Professional hunter Ron Spomer displays the craftsmanship, function, accuracy, beauty and massive firepower of a .416 Rigby Mauser dangerous game rifle built in 1938.
Introduced by John Rigby of London, the .416 Rigby is a good example of a sound design that refuses to die. Until quite recently, fewer than 10,000 rifles in this caliber had been made. However, most of the older rifles in that chambering are still in use. In 1992, Ruger added this cartridge to its rifle product line. Ruger thus increased the total number of guns in this chambering by 10 percent in one year. The company continues to produce it. In 1989, Federal Cartridge Co. added the .416 Rigby to its Premium product line. In so doing, Federal became the first major American manufacturer to offer this classic African cartridge. By their actions, both Ruger and Federal took away much of the momentum from the new .416 Remington Magnum cartridge. Their efforts in reintroducing the .416 Rigby have been successful, and sales remain brisk. This only goes to show that not all new product success stories use totally new products.
General Comments:
The .416 Rigby is today a great favorite of African game wardens and professional hunters alike. It is an excellent choice for the hunter who wishes to take only one rifle to Africa. Federal ballistics are identical to previous British loads, so the point of impact with express sights will be the same. Breech pressures of the .416 are only about 40,000 CUP, in order to avoid sticky extraction exhibited by high pressures on very hot days. This is strictly good sense, based on many years of African experience. Remington has chosen to load the .416 Remington Magnum to pressure levels of 50,000 CUP, which makes one wonder if extraction at very high temperatures has been adequately tested, and handloaders should resist the urge to improve the .416 Rigby ballistics for this reason.
Cartridge Notes provided by Cartridges of the World, 14th Edition.
Pairing a modular design with top-class reliability, the new SIG Sauer MCX is ready for anything.
Formally introduced ahead of the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the MCX was built to be a compact and lightweight, close-quarters battle (CQB) suppressed rifle optimized for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge. Additional requirements for the platform included a modular design with a quick-change barrel system for easy interchangeability of calibers and barrel lengths, traditional AR-style controls for ease of use, the ability to utilize a folding stock, and a gas system that provided unparalleled reliability. In early 2015, SIG commercially released the MCX and made it available in three variations—a semi-auto rifle, a short-barreled rifle (SBR) and a pistol configuration.
With a weight hovering around 6 pounds for all three variants and an overall length of 35.75 inches for the rifle (28.75 inches and 26.625 inches for the SBR and pistol versions, respectively), the engineers at SIG excelled in the “compact” and “lightweight” categories. What’s more impressive, however, is that the company was able to meet all the other design goals as well.
Naturally, reaching these objectives doesn’t happen overnight. The MCX is the result of a rigorous development process on the part of SIG engineers.
“It was at least a 3- to 3½-year development that we’ve been working on the gun full time,” SIG Sauer rifle manager John Brasseur said. “We had probably about a year’s worth of tossing around what the spec was and nailing that down—exactly what would satisfy the customer and what they were looking for. Then it was 3 to 3½ years non-stop—conducting an engineering analysis and making a prototype, testing it and verifying it and going back and forth.”
Multiple Calibers, Multiple Configurations
Able to transition between three calibers and hundreds of unique configurations, the MCX can take on any task. Photo by Jeff Jones
One of the most impressive features of the MCX is its modularity. In addition to the .300 BLK it is primarily designed for, the MCX can easily configure to chamber and fire 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. and the Soviet 7.62x39mm. The MCX features a lightweight aluminum KeyMod handguard that removes easily to reveal a simple, quick-change barrel system that consists of two bolts holding the barrel in place. One of the bolts helps push the barrel into the receiver, while the other tightens for a sure fit. Alternating between .300 BLK and 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. is as easy as swapping out barrels and the included operating rods; transitioning to 7.62x39mm adds a simple bolt face change to the process.
The op rods are designed to adjust the positioning of the gas block to ensure reliable performance with the given cartridge. The 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm op rods create a piston system that has a length similar to a carbine-length gas system in standard ARs, while the .300 BLK op rod produces a length similar to a pistol-length gas system, which is necessary for subsonic loads. Barrel twists are 1:6 inches for the .300 BLK, 1:7 for the 5.56 NATO, and 1:9.5 for the 7.62x39mm.
The MCX rifle reviewed for the magazine came with a long KeyMod handguard, but this can be replaced with a shorter variant, or a suppressor-width option if the user chooses. The short KeyMod handguard comes standard on SBR and pistol variants, while the suppressor-width option places the silencer inside as opposed to forward of the handguard. A carbon fiber choice is also listed on SIG Sauer’s website.
Because of its design requirement to utilize a folding stock, SIG’s engineers had to remove the buffer tube found on traditional ARs. To accomplish this, they developed a unique recoil assembly that places the recoil springs above the bolt carrier group (BCG). While this system offers other benefits, such as an altered recoil impulse and increased durability, it also removes the restriction of using a buffer-tube-style stock. SIG is offering several different options, but the rifle reviewed for the magazine came equipped with the company’s low profile, skeletonized SAS folding stock, which is standard on the rifle version of the MCX.
A 16-inch or 9-inch barrel is available on factory models, with the rifle version utilizing the 16-inch barrel and the SBR and pistol variants featuring the 9-inch barrel. However, Brasseur said SIG will also likely offer 6¾-, 11- and 14-inch barrels as aftermarket options. There are also two different color options, black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE).
“I think we went through one day and we did all the different variations that we could do,” Brasser said. “Just with the MCX we were over 250, I think, by the time we got done.”
With the exception of the absent buffer tube, the MCX lower is basically identical to a standard Mil-Spec lower, which means users can replace SIG’s proprietary pistol grip or the Mil-Spec trigger as their preference dictates. Because it uses a Mil-Spec lower, shooters can also transfer their MCX upper to any standard AR lower and convert it to an MCX with the help of a SIG MCX Stock Kit.
The MCX’s innovative and reliable auto-regulating gas-piston system sets it apart from other rifles. Photo by Jeff Jones
The MCX is certainly remarkable, but modularity means nothing if the firearm isn’t reliable across the different configurations. One of the biggest challenges for SIG’s engineers during the development of the MCX was creating a gas system that could not only handle .300 BLK, 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm, but also perform when firing super and subsonic loads from a variety of different barrel lengths, and with or without a suppressor.
“Those variations in barrel length and caliber create huge issues for gas systems and consistency with different ammos—never mind when you go suppressed and unsuppressed,” Brasseur said. “Creating a gas system that was robust and would function with all ammos with and without a silencer, in multiple barrel lengths, was a feat in itself.”
To produce such a system, the engineers at SIG used various high-level modeling systems to essentially “map out” the pressures going down and also out of the barrel, as well as the energy needed to reliably cycle each round.
“We would do pressure testing on high-impulse rounds and low-impulse rounds and get different pressure curves for the different ammunition down the barrel,” Brasseur said. “And then [we] were able to take that map and apply that to the gas system and see dynamically what was happening and if it would function the gun.”
The result of all this testing and development is the gas-operated, short-stroke piston system that makes the MCX so unique, and so reliable with any load. Of course, there are other factors that contribute to long-term reliability and durability. On a rifle such as the MCX, which was required to have an upper receiver that could fire up to 50,000 rounds before failure, it is important for parts to last. The best way to ensure this is to use robust parts that can handle lots of abuse. For this reason, SIG used a replaceable steel cam-path insert instead of the traditional aluminum one to avoid excessive wear. The charging handle latches move over steel pins as opposed to aluminum pins, and the interchangeable feed ramp insert is also made of steel. In addition, all of these parts—along with the forward assist—are replaceable for easy repair.
Barrels for the SIG Sauer MCX are hammer forged and receive a nitride treatment for increased barrel life. The MCX also utilizes a fully locked and closed rotating bolt system with a bolt and carrier that have a Nickel Boron coating for enhanced durability.
Range Tested
The MCX offers capable accuracy for a combat-inspired .300 BLK. Photo by Drew Warden
The MCX was tested with four different loads. Two of these were supersonic loads; two were subsonic. Accuracy testing was conducted at 100 yards from a bench using a Caldwell Matrix rest. Accuracy was measured on four different five-shot groups for each load, and velocity was measured with a Competition Electronics ProChrono chronograph from Brownells. For short-range target shooting, an Aimpoint ACO and MCX factory-installed, flip-up iron sights were used. For accuracy testing, a Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm scope was utilized.
Of the loads tested, the SIG Sauer 125-grain Elite Performance supersonic load produced the best accuracy, with an average group of 1.59 inches and a best group of 1.01 inches. The Hornady 110-grain V-MAX supersonic load yielded the best single group overall at 1 inch. Average velocity with the supersonic Elite Performance was 2,189 fps with a standard deviation of 17 fps and an extreme spread of 39 fps. The V-MAX was the fastest, producing an average velocity of 2,369 fps with a standard deviation of 19 fps and an extreme spread of 48 fps.
Parting Shots
The SIG Sauer MCX is without question one of the most adaptable and customizable firearms currently available. It promises shooters the ability to easily transition between three different popular cartridges using supersonic or subsonic loads—with or without a suppressor—and it has an innovative and reliable gas-piston system that makes all of these things possible.
The MCX is primed for user-customization, with ample optics options available courtesy of 17¾ inches of available rail space up top, a KeyMod handguard for accessories, and several unique folding and expanding stock options from SIG. The MCX is a modular, multi-caliber weapon platform that users can transform into whatever they need it to be, and at a price of $1,866, it is also reasonably attainable for many shooters.
SIG SAUER MCX Type: Gas-piston, semi-automatic Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout, 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem., 7.62x39mm Barrel: 16 in., 1:6-in. twist (1:7-in. for 5.56 NATO; 1:9.5-in. for 7.62x39mm) Weight: 6 pounds (5.75 pounds for SBR and Pistol Variants) Handguard: Aluminum KeyMod Stock: SIG SAS folding stock Grip: SIG Sauer proprietary grip Trigger: Mil-Spec AR trigger MSRP: $1,866 Manufacturer: SIG Sauer; SigEvolution.com
This article appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The Kestrel 4500 NV takes the guesswork out of shooting so you can concentrate on making the shot at extended distances.
The Kestrel 4500 NV from Nielsen-Kellerman is a do-it-all weather meter with full on board ballistics that takes the guesswork out of shooting, allowing you to dial in precisely to make truly long-range shots.
I’m on the bench, range to target is known. Peering through the scope, little wavy thermal lines rise up from the earth, dancing like gypsies in a carnival caravan. Forty-five degrees, I think to myself, noting the thermals’ angle to earth. I see there is moderate leaf action on the trees and I estimate the wind: 10-15 miles per hour full crosswind value. Click, click. Send it.
And it’s a miss.
Wind estimation is both a science and an art and it can be a tough nut to crack. Super bullets can help buck the wind but they will only get you so far. “No matter how well your bullet resists wind,” writes Wayne van Zwoll in Mastering the Art of Long-Range Shooting, “hitting at distance depends on your ability to predict drift.”
One way to predict drift is by good ol’ fashioned wind estimation techniques in the field. Another way is to use a calculator. And the gold standard of calculators, the one you must have if you want to ratchet up your long-distance shooting game, is the Kestrel 4500 NV weather meter with built-in ballistics (Horus Vision or Applied Ballistics) software.
Nothing compares when trying to place a tiny super-sonic missile on a pie plate ten football fields away. Indeed, that’s a challenging enough feat if you know all the variables, let alone if you’re just guessing.
Features
The Kestrel 4500 NV is a handheld mobile weather station. The unit I tested was the Horus Vision ATRAG model, which provides what can only be described as a staggering amount of ballistic calculation in a tiny package.
Among other things, you can set up and save any number of guns and cartridge combinations. When setting up a new gun, parameters include Muzzle Velocity (MV); Drag Curves or DC (G1, G7); Ballistic Coefficient (BC); Bullet Weight (BW); Bullet Diameter (BD); Bullet Length (BL); Zero Range or ZR (109 yards, 100 meters is default); Bore Height or BH (middle of bore to middle of scope); Rifle Twist (RT); Rifle Twist Direction (RTd); Elevation Unit or eUnit (mil, true moa, shooter moa, click value) and Calibrate muzzle velocity (CMV), a truing feature based on actual observed field data. You can also input inclination and declination—to compensate for angle shooting up or down.
Unless you’re a caveman, you’ll get the hang of the Kestrel’s menu fairly quickly, though admittedly there are a ton of things packed into this device. Speaking of Horus Vision vs. Applied Ballistics, you can order the Kestrel configured with either. Space doesn’t permit a full discussion here of the differences but both programs are completely capable. Stay tuned for further reports on the software differences.
Real-Time Wind Correction
The Kestrel reads wind in real time. Instead of trying to estimate wind by reading the trees or inputting a general or average wind value into a unit based on a meteorologist’s report, the Kestrel measures and updates the firing solution values in real time. The unit displays minimum and maximum wind values while calculations happen behind the scenes—saving time and effort in the field so you can concentrate on the fundamentals of the shot itself.
I was really impressed by the “W>,” or Wind function, which gives you firing solutions based on the cardinal direction—that is, the angle to the wind—you're shooting. This calculates crosswind, while automatically updating the firing solutions for any angle off of the locked-in direction. To use, just hold in the direction of the wind and “lock it” by using the camera button on the front.
Coriolis Effect
Coriolis, or the effect of Earth's spin during the time your bullet is in flight, is calculated from the Latitude setting in the Environment menu. Latitude is something you have to enter as the Kestrel cannot measure this. Needless to say, the Kestrel makes adjustment for Coriolis so easy even I can do it.
Range Card
The built-in range card feature is a powerful application in and of itself. You can set the range increments—50 yards is default—and it will spit out your dope, including moving target solutions. The Range Card also delineates transonic and subsonic muzzle velocity at various ranges. It's amazing how much you can learn about how your loads perform in the real world from this tiny yet very powerful device.
The Range Card even depicts data and holdover solutions for moving targets with target direction (to compensate for wind angles) and target speed. In fact, you can designate individual targets and switch them on or off as you engage them. It includes a slew of variables you can input; just make sure you select “Active” to switch the Kestrel into that specific target mode. And turn off when you go back to general firing solutions.
Dope Aplenty
The Kestrel's sensors pick up environmental conditions like altitude above sea level, relative humidity, barometric pressure, absolute or station pressure (SP), air temperature and of course real-time wind.
The most confusing aspect of the device relates to pressure and altitude.”Essentially, it does not matter what you set on the weather side for reference alt and reference baro,” said Joe Racosky, Support Engineer with Nielsen-Kellerman. “The ballistics side will always be using the correct number. Ballistic solutions want station pressure, not barometric pressure. Station pressure is the pressure felt at that spot (station) without adjusting it for altitude. This is the same pressure that the bullet feels when fired. So if the user is curious as to what their station pressure is, they can leave the REF ALT to zero. And if the user is curious as to what their current altitude is, they can enter the local barometric pressure as their REF BARO.
“But this has no effect on anything on the ballistics side. And another confusing point for users is that density altitude does not depend on the altitude measurement. DA is from temperature, humidity and station pressure—which it will always use no matter what,” he explained.
Basically, the Kestrel gives you environmental readings if you want or need to know them, but the ballistic solver always reads actual Station Pressure and Density Altitude—automatically generating correct ballistic solutions. So it's really very simple: Don't do anything; just trust the Kestrel and you're on the money.
Ballistic Truing
Tip: If you already use a separate handheld ballistics calculator, check out the Kestrel 1000 windmeter. For less than $75 it's well worth knowing the exact wind value.
Even if you don't have a chronograph you can still sync your Kestrel to your gun and load for spot-on use by using the Kestrel’s ballistic truing option. You input all the variables you do know, shoot at the range and measure actual bullet drop. Then simply input your range results to “true” the unit's data to your gun. This will not only give you the calculated muzzle velocity but will precisely tailor the Kestrel to your actual ballistic situation—what your gun really does in the real world.
Value
Now, you can hold a device in your hand that will not only read the weather and environmental conditions where you are, but also update a ballistics engine finely tuned to your bullet’s performance: giving you information you can use to hit distant targets that are barely visible to the naked eye.
The Kestrel 4500 NV is a steal when you consider everything you’re getting. After having used it, I can’t imagine shooting at really extended ranges without one. It's like several units in one all working seamlessly together. To my mind, that means fewer gadgets to carry, making me more efficient and allowing me to do my part behind the rifle. The unit grabs the atmospherics, and updates the firing solutions for you. What more do you need?
Conclusion
I’m on the bench again, and the little Kestrel’s impellor is whirring and buzzing in the wind. 7.5 … 9.7 … 11.2 … 8.4. Calculate. A firing solution is on screen. I grab the scope’s windage turret. Click, click. Squeeze the trigger. I look through the wavering mirage, this time not to estimate the wind, but to examine the target. A little black hole is seen, dead center mass. They say knowledge is power. I say knowledge is hitting your target. And that’s no guess.
FNH makes a splash in the carry market with its new striker-fired FNS-9 Compact.
In 2011, FNH entered the modern striker-fired pistol market. The FNS fit the mold of the current standard with a polymer frame, two-stage, striker-fired trigger that’s hinged like the Smith & Wesson M&P line. As do most of the duty-style, striker-fired guns, the FNS uses a double stack magazine with a capacity of 17+1 in 9mm and 14+1 in .40 S&W. My friend Chris Cerino, of “Top Shot” fame, used one for a while in 3-Gun matches, and his wife, Michelle Cerino, still does. I recently had a chance to shoot the long slide version with a 5.5-inch barrel and was impressed with how flat shooting it was.
What makes a great duty pistol or competition pistol, however, doesn’t necessarily make a great defensive carry gun—an important fact since the hottest segment of the current firearms market is concealed carry. Carry guns need concealability and comfort in addition to accuracy and reliability. The new compact version utilizes a shorter 3.6-inch barrel and shorter grip frame. It weighs 23.4 ounces. At its thickest point, the ambidextrous slide release is 1.3 inches wide and has a total length of 6.7 inches, making the FNS Compact small and light enough for daily carry.
The shorter grip frame accommodates a 12-round magazine in the 9mm version tested. The .40 S&W version has a capacity of 10+1 with the standard compact magazine. My test gun came in a hard plastic case with three magazines. One is a compact, flat-bottom magazine that provides maximum concealment. The other features an extended base that allows all four fingers on the grip, and the third is a full sized 17-round magazine with an extender sleeve.
The magazine release is ambidextrous, and I found the left side location a bit harder to manipulate than normal. It’s an oval shaped button that’s almost flush; I had to push hard for a magazine drop. I had others try it, and they observed the same. For some reason, I found the right side release easier to access with my right index finger. That’s not a method I normally use, but it was easy with the FNS Compact. Making the release unobtrusive is a good idea for concealment, so I suppose it’s a tradeoff. There are two backstraps to allow for better hand fit. The grip area is covered with little pyramids that provide good grip surface without being obtrusive.
The sights are a three-dot system with both front and rear sights in dovetails, allowing for drift adjustment of the rear for windage. There’s a front rail for lights and lasers and a bit of textured surface on the front of the trigger guard. There are front and rear slide serrations, and the slide is easy to grip and operate. The extractor serves as a tactile and visual loaded chamber indicator.
Every operational feature of the FNS is ambidextrous except the takedown lever, which has no bearing on normal operation. Take down is simple: Remove the magazine and check for clear, lock the slide to the rear, rotate the takedown lever down, release the slide and depress the trigger. The double recoil springs are contained in the guide and easy to remove and replace. It’s one of the easier striker-fired guns to field strip.
Shooting the FNS compact at 10 yards, unsupported, deliberate fire, I managed to put 8 of 10 shots into well under an inch. I called one shot left, and there was another left shot I didn’t call that opened the group up to 1.56 inches, center to center. This is certainly adequate accuracy for a carry gun. I particularly liked the sights, which were bold with a large white front sight dot that almost filled the notch in the two-dot rear. I felt they would be fast and allow precision when needed.
The trigger was on par with other striker-fired compacts, predictable and capable without being too light. My test gun broke at just over 6 pounds—a reasonable pull for a defensive gun. The current belief is that match triggers don’t belong on defensive guns because defensive situations don’t generally require fine motor skills to perform well.
The first stage of the trigger had a bit of a squeaky feel, but the break was positive with only a bit of backlash. Reset was short and positive. Running the plates at 10 yards was easy, with recoil being remarkably comfortable and flat. Magazine changes were fast and easy once I acclimated myself to the magazine release. The slide release is a bit hard to manipulate because it’s rounded at the top and hard to depress.
There are so many excellent guns currently available for the concealed carry citizen. With so many good guns available, the choice comes down to more minor features that the user might prefer. Of course, brand loyalty can also make a difference.
There are major players in the game, but there’s no doubt the FNS-9 Compact is as good as any gun in the category. It has reliability, accuracy and concealability. Whether you choose the mild-mannered 9mm or the more potent .40, the FNS Compact is a great defense pistol choice for the concealed carry citizen.
FNS-9 Compact Caliber: 9mm Luger Capacity: 12 + 1 and 17 + 1 as tested in 9mm Magazines: 3 magazines, one for concealment, one with a finger extension, and one full-sized with an extension sleeve. Barrel: 3.6 in. Sights: Drift adjustable, three dot Frame: Polymer with interchangeable backstrap Slide: Steel Length: 6.7 in. Height: 4.58 in. Weight: 23.4 oz. Options: Standard or manual safety MSRP: $599.00 Website: fnhusa.com
This article appeared in the July 31, 2015 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Rex Gore — Black Wing Shooting Center, Delaware, Ohio. The youth shooting market continues to grow at Black Wing Shooting Center, noted CEO Rex Gore, thanks to youth shooting camps held at the facility that run all summer, as well as more families becoming involved in shooting.
“As far as product, demand for youth-sized shotguns are focused on the few companies that manufacturer reduced-length guns,” Gore said. “The Remington 870s and 1100s, the Mossberg 500 and the Franchi AL all offer youth options. On the higher end, since Beretta has exited this market, we have done well with the Fabarms XLR/Syren shotgun, even though it is a $2,500-plus firearm.”
Youth rifle purchases are centered on the numerous Ruger 10/22 options. Ruger’s new American rifle in .22 LR and .22 Mag. sells well here, also.
“Shooting accessories focus mainly on clothing and gun cases/shooting bags,” he added. “We sell several of the manufacturers’ logoed cases and bags to go with their purchase. Logoed shooting vests, caps and t-shirts are very popular, also.”
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Whether you’ve engaged in clay shooting before or are considering trying it out for the first time, Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Shotgun Games by Nick Sisley provides a comprehensive look at clay target games. Not only receive the how-to instruction you need to get started with (or get better at) clay breaking, but also explore the best shotguns available for clay shooting, as well as reloading tips and more. Discover the truth about shooting a moving target, and become a better clay shooter! Get Your Copy Now
Ruger is now offering its LCR in the light, yet potent .327 Federal Magnum.
The .327 Federal Magnum has found new life in the past year.
Ruger has invested in the light, yet snappy round, releasing two revolvers chambered for the cartridge. And while the Single Seven and SP101 were both intriguing offerings, each one’s release was met with a similar refrain: “Nice, but when are they going to make one for concealed carry.”
Well, for these particular shooters, the wait is over.
The New Hampshire/Arizona manufacture has added yet another .327 Magnum to its lineup, in model literally tailored for clandestine carry—the LCR. And there appears to be plenty to like about Ruger marrying its polymer- and stainless steel-framed pistol to the cartridge it helped develop.
One of the features that is almost certain to turn heads, particularly with LCR fence sitters, is the revolver's capacity. The .327 holds six rounds, more than any other in the line, save the .22 models. For the most part, a larger capacity in a smaller firearm was one of the main aims behind the development of the magnum cartridge.
The .327 Magnum has plenty of selling points in and of itself. Among these is it's potent, yet manageable to shoot. The round achieves velocities similar to a .357 Magnum; it actually outperforms the larger cartridge in snubbed-nosed revolvers, such as the LCR. Of course, there’s a rub to the small magnum’s performance: It’s with a smaller projectile.
Presently, the majority of .327 Federal Magnum ammunition is topped with 85- to 130-grain bullets. And while availability is typically not a problem, there isn’t a ton of different rounds to choose from. However, shooters need not fear about fodder for a LCR in this caliber. It’s fully capable of shooting .327 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W Short and .32 S&W Long rounds as well.
Like the rest of the LCRs, the new .327 has the dimensions to make it a slick deep-cover or backup gun. The double-action-only revolver is only 1.3 inches wide and tips the scales at 17 ounces, making it more than convenient for pocket carry. It has a 1.875-inch barrel and comes outfitted with a Hogue Tamer Monogrip, a feature that should make recoil even more manageable. It also has a pinned, replaceable ramp front sight and integral U-notch rear.
Presently, Ruger’s MSRP on the new .327 Federal Magnum LCR is $619.
The Trijicon MRO offers a flexible, accurate and petite aiming solution.
When it comes to aiming solutions, Trijicon has always been at the cutting edge. And the Michigan company shows no signs of slowing up its innovations anytime soon.
Recently, the manufacturer expanded its catalog with an optic meant to add little to a firearm's overall bulk, while offering lightning-fast target acquisition. But its petite design isn’t the only advantage Trijicon is offering with its Miniature Rifle Optic. The red-dot sight has also been refined to offer a clearer sight picture, thus creating a more accurate optic.
The MRO is engineered to eliminate the tube-effect with a shortened body and larger objective lens. Overall, the optic measures in at 2.6 inches and has a 25mm objective lens. These features also add some flexibility to the unit, given it can be mounted anywhere on a firearm without causing tunnel vision.
While the Trijicon MRO is an ideal option for close quarters shooting, the 1X optic also has potential to help shooters reach out. In part, this is facilitated through the sight’s 2 MOA red dot. The dot is large enough to draw a clear bead, but not so huge as to blot out a distant target. It also has eight brightness settings, helping it adapt to nearly any lighting conditions.
At around 2 inches in length and weighing around 4 ounces, the Trijicon MRO adds little bulk to a firearm.
The 4.1-ounce unit is also designed to be fine tuned with one click equaling ½ MOA at 100 yards. The optic has a total of 70 MOA total travel, both in windage and drop, allowing it to be zeroed in almost any configuration.
The MRO looks to be ready to tackle long stints in the field with the optic sipping energy. Trijicon lists five years of continuous use on a single 2032 battery.
The unit is also rated to handle the most extreme conditions. It can operate in temperatures from -60F to +160F. It is waterproof to 100 feet, and its 7075-T6 aluminum body is also chemical- and corrosion-resistant. And it is able to endure the roughest treatment without losing its zero or sustaining damage.
Presently, the Trijicon MRO has an MSRP of $579 without a mount and $629 with one.
EZ2C targets combine lots of white space and a clean design for an easy-to-see paper shooting target that makes range sessions more productive.
This grid-style target is ideal for rifle sight-in and group shooting.
Years ago, when I was trying to scratch a living as a freelance gun writer, I learned the value of a good target. With gun test assignments in hand I needed something which would allow me to do a high volume of shooting—that is, were affordable—and also clearly showed groups.
Of course, there were the fancy paint-splatterin' types with black pasted over a mysterious fluorescent goo; these were slicker than snot but cut into the frozen burrito fund a freelancer lived on.
Necessity being the mother of invention, some diligent research turned up the EZ2C concern, which was online order only. They made paper targets that were highly visible, came in high quantity pads and featured a price tag that didn’t cut deeply into the wallet.
Reactive targets, steel plates, poppers, fresh fruit and water jugs are jolly good fun, but the best paper shooting targets are ones that allow you to see where your rounds are landing.
That’s why Gun Digest has partnered with EZ2C targets. Like the name suggests, they’re easy as pie to see and handy as the dickens for long-range rifle work.
The center of these targets is all white, surrounded by a bright red that tends to draw your eye to the middle and gives you white space around which you can more precisely reference your crosshairs if shooting with a scope. Despite having excellent vision, I found my groups actually improved just from using these targets.
The author liked this clean style for close-range handgunning. Click here to order.
Even at really long range, my 600 meter tests proved how nice it was having an all-white background upon which to center the crosshairs for shooting center mass groups.
Open sight shooting with rifle, slug gun or muzzleloader is also better, for referencing the sights is so much easier when contrasted against the light background.
We’ve come up with five styles of target that will cover nearly all your shooting needs. To zero your rifle or shoot groups I like either of the diamond-shaped designs featuring grid backgrounds, which are a slick reference for scope adjustments.
For handgunning, the clean background targets with round circles give you an uncluttered view; I like stapling these onto IDPA-style cardboard targets and then pouring on the lead. The style with two vertical circles can be used for switching between center mass and high shots and fits well with many handgun drills.
If you’re unsure of what style you need, get one of each of the five. Most likely, you’ll end up using all of them. Give them a try—you’ll see why.
These high-visibility fluorescent red and white paper targets from EZ2C are preferred by the Gun Digest editors because they allow us to see exactly where our rounds are landing. You'll love them, too. Load up here
If you’re planning a trip and want to carry a gun, here’s what you need to know about packing state to state.
Planning a trip? Taking a gun? Before you head off down the road, make sure your itinerary doesn’t include a trip to jail. Your license to carry may be good in a lot of places, while in other places it doesn’t mean diddly. So make sure you learn as much as you can before traveling with firearms.
The past few years have seen an expansion of what is commonly known as state reciprocity for concealed pistol licenses or carry permits. But that doesn’t mean this is a universal phenomenon, and keep in mind that if you are planning to carry in another state, you will be carrying under that state’s laws. What may be legal in your home state might not be legal where you visit.
Before heading down the road, brush up on the laws in the state where you are heading and any states in between through which you may be traveling.
Places to Avoid
Let’s get this out of the way up front: There are some places travelers may wish to avoid. According to the popular Handgunlaw.us website, states that do not honor anyone’s carry license or permit include California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, plus the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many activists who focus on “universal recognition/reciprocity” figure it this way: If these states or territories don’t recognize your right to self-defense within their borders, they don’t deserve a penny of your money.
As of this writing, there had been a reciprocity/recognition bill passed in Oregon, but the governor had not yet signed the measure. Things may change in the Beaver State, so keep an eye on that one.
There are several other states that honor out-of-state licenses and permits, provided they are held by residents of those states. That is, people who have obtained the widely touted Utah or Florida permits get no recognition if they are not residents of either Florida or Utah.
A growing number of states—Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont—honor all licenses, but again, the non-resident carries in those states under the laws of those states.
And then there is Vermont, where there has never been a license to carry other than your driver’s license. The downside to being from Vermont is that your state driver’s license will allow you to carry in only three other states: Alaska, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Since the state does not issue licenses or permits, there’s no Vermont document any other state can really honor.
Thirty states have non-resident permits or licenses; that is, a non-resident of a state may obtain a carry license for that state—this is what has made the Utah and Florida licenses so popular—that they are recognized by other states. For example, non-Washington residents can get an Evergreen State concealed pistol license that is valid in 25 states at this writing. A Virginia non-resident license is valid in 28 states, while the Utah permit is recognized in 31 states. Oregon only issues non-resident permits to residents of states that border Oregon: Washington, Idaho, California, and Nevada, but the permit is valid in 20 states.
Requirements for obtaining a non-resident permit vary depending upon the state to which one applies. Florida, for example, will issue permits by mail to people who meet the requirements. On the other hand, one must apply in person in Pennsylvania. Other states require applicants to either be employed in the state or own property.
There are two resources the frequent traveler should consult. One is a little booklet called the “Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States,” which is updated annually, and the other is the aforementioned Handgunlaw.us. The latter is updated frequently as things may change, sometimes at a moment’s notice—and they do that occasionally—and it is important that the armed vacationer/traveler brush up before heading down the highway or out to the airport. The “Traveler’s Guide” features one-page summaries of the laws and is a popular publication among people who may summer in one state and winter in another.
Frankly, the Handgunlaw.us website is quite possibly the best resource there is for the armed traveler. Books can only be updated every so often, while an online site is far more up to date. There is one page on this site that has a concealed carry reciprocity guide, which is also available from the Second Amendment Foundation (Saf.org).
A less reliable resource is an Internet gun forum, and there are scores of these on which people can uncover all levels of knowledge, from accurate to pure supposition. Don’t risk a vacation or business trip by relying on advice from somebody who might call himself the “gun dude” on a chat forum.
There is something else I discovered when researching this article. Handgunlaw.us isn’t afraid of ruffling feathers. Each state has it’s own page on the website, and the one for Delaware had a notation that was rather blunt: “Over the years the Delaware Attorney General has listed states on their website that they actually didn’t honor or stating there was a reciprocity agreement when one didn’t exist. Use caution when reading anything on the DE Attorney General’s website as it has listed inaccurate information over the years when it comes to who they honor and who honors them.” Take that critique to heart and be forewarned.
Common Sense when Traveling with Firearms
When the author is in unfriendly environs, he locks his unloaded pistol in a console vault. Notice there is no loaded magazine in there with the gun.
Common sense should always prevail, but it is amazing—if not embarrassing—that some people just don’t get it. Sometimes I wonder if they’re willfully ignorant. With somewhere in the neighborhood of 11-12 million legally licensed citizens across the U.S., it is incumbent upon these people to know the laws about concealed carry where they are going to be spending time. Ignorance is no excuse, and there have been cases—most notoriously in New York and New Jersey—in which law-abiding citizens who didn’t pay attention wound up in serious legal trouble.
How many times a year do we read about somebody who gets stopped at the security checkpoint at an airport with a gun in their carry-on luggage? This is unforgivably stupid because there has been so much publicity about it over the years. Nobody can claim ignorance of this prohibition, and even if someone is not criminally charged, chances are good they’re never going to see their firearm again. Before you head to the airport, check the contents of your carry-on bag. No knives, no guns, no ammunition, no problems.
If you do travel by air with firearms, as I have done many times, follow the rules: Guns must be unloaded and locked in hard-sided cases. Handgun cases will be inside of your luggage, and your suitcase should also be locked. Notify the ticket agent when you check in at the airport, get your luggage checked through by a TSA agent, and go about your business. Not so difficult.
Years ago, I bought a handy little Doskocil lockable handgun case that has traveled thousands of miles with me all over the place. It takes two small padlocks and easily fits inside my checked luggage.
If you drive and your route takes you through some states where your license or permit isn’t welcome, before crossing that state line make sure your handgun is unloaded and locked away. That’s another place where the locked gun case comes in handy.
A few years ago, I installed a locking safe in the console of my truck. I have the combination and don’t share it. When the pistol is inside, it’s not immediately available to anybody. These things are handy and can prevent theft when you might have to leave a pistol in your rig. Never lock up a loaded gun. While traveling, make sure the ammunition is separated from the firearm.
I have carried concealed in several states, including Michigan, Florida, Montana, Idaho, Virginia, Arizona, and Alaska. Those experiences taught me one thing over all others: Carry discreetly. That is, concealed means concealed. Nobody in your presence should know you are armed. Translate that to mean your out-of-state carry piece should be a handgun that will not be noticeable under a cover garment. People who are compelled to carry their hardware in such a manner that they let everybody within eyesight know they are packing just might have a maturity or ego problem. The last thing an armed citizen should want is to be the center of attention. You’re carrying for personal protection, not an ego stroke. This is particularly true if you are in a different state.
Interacting with Police
There are a handful of states in which the attitude of some armed citizens can land them in very hot water. This has to do with a legal requirement that you immediately notify a law enforcement officer if you are armed.
I did a quick perusal of the states at Handgunlaw.us and found at least six with this provision: Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. If you are carrying in any of these states and have any interaction with police or sheriff’s deputies, such as a traffic stop, you need to tell them right up front you’re licensed to carry and are armed. Now, if you drive within the speed limit, don’t engage in any really foolish highway maneuvers and behave yourself in public, you’ll lower the odds of having that kind of interaction. Stay off your cell phone and don’t text while driving down the road, and don’t litter.
If you do interact with police, don’t become the jerk in the latest YouTube video telling an officer about your constitutional rights. The odds of having a rotten experience in a different state increase exponentially with every rise in the decibel level.
Another thing to watch for in a state you may be visiting are signs telling you that no firearms are allowed on the premises. In most states, this is a given in such places as federal government buildings, including ranger stations and visitor centers, any courthouse or school building, police stations, jails, hospitals, mental institutions, sports stadiums and private business establishments that are well-posted, including hotels. In some states, such signs have the force of law, while in others they do not.
When traveling with firearms it is also incumbent to check out state laws about carrying in certain establishments, especially restaurants where alcohol is served. Each state’s laws about this are slightly different, and you definitely need to be on top of this one because road trips almost always involve at least one or two stops to eat. One rule to always follow: Don’t drink alcohol if you are armed. This is not debatable, especially if you are in another state where the law just might be different than back home.
Glock G17: Most full-size handguns make good nightstand guns. It’s hard to go wrong with any hand-filling, reliable pistol that accepts a weapon light.
The author explains his thought process in choosing the best nightstand guns for home defense. In Part 1, he reaches for semi-auto pistols.
Glock G19 and G17
The Glock 19.
Many are the handgun models that have stood night guard beside my bed, but the one currently drafted into service is a Gen 4 Glock G17.
Why that one? Because it’s easy for me to shoot rapidly and accurately, because it holds 17 rounds in its magazine, and because my Surefire X300 light fits it beautifully. Among other reasons.
My preference is the 9mm G17, with a 17-round capacity, closely followed by the G19, with a 15-round capacity and a slightly shorter frame. I don’t get warm fuzzies over the .40 S&W cartridge; personally, I consider it less than a .45 in power and less than a 9mm in capacity—thus, a hybrid that attempts to fill the function of both yet fails to match either. However, it is a good cartridge, and for admirers of the .40 S&W, the G22 is really hard to beat.
I don’t recommend messing around much modifying a Glock. The reason they have such a stellar reputation for reliability is that the factory design and parts work, and work every time. The only two mods that I occasionally suggest are to fit a Ghost aftermarket trigger with a lighter pull and an overtravel stop and to replace the plastic factory sights with metal ones, preferably night sights with tritium inserts.
Finally, Glocks are a very good value when you go to exchange your hard-earned dollars for a personal protection tool. Standard models, new, bring around $550 to $580; guns in good used condition can be had for around $400.
Smith & Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson M&P9
The full-size M&P (Military & Police) semi-auto is arguably the most ergonomic polymer-framed pistol ever designed.
That’s a pretty lofty statement, but it’s well founded. M&Ps are extraordinarily comfortable in the hand, and they come with three different-size grip inserts to finesse the grip size until it is just perfect for the owner’s hand. The grip angle is the result of intensive research on the natural angle of the human fist in relation to the arm, resulting in a pistol that points itself as naturally as granny’s naughty-finger when you’re caught with your hand in the cookie jar. The grip itself is very high in relation to the axis of the bore, minimizing muzzle jump and enabling the shooter to control recoil well.
In addition to being engineered for absolute reliability under the most adverse conditions imaginable, Smith & Wesson’s M&P semi-autos have two unusual features. First, the fire controls are ambidextrous (dual slide-catches, magazine release button is reversable), making this one of the best possible choices for left-hand shooters. That feature can save a right-hand shooter’s bacon, too, should their shooting hand be injured, or occupied fending off an attacker. The second feature is the fact that M&P semi-autos can be purchased with or without a thumb safety, which—if present—is located in a classic 1911-esque position.
Many versions exist in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, offering various sights, barrel lengths, colors and so on, and all of them have a light rail on the dust cover in front of the trigger guard. Speaking specifically of the full-size models, you can’t go wrong with any of the variations. Prices are comparable to Glocks; new M&Ps can be had for $560 to $700, depending on bells and whistles, and good used versions can be purchased for around $400.
Springfield XDm
Springfield XDm.
A refinement of the very popular XD pistol, the “M” version is sleeker and perhaps a bit lighter, depending on variation. I like how it looks better, too. Made in Croatia, these semi-autos have gained a huge following courtesy of good prices and solid performance. Personally, as with most polymer, double-stack pistol designs, I much prefer the full-size models to the compact and subcompact models.
All XDs have trigger-shoe-type safeties, which prevent the pistol from firing unless the trigger is pressed rearward. Additionally—and my favorite feature of the XD series—they have a 1911-type grip safety. In essence, the gun can’t fire until it is firmly grasped by the shooter’s hand. Theoretically, this means that the shooter has control of the firearm before it can fire.
The only technical nitpick I can make is that the axis of the bore is—as polymer pistols go—somewhat high above the grip, making for a design with more muzzle jump than others. While I like the 9mm (with it’s outstanding 19-plus-1 capacity) and .40 S&W versions, I particularly like the .45 ACP version with it’s 13-plus-1 capacity. It’s one of the better-feeling high-capacity .45s I’ve fired. Price runs around $550, depending on accessories.
Ruger SR9 & SR40
Ruger SR9.
Retailing at $529, with a street price of under $500, the Ruger SR9 is probably the least-expensive polymer-frame pistol that—in my opinion—really makes the “depend your life on it” grade. Technically, it’s a striker-fired pistol engineered for reliability and good recoil control. The axis of the bore is low against the hand, helping maximize muzzle control during rapid fire.
Containing 17-plus-1 cartridges, it offers ergonomic concessions such as a reversible backstrap and ambidextrous safety and magazine release. Endurance tests by abusive gunwriters have proved it robust and capable. While it’s available in .40 S&W and .45 ACP, my preference is 9mm.
SIG Sauer P226 & P229
SIG P226.
This handgun takes us from the realm of polymer frame pistols to that of metal frames. In my opinion, no polymer-framed handgun ever has or ever will balance as well as a good metal-framed model, and SIG’s P226 is one of the most ergonomic of them all. Its sibling model, the P229, has a slightly shorter barrel, but it is an excellent pistol too.
Of double/single action design, these SIG pistols employ a decocker for safe carry. Translation: When a cartridge is chambered by working the slide, the external hammer is left cocked; pulling down on a lever on the left of the slide, about where a typical manual thumb safety would be located, drops the hammer without firing the cartridge. If the pistol should be needed in a hurry, a long, heavy double-action (both cocks and then fires—thus “double” action) trigger pull will cock the hammer and fire the pistol. Every shot thereafter will be single-action, since the slide leaves the hammer cocked after kicking out the spent cartridge case and chambering a fresh round. If the shooter ceases shooting before the magazine is empty, pulling on the decocker will lower the hammer to the safe position again.
I can’t stress enough what a quality pistol SIG builds, as long as you stay with the metal-framed versions. I’m not partial to the company’s polymer-frame guns. This isn't to say that they’re bad, it’s just that the metal-frame guns are so good.
Capacity is 15-plus-1 rounds for the P226, 13-plus-1 for the P229, and price starts just under $1,000. That said, street price is usually considerably lower. Optional night sights are available, and highly recommended.
SIG Sauer P220
SIG P220.
Imagine a big brother to the SIG P226 with a single-stack magazine in .45 ACP, and you’ve got the P220. Of very ergonomic, shootable design, and carrying 8-plus-1 cartridges, the P220 is in my opinion second only to the classic 1911 in .45-caliber pistol design; indeed, it offers a couple of features that many shooters prefer, such as the decocker, easier disassembly, and so on. It’s a full-size fighting pistol. In other words, unless you’ve the stature of an NFL player, don’t bother attempting to stash it away out of sight on your person. Price starts around $993 and runs up from there depending on options.
Model 1911 (various makes)
Without a doubt the most popular, legendary semi-auto of all time, the 1911 is also the longest-lived.
Why is it so well loved? In short, it’s incredibly ergonomic, is easy to manipulate while under stress, and is very robust and reliable. 1911 handguns made in recent decades tend to be very accurate, too.
Remington 1911 R1
Many sizes of the 1911 exist, from little 3-inch-barreled compact models up to 6-inch long-slide versions, in calibers from .22 Long Rifle to .45 ACP and even bigger. For personal protection purposes, my recommendation is to stick with a full-size, steel-frame model in .45 ACP. It’s what Browning designed, and it’s the most balanced of the lot in mechanical function.
Alloy-frame models are popular among folks intending to carry a 1911 concealed, and they make a good option, as do “Commander” versions, with a 4-inch barrel. My favorite 1911 carry gun is just that, an alloy-framed Commander with a rounded butt, in .45 ACP. However, for a proper nightstand or full-on disaster-handling gun, the full-size, steel-framed versions tame recoil better and offer the utmost in reliability.
Most experts agree that not only is the .45 ACP the most reliable cartridge in the 1911, it makes the most sense. If you’re set on shooting a 9mm or .40 S&W, get something with a double-stack magazine. (There are adaptations of the 1911 that accept double-stack magazines—some of them very good—but at its best, the 1911 is a single-stack design.)
One perceived drawback for a dedicated nightstand gun is the lack of a light-mounting rail on most 1911s. If it concerns you, get one with a rail—they are available from most major manufacturers. Otherwise, just learn to pair it with a good hand-held tactical flashlight, which is what I do.
Part 2 covers top revolver choices for the nightstand.
Shawn Schweigert — H&H Shooting Sports, Oklahoma City, Okla., (HHShootingSports.com)
H&H Shooting Sports was among the very first retailer to receive the new Ruger Precision Rifle — Ruger’s entry into the long-range and tactical market — and featured the rifle at a July in-store sales and promotional event.
H&H promptly sold out of the eight .308-caliber models it had on hand.
“This rifle, in my opinion, is going to take the market by storm this year,” predicted Shawn Schweigert, H&H’s long guns manager. “It looks to be a hit with the tactical crowd and the hunters we service. That’s a very strong combination.”
Chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and .243 Win., the Ruger Precision Rifle looks like a cross between a bolt-gun and an AR platform. For $1,049, shooters get a rifle rated as sub-MOA right out of the box, with an adjustable trigger, Ruger’s MSR stock, a 20 MOA Picatinny rail, plus a threaded, suppressor-ready barrel.
Schweigert notes that he’s sold about half the other caliber Precision Rifles he had and already has a long list for future deliveries of the .308’s.
“About half the guys who bought the .308 were looking for a longer range rifle for hunting, one that could take down a big hog,” he said. “Hogs are becoming a real problem in this state, especially in Western Oklahoma.”
Predator hunters have been buying the new Howa Varminter, with thumbhole stock, and the Browning X-Bolt.
AR-type rifles are still selling, but at very reduced levels from a couple years ago. Not only has the AR market become saturated, but Schweigert also believes many shooters are going back to more traditional bolt-actions.
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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The august 1911 design has been with us for more than 100 years. But in recent times, the legendary semi-automatic pistol has undergone all sorts of tweaks.
Perhaps the most pervasive modification of John M. Browning’s brainchild is caliber. In a bid to cash in on the popularity and near ubiquity of the 9mm, many manufacturers have begun to offer the pistol bored for the round.
SIG Sauer is among the companies that have veered the 1911 away from its traditional .45 ACP chambering. And while it has models available in 9mm, .40 S&W and even .38 Super, a different round appears to be gaining some traction in its catalog.
SIG is now offering a second model of the 1911 chambered in .357 SIG. Joining the Fastback Nightmare, which also utilizes the .357 SIG cartridge, is the company's new 1911 Tactical Operator.
The 1911 TACOPS has been a popular choice among law enforcement agencies, such as the Texas Department of Public Safety. And it's outfitted with a number of features most shooters have come to expect on a defensive sidearm.
Along these lines, the most notable might be the integral rail that allows for the quick and easy addition of an accessory. Also, the TACOPS has updated the 1911 design by including an ambidextrous safety and magazine release.
The single-action-only pistol boasts a 5-inch barrel and measures in at 1.5 inches in width. At 41.6 ounces, the steel-framed pistol might be a bit heftier than some would care to carry on a regular basis, but it is far from being out of bounds for this sort of duty.
The 1911 TACOPS in .357 SIG has the same capacity as it does in .45 ACP: 8+1. And it has the same features as the original model including: Ergo XT grips, skeletonized hammer and trigger, night sights, black Nitron finish and checkered front strap. A threaded-barreled option, ready for a suppressor, is also available.
A 1911 in .357 SIG also has some intriguing potential. First off, the round is designed to mimic the ballistics of what many consider the best personal defense round — the .357 Magnum. And secondly, the smooth feeding bottleneck design of the cartridge has the prospect of making the 1911 less finicky in the ammunition it eats.
Presently, SIG Sauer lists the new 1911 TACOPS MSRP at $1,213.
Hunting season is getting into full swing, but before you head out into the field, there are number of things to prep. Perhaps key among them is making sure your favorite shotgun or rifle is clean and in working order. A close second, however, is making certain your scope is sighted in.
For some this is an infuriating process of chasing rounds around a target until they hit where the crosshairs are laid. But there is a much simpler system that saves time, ammunition and frayed nerves. In fact, all it requires is a bit of knowhow and two rounds.
The guys at GY6vids give a pretty good demonstration of this two-bullet sighting method in the above video. And even if you have your own way of getting on target, give this system a try — you’ll be wowed with how well it works.
Of course, you have to bring a few things to the table to get this scope sighting system to work correctly, such as breath control and trigger discipline. But the time and ammo you save sighting in can be invested into more fruitful endeavors — such as getting off the benchrest to practice in field conditions. Incidentally, we have a great video posted talking about just that topic.
Looking for a place to go shoot? The NSSF has an online and mobile resource to help you track down a local shooting range.
The NSSF’s Where to Shoot resource allows shooters to find nearby ranges by state or zip code. Photo by Drew Warden
As many shooters know, an important aspect of gun ownership is regularly getting out and spending time shooting. The most effective method of growing shooting sports is to get new and young shooters involved. The best—and perhaps the only—way of accomplishing this is to get them out at the range.
A range session is an enjoyable and necessary experience for any shooter regardless of skill level. Range trips help educate and familiarize new shooters with firearm safety and shooting basics, and they serve as valuable training time for more seasoned shooters.
Unfortunately, while trips to the shooting range are the primary building blocks for any shooter’s development, finding and accessing ranges isn’t always easy. Shooters living in rural areas may have the benefit of shooting on their own private land or that of a friend. Many new shooters, especially those in urban areas, simply don’t have that luxury.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, has helped shooters solve this problem by creating a comprehensive, searchable directory (WhereToShoot.org) that lists places to shoot. Available as an online guide or downloadable as an app for Apple and Android smartphones, the directory is expansive and offers shooters many great resources.
Where to Shoot
Designed to be quick and simple to use, the NSSF’s “Where to Shoot” directory provides a few different options for finding the right place to shoot. The user can view listings by state or search the directory by inputting a zip code and a distance parameter ranging from 5 miles up to 120 miles. These are the only two ways to find shooting areas on the mobile app; however, the online directory can filter results even further based on several other factors.
One of these filtering options is “shooting activities,” which allows the user to select ranges based on the type of activities they offer. These include shotgun events such as trap and skeet, centerfire or rimfire rifle shooting, and handgun shooting, among others. Whether the ranges have dedicated archery or airgun areas can similarly be used to limit results.
Choices can also be filtered by what kind of competitions and organized events the range hosts, or even by what type of services are available (retail store, food service, camper/RV sites, etc.). Likewise, those looking for hunting opportunities can find them by choosing among several different types of game animals they’d like to pursue.
This level of detail allows shooters to find the location that fits their exact needs and desires, and which will hopefully translate into continued or even expanded participation in the shooting sports.
One-Stop Shop
Users can also locate ranges based on what shooting activities they offer. Photo by Drew Warden
A guide to finding ranges is an excellent tool for shooters, but the NSSF doesn’t stop there. In addition to helping users locate shooting areas, the online directory offers an assortment of useful tips and tools, especially for novice shooters.
Under a separate tab on the Where to Shoot homepage titled “Resources,” the NSSF provides links to several educational guides and a host of informative sources. There are links to the NSSF’s YouTube channel, where users can find instructional videos on shooting tips and tactics, and to the NSSF blog, where shooters can view the latest industry news and trends.
Particularly helpful to first-time gun owners and shooters, the resources tab also contains links to the rules of firearm safety and other firearm safety literature. Printable paper targets ranging from deer and turkey to standard bullseyes are available as well, giving shooters a leg up as they make their way to the range.
The site’s resources section includes an extensive catalog of youth and college shooting sports programs and a page that details the various competitive shooting sports. It also features a list of other organizations for shooters and provides information on NSSF First Shots seminars, introductory courses where shooters learn the basics of safe firearm handling and use, receive guidance on local requirements for purchasing and owning firearms and hear about different shooting sports opportunities. Last but not least, the site allows shooters to search for firearm retailers by state.
A Go-To Resource
With an extensive directory of shooting ranges and clubs that is regularly updated and available online or on most smartphones, NSSF’s Where to Shoot is a valuable tool for both novice and veteran shooters. The user-friendly design allows shooters to quickly and easily find nearby ranges, leaving them with more time to actually shoot and acquire proficiency with a chosen firearm.
The Where to Shoot website is a wellspring of useful information, especially for new or youth shooters just beginning their shooting careers. Whether the shooter is looking to simply improve marksmanship abilities or get started in competitive shooting, the NSSF’s online guide has abundant information to help. With its Where to Shoot website and mobile app, the NSSF has created a powerful, easy-to-use resource located literally at a shooter’s fingertips or in the palm of their hands.
New for 2015 is the long-range Swarovski X5 scope, which comes in both an illuminated and non-illuminated version, as well as 1/4 and 1/8 MOA models.
The X5 is built upon Swarovski’s new spring retention system, with twin turrets for elevation and windage, as well as a SubZero function that allows shooters to engage targets closer than the zeroed-in range (10 MOA down from zero). The spring retention system exerts equal pressure on both turrets regardless of position, which provides maximal accuracy shot after shot.
I had the opportunity to field test the new X5 3.5-18×50 ¼ MOA in South Dakota this summer along with H-S Precision rifles. Paired with a custom rifle from H-S chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor—and more than a little help from my spotter, Josh—I was able to knock down a prairie dog at 803 yards. I barely missed an opportunity at just past 1,100 yards before the rain set in, but the X5 impressed nonetheless.
Used in conjunction with Swarovski’s ballistic app and STR 80 spotting scope with MOA reticle, it was incredibly easy to get the X5 dialed in, even out to extreme ranges. Whether you’re engaging targets at 120 or 1,100 yards, the X5 adjusts quickly and retains phenomenal accuracy. The X5 should be available this fall.
This brief appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
At the heart of CTK Precision was a guy looking for better shooting equipment. Curt Knitt didn’t find what he was searching for on the market when it came to a gun vice, so he fabricated one in his shop. Once his buddies started fighting over who got to use it next, he knew he was onto something.
From there Knitt expanded his horizons.
He applied his top-notch design and manufacturing skills to create a slew of rock-solid shooting accessories, built to last a lifetime. Here’s a look at a few fruits of his dissatisfaction that have become gun owners’ gain.
P3 Ultimate Shooting Rest The P3 rest attempts to take all the variables out of getting a rifle or pistol on target. To that end, its most important asset is its three-point leveling system. Knobs on the upper half of the unit modify the position of the rubber feet. Thumb locks then ensure the rest always keeps an even keel, even if bumped. This is not the only facet of the unit that is adaptable. The rear rest can also be adjusted to the length of the firearm, be it a long gun or handgun. Both the rear and front rests are covered in a durable marine carpet that protects the unit and the firearms used on it. The metal parts of the rest are also built to last with an E-coat finish, both inside and out. Available for $125.
P3 Ultimate Target Stand One of the troubles with target stands, they’re always right in the line of fire. That’s not exactly conducive with the longevity of a product. CTK, however, has solved much of this problem by making a majority of the P3 Ultimate Target Stand replaceable. The main parts of the stand that are likely to catch a stray bullet use furring strips, inexpensive pieces of lumber available at most hardware stores. Once one has been ventilated beyond use it is simply replaced with another piece of the cheap wood. The other handy aspect to this design, the stand itself is extremely convenient to breakdown and store. Comprises of rugged 14-gauge tubing and 3/8-inch rod — both E-coat finished — the stand can be compressed to fit into a backpack. The stand is also compatible with any kind of shooting you plan on doing, since it can be configured to hold almost every conceivable size and type of target. Available for $60.
Universal Brass Catcher If you shoot a lot, there is a pretty good chance you also reload a lot. Which means shooting can be a real pain or at least that part where you collect all your spent brass. CTK has made this task a little less tasking with its Universal Brass Catcher. The unit is designed to snag your spent casing as fast as your gun spits them out. The unit is designed to work whether shooting from a bench, prone or offhand. And it does not affect your firearm, thus doesn’t not impede its function. The netting is made out of high-quality nylon that resists melting when in contact with hot brass. The base, like all of CTK’s products, is constructed of high-strength steel and finished with an E-coat. This is the ideal product to keep every shooting session tidy and organized. Available for $60.
Compact Shooting Rest Sometimes space is limited, even on the shooting bench. For these situations, CTK Precision's Compact Shooting Rest is the answer. Like its bigger brother, it provides a rock-solid rest to zero in a rifle or a pistol, but takes up just a fraction of the space. The unit measures in at 13-inches in length and weighs at just under 6 pounds, making it a handy piece of equipment to carry nearly anywhere. It also almost has the same adjustability as CTK’s other rests. An adjustment knob on the rear of the unit levels out the rest. And the front and rear rests can be modified for height and firearm size. Like all of the company’s products, it is constructed of high-strength steel and finished with an E-coat. Available for $105.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
Introduced by John Rigby of London, the .416 Rigby is a good example of a sound design that refuses to die. Until quite recently, fewer than 10,000 rifles in this caliber had been made. However, most of the older rifles in that chambering are still in use. In 1992, Ruger added this cartridge to its rifle product line. Ruger thus increased the total number of guns in this chambering by 10 percent in one year. The company continues to produce it. In 1989, Federal Cartridge Co. added the .416 Rigby to its Premium product line. In so doing, Federal became the first major American manufacturer to offer this classic African cartridge. By their actions, both Ruger and Federal took away much of the momentum from the new .416 Remington Magnum cartridge. Their efforts in reintroducing the .416 Rigby have been successful, and sales remain brisk. This only goes to show that not all new product success stories use totally new products.
