Formulated to resist moisture and provide a hot, reliable ignition, 209 Muzzleloading Primers aim to add consistency to muzzleloaders.
Among the ranks of off-the-shelf ammo shooters, primers barely raise an eyebrow. As long as the metallic buttons of pressure-sensitive explosives are seated correctly, they’re not worth a second thought.
There are other realms in the world of firearms where primers are deadly serious business, perhaps none more than that of muzzleloaders. Given their exposure to more of the ignition-extinguishing elements than primers found in other firearm types, they can become the make-or-break element of the system.
Federal Premium Ammunition has taken this issue head on with the release of the 209 Muzzleloading Primer. The primers are designed to add a level of consistency to the classical-style firearms, making them even more reliable when the shooter heads afield.
Designed to work in conjunction with Federal’s B.O.R. Lock MZ bullets, the 209 Muzzleloading Primer is formulated to resist moisture and provide a hot, reliable ignition. The primers work with both granulated powder and pellets and help minimize crud ring fouling in the breech area. This last aspect not only makes the primers an ideal ignition mechanism but also one that aids in keeping a muzzleloader clean and easy to load.
Presently, Federal is offering 209 Muzzleloading Primers in 100-count packs with an MSRP of $8.95.
Leica has introduced commemorative, 25-year anniversary models of its Geovid and Rangemaster optics, and just like the originals, these new commemorative models still have the ability to absolutely wow their users.
For diehard sporting optics enthusiasts, 1992 marked a sea change. That year, for the first time, not only could a hunter spot his quarry at distance, he could also range how far the critter was for a potential shot all from one tool.
Things have never quite been the same since Leica married a precise laser rangefinder to its high-end optics. The company’s Geovid rangefinding binoculars innovated how many hunters and shooters went afield, and the platform has only grown more useful over the years. Not only has the German manufacturer made the optics smaller and more rugged, but it has loaded them with incredible features, such as an onboard ballistics computer.
Leica is celebrating this company and industry milestone this year with the release of commemorative versions of the rangefinding binoculars and rangefinder. And like the original Geovid, these tools still have the ability to absolutely wow their users.
Edition 2017 Geovid HD-B
Geovid HD-B Edition 2017 Tracing its linage directly from the original Geovid, these rangefinding binoculars offer shooters crystal-clear images, precise ranging and a whole bunch more. Offered in 8x42mm and 10x42mm, the optics offer ample power for most shooting and hunting situations. And the generous objective lens and Leica’s proprietary HDC-Multicoating ensure the binoculars gobble up every scrap of light to deliver unparalleled images. The commemorative editions feature an attractive and tough green rubber armoring over its magnesium housing. The coating is attractive and adds a layer of protection to the optics and LoS ranging hardware, ensuring it can measure the distance out to 2,200 yards. Perhaps in an example of German over-engineering, the Geovid HD-B is also outfitted with a multi-functional ballistics computer. The system reliably delivers accurate real-time shooting data, while also allowing shooters to upload their own ballistic preferences via a microSD card. The 2017 model comes with an attractive and distinctive green carrying case, making certain nothing happens to this top-shelf optic. MSRP on the 8x42mm Geovid HD-B is $2,949, the 10x42mm is $2,999.
Rangemaster CRF 200-B Edition 2017
Rangemaster CRF 200-B Edition 2017 Precision shooting at distance has never been easier with Leica’s 2017 edition of its famed rangefinder. In fact, its features almost make it like cheating. In addition to gauging distances out 2,000 yards, the Rangemaster CRF 2000-B also dishes up a mind-boggling array of ballistic data. The device is able to measure the equivalent horizontal range up to 1,200 yards and provide inches of holdover, MIL and MOA corrections to one decimal point. This takes all the guesswork out of shot angles and is fed to the shooter in less than a blink of an eye — .3 seconds. The unit also measures important environmental shooting data, such as air pressure and temperature and incorporates them into its ballistic calculations. It also provides 7x magnification, delivering sharp, high contrast images. Perhaps most impressive of all, Leica has packed all of this digital wizardry into an incredibly compact unit. The commemorative edition has an attractive green rubber armor and comes with a green carrying case. The Rangemaster CRF 2000-B only tips the scales at 6.4 ounces with batteries. The high-end rangefinder has an MSRP of $799.
Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting by Wayne van Zwoll is a complete guide for long distance shooting, and is perfect for the rifle enthusiast interested in hunting and competitive shooting. Dive into the history of snipers from the Civil War era to present, then explore how to choose the correct hardware for varying conditions. Learn what to expect from the right ammo and bullets for target, military and hunting rifles. Order Your Copy Now
Revamping the MMR Carbine based on user demands, Mossberg has introduced new rifles ready to tear up the X-ring straight out of the box.
Mossberg AR-15s built a bit of a reputation as a workingman’s black rifle.
Since its inception 6 years ago, the MMR (Mossberg Modern Rifle) line offered shooters a Spartan system at one heck of a price point. Given the bare-bones nature of the rifle — particularly its Mil-Spec trigger — it typically required a tweak or two to truly meet an individual shooter’s tastes. But with plenty of money left over, this was more than worth the effort, given the rifle’s potential to produce more cloverleaves at the range than an Irish meadow.
Mossberg has taken the MMR line in a different direction for 2017. Revamping the rifle based on user demands, the Connecticut gunmaker has introduced a firearm ready to tear up the X-ring straight out of the box. This is especially true of the new MMR Tactical Vortex Red/Green Dot Combo.
Designed to have shooters hit the ground running, the package would be ideal for those interested in a home-defense rifle or playing with the idea of 3-Gun Competition. The combo includes Mossberg’s upgraded Tactical Optic-Ready rifle and a Vortex StrikeFire II optic.
The 30mm optic is 1x magnification, facilitating quick target acquisition and shooting with both eyes open. The cantilever mount positions the optic 40mm off the top rail to allow for the addition of backup iron sights. The unit only adds 7.2 ounces to the overall package, doing little to impede the agility of the rifle. Able to switch from red to green dot and 10 brightness levels, the StrikeFire II is as comfortable shooting in broad daylight as it is in low-light environments. Though, with a 4 MOA dot, the optic will produce its best results at close to close-medium range.
The 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem. rifle the optic is attached to is the evolved iteration of Mossberg’s Tactical branch of the MMR line. And of the new features, the one that has the potential to turn the most heads is the new trigger — the JM Pro Drop-In Trigger.
The JM in the name stands for 3-Gun World Champion Jerry Miculek, who offered design points for the new MMR line’s enhanced trigger. The freshly engineered trigger does away with the creep of the old Mil-Spec trigger group, breaking crisp and clean at a scant 4 pounds.
The other major modification the MMR line has enjoyed is a slimmed down forend, making the free-floating 16-inch barreled rifle much easier to handle. The 13-inch handguard utilizes the M-LOK modular mounting system, opening the door for a host of accessory configurations. It has a fast-mounting, full-length Picatinny top rail.
Some other notable upgrades include the addition of a forward assist, ejection port dust cover and six-position stock that’s compatible with Mossberg’s FLEX System recoil pads. This last feature allows users to fine tune the length of pull with three thickness options.
The MMR Tactical is available as a stand-alone rifle with an MSRP $1,253. The Tactical Vortex Red/Green Dot Combo has an MSRP of $1,399. MMR Tactical Specs Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 REM Capacity: 31 Barrel Type: w/ A2 Flash Suppressor Barrel Length: 16 inches Sight: None Twist: 1:8” LOP: 11-14.25 inches Barrel Finish: Phosphate/MilSpec Hardcoat Anodized Stock: 6- Position w/ Magpul MOE grip and trigger guard Weight: 7 pounds Length: 33 inches
StrikeFire II Red Dot Magnification: 1 x Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm Eye Relief: Unlimited Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA Travel per Rotation: 25 MOA Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA Parallax Setting: Parallax Free Length: 5.6 inches Weight: 7.2 ounces
Shooters have a long-standing love affair with accurate, affordable rimfire rifles. Here’s a closer look at 10 of our favorite models.
Like so many other kids, I started my shooting career behind a .22 rimfire rifle. Empty Pepsi cans doubled as targets, and with a little practice even walnuts and hickory nuts were fair game. Just after Halloween, as other kids were digging through piles of dime-store candy, I was busy setting up my annual “pumpkin safari,” a rimfire shooting course through the woods where overripe jack-o-lanterns and gourds were the quarry. Later, I hunted squirrels, rabbits, and woodchucks with rimfire rifles by day and, if one of the neighbors had a good hound at the time, raccoons at night.
Those early days carrying rimfire rifles were fun, but they also taught me lessons that would prove valuable later in my shooting career. I learned trigger control, sight alignment, proper stance, and—most importantly—gun safety, skills that would become the framework for hunting, competitive, and tactical shooting down the line. So I have a soft spot for rimfires, and maybe you do too. I went through a magnum phase, like I think all shooters do, when I only liked guns that kicked hard, shot flat, and cost a lot to shoot. That ended pretty quickly. I dabbled in competitive shooting and trained with AR rifles as well, but more and more I’m compelled to pull out those light-recoiling, fun-to-shoot rimfires from the safe when I’m headed for the range.
There have been many great rimfire rifles throughout history, but here’s a look at some of our favorite modern rimfires.
Champion’s VisiColor line of targets has a few new additions that hunters and recreational shooters will definitely want to take a shot at.
Asking what’s the best caliber, bullet, load for taking deer, elk, bear or any other tasty critter — it’s like a kid poking at a hornet’s nest. The query will spark passionate novel-length responses on shooting and hunting forums and near fistfights in certain barbershops and bars around the country.
Honestly, the question doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in most respects. Yes, there are certainly gun-and-ammo combinations that perform well in given circumstances. But what really counts is delivering a deadly and ethical shot on a game animal every time the trigger is pulled. And what determines precision and accuracy more than anything is practice.
Champion Trap & Targets has gone a long way in helping hunters of every stripe make certain they’re placing shots dead on an animal’s vitals in the most recent expansion of its VisiColor Reactive Target line.
The line of instant feedback targets now features photo-realistic North American big game, including bear, antelope and white-tailed deer.
Built off images taken by well-know outdoor writer and photographer Brad Fenson with accurate outlines of each animal’s vital organs, the targets help hunters build a solid understanding of where they need their bullet to land. Perhaps best of all, Champion’s VisiColor system allows hunters to evaluate whether or not they’ve made a fatal shot the second after they’ve pulled the trigger.
Each vital zone shows a burst of color when struck , showing whether or not it would have downed the animal. And outfitted with two bullseyes integrated into the photo-realistic target, shooters can zero in before taking a crack at the big-game animal itself.
North American Big Game is one of four new additions to the VisiColor Line. Champion has also rounded out its reactive targets with two training patterns and a recreational series.
Shooters can test and hone their reaction time and target acquisition skills with the VisiColor Reflex targets. With eight different shapes in four colors, the challenging layout is perfect for calling out shots. VisiColor Training Silhouette targets feature multiple numbers, colors and shapes, again providing an ideal format for sharpening target acquisition skills, particularly for self-defense. The targets are sold separately and in a combo pack as well.
Finally, Champion has added the VisiColor Fun Games package, which includes 12 targets, comprised of three games — alien invaders, shooting pong and shrinking targets.
The MSRP VisiColor Big Game targets are $27.49, the Training Combo is $22.49, the Reflex is $20.95, the Silhouette is $21.95 and the Fun Games is $26.95. Each package comes with 12 targets.
The Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Handgun Marksmanship presents in-depth information on proper handgun skills in a user-friendly guide. This handgun shooting guide is a great addition for anyone looking to sharpen their target skills, as well as prepare for self-defense usage. Learn how to make the shot the right way with double-action and single-action triggering and drills that will take you from “plinker” to expert marksman. Order Your Copy Now
E.R. Shaw has jumped into the AR game, and the company’s ERS15 is a multi-purpose masterpiece.
The AR-15 platform is one of the most diverse and versatile of any design in firearms history. AR-style rifles are so popular because the design lends itself to customization. Not only are there a myriad of available grips, stocks, triggers, sights and other options that can be easily installed, completely different upper assemblies are available in everything from a pre-charged pneumatic .177-caliber pellet rifle to a single shot chambered for the mammoth .50 BMG cartridge.
It’s estimated that there are between five and 10 million AR-15-type rifles in the United States, and one website reports there are 386 makers, brands, and vendors of the AR-15. As of recent times, there are 387 because E.R. Shaw, a maker of rifle barrels for more than a hundred years, has now thrown its hat into the ring of AR-15 manufacturers. AR-15-type rifles are the Barbie Dolls of the gun world, with countless easy modifications available to match the owner’s desires. A friend recently received a package of parts containing almost everything to build a rifle except the upper and lower receivers. The leftover parts had been taken off the previous owner’s gun as he upgraded it. Doubtless, there are tons of similar parts in basements, garages and backrooms across the nation.
Do It Yourself Not Required While most AR-15 manufacturers sell stock rifles equipped with specific features and furniture, E.R. Shaw’s approach is to build the rifle to match the customer’s desires. It’s a method the company’s been using for years in its Mk. VII bolt-action rifle series in which customers can choose from calibers from .17 Fireball to .458 Winchester, along with dozens of combinations of stocks, receivers and barrel weights and lengths.
My test gun came with a 15-inch floating APF handguard with a full-length top picatinny rail and T-Mod rails. The 18-inch barrel had a 1:8-in. twist, was manufactured from 416 stainless steel and helical fluted and came with a standard flash suppressor, but the customer can specify between 1:7-, 1:8-, or 1:9-inch twist. The customer can also choose from nine different barrel combinations in lengths from 16 to 24 inches, with three fluting patterns and three barrel finishes combined with four receiver colors. There are four choices of handguards, from the MOE carbine length to the 15-inch APF, as my gun was supplied. The stock is a standard Magpul MOE in a color to match the receiver and handguard tube.
A Do-Everything Carbine As configured, the E.R. Shaw ERS15 is a general-purpose rifle, capable of performing a number of tasks well. While it isn’t an all out big-game hunting rifle, it’s certainly a capable rifle for taking hogs and deer-sized game. As a predator rifle, it’s well equipped. As a defensive carbine, the additional features like the improved handguard with T Mod capability for adding accessories is a plus, and the additional accuracy of a stainless match barrel is certainly no liability. While it isn’t a competition rifle, it certainly has adequate accuracy for NRA High Power if equipped with a suitable optical sight, and it would be fine as a carbine or three-gun rifle at club level matches. In effect, it exemplifies the versatility of AR-15 rifles, and the customization allowed with E.R. Shaw’s custom rifle program allows the buyer to spec out his own rifle for his needs rather than buy a rifle and end up with a shelf of discarded parts after the rifle is configured to the owner’s desires.
For testing the ERS15, I mounted a Nikon 3-12 power M223 scope for accuracy testing and added a Crimson Trace Linq light/laser for added versatility. So equipped, it’s capable of handling almost any imaginable situation from personal defense, to shooting hogs or predators in the dark, to service as a long-range varmint rifle at ranges out to 500 yards or more. I tested with Winchester 69-grain Match, 55-grain Tin Lead Free, and 55-grain FMJ, again, a broad range of ammunition that covers multiple applications.
Reliable and Versatile Accuracy In extensive shooting with all three loads, I experienced zero malfunctions and accuracy levels that allow the ERS15 to serve well in almost any application. Accuracy was on par for a stainless-barreled quality AR with groups with Winchester 69-grain Match averaging under MOA and 55-grain FMJ at just over two MOA. The trigger on my test gun broke at 5.4 pounds, not a competition trigger, but reasonable for a general-purpose AR. The single-stage trigger broke clean with no creep but some backlash. It did have the most audible reset click of any AR I can remember; the reset was as loud as the striker falling on an empty chamber. As a hunting and defensive trigger, it was far better than the average AR trigger, but those wishing to increase the long-range capability would be served by a trigger upgrade.
The 15-inch T-Mod forend tube worked well both on the Lead Sled and for offhand shooting. I particularly like the 15-inch length because for fast transitions the shooter’s hand should be well forward, and standard forend tubes don’t allow this without contacting the hot barrel or gas block. Repeatable off-the-bench sub-MOA accuracy is nothing to scoff at, and with the Winchester 69-grain match, all five of the test groups met this goal. Remarkably, the E.R. Shaw barrel managed to group bullet weights from 50 to 69 grains quite well. In one shooting session at a friend’s range, I tried some 75-grain handloads and they shot well also. The best part was the consistency of zero between the three different loads. Correction for any of the three loads would have been less than a half-minute.
Adding a Linq I equipped the test rifle with a Crimson Trace LiNQ laser/light system mounted to the T-Mod rail. It was a viable addition in keeping with the versatility of the E.R. Shaw ERS15. For defensive use, the addition of a laser to a carbine is an excellent idea since 70 percent of defensive situations occur in low-light conditions. Having a laser/light combination is even better because it allows certain identification. Of course, a light and laser also offer utility in predator and hog control applications as well.
The Crimson Trace LiNQ is innovative because it’s the first laser/light combination that offers wireless communication between the control switch and the light unit. I moved the LiNQ all the way forward on the forend to allow a forward grip without obstructing the unit. The 300 Lumens of light allow clear illumination of targets, and with the laser co-witnessed to the optical sight accurate heads-up shots are easily accomplished. Looking through the scope, the laser painted on the target looks like an illuminated reticle.
In Summary The E.R. Shaw ERS15 is not the best hunting AR, or the best competitive AR, or the best defensive carbine, but it serves admirably well at any of those applications. The concept of a custom build should be appreciated by those who don’t care to become an amateur gunsmith or wind up with a drawer full of unused components. Order it to suit your needs, and it will serve you well.
Specifications:
E.R. Shaw ERS15 Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas Caliber: 5.56 NATO Barrel: 18-in., 416 stainless steel, helical fluted (many other options) Trigger: 5.4 lbs., single stage Handguard: 15-in., free-floating APF (other options available) Stock: Magpul MOE Muzzle Device: Standard flash hider Price: $756 and up ($1,043 as configured) Manufacturer: E.R. Shaw
Working on the basics of rifle marksmanship is the key to improving your precision shooting.
Precise and consistent performance when behind the trigger isn’t rocket science. It’s mastering the basics of shooting — position, breath control, trigger discipline, clear sight picture. Then it’s drilling these fundamentals to a razor’s edge, so if the occasion arises, a shooter can cut right through a target. Firearms instructor and member of Colt’s Combat Unit Daryl Holland goes over how these fundamentals come together to make a perfect shot in the above video. It’s a great introduction for those who are new to the way of the gun and an excellent review for grizzled marksmen looking to enhance their precision shooting abilities. Perhaps as important as Holland covering the elements of making an accurate shot is his advice for shooters to challenge themselves at the range. Real life — be it a self-defense situation or a golden opportunity afield — rarely has a rock-solid rest at the shooter’s beck and call. In turn, shooters should look to put themselves in true-to-life positions and attempt to break off shots as accurately as if they were at a bench.
Fred Zeglin at work in his shop.Zeglin’s new book P.O. Ackley: America’s Gunsmith explores this intriguing man and his impact on the firearms world.
We talk with gunsmith and author Fred Zeglin on P.O. Ackley’s incredible influence on the modern firearms world.
When it comes to P.O. Ackley, Fred Zeglin knows of what he speaks. The master gunsmith, gunsmithing instructor and author has spent the better part of his career studying the life and works of the firearms icon in one way or another. Whether tinkering on a rifle in his workshop, developing a new wildcat cartridge or expounding on the finer points of barrel reamers, Ackley has always been close at hand for Zeglin. In a way, Zeglin was able to repay the patron saint of firearms with his most recent book: P.O. Ackley: America’s Gunsmith. The riveting work not only looks at the many contributions Ackley made to the firearms world, but also the humble and unique man himself. We were lucky enough to catch up with Zeglin and talk a little Ackley with him. And after our interview, there is little doubt that few men have had the impact on the world of firearms like Ackley.
From John M. Browning to Charles Newton to Eugene Stoner, the firearms world is filled with characters that advanced the industry. What in particular drew you to P.O. Ackley as your subject?
First, I would argue that Ackley is equal in stature and contribution to all of those men. He did as much for cartridge development as Browning did for guns. Newton may have had equally good ideas, but it took a couple of generations for his ideas to catch on with the shooting public. Ackley was far more prolific in his work than Stoner. Ackley produced well over 100 cartridges. Beyond that, he designed and built machines for barrel making; gunsmithed; taught; made barrels, reloading dies; designed bullets; and finally, was a well-respected writer.
As a gunsmith turned writer myself, I felt a natural pull toward Ackley’s work. I started looking around and since his death in 1989, there have been a few small articles written about some of Ackley’s work. However, nobody had taken on the job of researching his entire career and reporting on it. It didn’t take long till I was hooked on the story and just kept digging. Starting the process, I had no idea the time and effort I would spend to gather the information in this book, but I am proud of the end product.
P.O. Ackley’s work with cartridges is perhaps what he is best known for, but there is much more to his career.
Your previous writing has dealt with Ackley. Was there anything new you learned about the man or his work in researching this book?
Quite a bit of what I found along the way is new and unreported prior to this book. The story of Ackley’s work at Ogden Arsenal during the war and who he worked with provides a web of contacts that shaped much of his later career. How the school in Trinidad (Trinidad State Junior College gunsmithing school) actually got its start was different than previously reported. The sale of P.O. Ackley Inc. and subsequent move to Salt Lake City tells a lot about Ackley as a business man. Like most subjects, the devil is in the details.
Much of what I learned was small facts that have been misreported in articles over the years. Even so, there are some pretty big stories that came to light. Not many people know about Ackley’s involvement with EMDEKO Inc. building production rifles. The development of the Ackley ACE Bullet design is one of those things that was almost lost to history. I collected more cartridge designs attributed to Ackley than have ever been reported and added as much pressure tested load data as I could lay my hands on. In short, absolutely there is new information in this book.
Ackley’s impact on firearms was vast — cartridge development, barrel making, custom rifles, writing. Having delved so deeply into his life and works, where do you feel he made his biggest impact?
Ackley’s biggest impact is without a doubt something that most people would never consider; he worked with and trained a huge number of gunsmiths and barrel makers. I would be willing to bet you could find Ackley’s influence in most barrel companies in the U.S. But that’s not how the shooting public will remember him.
Ackley will always be remembered for Ackley Improved cartridges – mainly because shooters generally want a little more out of every gun they shoot. The concept of Improved cartridges as perfected and marketed by Ackley offers at least some benefit in nearly all cartridges, even if it’s only longer lasting brass. But for most shooters, it’s a little more velocity that they care about.
P.O. Ackley came along at just the right time. Powders were improving, case designs were becoming more modern in shape with less taper and sharper shoulder as Newton had envisioned decades earlier. He was brilliant in his design choices that allowed the average shooter to experiment with wildcatting. Improved cartridges allow the shooter to use factory ammo to fireform cases, so the need to understand headspace, or buy expensive forming dies is removed from the equation. You just have to learn to reload, and you’re ready to play with “Improved” cartridges.
Given your background as a gunsmith and working with wildcat cartridges, not to mention writing on Ackley, I have to suppose you’ve had extensive experience with his cartridges — improved or otherwise. Is there any particular one that stands out for you and why?
Wow, it’s really tough to narrow it down to just one. I would say that the best ones are the Improved cartridges that gain the most case capacity in fireforming. Cases like the .25-35 WCF, the Winchester .30-30, 7×57 Mauser and .257 Roberts would be at the top of my list. Over the years, I have built guns in most of Ackley’s Improved designs; none have ever disappointed.
Interestingly, many of the concepts of Ackley Improved have been adopted by the firearms industry as a whole. When new cartridges come to the market from any of the big gun making companies, they now sport minimum body taper and sharp shoulders right from the factory, proving P.O. had it right long before the rest of the gun industry.
P.O. Ackley studies a rifle.
Personally, how has Ackley influenced your work in the gun industry — aside from giving you fodder for writing?
Well, I might never have taken up teaching about firearms and gunsmithing if it were not for Ackley. You might say his career path has turned into a challenge to me to try to keep up. Naturally, with my interest in wildcats, Ackley was an early source of information. He demonstrated the value of being scientific and analytical when experimenting. His writings gave me the desire to understand things, not just work with a monkey-see-monkey-do attitude.
As a result of researching this book, I have spoken to a number of guys who worked with or for P.O. Ackley at some time in his career. In the time since I started the research, many of these men have passed on. So the biggest influence that Ackley has had on me is the desire not to waste time, and to work at what I love.
One of Ackley’s contemporaries said, “He (Ackley) just did what he thought was interesting, and it turned out a lot of other folks thought it was interesting too.” Unwittingly, I have always followed that path as well and have been lucky enough to have clients who were interested in what I was doing.
Utilizing a similar design scheme, Ritter & Stark has produced a slightly scaled down model of its flagship SX-1, meant to handle lighter loads.
Ritter & Stark is a relatively new player in the firearms market, hitting the stage around a year ago. But in that short time, the Austrian gunmaker has firmly laid its crosshairs on one particular firearms niche — precision bolt actions.
The company has been fast to follow up on the release of its flagship SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle that made a splash at the 2016 SHOT Show. Utilizing the same design scheme, Ritter & Stark has produced a rifle identical in features and purpose, but slightly scaled down and meant to handle lighter loads.
The short-action SLX series was introduced at the IWA Outdoor Classic 2017 in Nuremberg, Germany with the SLX-308 MTR taking center stage. As can be guessed, the rifle is chambered for .308 Win./7.62×51 NATO, but Ritter & Stark plans to follow up with .260 Rem. and 6.5 Creedmoor models at a later date.
The gun comes in right around 2 pounds lighter and nearly 11 inches shorter than the .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Lupua Mag. versions of the SX-1. The new .308 Win., is available with a 20-, 22- or 24-inch barrel, whereas the SX-1 starts out with a 24.5-inch barrel for its smallest caliber. Note, there is a .308 SX-1 that plays a bit of a Mama Bear role in the two series, though is still heftier than the SLX model of the same caliber.
With a fully adjustable buttstock, the SLX series is ready to fix any shooter.
Given the more utilized calibers and lighter overall platform, the company appears to be shooting at a more mainstream audience — hunters and target shooters— with the rifle.
It’s no surprise that the new SLX is being offered in multiple calibers, as the previous SX-1 modular design facilitates lightning fast caliber changes, taking only minutes to switch out barrels. The same is true for the SLX.
The system is well thought out, especially for those who can afford to maximize either platform to their full potential. In particular, a barrel-mounted MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail gives shooters the advantage of swapping calibers without losing their zero — if, that is, a scope dedicated to each barrel is within budget.
A few of the other notable features of the SLX line include a fully adjustable folding buttstock, Picatinny rails and M-Lok mounting systems, detachable AR-15 pistol grip and adjustable two-stage Remington 700 standard compatible trigger. Also, Ritter & Stark guarantees .5 MOA from its barrels, with match ammo, up to 5,000 rounds. At time of writing, there was no MSRP available.
SLX-308 MTR Specs: Caliber: .308 Win. Barrel length: 508 mm (20″)/558 mm (22″)/ 609 mm (24″) Overall length: 1000 mm (39.4″) Length with folded stock: 760 mm (30″) Overall width: 81 mm (3.2″) Width with folded stock: 103 mm (4″) Rifling – # of grooves: 6 Twist Rate: 280 mm (1:11″) right Total weight: 3.73…5.18 kg (8.2…11.4 lbs.) Magazine capacity: 10 rounds Min. barrel life: 5000 rounds (compliance to NATO AC-225 D.14) Stock length adjustment: 60mm (2.4″) Cheek piece height adjustment: 27mm (1.1″) Butt plate height adjustment: ±23mm (±0.9″) Trigger adjustability: slack, preliminary pull, pull, drag Trigger weight: Adjustable between 600 g…1500 g (1.3lbs….3.3lbs.) Safety system: 3-position safety: F…fire, S…safe (firing pin locked), L…lock (locks the bolt for transport) Optical interface: MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail with 12, 20 or 40 MOA forward inclination. Accessory interface: M-LOK Allows the installation of MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rails via M-LOK or M5-Screws. The octagonal cross section enables the handguard to accept accessories in 45° steps.
The second generation Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 takes the classic S&W pistol to the next level with ergonomic and performance upgrades.
There are two ways you can look at the new S&W M&P M2.0. One way is the philosophy of “Why fix what isn’t broken?” The M&P9 M1.0 worked fine; so, leave it alone, right? The second way is, “Test them like you use them.” Forward-thinking manufacturers know life is not static, nor does it occur in a vacuum. Needs evolve and change, and S&W delivers on change. S&W chooses to learn, listen, test, adapt and evolve, and that is what it did with the M&P9 M2.0.
I like the M&P series and found that these pistols perform. I’ve witnessed M&P pistols endure excessive round counts. As fast as magazines were loaded, the pistols constantly chattered, churning up the dirt backstop so much that the pistols became hot to the touch. The high round count did not faze the M&P, and it did not cave under the torture. In reality, no one will ever shoot 1,000+ rounds as fast as possible through their pistols, unless you happen to be like me and try to find a gun’s weak spot. I couldn’t break the old M&P9 M1.0.
There are other things I like about the old M&P, which I hoped S&W would leave well enough alone, and that was the grip. The 18-degree grip angle of the M&P is similar to a 1911 and comfortable to shoot. A Glock in comparison is about 22 degrees. S&W wisely chose to keep the angle at 18 degrees.
The trigger on older models was good, but the trigger is always the thing that can be improved. Forget about the ease of use and fieldstripping. The M&P is simple and safe and, yes, a thumb safety is available on older M&P models if that feature is a requirement. The new M2.0 I tested came with the optional ambidextrous thumb safety. I tried the thumb safety on the test sample just to tick that off the checklist. It is easily manipulated with the thumb of the shooting hand. If I owned this gun, I would probably never use it because the built-in safeties of the M&P keep it drop safe. Having the safety redundancy in the thumb safety is a good feature, nonetheless.
The slide release is the same as on the M1.0 except on the M2.0 it is ambidextrous. Also the magazine release is reversible, and the button is made of steel.
Some of the M2.0 design changes are obvious. Others are not so obvious. The first thing that I noticed when I pulled the M&P9 M2.0 out of the case was the aggressively textured grips. It reminded me of medium grit sandpaper but with none of the abrasion. Think the Glock RTF2 texture but not as spiny. The M2.0 texture offers good adhesion without feeling like my palm is being worn down one layer of skin at a time. The M2.0 comes with four grip inserts for petite to large hands. The palm swell grip inserts are actually sized small, medium, medium-large and large.
What I like about the M&P grips are the palm swells, which enable the pistol to stick to more of your hand with less gaps like pistols with flat grip sides. Another plus with the new M&P is the front grip strap is void of finger grooves. Sometime finger grooves fit, sometimes they don’t. Some finger groove grip straps feel like they were made especially for me, others feel like my big brother’s hand-me-down clothes, except I’ll never grow into them.
The next features that caught my eye were the new muzzle-end slide serrations in the trademark S&W scallops. When I compared it to my personal M&P9 C.O.R.E. Pro Series pistol, I could see the stainless steel slide was profiled a bit different. Relieved of metal to make it lighter.
What was odd and new were cutouts in the polymer frame. These cutouts reveal one of the major renovations to the M&P series, an extended stainless-steel chassis embedded in the polymer receiver. The chassis makes the pistol more rigid to reduce flex and torque when firing. I fired my M&P9 Pro Series next to the full-size M2.0 and felt the difference in recoil. The M2.0 had less felt recoil.
There are the changes that you can see, but there are also changes that can be heard and felt. The M2.0 uses a new trigger. The new trigger is crisper and has a tactile and audible reset. It is the same trigger in the Performance Series M&P pistols. This trigger really separates the M&P M2.0 from all the other striker-fired polymer frame pistols. The trigger is wide, and I feel I have more control with it compared to triggers with a safety lever built into the trigger face. I also feel it is more consistent.
My test sample was equipped with a 5-inch stainless steel barrel, but it is also available in a 4.25-inch model. Previous 5-inch M&Ps were only available from the Performance Center. The finish was a nicely executed Cerakote FDE.
The high grip on the M&P means the barrel-to-bore axis is close, which translates into the pistol being more comfortable to shoot with faster aim recovery since the muzzle flips less in your grip. But the truth is in the shooting. I loaded up both 15-round magazines—the M2.0 comes with two steel magazines—with some hot handloads and 115-grain hollow point bullets. A piece of broken clay pigeon on the dirt bank at 25 yards worked as a target. I covered the piece of pigeon with the front sight and squeezed off the first. Dead bird. It’s not a target pistol by any means, but the M2.0 will gladly do your bidding. I ran the remainder of that magazine and the other to get a feel for the rhythm of the pistol’s cycle.
Hornady American Gunner with 115-grain XP bullets, Aguila 124-grain FMJs and Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 50-grain HPs rounded out the ammunition—a wide assortment of bullet weights and different bullet types. The M2.0 chewed through all the test ammo, which is what I expected from an M&P. I used my backpack as a rest to collect accuracy data, and the Hornady American Gunner ammo gave me 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards. The Aguila and Liberty were both under 2 inches at 25 yards. Shooting for speed—the best part of a test in my opinion—revealed that the new M2.0 had less felt recoil. The enhanced trigger allowed me to get on target fast and fire fast.
The other attractive feature of the M2.0 is a price point of $599. The S&W M&P M2.0 has evolved an already excellent pistol platform into a pistol that is easier and more comfortable to shoot. Expect .40 S&W and .45 ACP variants, too. There is a lot to like about the M2.0. Change is good.
Specifications:
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Caliber: 9mm Action: Striker-fired, locked breech, tilting barrel Barrel: 5 in. Overall Length: 8.3 in. Grip: Textured polymer, modular, four inserts Weight: 26.9 oz. Finish: Cerakote FDE (Flat Dark Earth) Capacity: 17+1 Price: $599
Howa has expanded its MiniAction rifle line to incorporate a shooter favorite — the classic and widely available 7.62x39mm.
Going small isn’t always a bad thing, particularly if it means shooting zippy or cost-effective centerfire rifle rounds. Howa hit on this winning concept a couple of years back when it introduced a shortened down version of its 1500 action, which it fittingly dubbed the MiniAction.
The rifle series featured the most concise bolt throw in Howa’s catalog, giving shooters a lightning-fast bolt-action to send light-to-intermediate rounds down range. It was a target shooter and varmint hunter’s dream, one that has only gotten more pleasant with the company’s newest addition to the line.
Following last year’s introduction of the 6.5 Grendel to the MiniAction family, Howa has now released a rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm. This is an interesting move and one that allots the rifle a measure of exclusivity, given there are few bolt-actions presently available that feed on the Russian-born fodder. For certain, the new Howa MiniAction should be an option for shooters who tend to keep a close eye on their wallets. For the most part, 7.62x39mm ammo is as ubiquitous as references to Russia on cable news and relatively cheap, particularly the steel-cased variety. But, along with the Grendel, it gives the platform a heftier round than its original MiniAction calibers: .204 Ruger, .222 Remington and .223 Remington.
Throwing the 7.62x39mm round around, the new MiniAction would make quick work of anything from deer to feral hogs to whistle pigs. It might be a perfect example of the ever-rarer breed of truck gun, perfect to tote along while working on a fence and ready for that overly curious coyote.
Shooters have the choice of 20- and 22-inch barrels in lightweight, standard and heavy configurations. And similar to almost all Howa rifles, the MiniAction is available as a stand-alone gun or topped off with a Nikko Stirling scope. In this case, it’s the 3-9×40 Panamax Riflescope and includes base and rings.
Like the rest of the MiniAction line, the new rifle is outfitted with Howa’s proprietary two-stage H.A.C.T. trigger, pillar bedding and synthetic stock. The rifle has a 5+1 capacity and feeds from a detachable magazine. The 7.62x39mm Howa MiniAction is fairly easy on the pocketbook, with an MSRP range of $652 to $840 — depending on stock color.
MiniAction 7.62x39mm Specs Caliber: 7.62x39mm Action: MiniAction Barrel Length: 20 and 22 inches Twist Rate: 1:9.45″ Overall Length: 39.5 or 41.5 inches (depending on barrel length) Weight: 5.7 or 6 pounds MSRP: $652 to $840 (depending on stock choice)
There are a host of options for shooters when it comes to predator hunting. But which is truly the ultimate predator rifle setup to get the job done?
I’ve used a broad range of different predator rifle setups over the years, including many bolt guns in ever-popular chamberings like .22-250 and .204 Ruger. I’ve also been a fan of the AR platform, champion of the 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. and available in a vastly increasing variety of coyote- and predator-friendly calibers.
The main characteristics of a go-to predator rifle setup are that it be flat shooting, fast reloading and fiercely accurate. This also means having a crystal clear scope with plenty of magnification and, especially for coyote country, some sort of shooting implement to stabilize your shot in any terrain.
On a recent coyote hunting excursion to the Sandhills of Nebraska, I brought along what might be the ultimate predator rifle setup: A SIG Sauer M400 Predator rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem., topped with a 3-9×40 Whiskey 3 scope, Swagger Bipod and SIG SRD556 suppressor. What makes this setup so ideal? Let’s take a look.
The Rifle The foundation of any predator rifle setup, naturally, is the rifle itself. The M400 Predator is one of the most complete out-of-the-box packages you’ll find without adding custom upgrades or a custom price, and it can be had in various configurations (including California compatible and .300 BLK) for right around or under $1,500. It’s incredibly lightweight, accurate and offers fast follow-up shots for sets when multiple dogs come in at once.
It’s a direct-gas-impingement AR-type rifle with an extremely lightweight ALG aluminum free-float handguard and six-position Magpul buttstock. The M400 Predator features an 18-inch stainless steel barrel and a rubber overmolded pistol grip. Controls are all ambidextrous, while the forend features M-Lok attachment points. For this hunt I also employed the VTAC two-point sling, perhaps my favorite of all time because of its versatility in the field.
For starters, the rifle comes standard with a Geissele two-stage match trigger that’s incredibly clean and crisp, breaking right at the 4-pound mark. Besides the accuracy of the barrel—which is phenomenal on the M400—the trigger is one of the single greatest factors for repeatable long-range accuracy, something every predator or coyote hunter depends on. This really is one of the better two-stage triggers I’ve shot in the AR platform, and it accounts for much of the rifle’s accuracy.
When we arrived at camp, I made my way to the bench for a quick check of zero on the rifle. At 50 yards on paper, those 40-grain pills just kept expanding the same hole. I then moved out to a steel coyote target at 180 yards. Playing a couple inches of Kentucky windage, the air-gun-like report of the suppressed rifle was quickly answered by the slap of steel. Dead on. I squeezed off five quick rounds, all of which had the exact same effect.
The Bipod When it comes to coyote or predator hunting, I wouldn’t even think of heading afield without some sort of shooting implement, whether that’s a good set of sticks or a bipod. My favorite new bipod, and the one I used in Nebraska’s Sandhills, is the Swagger Bipod. I’ve used it elsewhere on a Ruger American in .22-250 and here on the M400, and it works fundamentally the same way: It attaches either to the existing sling swivel stud or to the forend of an AR via an M-Lok adapter.
Once attached, the Crazy Legs tuck down into the forend attachment for easy carry, secured by a string retention system. When you’re ready to setup in the field, simply deploy the legs, set your height, and you’re ready to rock. The real beauty of the Swagger Bipod is the Crazy Leg technology, which features heavy duty springs at the base of the legs and, when deployed, allows you to easily pivot and/or match whatever terrain you’re trying to conquer without making a lot of adjustment to the bipod.
While to some people the bipod looks heavy, it’s actually quite lightweight and nimble. It provides an incredibly stable shooting platform for the real world where terrain is anything but flat. Swagger makes two models, the longer legged Field Model and the shorter Treestand variant, each of which I reviewed in the Sandhills. Since the legs are fully telescopic and adjustable, the Field Model seems like the solid choice for most on-the-ground situations.
The Can A few years ago I had my first experience hunting with suppressors in Texas, and since then I’ve been hooked. While a lot of traditional bolt-gun hunters don’t see the advantage, I’ve come to appreciate a good suppressor for its ability to protect my hearing—and the hearing of my hunting companions.
My other favorite feature, which came into play during this hunt, is that a suppressor allows for multiple follow-up shots on game that may not be possible otherwise because of the roar of a rifle’s concussion. Likewise, without all that noise pollution, you can clearly hear when a bullet makes impact with the target because of the unmistakable thump.
On this trip I employed SIG’s SRD556 suppressor, which weighs around 11 ounces and is roughly 6.5 inches long. A direct thread suppressor, the SRD556 makes the loud bark of the .223 Rem. sound like the report of a nail gun, thus saving your ears. A Taper-Lok design ensures proper alignment and secure attachment.
On the second morning of our hunt, my guide, Justin, called in two dogs with the challenge bark of an electronic call. A big male crested the hill first, and at 150 yards I stopped him in his tracks with the first shot. Rather than tucking tail and heading for the next county, the smaller female with him continued her perch atop the nearest hill, which is when I pulled off an anchoring shot. Make that my first double in one set, plenty to put a smile on my face that morning.
While it’s still going to come down to fast target acquisition and fast shooting, the suppressor makes a huge difference in this scenario. Not only that, but my guide’s ears were protected from the harmful concussion, and he didn’t have to wear additional hearing protection. As a guide, I’m sure he appreciates the effort to save his hearing.
The Glass No predator rifle setup would be complete without the right scope. Fortunately, SIG’s 3-9×40 Whiskey 3 riflescope was perfect for conquering the challenges of coyote country. The magnification range seemed about perfect for our terrain—while you may take serious long-range shots, it’s incredibly common to have dogs running in at you barely 30 yards out. This means you need an optic that offers fast target acquisition at a relatively low magnification level for close-range shots, but ample magnification when you need to stretch your shots.
The Whiskey 3 is a second focal plane optic with multiple reticle options, including the HellFire illuminated reticle that I used on my rifle. Every other turn of the left turret increases illumination, while the stops in between cut off power to the red dot. Low dispersion glass provides clarity in any situation, making the Whiskey 3 a great low-light optic. Waterproof and fogproof, the Whiskey 3 retails for a remarkable $360 in the configuration I used.
Collecting pressure and velocity data at the range.
Since the post-WWII years, if not before, there has been an ongoing argument concerning whether breech thrust (bolt thrust) is reduced by the improved case design. P.O. Ackley has certainly influenced the argument. The definition of an improved case is pretty simple. The case body is blown out to minimum body taper, which is described by Ackley as 0.0075 per inch taper. Shoulder angles between 28 and 45 degrees are normally considered to be improved, although it could be argued that any shoulder sharper than the original parent case is improved. Finally, an improved design allows the firing of a factory cartridge in order to fireform the brass for the new design.
Shoulder angles between 35 and 40 degrees seem to provide the advantage of minimizing brass flow without negative effect. When the shoulder angle is greater than 40 degrees, brass is unnecessarily hard to form and chamber reamers do not last as long. Headspacing becomes much more critical with a sharper shoulder because there is less taper, making it harder to hit the correct measurement. Also, sharp shoulder angles do not feed as smoothly as more tapered ones. When the shoulder angle is less than 35 degrees, brass flow becomes more of an issue. There are some cartridges, like the .220 Swift Improved, which do not receive any real improvement in velocity, but are popular because they improve brass life by arresting stretch, thereby increasing brass life.
It is not unheard of to measure breech thrust, however the cost of tooling for such testing made it impossible for the purpose of writing this book. However, a method of recording breech trust was necessary in order to go beyond the somewhat subjective experiments that P.O. Ackley wrote about in Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders Vol. I. There Ackley used a Model 94 Winchester because, as he stated, “We often hear that the Winchester Model 1894 action was designed for low pressures and is an action which could be described as ‘weak.’” The purpose of his experiment with the ‘94 was to prove that the improved case design minimized bolt thrust; that the brass will support and contain some pressure; that oily chambers increase bolt thrust; and finally, the notion that actions are designed for specific pressure ranges is a fallacy.
Firing mechanism, adjustable for headspace and firing pin length.
Our Test The Pressure Trace (a product of Recreational Software, Inc.), was used to measure the chamber pressure for all ammo tested in this chapter. The goal of this test was to repeat Ackley’s experiments with the .30-30 Ackley Improved, but to increase the value of the data collected by taking measurements of the thrust against the bolt face. This experiment is repeatable. The author designed and built a custom jig to hold a .30 caliber barrel with a universal breech plug to allow for adjustable headspace, and to accommodate the strain gauge utilized by the Pressure Trace. The firing pin had to be designed to allow for headspace adjustment, too.
The initial tests were done with factory loaded ammunition in .30-30 Winchester to provide a baseline comparison. The second wave of tests was performed after the barrel was rechambered to .30-30 Ackley Improved. The breech of the barrel was turned to 1.050 inches so that wall thickness would be thin enough to provide good data with the relatively low-pressure factory .30-30 Winchester loads. We also left the wall thickness in the area of threads as large as possible so that it would be less likely that the breech would expand, allowing the breech mechanism to move rearward and partially nullifying our test results.
The bolt thrust test had the following goals:
Determine empirically if the cartridge case does indeed contain some pressure at factory levels.
Determine difference in bolt thrust between factory and improved designs, if any.
Determine if chamber pressure can be increased over factory with the same bolt thrust regardless of pressure.
For the .30-30 AI, run pressure up to the point where the brass separates, and compare results to mathematical predictions.
Oil cases to see if bolt thrust is increased with the same load as Ackley stated.
Extend the experiment to other cartridges.
Prescale film in place, note the hole in the film for the firing pin.
.30-30 Test In this first stage of testing with factory ammunition, we fired 60 rounds to work out technical issues, and insure that the test rig would work for the designed purpose. While firing these early test rounds we also checked to see if we could fire rounds with excessive headspace as this was part of Ackley’s earlier tests. We first fired a batch with .010-inch headspace. The cartridges were pushed forward so that the rim was in contact with the breech of the barrel. When fired, the primer backed out .010-inch to take up the headspace, the case stayed fully forward and did not measurably stretch.
We then experimented and found that the maximum amount of excessive headspace we could generate without the primer failing was .046 inches. When we exceeded this amount the primer ruptured and left us with lots of pieces and carbon in the breech gap.
Thus, before we even started the test in earnest, we had proven that the cartridge case of the .30-30 Winchester can contain all of the pressure of a standard factory load without stretching and that the primer is actually the weakest part of the cartridge. That bit about the primer is no real surprise to you reloaders.
Ammunition used to provide this reference sample, Federal Power-Shock.Ammunition used to provide this reference sample, Federal Power-Shock.
The reason the neck and shoulder are dimpled in the photo this chapter is simple. Gasses slipped back around the neck. It is likely that the pressures were higher in the barrel than in the case once the primer failed — venting gases into the breech gap. So the higher pressure gas in the barrel was seeking an outlet around the case neck.
Once we were confident in our results, we then recorded the data listed in the table below by firing 10 rounds of each load. Average readings are used to help keep all comparisons apples to apples. The factory ammo did produce some pressures over 40,000 psi, which means it is loaded close to the safe limit set by SAAMI.
A product called Fujifilm Prescale offered by Sensor Products, Inc., of Madison, New Jersey, was used to record bolt thrust. Prescale is a Mylar-based film that contains a layer of tiny microcapsules. When pressure is applied to the film the microcapsules are ruptured, producing an instant and permanent high resolution image of the pressure variations across the contact area. The film we used was .004-inch thick and comes in varying pressure sensitivity. By placing the film between the case head and the bolt face we are able to take a reading of the exact and true bolt thrust in real time. The film can also be sent to the company for computer analysis, which will reveal the exact pressure exerted, including detail of where the pressure was applied and where it was less intense.
Note how easy it is to spot headspace from the primer protrusion on a .30-30. Case on the left has zero headspace.
Seating depth in all the loads listed for the .30-30 Ackley Improved here was 2.535 inches, seated to the canelure of the bullet. Note that the last load in the table above, 35.5 grains of IMR 3031, is a compressed load, and there is no room for any more powder. This is approximately 140 fps faster than published data for this powder and bullet weight in the standard .30-30 WCF, and there is clearly not enough room with this powder to get into pressure problems.
The 35.5 grains of H322 was used as it produced factory level pressures in the .30-30 AI chamber. Excessive headspace of .010-inch was set. When fired, the case did not move back, the primer backed out and marked the Prescale film. Edges of the film show color only because the film was cut to fit the case head. The color or light readings around the primer pocket are “noise” from the vibration of the bolt during the firing of the mechanism. This was proven by dry-firing the mechanism, during which similar marks appeared in the film.
When you study the table following here, it will be obvious that we have exceeded the SAAMI pressure limit of 42,000 psi with H322. This powder allowed us to get more powder in the case because of its smaller granules. 35 grains would be the safe maximum in our test barrel if you were staying with the SAAMI pressure limit, and at 2,600 fps we are nearly 400 fps past the published data for the same powder and bullet weight in the .30-30 WCF. Of course, this is only true in our test barrel, it would be necessary to use normal load development for any individual firearm, as we were able to generate far more pressure than is advisable in a .30-30 AI under normal conditions.
Those loads that exceeded the 42,000 psi limit were tested for two purposes: To see how much pressure could be generated in the .30-30 AI case, using powders that are appropriate in burning rate for said case. And to determine at what point the brass will yield and stretch with excessive headspace.
The above two tables show that the .30-30 Ackley Improved delivered an additional 180 to 200 fps with these powders in our test barrel. The pressure curve on the H4895 loads had an undesirable form in the .30-30 AI: instead of the pressure curve rising early and tapering off, we found that it had a second pressure spike much higher than the first just before the bullet exited the barrel. For this reason alone I would avoid this powder in a .30-30 class cartridge. *Exceeds SAAMI Maximum.
We started with 0.000-inch headspace as before. The oil on the cases did not allow them to adhere properly to the chamber walls under pressure. Consequently they moved to the rear and applied full pressure or bolt thrust to the bolt face.
This is a stark comparison to the earlier test where the dry case was able to adhere to the camber wall and only the primer backed out against the bolt face.
The brass from our hottest loads shown here, were intentionally shot with excessive headspace. Expansion of the brass to full chamber diameter is normal and can be seen on the fired case. The expansion line on the bottom case is where you would expect to see case stretch if it were present. Looking across at the sectioned case, there is no sign of stretching of the case wall, i.e. no thinning of the case wall.
So, was Ackley right about his findings? Yes, but he may have missed a point or two.
Since .30-30 brass is thick and pressures are low relative to brass strength and case capacity, with most appropriate powders pressure is not a big problem. To be fair, we did find some powders that will develop pressure far beyond SAAMI levels for the .30-30 AI case. Because the brass is so thick, it actually cannot stretch and cause head separations due to excess headspace. In that respect the .30-30 is not a good choice for Ackley to prove that improved designs handle pressure better.
However, Ackley used the .30-30 because the ‘94 Winchester action had been labeled weak. In this respect, Ackley did prove that the ‘94 can handle anything the .30-30 or .30-30 AI can dish out, without any question.
The respected Ruger Mark IV semi-automatic .22 LR pistol line is expanding, bringing out new Competition and 22/45 Tactical models.
Ruger rimfire pistols have come a long way since Bill Ruger’s tinkerings in his garage.
In more than half a century, the company has refined and upgraded the original Ruger Standard model to help it reach the near pinnacle of plinking perfection. At the same tick, the New Hampshire gunmaker has retained the features that made the pistol a winner from the start — including some of the sleekest lines in the handgun world.
Ruger isn’t done yet. The company recently announced two new additions to the heir apparent of the Standard — the Ruger Mark IV. And shooters in a couple specific niches are certain to be excited with what Ruger has cooked up for its ever-evolving line of rimfire semi-automatics.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical
To hang the moniker “tactical” on a firearm nowadays, there typically have to be two elements present: a threaded barrel and rails. This Mark IV has both in spades. The 4.4-inch barrel has a 1/2”-28 thread pattern, making it suppressor or flash suppressor ready out of the box. It is outfitted with Picatinny rails situated over the receiver and below the barrel, giving shooters the ultimate in configuration options. While it is ready to accept anything from a reflex to a laser sight or other tactical accessory, the 22/45 Tactical is also equipped to place precision shots without an upgrade using the pinned front and fully adjustable rear sights. Ruger modeled the rimfire’s polymer-framed grip feel and angle off its centerfire SR1911, giving shooters an intuitive purchase on the handgun that fills the entire palm. And while they can be swapped out for another option, the rubberized grip panels are meant to facilitate a positive grip on the gun no matter the elements. The 10+1 capacity pistol also has all the design points that made the Mark IV series a big leap forward. Chief among these is the one-button takedown system, allowing the upper receiver to tilt forward and be removed to disassemble the gun from one simple control. Presently, the MSRP of the Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is $529.
Ruger Mark IV Competition
Ruger’s rimfires have always been popular competition pistols, with the company’s designs being conducive to precision. The manufacturer has gone all out with its newest bullseye model, offering shooters the rigidity and heft they need to hit the 10 ring again and again. Of these, the Competition’s receiver and grip frame are perhaps the most important. Each is machined from solid pieces of stainless steel, ensuring the pistol has little to no flex when fired, thus increasing its accuracy potential. The 6.88-inch slab-sided bull barrel also produces more rigidity in the platform and helps up the gun’s weight to a stable 45.8 ounces. It also put more of that weight forward, where it should be, making it easier to draw a bead longer and reducing muzzle flip. The Competition is decked out with attractive hardwood laminate grips, but they’re not just for looks. The grips have a competition thumb rest milled into them, giving shooters a more intuitive grip and more control over the pistol. The 10+1 capacity rimfire has a fully adjustable rear sight and, given it does not have a moving slide, offers a fixed sight-to-barrel alignment. The MSRP on the Mark IV competition is $749.
Chambered for some of the largest pistol calibers available, the Desert Eagle has always packed plenty of punch. Now, Magnum Research is packing twice the wallop into its legendary hand-howitzer, in a manner of speaking.
The Minnesota-based gunmaker has introduced a combo caliber package for its popular semi-automatic pistol, allowing it to jump between two potent rounds. The Desert Eagle Mark XIX comes complete with everything shooters need to throw both .44 Magnum and .50 AE rounds downrange at their leisure.
This has been a popular conversion for many shooters of the Israeli-made handgun, but one that required multiple purchases. But through the package now being offered, only one separate acquisition needs to be made to get the pistol ready to handle either large-bore round — a .50 AE magazine.
The three-piece package comes with two 6-inch barrels, one chambered for .44 Magnum and one for .50 AE, and a .44 Magnum magazine. The caliber conversion takes only seconds to accomplish, giving shooters plenty of bang for their buck.
Like the rest of the Desert Eagle line, the pistol boasts a hefty steel frame and rather large proportions. In all, the gun measures 10.75-inches in overall length and 6.25-inches in height. It also tips the scales at nearly 3 pounds.
The combo package pistol has a black oxide finish and of course utilizes the line’s unique gas operating system. The suggested retail price for the Desert Eagle package is $1,949.
Like well-worn saddle leather or a perfectly molded Stetson, there’s just something about guns of the Old West. For many shooters, the click of a bygone repeater’s hammer going on full cock or its report as it sends hot lead downrange still has a hero’s twang.
Perhaps nobody understood this better than Aldo Uberti. A world away from the dusty streets of Tombstone and Deadwood, the gunmaker created a little empire faithfully reproducing some of the 19th Century’s most famous firearms.
More than half-a-century later, the Italian manufacturer is still going strong. Imported exclusively through Uberti USA, the gun company is still churning out top-end classics, true to the originals and as trustworthy as an old paint horse. And for 2017, Uberti USA has a trio of firearms that any true Old West fan should be excited about.
Winchester 1886
Winchester 1886 Uberti USA is introducing two versions of this iconic John M. Browning designed rifle. Hunters have the choice of a full-sized Winchester 1886 Sporting Rifle or the compact 1886 Hunter Lite Rifle. Both are absolute beauties, decked out in a stick of A-Grade walnut and featuring deep, rich, color-case finishes. However, there are a few differences between the variants. The Lite model has a shaved down round barrel — 22 inches — compared to the 26-inch octagon barrel of the 1886 Sporting. And it has a shorter 3+1 capacity magazine, compared to the full-size’s 8+1. With a weight similar to a modern semi-automatic shotgun, the Lite model should be a trustworthy companion on hunts that push deep into the backwoods or sage brush. Like the original 1886, Uberti USA’s versions are big-bore rifles, chambered for the hard-hitting .45-70 Govt. The venerable round makes the rifle an all-around North American game getter, capable of handling everything from bear to whitetails. And the rifles are designed to handle Level 2 .45-70 Govt. loads (29,000 CUP/PSI max) and are rated for both smokeless and black powder. The guns’ receivers are drilled and tapped for Lyman peep sights, like the original 1886. And the repeaters come with Uberti USA’s exclusive 5-year warranty. The MSRP of the Sporting Rifle is $1,959 and the Hunter Lite is $1,899.
Nickel Finished Short Stroke SASS Pro
Nickel Finished Short Stroke SASS Pro Uberti USA has expanded its cowboy-action shooting collection with a pistol designed to gun down top spots and look good along the way. The mirrored nickel finish and simulation ivory handles means the new Short Stroke SASS Pro is ready to play to the gallery with plenty of flash out of the holster. And it still has all the features that make the line a thoroughbred in cowboy shooting competitions. Chief among these is the short-stroke hammer, which reduces travel time 20 percent, making the revolver lightning fast. Furthermore, the spur is wider than most similar SASSs and features aggressive hand grooves, making the pistol a snap to cock in the heat of competition. An additional benefit of the low hammer is that it never obscures the sight picture even when fully down, ensuring fast and accurate target acquisition. The nickel-finished model is available in two calibers: the venerable .45 Colt and versatile .357 Magnum. And it comes with the choice of 4 ¾- and 5 ½-inch barrels. The six-shooter weighs in at a respectable 2.3 pounds and boasts a custom-grade mainspring. The MSRP on the revolver is $869.
Commemorative 1858 Buffalo Bill Limited Edition Revolver
Commemorative 1858 Buffalo Bill Limited Edition Revolver Perhaps no one man did more to spread the lore of the Wild West than William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The former Pony Express rider, scout and buffalo hunter’s Wild West show celebrated the American Frontier and its personalities, making them legends worldwide. Uberti USA hasn’t forgotten the icon’s legacy, celebrating it with a limited edition of the revolver Cody himself carried — the Remington Model 1858. The run of no more than 500 revolvers commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Cody’s passing and is decked out to get any collector drooling. The lavishly engraved cap-and-ball pistol features scrollwork on its frame, cylinder and barrel by the studio of master engraver Cesare Giovanelli. The 8-inch octagon barrel also has Buffalo Bill’s name on one side and his birth and death dates on the other. Chambered for the original .44 caliber, the revolver mimics Cody’s sidearm, boasting ivory handles — Uberti, however, uses simulated ivory. It has a number of other accoutrements certain to capture enthusiasts’ eyes: rich deep blue finish, color-case hammer and brass trigger guard. The pistol has an MSRP of $1,049. Given the original is priceless, that’s a steal.
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