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.
It’s been a hot minute since the Brazilian gunmaker announced a new revolver import, but this has changed in a big way for 2023. The company has three new .357 Magnum DA/SA revolvers hitting the market, with the RM66 more than living up to the definition of a big gun. The 6-inch barreled, medium-framed wheelie has a competition spin to it, featuring not only a fully adjustable rear sight along with a ramp front, but a solid set of grips to boot. Rubber and well-contoured, the handle provides a solid purchase to the gun as well as eats up recoil along the way. Tipping the scales at 34 ounces, the six-shot revolver has an ample trigger shoe and looks as fast as it runs with a stainless-steel finish. MSRP: MSRP: $620
Henry Homesteader
Generally speaking, the 9mm isn’t classified as a “big gun”—unless you’re talking about a pistol caliber carbine chambered for the cartridge. Henry Repeating Arms has jumped into this niche with a classic-looking offering called the Homesteader. Sporting a blued steel barrel, an anodized aluminum receiver and an American walnut stock and handguard, the iron has a unique look for this class of gun. Yet, it set up like any other modern PCC, with the semi-auto coming both optics- and suppressor-ready. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a Weaver 63B base, and the muzzle is threaded 1/2×28. There are three variants of the Henry Homesteader, the base model that uses proprietary Henry magazines, and two models additionally ship with a magwell adapter enabling the use of other magazines, either Glock or Sig Sauer/Smith & Wesson M&P. MSRP: $928 and up
Two Vets Tripods ‘The Kit’
Big gun or otherwise, it’s a solid plan to have something to steady your shot. Two Vets Tripods delivers this in its The Kit, a compact option that doesn’t skimp on performance. A hybrid offering, the lightweight tripod is ideal both for competition, hunting and casual shooting. Sturdy carbon-fiber legs and a compact center section cut the unit down to a very manageable 3.4 pounds. And, its 22-inch collapsible height makes it conveniently sized for nearly any backpack system. Two Vets makes several head options available—Arca, clamp—but The Kit offers plenty of versatility with any screw-on style unit. MSRP: Starting at $605
Federal Premium Buckshot No. 1 Buck
The virtues of No. 1 buckshot—be it for home defense or hunting—are numerous. Heck, the improved pellet payload is worth the price of admission. This is why it’s heartening to see Federal Premium turn its studied eye to this sometimes-neglected shot size with a premium offering. Each 2¾-inch shell comes loaded with 16 copper-plated pellets and plenty of buffering medium, both designed to maintain the pellets’ uniformity and resist deforming, thus producing tighter patterns. The 12-gauge options also move, with an advertised 1,325-fps muzzle velocity. MSRP: $16, box of 5
Primary Arms MD-25 RDS 2nd Generation
The company has introduced the second generation of one of its most popular sights, with the revamped SLx MD-25 RDS. Where the unit makes its bones is energy-saving technology, primarily in its AutoLive illumination system. AutoLive reduces the emitter’s output when the optic is still for an extended period: Any slight movement will return the optic to its set output, ensuring it’s at full brightness when you need it. Featuring a wider 25mm aperture, the sight gives users a greater field of view down range and comes with the choice of 2 MOA stand-alone dot or an enhanced ACSS CQB variant. MSRP: Starting at $150
Burris SpeedBead Vent Rib Mount
While more shotguns feature optics cuts on the receiver, there are still plenty that don’t play nice with optics. This is a dilemma for those who wish to get the most out of their smooth-bore’s accuracy, but don’t want to alter their firearm. As its name suggests, the SpeedBead Vent Rib Mount attaches to a shotgun’s rib tool-free, allowing for a solid platform to mount a red-dot. A unique design, the mount self-centers and comes with assorted rib adapters to fit multiple widths. Furthermore, it’s constructed of aluminum with a black anodized finish that lasts and won’t harm your gun. The mount is compatible with Burris FastFire series red-dots, or any red-dot that uses a Docter mounting pattern. MSRP: $60
Galco Big Iron Belt Holster
Big iron requires a big holster, and Galco more than has you covered with its Big Iron holster. Featuring premium steer-hide construction, the smooth leather lining is gentle on your handgun and enhances the feel of the draw. Further, the snapping flap protects and secures your revolver when on the move, yet easily releases using the glove-friendly polymer tab. Also, packaged with a polymer belt slot that’s adjustable for belt width, the holster is compatible with nearly any system. MSRP: $220
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
An at-home DIY rifle makeover that adds some class and capability to the Ruger American bolt-action.
I’m going to throw this out there right away so we can move on: I’ve got nothing against the Ruger American. In fact, just the opposite is true … which is exactly why I chose it specifically for this build.
With a street price of less than $500, the American offers a very utilitarian solution for a shooter who wants a rifle that’s uber-dependable, built around a barreled action that’s capable of producing accuracy that, in all honesty, is jaw-dropping when compared to the price tag accompanying it. I’m talking sub-MOA right out of the box, without too much effort.
Plus, the American lineup is complemented nicely by a couple options for the lefties, who all too often get nothing but short straws at which to grasp when it comes to rifle options.
But, with all that said, the Ruger American ain’t nothin’ to look at.
The good news, however, is that this superficial problem is easily solved—very easily, in fact.
The Blank Slate
In 2011, Ruger released the American rifle to the masses as a means of supplying a no-frills, budget-friendly solution for riflemen who wanted a reliable workhorse capable of producing acceptable-for-the-money accuracy. In addition to meeting those goals, the American spearheaded the development of an entire class of budget-friendly rifles, followed by the likes of the Savage Axis, the Remington 783, and a few others.
On more than one occasion, I’ve heard this trend dubbed as “the race to the bottom,” no doubt insinuating that these companies started an industry-wide space race of sorts … to see who could build the cheapest rifle possible.
But “cheap” and “inexpensive” are not synonyms, at least not when it comes to rifles. The American might be inexpensive, but it sure ain’t cheap.
The Ruger American is like the Chevy Camaro of rifles: Aftermarket parts abound. Plus, the lineup features a couple left-handed options.
The bolt is a no-frills tri-lugger, which resides in a bar-stock receiver to which the hammer-forge barrel also attaches, all wrapped in a blued black-oxide finish nestled into a polymer composite stock. As you might expect, the entire system is fed with a rotary magazine—yes, I’d prefer the beauty and function of a hinged floorplate—but when a box mag is done right, it’s not a problem.
Inexpensive or not, a good field rifle really oughta shoot MOA these days, and I’ve never met any variation of the American that didn’t reach that bar. In fact, I’ve got one chambered in .270 Winchester that will punish a quarter at 200 yards all day long from the bench with 150-grain Hornady InterLoks.
At present, the lineup consists of the Standard, Compact, Magnum, Predator, Ranch and Hunter models to suit a wide variety of needs and tastes … with a couple of left-handed models squeezed in there, as previously mentioned.
The entire rifle is the definition of “utilitarian.”
Beautifying The Bolt
Anyone who tells you that a bolt is fluted to reduce weight is a liar. Yes, the removal of material will obviously reduce weight … in an increment so minuscule that it’s a non-factor. A bolt is fluted because it adds substantial beauty to a rifle, and that’s exactly why I chose to flute the bolt on this build.
For $75, the author shipped his bolt to LongRifles Inc, and had it back within a couple weeks.
But bolt fluting isn’t something that can be accomplished with a Dremel tool and a steady hand.
When it comes to aftermarket parts, the Ruger American and the Chevrolet Camaro have a lot in common. There are some pre-fluted replacement bolts available, but because every American already comes with one, it’s made little sense to buy another.
Instead, I shipped my bolt to LongRifles Inc., a small shop out of Sturgis, South Dakota, who sent back a beautifully fluted bolt within a couple weeks, and did so with excellent communication and customer service from the time I shipped it to them, until it was returned to my doorstep.
Even when everything else remains stock, bolt fluting ads so much simple class to a rifle.
Trigger Tune-Up
The factory trigger on a stock American is what Ruger calls their Marksman Adjustable trigger, which features a user adjustability of 3 to 5 pounds and a pretty crisp break. Overall, it’s a good trigger, and what anyone should expect from a utilitarian budget rifle.
But it’s not a great trigger, and a trigger has just as much influence on overall accuracy as do any of the other parts of the system.
Timney Triggers offers a superb replacement for the American that can be swapped out with two roll pins and a bit of delicate spring work to replace the factory safety. The Timney is fully user adjustable, but the folks at Timney know triggers, and they offer factory presets in half-pound increments, from 1.5 to 4 pounds of pull.
A good trigger is as important to accuracy as is a good barrel.
I opted for the preset 3-pound factory setting, even though I generally like a hunting trigger to be set a bit lower—closer to 2.5 pounds. The Timney breaks so cleanly that it feels a good bit lighter than a 3-pound pull: But again, it’s completely user-adjustable at home anyway.
Do Not Skimp On Rings
In true utilitarian form, all members of the American lineup come standard with a one-piece Picatinny scope base. Sure, it would be easy enough (and that’s the point) to find a scope, strap up some rings and hit the range, but to my eye, that bulky Pic rail looks like a pimple on a supermodel. The action is already a bit bulky by design, and that rail doesn’t help the look of the rifle one bit.
To make sure the stock and the bolt fluting popped as much as possible, and to keep the gun looking as sleek as I could, removing that rail was my best option.
Rings that attach directly to a receiver are almost always preferred on a hunting rifle, which eliminates one place where something can come loose.
In its place, I affixed two Talley Ruger American Scope Mounts directly to the top of the receiver. Not only did this tremendously improve the look of rifle, but it allowed the rings to sit even lower to the gun. If there’s ever anything I can do—on any rifle—to get my line-of-sight closer to the bore’s centerline, I’m gonna do it.
Every time.
The Eyes Have It
Sleek. Simple. Beautiful. Are you noticing a trend here? Well, those build-wide adjectives applied to the riflescope—and the reticle—as much as they did the rifle.
As mentioned before, I wanted to make a point with this build to prove that, with a little work, southpaws no longer need to scrape up the crumbs in regard to having a rifle that would allow them to have their cake and eat it, too. But because that buffet is still a bit sparse, this rifle needed to be diverse, hence the .308 chambering.
Removing the factory Pic rail gives the rifle a much cleaner look, and it allows the scope to sit much closer to the bore.
My all-time favorite configuration to fill those needs is a 2.5-10x, but I ultimately chose a 3.5-10x in Leupold’s VX-3HD for a couple reasons. This model is CDS compatible, with a very simple heavy duplex reticle. That means that the elevation dial can be replaced with a Custom Dial created by Leupold specifically for the load this rifle proves to like best. And when dialing for elevation, the reticle ought to be very, very clean.
Hey, lefties: If you can’t find the rifle of your dreams, built it.
Plus, the 50mm objective lens nestled perfectly into the rings with a minute distance between the bell and the rifle. And, if I might be so vain, I really like how the Gold Ring adds just a bit of bling to the build … and it really makes the wood pop.
Boastful Beauty
Ah, yes: the wood. I chose everything else in this build based upon the look and feel created by the stock.
Known for their hardwood and laminate stocks, Boyds allows a consumer to select an overwhelming amount of options for their build via the company’s online stock builder. Wood, finish, length-of-pull, recoil pad, forend tip, grip cap, white line spacer, laser engraving, checkering design and styling, and pillar bedding are all in play.
This Boyds stock has everything: exceptional figuring, clean checkering, sharp details and more than a dozen completely customized options, including personalized engraving.
The stock gracing this build is made of Claro XX walnut that’s 50 percent figured on Boyds’ “classic” profile. Because the wood is so highly figured, I wanted to avoid too much shine and opted for the standard finish. I also skipped the white line spacer options because I feared it would compete too much with the grain figuring. I chose the angled black forend tip design because the profile paralleled the front of the fleur-de-leis textured diamond accents.
Like the factory Ruger American, Boyds hangs their hat on the very practical, affordable and utilitarian designs of their Spike Camp and adjustable At-One designs. However, for a truly custom option sculpted from a highly figured piece of hardwood, they over-delivered on this one.
For many models, a Boyds stock can be replaced within 5 minutes by popping the action screws and swapping barreled actions. But if there’s one piece of the Ruger American puzzle that’s not user friendly, it’s the integral bedding blocks in which the action rides.
The ProBed 2000 bedding compound that comes with the Boyds stock really isn’t challenging to use, but it can be a mental hurdle. Luckily, a quick video search will provide you with numerous how-to-bed tutorials for the American.
The results? When paired with Federal Premium’s 165-grain Barnes TSX loads, the on-target groups were incredible. I didn’t measure the best group, because it really didn’t matter what the actual number was: Three shots well inside of a half-inch at 100 yards is good enough for me.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2022 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Sightmark has just launched its first digital riflescope with thermal capabilities in the form of the Wraith Mini 2-16×35.
Some is for your face and others are for your rifle, but either way, technology that allows its users to see in the dark is getting incredibly popular in the shooting world. The most recent company to take a stab at the concept is Sightmark with the announcement of the Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Riflescope.
The optics in Sightmark’s Wraith riflescope line were already capable of seeing in the dark thanks to their built-in CMOS sensors and IR illuminators, but the new Wraith Mini Thermal takes things to a new level. The digital night vision capabilities of existing Wraith models were only usable at night, and during the day, users were stuck with a standard digital scope. Because the new model instead features a 384×288 resolution thermal sensor and five thermal color palette display modes, it’s usable at any time of day for hunting any kind of game. The unit has a 1,400-yard max detection range, a 2x optical magnification range with 1-8x digital zoom and an OLED display with a 1024×768 resolution so images remain crisp even at higher zoom levels.
As a digital riflescope, the Wraith Mini Thermal has many of the same pros and cons as other digital optics. On the good side, users can insert a micro-SD card to record their shots, can store five firearm profiles on the unit and can choose between a wide variety of reticle and color options. Downsides include a reliance on batteries (2x CR123A) and a 3.5-4.5-hour battery life.
Each Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope includes flip-up lens covers, a removable throw lever, a rubber eyecup, two batteries and a USB charging cable. MSRP is $2,099.97.
More than 100-years and still going strong, the .30-06 Springfield is doing something right. The legendary cartridge has gone from warhorse to match champion to big-game hunting standard, leaving a trail of success little other rifle fodder can match. Maybe the 7mm Mauser—maybe.
An untarnished crown, riflemen will keep the .30-caliber on its throne for the foreseeable future. Especially given the ammunition advancements of recent decades. At no time in the history of metallic cartridges have shooters enjoyed better propellent, projectiles and primers—not to mention damn uniform cases. Even the cheap stuff is leaps and bounds better than premium options of a generation ago, making for a golden age of shooting.
Have no doubt, long-in the tooth as it is, .30-06 ammo has benefited from these technological surges every bit as much as the ever so trendy metrics.
While the Springfield is at once one of the most versatile, forgiving and rewarding cartridges to handload, there’s also a slew of good factory-loaded ammunition available if you don’t happen to have a reloading bench. And .30-06 ammo runs the gamut, from bone-crushing big-game medicine to hair-splitting match competitor. All you need do is find the option to make your rifle sing.
Making A List
A word on that final thought—it’s easier said than done.
Even with ammunition more reliable, accurate and consistent than ever before, not every load plays nice with every rifle or shooter. Some might produce too much recoil for a marksman to perform to his pinnacle, others might not have the optimal velocity for a rifle’s barrel length, and still others might simply not match up to a rifle’s idiosyncrasies. It takes time to find the right fodder to get your rifle running like a thoroughbred.
Photo: Massaro Media Group
This leads to one main point—plan on testing a wide spectrum of .30-06 ammo in various bullet weights. Yes, we’re giving you suggestions in our buyer’s guide below, but just because we’ve had success with a certain type of ammo doesn’t mean you will. Give yourself and your .30-06 the best opportunity to succeed and take the time to seriously put your ammunition under the microscope. Come your next match or hunting season you’ll be glad you did.
Best .30-06 Ammo
Hunting Ammo
Nosler Trophy Grade Partition
Story goes, John Nosler kept plugging a moose, but the old cup-and-core bullets just wouldn’t penetrate to the vitals. Frustrating, but the genesis of one of the modern era’s projectile breakthroughs—Nosler Partition bullets.
Adding a copper partition two-thirds of the way through the core ensured the soft-point bullet would still expand at low velocities, but wouldn’t fragment at high velocity. Great idea.
Nosler’s .30-06 ammo loaded with these gems punch well above their weight, integrity enough to smash an elk’s scapula—or a moose’s for that matter—and keep trucking to the lung or heart tissue. Real peace of mind. Three factory-loaded options are available for Springfield: 150-grain (3,000 fps MV, .387 BC), 165-grain (2,800 fps MV, .410 BC) and 180-grain (2,750 fps MV, .474 BC)—each more than capable of holding its own in a hunt. nosler.com
Barnes VOR-TX
In corners of the country, lead ammunition is verboten. Thank goodness, monumental projectiles have come into their own, not to mention gotten a bit more affordable.
A leader in this corner of the market, Barnes offers a top-shelf hunting option for the .30-06 Springfield topped with its TTSX bullet. Essentially, it’s a polymer-tipped, boattail rendition of its standby TSX bullet, delivering excellent ballistics—both in flight and terminally. In the case of Barnes’ .30-06 ammo, it’s a 150-grain load (3,000 fps MV, .440 BC) that’s a legitimate mighty mite. Don’t let the bullet’s weight fool you. Thanks to its solid structure and hot velocity it holds its own against the 180 class. Additionally, the load is a bit more polite in the recoil department. barnesbullets.com
Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter
Study the .30-06 Springfield for any amount of time, you come to realize it can go the distance. That is, the cartridge is a downrange performer that some contend outdoes other .30-calibers, such as the .308. Regardless, the old standby is more than capable of those long cross-canyon shots on once-in-a-lifetime bulls when loaded right.
Few other .30-06 ammo options better fit this bill than Federal’s Berger Hybrid Hunter. Living up to its name, the bullet delivers match-level accuracy thanks to its cutting-edge hybrid tangent-secant ogive. Yet, boasting a thinner jacket than Berger’s competition stock ensures it expands once at its terminal destination.
Federal goes the whole hog with the fine-tuned 168-grain load (2,800 fps MV, .489 BC), using smooth-feeding nickel-plated brass cases and Gold Metal primers. federalpremium.com
Hornady Custom International InterLock
Pioneers of polymer-tipped bullets, the company has excellent choices in this corner of the market. But for hunting everything in North America short of coastal brown bear it’s difficult to beat ‘Big Red’s’ Custom International ammunition loaded with InterLock bullets. True enough this is a bit of a teaser, given these are only available on the international market outside the US—Hornady used to offer them in its Custom line. That said, it makes them no less effective and worth mentioning.
Season in and out these babies perform. Sure, you give up a few points in ballistic coefficient, marginal at most hunting ranges. But in return, you get among the toughest non-bonded-core, non-partition bullets on the market. The 180-grain SP load (2,614 fps MV, .452 BC) is a do-all, fit for almost any large game. For tougher fare—short of dangerous game—the 220-grain RN (2,365 fps MV, .220 BC) offers incredible energy transfer and devastating expansion. hornady.com
Federal Terminal Ascent
Hunters know that reliable expansion can get iffy at long ranges, and hesitance over whether your ammo will perform once it reaches its target can lead to missing a crucial shot. That's why federal designed the Terminal Ascent line from the ground up to deliver reliable expansion at any range.
The 175-grain bonded projectile has a very high ballistic coefficient (.520 BC) and an advertised muzzle velocity of 2,730 fps, which combined with the patented AccuChannel groove makes for one very accurate and stable projectile. It's also tipped with a Slipstream ballistic polymer tip, specially engineered to start expanding at 200 fps slower than similar designs. The copper shank and bonded lead core also help ensure good penetration and weight retention too. At ranges where similar loads may fall flat in terms of effect on target, Terminal Ascent can help ensure that your game goes down clean. federalpremium.com
Learn More About The .30-Caliber:
.30-06 Rifle: Going Long In .30-Caliber Semi-Autos
Don’t Believe The Hype: The .308 Winchester Is Still Going Strong
A brief note on .30-06 ammo meant for competition, most of it is milder than you’d expect. This is a function of the M1 Garand maintaining its place in matches, even gaining in popularity in recent years. Stout as the rifle is, it wasn’t constructed to handle the pressure spikes of modern ammunition.
In many shooters' opinions, you’re putting your operating rod in peril running hot loads through the old warhorse. To be fair, there is debate over this issue. Corey Graff has an excellent essay on M1 Garand ammo if you’d like to get a better idea of the situation.
No matter what, especially with M2 Ball (150-grain, 2,700 fps MV, .405 BC appx.) ammo surplus dwindling, study new factory ammo before running it through your Garand. Most will explicitly say it’s loaded for the rifle. And if you’re looking for .30-06 match ammo for your bolt action, don’t be scared away by some of these choices’ somewhat pedestrian velocities—they’ll hit the mark.
M2 Ball Clones
Winchester Service Grade Ammunition
Winchester pushes the velocity a touch with this .30-06 ammo, but the 150-grain option (2,740 fps MV, .420 BC) nonetheless performs. Best of all, the FMJ ammo is generally priced for the volume shooter. winchester.com
Federal American Eagle M1 Garand
A stand-by label shooters trust, American Eagle has a specific load for the M1 Garand—you’ll know it by the picture of the rifle on the box. Again, the 150-grain ammo (2,740 fps MV, .410 BC) is loaded to protect your rifle, but a very concentric FMJ bullet ensures top performance. Watch out, American Eagle has another 150-grain .30-06 ammo option loaded decidedly hotter (see below). federalpremium.com
Sellier & Bellot M1 Garand
A very well-balanced load that attempts to replicate M2 Ball down to the smallest detail. No surprises, that means a 150-grain FMJ bullet (2,700 fps MV, .498 BC), but one with better ballistic properties than surplus. The ammo is widely considered among the best option for those who play cautious with their M1. sellierbellot.us
M1 Garand Safe Match Ammo
Sig Sauer Elite Match
There’s no need to be a slave to tradition if gold is on the line. Which makes Sig’s 175-grain Elite Match (2,700 fps MV, .496 BC) such intriguing .30-06 ammo. Among the heaviest match options available, the OTM bullets offer an excellent BC in explicitly M1-compatible, factory-loaded ammo. sigsauer.com
Hornady Vintage Match
If they only had Extremely Low Drag bullets back in the war… Hornady’s M1 Garand ammo boasts one of the most advanced bullets of any factory stuff for the rifle—the ammo maker's ballistic-tip ELD. The 168-grain load (2,710 fps MV, .523 BC) offers best-in-class performance and is just as good out of a bolt-action. hornady.com
Match Ammo
Black Hills Gold
Topped with Hornady’s ELD-M bullets, Black Hills .30-06 match ammo is loaded for top performance. Translate that to hot. The 150-grain load (2,900 fps MV, .461 BC) is constructed of top-shelf components and rigorously tested to ensure consistent accuracy. black-hills.com
American Eagle
The perfect option for kicking your .30-06 bolt gun up a notch without breaking the bank. Typically, the 150-grain FMJ BT (2,910 fps MV, .408 BC) load is very affordable, so you’ll have plenty of fodder for reaching out. Watch out if you’re cautious with your M1 Garand—this was the stuff we warned about you earlier—it might not be the ammo you want to run through it. federalpremium.com
Remington UMC
Union Metallic Cartridge Company has produced .30-06 ammo perhaps longer than any other company. In short, it knows what it’s doing. There’s debate over if this 150-grain load (2,910 fps MV, .314 BC) is safe for the M1 Garand, given it’s plenty hotter than those touted for the rifle. For the safety of your rifle, the FMJ ammo is being classified as match here. remington.com
The author takes a closer look at the Arex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical, a promising polymer pistol from Slovenia.
While the Glock 19 might rule as one of the most popular midsize compact pistols on the market for self-defense, there are often pretenders to that throne. Most of these designs fall by the wayside or develop niche followers, but every now and then one company keeps improving on their designs and genuinely offers an improved product.
One of those companies: Arex Defense of Slovenia, with the Arex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical.
About Arex
Five years ago, I was invited to Slovenia as part of a press junket to see a new firearm about to be released by Arex Defense. The trip included a factory tour and a range day to promote the original Arex Rex Delta, a polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm handgun, roughly the size of a Glock 19.
While I might have been expecting a repurposed Cold War-era factory, I was pleasantly surprised to behold a state-of-the-art gunmaking facility with more than 120 highly motivated employees. I had been impressed with their all-metal handguns in the past, but these new polymer pistols were even more impressive.
This factory has a barrel-making mandrel used for making barrels for FN 2000s for the Slovenian military and here it was, turning out barrels for these new pistols. I witnessed everything take place under one roof, from manufacturing to assembly to proof testing and walked away impressed.
With a mounted sight and light, the Rex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical has you covered for home defense.
Over the years, Arex offered firearms for T&E, but a change in frame color or maybe the addition of a new optics plate doesn’t really rate a follow-up piece. However, the number of changes put into this new incarnation really make it worth writing about. So, I asked the folks at their U.S. importer, Global Ordnance, to send me one.
First Impressions
When asked for feedback on the original Rex Delta, I went for the obvious: optic plate, threaded barrel, higher sights, etc. I’m not saying they took all my ideas, but just about everything I wanted to see changed back then has since taken place. The slide sports excellent front and rear cocking serrations. Normally, I’m not a fan of front cocking serrations as they can ruin the classic lines of most pistols, but the serrations on the Arex Delta M Gen 2 Tacticals’ slides have a nice elliptical look to them.
Like the original, the Arex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical ships with four interchangeable backstraps to provide a custom fit for an individual shooter’s hand. While I tend to put the largest or second to largest of these on most handguns, I found the smallest one gave the impression of a single-stack pistol in spite of the fact that it takes either a flush-fit 15-round magazine or a slightly extended 17-round magazine with a nice base pad to blend it to the frame.
If you can add accessories that’ll help you shoot better by allowing you to see better and hear better, why not take full advantage?
The barrel is threaded ½x28 for use with a silencer or compensator. Originally, I tried to dissuade them from going with a plate system for optics during a feedback session and urged them toward milling for a specific sight’s footprint. This came from witnessing a few MOS plate screws failing and sending sights flying downrange at the 5,000- to 7,000-round mark due to two sets of screws slowly backing out and the heads shearing off.
Yet, their new mounting plate system is interesting. It comes with five different sizes and are made of polymer. These plates come with two sets of steel threaded inserts to fit the mounting screws of the sight in question. I recommend using Loctite on each and every one of them.
However, the highlight of the Delta is the way it breaks down. You slightly pull the slide to the rear, push down the two front tabs, push the slide forward … and take it off. There’s no pulling the trigger or pushing down on an internal lever as one would do with a Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P, respectively.
The Rex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical takes down easily and safely every single time.
To reassemble, simply place the slide on the frame and pull it rearward. There’s a provision to add a manual safety. However, the pistols don’t ship with one. This option is in anticipation of police departments or folks who live in states where a manual safety is required on semiautomatic handguns.
Another interesting feature in that vein is a red indicator in the middle of the slide’s rear plate that lets the shooter know the striker is cocked. It’s not necessarily a loaded chamber indicator, but you can tell at a glance if the pistol is ready to fire.
Controls are completely ambidextrous. The magazine release works from either side, as does the slide stop. Left-handed shooters will appreciate these features greatly. Lastly, the pistol is fitted with a three-slot rail to add a weapon-mounted light, laser or Mantis X training device.
The Trigger
With striker-fired handguns, we almost always have to come back to triggers. Arex greatly improved the feel of the trigger compared to the version I’ve shot previously. I measured this one with an RCBS trigger weight scale, and it broke consistently at 4.5 pounds. That’s not horrible, but it could always be better.
That said, it does have a very short reset. I’m hoping that a company like Apex Triggers gets sent a sample so they can work their magic on this pistol and turn it into a real performer.
Parts and Accessories
The pistol ships in a plastic hard case with two magazines, a flush-fitting 15-round and a 17-round with an extended baseplate. Also included are the five optic sight plates, four backstraps, cable lock and printed instruction manual. That last one is kind of a big deal as many manufacturers have done away with printed manuals, preferring to send customers to a website.
As with any new firearm designed for concealed carry, most shooters will be looking for holsters before ammo. FIME is working with some holster makers for specific holsters made for the Delta. However, I discovered that most holsters sized for the Glock 19 will accommodate the Rex Delta as well.
Without the light and the can, the Rex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical goes right into any G19/G23 holster.
Spare magazines are available from Global Ordnance for about $25 to $30 a piece, and they’re quality mags manufactured by Mec-Gar. Global Ordnance will also source any other spare parts needed to service the Arex Delta.
Arex Options
The T&E pistol has an OD frame, but Arex offers this model in gray, black and FDE as well. Also, if you’re in a state that outlaws threaded barrels, a non-threaded version is available.
Aftermarket Accessories
Some of us like to deck out our guns to make them easier to shoot. Some like to leave them in stock configuration. With all the possibilities that Arex put into this handgun, I sought to take full advantage.
For a red-dot sight, I chose mounting plate 1 for a Holosun 507C. Installation was quick and easy. The suppressor-height sights allowed for a nice co-witness with the red-dot. The dot was a little bigger than what I was used to, with an outer ring extending to 32 MOA and the center dot at 2 MOA. It reminded me of an EOTech.
Keeping with the Holosun theme, I chose their new P.ID weapon light, which features 1,000 lumens and 23,000 candela on high mode with up to 60 minutes of battery life on low mode. It’s powered by a flat top, 18350 battery (included) and can be recharged without removal using the included USB magnetic charging cable.
The amount of tactical combinations with the Rex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical are endless due to its plug-and-play system for affixing accessories.
Lastly, I wasn’t going to throw a compensator on a 9mm. I opted instead for a Thunder Beast Arms Corp Fly-9. This is a modular and extremely lightweight pistol silencer. At 4.4 inches in length and weighing in at 5.9 ounces, this lightweight titanium can is especially quiet at under 140 dB.
Range Time
I headed out to the range with 500 rounds of Belom 9mm ammunition, a few IPSC targets and my steel gong. The ammunition has recently become a favorite that’s clean and reliable. It’s imported from Serbia by Global Ordnance, who also imports the Arex pistols.
With my target at 50 feet, I was hitting low at first while still getting used to the new sight. After adjusting to the new sight picture and the sights themselves my best five-shot group with this ammunition was 2.43 inches.
To keep it interesting, I ran a few boxes of Winchester 147-grain JHP through it to check reliability—with no issues. The current trigger was much better than the one I test-fired initially five years ago, but it still has room for improvement.
The Rex Delta M Gen 2 Tactical is a true plug-and-play pistol that allows the shooter to add lights, optics and muzzle devices without unnecessary adapters. The Dervish Knives Prima goes well with this one for carry.
With an MSRP of $479 and online prices often $20 to $50 cheaper than that, this one comes in much less expensive than the G19 MOS by around $200. It doesn’t take Glock magazines, or drop-in triggers and the like, but with Mec-Gar magazines more affordable than new Glock magazines, this pistol has the potential to outpace the Austrian Goliath amongst the civilian shooting public who want a pistol that’s accurate, reliable, affordable—and even tactical—to the nth degree.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Ruger has just announced the ReadyDot micro reflex sight, a new compact pistol red dot that utilizes fiber optics rather than a battery.
Ruger recently unveiled an interesting new pistol red dot concept. It’s called the Ruger ReadyDot Optic, and it requires no batteries to function thanks to its utilization of fiber optics. What’s more, it’s also non-adjustable and has no controls for changing windage or elevation. Why? Ruger claims that with compatible pistols the ReadyDot will be zeroed out of the box.
Featuring the common Shield RMSc mounting footprint, the ReadyDot was specifically designed to co-witness the iron sights of Ruger Max-9 pistols. However, Ruger also claims that the optic is compatible with similar compact optics-ready handguns that feature the correct mounting pattern. Once installed, the ReadyDot should both co-witness the irons and be adequately zeroed for use at typical pistol engagement distances.
Because the optic is based on fiber optics rather than battery power, it automatically adjusts the dot’s brightness to the ambient light level. The only downside to this concept is that the ReadyDot will not function in zero-light environments and may be difficult to use in low-light environments. For normal conditions, however, its large 15-MOA dot should be very visible and easy to use. The simplicity of the red dot results in two more advantages as well in the form of high durability and a low price. Because it lacks any adjustment mechanisms, the zero can’t be thrown off by accident or from too much shock. This also allows it to be marketed as both waterproof and shock resistant.
As mentioned, the final bonus to this simple little optic is its low price, as it has an MSRP of only $99.95. The Ruger ReadyDot is available now and comes with a T10 Torx Wrench and two M4x0.7 8mm screws.
The Makarov is a classic carry pistol, but there are a few things you can do to help bring it into the 21st century.
While not nearly as common as they once were on the hips of armed citizens, my concealed carry pistol is a Makarov. But to me, familiarity goes a long way, and what the pistol lacks in modern features it more than compensates for in time-tested reliability.
However, any pistol as old as the Makarov poses a challenge for those of us looking to take advantage of leaps in shooting technology since the gun was built. While there are hurdles to modern upgrades for such guns, they’re not out of reach … you just have to know the steps to turn a classic into a modern masterpiece.
Evaluating Shortcomings
Like many old pistols, especially military surplus models, the Makarov lacks in certain departments. While its mechanical accuracy is better than most would expect (it does have a fixed barrel, after all), the original sights are difficult to utilize. Tiny, black and a challenge to build a fast sight picture with, they’re less than ideal for a carry gun. Furthermore, the adjustable target sight found on Russian Baikal models isn’t any better.
As bit of a self-diagnosed Luddite—evidenced by my refusal to stop carrying a 70-year-old pistol design—I’m still aware of the advantages that red-dot sights provide. After shooting other red-dot-equipped handguns, I realized that getting an optic on my Makarov was the top priority. And while I was at it, I figured I’d see if I could improve the Soviet steel’s capacity, ammunition and holster, too.
Cottage ‘Gundustry’ Saves The Day
When trying to upgrade a gun as old as the Makarov, you quickly learn there are some major hurdles. Chief among them is the lack of companies willing to work on them. Most of the major outfits that offer custom slide-milling/adapter-plate work aren’t too keen on doing something so unorthodox and experimental.
So, the first lesson for upgrading vintage guns is that you’re going to have to research. A lot. Mine led me to 2C/ X Nihilo, a small company that advertised doing truly custom work. As a bonus, the company had previously mounted a red dot sight to a couple of Makarovs and a CZ 82.
Tu Nguyen is the man behind the shop. He’s a Vietnamese immigrant who owns a small engineering firm that mostly does designing and prototyping for the biotech industry. And he also loves guns. Since he already had all the fancy machinery, he decided to start doing custom gunsmithing jobs out the back of his shop, too. After shooting off an email, 2C was quick to accept the job and it was time to ship them my slide and red dot sight: a Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro.
A photo from 2C showing the custom Mak slide and plate as it approaches its final form.
As for the slide, I didn’t want to molest the original that came with my gun, so I bought a spare. Even though the spare I got was a Russian-made .380 ACP slide and my Makarov was a 9x18mm Bulgarian, they interfaced perfectly. The only real difference between Makarovs of each caliber is the barrel, making the slides universally interchangeable.
After sending everything to Nguyen, he was quick to get the work done. He essentially removed some more material from the rear of the slide with extreme precision, fabricated a custom adapter plate for my specific red dot and then put it all together.
Because Makarov slides are interchangeable, the author can swap the custom red-dot slide between frames.
After he got the plate anodized, the final product was ready and soon back in my hands. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the results: The red dot seamlessly integrated into the slide, so much so it looked as if that’s how it rolled off the line at Izhmash.
The Makarov slide and adapter plate were both tailored specifically for this CT RAD Micro Pro.
The cherry on top was the cost. 2C’s standard charge for this sort of work is $150 for the optics cut and $75 for the custom adapter plate. That’s a very reasonable price for top-end milling work.
A New Perspective
The results of Nguyen’s work at the range were as impressive as the aesthetics.
To zero the optic, I shot paper from a rest and progressively moved further back, to about 20 yards, until I was convinced the Makarov exceeded my accuracy potential. The groups were acceptably tight and consistent.
Since then, I’ve put at least 300 rounds through the setup without it losing zero. That was between two range sessions, with me carrying it concealed in between those sessions.
Target transitions with the upgraded pistol were just as good. After a bit of practice presenting and finding the dot, I’ve never cleared a plate rack faster: The benefits of this upgrade were immediately apparent.
Despite the Makarov being the pistol with which the author is most practiced, he immediately noticed an improvement in performance after getting accustomed to the red-dot.
As to the CT RAD Micro Pro, so far I’ve been very pleased. The 3-MOA red dot automatically adjusts its brightness according to ambient light conditions, and it detects motion to remain deactivated when not in use. My only true gripe is this: Without a way to manually override the auto-adjusting brightness, zeroing it on a sunny day proved difficult given the size of the dot at its highest setting.
The RAD Micro Pro also has built-in rear iron sights. They’d likely work fine on most conventional and contemporary optics-ready pistols, but unfortunately, they’re too high for the Makarov’s front sight. It’s not Crimson Trace’s fault, but it’s one downside to custom setups such as this.
Upping Capacity
With the new optic installed, I turned my attention to capacity next. For the Makarov, this required a new gun purchase.
There’s a lesser-known Makarov variant out there called the PMM (translated: Modernized Makarov Pistol) that was developed at the tail end of the USSR. Commercial variants were imported into the U.S. for a few years in the ’90s as the Baikal IJ70-18AH, and the gun’s most distinguishing feature is a 12-round double-stack magazine. Compared to an original Makarov’s eight-round capacity, this is a substantial improvement. The PMM is otherwise virtually identical to a standard PM besides its slightly wider frame to accommodate the new magazine.
The author’s new EDC setup. An IJ70-18AH equipped with a Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro and loaded with 12+1 rounds of Hornady 9x18mm Critical Defense. Holster is a Vedder LightTuck with optics cut and claw.
I was lucky enough to stumble across a couple of rare PMM magazines at a gun show, so I had no choice but to get a pistol to go along with them as well. As mentioned previously, Makarov slides are interchangeable, so adding the red dot to the double-stackarov was as simple as swapping its slide.
Final Touches
As for accouterments for the souped-up Makarov, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Vedder Holsters offers a model for the Makarov with an optic cut. I picked up an IWB LightTuck with a claw attachment … and it fit both my standard PM and PMM like a glove. The claw also helps conceal the PMM’s slightly thicker grips.
The double-stack Mak fits perfectly in Vedder’s LightTuck IWB holster, and they even have an option for a red-dot cut.
As for ammunition, while 9x18mm may not be as powerful as 9x19mm, it does pack a bigger punch than .380 ACP. I was previously carrying my Makarov loaded with Brown Bear hollow-points, but Hornady released a fresh batch of 9x18mm Critical Defense rounds just in time for my carry ammo to get upgraded, too. A 95-grain FTX bullet traveling at nearly 1,000 fps shouldn’t be underestimated.
9x18mm Makarov may not be as popular of a carry caliber in the U.S. as it once was, but Hornady is still making Critical Defense ammo for it.
Locked And Loaded
While I still don’t think that a standard Makarov is a bad carry gun, the effort I put into modernizing my own feels worth it. My Mak now has a red dot sight, four more rounds on tap and a Kydex holster to carry it all around in, all for a pistol that’s root design was finalized in 1951.
The rising tide of technology is bringing the firearms industry along with it, allowing companies like 2C to offer some incredibly niche services. No matter how odd your idea for a gun project may be, it never hurts to hit some Google searches and ask around.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2023 CCW special issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
More Classic Military Guns:
Why The Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” Still Looms Large
Don’t want to go deaf? Here are our picks for the best shooting ear protection you can buy.
Whether you shoot guns regularly for hobby, sport, sustenance or any other reason, it’s one of the noisiest pastimes that a person can have. If you intend on preserving your hearing, always wearing shooting ear protection is a must.
Choosing the right pair for you may not be as simple as it sounds, however, as there are many different styles and manufacturers.
This buyer’s guide should help you narrow it down.
The Science Behind Shooting Ear Protection
You need to wear ear protection while shooting, or you will go deaf. Period.
Hearing loss can occur if subjected to any noise louder than 85 decibels (dB) for a sustained length of time and almost certainly will occur if subjected to any noise louder than 140 dB. Typical gunshots produce 160 dB or more.
The most tell-tale sign that you've sustained some hearing damage is tinnitus, the ringing in your ears. It's a sign that hearing damage has occurred and is the single most common type of disability among veterans. However, because it can happen gradually, damage to your hearing isn’t always instantly perceptible. Just because you’ve shot without ear pro before without noticing any lasting effects doesn’t mean that your hearing wasn’t hurt in the process.
The mechanism of hearing starts with the cilia (specifically the stereocilia), the tiny hair-like cells that line the cochlea. They sense motion in the cochlea caused by sound pressure and then transmit the resultant vibrations to your brain. These vibrations are what we perceive as sound.
Stereocilia in the cochlea of the inner ear. Photo: Wikipedia.
If subjected to too much sound pressure, the cilia will break, resulting in hearing damage.
What Kind Of Hearing Protection Is Best For Shooting?
The best kind of shooting ear protection is whatever reduces the noise exposure to the greatest degree.
In general, ear pro is either worn in-ear or over-ear and provides either passive or electronic protection. Any style can work fine, but they also have some pitfalls and best practices that you should be aware of.
Both passive and electronic shooting ear protection block sound passively, but electronic protection also uses microphones and speakers to amplify all sounds quieter than a gunshot. This feature allows you to hear the world around you while still protecting your hearing.
There is another category of passive ear protection called filters (usually earplugs) which use a diaphragm inside the plug that only allows in so much sound pressure.
Regardless, the most important aspect is the seal. The less penetrable the physical barrier between your ears and loud noise, the better protected they are. That is first and foremost.
Ear protection is rated in Noise Reduction Rating or NRR. The higher the number, the more noise is blocked.
Electronic ear protection typically has a passive NRR of about 22 dB, and it doesn’t amplify any noise above about 80 dB. With an NRR of only 22 dB, it’s a good idea to double up with earplugs when using them. With that said, decent electronic ear protection is now a lot more affordable than it used to be.
So, what kind of shooting ear protection is best? Most people tend to prefer electronic these days, but you can use whatever you find most comfortable as long as they A.) fit your ears effectively to block noise, and B.) provide the greatest amount of protection (in terms of NRR) that you can get.
What Kind Of Hearing Protection Do I Need?
For most shooters’ needs, a good pair of high NRR plugs and a set of either electronic or passive muffs will have them set.
Where the higher end of electronic hearing protection begins to be worth it is if you shoot indoors or in outdoor covered bays, in areas with high wind, or in matches or classes where you need to clearly hear commands.
After that, determine what other features you need. Bluetooth compatibility lets you pair it with your phone to pipe in some tunes, and audio jacks allow you to link a comm system.
With electronic or passive earmuffs, consider the type of guns you shoot a lot. Large earmuffs can interfere with a cheek weld or get knocked out of position by the stock, so look for low-profile muffs or in-ear shooting ear protection if you shoot long guns with any frequency.
Also consider what overall battery life you need and if the design features an automatic shutoff. Many electronic earmuffs have a four-hour auto shutoff that may want to be avoided for certain purposes.
Good ear cups are a must, and it's a bonus if they're replaceable. Same with padded headbands.
As with anything else, the harder or more specialized your use, the more features you'll want to have.
The Best Shooting Ear Protection You Can Get:
Howard Leight Impact Sport
Impact Sport earmuffs use directional microphones to amplify sounds under 82 dB but nothing over that level, and provide a 22 dB NRR passively. These are the default entry-level electronic ear pro for all purposes and can often be found for as little as $50.
They have a slim profile, with recessed controls and a cheek weld cutaway for shooting long guns. A 3.5mm input jack is included for comms, the ear cups are replaceable and a padded headband is included for comfort.
Peltor Sport Tactical 500
Peltor Sport Tactical 500 electronic earmuffs have advanced noise canceling for a better response shooting indoors and to better pick up voice while activated, an especially important feature for competition shooters. They have a 26 dB NRR.
The earmuffs are contoured to work with long guns, and controls are recessed for a lower profile. The ear cups are replaceable and the headband is ventilated for comfort and ease of wearing a hat. These are one of the most popular sets for competition shooters, and they can be found for around $150 online.
Peltor ComTac VI Electronic Ear Protection
These are the earmuffs used by professionals; they have been and are taken to war. Slim profile ear cups are made to work with any weapon platform (including and especially modern service rifles) with smart noise attenuation to reduce noise exposure in any environment.
They integrate fully with comms and feature a headset for communication, as well as Bluetooth. Prices range from $700 to over $1,000 depending on the exact model, but that’s expected of what is generally considered to be the best shooting ear protection.
3M E.A.Rsoft Yellow Neons
A solid backup to have in your shooting bag is some of 3M's industrial earplugs. The E.A.Rsoft Yellow Neons are foam plugs with a 32 dB NRR, almost the highest rating attainable.
These are the earplugs that OSHA rates for working use. They're also incredibly cheap. A box of 200 pairs will run you $30 on Amazon, or you can get single pairs at almost any hardware store for a few dollars. Figure out how to fit them, and they work incredibly well.
Decibullz Ear Plugs
Decibullz earplugs are incredibly popular and work very well…if you configure them correctly. You have to soften the plugs to mold them to your ears for a secure fit. The hitch is that you must find an earplug that fits your ear canal to form a tight fit, so you may have to buy different foam tip sizes to get them to work correctly (Decibullz sells extra foam tips for about $3 each).
As long as you do your part, they work very well, with an impressive NRR of 31. MSRP starts at $25.99.
SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders
SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders are passive earplugs with filter caps. The Sonic Defender series uses a pressure diaphragm that blocks out noise above 85 dB. You can insert the caps to block out ambient noise as well. With the caps installed, they have a 24 dB NRR.
The EP4s can be ordered to fit your ear canal (small, medium or large) with a triple-flange tip to get the best seal inside the ears. They're an excellent choice for hunting if you don't want to wear a headset, and are also fantastically good for concerts. MSRP is $16.95.
Axil GS Extreme 2.0 Ear Buds
Axil GS Extreme 2.0 Ear Buds enhance ambient sound while attenuating any that is over 85 dB. They have sport hooks to get the best fit over the ear, and multiple sizes of tips to get a good fit. They have Bluetooth connectivity, volume control and up to 25 hours of run time with USB charging.
MSRP is $199, but they're frequently on sale.
Walker's Silencer 2.0 Ear Buds
The Silencer 2.0 ear buds have directional microphones to reduce wind noise and variable gunshot suppression to block the loudest noises. They have their own charging case with
an onboard battery, just like Bluetooth ear buds, and come with sized earpieces to get the correct fit. They're available either without Bluetooth connectivity (MSRP $249) or with Bluetooth (MSRP $319.99).
Peltor EEP-100 Ear Plug Kit
Peltor's EEP-100 electronic earplugs have a short instruction manual as they are a simple on-off design. The volume level is adjusted automatically, and the buds come with a charging case and a micro-USB charger, with a run time of up to 16 hours on a full charge. The triple flange ear tips help you get a good tight fit and are replaceable. They can usually be found for about $200.
Caldwell Range Muffs
If you want that classic pair of passive earmuffs with the most hearing protection possible, Caldwell Range Muffs have it with an NRR of 33, about the most you can get with passive protection. A padded headband and generously padded ear cups seal tightly over the ears and block out any noise imaginable. As a bonus, they go for only about $20.
Henry has recently announced the .357 Magnum Big Boy Revolver, the company’s first-ever wheelgun.
Henry Repeating Arms of lever-action fame has recently announced its first-ever bonafide handgun in the form of the Big Boy Revolver. Advertised by the company as the perfect match for a Big Boy rifle, the Henry Big Boy Revolver is a traditional double-action/single-action .357 Magnum that’s available with two styles of grips.
Henry says that the Big Boy Revolver is aesthetically modeled after the Big Boy rifle series. That translates to a revolver with a deeply blued and polished steel frame, American walnut grips and a polished brass trigger guard. The medium-sized frame sports a 6-round cylinder, a 4-inch barrel and traditional revolver sights with a fixed rear notch and an interchangeable front blade. As mentioned, it features a DA/SA trigger and is chambered for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.
The grip is the only difference between the two available Henry Big Boy Revolver models. Both are made of American walnut, but one is a small and rounded birdshead-style grip while the larger and more traditionally shaped variant is called the Gunfighter. Both are available now and share an MSRP of $928.
A closer look at the development, adoption and ballistics of .277 Fury, the U.S. Army’s newest cartridge.
The .277 Fury is a beast of a cartridge designed to shoot flatter and transfer more energy to its target at farther distances. The U.S. Army calls the round “next generation,” and based on .277 Fury’s capabilities, that is not an exaggeration.
Compared to the current-issue service cartridges it’s slated to replace like 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, the .277 Fury offers greater energy, improved terminal ballistics and higher ballistic coefficient bullets that slip through the air with ease. It appears that America has settled on a new battle rifle cartridge to arm its troops, but just how much better is it?
Why was the .277 Fury Developed?
The U.S. Military is always looking for an edge. In 2017, the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program was launched by the U.S. Army with the goal of replacing the M4 carbine and M249 SAW light machine gun, both chambered in 5.56 NATO, as well as the M240 machine gun in 7.62 NATO.
These have served the military well—the 5.56 since 1963 and the 7.62 from way back in 1954. But warfare changes. The cartridges that our military currently uses are effective, but the 5.56, for example, has had known penetration issues in combat. Body armor has evolved to be lighter and tougher, and that means rifle cartridges need to evolve in tandem.
NGSW Program
For the new cartridge of the NGSW program, the Army specified that it wanted a 6.8mm or .277-caliber bullet. This has been a long-time desire and has resulted in aborted attempts at the caliber, such as the 6.8mm Remington SPC. For its latest effort, the Army had its own .277-caliber bullets designed by Picatinny Arsenal weighing 130 and 140 grains with velocity potentials of more than 3,100 feet per second.
Furthermore, firearms manufacturers were invited by the Army to submit cartridge and rifle designs for review, essentially integrated systems. For the rifle, the specifications dictated it could not be longer than 35 inches and could only weigh up to 12 pounds with accessories and optics. The weapon-cartridge system also needed to penetrate body armor out to 500 meters, hit targets out to 610 meters, and suppress targets out to 1,200 meters.
SIG's entry to the program was the 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge chambered in its XM5 rifle and XM250 LMG. SIG’s new cartridge has a maximum overall length of 2.83 inches, which means it will load and feed from any 7.62 NATO (.308 Winchester) detachable box magazine. Other submissions to the program included manufacturers such as General Dynamics and Textron Systems.
In 2020, SAAMI, the organization that creates standards for ammunition, approved the round as the .277 SIG Fury, which sounds a helluva lot sexier than 6.8×51mm. In 2022, the Army adopted the round alongside SIG’s rifle and LMG. Uncle Sam now not only has a new cartridge, but a couple of new guns to shoot it with.
Speed + Energy = Fury
So, why would the Army want a new 6.8mm cartridge? It already had 7.62, which is battle-proven, as well as 6.5 Creedmoor which is loved by long-range competitive shooters. The answer? The .277 has superior velocity and energy.
However, there was a tradeoff in this arms race, particularly relating to chamber pressure.
To achieve the Army’s desired ballistic properties, the chamber pressure of .277 Fury is a mind-blowing 80,000 PSI. By comparison, 5.56 NATO produces about 60,000 PSI and 7.62 NATO about 62,000 PSI. Other calibers used by the military don’t even come close to the pressure generated by the .277 Fury. The massive .50 BMG only produces about 53,000 PSI, and the .338 Lapua Magnum about 61,000 PSI. The 80,000 PSI generated by .277 Fury is a lot of pressure to contain in a cartridge case, and it’s why not just any rifle can handle it.
Case Study: .277 Fury
The extremely high chamber pressure of .277 Fury forced SIG to rethink traditional cartridge case design. Because brass alone is not enough to contain it, the company took the hybrid approach and designed a casing made of multiple types of metal.
To reinforce the .277 Fury, it uses a stainless steel base attached to a brass body via an aluminum locking washer. The base is much more robust and is strong enough to withstand the high pressure that would literally blow apart a traditional brass cartridge case.
Though, the Fury thankfully isn’t pigeonholed to this radical case design. The cartridge can be downloaded to 65,000 PSI which allows it to safely use conventional brass cases. But this raises the question, what is the benefit of a chamber pressure at 80,000 PSI with a 135-grain bullet traveling at 3,000 fps?
Quite simply, a flatter trajectory and more energy down range.
.277 Fury Ballistics
Compare the ballistics of .277 Fury to other military calibers like the 5.56 and 7.62 NATO and you soon see that the Fury has a distinct edge. When you pit the trajectory of .277 Fury against that of 5.56, 7.62, and 6.5 Creedmoor, you see that some bullets fall like stones.
According to SIG, the .277 Fury loaded with a 150-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 3,120 fps out of a 24-inch barrel. Compared to other currently used military cartridges, this is impressive. The common 149-grain M80 load of 7.62 from Lake City has an advertised muzzle velocity of 2,790 fps when fired from a 22-inch barrel. The 62-grain M855 load of 5.56 can achieve a muzzle velocity of 3,110 fps when fired from a 20-inch barrel, and 143-grain Hornady ELD-X 6.5 Creedmoor has an advertised muzzle velocity of 2,700 fps out of a 24-inch barrel. While that may not seem like that big of a difference for some of these, the trajectory table should speak for itself.
Made with ShootersCalculator using a drag function of G1, a zero of 200 yards, a 1.5-inch sight height, a 90-degree 10 mph crosswind and zero corrections for atmosphere.
At 1,000 yards, the .277 Fury drops only 253.6 inches. On the other hand, the 6.5 Creedmoor drops about 306 inches, 5.56 NATO drops 421 inches and the 7.62 NATO drops 354 inches. Data doesn’t lie, and the Fury shoots much flatter than these other service cartridges. Comparably, it also delivers a beastly amount of energy.
There is a 33-percent difference in muzzle energy between the .277 Fury and the 6.5 Creedmoor, a 23-percent difference between it and the 7.62 NATO and a whopping 83.5-percent difference between the cartridge and the 5.56 NATO. Why is this important? Kinetic energy helps to better understand the cartridge’s terminal ballistics, particularly its potential to penetrate a target.
Fast and Fury-ous Ammo Options
Since the .277 Fury is so new, only SIG is currently producing commercially available ammo. SIG’s offerings include a long-ran
ge target load and two hunting loads. While two of these cartridges produce pressures low enough to be used with traditional brass casings, one of the hunting loads is juiced up enough to require the new hybrid case design. Note that while all these loads are expensive, they can typically be found for less than the listed MSRPs.
ELITE BALL FMJ 277 SIG FURY
This is the target load, and it uses a 135-grain FMJ bullet with a 0.475 BC. Factory data states that muzzle velocity from a 16-inch barrel is 2,750 fps and 3,000 fps from a 24-inch barrel. This round is specifically designed for long-range shooting. Expect to pay about $1.70 per round for this option, as 20-round boxes have an MSRP of about $34.
277 SIG FURY, 130gr, VENARI SOFT POINT HUNTING
If you want to put meat on the table, SIG’s traditional 130-grain soft-point option offers an advertised muzzle velocity of 2,710 fps and muzzle energy of 2,120 foot-pounds. This round is designed for whitetail deer up to elk. With an MSRP of about $42 per 20-round box, each trigger pull will cost about $2.10.
ELITE BONDED POLYMER TIPPED 277 SIG FURY HYBRID
The hybrid cartridge load uses a 150-grain polymer-tipped, boat-tail Nosler Accubond bullet that offers military-grade horsepower for the hunt. Utilizing the stainless-steel base hybrid case, the round cranks out 3,120 fps muzzle velocity from a 24-inch barrel and produces around 3,243 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This performance isn’t cheap since 20-round boxes have an MSRP of about $80, resulting in a cost of about $4 per shot.
.277 Fury Rifles
When the .277 Fury was introduced to the shooting public in 2019, the only rifle chambered in the caliber was the SIG Cross, a lightweight minimalist bolt-action hunting rifle that weighs 6.5 pounds naked without a scope.
The SIG Sauer CROSS PRS.
SIG has since offered the MCX-Spear chambered in the cartridge as well, the company’s civilian version of the U.S. Army’s XM7 rifle. The semi-automatic rifle has similar features as an AR-15/AR-10 platform, but it uses a short-stroke piston in lieu of the direct gas impingement system found in typical ARs. Either of these rifles would do good work as a long-distance target rifle, but if I had my choice, I’d choose the lightweight bolt action, especially for hunting in rough terrain.
The commercial variant of the SIG MCX-SPEAR.
At present, no other rifle manufacturers are producing guns chambered in .277 Fury. Part of the reason could be gunmakers are waiting to see if the caliber catches on with the public. Another reason could be the nature of the cartridge itself.
Making a .277 Fury rifle is not just a simple matter of swapping barrels in an action. The pressure generated by the round means a trip back to the drawing board to beef up receiver designs or completely rework a gun. That’s a significant expense for a cartridge that is yet to prove its mainstream appeal. For companies that aren’t SIG, wait-and-see just might be the best strategy.
Niche Cartridge?
Does the introduction of the .277 Fury mean that 5.56 and 7.62 are going to be shelved? Hardly. The military will continue to use both for a long time as they work on integrating the new weapons and ammunition, and civilian shooters are too invested at this point to give either cartridge up. The future of .277 Fury with the civilian population will likely continue to increase as well, particularly if more ammunition manufacturers load the round and more rifles are chambered for it.
The Fury has both long-range competition shooting and hunting applications, but both areas have numerous rivals when it comes to performance and availability. However, the edge the .277 Fury has is huge—U.S. Military approval and backing. Nearly every caliber used by the military eventually becomes popular with civilians, and with time, this may prove true for the .277 Fury, too.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to more precisely express the percentage difference of muzzle energy between cartridges.
Riton Optics has recently announced the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50, a first focal plane riflescope for long-range shooting.
Riton Optics has just announced its newest glass for long-range hunters and shooters in the form of the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 riflescope. Riton describes the scope as a “crossover” optic due to the versatility of its large magnification range that provides the best of both worlds.
Featuring a minimum magnification of 3X, a maximum of 18X and a 50mm objective lens, the 3 PRIMAL can be employed in nearly any hunting or shooting scenario. The glass has been coated for protection as well as enhanced light transmission to aid in low-light situations. It has exposed turrets with a resettable zero/zero-stop and 1/10 MRAD windage and elevation adjustments (25 MRAD adjustment range). For magnification control, the scope also has “integrated removable two location throw levers,” and each scope will come with one 14mm and one flush-mount lever. Riton also has 11mm and 8mm throw lever heights available. As far as durability goes, the 3 PRIMAL is shockproof, waterproof and fog proof.
The scope also features a first focal plane illuminated LRH (Long Range/Hunter) reticle. A control on the parallax knob can adjust the illumination between six brightness settings, and off positions between each brightness level should help reduce the amount of dialing required. Other features of the scope include its 30mm aluminum main tube, its 13.7-inch length and its weight of 2.85 pounds.
Each Riton 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 includes flip-up lens covers, a lens cloth, an Allen key and Riton’s limited lifetime warranty. The scope has an MSRP of $659.99 and is available now.
A closer look at how seating depth affects rifle cartridge performance and what to know when reloading your own.
Each step in the process of reloading a metallic cartridge is important, from the proper sizing of the case, to seating your primer, to precisely weighing your powder charge.
Seating the bullet into the case is the culmination of the reloading process; a crimp may be applied afterward, but that’s optional in some instances and often a rarity among the cartridges designed for long-range shooting. And, make no bones about it: Our bullets are getting longer, the ogives are growing sleeker and the older round-nose bullets are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
My first handloads were designed to feed my then-new Ruger Model 77 MK II in .308 Winchester. Because my dad—dear Ol’ Grumpy Pants—had been shooting his .308 Winchester since he came out of boot camp in 1968, there was a pile of once-fired brass, and we sat down to pick a bullet for our new creations.
The Badlands Precision Bulldozer 2 140-grain .277-inch bullet responded very well to a slight change in seating depth, resulting in ½-MOA groups. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
After some deliberating about cost, we settled on the 165-grain Hornady InterLock spitzer; that bullet came with a cannelure, and seating depth wasn't much of an issue. Fast-forward a couple of years to my initial attempts to get the original Barnes X bullet to shoot, and seating depth became a major bone of contention. Looking back, none of my rifles printed any groups worth a damn with those bullets, but the effects of seating depth were shown, as the groups opened and tightened from minute-of-lemon to minute-of-cantaloupe.
Shortening Cases
The bullets of 30 years ago were certainly not the same as those available today; the dimensions of many of our classic cartridges will quickly show that they were designed to use bullets with shorter ogives, and therefore a lower ballistic coefficient. Oftentimes, it can be frustrating to try and mate an older cartridge design with a modern bullet and maintain a cartridge overall length that will still function in the magazine.
For example, the .350 Remington Magnum was designed to function in a short-action magazine, but using the shorter bullets of the 1960s. Try and fit a Nosler AccuBond in that case (whether the 200- or 225-grain) at a C.O.L. (cartridge overall length), which still fits in a short-action magazine, and the case mouth will be sitting on the bullet’s ogive and not on the shank.
The .300 Winchester Magnums had its shoulder pushed forward and neck shortened to provide powder capacity; as a result, longer bullets like this Swift Scirocco II get shoved way down in the case. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
The same situation can show up with a .300 Winchester Magnum and some of the longest bullets available, as the case was lengthened and the shoulder moved forward in comparison to Winchester’s other belted magnums, presumably in order to make room for more powder. While that goal was certainly achieved, it does compromise the amount of room left for the bullet outside of the case.
The Battle of C.O.L.
Many of the newest cartridge designs see a case shortened in order to leave enough room to utilize those really long projectiles, which possess the best ballistic coefficient values. The 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6.8 Western and the new 7mm PRC come quickly to mind. The 6.5 Creedmoor has climbed all over the .260 Remington in spite of the latter’s larger case capacity, because the Creedmoor can fit a better long-range bullet in the same magazine. The 6.8 Western is essentially a shortened version of the .270 WSM, but with a faster twist rate to utilize bullets usually too heavy for the .270 Winchester and .270 WSM to stabilize.
In order to load those long, heavy bullets in a short-action magazine, the case must be shortened. In both these instances, powder capacity is traded for the ability to use the highest B.C. bullets, as they will perform better than the cartridges with a larger capacity and a lower B.C. bullet.
Four cartridges, which were designed specifically to handle long, sleek, high ballistic coefficient bullets—left to right: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC and .300 PRC. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Turning to Hornady’s new 7mm PRC, you’ve got a case designed to drive 175- and 180-grain bullets to velocities on par with the 7mm Remington Magnum, but the case geometry allows those long bullets to be seated so that the base of the shank of the bullet—where it transitions into the boat-tail—sits at the base of the case neck. This minimizes the amount of space eaten up by seating a long bullet deep into the case.
Now, I’ve had heated discussions with colleagues about the problems caused by seating a long bullet deep into the case—think about a .308 Winchester with a monometal 180-grain bullet—with some folks insisting that a bullet, which has a good portion of its length inside the case, can be bent upon ignition of the powder charge. That seems silly to me, and I’ve never seen any evidence of this phenomenon. Provided there’s enough neck tension, and there’s good chamber concentricity, I have absolutely no issue with a bullet extending into the case.
Generally speaking, when it comes to seating depth, there’s usually at least some room to play. The rule of thumb is that the farther out of the case you seat your bullet—resulting in a longer C.O.L.—the lower the pressure and the velocity will be; however, I have seen instances where the reverse proved to be true. Seating a bullet farther out of the case (keeping the same powder charge) will create a larger combustion chamber inside the case, lowering pressures.
Seat Safely
Sometimes, the reloader can take advantage of the additional space created by increasing the powder charge. What you definitely do not want to do is seat the bullet so far out as to have it resting against the lands of the rifling; this can cause dangerous pressure spikes.
SAAMI regulates the C.O.L. dimension for our cartridges, and those figures are usually what you see in your reloading manual. Some shooters skip the magazine restraint and choose to single-feed a cartridge with an overall length, which will not fit in a magazine yet is safe to load in the chamber. In fact, some bullet companies market single-feed projectiles: the Cutting Edge Bullets Lazer, for example.
Experimenting with seating depth can be a sound means of turning a good load into a great load. I’ve been developing a load for my 6.8 Western using the Badlands Precision 140-grain monometal Bulldozer 2 bullet. The 6.8 Western has a C.O.L. of 2.950 inches, but the magazine for my Browning rifle will handle cartridges measuring 3.010 inches, and those Bulldozer 2 bullets have an ogive sleek enough not to touch the lands. My initial load was seated at 3.000 inches, with groups printing 0.75 inch at 100 yards.
Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Seating the bullets slightly deeper—to the specified 2.95 inches—saw the groups tighten up to a consistent ½ inch. Coming full circle around the modern iterations of the Barnes X—the TSX, TTSX and LRX—I’ve found that these bullets tend to like a bit more jump, giving their best accuracy when seated at SAAMI spec … or even a bit deeper. This is just a general observation, as some rifles have shown a preference for the TSX to be seated long.
Reloading has been described as a loosely scientific means of juggling variables, and seating depth—like powder charge weight—is one of the easiest places to make an adjustment. Keep your caliper handy, record your seating depth for each bullet/cartridge combination, and do some experimenting to see if you can improve your group size.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
CANCON comes to the West! Join RECOIL at the Ben Avery Shooting Center in Phoenix, Arizona April 29th and 30th, with VIP access starting on the 28th!
CANCON presented by Silencer Central, is a fully suppressed range day event with dozens of vendors, hundreds of guns and suppressors, and tons of fun.
Check out the CANCON 2022 Recap to see what you missed last year, and don't miss out this year!
CANCON West will feature an even BIGGER range day with MORE suppressors, more guns, more vendors, and an even bigger night shoot. Over 100 firearms from over 25 manufacturers!
$50 single-day tickets get you in for ALL DAY plus ammo is provided!
Want the VIP experience? VIP tickets are $700 and allow access for Saturday and Sunday, plus early access on Friday, plus a catered dinner & the Night Vision Network’s Night Shoot on Friday night.
PLUS, VIPs get a VIP bag worth A Lot! Filled with awesome gear that you'll actually use. We can't spoil the surprise of what is in 2023's VIP bag, but here is a look at what was in CANCON's 2022 VIP bag!
CANCON 2022 VIP Bag Valued At Over $1475
Viktos XL Slingbag
Blue Force Gear Sling
Otis Ripcord Cleaning Cord
Caldwell DeadShot Shooting Bags
SilencerCo Silencer
Subscription to Recoil/Offgrid
Mission First Tactical Extreme Duty Magazines 556
Mission First Tactical Coozie
Maxim Defense Hate Brake
Maxim Defense Arm Brace Stock
Primary Weapon Systems Gift Certificate
JK Armamant Stickers and Hats
Coming to CANCON but not a VIP? Take a chance at winning a VIP bag! All CANCON attendees can enter to win a VIP Bag, all you have to do is:
Post a video or photo from the event tagging @CanconEvent and using the #CanconGiveaway.
BRING THE FAMILY!
CANCON is a family-friendly event with eye and ear protection for everyone.
All ammo is provided, you just bring the trigger finger!
Food and drink will be available for purchase on-site.
Expect to see DAILY giveaways at CANCON, walk with industry experts, shop for your favorite accessories and gear, and check out some special demonstrations and seminars!
Vortex Optics just announced the Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Rangefinder, now featuring an on-board GeoBallistics solver.
Vortex Optics’ newest laser rangefinder, the Razor HD 4000 GB, does a lot more than just read distance. This is thanks to its new on-board GeoBallistics solver, made possible in part by Vortex’s recent acquisition of GeoBallistics. The device’s new capabilities allow it to sync with the GeoBallistics smartphone app to calculate drop and windage corrections based on your specific ballistic profile and the surrounding environment.
As far as the laser rangefinder itself is concerned, it’s essentially identical to the existing Vortex Razor HD 4000 in terms of appearance and capability. That means it can still range reflective targets out to 4,000 yards and less-reflective targets such as deer out to 2,200 yards. It also has the same four target modes (Normal, First, Last and ELR) as well as the Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) range mode that compensates for angles.
The only readily apparent difference is the addition of some buttons that pertain to the device’s new GeoBallistics functions, such as the BAL range mode. In this mode, the on-board GeoBallistics solver uses inputted ballistic data and surrounding environmental data to tell you exactly how to dial windage and drop compensation for a target at a given range. The device uses Bluetooth to pair with the GeoBallistics smartphone app (purchasing the Razor HD 4000 GB unlocks the “Pro” version of the app as well) where custom profiles can be built and uploaded to the device. The rangefinder comes preloaded with three common ballistic profiles and the app features a bullet library, but completely custom profiles can be added too.
The device also features on-board temperature, pressure and humidity sensors as well as the ability to take that data from a local airport. Wind measurements can either be entered into the rangefinder manually, taken from a paired Kestrel device or obtained using the rangefinder’s new Wind Bearing Capture Mode. This mode uses the Razor’s built-in compass and wind speed gauge to determine the wind’s strength and direction. After capturing this, the device provides accurate windage corrections regardless of which way it’s pointed.
There’s plenty more that could be said about Vortex’s new Razor HD 4000 GB, but we’ll save that for the full review we have planned. Until then, just know the rangefinder is available now and has an MSRP of $1,199.99.
For those running America’s rifle chambered for the AK’s cartridge, here are the best 7.62×39 AR magazine options.
While some cartridges like .300 BLK were designed to function in standard 5.56 AR mags, other chamberings require their own, special magazines. ARs chambered for the Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridge are among them.
Since 7.62×39 ARs aren’t nearly as popular as 5.56 variants, there is less factory support for 7.62×39 AR magazines. This means that many of your typical go-to manufacturers like Magpul and Okay Industries are no longer an option.
Here we’ll be going over what makes 7.62×39 AR magazines different, what to look for when buying one and our top picks for the best options on the market.
A 7.62×39 AR-15 from PSA/Lead Star Arms featuring a C-Products 30-round Duramag.
Why Do 7.62×39 ARs Require Proprietary Mags?
Simply put, the issue is that the 7.62x39mm case has more taper than the .223/5.56 case. The Russian 7.62×39 cartridge tapers from 11.35mm in diameter at the rim to 10.07mm at the shoulder, whereas .223/5.56 barely tapers at all (9.58mm at the web to 9.00mm at the shoulder).
Case taper is what determines how curved a magazine needs to be to feed a given cartridge properly, and it’s why AK magazines have that distinctive “banana” curve. Naturally then, problems arise when attempting to design a very curved magazine for a rifle with a straight magwell like the AR.
As you can see, the taper of 7.62×39 (left) results in a much more curved magazine than 5.56×45.
Historically, one of the best ways to design a new rifle from a clean sheet is to start with the cartridge. Once established, a reliable magazine is designed to feed it. Only then is the gun itself designed.
Well, it seems that Kalashnikov and Stoner both did that, as both of their rifle designs have excellent magazines. When the industry decided to combine Mikhail’s peanut butter with Gene’s chocolate with the advent of 7.62×39 ARs, the magazines, unfortunately, could not live up to the reputation of either parent rifle’s mag.
The result is that 7.62×39 AR magazines have historically been a crapshoot in virtually every capacity that they’re offered in. Common failures include the top round sitting too low to be picked up by the bolt as well as nosedives leading to failures to feed.
What Makes A Good 7.62×39 AR Magazine?
What you want to look for is a magazine manufacturer who has invested the time to come up with a follower, floor plate and magazine body that seats and feeds correctly. That means they need to be designed by shooters, for shooters, not mere products to meet demand.
Anti-tilt followers are a must, and in truth should be in any AR-15 magazine you buy regardless of its caliber.
Unfortunately, what you can't see until you physically have the magazine is that the top cartridge should fully contact the feed lips. If it doesn't, it can mean there will be some issues stripping the top round.
If possible, don't buy any 10-round 7.62×39 AR magazines. Since 10-round mags are straight, it means that the cartridges are not being pushed up as efficiently as possible due to the taper. These have given people more problems than quality magazines of larger capacities.
The 28-round Duramag (left) has noticeably less curve than the 30-rounder.
If mag pouches are a concern, look for 28-round magazines as the curve is slightly less pronounced than with true 30-rounders.
Also, you don't need to worry about deciding between polymer or aluminum. All examples that you're going to find are made of steel.
What About AR Lowers That Take AK Magazines?
It's easier to adapt the AR-15's lower receiver to take AK-47 magazines than it is to adapt the AR-15 magazine to feed 7.62x39mm. Some companies have realized this and started making AR lower receivers that can accept standard AK mags. On these, the magwell is removed and replaced with an AK magazine catch.
A PSA KS-47, one of the available 7.62×39 AR-15s that take AK mags.
The reality of the situation is that these lowers are a better solution for getting 7.62×39 to run in an AR than trying to convert AR-pattern mags to feed it. The downside, of course, is that it requires a new upper and lower. A large reason why people are interested in the 7.62×39 AR concept is that they could use their existing, standard AR lower to fire the cartridge, only needing a new upper and mags. ARs chambered for this caliber that feeds from AK mags are the better design, but it also defeats the purpose for most.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you have or want a 7.62×39 upper for your standard AR-15 lower, and that means you’ll need magazines for it. While they may not be as good as 7.62×39 AK mags or 5.56 AR mags, the good news is that some are well-proven and shouldn’t give you any real issues.
The Best 7.62×39 AR Magazines:
C-Products Duramag
This is the gold standard. Duramags are one of the no-brainer AR-15 magazine brands, so this should arguably be your first choice unless it turns out they don't work in your specific setup.
They're available in 5-, 10-, 20-, 28-, and 30-round capacities, but all have a stainless steel body, a Teflon coating, revised feed lips for total contact and anti-tilt followers. C-Products does things right, and it designed them from the ground up to function. MSRP ranges from $18.90 to $29.30.
ASC
ASC is another excellent AR magazine manufacturer, and while it specializes in aluminum GI-style mags, the company also offers its stainless steel line in 7.62×39.
The mags are offered in either black or FDE, with chrome silicon springs, anti-tilt followers and a stainless steel floor plate. They're available in 5-, 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities. MSRP is $21.99 for the 30-rounders, though factory seconds (cosmetic issues only) are a bit cheaper.
D&H Tactical
The magazines from D&H feature carbon steel bodies with a QPQ finish and anti-tilt followers specifically designed for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. They're available in 10- and 30-round capacities. MSRP is around $40 for the 30-rounders, but these are buy-once/cry-once magazines. D&H builds them like tanks.
AR-Stoner
AR-Stoner is the house brand of MidwayUSA, and its 7.62×39 AR magazines are said to be capable, but that comes with a caveat. Some individuals report having issues with them out of the box, but after some minor tweaking, they can run like a top.
They're offered in 10- and 30-round capacities, with stainless steel bodies, anti-tilt followers and chrome silicon springs. MSRP is only around $20 for the 30-rounders, making them one of the more affordable options.
E-Lander
E-Lander is an Israeli manufacturer mostly known for producing magazines for its country’s military, and it does not skimp on build quality or reliability. It only exports a 17-round 7.62×39 AR magazine because it was the only one that ran reliably enough for its standards.
The body is stainless steel with a stainless floorplate and features an anti-tilt follower and corrosion-resistant finish that's said to be rated for over 60 hours of continuous salt spray. These magazines are tough, and what they slightly lose in capacity they more than make up for in reliability. Street prices are usually around $30.
You should be aware that the AR-15 is an incredibly popular rifle platform in America, and for good reason. Relatively inexpensive, light recoiling, reliable and easily adaptable to a particular role are all huge factors in why it’s grown to be crowned as “America’s Rifle.”
Have a plan when you start buying AR-15 accessories and parts; a simple rifle doesn’t mean less capable.
And if I may be completely frank, those are the same reasons that we have a sea of subpar AR-15 accessories and parts all over the market. Experience and several hours of exhaustive research on Facebook tell me that the carbine is misunderstood by a huge number of AR owners.
So, before you jump on AliExpress and order all of the Chinesium “upgrades” you can find, this is where I would start to get the most out of my rifle—and get the most from my money when considering upgrades.
The AR-15: Not LEGOs
It’s easy to think that building an AR-15 is just like snapping together some LEGOs … but you couldn’t be more mistaken. It wasn’t until I had the good fortune to attend an armorer’s course from William Larson, the AR-15 Yoda himself, that the number of out-of-spec AR parts on the market sunk in.
One of the sayings that Will was fond of is, “AR-15s aren’t LEGOs because LEGOs have a spec.” Armed with new knowledge, I started to pay closer attention to aftermarket AR15 accessories and parts than I ever had before. And as you might expect from Yoda, Will hit the nail on the head.
The ultra-strong Magpul UBR Gen2 is a perfect companion for the Vltor A5 system.
The truth is that most of the ARs on the market—and the majority of aftermarket parts—labeled as mil-spec … well, they aren’t. On the civilian market, that dirty little term “mil-spec” means that the part is sized to fit the wide range of specifications found on commercial AR-15s, not that it meets the standards outlined in the actual technical document that outlines the real mil-spec.
Just because that bargain-priced part says it’ll fit doesn’t mean it will. You might have to rely on time-tested gunsmith techniques—such as holding your tongue just right between your lips, a large hammer or even a Dremel tool.
If you prefer sparing yourself the guessing game, stick to high-quality parts; you might not need to rely on the Dremel after all.
Have A Plan
The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” is just as applicable to rifles as it is people. The “one rifle to rule them all” simply doesn’t exist. Every rifle has specific weaknesses and strengths based on how the rifle is spec’d out from the factory, plus whatever changes are made to it after purchase.
An 18- to 20-inch barrel rifle might be perfect for some hunting, Cold War engagement distances or use in a DMR role. Will it work in a CQB role while defending your home? Sure—but it isn’t going to be ideal.
An 18-inch DMR rifle would make a less-than-ideal home-defense rifle, but it’s great at distance.
Similarly, I recommend that you don’t choose a 10.5-inch 5.56 NATO SBR or pistol to compete in a Precision Rifle match. That MK18/CQBR-inspired gun is far more at home in the tight confines of a structure, such as your home.
Whatever role you have for your rifle, make sure you follow local and federal laws. Yes, many can be considered unconstitutional, but failing to do so could land you in much more trouble than you’re interested in handling.
It Isn’t ‘Just As Good’
I’m not going to shame anyone for the Zombie Slayer 9000 that was built to kick-start their second career as a “gunfluencer” by propelling an online social account to legendary status. The truth is that rifle is probably as functional—if not more functional—than the GM Hydramatic M16A1 clone hanging on my wall.
Cool-looking guns are cool, and there isn’t anything wrong with that until you start believing that the Zombie Slayer 9000 is “just as good” as a proven rifle from Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Sionics, Geissele, Knights Armament, FN America and a pile of other AR manufacturers with guns that are proven reliable.
M-Lok has become the new standard for attaching AR-15 accessories; a 1913 rail is still serviceable, but avoid KeyMod at all costs.
The same thing applies to knock-off parts that are priced significantly below the cost of the original one. Better materials, more research and development, innovative design and better quality control are going to play a factor in price, making the original version likely more expensive.
Instead of blindly cutting corners with part quality, think hard about the part you intend to save a few bucks on … and then think about how badly you might get hurt if that part blew up during a catastrophic failure. Buy the quality; it’s always worth it.
A sling is essential, maybe the most important AR-15 accessory. Period. It can be used to carry a rifle, provide more stability when lining up a shot, and retain your rifle should someone try to grab it away from you.
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
The single-point sling is easier to use in cramped spaces due to the amount of movement they offer, but that’s also the weakness of the single-point design. When the rifle is slung, it swings all over the place, hitting your knees, shins and everything else in its path.
There are a bunch of well-made examples of single-point slings, but if you’re determined to buy one, get a Magpul MS3 or MS4 sling that can be converted to a two-point easily.
Preferably, choose a quick-adjust two-point sling, which offers more stability when carrying the rifle and shooting it than a single point will. The two-point sling also excels when carrying the rifle slung in front, side or back.
Models to consider are the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling, the SOB B-Sling, and other similarly built models. Pick a high-quality design and you won’t be disappointed.
Step Up Your Optics Game
We live in the future with the entire internet in our pocket, and adding a red-dot or low-powered variable optic (LPVO) to your rifle reliably enhances your ability to aim the rifle.
LPVO technology is to the point that shooters who’ve acclimated to the more versatile optic are about as fast as the folks using a red-dot. Not only is most of the speed you get from a dot available, but there are also 10x scopes—like the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x—that you can crank up when precision is needed.
If the minimum buy-in for a high-quality LPVO of $1,000 is a bit steep, a good red-dot might be the ticket. Among Holosun, Aimpoint, Sig Electro-Optics and EOTech, there’s a dot that fits your needs. However, beware of the bargain dots: The market is flooded with cheap sights that will die or lose zero at the worst times.
Also, don’t forget a high-quality mount for your new optic to ensure you don’t move the optic should you bump it on something. Not all rings and bases are created equal, either. Not even close.
Floppy Barrel Fix
Did you know that when you apply pressure to your plastic clamshell handguards by leaning into a bipod that it actually changes your point of impact?
A free-float rail nearly removes that deviation and also gives you somewhere to attach lights, lasers, sling mounts and index points, such as a Gripstop. Look for a high-quality Picatinny rail model or preferably, something with M-Lok slots. Avoid KeyMod since it isn’t heavily supported anymore. M-Lok is the clear winner in that popularity contest.
Any high-quality brand should do you well, but there’s a handful of proven performers: Geissele, Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Hodge Defense, Bravo Company and Knight’s Armament. Cover the full length of the barrel, but don’t extend over the muzzle.
Triggered
You don’t really need to upgrade your trigger, the standard mil-spec style trigger that’s found in most rifles will be perfectly adequate for most shooters. However, upgrading a mil-spec trigger almost always offers immediate performance improvements.
Should you decide that you want to upgrade the trigger on your rifle, I suggest that you look for a trigger that isn’t housed in a drop-in cassette. It’s possible that this design can trap debris in the trigger mechanism, leading to a malfunction.
A good old Geissele not only provides a snappy break but also is easy to maintenance.
Geissele made their name with their triggers, and for good reason. Regardless of the role you have identified for your rifle, Geissele has a trigger that’ll work for you. There’s a budget-friendly option—the ALG Defense Advanced Combat Trigger—if the regular Geissele line is more money than you’d like invest.
New Furniture Livens The Place Up
An A2 grip and M4 stock will do just fine in a pinch, but those are often among the first things that get ditched on a new rifle. Sadly, the M4-style stock is missing a QD attachment point for a sling, which is a good enough reason for me to chuck the stock one into the recycler. As for the grip, many aren’t fond of the “bump” between the middle and ring finger placement … and they ditch that as well.
Magpul UBR Gen2 Stock
There are a ton of great grips out there: Which one you choose really depends on the role of the gun. The Magpul series of grips that accept an insert are a solid option because you can stow some extra oil, some Skittles or even a spare bolt and firing pin with one of the available inserts.
What stock you choose is equally dependent on the gun’s purpose. If you have a dedicated precision-focused rifle, you might choose the Magpul PRS stock or B5 Systems Precision Stock. A general carbine might be better off with something a bit less expensive yet still offering a wide range of adjustability.
Folding Stock
While a LAW Tactical folding stock adapter might not strike you as a common-sense upgrade, it really is. A LAW folder isn’t a must on every AR-15, but it’s a useful addition to rifles or pistols that you might want to carry discretely.
The ability to chop the buffer tube and stock off your rifle for storage and transportation opens up a bunch of possibilities in terms of rifle bags, in addition to where you’re able to stow that bag. Pair a LAW folder and a discrete rifle bag from Tuff Products, and those awkward moments in the hotel elevator while attending an out-of-town training class or match are in the past.
While a folding AR-15 might seem unnecessary, the robust LAW Tactical folder is a must-have on many of the author’s rifles.
Be cautious of knock-off folding stock adapters or ones that copy the design of LAW Tactical that are made from inferior metals. You might save a hundred bucks or so at the cost of replacing durable steel construction with substantially weaker 6000 series aluminum. Personally, I don’t like the idea of my face being close to a reciprocating bolt and bolt extension that passes through a joint that needs to be precisely aligned, only to be housed in “good enough” materials.
AR-15 Accessories: It Can Be Like LEGOs
The AR platform is nothing short of amazing. It checks just about every box that you can think of and, if it missed one, just change the rifle so it checks all the boxes for you.
Even though the commercial model AR-15s doesn’t have a spec now, maybe one day manufacturers can settle on some standards.
If that happens, AR-15s might actually be like LEGOs.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2020 December issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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.
