A look at the author’s simple recipe for getting all the lead out when cleaning a gun.
If you ever get a chance to read some of the seminal gunsmithing books—books written more than a half-century ago (in some instances more than three-quarters of a century)—you’ll be horrified.
Some of the concoctions they used for bluing and rust and lead removal were simply toxic. Back then, there was no Brownells; if you wanted it, you had to make it yourself. Today, some of the home mixes you might find online aren’t any better.
But, you’ve got a leaded bore … so what do you do to remove the lead?
I do a lot of testing, and I do a lot of reloading, both for practice (practice ammo) and R&D. That means that sometimes I end up with a grungy bore. The solution is simple: one can and one brush. I use Shooter’s Choice lead remover and scrub the bores with Hoppe’s Tornado brushes.
Unlike the various caustic, corrosive and borderline lethal mixes you read about, Shooter’s Choice is merely “petroleum distillates.” I’ve got a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, and “petroleum distillates” covers a lot of ground, but it isn’t like you’re using reactive materials that can create lethal compounds.
But they do say not to leave it in the bore overnight, so take at least some care, OK?
One “home remedy” creates lead acetate as a byproduct, and that stuff is nasty. There’s an old saying in chemistry and medicine: Dose makes the poison. Well, lead acetate isn’t something you can just shrug off. Instead of chemically reacting to the lead, the Shooter’s Choice works on the bond between lead and steel, and that’s where the brushes come in.
The list of ingredients of the lead remover is simple: nothing caustic, abrasive or reactive … and nothing to create nasty byproducts.
The Hoppes Tornado brushes aren’t made with bristles. Instead, the brush is a cylinder of springy stainless-steel loops, ones that scrub on their edges—not their ends. This means you have less abrasion on the bore and the tops of the lands than the bristle style creates.
Yes, the loops can’t reach down into the corners of the grooves as well, but once I’ve gotten the bulk of the lead out (and rather easily, I might add), I can use a bronze brush for a few strokes. OK, two brushes then, not just one.
Swipe And Shine
The process is simple: run a patch with a bore cleaner, any cleaner, down the bore to mop out the powder residue. Then, a dry patch. A patch wet with the Shooter’s Choice is next. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The hardest part is the waiting. Then, scrub with the Tornado brush, a few passes with a bronze to clean it up and voila, done.
The new design is a lot more eye-catching than the old, but the results are the same: It gets the lead out.
I developed this routine at Second Chance, the bowling pin shoot, where it was common to go through ammo by the thousands of rounds in the weeklong match. This process also worked miracles on shotguns to get the lead and plastic out from days of shooting buckshot and slugs. Although, for that I had to go with a Chore Boy bronze pot scrubber, as there were no Tornado brushes for 12-gauge back then.
After checking up on Shooter’s Choice, they changed the packaging; I still have a few more tins of the old label left, so I’ll keep using them.
Oh, and pay attention to what got you into this mess, and don’t do it again, OK?
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The Walther PD380, the company’s new .380 ACP concealed carry pistol, is now available for purchase.
While the Walther PD380 officially launched in late 2023, the company’s new concealed carry handgun is only just now hitting store shelves. Walther is advertising the pistol as being extremely comfortable, reliable and ready to provide an unmatched concealed carry experience.
Naturally, the Walther PD380 is chambered for .380 ACP, and as a concealed carry pistol it features a single-stack 9-round magazine to help keep its profile slim. Speaking of which, the PD380 has an overall thickness of 1.24 inches, an overall length of 6.48 inches and an overall height of 5.15 inches. Its barrel is 3.7 inches long and it weighs 20.6 ounces with an empty magazine. It’s not the smallest or lightest .380 carry pistol out there, but Walther clearly prioritized shootability over size with this design. The company also notes that the PD380 has minimal recoil and that its slide is very easy to rack, making it a great option for new shooters too.
The PD380 is also ambidextrous, as it features a manual thumb safety on both sides of the slide as well as Walther’s paddle magazine release that can be actuated when held in either hand. However, the pistol will only lock back when an empty magazine is inserted, and the hammer must be manually lowered while the safety is engaged to decock it. On the other hand, this also allows for cocked and locked carry for those who prefer it. The final points worth mentioning are the pistols’ industry-standard rear sights, their aggressively textured grips and their front and rear slide serrations.
Jens Krogh, vice president of marketing and product development for Walther Arms, Inc., said this about the new handgun:
Comfort, reliability, and confidence is at the forefront when you’re carrying, which is exactly what the PD380 was designed for. It embodies the perfect fusion of power, elegance, and ease … Our dealers have been waiting for this to be in their stores and we’re excited for consumers to experience the increased confidence built from having the PD380 by their side.
Each Walther PD380 will ship with two magazines and MSRP is $449.
Father and son shared a lifetime of firearms experiences. But in the end, there was one piece of unfinished business.
As father/son relationships go, Dad’s and mine lasted 64 years. We shared a lifetime of hunting, shooting, reloading and “accumulating” all kinds of firearms, including rifles, shotguns and handguns. We shot them all, reloaded for most of them and added to the trove periodically when our finances aligned with our desires. And sometimes, when they didn’t.
The story of Dad’s last gun is a puzzle that, once assembled, was the sum of our knowledge and wisdom, somewhat belated, with a seemingly contradictory outcome if viewed after the fact. It’s a story best told from the beginning.
From my early teens, hardly a day went by when my father and I didn’t discuss, fantasize and argue (sometimes heatedly) about the merits of one gun versus another. My poor mother bemoaned the perpetual subject matter in vain.
My late mother, Marilyn, and my late father, Harry, raised me well; Dad worked as an electrician, and Mom was an advertising copywriter. We lived in a modest house in a cozy, middle-class, tree-lined suburb in Wisconsin.
Under my father’s tutelage, my introduction to the firearms world was gradual and measured. At age 10, Dad began taking me to gun stores and shows and introduced me to his friends steeped in firearms culture. His voluminous library of gun books (including many fine editions of Gun Digest), magazines, and sales literature in the basement was always open to me, on one condition (not always honored) that I put all borrowed items back where I found them.
Being young, curious, and fascinated with firearms, I read his collection enthusiastically and absorbed what I learned like a sponge. In time, my book knowledge would rival his. Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing.
When I reached 12, Dad decided it was time to begin my formal firearms education. He taught me pistol craft with his classic Smith & Wesson K38 .38 Special revolver and allowed me to shoot my Marlin 39 .22 lever-action rifle, a birthday gift from his brother, under strict supervision.
During my teens, I purchased my first shotgun, a beautiful Browning Auto 5 in 20-gauge magnum, and my first handgun, a Smith & Wesson 61/2-inch barreled Model 28 Highway Patrolman, from the fruits of my summer and after-school jobs. At 16, I hunted ducks, geese, pheasants and furred game with the Browning and perforated coffee cans and paper targets with .38 Special wadcutters shot from that Model 28. A while later, Dad and I took up deer hunting. There was wild game in the freezer during the winter for our family’s dining pleasure.
Although they didn’t share the last handgun, the author and his father, Harry Ewert, enjoyed over a half-century of shooting, reloading, hunting and acquiring firearms together. By adding a Glock 19 to the collection, the author completed their unfinished business.
Handguns were our first love. Over the years, we owned and shot over 50 revolvers and semi-autos by Smith & Wesson, Colt and Ruger. The foreign models came later.
We reloaded the most popular American centerfire handgun cartridges. We graduated to casting bullets for our handguns by the thousands, in .35, .44 and .45 calibers, including some round balls for a brace of Colt second-generation percussion revolvers.
As the cliché goes, it was a great run. Human mortality proved the only limit to our shared passion.
After a long struggle with many health issues, Dad passed away peacefully at age 89. My lifelong hunting and shooting partner is still sorely missed. However, the memories remain clear, and the knowledge and wisdom acquired during our time are firmly in place.
This leads us to the unfinished business of that last handgun.
Dad and I had conservative tastes in firearms. A majority of them are classics in their category. Through our readings, we were heavily influenced by 20th century firearms writing greats Jack O’Connor, Elmer Keith, Charles Askins and, later, Jeff Cooper, Skeeter Skelton and Bill Jordan. Those were our prophets during the 1960s and ’70s.
Our revolvers included that classic S&W K38, followed by an S&W Model 1950 Target Model in .44 Special, a 1950 Military and Police .45 ACP and many other well-known Smith and Colt revolvers.
Later, we added a host of vintage European 9mm semi-autos, with the Browning Hi-Power and an early World War ll Walther P38 at the head of the class. Then, there is a family of Argentine 1911A1 semi-autos, including a Colt contract pistol, a licensed copy, and an unlicensed knock-off, with indigenous design improvements, all in .45 caliber.
Beauty and the Beast? The Glock 19 Gen 5 (below) with the Browning Hi-Power. The Glock is a different pistol from a different era. While it lacks the elegant lines, fine bluing, sculpted all-steel construction and French walnut grips of this 1970s-vintage Hi-Power, it does offer high magazine capacity in a lighter-weight package. Add reliability with modern, high-performance ammunition and easy takedown, and the Glock comes ahead.
For the most part, blued steel and well-figured wood grips were our quality standard in sidearms. However, as the shooting world rushed ahead, we were stuck in the ’70s, decades behind firearms technology. By then, the lightweight, high-capacity, double-action 9mm “Wonder Nine” was conquering the military, law enforcement, and civilian handgun markets.
Dad and I discussed this frequently before his illness. Had we missed the boat? Were we out of touch with the 21st century? We agreed that we were. What to do about it? Our time together was running short. But we were stubborn, inflexible and complacent with what we felt were the best handguns in the world. We owned them for years, shot them regularly and were proficient, sometimes better, with them.
One gun, in particular, stuck in our craw: The revolutionary Glock 17, the pistol that turned the handgun world on its head. At first, it was an abomination to us. Before the Glock, we even disdained semi-autos with aluminum frames, including the original Colt Commander (now lightweight Commander) and the S&W Model 39, America’s first double-action 9mm autoloader. Why? As we believed at the time—later proven wrong—aluminum frames were less durable than steel. And “plastic” guns? They were anathema.
Yet, in our discussions, we couldn’t deny the wisdom of the lightweight frames, double-action, high-capacity magazines, well-defined sights and improved trigger pulls these new pistols offered, at least for military and law enforcement professionals. We both knew our beloved Colt Government Models and Browning Hi-Power were beautiful, classic, storied pistols, though heavy and hard to conceal. But we believed they were the standard in semi-auto excellence.
Eventually, we old dogs were keen to learn a new trick. Glock and others of the genre were on our minds. Then, Dad’s illnesses worsened, and our plans were put on hold. Though bedbound at the end, we discussed guns, what we’d learned together and what we hadn’t. During his last week of life in hospice, we ruminated about the ones that got away, the Glock in particular.
After Dad passed away, I rested all our firearms for a while. As an only child, and per his wish, his guns were now mine and had to be managed as objects of use and investments. I knew he would want me to continue with our passion, enjoy firearms, move forward and continuously learn. For three years, I thought about our unfinished business and what I would do about it. There was substantial research, including from the pages of Gun Digest, the internet, social media and face-to-face discussions with veteran shooters. It seemed a consensus was impossible.I was bombarded with opinions and advice from a host of trusted, gray-haired pistoleros and then, for good measure, input from a handful of knowledgeable millennial shooters.
The biggest obstacle was personal. Having grown up on hammer-fired, single-action semi-autos from the John Browning stable, it was a big adjustment to accept striker-fired, double-action pistols. However, striker-fired technology was proven for many years—U.S. law enforcement and our military made the transition and weren’t going back. With some reservations, striker-fired it would be.
Visits to gun shops to examine, hold, and debate the merits of one model versus another were interesting but inconclusive. My selection criteria focused on a proven design, mechanical simplicity, reliability and ergonomics. While this would not be a target gun, a first-rate trigger and sights were prerequisites. For concealed carry, weight and size were a concern.
All the Wonder Nines felt good in my large hands; today’s pistols have ergonomics down pat. The lighter weight gives my arthritic shoulders a break. Sights and triggers? Handgun manufacturers offer consumers new levels of off-the-shelf excellence in both. The magazine capacity is there if you want it.
After a year of searching, I purchased a Glock 19 Gen 5 and haven’t looked back. This pistol has it all, and there’s no shortage of aftermarket accessories. To me, the jump into the 21st century was exhilarating.
A Glock 19 Gen 5. After over a half-century’s experience with hammer-fired, single-action auto pistols, the author and his father believed the Browning guns set the bar for service excellence. They still do, but the bar has moved, and now the author thinks favorably of lightweight, striker-fired semi-autos.
The G19 pistol has been reviewed extensively. It’s an excellent compromise in size, weight, firepower and concealability, incorporating all the advancements in semi-automatic handguns over the past 50 years.
Out of the box, fired offhand at 25 yards, the Glock is accurate, reliable with all ammunition, balances right and is very natural and comfortable to shoot. These attributes are reinforced at close range and with higher fire rates. Takedown for cleaning and routine maintenance is shockingly easy. Other pistols would have sufficed, but this is the one we—myself as purchaser and my father, through me as his proxy—chose.
I know Dad would have approved of the choice. I only wish he was around to share the joys of its ownership and use. No, it’s not the finely blued, sculpted steel and quality-checkered walnut grips we valued on handguns. But it is a marvelous shooting tool, built for a purpose. If you judge a handgun by form-follows-function design, the Glock is a work of art.
For years, the author and his father doubted the relevancy of lightweight, high-capacity, striker-fired “Wonder Nines.” Dad’s last gun, this Glock 19 Gen 5, illustrates that even the most entrenched attitudes can change over time with experience.
This newcomer to our collection does not diminish the legacy of the Browning masterpieces we’ve owned and shot for most of our lives. They’re still prized, in the gun safe, ready for use, and will be to the trail’s end.
Dad’s last gun, a Glock 19 awarded posthumously in his honor, completely contradicts what we thought a handgun should be for almost half a century. That’s ironic, but so be it. The unfinished business is now complete.
Our hoard of classic firearms is a testament to Dad, my shooting and hunting partner, teacher and best friend. It represents a lifetime of shared firearms experiences, knowledge and shooting memories. Examining each gun, whether to shoot or hold, relive the memories, and admire, still brings tremendous enjoyment.
Dad’s last gun is now a valued part of that collection.
A discussion on the extremely fine line between self-defense and excessive force.
As of this writing, 41-year-old Tyrone Frasier of Stockton, California, is facing several criminal charges in connection with entering a Stockton 7-Eleven and attempting to steal a large amount of merchandise. Frasier commandeered a garbage can and was behind the counter, filling the large garbage can with cigarettes, sweeping them off the rack and into the bin. By the time he was stopped, the garbage can was about half full with hundreds of packs of cigarettes (and at the going rate that would be thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise).
While that’s not particularly newsworthy, what happened next to Fraiser is.
The incident was caught on cell-phone video, and the video shows two store employees stopping the theft by beating Frasier with a large piece of wood over and over until Fraiser begged for them to stop. (To watch the video, Google 7-Eleven robbery/beating.)
It’s clear that a person has a right to stop criminal conduct by using force—but that force must be reasonable. By my count, one of the clerks used this wooden stick to hit Frasier 37 times. It reminded me of watching the Rodney King beating, and, in fact, there was some similarities.
In the King incident, four police officers attempted to apprehend King after a high-speed pursuit. While the officers were first acquitted of any wrongdoing, later they were found guilty of federal charges, and the department lost a large civil lawsuit. This could happen here, too, because the two clerks are not facing any criminal prosecution, at least at this time.
In the 7-Eleven case, I could see that the thief communicated he was giving up after receiving strikes with the stick 10 times. But, instead of stopping the beating, they continued until the guy recording the incident with his phone convinced the clerk that he had given up.
I can understand the frustration the clerks had dealing with runaway theft from their store, and it’s my understanding this was not the first time the thief entered the store and blatantly stole items. But, if you are going to use force against someone who is committing a crime and want to avoid arrest, trial and conviction, then that force must be reasonable.
Defining ‘Reasonable’
What is reasonable force? I can’t tell you.
What is reasonable will be determined by the jury, and it will be your responsibility (through your attorney asking you questions at trial) to convince the jury you needed to use the amount you used. Your job will be to convince the jury that the force used was no more than necessary to stop the criminal attack.
I’m reminded of a murder case I worked on as an expert, where my job was to do a shooting incident reconstruction. The incident centered around one individual (defendant) shooting the deceased who the defendant said was attempting to disarm him. They were both inside the cab of a truck, and there was some decent evidence to validate this claim. But the problem is that, after the first shots were fired in response to the attempt to grab the gun, the defendant kept shooting—for a total of 10 times, with the last bullet striking the deceased on the top of the head.
That’s not a reasonable amount of force, even if one believed the defense of the initial attack was warranted. I’ve heard well respected firearms instructors say to “shoot ’em to the ground,” and if they were lawful to shoot him once, they’re lawful to shoot him many times.
Maybe, but then again, maybe not. I’ve worked on several cases where excessive shots meant excessive force, which meant conviction and prison time.
Physical, Non-Deadly Force
Now, let’s get back to the use of physical non-deadly force. Black’s Law Dictionary states reasonable force is “force that is not excessive and that is appropriate for protecting oneself or one’s property.” In this instance, the thief wasn’t presenting a deadly threat, although there’s some evidence that he had intimated he had a gun. But, as the camera showed, there was clearly no gun.
I have heard the practical working theory is that, when protecting yourself or property, use equal force, then a little more. Continuing to beat someone once they are disabled is excessive force. Most police officers and deadly force trainers recommend not attempting to apprehend someone who is committing a property crime, primarily because you do not typically have the physical means to control the guy after he is stopped. It might be logical to carry a heavy-duty zip tie worked inside the belt, just in case.
As far as self-defense, the force would be just a little more than was being used against you. This is why pepper spray and Kubotans are effective intermediary tools one can easily carry. Training, of course, is necessary, so one can explain how their actions were within guidelines when using that intermediate force. A little self-defense training can go a long way.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The author reviews the ratchet-style Black Beard Belts Ranger Gun Belt, an adjustable and comfortable concealed carry accessory.
I have a new gun belt, and I really like it. But first, I want to talk a bit about this new world we’re currently living in.
Back in 1993 when I was a young patrol officer, I was recruited to cover the firearms law portion of a concealed carry class that was frequently taught in the city where I worked. The lead instructor had graduated from Massad Ayoob’s Lethal Force Institute and was well versed in the application of a handgun for self-defense.
Part of the course dealt with what I categorized as “not doing stupid things that could increase your exposure to situations where your life might be jeopardized,” or where you might have to use your handgun. This included not hanging around in dark alleys, parking in dim-lit areas or frequenting secluded stop-and-rob convenience stores, failing to look for suspicions characters and paying attention to the body language of others.
Back then—30 years ago—if you did those things, the chance that you would need to use your gun to save your life while out in public were slim. That hardly seems like enough anymore.
The times, as they say, have changed. Gun belts and holsters are no longer just made of leather, and bad guys with bad intent are likely to appear anywhere at any time. It seems that all that has to happen now is for someone to get off their meds or wake up with their panties in a wad, and they’re ready to load their guns and head out to some gun-free zone and start shooting folks.
If it’s not comfortable to carry a gun, you won’t. And, in today’s world, not carrying is not good.
This complicates self-defense because what we once thought were relatively safe spaces no longer exist. The world—this new world—has become a dangerous place, and it doesn’t matter if you live in a small town or a big city.
The point of all this is to remind you that bad things can now happen anywhere, and your awareness needs to be properly tuned and functioning anytime you’re out in public. Also, no matter where you are, you should have a plan, and, if at all possible, a gun that’s handy and that you can shoot well.
Just as important is the training of your family members to respond to a potential bad situation, whether it occurs in a mall, a church or a bowling alley. If you wait until something happens to make that plan, it’ll be too late. Be armed, be vigilant and just like it was 30 years ago, don’t do stupid stuff.
Black Beard Belts
Back in the day, gun belts were made of leather. They still are, and I’m kind of an old-school guy and like leather belts and holsters. However, I’m open to anything that makes carrying a gun more comfortable and, for the past three months, I’ve been wearing a new gun belt from Black Beard Belts. Black Beard Belts offers several styles of gun belts to include those with a conventional buckle and prong, to the more modern ratchet-style belt.
The quick adjust buckle on Black Beard Belt’s Ranger Gun Belt allows fast and easy adjustment, one half-inch at a time.
The older I get the more I appreciate comfort when it comes to, well, everything … but especially as it relates to concealed carry. Lack of comfort is the number-one reason those with a concealed carry permit don’t carry a gun. This appreciation for comfort has led me to also be appreciative of ratchet-style belts because they’re not limited to 1-inch adjustments. If you’re feeling an extra bit trim, a ratchet belt will allow you to snug-up incrementally. Just the same: If you eat too much, a ratchet belt will allow you to loosen up a bit. Ratchet belts also allow you a bit more flexibility when carrying, particularly with inside the waistband holsters. I have Black Beard Belt’s ratchet-style Ranger Gun Belt.
This belt is offered in black, coyote brown, OD green or with the M81 camo pattern, and in 2-inch incremental lengths from 32 to 52 inches. Regardless of length, it has 19 reinforced holes spaced in 0.5-inch increments, and there’s an option for steel grommet reinforcement. This 1.5-inch belt is made of high-strength polymer-coated nylon with a no-shine, non-slip coating.
The buckle and pin are made of stainless steel, and it has a quick-release feature. When you adjust it, you get an audible click letting you know everything is locked in place. This is a good-looking belt to wear with jeans … and even dress pants. Black Beard Belts also offers a 1.75-inch version of this belt with double holes, but it’s a bit radical for everyday wear and is probably best suited to range or duty use.
I’ve worn this belt a lot with inside the waistband and outside the waistband holsters, and it hasn’t shown any wear. Also, I’m not as lean and trim as I used to be, and it seems after every meal I need a bit more room, and with this belt, it’s a simple adjustment. It’s also easy to adjust this belt when sitting for long periods like on a drive or at a desk, and tightening back to normal is almost instantaneous when you stand up. It’s not uncommon for me to carry a steel-framed Colt Commander, and this belt has plenty of rigidity to hold the gun in place.
Ratchet-style belts allow quick and easy precise adjustment for carry comfort.
Don’t get me wrong, I still like leather. For me, guns—especially steel guns—and leather go together. But I also like to be comfortable and for inside or outside the waistband daily handgun carry, this is one of the most comfortable belts I’ve tired. Just like our world is evolving, this new millennium has brought with it new threats. But it’s also brought better gear that will allow us to be more comfortably armed, more often, and that’s a good thing.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Nothing beats the sweet sound of copper-jacketed lead ringing off steel targets. Here's what you need to know and the models to spend your money on for years of shooting enjoyment.
Why You Should Buy A Steel Target:
The sound of a hit gives you instant feedback on how you're shooting.
Many can double as pistol and rifle targets.
Cared for properly, steel targets last for years.
If you shoot a lot, they're cheaper per trigger pull.
Honestly, there are few things more fun to shoot at than steel targets.
A warning in moving to steel targets: They’re addictive. Once you hear that sweet “Ping!” of copper-jacketed lead crashing into a plate of high-quality steel, you’ll be left drooling like Pavlov’s dog for more. Never fear: If the steel target bug bites you, you certainly aren’t alone.
As a terminal destination for bullets for decades now, steel targets have become more common in recent years … and for good reason: Over the long run, they’re extremely economical. Furthermore, these shooting-range gems come in every conceivable shape, size and function. From simple silhouettes to ingenious reactive targets, the sky is the limit.
With a wealth of options out there, picking the right one for your training and shooting enjoyment is difficult. But, we’ll try to streamline the process. We collected 5 steel targets that hit the mark not only in their practicality, but also in regard to longevity and pleasure they’ll add to your trigger time.
But, before we get to that, let’s look at why you might want to (read: should) invest in this kind of shooting target.
Advantages of Steel Targets
To many, a target is a target – material make-up doesn’t matter. Certainly, from preseason shooting to tramping after deer, a Redfield sighting-in target is handy. Outside of that, some would ask, what difference does the end destination of your bullet make as long as you’re shooting?
True enough: Range time is great, regardless of what you set your sights on. But if you dig into the matter a bit more, you’ll find that there are certain advantages steel targets hold over nearly any other kind.
Feedback: The sweet, addictive ping! of pounding away at steel targets isn’t just pleasant, it’s also practical. The sound gives you instant feedback that you’re connecting, particularly if you’re shooting a rapid-fire sequence. Opt for a reactive steel target and you’ll also add a visible confirmation if you’re on target.
Versatility: Buy the proper steel targets in the right sizes and you’ll have something suitable for both pistol and rifle work. Furthermore, they’re easy to configure when you build up a collection, and you can construct a lights-out course of fire.
Longevity: Even with a bag full of masking tape or pasters, paper and cardboard targets last but a shooting session or two – if you’re really chintzy. With proper care, a steel target’s longevity is measured in years, not sessions.
Economy: You pay more at the front end, but given the longevity of steel targets, they prove highly economical. Consider that a stack of 100 IPSC silhouette paper targets will run you about $35 and last a year or less, depending on how much you shoot. On the other hand, a 9-inch tall steel silhouette will last years for about the same price.
Enjoyment: This is subjective, but given that they’re simple to set up and plum fun to plug away at, steel targets tend to offer more shooting enjoyment. Add in some reactive steel targets and it kicks the fun up to another level.
Choosing Steel Targets
There are some factors you need to consider when taking the dive into steel targets to make certain you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
At the forefront, you need to aim at buying AR500 or AR550 steel targets if you’re shooting most calibers above a .22 LR.
We won’t go too far into the weeds about AR500 steel plate here, because we have an excellent explainer on exactly what it is, how to use it properly and why you want to buy it. But for our points here, let’s just say that it’s made to take a beating from centerfire calibers, even up to .50 BMG.
Next, it helps at the front end to figure out what the majority of your shooting will entail. You’ll save money this way. There’s no need to buy a 17-inch tall, ½-inch-thick AR500 steel gong if you plan on plugging away with your 9mm from 10 yards. Along with this, you should also think about what sort of mounting system you’ll require. The bigger the target, the more support it needs, thus the more money you’ll have to spend. But if you’re figuring on something large enough to push your rifle out to 1,000 yards, it might very well be worth the investment.
Now on to the good stuff …
Great Steel Targets From Birchwood Casey
Birchwood Casey World Of Targets Handgun Dueling Tree
If handgun shooting is your focus, a high-quality dueling tree is among the best options. And Birchwood Casey offers one of the most affordable and convenient models.
Featuring six AR500 steel paddles, the steel targets swing to the opposite side when hit. This offers visual and auditory feedback, as well as making a great option for single and dual shooters. Two really is better than one when it comes to a dueling tree.
With toolless assembly and its own stand, Birchwood Casey’s unit only takes seconds to set up, but takes hours to pull yourself away.
Shoot Steel ½-Inch AR550 Gong Bundle
As far as getting into steel targets, gongs are a staple. But it’s better – and more fun – to have more than one at which to plug away.
Shoot Steel offers a great opportunity to instantly create a course of fire with its ½-inch thick AR500 Gong Bundle. Featuring one 8-inch and three 4-inch gongs, it’s a great starter pack and versatile to boot.
The steel targets’ thickness makes them adequate for rifles up to .338 Win. or Lapua Mag. when set up beyond 200 yards. To boot, you can plug away at them with any pistol from 10 yards or greater.
Range Time AR500 IPDA/ IPSC Silhouette Steel Target Pack
Great for defensive training or long-range work, silhouettes are a must for any steel-target collection. An excellent deal, Range Time AR500 targets doubles your fun in this style of target with a twofer. If you want to work on engaging multiple threats, this is a perfect option to get you rolling.
At 20-inches tall and 12-inches wide, the steel targets are a realistic size and built to last. Available in 3/8- or ½-inch thick plate, you have a pistol-exclusive option and one capable of taking a hit from a high-powered rifle at distance.
MSRP: $134.98 pack of 2 3/8-inch thick; $209.94 pack of 2 ½-inch thick
Champion Center Mass AR500 Pop-Up Target
Among the simplest, yet most satisfying reactive steel targets are poppers. Falling over when hit, they give you instant feedback on your shooting, with plenty of enjoyment when they topple. The best kinds are the ones that set themselves back up, and Champion offers an economical option with its Center Mass Pop-up.
Actuated by a hefty torsion spring, the pop-up quickly set itself back in place and is ready for more after being shot. Available in two sizes – 14″x4″ and 20″x6″ – the 3/8-inch thick AR500 steel targets are perfect for any sort of pistol shooting you do.
MSRP: $129.11
Magnum Targets Steel Hostage Reactive IDPA
With a steel hostage and chest flappers that when hit, Magnum Targets really spices up the traditional silhouette. It also potentially makes the style of target more useful. Enhancing drills while demanding the utmost accuracy, the steel target is ideal for honing your self-defense skills to a razor’s edge.
The 12″ x 22″ silhouette is more than enough to stand up to punishments from most defensive calibers. Constructed from 3/8-inch AR500 steel, at appropriate ranges it can also handle some rifle calibers—as long as the bullet delivers less than 2,100 ft/lbs of energy at point of impact. Regardless of what you favor, the target is an absolute blast.
AR-15 wizard Patrick Sweeney reveals the critical things he checks on every AR he brings home.
Few gun scribes have spilled more ink on the AR-15 subject than Patrick Sweeney. In addition to being a respected law enforcement armorer, he’s authored thousands of articles, columns and dozens of books, including the popular title Gunsmithing the AR-15: The Bench Manual—specializing in AR-15 maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrading, gunsmithing and shooting.
GD: So, you’re this world-renowned AR-15 expert, you’re an AR-15 armorer.
SWEENEY: [laughs] You’re gonna give me a swelled head if you keep this up.
GD: OK, but you find a good deal on a $700 AR-15, and you get it home.
SWEENEY: It used to be that if you spent $600 for an AR-15—and I’m dating myself here—that you were spending your money at the top of what you would be spending for an AR-15. Nowadays, you say to somebody that you got an AR for $600, and they go, “What’s wrong with it? What kind of cheap Chinese whatever is it that you just bought?” And people don’t blink at a $2,000 AR. Well, for $2,000 or $2,400, yeah, it better have all of these details taken care of.
GD: Where do you start? You get it home and what does Patrick do?
SWEENEY: Start at the muzzle and make sure that whatever flash hider or muzzle brake that’s on there is on straight and that your crown hasn’t been mangled or screwed with. You’d be surprised how badly a rifle reacts after somebody has dropped it in the dirt, and now it doesn’t shoot well anymore, so they sell it without telling you. So, look at that and make sure it’s fine.
From there, it’s back to the chamber, and the first thing to check is whether it’s a .223 or a 5.56 leade. Many people poo-poo the idea and think that .223 and 5.56 it’s all the same. I’ve seen enough guns in classes go down from shooting 5.56-rated ammo in a .223 leade that I check it. And except for a few brands like Daniel Defense, Geissele, Colt, a few others, when it says 5.56, you can bet all the money in your pocket that it is 5.56.
This barrel is marked “5.56 NATO chromed.” That means it was chromed, but it wasn’t a 5.56 NATO throat. Markings can’t be trusted, with a few exceptions.
GD: So, you wouldn’t assume even if it says 5.56?
SWEENEY: I wouldn’t assume so, no. In one class I remember, we had half a dozen rifles with departments that issued them to officers, and the barrels said 5.56. And we gauged them, and four of the six that were marked 5.56 from companies we didn’t know weren’t; they were .223. But 5.56 sells rifles, so that’s what you mark it as. OK, fine, you put a racing stripe on a car; it doesn’t make it a street racer. And in the course of that class, all four of those rifles that had .223 chambers but were 5.56-marked went down with the malfunctions we associate with that particular problem.
An excellent tool to tell if you have a .223 or 5.56 leade is the 223/556 Gauge from M-guns.
And I told the officers, “You should get that corrected, but we’re going to have a test here.” And sure enough, it was a five-day class, and I think it was the afternoon of Tuesday that these guns started having problems. So I used my gauge and reamer from Ned Christiansen to gauge each barrel and make sure it was [5.56], and if it wasn’t, to ream it out.
This is the result of using the reamer from Ned Christiansen. A clean, 5.56-length leade that will control pressure spikes in your rifle.
One proviso: If you have a barrel that has been Melanite treated, you don’t ream it because it’s harder than any reamer you’re going to put in there.
A .223 leade means a “popped” primer. In this case, the primer ended up in the locking lug recess and kept the rifle from firing. Don’t blame S&W: This is not their upper on that lower.
GD: OK, what’s your next step?
SWEENEY: Next, we go to the bolt and carrier and make sure that the gas key is properly staked. And if it’s not, take it off, clean it up, tighten it back down with Loctite and stake it. Because if your gas key comes loose, you’ll lose gas pressure, and you’ve got malfunctions—the always “oh my God moment” of short-stroking AR-15s.
If the manufacturer didn’t, you must stake your gas keys. The MOACKS tool’s staking bolts crush metal onto the gas key screws, keeping them from loosening and backing out.
Back in the early days, everyone assumed short-stroking meant that the people who made the barrel hadn’t drilled the gas port out large enough. People would go in there, hogging out gas ports … they would drill out the gas port to feed more gas to the leaky gas key so that the gun would cycle properly. And if you fit the gas key properly, so it wasn’t leaking anymore, all of a sudden, your brass is going off into the next county because, oh, they drilled out the gas key. No! Leave the gas ports alone.
Then, it’s onto extractors. If you don’t have an O-ring, or better yet, a defender on your extractor, your extractor’s under tension. The Army says carbines need the gold spring and the O-ring, but rifles don’t. The Army’s wrong. Every AR-15/M16, regardless of barrel length, needs all the extraction you can get on it.
From there, it’s back to the buffer. Personally, I like to run the heaviest buffer that the gun will properly cycle with. And some people like to tune it to this or that … but if it’s a standard buffer and the brass isn’t getting thrown too far, I’ll probably leave it alone. But I’m just as likely to throw a standard buffer into the bin with all the other standard buffers and put in an H or an H1.
The next thing is the castle nut on the buffer tube. It has to be staked. Now, I don’t care if your friend says you can torque it up tight enough or if you’ve got the super-great Loctite that will hold it tight. It’s gotta be staked.
A properly positioned buffer tube and a securely held buffer retainer. You want yours to look like this.
Last thing, the barrel nut must be tight. The specs say anywhere from 30 to 80 pounds of torque. If it lines up with a gas key with 30 ft-lb, I’m not sure I would go with that. I’ll yank it apart and put in a shim to get it to time up somewhere above 30 ft-lb.
But if you take a no-name AR and do all those things to it, it will run. You may not have the MOA rifle that everybody promises you is your birthright as an American to have, but it’ll run.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
When it comes to the SPC and the Grendel, the better intermediate cartridge all depends on your aims.
For most, the .223 Remington/5.56 NATO is enough to get the job done in an AR-15. Hey, it fits the bill for the U.S. military for going on 60 years now, so there is proof in the pudding. However, more than one marksman—military and civilian—has yearned for a bit more oomph per trigger pull.
This was especially true in the early years of this century when in-the-field performance issues with the 5.56 reared their ugly heads. The less-than-desirable results in the hands of our fighting men and women got the innovation wheels turning in search of a solution. The answer: a true-to-form intermediate cartridge, something along the lines of the storied Soviet 7.62×39mm. Medicine that put bad guys down and kept them there.
The 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC hit the scene within a year of each other, true intermediate cartridges for the AR-15.
This answer came in two cartridges—the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel. While not enough to de-throne the small-bore king as head of the military, the metric marvels vastly improved the potential of AR-style rifles with minimal disruption to the rifle’s design. Not a bad combination, one that earned each a dedicated following. That morphed into the mythologies of the hard-hitting 6.8 and the long-flying 6.5.
For many, the 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel debate seems cut and dry. Except, it’s not quite. Truth be told, there’s a bit of nuance to the conversation.
Quick Info
Both cartridges developed as improvements over 5.56 NATO.
6.8 SPC developed by Remington and U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
6.5 Grendel created by Bill Alexander and Janne Pohjoispää.
Similar case capacities lead to comparable velocities when loaded with like bullet weights.
6.5 Grendel better at longer ranges thanks to higher BC bullets.
Larger bullet diameter and nose cross section generally give the 6.8 SPC better terminal performance.
6.8 SPC performs well out of shorter-bareled rifles and AR-pistols, while the 6.5 Grendel produces better results out of longer-barrel guns.
Wider range of ammunition options for 6.5 Grendel, including match ammunition, while 6.8 SPC offers mainly hunting options.
6.8 SPC
6.5 Grendel
Parent Case
.30 Remington
.220 Russian
Bullet Diameter
.277 in
.264 in
Neck Diameter
.306 in
.293 in
Shoulder Diameter
.402 in
.428 in
Base Diameter
.422 in
.439 in
Rim Diameter
.422 in
.440 in
Case Length
1.687 in
1.520 in
COL
2.260 in
2.260 in
Case Capacity
34.8–36.9 gr H2O
35.0 gr H2O
Maximum Pressure (SAAMI)
55,000 psi
52,000 psi
6.8 SPC Pros & Cons
Pros
Offers somewhat better terminal ballistics do to larger caliber and nose cross section.
Designed for the M4, thus performs well in carbine-length rifles.
Loyal user base, particularly among hog hunters.
Cons
Falls short compared to the 6.5 Grendel in terms of long-range capabilities.
Target shooting and match ammunition options are limited.
6.5 Grendel Pros And Cons
Pros
Diverse range of ammunition options, including hunting, target, and match.
Longer and sleeker bullets result in better long-range performance.
Officially adopted by the Serbian Army, adding legitimacy to its design.
Cons
Cartridge performs better out of longer-barreled rifles, thus making it less nimble.
Shared History
As mentioned, both cartridges were attempts to improve on the 5.56 NATO, in particular the small-bore's terminal ballistics. The simplest path was to step up the caliber.
In 2004, the 6.8 SPC hit the scene. A multi-year project between Remington Arms and the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to develop a more potent intermediate option, the cartridge had some early snags (more on that in a moment). Through testing, the 6.8mm caliber became the choice since it proved as accurate as the 6.5 cartridges at medium range, but offered improved terminal performance, somewhat akin to the 7mm. Remington turned to the defunct .30 Remington—essentially a rimless .30-30 Winchester—for the parent case since it provided ample capacity with a marginally larger case head (.422 inch). While it required a bolt upgrade and dedicated magazines, the slightly larger head size theoretically didn’t inject structural integrity issues.
As to the aforementioned snags, what Remington delivered to the military wasn’t up to snuff—not the cartridge, but the chamber design. Too little lead (.050 inch) led to pressure issues. “Big Green” remedied this with downloaded ammo, but that hurt the cartridge’s performance. Thankfully, the chamber issue has since been addressed, the lead extended to .100 inch in what is known as the 6.8 SPC II. Most modern rifles chambered for the cartridge are of this ilk and say as much on the barrel. Officially, however, the original 6.8 SPC design is still what’s on file with the Shooting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
The 6.5 Grendel was introduced in 2003 through the efforts of Bill Alexander (of Alexander Arms) and Janne Pohjoispää. In designing an intermediate cartridge they turned to a logical parent case for the job—the legendary 7.62x39mm (with a nod to its PPC progeny). The Grendel, too, requires a new bolt to accommodate its larger case head (.445) as well as dedicated magazines.
While its designers had military aspirations for the Grendel, it mainly remained a target-shooting and hunting option—at least stateside. In more recent times and in other parts of the world this has changed. In 2016, the Serbian Army become the first military force to officially adopt the cartridge, adding legitimacy to the design.
There is a lot of hubbub when it comes to debating 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel ballistics. In most people’s minds, the SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) is a true intermediate cartridge, while the Grendel flirts with long-range capabilities. However, the cartridges’ external ballistics track much closer than most folks expect.
Much of this is due to nearly identical case capacities. Depending on the brass in question, both hold right around 35 grains of water. Essentially, this means that loaded with the same powder, with the same bullet weight, out of barrels of equal length, both cartridges will produce similar velocities. The difference comes in ballistic coefficients (BC), given at the same weight a 6.5 bullet will be longer, thus boasting a higher BC. Simply put, it will buck air resistance and wind drift more efficiently. But crunch the numbers and you’ll find the Grendel’s downrange advantage takes time to manifest.
I've put together an example to illustrate, testing two handloads: 6.8 SPC with a 120-grain Hornady SST bullet and 6.5 Grendel with a 123-grain Hornady SST bullet, both pushed by Ramshot X-Terminator powder for maximum velocity out of 20-inch barrels. The .510 BC (G1 model) Grendel bullet launches at an average 2,344 fps and the SPC’s .400 BC bullet at an average 2,457. Out to 500 yards with a 100-yard zero, the loads track nearly identical trajectories. It's only after this point that the Grendel performs better, dropping 6-inches less at 700 yards and 10-inches less at 800 yards. Additionally, while the 6.8 goes sub-sonic—thus losing optimal ballistic performance—just past 800 yards, the 6.5 stays supersonic out to nearly 1,000 yards.
Next, we’ll put those rounds in much more common configurations for each caliber—a 20-inch barreled Grendel and a 16-inch barreled SPC. In addition to the higher BC, the extra bore in the Grendel gives the rifle/cartridge combination a 120 fps advantage over the SPC. This adds up past the 300-yard mark. Again on a 100-yard zero, at 500 yards the Grendel has fallen 10-inches less than the SPC and at 600 yards 16-inches less. That’s substantial for anyone concerned about flatter trajectories or reaching out.
There are arguments the 6.8 SPC has a superior terminal profile, doing more damage once at its target. Military testing has turned up the 6.8 (or .270 if you will) does tend to produce more devastating wounding patterns. Much of this is attributable to the caliber’s larger diameter, plus a greater cross-section at the nose that more efficiently initiates bullet expansion. Though, hit a whitetail in the vitals at a reasonable hunting range with either 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel, chances are the deer won’t know the difference.
Platforms
If the 6.5 Grendel allows a longer effective range than the 6.8, it seems it should be the natural choice for most shooters. I’ve foreshadowed why there’s a place for both cartridges in modern shooting, however. Get behind most 6.8 SPC guns and you'll drive a more nimble platform.
As mentioned, carbine-length rifles (16-inch barrels and down) are the norm for the 6.8, which makes sense given who the cartridge appeals to. Hog hunters have buoyed the SPC thanks to its excellent intermediate performance and agility of its platforms. In places such as Texas and Oklahoma, the management of these critters is a target-rich endeavor that calls for a hard-hitting and deft gun/cartridge combination. Furthermore, the 6.8 SPC has found a place in short-barreled rifles and AR-pistols, a very potent defensive option that excels in close-quarters engagements.
The 6.8 SPC isn't afraid of going small. An example, Wilson Combat's SBR Tactical.
This isn’t to say the 6.5 Grendel isn’t available as a carbine. Heck, Palmetto State Armory has a 12-inch Grendel pistol, for those interested. However, given most folks’ desire to take advantage of the cartridge's ballistic capabilities, 20-inch-plus barrels dominate. Even Bill Alexander recommends this length for Grendel rifles aimed at hunting. Certainly, with practice, shooters can become quick in transitioning targets with a longer-barreled gun, but overall it is more challenging.
Ammo
In ammo squeezes, you take what you can get. In fatter times, both cartridges are fairly abundant, though there is some difference in what’s stocked on virtual and brick-and-mortar shelves.
Hunting ammunition, topped with soft-point or polymer-tipped bullets, dominates the 6.8 SPC selection. This makes sense since hunters have kept the cartridge afloat. Away from this arena, I've found little more than affordable range ammo with FMJ bullets.
Helping the 6.5 Grendel go long is an ample selection of factory-loaded match ammunition.
Given it has a more dedicated following of target shooters and technically has the chops to reach out 1,000 yards in skilled hands, the 6.5 Grendel has a wider ammo selection. In addition to hunting and range ammo, manufacturers also turn out legitimate match options. For instance, Federal Premium’s Gold Medal Grendel ammo boasts a 130-grain Berger AR Hybrid OTM bullet—a modern low-drag projectile designed to maximize range. And I'll attest, the load is fit for reaching out.
Bullet weights for both cartridges, the 6.8 SPC ranging from 85-grains to 140-grains and the 6.5 Grendel 85-grains to 130-grains.
Who Fits Whom?
So, when everything shakes out in the 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel conversation, which cartridge is the best fit for which shooter? It’s a difficult question to answer. Given, when everything is equal, the cartridges have similar performance. But they’re still not identical.
Since the 6.8 SPC is generally found and performs well out of carbine- and pistol-length guns, the cartridge excels at tasks that require agility in the 300-yard neighborhood. From my experience, the cartridge is excellent at thinning a sounder of hogs, but is more than adept for pieing a corner to confront a bump in the night. On the flip side, the 6.5 Grendel gives you the ability to stretch your rifle’s legs or hunt in open country. I've come to accept you have to pack more rifle, but the effort pays off with a selection of higher BC bullets and the ability to operate out to 800 yards.
Compared to other cartridge comparisons, the differences are slimmer in the 6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel debate. That said, at the margins, each provides an advantage to a particular shooter. You just have to puzzle out what shooter you happen to be.
A look at four .223 Remington loads that cover four distinct applications, all using one primer and powder.
The .223 Remington is one of my most used rifle cartridges, and I wanted to develop four loads for it that could be relied upon to do everything I need to do with that chambering. I wanted a load for varmints and small game, another for big game, one for tactical applications and one for precision on paper and steel. But—and here’s the kicker—I wanted to keep it as simple as possible by only using one powder and one primer, and I wanted to do it all with moderate to high velocity and sub-MOA precision.
I began the project by looking over my .223 Remington load notes that go back more than three decades. I also talked with other handloaders, and then I compared reloading data from various manuals. Here’s a look at what I ended up with, and I believe that these four, one-primer/one-powder loads, might very well work for you and your rifles, too.
Brass
I had a lot of .223 Remington brass on hand, but not more than a hundred or so empty cases from the same manufacturer, and I wanted to build these loads with duplicate components. Over the years, I’ve had great success creating consistent loads with Nosler brass, so that’s where I started.
One case, one primer, one powder and four different bullets can deliver most of the loads anyone shooting a .223 Remington needs.
I ordered 500 new cases, and when they arrived, I weighed 100 of them and found the standard deviation to be less than a half-grain. The only case preparation I performed was to slightly chamfer the inside and outside of the case necks. Remember: The goal was to keep it as simple as possible.
Primers
Primers can drastically impact pressure and velocity consistency, and precision. Years ago, working at a ballistic lab with pressure testing equipment, I witnessed the same primer deliver pressure variations of as much as 6,000 psi, while only altering velocity by about 30 fps. More importantly, this resulted in a point-of-impact variation at 100 yards of more than 2 inches.
Primers matter because they can deliver fluctuating results when paired with certain powders in certain cartridges. Federal’s small rifle primers provide very consistent ignition.
Primers matter a lot more than many shooters think. My notes indicated some of the best loads I have assembled for cartridges that use small rifle primers were put together with Federal small rifle primers. Fortunately, I had 1,000 of those.
Powder
I like powders that meter consistently, especially when loading from a powder dispenser. This generally means ball/spherical powders. If you want to build loads with wide variance in bullet weight, it also means you need a versatile powder. You can consult load manuals, but it’s easier to just visit Hodgdon’s website to plug in the cartridge and the bullet weights you want to use and see what pops up. I did this for the .223 Remington, specifying 50-, 60-, 70- and 77-grain bullets, and eight powders were offered.
CFE 223, as the name suggests, is a great general-purpose powder for the .223 Remington.
Over the years, I had used all but one of these powders in the .223 Remington. That one untested powder was CFE 223. I had heard lots of good things about CFE 223 in the .223 Remington, and though its burn rate is minutely slower than the other seven powders, I took a gamble. CFE stands for “copper fouling eraser” to highlight that the powder has been tweaked to deter copper fouling.
I cannot comment with any supporting definitive proof on how well this works, but my impression is that it does limit copper fouling. During the development of these four loads, which consumed more than 100 rounds, I never once cleaned my rifle’s barrel, and precision only improved throughout the process.
Bullets
This is where diversity with a cartridge happens, and it’s especially true with the .223 Remington, which can be used successfully in so many different applications.
I chose the 50-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, which is very volatile on small critters.
Nosler’s 50-grain Ballistic Tip bullet is ideal for predators or small game.
I’ve probably killed more big game with Nosler AccuBonds than any other bullet, so the 70-grain 0.224-caliber version seemed perfect for deer, black bears and hogs.
For tactical applications, many overlook the Nosler Partition, but these bullets do a great job against intermediate barriers.
Though often thought of as antiquated, Nosler’s 60-grain Partition bullet is excellent at defeating intermediate barriers, penetrates well and creates massive wounding.
And finally, for paper and steel, I chose the Nosler 77-grain Custom Competition.
For a load you’ll want to use on steel or paper, especially at distance, the Nosler 77-grain Custom Competition bullet is ideal. It does, however, require a 1:8 twist or faster.
The Data
With each load, I started 5 percent below maximum and worked up while watching for high pressure signs and keeping an eye on velocity. Because the chamber and magazine length of my New Ultra Light Arms rifle allows for it, I used a longer than normal overall cartridge length. I stopped when sub-MOA groups and practical velocities were consistent. Though velocity consistency was better with the lighter bullets—in some cases with single-digit standard velocity deviations—the combination of the Federal primer, Nosler Brass and CFE 223 powder was capable of producing excellent on-target precision with all four bullets.
NOTES: Reported velocity and standard velocity deviation (SD) is the average for 10 shots fired over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens set 10 feet from the muzzle. Reported precision is the average of three, three-shot groups fired from a sandbag rest at 100 yards.
A few things are worth noting. Out of my 22-inch barrel, the 50-grain load did not deliver near advertised velocities for a maximum charge. Also, many claim Nosler Partitions are incapable of extreme precision. However, if you kick up the throttle just a bit, they shoot better. This is especially true—and possible—in a modern bolt-action rifle, because .223 Remington load data is kept right at or below 55,000 psi. The Partition and the other three loads all delivered sub-MOA precision.
Sub half-MOA accuracy was easy to obtain with Nosler’s 50-grain Ballistic Tip and CFE 223 powder.
The remaining question was this: Would these four loads also work well in my 5.56 NATO chambered AR-15? I dropped all the loads to slightly below the maximum listed powder charge and reduced their overall length to 2.248 across the board to work with AR-15 magazines. CFE 223 powder does not crowd the case, so seating bullets deeper was a non-issue. Out of that rifle’s 16-inch barrel, which also has a 1:8 twist, velocity consistently was similar, and based on all the AR-15s I have tested over the years, precision on target was better than average … with flawless reliability.
Some folks will tell you Nosler Partition bullets are not accurate. They’re wrong. With the right combination of powder, primer and twist rate, they’ll shoot with extreme precision.
Goals Achieved
Initial terminal performance confirmation was conducted by shooting into blocks of Clear Ballistics. (See table below.) Last spring, I used the Ballistic Tip load to take a turkey gobbler at 239 yards (rifles are legal for turkeys in West Virginia). I also put a doe in the freezer with the Partition load, and a 200-pound whitetail buck on the meat pole with the AccuBond load. Both the Partition and AccuBond bullets will penetrate more than 16 inches and upset to about 1.7 times their original diameter. They are much deadlier on big game than conventional wisdom and most hunters realize.
NOTES: Reported velocity is the average for 10 shots fired over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens set 10 feet from the muzzle. Reported penetration and recovered bullet frontal diameter and weight are the average of three shots fired into blocks of Clear Ballistics at a distance of 50 yards.
I do think there is some tweaking to do with the AR-15 loads; I might have left a little velocity in the powder can. But, as they are, and for both of my most-used .223 rifles, this collection of handloads is capable of handling any task I need to tackle with a .223 Remington, and all I need is one powder, one primer and four bullets to do it.
Though from a velocity consistency standpoint it might seem that CFE 223 is not a good match for heavy bullets in the .223 Rem., this target would beg to differ.
Handloading is an enjoyable pastime that will allow you to create loads not commercially available, while possibly saving a little money. And it’s all much easier to do if you can use a single powder and primer. If you’re looking for a stable of .223 Remington loads that will allow you to extract the most of what the cartridge can offer, these four bullets are a good start, and I suggest you give CFE 223 a shot.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
You don't need to spend a lot to get the best 9mm carbine. We pick a passel with plenty of bang for the buck.
Gun trends come and go, but among the most enduring has been one of the most controversial – pistol-caliber long guns. The concept of a carbine or rifle that grazes on handgun ammunition is nearly the same vintage as America’s love affair with firearms.
As those familiar with this style of gun know, long guns that pitch handgun ammo were a staple in the American West. In those days, the system made a world of sense. Minor catastrophes, be it blizzards or bushwackers, could leave a pioneer high and dry in the ammunition department. You never knew when the next wagonload would mosey down the trail, after all. In turn, the piece of mind of, say, a Colt Frontier and Winchester 1873 feeding from the same trough likely saved lives.
Today, the practicality of pistol-caliber carbines is hotly debated. Truly, few subjects outside of politics and religion ignite passions as quickly. To some, such carbines are analogous to outfitting a Formula One racer with a moped engine. To others, they’re the ideal economical plinker, wieldy home-defense option and perfect survival tool. Each has valid points, and maybe you’ve thought you’d like to investigate the matter first-hand to make up your mind.
Problem is, with a recent upswing in popularity, the market is filled with options that make experimentation somewhat cost-prohibitive. In most cases. There are still deals if you know where to look – all less than $1,000 and solid in performance.
While many of these are available in other calibers, we’ve opted to concentrate on 9mm carbines. In general, the cartridge performs well out of long guns and gives shooters a good taste of this style of firearm’s potential. Out of a carbine, the 9mm gains modest velocity, is highly suppressible, generates little recoil and is offered in more models. Moreover, it’s the cheapest of all handgun ammunition, so you won’t break the bank giving the style of gun a run.
Who knows, given a chance, you might find the 9mm carbine is what you’ve been after all these years.
Why You Should Trust Our Picks
Accurate information is key to informed choices. The Gun Digest team brings more than a half-century of combined firearms expertise to the table. And I personally, have more than a decade of experience reviewing firearms and working in the industry. As well as, a lifetime of training and shooting everything from mouse guns to dangerous-game rifles. PCC falls somewhere in the middle but, yeah, I’ve shot plenty of them too—including the ones on this list.
Dusting off an old concept, Ruger cooked up a real one of its most popular new(ish) firearms with this 9mm carbine. Evolving the old Police Carbine concept, the PC Carbine arms shooters with a familiar configuration that has some handy tricks up its sleeve.
First and foremost, it’s a takedown rifle. No matter the model, I find this aspect appealing as it makes it easier to tote the rifle around, given it breaks down to backpack size.
That said, my money goes down on the folding stock model. It roughly collapses to the same size as when it's taken down, but it's much quicker to deploy. On top of this, it's outfitted with a M-Lok handguard with plenty of real estate for accessories.
The next aspect of the Ruger PCC that wins top marks is its overall accuracy and reliability. Working with it, I feel extremely confident at hitting out to 50 yards. Not tack-driving accuracy at that range, but enough to put down a threat.
It's lights out at close quarters thanks to its tungsten Dead Blow Action. The system makes the carbine's recoil an afterthought and really picks up the pace on follow-ups and target transitions.
An added bonus to the Dead Blow, it makes the PC Carbine tick like a clock. In my time with it, the gun digested everything from hollow points to ball and produced zero malfunctions.
The one issue–partly the tungsten's fault–I have with the gun is it's heavy for its size–more than 7 pounds. But this is far from a dealbreaker.
Faxon Firearms is no stranger to PCCs. Luckily for shooters, the Ohio based gunmaker has leaped from PCC components to complete builds a few years back with the affordable and feature-rich (for its price) Bantam.
Honestly, the 9mm carbine has plenty of room to grow, but if you’re looking for a solid gun off the shelf it more than ticks off the boxes.
The bell of the ball on this mighty mite is its barrel–not surprising given it's Faxon. Really, it's over-engineered for the purpose and should dang near last a lifetime.
More than anything, this adds reliability to an overall reliable system. Again, this is a PCC that didn't gag on anything we fed it–from high-class defensive ammo to steel case. No complaints there.
Given the price tag is at the tonier end of affordable 9mm carbines, I would have liked to have seen tighter groups. It shot a little loose at 25 yards but in line with the vast majority of this class of gun.
The Bantam boasts foraged receivers with a tensioning screw to ensure the tightest possible mate-up between upper and lower. The latter is a bit of an OCD tamer, but if you can’t live with a bit of rattle it’s a godsend.
It’s Glock magazine compatible, a must nowadays given Glock calls the tune for 9mm mags. And the paddle-style mag release is a nice addition, picking up the pace on reloads.
Based on the legendary PP-19 Vityaz Russian submachine gun, Palmetto State Armory gives AK shooters a 9mm carbine option that should prove very familiar to Russian gun fans.
From lever safety to paddle mag release and side charging handle, the PSA AK-V MOE Rifle is easy to slip into if you run an AK variant. Like the Vityaz it's based on, and most other pistol-caliber carbines, the AK-V is simple blow-back operated.
On the range, the PCC's accuracy won't blow you away—it's what you'd expect out of 9mm long gun, 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards. However, the American-made, Russian-inspired gun ticks like a Swiss timepiece.
Again, this is a system that loses some points on weight. At 7 pounds it's more than I'd want in a 9mm carbine. Yet it's more than passable as a competition fun gun or range toy.
Note, PSA made the gun compatible with CZ Scorpion magazines, of which I have mixed feelings. Yeah, they're plentiful, but not to the degree of Glock mags.
Is it me or does this carbine look familiar? Yeah, Smith & Wesson took a lot of cues from Kel-Tec in its PCC, but danged if they didn't make it a bit more appealing in a number of ways.
A small matter, but one I've liked, is the FPC–and S&W's ARs–moving away from rote AR grips. In its stead is a proprietary grip modeled after the company's M&P pistols and featuring such extravagances as replaceable backstraps.
The other aspect I dug, is how the backpack gun folds up–horizontally. Landsake, a system that doesn't run right into your optic–who'da thunk it? Yet, it makes the gun eminently more practical and concealable.
The gun is plasticky, which for me was a turnoff. Everything, the frame, the rail the buttstock–all of it is polymer. However, while I didn't torture test the gun, quite a few other trusted sources have and the FPC passed with flying colors.
Interestingly, the polymer nature of the gun makes it among the lightest of this list at a tick over 5 pounds. Given this, the PCC almost feels like an oversized pistol.
Accuracy-wise, it's about what you'd expect from a PCC. (Tired of hearing that yet?) I got groups of slightly less than 2 inches at 25 yards.
Prepping is one of the areas where the pistol-caliber carbine concept thrives.
Given its potential to eliminate ammunition concerns between a long gun and pistol, it’s a robust strategy. And TNW has contrived among the best tools for the job.
Flexible beyond belief, the Aero Survival Rifle isn’t bound purely as a 9mm carbine. Quick-change barrels open the blowback semi-auto to a host of chamberings, including .22LR, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, 10mm and .357 SIG.
Since its task is to tackle the unexpected, this sort of flexibility has the potential to pay dividends. I've got to admit, the system inspires peace of mind.
Adding to the Survival Rifle’s usefulness, it’s a takedown. At 16 inches taken down, it’s a perfect insurance policy in a truck, boat or, what it was originally designed for, airplane.
This is particularly true if it’s paired with a case TNW cooked up for the rifle that stows it and a couple of spare barrels, so you can match the rifle to the ammunition on hand.
About the only negative I have about the PCC is its bolt is as stiff as a starched collar.
Compact as they come, Kel-Tec may have cooked up the ultimate backpack gun in the SUB-2000. It certainly created among the most unique 9mm carbines (also available in .40 S&W) at the end of the market already known for being idiosyncratic.
Honestly, despite any faults, I can't help but love this design.
What makes the SUB-2000 so intriguing is its unique folding design. Hinged at the fore of the receiver, the carbine folds into a neat 16-inch package, ideal for keeping it handy in a rucksack, sports bag or vehicle. And it's even gotten better as the gun enters its third generation.
The Gen3 carbine's barrel twists as it folds, meaning you can reduce it to its maximum size while keeping an optic on the top rail. Like many shooters, this was one of my main complaints with the first two generations of the SUB-2000.
Deployment is still quick on the carbine even with the modification and it's as light as ever — a mere 4 pounds. This is thanks to the extensive use of fiberglass-filled nylon that makes up a majority of the gun. Polymer top to bottom isn't necessarily my favorite aspect of the gun, but it serves a purpose.
Additionally, I like Kel-Tec designed flexibility into the system, given your choice of magazine compatibility: Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Beretta and Glock. Likely this has you covered, no matter what pistol you carry.
Adding to its appeal are easy and intuitive controls, such as the under-the-buttstock charging handle. Not to mention plenty of extras – ample rail space, fiber optic front sight, sling mounts and a wealth of aftermarket upgrades.
Swimming decidedly against the tide, Palmetto State Armory’s AR-9 doesn’t aim to send your heart, and wallet, into palpitations. Crafting everything in-house, the company controls costs, at the same tick turns out an honest-to-God value in its 9mm carbine. In fact, for its price, the 16-inch rifle is among the best deals going in a category of pistol-caliber long gun that seems to get more expensive every year.
Accuracy is where the blow-back earns high marks, getting everything out of the Parabellum and a bit more. Adept enough to drill steel at 50 yards, longer if you want to push it. An elusive trait in pistol-caliber carbines. Furthermore, like a good date, it isn’t picky about what it eats.
Honestly, you don’t need to own a boat to be intrigued with Just Right Carbine’s Takedown Marine. Nickel-plated stainless steel barrel, the 9mm carbine (also available in .40 S&W and .45 ACP) is about as flashy as they come. Glitz, however, is beside the point.
At its heart, the Takedown Marine is a survival/utility carbine, meant to weather abuse. Corrosion-resistant, the gun is impervious to the severe damage that salt water and moisture in general wreaks on unprotected steel. You needn’t have a high-seas adventure planned to reap the Marine’s benefits either. The nickel plate also does a heck of a job ensuring you have a fully functional gun at the ready if you happen to live in the wetter corners of the country or if you needed an option stowed away that didn’t require constant maintenance.
As expected, the Marine is a blowback-operated carbine, which endows it with an admirable trait as a utility gun — it chews through nearly any ammo. Given it accepts Glock magazines, keeping it fed shouldn’t prove a problem either. In addition to this, JRC has included some other intriguing features to make it handy no matter the circumstances: reversible ejection, a very manageable 6.5-pound weight, top rail for the addition of an optic and, as its name implies, a takedown feature. Retained by a screw-on forestock, the gun is a snap takedown into a tidy package about 16 inches in length.
Takedown Marine Deals
Sportsman's Guide
$600
Hi-Point 995
995 Specs Barrel Length: 16.5″ Overall Length: 31″ Sights: Front: Post Rear: Adjustable Ghost Ring Peep Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28 Weight: 7 lbs. Magazine: Hi Point MSRP: $364
Pros
Affordable
Reliable
Low Recoil
Cons
Plug Ugly
Proprietary Magazines
Who hasn’t sauntered into a gun show and caught one of these beauties winking at you? Safe bet, you at least jingled your pocket change to see if you had enough to take one home.
Despite its blue-light special price tag, the 995 performs respectably for a utility long gun that appears designed especially for this role. Rudimentary as they come, the carbine’s simple blowback operation gives it the chops to chew through any ammo. Additionally, 9mm coming out of a 6.25-pound gun is a kitten in the recoil department.
No one would describe the 995 as a tack driver. With that said, it’s capable of making hits at 100 yards when you’re familiar with it. The downside to the carbine, you get what you pay for in looks. Furthermore, designed to skirt the 1990s “assault weapons ban,” it comes with a 10-round magazine (20-round magazines are available).
Freedom Ordnance generally doesn’t come to the fore when talking 9mm carbines. A shame, given its AR-style FX-9 is a regular jackhammer. The simple blowback outfit proves reliable with most ammunition and is configured such that if you know how to run Eugene Stoner’s brainchild, you know how to run the carbine.
That said, where the 16-inch barreled 9mm earns high marks is its accuracy. The FX-9 is most certainly a 100-yard gun and makes hits on closer targets seem like cheating. It’s a nimble bugger to boot. Weighing in at right around 6 pounds, it isn’t the lightest option on the market. Yet it’s wispy enough to engage multiple targets as fast as you can pull the trigger.
Quality made for an entry-level carbine, the FX-9 receivers are milled billet aluminum, while the steel components are nitride and nickel-boron nitride coated. The gun has last-round hold open – always nice – and the system is completely modular, making it a snap to go shorter, which there is ample opportunity to do. The one sticky point, if you happen to be left-handed, is the magazine release is configured for right-handed shooters and is not ambidextrous.
FX-9 Deals
Palmetto State Armory
$650
9mm Carbine FAQ
What is the effective range of a 9mm carbine?
The maximum effective range where a 9mm carbine is both accurate and the bullets it fires have the velocity to function properly is generally pegged at 50 yards with a maximum range of 100 yards. However, the 9mm cartridge is lethal much further than the maximum range.
What is the point of a 9mm carbine?
It depends on what the shooter is looking for in a 9mm carbine. For home/personal defense, the 9mm carbine is much easier to control and place accurate shots than a pistol. Given the cost of ammunition, it is a more affordable option for competition. For the casual shooter, they’re just plain fun and inexpensive to shoot.
What grain is best in a 9mm carbine?
The most common loads for 9mm are 115 and 124 grains, which perform well out of carbines in defensive and competitive circumstances. However, when shooting suppressed, a 147-grain subsonic load would be more appropriate.
Are 9mm carbines CA Legal?
Yes, 9mm carbines are legal in California, as long as they meet the state’s laws about the gun’s features and capacity. You should check California gun laws before purchasing a 9mm carbine to ensure it complies.
Are 9mm carbines Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs)?
Not necessarily. Most 9mm carbines have 16-inch or greater barrels, classifying them as rifles. However, there are SBR 9mms and AR-style pistols. The former requires a tax stamp and federal registration to purchase, while the latter does not. Furthermore, modifying a firearm originally manufactured as a pistol with a stock or vertical forward grip makes it an SBR. Note, possession of an unregistered SBR is a felony under federal law. Please refer to ATF guidelines to ensure your gun is in compliance, particularly if you build one yourself.
Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.
Plinking, pest control, teaching youth—there are a lot of different roles a rimfire rifle can fill. Whether you already own one or several, given its very affordable price, the Rock Island Armory TM22 Feather is worth a look. With aesthetics inspired by old-school AR carbines, the TM22 is a lightweight semi-auto chambered for .22 LR. Despite the removable carry handle rear sight, it still has plenty of modern features. Among these are a top optics rail and fully adjustable stock. Plus, the pistol grip and buffer tube adapter can both be replaced by AR-pattern aftermarket parts. The rifle ships with two, 10-round magazines, but 15- and 25-round mags are available as well. MSRP: $249
Chiappa Little Badger Take Down Xtreme Rifle
Whether you’re a bush pilot or a backpacker, having a firearm of any type can mean the difference between life and death if things go south. When space and weight considerations take priority over firepower, Chiappa’s Little Badger Take Down is a top option. A break-action single-shot .22LR, the Little Badger is capable of breaking down into two pieces, each about 16 inches in length. With a total weight of only 2.9 pounds, this is ideal for anyone who needs a compact survival gun. The rifle features built-in iron sights as well as Picatinny rail segments on the barrel and grip area for attaching accessories like a red-dot or a proper pistol grip. It might not be a standout at the range, but it could save your skin. MSRP: $310.37
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Magnum
Fans of .22 Magnum should be excited to see Smith & Wesson’s latest foray into the caliber. Called the M&P22 Magnum, the pistol uses the same TEMPO barrel system as Smith’s new M&P 5.7 pistol chambered for 5.7x28mm. This unique system will theoretically improve the full-size polymer handgun’s performance and reliability, but perhaps the most notable feature of the M&P22 Magnum is its 30-round capacity. That’s a lot of firepower for what’s a relatively small package, and it would be just as useful for varmint control around one’s property as it would be fun at the range. Modern features like an optics-ready slide, accessory rail and flat trigger only make it more appealing. MSRP: $649
Heritage Manufacturing Co. Tactical Rancher
Tactical is a word that’s not too often used to describe revolvers, but Heritage’s Tactical Rancher is one of them. Just how tactical is it? Honestly, not that much, but it has a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, a threaded muzzle and provisions for attaching a sling, and that’s more than most revolver carbines can claim. The rifle comes with a six-round .22LR cylinder, but it can accept a .22 Magnum cylinder as well. Whatever cowboy operator fantasies you might have, the Tactical Rancher would be a solid way to live them out. MSRP: $355.99
CCI Clean-22 Hyper Velocity
Anyone who shoots a lot of rimfire knows just how dirty these little guns can get. If you’re a high-volume .22LR shooter, CCI’s Clean-22 Hyper Velocity is a great option. This ammo is loaded with 31-grain round-nose projectiles that have been coated in purple polymer, resulting in less fouling. This is especially true if you have any cans on your rimfire guns, as CCI says that Clean-22 will reduce lead buildup in suppressors by up to 80 percent. With an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,550 fps, CCI ensures that the ammo is both accurate and reliable in semi-auto firearms. MSRP: $10.99 / box of 50
Lapua .22 LR Super Long Range
The .22 LR cartridge is good at a lot of things, but shooting at long ranges isn’t one of them. Thankfully, companies like Lapua are working hard to mitigate that. Lapua .22LR Super Long Range was designed specifically for use at distances beyond 100 yards, making it a great choice for any shooter who needs accuracy at extended ranges. The load features a 40-grain round-nose projectile with an impressive G1 BC of 0.172 and an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,106 fps. Whether you’re a hunter, competition shooter or anything else, this ammo should help you hit your mark. It’s not cheap, but it could revolutionize your .22LR rig. MSRP: About $0.45 per round
Winchester Ammunition XPERT .22 LR
Winchester Repeating Arms released the Xpert .22LR bolt-action rifle not that long ago, and now Winchester Ammunition has designed the perfect ammo to go along with it. Bearing the same Xpert name, the ammunition features a 42-grain copper-plated hollow-point projectile and has an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,320 fps. Winchester says that the ammo is loaded very consistently and describes it as very flat shooting, making it easier to score good hits at longer ranges. Plus, the im-pressive velocity helps ensure reliable expansion. Whether you shoot paper for sport or game for sustenance, Xpert .22 LR will help get the job done right. MSRP: About $0.10 per round
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
According to a recent estimate by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), over 21.5 million Americans are now licensed to carry a firearm in the United States.
With that many and more legally licensed citizens — including those who keep guns strictly in the home for domestic protection, along with people who open carry or live in one of the dozen states that do not require licenses — the odds are increasing that someone will have to use their firearm to defend against a serious crime.
Realizing this possibility, at least eight organizations have recognized the need for some type of coverage plan for the armed citizen who might someday act in self-defense. Unlike television, stopping a villain with lethal force isn’t the end of the drama — it’s often just the beginning.
Stepping up to the plate with protection programs are the United States Concealed Carry Association, Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, U.S. Law Shield, CCW Safe, Second Call Defense, Lockton Affinity Outdoor, Right To Bear and Firearms Legal Protection. Each has a slightly different approach to the challenge because in this game, there are problems and there are solutions.
The hard truth is that most armed citizens simply have no idea of the legal minefield they step into the second they press the trigger. As more than one of the people we interviewed explained, from that moment, your life is changed forever.
Even if no criminal charge is filed, because we live in a litigious society, there are attorneys just chomping at the bit to make life miserable for armed citizens in civil court. That’s the reality. Defending a life with a firearm can break people — it can destroy life savings, families and jobs.
What You Need To Look For In CCW Insurance
Whether home, auto or concealed carry, insurance policies cover only certain things. In turn, you need to take the time to consider exactly what each option offers and if it will fit the minimum you need to protect you after a righteous shooting.
While many concealed carry insurance policies cover several expenses you’ll possibly encounter (we’ll get to those shortly), there are coverage areas that are essential in a good plan.
Attorney Fees: This is the meat and potatoes of any CCW insurance plan and should be where you put most of your consideration. Criminal and civil defense doesn’t come cheap and if your case goes to trial you might find a bill that runs up to six figures. It is a good idea to review if a policy covers retainer, criminal defense and civil defense and damages.
Bail Bond: Whiling away in a jail cell is a miserable experience, and is detrimental. You need to earn a living, consult with your attorney and put your affairs in order. All of these are difficult to accomplish behind bars, which is why bail-bond coverage is typically part of a sound concealed carry insurance policy.
Coverage Across State Lines: Insurance laws differ from state to state, which can cause problems if you travel with your defensive firearm. If you tool around the country you must read the fine print of where each policy covers you.
Expert Resources: One of the best ways to protect yourself from the legal ramifications of a lethal-force event is to understand the law and your rights. Access to solid and well-researched resources on these topics and concealed carry training prove invaluable and make you a more proficient armed citizen.
Other Areas Of Concealed Carry Coverage
In many cases, CCW policies go well beyond legal expenses and cover some other aspects you might not have considered, but you’ll possibly be on the hook for:
Crime Scene Clean Up
Negligent Discharge
Spouse And Family Self-Defense
Property Damage
Firearms Replacement
Work Loss Coverage
Personal Use Of Firearm (non-defensive)
You’ll find there are other areas covered by some concealed carry insurance plans worth contemplating. Many of them fall within the policies themselves, however, some cost extra. Certainly, they’ll make a plan more expensive, but are heartening, given how quickly expenses can add up if you’re involved in a self-defense situation.
Policy Caps
Insurance, no matter what it covers, has caps. In short, there is a set amount of money it will cover, then you’re on the hook for the rest. This goes for any of the add-ons you might select for your plan, as well.
Your budget dictates how much you can afford in a concealed carry insurance plan, but you want to make certain you don’t undercut yourself when it comes to coverage. On the surface, something along the lines of $250,000 coverage for attorney’s fees might sound solid, but could potentially shelter you from only a fraction of the total expense.
Pros One of the most established and largest – 660,000 paying members – concealed carry-focused associations in the country, United States Concealed Carry Association brings a lot of gravitas to the game. The company's focus is what it calls its “Three Pillars”—mental, physical and legal preparedness. In turn, the company offers firearms and concealed carry training and resources with membership, as well as an insurance plan that many consider among the best available.
Cons A deal-breaker for some, USCCA is geographically limited. While membership is available in most states, New York, New Jersey and Washington state residents are out of luck. Also, while not exactly a con, the Platinum and Elite plans cost more money than the entry-level Gold plan despite not offering any extra-legal services. The Gold plan already grants full access to USCCA's self-defense liability insurance and all the benefits that it includes. The two more expensive plans merely grant access to USCCA's CCW knowledge resources. If those options interest you, there's nothing wrong with them, but be aware that if all you want is CCW insurance the Gold plan is all you need.
Pros There are some weighty names from legal, self-defense and firearms areas at your disposal with the organization. In turn, you have some true firepower if you go to trial. Right off the bat, with Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network you get up to $25,000 for bail and $25,000 for an attorney, of your choice, for both criminal and civil cases. As legal proceedings go on, the network can provide more monetary support for criminal, civil, appeals and retrials. Furthermore, it’s an inexpensive organization to become a part of, $135 your first year and $95 per year after.
Cons ACLDN is not an insurance plan – it’s a pre-paid legal service – so its coverage isn’t as extensive as many others. It doesn’t cover civil damages or compensation while you’re in court or firearm loss protection. Additionally, further monetary support, past the initial $25,000, goes through a review board before it’s awarded. And there’s no tiering to the program – it’s one-size-fits-all.
Up to $25,000 paid to the member's attorney by the Network if the member has been involved in a self-defense incident
Further grants may be available
Up to $25,000 to post bail on behalf of a member who has used force in self-defense
Access to Network’s affiliate lawyers
Case review by network experts
Access to Network’s expert witnesses
Other Resources
Eight-DVD set of lectures explaining the use of deadly force for self-defense, the legal aftermath of using a gun in self-defense, and how attorneys prepare the court case defending one who used deadly force in self-defense.
Pros What you get for the price of the plan is among the biggest selling points of U.S. Law Shield (originally known as Texas Law Shield). Essentially, there is no cap on the coverage of legal fees, both for criminal and civil proceedings. This is incredible peace of mind, given how quickly those expenses add up. For $10.95 monthly payments and $19.95 set-up fee, that’s a lot of coverage. No wonder the Texas-based program has some 700,000-plus members and keeps growing. Not the case at one point in its history, the plan is presently available in all states–except Washington, New Jersey and New York–as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Cons First and foremost, you have to use an attorney from the network that they choose. This is potentially a turn-off for many, with good reason. In all likelihood, this will be the most important lawyer you’ll ever hire and you’ll have little say on who it is. The other issue, many of the coverage areas that come standard in other policies are add-ons, geographically limited, or unavailable. A good example, nationwide coverage costs another $2.95 a month, which may or may not make a difference to you.
Membership Individual $10.95 monthly/$131.40 annual; Two Adults $21.90 monthly/$240 annual
Legal Resources
No cap on attorney fees criminal and civil
24/7/365 access to Attorney-Answered Emergency Hotline
Non-emergency access to independent program attorneys
Option to purchase Bail Bond and Expert Witness add-on coverage
Other Resources
State-specific educational videos, law updates, and online resources
Pros No cap for criminal and civil legal defense, both covered up front, is the most eye-catching aspect of the CCW Safe plan. Up to $100,000 in bail bond protection doesn’t hurt either. These are generally the meat and potatoes of any concealed carry insurance program and this one has them in spades. In addition to that, the plan has up to $1 million of civil damage protection through its basic permit-holder plan. CCW Safe also offers a multitude of options, including policies for constitutional carry states, home defense and active and retired law enforcement. Note, the coverage differs from plan to plan, so read the fine print.
Cons While the plans overall are among the most comprehensive, there are a few caveats. You can choose your attorney, however, they must be vetted by CCW Safe first – this may or may not be a con, depending on how you look at it. The constitutional carry plan only works in your state, so you're naked once you cross the state line. And there are certain conditions CCW Safe spell out up front that will negate your policy, such as the use of force against a family member or someone in your residence with your permission. CCW Safe is also not available in New York, New Jersey or the state of Washington (except some NY LEOs).
Protector Plan
$179 annual
Eligibility Retired/Active Military and Law Enforcement with a concealed carry permit
Legal Resources
Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline
Critical Response Team on site
$500,000 bail coverage
Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel
Unlimited Attorney fees covered upfront
Unlimited Investigators covered upfront
Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered upfront
All trial fees covered upfront
Firearm Replacement during trial
Spouse and children under 18 covered in home only
Up to $5,000 in red flag law defense
Up to $250 a day of work loss while in criminal or civil trial
Up to 10 sessions (up to $1,500) for a licensed counselor
Up to $3,000 for crime scene clean-up home
Appeals and expungements covered
Add Ons
Spouse $100
$1 million bail coverage $50
$1 million dedicated civil liability $220
Defender Plan
$209 annual
Eligibility Valid Carry Permit
Legal Resources
Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline
$500,000 of bail coverage
Critical Response Team on site
Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel
Unlimited Attorney fees covered upfront
Unlimited Investigators covered upfront
Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered upfront
All Trial Costs covered upfront
Firearm Replacement during trial
Up to $5,000 in red flag law defense
Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial
Up to 10 sessions (up to $1,500) for a licensed counselor
Up to $3,000 for crime scene clean-up home
Appeals and expungement covered
Add Ons
Spouse $100
$1 million bail coverage $50
$1 million dedicated civil liability $220
Constitutional Carry
$299 annual
Eligibility Constitutional Carry States
Legal Resources
Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline
$250,000 bail coverage
Attorney fees
Investigators fees
Experts
Appeals and Firearm Replacement during trial
Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial
Up to $5,000 in red flag law defense
Up to 10 sessions (up to $1,500) for a licensed counselor
Up to $3,000 for crime scene clean-up home
Add Ons
Spouse $100
$1 million bail coverage $50
$1 million dedicated civil liability $220
Home Defense
$299 annual
Eligibility In-Home Coverage For You And Family
Legal Resources
Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline
Up to $250,000 in bail coverage
Unlimited Attorney fees covered upfront
Unlimited Investigators covered upfront
Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered upfront
Up to $5,000 in red flag defense
Appeals and Firearm Replacement during trial
Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial
Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor
Up to $3k for crime scene clean-up home
Add Ons
Spouse $100
$1 million bail coverage $50
$1 million dedicated civil liability $220
HR218
$399 annual
Eligibility Active, retired, and former law enforcement officers that meet the requirements for the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)
Legal Resources
Coverage for Criminal, Civil and Administrative Actions
Access to our 24-hour emergency hotline
Critical Response Team on site
$1 Million bail coverage
Vetting of Attorneys by National Trial Counsel
Unlimited Attorney fees covered up front
Unlimited Investigators covered upfront
Unlimited Expert Witnesses covered upfront
All trial fees covered up front
Firearm Replacement during trial
Up to $5,000 red flag defense
Spouse and children under 18 covered in home only
Up to $250 a day work loss while in criminal or civil trial
Up to 10 sessions (up to $4k) for a licensed counselor
Pros Of all the options, Second Call Defense perhaps offers the widest spectrum of tiering. You can get into their entry-level plan for $9.95 a month or choose their “Cadillac” plan for $34.95 per month. The top-tier plan is fairly comprehensive, offering $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense attorney fees and $1,000,000 for civil. Furthermore, in the top-end plan, you’re eligible for up to $250,000 in civil damage protection. You also get to choose your attorney.
Cons The entry-level plan is pretty close to “better than nothing.” It only covers $10,000 of legal fees pertaining to a civil case against you and is very limited in its criminal defense – up to $100,000 toward your attorney fees, $2,000 for a retainer and $1,000 for bail bond. Is that worth $10 per month? You’ll have to decide that for yourself.
Basic
$9.95 monthly; $119 annual
Insurance Protection Criminal Defense Protection – Up to $100,000 Civil Defense Protection (accidental shooting) – Up to $10,000
Pros A bit overshadowed by some of the larger players, Firearms Legal Protection nonetheless offers impressive coverage. Again, a tiered program, FLP allows armed citizens to choose a plan that best fits their budget and needs. And as far as entry-level options go, they offer an impressive one: uncapped attorney fees for civil and criminal defense for $16.95 a month. As you go up the ladder, the more expensive plans offer some of the total coverage many look for, such as firearm loss protection, compensation while in court and the choice of your attorney. Also, an interesting and timely twist, all FLP plans cover against Extreme Risk Protection Order, or “Red Flag” laws, accusations.
Cons As far as entry-level concealed carry insurance is concerned, it’s only applicable to a self-defense event that happens in your state. You can get nationwide coverage, however, you’ll have to spend more. Also, it’s presently only available in 30 states, so Firearms Legal Protection is somewhat limited geographically.
Basic Individual
$16.95 monthly; $199 annual
Eligibility Coverage for one person in their home state.
Legal Resources
Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases
24/7 emergency hotline
Extreme Risk Protection Order Coverage
Premium Individual
$27.95 monthly; $329 annual
Eligibility Multi-State Coverage
Legal Resources
Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases
24/7 emergency hotline
Extreme Risk Protection Order Coverage
Bail bond protection up to $250,000
Expert witness/investigator fees
Lost wages reimbursement
Firearm confiscation payment
Incident scene clean-up fee
My FLP mobile app
Premium Family
$44.95 monthly; $539 annual
Eligibility Multi-state comprehensive coverage for member, spouse and minor children
Legal Resources
Uncapped attorney fees for defense for criminal and civil cases
Pros A new player to the game—as in just last year (2021)—Right to Bear has leaped into the CCW insurance game with booth feet. No surprise, the company is under JJE umbrella, the parent of Palmetto State Armory. Offering four levels of coverage, each multi-state (excluding New York, California and Washington), the company offers fairly comprehensive coverage with options for any budget and a fair selection of useful add-ons. Additionally, policy extras, such as psychological support, seem thoughtful.
Cons Close attention has to be paid to how each policy pays out, given there are per incident and aggregate total limits. Accidental Discharge coverage is an additional expense.
Bronze
$10.95 moth/$115 annually
Insurance Protection Civil/Criminal defense liability coverage up to $50,000 $25,000 per incident/$50,000 aggregate total
Add-Ons
Spousal Coverage $48
Compensation in Court $35
Bail Bond Reimbursement $75
Accidental Discharge $75
Silver
$20.95 monthly/$235 annually
Insurance Protection Civil/Criminal defense liability coverage up to $500,000 $250,000 per incident, $500,000 aggregate total
Add-Ons
Spousal Coverage $60
Compensation in Court $35
Bail Bond Reimbursement $75
Accidental Discharge $75
Gold
$33.95 monthly/ $385 annually
Insurance Protection Civil/Criminal defense liability coverage up to $1,000,000 $500,000 per incident, $1,000,000 aggregate total
Add-Ons
Spousal Coverage $80
Compensation in Court $35
Bail Bond Reimbursement $75
Accidental Discharge $75
Platinum
$50.95 monthly/ $595 annually
Insurance Protection Civil/Criminal defense liability coverage up to $2,000,000 $1,000,000 per incident, $2,000,000 aggregate total
Pros Offered by a subgroup of the Armmlife company, this option is officially called Lockton Affinity Outdoor’s Personal Firearm Liability Insurance, and this is a true individual coverage plan. This makes it different than the majority of the companies on this list that instead offer memberships that gives access to insurance policies or prepaid legal defense. Advertised as coverage for responsible, smart and legal gun owners, Lockton's different plans are easy to understand with four clear tiers offered depending on the coverage needed. Regardless of the plan chosen, they all will cover lawful personal defense instances, accidental discharges, hunting/shooting accidents and lost or stolen firearms.
Cons As a true individual insurance policy, nothing else is offered alongside the coverage. While many of the other options on this list include coverage as well as various hotlines and legal/training resources, all Lockton offers is insurance.
Plan Limits With Annual Pricing
$75 Annual: $250,000 Combined single limit/$50,000 Defense reimbursement sublimit
$125 Annual: $500,000 Combined single limit/$100,000 Defense reimbursement sublimit
$175 Annual: $1,000,000 Combined single limit/$150,000 Defense reimbursement sublimit
$265 Annual: $1,500,000 Combined single limit/$250,000 Defense reimbursement sublimit
Conclusion
That, essentially, is what each of these self-defense insurance plans offers: an advocate rather than just a public defender who might, or might not, have a full grasp of self-defense, much less any sympathy for an armed citizen. It might come as no shock at all to many people, but not all attorneys sympathize with gun owners who fire in self-defense.
People can take their chances with a public defender, or they can rely on the experts associated with these concealed carry insurance membership programs. Clearly, a lot of thought went into each of these efforts, and the ultimate beneficiary is the armed citizen.
A closer look at TiON and its new Dragoon .500 QD, a .50-caliber titanium suppressor that brings a lot to the table.
While all suppressors are fun, some are more fun than others. At CANCON Georgia 2023 it was easy to track down the excitement. Naturally, belt-fed machineguns garnered the longest lines, but something a little fatter and slower at TiON’s lane drew quite a crowd as well.
Understandable, given it was the public’s first chance to see the company’s new Dragoon .500 QD in action. For effect, it was mounted on a Big Horn Armory Model 89 lever-gun chambered for .500 S&W Magnum. That’s a big suppressor, a big rifle and a big bullet, and they made for one handsome package.
While suppressed lever-actions are popular in their own right, it was the performance of the Dragoon .500 QD that made for a winning combination. What makes this can so good? A lot of it just has to do with how TiON builds its suppressors.
The Dragoon .500 QD next to a .500 S&W Magnum round.
Titanium Or Bust
When TiON (then known as Freedom Armory Machine Works) was just starting to make suppressors 11 years ago, working with titanium was new for the team. While titanium offers many advantages over other common metals, especially when it comes to suppressors, the material presents distinct challenges.
Firstly, titanium is an expensive metal, it requires more expensive tools to work with and the material takes longer to machine, further adding to the cost. Despite the complexity, TiON believes the benefits titanium brings to a suppressor are well worth the effort. Over the past 11 years, the company has refined its processes and increased its knowledge base and skill set to the point that titanium is now TiON’s preferred material.
The metal has several inherent qualities that make it good for suppressors—for instance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio—but TiON clearly set out to take advantage of all of titanium’s unique attributes. That line of thinking is present at the beginning of each suppressor’s design process.
The Dragoon .500 QD, its baffle stack and some of TiON's titanium mounts.
Understanding the limitations of machining titanium, the company designs each can from the ground up for relative ease of manufacturing. This saves time, money and headaches when it comes time to start production. Another interesting quality titanium has compared to steel or aluminum is the ability to cut strong yet lightweight threads into the metal. TiON capitalizes on this fact by utilizing threaded components to assemble its cans rather than welding them. The company also machines its rifle suppressors from solid bars of titanium. According to TiON, by eschewing welding and starting with a monolithic piece of material, the company can give its suppressors some key advantages over traditionally manufactured ones.
This is because welding has the potential to move or otherwise distort a suppressor’s baffle stack during manufacturing. By using threading to assemble its cans instead that’s not an issue with TiON’s products. Further, machining the suppressor bodies from solid bar stock in one continuous operation ensures perfect alignment with the other components. Welds are also simply another potential failure point in any design, but that’s one less thing that TiON (or an end user) has to worry about. As a bonus, the threaded design also means that suppressors like the Dragoon .500 QD can be fully disassembled, cleaned and serviced using standard tools.
These benefits are enhanced by TiON’s baffle design and Quick Disconnect mounting system. Each baffle in the column is dovetailed into the next to ensure the stack is always properly aligned and oriented the same way, and the QD system likewise allows repeatable mounting of the suppressor.
A removed baffle stack from one of TiON's cans. Notice the small notch in each baffle that allows them to lock together.
What this all amounts to is TiON produces extremely consistent suppressors, and the company claims that its efforts result in repeatable shot groups, even between individual cans.
Scott Morris, president of TiON, said at CANCON, his company’s suppressors are extremely popular with competitive long-range shooters. After considering all they do to guarantee this level of consistency, it’s easy to see why.
TiON's president Scott Morris holding the Big Horn Armory Model 89 equipped with a Dragoon .500 QD.
The Dragoon .500 QD
With all that in mind, let’s get back to the company’s latest suppressor, the Dragoon .500 QD. I didn’t see a single CANCON attendee put rounds through it without walking away with a smile on their face, myself included.
Measuring in at 11.5 inches long and 1.75 inches in diameter, the first thing you’ll notice when you handle a Dragoon .500 is its weight. At about 21 ounces, it may weigh more than the average .30-caliber rifle can, but it also feels like it should weigh more than it does given it’s nearly double the length of one, as well.
When I first picked up the Big Horn Armory Model 89, it already had the Dragoon jutting nearly a foot out from its muzzle. However, the rifle turned out very well balanced, more so than appearances suggested. You’d expect that much mass to make the gun front-heavy, but it shouldered as if the suppressor wasn’t even there.
The next point of astonishment was the report. Out of the lever-gun’s 18-inch barrel, TiON clocked a 350-grain .500 S&W Magnum at 138dB at the left ear. Anything below 140dB is considered hearing-safe, and as someone who fired this setup without any ear pro in, I’d have to agree. It was extremely quiet for such a powerful round.
TiON says that they’re not aware of any .50-caliber suppressor (in the non-.50 BMG category) that provides better sound reduction. Given sound suppression is every can’s primary job, it’s a big win for the Dragoon .500 QD.
While this suppressor is obviously geared toward big-bore shooters, it’s also very versatile. It’s rated for everything from .22LR through .500 Auto Max and TiON offers several QD mounts, muzzle brakes and flash hiders with various thread pitches to facilitate mounting it on a variety of platforms.
The Dragoon .500 clearly isn’t the can for everybody, but it should have big-bore enthusiasts and some hunters very excited. For those who have no interest in .50-caliber stuff, the company also offers a wide selection of suppressors in more standard calibers. If you appreciate lightweight and extremely consistent cans, those are definitely worth checking out too.
Building a tack-driving 10/22 is easier than ever, especially with a little help from companies like Faxon Firearms.
In the era we currently live in, there are platforms that dominate, and one of the more interesting examples has occurred in the rimfire world, where one general family of products has become the flagship for the entire genre.
Ruger’s 10/22 is a worldwide classic and one of those ubiquitous firearms that almost everyone and their brother (and sister, dad, uncle, etc.) owns. Unlike literally hundreds of other rimfire rifle designs that have come and gone with each passing season, the 10/22 platform has hung on, in my opinion largely because of its extremely reliable magazines.
The design was not originally something that was “modular,” but in our day it has become the go-to platform for all things rimfire. You can build your own not-technically-a-Ruger “10/22” out of parts from many companies now; in a way, it has become to rimfire what the AR-15 did for centerfire.
But, before we get into the meat of what notable maker Faxon Firearms has done with it, we need to take a bit of a look at what got us to the place we are now at in rimfire modularity.
A Flexible Design
If you’ve read my words long enough on the pages of Gun Digest, you’ll know I like to keep things simple, and I don’t really go for the industry jargon unless I am made to, often begrudgingly. The thing with the 10/22 is that, while all these parts are compatible with one another, only Ruger guns can be called “10/22” in earnest.
Unlike the AR platform, where it’s all pretty much open source and you can call it what you like, that 10/22 designation belongs to Ruger. As a result, all other parts, while compatible, are “for 10/22,” “10/22 compatible” or otherwise designated. I do need to make note of that here because we are dealing with independent designs that are outside that Ruger copyright. What I am going to discuss here is what made the original Ruger 10/22 design suitable for becoming a platform—and not just the product of the company that originally made it.
The main basis for an expanded aftermarket, in any firearms category, is popularity: think AR, Remington 700, and every other design that lends a particular dimension in physical size to expanded options. The AR is obvious and needs little explanation. The Remington 700 “footprint” is a wide-reaching standard across the industry and the base standard for virtually all custom actions in terms of receiver length and shape, as well as screw spacing and magazine inlet.
Some platforms are designed literally as a launch point, such as the Sig P320 and P365. The company in this case wanted to foster an aftermarket and openly welcomed these independent innovators to the point of including their products on their website as custom options.
The Grey Birch Solutions chassis can accept a variety of AR-style grips, but not all “low back” options will work.
Modular By Default
The Ruger 10/22 was, as far as all research I’ve done on the topic, not intended to be a modular product. The ease of modularity comes from the construction of the gun, which is held together with just a few screws. The barrel isn’t even screwed into the receiver; instead, it’s held in with a V-block setup featuring two screws and a clamp that tensions to the barrel to the receiver. It takes all of a minute to install a barrel using this system.
The trigger assembly is a self-contained unit that includes the hammer, in a way similar to that of the M1 Garand or M14 rifles. The entire unit is held to the receiver by two pins. With the barrel and trigger group attached, the barreled action is simply lowered into the stock and secured by a single screw.
Some variants have a barrel band that encompasses the barrel and stock, though this is common to factory guns and is lacking from virtually all “custom” build options. A large reason here is that few aftermarket barrels follow the exact contour of Ruger factory barrels and, as a result, are incompatible.
The Grey Birch Solutions chassis is configurable when you order it. There are several variations to choose from.
The overall ease of changing parts on the factory 10/22 and its overwhelming popularity inevitably led to an aftermarket. This was initially slow and somewhat rigid as far as options. I remember when there were many types of cheap plastic kits you could use to “go tactical” with your 10/22, but there weren’t many options as far as actual new parts or triggers.
All that changed in the past decade, and there has been an explosion of high-end parts available for the platform, to the point where you can build a parts-compatible complete rifle or pistol without any OEM Ruger parts. The aftermarket for the 10/22 is massive now, and there are new options available nearly weekly as the current trends go.
Enter Faxon Firearms and their game-changing rimfire products.
Faxon Goes Rimfire
I’ll be up front about the fact that I’ve worked with Faxon Firearms on many of their AR parts for years. I have yet to find a bad one, to the point that I heartily recommend them at every chance I get. I put thousands of rounds through a single .224 Valkyrie Faxon barrel and featured it in many articles on these pages. It shot ½-MOA all day … in all bullet weights.
Likewise, my experience in .450 Bushmaster, 5.56 NATO, .308 Win. and .350 Legend were all incredible, not to mention that their parts, bolt carrier groups and handguards are all excellent. I hadn’t worked with their rimfire line until this article, and I’ll just spoil the end here by saying that these are some of the best barrels you can hope to find for your build. The rainbow heavy contour barrel featured on these pages is so accurate you’d think you were shooting a centerfire … at 400 yards.
Faxon got into rimfire because there was an obvious demand for it. Many AR builders find the classic semi-auto rimfire as an excellent build project situation for the kids or a long weekend in the workshop. I know that the build bug has a strong bite, and once you begin seeing your options, you really can’t stop at just ARs.
This Faxon Firearms 10/22 build is decked out with a Sig 3-15x FFP scope, a great option for mid- to long-range plinking.
Faxon began making rimfire barrels in 2020, and soon other parts followed. The barrels started as the tapered standard option, and they sold extremely well. The idea was to make it an accessible rimfire line, and the emphasis was on maximum accuracy with the greatest appeal to the average builder—not just the match-grade elite.
The barrels have a sporter chamber, so they can accept virtually any and all .22 LR ammo (there is more than one .22 LR chamber profile, think .223 Rem., 5.56, Wylde, etc.). Faxon wanted people to be able to run Eley Match and Remington Bucket o’ Bullets … creating a chamber for all occasions, from long range to plinking, without sacrificing precision.
Receivers started rolling out shortly after barrels, and they offer drop-in compatibility with triggers and barrels. Other receivers are currently in development. I reached out to the company for some “cool” colors, because I do love my bold builds. These aren’t tactical guns, won’t be used for any mall ninja events and are really what I like to see when I think of having fun at any range. That’s not to say that rimfire rifles can’t be lethal, but the world is a rough place and sometimes just having fun is enough.
Barrel Roll
Faxon currently offers 17 options in rimfire barrels. Sizes vary from pistol length to full size. Presently, the company plans to stick with .22 LR for the foreseeable future, though other calibers might come in the future. I’m interested to see what these might be, though I’m pretty sure there’s a limited selection available in that category—unless the company plans to release their own cartridge design.
This barrel came threaded for adding the muzzle device of your choice. Shooting this build suppressed is nothing but fun.
I went to two extremes in accomplishing the article builds: one a fast and light barrel in gold meant for speed, and the other a heavy, thick stationary build for precision at longer ranges. I paired the heavy barrel in the rainbow color to the blue receiver and built out a stellar rifle that has wowed me with its accuracy. The light contour gold barrel went to the red receiver. This was intentional, as I wanted to make it have all the matched fire-themed colors in red, gold, orange and black. It turned out nice.
The accuracy of Faxon barrels is hard to argue against. At 50 meters, both of these barrels shot to under an inch, with the lighter contour losing a bit of accuracy as it heated up. At 100 meters, the heavy contour barrel still printed an inch, which truly impressed me. I was achieving 2 MOA at 100 meters with the light barrel.
At 200 meters, the separation was obvious, with the heavy barrel producing centerfire accuracy of 2.5 inches using standard Remington Bucket o’ Bullets ammo. It held 2 MOA with Eley Match loads. I eventually took the heavy blue gun to 400 meters and could keep every shot on an IDPA silhouette at that range … if the wind cooperated.
Stock Options
When it comes to stocks and triggers, you’ll have to look to companies other than Faxon. My favorite trigger company for all things rimfire is Timney, and each of my feature rifles here is graced with one of their triggers. In fact, all of my rimfire rifles in my stable have Timney triggers. There are many, many variants you can pick from, and I color-matched my Timney models to the theme of each of my rifles.
These triggers are incredible and truly are the choice for your builds based on customization alone. You can get exactly the trigger you want without having to go through a custom shop, and the best part is that they drop in easily. There’s no additional effort other than inserting two pins.
Stocks are plentiful for this platform. I decided to use two different brands, KRG and Grey Birch Solutions, for these builds. KRG is a known player in the industry: I’ve worked with their incredible centerfire products for the better part of a decade and have never had a bad experience. I currently run their stocks on several builds and love them.
The KRG stock is affordable and can instantly add adjustability to your rifle.
The KRG stock is simple, affordable and offers a good degree of customization. I found out a little too late that they offered a red-colored stock I could’ve used, but the black with red accents was no consolation. What’s nice is that these stocks are compatible with many of KRG’s accessories, making for a truly competitive edge. You can add weights, extra rails, extend the length-of-pull and more—just as you can with a centerfire stock.
Grey Birch Solutions makes some absolutely top-notch stocks. Not only are they modular on their own, but they also offer the builder a match-grade solution to their rimfire problems. The stocks they make are constructed in much of the same manner as the best centerfire chassis currently available: solid metal with all the right features at a weight savings.
The Grey Birch Solutions chassis has a narrow profile when folded, making for a package that can easily slip into a backpack.
The forend I went with has an integral ARCA rail, making it instantly accessible to my Two Vets tripod. The stock itself is a folder, akin to the mechanism used in many other high-end modern rifles. It’s minimalist, solid and helps deliver maximum accuracy. Ergonomics are a bit skeletal, but this is by design; nobody wants to be carrying a 19-pound rimfire rifle, and weight adds up drastically when working in any medium associated with metal. It’s not like riding in a Cadillac for comfort, but rather a sport bike.
Your Game Is On
Using Faxon Firearms receivers, barrels and bolts, you can craft some truly excellent rimfire builds based on the Ruger 10/22. I find this is such a fun thing to do that I have several, and I plan to build several more. I enjoy that Faxon makes these parts so affordable and at the same time accurate—your accessibility to all things rimfire is maximized in match shooting, field use and recreation.
We’re at the cusp of an explosion in the rimfire market as the AR situation reaches peak saturation, the dollars and ideas simply must flow in a different direction lest we lose our way entirely. I think that the middle half of the ’20s will be a golden age for rimfire rifles, especially the Ruger 10/22 and its growing aftermarket offerings.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
GLOCK announced today that their founder, Gaston Glock, died Wednesday, December 27th 2023 at the age of 94.
GLOCK announced today that their founder, Gaston Glock, died Wednesday, December 27th 2023 at the age of 94.
Founded in 1963, GLOCK was revolutionary in the development of polymer firearms. The GLOCK has become synonymous with hard-use pistols for law enforcement, military, and civilians worldwide.
“With visionary foresight, Gaston Glock built his company and made it a world leader with the internationally valued GLOCK Perfection. Until the very end, he was responsible for the strategic direction of the GLOCK group of companies and its employees,” a statement from GLOCK said.
Glock “took foresight to ensure the continuation and stability of the company,” the company wrote. “Gaston Glock’s life’s work will continue in his spirit in the future.”
Gaston Glock was an entrepreneur and engineer of the highest caliber.
Mr. Glock is survived by three children and his wife, Kathrin Tschikof. He is also survived by his former wife, Helga Glock.
Taurus has just announced the TH10, a full-sized DA/SA handgun chambered for 10mm Auto.
Taurus has been hard at work this year releasing new handguns, including everything from optics-ready revolvers to the TH45 in .45 ACP. The latest release from the Brazilian company is also a DA/SA pistol in the TH line, but this time it’s called the TH10 and is chambered for 10mm Auto.
With a barrel length of 4.25 inches and a 15-round magazine capacity, the TH10 is a full-sized handgun. Featuring a stainless steel barrel, an alloy steel slide and a polymer frame, the whole package weighs 28.5 ounces unloaded. Both the front and rear sights are also drift adjustable, and the rear sight uses the industry-standard dovetail to allow for easy replacement.
Other notable features of the Taurus TH10 include its accessory rail, its inclusion of two magazines and its ambidextrous safety/decocker that can be used to carry the gun cocked-and-locked or with the hammer down. MSRP is $529.99.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
