Bigger and Badder: PolyCase Ammunition’s New .50 Beowulf Inceptor

June 2, 2016

PolyCase Ammunition is one of the newer manufacturers to enter into the ammunition market, with the company springing onto the scene just within the past several years. However, in this short time PolyCase has made a big splash in the ammo sector, especially with its innovative Inceptor ARX defensive projectiles.

These advanced bullets are injection molded from a specially blended metal/polymer matrix and are typically much lighter than standard defensive projectiles. Also unlike usual defensive bullets, the ARX bullets are non-expanding and rely on the revolutionary grooves in the nose of the projectile to transfer energy into the target using both directional and rotational force.

Now, PolyCase Ammunition is bringing this radical bullet technology into the hunting sphere with the introduction of its new .50 Beowulf Inceptor ARX offering.

For those unfamiliar with the .50 Beowulf, it was designed by Bill Alexander, of Alexander Arms, in 2001. It was built to provide enhanced stopping power to AR platform users with an appropriately modified upper and a standard lower, and its dimensions allow it to feed through AR magazines. The .50-caliber cartridge features a heavy projectile typically somewhere in the 300- to 400-grain range traveling anywhere from 1,750 to 1,900 feet per second (fps) or so.

While its slower velocity and heavier bullet limit its effectiveness at longer ranges, the round can be devastating on closer targets. One of the cartridge's most touted uses is as a tactical option for vehicle checkpoints; however, many hunters have also begun to recognize the .50 Beowulf's potential on big game at relatively closer ranges.

For more information on PolyCase Ammunition's new .50 Beowulf Inceptor ARX, check out the video above from our friends at Deer & Deer Hunting.

Winchester Expands Super X3 Line with Two Sporting Shotguns

Elwood Shelton

May 20, 2016

Winchester Repeating Arms has won its share of smoothbore fans with its line of Super X3 shotguns. And the company is shooting for more with a recent expansion of the line of semi-automatics.

Winchester has turned its eye to sport shooters with the addition of the Super X3 Ultimate Sporting Adjustable model and Composite Sporting Carbon Fiber model. And while each shotgun has its own specific features, both appear ready to break their fair share of clays.

The Super X3 Ultimate Sporting Adjustable is an upgraded model of Winchester’s Sporting Adjustable Shotgun. Like its predecessor, the new smoothbore features an adjustable comb, which will go a long way to facilitate a more intuitive shouldering and pointing of the gun. But the company has included a few new perks that sets the shotgun off from older iterations.

In particular, the Super X3 Ultimate Sporting Adjustable is outfitted with a signature Red Briley bolt handle and bolt release button and magazine cap weight system. The final feature is intriguing, as it expands the customization of the gun by allowing the user to fine-tune its balance by adding or removing weight.

The Super X3 Composite Sporting Carbon Fiber boasts nearly all the features of the Ultimate Sporting; there are some notable exceptions, such as the adjustable comb. But it is a marked break from the other new semi-automatic with its furniture, as it is outfitted with a synthetic stock. The carbon fiber dipped finish should make the gun quite resilient to the bumps and bruises that can come with hard use. Not to mention, it gives the shotgun a rather modern, sporty look to boot.

Presently, the MSRP of the Winchester Super X3 Ultimate Sporting Adjustable is $1,869.99 and the Super X3 Composite Sporting Carbon Fiber is $1,739.99.

Video: Utilizing a Shot Timer in Defensive Shooting Drills

Elwood Shelton

May 20, 2016

Shot timers are typically associated with shooting competitions. But as Adam Painchaud shows in the above video from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the devices have their place in defensive firearm drills. As the instructor at the SIG Sauer Academy points out, much of what shot timers bring to the table is mental training, injecting a sense of urgency to common drills. But they can also be important diagnostic tools, giving shooters instant feedback as to whether they have been accomplishing a specific movement or are breaking shots in a timely fashion. Perhaps best of all, nearly any shooting range will allow its patrons to use these training tools. This cannot be said for other important aspects of defensive firearms training, such as shooting on the move or from different positions.

The Confidence to Defend Yourself

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

Beretta Defense Technologies to Appear on Sportsman Channel

Drew Warden

May 19, 2016

Cooperation between manufacturers in the firearms industry has historically lead to some pretty incredible developments and innovations. Combining the resources and talents of two, or more, manufacturers in the pursuit of a single shared production goal can naturally translate to dramatic improvements.

This is the guiding principle behind the recently formed Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT), which is a strategic alliance of four Beretta Holding defense companies: Beretta, Benelli, Steiner and Sako. With the stated purpose of producing some of the finest weaponry and equipment in the market, BDT's hope is to become a single source contact for military, government and law enforcement organizations.

This Saturday, May 21, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Sportsman Channel is airing a special episode that highlights the story of BDT. The episode will offer a behind-the-scenes look at BDT's journey to build the ultimate integrated weapons system by going inside all four companies and providing viewers with never-before-seen footage. Those who tune in will be able to see how BDT builds a weapons system that unifies the operator, firearm, optics, cartridge and support equipment to give customers the confidence to reliably hit any target, control any situation, and accomplish any mission.

“The mission of BDT is to create a safer world,” said Stephen McKelvain, Chief Global Marketing Officer for Beretta’s Optics Division. “We advance the success of our customers working in complex modern operational environments. We understand the deep, and sometimes subtle, interoperability issues where each piece of equipment must seamlessly interact with the other. BDT minimizes the compromises to operational effectiveness at the individual, unit and organizational levels.”

Watch the trailer above to get a glimpse at BDT's manufacturing process, or visit the group's website to learn more.

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Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to the AR-15

Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to the AR-15 is a comprehensive look at today’s most popular modern sporting rifle. Among a wide variety of topics, the firearms expert and noted author provides helpful ammunition and accuracy tips, an explanation of the AR platform, a wide range of AR-15 applications, and much more, enhanced by 250 photos. Keep up with the increasing popularity of the versatile AR-15 with this indispensable shooter’s guide. Get your copy now.

Know Your Cartridge: .22 Long Rifle

Gun Digest Editors

May 19, 2016

Arguably the most popular cartridge ever conceived, the .22 Long Rifle has been serving shooters well for more than 100 years.

Information available indicates that the .22 Long Rifle was developed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. in 1887. It is the .22 Long case with a five-grain black-powder charge (likely with a granulation similar to what we would now call FFFFg), and a 40-grain bullet instead of the original 29-grain.

The .22 Long Rifle is the most popular match cartridge in existence, and also the most widely used small-game and varmint cartridge.

The high-velocity hollowpoint is the best field load and will do a good job on rabbit-sized animals out to 75 yards. Beyond that, it is unreliable. At close range, the high-velocity load with the solid-lead bullet will penetrate six inches of soft pine board and has a maximum range of nearly two miles. Maximum range is achieved at the relatively low angle of between 25 and 30 degrees, so one must be very careful.

At one time, the .22 Long Rifle was available in black-powder, semi-smokeless, and smokeless powder loads. Remington introduced the first high-velocity type, in 1930. The 40-grain solid and 36- and 38-grain hollowpoint bullet have been available for many years.

The original case was not crimped, a feature that finally appeared in 1900. Space does not permit a full discussion of the different loads and types of .22 Long Rifle cartridges or the rifles and handguns that chamber it.

This brief is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World 14th Edition.

AGI Products Now Available at Gun Digest Store

Drew Warden

May 18, 2016

For a little more than two decades now, American Gunsmithing Institute, or AGI as it's commonly known, has been one of the world's premier gunsmithing schools, educating more working gunsmiths than all other gunsmithing schools combined. Relying on a comprehensive system of video instruction, AGI offers an array of courses on every aspect of gunsmithing for a wide variety of firearms—all of which can be completed in the comfort of one's own home. For those wanting to elevate their firearms knowledge and skills or make gunsmithing a professional endeavor, AGI represents an invaluable resource.

AGI-1911-course — Check out this 1911 Armorer's Course and other AGI courses offered at the Gun Digest Store.

Now, Gun Digest is pleased to make these great resources available to buyers on the Gun Digest Store at a discount from their typical retail prices.

The Gun Digest Store is offering many of the AGI armorer's courses, as well as disassembly/reassembly courses for a wide variety of popular firearms. Also available is the company's brand new Reloading A-Z course, which covers all aspects of reloading and is available in a bundle alongside three other Gun Digest reloading resources.

Those purchasing an AGI product before June 16, 2016, will also receive a coupon for $5 off their next purchase from the Gun Digest Store. This is valid once for each purchase of an AGI product made before June 16, and each coupon is valid through December 31, 2016.

Be sure to take a look at some of the AGI courses being offered at the Gun Digest Store, and increase your firearms knowledge today.

Ultimate Reloading Resource

A valuable partnership for Gun Digest and American Gunsmithing Institute customers has arrived. The Reloading A-Z Value Pack is the first bundle of GD and AGI products, and offers the newest reloading resources at an incredible value. The Reloading A-Z DVD with Fred Zeglin is over 7 hours of explanation about reloading, but more than simple demonstration he explains why for all processes and directions. Get Yours Now

Carry Your Way: New Blackhawk 3-in-1 Concealed Carry Holster

Drew Warden

May 17, 2016

When it comes down to it, choosing a holster for concealed carry is almost completely about comfort and personal preference. A shooter will choose the holster that fits most comfortably for the chosen firearm, and that fits his or her carry position preference, whether that be inside-the-waistband (IWB) in the appendix area, tucked behind the hip, belt-mounted on the strong side, or any other position. Often, shooters must purchase a different holster depending on their method of carry, and that cost adds up.

Luckily, the folks at Blackhawk have just released a new concealed carry holster with incredible versatility that adapts to most popular carry configurations. The new Leather Tuckable Pancake Holster blends premium leather and injection-molded plastic for a comfortable, yet ruggedly durable product; and best of all, this new design allows civilian and law enforcement users to choose from IWB, tuckable or belt-mounted wear.

A truly adaptable option, the Blackhawk Leather Tuckable Pancake Holster utilizes a three-slot design, meaning shooters can carry in the strong-side, behind-the-hip, appendix and cross-draw positions on belts up to 1.75 inches in width. Belt clips are also included for traditional inside-the-pants wear or use as a tuckable holster.

This new Blackhawk holster is also adjustable for cant and ride and features a built-in shirt shield to keep moisture from the firearm. The level of retention is tension-adjustable, and the holster features a trigger guard for safety and security.

“We know that our customers rely on their equipment to keep them safe, and we are excited to offer such a multifaceted holster,” said Jarrett Beck, BLACKHAWK! Product Director. “This new holster offers personal adjustability, safety, convenience and value in an all-in-one package.”

The Blackhawk Leather Tuckable Pancake Holster currently fits the Smith & Wesson M&P and M&P Shield, the Ruger SP101 and Taurus 85 revolvers, and the Kahr 9/40, with other fits becoming available. The MSRP on this new 3-in-1 holster is listed at $86.95.

For more information on the new Leather Tuckable Pancake Holster or other Blackhawk products, visit Blackhawk.com.

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport MOE-SL Models Now Available

Drew Warden

May 16, 2016

Smith & Wesson has upgraded its M&P 15-22 lineup yet again, this time with Sport MOE-SL models.

Smith & Wesson's M&P 15-22 has been one of the most popular and effective .22 LR AR platforms for several years. A rimfire AR affords shooters the ability to train and become familiar with the AR's ergonomics and operation without the recoil and added expense of .223/5.56 NATO rounds, and the M&P 15-22 has consistently been one of the more reliable offerings in this category.

Earlier this year, Smith & Wesson revealed a new Sport version of the classic M&P 15-22 that offered the rifle with premium Magpul accessories straight from the factory. Now, the manufacturer has expanded the M&P 15-22 Sport line by introducing new MOE-SL (Magpul Original Equipment – Slim Line) models.

“As we continue to offer shooters enhanced features and control on a factory built platform, we are especially excited about this new addition to our extremely popular family of M&P15-22 Sport rifles,” said Jan Mladek, General Manager of Smith & Wesson’s M&P Brand. “We continue to look for new and innovative ways to evolve the M&P rifle series and offer consumers enhanced features. Outfitting the M&P15-22 Sport MOE SL with Magpul original equipment is just another step in creating the ultimate shooting experience.”

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport MOE-SL is engineered on a high-strength polymer upper and lower receiver for weight reduction and comes with features standard on all M&P 15-22 Sport rifles such as Magpul's MBUS front and rear folding sights and Slim M-LOK handguard. These features already make the M&P 15-22 Sport MOE-SL an excellent choice for tactical training or for simple plinking.

However, the new M&P 15-22 Sport MOE-SL models also come equipped with a Magpul MOE SL mil-spec carbine stock, SL Grip and Magpul Type-2 M-LOK rail covers. The MOE SL carbine stock provides improved cheek weld and has a shielded, ambidextrous release lever for adjustment, and the SL Grip offers a slimmer, more ergonomic feel with a greater vertical grip angle, a beavertail backstrap and an aggressive TSP (Trapezoidal Surface Projections) texture for added control. The rail covers similarly feature a heavily textured surface for positive control in any environment.

The new Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport MOE-SL models are available in black or FDE (flat dark earth) finishes and come with one, 25-round magazine. MSRP is currently listed at $499. For more information on this new product offering or other products, visit Smith-Wesson.com.

Aguila Ammo Announces Partnership with Alexis Welch

Drew Warden

May 16, 2016

Aguila Ammo has been expanding its presence in the U.S. shooting industry as of late, adding high-profile competitive shooters to its pro staff and increasing its marketing efforts in the American market. Now, the company has announced it is also partnering with up-and-coming shooter Alexis Welch, an 8-year-old who has wowed the industry with her abilities and her competitive drive.

Welch learned to shoot at the age of 5 and is only in her second year of competing. However, she has garnered a lot of publicity and attention due to her young age, small size, her shooting skills and her excellent personality.

“We are excited for our pro-staff team to be expanding, and even more excited to have Alexis be part of it. She is everything we look for in a shooter; enthusiastic, engaging and passionate about the shooting sports,” says Kristi Drawe, Director of Marketing for Aguila Ammunition. “With Alexis' personality, inspiring story, and her incredible shooting ability, she is exactly what other youth shooters should aspire to be. Right now she is a very new and young shooter at the brink of her shooting career, and we are honored to be part of her journey.”

Even at her young age, Welch has already had to face challenges. She overcame being born deaf, and recently lost her grandfather, who taught her to shoot and had coached her through every competition. Although it isn't the same without having her grandfather there, Welch is already competing again. She routinely competes against shooters twice her age.

“I'm super excited to join the Aguila team this year! I have been using their .22 ammo for a long time now and I love that it fires great every time I shoot it,” says Alexis. “Having Aguila as a sponsor really helps my shooting career. I look forward to building a lasting relationship with some great people that produce a great product.”

Welch is currently competing in Rimfire: open division, limited, 8 stages rifle and 8 stages pistol events. Of course, she also is very interested in competing in 3-Gun and AR competitions in the future.

For more information, visit AguilaAmmo.com

Getting Race-Ready

Seconds are precious in any shooting competition. 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

Real Avid Introduces the Gun Boss AK47 Cleaning Kit

Elwood Shelton

May 12, 2016

With the market for Kalashnikovs growing in recent years, Real Avid has introduced a cleaning kit purposefully crafted for the venerable rifle.

The Gun Boss AK47 Kit is tailor-made for the rugged AK and offers a bit more than just some brushes and a cleaning rod. The kit comes with a number of other tools that help ensure this Russian-born rifle keeps running like a Swiss watch.

Of these, the Gun Boss’ carbon-scraping tool is one of the more intriguing. Designed to clean fouling off the gas piston and bolt, the carbon-scraping tool could be a real savior during a long day at the range. The kit includes a nifty multi-tasking tool and a gas port scraper that also has a drift pin punch, as well.

The Gun Boss AK47 also includes:

Six Threaded Steel Rods Form a 28.5″ Rod
7.62mm Bore Brush
Gas Tube Nylon Brush
Gas Tube Mop
Nylon Slotted Tip
AK Drift Pin Punch with Gas Port Scraper Tip
Double-Threaded Chamber Brush
Compact AK47 Scraper
50 Cleaning Patches

Perhaps the most practical aspect of the cleaning kit is its size. All the gear fits into a shockproof case that measures 5”x3”x2”, which means almost any range bag can find space for it. Presently, Real Avid’s Gun Boss AK47 cleaning kit has an MSRP of $29.99

Must-Have for Your Range Bag

Keep your pistols and revolvers in prime condition with the Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit from Real Avid. Organized inside a convenient, compact case, this complete cleaning system is easily transported between the field, range, and workbench. Not only does the case keep the included components snapped in tightly, but it’s also oil resistant, so if you happen to get any oil on your pristine cleaning kit case, it’ll wipe right off. Get Yours Now

Meopta Shoots for Compact Accuracy with MeoRed Reflex Sight

Elwood Shelton

May 12, 2016

Once somewhat a rarity, reflex sights are making their way onto more pistols and tactical rifles and shotguns. There’s a good reason why. The dandy little aiming solutions are proven to get even novice shooters on target more quickly and constantly.

Meopta has given marksmen of all stripes another choice in reflex sights with the recent introduction of the MeoRed. And given the refinements the Czech-American company has engineered into the optic, the new reflex could be a top-notch choice for those looking for a non-obtrusive option.

The MeoRed is the company’s most compact reflex sight to date, at just 1.02 inches in height and 1.05 ounces in weight. This is nearly a 20-percent reduction on both counts to the new sight’s predecessor the MeoSight III. And its low profile and weight could be a big selling point for the optic, especially among pistol shooters weary of too much bulk on their handguns.

The 1x optic should also have the chops for work on a long gun. The sight’s 3 MOA red dot is small enough to accurately put rounds on target at intermediate range. And with its aircraft-grade aluminum housing — fully water and shock proof — the MeoRed is made to take the abuse many sights undergo on a rifle or shotgun.

The sight runs off one CR 2032 battery, which has 300 hours of lifetime. It has an automatic off switch to help preserve battery life. It is fully adjustable, with 180 MOA of windage and 120 of elevation. And it is designed to be parallax free.

Presently, Meopta MeoRed’s MSRP is $517.49.

Walther Arms Q5 Match Gunning for Gold

Elwood Shelton

May 12, 2016

Walther is shooting for the top of the podium with its new Q5 Match.

Striker-fired pistols have dominated the self-defense market in recent decades. Now the popular style of handgun is making inroads in another facet of the shooting world — competitions.

Walther Arms has continued to expand its offering for this niche with the addition of a decked out competitive pistol. And at first blush, the German-American gun maker’s Q5 Match looks to have the chops to shoot for the top of the podium.

There are two elements in particular that have the potential to get sport shooters to give the new Walther the once over: it’s trigger and sights.

In regards to the former feature, the company has outfitted the extension of its PPQ line with its Quick Defense Trigger. The trademark blue trigger has a fairly standard pull weight for a striker-fired; Walther lists it at 5.6 pounds. But the travel and reset on the 9mm appears to be the selling point. With a short .4-inch trigger travel and .1-inch reset, the Q5 Match should have the ability to rapidly send rounds downrange, accurately.

The Walther Q5 Match's trigger and optics-mounting platform might get competitors looking its way.

As far as the sights are concerned, the pistol comes outfitted with a fiber optics front sight and a fully adjustable rear target sight. But it's what Walther has integrated into the rear sight that gives the Q5 Match an advantage over many other competitive pistols. The company has designed the polymer-framed handgun to include an optics-mounting platform that facilitates the quick addition of a reflex sight. The gun comes with plates that make it compatible with optics from Trijicon, Leupold and DOCTER red-dot sights.

The 5-inch barreled pistol is right- and left-hand friendly with an ambidextrous magazine release and slide stop. It features aggressive cocking serrations both fore and aft, making the pistol easier to manipulate and quicker to reload. It has a Picatinny rail under its muzzle for the quick addition of an accessory. And it has an undercut trigger guard and ergonomic grip, allowing for a higher purchase on the gun, thus also giving more control over it, while mitigating recoil.

Presently, the MSRP on the Walther Q5 Match is $849.

Walther Q5 Match Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Trigger Pull Weight: 5.6 pounds
Capacity: 15 rounds
Height: 5.1 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Weight: 26 ounces

First Look: New IMR Enduron Powders from Hodgdon Powders

Drew Warden

May 12, 2016

The history of IMR Legendary Powders is a long and vaunted one, stretching back hundreds of years to the changeover from black powder to smokeless powder. In these many years, it has built a sizeable following of dedicated customers.

Acquired by Hodgdon Powders in 2003, the company has continued to produce quality powders for the handloading community, whether in the form of old and respected standbys such as the 7828 or in its newer offerings. One of IMR's most recent product lines is its Enduron powders, which feature copper fouling elimination, extreme temperature stability, ideal load density and are friendly to the environment.

Gun Digest's Phil Massaro met up with Chris Hodgdon of Hodgdon Powders during the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to get the rundown on IMR's new Enduron line. Watch the video above to learn more about this great new line of powders.

The Reloader's Bible

The publisher of the “World’s Greatest Gun Book” is proud to announce the return of the “World’s Greatest Reloading Book.” Handloader’s Digest is back and in its 19th edition is better than ever with more enlightening features, industry resources and eye-catching photos. Whether it’s information on this year’s new ammunition reloading equipment or an in-depth article on obscure wildcat cartridges, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for in this authoritative annual. Get Your Copy Now

Hornady Adds 6.5 Creedmoor to American Whitetail Line

Drew Warden

May 12, 2016

Creedmoor Precision Remains Strong

Ever since Hornady introduced the 6.5 Creedmoor around 2007, the cartridge has steadily gained in popularity. As with many 6.5mm cartridges, the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively light-recoiling round that provides excellent ballistics and accuracy, particularly as distances stretch.

For this reason, the cartridge has always been well-respected among long-range target shooters. However, 6.5mm cartridges such as the 6.5 Creedmoor have also started becoming increasingly popular among hunters, who are beginning to recognize the benefits of the round's high ballistic coefficient (BC) and forgiving trajectory.

Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor – Now Ready for Game

In a move to make this cartridge further available to hunters, Hornady has added the 6.5 Creedmoor to its popular American Whitetail line of ammunition. While the cartridge has been available to American hunters in previous Hornady ammo lines such as the Precision Hunter, Full Boar, and Superformance lines, with the expansion into American Whitetail, Hornady is making it available at a more economical price point.

This new load is available with Hornady's 129-grain InterLock bullet, which has proven its effectiveness on North American game ranging from deer up to, and including, elk. The legendary InterLock bullet, as always, features its pioneering secant ogive design and its typical ring built to secure the core and jacket together during expansion to retain mass and energy.

“The 6.5 Creedmoor has fast become a customer favorite. The addition of this load to the American Whitetail® line truly rounds out our now comprehensive assortment of bullet options for 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.” said Neil Davies, Hornady Director of Marketing.

The new Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor American Whitetail load carries an MSRP of $29.40 for a box of 20 and is available from stocking dealers, major retail sporting goods stores, and their websites.

Video: Shooting on the Move with Jerry Miculek

Drew Warden

May 9, 2016

The popularity of competitive shooting has grown tremendously in recent years, especially with exciting, dynamic disciplines such as 3-Gun. These competitions demand much from their participants, with events testing both a shooter's mental and physical abilities.

One of the most important skills for these types of competitive shooting, and one that also translates to defensive scenarios, is shooting on the move effectively. The ability to engage targets accurately while on the move helps to cut precious seconds off your overall time, and time is crucial in any 3-Gun or similar competitive event.

In the video above, one of competitive shooting's greats, world-renowned shooter and Aguila Ammunition Pro Staffer Jerry Miculek, offers some excellent advice for shooting on the move. Watch the video and learn from one of the shooting sports' best.

Inside Look: Colt’s Dual Spring Recoil System

Ken Hackathorn

May 6, 2016

colt-dual-spring-F — The Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ increases recoil spring service life to 15,000 rounds and results in a softer-shooting 1911.

When the original 1911 Colt .45 ACP pistol was adopted by the U.S. Military in 1911 the service life of the pistol was considered to be 6,000 rounds. This was considered an excessive amount of shooting for any handgun of that era. The average GI 1911 pistol was carried a lot, and only fired occasionally.

As time passed, it was learned that by replacing the recoil spring on the 1911 pistol at regular intervals, the pistols would last far longer if shot extensively. For more than a century, common practice has been to replace the recoil spring on any 1911 pistol every 5,000 rounds or sooner. In today’s world of military Special Operations and civilian competition shooting events, 5,000 rounds can be a couple of months of practice.

In 2011 the engineers at Colt Firearms set out to design and produce an improved 1911 .45 ACP pistol for the USMC. The result was the M45A1.

One of the most critical changes in the design of this pistol was a Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ that makes recoil spring service life good to 15,000 rounds. This is huge if you really practice/train with your sidearm beyond the normal couple of trips to the range each year.

The Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ utilizes four parts: an outer recoil spring, an inner recoil spring, a special recoil spring guide, and a special recoil spring plug. Note that the inner and outer springs are wound in opposite directions to prevent spring bind when functioning in the normal spring flex process. The end result is a pistol that has a greatly improved service life and a much improved unlocking of the barrel that provides softer recoil impulse.

The inner recoil spring not only softens the last part of slide travel to the rear, but helps ensure positive feeding of rounds from the magazine. This is a real plus in an environment where the handgun may be subjected to dirt, sand, or other foreign debris. Shooting the M45A1 quickly impresses users with the ease of shooting fast, accurate follow up shots with this Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™.

In 2015 Colt Firearms started shipping all Colt ‘Rail Gun’ 1911 pistols with the Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™. New Colt Lightweight Commander® pistols introduced in November of 2015 have a Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ added as well. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these new 9mm Colt Lightweight Commanders®.

As of January 2016, Colt will introduce the Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ in the new Colt Competition Pistol™ 5” 1911 .45 ACP and 9mm, and the superb Colt Combat Unit™ 5” Rail Frame .45 ACP pistol. These new 1911 model pistols provide many enhanced features that will fire up any real 1911 pistol fan, but the Colt Dual Spring Recoil System™ promises to be a key feature in the way these pistols perform.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of Modern Shooter magazine.

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Also Check Out:

Arguably the most popular cartridge ever conceived, the .22 Long Rifle has been serving shooters well for more than 100 years.

Smith & Wesson has upgraded its M&P 15-22 lineup yet again, this time with Sport MOE-SL models.

Creedmoor Precision Remains Strong

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