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Go Small With These 7 Economical AR Pistol Options

By
Elwood Shelton
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2

Firepower, hitting power and nimbleness–there's a raft of reasons to consider the AR pistol. We give you seven affordable options if you're looking to go small.

What Are The Top Affordable AR Pistol Options:

You want fair, play Go Fish. Otherwise, when you’re planning to defend yourself, your property, your family your entire objective is to put your thumb on the scale. As the iconic Col. David “Hack” Hackworth said, “If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly.” No truer words have ever been spoken.

Saint-pistol-first

Applying the unfair approach to saving your own skin touches every facet of self-defense: mindset, training, software and hardware. That last point is especially pertinent. If you ever wanted a single justification as to why you need an AR pistol, that is it.

Firepower, hitting power, accuracy, wieldiness—the petite configuration of America’s favorite firearm has it all. Which, when it comes to home defense or superior vehicle-based security, gives you the ultimate—an unfair advantage. If that’s not enough, they’re fun as Friday night to boot.

What Makes An AR Pistol?

Avoiding putting the horse before the cart, we should take a moment to discuss exactly what defines an AR pistol. It seems self-evident, but like so many firearms topics it’s painted in about every shade of gray imaginable.

Putting aside it’s essentially an AR-style gun—built on an AR upper and lower receiver with a direct impingement or piston operation system—the firearms essential has the following attributes:

  • A barrel less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches
  • No vertical foregrip
  • No traditional rifle buttstock (think M4 telescoping and the like)

Study the National Firearms Act of 1934, you’ll find physically the AR pistol is a stone's throw from a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR). Legally, they’re a world apart. Whereas you can procure an AR pistol-like any other off-the-shelf gun—your local legislation aside—an SBR is classified a Title II Weapon. This means the firearm requires the figurative pound of flesh to purchase—a mountain of paperwork, a note from your local law enforcement, $200 to the Feds (tax stamp) and plenty of waiting.

Read Also: Custom AR-15 SBR Truck Gun Build

Not an AR pistol! Take a close look, that's a buttstock making this a SBR. A no no, unless you jump through the correct hoops and pay your pound of flesh.
Not an AR pistol! Take a close look, that's a buttstock making this a SBR. A no no, unless you jump through the correct hoops and pay your pound of flesh.

The dividing line between the AR pistol and SBR, the last in the bullet point—buttstock. Which leads us to…

The Bracing Pistol Brace

Goiterish in appearance, an exposed buffer tube is neither attractive nor very handy. Though, in the early days, that was about your only option when it came to an AR-pistol. Maybe a rubberized sheath to soften it up, but not by much. This changed in 2012, with a stroke of genius from Alex Bosco.

The disabled veteran cobbled together a brace that attached to the buffer tube of an AR and futher to the forearm. The idea was more overall support and control of the gun. He quickly sold the design to firearms giant Sig Sauer and it became known as the “Sig Brace”. Equally as quickly, shooters noticed the Sig brace allowed comfortable shouldering of the AR pistol, along with better handling attributes. Can of worms officially opened.

Was a brace actually a brace? Or was it just a buttstock by another name? Or, in a strange metamorphosis, was a brace a brace until the moment it hit the shoulder than magically became a buttstock?

AR Pistol Brace
So much fuss over such a little part.

In 2015, the ATF briefly chose the third definition, saying using it as a shoulder stock represented a redesign of the pistol into an SBR. That stretch of the definition of redesign thankfully was short-lived and, thanks to SB Tactical’s efforts, the agency reversed itself on the shouldering question in 2017. Though the language is wishy-washy. First off, the brace cannot be modified in any way to make it strictly a stock–leave those straps on. Furthermore, the ATF uses words such as “situational”, “sporadic” and “incidental” to describe when it's acceptable to shoot one from the shoulder. In short, they're saying it's legal, but don't be flashy about it.

Read Also: 8 Budget AR-15 Options

Proposed 2021 Pistol Brace Ban

Again, AR pistol braces are in the news—never a good thing. Along with 80-percent lower receivers, the current administration  has set its sights on one of the defining features of AR pistols. On June 7th, 2021 ATF published a new notice of proposed rulemaking on its website ominously titled Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces”. Overall, the rule—aside from pushing the limits of vague terminology—appears aimed at re-classifying any gun equipped with a stabilizing brace as an SBR. In turn, all such guns would be taxed and registered according to the NFA—even the ones currently owned. Fun, fun.

Similar to the arbitrary system laid out for firearms importation, the classification scheme utilizes a point system. And, boy howdy, does it ever seem skewed to eliminate the majority, if not all bracing systems. In thumbnail, the rule dictates firearms with stabilizing braces must weigh at least 4 pounds and measure between 12 and 26 inches. If it falls within these parameters, the brace is evaluated for certain features. Then the entire firearm and the brace are evaluated for a different, yet similar, set of features.

As for brace evaluation, the rule breaks it down into four categories:

  • Device incorporates features to prevent use as a shouldering device
  • Minimized Rear Surface lacking features to discourage shouldering
  • Rear Surface useful for shouldering the firearm
  • Material added to increase Rear Surface for shouldering

Those standards are about as well-defined and coherent as a Jackson Pollack painting, which doesn’t bode well for the American gun owner. The good news, these rules have not yet gone into effect in 2022. Though, there are rumblings they may soon.

All that behind us, for the time being, shouldering is acceptable, but maybe something not recommended for a day at a public range. Use caution. As history proves, the issue comes down to one factor—bureaucratic edict. Like a spring breeze, that could change direction at a moment’s notice, thus leave you in a perilous position if you’re not up to date.

AR Pistol Advantage

Is a screen pass in football more run or more pass? Tough to say, it shares so many elements of each. Yet, it’s indisputable puissant and under the right circumstances is a game-changer. The same can be said for the AR pistol.

Home defense, truck gun, bug out bag—anywhere quarters are tight or storage space is at a premium the hybrid platform excels. However, the AR pistol’s nimble nature and unassuming size aren’t the only assets it brings to the table.

First and foremost, it’s chambered for centerfire rifle cartridges. Yes, absolutely, the AR pistol is available in pistol-caliber cartridges, but the argument exists that—as a defensive arm—you’re doing yourself a disservice going this route. While a 10-inch barreled pistol will neuter a rifle round considerable—ballpark 500 to 700 fps for the 5.56—its performance still vastly outdoes what a pistol cartridge gains out of the longer bore. In turn, a hit is more likely to neutralize a threat more quickly than with a “nightstand” handgun.

Definite leg up from 9mm. Shooting the 5.56 NATO and other rifle cartridges is perhaps one of the great legs up the AR pistol has on traditional handguns.
Definite leg up from 9mm. Shooting the 5.56 NATO and other rifle cartridges is perhaps one of the great legs up the AR pistol has on traditional handguns.

You also have more rounds on tap, at least most of us do. Draconian corners of the country have mucked this up, cutting down magazine capacities to 10 to 15 rounds—which mirrors traditional pistols. But a great majority of shooters have 30-round options at their disposal; a few PMAGs and you’re well on the way to tipping the scales in your favor when the need tipped the most.

A potent cartridge and firepower are definite advantages, but don’t mean squat if you don’t hit the threats you face. Here too the AR pistol has a leg up, particularly on traditional handguns. A more stable platform, it offers greater overall control, as well as recoil management. Certainly, the heater won’t print a cloverleaf at 200 yards, like its bigger brothers. But most shooters find it possible to deliver more hits where they want them consistently than with other handguns.

Along these lines, the pistol works seamlessly with an optic, particularly a 1x job that allows you to shoot with both eyes open. Absolutely, traditional handguns have gone this route in recent years with the rise of the reflex optic. The case exists, however, the AR pistol facilities a more intuitive and steadier view through the optic, thus improving accuracy potential.

The AR pistol and red dot optics were meant for each other.
The AR pistol and red dot optics were meant for each other.

Finally, the AR pistol was almost made for suppression. Given you’re not bound by barrel-length requirements, you can invest in a perfectly sized platform relative to your can size. Pretty sweet deal. With a carbine, no matter what you're stuck with 16-inches-plus suppressor.

Incidentally, if the AR pistol has piqued your interest, it might be worth thinking about finally diving into suppressors. Short barrels equal a loud gun with excessive muzzle flash. A can will greatly reduce both.

Affordable AR Pistol Options

If a gunmaker rolls out an AR it’s a pretty sure bet they have a complementary AR pistol in their catalog. Which is to say, your options are legion.

While the likes of Daniel Defense, Noveske and LWRCI are always solid choices when it comes to any AR configuration if you’re considering your first pistol you might not have the cool $2,000 plus to buy one. With that in mind, we’re listing 7 entry-level AR pistol options from reputable gunmakers that are certain to get you on target. These guns all have MSRPs below $1,100, which means they’ll hit the retail outlets at price points almost every shooter can afford. Just a quick note, we kicked up the ceiling by $100 because nearly every model has increased in price due to 2022's inflation. Overall, most models are running around $200 more than they were a year ago.

CMMG BANSHEE 100, MK4, 5.56

Cmmg

Never afraid to tackle a new caliber or configuration, CMMG has among the most extensive AR catalogs out there—rifle and pistol. As for shorties, the gunmaker’s BANSHEE line has become a favorite, thanks to its excellent fit and finish, and performance.

CMMG does not list these in their catalog any longer, so it's safe to assume the striped down BANSHEE MK4 is soon to become a thing of the past. However, there seems to be ample stock left at various retail establishments, so we're still backing this horse. Sure enough, you’ll have to put down extra coin if you want a brace. And the pistol only comes with one barrel length option, a relatively long 12.5 inches. But you get to tailor the rifle exactly to your needs, plus you have the peace of mind of investing in a CMMG gun. Get one while you still can. MSRP: $950 // cmmginc.com

Read Also: The Short And Wicked Banshee

Ruger AR-556 Pistol

Ruger

Out-of-the-box the Ruger AR-556 pistol doesn’t leave you wanting for much. In fact, for the price point it’s one of the best values going—particularly its 5.56 NATO model. Though if you’re willing to throw down an extra $50, you open the door to other chambering options, including .350 Legend and .300 Blackout.

As to the 5.56, the 10.5-inch barrel AR pistol comes with a factory-installed SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace, a proven and comfortable option. Up front, the gun is outfitted with a 9-inch free-floated handguard that has an exceptionally thin profile and plenty of M-Lok attachment slots. Also, Ruger has opted for a carbine-length gas system—logical given barrel length—which makes it much less bucky. MSRP: $1,059 // ruger.com

Diamondback Firearms DB 15 PCML

DB AR Pistol

Turning out AR pistols for around 6 years now, Diamondback Firearms is an old hand at the configuration. And at this point, the company offers a lot of the proverbial bang for the buck. Available in both 7- and 10-inch barreled builds, the PCML models offers a solid base to build up a nimble gun.

Again, you're getting a stripped-down option sans a brace (what did you expect for this price point?), so include that in your calculations. However, you get a well-made gun with a chrome-moly barrel, aircraft-grade aluminum receivers and a lightweight handguard that has a bit of dash to its design. For someone looking to get acclimated to the configuration, is short on cash and doesn't want something that falls apart in their hands, the PCML models provide a good entry point. MSRP: Starting at $782 // diamondbackfirearms.com

Palmetto State Armory 10.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO

PSA

Honestly, it’s difficult to go through ARs—especially the affordable kind—without hitting upon Palmetto State Armory. The South Carolina concern does it right, both in manufacturing and price.

To that end, the company 10.5-inch 5.56 is an excellent entry-level option. Yes, the gunmaker offers cheaper AR pistols, but none as well-endowed. What’s to like about it? The 9-inch lightweight handguard (M-Lok compatible, of course) and SB Tactical SBA3 brace. Off the shelf, this provides a competent package for nearly any operation. Furthermore, PSA includes a polished single-stage trigger that breaks much cleaner than a plain old mil-spec. MSRP: $899 // palmettostatearmory.com

Core 300 Blackout Truck Gun

Core

Mixing things up, if you’re in the market for a .300 Blackout, Core Rifle Systems has a tidy little package in its Truck Gun. A dandy out of short-barreled guns and, in sub-sonic loads, eminently suppressible, the cartridge is a natural performer out of Core’s 7.5-inch barreled gun. Furthermore, the overall small size of the AR pistol, it’s next to nothing to add a suppressor without impeding its agility. The gun boasts an M1 flash hider, Core’s 7-inch M-Lok handguard and SB Tactical’s SBA3 brace, making it ready for your pickup the moment you take it home. MSRP: $899 // core15rifles.com

Radical Firearms AR Pistol

Radical

If you have a particular build in mind for a production AR pistol, Radical Firearms is a good starting point. The whole thrust of the company is flexibility, offering the choice of five different handguards when you order—huge benefit.

Granted, not every model comes complete. Only the RPR, MHR and FCR configurations are available with a brace—an SB Tactical SBA3 in all cases and all with 7.5-inch barrels. Radical offers 10.5-inch pistols as well, but only with a bare tube. But that’s far from a deal-breaker. Fit and finish on Radical’s guns are top-notch, but 5.56 NATO chamberings are the order of the day. MSRP: $685 // radicalfirearms.com

Springfield Armory SAINT AR-15 Pistol

Springfield

Once again, we're dealing with a pistol that has been discontinued the past year. However, we're sticking with this gem in our buyer's guide for the time being for two reasons: the SAINT is still readily available in retail outlets, and it's the tits.

Right off the bat, the gun comes completely decked out and ready to roll. One of its most eye-catching features, its Trinity Force Breach Blade 1.0 Std. brace. Unobtrusive and whisper-thin, the brace does quite a bit to cut down on the bulk and weight of the gun, while maintaining its overall function. Furthermore, the gun’s 9.5-inch barrel is a nice “Mama Bear” length, milking a bit extra from the 5.56 NATO cartridge, while remaining nimble as ever.

The handguard is polymer, but a top-shelf unit—Bravo Company’s BCMGUNFIGHTER PMCR, which aside from being M-Lok compatible also comes with an integral hand stop. A valuable landmark that adds a solid safety measure to the system.

If this baby gets your juices flowing, which it easily could, don't wait if you run across one. Time is running out on getting one new out of the box. MSRP: $849 // springfield-armory.com

Read Also: Review: Springfield Armory SAINT Rifle

The Spice Of Life: Rotating Your Carry Gun

By
Richard A. Mann
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3

Is it a good idea to rotate your carry gun? Or should you stick with the same flavor every day?


 
Many believe you should rotate your carry gun based on the season or the situation. For example, during the winter months, when you typically wear one or two outer layers such as a vest and a coat, this will allow most folks to easier conceal a larger handgun. When spring comes, you’re typically still wearing a coat and the same can be said for the fall. It’s the summertime that makes concealing a large, or sometimes any, handgun harder. Often, when the weather is hot, some will transition to a smaller handgun in order to make carrying easier and more comfortable.

Is that a good idea?

Carry gun rotation feature
Any time you’re making a long-term transition to a different carry gun or carry method, spend enough time with it on the range to re-familiarize yourself with it and its presentation.

It could be argued that carrying different handguns at different times isn’t a good idea because when you need to employ that handgun the action needs to be, well, almost instinctive.

There’s some logic to support this. If you carry a full-size 1911 from the fall through the spring, and then switch to a Diamondback DB9 during the summer, under the stress of a violent encounter you might fumble with the grip of the smaller handgun or possibly forget to disengage the safety on the larger. Either could be disastrous.

On the other hand, if you insist on carrying your full-size 1911 during the summer, you might have to wear extra clothing and be uncomfortable—or even look out of place. And, too, you might forego the carrying of that big pistol during times of oppressive heat to be more comfortable. None of this is good, and all of this can be more complicated due to the lifestyle you live.

If for every workday you wear a suit, the concealment of any handgun is made easier, as long as you leave that suit jacket on. Few of us have such a uniformed attire we adhere to on an all-day—every day—basis. There will be times during our professional and personal lives where we’ll be dressed in a way that makes the concealment of a large handgun, and sometimes any handgun, near impossible. Because of this, many have more than one handgun they rely on for concealed carry.

OWB holster
Many are choosing an ultra-compact carry gun for year-round carry to eliminate the need for carry rotation. Some can be comfortably carried in a variety of ways.

For example, let’s say you picked up one of the new Springfield Armory SA-35 pistols and it’s become your daily carry handgun. However, you like to run around the neighborhood or through the park each evening after work. A fanny pack is a great concealment device for athletic endeavors, but not only will you struggle to find one large enough for the SA-35, having 2-plus pounds bouncing on your waist as your jog around the lake is almost as uncomfortable as the fat you’re trying to lose.

Training Trumps All


Of course, the key to relying on different handguns and carry methods is training. Not only should you be making frequent visits to the range with every handgun you might be carrying concealed, but you should also be spending time practicing drawing that handgun from the holster or fanny pack you’ll be carrying it in. If you decide you must use a handgun to save your life, the first thing you must do is get that handgun out and into the fight.

Ankle carry gun
Ankle carry can be ideal when the weather is too hot for a jacket. However, make sure when transitioning to this method and possibly a different handgun, to spend some range time familiarizing yourself with the gun and carry method.

Imagine carrying a Glock 17 inside the waistband all winter and spring, and then two days after switching to a Ruger LCP in an ankle holster for early summer carry, you’re confronted with a threat. Will you instinctively know where to reach for your handgun, and will you instinctively realize the different mechanics of employing that different handgun?

I’m not against using different carry guns because I realize that different situations call for different answers. However, I do believe there are some ways you can simplify these answers to keep application under stress as uncomplicated as possible.

For starters, avoid relying on carry guns that are vastly different. For example, if you’re going to most frequently carry a Glock 19, inside the waistband, then it would make sense to have a smaller Glock, such as a G26 or G43, for when deeper concealment is needed. If you carry a 1911 or Hi-Power most often, then select a smaller handgun that also has a manual thumb safety.

Carry gun glocks
You can simplify the rotation of carry guns by selecting a small and large version of the same make/style gun.

The other thing you can do is limit the ways you carry a handgun. There are a lot of options here that include inside the waistband, appendix carry, outside the waistband, cross-draw, shoulder holsters, pocket carry, ankle carry and fanny packs. Pick two or three methods you can employ based on the season, the situation and the gun, and stick with them. Find good holsters that allow for comfort and concealment and avoid the temptation to change anything unless the circumstances absolutely demand it.

And, of course—most importantly—train and practice.

If you can make it through from fall to spring until you must transition to a different handgun, when you do so, spend some extra time working with that handgun on the range and from the holster. If you must switch more frequently, each day or every time you gear up, take the time to conduct some presentations—in a safe place with an unloaded gun of course—from your carry mode with the handgun you will be carrying. This only takes a couple minutes, but it allows you to better wrap your brain around the method in which you will go about armed. In fact, this is a good practice every time you put on your gun.

Simple Is Always Better


Ideally, we’d all be better served if we could always carry the same gun, in the same way, all the time. With some of the new ultra-compact pistols like the S&W CSX, this is becoming a more realistic option. Many of the ultra-compact pistols of today are chambered for the 9mm and are small enough to easily conceal, even when you’re not dressed for a blizzard.

For those who feel more comfortable carrying a fighting-size pistol when they can, it’s an unrealistic expectation. It’s nice to fantasize that we’re a highly trained, John Wick-like weapon, who is intimately familiar with every firearm and wickedly lethal with its employment. None of us are that guy.

The simpler you keep your carry rotation, the better.

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

More On Concealed Carry Methods

New Guns And Gear March 2022

By
Gun Digest Editors
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0

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.

The New Guns And Gear:

Ruger Birdshead Wrangler Revolvers

Ruger Wrangler
No collection is truly complete without a Single Action Army revolver of some sort. Ruger makes this classic style of pistol all the more affordable and shootable with the introduction of its Birdshead Wrangler. Compact and able to work with the revolver’s recoil, the style of grip picks up the .22 LR’s pace in skilled hands and cuts down on its profile. The aluminum-framed Wrangler is among the lightest weight option in its class, making the single-action an ideal companion for the woods. And its 3.75-inch barrel makes it quick out of leather and into the action. MSRP: $269

SnapSafe GlideVault

SnapSafe GlideVault
An often-overlooked aspect of custom or collectible firearms is where to store them. SnapSafe’s newest addition not only offers a secure method of keeping your gems under lock and key, but one with style and convenience built in. As its name suggests, the GlideVault offers smooth access to your gun, thanks to its spring-assisted slide-out drawer. A tempered-glass touchpad front gives it a futuristic appearance and an easy way to get at your treasures. And the 15.9×12.2×4.4-inch safe’s 16-gauge steel cable anchor and permanent attachment points endow its owner with peace of mind that nobody will just walk away with the prized possessions within. MSRP: $292

FN High Power

High Power
Seems 2022 marks the rebirth of John Browning’s legendary 9mm, and the latest in the Hi-Power game is also the one most linked with the pistol. FN unveiled its new High Power at SHOT Show 2022 to great fanfare. Why not? While staying true to the original design, the gunmaker also advanced it with some welcome updates such as enhanced capacity, grip ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and finish choices. Still, at the heart of the 4.7-inch-barreled heater is the design FN and Browning etched into the annals of the handgun greats. MSRP: $1,269

Marlin 1895 SBL

Marlin
A new era is dawning upon Marlin. Purchased by Ruger after Remington Arms broke up, shooters have been anxiously awaiting the re-release of the iconic lever actions. The 1895 SBL (Stainless Steel Big Loop) is the first Marlin to hit the market under the Ruger umbrella. The quick of the rifle remains the same, machined stainless steel receiver and lever. But Ruger did tweak a few aspects of the rifle to improve its performance, such as fluting and nickel plating the bolt, adding a fiber optic/tritium front sight, ghost rear, full-length Picatinny optics rail and extended 19-inch barrel. Oh yeah, the muzzle is now threaded standard. The .45-70 Government behemoth is a nice start for the Ruger-Marlin era and whets the appetite to see what’s in store down the road. MSRP: $1,400

Remington Peters Paper Shotshells

Peters Shells
A nostalgic favorite of shooters of a certain vintage, paper shotshells have gone the way of the dodo. Or have they? If Remington has its way, they’ll be around for a while, with the storied ammunition company reintroducing Peters Paper Shotshells. Available in 12-gauge only at present, the retro shells offer the same classic look, feel and low-recoil performance generations of trap, skeet and sporting clays shooters have loved. Five different loads not only boast the vintage blue paper hull but also clean and reliable primers, carefully selected powder blends and high antimony shot for tight, uniform patterns on clay targets. To boot, they’re easy on the wallet. MSRP: $20 // box of 25

Diamondback Sidekick

Diamondback
Best known for its affordable AR rifle and striker-fired pistol options, Diamondback is going in a completely different direction in 2022. Who’s up for a rimfire revolver? You heard correctly, the Florida manufacturer’s Sidekick is a new entrant to the market, offering a very competitive price, along with a few extras to separate it from the pack. The most interesting aspect of the revolver is that it’s a double-action, breaking from the slew of singles that dominate the market. Additionally, it has a swing-out cylinder—interchangeable between a 9-shot .22 LR and 9-shot .22 WMR. Whatever the caliber, the revolver’s 4.5-inch barrel and 32.5-ounce weight should make it extremely versatile. MSRP: $320

Sig Sauer Custom Works Pearl Harbor Commemorate 80th 1911s

Pearl Harbor 1911
It might’ve slipped some folk’s notice that this past December was the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It didn’t escape Sig Sauer. To commemorate, and in partnership with the Best Defense Foundation, the gunmaker commissioned its custom shop to create three one-of-a-kind 1911s in honor of the soldiers’ and sailors’ sacrifice. While the SAO triggers and gold Novak sights on the collection are nice, what catches the eye is the engraving. In addition to a motif of the overall Japanese attack, Sig also produced pistols commemorating the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma—which were both sunk in the attack, taking with them large parts of their crews. Not only beautiful, these guns also stir respect for the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. MSRP: N/A

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

Get More Guns And Gear:

Riton X1 Tactix RRD Red Dot Review: Budget Retro Build

By
Adam Borisenko
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1

An otherwise adequate budget red dot sight, the Riton X1 Tactix RRD can also look the part mounted on a carry handle retro carbine build.

As an AK guy, when I decided to finally build an AR I admittedly didn’t shell out for top-of-the-line components. Since the only role I planned this rifle on filling was range toy, it was more important the gun looked how I wanted than have ready to survive the apocalypse. As an appreciator of military history, to me, that meant building some sort of “CAR-15”.

I put CAR-15 in quotes because I mean it in the most colloquial sense possible. I didn’t set out to accurately clone any specific AR-15 model, I simply began buying the most affordable parts I could use to cobble together something recognizable as a military carbine. The gun I ended up with is quite similar to a Colt 723, but with plenty of deviations in detail. The most obvious being its mid-length gas system and 16-inch barrel.

I was quite happy with how the rifle was configured for a while, but like many gun guys, I got bitten by a bug after watching a certain couple of movies. Black Hawk Down and Blood Diamond are two classic films that had their weaponry provided by the same prop company, and while the iconic AR-15s featured in them are not perfectly historically accurate either, they’ve left a lasting impression.

Retro Carbine X1 Tactix RRD

I say that the now-famous carbines used in these films aren’t historically accurate mostly because of the optic mounted on them: the Aimpoint CompM2. It is an excellent red dot that was widely issued to U.S. and NATO troops for many years, but not until it was launched in the year 2000 several years after the events of Black Hawk Down took place. The problem with the historically accurate Aimpoint 3000 and 5000 optics that were actually used during Operation Gothic Serpent is that they are rare, expensive and don’t have modern lookalikes. While the first two points also apply to the CompM2, the third is what leads us to today’s review. The Riton X1 Tactix RRD is a modern, affordable red dot sight with a body shape similar enough to a CompM2 to play the part of a retro carry handle optic on a Blood Diamond carbine build or other similar endeavors. Oh, and for those who keep their AR builds a bit more contemporary, the X1 Tactix RRD can work fine for you too.

X1 Tactix RRD left side

Riton X1 Tactix RRD Vs Aimpoint CompM2

Out of the box, the X1 Tactix RRD felt and looked good. The body is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and nothing about its construction suggested that it was a lower cost red dot option. It came pre-installed in the cantilever mount, but for my purposes I immediately removed it. Once out of the mount, its similarities to an Aimpoint CompM2 became more clear.

Both optics feature 30mm tubes, flip-up lens covers and an elevation knob on the top of the body. The shape of each optics’ battery compartment is the biggest visual difference between them, with the X1 Tactix RRD taking one CR2032 and the Aimpoint being powered by an older 1/3N battery. The difference between power sources leads us to the first advantage of using a modern lookalike optic rather than an original, as the X1 Tactix RRD has an advertised 40,000 battery life as opposed to the Aimpoint’s 10,000. The Riton is also capable of producing a 2 MOA dot while the CompM2 dot was only advertised as being 4 MOA. Despite being the older model, however, the Aimpoint does manage to weigh 2.4-ounces less than the X1 Tactix RRD (9.5 oz vs 7.1 oz).

Riton vs Aimpoint
Aimpoint CompM2 (left) vs Riton X1 Tactix RRD (right).

Both optics are compatible with night vision, although the CompM2 is more so. While the X1 Tactix RRD only has six brightness settings total, the Aimpoint features six daylight settings plus an additional 4 specific for night vision.

Mounting The X1 Tactix RRD

As previously mentioned, the X1 Tactix RRD includes a skeletonized cantilever mount. While I never tried out the one included with mine, it appears to be a decent mounting solution. Doubling as a riser, this mount leads to one of the reasons why retro ARs seem to be making a comeback in recent times. Besides the classic aesthetics provided by carry handle uppers, when used to mount optics they also happen to sit roughly the same height many modern shooters use riser mounts to achieve. Sometimes what’s old is new again, and there’s something to appreciate about the combination of carry handle uppers and modern red dot sights on fighting carbine setups.

Riton X1 Tactix RRD mount height
The approximate difference in height between the included Riton mount and the carry handle mount. While the optic on the carry handle sits higher, risers exist that can raise it to nearly the same level.

Because I was mounting the X1 Tactix RRD to the carry handle of my C7 upper, the mount included by Riton was of no use to me. Instead, I attached it to my rifle using a single 30mm Vortex low ring in conjunction with a generic carry handle optics mount. Installation was quick and easy, and upon seeing the final product my desire for a retro-styled red dot was satisfied. Even though the goal of this AR build was purely one of aesthetics for me, I did want the rifle usable as well. While the X1 Tactix RRD may have looked the part as soon as it was installed, it took a trip to the range to see if its function was equal to its form.

X1 Tactix RRD At The Range

From the first shots out of this setup, I could tell that I liked it. While this is more of a comment on carry handle-mounted red dots in general rather than on the X1 Tactix RRD specifically, this configuration was extremely enjoyable to shoot. It made rapid target acquisition easy when using a heads-up, both-eyes-open shooting position, and it was able to make shots at longer ranges as well. Optics setups like this have a large height-over-bore compared to ARs with optics directly mounted to railed upper receivers. While it takes some getting used to, once the user understands the offset it is easy to compensate for it.

Riton-Review-Aiming
It takes more of a chin-weld than a cheek-weld to aim down sights with this configuration, but it can be quite comfortable once used to it.

As far as the actual performance of the X1 Tactix RRD, I was impressed. For the price, the optic felt just as usable to me as some of the nicer red dot sights I’ve gotten to play with. The dot was crisp, the glass clarity was good and no issues presented themselves during testing. The optic has no shake-awake or auto-sleep features, and despite forgetting to turn it off more than once the battery was still going strong when I got it out to the range. This should be expected of an optic with an advertised 40,000-hour battery life, but it’s a good sign nonetheless.

The 2 MOA dot was crisp and very capable of both rapid, close-quarters engagements as well as longer ranges, although I did not test it beyond about 100-yards. While the dot was crisp, the brightest setting was required to use it in the lighting conditions I experienced during testing. Midday daylight often requires the highest brightness setting, but what concerns me about the X1 Tactix RRD is that I was testing it in an environment that was not the brightest, to begin with. While it was plenty sunny out, I also live in the Midwest and was shooting in the woods. The X1 Tactix RRD was still bright enough to function in this light level, but I would be curious to see if the same could be said in the Arizona desert. I have suspicions that in the brightest environments that the Earth has to offer, the Riton may not be up to snuff. Someone who lives somewhere sunnier will have to determine that for us, however.

Riton X1 Tactix RRD reticle view

As far as durability goes, the X1 Tactix RRD feels solid, but I did not subject it to much abuse. It easily withstood the minor recoil provided by 5.56 as well as survived being lugged around the woods in a soft case. Admittedly, neither test is very demanding. Riton advertises the X1 Tactix RRD as being shock and waterproof, but without the optic being widely issued among military users it will never have the reputation of more battle-proven brands like Aimpoint.

Riton X1 Tactix RRD review feature

Final Thoughts

As is often asked on customer surveys, would I recommend this product to a friend? When it comes to the X1 Tactix RRD, it depends on what that friend wants to accomplish.

The red dot market is currently saturated with plenty of good, affordable models. Most AR-owners seeking one will have a flat, railed upper receiver and no penchant for retro military aesthetics. For these individuals, the X1 Tactix RRD is just one of many fine budget red dot sights, and it doesn’t do anything particularly special to make it stand out. The feature that does make it stand out is its 30mm diameter tube, and it’s what would lead me to recommend the X1 Tactix RRD under certain circumstances.

For those seeking to mount a red dot optic on a carry handle without breaking the bank, the X1 Tactix RRD is an excellent choice. While not a perfect copy of an Aimpoint CompM2, it looks close enough to fill the role on a retro carbine build and it serves as a fully functional optic while doing it all for around $100. The only visual feature on the Riton that I’m not a fan of is its bright, white-colored branding emblazoned on each side. It’s not too distracting, but it will probably lead me to give my whole rifle setup a rattle can job to hide it.

The Riton X1 Tactix RRD has an MSRP of $229.99. To me, this seems like an accurate representation of its quality, but they can currently be found for sale online for just over $100. At that price, the quality of optic you get for the money strikes me as a very good deal, especially when considering that it includes a fully functional cantilever mount. While the X1 Tactix RRD doesn’t have anything special to offer most AR users, for those who are yet to retire their carry handles, this optic is still well worth a look.

To learn more, please visit ritonoptics.com.

More On AR-15 Red Dot Sights:

First Look: CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro

By
Adam Borisenko
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0

CZ has just announced the Scorpion 3+ Micro, an upgraded iteration of the popular Scorpion EVO 3 pistol caliber carbine.


 
The Scorpion EVO 3 has been one of the most popular guns in its class since it was released. Whether you call it a large format pistol or a pistol caliber carbine, the 9mm Scorpion EVO provided good firepower and modern features in a very compact package. Understanding that there is always room for improvement, however, CZ decided to listen to customer feedback and implement the most requested upgrades into the new Scorpion 3+ Micro.

CZ Scorpion 3 Plus Micro Right

The first major improvement on the Scorpion 3+ Micro is its increased level of ambidexterity. The pistol’s bolt catch and mag release are now accessible from both sides of the weapon, and the mag release has been made to be more familiar to those used to AR-style controls. With the safety having already been ambidextrous, these changes will make the 3+ Micro ideal for use with either hand. The redesigned magazine release also means that the Scorpion 3+ Micro has new magazines as well, but they are at least backward compatible with older Scorpion EVO 3 models.

CZ Scorpion 3 Plus Micro left

The Scorpion 3+ Micro’s ergonomics have been upgraded too, with the handguards now being made of a strong yet light polymer material with M-LOK incorporated throughout. This change will not only slow down heat transfer to the shooter’s hand during firing but provide more space for mounting accessories as well. The pistol grip has also been made to be more ergonomic.

The iron sights have also received some upgrades. Now made of aluminum for increased durability, they feature four different apertures and can provide a lower 1/3 co-witness with popular red dot models. Changes have also been made to the upper and lower receivers to increase modularity and improve ergonomics for shooters with larger hands. Its 4.2-inch barrel also comes threaded 1/2×28 and includes a flash can. The Scorpion 3+ Micro will have an MSRP of $1,299 and seems to be a good option for shooters who take their pistol caliber carbines seriously.

To learn more, please visit cz-usa.com.

More On Pistol Caliber Carbines:

Why Buy A 6.5 Grendel?

By
Elwood Shelton
-
4

The 6.5 Grendel is the brainchild of Bill Alexander, and he makes cracking good rifles chambered in it. That doesn’t mean you can’t make your own rifle, and eventually you will. Trust me on this one.

Updated 3/14/2022

The 6.5 Grendel still holds its ground as a top-notch hunting option for the AR-15.

What Makes The 6.5 Grendel A Dandy Hunting Caliber:

Outside a dedicated cadre of shooters, the 6.5 Grendel often gets overlooked nowadays. The reasons are obvious. The 6.5 Creedmoor owns the long-range end of things, particularly out of bolt-action rifles. For those looking to go the distance with an AR-15, well you can’t do much better than the small-bore laser .224 Valkyrie. So, the Grendel’s days are numbered, right?

Not so fast. Other cartridges certainly have an edge on the 6.5 Grendel at and past the 1,000-yard mark, but the sun does not rise and set on ringing steel plates. Counter to gun media hoopla, there are other pursuits outside pure long-range shooting, among those hunting. And when it comes to a cartridge tailored to putting down medium and large (within reason) game at intermediate ranges with an AR-15, few hold a candle to the Grendel.

Designed to work nearly seamlessly in the AR-15, the 6.5 Grendel opens the rifle to the hunting fields from coast to coast.
Designed to work nearly seamlessly in the AR-15, the 6.5 Grendel opens the rifle to the hunting fields from coast to coast.

That’s what Bill Alexander and Janne Pohjoispää envisioned when they cooked up the cartridge in 2002. Nearly 20-years later, it’s what the 6.5 Grendel continues to do with hemoglobin-chilling consistency. And is why, if you're in the market for a practical AR option, you need to consider the Grendel.

Don’t believe me? Consider these five advantages of the 6.5 Grendel compared to its biggest competitors in the arena of hunting.

The Grendel Allows You To Use The AR-15 To Hunt

On the surface, this might seem an obvious copout, but there are some nuances to it. While the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington (among other .22 calibers) is a legal deer cartridge for nearly half the country, in many states it’s verboten.

Want a top-shelf 6.5 Grendel? Look know further than Wilson Combat's Recon Tactical.
Want a top-shelf 6.5 Grendel? Look no further than Wilson Combat's Recon Tactical.

Colorado, for instance, requires a .243 caliber or larger for big game. On top of that, it must deliver 1,000 ft-lbs. of energy at 100 yards. The 6.5 Grendel hits those marks in spades.

Learn More About The 6.5 Grendel:

Why not gun up to an AR-10 then and get a tried-and-true big-game caliber, such as .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor? While the two ARs are similar in operation, they are different rifles. AR-10s are larger, more difficult to upgrade and generally more expensive than AR-15s. This isn’t to say the AR-10 isn’t an excellent choice, just that you lose many of the desirable qualities you get in the AR-15. Size is a big one in my book, given the smaller rifle is a second thought to tramp into the backcountry or up into a tree stand.

The 6.5 Grendel Hits Harder

The Grendel has greater velocity than the .300 Blackout and heavier bullet weights than the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. What this delivers is more energy on target at most ethical hunting ranges.

The 6.5 Grendel excels at close to medium hunting ranges, delivering more energy on target than the most common AR-15 cartridges.
The 6.5 Grendel excels at close to medium hunting ranges, delivering more energy on target than the most common AR-15 cartridges.

Take three of Federal Premium’s deer hunting rounds for example: the 62-grain Fusion for the .223, the 150-grain Fusion for the .300 BLK and the 120-grain Fusion for the 6.5 Grendel. At 100-yards, the Grendel drops nearly 500 ft-lbs. more energy on the target than the Blackout and 600 more foot-pounds than the .223. This is substantial.

Even the .224 Valkyrie—designed to shoot heavy-for-caliber bullets—has difficulty keeping up at close range. From the Fusion line again, the 90-grain Valkyrie round is nearly 200 ft-lbs. the Grendel’s inferior at 100 yards.

In fact, 400-yards in, few dedicated AR-15 cartridges hit harder. In turn, you have more oomph to smash a deer’s scapula, ensuring proper bullet penetration and expansion.

Respectable Accuracy

If you only have eyes for a range queen AR-15, you should look Valkyrie every day of the week and twice Sunday. The newish cartridge's downrange performance is exceptional, in many respects mirroring or surpassing the storied 6.5 Creedmoor 1,000 yards and beyond. That said, the 6.5 Grendel isn’t a slouch.

While 1,000 yards is pushing the Grendel, nearly everything in—including this whitetail—is fair game.
While 1,000 yards is pushing the Grendel, nearly everything in—including this whitetail—is fair game.

From 800-yards in, it proves extremely flat shooting and displays excellent ballistic characteristics. And with some patience and understanding, it’s more than capable of connecting at 1,000 yards.

An easy task? Most certainly not, but if you felt the need to bang steel that far out and were willing to take the time to work out your dope, the Grendel will respond.

The 6.5 Grendel Is Relatively Inexpensive

This is a big selling point for the 6.5 Grendel. Not only is it inexpensive to feed—in many cases as cheap as 5.56 NATO—but also to get into.

Want to test the waters, Palmento State Armory Grendel uppers are an affordable entryway.
Want to test the waters, Palmento State Armory Grendel uppers are an affordable entryway.

If you have an existing AR-15, all you need is an upper and cartridge-specific magazines and you're on your way to shooting Grendel. Maybe you're looking at a $350 to $400 expenditure going this route. But, if you shop a fully built Grendel AR-15 won’t break you.

Diamondback and Palmetto State Armory both have economical options that come in around the $600-$700 mark. Though, if you’re looking for the most cutting-edge rifle out there, the sky’s the limit on what you can spend. Alexander Arms rifles come in around $1,500 and Brenton USA and Wilson Combat 6.5 Grendels start north of $2,000.

Damn Pleasurable Shooter

Recoil. As distances have extended shooters have become more conscious of this factor pertaining to accuracy. Flinch shatters accuracy like fine China against a brick wall and slows shooting to a snail’s pace.

With excellent sectional density, the Grendel provides exceptional penetration on game animals.
With excellent sectional density, the Grendel provides exceptional penetration on game animals.

Even the relatively manageable .308 Winchester can prove too much for the recoil sensitive. But the 6.5 Grendel is about as mild-mannered as they come. Certainly, there's more “kick” to the Grendel than the 5.56 NATO, but not so much as to decay accuracy or shot-to-shot swiftness.

Parting Shot

To be sure, the 6.5 Grendel isn't the end-all, be-all answer to hunting. What cartridge is? But it certainly fills an important niche. Those looking for an option that will put down deer- (perhaps elk) sized game at ethical hunting ranges from an AR platform, Alexander's gem is second to none. And yes, you get skilled enough with it, you'll ring steel at a country mile with the Grendel. Honestly, what's not to like about that?

6 Top Performing 6.5 Grendel Ammo Choices

By
Elwood Shelton
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2

6.5 Grendel 1

Whether you’re sniping swine or looking to go the distance with your AR-15, these 6.5 Grendel Ammo options are sweet shooters.

What Are The Top 6.5 Grendel Ammo Options:

  • Hornady Custom 123-grain SST
  • Underwood 110-grain Controlled Chaos
  • Nosler Trophy Grade 129-grain AccuBond
  • Hornady Black 123-grain ELD
  • Federal Premium 130-grain Gold Medal
  • Alexander Arms 123-grain Lapua Scenar

Given recent ammunition developments, the 6.5 Grendel has gotten the red-headed stepchild treatment as of late. A shame, given if you’re in the market for a practical and high-performing AR-15, you can’t do much better than this brainchild of Bill Alexander and Janne Pohjoispää. It slays game with the wild abandon of a rogue tiger and performs at distances that surpass a majority of marksmens’ skills. In short, the 6.5 Grendel's ballistics are the complete package when it comes to a chambering for America’s favorite rifle.

Whatever your firearms passion, to get the most out of your Grendel you need to feed it right. A task that’s become more difficult in recent years. With the rise of the 6.5 Creedmoor and .224 Valkyrie, the market for 6.5 Grendel ammo isn’t as bustling as it was not long ago. Yet, you needn’t fret. Whether you’re pumping your trigger finger at a steel plate or a pesky porker, there are solid options to make your Grendel an absolute monster.

Learn More About The 6.5 Grendel:

6.5 Grendel Ammo Options For Hunting

Hornady Custom 123-grain SST

6.5 Grendel Ammo Hornady Custom

In a certain respect, the Hornady Custom line is what took the company beyond just a reloading components manufacturer. And it doesn’t fail the 6.5 Grendel. Topped with Hornady’s 123-grain Super Shock Tip (SST) bullets, the ammo proves flat shooting and devastating on target.

The bullet itself endows the 6.5 Grendel ammo with much of these attributes. Its polymer tip not only improves its ballistic coefficient (an impressive .510 in the G1 model) but also initiates and ensures excellent expansion. At 400-yards—most game is taken there or in—the round delivers an impressive 1,028 ft-lbs of energy on target, making it ideal for skittish game such as pronghorn. It’ll also do a number on whitetails and hogs if that’s more your speed.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,580
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,818
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,796
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 881
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .510
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -51.3 inches
MSRP: $25.99 box of 20

Underwood 110-grain Controlled Chaos

6.5 Grendel Ammo Underwood

You needn’t live where lead-free ammo is the law of the land to reap the benefits of Underwood’s 6.5 Grendel hunting option. The 110-grain Controlled Chaos performs no matter what neck of the woods you hail.

Perhaps one of the best varmint options on the list, the solid-copper round was specifically made for this job at the request of animal control agencies and outdoes other frangible ammunition in nearly every conceivable way. What makes it a dandy is explosive terminal ballistics.

Essentially designed to radiate out fragments once it reaches a particular depth, the bullet creates multiple wound cavities, as well as an extremely large temporary one. The results are nearly instantaneous, dropping running dogs and hogs in their paw and hoof prints. Given it’s designed to break up in the animal, it’s not only an excellent choice for culling, but also collecting fur-bearers, given it does less damage to the pelt.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,800 fps
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,915 ft-lbs
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,788
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 781
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .405
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -48.21
MSRP: $35.50 box of 20

Nosler Trophy Grade 129-grain AccuBond

6.5 Grendel Ammo Nosler

There are some standbys when it comes to hunting ammunition. Nosler AccuBond is at the top of the heap.

Renowned for exceptional expansion and the toughness of a welded joint the bullet makes the Trophy Grade among the most turned to for fill tags.
And as for the 6.5 Grendel, it’s a superb choice if you’re looking for a certified medium to large game round.

Heavier than a majority of hunting rounds presently on the market, it puts a ton of energy on target. It particularly responds for close-in shots, both in terms of external and terminal ballistics. While it’s not appropriate for all North American large game, it certainly is fit for much of it. Trophy Grade most definitely makes your Grendel a game getter.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,350
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,582
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,625
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 756
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .530
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -64.4
MSRP: $35.50 box of 20

6.5 Grendel Trajectory Chart: Hunting Ammo

6.5 Grendel Hunting Ammo Ballistic ChartChart
Produced on shooterscalculator.com

6.5 Grendel Ammo Options For Precision Shooting

Hornady Black 123-grain ELD

6.5 Grendel Ammo Hornady Black

Tailored for AR-15s, Hornady’s Black line not only shoots for downrange performance, but every other factor present in the rifle. “Fit, feed and function,” as the company puts it.

The 6.5 Grendel offering not only does all that, but also offers an interesting twist. It’s topped off with the company’s Extra Low Drag (ELD) Match bullet. In addition to a polymer ballistic tip, the projectile also features a long and streamlined secant ogive and boat tail. These give the projectile an excellent ballistic coefficient (.506 in the G1 model) and the ability to buck the wind. In short, the 6.5 Grendel ammo has the stuff to perform downrange.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,580
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,818
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,790
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 876
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .506
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -52.85
MSRP: 24.99 box of 20

Federal Premium 130-grain Gold Medal

6.5 Grendel Ammo Federal

Any edge you can get on a long shot you need to take. Federal gives you an incredible one with its 6.5 Grendel match ammo—Berger Extra Low Drag (ELD) bullets. A hybrid, the projectile is the best of both worlds: the superior aerodynamics of a secant ogive and the bearing surface of a tangent bullet to index the rifling. A design pioneered by Berger, the bullets are ideal for AR-15s, and perform admirably.

Versus a 10-mph crosswind, it drifts 20 inches at 500 yards and 98 at 1,000. Not bad given the factory loaded Grendel ammo isn’t noted for blistering velocities, in this case 2,400 fps at the muzzle. Certainly, pushing the 1,000-yard mark with the 6.5 Grendel is no easy task, but is made a magnitude easier with Federal Gold Medal.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,400
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,663
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,711
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 846
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .560
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -59.83
MSRP: $36.99 box of 20

Alexander Arms 123-grain Lapua Scenar

6.5 Grendel Ammo Alexander Arms

Given Alexander Arms is the birthplace of the 6.5 Grendel, the concern should have an idea of what fodder it performs off. Like most rifles, it does plenty well grazing on Lapua. Topped with the Finnish company’s hollow point, boat-tail Scenar bullets, the 123-grain Alexander offering has the goods to go the distance.

Loaded for a respectable velocity given the bullet weight—2,400 fps at the muzzle—the ammunition is excellent at enhancing shot-to-shot accuracy. The Grendel is already mild-mannered when it comes to recoil, even tamer with Alexander’s medicine. Additionally, an excellent ballistic coefficient—.527 in the G1 model—helps it perform nearly on par with heavier options. Overall, it checks all the boxes for precision 6.5 Grendel ammo.

Muzzle Velocity (fps): 2,400
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs): 1,573
Velocity 500 Yards (fps): 1,673
Energy 500 Yards (ft-lbs): 765
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .527
Trajectory at 500 yards (200-yd zero): -61.16
MSRP: $31.97 box of 20

6.5 Grendel Trajectory Chart: Precision Ammo

6.5 Grendel Precision Ammunition
Produced on shooterscalculator.com

Usurping The King: .224 Valkyrie Vs 5.56 NATO

By
Josh Wayner
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3

A NATO standard since 1980, will 5.56 continue to reign supreme or can it be usurped by .224 Valkyrie?


 
Back in 2008, I recall there was a substantial argument over two competing AR cartridges, each supposedly an answer to the problems the 5.56mm NATO experienced in battle. These rounds were the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC, and many writers and end users flocked to one or the other … at least for that moment in time.

Fast-forward to 2022 and neither round occupies a substantial market share of the AR-15 world anymore. They each ultimately failed to replace the 5.56 NATO in military service. The legacy of these rounds is still evident, and their associated parts and magazines have allowed some interesting innovation.

Enter Federal’s 224 Valkyrie.

224 Valkyrie Ammo
Left to right are Federal factory .224 Valkyrie loads: 60-grain VMAX, 60-grain Varmint Nosler Ballistic Tip, 75-grain TMJ, 80.5-grain Match, 90-grain Fusion and 90-grain SMK.

Carrying Fallen Warriors To Valhalla


The role of the Valkyrie in old Norse mythology was to monitor the battlefield, acting as something akin to the Fates; when a warrior fell honorably, they carried him to Valhalla, where he would feast with the heroes of all time for eternity.

Since the 6.8 SPC fell from general favor some years back, it has struggled to maintain popularity and relevance, and ammo has become increasingly hard to find. This isn’t to say that the round was a total failure; designs come and go, and sometimes it’s easier to improve what you have—in this case the 5.56mm—than it is to start over completely new. Convenience killed the 6.8 SPC on the commercial market, not lack of power or accuracy.

Valk AR

What the 6.8 SPC did well was introduce a set of internals and magazines that worked with the AR platform, essentially allowing for a new family of rounds designed around its larger case head and tapered body. Among these is the .224 Valkyrie, and Federal wisely chose the 6.8 SPC as the parent case. Not only does the .224 Valkyrie offer serious advantages over 5.56mm, it’s also an incredible, low-recoil alternative to 6.5 and 6 Creedmoor in long-range events.

Jack Of All Trades


The .224 Valkyrie has been around for a few years now, and it has been holding steady in popularity—though the current troubles have certainly put a damper on its growth. I really wanted to see what other writers were saying about this round, and what surprised me was that there seemed to be a general consensus that it was a great thing.

224 Valkyrie Lower
The SilencerCo lower is a solid base for any AR build and offers many great features.

However, few, if any, writers have extrapolated on the true engineering marvel this round actually is. This is a round that’s capable of virtually anything. There are better rounds out there for individual tasks, but a person can easily accomplish 95 percent of all shooting tasks with this cartridge.

The first thing I want to address is that the .224 Valkyrie likely has the widest range of bullet weights available in a single bore: The lightest bullets weighing as little as 35 grains and the heaviest at 90 grains. That’s a range of weight almost triple the minimum value. A prairie dog hunter friend of mine with a custom bolt-action chose the .224 for this reason alone. He’s able to get insane speeds with 30-grain specialty copper alloy bullets, somewhere in the ballpark of 3,800 fps. (Factory loaded 60-grain Federal Predator & Varmint chronographs at 3,321 fps from my 22-inch rifle for reference. That’s double the bullet weight!) And yet, he’s still able to stick factory loaded 90-grain bullets in the same rifle for antelope. The versatility is extraordinary on the merit of bullet selection alone.

Faxon Barrel
This Faxon barrel, with a fast 1:6.5 twist, can stabilize virtually all .22-inch-caliber bullets.

Recoil is another major factor with the .224 Valkyrie that’s not talked about much. This round, even with 90-grain bullets, has pretty much no recoil; it’s almost exactly the same as shooting 5.56mm. This might seem like a moot point, but for young hunters, people with shoulder injuries and those of use who don’t pretend to like recoil, it’s awesome.

The best part is that this low recoil comes with light rifle weight and extremely efficient ballistics. This round might very well be the ultimate learning cartridge for modern long-range sports. It’d even dominate in silhouette matches and offhand competition with its excellent energy on target. Shooting the Valkyrie with a suppressor is nothing but enjoyable; I can spot every impact and make immediate corrections. The gun barely moves and hardly makes a cough at the muzzle.

The ballistic matter is something that I find to be of great interest as well. Federal advertises the Valkyrie as having superior drop and drift at 1,000 yards over any other AR cartridge. After running the numbers and shooting the Valkyrie at these distances and beyond, I can prove the marketing to be true.

The 80.5 factory match load from Federal indeed shoots just like a 6.5 Creedmoor and, together with the newer 90-grain Sierra MatchKing load, delivers trajectories at a grand substantially flatter than any AR round I’ve ever tested. If you’re used to 5.56, you’ll probably consider it to be best at 600 yards, perhaps out to 800 shooting Black Hills 77-grain MK262.

224 Valkyrie Scope
Vortex’s new optics are great for use with the .224 Valkyrie; 4.5-22X is the perfect magnification range for the versatile cartridge.

The Valkyrie, for equal recoil and rifle weight, is still supersonic at around 1,200 to 1,1400 yards and offers greater hit likelihood at virtually all ranges. I’m very impressed with this, having taken the advertisements with a grain of salt upon first reading them.

Too Small For Big Game?


For hunting, I’m on the fence with using the Valkyrie for big game. I’ve seen this round used on varmints and have been coyote hunting with it, but not on deer. Using a 90-grain Fusion load, I’d take a shot less than 200 yards, but I’m weary of the .22-inch bore in general—not the .224 Valkyrie as a cartridge.

224 Valkyrie Mags
The .224 Valkyrie uses 6.8 SPC mags, here from PRI. Capacity is reduced compared to 5.56mm, but larger mags are available.

The Valkyrie may very well be the best small and medium game round on the market today, considering that it’s inherently accurate, has a very short learning curve due to low recoil and relatively inexpensive ammo. I’d hands-down consider this for all game 100 pounds and under at normal hunting distances, and most whitetails weigh well more than that.

In my years deer hunting, I’ve probably shot more of them than many people do in their lifetime. I have to be humble and honest about this …because I’ve also made more mistakes than most hunters ever do in their lifetime as a result. The biggest mistakes I’ve made have been centered on underestimating my game and overestimating my bullet. I have, for the most part, become a fan of big, heavy bullets in calibers that start with .45 inch and end with .45 inch. I like a Keith bullet, even in rifle rounds like 450 Bushmaster.

I’m of the impression now, having had trouble with lighter, faster bullets, that it’s nearly impossible to bring too much mass—regardless of speed. A 255-grain bullet at 900 fps has never failed to put a deer down for me, but I’ve certainly had an undeniable amount of trouble from small-bores at any speed, including rounds like 6.5 Creedmoor.

224 Valkyrie Ammo Comparison
The .224 Valkyrie (middle), as compared to the 5.56 NATO (left) and 6.5 Creedmoor (right). The .224 is a remarkable round, offering recoil like the 5.56 and trajectory akin to the 6.5.

For me, the jury is out on the effectiveness on deer using the Valkyrie. Everything I’ve read from Federal on the round has been proven true, down to how close to their listed velocities are compared to my chronograph readings, so I’ve no doubt that it’d, in fact, perform well.
In perfect honesty, I’ll probably never take it out for deer. I’ve just not had a positive experience with small-bore rifles, in general, on these surprisingly tough and proud, yet common, animals. But with that said, the .224 Valkyrie has everything it takes to usurp the 5.56 NATO king.

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

Raise Your Ammo IQ:

SKS Collecting And Identification: A Buyer’s Guide

By
Adam Borisenko
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4

With so many different kinds imported over the years, it can be difficult to know what kind of SKS you’re looking at, this guide will help you identify all manner of Simonov carbines and roughly estimate their value.

 

There was a time when an SKS could be had for around $100. Regardless of the specific make or model, the sheer abundance of these rifles and the circumstances under which they were imported made them Fudd fodder. Their extremely low prices caused many Americans to view them as poorly made garbage guns not worthy of respect, leading some to victimize them with amateur gunsmithing projects that resulted in poorly welded-on scope rails, home-modified stocks and distasteful rattle can jobs. You can still find abominations like this at just about any gun show, usually sitting in front of someone who says things like “I know what I got.”

Bubba’s Curse
Bubba, no! When shopping for an SKS watch out for atrocities like this. Some can be fixed while others cannot.

Irrespective of the confidence with which they assert such claims, individuals like this typically do not know what they got. To be fair, identifying and appraising an SKS is not always the easiest of tasks, but it is very doable if you know what to look for. This guide will show the easiest ways to determine an SKS’ country of origin and what you should generally expect to pay for one in the current market.

SKS Import History

The first SKS carbines to come into the U.S. were brought back by veterans during the Vietnam War as trophies. For several years these were the only ones that could be found in the country. With ammunition for them being both rare and expensive, they were far more collector’s items with interesting historical provenance than they were shooters. In the 1980s, however, that began to change. As relations between the U.S. and China improved they began to take advantage of Americans’ love of cheap, reliable firearms. Literally, millions of SKSs (along with plenty of cheap 7.62×39 to feed them) were imported from China between the mid to late ‘80s and 1994 when President Clinton signed the Norinco Ban, making them the most abundant SKS variant in the United States by far.

Vietnam Bringback Tula
A Russian Tula SKS brought back from Vietnam. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

The end of Chinese imports was conveniently timed with the fall of the USSR, however, resulting in the newly formed Russian Federation satisfying SKS demand until it too was cut in 1998. Most of the Russian SKS examples in the United States were imported during these four years (as well as several other classic Soviet military surplus firearms). While not nearly as abundant as Chinese models, a healthy number of Russian guns were brought in as well.

Following the cutoff of imports from Russia, SKSs from other nations began to fill the void. Yugoslavian models began to come in along with Romanian and Albanian guns. While these were also very affordable at the time, they never reached the same levels of abundance or inexpensiveness as the Chinese guns.

Russian Simonov ad 94
A 1994 Shotgun News ad for probably some of the first Russian SKS rifles to be officially imported. Photo: northeastshooters.com user Thirwell1216.

As with all surplus firearms, SKS stockpiles eventually began to run dry across the world. While China, Russia and a few other nations still likely have warehouses full of the things, U.S. law prevents any new batches from being imported from these countries. With relatively few remaining SKSs around the globe that can legally be brought into the U.S., prices began rising as soon as availability went down. While there are still plenty of places in the world where an SKS could be had for a goat or a few chickens, in America, they have unfortunately garnered “collector” status and are no longer the dime-a-dozen truck guns they once were.

Some SKS variants are easier to tell apart than others, and even some minor differences between models and years can have a big impact on their value. So, let’s take a look at the different kinds of SKS that you’re likely to encounter on the American second-hand gun market, how to identify them, and what they’re generally worth. The good news is that regardless of the exact model you end up getting, they were all very well made. Some are more valuable or collectible than others, but when it comes to actually shooting the things, they will all serve you equally well.

SKS Variants

This list will cover the major differences between SKS variants, but it is not exhaustive. Differences between factory markings, years of production and the manufacturing methods of specific individual components can all result in an SKS being worth more than average, but those details are only important to serious collectors. There are plenty of online forums where people discuss these things, and that’s where you should go if you’re looking how to tell an early-style trigger guard from a late-style, or other equally pedantic details. For an introduction to more surface-level SKS analysis, however, read on.

Russian SKS

Izhevsk Simonov
A Russian SKS from the Izhevsk factory. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

The original, upon which everything that came after was based. The acronym in English reads as Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova, 1945, or Self-loading Carbine of Simonov, 1945. It was developed alongside the new M43 cartridge in the final years of WWII, even supposedly having a few early-production models seeing field trials in Belarus and Berlin before the European theater finally came to an end. They were produced at both the Tula (arrow in star factory symbol) and Izhevsk (arrow in triangle in circle factory symbol) and depending on the year of production they could have either hardwood or laminate stocks. Tula produced far more over the years, making them the more common and less desirable of the two factories. The earliest Russian SKSs used a cruciform bayonet like the ones found on M44 Mosins, but they quickly switched to a blade style. Many Russian SKSs underwent factory refurbishment before being imported as well, and it results in some examples having non-original features like a blued bolt and/or bayonet which were originally left in the white.

Russian SKS black bolt
An arsenal-refurbished Russian SKS with a blackened bolt. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

An SKS carbine from its country of origin is obviously more collectible than any other common Simonov variety, so they command some of the highest prices on the second-hand market. Early models, Izhevsk-produced models and very nice condition examples easily sell for a grand or more these days. Some even fetch as much as two thousand dollars in online auctions. A far cry from the prices of the ‘90s, but there is a finite supply of Russian SKS carbines in the country and their collectability has driven up both their demand and value. These days, unless you specifically want an SKS made in its country of inception, Russian models probably aren’t what to look for. Examples from other countries can be found for lower prices and will shoot just as well, so at this point, it's best to leave Russian SKSs to the collectors if you’re only looking for a range toy or ranch gun.

Tula Star stamp
A Tula “arrow in star” stamp with a faded year of production beneath. Found on top of the dust cover, this is the easiest way to ID a Russian SKS year of production. Photo: Wikipedia.

Chinese SKS

Chinese Type 56
A Type 56 Chinese SKS with spike bayonet. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

There exists the greatest level of variation between models when it comes to the Chinese SKS. The Chinese clearly had an affinity for this design, not only producing it in the largest numbers of any nation but for the longest duration and with the most amount of experimentation and development. China was the only nation to ever produce an SKS with a stamped receiver, and they also experimented with things like different stock materials, shorter barrel lengths and the ability to feed from AK mags. Chinese SKSs are the most common kind in the U.S. by far, but identifying the exact model can be challenging with so many slight variations. Standard commercial variants with spike bayonets are the most common, but they were manufactured by and imported from several different factories. Military surplus Type 56 models were brought in as well, along with some of the rarer commercial variants like the SKS-D or Model M which feed from AK magazines.

Chinese SKSM
Chinese commercial SKS-M variant with a small AK mag inserted, although they can accept 30s, 40s and drums as well. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

The majority of Chinese SKSs in the U.S. were exported by Norinco, although Polytech sent some over too. These defense conglomerates were acquiring rifles from a variety of sources for the American market, but the most common source seems to be the Jianshe Arsenal with factory code 26. Other factories in China produced the SKS as well, but all use a similar symbol to identify the factory, typically a stylized number inside of a triangle. Any logo like this on the left side of the receiver means that it’s Chinese, but identification is often made easier by the inclusion of Chinese characters or “Norinco” printed in English as well. Most, but not all, Chinese SKSs have a spike or “pig-sticker” type bayonet as well.

The most recent batches of SKS imports have been Type 56s bought from Albania, as they received many as military aid from China some years ago. While the bulk of these recent imports had very poor condition stocks and finishes, most were still serviceable and fine shooters. These were typically sold for about $400 to $450. While expensive for their condition, in today’s surplus market that seems to be as low as any dealer is willing to sell them for. What the rifles from these import batches lack in terms of prettiness, they make up for in historical provenance. They saw active service with the Albanian military and many were likely used during the Balkan civil war. Some feature “trench art”, personal decorative touches from the soldiers they were issued to, and some find that to be even cooler than having an all-matching, original-condition rifle.

Chinese Albanian Import SKS trench art
A Chinese SKS from the recent batch out of Albania. This example with trench art was sold through PSA.

Yugoslavian SKS

Yugoslavian SKS
A Yugoslavian M59/66 rifle with grenade launcher spigot. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

Like all things Yugoslavian, they did their SKS just a bit different than everyone else. Yugoslavian SKSs are one of the more common kinds in the U.S. after Chinese guns, and they’re the most distinctive and easy to identify as well. The most common Yugo SKS pattern is the Zastava M59/66 PAP which was built under license from the USSR. The most notable change they made to the design was the addition of rifle grenade-launching capabilities, resulting in a distinct grenade launcher spigot added to the end of the barrel and a gas cut-off lever/grenade sight to the gas tube. When a blank round is loaded and the gas cut-off lever is lifted, a Yugo SKS can be used to launch 22mm rifle grenades of several different varieties. Another Yugo-specific quirk is that they never chrome-lined the barrels of their SKSs. Very early Russian examples didn’t have chrome-lining either, but it was quickly added and copied by every other nation to produce the design.

Yugoslavian SKSs are typically the most affordable kind after Chinese examples, and they will usually be in better condition than what you would pay for a Type 56 of the same price.

Romanian SKS

Romanian SKS
A Romanian M56 SKS. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

Designated as the M56, Romanian SKSs can be some of the hardest to identify due to how similar they are to the Russian SKS it was directly copied from. Unlike Yugoslavia, whenever Romania received technical data packages from the USSR, they didn’t change much. This is why their AKM clones are some of the closest to Soviet spec as well. At first glance, a Romanian M56 will be indistinguishable from a Russian SKS, but certain markings and their location will allow you to differentiate between them. On a Russian SKS, the factory stamp can be located on the top of the dust cover, but Romanians instead put theirs on the left side of the receiver. While the Romanian Cugir factory stamp is very similar to Izhevsk’s, they are different. The Cugir “arrow in a triangle” mark is much simpler and cruder than the Izhevsk one, with the Romanian arrow looking like what one would draw to point to something rather than what is used in conjunction with a bow like the arrow on Izzy rifles.

Romanian SKSs seem to be going up in value, but they’re still not the most desirable variant out there. While they can sometimes sell for amounts that begin to approach Russian SKS prices, they can also still be found for a pretty good deal too. While not exactly “rare”, Romanian M56s are some of the less common SKSs in the country, so you may have to do some looking before you find one for sale. If you do find one, however, it would compliment a WASR or other Romanian AK very nicely.

Albanian SKS

Albanian SKS
An Albanian SKS with its distinctive elongated handguard. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

Produced at the UM GRAMSH factory, Albanian SKSs are some of the rarest in the United States excluding the true unicorns that will be discussed below. These typically fetch a higher price than any aforementioned SKS model due to their rarity, but they still sell for relatively sane prices when compared to some other rare SKS variants. They are also very visually distinctive as well, being the only kind to change the style of the wood stock around the gas tube. The Albanians extended the handguard area to cover the full length of the gas tube, providing more real estate for the shooter’s hand but also increasing the rifle’s weight. Any SKS that has a stock that fully hides the gas tube and features three distinct, larger-than-average vent holes is undoubtedly Albanian in origin.

Albanian buttplate
Another distinctive feature of Albanian SKSs is their double-compartment buttplate. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

These can fetch a higher price when the seller is aware of what they have, but it’s also not unheard of for them to be sold at standard Chinese SKS prices. Some lucky few even got one of these rare birds out of the last Albanian batch when they thought they were purchasing a Type 56. There’s nothing especially high quality about Albanian SKSs, but they are quite unique, rare and collectible.

Rare SKS Variants

Every other country’s SKS variant not previously mentioned falls into this category, and if you even find one, expect to pay out the nose for it. These are the rarest and therefore most collectible SKS variants, at least when it comes to what can be found in the States.

East German SKS
An East German Karabiner-S, note its different rear sling attachment point. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

This includes the East German Karabiner-S, the Polish ksS and the SKS clones made in Vietnam and North Korea. East German models are distinctive due to their K98-style sling slot in the stock, and they were only produced for two or three years. Very few were ever imported into the U.S. and most examples are Vietnam bringbacks. It seems that the majority of DDR SKSs were given as military aid to North Vietnam and later Croatia, resulting in the majority being lost in the haze of the conflicts each were involved in. Most North Korean and Vietnamese SKSs that entered the country were veteran bringbacks as well.

North Vietnamese SKS
An extremely rare North Vietnam-produced SKS. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

Poland never actually produced the SKS themselves, but they did receive some from the USSR as military aid. Most were then refurbished using Polish-made stocks, their one distinctive Polish element. These are so rare, that it's difficult to even find a good photo of one online. It’s safe to say that you won’t be coming across one of these in the wild.

Final Thoughts

While there are plenty of cases of people attempting to sell an SKS for much more than it’s worth, not every ludicrous price you see is a mistake. Like all military surplus firearms, there are small details that can cause an otherwise normal, reasonably priced SKS to be worth far more than average to the right person. Specific historical provenance such as a Vietnam bringback with papers or an extremely rare variation of a model can cause them to be worth far more than normal. Starting a serious SKS collection obviously isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you still won’t be able to pay a decent price for a good shooter.

In the current state of the market, for anyone interested in acquiring their first SKS, their best bet would be to hunt for one of the more generic Chinese models in good shape for about $400-$450. If you can do that, you’re doing well for 2022. But if you have deep pockets and an interest in collecting some of the rarer examples out there, the sky’s the limit. Happy hunting.

More On Historical Military Rifles

  • The StG 44: Father Of The Modern Combat Rifle
  • The Karabiner 98k: The Best Combat Bolt-Action Rifle Ever Made
  • All About The Mosin Nagant
  • The Gewehr 43: The Road To Germany's Garand
  • Fusil Automatique Leger: Everything You Want To Know About The FN FAL
  • Lee Enfield: The Right Arm Of The Empire
  • The Rise And Fall Of The AR-10
  • The M1 Garand: America's Original Battle Rifle

Blade Show Texas And Texas Gun Experience Team Up

By
Gun Digest Editors
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1
IMAGE Lead for BST x TGE Webpost

Blade Show Texas and Texas Gun Experience have teamed up to provide Blade Show Texas attendees a night of hands-on experience in a safe and managed environment. Blade Show Texas attendees with PROOF of attendance (show receipt or wristband) are invited to a private demo event on 3/19/22 Saturday evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1901 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051.

Springfield Armory Hellion
Springfield Armory Hellion

Shooting experience will be limited to the first 200 attendee or until ammunition runs out. For further details and to secure a guaranteed shooting experience, stop by the Texas Gun Experience booth by the SHOW ENTRANCE and subscribe to one of the following magazines: BLADE, Gun Digest, RECOIL, CONCEALMENT, OFFGRID.

EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING:

ATAC 300black
ATAC 300black
Streak AMMO
Streak AMMO

WIN AWESOME PRIZES:

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Throughout the evening, lucky attendees will win the following prizes:

RMT Nomad
RMT Nomad
LOGO 3rd Gen Tactical Red White logoVersacarryspringfield take 2
Accubear with textVertx logo 330×330LOGO AtacDefense-SHOT2022
LOGO HolosunLOGO AMMO-Inc-logoSaltwater
RMTGlobal Ordnance LogoLOGO kriss-usa-seeklogo.com(1)

Shaping Your Future: Top 9 Youth Rimfire Rifles

By
Josh Wayner
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2

The top 9 youth rimfire rifles for teaching the next generation of American shooters.


 
During the past 2 years, the industry has picked up somewhere in the ballpark of 16 to 20 million new gun owners, based on NICS checks. To put it in perspective, it’s as if the entire populations of Michigan (about 10 million) and Indiana (7 million) all became first-time gun owners. In total, there were about 45 million guns sold in 2020 and 2021 (at least that went through a dealer). Private sales aren’t accounted for here.

What can be said for certain is that guns are now a part of the lives of a majority of Americans, and for many of these freshman shooters, there’s the desire to begin introducing their children to the wide world of guns. In my opinion, the first and best place to start is with a youth-sized rimfire rifle.

Youth Rimfire Rifle Feature
The CZ Scout in 22LR is a great companion for the woods and trails.

What Makes A Youth Rifle?


There are no real specific criteria for a youth gun; some are very simple single shots, while others are just short-stocked versions of standard products. I don’t believe there’s one single answer. This really depends on the type of training, hunting or another end use a young person has for a rifle. What works for one kid may be unsuitable for another.

As a baseline, a good youth gun will use iron sights. I’ve engaged in debate with this for some time with my contemporaries, and some think this is a waste of time due to how commonplace optics are in today’s world.

A friend recently said to me that making people learn iron sights was about as useful today as making every driver learn to drive stick before driving automatic. The reason I like iron sights on a youth rifle isn’t to make things harder for kids—it’s just the opposite. They teach children to take their time and be deliberate. They also naturally limit the distances kids are going to attempt shots, thus building confidence at close distances. I think 50 yards is a perfect place to start with a youth rimfire and accomplishing the basics of marksmanship here will ultimately bring new shooters to better respect and understand the skill.

Youth CZ bolt
The CZ action easily shows a clear chamber, which is a great learning tool. Not that the magazine in it is a five-rounder, but a single-shot version is available that’s great for training and feeding tiny .22 Shorts.

I also like youth guns to be bolt actions for the merit that they’re slower to load and less prone for clumsy hands to make mistakes with. I’m not against semiauto rimfires here; I’m merely aware of the habits of children and their attention spans in a training setting. In my experience, bolt actions are easier to empty and show clear, and there’s a reduced risk of an accidental chambering or discharge.

Feeling Like A Kid Again


It may come as a surprise that one of my favorite rifles—and certainly one of my most lethal in terms of game bagged—is a CZ 457 Scout. This is a youth-sized gun with a very short stock and stubby 16-inch barrel. It has iron sights and a threaded muzzle—two features I like for the barnyard. It takes suppressors readily and, when shooting a .22 Short, it’s quite noiseless. This gun ends up going with me into the woods as well, so I installed a set of sling studs on it. The rifle doesn’t come with them.

I’m not exactly a small guy, but I’m not a bear either. This stock for me is the prefect length in that I can always get up on it when wearing thick clothing or in dense cover. I find that it’s hard to go “too short” with a rifle; the CZ Scout’s stock is still longer than a fully collapsed AR carbine stock, and plenty of guys bigger than me shoot their carbines fully collapsed regularly. Length of pull really matters more on shotguns than rifles, and most of my rifles have a shorter than normal LOP as a result. I’d say that most of my precision rifles set at about 12 inches. My supposedly ideal LOP as measured for my arms is 14 inches. I just find a longer LOP to be a hinderance in most settings, which is why I prefer using “youth” models in the field myself.

Youth CZ stock
There’s such a thing as too long of a pull length. Not so much with a short length of pull. The author favors a short stock for hunting and general use.

The CZ Scout is probably my number-one recommendation for a youth-size rimfire rifle; it has everything you need on it aside from the aforementioned sling swivels. The gun ships with a zero-round flush-fit magazine that encourages single-shot feeding. I like this feature for single-loading .22 Shorts. Five-round repeater magazines are available, and I prefer these to the 10-round variety because they’re compact and allow a one-handed carry by grasping the receiver when walking. If the CZ isn’t your fancy, I’ve rounded up my recommendations for some of today’s best youth-sized rimfires that cover everything from starter guns to high-level competition.

The Top 9 Youth Rimfire Rifles:


01. Savage Rascal Single-Shot
This may very well be one of the quintessential youth bolt guns out there. The Rascal is available in a myriad of colors, as well as target versions and “tactical” variants. These are safe, easy-to-use guns that have introduced countless kids to the shooting sports. For their tiny size, they offer great value and utility. They’re also popular with adults, and a few trappers I know take these super-light, brightly colored rifles with them when they check their lines. MSRP: $199

Savage Rascal

02. Savage MKII FVT Repeater
Savage again makes an appearance on this list because of just how good of a training tool this model is. The heavy-profile barrel adds stability for offhand, and the highly adjustable sights allow a shooter to precisely zero for competitions. These guns are common at Project Appleseed events and may, for the dollar, be one of the most accurate .22LR rifles out there today. MSRP: $509

Savage MkII

03. KSA Mosin Nagant M91/30 Single-Shot
What fun, little comrade! I first set eyes on the comically small single-shot Mosin copy at SHOT Show a couple years back. I think it’s a brilliant idea, especially if your child has in interest in historical guns. At a young age I was fascinated with World War II history, and I would’ve begged for one of these under the Christmas tree. MSRP: $419
Mosin

04. Mossberg International 802 Plinkster Repeater
A classic bolt action, the Mossberg isn’t exactly flashy, but it has all the features you need to get started. The least assuming gun on this list, the Plinkster is rugged and durable and should give your young shooter decades of hard use. At a cost point alone, it’s a bargain. MSRP: $204

Mossberg

05. Henry Lever Action Youth Repeater
This rifle was the first .22 I had as a kid. My dad bought it because he loved Westerns, and I naturally followed suit. That rifle sadly got sold, but I may yet get another (I realized how much I missed it in writing this article). The action is smooth, and it’s very accurate, easily as good as the bolt actions of similar cost and size. I highly recommend this rifle; it’s a good bridge between capacity, accuracy, and fast follow-up shots. MSRP: $397

Henry

06. Browning T-Bolt Target Repeater
The T-Bolt is a classic design and is both fast and accurate. For an older kid, this makes a fine first small game rifle that has the accuracy to get past 100 yards. This rifle is best with a scope, and a compact Leupold in the 3-9x range will make your son or daughter deadly on rabbits up to coyotes. MSRP: $719

Browning

07. Anschutz 1710 XLR HB Repeater
Climbing up in price and features is the Anschutz 1710 XLR HB. This is a precision rifle, not just a “precision trainer.” As a stand-alone, it’s accurate for long range in the growing NRL sports and offers a stock that is adjustable to fit adults and children who may want to compete. I think these long-range rimfire sports out to 500 yards and beyond to be just plain fun, and I would love to get started in it. MSRP: $2,695

Anschutz

08. Walther KK500-M Expert 690mm Single-Shot
I remember seeing these guns for the first time at Camp Perry when I was a kid myself. I thought, they want THAT much for a single-shot .22!? I couldn’t understand at the time, but these are utter accuracy machines that are adjustable for virtually any shooter in any position. For an older child or teenager, this may seem like a chunk of change, but compared to beauty pageants, football and 4H, I’d rather bite the bullet once and get my kids the best Olympic-style rifle available. Or, buy it for yourself! MSRP: $6,000 (approximate)

Walther

09. Ruger Precision Rimfire Repeater
At a fraction of the price of the Anschutz on this list, the Ruger Precision Rimfire offers a great deal of features to the young long-range shooter. I’ve shot these guns extensively and really enjoy what Ruger did with them for the price. While not as accurate as some other dedicate precision rimfires, this one is plenty good to train on, and if your young shooter graduates to centerfire rifles, the ergonomics are almost identical to Ruger’s full-size Ruger Precision Rifle. MSRP: $579

Ruger

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

More On-Target Rimfire Info:

B&T Releases Glock-Compatible APC45 Pro

By
Adam Borisenko
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0

B&T has just released the APC45 PRO-G, a new variant that can accept Glock 21 magazines making it much more accessible to the average shooter.


 
B&T’s pistol caliber carbines have a lot of attractive features. From the guns’ hydraulic buffer systems that reduce recoil to the wide array of compatible accessory options, many felt that the only drawback of the platform was its use of proprietary magazines. At over $100 a pop for 25-round models, most simply couldn’t afford to stack mags for the APC45 as deep as they would like, but that’s changing with the release of the APC45 PRO-G.

APC45 PRO-G

The APC45 PRO-G has all the same qualities as existing B&T PCC models, with the only difference being its new lower receiver. Now capable of feeding from much more common and less expensive Glock 21 magazines, APC45 PRO-G owners will be able to hoard mags much more affordably. The new lower is compatible with both OEM Glock 21 mags and aftermarket variants in a variety of different capacities, giving users more choices than what the three B&T .45 ACP magazines previously provided.

Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales for B&T USA, had this to say on the new APC45 PRO-G:

Our customers have been requesting a Glock lower receiver group option for this big-bore variant of our proven APC family of weapon systems…The time has come for us to provide this option to those seeking the option of the heavier weight 45ACP projectile with its increased terminal performance, intermediate barrier penetration and sheer energy on target, all in a size optimized for discrete deployment.

APC45 ProG feat

This is great news for those who were interested in a .45 ACP B&T PCC but were dissuaded by the cost and availability of their magazines.

For more information, please visit bt-usa.com.

More On Pistol Caliber Carbines:

Kimber’s Baby Shark: The R7 Mako

By
Iain Harrison
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1

Kimber came out of left field with the release of the R7 Mako CCW pistol, but can the company’s baby shark take a bite out of the competition?


 
With that earworm firmly planted in your swede, let’s take a look at a handgun …

Kimber R7M Feature

Whereas stagger-stack nines are nothing new, this pistol is a rarity from Kimber. It’s a departure from their normal catalog of 1911s and hunting rifles, and while they have dabbled in the CCW world with the Solo and Evo, this is aimed squarely at the most popular market segment in the U.S. right now, namely the micro subcompact genre kicked off by the SIG P365.

Kimber’s previous attempts at a striker-fired, micro 9 were, shall we say, eventful. Last decade, the Solo was introduced as a premium carry gun, and visually it was a delight, with melted edges, a two-tone or silver finish, contoured night sights and, for the time, a decent trigger. Accurate, too. Unfortunately, it needed +P ammo to run reliably, but standard pressure rounds to avoid beating itself to death. We experienced this firsthand during a reliability test for a Solo accessory; after a case of Gold Dots, the gun’s locking lugs were so badly peened it had to be retired—pretty disappointing performance from what was supposed to be a premium product. Replaced in the lineup by the Evo SP, the new gun seemed to address the previous model’s shortcomings but with its predecessor’s bad rap hanging like a sword of Damocles, it’s not exactly lighting up the sales charts.

R7 Mako Holster
Kimber went to market with holster makers already spun up on the product, so finding something to put the pistol in shouldn’t be too difficult.

The R7 Mako is a clean-sheet design. If you sense a certain Teutonic aesthetic to its lines, it’s probably due to the influence of Willi Bubits whose creations can be found in the catalogs of Caracal, Steyr and Walther, and who brought the Mako’s initial concept to Kimber. So much for history, does it fill the intended role?

Hands On


For anyone familiar with the flashy Solo, the Mako looks like its homely sister. Sure, there’s been an attempt to mold in some contours to the glass-filled polymer frame, but it’s only slightly less ugly than a Hi-Point, albeit without the latter’s bulk and heft. The R7 Mako’s barrel locks up using an odd-looking square nub at the rear of the chamber, rather than the usual SIG/Petter shelf, making the slide a little taller than you’d expect and adding to the somewhat top-heavy appearance. Looks aside, the frame does a creditable job of handling the human/gun interface, with texturing across all gripping surfaces, a noticeable palm swell and that Wather-esque hump on the backstrap. While it may not have the world’s lowest bore axis, an undercut trigger guard gets your hand high enough to make recoil control manageable, and the pinky extension on its 13-round magazine allows for a full, three-finger grip, even with large hands. An 11-round, flush-fit mag is available for anyone requiring a minimum of grip length for concealment purposes, but it’s a pretty safe bet that most users will opt for more capacity.

R7 Mako right
Controls are full ambi and designed for the CCW role. The 13-round mag provides enough grip for even large hands.

The magazine release is flush with the frame’s surface rather than being fenced, and to allow the thumb to reach it, there’s a relieved area in the frame making inadvertent mag drops unlikely. Lefties are catered to with identical controls on both sides of the pistol. The slide release is let into a raised plastic ridge in the frame’s upper surface, so accidentally locking the slide to the rear is about as likely as dropping the mag when you didn’t mean to.

R7 Mako slide locked

The R7 Mako’s slide has another interesting quirk, aside from its unusual lockup—there’s a separate breech face pinned into the area rear of the undersized ejection port, which makes manufacture easier. Should .40 S&W make a comeback return to its former glory, rather than just being an annoying way to screw up a progressive reloading press (thanks, XD shooters for mixing .40 and 9mm brass), then you could potentially swap in a new breech face and barrel and be on your merry way. But that scenario’s as likely as Biden’s second term. Those wanting to add a weapon-mounted light to their carry piece will be disappointed, at least until the aftermarket catches up, as there’s no Picatinny rail out front. Choosing a proprietary rail will always ruffle feathers, but the alternative of having a tiny, svelte handgun with a mini cheese grater sticking out past the slide profile will piss off just as many potential customers.

Initially, we suspected the Kimber’s slide was a MIM part, as tool marks were almost completely absent. But after receiving assurances from the manufacturer that it starts out as bar stock, we’ll chalk it up to some of the best machining we’ve seen in a while. Kudos to the engineers and production guys for that one. Up top, there’s a cut for an RMSc pattern mini red dot, and our test gun came equipped with a Crimson Trace unit. It is, however, protected from gas, oil and unburnt powder residue by the Mako’s undersized ejection port.

R7 Mako left
Available as either optics-ready or optics-installed, the R7 Mako sighting options are either excellent or OK, depending on your tastes. Note the Walther-ish hump on backstrap.

Iron sights are just what the market ordered, with a big, red dot up front and a U-notch rear, both of which are tritium-illuminated and supplied by TruGlo. The rear sight features a slightly undercut front face to aid with one-handed manipulations, and it’s set as far back on the slide as possible in order to maximize sight radius. If you don’t like the sights it ships with, then finding replacements shouldn’t be too difficult, as the manufacturer made the smart choice of not going with a proprietary footprint, instead using the same slide cuts as the world’s most often replaced, useless plastic sight-like protuberances. Looking at you, Glock.

The Mako’s trigger is one of the gun’s best features and leaves the groundbreaking P365 in the dust. Breaking at 5.5 pounds with a short, tactile reset, it’s one of the few triggers on a polymer handgun that isn’t made from the same material as the frame, instead being carved from aluminum. A nice touch is that the gas pedal safety in the trigger’s face sets perfectly flush when depressed, increasing the amount of surface area in contact with your digit, reducing the perceived pull and making solid hits at extended ranges much easier. Teamed with a red dot, the combination of sights and trigger allows the user to really stretch the gun’s capabilities way past what would normally be considered CCW distances.

Rounds Downrange


Wrangling up a few of the Kimber’s competitors, we loaded up steel, paper, shot timer, and a slack handful of ammo brands and types before heading to the range. First impressions were uniformly good, with the R7 Mako’s extra couple of ounces in comparison to the P365, Hellcat and Max 9 soaking up a bit more recoil. Sure, it’s a Micro 9 so it’s going to be snappy, but there was a slight but noticeable difference between its siblings which could just as easily be attributed to the nicely contoured and grippy frame. Whether this would ever be perceived by the shooter in a situation where the gun gets used for real is definitely an angels/pin argument, but it’s there nonetheless.

Firing Kimber R7M
The author firing the Mako with a mounted optic at the range.

Accuracy was in line with the rest of the pack, and we had no trouble hitting two-third size IPSC torsos beyond 50 yards and keeping shots within the head box at 25. Every type of factory ammo we put through the gun functioned flawlessly, whether it was NATO-spec 124-grain ball, old Remington 115-grain range fodder or different flavors of hollow-points. It wasn’t until we got into handloads that the R7 choked. Loads that were put together to barely make minor power factor for local matches refused to go into battery, despite running well in the other guns. It seems that in this test sample at least, the Kimber product has a chamber with a short throat, so if you want to load rounds slightly longer than usual to reduce pressure. Be aware that the R7 is even tighter than CZ in this respect.

Kimber Field Strip
Field stripping reveals the curious barrel nub that acts to lock up the action.

The Mako’s entry into a market segment that’s quickly filling up with worthy carry guns is welcomed, as competition drives innovation. Kimber has learned from the mistakes of others and has delivered a handgun that checks every box in terms of feature set, at a price comparable to the models it’ll share counter space with. Great sights, trigger, capacity and optics-ready right out of the box—what’s not to like? And don’t worry, the holster will cover up the homely aesthetics. Everyone’s a 10 with the lights out…

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

For more information, please visit kimberamerica.com.

More Micro-Compact 9mm Pistols

Springfield Armory Announces Release Of Hellcat Pro

By
Adam Borisenko
-
0

Springfield Armory has just announced the Hellcat Pro, a new Hellcat variant that features an increased capacity and optics-ready slide.


 
The Springfield Hellcat has been one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market since its introduction, and Springfield has just announced the release of a new model in the family. The Springfield Hellcat Pro will come with an optics-ready slide, a longer barrel and an increased magazine capacity over standard Hellcat models.

Hellcat Pro with optic

Springfield is advertising that the biggest advantage of the new Hellcat Pro is its large magazine capacity despite the gun’s small size. The pistol retains the slim and concealable 1-inch width from previous Hellcat models but now has a larger grip that is more comfortable to hold and facilitates the use of new 15-round flush-fit magazines. It also features a longer barrel and proportionally longer slide, providing fired projectiles with greater velocity and the shooter with a longer sight radius. Speaking of sights, the Hellcat Pro also includes a co-witness U-Dot Tactical Rack rear sight, tritium front sight and an optics-ready slide ready to accept RMSc-pattern red dots. The accessory rail on the Hellcat Pro has been extended as well.

Hellcat Pro CoWitness Sights Thin Profile

Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing, had this to say on the new Hellcat Pro:

The Hellcat Pro delivers full-size performance in a concealable, EDC-ready package with unmatched ergonomics…This is a pistol that shoots like a much larger handgun while still being extremely easy to conceal, offering you the best of both worlds.

Hellcat Pro left

Each Hellcat Pro will include two 15-round magazines and the MSRP will be $634. All other features on the Pro model are comparable to those of existing Hellcats.

For more information, please visit springfield-armory.com.

More From Springfield Armory:

The Diamondback DB9: One Sneaky Snake

By
Richard A. Mann
-
1

The Diamondback DB9 is an often-overlooked ultra-compact 9mm CCW pistol that's been around for a while, but its small size may make it still worth considering.

Currently, the most popular handguns for personal protection are what are often called ultra-compacts. Handguns of this size are nothing new, but what’s relatively new are handguns this small that are chambered for the 9mm Luger. The reason this type of firearm has become so popular is because as the popularity of concealed carry rises, so too does the realization that a full-size pistol is uncomfortable to carry and hard to conceal. So, every year, we see new introductions into this segment of the market.

Diamondback DB9 Feature
The Diamondback DB9 with its 6-round magazine.

Ironically, one of the smallest and easiest to conceal 9mm handguns has been around for a while, and it’s often ignored by those looking for something small, easy to conceal and comfortable to carry. It’s the DB9 from Diamondback. My first exposure to this handgun was more than a decade ago while I was hunting alligators in the Florida swamps. Not only did I use the DB9 to shoot alligators that were hauled up along the side of an airboat, but I also got to tour the factory. As a result of that visit, I’ve had a DB9 that I keep handy anytime I need a handgun for deep concealment.

Diamondback DB9 hand
How small is the DB9 Well, if you have normal-sized hands for a man, you could call it “hand-sized.” It’s a very compact 9mm pistol, hardly bigger than a smartphone.

Over that past decade, that little pistol has served me well and has proven to be very reliable. A friend begged me out of it, so I acquired another, newer DB9. This pistol is less than 6 inches long, less than an inch wide, less than 5 inches tall and tips the scales—unloaded—at less than 14 ounces. It holds 6+1 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and there are 15 different variants to choose from. The DB9 comes with one magazine and two base pads. One of the base pads extends below the grip for little finger support, and the other fits flush.

Sights on the DB9 vary depending on the model. Several have what I’d call bumps or pocket pistol sights. They work, but they’re small. Four versions of the DB9 come with more conventional handgun sights of the three-dot variety, and these DB9s are compatible with aftermarket Glock sights. Unless you’re going to pocket carry, I’d for sure recommend one of the versions with the better sights. At 10 yards, I was able to keep my shots inside a 3-inch circle and run the Forty-Five Drill—five shots, inside a 5-inch circle, at 5 yards, in less than 5 seconds—in an average of about 4 seconds, and that’s drawing from a coat pocket.

Diamondback DB9 firing
The Diamondback DB9 hardly fills your hand, but you’ll need to hold on to it. For some shooters, 9mm recoil from a 13-ounce pistol can be intimidating.

The DB9 is thin and light, and with full power 9mm loads, it’ll bite your hand a bit. But, honestly, what would you expect from such a small pistol? I wouldn’t want to take a 250-round per day training course with the DB9, but, of course, that’s not what this pistol was designed for. It’s intended to provide you security without bulk; it’s a deep concealment handgun. My friend carries his every day at work in an office environment, and in the appendix position and in one of those little Sticky holsters. He tells me he often forgets the gun is even there.

Diamondback DB9 Fanny Pack
For those of you who like to carry in a fanny-type pack, like the Galco Fastrax Pac Waistpack, the DB9 adds very little weight.

Some will tell you that the DB9 isn’t very reliable. That hasn’t been my experience at all. However, I’ll append that with the advice this is a pistol you must hold on to when you pull the trigger. If you try to shoot it with a relaxed grip, like you might be able to do with a duty-size 9mm pistol, don’t be surprised if reliability lessens. The smaller 9mm pistols get, the firmer they must be held and the stiffer the wrist must be kept. My daughters recently discovered this during a training course they took with one of the new Mossberg MC2sc pistols. I think this is one of the reasons the DB9 and other ultra-compact 9mm pistols sometimes get a bad rap for reliability. Shooter-induced stoppages aren’t reliability problems inherent to the handgun.

For more information, please visit diamondbackfirearms.com.

More Micro-Compact 9mm Pistols

SKS Vs AK-47: If You Could Only Have One

By
Adam Borisenko
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4

The SKS vs AK-47, if you could only have one, which would it be? We assess the pros and cons of these two iconic Soviet carbines.

Of all the firearms that have ever been fielded, the AK and SKS are two designs that have seen some of the most action. Since they were first developed in the wake of WWII, these iconic Soviet carbines have been used the world over, and they’re not through fighting yet.

If it’s been a while since you last checked in on the state of the Combloc surplus market, you may be shocked to discover just how radically it’s changed over the past couple of decades. While many can remember the days of $99 SKSs at their local hardware store, that era has unfortunately passed. The average price of both rifles has increased considerably, and those who are in the market for a 7.62x39mm gun may now be forced to choose one or the other. With many factors to consider besides cost, however, we’re going to dive into the SKS vs AK-47 debate to help you determine which is the better option if you could only own one.

SKS vs AK-47 feature
The SKS vs AK-47, Chinese PolyTech (top) and Russian Tula SKS (bottom). Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

SKS vs AK-47 Development

From the moment the AK-47 was born, its qualities were being compared to those of the SKS. Ready to modernize their armed forces following WWII, the Soviet Union was dedicated to developing a new family of weapons to replace the bolt-action Mosin Nagants and crude submachine guns that comprised the bulk of their inventory. Settling on the M43 cartridge that would become 7.62x39mm early in its development, the USSR was planning on adopting four new weapons chambered for it: a submachine gun, a belt-fed machinegun, a semi-auto carbine and a bolt-action rifle for reservists. It was quickly decided that the bolt-action was redundant and subsequently abandoned, but development moved forward on the other three designs. Sergei Simonov’s SKS was formally adopted as the new carbine in 1945, and Mikhail Kalashnikov’s AK-47 filled the role of submachine gun when it was adopted in 1949.

SKS Vietnam vs Russia
A Viet Cong soldier with an SKS in the field vs a Russian soldier with an SKS during a parade. Photos: Wikipedia.

There’s a good chance that if the original pattern of AK-47 had been more successful, the SKS would not have been produced in the numbers that it was, but as is true with most new firearm designs the Type 1 AK-47 had some kinks to work out. With the AK not being perfected until the development of the AKM in 1959, it left about a 10-year period where AK-47s were made with expensive milled receivers, defeating much of their original goal of being cheap to produce (it was originally intended to have a stamped receiver like the AKM, but Soviet manufacturing wasn’t up to snuff until ’59). When looking at the SKS vs AK-47, the Soviets determined that the AK could do just about everything the SKS could do in an infantry role, so the SKS was only produced in Russia as a stopgap measure until the fully realized AK could go online. Once that came true with the adoption of the AKM, SKS production dropped nearly to zero in the USSR.

During this interim period, the Soviets did issue the SKS to many troops, but as this was during peacetime, the rifles did not see much action in Russian hands. In Russia, it would go on to mostly be used for ceremonial and parade purposes, and it still fills that role today. Outside of Russia, however, Simonov’s carbine led a much more difficult life. The USSR shared the technical data package of the SKS early on with several allies, including China, Yugoslavia, Romania and the DDR. It was primarily China’s large-scale production of the SKS (which they called the Type 56, the same as their AK) which let the design see the amount of action that it did. Widely proliferated throughout Southeast Asia and Africa while the continents were experiencing frequent conflict, the SKS would prove to be a very effective weapon that was well-liked by most of its users. They’ve taken part in most major conflicts around the globe since their inception and they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Just because the Red Army decided that they did not need the SKS once the AKM became viable to mass-produce, that doesn’t mean that the SKS still couldn’t be the better rifle for you.

SKS vs AK-47 Design Features

When comparing the design features of the SKS vs AK-47, it’s important to keep in mind the role that each was intended to fill. The SKS was envisioned as being the USSR’s next infantry service rifle that would replace the Mosin Nagant. Because of this, it was given a traditional rifle layout, a fixed internal magazine that was to be loaded by stripper clip and a barrel length of about 20-inches (the same as the Mosin Nagant M38 and M44 carbines). By keeping these new gas-operated weapons as semi-auto only, soldiers were clearly intended to utilize good marksmanship. Besides some later Chinese variants, SKSs feature wood stocks, milled receivers and folding bayonets, again clearly taking design cues from the Mosin carbines that had been widely issued up until the SKS’ adoption at the end of the war.

SKS vs M44 Mosin
Russian M44 Mosin Nagant Carbine (top) vs Chinese SKS (bottom). Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

The AK-47, and by extension the now-prolific AKM, was designed to fill a different role. Originally issued with both fixed wood and underfolding metal buttstocks, the AK-47 was a select-fire weapon from the get-go. While Stalin himself supposedly requested that the SKS feature a fixed-magazine (10 rounds) to save money and simplify logistics, Kalashnikov’s design was always intended to use detachable 30-round mags similar to the submachineguns in service that it was intended to replace.

It also was given a shorter barrel of about 16-inches. While some may expect that the longer barrel of the SKS will impart greater accuracy, in reality, the differences in mechanical accuracy between the two designs are negligible. While most shooters can achieve slightly better accuracy with an SKS than with an AK, this is mostly due to the longer sight radius and ergonomics of the Simonov. Furthermore, 7.62x39mm achieves near maximum velocity out of a 16-inch barrel, only gaining an average muzzle velocity of about 60 FPS more from a 20-inch barrel.

7.62 ballistics by barrel length
7.62×39 ballistics by barrel length. Graph: Rifleshooter.com.

Another notable design difference includes the fact that AKs use long-stroke gas pistons while the SKS uses short-stroke. While the SKS is still considered to be very reliable, it’s not on the same level as the AK mostly because of this difference. SKSs also feature a last-round bolt-hold-open device while AKs do not.

SKS vs AK-47 dissasembled
A field-stripped SKS. Photo: Wikipedia.

SKS vs AK-47 Prices

While the goal of this article is to compare the physical qualities of the SKS vs AK-47, this discussion can’t be had without some mention of respective prices. Choosing an SKS over an AK made more sense when the former could be acquired for less than $200, but that is no longer the case. The cheapest SKS you will likely be able to find for sale in 2022 will be at least $400, and it will probably be a very poor condition Chinese model. Assuming that it’s mechanically sound and is only in need of some refinishing, this is still about $400 less than what the most basic, yet decent, AK will cost. The Romanian WASR fits that description and can currently be found for a bit over $800 typically.

SKS-price-Shotgun-News-2003
A Shotgun News ad from 2003 showing a Yugo SKS available for $109.95, and they were even cheaper than that at one point.

While it’s great that SKSs were once sold for so little, it has skewed the American perception of their quality. These are milled receiver rifles built in the old-school way, reminiscent of firearms used during WWII. The truth is that they were always worth more than what they were being sold for, but international political circumstances led them to be surplussed for pennies on the dollar. Americans who were old enough to be there got to reap the rewards, but these rifles’ prices are now starting to reflect their build quality more accurately.

It would be wonderful if these were still available for $99, but if you decide that you really want an SKS you shouldn’t feel bad about paying a bit more for one as long as it’s in decent mechanical shape. Another point on the price of each is that when one buys an AK, especially a new production WASR, it is accepted that the furniture they come with will need to be replaced with something better. Most will also want to buy at least a few spare magazines. Unless modified by a previous owner, most SKSs will include their original-issue wood stocks, folding bayonets and fixed magazines, meaning that the rifle is already a complete package save for maybe some stripper clips and a sling.

If You Could Only Have One

Depending on the reasons you have for wanting a 7.62x39mm rifle, the cost may or may not be relevant. Are you on a tight budget? Are you in the market purely for collecting or historical purposes? If either is true for you, the SKS is the clear winner due to still being both cheaper and more authentic than the commercial AK variants available in the States. If you plan on using the gun for practical purposes, however, there are other factors worth considering.

If you want either one of these rifles for practical purposes, your desired application should be well thought out. Are you looking for a varmint rifle to tote around your ranch? A truck gun? Or maybe you just want something for putting holes in paper with at the range.

If you are looking for a handy or compact rifle, the SKS is worse by most metrics, but not by much.

When comparing the unloaded weights of a standard SKS with an early, milled AK-47 (with steel magazine inserted), they are nearly identical. When compared to the more common stamped-receiver AKM, however, the SKS is about a pound heavier. The SKS has a longer barrel and a fixed stock too. AKs are available from the factory with folding stocks in some cases, and short pistol variants have become readily available as well. While AKs use 30-round mags as standard, they can also use magazines as small as five rounds to reduce the package’s bulk. If you want your 7.62×39 gun to be as compact as possible, the AK has greater potential for it. That being said, the SKS is also very sleek and handy due to its fixed internal magazine and lack of a pistol grip. Ultimately, the winner here depends on exactly where you plan on storing it.

SKS vs AK-47 Length
SKS vs AK-47 underfolder size comparison. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.

Personal preference also plays a role in determining which would be better for you. If you’re more used to the handling of traditional rifle platforms or want your gun to be less intimidating to folks who may view an AK as “the bad guy gun”, the SKS is the clear winner. The only thing on a wood-stocked SKS that screams “military rifle” is its bayonet, and it can be removed if one so desires. Another consideration is that if having a high ammo capacity isn’t a concern of yours, the SKS has an edge in simplicity and reliability. Faulty detachable magazines can cause issues for any gun, and AKs are no different. Plus, if your only magazine is lost or damaged, you’re left with what is functionally a single-shot rifle. As long as one has loose ammunition to feed their SKS, however, it can continue to operate as intended.

Local laws may play a role in your decision as well, as there are unfortunately many jurisdictions in the United States that have either banned the AK family of weapons by name or have severely restricted their form by banning certain features. If the only AK that you can legally own will have a neutered pistol grip and a 10-round magazine, you might as well just get an SKS instead. The AK has a much greater aftermarket for adding optics and other accessories of course, but customizing each gun is a conversation for another day.

Cali Compliant WASR
California-compliant Cugir WASR-10 from Century Arms.

Final Thoughts

In short, when looking at the SKS vs AK-47, the SKS still may be the better choice for you. Despite being more expensive now than they were previously, they can still be found for much cheaper than a good AK, and the SKS has greater potential for collectability as well. Those who live in areas with legal restrictions on AKs or their features have good reason to consider the SKS, too.

SKS stripper clip
SKS being loaded via stripper clip. Photo: Wikipedia.

For essentially any role that is not defense or combat-oriented, the SKS can at least perform on par with the AK, if not better in some areas. If the gun you want may ever be forced into a tactical application, however, the AK still has more potential to be the better modern fighting rifle. Ultimately the choice is yours and there are far too many factors at play to definitively claim that one is a better purchase than the other, but if you understand exactly what you want the gun to do for you, that choice should be an easier one to make.

More On The SKS & AK

  • The Best Imported AK Rifles You Can Find In The U.S.
  • Market Trends: Surging Prices Of The SKS And Other Milsurp
  • 7.62 AK Mags: What You Need To Know
  • Pushing SKS Upgrades To Their Limit
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