s firearms. Get Your Copy Now

Savage Arms Launching MSRs for 2017

Drew Warden

January 6, 2017

Savage Arms has announced it is planning to launch four new Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) in 2017.

Back in mid-December of 2016, Savage Arms shook up the firearms industry when it released a short teaser video giving shooters a brief first look at the new Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) the company was planning on launching for 2017. This represented a first for Savage, as the company has never been in the MSR game before, and people were (and are) understandably excited.

Now, with the 2017 SHOT Show less than two weeks away, the manufacturer has gone wide with the announcement, releasing more details and specifications on the new rifles.

First and foremost, the new line of Savage MSRs will consist of four rifles – two AR-15 platform rifles chambered in .223 Wylde and two AR-10 platform rifles chambered in either .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. The manufacturer is planning to officially launch all of these at the SHOT Show this year.

The two AR-15s are the MSR 15 Patrol and the MSR 15 Recon. The Patrol model represents an entry-level AR that's a step up from other ARs in this category, while the Recon is a further upgrade, coming with even more additional features.

Savage Arms - MSRs - MSR 10 Hunter — Savage MSR 10 Hunter.

The two AR-10 models are the MSR 10 Hunter and the MSR 10 Long Range. The Hunter, as its name suggests, is built as a compact sporting platform that can serve well in big-game hunting, or simply as a quality .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor AR for target shooting. The MSR 10 Long Range, on the other hand, represents the peak of Savage's new MSR line, coming with a host of high performance features such as a fluted heavy barrel, a free-float M-LOK rail forend and – one of the more unique items – a non-reciprocating left-side charging handle, which should excite a lot of shooters.

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All of the new rifles incorporate 4140 steel barrels with a Melonite QPQ coating and 5R rifling, and their receivers are all forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. The receivers on the MSR 15 Patrol are standard forged, whereas those on the others are custom forged. Most of the new Savage Arms MSRs feature the new Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip and Blackhawk adjustable Knoxx Axiom Carbine stock (with models above the Patrol getting the padded version). The exception to this is the MSR 10 Long Range, which features the Magpul PRS Gen3 stock instead.

All receivers on the new Savage MSRs are 7075-T6 aluminum. They are custom forged on all models except the Patrol.

The MSR 15 Patrol comes with a standard Mil-Spec trigger, whereas the rest of the line comes equipped with various Blackhawk AR Blaze triggers, with the Long Range models getting the enhanced AR Blaze Two-Stage trigger for improved accuracy. I haven't personally experienced the Two-Stage trigger; however, I did get to shoot the standard AR Blaze SSD (Single Stage Duty) trigger during a Blackhawk event in Montana this past summer, and there is a noticeable improvement over Mil-Spec. The Blaze trigger is designed with a boron-rich surface that prevents wear, requires no lubrication and comes with a “duty” spring set to mirror the pull weight on Mil-Spec guns, as well as a “target” spring set.

Savage Arms- MSR-recon-forened — Most of the new MSRs feature a free-floated hexagonal aluminum handguard with M-LOK attachment points. The Patrol has a Blackhawk mid-length forend.

The forend featured on the Patrol rifle is a Blackhawk mid-length handguard, while the other models sport a Savage aluminum hexagonal free-floated forend with M-LOK attachment points. The Patrol has a custom A-Frame gas block, and the Recon has a low-profile fixed gas block. The AR-10 models all feature an adjustable gas block. The MSR 15 models sport Blackhawk BUIS (the Patrol has a combination A-Frame gas block/front sight). The MSR 10 Hunter and Long Range have no sights, coming optic ready.

Pricing on these new MSRs from Savage Arms starts with an MSRP of $852 on the MSR 15 Patrol and go up to $2,284 on the MSR 10 Long Range. For more information on these new rifles, check out the full specifications below and visit the Savage Arms website. Also, be sure to check out the gallery above for some great first images of the new Savage MSRs.

Specifications:

Savage Arms MSR 15 Patrol
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: .223 Wylde (.223 Rem./5.56 NATO)
Barrel: 16-1/8 in. 4140 steel, Melonite QPQ, 5R rifling
Overall Length: 32.5-35.75 in.
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Muzzle Device: A2 flash hider
Gas Block: Custom A-Frame
Trigger: Mil-Spec
Receivers: Forged 7075-T6 aluminum
Stock: Blackhawk Adjustable Knoxx Axiom Carbine Stock
Grip: Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip
Charging Handle: Mil-Spec
Handguard: Blackhawk mid-length
Sights: Blackhawk BUIS/A-Frame gas block
Capacity: 30 rounds
Price: $852
Manufacturer: Savage Arms

Savage Arms MSR 15 Recon
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: .223 Wylde (.223 Rem./5.56 NATO)
Barrel: 16-1/8 in. 4140 steel, Melonite QPQ, 5R rifling
Overall Length: 33.5-36.75 in.
Weight: 7.0 lbs.
Muzzle Device: A2 flash hider
Gas Block: Low-profile fixed
Trigger: Blackhawk AR Blaze
Receivers: Custom forged 7075-T6 aluminum
Stock: Blackhawk Adjustable Knoxx Axiom Carbine Stock with pad
Grip: Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip
Charging Handle: Mil-Spec
Handguard: Savage aluminum hexagonal free-floated, with M-LOK
Sights: Blackhawk BUIS
Capacity: 30 rounds
Price: $999
Manufacturer: Savage Arms

Savage Arms MSR 10 Hunter
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel: 16-1/8 in. 4140 steel, fluted, Melonite QPQ, 5R rifling (18 in. in 6.5 Creedmoor)
Overall Length: 35-39 in. (.308 Win.); 37-41 in. (6.5 Creedmoor)
Weight: 7.8 lbs. (.308 Win.); 8 lbs. (6.5 Creedmoor)
Muzzle Device: Savage muzzle brake
Gas Block: Adjustable
Trigger: Blackhawk AR Blaze
Receivers: Custom forged 7075-T6 aluminum
Stock: Blackhawk Adjustable Knoxx Axiom Carbine Stock with pad
Grip: Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip
Charging Handle: Savage rear
Handguard: Savage aluminum hexagonal free-floated, with M-LOK
Sights: None
Capacity: 20 rounds
Price: $1,481
Manufacturer: Savage Arms

Savage Arms MSR 10 Long Range
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel: 20 in. 4140 steel, fluted, Melonite QPQ, 5R rifling (22 in. in 6.5 Creedmoor)
Overall Length: 41-5/8 in. (.308 Win.); 43-5/8 in. (6.5 Creedmoor), adjustable extended length
Weight: 9.75 lbs. (.308 Win.); 10 lbs. (6.5 Creedmoor)
Muzzle Device: Savage muzzle brake
Gas Block: Adjustable
Trigger: Blackhawk AR Blaze Two-Stage
Receivers: Custom forged 7075-T6 aluminum
Stock: Magpul PRS Gen3
Grip: Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip
Handguard: Savage aluminum hexagonal free-floated, with M-LOK
Sights: None
Capacity: 10 rounds
Price: $2,284
Manufacturer: Savage Arms

First Look: Colt Cobra Revolver

Drew Warden

January 3, 2017

Fans of Colt's earlier double-action revolvers should rejoice, as news of the American manufacturer's jump back into the double-action revolver game has been breaking over the last couple days. It's official folks; in what may be one of the more exciting new releases of the year, Colt is bringing out a new double-action revolver for 2017.

In a nod back to its well known and well respected “snake” line of revolvers, Colt is calling this new offering the Cobra. Chambered in .38 Special +P and sporting a 2-inch barrel, the new Colt Cobra is a six-shot revolver that looks perfectly situated to shine in the concealed carry market this year.

As someone who attended Colt's Media Day event at Gunsite this past fall, I've been holding onto this exciting news for a couple months now. And while at the event, I was able to get a first hand look at, as well as some trigger time with, the new Colt Cobra.

Now, I'm admittedly not an expert when it comes revolvers. I don't shoot them all that often, nor have I carried one concealed. However, I can still offer some general opinions on the new Cobra and how it felt to shoot, as well as some basic information on this new offering from Colt.

The new Colt Cobra features a hardy stainless steel frame that features a matte finish and a Hogue Overmolded grip. Hogue is well known in the industry for its quality revolver grips, and this one did not disappoint. The grip felt adequate and pleasant in my hand, and although recoil felt a little sharp from the 2-inch barrel, I never became uncomfortable while shooting the Cobra. The revolver seemed to point quite naturally in hand, and I never felt that I had to search for the trigger.

Speaking of the trigger, Colt has spent some considerable time improving the ergonomics of where the trigger is positioned and how the trigger guard is shaped, which definitely helps give it that natural feel in the hand. The trigger guard is enlarged and features somewhat of a bump at the bottom. This permits even gloved shooters, or shooters with larger hands, to have that same comfortable feel when shooting.

Colt did not have figures for trigger pull weight during the Media Day event or in the specifications provided, but it generally seemed pleasant in both single and double action. Obviously, the double-action pull was nowhere near as clean as the single-action pull, which felt silky smooth in comparison.

One of the additional new features Colt has brought out on the Cobra is what it refers to as its LL²(Linear Leaf) Mainspring design. According to the company, this design change helps to ensure a consistently smooth trigger pull. Like I said earlier, I'm no revolver expert, but the trigger, particularly in single action, felt smoother than some of the other revolvers I've shot.

The front sight on the Cobra used at the Gunsite event was a red fiber optic, which offered plenty of visibility and felt quite familiar. The rear was a standard groove type sight built into the frame. This combination seemed to serve just fine, and I didn't have too much trouble putting rounds on target.

In terms of dimensions, the Colt Cobra looks poised to strike out at the concealed carry market. With an overall length of 7.2 inches, a height of 4.9 inches, a width of 1.4 inches and an unloaded weight of 25 ounces, I'm sure it'll be a popular option for those who prefer to carry revolvers. Capacity is six rounds, and given the .38 Special +P chambering, it should be able to pack some hot defensive loads.

The estimated MSRP that was provided to members of the media at the Media Day event for the new Colt Cobra is listed as $699. For those wondering about other potential double-action revolver models down the road, I would say to be patient. During the event at Gunsite the general attitude seemed to be that this was a first step in the category, with more introductions looming on the horizon.

For more information about the new Colt Cobra, check out the full specifications below and visit the Colt website.

Specifications:

Colt Cobra
Type: Double-action revolver
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Barrel: 2 in.
Overall Length: 7.2 in.
Height: 4.9 in.
Width: 1.4 in.
Weight: 25 oz. (unloaded)
Sights: Front fiber optic, rear groove/trench
Grip: Hogue Overmolded
Estimated MSRP: $699
Manufacturer: Colt

Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2 Review

Steve Gaspar

January 3, 2017

The second-generation model of Surefire’s SOCOM 556 RC suppressor adds to the design while reducing the overall cost.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Or so the old saying goes. One might wonder, then, why Surefire updated the SOCOM RC to the RC-2. The advancements of competitors may have been one motivator, but increases in technology and experience at Surefire were likely strong factors as well. When The Silencer Shop offered to send me the RC-2 to evaluate, I jumped at the chance. Back in 2013 I used a Surefire RC suppressor in a 3-gun match with good success. The RC had a solid quick-detach (QD) mechanism that attached to the Surefire muzzle brake installed at the factory on my Colt Competition CRP-18. The original RC was quiet, accurate, and performed well. It was marketed as the SOCOM556 RC, indicating it had been awarded a SOCOM contract for use with the Mk18 and M4.

surefire socom 556 rc-2 -11 — The original Surefire RC, shown here in Dark Earth Cerakote, was a quiet, accurate suppressor capable of withstanding significant abuse. The new Surefire RC-2 improves on this design in several areas.

The Surefire SOCOM RC-2 has improved on the original design in several areas. Back pressure, a source of excess gas in the face, was reduced in the redesign. Less back pressure also reduces the cyclic rate of the action, which is of importance to those shooting full auto suppressed. Most civilian users don’t really need a dampened cyclic rate, but having less gas pressure in the action to deal with is a welcome improvement. Durability was improved with the addition of a blast shield in the rear of the suppressor.

The QD mechanism was upgraded in the RC-2 to provide a more solid lock up by using tapered bearing surfaces. This is something several manufacturers have moved to in the past few years. It seems nobody likes a wobbly suppressor. A less obvious improvement in the RC-2 QD system is that now the index tab is in a low carbon build up area. This makes the suppressor easier to remove after extended shooting sessions. As a seasoned suppressor shooter, I can attest to the utility of this design change. QD suppressors exist that are anything but quick-detach after a few hundred rounds, and there is nothing more irritating than having to take a pipe wrench to a “quick-detach” suppressor.

Point of impact (POI) shift when going from suppressed to unsuppressed varies by brand and model of suppressor, sometimes significantly. The Surefire RC had minimal POI shift in this regard, and the RC-2 retains this feature. The test unit used in this evaluation shifted POI down a little less than an inch at 100 yards when going from unsuppressed to suppressed fire. This shift was consistently repeatable. While many of us simply shoot suppressed almost all the time, this feature is desirable for some users.

One of the most noticeable differences between the Surefire RC and the RC-2 is the price. The RC-2 is cheaper! With MSRPs of $1,395 and $1,095, respectively, the $300 reduction is a welcome change. Made in the USA, the Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2 is a solid addition to any collection.

Specifications:

Surefire SOCOM 556 RC-2
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Full Auto Rated: Yest
Attachment: Brake Mount
Weight: 17 oz.
Length: 6.2 in.
Diameter: 1.5 in.
Sound Level: Not stated
Finish: Cerakote
Materials: High temperature alloys and stainless steel
MSRP: $1,095
Manufacturer: Surefire

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

Gallery: Great New Binoculars for Shooters

Brad Fitzpatrick

January 3, 2017

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Over the course of a shooting or hunting career our views and beliefs change, and perhaps the most polar shift over the past 20 years for me has been my reliance on binoculars. When I was in my teens hunting squirrels and deer in Ohio, I never owned a pair of binos; it was a struggle to afford shotgun shells and .22 ammo, and I couldn’t see the value of investing in optics that I considered, at least at that time, a luxury and not a necessity. But I slowly began to appreciate good binoculars and started considering them an essential tool for hunting, shooting and scouting. Today I have no less than four pair of binoculars and I use them almost daily for everything from bird watching to scouting whitetails. There are binos in my hunting packs, in my shooting bag, in my home and in my truck, and I have carried them around the world. I’ve used binos to glass game in south Texas, Montana, Namibia and elsewhere, and almost weekly I help someone else center a rifle at the range by calling shots with my binoculars. I’ve changed my mind. Binos are, in fact, a necessity.

Today there are binoculars to fit every budget and every hunting or shooting situation, from larger, heavier binos that are perfect for serious long-range work on the bench to light, compact binoculars that can be carried to the world’s highest summits. Here’s a look at the best new options for 2016.

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

Get the most recent advances in guns and gear to extend your range for hunting, informal target shooting, and formal competition. Discover new tools for long-range shooters both in the field and on the firing range, with coverage of new developments from advances in military applied combat theory. Learn more

Ruger Expands GP100 and Redhawk Lines

Drew Warden

December 21, 2016

Ruger has been one of the most well known, and well respected, manufacturers of revolvers for a while now. The company has a history of producing rugged, reliable and high-performing wheel guns, and as a result it has a wide array of double- and single-action offerings.

Two of Ruger's double-action revolver families – the GP100 and Redhawk lines – are going to have a couple new additions for the upcoming year. Ruger has announced that it is expanding these two families with a new GP100 chambered in .44 Special and a new Redhawk chambered in .357 Magnum. The new GP100 will have a five-round cylinder, while the Redhawk will hold eight rounds of .357 Magnum.

The new, big-bore GP100 is an all-stainless steel design that features a three-inch, full-shrouded barrel. It utilizes a smooth Hogue Monogrip without finger grooves, which attaches to Ruger's proprietary grip frame. According to Ruger's website, it's the only GP100 model chambered above the classic .357 Magnum.

The newest stainless steel Redhawk revolver pairs a 2.75-inch barrel with Altamont round butt, hardwood grips to create a compact yet highly shootable package. The un-fluted cylinder features a recessed ejector that allows shooters to easily reload the revolver with moon clips, and the gun ships with three full moon clips, with additional clips and speed loaders being available online at ShopRuger.com. Previous Redhawk revolvers have been chambered in calibers above .40, so the scaled down Redhawk in .357 Magnum should be a real hit.

Both of these new revolvers feature windage- and elevation-adjustable rear sights. The new GP100 utilizes a green fiber optic dot set inside a black square post front sight. Meanwhile, the new Redhawk uses a red ramp front sight, which can be easily replaced with other front sight blades available from Ruger.

The new GP100 in .44 Special is available for $829, while the Redhawk in .357 Magnum is available for $1079. For more information on these two new Ruger double-action revolvers, check out the full specifications for each below, or visit the Ruger website.

Specifications:

Ruger GP100
Type: Double-action revolver
Caliber: .44 Special
Barrel: 3 in., stainless steel
Overall Length: 8.5 in.
Weight: 36 oz.
Grips: Hogue Monogrip
Front Sight: Green fiber optic set in black square
Rear Sight: Adjustable, windage and elevation
Finish: Stainless
Capacity: 5 rounds
Price: $829
Manufacturer: Ruger

Ruger Redhawk
Type: Double-action revolver
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Barrel: 2.75 in.
Overall Length: 8.25 in.
Weight: 44 oz.
Grips: Hardwood
Front Sight: Red ramp
Rear Sight: Adjustable, windage and elevation
Finish: Stainless
Capacity: 8 rounds
Price: $1079
Manufacturer: Ruger

The Next Evolution: Walther PPS M2 Review

Robert Sadowski

December 21, 2016

Evolution is inevitable. The way we have defended ourselves over the past 3, 10 or even 100 years has changed tremendously. Better ammunition, pistol designs and manufacturing methods have given concealed carry holders a wider range of options. Engineers at Walther are always looking for ways to produce a better pistol—more accurate, lightweight, user-friendly and affordable. In fact, the company has always been on the cutting edge of modern pistol design, and the new PPS M2 is a perfect example of Walther’s dedication to refinement in a concealed carry pistol.

Some might say that the Walther PPS M2 is “new and improved.” I hate this expression because it infers that what came before was “old and lousy,” and in no way is that the case with the Walther PPS Classic. The PPS Classic is a refined, reliable and accurate personal defense or backup pistol. Thin and flat with flush-fit and extended magazine options and modular back straps that offer a custom fit for most hands, the PPS Classic proved itself to be an excellent single-stack pistol chambered in either 9mm or .40 S&W. Yes, the PPS M2 is new, but it’s not just the Classic re-skinned with aesthetic changes. This is a new pistol inside and out.

The PPS M2 incorporates the ergonomic Walther grip, similar to the style found on the PPQ, with a texture that ensures a shooter has a good purchase on the pistol. It also provides a slight palm swell and shallow finger grooves to give the pistol a big-gun feel without giving it big-gun bulk. The polymer frame features a ridge for the trigger finger and thumb of either a right- or left-handed shooter that channels them toward the trigger during the draw. The grip is smooth and comfortable with your trigger finger extended in the ready position along the frame.

The polymer frame omits the modular back straps and accessory rail of the PPS Classic. I question the need for an accessory rail on sub and compact carry guns anyway. I prefer no rail as it’s less bulky and will allow for easier re-holstering. The result is a smoother nose to the PPS M2 with radiused leading edges to aid holstering.

If the grip design is a new direction for the PPS series, so too is the magazine release. The M2 uses a thumb-operated magazine release. If there was a feature on the PPS Classic that some had difficulty warming to, it was the ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release built into the rear of the trigger guard. We Americans like our magazine release to be operated by our thumb, and Walther has obliged.

The checkered button is flush with the edge of the finger channel and easy to operate. In fact, the PPS M2 spits out empty magazines like they were a bad taste in its mouth. Fast and consistent. Something to note: The Classic and M2 variants of the PPS do not share magazines. Because the M2 uses a thumb-operated magazine release, Walther engineers were able to make an under cut at the rear of the trigger guard. This permits shooters to have a slightly higher grip on the pistol to better manage recoil and muzzle flip.

Walther also placed front and rear slide-cocking serrations on the PPS M2. Some subcompact 9mm pistol slides are notoriously difficult to manipulate due to the small size of the pistol and the weight of the recoil spring. Add an oily gun or sweaty hands to the equation and the situation is only worsened. The large, coarse serrations on the PPS M2 make this pistol very easy to operate.

The steel fixed three-dot sights are big and bold with three large white dots. The sights can also easily be removed to upgrade to night sights or to change the front to a different height, depending on your needs. The slide rides on steel inserts in the polymer frame. On the right side of the frame, the steel guide is one piece and nearly three-quarters the length of the frame; the left is broken into two sections to accommodate the slide stop lever. That extended steel guide insert no doubt helps accuracy, as does the solid guide rod and dual recoil springs. The dual recoil springs also help mitigate felt recoil.

The short, 3.18-inch barrel features polygonal rifling. Compared to conventional rifled barrels of the same length using the same ammo, the PPS M2 eked out a bit more velocity. Looking at my range data, it looks like about 10 feet per second (fps) extra. Not wildly more, but an edge. A small cutout on the top side of the barrel acts as a loaded chamber viewing port.

I spoke with Everett Deger at Walther Arms about the changes to the PPS. He pointed to the trigger on the M2, which is a new design.

The PPS Classic used a modular backstrap that allowed users to change the size of the grip back straps as well as disable the pistol when the back strap was removed.

“The new PPS M2 simplifies the trigger and aids in what would be considered a tangibly feeling, smoother trigger, although it isn’t necessarily lighter than the previous PPS,” Deger said.

When I asked about the fate of the PPS Classic, Deger said the model will continue to be supported under Walther’s Lifetime Warranty; however, the model will officially be discontinued in the summer of 2016 to make way for the new M2.

The trigger is wide and serrated on the edges, giving it the feel of a full-size pistol trigger. It is a lot like the Walther PPQ trigger, but they are different. The factory states the trigger pull of the M2 is 6.1 pounds; using my Lyman digital trigger pull gauge I averaged 5.9 pounds. The pull is smooth with a bit of take up. As you continue the trigger press, you’ll notice the cocking indicator starts to protrude from the rear of the slide. The rest of the press is clean at the trigger break. Reset is also fairly short, allowing a user to get off a faster follow-up shot if required.

Magazines for the PPS M2 come in three sizes: a six-round flush-fit, a seven-round extended and an eight-round extended with finger rest. The flush-fit magazine keeps the footprint of the M2 compact and extremely manageable for concealed carry. My sample shipped with the six- and seven-round magazines. I preferred to shoot the pistol with the extended seven-round magazine because I could keep my entire, average-size hand on the grip for maximum control. Using the flush-fit six-round magazine, I needed to curl my little finger under the floor plate.

After my initial range testing, I didn’t waste any time and started carrying the PPS M2 concealed in a Blade Tech IWB Klipt Ambi holster I had on hand. The new Walther fitted the Blade Tech fine after I tweaked the retention screw. Carrying the PPS M2 in appendix carry proved to be comfortable with easy access to the pistol. I use my framed diploma as a target when doing dry-fire practice draws, and if that had been live fire, the holes would have been a seal of approval.

Fieldstripping is simple. Pull down on the takedown lever and the slide will move forward; from there it can be removed from the frame. You don’t need particularly muscular fingers to remove the recoil spring and guide rod assembly, either.

I conducted accuracy testing using a rest at 15 yards. I also fired at 25 yards and 5 yards. The PPS Classic has a great reputation as a reliable pistol, so I assembled four types of 9mm ammo in a variety of bullet weights. (Note: The manual advises against using +P ammo in the M2). A .40 S&W caliber is slated for mid 2016. Winchester Defend and Train ammo is paired ammo: the Train using a 147-grain FMJ bullet and the Defend a 147-grain JHP. Both are loaded to a similar velocity so your training and defense rounds will perform similarly. I also used Aguila 115-grain FMJ bullets and Hornady American Gunner with 115-grain XTP bullets.

I could cover my first three-round group with the Aguila ammo using the flush-fit magazine with my thumb. Reloading with the fuller grip of the seven-round extended magazine allowed me to get surgical. The Aguila five-shot group at 15 yards was nearly one ragged hole. No matter what I fed the PPS M2, I was getting groups that averaged less than 2 inches. When I did my part, the PPS M2 rewarded me with stellar five-shot groups. I liked the trigger press a lot. Up close in rapid-fire drills, the M2 was easy to control. At 25 yards, my groups opened up, which I expected. Yet I found the M2 had excellent accuracy. There was not even a hint of a malfunction with the M2. It chewed up the 9mm ammo and spat it out even when I tried confusing it by firing with a limp wrist. The enlarged ejection port ensured empties were tossed aside without incident. As this excellent new gun attests, evolution is most typically a good thing in the firearms industry.

Specifications:

Walther PPS M2
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Barrel: 3.18 in.
Overall Length: 6.3 in.
Weight: 21.1 oz. (empty)
Sights: Fixed, three-dot
Trigger: Striker-fired, 5.9 lbs. (as tested)
Finish: Tenifer black
Grip: Textured polymer
Capacity: 6+1, 7+1, 8+1
Price: $649
Manufacturer: Walther Arms

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the special Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Basics of Choosing a Long-Range Cartridge

L.P. Brezny

December 21, 2016

Picking the appropriate long-range cartridge is an important part of putting together the right setup for long-range shooting.

Let’s cover some basics of selecting an appropriate long-range cartridge here. Between the old and proven standbys and the hot new kids on the block, today’s long-range shooter has nearly as many cartridges to choose from as they do guns. Not all are created equal; some really only shine in a limited range of applications. Too, some cartridges are best left on the dealer’s shelf.

Assuming you have decided on a rifle model designed for long-range shooting, the next step is selecting a cartridge for that new shooting stick. Here there are some things that need to be addressed in making that decision.

First off, looking at a list of possible cartridges, you will see huge differences between them. This includes recoil levels, price per round, basic working range applications, and even specific rifle types.

Second, you’re not likely to find factory rifles chambered in some of the exotics. Buying a 6mm-284 over the counter or one in 7.82 Warbird is highly unlikely. Such rounds are mostly proprietary propositions, and that means custom rifles.

Understand that the first rule in selecting a cartridge for long-range shooting is that more power and powder are required to get the job done.

That means the big cartridges, such as the .300 Winchester Magnum or the 6mm-284 that is, of late, so popular, will push more bullet further with less drop at longer ranges. Take the .300 Winchester Magnum, for example.

This .338 Winchester-based cartridge uses a .30-caliber bullet and is, without question, the most popular super long-range .30-caliber of all time. Army snipers like it, as do law enforcement units needing a tool that effectively punches out to tough targets. For the long-range sport shooter, the .300 Winchester Magnum is also king, because it can send heavy Very Low Drag (VLD) bullets to 1,000 yards against warm targets and still accurately hit the vitals.

At the same time that you need more powder and bullet to shoot effectively at distance, you don’t want to overdo the recoil (nor overestimate your tolerance level for it). Shoot too much cartridge and you won’t shoot well—at all. Using the same .300 Winchester Magnum as an example, a sensitive shooter can quickly develop a flinch.

Another thing to take into consideration is that big, high-power, long-range rifle shooting almost always requires a spotter at your side while you’re shooting. Recoil levels are so high that the target becomes a blurred-out image upon cartridge ignition. (Well, unless the target is so far away that the rifle and scope have time to settle down prior to the bullet’s impact. Believe me, that won’t happen very often, if ever.) Do you have a partner you can work with regularly? If not, you’re going to spend a lot of time walking or driving back and froth from bench to berm.

What you need to do is select a maximum distance that works best in terms of a cartridge choice and generated recoil levels, then go to work learning everything you can about the performance of that given cartridge.

Still too much to sort through? Try this. As long as I have been shooting long-range targets, I’ve tended to like cartridges like the .243 Winchester, .243 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum), the never-to-be-discarded .25-06 Remington (the best of the wildcats to go commercial), and the workhorse .308 Winchester. Learn any one of these cartridges well and you will do some serious damage to some very long-range targets.

They will send bullets to long ranges and do so without the massive recoil that can cause shooter fatigue. If you must have more, on the high-recoil and -energy end of things, I do shoot the 7mm Remington Magnum in a Ruger No. 1, as well as a .50 BMG upon occasion, but with far less frequency than other rifle/cartridge choices—the reasons should be obvious.

The final rule about cartridge choice is to stay within your means. By moving to some exotic caliber in a full custom rifle, you’re going to have to pay a good deal more per round (and that after the high cost of the rifle), sent downrange in every case. You can shoot a whole lot more .22-250 or .25-06 than you can 6mm-284 or even a .300 Winchester Magnum for a given amount of money.

This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting, 2nd Edition.

CZ 805 Bren S1 Carbine Review

Doug Larson

December 20, 2016

The Czech military’s excellent piston-operated 805 Bren is now available to U.S. shooters in a semi-auto version, and it doesn’t disappoint.

The Czechs have been making some very high quality firearms for many years, and that tradition continues with the CZ 805 Bren S1 Carbine. It’s a lightweight, semi-automatic with a 16.2-inch barrel chambered in 5.56x45mm, the standard NATO cartridge.

Many people familiar with firearms mistake it for the FN SCAR 16S. There are similarities and differences, some considered significant and some of no consequence, depending on preference. A few are addressed here, but let’s first discuss the name, which has been applied to a few different firearms.

The use of the word “Bren” in naming guns traces back to the mid-1930s when the British were in search of a reliable light machine gun. Several designs were submitted for testing, one being the Czech ZB vz. 26 made in the Czech city of Brno. Tests revealed the gun as better than the other entries, but it needed modifications to make it suitable for use by the British. After a number of changes, the military adopted the improved gun.

Agreements were made with the Czechs for it to be produced at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, which led to the name Bren—a combination of BRno and ENfield. At least one expert has described the Bren as “the finest magazine fed light machine gun ever put into service by anyone at any time.” Given this, it is no wonder that the Czechs have continued to use the Bren moniker for current production models.

Features

The original select-fire 805 Bren is a standard arm of the Czech military, but it’s now available in the U.S. in a semi-automatic version. Made in the city of Brno by Ceska Zbrojovka, it is imported into the U.S. by CZ U.S.A. located in Kansas City, Kansas.

On the front end of the lightweight barrel is an effective muzzle brake that, while loud, does an admirable job of reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. Admittedly, the 5.56 NATO round is pretty tame and isn’t known for heavy recoil, but the brake does make follow-up shots a bit faster.

The gas piston action also helps reduce felt recoil. There are two settings, one for normal operation and the other for adverse conditions when the gun is extremely dirty and more gas is needed to operate the action. A spring-loaded detent must be pressed to rotate the gas valve setting or to remove the gas piston assembly for cleaning. Beneath the gas block is a bayonet lug, something the SCAR 16S lacks.

The aluminum upper receiver has a Picatinny accessory rail running from the front of the handguard to the rear on which flip-up front and rear iron sights are mounted. Both are alloy, not polymer, with the rear having a large and small aperture. It is adjustable for windage, whereas the front is an elevation-adjustable post surrounded by protective wings.

Another Picatinny rail is located on the bottom of the upper and runs from the front of the magazine well to the front of the handguard. There are no rails on the sides like there are on the SCAR.

The charging handle can be easily installed on the left or right, while the magazine latch and safety selector are ambidextrous, making the 805 right- or left-hand friendly. Although the bolt is held back after the last round is fired, the bolt latch is located only on the left side of the receiver. To release the bolt to return to battery, the charging handle must be retracted and released. The SCAR’s bolt can be released the same way, but also by pressing the bolt catch toggle on the left side. The charging handle reciprocates when the gun is fired.

Controls

Those shooters with small- to medium-size hands will find the reach to be longer than on an AR or the SCAR. Some may have difficulty reaching the controls without altering their grip. For an even longer reach, the grip backstrap can be replaced with a larger one available from the manufacturer.

The two-stage military trigger broke at just less than 5 pounds after a short take-up and just a small bit of creep. It’s not a bad trigger for a stock unit. And the gun is designed to accept standard AR-15 style magazines. It is supplied with two, and the magazine well is beveled for faster reloads.

The 805 has a polymer buttstock that can be folded to the right by pressing a button and can be adjusted for length. A non-slip rubber buttpad is installed, and the cheek piece on the comb can be moved from one side to the other.

Take Down

Field stripping for cleaning purposes is simple and requires no special tools. First, after making certain the gun is unloaded, the charging handle is retracted and allowed to go forward. The safety is engaged, and then the front takedown pin is removed. This allows the lower receiver to be moved slightly forward and pulled down, separating it from the rest of the gun.

Next, the rear takedown pin is removed and then, while pressing the takedown button at the rear of the upper receiver, the buttstock assembly slides down and away from the upper. This allows the recoil spring assembly to be withdrawn from the rear of the upper. Then the bolt carrier assembly is pulled to the rear using the charging handle and when the charging handle is aligned with the cutout in the receiver, it is withdrawn which allows the bolt carrier to be removed from the back.

The gas piston assembly is removed by rotating the valve 180 degrees while pressing a spring-loaded detent with a pointed object. The assembly can then be pulled forward and separated from the upper. The gas valve and piston are then easily pulled apart. Those familiar with the SCAR 16S may wonder why disassembly stops here and the bolt and firing pin are not removed from the bolt carrier. To do so requires a punch to drive retaining pins, something that is not easily done in the field and is probably best left to a gunsmith or armorer.

On the Line

The gun proved to be plenty accurate for a gun designed for self-defense, target practice, hunting or fun. Groups averaged around 2 inches at 100 yards, much better than the military standard for the M4 carbine. The best group was delivered by Black Hills 75-grain Match Hollow Point ammunition.

This gun has a lot of features for shooters interested in something other than an AR-15. And with an MSRP of $1,999 compared to the SCAR 16S MSRP of $2,995, the CZ 805 Bren S1 Carbine will appeal to many. For more information, contact CZ-USA, 800-955-4486, CZ-USA.com.

Specifications:

CZ 805 Bren S1 Carbine
Type: Semi-auto, short-stroke gas piston
Caliber: 5.56×45 NATO
Barrel: 16.2 in., 1:7 twist
Overall Length: 39 in.
Weight: 8.02 lbs.
Stock: Polymer
Sights: Windage and elevation adjustable, flip up
Finish: Black anodized
Capacity: 30+1 rounds
Price: $1,999

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

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Picking the appropriate long-range cartridge is an important part of putting together the right setup for long-range shooting.

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