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Geissele Super Duty Review: Pulling Major G-Force

By
Patrick Sweeney
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A closer look at Geissele’s complete (almost) Super Duty system.

People often toss around some terms without really knowing what they mean, like “complete weapons system.” Complete means just that—everything that’s needed to run, feed, maintain and inspect a weapon. It comes from one source. That’s not easy, but Bill Geissele comes really close on that.

Bill is a nice guy and a great engineer. His start in the firearms field was making triggers. Instead of simply making the same triggers as everyone else, he made better triggers. Soon, the top shooters and the guys who go places to deal with nasty people were beating a path to his door, wanting triggers.

Then, he made scope mounts—beautifully machined, structurally rigid, essentially unbreakable scope mounts. From there, it was a straight path to complete rifles because, well, if you’re going to make the world’s best triggers and scope mounts, you might as well make everything else in between, right?

Oh, and then he went into scopes.

Geissele Super Duty feature

The Complete Rifle

The intended audience of the Super Duty is the bearded gents who go to dusty laces. As a result, the upper and lower receivers are machined from forgings. Could Bill make a better upper and lower? Almost certainly. But the powers-that-be have some firm rules, and forged receivers are one of them. So, he builds on that and installs an improved bolt-carrier group.

Geissele-Super-Duty

The carrier is made from the current best steel for that, 8620, while the bolt is made from an improved Carpenter 158, called 158+. Yes, Virginia, it is possible to make a better steel but still call it Carpenter 158 … if you go directly to Carpenter and ask them. And that’s what Bill did. He opted for a better steel for the cam pin; he decided that cold hammer-forging barrels was the only way to go, so he acquired the equipment and makes his own.

The barrel isn’t lightweight, but instead a medium-weight profile designed to handle hard use and heat, and has a 1/7 twist. The gas block is Bill’s own Super Compact Block, and the installation is, in the words of Geissele, “bomb-proof.” As in, the gas block is pressed onto the barrel with both the barrel exterior and gas block interior closely matching in size. It’s then locked in place by means of two setscrews, each nestling into recesses dimpled into the barrel. Then, it gets a cross-pin through the block and the bottom edge of the barrel itself.

Geissele-handguard
Here, you see the SureFire mount and flash hider. It’s a first-class flash hider and a great mount for SureFire suppressors.

I pity anyone who thinks they’ll simply snatch the gas block off of a shot-out Geissele barrel (who knows how long that would take) to install it on another barrel. Good luck with that. It then gets a gas tube and is ready for its handguard.

Before they’re all assembled, all the internals and the barrel, as well as the SureFire flash hider/muzzle/brake/suppressor mount, are all given the Geissele Nanoweapon coating. This is a solid lubricant coating that’s available only from Geissele. It’s a matte finish black coating that you cannot rub off short of going to power equipment—and aggressive equipment at that. It has a surface hardness in the same league as synthetic diamonds. You aren’t going to wear it off cleaning, shooting or tossing it into your ultrasonic cleaner. It makes parts rust-resistant, easy to clean and slick in use.

The barrel gets a Super Modular Mk16 handguard, with M-lok slots. M-lok has won the accessory wars so far, and this is what the future portends. Until something better comes along, buy M-lok unless you have a legacy KeyMod to feed.

The Mk16, like all SuperMod handguards, use a proprietary barrel nut. This doesn’t have the flanges of a regular barrel nut, and thus there’s no problem with the gas tube touching the barrel nut. To hold the handguard on, and to keep the barrel nut in place, Geissele uses a pair of heft bolts crossway through the bottom rear of the Mk16. These pass-through grooves on the barrel nut and keep the whole package tight and properly aligned.

Geissele-Super-Duty-logo
The handguard locks into place by means of a pair of hefty Torx-head bolts that are threaded into a steel anchor plate. You’re not depending on the strength of threads cut into aluminum here.

And the attention to detail that is Geissele is right here to be seen. Notice that the Mk16 clamping bolts pass through the aluminum handguard, but they’re threaded to a steel plate inset on the far side. The tensile strength of aluminum is half that (at best) of steel. It’s entirely possible to strip the threads of an aluminum handguard, by over-tightening the steel bolt. Geissele won’t let that happen.

Another Geissele detail is the bolt stop. Instead of the small mil-spec lever, we get a two-headed extended lever that’s plenty big without being in the way.

Building Up The Lower

Geissele-SDR-grip
The ambi selector/safety, the extended bolt stop lever, the A2 pistol grip, all on view, and all first-rate quality.

The lower gets a Geissele SSA-E X with Lightning Bow, which is a first-class two-stage trigger that has a straight bow for consistency in trigger pull. There’s a Geissele pistol grip behind that, and again, Geissele gets it right. Perhaps the one detail that I find not to my liking on modern ARs is that I’m not a fan of pistol grips that fill the upper back end of the lower receiver, but Geissele installs an A2 here (kudos, Bill). In-between is an ambidextrous selector/safety.

Geissele-SDR-Stock
The end users Bill has in mind want the SopMod stock, so that’s what comes on your Super Duty. Don’t like it? It’s easy to change and there are plenty of people who’ll be happy to take it off of your hands.

On the back of the lower receiver, there’s a VLTOR B5 Systems buffer tube and SopMod stock. The B5 System assembly has a longer buffer stroke than a carbine system; this makes for a softer and less-bouncy felt recoil.

To charge the rifle, you grab a hold of the Airborne Charging handle, an ambidextrous version of the super Charging handle, but with a bit lower profile, so it’s less likely to get hung up on your gear.

Geissele-Charging-Handle
The Geissele Airborne charging handle, which is an ambi handle.

Remember I mentioned optics? Well, there’s now a Geissele scope, the Super Precision, a 1-6x riflescope with a DMRR-1 reticle, allowing for quick range estimation and hold-over. The Super Precision isn’t made by Geissele. However, they told an experienced Japanese (not China, that’d be egregious, and Geissele doesn’t do egregious) optics company what they wanted, and the standards they’d test the optics to—and, knowing Bill, the penalties for failure on the part of the optics maker would be epic.

Geissele-Super-Duty-optic
The Geissele 1-6x optic comes in a Geissele (what else?) scope mount that’s tougher than a $2 steak.

Now, to be a complete systems provider, Bill would have to offer ammunition and magazines with his rifles. When I suggested that, with a big grin, he just laughed. We agreed that maybe two decades ago it might have made sense. But now, with so many good magazines and plentiful ammo choices to be had, there’s no point.

Well, Does She Shoot?

First-class manufacturing is one thing, but the real test is in the shooting. So, I volunteered for the boring task of seeing if I could make a Geissele rifle choke.

I failed.

I had an opportunity to test the rifle not just at my gun club and its 100-yard range, but on another range with elbow room out past 500 yards … and I was able to ring steel with boring regularity as long as the wind cooperated. I can shoot, but calling the wind every time is a voodoo level of skill I haven’t yet perfectly mastered. I did manage to shoot a 500-yard group that spanned just a smidge over 2 inches, which is something I’ll be bragging about for a long time.

Chronograph-data

You can have the Super Duty as a rifle with a 16-inch barrel, or as a pistol with a 10.3-inch barrel. Again, Bill is making them for the bearded gents as well as us. Sixteen is easy for us, and 10.3 inches is what the guys who want really short blasters are accustomed to using.

And, so you know, you don’t just “buy” a Super Duty—you order it built to your specs. You pick rifle or pistol, barrel length, scope or no scope, and color. Color? Yes. Mine came in DDC (Desert Dirt Color), which I find to be a far better descriptor than FDE. You can also opt for Luna Black, Gray, 40mm Green, OD Green and Iridium. Place your order and wait. Your rifle is built to your specs, not just snatched off an inventory rack, wrapped and shipped.

I love this country.

Geissele-Super-Duty-Specs

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2022 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

More AR-15s:

Grip It And Rip It: AR Charging Handle Buyer’s Guide

By
Sam Hoober
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Looking to upgrade your carbine’s ergonomics without breaking the bank? Here are some of the best AR charging handles on the market.

One of the easiest, most cost-effective and most common AR-15 upgrades is the charging handle. But if the mil-spec version has worked just fine for so long, why would you want to? There are a lot of good reasons, as a matter of fact. 

AR-Charging-Handle-feature

So first let's talk about the potential benefits of upgrading your AR charging handle and then go over some great models that fit a number of price points. 

Why Upgrade Your AR Charging Handle? 

There are several aspects where the mil-spec charging handle falls short. There are many aspects of the original M16/AR-15 design that actually hold up very well, but the charging handle generally isn't one of them. 

Cycling the charging handle properly is a fundamental skill all by itself, and it’s the first thing you should learn how to do. Your thumb hits the back of the handle in the center, your finger unlatches and then you pull straight back, making sure not to twist the handle. Failure to do this correctly can take your AR out of the fight.

First, a lot of the mil-spec units on the market are made of flimsy metal. They break (especially the latch and the latch pivot pin) and bend easily. 

Second, the latch mechanism is on the left side, making it a little difficult, though not impossible, for ambidextrous use (shoulder transitions are a thing!) or for left-handed shooters. 

Third, the actual latch lever itself is small and easy to miss if you're trying to run the charging handle fast. Aftermarket units often have enlarged, ambidextrous and even latchless designs. 

Fourth, a lot of shooters today use a suppressor. A standard charging handle will vent gas from blowback out the back of the gun and into the shooter's face. A bevy of aftermarket AR charging handles are designed to bleed blowback gas before it hits you. 

GDCH in AR
SilencerCo's Gas Defeating Charging Handle, designed to mitigate the amount of gas blasted at one's face when shooting suppressed.

Fifth, the wings of the mil-spec handle are rather narrow in width. A lot of people find them difficult to use with some kinds of scopes. In this era of LPVOs and people putting 3×9-40mm scopes on ARs…that's rather important. 

So, prone to breakage, not the most user-friendly, and they don't play well with suppressors and some optics. Those are the biggest reasons to ditch the mil-spec version and upgrade. 

Or, maybe, you just want to put together that Gucci rifle you saw on Instagram because you think it looks cool. There's nothing wrong with that either! 

With all that in mind, here are some really good aftermarket AR charging handles worth upgrading to. 

The Magnificent 7: The Best AR Charging Handles

Radian Raptor

Radian Charging Handle

The Radian Raptor is pretty much the upgrade to get as far as AR charging handles are concerned. They're lightweight, rugged, made from quality materials and are about as proven as aftermarket rifle widgets get. 

The Raptor is made from 7075-T6 aluminum, with an anodized finish in multiple colors. It has an ambidextrous latch design, which is part of what makes it a mainstay of AR-15 upgrades. The standard model goes for about $80ish to $100, which is a bit steep, but you get quality. 

There are also the LT and SD models. The LT uses polymer latch handles and goes for about $20 less, and the SD is designed for use with suppressors. 

Breek Arms Warhammer

Breek-Arms-Warhammer

The Breek Arms Warhammer has a lot of premium features at a very attainable price point. In fact, it was selected as part of InRangeTV's “What Would Stoner Do 2020” rifle, available now from Brownells. 

The handles are wider than mil-spec (2.78 inches wide) so it's easier to use with optics, and it has an ambidextrous latch design. The Warhammer also includes relief cuts to channel blowback through the side of the handle and a raised rear lip to deflect any gas from going in your face. 

It's made of 7075-T6 aluminum and comes in a number of hard anodized coatings for your choice of color. Street prices are typically $40 to $55. 

Strike Industries Phantom Latchless Charging Handle

Strike-Industries-Latchless

The Strike Industries Phantom uses a U-shaped spring to capture the charging handle in the locking area of the receiver, eliminating the need for a latch system. As a result, it's fully ambidextrous, and with the standard handle wings, low-profile. 

The Phantom is, like practically all AR charging handles on the market, made from 7075-T6 aluminum forgings with an anodized coating. You have your choice of multiple colors. It has gas vents, but isn't designed for use with suppressors. If you're going to run a can, you'll have to look elsewhere. Strike Industries also offers handle extensions if you want a wider handle. 

It ticks a lot of good boxes, and prices are generally just under $40. 

BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle

BCM-GF

Another of the mainstays of aftermarket AR charging handles is the Bravo Company Manufacturing Gunfighter series. There are a number of versions, so we’ll treat them as a whole product line. 

The Gunfighter is designed to be low-profile but still deliver performance, with your choice of latch size. Mod 3 handles are the large profile and the Mod 4 is the medium profile. The Mod 4 is still slightly wider than mil-spec, however. 

The Gunfighter uses an exclusive latch system to reduce the stress load on the pivot pin of the latch for smoother use and greater durability. You have your choice of ambidextrous models (which are about $10 extra, give or take) or not. MSRP is $75  to $90, but street prices can be as low as $50. 

Presma Ambidextrous Charging Handle

Presma-Ambi

Another affordable upgrade is the aptly named Ambidextrous Charging Handle by Presma. Street prices are usually under $30, and they are, wait for it, designed for ambidextrous use by virtue of the pivoting wings which engage the latch from either side. 

It includes a rear lip to redirect gases, wider wings than mil-spec and includes textured handle wings for a secure grip whether gloved or not. 

It’s ambi, a bit wider than mil-spec and a little friendlier for a gun with a can…that's a lot of features for less than $30. You also have your choice of several colors of anodized finish, in case basic black is not your thing. 

NBS Billet Extended Latch Charging Handle

NBS-Billet

If you otherwise like the mil-spec design but just wanted it to be a little easier to use and a little less flimsy, check out the NBS Billet Extended Latch model. NBS is the house brand of AR15discounts.com, the one-stop shop for all things AR-15 (and more) on the web, and their products are generally good value for the money. 

The handle is made from 6061-T6 forged billet aluminum for a bit more rigidity, and has an extended charging handle latch on the left side with about an extra .25 inches of material. It's a little easier to grab quickly, and will be easier to use with a scope too. 

It's not the most dramatic upgrade in the world, but it improves the basic charging handle just enough to make a difference and it only costs $23. 

Geissele Super Charging Handle

Geissele-SCH

If nothing but the best will do, the Radian Raptor and the Geissele Super Charging Handle are about as good as it gets. 

The Super Charging handle has ambidextrous latch wings with checkering with X- and Y-axis radius cuts to make it low profile. It includes a rear lip to redirect gases when shooting suppressed, having been specifically designed for SBR and suppressed shooting. 

The Super Charging Handle is available in Black or DDC (Dirt Desert Color), and can be yours for $100 to $120 from most retailers. That’s a bit steep, but Geissele makes some of the best parts (and rifles) money can buy, so it's a buy-once/cry-once proposition. 

Do You Actually Need To Upgrade The Charging Handle? 

On the one hand, a lot of serious work has been accomplished with mil-spec charging handles all over the world throughout the years. With training, they shouldn’t give you any issues either.

On the other hand, the aftermarket exists for a reason. 

So, do you need to upgrade your charging handle? Honestly…need is rather relative. 

If you're a left-handed shooter or you spend a lot of time shooting from both shoulders, it's worth it to upgrade to an ambi AR charging handle to save you effort. It may also be very worth it to get a charging handle that works well with your suppressor, or one with wider latch handles to use with a scope. 

In other words, if you're going to actually benefit from it, it's going to be a worthy investment. If you mostly just plink with your rifle and don't run it hard, shoot suppressed, or shoot from odd positions…it's another $20, $40 or $100 you could have spent on training ammo for improving your skills

Consider what you do with your rifle first. That will tell you if it's a prudent investment. 

More AR Upgrades:

SHOT Show 2023: Holosun Thermal And Night Vision Red Dots

By
Gun Digest Editors
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We Tried Prototype Digital Reflex Optics That Blend a Traditional Red Dot with Thermal or Digital Night Vision Overlay.

Thermal imaging is an incredibly powerful technology, whether it's being used for hog hunting, tracking fugitives from a helicopter, or locating enemy troops on a battlefield. It illuminates warm-blooded creatures instantly, even if they're visually camouflaged and motionless. At SHOT Show 2023 this week, Holosun unveiled an exciting new hybrid optic called the Holosun DRS (Digital Reflex Sight) that integrates a thermal or digital night vision overlay onto a standard red dot. Although it's not ready for retail release yet, there are a handful of prototypes undergoing testing, and we got our hands on both variants at the SHOT Show Range Day.

Holosun DRS Red Dot Hybrid Optic

The new Holosun DRS (formerly known as the DMS in its prototype phase) appears to be based on the popular Holosun AEMS, a compact, enclosed-emitter red dot with flip-down lens covers. However, in this case the front cover is opaque instead of clear. When it's flipped down, the optic works just like a normal red dot with adjustable brightness and Holosun's selectable dot or circle-dot reticles.

When the front lens cover is flipped up, you can press a button to activate the DRS's secondary optical system, which will be projected onto the black window behind the red dot reticle. Since the red dot is independent of the background image, the optic maintains the same zero at all times, day or night.

DRS Versions

We checked out two Holosun DRS sub-models, each with a different secondary overlay:

  • DRS-TH – Thermal optic with various image modes
  • DRS-NV – Digital night vision camera (think along the same lines as the Sionyx Aurora Pro) with infrared illuminator

Above: Editor Tom Marshall tests the Holosun DRS-NV. It can be identified by the top-mounted digital night vision camera, which is slightly smaller than the DRS-TH thermal camera.

The red dot and secondary thermal or NV optic are independent of one another, so during the day you can leave the secondary optic disabled to conserve battery life. Speaking of batteries, the unit is powered by two 18350 rechargeable lithium batteries, which can be charged directly inside the DRS optic via a built-in USB port on the right side of the housing.

That USB port also offers the ability to stream footage to a secondary screen in real-time, so you could connect your DRS to a tablet and use it to observe a static position without getting behind the weapon.

Above: The Holosun DRS-TH Pro (left, with opaque cover flipped down) and DRS-NV (right, with cover flipped up). Note the small protrusion next to the NV camera lens — that's an infrared illuminator for use in environments with no ambient light, such as dark buildings without windows. The illuminator can be toggled on and off independently.

Above: We took several photos and video clips through a pre-production DRS-TH Pro during SHOT Show. This image shows the view with the front cover up and the red dot sight turned on. Ignore the slight blur that was induced by holding our camera behind the optic — the display is quite sharp in person. Click here for a video of the DRS-TH Pro in action.

Initial performance impressions were good, with a clear image and fast refresh rate. The DRS-NV image appeared somewhat dim during our morning trip to the range, but this is understandable due to the bright daylight conditions; it should be much easier to see in the dark conditions it was designed for. The DRS-TH showed body heat prominently in the daylight, with a bright red dot on top.

Above: The DRS-NV digitally intensifies visible and infrared light to generate a monochrome image of the environment. This photo was taken indoors in a well-lit area, but we hope to test it in the dark soon. The red dot sight is turned off in this photo.

Holosun hasn't finalized the designs and features of these optics, but we're told the DRS-NV should be priced under $1,000. That's impressive considering an AEMS red dot is nearly half that without the extra optical system on top. As for the thermal DRS-TH, there will be a standard model available for approximately $1,600 and a premium, higher-resolution DRS-TH Pro model available for about $2,300. We'll keep you posted once we have more details about availability, and we're already planning a thorough review as soon as final production samples are available from Holosun.

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Offgrideweb.com.

More On Pistol Red Dots:

JP Enterprises JP-5 Review

By
Matthew Breuer
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PCCs, are the talk of the town right now. There’s been a substantial rise in their popularity over the past several years … and for good reason: Ammo is affordable, they’re ideal for plinking, they excel in training situations, and they’re downright fun to shoot.

But, how did something that developed out of convenience become a competitive shooting staple, and who sits atop the PCC mountain?

JP-Enterprises-JP-5

Short-Gun Bullets For Long Barrels

Developed in the late 1800s for riders in the West, the early PCC was a convenient way to carry a pistol on the side and a long-gun in the saddle. When times were tough, having to find and buy ammo in two different calibers couldn’t have been easy. Honestly, that can be a battle in today’s economy. Jump forward and look at law enforcement applications. Carrying a .40 in the holster and having a .40 carbine in the patrol car sounds awfully appealing, and it was for many divisions.

Now, move forward once more to 2016, when the USPSA started allowing PCCs in competition—and things took off. PCC competitions are now some of the fullest and most attended shoots, and PCC sales are through the roof. This brings us to the current day, where PCCs are designed not only out of convenience, but with serious competitive shooters and gun enthusiasts in mind. One of those carbines is the new JP-5 from JP Enterprises.

JP-Enterprises-PCC-outside
A full view of the JP-5 topped with a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.

While JP Enterprises might not be a household name to the average shooter, competition shooters and marksmen looking for high-quality parts know the name by heart. JP is a small Minnesota-based company that prides themselves in making quality parts and guns. Their attention to detail and innovative nature make their products top-tier. The JP-5 PCC shows that.

For years, direct blowback guns have dominated the PCC competition scene. JP’s own GMR-15 is a direct blowback design that resides in the hands of roughly 35 percent of the top shooters on the PCC scene. But, with speed, weight and reliability being imperative to competition shooters, JP decided to push even further, using the famous Heckler & Koch MP5’s roller delayed-blowback system in the JP-5. The roller delayed is widely considered the softest-shooting of delayed-blowback systems available and, without a doubt, the best.

Federal-Syntech-and-Glock-mag
The author fed the rifle several loads and all cycled well.

The roller delayed-blowback system utilizes two rollers on the bolt that implement the delay needed to prevent premature bolt opening. Straight-blowback systems require the use of a heavy bolt … and a lot of reciprocating mass. With the delayed roller, you lose the weight and have far less recoil. The incredible recoil reduction allows for faster recovery and target indexing.

JP took the roller lock bolt system and teamed it with the things we all love about AR platform, and they produced a superior PCC. According to JP team shooter Josh Froelich, “The JP-5 shoots like a .223, not a 9mm carbine.”

JP-5-loading
The JP-5 uses standard Glock mags and features an oversized magwell.

Making A Name For Itself

The similarities between the MP5 and the JP-5 are deeper than the use of the delayed roller system. In fact, many of the parts are interchangeable. The firing pin, firing pin spring, rollers, roller retaining spring, extractor, extractor spring and lock pieces can all be swapped.

“PCC has been a fantastic opportunity for us the past few years, but we knew that we’d taken the direct blowback as far as it could go,” said JP Marketing Manager Jesse Gangl. “To really innovate and improve, we had to look at a new style of operating system. Building on the legendary reputation of the H&K MP5, the JP-5 incorporates all of the magic of a roller-delayed system with everything people like about the AR platform. The result is that there’s just no comparison for recoil impulse or follow-up shot speed between the JP-5 and anything out there today. It will be the gun to have for PCC going forward.”

JP-Silent-Captured-System
The JP-5 features a JP Silent Captured Spring.

JP didn’t stop with the hard engineering; they wanted the entire gun to shine. From the Enhanced Reliability Fire Control trigger that pops at 3.5 to 4 pounds, to using their Silent Captured Spring for even less recoil, no stone has been left unturned. Both the trigger and the Silent Captured Spring are adjustable, allowing shooters to customize the gun even further. The Hogue pistol grip and Hogue OverMolded buttstock round out the simple components that increase comfort and make the package come together. The JP-5 uses standard Glock magazines, which makes magazines easy to find and very affordable. Plus, the lower houses a generously oversized magwell for easy reloads.

Field Trials

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the JP-5; I’ve been a PCC fan for years. My for-review competition-ready JP-5 arrived basically ready-to-rock straight out of the box. I added a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 MOA red-dot to it and loaded mags. The Leupold DeltaPoint is a proven red-dot on anything from ARs to shotguns. If one were to push the range limits a bit, utilizing something with some magnification would be suggested. The DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 worked perfectly for what we were doing.

I was pleasantly surprised with the weight of the gun, coming in at 6.2 pounds with the mag and red-dot. The look of the gun was very appealing as well. From the oversized Radian Raptor LT charging handle to the Hogue grip and buttstock, it was extremely clean and visually appealing. The compensator is a large three-port comp, which is generous in size and looks absolutely gorgeous pushing through the handguard.

JP-Enterprises-ambi-controls
The JP-5 is fully ambidextrous.

The guard is perfectly rounded with subtle dimples that make it comfortable to maneuver, and it allows for a light but steady grip. The M-Lok on the grip allows for accessorizing as you please, too. While diving into the mechanical portion of the gun, I found the lower to be fully ambidextrous. Righties and lefties can operate the gun with ease. The mag release is competition grade and made reloads easy and clean.

The gun came with a 90-degree locking piece, but JP can cater your angle based on things like the bullet grain you plan to use, application and barrel length. Eighty to 90 degrees is optimal for people looking to shoot a variety of loads. I chose three different 9mm loads I wanted to feed the JP-5, hoping I’d find out which ammo it didn’t like … but I didn’t find anything it wouldn’t eat. Through 600 rounds, I never had a misfire and only one failure to feed, which was a mag issue. In the PCC world, numbers like that are unheard of.

Between testing and tinkering, three of us went through 250 rounds of 115-grain American Eagle, 250 rounds of 124-grain CCI Blazer and 100 rounds of 150-grain Federal Syntech. The most consistent rounds were the dirtiest, with the Blazer being shot last and with some speed. We had zero issues with any of the ammo. I did throw five rounds of defense loads through it when I got home from the range to be sure they cycled, which they did flawlessly.

Federal-9mm-and-mag
Throughout the testing, 150-grain Federal Syntech ammunition cycled very well.

The carbine was zeroed at 20 yards using the 115-grain American Eagle, and the groupings at 10, 15, 18 and 20 yards were incredible from the get-go. Chrono readings averaged 1,158 fps. I had my 14-year-old son with me, as I really wanted him to see how he felt about it. He pointed out that resting wasn’t realistic for the PCC, especially if one were using it for competition shooting. After the first 100 rounds to establish zero, groupings and get chrono readings, all shots were made with light rest or off-hand. At 10 yards, the gun was printing 1 MOA over, and at 50, the gun was 2 MOA under.

At 100 yards, tapping a 10-inch plate was no problem, but the hold-over with a 1x red dot made it hard to get truly accurate groups. However, light resting a PCC at 100 yards and banging steel is pretty neat. We tried to push the end of the testing by moving toward a speed steel type of shooting, and burned through plenty of Champion VisiShot targets. Even cycling fast, the shots were rarely over 1 MOA at 20 yards.

The gun gets back on target so quickly and shoots true as soon as the dot lands on center. The combination of the delayed roller, Silent Captured Spring, light trigger and overall comfort leads to so little recoil and so much confidence. Even my 14-year-old was able to put 10 shots on target with less than 1.5 seconds between shots, and every hole was tickling center. My wife was able to handle the gun with ease and loved the look and feel of it. She, too, had zero issues with target acquisition.

JP-5-trigger

The JP-5 was, honestly, the best PCC I’ve ever handled, and my son said it was one of the top three guns he’s ever shot. The only potential downside is that price tag on something so well-built is steep: With an MSRP of close to $3,300, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But when you compare it to other high-end competition PCCs, it’s not terrible. This gun is probably not going to fit the budget for the weekend shooter, but serous competitive shooters shouldn’t experience sticker shock, especially considering that the JP-5 needs almost zero modifications to be comp-ready.

PCCs are incredibly fun and don’t bruise the shoulder of the ammo bank. A few other PCCs, MP5 clones, bullpups and the like have drifted through my hands over the years—even an H&K SP5 and a Steyr AUG when I was writing a piece about guns and popular culture. The Die Hard films had a lot to do with making several rifles popular, including the MP5.

But none of them hold a candle to the gun currently on my bench. The JP-5 sits on a mountain alone. It’s the smoothest PCC I’ve ever handled and has been an absolute joy to shoot.

JP-5-Specs

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2022 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

More On PCCs:

SHOT Show 2023: The Good, The New And The Interesting

By
Adam Borisenko
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SHOT Show 2023 has come and gone, here’s a look at what stood out the most to the Gun Digest team during our time walking the show floor.

Pistol: Beretta 80X Cheetah

Beretta-80X-Cheetah-SHOT-Show-2023

Many concealed carriers turn their noses up at .380 ACP, but this little pistol just may be sweet enough to change some minds. Developed from Beretta’s classic Model 84, the new Beretta 80X Cheetah brings the concept into the 21st century. While it retains the same demure size as its predecessor, the 80X now features an optics-ready slide, an accessory rail, a frame-mounted safety/decocker and an updated grip angle.

For those in the market for a new carry gun, see if you can give one of these a try before committing yourself to a larger caliber. It may just win you over.

Rifle: Bond Arms Lever-Action AR-15

Bond-Arms-Lever-AR

Bond Arms had a surprise at its booth this year, and it may just be the pinnacle of the tactical lever-action concept. While lever-action AR hybrids have been experimented with before, they typically had issues with feeding rounds from full magazines with capacities higher than 5 or 10 rounds. Bond Arms’ new model addresses that with a revolutionary new lever system that doesn’t require herculean strength to feed rounds from higher capacity mags.

Even better, the new rifle is about as modular as a standard AR-15. It uses standard AR uppers and takes Remington 870 pattern stocks. The ability to use standard uppers also enables the system to fire a lot more than just 5.56 NATO. Bond Arms hopes to have the new gun available by this time next year for an MSRP of about $1,500.

Bolt-Action Rifle: Aero Solus

Aero-Solus

First teased at SHOT 2022, the Aero Solus is finally available for purchase. A lot of companies are introducing chassis rifles based on the Remington 700 action this year, but in our eyes, Aero’s appears to be the best.

Complete Solus rifles are initially available in a couple of configurations with more on the way, and the company will also be selling standalone actions, barreled actions and the Aero Precision chassis separately. This will enable users to easily configure a build exactly how they want it even if factory options don’t satisfy their needs.

Shotgun: Beretta A3 Ultima Patrol

Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe feature

Beretta’s new A3 Ultima Patrol has a lot going for it. Not only is it an American-made semi-auto 12-gauge with enough tactical flair to compete with established defensive shotguns like the Benelli M4, but it does so for a lot less money.

With an MSRP of only $1,099, the Beretta A3 Ultima Patrol sports a 7+1 capacity, enlarged controls, an enlarged loading port and plenty of M-Lok and QD sling mounting points. Better yet, the shotgun is available with different finish options ranging from gray to tiger stripe.

Optic: Holosun DRS-NV/Holosun DRS-TH

Holosun-SHOT-Show-2023

One of the most impressive products at SHOT Show 2023 came from Holosun in the form of new night vision and thermal reflex sights. They appear to be smaller, lighter and more affordable than any other low-light optics of their kind, making the Holosun DRS-NV and DRS-TH poised to make this technology far more available to average shooters.

The optics can function as standard reflex sights similar to the Holosun AEMS, but when their opaque front lens covers are closed, they also provide a thermal or night vision overlay through the viewing window. Holosun also promises a “Pro” model that will be capable of both night vision and thermal via a modular sensor unit. MSRPs aren’t set in stone, but the DRS-NV will supposedly only cost around $1,000 and should be released by the end of this year.

Suppressor: JK Armament 12-Gauge Suppressors

JK-Armament-12-gauge-suppressors

There were a lot of very impressive suppressors at SHOT Show 2023, but these two new 12-gauge models from JK Armament definitely stood out the most. 12-gauge suppressors are often prohibitively expensive and riddled with issues inherent to suppressing shotguns, but the JK 195 VersaX and JK 195 SGX appear to solve both problems. With MSRPs of only $599 and $899, respectively, the suppressors’ new rounded baffles prevent shot cup plastic from shaving off. This little trick ensures normal flight paths, inhibits internal plastic buildup and majorly reduces wear.

The cherry on top is that JK Armament is offering very affordable barrel threading services as well. This means that even grandpa’s old pump-action could easily be outfitted with one of these new 12-gauge cans. Both models are modular, but the VersaX ships with 8 configurable baffles while the SGX comes with a whopping 14.

Ammo: PSA Steel Case

PSA-Steel-Case-SHOT-Show-2023

Ever since the Russian ammo ban was announced, many shooters have wondered where they’ll find the next steady supply of cheap ammunition. Hopefully, if all goes well, that source will be Palmetto State Armory. It’s been known for some time that PSA’s parent company, JJE, had procured machining from an unnamed European country for producing steel-cased ammo in common Soviet calibers. It seems that the project is moving forward as some sample ammo was on display at SHOT Show 2023.

7.62x39mm, 7.62x54r and 5.45x39mm were present, all packaged in boxes bearing the Soviet Arms brand responsible for some of PSA’s other Combloc products. If this new factory manages to come online and provide ammo at a comparable price and quality to what Tula once did, AK enthusiasts will be able to keep on shooting as if nothing ever changed.

Oddball: Magpul FDC/FDP

Magpul-FDP-Shot-Show-2023

While this little cyberpunk-looking firearm probably won’t have any real impact on the concealed carry market, it’s very cool nonetheless. There aren’t many clear scenarios where the FDC or FDP would be better to have than a standard handgun with a light, but the ability to fold itself into a compact rectangle with a carry handle is too unique to go unmentioned. The pistol parts are going to be made by ZEV Technologies and the plastic components will be made by Magpul, and the companies hope for it to be available by this time next year.

Historical: PSA Sturmgewehr Clone

PSA-Sturmgewehr-SHOT-Show-2023

Nearly ten years in the making, the American Sturmgewehr clone by Hill & Mac Gunworks is finally on the way to becoming a reality. Development was slow and messy, as is often the case with small-scale boutique reproductions such as this, but thankfully the project was acquired by Palmetto State Armory.

If anyone has the production capabilities and capital to bring this gun to market, it’s PSA. As a testament to that, there appeared to be a complete and functioning model on display at the company’s booth at SHOT Show 2023. Just as the original promised by HMG, the PSA version will be available in 7.62x39mm, 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK and the original 8mm Kurz.

Accessory: Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture

Midwest-Industries-Alpha-Series-AK

With access to Russian-made Zenitco furniture having been cut off, American AK enthusiasts were seriously lacking in good tactical furniture options. Many were willing to pay out the nose for used Zenitco stuff, but thankfully Midwest Industries has just released the Alpha Series.

Alpha Series AK furniture appears to be of equal quality and functionality to the original Russian-made models that helped inspire it, but it accomplishes that for much more reasonable prices. The various handguards and optics mounts are pretty specific to AK-pattern rifles, but because the new stock attaches via Picatinny rail, it’s also compatible with any firearm that features the appropriate hardware on the rear of its receiver.

More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • One Double-Ought Six: Smith & Wesson 1006 Review

    By
    Jim House
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    An in-depth look at the mighty Smith & Wesson 1006 in 10mm Auto.

    It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention. Many useful products have resulted from the efforts of someone to improve something that didn’t work well.

    For example, a highly publicized shootout in 1986, in which two FBI agents were killed, had some people convinced the 9mm Luger pistols used by agents weren’t able to keep two suspects from fighting on for far too long.

    Whatever the case may be, it was determined that handguns chambered for a more potent cartridge were in order. Attention was turned to the 10mm Auto, a .40-caliber cartridge made in 1983 by adapting a shortened .30 Remington case. The shortened case was used with bullets designed for the .38-40 Winchester. Instrumental in the development of the cartridge was Jeff Cooper, who was always a proponent of large-caliber pistols such as the .45 Auto.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-feature

    Some factory loads for the 10mm Auto develop over 600 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, making such a pistol a very powerful handgun indeed. In fact, in tests it proved to produce more recoil and blast than many agents could deal with.

    Accordingly, a lighter load was developed; the light load was amenable to a shorter case and thus the .40 S&W was developed. Such cartridges could be adapted to shorter and lighter pistols of a size that fired 9mm Luger cartridges. There’s no free lunch, and it has subsequently been observed that even the .40 S&W is a bit much for many officers, and the cartridge is hard on the machinery in small pistols.

    As a result, after the dust settled, the FBI returned to service pistols chambered for the 9mm Luger. However, handguns (both autoloaders and revolvers) in 10mm Auto caliber are often chosen by hunters or for defense in wild areas.

    A Pistol With Punch

    The first pistol chambered for the 10mm Auto was the Bren Ten, but production of that pistol was short-lived. Soon after, Colt produced the Delta Elite in 10mm Auto, and Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 1006. The Colt pistol is a single-action autoloader that operates in the manner of the Model 1911 .45 Auto. However, the S&W 1006 is a double-action pistol that doesn’t need to be cocked for the first shot.

    Thereafter, firing is in the single-shot mode. The double-action trigger pull is smooth and relatively light.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-trigger-guard
    When fired using two hands, the checkering on the front of the trigger guard is functional.

    The S&W 1006 is a brute of a pistol made of all stainless steel. It has a 5-inch barrel and utilizes a single-stack magazine holding 9 rounds, offering 10 rounds with a cartridge in the chamber. It features dual slide-mounted safety levers that also serve to de-cock the pistol safely when the cocked pistol has a round chambered. The pistol also features a firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from striking a chambered cartridge unless the trigger is pulled.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-safety
    Dual safety levers that also function to de-cock the pistol are found on the 1006.

    The 1006 has a magazine disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired when no magazine is inserted. Grips are made of a plastic developed by General Electric known as Xenoy, and although they’re hard, they feature deep checkering on the side panels and backstrap.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-grip
    The grip is a wrap-around polymer known as Xenoy and although hard, the crisp checkering gives a good grip.

    Several other 10mm pistols were produced by Smith & Wesson based on the 1006 design. One of these, the Model 1076, was produced for the FBI. It had a 4.25-inch barrel and no magazine disconnect so the pistol could be fired with the magazine removed. It also had a frame-mounted de-cocking lever mounted on the left-hand side of the frame similar to that found on Sig pistols.

    SW-10mm-hammer
    In order to move the slide to the rear in reassembly, the ejector and firing pin safety lever must be depressed.

    Other descendants of the 1006 include the 1026 that features a frame-mounted de-cocker and a 5-inch barrel, the Model 1046 that’s a double-action-only model with a 5-inch barrel, the 1066 that has a 4.25-inch barrel and slide-mounted de-cocking lever, and the 1086 double-action-only model that uses a 4.25-inch barrel.

    The King Of The 10s

    From data I’ve seen, 26,978 units of the Model 1006 were produced, and production of the other 10mm autoloaders totaled only 23,098. In my opinion, the S&W 1006 is the flagship of all 10mm Auto pistols produced by Smith & Wesson.

    It’s a large, heavy pistol that was available with either fixed or adjustable sights. The front sight has a white dot on the rear face of the post, and the rear sight blade has white dots on either side of the notch. Alignment of the dots is an aid in sighting, especially in subdued light. Full-power factory 10mm ammunition is potent.

    10mm-Auto-Case
    Reduced loading of the 10mm Auto (left) led to a shorter cartridge, the .40 S&W.

    The maximum pressure limit set for the cartridge is 37,500 psi so 10mm pistols are robust, and the S&W 1006 certainly is. My 1006 has fixed sights and, with an empty magazine inserted, weighs 41 ounces on a postal scale. The physical characteristics of the pistol are such that when carried its presence will always be felt.

    Although the S&W 1006 is a rather complicated pistol, it’s a simple matter to disassemble it for routine cleaning. With the magazine removed and the pistol cocked, the slide is moved to the rear until the notch on the slide aligns with the tab on the slide-stop pin. The slide-stop pin can be pushed out of the frame from right to left. With the pin removed, the slide can be moved forward off the frame.

    SW-10mm-chamber
    Unlike many autoloaders, the case is fully supported by the barrel in the 1006.

    With the slide and barrel assembly inverted, the guide rod, recoil spring and barrel are accessed. The guide rod is held at the rear by a circular flange that mates with a notch on the underside of the barrel lug. The forward end of the recoil spring is captured in the recess on the slide. Pushing forward on the flange allows it to be freed from the barrel lug so that the guide rod and recoil spring can be removed from the rear. Cleaning and lubricating are now done in the conventional manner.

    SW-10mm-spring
    A full-length guide rod is used for the strong recoil spring, which requires considerable force to compress.

    Reassembly is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process with a few minor issues. First, the barrel is placed in the slide in the locked position with the locking lug on the barrel in the mating notch in the slide. Second, the recoil spring is placed on the guide rod with the forward end inserted in the recess at the forward end of the slide. The spring is compressed by applying sufficient pressure at the rear end to make it possible to place the retaining flange on the barrel lug. This takes some hand strength! The slide is placed on the frame and moved rearward where it encounters the extractor.

    SW-10mm-guide-rod
    A small flange on the end of the guide rod rests against the barrel lug.

    Third, the extractor must be pushed downward into the frame to enable the slide to continue its movement to the rear. Next, the slide encounters the firing pin safety lever, which must also be pushed downward into a recess in the frame. The slide can now be moved fully to the rear. When the notch in the slide aligns with the tab on the slide stop pin, the pin can be inserted.

    SW-10mm-slide
    The inside of the slide is labeled “10 MM” and reveals the groove in which the locking lug rests.

    Big Ballistics

    Some factory loads gave the following velocities (in feet per second at 10 feet from the muzzle) in my pistol: CCI Blazer 200-grain FMJ, 983 fps; Hornady Critical Defense 165-grain FTX, 1,231 fps; Hornady Custom 180-grain, 1,238 fps; Remington 180 FMJ, 1,105 fps; Winchester Silvertip 175-grain, 1,240 fps; and Winchester Subsonic 180-grain, 947 fps.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-muzzle
    Firing the high-pressure 10mm cartridge, a heavy barrel is found on the 1006.

    Interestingly, the Hornady Custom and Winchester Silvertip loads produce 613 and 598 foot-pounds, respectively, and the values would be slightly higher at the muzzle. Such performance is one reason why potent 10mm pistols are often chosen to provide security in remote places where there may be large predators. I’ve carried my S&W 1006 in some such places and although it’s heavy, it provides a considerable measure of reassurance.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-barrel
    The S&W 1006 locks into the slide by means of a heavy lug surrounding the barrel.

    Most of the factory and handloads I’ve used in my 1006 hit very close to the point of aim at 25 yards, so the fixed sights aren’t an issue. I was once shooting at a target placed at 100 yards using my S&W 1006. My brother and I walked to the target, and although I didn’t get a small group, my brother commented, “I would not want you shooting at me at 100 yards with that thing!” Such is the nature of the 10mm S&W 1006. For a handgun, it shoots flat and hits hard.

    Smith-and-Wesson-1006-10mm-w-target
    The S&W 1006 isn’t only potent, it’s accurate as shown by this seven-shot cluster obtained at 25 yards.

    At one time, 10mm-caliber handguns were rather scarce, but there’s a resurgence of interest in such powerful tools and several manufacturers have responded to the demand. There’s a strong following of the S&W 10mm pistols, and a nice Smith & Wesson 1006 now will cost between $1,000 and $1,200, but they’re seldom seen. I once read this statement in a review of a certain automobile: “It is good mount for those who like to drive.” With regard to the S&W 1006, my comment is that “it is a good handgun for those who like power and performance.”

    Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2022 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

    More Handgun Reviews:

    SHOT Show 2023 Picks: Fossari CRX9 Sporting Over/Under

    By
    Corey Graff
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    Rifles and handguns may have dominated this year’s SHOT Show, but the Fossari CRX9 Sporting plays to serious shotgun shooters.

    Among high-end sporting shotguns for the top-tier trap games, competition is not just fierce among shooters on the range but between manufacturers who keep pushing the limits on competition shotguns. Case in point: The Fossari CRX9 Sporting from F.A.I.R., or Fabrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini, the Italian firearm concern.

    Fossari-Sporting
    The Fossari’s triple-grip surfaces sport fine-pitched high-relief checkering. “Superior-quality walnut” with three hand-applied oil coatings makes it possible for a gunsmith to adjust the length of pull and refinish — no one the wiser!

    As a result, retail prices soar on elite shotgun brands, with serious competitors dishing out the price of a new vehicle without batting an eye. But while the Fossari CRX9 aims to compete with those top dogs, its price tag may have them beaten by a long shot.

    Available in two versions—one a fixed rib, the other an adjustable rib—it’ll set you back $5,500 to $5,800 for the former and a touch over $6,000 for the latter.

    Fossari-CRX9-SPORTING-feature
    The CRX9’s barrels are fully chromed for durability, corrosion resistance, and improved shot patterns. Long XCONES forcing cones improve perceived recoil and shot patterns, Fossari says.

    “It is made to compete with the other boss-action shotguns by Perrazi and Krieghoff for a lot better value,” Larry Pancake of the Italian Firearms Group told Gun Digest. IFG is the U.S. importer of the F.A.I.R. guns.

    The shotgun joins four others in the CRX9 line (Trap, Skeet, Sporting BSS and Sporting BSR) and is a true boss-action shotgun with a removable trigger group, extended choke tubes and extended forcing cones plus “all the bells and whistles that you’d want on a full-blown sporting shotgun,” says Pancake.

    Fossari-CRX9
    The Fossari CRX9 Sporting gets you in the high-end trap game for a lot less money than many competing brands, which command prices equivalent to some new cars. The CRX9? A cat’s whisker north of $6,000 for the adjustable rib version.

    Like the other Fossaris in the range, the Sporting version’s barrels use XBORES drilling, cut with the traditional bar drilling method, which Fossari says guarantees concentricity and strength. The chambers have long X-CONES forcing cones that the company insists improve the recoil perception. Internally they are fully chromed for durability, resistance to corrosion and improved shot patterns..

    Muzzles guide shot to clay with Fossari’s 3.54-inch-long Technichoke HPS90 chokes, which use a long interior taper that the company claims improve shot patterns.

    Other refinements abound, including interchangeable hinge pins for future servicing and triple-grip surfaces with fine-pitched high-relief checkering. Fossari calls its wood “superior-quality walnut” and gives it three hand-applied oil coatings.

    Fossari-CRX9-case
    A fitted, airline-approved lockable case looks as good as the shotgun it encases. Casino jacket not included.

    The Fossari CRX9 Sporting comes in a fitted, airline-approved lockable case that looks almost as good as Larry Pancake’s lucky casino jacket!    

    Fossari CRX9 Sporting Specs:

    • Gauge: 12
    • Chamber: 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch
    • Barrels: 28 inches or 30 inches
    • Chokes: TC HPS5
    • System: MS (single selective trigger)
    • Stock Length: 14.76 inches
    • Weight: 8.6 pounds
    • MSRP: $5,500-$6,300

    For more information, please visit fossari.it.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • SHOT Show 2023 Day 4: Bushnell Match Pro ED 15×56 Binoculars

    By
    Adam Borisenko
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    3

    Bushnell is releasing Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars, loaded with features to make them better for spotting.

    While most binocular users only require simple magnification, there are more specialized uses for them as well. For those who need a bit more capability, Bushnell is releasing the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars.

    Match-Pro-ED-15×56-Binoculars-feature

    The Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars feature a MIL-grid reticle in the right barrel, allowing for shot correction and target ranging. This enables their use as a spotting scope as well, but also provides all the advantages of binoculars. Namely, better field of view and excellent glass.

    Match-Pro-ED-15×56-Binoculars-reticle

    The new binoculars also feature dual eye focus adjustment and a new specialized tool designed to make them even better when being used by a spotter. If you’ve ever been behind glass on a tripod for a prolonged period, you’ll know that it’s easy to inadvertently adjust binoculars when trying to stabilize them. The Match Pro ED binos have a solution for that, however—the BridgeSet IPD stabilizer. It can be installed on either bridge, and when locked, prevents the barrels from moving. These new features will surely be attractive to long-range competition shooters.

    Match-Pro-ED-15×56-Binoculars-bridge-lock

    Bushnell says that the new binoculars should be hitting shelves within the next few months and they have an MSRP of $699.99.

    For more information, please visit bushnell.com.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • SHOT Show 2023 Day 4: TwoSee/XNihilo Optic Irons

    By
    Adam Borisenko
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    TwoSee/XNihilo, a new company on the block, had a very interesting product on display at SHOT Show 2023 called Optic Irons.

    TwoSee, also known as XNihilo, is a small and relatively new company based in California. At SHOT Show 2023, however, the company was showing off a pretty big idea that I’m surprised I hadn’t seen being done before. Called Optic Irons, they are rear iron sights that can be directly attached to a pistol red dot to enable co-witnessing through the optic.

    XNihilo-Optic-Irons-feature
    These prototype Optic Irons are not coated in anything, but the final product will be.

    The Optic Irons will be available in a wide variety of different heights to enable co-witnessing with any combination of optic and handgun model. The sights mount using the same screw holes that attach the red dot to the slide, and the company claims that the solution has many benefits over red dots with integral sight channels.

    XNihilo-Optic-Irons

    Firstly, because it removes the need for a traditional slide-mounted rear sight, the design allows for the red dot to be mounted in the space that it typically occupies. Moving the optic farther back on the slide should make it faster to acquire the red dot. It also places the Optic Irons in a more protected location that helps prevent snagging. Also, because the Optic Irons attach via the same mounting screws as the red dot, it always places them perfectly centered and zeroed for windage.

    XNihilo-Optic-Irons-comparison
    This photo shows how much farther back a pistol red dot can be mounted on the slide when not using traditional rear iron sights.

    These tiny pieces of metal require very precise machining to make, something that TwoSee/XNihilo is very familiar with as the company also offers some truly custom slide-milling work. If you want to see some of that, it will be featured in the March issue of Gun Digest. Otherwise, keep an eye out for Optics Irons hitting the market in a few months or less.

    For more information, please visit xnihilo.us.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • KRISS Vector CRB 9mm Review

    By
    Adam Borisenko
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    1

    There’s no doubt that the KRISS Vector CRB has very little recoil, but does this and other benefits justify the cost?

    The KRISS Vector is an iconic firearm, and it may have achieved that status quicker than any other. Much of this is due to its striking appearance which distinguishes it from all other PCCs and submachine guns. The unique aesthetic wasn’t chosen to merely set it apart visually, however, it’s the direct result of the Vector’s unorthodox internals.

    The heart of this is something the company refers to as the KRISS Super V System (KSVS), and it was designed to drastically reduce recoil and muzzle climb. This system is also what gives the Vector its above-average price tag. The only real question then is whether the benefits of the KRISS Vector justify the gun’s cost.

    I won’t beat around the bush, the gun has very little felt recoil, but not all of that can be attributed to the high-tech and expensive KSVS.

    KRISS-Vector-review-feature-1

    KRISS Vector Background

    First announced in 2007 and commercially available a couple of years later, it didn’t take long for the space-age aesthetics of the KRISS Vector to catch the eye of the general public. This was reinforced by its prominent use in films and video games shortly after the gun was released. From the 2012 remake of Total Recall to Call of Duty, the gun was still quite new by the time non-firearm enthusiasts started to recognize it for its unique look too.  

    KRISS-Vector-CRB

    As mentioned, the primary selling point of the Vector is how little recoil it produces, and this caught the eye of some law enforcement and military groups as well. Naturally, these organizations use the select-fire (and original) variants of the gun, not the semi-auto Vector CRB commercial version that’s the focus of this review. I can’t speak to the efficacy of the recoil system in full-auto, but it would almost certainly be more beneficial than when shooting in semi.

    Assuming that you’re a civilian considering purchasing a Vector CRB on your own dime, then you’re probably wondering whether the KRISS Super V System will make a noticeable and worthwhile difference in the shooting experience.

    KRISS Super V System

    There’s plenty of information available online if you’re interested in the nitty-gritty of the KSVS, so here we’ll just be going over the fundamentals of how it functions. In a nutshell, the giant block of material between the Vector’s magazine well and trigger guard wasn’t just put there to make it look more sci-fi, it’s there to act as a space for the bolt to cycle down into. By traveling downward instead of rearward like nearly every other self-loading firearm, the energy is diverted from the shooter’s shoulder and repurposed to help fight muzzle climb.

    KRISS-CRB-field-stripped
    Field stripping is easy and intuitive, only requiring the removal of four pins. The KSVS can be seen next to the the gun's Glock-pattern 17-round magazine.

    Recoil is further mitigated by the Vector’s low bore axis which is in line with both the stock and the pistol grip, keeping the energy that does go rearward level with the shooter’s shoulder.

    These factors all contribute to keeping recoil at a minimum, but later we’ll discuss another aspect of the KRISS Vector CRB that helps with that.

    KRISS Vector At The Range

    Starting with the good, the KRISS Vector CRB was very enjoyable to shoot. As advertised, the muzzle barely moves when firing and it’s very easy to remain on target through a string of shots. Even while firing from standing at 30 yards, not much effort is required to quickly put an entire magazine in the A-zone. I did this using the included flip-up iron sights too, so it would only be easier with an optic.

    Vector-Shooting-2

    Despite its odd shape, I also found the Vector CRB to be very ergonomic. The rifle’s center of balance is so far to the rear that it makes it incredibly easy to hold it on target with one hand. For theoretical tactical applications of this gun, that’s a very useful feature to have. If one of your arms is out of commission for whatever reason, the Vector can still be fired with reasonable accuracy and efficiency with a single hand. It also makes it easier to hold the gun in your “workspace” during reloads.

    The CRB was also very accurate, and when firing from a bench it had no issue printing tight groups on paper at 50 yards and ringing steel at 100 yards. Again, I did this testing using only the included iron sights, but that’s where we start getting into the quirks of this gun.

    While the radically different design of the Vector certainly has some benefits, it results in some direct drawbacks as well. Pertaining to aiming specifically, the low bore axis that tames recoil also creates a large offset between the bore and the sights. Anyone who regularly shoots AR-15s should be familiar with this phenomenon, but it's even more pronounced on the Vector.

    This isn’t a true issue if you understand how it works and how to compensate for it, but it’s also obviously less intuitive than with rifles that have less distance between the sights and the bore. During my testing of the rifle, all it required was adjusting my point of aim a few inches low to hit the center of my target about 30 yards away. When firing at a half-scale silhouette steel plate at 100 yards, no compensation was required. It’s also worth mentioning that the irons are adjustable for both windage and elevation, but I left them set as they were at the factory. All this really means for a prospective KRISS Vector buyer is that I’d recommend choosing an optic that can be mounted as low as possible.

    The final contributor to the gun’s shootability is that the trigger felt very nice with a crisp break, no mush and a relatively short reset.

    Vector-Shooting-1

    As for general reliability and other little hiccups, the Vector performed almost flawlessly. The only malfunction I experienced can probably be attributed to the lack of a break-in period, and all that happened was the bolt locked to the rear once while halfway through a magazine. Dropping the bolt brought it back into action and it chugged through the rest of the testing without issue. The ammo used was primarily Remington UMC 115-grain and Federal American Eagle 115-grain. Shout out to Federal for supplying some of the ammo for this review.

    The only other Vector quirks worth mentioning pertain to loading the weapon. The charging handle is notoriously stiff and my example was no different, and loaded magazines don’t like locking in on a closed bolt. Neither of these should be true problems in the field, however, as just like an AR-15 the charging handle only needs to be used during the original loading. All subsequent magazines can be easily inserted with the bolt locked back, and the bolt just as easily dropped using the generous release button.

    Verdict

    Finally we arrive at the question of whether or not the KRISS Vector CRB is worth its asking price of $1,799.

    That’s hard to answer, as things are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them, and there are certainly people who want a Vector badly enough to pay that. The rifle’s construction is undoubtedly high quality and matches its futuristic aesthetic, and it does feel like an expensive gun when you hold one in your hands.

    KRISS-CRB-table

    As to whether I’d recommend this gun to the average shooter looking for a PCC? The answer is probably not.

    When shooting the KRISS Vector, I couldn’t help but feel that the primary contributor to its low recoil was its high weight. The CRB variant is a rifle with a 16-inch barrel shrouded in a faux suppressor, and the whole package weighs 8 pounds unloaded. While I’m sure the KSVS also helps, even without it, an 8-pound 9mm rifle with an inline stock should still be extremely pleasant to shoot.

    When it comes to 9mm rifles with inline stocks, options are plentiful in the AR flavor of PCCs. And they can cost a whole lot less too.

    9mm AR-style rifles have an average weight of between 6 and 7 pounds. With a lower weight and no fancy KSVS recoil system, out of the box, these will surely have more recoil than the KRISS. Given the AR platform’s modularity, however, I’m confident that one could be built that has comparable recoil to the Vector CRB for far less money.

    Even a cheap 9mm AR can have its spring replaced with a stronger one or its buffer replaced with a heavier one for not much cash. A muzzle brake could also be installed and there are many ways to add extra weight to the entire package too. I, unfortunately, didn’t have access to a gun like this while reviewing the Vector, so a side-by-side test wasn’t possible. I can’t say for certain whether this hypothetical 9mm AR would shoot as nice as the KRISS does, but I’m sure it could come pretty damn close at a fraction of the cost. For most in the market for a PCC, that's going to be good enough.

    KRISS-Vector-stock-extended

    The Vector CRB is a very nice rifle and I had a good time shooting it. If you’re enamored by either the appearance or mechanical qualities of this gun and can afford to buy one, then by all means go for it.

    If, however, you’re an average American shooter just looking for a PCC, something descended from the original space-age polymer Wunderwaffe of Stoner design can get you there for a lot less money.

    More On PCCs:

    SHOT Show 2023 Picks: Browning Citori High Grade 50th Anniversary

    By
    Corey Graff
    -
    0

    Browning celebrates 50 years of the successful Miroku-made Citori with an over/under shotgun for the most discerning wingshooter or collector. 

    Since 1973, the Citori line of affordable over/under shotguns has been among Browning’s most successful. The line, which traces its lineage from John Browning’s Superposed masterpieces, is renowned for its close attention to detail, a hallmark of the Japanese-made Miroku guns.

    Browning-Citori-High-Grade-2

    For 2023, the Citori High Grade 50th Anniversary capstones the line’s endurance in the market with a stunning tribute to Browning’s design.

    Browning-Citori-High-Grade-1

    The first thing that grabs you is the sharply chiseled floral engraving cut into the silver nitride receiver sides and beneath, looking the part of the finest bespoke shotguns. Gold accents and Grade IV Turkish walnut stock and forearm leave clay busters lusting, racing to max out credit cards to get one (she MSRPs for $8,399.99).

    Browning-Citori-High-Grade-3

    The gun can be had with either 28- or 30-inch barrels, with a standard Invector-Plus Midas choke system.  

    And it’s not just eye candy. Here are a few additional goodies you’ll find on this anniversary model:   

    • Silver nitride steel receiver sports 24 karat gold enhancements and Browning’s 50 years logo
    • Grade IV Turkish walnut stock with proprietary premium gloss oil finish process, cut checkering, right-hand palm swell and nameplate inlay for the owner’s initials
    • A letter of authenticity
    • High-gloss blued barrels 
    • Inflex II recoil pad
    • Triple Trigger System with three trigger shoes
    • HiViz Pro Comp sight and ivory mid-bead
    • Five Midas extended choke tubes
    • POI: 50/50

    Rumor has it that Browning will produce 250 guns, but the Browning booth was busier than public land on opening day, so Gun Digest could not confirm that figure by press time. However, one thing’s for sure: Browning designers seem to have hit the target with this one as SHOT attendees gravitated to the beauty like bees to sweet honey. Here’s to 50 more years!

    Browning Citori High Grade 50th Anniversary Specs:

    • Gauge: 12 
    • Chamber Length: 3-inch
    • Barrel Length: 28 or 30 inches
    • Overall Length: 47.5 inches
    • Length of Pull: 14.75 inches    
    • Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
    • Drop at Heel: 1.25 inches 
    • Weight: 7 pounds, 15 ounces
    • Chokes Included: Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet  
    • MSRP: $8,399.99

    For more information, please visit browning.com.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • SHOT Show 2023 Day 3: Midwest Industries Alpha Series AK Furniture

    By
    Adam Borisenko
    -
    0

    Midwest Industries has just unveiled its new line of Alpha Series AK furniture at SHOT Show 2023.

    If you’ve paid any attention to the AK community recently, you’ll know that there are a lot of Americans who want to trick their guns out with Zenitco furniture. The company’s products are generally accepted to be the best way to turn an AK into a 21st-century fighting rifle and are the go-to option for Russian special forces groups and other AK-using operators around the globe. Even when the Russian-made furniture was being imported into the U.S., it was quite expensive. After it stopped coming in due to recent world events, many were willing to pay ludicrous prices to get their hands on some. Some of this was due to the desire for authenticity, and some was due to a lack of anything else comparable existing in the AK furniture market. Looking to domestically produce an alternative to fill this void, Midwest Industries has just released the Alpha Series.

    Midwest-Industries-Alpha-Series-feature
    An AK fitted with the Alpha Series furniture. This model features the 10-inch handguard and has its stock in the collapsed position.

    The Midwest Industries Alpha Series lineup includes two handguards, a folding stock, two optics mounts, a hinged dust cover and a light/laser mount. The handguards have M-LOK slots and are available in either 6- or 10-inch lengths (MSRPs are $199.95 and $229.95, respectively). The optics mounts are available with either a Picatinny rail or with an Aimpoint T2-pattern red dot mount, and they share an MSRP of $169.95. The hinged dust cover also features a Picatinny rail for optics, and the hinge ensures that there will be no zero shift (MSRP is $254.95). The light and laser mount features rails on both sides, can be installed on barrels between .580- and .700-inches in diameter and has an MSRP of $69.95.

    Midwest-Industries-Alpha-Series-Folding-Stock

    The Midwest Industries Alpha Series Folding Stock will likely be the most popular accessory in the lineup. It can be attached to any firearm with a 1913 rail adaptor, not just AKs, and it can be configured for either right- or left-side folding. It also features an adjustable length of pull, adjustable cheek riser height and three QD sling attachment points. MSRP is $289.95.

    Midwest-Industries-Alpha-Series-AK
    This AK is fitted with the Alpha Series 6-inch handguard and has its stock extended.

    For more information, please visit midwestindustriesinc.com.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • SHOT Show 2023 Day 2: Beretta 80X Cheetah

    By
    Adam Borisenko
    -
    0

    At SHOT Show 2023 Beretta unveiled the return of its classic .380 ACP pistol line, only this time modernized for the 21st century and called the 80X Cheetah.

    At one point in time, Beretta’s .380 ACP Model 84 Cheetah filled an important niche in the concealed carry market. There simply weren’t many other compact double-stack pistols that packed 13 rounds into such a small package. Today, the carry pistol market is dominated by micro 9mm pistols which have similar capacities, smaller profiles and are chambered for the more powerful 9x19mm Luger. Why, then, would Beretta bring back a once-discontinued pistol in a caliber that’s mostly been usurped? Because the company made it better than ever before, and because the Cheetah is too cool to be abandoned.

    Beretta-80X-Cheetah-1

    Firstly, while .380 ACP may not be as powerful as 9x19mm, it’s still plenty lethal and produces more manageable recoil. There is certainly a market that will find this attribute appealing. Besides that, the new 80X Cheetah has several other updates that should make it a joy to both shoot and carry.

    80X Cheetah

    While it no longer has the same sleek, sexy lines or bluing of its older Model 84 counterpart, the 80X Cheetah has been transformed into a true modern carry pistol fit for the 21st century. New features include an optics-ready slide, an adjustable X-treme S Trigger and a Vertec grip with a redesigned shape and angle. It also now sports a Picatinny rail for accessories and a new frame-mounted safety/decocker.

    80X-optics-ready-slide

    While handling the Beretta 80X Cheetah on the show floor the trigger and action both felt great, and the overall package felt extremely well-engineered and manufactured. MSRP is $799 and it is available now.

    For more information, please visit beretta.com.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line

    • SHOT Show 2023 Picks: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe Shotgun

    By
    Corey Graff
    -
    0

    Like something you’d expect to see in the next “Predator” sequel, Beretta’s A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe might be the best-looking tactical shotgun at SHOT Show 2023.

    Beretta has quite possibly built the perfect patrol shotgun, and it did so with features that’ll give the Benelli M4 Tactical and Beretta’s Model 1301 a run for their money for a whole lot less dough: The MSRP? Just $1,099.00.

    Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe feature
    Kurt Plaskett, a Southeast Rep for Beretta, noted that between the black synthetic and tiger stripe model, the latter is quickly racking up far more orders.

    Built around Beretta’s A300 semi-auto action, this new tactical shotgun sports enlarged controls for enhanced dexterity under stress, whether you’re a pro clearing a room or maintaining your security perimeter at the home compound.

    Available only in 12-gauge, you’ll find an enhanced loading port, a thinner forend design with multiple M-Lok and QD sling mounting points and a 7+1-shot extended magazine tube secured by a custom barrel clamp with integral M-Lok capability.

    Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe Shotgun 2
    Built around Beretta’s A300 semi-auto action, this new tactical shotgun sports enlarged controls for enhanced dexterity under stress.

    Graham Kohlmeyer, Director of Product Development for Beretta, tells us the Italian firm will produce just 1,500 units of the shotgun and is experimenting in the market with unique short-run designs shortly.

    Locked, Loaded, and Ready: Dive Into Shotgun Basics

    Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe Shotgun 3
    A factory rear ghost ring sight acquire the target fast, but a Pic rail is also installed for a red-dot sight.

    The hubbub in the booth was that the tiger stripe model was vastly outselling the black synthetic version, so the strategy seems to have traction.

    SPECS:

    Model Name: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Tiger Stripe
    MSRP: $1,099.00
    Barrel Length: 19.1 inches
    Choke: MC
    Gauge: 12
    Total Length: 38 inches
    Weight: 7.1 pounds
    Chamber: 3-inch

    For more information, please visit beretta.com.

    More Shot Show 2023 Coverage:

    SHOT Show 2023 Day 2: Zastava M70 ZPAP Underfolder

    By
    Adam Borisenko
    -
    0

    Zastava USA had a genuine underfolder variant of the ZPAP M70 on its wall this year at SHOT Show 2023, and it’s sure to please a lot of AK enthusiasts who’ve been requesting the import for some time.

    Earlier this year, Zastava released an underfolder stock kit that could be installed on standard fixed-stock ZPAP M70 rear trunnions. This was a new concept, as normal underfolder AKs require a dedicated rear trunnion specifically designed to accommodate them.

    ZPAP-Underfolder-kit
    The new underfolder kit from Zastava, shown installed on a standard ZPAP M70.

    While this new stock gave M70 users a nice option, many viewed it as a half-baked attempt at the real deal. Hearing these complaints, Zastava decided to deliver what the people want by importing a true underfolder ZPAP M70 variant.

    Zastava-ZPAP-M70-Underfolder-feature
    The new genuine underfolder ZPAP M70 variant with an affixed bayonet.

    Yugo-pattern underfolder AKs have been imported before, but it’s been quite some time, and it was before the current iteration known as ZPAPs which are generally regarded as the highest quality AKs that Zastava has ever brought into the U.S. Now those who were in the market for an underfolder AK can have a more genuine version of what was almost certainly the most popular and iconic AK variant in Yugoslavian/Serbian military service.

    The Zastava rep told us that they should be hitting shelves later this year and should only have a slightly higher MSRP than the standard ZPAP. They also claimed that there will be another version released later with a side scope rail that will still allow the stock to be folded (when there is no optic mounted). Underfolder AKs traditionally lacked the optics rail as it interfered with the stock, but apparently, Zastava has modified the design of either the rail, stock or both to allow them to exist on the same rifle. As a bonus, the underfolder ZPAP rifles will also be sporting bayonet lugs.

    For more information, please visit zastavaarmsusa.com.

    More Imported AK Options:

    SHOT Show 2023 Picks: Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Holosun Micro Dot Combo

    By
    Corey Graff
    -
    0

    Mossberg’s new 940 Pro tactical shotguns are duty-ready, whether your duty is keeping the homefront safe or surviving the collapse of Western civilization.

    A pair of semi-auto Mossberg 940 Pro shotguns was unveiled at SHOT Show 2023. These are of the tactical variety, with plenty of acumen to cover homeowners in the event of a violent home assault or whatever threat you may face in the uncertain future. The optic-ready 940 Pro Tactical version has a cut receiver for Shield RMSc-footprint reflex-style optics. If you want to affix a rail-mounted optics system, that receiver is drilled and tapped. Both are chambered in 12-gauge, and standard features include 18.5-inch AccuChoke-compatible barrels.

    Mossberg-940-PRO-feature
    Equipped with Holosun’s HS407K open reflex optic sight, up to 50,000 hours of battery life, a 6-MOA dot, 12 brightness settings, and a Shake Awake feature—convenient for a quick-grab tool in the dead of night.

    In what might be described as the ultimate preppers’ ready-to-run rig—or possibly even a duty-capable platform combo for law enforcement agencies—the 940 Pro Tactical Holosun Micro Dot Combo sports a Holosun HS407K open reflex optical sight (Mossberg includes a cover plate if you pass on the optics).

    Mossberg-940-PRO
    The 940 Pro’s milled receiver places this Holosun reflex sight extremely low, so you get proper cheek weld and sight picture through the sight.

    Other features include an enlarged and beveled loading port and an elongated elevator that Mossberg says is “pinch-free.” A bright orange anodized follower makes it easy for someone with fumbly fingers like me to load quickly. The knurled, extended charging handle and oversized, ergonomic bolt release lever give you Arnold Schwarzenegger leverage. The extended magazine tube lets you stuff 7+1 rounds with 2.75-inch shells. The barrel clamp features a sling swivel stud plus dual-sided M-LOK-compatible slots to hang all your favorite force-multiplier gadgets (such as tactical flashlights).

    Mossberg-940-PRO-holosun

    SPECS:

    • Model: Mossberg Model 940 Pro Tactical
    • Gauge/Chamber: 12/3-inch
    • Capacity: 7+1 (With 2.75-inch shells)
    • Barrel/Finish: 18.5-inch/matte
    • Sights: Fiber Optic Front/Optics-Ready (Holosun Micro Dot for combo model)
    • Chokes: Cylinder Accuchoke
    • Overall Length: 37 inches
    • LOP: 12.5-14.25 inches
    • Stock/Finish: Adjustable LOP/Cast/Drop/Black Synthetic
    • Approx. Weight: 7.5 pounds
    • MSRP: $1,189 ($1,333 for Holosun combo model)

    For more information, please visit mossberg.com.

    More SHOT Show 2023 Coverage:

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
  • The Laugo Arms Creator Pistol
  • The Oracle Arms 2311
  • Anderson Manufacturing Expands Kiger 9C Line
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