Throughout the years, Nikon has been a steady innovator in the optics market, producing quality optics that continue to push the bounds with new technology. One such example is the company’s newly introduced Monarch 7i VR Laser Rangefinder, which Nikon states is the world’s first laser rangefinder to feature vibration reduction (VR) technology.
Using Nikon’s optical VR technology, the new Monarch 7i VR reduces the effect of external vibrations, such as a hand shaking or moving when ranging distant objects. This makes it easier, particularly for hunters or long-range shooters, to keep the target mark on the rangefinder steady, even when unable to keep the body of the rangefinder itself still. In addition to stabilizing the image, this technology also helps steady the laser for increased measurement performance.
As anyone who’s tried to range targets in the field or at the range without a stable position can attest, hand shake can be a real problem, especially when the buck of a lifetime happens to come into view. With the VR technology in the Nikon Monarch 7i VR, vibrations of the image in the rangefinder’s 6-power viewfinder are reduced, while simultaneously aligning the image with the irradiated beam for quicker and more precise ranging.
The VR technology activates as soon as the rangefinder is on and requires no toggling or manual activation. The Monarch 7i VR Laser Rangefinder can continuously scan for 8 seconds and has an effective measurement range of 8 to 1,000 yards, displaying measurements in .1-yard increments. It features Nikon’s HYPER READ technology, providing precise measurements in approximately half a second, irrespective of distance.
The new Nikon Monarch 7i VR also incorporates the manufacturer’s ID (Incline/Decline) technology to compensate for angled shots uphill or downhill and comes in a compact, lightweight, and waterproof body for rugged field use. The rangefinder also has the ability to toggle between First Target Priority Mode, which provides a reading of the closest target within a group, or Distant Target Priority Mode, which offers a reading of the farthest target among a group.
“The MONARCH 7i VR is one of the most exciting new products of Nikon’s recent releases. Not only does this make it easier for hunters and shooters to range objects at long distances, we are able to offer it at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. We strive to make practical advances in hunting optics, and this is just the beginning of some exciting new things hunters can expect from Nikon,” said Randy Garrison, Associate General Manager at Nikon Sport Optics.
The brand new Nikon Monarch 7i VR Laser Rangefinder is currently available for $399.95.
Get the most recent advances in guns and gear to extend your range for hunting, informal target shooting, and formal competition. Discover new tools for long-range shooters both in the field and on the firing range, with coverage of new developments from advances in military applied combat theory. Learn more
In the couple years since Savage Arms introduced its groundbreaking A17, a semi-auto rimfire rifle chambered in the speedy .17 HMR, the company has been building on that design. This past year, the manufacturer added two new Target models of the A17, as well as a .22 Magnum version, dubbed the A22 Magnum.
Something that has been missing in the A Series line, as some might have noticed, is a model chambered in the ubiquitous .22 LR. Savage has now officially addressed that vacancy with the addition of its new A22 rifle chambered in .22 LR.
The new Savage A22 shares the same modern and functional aesthetic as its predecessor but comes in a caliber that is more widely available and affordable to a broader range of shooters. The rifle use a smooth, straight blowback action that feeds a diverse array of .22 LR ammo reliably, and its receiver is machined using a single billet of case-hardened steel instead of the traditional die-cast construction found on many rimfires.
Like previous A Series rifles, the Savage A22 utilizes the same thread-in headspace system as the company’s excellent centerfire rifles. It also uses a similar, flush-fit, 10-round rotary magazine that is one of the brand’s proprietary designs. A 25-round extended magazine will also be available as an aftermarket option, courtesy of a partnership between Savage and accessories manufacturer Butler Creek.
The new A22 features Savage’s excellent, user-adjustable AccuTrigger and a button-rifled, 22-inch carbon steel barrel, so accuracy on the gun should be quite good. The rifle ships with adjustable open steel sights, but it also comes drilled and tapped for those who wish to add an optic.
With its sturdy, yet lightweight synthetic stock, the new Savage A22 weighs in at about 5.63 pounds, which makes it a perfect option for carrying afield after small game. It has an overall length of 41.5 inches.
The MSRP on the new Savage A22 in .22 LR is currently listed at just $281, a bargain for rimfire fans or shooters in the market for a new semi-auto .22 LR rifle. For more information, visit the Savage Arms website.
There are many great optics choices designed to give you the edge in close-quarters engagements where seconds count.
Sometimes, speed matters. Whether your life is on the line or you simply like finding your target quickly and efficiently, you need a sight that finds the mark in an instant, every time. The good news is that you have lots of options. The bad news? There isn’t any.
Reflex sights and red dots alike are ideal choices for personal protection and competitive shooting, as well as military and law enforcement applications. They range in size and price, but make no mistake: They’ll all do what you ask them to when you need them most.
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the August 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Recently, Colt has made an effort to bolster its brand by increasing its presence in the competitive sector. It has done this, in part, by establishing a dedicated competitive unit under the banner of Team Colt, which includes well-known shooters Maggie Reese and Mark Redl.
During the recent IPSC Nationals, which took place September 17-18 in Frostproof, Florida, both Team Colt shooters had solid performances. Reese and Redl both placed in the elite competition, with Reese leaving with a win.
“We couldn’t be more honored by this performance,” said Paul Spitale, VP at Colt. “Team Colt is on the front lines of competitive shooting, championing the excellence that we strive for every day here at the Colt factory.”
Maggie Reese excelled during the event, placing first in the Ladies Class within the Classic Division. “I shot my 9mm Colt Government Model which is perfect for this division,” said Reese. “Shooting a minor caliber (such as 9mm) requires more focus on accuracy because of the scoring structure; consistent shot-placement is critical.”
Meanwhile, Mark Redl placed third in the Senior Class in Classic Division. “I used my off-the-shelf Colt Competition Pistol in 9mm for this match,” said Mark Redl, Team Colt Shooter and Product Manager at Colt. “This was the type of match I had in mind when we were in the design process for this pistol, and the performance I get from it is excellent.”
The competition was demanding, with plenty of Florida heat and a tough course of fire. Featuring shots on both paper and steel targets at distances over 20 yards, including penalty and moving targets, as well as awkward shooting positions and strong-hand/weak-hand scenarios, competitors faced many challenges during the course of competition.
The timer beeps, the adrenalin rushes, and the rounds find their mark. With thrills like that it’s no wonder pistol competitions are among the fastest growing facets of the firearm’s world. And Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Competitive Pistol Shooting arms shooters with the knowledge to get into the game. The comprehensive resource breaks down the most popular pistol events — IDPA, IPSC, Steel Challenge, GSSF, Bull’s Eye, Cowboy Action, Bianchi Cup and 3-Gun — to their bare essentials, giving shooters a solid grasp of what it takes to set their sights on gold. Get Your Copy
When it was released in late 2015 ahead of the annual SHOT Show, it was readily apparent that the American Pistol would be a big ticket item for Ruger. The full-size, striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol offered a lot in terms of features and performance, and it came in an ergonomic design, all for an MSRP south of $600. It was designed based on law enforcement and military input and was built to be both incredibly rugged and unquestionably reliable.
It’s probably safe to say that many in the industry were confident this wasn’t a standalone design, but rather the first in a new family of pistols. As it turns out, Ruger did not disappoint.
The American manufacturer has announced the addition of a brand new Compact model of the Ruger American Pistol. Chambered in 9mm Luger and available in both Manual Safety and Pro model configurations without a manual safety, the new Ruger American Compact pistol has been built with a more concealable profile tailored for those who carry.
This new American Pistol utilizes a slightly shorter, 3.55-inch barrel as opposed to the standard, duty-sized 4.20-inch barrel, and it shaves off 1.25 ounces of weight, going from 30 ounces down to 28.75 ounces with an empty magazine. Overall dimensions on the new Ruger American Compact pistol are 6.65 inches in length, 1.40 inches in width, and 4.48 inches in height. That takes about 0.85 inches off the overall length and 1.12 inches off the height, while leaving the width unchanged when compared to the standard American Pistol.
Much of the rest of the pistol is similar to its older, larger sibling, including the recoil-reducing barrel cam that disperses recoil over time, the low-mass slide, and a naturally low bore axis for better balance and recoil management. The Ruger American Compact also features the same pre-tensioned striker-fire system and wrap-around modular grip system. As with the American, it is also constructed on a rigid, one-piece, precision-machined, black nitrided, stainless steel chassis incorporating integral frame rails and the fire control housing.
The new Ruger American Compact comes with Novak LoMount Carry three-dot iron sights and a mil-spec 1913 Picatinny accessory rail. The gun ships in a durable hard case along with small, medium, and large replaceable grips, as well as two nickel-teflon plated steel magazines – one, a 17-round extended magazine and the other, a 12-round compact magazine. Versions with 10-round magazines are also available.
The Ruger American Compact pistol carries the same MSRP as the duty-sized American: $579. It is currently only available in 9mm Luger.
Specifications:
Ruger American Compact Pistol Type: Striker-fired semi-auto Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 3.55 in. Overall Length: 6.65 in. Overall Height: 4.48 in. Overall Width: 1.40 in. Weight: 28.75 oz. Slide: Stainless steel, black nitride finish Frame: Glass-filled nylon, black Trigger: Pre-tensioned, striker-fired Sights: Novak LoMount Carry three-dot Magazine Capacity: 17+1 rounds (10 and 12 rounds) MSRP: $579 Manufacturer: Ruger; Ruger.com
Here’s a look at some of the top hunting gear this year.
As any experienced hunter can attest, there’s a lot the deer and elk woods can throw at you. From inclement weather and nefarious insects to long-distance meat hauls and the exploration of vast and unfamiliar terrain, there’s a lot to prepare for before you head out after your meat. If you hold as dearly to the Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared,” as I do, then it’s worth considering as many needs as possible that you’ll face off grid and in chase of game. Fortunately, there’s more gear solutions than ever; the only challenge is sifting through them all to find the true winners.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, which certainly holds true when it comes to outdoor and hunting gear. Based on decades of time spent afield, and with plenty of real-world experience testing the best and worst gear, I’ve compiled a list of hunting gear that’s both essential and the best in class for you this fall. So read up, gear up, and get after it!
OnXMaps Hunt Of all the gear I can’t live without, my Garmin 64ST with the OnXMaps Hunt chip is at the very top of the list. The same goes for the iPhone Hunt App, which now syncs with OnXMaps’ new online platform and overlays satellite imagery with public and private land sections (also available on iPad). OnXMaps gives you the confidence to negotiate tracts of land you’d otherwise ignore for fear of trespassing, and it enables you to scout new and unfamiliar territory. The program also displays the names of private landowners, state wildlife areas and BLM roads. The Hunt App runs $29.99 annually, syncs with the online platform, and allows you to map out routes, drop waypoints and save maps to your phone for offline viewing (even when you don’t have service, the GPS in your phone will show your location on the offline maps). The hunt chip for a GPS unit runs $99, with a $30 fee for an annual update (purchased separately). OnXMaps is quite simply the most useful tool in my hunting toolbox. (HuntingGPSMaps.com; GPS chip $99; App $29).
SPOT Gen3 As Outdoor Life’s annual survival issue makes clear, getting stuck out in the wilderness by yourself in an emergency situation is thrilling to read about but something we’d never want to experience personally. Because I often hunt or scout remote locations by myself, I don’t leave home without my SPOT Gen3 device, which allows me to send messages to friends or alert emergency personnel via satellite if things go south. I can even set the device to track my progress in different time intervals, and my wife can follow my route via the SPOT app on her smartphone. The device also allows you to send a couple of different pre-programmed messages along with your current location—you can let a friend know everything is OK, request non-emergency help, or let your wife know you’ll be late packing out elk quarters. (FindMeSpot.com; Gen3 $170, service charges vary)
Sitka Big Game Gear Serious hunting calls for serious clothing, and no one has mastered hardcore adventure hunt wear like Sitka. The company has mastered the concept of a clothing system, each of which is built for every season and the continually changing climate you might experience in a single day in the elements. Two of its best pieces of gear are the Dewpoint jacket and pant, incredibly packable Gortex rainwear that weigh right around 20 ounces. For day hunts, the Ascent 12 pack is remarkably lightweight and sturdy. It has a bow tie-down system and side straps, plus a hydration sleeve and 1,200 cubic inches of storage. When the late season hits and you need waterproofing with extreme insulation, the Coldfront GTX glove is almost impossible to beat. High-grip leather palms ensure you won’t lose your hold on the mountain. (SitkaGear.com; Dewpoint Jacket $399, pant $369; Ascent 12 Pack $169; Coldfront glove $149).
Primos Sonic Dome Calls & Trigger Sticks When it comes to speaking the language, nobody does it quite like Primos. From whitetail to elk, Primos calls have always been among the best in the business. For calling in elk, the Sonic Dome mouth calls are in a league of their own. The dome allows you to keep pressure on the diaphragm without collapsing the call on the roof of your mouth, and the sounds they produce for cow, calf, satellite bull and bugle are phenomenal. The Mini Dome three pack ($15) features three of Primos’ best mouth calls, and for bugling I utilize the Terminator System ($40) with the same diaphragm calls. When rifle season rolls around, my go-to set of shooting sticks is the Jim Shockey Trigger Stick Gen 2 tripod. With a squeeze of the “trigger” on the grip, the gravity-powered legs extend out to fit the contour of whatever ground you’re standing on. They are incredibly sturdy and feature a rubber-padded, V-shaped rest for the stock of your rifle. The sticks aren’t exactly cheap, but they are vital to my hunt. (Primos.com; Sonic Dome three pack $15; Terminator Elk System $40; Trigger Stick Gen 2 $195)
Lowa Bighorn Hunter G3 GTX It’s absolutely essential to protect your feet when you’re churning out mile after mile in rugged country, which is why I’ve always invested in the best boots I could afford. No company has earned my trust more than Lowa, which has a reputation for industry-leading construction and award-winning boot designs. The Bighorn Hunter G3 GTX is perfect for nasty country and late season hunts, giving you the kind of rigid foot bed and supportive upper that deliver superior performance on steep slopes and in cold weather. The boot features 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, a Gore-Tex lining and ultra-durable Nubuck leather upper with a rubber rand that adds optimal protection against rocks and debris. The Bighorn Hunter isn’t light (67 ounces), but it’s my go-to workhorse when chasing down and packing out meat in mountainous terrain. (LowaBoots.com; Bighorn Hunter G3 GTX $460)
Tenzing CF13 Carbon Fiber Frame Pack System A frame pack that weighs just 3 pounds and can carry more than 100 times its own weight? You’ve got my attention. Tenzing’s CF13 pack features a carbon fiber frame with detachable top fanny and main cargo bag with 11 compartments and pockets, making it a completely modular solution for hunters hauling out meat or hanging treestands in the whitetails woods. The pack accommodates a 3-liter water bladder and has a fully adjustable suspension system and waist belt for heavy loads and multi-day pack trips. It’s not a stretch to call the CF13 the ultimate in frame pack systems. (TenzingOutdoors.com; CF13 Pack $900)
Montana Decoy RMEF Cow Elk Decoy I’ve gotten my fair share of critical remarks for hauling around elk decoys, but I’ll gladly take the heat because they flat out work. Nobody builds a packable, life-like decoy quite like Montana Decoy, which is why I’ve been relying on them for years. One of the best new models is the RMEF Cow Elk, which folds down in about two seconds and fits on the back of my pack. Two lightweight poles stake into the ground and hold the decoy upright. Once the calling starts and that bull sees the decoy, it’s game over. (MontanaDecoy.com; RMEF Cow $110)
GSI Pinnacle Dualist Cookset & Microlite 500 Vacuum Bottle No companion sees more time in the truck with me scouting the early mornings and late nights than the Microlite 500 from GSI. A stainless constructed, vacuum-sealed bottle means you can throw it in a pack or on the ATV and not worry about spillage even on the bumpiest of roads, and your coffee is still hot hours later. At less than 8 ounces it’s amazingly light and features a locking, push-button lid. It’ll hold 500 ml of fluid, or roughly 16 ounces. When it comes time to fix a quick breakfast on the tailgate, heat up some quick road tea or lunch around the campfire, the Pinnacle Dualist two-person cookset is a nimble and packable game changer. A high-efficiency, 8,768-BTU burner boils water in no time, and all of it packs down into a miniscule single pouch that includes two bowls, Foons (fork spoon), two insulated cups and a windscreen. Throw in your go back, truck or backcountry pack and you’ve got meals in a hurry. (GSIOutdoors.com; Microlite 500 $25; Pinnacle Dualist $110)
Lander Cascade Power Bank When you’re perched on a mountain running OnXMaps on your smartphone, or sitting in a treestand conquering Candy Crush while that king of bucks keeps you waiting, you can never have enough backup juice for your electronic device. Enter Lander’s Cascade power bank, which provides 5,200 mAh of power and about two full charges and comes in a portable, rugged body with lanyard for easy stowing. The power bank features micro and full-size USB ports and LED power indicators with Smart Charge Technology so you get the most out of your charge for extended outdoor excursions. (Lander.com; $50)
Blackhawk YOMP Pack When you spend the entire fall chasing game through the woods, no item is more pivotal than your backpack. One of my favorite packs of all time is Blackhawk’s YOMP pack, which is available in black or camo and is constructed with 500 denier nylon for extreme durability. It comes with a water pouch that will accommodate a 100-ounce bladder, a main pocket with internal mesh pouches, and two sizeable side pouches for stowing field gear. My favorite part is the rigid mesh frame that provides stability and lumbar support for the days when your load is stout, as well as the ergonomically designed shoulder and waist straps that fit more like a full-size pack rather than a cheap day bag. This is a serious pack for serious hunters. (Blackhawk.com; Multi-Cam $255)
Editor’s Note: A portion of this hunting gear guide was featured in the October 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
With the election season just around the corner, gun rights are, or should be, on the minds of most shooters. Guns and gun control, among other issues, have been widely discussed in the years and months leading up to the 2016 presidential election, especially given some of the tragic events of recent years, such as the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and Aurora, Colorado.
In the aftermath of these events, the discussion surrounding firearms in the U.S. reached a fever pitch, and the topic has remained in the forefront of public discussion since, with many opposed to guns calling for increased gun control. It was in the context of this politically charged public discourse that Jesse Winton decided to create a documentary to get to the heart of the gun control debate and why the right to bear arms is such a crucial aspect of a free society.
Winton’s documentary, “Targeted: Exposing the Gun Control Agenda,” premiered in a special one-night event on September 29 at a host of theaters across the country. An encore theater showing will occur in 35+ locations on Wednesday, October 12, with a complete list becoming available soon on the film’s website. The DVD and Digital HD release of the documentary will occur on November 1st.
Gun Digest was fortunate enough to chat with Winton, who was both the writer and director for “Targeted,” to ask about the film and what inspired him to undertake the project. Watch the film’s official trailer above, and check out our Q&A with Winton below to learn more about this important look at gun rights and freedom in America.
Editor’s Note: Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Gun Digest: Where did your interest in film and documentaries begin?
Jesse Winton: I got interested in film when I was about 12 years old. I really started to get involved and began studying filmmaking and the art and the process. Documentaries are a really great way to start in film. You learn how to piece the story together, how to find a story that you want to tell and how to tell it.
As far as “Targeted” specifically, I worked on a documentary when I was 18 or 19 years old that a friend of mine was producing. It was a political documentary on environmentalism, and around that time, I really wasn’t all that politically savvy or politically motivated. But as a result of working on this documentary, I really started to follow politics and the important issues of the day.
So when the time came to put together a project of my own, after seeing the headlines and following the news for quite a while, I was really seeing how important gun control was, how regularly it was discussed, how big of an issue it was to the political dialogue of the day. I figured there was a really great topic there in talking about this issue and how it relates to government and how it relates to what our country looks like right now.
GD: How did you get started with shooting?
JW: Interestingly enough, I’m not really an avid shooter. I own guns. I have them, and I know how to shoot. I shoot off and on. My cousin is big into shooting. My uncle’s big into shooting. My dad really enjoys shooting. So I go and shoot with them every once in a while.
But for me, this project was more motivated by the political side of it and in really studying the politics of gun control and seeing the continual slide that we’ve had toward more and more government control. I really wanted to look at this issue from the perspective of how it relates to government and how the politics of gun control affect who we are today. So for me, it was less about the guns themselves or about really being inspired because of a love for guns or shooting sports, and it was more about seeing how important this issue is to who we are as Americans and trying to get to the heart of that.
GD: Why did you decide to embark on this particular project? What made you decide this was necessary and something you had to do?
JW: You know, you look through the writings of America’s founding fathers and you see—specifically, if you look at their writings on the importance of a free society being armed—how foundational the right to bear arms is to maintaining our freedom. Someone once said, “I was once asked, ‘if I had to choose between the first amendment and the second amendment, which one would I choose,’ and I told them I’d pick the second amendment, carry a gun, and say whatever I want.” That’s obviously tongue and cheek. It’s meant to be somewhat satirical, but the idea that’s there I think is really important, that a free people maintain their freedoms.
Obviously, the ability to vote, the fact that we live in a democracy—those are big in maintaining freedom—but at the end of the day, the foundational freedom that holds up all the rest that we’re guaranteed in the bill of rights…they’re all propped up by the second amendment and our ability to defend ourselves from tyranny. And if you look through the founders’ writings, they were very clear on the purpose of the second amendment. The purpose of an armed populace was to keep from being put into the type of situation that they had just spent 10, 15 years of their lives fighting and dying and bleeding for, which was to free themselves from a tyrannical government.
They wanted people to be able to be free, they wanted people to be able to defend themselves from tyranny, and they wanted people to understand the purpose of being armed, which is maintaining freedom. So that was the motivation for me behind making “Targeted,” being able to talk about the slide that we’re seeing toward more government control and a more socialistic, totalitarian status shift and mindset, and talk about that issue and how it relates to our right to bear arms and our right to keep ourselves free.
GD: In the course of the film, you speak with a lot of big names in politics and within the gun industry. What was that like, and how important were those people to some of the insights you developed?
JW: Obviously, it was a really great experience being able to talk with people who have spent their lives in politics. People like Mike Huckabee. I have so much respect for Senator Rand Paul as well, Thomas Massie. It was an incredible opportunity being able to speak with them.
Aside from the obvious intellectual aspects of the issue we were discussing, I think what I walked away with was a real sense of hope for the fact that there are still good people in government. There are still good people trying to fight for America and the American legacy, to fight for freedom. Speaking with these people that are part of government, that work in government, and that have a very good mindset on it was really encouraging to me.
I think people can take hope in the fact that, while we are dealing with a lot of difficult issues we haven’t had to deal with before as a nation, we also have a lot of really strong, principled people in government that are working for the constitution, and they’re working for maintaining that freedom and maintaining civil liberty. So, in that regard, speaking with those people really gave me a sense of hope.
GD: It seems like a recurring them throughout the film relates to the underlying ideals of freedom and liberty being very much intertwined with gun rights. Could you talk a little more about that?
JW: Yeah, so if you think about the first battle in the American War for Independence at Lexington and Concord, the British army was coming to Lexington and Concord because the colonists had stockpiled guns and ammunition there. The British army was coming to confiscate those. So, you look at that situation, and what that proves is that the British army understood they had to be able to disarm those colonists. They could not subjugate the colonists if they were armed because they would be able to defend themselves.
The very first battle in the war for independence was fought, on a very basic level, over gun control. The founders really understood that, and obviously, the British army understood that. So, this aspect of being able to be free and being able to maintain freedom was something the founders really wanted to guarantee to us, which they did through the bill of rights.
There’s this prevailing idea that gets pumped out by people in the media and by people that are, I think, woefully misinformed, that the second amendment is only there to maintain either the right of a militia or the right of people to own guns to be able to hunt and participate in shooting sports. I think that’s absolutely ludicrous. When you look at the writings of the founders and how clear they were on one—the individual’s right to own a gun—and two—the people’s right as a whole to be able to defend themselves from tyranny—I think that completely blows the idea that the second amendment is there for something other than self defense and defense from government out of the water.
The way it relates to freedom is just, at its core, our ability as a free people to be able to keep ourselves free by keeping the government in check. It’s all part of the checks and balances that we have as part of our system of government.
GD: Have people become too detached or distant from the struggles that led to the freedoms and liberties that our country enjoys, and how does that relate to the movement for gun control?
JW: I think a lot of people have become very passive. We have taken our government for granted. We have taken our society, our culture for granted. There’s an attitude of: “This is who we are. This is America. So we don’t really have to work to maintain it.” And I think that what we’re seeing is the result of that.
We’re seeing a lack of information, a lack of people that are really informed, and we’re seeing a lot of people that are very easily swayed by public opinion. They’re easily swayed by emotion. They’re easily swayed by media.
So we’ve lost that sense, fundamentally, of who we are and what America was created to be, which was a free society. I think there’s a lot of people that have forgotten the amount of sacrifice that has been made in the past in order to maintain the freedoms that we enjoy now, and we’ve taken that freedom for granted.
A lot of that is due to media, it’s due to education, and it’s due to the fact that we generally have become somewhat apathetic. We’ve failed to care about the things that we need to care about.
When the Kardashians are more important to a lot of people, or they know more about the Kardashians than they do about American history, that’s a problem. I sincerely believe that this obsession we have developed with pop culture that has taken people and put them into somewhat of a tabloid mindset has completely diminished our ability to think critically about important issues. And it causes us to slide toward this type of society that we’re dealing with, which is a one that’s forgotten the importance of freedom.
GD: In the film, one of the places you travel to is Switzerland, which is another country that has a large gun culture. What was that like, and how was their gun culture similar to or different than ours?
JW: Their gun culture is similar in that it is very ingrained in who they are as the Swiss people. It’s very much a part of the fabric of their history, which I think is the same in a lot of places in the United States.
The way it’s very different and the way that it’s very unique is there’s not a prevailing view that guns are just inherently bad, an attitude that many people in America have. Over in Switzerland, they’re not seen this way. They have an understanding of guns as tools. They have an understanding that guns have a very specific purpose, and they use them for that purpose. They use them very responsibly. But it’s also a very social thing for them.
I had an opportunity to shoot in two of their shooting festivals. It’s the equivalent of a county fair in the United States. There’s people, there’s beer, there’s good food, there’s music, and it’s like the community coming together for one passion, which is being able to shoot. Obviously, it’s a celebration of the sport of shooting, but it’s a very different prevailing national attitude toward guns in Switzerland.
GD: What do you hope people take away from watching this documentary?
JW: I’m really hoping that what “Targeted” does is open up a dialogue on the issue in a different way. Obviously, it’s an issue that’s been talked about, and it’s regularly discussed, but I think one of the big problems that’s facing America is that we’ve lost our ability to have civil dialogue about important issues. We become so ingrained within our own mindset and our own ideas that we don’t engage with people with other ideas than ours.
I don’t think its deliberate that people only want to talk with people that have the same ideas. I think it’s just kind of a natural thing. We associate with people that think like us. But when there are discussions on these issues, I think they have a tendency to be uncivil. They have a tendency to slide away from just discussing the logic and discussing the facts and can turn into more emotional discussions, and we lose the civility.
So, I’m hoping that “Targeted” will:
Bring more attention to the agenda
Will be able to open a dialogue and start civil discussions on this issue
Will really inspire people to get involved and to really care
The conclusion that we draw in this film is that the issue of gun control is not only about guns. This whole thing is about freedom. That’s really what it comes down to.
Guns are a piece of that—a huge piece of that. But at the end of the day, this issue relates to freedom, and that’s what it needs to come back to fundamentally, our understanding that we are free, we were created to be free, and we need to maintain that.
Offering hunters a lightning-quick cycling motion and impressive accuracy, the Blaser Professional S is a no-frills, high-performance straight-pull rifle.
Ever since 1993 when Blaser introduced the world to its innovative R93 rifle, the company has been known for its finely crafted and highly functional straight-pull bolt-action rifles. Over the years, the German firearms manufacturer’s R93 and more recent R8 series of straight-pull rifles have become some of the most popular choices for European hunters. Although Blaser rifles have never been quite as popular here in the States, they are fantastic bolt guns that allow for incredibly rapid follow-ups, and more and more American hunters have taken notice.
Today, the original R93 design is more than 20 years old, and while Blaser still includes the R93 in its product offerings, most of the company’s recent efforts have been focused on the R8 line. The most recent R8 model, the R8 Professional S, comes with many of the same great features as other guns in the line but addresses one of the most common criticisms of Blaser rifles: price.
With most of Blaser’s rifles approaching or exceeding $4,000, many American hunters are simply unwilling to spend that much on a hunting rifle, especially one with an unfamiliar action and name. The new Professional S, while still relatively expensive for the average hunter at $2,895, offers a more affordable way to get into a quality Blaser straight-pull rifle.
Streamlined Straight-Pull
So, just how were the engineers at Blaser able to knock almost $1,000 off the final price of this new rifle? The answer is they simply eliminated one aspect common to other R8 models, the removable trigger/magazine housing. Previous rifles in the R8 line have incorporated this feature, which allows users to remove the trigger/magazine housing for safe storage or for traveling purposes.
While this is a nice feature, it’s also something many shooters can certainly live without. In place of the removable housing, the new R8 Professional S has a fixed magazine/trigger unit. This forces shooters to feed the rifle from the top, but other than that it has no appreciable effect on the gun. Most American shooters are used to a fixed unit anyway.
Like prior R8 rifles, at the heart of the Professional S is Blaser’s revolutionary radial locking system. The straight-pull bolt-action rifle has been around since just before the turn of the 20th century in the form of rifles like Ferdinand Mannlicher’s M1895, the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin and the Canadian Ross rifle, but this groundbreaking locking system is what truly separates Blaser’s straight pulls from all the rest.
It works as a set of splines, each of which incorporate a slight bulge at their forward end, form a radial locking lug that interlocks with the barrel. The barrel itself has a groove inside that facilitates this, and the result is a 360-degree lock-up. The bolt slides forward and backward (into and out of lock-up) along rails machined into the stock; there is no rotation in this process at all.
This system permits a very modular design that is a cinch to assemble and disassemble in the field or at home, and obviously an action that is quite smooth and fast cycling.
All parts are more or less self-contained on the R8 Professional S. The barrel drops easily into the stock; two threaded studs, which engage with two captive Allen-head nuts in the stock, hold the barrel in place. Meanwhile, the stock and fixed magazine/trigger housing are completely separate from the bolt and barrel. The bolt itself is essentially a single unit that slides off the stock in seconds with the push of a button.
This allows for rapid caliber interchangeability. If a shooter has another barrel and a bolt with a correctly sized bolt head, the rifle can be quickly reconfigured. The R8 Professional S is available from .222 Remington up to .375 H&H (a .300 Win. Mag. was reviewed), which affords the hunter plenty of options for taking game both large and small.
Another useful feature on the rifle is its manual cocking lever, which rests atop the bolt assembly and also serves as a decocker. When pushed forward, a red indicator shows the rifle is ready to fire and the action is unlocked. In the rearward position, the rifle is decocked and safe; the action is closed and can only be opened again by applying slight forward pressure to the cocking lever before sliding open the action. This is helpful for field use as the hunter can lock the action to prevent it from being accidentally opened while retaining the ability to fire quickly if needed.
The rifle’s stock is a rugged synthetic design with elastomer inlays around the grip and forend for added comfort and control. A rubber buttpad is also included, an added benefit for magnum calibers, especially given the relatively light weight of the rifle at 7 pounds 4 ounces.
Like other R8 models, the Professional S also comes with notches cut into the barrel, which permits the use of Blaser’s unique and highly effective quick-detach optics mount. This combination is a brilliant system that allows for confident removal and reattachment of the scope without losing zero, a plus for traveling hunters.
Range Performance
Testing of the R8 Professional S was conducted with Meopta’s MeoStar R2 1-6×24 RD scope and four different loads: Winchester’s 180-grain Ballistic Silvertip and 150-grain Deer Season XP, and Hornady’s 180-grain American Whitetail and the new 200-grain Precision Hunter ELD-X. Data was acquired from three, three-shot groups for each load taken at 100 yards using a Caldwell Matrix rest from Brownells. Velocities were taken with a ProChrono chronograph, also from Brownells.
I was able to achieve the best group overall with Winchester’s Deer Season XP at .90 inches; however, the best average group went to Hornady’s ELD-X at 1.4 inches. The ELD-X bullet was impressive, with two of three holes touching in each of the groups. I suspect a steadier hand could’ve punched a few ragged three-hole groups. That being said, the rifle was fairly accurate with all tested loads, with best groups for most hovering around MOA.
As with any Blaser, the barrel is a quality one capable of excellent accuracy, so long as the shooter can deliver. The trigger is equally impressive with a light, sharp and clean break at 2½ pounds, and the stock is comfortable and won’t beat you up, even with a magnum caliber such as the .300 Win. Mag.
Parting Shots
Blaser has been a major player in straight-pulls since its R93, and the R8 Professional S is no less spectacular in design or performance. Every feature elevates the abilities and comfort of hunters in the field. The Professional S retains most of the R8 line’s modularity and interchangeability, with the exception of the removable trigger/magazine assembly. Because of its straight-pull action, cycling is smooth, fast and a joy to those accustomed to traditional bolt guns. The Blaser name and action may be unfamiliar to many American hunters, but its performance should not be overlooked, and now that the company has a more affordable version, it may be a bit more accessible.
Specifications:
Blaser Professional S Type: Straight-pull bolt action Caliber: .300 Win. Mag. (as tested) Barrel: 25.7 in. Twist: 1:10 in. Trigger: 2.5 lbs. Magazine: Internal, 3+1 capacity Stock: Black Synthetic, elastomer inlays Overall Length: 43.3 in. Weight: 7 lbs., 4 oz. Price: $2,895 Manufacturer: Blaser USA
Ruger is well known and well respected for its vast and diverse line of rimfire guns. The manufacturer’s 10/22 is without question one of the most ubiquitous .22 rimfire rifles in the shooting world, and Ruger has a ton of of other impressive rimfire options.
One of these is the classic Mark series of .22 LR rimfire pistols, which have been more or less in production since the company’s Standard pistol was introduced in 1949. Since that time there have been many additions and enhancements to the traditional design, as can be seen with the Mark I, Mark II and Mark III pistols that have followed.
Now, the U.S. manufacturer has announced the release of its brand new Ruger Mark IV pistol, which features several improvements over the previous Mark III, including a one-button takedown for simple field stripping and cleaning. The gun has a recessed button in the back of the frame, which permits the upper receiver to tilt up and off the grip frame without using tools. Then the bolt can slide freely out of the receiver.
Takedown on the new Ruger Mark IV pistol occurs, literally, with a simple push of a button, allowing the shooter to separate the upper from the grip frame.
“We are thrilled to be introducing what we consider to be a monumental improvement to this iconic pistol that has been with Ruger from the start,” said Ruger President and COO Chris Killoy. “This one-button takedown alleviates the headache that our Mark III owners are all too familiar with, and we anticipate the Mark IV pistols being some of the cleanest rimfires at the range.”
The new Ruger Mark IV pistol also features an improved one-piece grip frame precision CNC-machined from solid stainless steel or aluminum, depending on the model. Ergonomic improvements include an ambidextrous manual safety and a redesigned bolt stop.
Each new Ruger Mark IV is built with Ruger’s excellent one-piece barreled receiver and internal cylindrical bolt construction. The Mark IV drops magazines freely when they are released, and the guns utilize a newly designed magazine disconnect safety to prevent firing when the magazine is removed. Other internal improvements consist of changes to the hammer, sear, bolt and firing pin for more reliable feeding and smoother operation.
Initially, there will be three different models of the new Ruger Mark IV available to shooters: Mark IV Target Blued, Mark IV Target Stainless, and Mark IV Hunter. Pricing on these new Ruger Mark IV pistols ranges from $529 to $769, depending on the model.
For more information, check out the specifications for each pistol below, or visit Ruger’s website to learn more.
Specifications:
Ruger Mark IV Target Blued Caliber: .22 LR Barrel: 5.5 in., bull Twist: 1:16 in. Overall Length: 9.75 in. Height: 5.5 in. Width: 1.2 in. Weight: 35.6 oz. Grip Frame: Aluminum Grips: Checkered synthetic Finish: Blued Front Sight: Fixed iron Rear Sight: Adjustable Capacity: 10 MSRP: $529
Ruger Mark IV Target Stainless Caliber: .22 LR Barrel: 5.5 in., bull Twist: 1:16 in. Overall Length: 9.75 in. Height: 5.5 in. Width: 1.2 in. Weight: 42.8 oz. Grip Frame: Stainless Steel Grips: Checkered synthetic Finish: Satin Stainless Front Sight: Fixed iron Rear Sight: Adjustable Capacity: 10 MSRP: $689
Ruger Mark IV Hunter Caliber: .22 LR Barrel: 6.88 in., fluted bull Twist: 1:16 in. Overall Length: 11.12 in. Height: 5.5 in. Width: 1.2 in. Weight: 44 oz. Grip Frame: Stainless Steel Grips: Checkered synthetic Finish: Satin Stainless Front Sight: Fiber optic Rear Sight: Adjustable Capacity: 10 MSRP: $769
Thompson/Center Arms has issued a recall on all T/C Compass bolt-action rifles manufactured prior to September 16, 2016. According to a safety recall notice distributed by the manufacturer, it has identified a condition that may exist in some Compass rifles, which might result in unsafe conditions.
The notice states that “there may be some instances, depending on the height and position of the rifle and other factors, where a chambered round may fire if the firearm is dropped with the safety in the fire position.” As a result of this, Thompson/Center Arms is instituting this recall in order to address the issue.
The company advises owners of Compass rifles to immediately “Stop using your rifle and return it to Thompson/Center at once.”
In order to facilitate the inspection and repair of rifles, Thompson/Center Arms is asking owners to contact the manufacturer at 855-512-5935. There, owners will receive instructions and a pre-paid shipping label for returning the rifle. Thompson/Center Arms states it will repair the rifle at no cost to the owner and will return it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The manufacturer has created a website (https://compassrecalltcarms.com) where owners can find additional information regarding the recall. However, if there are any questions about the recall, Thompson/Center Arms encourages owners to call the number listed above.
The new FN 15 Tactical .300 BLK rifle represents FN America’s first foray into a factory-produced rifle chambered in the popular .300 BLK.
FN America released several new products for 2016, particularly in terms of AR-style rifles. The manufacturer introduced its Military Collector series, which consisted of semi-auto versions of classic military designs like the M16, M4 Carbine and M249 SAW, and its new FN 15 Competition rifle, a race-ready rifle purpose built for the competitor.
In addition to these, the company also introduced a new version of its FN 15 Tactical rifle, this one chambered in the increasingly popular .300 Blackout (.300 BLK) cartridge. Initially developed at the request of the military to offer performance akin to the Soviet 7.62x39mm out of an AR-platform rifle, the .300 BLK has become much more widespread in recent years, especially with those using heavier, subsonic loads paired with an effective suppressor.
The new FN 15 Tactical .300 BLK rifle represents the first FN produced rifle to be chambered in .300 BLK straight from the factory and comes with the same great features that shooters have come to expect from FN’s AR-style rifles. The rifle ships with FN’s quality 16-inch, alloy-steel, cold-hammer forged barrel, which features a 1:7 inch twist. The barrel is also chrome lined and free floated and comes with a Surefire ProComp 762 muzzle brake.
The gun utilizes a carbine-length gas system with a low-profile gas block. Receivers are hard anodized aluminum, and the upper is a flat-top design with a Picatinny rail along the 12 o’clock position for mounting optics and accessories. The handguard is a Midwest Industries LWM 12-inch, which features a slim profile with M-LOK attachment points.
The FN 15 Tactical .300 BLK is also loaded up with Magpul furniture and accessories. The rifle is equipped with an MOE SL stock and an MOE grip, and the gun ships with Magpul MBUS flip-up sights.
The new FN 15 Tactical .300 BLK is available for $1,479 and comes with a 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine. For more information, visit FN America’s website.
Colt has a long and respected history with the U.S. military. It produced hundreds of thousands of M1911A1 pistols for the military during World War II, an equally impressive amount of M16 rifles during the Vietnam War, and produced the M4 Carbine for the military exclusively for a number of years.
Given this background, it’s no surprise that the manufacturer would turn to advisors with military and training experience when it comes to the development and production of new firearms. This is why Colt has sought out some of the most accomplished professionals in the industry to form what it calls the Colt Combat Unit.
Take a look below for more information on the individuals comprising the Colt Combat Unit:
Ken Hackathorn Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Certified Deputy Sheriff with Washington County SO, Ohio, and a SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT.
Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.
Daryl Holland Daryl Holland is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major with over 20 years of active duty experience, 17 of those years in Special Operations. Five years with the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and 12 years in the 1st SFOD-Delta serving as an Assaulter, Sniper, Team Leader, and OTC Instructor.
He has conducted several hundred combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Philippines, and the Mexican Border. He has conducted combat missions in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush Mountains as a Sniper and experienced Mountaineer to the streets of Baghdad as an Assault Team Leader.
He has a strong instructor background, started as an OTC instructor and since retiring training law abiding civilians, Law Enforcement, U.S. Military, and foreign U.S. allied Special Operations personnel from around the world.
Mike Pannone Mike Pannone is a former operational member of U.S. Marine Reconnaissance, Army Special Forces (Green Beret) and 1st SFOD-D (Delta) as well as a competition USPSA pistol shooter holding a Master class ranking in Limited, Limited-10 and Production divisions. He has participated in stabilization, combat and high-risk protection operations in support of U.S. policies throughout the world as both an active duty military member, and a civilian contractor.
Mike retired from 1st SFOD-D and worked as a Primary Firearms Instructor for the Federal Air Marshal Program in Atlantic City and the head in-service instructor for the Seattle field office of the FAMS. He also worked as an independent contractor and advisor for various consulting companies to include SAIC (PSD Iraq), Triple Canopy (PSD Iraq), and The Wexford Group (Counter IED ground combat advisor Iraq and pre-deployment rifle/pistol/tactics instructor for the Asymmetric Warfare Group). Mike was also the Senior Instructor for Viking Tactics (VTAC), and Blackheart International.
Mike is a certified FLETC Firearms Instructor, Federal Air Marshal Instructor, NRA Certified L/E Patrol Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun Instructor, Glock and Colt (AR15/M16/M4) armorer, and Simunition FX Scenario and safety Instructor. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington.
Mike trains vetted civilians, military, State, Federal and local Law Enforcement agencies, the result of which made CTT-Solutions a Small Business Achievement Awardee in 2010, the first year the company did business as a stand-alone entity. He has published 3 books and written numerous articles in magazines to include Shooters Magazine.com, Defense Review, and Recoil.
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
Honor Defense is a relative newcomer to the gun industry, and some may not be as familiar with the brand as other, more established names in the business. For those who don’t know, Honor Defense produces a quality line of 100-percent American-made pistols, which the company has fittingly called the Honor Guard series.
These pistols, although fairly new, have made a splash in the gun world due to their quality performance and affordable pricing. Now, the manufacturer has announced it has added a “Long Slide” version to its Honor Guard lineup, which features a slightly longer 3.8-inch barrel as opposed to the usual 3.2-inch barrel and, crucially, an integrated rail for attachments like a flashlight or laser sight.
“The Long Slide version has been a request from consumers since we first launched,” said Gary Ramey, President of Honor Defense. “A key benefit with the longer barrel is the integrated rail for lights or other accessories. The firearm features the same chassis system as the Sub-Compact; this highlights the modularity of our firearms.”
As with previous Honor Guard pistols, the new Honor Defense Long Slide versions incorporate a modular stainless steel chassis system, an ambidextrous slide catch and magazine release, snag-free iron sights and a crisp, 7-pound trigger with a short reset. Similarly, the Long Slide is a striker-fired design and utilizes the same custom-textured grip, which comes with two back strap options for shooters. It is also built to handle 9mm +P loads, just like the rest in the Honor Guard line.
The new Honor Defense Long Slide version of the Honor Guard is slated to begin shipping through distributors this month. For more information, visit the Honor Defense website.
Winchester introduced the .243 Winchester in 1955 for its Model 70 bolt-action and Model 88 lever-action rifles. Savage quickly adopted it for its Model 99 lever- and Model 110 bolt-action rifles. The .243 (6mm) Winchester is simply the .308 Winchester case necked down. Original development and publicity was due largely to one gun writer, the late Warren Page, who, along with other wildcatters, worked out a similar version before Winchester. The .243 is probably chambered in more different rifles than any other cartridge, except possibly the .30-06 Springfield. All other manufacturers of rifles offer this caliber. The .243 Winchester represents a successful effort to develop a light deer rifle caliber that could hold its own with the high-velocity .22s for long-range use on small targets and still be adequate for larger animals. The .243 does this job well. It eliminates the need to own two different rifles for anything from small game and pests up to and including deer and antelope. The 80-grain bullet is intended primarily for varmint and small game and the 100-grain bullet for deer-size animals. All major domestic and overseas manufacturers of commercial ammunition offer this caliber. Its popularity as a deer caliber has prevailed over its varmint capabilities.
Editor’s Note: This brief is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World 14th Edition.
DPMS GII rifles represent the perfect modern sporting rifles (MSRs) of the new millennium.
I’m shocked there hasn’t been more noise made about the DPMS GII rifles. They might be the most important step forward in personal long arms since the introduction of the Steyr Scout Rifle in 1997. I say this because the DPMS GII cuts the weight of the modern sporting rifle (MSR) chambered in .308 Winchester substantially. And, the GII offers some internal improvements over the mechanics of the AR-10.
Weight
A standard AR-10 chambered for the .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO in a carbine configuration will weigh about 9 pounds. The DPMS GII MOE and AP4 only weigh 7.25 pounds. That’s a 20 percent reduction! Now, you might not think a 9-pound rifle is all that heavy, but a rifle alone is of little value.
You’re going to need an optic and mounts. If you go with a conventional riflescope, that adds about a pound to the equation. And, lets not forget a magazine and ammunition; a loaded 20-round magazine is another 12 ounces and a serviceable sling, 6 ounces more. That works out to more than 2 pounds of attachments/accessories. Your 9-pound rifle now weighs 11 pounds plus. Spend a day afield or on the range with a 9-pounder and you’ll come to appreciate the GII more than a month’s worth of prepackaged Nutrisystem meals.
On the Inside
The weight savings comes from a reduction in size. You see, dimensionally, the only thing about the GII that’s larger than a common AR-15 is the magazine well. Standard MSR dimensions from the bore to the gas tube and from the bore to rail allow for compatibility with standard handguards intended for AR-15s chambered for the 5.56 NATO.
The external radial dimensions of the monolithic bolt carrier are for all practical purposes the same size as a bolt carrier from an AR-15. DPMS has also engineered a new extractor that utilizes an elastomer button as opposed to a spring. Through testing they found the elastomer button has a much longer life and was more reliable. Dual ejectors are another enhancement, and this reduces ejector spring fatigue and provides more reliable expulsion of empty cases.
Lots of Choices
DPMS offers seven GII variations. They’ve been smartly configured to meet most any need you could dream of for a .30-caliber, semi-automatic, personal weapon system. Although the configurations vary, they all retain the modularity and versatility of the AR platform, along with the new lightness and improved mechanics of the GII system.
DPMS GII AP4
The 16-inch barreled AP4 is one of the lightest and least expensive GIIs. It has a Glacier Guard handguard, a Magpul MOE rear sight, a fixed front sight, and a cancellation brake on the muzzle. It weighs only 7.25 pounds and has a suggested retail of $1,399.00.
DPMS GII MOE
The MOE is another lightweight GII from DPMS also weighing 7.25 pounds. The MOE is outfitted with a Magpul MOE butt stock, Magpul MOE grip, and Magpul MOE handguard. It too has the cancellation muzzle brake and retails for $1,499.00.
DPMS GII RECON
This 8.5-pound, 16-inch barreled carbine was designed with the warfighter in mind. It has a mid-length gas system, a six-position Magpul MOE stock, Magpul front and rear back-up sights, Magpul MOE grip, and a four-rail free-float tube. It comes standard with a two-stage trigger and sells for $1,659.00.
DPMS GII SASS
Built to replicate the original DPMS AR-10 SASS, the GII SASS is just as popular with law enforcement special operations units. It has an 18-inch, 416 stainless, fluted and Teflon-coated bull barrel, fitted with a mid-length gas block. It has a Magpul PRS rifle stock, Panther Tactical Grip, and it has a four-rail handguard topped off with Magpul front and rear BUIS. At 10.5 pounds, it is the heaviest GII, and at $2,279.00 it’s also the most expensive.
DPMS GII HUNTER
As you would expect, the Hunter model is intended for hunting. It has a lightweight 20-inch, 416 stainless, Teflon coated barrel with a 1:10-in.twist to handle big game bullets and keep velocities high. It has a carbon fiber, free-floating tube, a Magpul MOE stock, Hogue pistol grip, and a two-stage trigger. MSRP: $1,599.00.
DPMS GII COMPACT HUNTER
The Compact Hunter is similar to the Hunter but has a fluted, 16-inch, 416 stainless, Teflon-coated barrel with a 1:10-in. twist. The shortened barrel and complimenting free-float tube drops the weight from 7.76 pounds to an astonishingly light 6.9 pounds. This is unheard of for an AR in .308 Winchester. Suggested retail is $1,599.00, and it might be the best all-around GII offered.
DPMS GII BULL
This rifle is ideally configured for long-range shooters, whether they are after steel, critters or bad guys. It has a target-crowned, 24-inch, 416 stainless bull barrel, an aluminum free-float tube and a standard, non-adjustable, A2 Mil-Spec butt stock. It weighs in at 10 pounds and sells at a surprisingly affordable $1,299.00.
In the Field
I’ve fired about 800 rounds out of the GII platform in several variants. I’ve used it to take 15 whitetail deer, one wild boar and an elk. The deer were taken between 60 and 318 yards, the boar around 180 yards, and the elk at 340 yards. That’s 17 animals in 18 shots. All of the GIIs I’ve fired provided more precision than I was capable of realizing in field conditions, and I’ve never experienced a stoppage of any sort. I’ve shoved everything from cheap steel-cased ammo to Hornady Superformance loads through these rifles. The GII will run as smooth as grandpa’s push mower, will put bullets where you’re aiming, and yet are the MSRs of the new millennium.
For more information on the GII lineup from DPMS, visit the company’s website.
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from the August 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Smith & Wesson’s Schofield revolver has captured firearms enthusiasts’ imaginations since its inception and has played an impressive role in American history.
The Smith & Wesson Schofield (usually pronounced SKO-field rather than SHOW-field) revolver is probably the best known by the general public of any of the Model Threes, and the one most associated with the Old West in the collective American imagination. Such is its popularity that some gun enthusiasts who are not familiar with the older S&W’s will tend to call any large frame S&W top-break a “Schofield.” It has received some exposure in movie and TV westerns, most notably and recently in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven,” but also in earlier efforts such as “Nevada Smith,” “Trackdown,” and “Alias Smith & Jones.”
The Schofield revolver originated with the efforts of Col. George Schofield to improve the American Model Three for military usage. The American was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the military in 1870, with a purchase of 1,000. However, in 1874 the Army purchased 8,000 Colt Single Action Army models, noting a preference for their strength and simplicity. In Army tests of this era, S&W Americans and Russians passed the firing and functioning criteria, but were criticized for their complexity and number of parts. The greater ease and speed of reloading was noted, but was not given much credence as a tactical advantage. The Russian model was criticized for the awkwardness of its grip, hammer, and trigger-guard spur.
As early as 1871, Schofield had been working on improvements to the S&W American that he felt would render it more suitable for military usage. The most obvious of these consisted of changing the latch from barrel mounted to frame mounted. The Schofield model was tested and met with military approval. They requested that it be produced for the .45 Colt cartridge. S&W demurred, noting that the rim of the .45 Colt was inadequate for positive extraction in the S&W design, and no doubt considering that the cylinder and frame of the Model 3 would have to be lengthened to accommodate the long round. Instead, S&W offered to redesign the military cartridge to a .45-caliber round that would function in both types of revolvers. This was found acceptable, and 3,000 S&W Schofield’s were initially ordered in 1875. Further minor modifications were made, and an additional 5,000 in the Second Model configuration were delivered in 1877. By the end of 1877, the Army had purchased around 8,000 S&W Schofield’s, and around 15,000 Colt SAAs. A few guns were made for the civilian market, but the vast majority of Schofields were military guns.
Military Usage
Many Schofields were issued to active units, reportedly including the 4th, 9th, and 10th Cavalry. The 4th was involved in the Geronimo campaign. The 9th and 10th comprised the famous “Buffalo Soldiers” – African American troops stationed in the American Southwest. There they fought in the Indian Wars, including campaigns against the Apaches, and served in civil disturbances such as the Lincoln County War.
Other Schofields went to state militias. New York received 2,000 in 1877; Michigan 536 in 1878 and 1879; Indiana 300 in 1878 and 1879; Territory of Washington 180 in 1882 and 1891; California at least 100 and possibly 300 in 1880; Kansas 100 in 1879; West Virginia 79 in 1878; with lesser quantities going to Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee. Florida, Maine, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania received fewer than seven guns each. It’s probable that some of the guns sold to state militias had been previously issued to regular army units.
A Schofield revolver believed to have been used at the Battle of the Little Big Horn is owned by the Smithsonian Institution, although it has never been clear which side its owner was fighting on. After the annihilation of Custer and his men, there was some argument in print that the outcome might have been different had the troops been armed with Winchester repeaters and the fast loading Schofields instead of single-shot Trap doors and slow-reloading Peacemakers.
Col. Charles Pate, noted authority on S&W military revolvers, writes that the big S&W was still in use by regular army units as of 1887. Several Pate articles on Schofields will be found in the 25th Anniversary reprints of the SWCA Journal. Springfield Research Service reports that some Schofields were apparently still in service with volunteer units in 1898 during the Spanish American War. However, many had been retired earlier.
The Old West
Many of the surplus Schofield revolvers were purchased by dealers such as Bannerman and Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. They were then offered for sale, often with the barrel cut to a handier 5-inch length and the gun nickel plated to withstand the rigors of Western usage. The combination of quick reload-ability and big .45-caliber power made them popular with lawmen, outlaws, and others who were serious about their sidearms.
Schofield revolvers were reportedly favorites of the James Gang, with serial numbers 3444 and 5476 attributed to Frank James and serial number 2341 to Cole Younger. Jesse James carried serial number 366, and serial number 273 is reported to have been used by a James Gang member, possibly Jesse. Famous lawman Bill Tilghman and Frank McLowery of O.K. Corral fame are among others who are reported to have carried Schofields.
Wells Fargo
It’s estimated that several hundred Schofields with the cut down 5-inch barrels were purchased by Wells Fargo to arm its messengers. The guns were marked by the company on the right side of the under barrel ejector housing by stamping over the Schofield patent. The marking reads “W.F. & COS EX” along with a re-stamping of the guns serial number. The S was dropped from the company name in 1898, and guns are found marked both ways, suggesting the period of use. It’s believed that all authentic Wells Fargo Schofields known to date have serial numbers under 6000. Schofield serial number 1 was among those used by Wells Fargo.
Variations of Wells Fargo markings believed to be authentic on these Schofield revolver examples, top to bottom. 1) Late italic, singular “CO.” company marking, with small type numerals. Wells Fargo repeated the gun’s serial number as their company number 2) Early block letter, plural “CO’S” companies marking with medium size numerals. 3) Early companies marking with largest size numerals.
Three different sizes of numerals have been reported in the Wells Fargo serial number markings. Most common is the small size, about the same size as the company name abbreviation. A medium size was reportedly marked by the Chicago office, with a large size numeral being the scarcest.
Unfortunately, whenever a relatively simple marking adds interest and value to a gun, there is a temptation to forgery. This is the case with Wells Fargo Schofields, with faked markings not uncommon. A quick tip off to some fakes is the stamping of the company name. It is believed that on all authentic WF guns a line stamp was used. W.F. & CO EX stamped in uneven individual letters should raise immediate suspicion. The numerals in the stamping, on the other hand, were individually stamped, and their spacing may be uneven.
San Francisco Police
Schofields are sometimes found with a large two- or three-digit number, usually under 300, stamped on the backstrap. These have been called “San Francisco Police” Schofields. It is believed that these guns were shipped to San Francisco at the time of the Sandlot Riots, and eventually wound up with the California militia. An article by Charles Pate in Man at Arms magazine discusses this variation.
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