Known for disguising its home firearms storage devices as common pieces of household furniture and decor, Tactical Walls has become an excellent option for those looking to stage firearms throughout the home without drawing attention to that fact. Earlier this year, the innovative manufacturer brought out several new RFID locking models of its secure storage products.
Now, the company is following up that initial move with even more new RFID locking models. With the release of its new RFID locking versions of its 842 and 1242 Rifle Length Shelf (RLS) units, Tactical Walls now offers RFID locking mechanisms on most of its storage devices. The only exceptions include the Tactical Lamp, Wall Clock and Issue Box models.
The 842 and 1242 RLS units are great options for storing a single long gun or several handguns in a disguised compartment inside a fully functional shelf, and the addition of an RFID locking mechanism only improves the utility of these devices. An RFID sensor is located in the middle of each unit, and two locks are on either side to prevent sagging and keep the shelf secure.
Each unit will come with two RFID key cards and one programming card to match the key to the correct unit or units. Access is easy, with a single swipe engaging the mechanism and opening the device. Each RFID card can be programmed to open a single unit or for multiple units if users want several firearms staged throughout the house. If battery power on RFID locking mechanism runs out, the device defaults to an unlocked but closed position.
“Our customers have been asking us to add RFID technology to our Rifle Length Shelves for quite some time now, and we're pleased to now be able to offer them this feature. Our team put a lot of effort into this design to ensure that the craftsmanship is on par with the high standards that Tactical Walls is known for and we're excited to bring these high-quality storage units to the market,” said Chris Wood, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tactical Walls.
The two models each feature medium density polyurethane foam inserts that can be easily cut and shaped to accommodate a variety of home defense firearms and accessories. The inserts come equipped with self-adhesive backing for attaching to the compartment, and optional LED lights are available to illuminate the contents of the unit in low-light scenarios.
Both of the new Tactical Walls RLS models with RFID locking mechanisms are designed for use with standard 2×4 stud framing and are manufactured in the U.S. with real hardwood. Each shelf unit has a maximum hold weight of 25 pounds inside the compartment and 25 pounds on top of the shelf and comes pre-assembled. They are also supplied with a set of two bookend-style shelf brackets for additional support, one foam insert, anchors and fasteners.
The new Tactical Walls 842 and 1242 RLS RFID locking models are available in six different finishes – Early American, Dutch Walnut, Cherry, Black, White and Raw – as well as two different trim types –standard and rope.
Self defense can be a matter of life and death for your family. Keeping your shooting skills sharp is important to using the best home defense weapon possible when the unexpected occurs. Turn your handgun into the best handgun for home defense with the drills outlined in Handgun Training – Practice Drills for Defensive Shooting. Nothing will give you more peace and security in your own home than the confidence you will hit your target. Learn More
Colt has been an elite name in the firearms industry for some time, having been around since Samuel Colt founded it well over 150 years ago. In recent years, the company has faced some struggles, but if the manufacturer's new crop of products for 2016 are any indication of Colt's future, those woes may be on their way out the door.
One of Colt's most impressive new offerings is its brand new Colt Competition 1911. Built for the competitive circuit, this 1911 features Colt's innovative Dual Spring Recoil System, a National Match barrel and quality sights – Novak's new adjustable rear sight and a fiber optic front sight – and is available in the standard .45 ACP or 9mm.
As one of the first members of the media to shoot the new Colt Competition 1911 during a media event last fall, I can testify that the gun is a smooth and sweet shooter, particularly in 9mm. With its undercut trigger guard, upswept beavertail grip safety and crisp, three-hole aluminum trigger, it feels excellent in the hand and is a highly capable pistol.
In the video above from our friends at Deer & Deer Hunting, Colt competition shooter Maggie Reese outlines some of the great features on the new Colt Competition 1911. Watch the video, and visit the Colt website to learn more about the company's new race-ready 1911.
The popularity of waterfowl hunting has only continued to grow in recent years. And with its growth, shotgun manufacturers have begun introducing models with camo patterns designed to meet the needs of goose and duck hunters.
Stevens is a recent example. The manufacturer has announced the release of a new 12-gauge Model 320 shotgun that features a Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo treatment to better blend into the wetland environments waterfowl inhabit.
This new shotgun carries all the same great features as Stevens' other field-grade Model 320 shotguns, such as dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, a rugged synthetic stock and fore-end, and a vent rib barrel. The Model 320 Waterfowl Shotgun also comes with interchangeable choke tubes for varied shooting scenarios and is equipped with a green fiber optic front sight.
The Model 320 Waterfowl Shotgun has a maximum capacity of 5+1 shells and is available with either a standard length of pull or a compact length of pull for smaller-stature shooters. MSRP on the new shotgun is listed at $273.
When the Taurus Curve first hit the market back in 2014, it caused a tremendous stir in the firearms industry. The gun was a groundbreaking design that was completely and purposefully built for concealed carry. Chambered in .380 ACP, it was the first gun ever to feature a curved frame designed to better hug the contours of the human body during carry, and one of the few to not feature traditional iron sights, instead utilizing a basic bore-sight system for close-quarter encounters.
Upon its release, Taurus was simultaneously applauded and ridiculed by gun writers and bloggers for its outside-the-box design. Many of those who tested the gun liked how concealable the Curve was, and how comfortable it was to carry, but were disappointed with the lack of iron sights.
Now, in an effort to improve the accuracy potential of the Taurus Curve, LaserLyte is offering the first integral laser/light module specifically designed for the Curve as an aftermarket accessory. The new drop-in module consists of a Class IIIA red laser sight as well as a 25-lumen LED light for use in low-light scenarios. The module simply drops into the Curve's frame and is activated via a push button on the right side of the frame where the index finger would rest in a non-firing position.
Each module has three user-programmable modes of operation: laser and light on, laser only and light only. The new LaserLyte integral laser/light for the Taurus Curve also comes equipped with a 6-minute auto-off function for conserving battery life with the laser/light is not in use.
The device's battery has a runtime of 5 hours with only the laser, 1.5 hours with only the flashlight, and 1 hour with both in use. The LaserLyte module has an exterior battery compartment, meaning that the module itself does not have to be removed when batteries are replaced.
Installing the new module is a simple drop-in process. All hardware and tools needed for the install are provided.
The new LaserLyte Integral Laser/Light for the Taurus Curve has a listed MSRP of $109.95, and it is now available on the LaserLyte website as a single item for purchase.
Specifications:
LaserLyte UTA-CU Power Output Laser: 650NM, 5MW, Class IIIA, Power Output LED light: 25 Lumens Activation: Button Batteries: 3 x 357 silver oxide Battery Life: Laser only: 5 hrs, LED only 1.5 hrs, Laser/LED: 1hr Weight: .75 ounces Material: Aircraft Grade 6061 aluminum Length: 1.10 inches Width: 0.55 inches Height: 1.10 inches MSRP: $109.95 (gun not included)
Almost anyone who's ever shot at reactive targets knows just how much fun they can be. Whether they're spinners, poppers, steel plates or a simple tin can, reactive targets provide the shooter with immediate, and recognizable, feedback of a positive hit. While paper targets certainly have their place in the shooting sports, nothing is more enjoyable than seeing, or hearing, your hits on target.
Champion Target is a well-established brand in the shooting industry, and it has been providing both reactive and non-reactive targets for some time. In the video above, Gun Digest contributor Phil Massaro discusses some of Champion Target's great reactive targets available to shooters. These targets vary from simple rimfire pop-up targets to spinners and other reactive targets made using Champion's innovative new DuraSeal material.
Check out the video above for more information on these excellent reactive targets from Champion Target.
Standing around the Nosler booth at the 2016 SHOT Show chatting with the usual suspects from that fine organization, I was introduced to the latest development in the Nosler line of cartridges: the 30 Nosler. Zach Waterman, Nolser’s public relations guru, was beaming as he told all about their new creation.
“Phil, in a nutshell, this cartridge gives .300 Weatherby ballistics in a .30-06-length receiver; we’re all really stoked about this one,” Zach said.
I could see why; the Nosler series of cartridges—including the .26, .28 and .30 Nosler—are based on the Remington Ultra Magnum case, but shortened to 2.500 inches in order to fit in a standard long-action rifle. The test data affirmed their design goals; the 30 Nosler will indeed match the velocity of the revered .300 Weatherby and will give a significant increase in velocity over the current standard-length .30-caliber champion, the .300 Winchester Magnum. The 30 Nosler’s nice, sharp shoulder provides good headspacing, and the rimless design will combat the usual case stretching just north of the belt that is associated with the .375 H&H-style magnum case. The 30 Nosler gives a case capacity increase of roughly 9 percent over the .300 Winchester Magnum, and is only a couple of grains of capacity behind the .300 Weatherby Magnum.
I was fortunate enough to have a good friend of mine, Nathan Chesney of Hillbilly Rifles, ask me to test drive one of his new rifles in 30 Nosler, and I didn’t hesitate at all to accept the job. This rifle fit like a glove, had a trigger that broke like an icicle, and was topped with a Leupold 4.5-14×40, so there was no blaming the gun for any part of this experiment. Nate had even equipped this gorgeous gun with a muzzle brake just to make sure I could shoot it well.
Left to right: 30 Nosler, .300 Win. Mag., .30-06 Springfield.
I obtained 50 pieces of 30 Nosler brass from Nosler itself and headed to the reloading bench. Obviously, I wanted to see what this new case would do, and if it was indeed a significant increase over the .300 Winchester. After setting up the RCBS dies, I full-length resized all the component brass, and set out to grab the remainder of the components. I’d need a large rifle magnum primer, and as usual the Federal Gold Medal Match GM215M got the nod. I knew this case would probably work best with the slow-burning powders, so I grabbed some of Hodgdon’s RETUMBO and H4831SC, some IMR7828, and a pound of Alliant’s Reloder 25, an old standby in a .30 Magnum case. For projectiles, I tried to give a good cross-section of the available components: Sierra’s 168- and 190-grain Match King; the Nosler AccuBond and Ballistic Tip; the Swift Scirocco II; the Berger VLD Hunting and the Barnes LRX boat tail. I was looking for some bullets which would give a good, long bearing surface, to build up the pressures which would generate the velocities you’d expect from the 30 Nosler and yet take advantage of the flat trajectory.
Some of our chosen combinations yielded absolute winners; others, well, not so much. Speaking in generalizations, the initial experiments yielded a couple of facts: Our test gun liked the longer bullets, and it also liked both Hodgdon’s H4831SC and Alliant’s Reloder 25. I can’t say that I’m really shocked by this, as both of these powders have long been excellent performers in the large-capacity cases. The 30 Nosler has the same SAAMI Cartridge Overall Length as the .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester Magnum—3.340 inches—but our rifle had a longer magazine as well as a longer throat, so we were able to test some of the bullets at a longer COL, and still be safe. Load data came from the Nosler No. 8 Reloading Manual, and was interpolated for bullets other than Nosler.
Advertised velocities can be a funny thing. Let’s use the .300 Win. Mag. as an example. You can, if you’d like, approach 3,150 fps with 180-grain bullets, using canister-grade powders, and while I’ve come close to that figure before, those maximum loads were never remarkably accurate. I have spent a lot of time reloading for that particular cartridge, and usually find the best accuracy at around 2,950 to 3,000 fps, depending on the rifle. Does that make it a disappointment? Not at all, as my goal is to produce accurate ammunition, and not necessarily wring every last ounce of velocity potential out of the given cartridge.
Hodgdon's H4831SC and Alliant's Reloder25 worked best across the spectrum of bullets.
Same thing happened with the 30 Nosler. I found the accuracy—again, in our given rifle—at slightly less velocity than could potentially be obtained, but enough to still warrant the use of the new, bigger case. The two bullets that produced the best accuracy were the Sierra 190-grain Match King and the 175-grain Barnes LRX BT, each producing ½ to ¾ MOA, consistently. The Sierra gave good groups, and good standard deviation on velocity with two loads: 78.0 grains of H4831SC, for an average velocity of 2,940 fps, and 81.0 grains of Reloder 25, for an average velocity of 2,960 fps. Both of the Sierra loads used a COL of 3.350 inches, which functioned perfectly through the Hillbilly Rifle. Considering this rifle was brand new, I’m perfectly okay with that performance.
The Barnes 175-grain LRX BT gave the best accuracy among the hunting bullets I tested, printing groups averaging right around ½ MOA, at an even 3,100 fps, with a standard deviation of less than 10 fps. I seated the Barnes a bit shorter at 3.320 inches, as these bullets often like to jump, over a charge of 81.0 grains of RL25. I’ve often had trouble getting Barnes bullets to shoot well from my rifles, but this was clearly not the case in the .30 Nosler. The combination of good 100-yard groups and a very low standard deviation, mated with a bullet that will retain both velocity and energy downrange, encouraged me to try this bullet in some other rifles I own, and I’m looking forward to taking it afield this autumn.
There were other bullets that gave decent, if not stellar performance; while the groups wouldn’t necessarily impress the target community, I knew they would suffice for 95 percent of my hunting situations, and would hit with authority. The 180-grain Swift Scirocco II (a long-time favorite of mine), seated over a charge of 79.0 grains of H4831SC, printed groups of just over MOA, at 3,010 fps. The 180-grain Nosler AccuBond gave 100-yard accuracy of 1.5 MOA, at 3,030 fps, but a very low (5 fps) standard deviation of velocity when seated over a charge of 84.0 grains of RETUMBO. As I’ve found in some other .30 Magnums, the AccuBond bullet will give “disappointing” groups at 100-yards, yet seem to “tighten up” at longer distances, especially when you have a consistent velocity reading on the chronograph.
Do note, there is a definite correlation between low standard deviation on velocity and good accuracy at longer ranges, but that’s an entirely different article altogether.
RCBS 30 Nosler Reloading Dies. The author full length resized all component brass.
I tried the Berger 190-grain VLD Hunting bullet and Sierra 175-grain Tipped Match King over a couple of loads, but this particular rifle didn’t like either one. I suspect it may have something to do with the shorter bearing surface of the VLD and shorter Match King, but I’ve had excellent results with these bullets in other guns; sometimes a bullet that works well in one barrel won’t shoot worth a damn in another. That’s what drives us reloaders crazy, yet at the same time makes the experimentation so much fun.
The 30 Nosler holds a tough position: It is the new kid on the block in a neighborhood filled with celebrities. The .30 magnums have fervent devotees, and trying to get that crowd to accept a new neighbor is no easy task. However, based on my experiences with this strange, new face, it performs as advertised. In the 30 Nosler you have a non-belted case (so as to avoid the problems associated with case-stretching in front of the belt) that gives velocities that are a definite improvement over the .300 Winchester, while being housed in a standard long-rifle action. The velocities I observed were right on par with those generated by the .300 Weatherby loads, and while we may be splitting hairs over 50 fps or so, I think the central point is that the cartridge does indeed perform well and is capable of excellent accuracy.
Am I going to sell all my .300 Winchesters to run out and buy a 30 Nosler? Probably not, but I certainly wouldn’t be unhappy carrying one in any hunting situation, irrespective of shot distance. If you’re in the market for a new .30-caliber magnum cartridge, I’d look long and hard at the 30 Nosler while making my decision: It has all the attributes you’ll need.
Bushnell's new AK Optics line has two new optics purposefully built for the AK and its many variants.
While there's no question that the AR-15 holds the top spot in terms of popularity among American shooters, the AK and its many variants have also been becoming increasingly sought after firearms. In response to this, the aftermarket for AK parts and accessories has grown tremendously in recent years, with manufacturers offering plenty of new options for shooters wanting to customize their AKs.
One of most functional upgrades shooters can make to their AK is adding a quality optic. Luckily, Bushnell has recently introduced two new optics tailor-made for the AK platform with its new AK optics line.
The two new additions include a 1-4x24mm riflescope and a 1x magnification 25mm red dot optic. Both of these new AK optics are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog proof performance no matter the conditions.
The AK Optics 1-4x24mm scope features an illuminated 7.62×39 BDC reticle for more accurately determining where a bullet will strike as range increases and incorporates fully multi-coated optics and anti-reflective coatings for improved clarity and contrast. It also includes 11 brightness settings for adapting to any situation, and utilizes a rugged, 30mm one-piece aircraft aluminum tube for its construction.
The new AK Optics 1x25mm Red Dot provides the same excellent quality in a more streamlined, rapid targeting format. The optic uses a 3 MOA red dot and, like the riflescope, features 11 intensity settings for the red dot. An Amber-Bright high-contrast lens coating boosts detail while suppressing lens flare, and the sight's integral mount is compatible with any Picatinny rail or Weaver-style case.
MSRP on these new optics is $249.99 for the AK Optics 1-4x24mm riflescope and $99.99 for the AK Optics 1x25mm Red Dot. For more information, visit the Bushnell website.
Gun Digest‘s history dates back to the 1940s, which means it can offer unparalleled information. Firearm assembly/disassembly guides just so happen to be one of its specialties, which is why Gun Digest staff put together this incredible collection.
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Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly, 2nd Edition
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If you bought each of these terrific assembly/disassembly instruction resources separately, you'd spent $240. That's worth every penny, but Gun Digest staff wanted to do one better.
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The history behind one of the world’s most storied rifles.
The appearance of the AK Rifle on the world stage was spurred not by the ambition of some government, but by the drive of one soldier to help his Motherland. It was in the hospital while recovering from wounds sustained in combat that Tank Corps Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov first had the idea to create an entirely new infantry rifle. After talking to many wounded infantry soldiers, the aspiring designer drew a picture of many shortcomings with Soviet small arms that were carried into combat against well-armed and equipped enemies.
He wanted to create a gun that would give his Motherland an advantage on the battlefield. Unlike many firearms designers, Kalashnikov was driven with only one desire: to make a contribution to his country’s victory over Nazi Germany.
Kalashnikov’s first working gun was assembled at the railroad depot in Kazakhstan. It looked nothing the AK we know today.
He started work on his new gun in 1943 in Kazakhstan, where he was recovering from his wounds. It was there, and not in Tula or Izhevsk Arsenals, where the AK rifle got its roots. Later came years of trial-and-error, configurations and re-configurations, with relocation to the Degtyaryov Machine Plant in the city of Kovrov, before the very first AK sample was presented for testing in 1946.
Meanwhile, the Germans were delivering a new rifle of their own to the battlefields of WWII, The MP 43 (Machinenpistole Model 1943), or later renamed by the Fuhrer himself, Stg .44 (Sturmgewehr Model 1944), the world’s first assault rifle.
The new rifle, created by Hugo Schmeisser, did not employ any new technological principals or concepts. After all, the concept of a battle rifle capable of full automatic fire and chambered for a less powerful cartridge compared to the conventional rifle caliber belonged to the Russian designer Vladimir Fyodorov and his automatic rifle.
Adapted for service with the Russian Imperial Army, the Avtomat Fyodorova (Fyodorov Automatic) chambered in the lighter 6.5x50mm Arisaka cartridge, was put into mass production in 1915 and saw service in WWI, the Bolshevik Revolution, the Russian Civil War and the Soviet “Winter” War against Finland.
However, the true breakthrough for the new Stg .44 gun was the design and development of a new intermediate rifle cartridge, the 7.92x33mm Kurtz. This laid the basis for the development of virtually all modern carbine cartridges, including the infamous Soviet 7.62x39mm Model 1943, or as it is known, the M43 round. Another of Schmeisser’s achievements was the creation of a reliable rifle that could be built out of stamped steel and supplied to the troops quickly and in large numbers.
The decision to transition all the main small arms in the Soviet Union to an intermediate cartridge was made while WWII was still raging. Such a cartridge had been created by 1943, and shortly thereafter the development of the entire family of small arms began, including a self-loading carbine (SKS), the automatic assault rifle, and a light machine gun (RPD).
Several designers and designer teams entered the assault rifle development competition, and among them was young sergeant Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, who at that time was already working on his new rifle.
The Fyodorov Automatic Rifle fired the smaller 6.5X5mm Arisaka rifle cartridge and was capable of full-automatic fire.
In 1946 Kalashnikov and his team, alongside other participants, submitted a sample of his automat to the competitive evaluation, where it demonstrated very good results.
For the second stage of the competition that took place in 1947, Kalashnikov reworked his rifle, and in the modified form it was recommended for acceptance by the Armed Forces. After initial army tests in 1949, Kalashnikov’s automatic rifle was officially accepted as “7.62mm Kalashnikov’s Automatic Rifle model 1947,” or more simply, AK (sometimes in addition designate AK-47). In its original form the AK-47 had a combination receiver assembled from stamped and milled parts, however that design proved to be insufficiently rigid, so the AK-47 went into mass production with a fully milled receiver.
One of the myths connected with the AK is that Kalashnikov “copied” the AK from the German WWII assault rifle known as the Stg.44. At first glance, the external configuration of the AK and the Stg.44 is similar, as is the concept of the automatic weapon firing an intermediate cartridge. Similar barrel outlines, front sights and gas tubes are caused by the utilization of similar gas systems invented long before Schmeisser and Kalashnikov.Other than mere appearance, however, these rifles couldn’t be more different. It is quite probable that Mikhail Kalashnikov knew about the Stg.44, however it is also obvious that the creation of his rifle was guided by other known samples and systems. Kalashnikov’s main achievement (or his team’s, to be exact) was optimum configuration of already known and proven solutions into one uniform working machine that met all the requirements.
Later, the original Kalashnikov design saw several changes. Due to production expense, the milled receiver was ditched in favor of a more economical and lighter stamped one. A muzzle brake compensator was added and the bayonet-knife was redesigned.
China was the first “friendly” country that received a license to manufacture its own AK.
Everyman’s Rifle The inherent reliability, simplicity of production, and the simplicity of operation saw a huge demand for the new rifle. By the 1950s, the entire 1.5 million-strong Soviet Armed Forces were armed with AKs. After signing the Warsaw Pact that united militaries of all the socialist states in Europe, the need arose to standardize the way combined forces were armed and how they fought.
At the same time, scores of new AK rifles were already being supplied to communist China. Arming the Warsaw Pact allies put a strain on the Soviet firearm industry, so the decision was made to start licensing other countries to build their own AK rifles. This move would ultimately provide the necessary relief to increase domestic production and grow the import of AKs to the USSR “friendlies” around the world.
Proliferation of the AK throughout the world was done both ways: in the form of the ready weapon, and in the form of licenses to manufacture with all necessary documentation, tooling, and technical assistance.
AKs were manufactured in Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, Egypt, Iraq, China, Romania, North Korea, India, Finland, and Cuba. Even greater numbers were simply “given” to numerous other countries, basically anyone who would, even in passing, mention sympathy to the Marxist-Leninist ideology. The post-Soviet Union era saw the continuation of those licensing practices, with factories built in Venezuela, Libya, and Malaysia.
In Africa the AK has become the main battle rifle for every armed group both government and tribal.
The spread of this iconic weapon is so wide that it is almost impossible to imagine an armed conflict today without an AK playing first fiddle in it. The rifle had seen service in every conflict in every theatre, from Korea to the present. Every so-called revolutionary group in South America, every anti-colonial movement in Africa in the 60s and 70s, every anti-west organization in the Middle East in the 80s, every Balkan conflict in the 90s, Iraq, Afghanistan, Al-Qaida, and ISIS, all are forever associated with AK rifles.
Many countries’ armed forces use the Kalashnikov rifle or one of its variants as their main battle rifle. In fact, more men and women in uniform carry AKs today than any other rifle, bar none. No other rifle even comes close.
Kalashnikov’s rifle has, to some extent, served as an example for design and development of such systems as Valmet (Finland), INSAS (India), Galil (Israel) and the SIG SG-550 (Switzerland). Commercial semi-automatic variants of the AK rifle enjoy considerable popularity in Russia and abroad, especially here in the US.
A truly prolific weapon, the AK in one form or another has been and continues to be sold by the millions. It is estimated that over 70 million rifles have been produced and sold worldwide.
This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to AKs.
The 6.5 Grendel cartridge underwent three years of development before Bill Alexander (Alexander Arms) released it in 2003 as a long-range cartridge specifically intended for the AR-15 family of rifles and carbines. The 6.5 Grendel transforms the military 7.62×39 parent case by necking it down to 6.5mm, blowing out the shoulder, and changing to a Small Rifle primer and flash hole. As a close relative of the benchrest-proven 6.5mm PPC, the 6.5 Grendel is the ideal length to seat long-ogive 120-grain and 130-grain bullets within the AR-15 magazine length constrictions. Accuracy in the 6.5 Grendel, in suitably barreled AR-15 rifles, readily attains sub-MOA, making it a great choice for long-range deer and varmint hunting. Seventeen 6.5 Grendel cartridges will fit into an Alexander Arms-supplied magazine dimensioned to fit into the magazine well of an AR-15’s lower receiver. Factory loads do not exceed 50,000 psi. Alexander Arms (AlexanderArms.com) supplies rifles, magazines, ammunition, reloading dies, and brass.
Alexander Arms relinquished its trademark claim on the 6.5 Grendel as the 13th edition of this book went to print, which led to SAAMI standardization. Hornady and Wolf are now factory loading this round.
The right optic, laser sight or flashlight makes the perfect addition to any AR, and it can be a tactical advantage in any defensive or combat scenario.
As if your life wasn’t filled with enough choices already, along come a dozen new sights built just for AR-platform rifles. They are as complex or as simple as you want and range in price from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000, or more. They include standard reflex-type sights to scopes and even high-definition night-vision optics. No matter the size of your budget or the type of shooting you prefer, one thing’s for sure: Any of these optic options will make a great addition to your gun safe.
So what’s a dedicated shooter to do? Buy two or three, of course, and then buy a new rifle to attach them to. See? It wasn’t such a dilemma, after all, was it? Check out these great AR sights and lights to give your rifle a tactical edge.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the July 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The new FN 15 Military Collector Series M4 and M16 are as close as a civilian can get to a real M4 or M16 without joining up.
Many manufacturers of AR-style rifles for the commercial market say their product is built to military specifications, or Mil-Spec. But if they are intended for the commercial market, they are not truly Mil-Spec. They can’t be because Mil-Spec ARs are by definition select-fire guns that fire in either the semi-automatic or automatic mode. Some select fire models have a mechanism to limit the number of rounds fired with one pull of the trigger, and others are limited by only the number of rounds left in the magazine. Nevertheless, a commercial AR must be semi-automatic only.
But there is more to Mil-Spec than the fire control system, and even though many manufacturers recognize this fact and promote their guns as Mil-Spec, they may not be. For example, the Mil-Spec sets forth not only dimensions of parts and the materials used to make them, but also the testing procedure for assuring the part meets a minimum quality standard. In the case of the M4 or M16, each bolt must be built to those specifications, but also tested with a high-pressure round and then examined using a magnetic device to detect any flaws. Although some manufacturers may perform this test, some may not, and others may perform it on only a portion of the guns coming off the assembly line.
In the minds of most people, Mil-Spec denotes a very rugged, well made piece of equipment that will stand up to hard use in adverse conditions. And for this reason, as well as the fact that the M4 and M16 are well known to most people through movies and television, a lot of people just want to own whatever it is that the military is using.
The Military Collector Other buyers just want to have a copy in their collection of the AR that is actually used by the military. Now, except for a few features that by law are not possible to include on an M4 or M16 destined for the commercial market, FN America has made it possible to own a genuine Mil-Spec gun.
The FN 15 Military Collector Series M4 and M16 have similar corresponding parts like handguards, bolt carrier groups and receivers, but the FN guns have actually been built to Mil-Spec where possible. And Mil-Spec means that not only are the parts made to a certain dimension, but the surface treatment is of a certain thickness and hardness, fasteners are affixed a certain way and certain inspection steps have been performed. To do these things costs more money than a typical manufacturer is willing to spend on a commercial AR.
Mil-Specs Often the gas key bolts on a commercial AR are not secured according to the Mil-Spec. They may not be staked at all, or staked in a less expensive manner than called for by the Mil-Spec. Mil-Spec staking is done to lessen the chance that those bolts holding the gas key to the bolt carrier will loosen under use, but it costs more to stake them correctly.
To reduce costs, some commercial manufacturers will not subject bolts and barrels to high-pressure testing, or they will test only a portion of each production run. But Mil-Spec calls for firing a very high-pressure round through each gun and then running a magnetic particle inspection to assure that there are no cracks or other defects present.
According to J.P. Reconnu, FN 15 Product Manager for FN America, LLC, “The FN 15 Military Collector M4 and M16 are as Mil-Spec as you can get without having to enlist.”
He went on to say that there are only four main differences between the FN 15 and the real deal.
To comply with current law, the first is that they are set up for semi-automatic fire only. However, for authenticity of appearance, the markings on the receiver indicate safe, fire and auto. The second difference is, again to comply with current law, the 14.5-inch M4 barrel has a permanently attached flash suppressor making the barrel length 16 inches, whereas the real M4 has a removable flash suppressor. Third, the lower receiver does not bear the imprint “Property of U.S. Government.”
The fourth difference concerns the Unique Identifier (UID) label. That’s the sticker on the right side of the lower receiver that contains some writing and a QR code. On a real M4 or M16, it is used to identify the manufacturer and contains a specific code for each government contractor. Instead, the QR code on the Military Collector guns links to the FN website.
Otherwise, these guns really are Mil-Spec.
Features The M4 is a carbine-length AR-pattern gun based on the M16. Besides shortening the barrel to 14.5 inches—16 inches with the permanently attached A2-style flash suppressor—and replacing the handguard with a shorter one, the buttstock is replaced with a collapsible buttstock with six positions. A sling swivel is located on the left side of the barrel just below the front sight. Those are the most obvious differences between an M4 and an M16.
The barrel on the M16 is 20 inches long and does not have the grenade launcher cut like the M4 does. While both guns have a bayonet lug at the base of the front sight base, the M16 also has a sling swivel attached at the bottom just in front of the handguard.
Bores and chambers on both guns are chrome-lined and barrels phosphate-finished. The handguards are made by Knights Armament, the M4 being the M4RAS and the M16 being the M5RAS. They sport M1913 Picatinny rails on four sides and are supplied with rail adapter covers. Also provided are vertical foregrips made by Knight.
The upper receiver on both the M4 and M16 are of the flat top design; no longer is a carry handle standard. Attached to the rear of the upper receiver is the correct flip-up iron sight made by MaTech. It is adjustable for windage and elevation and is graduated for aimed fire at 100-yard intervals from 200 yards to 600 yards. The front sights are both A2-style posts.
Triggers are Mil-Spec all the way, so don’t expect a competition trigger. These are military two-stage triggers designed for hard use, not precision or competition. Still, with practice, they are quite manageable. The safety or selector switch is ambidextrous, and the pistol grip is standard.
The bolt carrier group is, again, Mil-Spec, which means the bolt is properly marked with HPT-MPI indicating it was high-pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected. It and the bolt carrier are phosphate-finished, and the carrier is chrome lined.
In testing, the sample guns performed as expected. There were no problems encountered, and accuracy was actually better than is called for in the Mil-Spec.
If you are looking for the confidence inspired by owning a Mil-Spec AR, or if you just want the closest example a civilian can get on the commercial market to a real M4 or M16, FN has what you are looking for.
For more information, contact FN America, 855-536-4872, FNAmerica.com.
Specifications:
FN 15 Military Collector Series M4 Type: Semi-auto, direct gas impingement Caliber: 5.56x45mm Barrel Length: 16 in., 1:7 twist Overall Length: 30.5 to 34.2 in. Weight: 6.6 lbs. Stock: Synthetic Sights: A-2 style front, adjustable rear Finish: Black phosphate and anodized Capacity: 30+1 rounds Price: $1,749
Performance:
FN 15 Military Collector Series M4
Load: Black Hills 75-gr. Match BTHP
Velocity (fps): 2,710
Average Group (in.): 2.23
Best Group (in.): 1.69
Load: Gorilla 77-gr. Sierra Matchking HP
Velocity (fps): 2,448
Average Group (in.): 1.08
Best Group (in.): 0.54
Load: Speer Lawman 55-gr. FMJ
Velocity (fps): 3,116
Average Group (in.): 2.31
Best Group (in.): 1.74
Specifications:
FN 15 Military Collector Series M16 Type: Semi-auto, direct gas impingement Caliber: 5.56x45mm Barrel Length: 20 in., 1:7 twist Overall Length: 39.5 in. Weight: 8.2 lbs. Stock: Synthetic Sights: A-2 style front, adjustable rear Finish: Black phosphate and anodized Capacity: 30+1 rounds Price: $1,749
Performance:
FN 15 Military Collector Series M16
Load: Black Hills 75-gr. Match BTHP
Velocity (fps): 2,731
Average Group (in.): 2.82
Best Group (in.): 2.79
Load: Gorilla 77-gr. Sierra Matchking HP
Velocity (fps): 2,531
Average Group (in.): 1.50
Best Group (in.): 1.41
Load: Speer Lawman 55-gr. FMJ
Velocity (fps): 3,229
Average Group (in.): 3.43
Best Group (in.): 2.70
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the July 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Traditions is well known for producing quality modern muzzleloaders, and the company currently has several different lines for today's hunters. One of the manufacturer's newest offerings is its Vortek StrikerFire, which – as its name suggests – features an internal striker fire system instead of the typical hammer.
The new Traditions Vortek StrikerFire is loaded with great features, such as a recessed push-button cocking/decocking system and a two-stage trigger that breaks at about 2 pounds. Also, brand new for 2016, the gun has received a nitride coating both on the outside and inside of the barrel to reduce fouling and overall wear and tear on the exterior.
Our friends at Deer & Deer Hunting caught up with Traditions to get a first hand look at the new gun. Watch the video above to learn more about the new Traditions Vortek StrikerFire.
Earlier this year, Colt unveiled its new-for-2016 Expanse M4 rifle, a moderately priced, entry-level AR. This rifle's price point made it an excellent starting point for shooters looking to get into ARs for the first time, or those looking to build a completely customized rifle from the ground up using a quality Colt rifle.
The new Expanse M4 model comes with a forward assist and dust cover.
The only real knocks against the Expanse M4 were that it did not have a forward assist or a dust cover. While not strictly necessary for many typical shooting applications, a lot of shooters like having those two features on their rifles, and some voiced this preference to Colt.
In response, Colt has now introduced a new model of the Expanse M4 (Model CE2000) that includes a Colt dust cover and forward assist and uses the same excellent Colt forgings, bolt and other parts used on the rest of the M4 line.
“This was a natural move for us,” said Justin Baldini, Product Director for Colt. “We simply listened to what our customers and our Colt Stocking Dealers were telling us, and the story was simple. Folks want the added features of a real Colt dust cover and forward assist, and they want it to come that way from the factory.”
Like the previous M4 Expanse, this model with the forward assist and dust cover is competitively priced, making it an equally great option for new AR owners or a custom build, or for collectors who want an authentic Colt M4. MSRP on the new Colt M4 Expanse with forward assist and dust cover is currently listed at $749.
“We couldn’t be happier to deliver to our customers exactly what they want,” said Paul Spitale, Senior VP at Colt. “It’s a proud moment to be able to build on the success we’ve had with the Expanse M4 in a way that provides an even better ownership experience to the discerning firearms enthusiast.”
Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870: Which one is right for defending your home? Learn some of the differences between them here.
There are iPhones users, and there are Android users. Proponents of one rarely cross over to the other. It’s the same with Remington’s 870 and Mossberg’s 500. Even though both shotguns are quite similar, there are differences, differences that are favored by some over others.
The Model 500 and Model 870 are both legendary, each being produced in the tens of millions, and still counting. Not bad for two designs that were developed in the early 1950s (Remington) and early 1960s (Mossberg) in a time when telephones had cords and a dial. It is hard to argue which is the most popular.
The 870 and 500 are safe, adaptable, proven in the field, the streets and in combat. Originally designed for sporting use, theses pump-action shotguns have been adapted to tactical, LE and defensive applications. Models range from hunting and competition to tactical and home defense. As home defense weapons, the 500 and 870 are both natural fits.
Being pump-action or slide-action shotguns, they are safer to use because the actions are manually operated. The pump in the pump action ejects a fired shell and chambers a fresh round via manipulation of the forend. Some may debate the intimidation factor of the sound of a pump gun on someone who has come to do you or your family harm, but at least it provides confidence to the home defender and tells the intruder in no uncertain terms to get out now while you can.
Dependable and user-friendly, the Mossberg 500 is well-suited for defensive use.
Shotguns like the 870 and 500 are unique defense weapons since they offer multiple options that range from serious prodding to tremendous violence. Less-lethal loads with rubber balls or plastic sabots can take care of a hungry spring black bear raiding your bird feeder and hopefully give it a clue to scamper away. Firing 00 buck essentially unleashes nine pellets—similar to shooting a target nine times with a 9mm pistol at once. Slugs offer long-range defense with accuracy that rivals some rifle cartridges.
The complexity of shotguns comes in learning to feed the tube. Shotguns have a limited magazine capacity and need to be constantly refilled. Changing over from a 00 buck or less-lethal load to a slug with shells in the magazine tube takes training—training that may mean the difference when running a shotgun in defensive situations.
First, the similarities. Both the Mossberg and Remington were designed for use with interchangeable barrels. Loosen and/or remove the magazine cap (Remington) or loosen the magazine nut (Mossberg), pull off the barrel and replace it with another. They both use dual-action bars for a smoother and more reliable pump action. The bolt of both shotguns also locks in the rear of the barrel and does not use the receiver. Both feed off a tubular magazine that can be plugged to abide hunting laws or removed to have extra round capacity for home defense. They also disassemble in a similar fashion, and the trigger group of both are easily removed for cleaning by removing either two (Remington) or one (Mossberg) trigger housing pin(s). They both are available in 12 or 20 gauge, good options for home defense. In 12-gauge options, they both accept 2¾- and 3-inch shells.
Both the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 use dual action bars for reliable operation. The 870 features a slightly heavier steel receiver and has a safety to the rear of the trigger on the trigger guard.
Now, how about the differences? The Mossberg Model 500 features an ambidextrous safety located at the top of the receiver where a shooter’s thumb naturally rests when firing the 500. The aluminum receiver makes the 500 lighter. The Flex TLS System variant changes the playing field with regard to the versatility of a pump shotgun. Users can quickly—within seconds—re-configure the 500 for hunting or tactical and back again without any tools. So a traditional stock can be replaced with a pistol grip, or a traditional fore-end can be swapped for one with a tactical light. Depending on the model, the magazine capacity is 6+1 or 8+1.
The Remington Model 870 uses a steel receiver, which makes it a bit heavier, which is not necessarily a bad thing in a home defense shotgun. More mass means less felt recoil. The safety is located behind the trigger in the rear of the trigger guard and favors right-handed shooters. The action bar lock is located on the left side of the trigger guard just forward of the trigger. The Model 870 has an edge in power with Express models that accept larger 3½-inch shells for greater payload, power and range. Magazine capacity is 4+1 or 6+1 depending on the model.
The final similarity with the 870 or 500 is the vast number of aftermarket parts that allow a home defender to customize these shotguns to better suit the user’s need to protect and defend their homeland. With either pump, you have an excellent home defense weapon.
This article is an excerpt from the March 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
Known for disguising its home firearms storage devices as common pieces of household furniture and decor, Tactical Walls has become an excellent option for those looking to stage firearms throughout the home without drawing attention to that fact. Earlier this year, the innovative manufacturer brought out several new RFID locking models of its secure storage products.
