Red dot-sighted pistols grow more mainstream as LAPD adopts FN 509 MRD-LE.
FN 509 MRD-LE Features:
9mm, 17+1 Capacity
Striker-fired
Improved Precision Barrel
Upgraded Trigger
Optics Ready
American shooters have traditionally looked to the police for guidance when it comes to selecting their handguns. When cops made the switch from revolvers to autoloaders, so did many civilians. When cops began to transition away from DA/SA steel-framed autos to striker-fired polymer-framed guns, so too did the general population. Now as police departments across the country begin to replace their iron-sighted service weapons for ones with red dot sights, it's time to ask how long it will take until those without badges decide to follow suit. With the LAPD’s adoption of the FN 509 MRD-LE, it may be sooner than later.
As the third largest police department in the country, when the LAPD selects a new service pistol it’s no small task. With nearly 10,000 officers to equip in one of the highest crime cities in the nation, it's no surprise that the selection process is taken quite seriously. It’s all the more impressive then when the FN 509 MRD-LE passed each test with flying colors and surpassed all of the department’s requirements. The pistol is supposed to have survived a 20,000 round endurance test without a single malfunction to speak of, something that few other handguns can boast.
Besides having ultimate reliability, the LAPD also required their new duty pistols to be as accurate as possible. FN began the process of refining the 509 design for the LAPD by improving mechanical accuracy by means of the barrel. The 509 MRD-LE includes a hammer-forged barrel with a recessed target crown that promises to deliver tight groups regardless of the gun’s total round count. A gun is only as accurate as its shooter, however, so the 509 MRD-LE also features an upgraded trigger and sights. The trigger is flat-faced and cleanly breaks at 90°, and the new high-performance conical striker reduces trigger pull weight by about a pound. The cherry on top of this package is its ability to mount optical sights through the use of FN’s Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System. The three-dot tritium sights that come standard on the 509 MRD-LE would have been nice enough on their own, but in this case they were really designed for co-witnessing with a red dot. The mounting platform can accommodate a wide variety of professional pistol red dots, and the gun ships with four different mounting plates. It is currently still unknown whether the LAPD will also be selecting a red dot to be adopted for use alongside the 509 MRD-LE or if individual officers will be required to choose their own.
Each FN 509 MRD-LE ships with an FN ballistic case, a lock, three magazines and three swappable backstraps for increased ergonomics.
As hard-hitting a belted magnums and ballistically talented as the 6.5 crowd, the 6.8 Western is a show stopper in the field.
Why The 6.8 Western Fills An Important Niche:
At 500 yards, the cartridge delivers more energy on target than the .300 Win. Mag.
It's trajectory is on par with the 6.5 PRC and .300 Win. Mag.
Yet, the cartridge generally produces less felt recoil and fits in a short action.
A solid 130-grain to 165-grain bullet selection, the 6.8 is suitable for all North American medium and big game.
How The 6.8 Western Compares
As far as current factory ammunition goes, I tested the 165-grain bonded core at 2,970 fps and a 175-grain cup-and-core bullet (Sierra bullets have a stellar reputation) at a muzzle velocity of 2,830 fps. Let’s look at how these two bullets fare downrange and how they compare to other popular cartridges.
With its bonded core and sleek profile, the .277-inch-diameter 165-grain Nosler AccuBond bullet will retain its velocity downrange and its weight after impact.
The 6.8 Western with the 165-grain Nosler AccuBond Long Range load will give a trajectory on par with both the 6.5 PRC with a 143-grain ELD-X and the .300 Winchester Magnum with a 180-grain Swift Scirocco II. With all three zeroed at 200 yards, the 6.8 Western and 6.5 PRC are within .3 inch out to 500 yards, with velocities so close it’s not funny, though the 6.8 Western has over 250 ft-lbs more energy at 500 yards. And though it is very difficult to quantify with energy figures alone, it is not difficult to envision the penetration advantage of an additional 22 grains of bullet, as the 165-grain .277 has an S.D. of .307 vs. the 6.5mm 143-grain’s .293 figure.
Looking to the highly popular .300 Winchester Magnum and the 180-grain Swift Scirocco II, as loaded by Federal to a muzzle velocity of 2,960 fps, you’ll see the trajectory nearly identical to the 6.8 Western. At the 500-yard mark, the .300 Winnie hits only 2.5 inches lower than the 6.8 Western, though the larger cartridge has a bit less energy at that distance. If you are a holdover-type shooter, think of the trajectory like this: with a 200-yard zero, you’ll need 6 inches of holdover at 300 yards, 18 inches at 400 yards, and 36 inches at 500 yards.
Comparing the three cartridges’ energy at 500 yards, you see the 6.8 Western delivering 1,863 ft-lbs, the .300 Winchester Magnum 1,796 ft-lbs, and the 6.5 PRC 1,604 ft-lbs. The numbers for the 175-grain load drop off a bit, with the heavier bullet hitting 4.5 inches lower than the 165-grain at 500 yards, and at that distance, the heavier bullet retains about 100 ft-lbs less than the lighter load. Comparing the three cartridges’ felt recoil, I will confidently say that the 6.8 Western has the least felt recoil by a large margin in my experiences with them in different rifles.
I tested the two factory loads’ velocities on my chronograph and found them consistent, though slightly lower than advertised. The Browning X-Bolt drove the 165-grain load to an average muzzle velocity of 2,918 fps, 52 fps slower than indicated, and the 175-grain load left the muzzle at an average speed of 2,770 fps, 60 fps slower than advertised. I’ve seen worse deviations, so I wasn’t overly concerned; the extreme velocity spread was inside of 20 fps, and that consistency is indicative of the accuracy I observed.
What we then have is a cartridge housed in a lighter, short-action receiver (the 6.5 PRC is too long to fit in a short-action rifle), which gives a minimal amount of recoil while very nearly mirroring the performance of the venerated .300 Winchester Magnum in every manner, save frontal diameter. I’m a huge fan of the .300 Winchester Magnum, as well as the .30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester, but unless you plan to use the 200- and 220-grain bullets, you could make the case of switching to the lighter-recoiling 6.8 Western. You get more bang for the buck (pun intended), though ammunition availability is a factor, especially in our current environment.
But, while the heavy bullets are great for bigger game species and for shooting at longer ranges, will the 6.8 Western also cover the same ground as the .270 Winchester and .270 WSM? Let’s take a look at handloading for the 6.8 Western, with both the heavy bullets and with the standard 130- through 150-grain bullets so popular and readily available.
Reloading the 6.8 Western
Grabbing a set of Redding 6.8 Western reloading dies and some Winchester component brass, I set out to develop a few handloads that would maximize the new cartridge’s capabilities. With load data provided by Hodgdon — covering the Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester trio of powder brands under its roof — and a versatile selection of .277-caliber bullets that would cover almost all North American game species, I cooked up a variety of test loads. For projectiles, I grabbed a quartet I felt would cover the gamut of species you’d possibly take with the 6.8 Western. The 165-grain Nosler AccuBond Long Range would be the heavyweight choice, but the 150-grain Sierra GameKing spitzer boattail, 136-grain Federal Terminal Ascent, and 130-grain Hornady GMX would complete the range of bullet weights.
To spark the 6.8, I used Winchester’s WLRM and Federal’s GM215M Gold Medal Match large rifle magnum primers in Winchester cases. Several powders would have been suitable for the 6.8 Western, but certain ones stood out as the best choices for my particular rifle. Hodgdon’s H414 and H4831SC were excellent choices, and the IMR Enduron powders, including IMR 4451, IMR 4955, IMR 7977, and the slow-burning IMR 8133, gave terrific results. The 6.8 Western likes powders on the medium to slow burn rate from IMR 4350, H4350, and Winchester’s StaBall 6.5, all the way up through Hodgdon H1000 and RETUMBO.
Federal’s 136-grain Terminal Ascent bullet printed very well when seated over a Federal GM215M primer and a suitable charge of IMR 7977; this would make an excellent load for lighter species of big game.
Though I had good results with several, were I forced to pick the powder which performed best in my test gun, I’d look to IMR 7977. It wasn’t always the fastest, but it was the most consistent in both accuracy and velocity. With the 165-grain Nosler AccuBond Long Range bullets, IMR 8133 gave the highest velocities, as it is the slowest burning of the powders tested. The factory stuff was a bit faster than my handloads — as expected — but I would still be satisfied with the speeds my handloaded ammunition generated. I used a 2.900-inch cartridge overall length for the 165-grain ABLRs, as the rifle seemed to like that length best, but the other bullets required a bit shorter C.O.L. The Nosler AccuBond Long Range and Federal Terminal Ascent bullets produced the best accuracy. They would be my choice for shots at longer ranges, letting the species’ size and tenacity dictate the choice.
What I ended up with were handloads perfectly suited for hunting nearly all game species you’d want to use the 6.8 Western for; though it would work, I suppose the cartridge might not be considered a sound choice for prairie dogs and other small varmints. The 130-grain bullets will handle whitetails without issue. With the 136-grain Terminal Ascent, you’ve got an excellent choice for pronghorns, sheep, and other similar species. The 165-grain Nosler AccuBond could handle the bears, larger cervids, and a wide selection of African game species as well.
Concluson
Considering that the .270 Winchester and .270 WSM cannot stabilize the longer projectiles without a replacement barrel and having seen the effects of the heavier projectiles on game animals, the 6.8 Western’s ability to mimic the terminal effects of the larger 7mm- and .30-caliber cartridges make it a viable design. In a saturated market with excellent cartridges, the 6.8 Western brings a unique sense of balance, performance, and versatility usually reserved for classic designs. I have never been overly enthusiastic about the Winchester Short Magnum cartridges, and the 6.8 Western is undoubtedly a part of that family, even if the name doesn’t reflect it. But there is something different and unique about this one. I had none of the feeding issues I’ve experienced with the .300 WSM and .270 WSM; perhaps that slightly relocated shoulder is playing a part in that.
The Sierra 150-grain boattail spitzer has a shorter ogive than the other bullets the author tested and needed to be seated slightly deeper to avoid contacting the rifling. It shot well when mated with IMR 4955.
Where the 7mm WSM and .325 WSM have lost the shooting public’s attention, and the WSSM cartridges have all but faded into obscurity, I feel the 6.8 Western will prove to be a popular choice, as it fills a niche which, in my opinion, has long been needed.
Many are quick to dismiss .25 ACP as a defensive cartridge, but sometimes concealability and reliability are more important than stopping power.
.25 ACP Quick Facts:
Typically a 50-grain projectile traveling at ~800 FPS.
Designed by John Browning to be a more reliable pocket pistol cartridge than .22LR.
Fell out of common use by the 1980s.
Modern defense loads are still produced.
The prevailing attitude within the contemporary CCW community is that one should never carry a cartridge weaker than 9mm. When even .380 ACP is disparaged for having inadequate stopping power, you may be wondering why anyone would even consider .25 ACP to be anything besides obsolete. For those who carry a .45 because they don’t make a .46, the premise of trusting ones’ life to a cartridge this small is probably laughable, but in the 116 years since its invention, .25 ACP has put more people in the ground than one might expect. Carried by both criminals and their prospective victims for decades, .25 ACP may just be the hidden wonder that our renaissance of micro-compact pistols has been needing.
It is true that modern firearms technology has enabled us to make guns nearly as small as the pocket pistols of yore but chambered for much more potent cartridges, however, there are more factors at play than size and power when it comes to self-defense. I posit that despite the recent abundance of 9mm micro compacts, most people would still find utility in having an old Saturday night special in .25 ACP.
.25 ACP, 9mm and .45 ACP.
It Needs To Go Bang
Which would you rather have on you while strolling through a dangerous neighborhood, a .44 magnum with timing issues or a .22 target pistol that’s never failed you once? Personally, I’d feel much more confident with a reliable piece than I would with a more powerful one. Ideally, of course, we want to have both, but that’s not always possible. The potential ballistic energy stored in a big cartridge is worth exactly zero if it fails to go off, while good shot placement can more than compensate for poor ballistics.
While .25 ACP isn’t exactly a showstopper in any of its other properties, nobody can deny that it's about as reliable as any other centerfire cartridge. Even the nicest, most expensive defensive .22 loadings will be inherently less reliable due to their rimfire design, which is exactly why John Browning set out to create the .25. He chose a cartridge case that was as small as possible but could still contain a primer and designed a round-nosed jacketed projectile for more reliable feeding in autoloaders. Its semi-rimmed nature allows it to be used in both revolvers and semi-autos, and the rim aids with extraction in the latter.
Both studies and common sense tell us that during most defensive encounters involving a firearm, no shots are actually fired. While we should always plan for the worst when preparing for a potential defensive scenario, we must also accept the reality that if you ever are forced to draw your gun, the odds are that its mere presence will be enough to deescalate the situation. Even most of the dumbest criminals understand that gun=danger and will be equally dissuaded by Dirty Harry’s hand cannon as they would be by grandma’s old Tanfoglio.
A Tanfoglio GT27 .25 ACP pocket pistol.
Room For Improvement
Despite all of these potential benefits and justifications, most .25 ACP pistols still suck. They were limited by the technology of their day and their cheap, disposable nature created a positive feedback loop resulting in increasingly poor-quality designs to be released over the years. Unlike most other pistol designs, many of the oldest .25 pocket pistols were of higher quality than those which would come later. With all due respect, it's no surprise that Colt, FN and Beretta can make a nicer gun than Lorcin.
Enough of these pocket pistols are still in use that several ammunition manufacturers continue to produce .25 ACP, despite there not being a new .25 pistol released on the market since perhaps the Taurus 25 PLY.
A .25 Auto in the chamber of the Taurus 25 PLY.
The key advantage to pistols chambered in .25 ACP is obviously their size. Only rimfire cartridges could be used to shrink down pocket pistols any smaller, but the better reliability of centerfires makes .25 the clear winner in this category of firearms.
While no new .25 ACP pocket pistols have been developed in a very long time, and it remains unlikely that that will change anytime soon, if a company were to venture a new design I believe it could have good potential. The greatest shortcomings of most .25 pocket guns are their nearly useless sights, low capacities and the incorporation of outdated design features. If a new .25 ACP pocket pistol were to come to market that featured a lightweight polymer frame, better iron sights, a double-action trigger and maybe even a double-stack magazine, this otherwise obsolescent cartridge would just maybe make a comeback. If not a comeback, it would at least give guns like the new Ruger LCP MAX a run for their money.
Meet the next generation of Canik pistols, the Mete SFX and SFT.
Canik has made headway in recent years. Well priced and tactically adept, the Turkish-made handguns have built a dedicated following for a simple reason—they perform. Now, the company has unleashed a new series of handguns, with all the features shooters have come to expect in a modern fighting pistol. Shake hands with the Mete SFX and SFT. Ambidextrous, optics-ready and a load of other features, the pistols look intriguing.
More From Canik:
Delray Beach, Fla. – (August 10th, 2021) – “The Evolution of Superiority” has arrived! The Canik brand of firearms is proud to unveil the latest innovation in pistols with the Mete (pronounced Met-A) series of handguns. The Mete name pays homage to a legendary Turkish hero. This line of pistols undoubtedly lives up to its namesake. Building off of the TP series success, the evolution of this line is based on consumer and engineering feedback that were not only desired enhancements but also functional improvements. The Mete series is the culmination of years of tireless testing and engineering resulting in a truly impressive end result!
Canik Mete SFX
The first two pistols being released in the Mete series are the Mete SFx and the Mete SFT. The changes in the Mete series were all designed to take a great product and elevate it to the next level of semi-automatic sporting pistols. The external changes are subtle but are instantly recognizable when handling the firearm. An integrally flared mag-well allows for fluid reloads and extra support for the grip, new aggressive texturing to include the front of the grip allows for increased stability, the double undercut trigger guard secures the support hand on the firearm, the low profile slide stop lever and angled rear sight edge increase functionality in a multitude of situations, a co-witnessing optics ready slide cut now accepting everything from a Trijicon RMRcc all the way to a micro optic allows for a constant and reliable sight picture, an ergonomically redesigned beavertail for comfortability, and a holster fit-and-lock (HFL) system for retention in the holster. The internal changes begin with easy in / easy out push pins that can be removed using slight pressure and the Canik punch. From there the entire platforms internals are modular in a sense that it can be completely disassembled and then reassembled with ease using only the aforementioned Canik punch.
Each pistol comes standard with the following items: A hard case, 18 and 20 standard capacity magazines, magazine E-Z loader, mag-well, extra back strap, two optics plates, reversible IWB/OWB holster, Canik punch and toolkit, cleaning kit, gun lock, and manual. Many Canik accessories are interchangeable between the TP series and Mete series to include barrels except for the Mete SFx barrel which has been extended to 5.2” for increased accuracy and velocity.
The Mete series of pistol’s MSRP has been established to continue the tradition of great value for an even better price with the SFT set at $519.99 and the SFx at $574.99. “The Canik Mete series is the result of taking the time to hear what the firearms community has asked for, figuring out how to incorporate these requests into our platform, and ultimately how to make the best sporting firearm for the price on the market today. The Mete truly is the evolution of superiority” said Canik USA marketing director Adam Ruonala. The Mete SFx and SFT are now shipping to distributors and dealers across the country and more information can be found about these and other Canik products at www.canikusa.com
There’s more to weapons lights and laser sights than slapping one on your pistol.
Unless you never leave your house after the sun goes down, you’ll likely need a system to enhance your defensive capabilities in low-light situations. After all, thugs prefer to work the graveyard shift. In turn, a laser sight and/or a weapons light can prove a wise addition to a defensive handgun.
While the devices seem simple enough on the surface, it takes more than simply attaching one to an accessory rail to reap the benefits. Jamey Caldwell, former special operator and instructor with 1-Minute Out, goes over the fundamentals of both systems in the above video. He uses a Walther PDP pistol and Surefire X400 Ultra—white light, red laser combo—in the example, but much of what he talks about applies to other devices.
More than anything, shooters need to concentrate on the operating system—how they’ll turn it on and off—when they choose one of these devices. The last thing you need is a light or laser that’s inoperable in the heat of battle because it’s difficult to flip on. Furthermore, in the case of lasers, you must ensure it’s properly zeroed at the same distance as your iron sights. As well as, how big the size of the device is overall. Sure, there are do-all systems, but they might not be compatible with your particular style of carry.
How the construction and conformation of your rifle stock changes everything downrange.
What Are The Important Points On Rifle Stock Fit:
The comb on most modern stocks' combs are too low to constantly align the eye with a scope.
Low combs are preferred on rifles with iron sights or ones that use both irons and scopes.
LOP typically runs too short on production rifles, leading to more felt recoil and having to “scrunch” to fit the rifle.
Too long, however, and the rifle can be slower to mount, hanging up on clothing among other things.
Grip designs and comb designs have become thicker, thus make a full grip more difficult.
This is fine for small bores and precision shooting, but with heavy calibers sacrifices control.
I was on an African hunt with a .404 Jeffery set up over shooting sticks with a wildebeest bull nearly 200 yards away. My PH, Cornus du Plooy, gave the green light. I broke the trigger, heard the bullet’s impact and, after recoil, saw the bull fall. “It’s a good rifle, that,” Cornus commented. He certainly wasn’t wrong.
That particular rifle—a Heym Express by Martini—was stocked perfectly for my frame. The Express’ stock is designed by famed gunsmith Ralf Martini, and that’s among my favorite stock designs ever produced. After that first experience with that .404 Jeffery, I got to thinking long and hard about what makes a proper rifle stock.
I admit that, until I held some of the finer British and European rifles, I was woefully ignorant as to the effects of stock fit. There are good features in all designs—but equally many flaws. I’ve my own favorites, and there are some I just don’t like … or perhaps they just don’t fit me well.
At any rate, I started a correspondence with some folks very familiar with stock design, to gather their thoughts. Chris Sells is president of HeymUSA and passionate about vintage-style double rifles and bolt-action guns, as well as embracing modern actions like his straight-pull. Mark Bansner is the head of Bansner & Company LLC, a custom rifle company; he’s as famous for his rifles as he is his synthetic stocks. I also chatted with Zack Buck of Blak Forge Armoury. He’s passionate about classic stock designs of vintage firearms, including traditional muzzleloaders, and is well-versed in making replacement stocks for vintage firearms of all sorts.
Comb Height And Riflescopes
Looking at the way stocks have evolved over the past century, we’ve seen a change in sighting systems, with the telescopic sight playing a much larger role. However, the combs of modern stocks—both walnut and synthetic—don’t seem to have followed suit. I’ve made several trips to the SAAM Shooting School at the FTW Ranch in Barksdale, Texas, where highly talented instructors push you to give your best. They add a cheek pad to almost every rifle they handle, to better align the shooter’s eye with their optic and give proper cheek weld. Apparently, I’m not alone in feeling the average comb is too low.
The inimitable Mark Bansner, with one of his custom synthetic rifles in .404 Jeffery. Bansner Custom rifles have a fantastic reputation.
“Most rifles today have a comb height too low for proper fit when scoped,” said Bansner. “Cheek weld allows you to place your face on the stock at the same location with the same pressure to use the scope effectively. When building a stock from wood or synthetic, it’s important to keep the comb as high as possible to get this cheek weld. However, there’s one issue that pops up: On long-action bolt rifles, and even some shorts, the bolt hits the stock when cycling the action. On some of today’s tactical stocks, they make the comb very high and cut a notch in the nose of the comb to allow for bolt clearance and removal. While fine on a tactical gun, it looks bad on an English walnut stock. Many folks are adding a lace-on comb height pad to help with this issue on sporting stocks.”
Buck is also well aware: “I shape my combs to fit the height for the primary intended use of the rifle. On a scoped rifle, that means higher combs; as a rule, though, I try and keep the scope as low as I possibly can. This allows a lower comb, and I feel, better aesthetics, and gentler perceived recoil.
“Factory Monte Carlo-style combs are an easy solution to a ‘one-size-fits-all’ problem,” added Buck. “The forward-slanting comb line allows for ‘good enough’ cheek weld with a variety of scope heights and shooting styles. There has been a trend recently to use larger scopes, both in magnification and in tube diameter. This pushes the center of the scope higher—often higher than a stock was designed for. When fitting a customer for a new rifle stock, the comb height will be a bit different if they choose a 3-9x in a 1-inch tube versus a 34mm tube. The middle of the scope is nearly 5/32-inch higher in the 34mm tube.”
Combs And Hard Irons
While having your comb at the proper height for an optic is great if you use nothing but optics, what about those rifles that routinely use both scopes and iron sights? I’m speaking mainly of the big-bore rifles used for dangerous game hunting, which might be required to make a 150- or 200-yard shot, then have the optic removed for close-quarter follow-up work. In this instance, the only choice is to stock the rifle for the lower iron sights and compensate for the scope.
The graceful—and very comfortable—lines of the Heym Express by Martini, the author’s favorite rifle.
“The high comb of the Weatherby stock is probably the best at lining the shooter’s eye up with the scope, but it does limit use of the rifle to scopes only,” said HeymUSA’s Sells. “This is not an option for our dangerous game rifles. They must be stocked in such a manner as to make them functional with open sights. At the same time, most of our shooters like to use a scope when possible, so there’s always a balancing act when trying to accommodate both. Having said that, a dangerous game rifle equipped with a scope and no open sights is only half of a rifle.”
The proper cheek weld is also the key to reducing felt recoil. All three guys agreed that improper cheek weld can result in that awful slap in the face, especially from the bench. Get the head aligned properly, and perceived recoil is immediately mitigated.
Length of pull (LOP) is also an attribute that many American rifles don’t get right—I’m usually hunched over when shooting the standard 13¾-inch length of pull. At just a shade under 6 feet tall, with long arms for my frame, I prefer a longer stock. If I’m wearing a heavier hunting jacket, I like a 14-inch LOP. In just a shirt, I like 14⅜ inches and a tad longer in a double rifle.
“I think this is a function of mass-producing a gun that ‘sort of’ fits everyone,” added Buck. “It’s easier to scrunch up on a gun that’s too short than it is to reach on a long gun. The other reason is in shooting style. It appears to me that Europeans still point their rifles more out to the front, while Americans seem to keep the rifles tighter to their chests. I also suspect that the habit of shooting from a seated position, or even off of a rail by Americans, has also mitigated some of the ‘short’ feeling from shorter LOPs.”
Rigby’s Highland Stalker is a wonderful design, paying homage to the vintage Rigby rifles of the early 20th century.
“Length of pull is a very tricky measurement,” said Bansner. “Some of the old methods of taking a measurement are not very reliable. People’s arms are all different lengths. Height, weight and arm length all come into play for this measurement. Length of pull is far more critical on shotguns than on rifles. For most shotgunning, your eye acts as your rear sight.
“The average LOP on U.S.-made rifles is about 13½ inches, and on shotguns it’s 14 inches,” added Bansner. “European makers do extend the LOP ½- to ¾-inch longer on most of the long-guns they produce. The proper way to fit a stock to a client is with a try stock. These are adjustable in every way possible and, in some cases, are shootable. The LOP is important when mounting a long-gun quickly in a hunting situation. Too long and it will hang up on clothing. On a scoped rifle, getting proper eye relief is very important. It will keep the scope from splitting your head open.
“I have a formula I use for scoped rifles,” Bansner continued. “A shooter 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, should be around 13½ inches with their LOP; for every inch of height above or below, add or subtract 1/8 inch. This works for average weight people; you have to adjust for heavier folks, making it shorter for sure.”
Sells uses a similar formula, recognizing the importance of having a proper length of stock. Dealing with some hard-kicking rifles, Sells’ theory is to keep the shooter’s thumb away from their nose. He measures his clients much like a tailor does, and the Heym formula certainly works.
Agreeing On Grip
While all three of these men take great pride in their own stock designs, I asked them which of the popular rifle stock designs appealed to them most. All agreed the Winchester Model 70 is a classic design, and probably that which is the most appealing. Bansner also appreciated the older Ruger M77.
Zack Buck with one of his custom walnut stocacks, a thing of beauty.
We also discussed the recent trend of keeping the trigger-hand thumb on the right side of the rifle. I’m not a fan of the technique, although I recognize that it does have its place. I’ve seen some stock designs where the nose of the comb is made in a manner that prevents a traditional grip—the Nosler M48, for example—and asked for thoughts and opinions on that design.
“I believe the reason for this trend is several-fold,” said Buck. “First, it’s brought in from the military. When I was teaching Basic Rifle Marksmanship, one of the tools we used to help soldiers from pulling their shot was to keep the trigger-hand thumb on the back of the grip and curl their fingers and put them on the front of the pistol grip—in essence not holding onto the rifle with their trigger hand at all. Now, this has very little to do with traditional hunting rifles, but it might just be transitioning habits from one platform to another.
“I’m not in support of shooting a hunting rifle like a long-range bench gun or sniper rifle, or even a rifle designed to be fired primarily from the prone for varmints,” added Buck. “I feel there’s also a push for conservation of movement, and wrapping the thumb back over the stock after actuating the safety is an ‘unnecessary expenditure of energy’ under that philosophy. Another cause is that too many mass-produced stocks have too thick of a comb nose. This can be uncomfortable to wrap your thumb around. Comfort of the thumb when crossed over is one of the things I ensure when fitting a rifle stock. While I build bespoke stocks, I build them to fit the customer, not bad habits. I like to make sure the thumb can cross over, and the cheek and head are in the right position.”
Bansner has a differing opinion than I do for the right-side-thumb grip.
“I’ve been using this style for years now and for good reason,” Bansner explained. “There are many ways to hold a rifle when shooting; some have a major effect on performance. The death grip will transfer every heartbeat and breath into the rifle. Keeping your thumb on the trigger-finger side will minimize the pulse transferred to the stock. It also keeps your trigger finger more relaxed. This is my preferred method when shooting from a bench for accuracy: three fingers on the pistol grip with pressure to the rear into your shoulder and the thumb on the trigger finger side.”
Bansner designs his comb for use with optics, so you’ll have to scrunch to get down on the iron sights, which he includes as a secondary system.
I can see it for lighter-recoiling rifles, but I will respectfully maintain my position when it comes to the heavier cartridges. Sells also felt the same way: “On a heavy kicking rifle, a firm grip with your trigger hand is essential. It might be trendy when shooting small bores, but I can assure you that no one is shooting a .375 H&H without a firm grip.”
Wood Vs. Not Wood
Lastly, I brought up the classic wood versus synthetic argument, with some surprising results. Sells embraces the use of both materials, each having their specific purpose, but embracing walnut for the classic-style bolt-actions and double rifles. Buck is a straight-up wood traditionalist: “Wood. Full stop.”
Surprisingly, Bansner, a guy known for his excellent synthetic stocks, is a secret fan of walnut.
“My interest in gunsmithing came from walnut and custom stock making,” Bansner said. “As many have said before me, wood has soul, and there is no debating that when you look at the other materials stocks have been made of. The amount of talent necessary to complete a walnut stock from a blank of wood is really off the charts. From layout to final checkering, it will result in well over 100 hours of labor to complete. Wood is, without a doubt, my personal favorite.
The Nosler stock is assuredly designed for the shooter to keep their thumb on the right side of the stock, gripping the stock rearward with the lower three fingers of the right hand.
“So, you now ask why are you known for your synthetic stocked rifles?” continued Bansner. “I love what I do, but you also have to generate enough money to survive or you won’t be in business long. The market was moving toward synthetic stocks in the late ’70s early ’80s. Fiberglass was the first material to be formed into rifle stocks. Why? Number one was weight, then because it was impervious to weather conditions. They also had a reputation as being ugly. I changed all that and built them with the same attention to detail as I did with my wood stocks. High-quality fit and finish, along with great accuracy, gave us a super high-quality synthetic rifle. Oh, and I could build five to six of these in the time it took to build one wood-stocked rifle.”
The insight and wisdom from these three guys make a clear case for a proper-fitting stock. I’ve had both Sells and Bansner create custom stocks for me, and those guns are without a doubt my favorites. There are some affordable factory rifles that can be customized to better fit your frame—the Savage AccuStock coming quickly to mind—but I think being properly measured for a stock might shed some light on your proper dimensions. One well-fitting stock might change your entire shooting experience.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Bushnell’s Elite Tactical line just got upgraded with the addition of the DMR3 and XRS3 riflescopes.
DMR3 Features:
3.5-21X Magnification
50mm Objective Lens
First Focal Plane
MSRP: $1,499.99
XRS3 Features:
6-36X Magnification
56mm Objective Lens
First Focal Plane
MSRP: $1,699.99
Once popular scope choices for both professionals and hobbyists, Bushnell’s DMR II and XRS II have been discontinued in anticipation of each model’s new, upgraded iteration. The newly released DMR3 aims to be a proficient long-range scope while remaining light and compact, while the upcoming XRS3 delivers the highest magnification level of any scope in the Elite Tactical family. Both scope models boast several new features and upgrades that ensure Bushnell optics stay competitive.
New G4P Reticle
One of the greatest improvements in the new Elite Tactical riflescopes is their G4P reticle, something found in both models. The G4P was developed alongside G.A. Precision to provide a sight picture that’s just as fast as it is accurate. Mil-based, the G4P reticle features floating holdover dots as well as quick-acquisition bars. Adjusting your zero should also be easy with the scopes’ revamped, bold turret markings, and the built-in zero stop should make returning to zero a breeze.
Using high-quality glass and coating processes, Bushnell has managed to achieve 2% higher light transmission than their previous generation of scopes, ensuring a clear sight picture and better performance. Both scopes are also rated IP67 for protection against water and dust. This combined with their tubes’ aluminum construction results in some very hardy optics. Designed with military and law enforcement in mind, these Bushnell scopes are certainly tough enough for competition use as well.
What's included with the XRS3.
The DMR3 model also features a new, shorter 25-yard parallax, making it a viable choice for rimfire shooting too. The XRS3 is longer and heavier than the DMR3 and only has a 50-yard parallax, but its greater magnification level and field of view make it the clear winner for extreme long ranges. Whatever your long-range precision needs may be, Bushnell's Elite Tactical line is sure to go the distance.
Flat shooting and hard-hitting, the .325 WSM is the small cartridge zeroed in to tackle big game.
What You Need To Know About The .325 WSM:
Designed to stop North American big game.
Delivers similar energies as the .338 Winchester Magnum.
It uses the .300 WSM case necked up to 8mm.
Historical Notes:
After introducing its Short Magnum family of cartridges in 2000, Winchester recognized the need for another cartridge capable of launching 200-grain bullets (and heavier) with high inherent accuracy, energy capable of stopping the largest North American game and lower perceived recoil.
After considering different calibers, Winchester engineers determined the .325 caliber provided the best performance using the Short Magnum case. Released in 2005, the new .325 WSM cartridge delivers similar energies as the .338 Winchester Magnum, while using a smaller case.
General Comments:
In addition to delivering excellent ballistics, the .325 WSM also exhibits exceptional accuracy. Initially, Winchester fielded three loads for the .325 WSM: a 200-grain Nosler AccuBond CT, a Winchester 220-grain Power-Point bullet and a 180-grain Ballistic Silvertip.
Hunters can expect delayed, controlled expansion and deep penetration through thick, tough skin and heavy muscle tissue and bone, with ballistic coefficients ranging up to .477 for the 200-grain Nosler bullet. The .325 WSM is well suited for elk, bear, moose or other large and dangerous game, where a lightweight short magnum rifle is desired.
Certainly, reloading components and rifles have vastly improved over the years, hunting accuracy remains a fairly forgiving game.
How Accurate Do You Need To Be Hunting?:
Most game is still taken within 250 yards.
2 MOA ammunition and rifle will theoretically eep all its shots in a 6-inch target 300 yards out.
1.5 MOA ammunition and rifle will theoretically keep all its shots in a 6-inch target 400 yards out.
Either is more than accurate for most big-game hunting scenarios.
I’ve seen it happen to a good number of avid reloaders—and I’ve had it happen to me. You get so wrapped up in the numbers, and you go so far down the rabbit hole, that the goal of what you’re doing gets lost in the mix.
Our goal as reloaders is to produce the best ammunition available, but I’ve seen so many guys become completely obsessed by velocities, bullet runout, standard deviation or extreme spread. Yes, we need to have good information regarding the ammunition we create, but for those of us who load our ammunition for hunting, there’s a different set of tolerances that apply.
The author’s .308 Winchester and a 1.5-MOA group. This rifle has taken many different species, even though it isn’t the most accurate.
What’s acceptable hunting accuracy? Well, we’ve got an impressive lineup of hunting rifles that offer a guarantee of sub-MOA accuracy. Is sub-MOA accuracy required for all hunting rifles, or can it be a deal-breaker?
Recalibrating Reloading Goals
As a younger man, when a hunting rifle or handload printed a three-shot group at or under an inch, it was noteworthy. Many rifles—especially with the factory ammo of yesteryear—would hover around 1.5 to 2 MOA. In spite of those numbers, a whole lot of game animals were put in the freezer. Looking at the numbers, a rifle that steadily prints 2-MOA groups will—theoretically, and wind deflection values aside—keep all of its shots in a 6-inch circle at 300 yards; lower that number to 1.5 MOA and you’ll keep the shots in a 6-inch circle at 400 yards.
This probably works for the average hunter’s situation, considering that in spite of modern equipment and trends, I’d comfortably wager the predominant shot distance at game animals, country-wide remains inside of 250 yards. Should your rifle print 1-MOA groups, or any fraction thereof, all the better, but a rifle printing 1.5 MOA isn’t a cause for concern or disappointment.
Apply this theory to reloading, and you can easily see the problem areas at the end of the spectrum.
First, we have the “worry wart,” who constantly strives for the last few fps and the most consistent velocities or turns his nose up at a 1-inch group. There’ll be pounds of varying powders, boxes of different primer types and more equipment cast aside because it was deemed unsatisfactory. For a hunter, it may very well be excessive.
Second, we have “Mr. Good Enough.” He’ll cobble together a handload, and so long as it goes bang and gives some modicum of accuracy, call it a day and go hunting—having no idea of the actual velocities or other parameters. Somewhere in the middle is where I feel the blend of results and sanity exists. Remember, the goal is to actually go hunting with the ammunition at some point.
I like my guns to shoot well, and I won’t deny the fact that I’m proud when my .300 Winchester or .280 Ackley Improved puts three shots into a ½-inch group. Who wouldn’t be? But I don’t lose sleep when my .308 Winchester—in a Ruger 77 MKII—prints those same 1¼-inch groups it’s been printing for a quarter-century. I’m comfortable with that, as it’s truly enough accuracy for a hunting rifle.
A five-shot group from handloaded .270 ammo. While it measures 1.4 MOA and might not be inspiring, it’ll suffice for nearly all hunting situations.
I firmly believe that every reloader should own a good chronograph, or some means of accurately measuring velocity, in order to know how to predict trajectories, but so many people become obsessed with the numbers registered on that machine. I understand that you wouldn’t want a Magnum cartridge to run 300-fps slower than the norm—after all, you bought the cartridge for its speed—but I wouldn’t lose sleep over 100 fps.
Instead, find that classic blend of velocity and accuracy that, as a hunter, serves well and makes you happy without stressing to the point where the magic of the wilderness is being obscured by the data of your handload.
One area I feel should certainly become a focal point for the hunter who handloads is the premium bullet market. It’s true that mankind nearly wiped a good number of species out of existence with pure lead bullets, but as hunters, we owe it to our game animals to deliver the quickest, most humane kill possible, and there are a good number of premium projectiles that deliver exactly that.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Civilian variant of Heckler & Koch's G36, the SL8, is making a comeback after a more than 10-year absence from the American market.
What's The SL8 Hitting The Market Like:
Chambered 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
Sports a 20.8-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel
Similar in appearance to the SL8-6, including elevated Picatinny rail
Welcome back, old friend. It’s been a spell since the Heckler & Koch SL8 graced gun store shelves, but expect to see the late 1990’s star make another appearance sometime soon. The civilian version of H&K’s famed G36 select-fire infantry rifle is once again in the company’s catalog and the German gunmaker has dropped a video heralding its return.
Despite being a compromise to meet onerous import laws, the SL8 developed a dedicated if not sightly cultish following. It was later updated in 2010 to the SL8-6 that jettisoned the original gun’s grey stock for all-black while tacking on an elevated Picatinny rail/carrying handle and vented handguard. Nice update, somewhat aesthetically bringing it closer to the G36, but one that only made it to U.S. shores for a year before H&K called it quits. And while there’s a certain charm to the original’s ultra-modern lines, that’s not the iteration the gunmaker is bringing back.
SL8 Reborn
For all intents and purposes, the newly unveiled SL8 pretty much fits the SL8-6 pattern, which might prove a blow to throwback fans. Still, it appears a solid setup, even if it lacks in some nostalgia.
Overall, the SL8—chambered 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington—features a 20.8-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with a recessed crown. The barrel is a free-floating bull, bored with 6 groves and a 1:7 RH twist and is crafted from H&K’s renowned cannon-grade steel. Also, the bore is chrome-lined for improved corrosion resistance and longer life. Additionally, the rifle is still operated by a reliable short-stroke gas piston, which has always improved its appeal with many shooters.
Heckler Koch also maintained the somewhat odd SL8 thumbhole stock, as well as adjustable comb and length of pull. They’ve also included a match-grade trigger, with a snappy 4.5-pound pull. It feeds from 10-round SL8-specific magazines and ships with two mags.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Heckler & Koch kept the new SL8 relatively competitive in price, with an MSRP of $1,699, with a $50 premium for California-compliant models.
Bond Arms’ Rough Series of derringer-style handguns shoots for function over form.
Bond Arms Rough Series Models
The Roughneck: .357 Mag/.38 Spl, 9mm Or .45 ACP| 2.5” Bbl| MSRP: $269
The Rough N Rowdy: .45 LC/ .410 | 3” Bbl | MSRP: $299
The Grizzly: .45 LC/ .410 | 3” Bbl | MSRP: $377
Bond Arms, the leading purveyor of modern derringer-style handguns, recently expanded their Rough Series of pistols with the addition of the Grizzly. The Rough Series launched last year with the introduction of the Roughneck and the Rough N Rowdy, guns that featured a less than perfect finish in favor of a lower price tag. The high polish finish and smooth machining associated with Bond Arms’ normal series of handguns look very nice, but it also raises the price higher than what most people are willing to pay for a two-shot backup gun. The Rough Series eliminates the labor costs associated with the finishing process, instead opting to leave the guns “in the rough” to pass the savings onto the consumer.
Regular series Bond Arms guns often go through their QC inspection process several times to ensure that every little mark, scratch or ding is found and removed. Rough Series guns instead are deburred of any sharp edges and then bead blasted, leaving them with a matte, machined-looking appearance. Bond Arms claims that they can make 4 to 5 Rough Series pistols in the time it takes them to finish one Texas Defender, so all that time saved on polishing translates to a much lower MSRP.
The Rough Series’ affordability is their biggest draw, enabling many more people to purchase one of these double-barrel pocket guns than were able to previously. The Roughneck and Rowdy offer a good choice of calibers and sizes, while the Grizzly is for people who want a bit more refinement without breaking the bank.
The newest edition to the series is the Grizzly, which is essentially a deluxe version of the Rowdy while still costing far less than Bond Arms’ usual offerings. As its name implies, the Grizzly has a bear-themed extended rosewood grip as opposed to the Rowdy’s rubber ones, and it also includes a leather bear-themed holster.
Sniper rifles designed purely for long-range shooting have an appeal unlike any other weapon in man’s extensive arsenal. With the ability to reach out over thousands of yards and hit a target, the sniper rifle has captured the respect and awe of many generations since its inception. No rifle is more lethal and feared at long ranges than a dedicated sniper rifle.
Today’s long-range sniper rifles are perfectly balanced constructions of metal and synthetics, all built to get the job done and make the rifle a precise battlefield implement.
Let’s call out some of the rifles with the longest confirmed kills in history. Yes, the snipers behind the rifles made these shots, but each relied on their rifles to get the job done.
Rifle That Made The Longest Sniper Shots
McMillan Tac-50
(Shot Distance: 3,871 yards; 3,540 meters)
This big .50 caliber beast is officially classified as an anti-material/anti-personnel weapon. Designated as the C15, it is the standard long-range sniper rifle of the Canadian Forces, who used it to log the first, fourth and fifth longest sniper shots in history.
In 2017, a sniper with Canada's elite special forces in Iraq shattered the world record for the longest confirmed kill with the Tac-50. The member of Joint Task Force 2 successfully hit a target at 3,871 yards (3,540 meters) against an Islamic State insurgent in Iraq Civil War. The shot was nearly 800 yards further than the previous longest sniper shot in history, perhaps aided by the soldier utilizing match-grade Hornady ammunition. Shooting from a high-rise, the soldier's shot is estimated to have taken 10 second to reach its target.
The Tac-50 is a bolt-action platform with a large bolt, dual front locking lugs and spiral flutes to reduce weight. The heavy barrel is also fluted to dissipate heat and reduce weight. The Canadians pair the Tac-50 with a Leupold Mark 4-16mm LR/T M1 scope.
There are two variants of the Tac-50: the Tac-50 A1, which features a take-down fiberglass stock with a shorter forend, and the Tac-50 A1-R2, which is an A1 with a hydraulic recoil mitigation system consisting of a hydraulic piston installed in the buttstock, a setup that considerably reduces the gun’s heavy recoil.
In March 2004, Sgt. Brian Kremer of the U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion put his cheek to the stock of his Barrett M82A1 and took a successful 2,515-yard shot in Iraq—the longest sniper shot in American military history. The Barrett M82A1 is certainly the most famous rifle on this list, with its distinctive look and powerful characteristics that have made it a mainstay in pop culture.
Impressive as Kremer's shot was, it was outdone by an unnamed member of Australia's 2nd Commando Unit in 2012 in Afghanistan. Connecting at 3,079 yards with a Barrett M82A1, the shot stands as the second-longest in history and only added to the mythology of the rifle.
The rifle was designed to harness the powerful .50 BMG round, which was originally developed for the M2 Browning machine gun, and possesses excellent long-range characteristics. The round’s high energy makes the Barrett effective against targets like vehicles, small structures and aircraft. With short recoil, semi-auto operation and a muzzle velocity of over 2,700 feet per second, the M82A1 is one of the most powerful single-person rifles ever carried into battle.
Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ranstad also used a Barrett M82A1 in January 2008 to take a record 2,288-yard shot in Afghanistan. In April 2004, Steve Reichart made a 1,716-yard shot with a Barrett M82A3 in Latifiya, Iraq.
In November of 2009, Craig Harrison, Corporal of Horse in the Blues and Royals RHG/D of the British Army, made a shot that stands as the longest recorded sniper shot in history. Harrison consecutively hit two Taliban machine gunners in Afghanistan at a range of 2,707 yards. That’s a mile—plus another 1,000 yards.
After about nine shots from his .338 Lapua Magnum Accuracy International AWM rifle (designated the L115A3 by the British Army), Harrison reported his first on-target kill shot, followed by another kill shot on the second machine gunner, as well as a third that disabled the machine gun.
The AWM is a bolt-action rifle specifically designed for magnum ammo and has a longer bolt to accommodate larger cartridges. Other components, like the bolt head and extractor, were beefed up to work with the size and pressure of magnum rounds. The rifle also comes chambered in .300 Win. Mag.
Though, it is currently being phased out by the company’s new AX338 rifle, Accuracy International’s AWM holds two spots in the Top 10 sniper shots of all-time list. The other was taken by another Brit, Corporal Christopher Reynolds, in August 2009, also in Afghanistan and at a range of 2,026 yards.
Notable Confirmed Kills: No. 3: Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison (United Kingdoms), 2009, 2,707 yards; 2,475 meters No. 11: Corporal Christopher Reynolds (United Kingdoms), 2009, 2,026 yards; 1,853 meters
Browning M2
(Shot Distance: 2,500 yards; 2,286 meters)
The Browning M2 is a very heavy machine gun designed near the end World War I by none other than John Browning himself. In 1967, Carlos Hathcock took a single shot with an M2 that held the record for the longest sniper kill for nearly 40 years.
Hathcock, the legendary USMC gunnery sergeant who was one of the most prolific snipers in history, mounted a telescopic sight to an M2 .50 caliber Browning (he wasn’t the only one to do so) and killed a Vietcong guerrilla at 2,500 yards, proving the .50 BMG’s excellent ballistics at long ranges with semi-automatic fire. This eventually led to the adoption of the cartridge as a viable sniper round, at least coming out of a 45-inch M2 barrel.
One only has to look at the service record of the M2 to see how incredible of a design it is. The heavy machine gun has been used extensively as a vehicle weapon, aircraft armament and for various other tasks from the 1930s to the present. Nothing beats the high-powered, long-range reliability of the M2 and the .50 BMG sniper rifles it spawned.
One of the more unknown sniper rifles on this list, the Denel NTW-14.5 is nonetheless capable. Somewhat an oddball design, the rifle was developed by Danel Mechem in the 1990s and was adopted by the South African National Defense Force late in that decade. The rifle is perhaps best known for its brief appearance in the 2009 sci-fi film District 9, but it’s proved its aptitude in real-life conflicts.
In 2013, The rifle recorded the eighth longest sniper shot in history in the Battle of Kibati in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a 2,324 yard (2,125 meters) confirmed kill. It’s reported, the unnamed sniper killed six M23 rebel officers that day, including the incredible 1.32-mile shot. Not only is this the longest shot record with the rifle, but also its 14.5x114mm cartridge.
The NTW is a flexible system, able to convert in the field to fire the sizable 20x110mm in the field with a swap of bolt and barrel. As to the 14.5x114mm cartridge used to record the long shot, it's of Soviet origins, developed for the PTRS and PTRD anti-tank rifles. The cartridge more than has the chops to tangle with armor, pushing a 921-grain explosive bullet up to 3,300 fps. Rather a hard puncher at its destination.
And that brings us to “The Legend” and his claim-to-fame long-distance shot. Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle used a McMillan Tac-338, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, to kill an insurgent outside Sadr City, Iraq, in 2008 at 2,100 yards, just as the target was about to fire an RPG at a U.S. Army convoy.
The Tac-338 is essentially the same rifle used by Perry and Furlong, only chambered in .338, a round specifically developed for military long-range snipers, instead of the .50 BMG like the Tac-50. Kyle later said in his books and interviews that the shot was lucky. With the .338, the rifle is effective to 1,750 yards.
According to his book, Kyle used four types of rifles in sniper school and in the field: the MK-12, which is basically an M-4 with a beefier upper that fires 5.56mm rounds; the MK-11 Mod X Special Purpose Rifle (SR25) chambered in 7.62mm; the Barrett M82; and the venerable M-24 Sniper System, known to civilians as the Remington 700 bolt-action chambered in .300 Win. Mag, with a McMillan stock, custom barrel and original 700 action. Later, Kyle used one with an Accuracy International stock and a shorter barrel.
“The .300 is a little heavier gun by design. It shoots like a laser. Anything from a thousand yards and out, you’re just plain nailing it,” Kyle said. “I used a .300 Win. Mag. for most of my kills.”
Kyle used his .338 on his last deployment, favoring it much over the .50 cal. because “the bullet shoots farther and flatter than a .50 caliber, weighs less, costs less and will do just as much damage.”
Editor's Note: This photo article is adapted from an article appearing in May 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Elwood Shelton contributed to the update.
1791 Gunleather adds optics-ready holster models to catalog as red dot sighted pistols grow in popularity.
1791 Gunleather Optics Ready Holster Options:
Standard Belt Holster
Paddle Holster
Ultra Custom Belt Holster
If you keep up to date on CCW trends, you’ve likely already upgraded your carry piece to one with a red dot sight. Innovations in electronic technology have allowed red dots to be smaller, cheaper and have longer battery lives, making those of us who still carry with irons look like veritable Luddites. There was a time when even finding a holster to accommodate your optically assisted blaster was difficult, but that's finally starting to change. 1791 Gunleather has recognized this trend and expanded their line of optics-ready holster options, now offering them for a larger selection of pistols in a wider variety of styles.
1791 Gunleather introduced their first optics-ready holster in 2020, however, it was only sized to accommodate full-sized pistols. As the selection of available carry pistols and pistol red dots expanded over this past year, holster manufacturers were forced to keep up. That’s why 1791 Gunleather’s new series of optics-ready holsters were designed to accommodate the most popular pistol models in three different OWB holster styles.
All 1791 Gunleather holsters are made using 100% American steer hide leather through a process that combines old-world techniques with modern innovation. The standard belt and paddle holster designs are made specifically for several popular CCW options ranging from Glock, Sig, 1911 and others. The Ultra Custom holster options can accommodate an even wider range of pistol models with the added ability to custom mold the leather to your gun, creating a Kydex-like fit.
MSRP for the standard belt holsters starts at $59.99 and goes up to $99.99 for the Ultra Custom models.
In the early conflict between canines and bikers, bicycle guns aimed to give velocipedes an upper hand.
The Bike Gun's Roots:
Smith & Wesson's version was a 2-inch iteration of its hammerless model.
The concept took off in Europe and became known as “Velo-Dog” revolvers.
Many times, owners loaded cork, cayenne pepper or wax bullets as a less-than-lethal dog deterrent.
During the era in which hammerless pocket pistols grew in popularity, human-powered wheeled transportation was undergoing a similar development period. The first bicycle with pedals emerged in the mid-1850s. By the 1870s, the colorful high-wheel bicycle gained popularity among young men with a sense of adventure, good balance, and a certain disregard for its inherent dangers. However, it wasn't until the 1880s and 1890s that the pedal-chain rear-wheel drive “safety bicycle” velocipede found favor as an efficient form of personal transportation for the general public, with the advantage that you didn't have to feed it hay and oats.
European folding trigger Velo-Dog type revolvers. Stoney Roberts photo
During this time, Smith & Wesson and other gun firms began marketing short-barrel versions of their hammerless revolvers as “bicycle guns.” Before this, most of these pocket revolvers had a barrel in the 3- to 4-inch range. The short 2-inch barrel on the bicycle model certainly made it easier to carry in a pocket while the legs were vigorously pumping pedals. It begs the question: exactly why did early velocipedists need to carry a gun?
Some of the advertisements of the era made one purpose explicit. Pre-leash-law free-roaming dogs hated the new-fangled gizmos and were wont to attack rider and vehicle alike! A .32 or .38 lead pill struck the marketers as the perfect prescription for persistent petulant pups.
Europe's Numerous Bike Guns
The intended usage was even more explicit in Europe. That's where an entire genre of pocket pistols emerged explicitly for this purpose. They were christened “Velo-Dog revolvers,” sometimes also called “Revolver de Poche” (“Poche” apparently meaning “pocket,” not “pooch.”) Some argue that the “dog” part of Velo-Dog references bulldog-style revolvers, but the similarity escapes me. They even had their own cartridge — the 5.5mm Velo-Dog (also variously called the 5.6, 5.75, 5.8, or 6mm Velo-Dog). Note that concealed carriers often loaded these cartridges with cayenne pepper or a hopefully less-lethal cork or wax bullet.
European Velo-Dog and other hammerless revolvers, with .5.5 Velo-Dog cartridges compared to .32 and .38 S&W rounds. Stoney Roberts photo
Initially, the term was probably applied exclusively to the revolvers chambered for that specific round. Today, the Velo-Dog term is used for a broad assortment of Euro pocket revolvers in various calibers by diverse (and often anonymous) makers, probably because no one can think of what else to call them. They all are pocket size. They all have one or more of three specific features — concealed hammer, folding spur-trigger, and manual safety. French manufacturer Galand introduced the first in the mid-1890s. Most came from Belgium, France, or Spain, with additional production in Germany, Italy, and Brazil, with nearly 50 different manufacturers identified. The most prolific production was from the turn of the 20th century to World War I. To the adventurous collector exploring this field, it can sometimes seem more challenging to find two alike than to find a new variation. Rarities that will generally bring a premium include large-frame hammerless revolvers and engraved specimens.
Modern Iterations
In 1997, Casull Arms introduced an updated and very well made version of the Velo-Dog revolver style in .22 LR, the Model CA2000. It is a hammerless double-action-only five-shot stainless steel revolver with a folding trigger and manual safety. Casull discontinued manufacturing of the model in 2005, with reportedly less than 1,000 made.
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.
Pure tactical? Perish the thought. The AR-15 is more than accomplished in the field, a legitimate tool for taking everything from deer on down. With this in mind, Rock River Arms’ Fred Eichler Series Light Predator2L is a welcome addition for anyone in the market for a light rifle tuned to perfection. Named after Fred Eichler, the 16-inch fluted barrel rifle has all the accouterments to get coyotes howling. This includes the versatile .223 Wylde chamber that accepts both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rounds, a smooth two-stage match-grade trigger and RRA’s Fred Eichler Series Muzzle Brake to control muzzle lift. Topping it all off is a lightweight carbon-fiber handguard that not only shaves weight but catches eyes with its unique coyote paw-print pattern found on all Eichler’s gear. MSRP: Starting at $1,945
Tac Shield Two-Point Padded Sling
Light and agile, the two-point sling is just the ticket for comfortably keeping a rifle at hand and ready for deployment. Make that a bit more comfortable now with Tac Shield’s newest system. Offering a generous amount of padding on the sling’s webbing, the strap doesn’t bog its user down, even with long stints of carrying. As with all two-points, it facilitates fast engagement. Featuring sewn-in push-button QD swivels, the sling quickly attaches and configures to shooter needs and styles. To boot, it boasts an emergency release buckle to quickly disengage the rifle and sling, ensuring it doesn’t hang a shooter up. Proudly 100 percent American-made, Tac Shield’s padded sling is a simple and effective AR upgrade. MSRP: $64.99
Phoenix Weaponry Billet Hand Stop
Handy as they are, incorporating a hand stop generally means adding more bulk and snag points to a system. Not with the micro stop Phoenix Weaponry has cooked up. Milled from billet aluminum, the inconspicuous accessory gives a solid rest for the support hand, while not making the rifle unwieldy. Plus, it makes an excellent barrier rest. Compatible with M-lok handguards, among the most popular presently, it’s easy to add to most firearms. And it features a couple of nice extras, such as rugged hard-coat anodization and a built-in QD sling attachment point. Phoenix squeezes a lot into a little package. MSRP: $29.99
Winchester 5.56 NATO Defender
The AR is a natural as a defensive firearm. This raises the question: Are you buying defensive ammunition to feed yours? Winchester offers an excellent—and effective—option for this job with the introduction of 64-grain Defender load in 5.56 NATO. Specifically made for self-defense, the load is topped with a bonded soft-point bullet that utilizes an extruded copper jacket. Likewise, its extra-thick base adds to the round’s penetration potential, helping the bullet hold together and thus retain weight once at its terminal destination. Also, it expands like the dickens, ensuring a devastating wound channel in anything unlucky enough to get in its way. MSRP: $42.99, box of 20
Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW
Ultra-compact and as durable as Daniel Defense’s full-sized rifles, the DDM4 PDW is the ultimate word in overwhelming CQ defense. The question is, which one do you go for—AR pistol or short-barrel rifle? In either case, the .300 Blackout proves very nimble, measuring in at a tick over 20 inches, with a 7-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel. Additionally, with a 1:7-inch twist, the gun plays nice with sub- and supersonic ammunition. Given its size, it’s a prime candidate to slap a suppressor on. If not, Daniel Defense includes a linear compensator that makes the shorty easy to keep on target shot to shot. As for the pistol variation, it comes with a Maxim Defense CQB Pistol Brace, which goes a long way stabilizing the system. MSRP: $1,940
EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm FFP Riflescope
With impeccable edge-to-edge clarity in a precision optic no bigger than a minute, it’s no wonder law enforcement, military and competitors favor the Vudu. No joke: It’s the real deal in getting an AR out to its limits—accurately. In addition to detailed image delivery, the scope boasts a versatile magnification range, with a 5x setting for general medium-range work and 25x for those distant targets. With a 50mm objective lens, the EOTECH scope won’t wash out even when dialed up. Furthermore, as a first-focal-plane optic, its illuminated MD3 or Horus H59 reticles offer ranging and correctional capabilities at any magnification. The Vudu also features the company’s EZ Check Zero Stop, parallax adjustment and ample turrets. MSRP: Starting at $2,099
German Precision Optics SPECTRAdot Red Dot
Best known for its hunting scopes, German Precision Optics (GPO) has turned its sights to a more tactical optic. Shake hands with the SPECTRAdot. A high-quality, lightweight and compact red-dot optic, the aiming-solution is ideal for any system that requires fast target acquisition—be it AR or turkey gun. GPO’s first red-dot is decked out, featuring an ample 3 MOA dot, a total of 11 brightness settings, ½ MOA windage and elevation adjustments and a mount that mates with both Weaver and Picatinny-style rails. It’s also an energy sipper. With power from one CR2032 battery, shooters can expect up to 50,000 hours of run time. In short, it’s ready to get you on target any time you need it. MSRP: $399.99
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Fighting the narrative-shifting rhetoric that muddies public understanding of 2A freedoms.
We all know that gun-control advocates usually have a sub-par understanding of firearms. Be it U.S. firearm laws or how a gun functions, proponents of stricter regulations almost always unwittingly reveal their ignorance. A common and egregious example: the Second Amendment pertains to hunting. Again, this mischaracterization reared its ugly head, this time by the Washington Post’s editorial staff.
In a recent article regarding David Chipman’s confirmation hearings to lead the ATF, the Post claimed, “AR-15s are unnecessary for hunting, protection or any other legitimate civilian application, and their popularity reflects poorly on supposedly responsible gun owners.” Whoever penned this claptrap is clearly out of their depths or dishonest. Neither becoming of a major media organization. I say this not simply because I disagree with the position (though I do). But because it’s a distortion of one of this nation’s most important founding principles.
Nowhere in the Second Amendment is hunting mentioned. Militias are. In particular, it specifies a well-regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free state. Anyone with a passing knowledge of American history understands the militia then, as now, is comprised of private citizens with their own weaponry. Not deer rifles, but so called weapons of war. The right is so sweeping, contrary to what President Joe Biden might say, citizens even owned cannons at times.
The scope of the Second Amendment is understandable when put in context to America's Founding Fathers' experience. They resisted tyranny, fighting a violent revolution against the world's most powerful army. In response to this, the least of their concerns when crafting the Bill of Rights was squirrel stew. It was liberty and maintaining a free people.
Admitting this truth is difficult for many in today's palliative and decedent times. Blame the chattering class in part. Years and decades of lobbying a flabby-thinking public with phrases such as “responsible gun ownership” and “assault weapons” they've shifted the debate. It's so askew even ostensibly pro-2A advocates often use the anti's language. This is perilous footing for defenders of liberty.
As to the WaPo editorial, the writer either doesn’t understand the Second Amendment or they're attempting to mislead. Maybe both. Otherwise, how could they deem an AR-15 has no legitimate civilian applications? Beyond the rifle being a stalwart defensive tool and on target hunting iron, it is exactly the firearm the Second Amendment intends to protect. It, the AK, FAL, AR-10 and a slew of other semi-automatic firearms are the modern equivalent of the privately-owned military arms of the past. Computers haven't restricted the First Amendment; advancements in firearms technology haven't restricted the Second.
Do not allow yourself to be swept along with the gun-grabber’s paradigm shift. It's time to stop ceding the narrative to politicians and media talking heads, politely agreeing legitimate gun ownership is the right to hunt. The Second Amendment is enshrined in the Bill of Rights precisely to preserve liberty—even if its defense requires another revolution. In this country, you are free to express your opposition to this right, if you wish. However, it won’t change the amendment's true meaning.
Ignorance and deceit will sadly continue to control the narrative, much to the chagrin of patriots, civil-rights advocates and the historically literate. Don't let it. The next time you hear someone imply that the Second Amendment exists for any other reason besides opposition to tyranny, ask them: What the hell are you talking about? No amount of disinformation can change the uncontroversial truth. The constitution does guarantee your right to own weapons of war, and not for hunting rabbits.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
