We hit the range with a Ridgeline FFT to test out Christensen Arms’ carbon-crafted precision rifle.
Though I’ve been writing about guns for more than a quarter-century, I’m a bit embarrassed I have not previously delved into the rifles produced by Christensen Arms. Carbon-fiber-wrapped rifle barrels and carbon-fiber-infused stocks are very popular today, and Christensen Arms pioneered the carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel.
They’ve also been instrumental in the development of carbon-fiber stocks. You could say I’ve been derelict in my duties, but I recently had an opportunity to correct that … and I’m glad I did. During a recent visit to Christensen Arms, I discovered the Ridgeline FFT rifle, and I’d rate it as one of the best bolt-action hunting rifles currently made.
The action on the Ridgeline FFT is a copy of the Remington 700 action. In fact, it’s compatible with Remington 700 scope mounts. However, Christensen Arms has perfected the action, correcting some of the issues often complained about.
The author helped with the assembly of the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT test rifle. (Photo: Christensen Arms)
For starters, Christensen Arms moved the bolt stop/release to the left side of the action. They also re-engineered the extractor from the ring/clip style used on the Remington 700 to a design similar to what’s used on an M16. Also, instead of a single plunger ejector, the bolt face on the Ridgeline FFT is fitted with two. And, finally, Christensen Arms utilizes a TriggerTech trigger that’s user adjustable.
The bolt body and cooking piece on the Ridgeline FFT has very tasteful spiral fluting, and the bolt cycles with butter-smooth ease.
The barrel is made of 416 stainless-steel, and it’s button-rifled and hand-honed at the factory. It’s also machined with steps that reduce in diameter from each end to the barrel’s center, which is a proprietary and secret process. The barrel is then wrapped in various layers of aero-grade carbon fiber and then finished for a seamless contour from breach to muzzle. The muzzle is threaded at either 5/8×24 or 1/2×28, depending on chambering, and the rifle ships with a stainless-steel, side-baffle brake. A thread protector is provided.
This is something you don’t see very often: the case from the proof load that was fired in the Ridgeline FFT test rifle. Proof loads are fired at extremely high pressure to test all new Christensen Arms rifles. (Photo: Christensen Arms)
The stock really sets this rifle apart. Using proprietary FFT technology, the stock is handcrafted in-house. It’s a monocoque design, meaning there’s no internal structuring support, and the finished stock with the buttpad installed weighs only 20 ounces. By comparison, a similar—fully finished—carbon-fiber stock from AG Composites will weigh about 25 ounces, and the fully finished stocks Melvin Forbes used on his famous Ultra Light Arms rifles weighed 18 ounces.
You might look at this stock like an eggshell, but a hell of a lot stronger. The stock does utilize carbon-fiber bedding pillars for the action screws and is glass bedded at the recoil lug to ensure free floating.
Other features include an aluminum hinged floor plate, dual sling swivel studs, an enlarged bolt knob, a spiral-fluted bolt, Cerakoted steel and left-handed versions in nine different chamberings. Since I was at the factory to help with the assembly of the test rifle, I had Christensen Arms install the Spartan Precision gunsmith adapter that works with all of the Spartan Precision bipods and tripods I so often use.
But Can She Shoot?
The day after assembling the rifle we headed to a local 1,000-yard range. The 6.5 PRC load we chose was the Berger 156-grain Elite Hunter. The day before I’d used that same load to zero the rifle in Christensen Arms’ underground test tunnel—and had fired a 0.76-inch three-shot group.
The Ridgeline FFT rifle that was tested was chambered for the 6.5 PRC, and not a single five-shot group that was fired measured more than an inch.
At the range, I first confirmed the rifle’s zero and then started whacking steel in 100-yard increments. Most of the targets were 12 inches in diameter, and I did not miss a single target until the range reached 800 yards. By then, the wind had picked up a bit and was gusting, but I still managed multiple hits out to 1,000 yards and only fired one box of ammo.
When I got the rifle home, I got more serious about precision testing. I had several boxes of Federal’s new Tipped Fusion load and some Hornady Precision Hunter. I fired three, five-shot groups with each load from a sandbag rest at 100 yards, and the overall average for the six groups fired was only 0.86 inch.
The author consulted ballistic data on the 1,000-yard range while testing the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT. (Photo: Christensen Arms)
However, there’s an aspect of this testing that needs to be explained: Part of the appeal of a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel is heat dissipation, and I wanted to see how well this rifle would maintain precision with a hot barrel.
For all the groups, I used a Silencer Central Backcountry suppressor, and all five shots for each group were fired in less than 60 seconds. After each five-shot group, the barrel was allowed to cool, but it’s worth noting that these five-shot groups were fired in a hurry. It’s a testament to how well Christensen Arms has perfected the carbon barrel wrapping process.
Of course, in the real world, the practical application of a big-game rifle will rarely, if ever, require you to fire five shots in less than 60 seconds. For the big-game hunter, rifle interface and handling characteristics are more important. In addition to being incredibly light, the rifle’s stock was comfortable, and the comb positioned the head and eye almost perfectly behind the scope, which was mounted in extra low—0.418-inch high—Talley Alloy Lightweight mounts. For those who like the long-range game, Talley offers these mounts with a 20-MOA offset.
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT rifle is a lightweight big-game rifle designed for the field. Depending on chambering, it only weighs about 5.4 pounds.
The muzzle brake was effective but loud, so I tossed it and went with the suppressor. Without the suppressor, the rifle balanced almost perfectly. With it, it was just a tad muzzle heavy, balancing about 2 inches forward of the front guard screw. This is a very good balance for shooting off-hand at stationary targets, and I had no issues ringing 8-inch steel from field shooting positions out to 200 yards.
Overall, the rifle functioned to perfection—and it fed, fired, extracted and ejected flawlessly. I would’ve liked a safety that locked the bolt handle down when placed on safe, especially since this rifle has an oversized bolt handle. Original Remington 700s had this feature, and it’s the only negative aspect of the modern Remington 700 action—which lacks that feature—Christensen Arms did not address.
Shooting Results
LOAD
VELOCITY
SVD
ENERGY
PRECISION
Federal Fusion 140-grain Tipped
2,890
19.3
2,596
0.94
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter
2,860
26.3
2,597
0.77
AVERAGE: 0.86
NOTES: VEL = average muzzle velocity, SD = standard velocity deviation, ENG = average muzzle energy
A Few Final Words On The FFT
In 1979, I’d saved enough money to buy my first big-game rifle. It was a Remington 700, and I spent just a tad more than $200 for it. Times have changed; today, $200 will only buy you a couple boxes of ammunition. I recently compiled some data on all the rifles I’d reviewed over the past several years. What I discovered was that, to get a factory rifle that will consistently shoot five-shot groups of less than an inch with several factory loads, you’ll have to spend more than $2,000. Granted, there are exceptions, but generally that’s the cost of precision in 2025.
Though the Ridgeline FFT utilizes an internal magazine with a hinged floor plate, it’s compatible with aftermarket detachable box magazines assemblies.
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT will meet that precision standard. In fact, it comes with a sub-MOA guarantee, and its suggested price is right in line with what you should expect to pay for a rifle that shoots that well.
However, with the Ridgeline FFT, you get that level of precision from a rifle that weighs less than 5.5 pounds. That puts it in a category all its own. Sure, there are lighter rifles that will shoot this good, but you’re going to have to pay half again as much as you will for the Ridgeline FFT to get one. By my estimation, that makes the Ridgeline FFT a very special rifle.
Pros
Super lightweight
Incredibly accurate, Sub-MOA gauranteed
Well balanced & good ergonomics
Available in multiple chamberings and left-hand options
Cons
Safety doesn’t lock bolt handle down
Expensive
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Deals
Guns.com
Starting at $1,835
EuroOptic
$1,840
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
When legislation or preferences steer a shooter away from a semi-auto carbine, it’s time to go with Plan B: The tactical lever-action rifle.
I live in one of those onerous corners of America, where the boot heel of tyranny has attempted to exert pressure. In short, my particular municipality took a crack at banning a host of firearms. This included, of course, the venerable AR-15 among other semi-auto carbines.
Thankfully, the law was eventually rebuked by the state supreme court, but the situation did get me thinking … The times being what they are, what’s a passable stand-in for a semi-auto carbine? Not exactly the thought experiment most want to conduct, but an unfortunate one many citizens must ponder or at least should perchance the inmates ever end up running their particular asylum.
As chances have it, some gunmakers appear sensitive to this very question and, for all intents and purposes, have concocted a workable solution. Here, I speak of the tactical lever-action. By no means are the systems a one-for-one analog of an AR, AK or any other semi-auto, but the quintessentially American gun has proven itself time and again.
Crack open a history book concerning the nation’s westward expansion, and the examples are rife—from the legendary Winchester 1873 taming the frontier to the Marlin 1894 opening up the vast Alaskan backcountry. These are as carbine hard as the men who used them living off the land as they were fending the back forty. Quite a résumé! And they’ve only grown better with time. In their present modernized form, the lever-gun is equally as adept an instrument for guarding the suburban homestead as they are a do-anything option for tackling the apocalypse.
Tactical Lever-Gun Breakdown
There’s no hard and fast rule on what constitutes a tactical lever-action. Certainly, many write them off as merely polymer-stocked iterations of the originals. True, some wear plastic, but not all. And really, there are some nuances to what’s offered, besides dark finishes and ominous names, such as “Dark Series” (Marlin) and “Model X” (Henry).
Looking to build your own tactical lever-action? Upgrades, such as XS Sights’ ghost ring/rail system for the Marlin 1895 are readily available.
To the quick of the matter, tactical lever guns are generally modernization efforts, retaining the heart of the carbine—receiver, etc.—and offering more utility. In particular, it’s usually found with the combination of these four features:
Accessory Mounting: Much like AR-style rifles, Picatinny rails and M-Lok slots make adding a useful accessory such as a weapon light easy.
Threaded Muzzle: For a gun meant to defend in close quarters, the option to attach a suppressor without the aid of a gunsmith is welcome.
Sighting Systems: Many, if not most, offer faster-target acquisition systems out of the box, such as ghost ring aperture, as well as rail systems more conducive to attaching modern optics.
Aftermarket Support: Accessory manufacturers have also noted the trend of tactical lever-actions and offer a wealth of upgrades to tailor them to particular applications.
By no means do these modest improvements completely reinvent the wheel. There was no need to.
Despite more than 150 years old in concept (at least in its modern form), the system still proves among the most versatile and fastest available today. At the same tick, these features enhance the already solid firearms, better tailoring them to modern tastes and applications. So don’t fret if your predilections or local laws run counter to semi-auto currents. The tactical lever-action more than holds its own in today’s rough-and-tumble world. Here are six I’ve found that particularly excel in the role.
How We Made Our Picks
While I appreciate a good lever gun as much as the next guy, and I’ve owned and shot plenty of them over the years, the Gun Digest team is full of downright lever-action fanatics by comparison. Combined, we have extensive time behind a wide variety of lever guns, including all the tactical lever-action rifles on this list and several others that were left off. Using our combined experience, we found that the following models are the best-executed examples of the tactical lever-gun concept. From features and ergonomics to general reliability and performance, these are the top space cowboy lever gats to get.
Since Ruger acquired Marlin, the company has been reintroducing many of the most popular lever-action models, including the tactical Dark Series. However, at the time of this writing, the lineup only includes the Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester and the 1895 in .45-70 Gov’t.
For this list, I chose the latter. Sure, .45-70 may not be quite as versatile as something like .357 Mag. or .22 LR, but if you’re shopping for a tactical lever-action rifle for defense in grizzly bear country–or close quarters verses two-legged predators–the heavy-hitter can be a very smart choice. I don’t peg this rifle as a jack-of-all-trades carbine, but I find that what it does, it does well.
Notably, the pre-Ruger Marlin Dark Series rifles were not nearly as well thought out as these new models. No longer sporting wood furniture with a coat of black paint and a few pre-installed aftermarket accessories, the current production Dark Series guns were given a much more serious tactical treatment. The rifles now feature nylon-reinforced polymer furniture with M-LOK slots, a threaded barrel with a radial muzzle brake, QD sling attachment points and of course a Picatinny rail for optics.
Perhaps our favorite aspect of the entire build is the gun’s M-Lok handguard, which sadly remains an aftermarket upgrade for most lever actions–tactical or otherwise. In our book, this makes the Marlin the best overall option in tactical lever actions at present, or at least the one best living up to the moniker.
As for shooting, I found Ruger has done a phenomenal job with the 1895. With the right ammo–in our case Hornady Subsonic–the rifle prints sub-MOA. The user interface is well thought out and comfortable, making the rifle fast and accurate–particularly with the included radial brake or a suppressor. It’s about everything I wanted in a modern lever action… almost.
I found two sticky points to the gun. The snap on comb isn’t the easiest install and is necessary. And the trigger–at least on my model–had a hitch at the start of the pull. Cleaned up the gun would have been near perfect. I still think it’s dang close and with a LPVO on top believe it would serve most shooters well.
Best PCC Tactical Lever Action: Henry Model X Big Boy .45 Colt
Model X Big BoySpecs Caliber: .45 Colt Capacity: 7+1 Barrel Length: 17.4 Inches Overall Length: 36.3 Inches Weight: 7.3 Pounds Stock Material: Polymer MSRP: $1,124
Pros
Ergonomic
Smooth Lever Throw
Pistol Grip
Cons
No Picatinny Rail
Among the most popular of Henry’s rifles, the pistol-caliber carbine succeeds wildly in the company’s polymer-stock Model X line. Light and responsive, the rifle sings in the right hands and is as dependable as the day is long.
While I have an affinity for carbines chambered .357 Mag./.38 Special, and the Big Boy is available in .44 Mag./Special, shooters are well served in considering the Big Boy in .45 Colt. The gun digests spicy hunting loads, giving it plenty of hitting power and versatility—it’s a particularly apt survival option with brush-gun chops.
Especially welcome on the 17.4-inch barreled rifle (it’s threaded, mind you) is a well-thought-out polymer forend, staying true to the Big Boy’s feel while improving its utility. To this, we point out the section of Picatinny rail below the forend and the M-Lok slots at the 3 and 6 o’clock positions just above the rail.
Further back, Henry opting for a pistol-style grip (as opposed to the original’s straight grip) is appreciated and adds a level of control to the rifle—as does the company adding a side-loading gate for fast reloads. Its 7+1 capacity is ample for most circumstances, but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup to keep it in the fight.
And this gun might very well be the best tactical/hunter options on the list. I found the gun an extremely fast shooter, even without a muzzle device installed, and fairly danged accurate 50 yards and in. Stand hunting or a very manageable and overpowering defensive option, the rifle excels in either role.
About the only bone I have to pick is Henry opting for drilling and tapping the receiver; many shooters might’ve felt better served with an optics rail. Given it’s a side ejector, it would’ve worked like a beauty. Though, that’s no dealbreaker, since you can add the asset at home. As an aside, Henry also offers Model X .45-70 and .30-30 options, if those are better suited to your circumstances.
Up front, we’ll say this rifle misses a few key tactical features: threaded muzzle and accessory-attachment points. However, it makes up for these shortcomings with one notable asset. It’s a takedown.
Some might pick nits with the concept, but I still contend it’s a worthwhile way to make a long-gun more accessible away from home—be it stowed in your pickup or backpack. In this case, again I prefer the .357 Magnum/.38 Special version, but some might find the .44 Magnum/.44 Special iteration more suitable.
In either case, the Alaskan breaks down to a tidy 17-inch package. And at roughly 6 pounds empty, it isn’t much of a burden. That’s surprising, because the rifle has a thick octagon barrel and is stocked in wood with a rubber overmolding. Chiappa, the manufacturer, obviously could’ve cut a few ounces with polymer furniture, but the touch more heft feels right in this particular style of rifle.
A Winchester ’92 clone, it spits spent cases out the top. While not the best system to run an optic on, Chiappa avoids conflict on this front by moving the Weaver-style optics rail forward, scout-rifle style. I’m going to be honest here, I’m no fan of a Scout scope mount, but understand the need with the action.
The rail also includes the rear section of the iron sights system, a Skinner adjustable rear peep with an ample aperture, giving it a function much along the lines of a ghost ring. Enhanced by a bright red fiber-optic front, it’s quick to the target in a pinch, but more than capable of holding on a distant shot. The lever loop is larger than I prefer, but not Hollywood by any stretch.
Performance-wise, the gun ran smoothly through all my tests and proved acceptably accurate. I was pleased with the the mate-up of barrel and action as well. My scope maintained its zero between taking down and putting together, which is a decent sign the Alaskan was made to acceptable tolerances.
It no tack driver, averaging 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards, the trigger also could use some cleaning up and the loading gate could bite, but neither precludes this carbine from consideration in my book. I believe adding a red dot and a suppressor (it has a threaded muzzle), it’d make a dandy little home defense, truck or backpack option.
Alaskan Takedown Deals
Guns.com
$1,734
Best .22LR Tactical Lever Action: Rossi Polymer Rio Bravo .22 LR
Honestly, you needn’t have a tactical bent to go with this Rossi. Snappy and responsive, the polymer Rio is like most .22 LRs—just plain fun and difficult not to love. It’s got a lot going for it beyond enjoyment, making it a candidate for a bug-out gun or a home-defense option nearly anyone in the family can wield effectively. Among the most noteworthy, its ample 15-round tubular magazine gives the 5-pound rifle plenty of firepower.
Outside of foreign invasion, it should prove to have enough on tap to face down most circumstances. Though, I confess the addition of a side-loading gate would improve peace of mind.
As for the stock, it’s a very simple polymer affair that doesn’t stray too far off the reservation. The exception being the six M-Lok slots—three on each side—on the front of the fore. They’re well placed, near the top and just the right position to intuitively operate a light, no matter if you’re right- or left-handed.
Sights are fiber-optic three-dot, green in the rear and red upfront—very basic, but familiar to most shooters and eye-catching in all but low-light conditions. The front is shrouded so you don’t bust the pipe, and the rear is fully adjustable for windage and elevation—nice, large and tactile knobs, too.
As for accuracy, it’s fairly on target for a lever-action within reason. I often take mine to the range as a diversion between drills and can pound a 5-inch hostage plate from 30-yards all day long with it. For a lever action 22, that’s acceptable accuracy in my book.
I used to complain the only shortcoming this rifle had was the lack of a thread muzzle, but Rossi stepped up to the plate an recently rectified this with the Rio Bravo Tactical model. Essentially, it plays friendly with suppressors and has a pic rail on the receiver. But there’s a price to pay with this configuration, it drops down to a 10 round capacity. Personally, I’d rather have the ammo on board.
Like the Rio, the R92 Triple Black is just off the mark in some respects. But overall, for the right application, is a solid option.
The R92 is a proven line of Winchester ’92 clones that offer a good mix of quality and affordability. With the Triple Black, the Brazilian manufacturer tweaks the formula with some well-thought-out upgrades, while keeping the rifle tied to its roots. I made my preference of .357 Magnum clear earlier, and, despite a .44 Magnum option, I again contend shooters are better served with the smaller caliber unless they’re buying a dedicated hunter.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the rifle is the integrated Picatinny rail/rear sighting system–even if it’s a the dreaded scout mount. Rossi opts for a peep rear with a relatively large aperture in conjunction with a large blade front, making it quite useful where nimbleness is at a premium. But most, I imagine, would take advantage of the rail and a 1x optic or multi-powered scope—both are apt for the 16.5-inch barrel gun.
Lever-actions, particularly pistol-caliber models, are well served with a suppressor and the Triple Black is threaded for action. Until you mount yours, the rifle comes with a factory-installed knurled thread protector.
However, and this is odd, the 8+1 rifle doesn’t have any accessory attachment points, which perhaps makes it better suited as a bug-out gun, rather than a home-defense specialist. That and the grip and loop, at least for me, leave something to be desired. Rossi kept the same stock design as its hardwood R92, straight; and the company couldn’t resist running a larger lever loop. Though, admittedly, it looks nice.
What can I say, other than POF cooked up what might be the coolest lever action since Winchester slapped on a loading gate. The Tombstone is a 9mm, magazine-fed lever gun with perhaps the most tactical profile of all tactical lever actions. It could be the whole package… could be.
To the good first. As I mentioned the carbine is among the most unique-looking guns almost Tombstone meets Heat. The front end resembles an AR-15, with an aluminum M-Lok handguard wrapping the lower end of the barrel. The aft is all lever action, with a largish action and an extended hammer—though the Magpul stock takes us back to modern times. The Tombstone comes with a Picatinny rail on the action to mount a scope, though POF includes a blade front and ghost-ring rear as part of the package.
Given that 9mm isn’t a lever-action cartridge—much shorter than what the platform was engineered for—the lever throw is much terser. This is where the bad creeps in. I found you had to work the action to avoid malfunctions. Generally, it was a failure to feed issues that plagued the gun, and in all fairness, these worked their way out throughout shooting. But I didn’t find the lever as smooth or enjoyable as most lever guns I’ve shot.
One other point worth considering is the way the stock is configured, low rings are advisable. Go even moderately high rings pull the cheek off the comb; with irons, my weld was perfect.
This is forgivable in some respects, given the gun is very accurate for what it is. At 50 yards, I had it printing between 1.5 to 2 MOA. With the action broken in—and aided by the included brake—the polite 9mm ammo could print out groups at double time. The Tombstone has the potential of being a defensive option if it weren’t so prone to malfunctions. At this point, I consider it more a range toy, ranch gun or competition carbine than anything else.
Tombstone Deals
Palmetto State Armory
$1,849
Guns.com
$1,734
Tactical Lever Action FAQ
Can you use a lever-action rifle for home defense?
Yes, the lever-action rifle is a solid option for home defense. While its rate of fire isn’t as great as an AR-15 or other semi-automatics, the rifles are generally accurate and fire powerful cartridges. In particular, the pistol-caliber lever-actions opens the door to a host of magnum cartridges, such as the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum.
What are the disadvantages of a lever-action rifle?
The main disadvantages of a lever-action are its rate of fire, capacity and the need of two hands to operate it efficiently. The rifle shoots at a slower rate than AR-15s and other semi-automatics, given the operator must actuate the lever to cycle the gun. Compared to most modern semi-autos, the capacity is much lower–the AR-15 uses a 30-round magazine, while most lever actions hold 8 or less rounds. Given an operator must work the lever to cycle the gun a lever action is much more difficult to run if injured and the user only has one hand to manipulate the rifle.
Why are lever action rifles not used anymore?
Lever actions are not used as much now because semi-automatic rifles surpass them in performance. Thought, the classic design has regained favor in recent years, somewhat do to legislation limiting ownership of semi-auto rifles.
What is the most common lever action round?
While lever actions are presently found in a multitude of different calibers, the most common remains the .30-30 Winchester. Given the cartridge was originally a black-powder cartridge and its favor among deer hunters, the .30-30 in lever actions is prolific. While it might not be the most popular cartridge today, nearly every lever action designed to shoot bottleneck cartridges will have a .30-30 chambering.
CLINTON, S.C. – Palmetto State Armory has announced the return of its annual firearms and outdoor sports event, The Gathering, set to take place on March 21-22 at The Clinton House in Clinton, South Carolina.
Attendees will have the opportunity to test a variety of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and suppressors from Palmetto State Armory and other manufacturers. The event will also feature a Vendor Village, where exhibitors from across the industry will showcase the latest in firearms accessories, outdoor gear, and lifestyle products.
In addition to hands-on experiences, limited tickets will be available for specialized activities, including a mile-long shooting range and a nighttime shooting session using night vision devices.
Ram your AR-15 magazines with a Ram-It speed loader, your fingers will thank you.
A day at the range is fun. Well, there are some un-fun parts. You know … taping targets, picking up brass and loading magazines.
Fortunately, J&M Innovative Products (aka Fastloaders.com) has a solution to that last one: Their Ram-It patent-pending gizmo makes loading an AR-15 magazine easy.
Here’s the Ram-It with the two rear plates and the ram. This will make range day a whole lot more fun.
The tool is bigger than a magazine, so it won’t fit into your pocket … but that also makes it easier to keep track of. (This has a good chance of being “lost” at the range, if you aren’t careful.) And it fits nicely in your range bag next to the magazines it will load.
The system is easy. Take the main housing and slide it onto a magazine. It locks in place, using the magazine latch slot. If you’re using loose ammo, slide the rear plate off, drop rounds into the slot and slide the plate back on. Then, use the rammer to shove them into the magazine.
The Ram-It with loose rounds dropped in (you’ll have to keep it more or less vertical) and the ram in place. The rear plate is off to show how it works.
If you have ammo in boxes, use the extra back plate. Slide its slot over the rims of the boxed rounds and lift them out of the box. Slide the back plate into the Ram-It, and—bingo—use the rammer.
You can even use rounds that are already on stripper clips. Slide the stripper clips into the Ram-It body without the back plate there and shove the rounds into the magazine.
This is cool, but why spend $40 to load magazines? Simple: It makes life easier.
Unlike the spoon found with a bandolier of ammo, the Ram-It locks onto the magazine. And unlike the GI method, you don’t use your hand to strip rounds—you’ve got the tool for that. I’ve seen more than one instance of someone at a Patrol Rifle class using USGI strippers who ended up bleeding from one sharp edge or another. The spoon is small and easily lost (and bends when stepped on), while the Ram-It isn’t.
You can get your Ram-It in colors—Desert Tan, gray and FDE. And for those who are shooting the big bores, they make one for the AR-10 platform as well.
When I load magazines, I do it in one of two settings. If I’m testing a rifle, I load five of this, then five of that, and so on. It’s a hassle, but it’s hard to justify a magazine loader for that. When I’m practicing, training or competing, however, I load up my magazines with only the one type of ammo I’m using. That’s where a speed loader like the Ram-It (and I have mine, so I’m set) makes life easier.
As I said, the Ram-It is too big to fit in a pocket, but that makes it easier to manipulate. And, because it’s molded plastic, its size makes it perfect for some stencils and spray paint … because you’re going to want to put your initials on yours to warn off otherwise-envious shooters.
I’m not saying the guys at your gun club can’t be trusted, just that they will be giving your Ram-It an “I want one of those” looks.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
A quick look at Bear Creek Arsenal’s four new .22 ARC BC-15 rifle and upper options.
Hornady released its .22 ARC cartridge late last year and firearms manufacturers have naturally responded by developing new guns chambered for it. Four of the latest semi-automatic options come from Bear Creek Arsenal.
Expanding its already impressive catalog of AR caliber options, Bear Creek is initially offering four different .22 ARC BC-15 variants and each was designed with durability and accuracy in mind. All four are also available as either a complete rifle or as a standalone upper. Regardless of which you pick, all current .22 ARC BC-15 models in the lineup feature a 20-inch heavy-profile barrel with a 1:7 twist and a rifle-length gas system. They also all feature BCA Talon 15-inch M-LOK Split Rail handguards, BCA bolt carrier groups and flash hiders.
The only places where the rifles or uppers differ are their charging handles and barrel finish. Two of the .22 ARC BC-15s feature right-side charging handle upper receivers while the other two feature standard AR-15 rear charging handle uppers. Both of those options are also available with either a parkerized barrel or a 416R Stainless Steel barrel.
The MSRP for complete rifles starts at $534.98 and the MSRP for standalone uppers starts at $349.99.
We hit the range to test out the PSA JAKL, a long-stroke hybrid child of the AR and the AK.
An AR-15 and a Kalashnikov walk into a bar. They hit it off, go home together, and 9 months later a JAKL rolls off Palmetto State Armory’s production line. At least, that’s how I imagine it happened.
Jokes aside, the JAKL is an AR/AK hybrid rifle. Its lower receiver is that of a standard AR-15, and its upper is a monolithic unit that houses an AK-style long-stroke piston system.
So, what happens when you cross the world’s two most popular small arms platforms? I found the result to be a damn fine rifle, but unlike its parents, one that’s not exactly revolutionary either. Children of celebrities have big shoes to fill, and they typically don’t, but the JAKL is no nepo baby either. It’s a rock-solid shooter with more qualities than quirks, it’s just never going to be an A-lister.
As mentioned, the JAKL uses an entirely mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. All it takes for PSA to convert one into a JAKL lower is the addition of a simple adapter. Due to the JAKL upper being slightly wider, a proprietary bolt catch is required as well, but all other lower components are standard AR-15 parts.
The adapter also deletes the buffer tube, a feature no longer needed due to the long-stroke piston system. This detail allows JAKLs to have folding stocks.
The proprietary upper receiver houses the bolt carrier group/piston assembly, the recoil spring, the charging handle and the barrel with its adjustable gas block. One should note that the 7-lug bolt itself is proprietary and not a standard AR bolt. The upper sports a full-length Picatinny rail on top and an M-LOK handguard for mounting optics and other accessories.
Put the upper and lower together, and you’ve got a JAKL—for all intents and purposes a long-stroke piston AR-15. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first design that’s attempted to transplant an AK’s operating system into a more Western body, as the FN FNC, Daewoo K2 and Sig SG 550 all did something similar. However, all of those are quite rare and expensive in the U.S., not to mention lacking modern features.
Mechanically, the JAKL is basically all AR and AK, but aesthetically it draws inspiration from the Bushmaster ACR and the FN SCAR as well. At least the JAKL models that come with an F5 stock, but not all do.
The PSA JAKL’s recoil spring and BCG/piston assembly (top) versus an AK’s.
PSA offers a huge selection of different JAKL variants, so as a platform, it’s much more than “the ACR we have at home.” They’re available as pistols with folding braces and as rifles with several different barrel lengths, and both versions are available with various furniture options, muzzle devices and finish colors. Not just in 5.56, but in .300 BLK too.
The model featured in this review is chambered for 5.56mm NATO, has a 13.7-inch nitride-finished barrel with a 1:7 twist and a pin and weld JMAC Customs muzzle device. It also features a PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger, an F5 buttstock, a Magpul MOE SL grip and a Smoke Cerakote finish. The only change I made to mine before testing was throwing on some Magpul BUIS since no irons are included.
On The Range
Upon receiving the JAKL, I proceeded to take it straight to the range and try shooting it without any cleaning or lubing. It ran so well right out of the box that I chose to not do anything to it until it started slowing down or malfunctioning. I’m happy to report that it ate through the 700 rounds or so that were allocated for this review with only a single malfunction—an anomalous failure to extract.
I ran some Lake City M855 and steel-cased 55-grain TulAmmo through it, but the bulk of the testing was done using Fiocchi Range Dynamics 55-grain .223. Big thanks to AmmunitionToGo.com for supplying it.
I also tested the JAKL using a variety of magazines and all worked without a problem. That includes the PMAG it came with as well as some various aluminum 20- and 30-rounders.
Upon getting a JAKL, the first thing you’ll have to do is dial the gas system. I found it to be a very quick and easy process. I turned it all the way open to max gas then turned it down one notch after every shot until it no longer cycled, then turned it back up one. At this setting with the Fiocchi ammo, it ran reliably and with a pleasant, mild recoil impulse. The nature of its long-stroke piston system makes the JAKL kick much more like an AK than an AR, albeit a 5.56 AK that’s not overgassed to hell.
The knob for adjusting the JAKL’s gas.
The ergonomics and general handling felt good too, but that should probably be expected since it uses an AR lower. Control-wise, running a JAKL feels just like an AR besides the relocated charging handle which is easy to use and non-reciprocating. It’s worth mentioning that the charging handle can be swapped to the right side of the upper as well.
The handguard felt very solid and comfortable, and all the fasteners holding the upper together stayed tight throughout testing.
While dialing a rifle’s gas helps lower its recoil, part of the JAKL’s soft kick is simply due to its weight. The nature of long-stroke piston guns results in a lot more mass forward of the chamber than what AR-15s have. My JAKL weighed in at just a hair over 8 pounds unloaded, meanwhile, basic 16-inch AR-15s typically weigh more like 6.5 pounds. Those extra 1.5 or so pounds up front are noticeable, especially when trying to do things like presenting from low-ready or target transitions. That said, the weight is not terrible by any means, especially if you’re used to shooting heavier rifles like AKs. The obvious solution is to just hit the gym more often, but it’s still something to be aware of.
As far as the JAKL’s accuracy goes, given I only put backup iron sights on it, I didn’t attempt to put any tight groups on paper. That said, it had no problem ringing a quarter-sized silhouette steel target at 100 yards all day. I’m confident that it would be capable of good precision with the right optic, and PSA’s Enhanced Polished Trigger would only make the job easier. The trigger felt great even for the shooting I was doing thanks to its minimal take-up and very short reset. It’s much crisper than a mil-spec.
The final point I want to discuss is the F5 stock. Firstly, it does look cool, and it is the pièce de résistance for those who want a rifle that looks like an ACR. But as far as functionality goes, it’s not my favorite.
First, let’s look at its positive traits. The length of pull is easily extended by up to 3 inches, it has an adjustable cheek riser, a rubber recoil pad and it can fold to the left. I really like folding stocks, so that last point is a big plus to me. Further, when shouldering the JAKL, the F5 stock does feel comfortable.
However, it has some downsides too. The stock, especially when fully extended, just doesn’t feel solid enough. It has a bit of play when rocking it up and down by hand, and that’s exaggerated when it’s shouldered and being shot with. This doesn’t make the rifle unusable by any means, but it is less rigid than an AR-style stock system with a buffer tube. While I didn’t torture test it, the quality of the polymer used just feels less durable than what the industry has come to expect these days. I don’t think it would give you any problems at the range, but for serious, heavy use, I suspect that it wouldn’t last as long as you’d want it to.
Also, while it’s great that the stock can fold, it would be preferable if there was something that locked it in place. The stock has quite a bit of play in the folded position.
Parting Shot
So, should you buy a PSA JAKL? It depends.
If you’re a relatively new shooter looking for your first 5.56 rifle, I’d say no, you’d be better off with an AR-15. An AR will be cheaper, lighter and have better parts availability, and most would agree that ARs are simply better fighting rifles. That said, I doubt PSA disagrees. The company got its start by making affordable, good AR-15s to help arm average Americans, and they did that in droves and continue to do it today. But PSA has gotten bigger, and its production capabilities have expanded to the point that it can make more interesting, niche products as well, and that’s what the JAKL is.
To reiterate my only two real complaints, the JAKL is a bit front-heavy, and I think the F5 stock could have been better executed. If you don’t care about having ACR-ish looks, I’d pick one of the models with a different stock. And if you’re looking for a rifle to strap several more pounds of accoutrements onto, choosing a lighter host gun would make more sense. But if you already have your practical bases covered with an AR and just want something different, a JAKL could be an excellent choice.
If you want an ACR lookalike for fun, one of the 5.56 rifles with an F5 stock will scratch that itch. If you need firepower in a compact package, one of the pistol models with a folding brace would accomplish that handily. Or, if you need a suppressor host, one of the .300 BLK models that come with a muzzle brake mount would make a great option thanks to the adjustable gas system.
The bottom line is that JAKLs come in a lot of shapes, sizes and flavors, and the various models could fill many different roles that range from practical to fun. As long as you’re not shopping for your very first rifle, the JAKL lineup is well worth taking a look at.
Pros
Very reliable
Low recoil, nice shooter
Adjustable gas system
Very modular/customizable
Offered in many variants and different calibers
Cons
A bit heavy
F5 stock could be better
Not as good of a general-purpose rifle as an AR-15
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New to CANCON? Check out the 2024 CANCON Arizona recap! Dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of suppressors, and tens of thousands of rounds were sent (quietly) downrange. Lever-actions, bolt-actions, pistols, rifles, pistol caliber carbines, and even more than a few full-auto machine guns!
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We take a quick look at the Staccato HD pistol line, a new family of 2011s that take Glock mags.
If you like 2011s, you’re probably going to love the new Staccato HD line. Available in two sizes, Staccato HD pistols were designed based on direct feedback from law enforcement officers and other government agents, and the changes and new features certainly look interesting.
The first and biggest change is that Staccato HDs now feed from ubiquitous and affordable Glock-pattern magazines, and they accomplished this without even changing the grip angle. The grip safety has been omitted entirely as well. Further, the manual thumb safety, slide release lever and forward thumb index points are all fully ambidextrous and the magazine release is reversible. The final external change is that the forward slide serrations have been elongated and given a more aggressive profile.
The HOST red dot mounting system has been updated on the Staccato HD too, now allowing for direct-to-slide mounting of “the industry’s most popular optics” using a spacer system. The rear iron sight has been moved forward of the optic as well. Internal upgrades include an improved recoil system that should make for a better shooting experience and the addition of an active firing pin block.
The first of the two Staccato HD pistols to release is the P4 and it’s available now. This model features a 4-inch barrel and a full-size grip that will accept any full-size Glock-pattern mag. However, each P4 will ship with two 18-round steel mags that feature a low-friction coating. In Spring of 2025 the other Staccato HD pistol, the P4.5, will be released. This model will feature a 4.5-inch barrel but will have its front sight mounted on a stationary block at the front of the slide. This will maintain the same cycling speed of a 4-inch slide while providing more barrel length and more weight at the muzzle to fight recoil.
The Staccato HD P4 has an MSRP of $2,499 and the HD P4.5 will have an MSRP of $2,699 when it’s released.
Turkey hunters rejoice! Vortex has just announced the direct-mount Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot.
Turkey hunters, wingshooters and anyone else that could benefit from an easy-to-mount shotgun optic should be pleased to hear about Vortex’s new Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot. Featuring an enclosed housing and an integrated mount designed for shotguns that are drilled and tapped, the new Viper should be rugged in the field and easy to install on a variety of standard shotguns.
The integrated mount doesn’t just allow for the Viper to be installed on tons of common shotgun models without any plates or adaptors, but it also places the optic in a natural location that plays nicely with a normal cheek weld.
The optic itself is available with either a 3-MOA red dot or a multi-reticle configuration that allows for 7 different combinations of a 3-MOA dot, a 32-MOA circle and a 65-MOA circle, and both models feature 12 brightness settings. Regarding the multi-reticle Viper model, Vortex says that the 3-MOA dot is best for slow or stationary targets, the 32-MOA circle approximates the pattern of a full choke and is best for targets at a distance and the 65-MOA circle attempts to match the pattern of a modified choke and is best for closer-range targets. Both versions of the Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot are powered by a single CR2032 battery and have advertised battery lives of 50,000 hours. They also feature side-load battery compartments and automatically activate and shut off based on motion.
MSRP for the 3-MOA dot Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot is $430 and MSRP for the multi-reticle version is $500.
The decisions you make in the moments following a self-defense shooting will define the rest of your life.
Author’s Note: I am not a lawyer, and the following should not be considered legal advice. You should always seek the guidance of an attorney in your area, one who is conversant with the self-defense laws and the legal ramifications of the affirmative defense in court, before you make any legal decisions. There are criteria by which you might be judged in your actions, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of any courses that deal with the legalities of self-defense in your jurisdiction.
In the world of defensive shooting instruction, there is always the “what if” discussion: “What if this happens? Is it legal to shoot someone?” These kinds of hypothetical questions are a traditional part of internet gun forums, to the extent that many of them have sub-forums just for such discussions.
Even in courses devoted to self-defense law, much time is spent examining whether you may or may not legally shoot someone. How close does someone need to get before shooting is allowed? What kinds of weapons constitute a threat that would excuse shooting? Big attacker versus small one? Multiple attackers versus one? Young versus old?
Don’t get me wrong; all these questions are valid, and the answers are essential to understanding the application of law in self-defense cases. Knowing legal concepts such as the affirmative defense and its burdens on you as a defendant in court is a vital part of your defensive training.
It’s also critical you understand that shooting an attacker may very well lead to their death. While you never, ever shoot with the intent to kill, you do shoot to stop someone from killing you. Very often, the result of that fight-ending action is the attacker’s death. This reality makes the decision to use your gun a very (pardon the pun) grave one: You may end up justifiably taking the life of another human being.
Just Because You May …
From a philosophical standpoint, our laws recognize the reality that sometimes it’s necessary to shoot and possibly kill someone to save your life or the life of another innocent person. That’s the basis of the affirmative defense, which itself is the foundation for any claim of legitimate self-defense: Yes, you shot them, but you had an excusable reason for doing so.
In other words, there are situations under the law where you may shoot someone.
That doesn’t mean you always should, however. Regardless of any local requirements for you to retreat unless otherwise unable, shooting someone should be reserved for those situations where you really need to: when there is no other recourse.
That isn’t a defeatist attitude, nor am I saying that you must cower in fear. It’s an acknowledgment that shooting another human being—even a lifetime criminal who has done no good in society—will change your life. It will cost you money, time, reputation and friendships. A criminal defense might cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Even if you’re cleared of criminal charges, the attacker’s family might decide to press a civil suit against you, which is a common happening in today’s world. Again, think tens of thousands of dollars at a minimum for your legal defense fees.
Shooting someone, therefore, should always be reserved for those situations where it’s necessary. How do you know it’s necessary?
In the legal portions of many self-defense classes are taught such concepts as ability, opportunity, jeopardy and preclusion—the criteria by which the use of lethal force is justified. You need to know those things ahead of time to fully understand where you’re allowed to use lethal force and where you aren’t.
That kind of legal analysis is not something you’re likely going to have time to do during an attack, however. Instead of focusing on whether you may use lethal force in the heat of action, I believe it’s better to focus on whether you need to.
It’s possible, perhaps even likely, that when you really need to shoot, there won’t be enough time to run through the legal analysis that answers the question, “May I?” Your attacker appears suddenly, you see a known and articulable threat to your life, and respond appropriately. That’s the very situation for which our laws are made: when your life is in immediate and otherwise unavoidable danger, and you must make a decision now.
Knowing ahead of time the kinds of attacks for which lethal force is appropriate, and deciding under what circumstances you would and would not shoot, will lay the groundwork for responding efficiently and appropriately.
Don’t misunderstand. You may be legally allowed to do so at that point. The totality of the circumstances may be such that, as the old saying goes, there isn’t a jury in the world that would convict you. You may have met all the legal criteria. None of that means you should exercise your trigger finger unless you need to. The question you should be asking yourself when reaching for your revolver isn’t “may I shoot this guy?” but rather “do I need to shoot this guy?” If you have time and the presence of mind to consider that question, the answer is “probably not.”
It illustrates why a class in the legalities of lethal force is so essential.
The Courtroom Downside to “May I?”
One of the problems with focusing on the “May I” rather than “Do I need to” question comes when that jury starts looking at your case. There have been court cases where someone was legally allowed to shoot their attacker (or at least believed they were legally justified), but the jury looked askance at their decision.
Focusing on the “May I?” question tends to look very much like searching for loopholes or legal technicalities to get a guilty person off. Whether that’s right or valid is a discussion for another book, but in those cases where the shoot decisions weren’t clear-cut, the defendants had a much harder time (sometimes requiring more than one trial).
If you’re the defendant, this is probably how it seems your testimony is being evaluated.
As I see it, it’s a lot easier to defend the claim that “I needed to, and here’s why” than it is to defend “the law says I could, so I did.” That’s why I focus on “should” rather than “may.”
Common Misconceptions
One comment I frequently hear when talking about the legal aspects of self-defense is the idea that someone who has been involved in a “clean” or “good” shoot doesn’t have to worry because their innocence will shine through to protect them.
I have a bridge I’d like to sell you if you believe that.
The trouble is that neither you nor I, nor the investigating officers, get to decide what’s “clean” and what’s not. That’s not to say that the police can’t choose to drop an investigation due to overwhelming evidence or lack thereof—they certainly can—but not every self-defense case is absolutely clear-cut. There are many instances of legitimate defensive shootings where the evidence wasn’t unequivocal (those situations are occasionally exploited by politically motivated prosecutors).
Ultimately, it’s only the trier(s) of the facts—the jury or the judge in a bench trial—who can definitively declare your case to be clean or not. In my state, a Grand Jury makes the first decision, and if they say it isn’t “clean,” it then goes to trial, where you have the opportunity for a jury of your peers to make the final decision. At trial, someone else will be scrutinizing your acts, and you’ll be paying a lawyer a vast sum of money to present your case in a favorable light.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: what looks clean to you or me may not look that way to a person who doesn’t understand self-defense. Even if you explain it in detail, they may still not understand, especially if they’re weighing your explanation against someone else trying to convince them of the opposite.
Noted defense attorney Jim Fleming was fond of saying that self-defense is determined by inches and seconds. What seems perfectly fine to you may be interpreted entirely differently by people looking at those inches and seconds in detail and with the dual luxuries of time and undivided attention.
After Your Ears Stop Ringing
After the incident, you need to articulate why you did what you did. This point is where your education in self-defense legalities becomes crucial, so you understand why the law allowed you to respond with lethal force.
Whether you shoot or not, you must make your own call into the 9-1-1 center as soon as you can. Though it’s not legal proof of innocence, investigators often take the stance that the first person to call in is the victim. This status tends to influence opinions throughout the justice system.
Make sure you’re the first to call 9-1-1, whether you shot or not.
This maxim is particularly true in those cases where a gun was drawn and, for whatever reasons, was not fired. The bad guy gets to a phone first and says you assaulted them with a gun; minutes later, your call comes in, and you say they attacked you with a rock. Which of you is more believable at that moment?
Call 9-1-1 and describe your address and important landmarks. Then say that you need the police, that you were forced to shoot someone in self-defense, and that the attacker is down and needs medical attention. Then, describe yourself: height, weight, clothes and distinguishing features. That’s so that officers will be able to instantly identify you, the victim when they get on the scene.
When the police arrive, make sure that you’re not holding your revolver in your hand! Either holster it before they see you or put it down—cylinder open—and step away. The last thing you want is an officer to get out of their car at a shooting scene and see you holding a gun. They don’t see the halo we all believe we wear; they see a person with a gun and a body on the ground leaking bodily fluids. It’s not a situation where you want to be mistaken for the attacker.
Tell the officers that you were attacked, that you were forced to shoot in self-defense, and that you will “sign the complaint” (the legal version of “I’ll press charges”). Be sure to point out any evidence (attacker’s weapon, signs of a scuffle, indications on your person that you were assaulted, etc.) so that it isn’t missed in the investigation. (Or so that it doesn’t magically stick to an accomplice’s fingers and be taken from the scene. It happens.)
Make sure the officers know who can corroborate your story. Point out any witnesses. People tend to wander off, particularly if they’re of the “I don’t want to get involved” mentality.
Once that’s done, it’s time to exercise your right to remain silent. In other words, stop talking. Don’t give any more detail about how the incident happened or why you did what you did. Human memory is fragile, especially amid a traumatic incident, and you want to avoid saying anything that might be used against you later. You might think you’ve made an innocuous comment, which later proves to be a significant point of contention when it doesn’t precisely match the objective evidence or eyewitness testimony.
A good course of action is to say something like, “I know this is a serious situation, and you’ll have my full cooperation as soon as I’ve had a chance to speak with counsel. I’m sure you can appreciate the gravity of my position.” This is likely to be pretty close to what those same officers have been taught for those instances when they are involved in an on-duty shooting and serves as one more indication to them that you are, in fact, the innocent party.
This procedure ensures that you’ve given them the vital information they need to start their investigation while at the same time you’ve exercised (and protected) your rights against self-incrimination.
How you interact with the police after you’ve been involved in a shooting, how you articulate why you did what you did, and how well the forensic evidence is preserved will all inform the jury about whether you were justified or not. It’s in your best interest to not screw any of that up.
The foremost expert on the legalities of self-defense is Massad Ayoob. His classes on judicious use of deadly force should be considered a “must” if you plan to carry a gun for self-defense.
Use Expert Resources
I’ll repeat what I said at the top: I strongly recommend that you get appropriate instruction in the legal aftermath of defensive shootings. The premier source for training in the judicious use of lethal force is the Massad Ayoob Group, which sponsors classes all over the United States.
Famed instructor Massad Ayoob travels the country teaching what is probably the best course available on the legal issues of self-defense. Called MAG-20, you can find the schedule at massadayoobgroup.com.
(On a personal note, I consider MAG-20 to be so important that I suggest everyone who even contemplates using a gun for self-defense take the course, even before they take a “shooting course.”)
There are two methods of correcting for elevation and windage when shooting at extended distances — holding or dialing. The choice is yours.
Some things to know about elevation and windage corrections and holding or dialing:
You can compensate for elevation and windage two ways — holding or dialing.
Holding for drop involves Kentucky windage — holding high to compensate.
Its biggest plus is speed; there are new reticles that improve this method’s accuracy.
Dialing involves adjusting scope turrets to address bullet drop and wind.
To start, it’s best to dial for elevation and hold for wind.
As you advance, you can hold for both.
If you’ve been following this column, you already know that the only two variables that affect the path of your bullet on the way to the target are gravity and wind. Yes, there are other variables that also have an impact. However, they only change how much of an effect gravity and wind have.
Gravity causes your bullet to begin falling the moment it leaves the barrel, and wind can blow it off of its original path. So what? What do we do with that information?
We compensate for it!
To counter the effects of gravity, we aim higher. To offset the wind, we shoot “into the wind” so that the wind blows our bullet back into exactly where we want to hit.
You can compensate for elevation and windage — it figures that the horizontal correction for wind is called “windage” — two ways:
You can “hold” the reticle
You can “dial” the reticle
Thus begins the debate between holding or dialing.
The ‘Holding’ Technique
“Holding” the reticle, which is sometimes called “Kentucky windage,” involves aiming higher than your target to allow the bullet to drop into the target and aiming to the left or right to compensate for the wind. There are pros and cons to this method.
The biggest benefit to holding is speed. It’s much faster to aim at a new location than it is to adjust the turrets on your riflescope.
If you have a standard duplex reticle or simple crosshairs, the biggest downside to holding for both elevation and windage is that your target is now in the clear portion of your scope. This is a problem because I believe that one of the keys to successful long-range shooting involves focusing on the reticle instead of the target. Another problem with a standard reticle involves knowing exactly how much you’re holding in either direction.
Long-range shooting can be done with a standard duplex reticle, but the author recommends utilizing the advantages of a “Christmas tree” reticle to calculate holds for both elevation and windage, such as this configuration from Schmidt and Bender.
Even while using a reticle with measurement marks (a mil-dot reticle, for example), this is near impossible. Yes, you have precise marks for measuring your hold; however, you’ll need to keep shifting your eye from the target to the horizontal and vertical portions of your reticle to ensure that you’re holding the correct amount. This is OK for a quick shot, but it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re expecting accurate hits.
There are newer reticles that can help eliminate this problem. These reticles don’t feature simple crosshairs. Instead, they have a series of gradually longer horizontal lines below the main reticle that allow a shooter to focus on the correct line for their elevation hold and also for their windage hold. The pattern of these lines has caused these types of reticles to be called “Christmas tree” reticles.
Another problem with holding is that many scopes with mil-dot reticles used to have adjustable turrets with MOA adjustments. This meant that you might have known your MOA adjustment for a certain target distance, but you now needed to convert from MOA to Mils to make that quick holdover shot.
Thankfully, riflescope manufacturers have figured out that shooters want measurement marks on their reticles in the same measurement system as their turrets. My personal favorite scopes, the Vortex Razor line, come in either MOA turrets with a MOA Christmas tree-style reticle, or in a matching Mil variety.
I learned on MOA and that’s what my brain naturally thinks in first. If you’re just starting out, go with Mils — you’ll thank me later.
With these newer Christmas tree reticles, you don’t just have the benefit of holding for both windage and elevation in precise measurements while still focusing on the reticle, you also no longer need to rely on the precision of the scope’s turret adjustments.
Previously, a large cost of the scope was due to how precisely (and consistently) it could adjust. With these new reticles, you could zero your rifle and then realistically never need to touch the turrets again!
The ‘Dialing’ Technique
The second method for compensating for wind and gravity in the holding or dialing debate is adjusting your turrets to move the reticle within the scope. I call this “dialing.”
With a standard or a mil-dot reticle, I strongly recommend dialing only your elevation into the scope via the turrets. In other words, if you choose to dial for elevation adjustments you should still hold for windage adjustments.
This is for three reasons:
Your elevation adjustment should stay consistent while shooting at a certain target
The wind often changes faster than you can stop, readjust and then get ready to shoot again
You can quickly move from side to side along the horizontal reticle for windage and still focus on the reticle while shooting. This is because once you dial for elevation, the horizontal line of the reticle will be lined up with the target.
If I have the time, I still find myself dialing for elevation even with the newer Christmas tree-style reticles. Maybe it’s an old habit that hasn’t died, or maybe I like not having to worry about losing track of which elevation line I’m supposed to be using.
Where Should You Start?
So, here we go again. Is holding or dialing the proper course of action? Well, especially if you have a standard reticle with only one vertical and one horizontal line, you should learn by dialing your elevation and holding for your windage. It’s most efficient.
Don’t dial for wind! You likely won’t have an accurate wind-hold as the wind changes, and you’re setting yourself up to forget your currently dialed wind adjustment and miss the next shot completely.
This will help keep things simple and consistent as you shoot.
After you’ve mastered that, then you can graduate to holding for both windage and elevation. However, you really should have one of the newer Christmas tree-style reticles if you’re going to hold for both.
And here’s something I always teach my students — if you dial, turn your turrets back to the zero setting between targets (if you have time) and when you get off the rifle. Too often I see a new adjustment stacked on top of a forgotten prior adjustment.
That’s about the gist of the holding or dialing debate. Ultimately, you’ll have to make the choice.
We check out Wilson Combat’s new all-titanium suppressor called the Silent Bandit, available in four caliber options.
Wilson Combat has just expanded its suppressor line with the Silent Bandit, an all-titanium can that will be available in four different calibers. The new model is named after Bill Wilson’s dog, Bandit, as the company says both are exemplars of toughness, reliability and readiness.
Wilson Combat says that the Silent Bandit provides an average noise reduction of 31 dB, all in a sleek, lightweight design with low backpressure. Offered in 5.56mm, 6.8mm, 7.62mm and 9mm, all versions are available in either 5- or 6-baffle configurations. All baffle stacks are titanium, but the 5-baffle version is obviously a bit shorter and lighter in exchange for slightly less noise reduction. Regardless, all Silent Bandit variants have a 1.75-inch outer diameter.
As for mounting, Silent Bandit suppressors feature steel HUB mounts that attach via 1-3/8-24 UN-2A threads. The endcap is also steel and attaches via 1-3/8-24 OD threads. This also means that the can is easily user-serviceable. The QUELL K-Mount Interface also ensures that the cans will be compatible with existing Wilson Combat QUELL suppressors. Finally, all the titanum bits are coated in ARMOR-TUFF® Protective Finish, a heat-resistant material that will protect against corrosion and abrasion. The steel parts have a black nitride finish. MSRP starts at $1,119.95.
You can test the Silent Bandit yourself at CANCON Arizona! April 10-12, 2025 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility outside Phoenix, Arizona. Wilson Combat will have all of their suppressors, including the Silent Bandit, on the line for the public to shoot. Tickets to CANCON are on sale now!
We take a closer look at the AR-10 and other large-frame AR rifles like it.
Living through historical events provides perspective on the past and future, and we are definitely living during interesting times. We’re also trending toward interesting new things across the gun industry: new ammunition technology, optics and, of course, firearms.
We’re at a very interesting crossroads in our national small arms history as well: Our military has settled on a new, large-frame combat rifle and cartridge, and we’re seeing a resurgence in interest in large-frame designs and cartridges. This is about to be the golden era in many ways, and we are certainly about to enter the golden age of the large-frame AR rifle.
Bigger Might Be Better
The AR-15 may be the most popular type of rifle in the country today, but it was not the first in the AR family to exist, nor was it the last modern design to emerge from its designers. This is pretty well-known history here, and I don’t want to offer a whole lesson on Eugene Stoner and ArmaLite in the mid-20th century … and the history of the M16 in Vietnam.
The takeaway here is that the designs we are about to discuss are rooted in the original AR-10, and even AR-18 models, developed by Stoner. The world at the time was looking for what amounted to a full-size battle rifle that would ideally be chambered in the then-new 7.62×51 NATO cartridge. Many were adopted, including the famous M14 and FAL rifles.
These full-size rifles were supplemented and eventually superseded by smaller and lighter weapons in 5.56×45 NATO, as military and civilian needs and interest shifted in the latter half of the 20th century until the War on Terror. The 21st century has seen a slow and relatively begrudged slog back to more powerful cartridges in larger and heavier weapons. The modern American military ended up facing 7.62x54R rifles and machine guns courtesy of Soviet presence in much of Asia for more than 2 decades, as well as in fighting by proxy in Eastern Europe and directly in Africa against Islamist groups.
The 5.56mm mags are notably smaller in size than the 7.62/308 pattern common to the large-frame ARs we are discussing. Ammunition is from Black Hills and Remington.
The effectiveness of these Cold War-era weapons has always been apparent, and for many reasons Western militaries have struggled against them in combat. The Tongo Tongo ambush of 2017, of which there is plenty of video, demonstrates how fearsome the 7.62x54R cartridge is from the point of view of Americans being killed by it. The same goes for the countless hours of combat footage from the Russo-Ukrainian War, where we consistently see the effects of larger rifles and cartridges.
All this to say is that there is significant interest in our modern era concerning larger rifles and more powerful ammunition. The American military has chosen the Sig XM7 as part of its Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program to, at least on paper, replace the M4 Carbine and M249 LMG. Both the M4 and M249 are chambered in 5.56x45mm, whereas the new weapons will be chambered in 6.8x51mm Fury.
How this will work out long-term is yet to be seen, but the modern military is placing emphasis on a larger primary weapon and a more powerful cartridge. The XM7 is a large-frame “AR” variant in that it has a similar manual of arms to the AR platform while not being of the same design. This is of critical importance to this discussion, as the large-frame “AR” market consists of a vast number of non-standard, non-compatible designs that share perhaps only a common magazine type.
The Mess
We commonly refer to the large-frame, semi-auto rifles we have today as the AR-10. This is the same thing as calling every tissue a Kleenex.
In fact, the AR-10 is a specific design among many, and there are very few true AR-10 designs on the market today … compared to what we may address as “308 AR” sized guns. There is very little standardization among these designs. In fact, I would go so far as to say that they are all largely incompatible, except that most today use the SR25 magazine, the common .308 mag we all know and love that is available from Magpul, Lancer and more.
The Lancer mags featured here are very reliable and available in several colors. The Aero lower takes most standard AR-15 small parts, but the takedown pins are specific to large-frame guns. Trigger by Timney.
There is no common mil-spec set of parameters that dictate the large-frame markets. Each company does things a bit differently and, aside from a few metrics, you might find that parts you like are incompatible from rifle to rifle. You should consider most large-frame designs to be proprietary and unique.
This lack of standardization in firearms parts has resulted in some generally agreed upon standards that are much looser than those for the AR-15. For instance, the two feature rifles in the photography for this article have a good number of common parts but are not entirely interchangeable.
The Aero M5E1 upper cannot accept the PRI handguard system, but they do share a common bolt and charging handle and barrels. There are several thread-pitch variances between various upper receivers, so the PRI handguard might not even fit upper to upper with a “standard” profile.
The M5E1 upper uses a different barrel nut setup than the Faxon upper. Something to be aware of is that certain uppers may require the use of manufacturer-specific handguards.
These rifles are loosely the same pattern externally, both being DPMS style, not AR-10. You can tell the difference because a true AR-10 variant will have a sharp angle at the rear of the receiver by the takedown pin, whereas the DMPS pattern receivers—not true AR-10 in design—will have a rounded junction between the upper and lower.
The DPMS-style receiver design has become something of a default standard for the large-frame AR, at least to consumers interested in building their own guns. You can use standard AR-15 lower parts on most of the build, but you do need different takedown pins, buffer and occasionally proprietary magazine release and bolt stop parts.
More maddening to the large-frame market is the large/small factory guns that occupy a bit of middle ground between AR-15 and DPMS AR .308 sizes. These should be considered entirely separate from builders’ discussions. The current generation of folding stock, self-contained upper rifles, such as those from Sig, are based on entirely different operating systems … as opposed to the direct-gas AR types.
While these uppers might fit on various lowers out there, there’s no guarantee of function across the board. You’ll notice that self-contained uppers designed for the AR-15 footprint are usually compatible with standard lowers, such as the BRN-180 family. You can use these on a lower with no buffer tube if you choose or simply swap them on to any mil-spec lower. This compatibility is not guaranteed to exist with the large-frame guns.
With an eye to the future, I know that we probably won’t be seeing anything resembling a completely standard footprint for the large-frame rifles. We seem to be looking at a permanently mixed market with perhaps a center that has conforming parts, but until we as a consumer base and industry at large can agree on what those truly standard specs may be, we will continue to have an ever-growing variety in terms of what constitutes these large-frame rifles.
At the very least, we are essentially at a point of general standardization for magazines, which is a step in the right direction.
The Author’s Builds
Some shooters have this idea of the AR-10 size rifles as something of a “battle rifle,” a full-horse cartridge out of a full-size gun, lower capacity and heavy—but advantageous—at medium to long range. The issue we run into is that this is a somewhat narrow point of new, and it really doesn’t give the large-frame rifle a good chance to show its versatility. These guns, even for the home builder, can be lightweight and offer a wide variety of possible build options.
I took it upon myself to construct a couple of very different large-frame rifles that were designed for different purposes, but also sharing the best aspects of each other and modern technology concerning optics and suppressors. Both of these rifles are of DPMS pattern and chambered for .308 Winchester.
I wanted to demonstrate that the large-frame rifle, while being bulkier than a standard AR-15, is still capable of being deployed as a compact, handy carbine … and as what people think of as a better role for a bigger gun, that of a long-range marksman’s rifle. You can, in fact, do it all with this frame size, from a 16-inch fast-handling carbine to a 20-inch precision rifle. However, the end use is subjective; both of these finished guns occupy much of the same effective range.
The cosmetics and ergonomics don’t influence the effectiveness of the .308 cartridge. A 16-inch barrel and a 20-inch barrel are functionally identical with most modern ammunition in terms of velocity and accuracy. At the general effective range of most semi-auto .308 rifles, this isn’t much, typically around 75 to 100 fps at the muzzle, and about 2,500 to 2,800 fps. In all my years of ballistic testing and working as a gun writer, I have never seen a need to go over 20 inches on a .308 Win.; 14 to 18 inches is, in fact, ideal for 99 percent of uses.
These rifles were completed to give you an idea of what you can do creatively, both with manufacturer-exclusive and “standard” parts for the large-frame, .308 AR-sized guns. Both guns are based on the DPMS pattern receivers but are not entirely interchangeable. Of note is the incredible One Hundred Concepts scope caps with glint-blocking front caps, easily one of the best small features on both builds.
Same But Different
The first is what I’d call a traditional-style, modern-twist SPR build using a PRI handguard for that mid-2000s War on Terror vibe. The receiver set and bolt carrier group are from Faxon Firearms and have a threaded barrel nut setup similar to common AR types. Assembly of this rifle was a little complicated with getting all the rail system and barrel nut situations in place, but it all went together nicely.
The author’s SPR-style build with 20-inch barrel as described in the article. This is a large rifle but it’s still handy.
I opted for a 20-inch, fluted Faxon .308 Win. barrel and installed a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block to use with the JK Armament 155 suppressor on a Rearden mount. I also used a PRI charging handle. The lower is outfitted with Geissele parts and has a Magpul PRS Light stock and B5 grip. For optics, I wanted something in the medium-range class, so a Leupold MK5 HD 2-10x and brand-new Armasight clip-on thermal were used. These both feature AMD QD mounts.
Clip-on thermal optics are easily applied to large-frame rifles with continuous rails. Optics by Armasight and Leupold, and scope caps by One Hundred Concepts.
What we have here is something a bit retro and a bit modern, but making the best of both worlds to fit that full-size, stereotypical semi-auto .308 flavor we expect for this class of rifle.
The second build I went with my knowledge and experience in building a lighter and more linear .308, so I selected the Aero M5E1 receiver set in Partisan camo. The trigger and lower parts of this gun are respectively Timney and Aero, all great stuff. The bolt carrier group is also from Aero. I went with OD green Magpul furniture that fits my hands and shoulder really well while being low profile. The upper contains a Geissele charging handle and Criterion chrome-lined 16-inch barrel, choices I made for their ease of operation and ruggedness. I used a Q Cherry Bomb brake to mount the SilencerCo Omega 36M with Rearden adapter.
If you like colors, Aero Precision releases a monthly themed camo pattern for a variety of their receiver sets. This color was “Partisan” and was from fall 2024.
The optical package is geared for medium range nighttime hunting and daytime speed: a Vortex Razor 1-6x in ADM mount combined with a AGM Rattler clip-on thermal. Note how far forward you can mount the optics on this rifle, making it fast-handling but also compact with the advantage of being able to use the gun with the stock collapsed completely. Angled Magpul sights are also in play for close-up hog hunting. The underside of the handguard has a Magpul ARCA rail to allow tripod use in the field.
This is a great example of an intentionally built field rifle that takes advantage of many of the best components for hard use … but not overbuilt into a boat anchor.
Building these rifles was a bit of a trip. There were enough non-standard parts I had to make triple sure I was getting the right stuff in. Compared to building a regular AR-15, these took a little guessing to get right, but I did achieve what I set out to do without a lot of extra effort.
Be careful when ordering large-frame parts, because there are differences. If you want to play it safe, order from one place or contact a retailer like Brownells (the source of many of these parts) to talk with an expert before doing a build with parts from multiple makers.
Large-Frame AR Consumer Guide
Sig Sauer
As of this point, you’ll find a number of large-frame rifle options from Sig. The company lists their MCX designs in a variety of options to include the military 6.8x51mm chambering, arguably as close as you can get to the military’s new weapon. In addition, the SIG 716 is still available as a more traditional AR variant if the proprietary MCX lineup isn’t in your budget. While the 716 is affordable, the MCX variants run up the price tag notably.
Ruger
The Ruger SFAR is a middling class rifle that occupies that territory between larger AR-10 type guns and the smaller AR-15. It is, in fact, much closer in size to the latter than the former and feels quite small in the hand. I was very impressed when I first got a chance to look at these rifles, and it could well be one of the premier platforms for the light-recoiling 6.5 Creedmoor. I do not have much time on these rifles but that will hopefully change in the future, because the weight savings for a hunter like me is very interesting.
POF USA
Patriot Ordnance Factory has been making some very interesting designs for some time. Their Revolution models are of particular interest though, while a proprietary design significantly reduces the size of the rifle over a common AR-10 or .308 AR. The company’s website is extremely helpful in showing the real-world size differences you can expect to see with these models over both the original AR-10 and the DPMS-style variants. This is an example of a true reinvention, not just a cosmetic change.
Aero Precision
Aero Precision is one company dominating the builder’s market for the large-frame guns. They use DPMS pattern receivers for the M5 series and these are very straightforward to work with and are doing a very good job at forcing an industry standard by sheer numbers alone. If you’re planning to build instead of buy, Aero is an extremely strong brand for maximizing your options to get exactly what you want. I use this company often for my builds and they have yet to fail me even when there is so much variation in the large-frame market.
Faxon Firearms
Faxon Firearms is a company best known for their barrels. I have worked with them for over a decade and have a great many of their barrels in my rotation. All of them shoot lights out. The company produces barrels for your large-frame builds (one is in this article) but also complete rifles if you want to skip the build and get to business. They’re on the forefront of many new calibers, such as the 8.6 Blackout, and have a range of factory options you can choose from if the common chamberings aren’t exciting enough.
Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory lists several models chambered for .308 in their Victor lineup. These are affordable rifles and are feature rich right out of the box. While not exactly entry level, these guns are pretty much ready to go and are a great value for people looking for a no-frills pig or deer rifle that isn’t going to break the bank while still offering incredible accuracy and reliability. I can heartily recommend the Victor if you want to get straight to the field.
Palmetto State Armory
PSA is out there cranking out all the guns you didn’t know you needed. The company is making a great splash in the AK and historical markets without a doubt, but they’re also putting out some stunning large-frame AR rifles at a very good price. I had the opportunity to fire several over the last fall and winter, and I was shocked to learn that their price tags were very reasonable for the kind of accuracy and shooting I was getting. Their Sabre-10 rifles are visually pleasing and come in a number of color options, from black to pseudo-military. I’ve fired their M110 “clone” that retails at around $1,500 and was legitimately impressed past 800 yards.
Daniel Defense
At the time of writing, Daniel Defense has a few large-frame guns listed on their website, including the somewhat obscure .260 Rem chambering, a round that runs great in the AR but is commercially inferior to the 6.5 Creedmoor. I’m not one to ask questions in this aspect, but it is curious. The DD5 rifles are well known for reliability and accuracy, I’ve shot them plenty over the years and have always been impressed with what they can do.
Other Companies
These are just a few of the highlights for the large-frame rifles available today. Plenty more companies make this class of rifle including, but not limited to: CMMG, H&K, Franklin Armory, Rise Armament, Smith & Wesson, Rock River Arms, Radical Firearms, LWRC, PWS and so many more. The list will continue to grow as time goes on. That much is certain.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
When it comes to rifle sights, two is one and one is none, so here we look at Mission First Tactical’s BUIS.
You’ve heard the phrase, “Two is one, one is none.” But, do you really know what it means?
If you have just one tool, and it breaks, you are out of luck. If you have two of them, and one breaks, you can still get the job done. Some tools never break … and some situations cannot abide the risk of the only one breaking.
That’s why it’s prudent to have backup sights. Yes, you have a high-performance optic on your rifle, and it does everything but look around corners (give the optical engineers time). But one hard whack or errant bit of flying whatever and your optic is a mess of aluminum and glass.
Enter BUIS (back-up iron sights), and I prefer that my backup be as solid as I can make them. So, despite the popularity of a certain brand of polymer folding sights, I prefer metal. Aluminum will do, but steel is better. (The pre-dawn mechanical engineering materials courses inform that mindset.)
The MFT sights, front and rear, all-steel and durable as all get-out
So, Mission First Tactical got the nod on the latest build. Their folding BUIS is all-steel and tough enough to take whatever happens. In fact, they can probably withstand more abuse than you, or the rest of your rifle, can.
These are the EXD front and rear and clamp onto the top rail of your rifle. They both fold down flat enough that they will not be in your field of view in your red-dot or magnifying optic.
The front post is threaded so you can zero your irons (always a good idea, because if you’re at the point of needing them, you are likely deep in the weeds and need all the help you can get). The rear is windage adjustable, so once you have done your proper range work and zeroing, you won’t have to have a taped set of offsets for your Kentucky windage.
They’re as lie-flat and slim as they can be, so they will be as much out of the way until you need them as possible. The folding is spring-loaded, so once you get them started up (and it takes a bit of work—they won’t be popping up on you when you don’t need them), they are spring-loaded up.
They don’t lock in the upright position, which some OCD types insist on. The springs are strong, and the sights don’t stop at some middle position.
The two sights are black with a nitride finish. If you want to have the BUIS on your rifle matching your tacti-cool camo paint job, you’ll have to take care of that yourself. That’s a small price to pay for durability.
What isn’t a small price is the cash cost. I’ll admit that durability is good, but be ready for the bill, because the front is listed at $99.99 and the rear at $124.99. But, as with so many things, the “pay once, cry once” law of economics applies here as well.
Short of being attacked with a ball-peen hammer, I don’t see these sights quitting on you. And they come with a lifetime warranty, so if they do break, MFT will take care of you.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Picking the best pepper spray isn’t easy with so many options, but here we take a closer look at oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper spray, also called OC spray for the active ingredient of oleoresin capsicum, is the most effective less-lethal weapon available. Whether carried alongside a firearm or instead of one, pepper spray can make for an excellent addition to anyone’s arsenal.
So, what pepper spray should you buy? What brand? What type? Let’s take a closer look at exactly what features make for the best pepper spray models and which ones are just glorified hot sauce.
A Quick Rundown On Pepper Spray
Pepper spray was developed in the late 1980s/early 1990s as a riot control agent by Kamran Loghman, a scientist working for the FBI. The idea was to create something akin to tear gas that was effective at gaining control of suspects but was also more portable, and therefore usable by individual officers.
“Tear gas” (of various types) has been in use since the early 20th century in warfare and riot control. Tear gases are known as lachrymators, substances that cause the eyes to water. This makes pepper sprays lachrymators as well since they cause irritation of the eyes among other things. What separates pepper sprays from conventional tear gases like CS gas is mostly what they’re made from.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, a vanilloid compound found in chili peppers, which are in the plant genus capsicum and part of the nightshade family. Capsaicin is an irritant, causing a burning sensation on the skin and any other tissue it contacts.
To make pepper spray, chili peppers are soaked in a solvent that extracts capsaicin from the flesh of the pepper. The solvent is evaporated or distilled off, leaving oleoresin (a waxy compound) of capsaicin, aka oleoresin capsaicin or OC.
The concentration of capsaicin depends on the peppers used, as some chilis have a lot (habaneros, Scotch bonnets, ghost peppers, etc.) and some have comparatively little, such as guajillo, jalapeno or Hatch chilies. This means that OC content alone isn’t always the best way to determine the efficacy of a pepper spray. Chemistry is complicated, and there are plenty of other factors that will impact just how good a given spray is at incapacitating someone. Rather than buying the highest content OC spray you can find or trying to unravel the intricacies of these complex compounds, your best bet will be to stick with a proven brand and model with a long record of effective use.
To aerosolize it, the oleoresin must be emulsified with some sort of agent (typically propylene glycol) and water, which is pressurized to make it sprayable. This is where many brands will differ the most because the exact formulation will impact how the consistency affects the accuracy, range and pattern of a spray. Much of this will come down to personal preference, however, as there are pros and cons to the different styles.
A U.S. soldier receiving OC spray to the face as part of his training. Photo: Wikipedia.
After its introduction, OC spray was also noted for its effectiveness against animals which is why it’s used as bear spray as well. Bears have many more times the olfactory receptors of humans, making them even more susceptible to its effects when correctly deployed.
So…what’s the difference between bear spray and self-defense spray?
For the most part…marketing. The concentration of most bear sprays is 2 percent, which is about the same or only slightly stronger than most self-defense sprays. Where bear spray usually has an advantage over self-defense OC spray isn’t the potency of the compound, but the larger and therefore easier to use delivery system. This is why many riot police use OC spray canisters that more closely resemble bear sprays than traditional pocket-sized defensive models.
A larger style OC spray canister carried by some police. Photo: Wikipedia.
Why Should You Carry Pepper Spray?
As John Correia of Active Self Protection likes to say, OC spray gives you an option between “a harsh word and a gun.”
OC spray is more effective than any other less-lethal tool. Electrical weapons (e.g., Axon-brand TASERs) have a failure rate close to (or more than) 50 percent, making pepper spray the far more reliable option.
Pepper spray can be an indispensable tool for both uniformed officers and private citizens. For the former, it helps to gain control of a violent suspect without resorting to beating or shooting them. For the latter, it provides a self-defense solution for situations where lethal force may not be justified.
Pepper spray can also give you a tiered force response if carried in conjunction with a firearm. For example, maybe a wild dog is approaching you with aggressive body language. Preemptively putting a hole in it before it actually attacks you may result in legal trouble or upsetting your neighbors, but deploying OC spray can silently dissuade the situation before it has a chance to escalate.
If a person wanted to carry a weapon of some sort but not necessarily a firearm or anything else potentially lethal, pepper spray is far and away the best option regardless of gender. Man or woman, cop or civilian, pepper spray works if used correctly.
Is OC Spray Legal?
International regulation is mixed. Some countries prohibit possession, some require a background check or a permit, and some countries let anyone of age buy it.
In the United States, federal law only regulates possession of OC spray on airlines. You can carry up to a 4-ounce container in your checked baggage.
Just as with firearm laws, state regulations vary wildly.
California only prohibits carrying OC spray with more than 2.5 ounces of spray, as well as possession by minors and felons. Florida likewise doesn’t mandate who can possess it but forbids carrying a canister with more than 2 ounces of spray.
New Jersey doesn’t prohibit possession, but limits capacity to 0.75 ounces. New York mandates it to be purchased in person from a pharmacy or sporting goods or gun store, but the OC content can’t be more than 0.7 percent.
Michigan restricts purchase and possession by anyone under 18, and purchase of any OC spray with an OC content of more than 18 percent. Nearby Wisconsin, which has a football team that’s actually good, restricts the sale of any OC sprays with more than 10 percent OC content. Wisconsin also mandates the container have a safety device and be sold in a tamper-proof container.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the states’ different regulations, so make sure you look into your own local laws regarding OC spray before deciding to carry one. Since they can set their own policy in many states, some colleges forbid possession on campus and others do not. Bear that in mind if purchasing some for a student, or if you carry pepper spray and will be visiting (or attending) a college.
What To Look For In Pepper Spray?
High OC content is a good thing, but it’s also not the only factor to consider. Some sprays that advertise a high OC content may be achieving that number through methods that actually negatively impact its effectiveness in other ways.
It’s simpler to just look for a reputable brand that has plenty of recommendations from respected trainers and/or law enforcement agencies. If the brand has a presence in the LE market, it tends to be good.
Avoid any OC spray or other OC device that looks like a gun. Police and militaries use regular old pepper spray in canisters, not gimmick devices. That there is a clue! Further, police happening upon a scene where a person holding a gun-shaped object is not likely to end well.
A gun-shaped pepper spray device. Photo: Wikipedia.
The more important aspects of choosing an OC spray are its size, safety mechanism and delivery style. The best bear sprays will feature a large canister, be quick to deploy and have a long-range stream that’s resilient to wind. For EDC, however, the best pepper spray models come in smaller canisters and feature fast and intuitive safety systems that are unobtrusive but effective.
It’s also good to look for a pepper spray that has an inert version so you can practice and train with it. Just like you’d pattern your shotgun, pattern your pepper spray.
A woman practicing with her OC foam. Photo: Wikipedia.
Gel or spray is down to preference. Gel is less susceptible to wind, has a longer effective range and is safer to use indoors, but requires more accurate placement.
You may also notice that some sprays are advertised as having UV (ultraviolet) dye mixed in. This dye is only visible under blacklight and is added to aid in the identification of a suspect who has been sprayed. Whether that’s something you want yours to have is up to you, but it will have no bearing on the immediate efficacy of deterring an attacker.
Something else to keep in mind is that most sprays have about a 4-year shelf life, so remember to replace them periodically if they don’t get used!
How I Chose The Pepper Spray
I went through an exhaustive process of evaluating pepper sprays, just short of live testing on humans (none of the interns were takers). My evaluation standards were based on effective range of each spray, how well it carried throughout the day, how many bursts a canister held and a proven mixture of active ingredients. Of all the sprays I tested these were the ones that most consistently met these testing criteria.
The 5 Best Pepper Spray Comparison
Models
Active Ingredients
Payload (fluid oz.)
Container Height (inches)
Container Diameter (inches)
Effective Range (feet)
MSRP
POM Pepper Spray
Oleoresin Capsicum, Major Capsaicinoids
.5
3.5
1
12
$14.20
SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel
Oleoresin Capsicum
.54
3.6
1
12
$11.99
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Capsaicin and Related Capsaicinoids
10.2
8.5
2.25
40
$64.99
Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray
Oleoresin Capsicum, UV Dye
.6
1
3.5
12
$17.99
SABRE Red Compact
Oleoresin Capsicum
.67
4
.875
10
$9.99
Best Pepper Sprays
Best Overall Pepper Spray: POM Pepper Spray
Best Pepper Gel: SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel
Best Backwoods Pepper Spray: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Best Police-Grade Pepper Spray: Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray
Best Compact Pepper Spray: SABRE Red Compact
POM Pepper Spray
Original Specs Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum, Major Capsaicinoids, UV dye Payload: .5 Fluid Oz. Container Height: 3.5″ Container Diameter: 1″ Effective Range: 12′ MSRP: $14.20
Pros
Compact & Portable
Decent Range & Duration
Practice Canisters Available
Cons
Clip & Lanyard Options Could Be More Secure
POM pepper spray is affordable, portable and one of the most trusted names in OC sprays. The standard canister is pocket-sized, roughly double the size of a AA battery. You can get it with a pocket clip or lanyard ring with an included keychain.
It has a flip-top safety device covering the spray button, with 2 ounces of 1.4-percent spray with UV dye. Each canister has about a 10- to 12-foot range and holds about 12 seconds worth of spray. Inert canisters are available too for practice, and you can buy them in single, double, triple or even six-packs.
POM Pepper Spray Deals
Amazon
$13
POM Industries
$14
SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel
Campus Safety Pepper Gel Specs Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum Payload: .54 Fluid Oz. Container Height: 3.6″ Container Diameter: 1″ Effective Range: 12′ MSRP: $11.99
Pros
Reduced Blowback
Twist-Lock Safety
Quick-Release Keyring
Cons
Requires More Precision to Aim
SABRE is one of the most trusted brands of pepper sprays, and the Campus Safety Pepper Gel is a good choice if you prefer a gel to a stream or spray. It holds just under 1 ounce of 1.3-percent gel, good for 25 bursts up to 12 feet of range.
The Campus Safety model includes a hard polymer housing, with a twist lock safety, and a lanyard loop for the included quick-release keyring. Inert models are available as well, and they can be bought in black or pink.
SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel Deals
Sabre
$12
Amazon
$11
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Bear Deterrent Specs Active Ingredients: Capsaicin and Related Capsaicinoids Payload: 10.2 Fluid Oz. Container Height: 8.5″ Container Diameter: 2.25″ Effective Range: 40′ MSRP: $64.99
Pros
Stronger Than Standard Spray
Large Capacity
Includes Holsters
Cons
Too Large For EDC
Counter Assault is one of the most common bear sprays on the market and has been used successfully to deter bears and other predators, including human threats. It comes in a standard 10.2-ounce canister with an included holster. The spray paddle has a simple wedge safety that’s easy to disengage.
The spray is 2 percent capsaicin, with a 40-foot spray distance and up to 8 seconds of spray in the can. It can be found online and in many sporting goods stores but has a typical price of around $50 or more. Combined with the extra bulk, this probably isn’t the best pepper spray for everyday carry, but if concealability and price aren’t of concern then this is certainly one of the most effective options available.
The Mace brand is synonymous with self-defense sprays, to the point that some people still refer to any pepper spray colloquially as “Mace.” Their Police Strength Pepper Spray model is a good choice of compact spray for daily carry.
The polymer housing has a flip-top safety cap, with Personal-, Pocket- and Police-sizes ranging from less than 1 ounce to about 3 ounces. All models are about 1 inch in diameter and 3 to 5 inches in length. Content is over 1 percent, so more than potent enough. Lanyard loops and pocket clips are included as well.
Mace Police Strength Pepper Spray Deals
Mace
$18
SABRE Red Compact
Red Compact Specs Active Ingredients: Oleoresin Capsicum Payload: .67 Fluid Oz. Container Height: 4″ Container Diameter: .875″ Effective Range: 10′ MSRP: $9.99
Pros
High Number of Bursts for Its Size
Affordable Pricing
EDC Sized
Cons
Shorter Spray Range
SABRE Red is common in police use and is one of the most highly recommended sprays on the market, with an OC content of 1.3 percent with included UV dye. The Compact model is better for EDC, being roughly 4 inches long and 1-inch in diameter.
The Compact emits a stream rather than a spray, with an 0.67-ounce capacity, max distance of 10 feet and up to 35 bursts. It has a swiveling safety mechanism (push to align and spray) and an included pocket clip.
SABRE Red Compact sprays can be bought online or in stores for around $10 per, though two-packs can be had for about $15, making it affordable as well. Inert cans are also available for practice and training.
SABRE Red Compact Deals
Amazon
$11
Sabre
$10
Pepper Spray FAQ
What brand of pepper spray do police use?
While many different police forces use many different brands of pepper spray, Sabre is among the most utilized. Specifically Sabre Red is preferred by many in law enforcement.
Is it illegal to carry pepper spray?
Pepper spray is legal in all 50 sates, however, there are some state laws restricting certain aspects of less-than-lethal option. For instance, California does not allow canisters larger than 2.5 ounces and you need a license to carry pepper spray in Massachusetts. Always review your local laws before purchasing pepper spray.
What do you look for when buying pepper spray?
There are many points to consider when buying pepper spray, but some of the main ones are the product’s spray pattern, effective range, safety features, portability and percentage of oleoresin capsicum (the active ingredient).
What is better, pepper spray or mace?
The original chemical mace has largely been abandoned by law enforcement do to injuries caused to LEOs. Pepper spray is the standard today and performs better, given it is effective against those under influence of alcohol, drugs or psychotics. Mace was not always successful against those individuals.
More Self-Defense Info:
Brandishing And When You Can Legally Display A Gun
Here we take a quick look at 7mm Weatherby Magnum, an unfortunate victim of the 7mm Remington Magnum.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum was developed in 1944 as one of a series of cartridges based on the necked-down .300 H&H case (it is the .270 WM necked up .007 inch, although it does use a longer overall cartridge length). There are several similar wildcat versions, but Weatherby’s design is the most popular, due to the availability of commercial ammunition.
The 7mm (or .284-caliber) has long been popular in the United States in various wildcat cartridges, yet the original 7mm Mauser never generated any great enthusiasm. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, offered as a maximum-performance cartridge, is probably the best known and most widely used of the current 7mm Magnums, with the single exception of the 7mm Remington Magnum. This is due in part to the availability of factory-loaded ammunition in a good selection of bullet weights.
The 7mm Weatherby has a slight edge over the .270 Weatherby on tough or dangerous game because it can use heavier bullets and churns up greater energy. However, if long-range varmint shooting is on the agenda, the .270 is the better choice. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum is adequate for any North American big game and all thin-skinned African game. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum has, to a large extent, lost popularity to the 7mm Remington Magnum, because the Remington version is available in a wider variety of rifles that are generally less expensive than the Weatherbys.
Like most high-intensity cartridges, the 7mm WM can be somewhat hard on its barrel, especially with either careless shooting, inadequate barrel cooling between shots, or inadequate barrel cleaning. And, like all similar chamberings, it loses significant velocity with barrels shorter than 24 inches. Ammunition for this cartridge is now available from Federal and Norma, as well as Weatherby.
7mm Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
