SilencerCo’s newest suppressor, the Hybrid 46M, brings modularity to an already versatile design and is ready to be thrown on just about any centerfire gun.
Building off of their already popular Hybrid 46 universal suppressor, SilencerCo has just released the new and improved Hybrid 46M. Offering the same caliber and platform versatility as the original as well as ruggedness, the Hybrid 46M is ready to mount to nearly any centerfire rifle or pistol to bring down its sound signature. While the standard Hybrid 46 could also be used on handguns, its lack of modularity left it quite long and heavy. The greatest advantage of the Hybrid 46M is its even greater level of versatility, now capable of being configured in either a long or short configuration. This allows the 46M to excel regardless of the intended host platform.
The versatile nature of the Hybrid 46M means it has a bore large enough to accommodate popular big bore calibers ranging from .45 ACP to .460 Weatherby Magnum. This means that while the Hybrid 46 series can be used on a wider variety of weapons and calibers, it won’t be as efficient at suppressing the smaller ones. A .30 caliber front cap is also included, however, to help reduce noise as much as possible when firing smaller projectiles.
Dewie Vieira, Senior Product Development Specialist at SilencerCo, had this to say on their newest can:
The Hybrid 46M is the perfect tool for shooters hoping to suppress a variety of calibers on both pistols and rifles with only one suppressor…It’s the first modular big bore suppressor ever; it’s the answer for those who want to suppress every small and large bore caliber.
Compatible with virtually all popular suppressor mounts, the Hybrid 46M can likely be be mated to every centerfire weapon in your arsenal. It comes with a Charlie ASR mount in the box, but can also be attached via direct thread, pistons, muzzle devices or a tri-lug.
Constructed using titanium, Inconel and heat-treated steel, the 46M is rated for fully automatic fire and can be expected to be as durable as SilencerCo’s other similar offerings. With an MSRP of $1,117, this may now be the most enticing option for the prospective one-can-man.
For more information on SilencerCo, please visit silencerco.com.
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Back when I was in martial arts, we worked hard to improve hand strength. Knuckle push-ups, fingertip push-ups and tossing bags of sand back and forth were standard practice, and we were dedicated. Not everyone can do that, and not everyone has the option of increasing hand strength. For a lot of people, what they have is what they have. And if that isn’t enough to reliably cycle the slide on a pistol, they have a problem.
Slide the slide into the Handi-Racker, place against a safe, immovable object and push. Instead of depending on hand strength, you use body mass to cycle the slide.
Well, there’s a solution.
Handi-Racker to the rescue. The idea is simple: The Handi-Racker, which comes in three sizes to match your pistol, acts as a third hand. There’s a slot in the bottom edge with a pinched-in middle. The two ends are different widths, so you can match pretty much any slide size with one or another Handi-Racker. There’s even one for the oddly shaped Beretta slide.
To use it is simple. Place the Handi-Racker, groove-side down, over the front of the slide, parallel to the barrel. Hold it in place with your left hand (left-handers, you know the drill, use your right) and with your right hand on the pistol as if you were shooting (but finger off the trigger, remember!) push the pistol forward.
The big advantage here is dual: You can put your weight behind getting the slide cycled, unlike pulling. And, you have a full grip of the pistol, unlike the fingertips-grab that the usual methods afford you. You use body mass, not grip strength, to cycle the slide.
You can use a wall, a post, a tree … anything that keeps the muzzle in a safe direction. And then, to fully chamber the round you’ve gotten up from the magazine, just hold the pistol in place and lift the Handi-Racker.
The process also works to unload. Drop the magazine first, and then use the Handi-Racker the same way. Once you’ve picked up the ejected round, insert an empty magazine, repeat and voila, the slide is locked to the rear.
The Handi-Racker comes in sizes color-coded for your pistol fit. The bright yellow is the one for full-sized pistols.
There’s still one more bonus to be found using the Handi-Racker. You can cycle the slide, load or unload, and not risk having any part of your hand in front of the muzzle. Also, you don’t point it at anyone else, as long as you select an appropriate surface to rack on. You can even cycle it vertically, muzzle-down, using a sturdy table.
Too many times I’ve seen new shooters, or those with low hand strength, struggling with a pistol at the range, inadvertently pointing the muzzle to the side, to get more leverage. The Handi-Racker provides the leverage for you.
For someone who wants a defensive tool but finds themselves in the pistol-shooting limbo of being strong enough to shoot, but not entirely confident in hand strength to cycle for loading or unloading, the Handi-Racker is perfect. Not everyone who is limited in hand strength is all that comfortable depending on the effectiveness of a .32 or .380. This isn’t just the elderly, if that’s what you’re thinking; someone with repetitive motion injury might be strong enough to shoot, but not have enough grip strength to grab a slick steel slide, even with cocking serrations machined into it.
And for those who were thinking of the elderly, consider this: We all get old. What force I used to be able to grip with (almost tear your skin off) I can’t do now. A half-century can do that.
Handi-Racker solves the problem many already have—and for not much coin at only $25.
For more information on the Handi-Racker, please visit handi-racker.com.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Durable and capable of producing crisp images on the darkest of nights, the Steiner H35 Nighthunter lives up to its name.
When it comes to optics, glass or imaging devices, Steiner knows their stuff. Familiar with making products that are tough and functional enough to be used by first-world militaries, Steiner Optics of Germany understands that those who purchase their gear expect it to work well and for a long time. Their H35 Nighthunter handheld thermal monocular is no different. Designed to withstand the utmost abuse in the field and still produce crisp and clear images in the darkest conditions, anyone who hunts in the night would appreciate what the H35 Nighthunter has to offer.
Good Software
When Steiner claims that the H35 Nighthunter has “Quantum Vision”, what they’re trying to say is that the device is powered by some very sophisticated software. The device’s 640×512 thermal sensor feeds into a high-resolution 1280×960 LCOS display. The H35’s ultra-fast computing and refresh rate allow the user to see clear images of moving targets with no lag, even in changing thermal conditions. The output is also customizable, with various choices of modes and color palettes. This means that unlike with lower-end thermal devices, the H35 Nighthunter can display smooth, real-time images while maintaining a high resolution output.
It’s powered by a long-lasting and rechargeable internal battery and can record and store videos with its 16 GB of built-in storage. The H35 Nighthunter can also be paired with the Steiner Connect app on a smartphone for an added level of control.
Good Hardware
Good software is worthless on a device like this in the field unless it is protected by some equally impressive hardware. Built to be military-tough, the H35 Nighthunter housing is made using Makrolon. This means that it’s water-resistant, shockproof and capable of operating in temperatures ranging from 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
The optic is controlled by a few simple buttons on top that have been molded into the housing to protect against the elements. The buttons are used to power the device on and off, control the digital zoom and begin recording the display. The objective focus can also be manually adjusted.
For those in need of a rugged and capable thermal imaging device, the Steiner H35 Nighthunter should be a serious contender. It has an MSRP of $4,799 and is available now.
Big Daddy Unlimited’s Wide Open Trigger is a drop-in, plug-and-play fire control group that can raise your AR’s fire rate to controversial levels.
Whether you call it hard-reset or forced-reset, the end result is mostly the same—an AR-15 that can fire as fast as the gun can cycle. Rare Breed Triggers has already been taken to court over accusations of their own similar device being a machinegun, but the facts seem to be against the ATF’s claims. This is because despite the massively increased rate of fire enabled by triggers of this style, there is still only one shot fired per pull of the trigger—falling under the government’s own definition of a semi-automatic firearm. Big Daddy Unlimited’s Wide Open Trigger accomplishes this by using the energy of the bolt to compress a “spring carrier” which in turn forces the trigger forward into a neutral position. In practice, this means that a shooter can apply force to the trigger with their shooting finger and achieve a rate of fire similar to a fully automatic rifle while still complying with the law.
Co-founder of Big Daddy Unlimited, Tony McKnight, had this to say about the WOT:
The Wide Open Trigger is yet another revolutionary new product taking the firearms industry by storm as the first true plug-and-play, drop-in AR-15 hard-reset trigger. It’s extremely rugged and reliable, and it’s been tested and warrantied for more than 10,000 rounds.
BDU claims that the Wide Open Trigger can be dropped into and reliably used in any existing AR-15 that has an M16 bolt carrier group and an H2 or H3 buffer. No other fitment or smithing is required. Once installed, this two-stage trigger should offer a very smooth and crisp pull. The Wide Open Trigger was designed for use with .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, but it can also be made to work with 300 BLK and 9mm as well.
The trigger was engineered using incredibly durable Hardox steel, making it extremely rugged and long-lasting. This has allowed the WOT to be tested and warrantied for up to 10,000 rounds—something that can’t be said about similar products on the market. The Wide Open Trigger is available and shipping now.
Palmetto State Armory continues to expand their PSAK-47 and PSAK-74 lines with interesting rifles, pistols and parts that won’t break the bank.
Palmetto State Armory AKs have been a topic of debate in the gun community since they were first announced over six years ago. Between testing data, anecdotal evidence and pure hearsay, everyone has their own opinion on the quality PSA’s products. Regardless of what side of the spectrum you fall on, it’s objectively true that the quality of PSAK-47 rifles has gone up since their initial release in 2015. Their constant attempts to improve, innovate and respond to market demands show that PSA truly is dedicated to the AK platform, making them a worthy company to keep an eye on for any Kalashnikov enthusiast. Here are just a few of PSA’s interesting new and upcoming AK products:
Romanian PSAK-47 Kit Builds
While the quality of PSA AK rifles is a contentious topic, all sides seem to agree that they have substantially improved over the years. The first couple generations of PSAK were as rife with issues as any other 100% American-made Kalashnikov, but their more recent examples have garnered a dedicated following who believe that their quality is now up to snuff. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, few would disagree that original Commbloc military factories like Cugir can make parts of even higher quality due to their lineage and cumulative experience. For those who are looking for an AK in the current market that offers a good balance between quality and price, PSA’s new Romanian kit builds are worth looking at.
Having purchased and imported a large quantity of Romanian PM md. 63 and 65 parts kits, PSA is now working to build them into complete rifles. Offered in a variety of configurations at different price points, the Romanian PSAK-47 kits feature almost all Romanian-made parts. The MSRP for the Romanian PSAK-47s starts at $849 and goes up depending on the furniture, barrel and trigger group options.
DIY PSAK-47 Build Kits
For those who trust the quality of all of PSA’s components and are interested in completing a build themselves, they have some new options available for that as well. They have several rifle kits and one AK pistol kit ready to purchase and assemble, and unlike traditional AK build kits that require things like pressing barrels and installing rivets, these kits are pre-barreled receivers that any layman can finish with ease. All these require to complete are a fire control group and a set of furniture. PSA has several different packages of furniture sets and trigger groups available to complete one of these kits, but surplus or other aftermarket parts could be used as well. MSRP for the kits starts at $549.99 and goes up to $849.99 depending on options.
Russian PSAK-47 Kit Builds
In a similar vein to their Romanian kit builds, PSA has recently announced that they will be selling original Soviet Russian AK parts kit builds as well. Given the rarity of genuine Russian AK kits in America, when PSA finally releases these they will undoubtedly be more expensive and in shorter supply than their Romanian options. Dubbed the SA-47, these kits will be using Tula parts kits on American-made PSA receivers along with a few other minor components. These rifles will certainly be more appealing to collectors than shooters, but it would still be sad to see pieces of history like this ruined by the subpar build quality. Here’s to hoping that PSA does these rare kits service by turning them into some beautiful but also functional rifles. The MSRP or release date are still unknown.
A bonus from their recent importation efforts includes some original collectible Russian AK mags that are currently for sale as well.
PSA AK-105
Despite the shaky release of their first AK-74 and a very uncertain future regarding 5.45 availability, PSA is still going all-in on their PSAK-74 project. Fans of the platform were worried that the recent Russian ammo ban would be the final nail in the coffin for 5.45×39, but PSA is hedging their bets on another country picking up the supply to keep the caliber alive. AK-74s still have quite a bit of interest in the States, and as long as ammo is available one can expect that people will want the rifles as well. With virtually no 5.45 guns being imported at the moment, it really does seem to be up to PSA to fill that void. Hopefully, the mistakes seen on their first batch of AK-74s that were released last year have provided them with insight on how to make the necessary improvements. While the future of PSA AK-74s remains uncertain, the company recently teased on social media that their AK-105 pistol clone is set to release “VERY soon”.
Despite some speculation following the Russian ammo ban, it seems that AKs aren’t going anywhere in the American firearms market. PSA has demonstrated their dedication to the platform through their continued release of new and interesting AK rifles and accessories, and it doesn’t look like they plan on stopping anytime soon. From simple accessories like reproduction furniture and magazines to complete rifles, PSA likely has something of interest for every AK enthusiast out there.
I look at my rifles like a 350 Chevy—tons of aftermarket parts and the ability to modify it to my heart’s content. I have no problem replacing, modifying and adjusting the weapon system to meet my personal needs. After all, everyone is different; our needs change, so adjusting the rifle to fit the mission is essential in my mind.
I have a lot of videos on YouTube that demonstrate this very fact. If you look at the comment section, you’d think nobody ever burned out a barrel or decided to change a factory stock. Sure, I tend to modify the rifles all at once versus over time. But I have the luxury of access (getting precision rifle upgrades for me is very easy). I’m not saying you have to change everything all at once— heavens, no. You can make any amount of changes over time, so let’s look at the top-line elements that don’t require a gunsmith.
Trigger
Factory triggers can be an obstacle. They often have limited adjustment and are set very heavy for liability reasons. Getting an aftermarket trigger is a quick and straightforward way to improve your rifle accuracy. Trigger control is a fundamental of marksmanship. Having a crisp, no-influence break is vital to proper shot execution. Better triggers give you more adjustability; more adjustments mean it suits the shooter better.
I look at rifle set up the same way I look at my car. I see the stocks as the car seats and the scope as my mirrors. The more adjustability in those I have, the more comfort on those trips.
Stocks
We save money by purchasing factory rifles. Those factory rifles often ship with very basic stocks. The stock design favored by companies focuses more on hunting and shooting standing. Very few of us want to shoot unsupported standing anymore. We want to maximize accuracy, so we need to support the rifle. For many, that means a bench; others tend to go prone. The standing stock is a compromise in these positions.
More adjustability means more comfort. I want to fit the stock to the shooter’s body. I want to look at my mission to maximize those adjustments. Will I be shooting positional? I might want to shorten my length of pull. Is this designed for F Class? Maybe I need a flat bottom.
I set the stock up before mounting my scope with me in position. I choose stocks with tool-free adjustments so I can manage them on the fly.
Aftermarket triggers are an easy way to change the feel of the rifle with minimal cost and relative ease.
Bedding is no longer a top-line consideration, thanks to internal chassis systems and computer fitting. You can buy a well-made barreled action from a famous gunsmith and drop it in a stock at home. This saves a ton of time and money. Do your homework; study the features and understand how those features add or subtract from your mission.
Bipods
I know it’ll sound like a broken record here, but bipods matter. Don’t look at them as an afterthought. They control a lot; bipods adjust the system for the shooter. If you have a pain in your neck, odds are your bipod is too low. If you’re canting the rifle, a proper locking bipod will stop that action from taking place. We have different levels of cost and features, because it matters.
Choose the bipod based on the intended use. If you’re hunting in the thick brush, a bipod is a secondary consideration. The prone shot is the rare shot, so have something light just in case it will work.
But consider accuracy. We want a bipod large enough to support the rifle system, broad enough in its stance to give us lateral stability, and finally, a locking feature to prevent the rifle from canting.
The better the bipod, the easier it is to be stable and dependable behind the rifle. It focuses our effort on trigger control and sight picture because the negative consequences of a loose, poorly adjusted bipod are gone.
When it comes to shot-to-shot accuracy, the follow-up shot is critical. If the bipod doesn’t support the recoil pulse in a straight line, you cannot have consistency behind the rifle.
Barrels
This precision rifle upgrade can require a gunsmith to change. That said, we’re in the 2020s, and much of that has changed. You can buy pre-fit barrels, letting you swap both barrels and calibers at home.
Adjust the rifle to support the firing task. Choose upgrades and additions that support the shooter.
I admit it; my go-to rifles are switch barrel capable. I favor rifle systems that let me change barrels on the line in seconds. I don’t need a vice or a torque wrench; I can do it all with a 4mm Allen wrench.
Many modern rifles are moving to user-swappable systems. I see barrels the same way I look at the tires on my car. Tires are expendable and so are barrels.
A lot of new shooters want one caliber to last a lifetime. That was the mindset behind the 308. The odds of average Joe shooting 10,000 rounds are pretty rare. Today, with our 6.5s, burning a barrel out is going to happen closer to 3,000 rounds. You’ll change barrels at some point.
In terms of an upgrade path, I recommend new shooters fire 2,500 rounds from your 6.5 Creedmoor and then upgrade that factory barrel. That’s plenty of rounds to learn the caliber and few enough to know you’ll have to upgrade.
I’ve changed tires at 7,000 miles, because I didn’t like the ride. They weren’t cheap and I hated doing it, but new tires gave me a more comfortable ride and improved my mileage. Barrels are the heart of the system. They control accuracy beyond anything an action can do. The action is just a delivery device; the barrel controls the results.
More adjustability means more comfort. Aftermarket stocks fix the limitations of factory ones.
Aftermarket barrels are everywhere; a decent gunsmith using modern equipment, who isn’t months in demand, should be able to spin you up and mount a new one in less than 30 days. It’s a simple process. The days of waiting months or even years are over.
Time is Your Friend
Nobody is saying to follow my YouTube lead and swap out every part imaginable. You can change small things over time as money becomes available. I have a higher degree of access so that I can swap the kitchen sink without any penalty. I recommend you pick and choose your battles, but never fear replacing something that’s falling short.
Base factory rifles are just that: a base. You can build off that base at any point. Different models have different availability to aftermarket parts, so keep that in mind when choosing a brand. Fast, flat calibers put more stress on the base system. Aftermarket parts fix the shortcomings and give the end-user greater flexibility.
In this off-season, explore the precision rifle upgrade options available to you.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
H&K’s G3 Rifle is a rugged and reliable battle rifle that’s seen serious use since its adoption throughout today.
In many ways, Heckler & Koch’s G3 rifle may be the real “AK of the West.” While the FN FAL received the moniker “right arm of the free world” and reached a similarly symbolic status in the West as the Kalashnikov did in the East, mechanically speaking they are not so similar. Things like the FAL’s adjustable gas system and non-interchangeable parts between patterns make it far too finicky of a system to truly be compared to the AK, but the same can’t be said about the G3. More widely adopted, more reliable and simpler to produce than the FAL, the H&K G3 may be the battle rifle truly deserving of that comparison.
The roller-delayed blowback action that is at the heart of the G3 rifle was born in Germany, but it had to spend some time in France and Spain before finally returning home. You can read our history of the CETME Model 58 to learn about the team of Mauser engineers who eventually brought the platform to fruition.
The short version is that the Germans discovered the concept of roller-delayed blowback almost by accident while working on developments for the StG 44 and StG 45(M). The Mauser engineers responsible were not the only ones who saw this new system’s promise, so when Germany lost the war and their technology and knowledge were redistributed amongst the allies, the roller-delayed blowback action was saved from dying on the vine. The system’s original inventors were able to continue their work first in France under CEAM, and then in Spain under CETME. While the CETME saw some limited success, it wasn’t until its design was allowed to return to its homeland that the concept was fully realized under the roof of Heckler & Koch.
Those familiar with the CETME will know that the original design intention was to use an intermediate power cartridge as the StG 44 did to continue development of the assault rifle as a concept, but just like the FAL and M14, the final iterations of the CETME ended up being chambered for the new NATO standard—7.62x51mm. While it was America’s influence that led NATO to adopt the full-power cartridge, it was the Bundeswehr’s interest in the CETME platform and their insistence on NATO compliance that led to the most prolific CETME Model C variant.
In the early 1950s, German armed forces expressed interest in the Spanish-made CETME over the FAL, which they had recently adopted as the G1. Unable to procure the licensure from FN to produce FALs themselves, however, West Germany’s Bundeswehr began a new trial to find their next service rifle. It was here where the CETME was put to the test against not only the FAL, but the AR-10 and Sig SG 510 as well. For reasons ranging from technical to political to financial, the CETME was declared the winner. Troop trials were conducted, H&K continued development, and in 1959 after some minor upgrades and modifications, the Bundeswehr adopted the CETME 58 Model C under the name G3.
When the G3 rifle was first adopted by the Bundeswehr, it was nearly indistinguishable from a Spanish-made CETME. This was mostly due to the initial use of wood furniture on both guns, something that would change to polymer on the G3 in the early 1960s. Other changes on the G3 from the CETME include the addition of classic HK-style drum sights and new fire control group internals.
Over the years H&K would continue the G3’s development, leading to variants with bipods, folding stocks and shortened barrels. The G3 rifle would also serve as the basis for the iconic PSG1 sniper rifle and HK21 general-purpose machine gun.
Like the AK, perhaps the biggest marker of the G3’s success comes from the sheer number of rifles that have been produced and proliferated over the years. Besides being made by H&K in Germany, licensed copies have also been produced by twelve other nations including Greece and Turkey. Over the years it has been adopted by more than 80 national armies and several non-state actors as well. While the FAL may have been initially adopted by more countries than the G3 rifle, the G3 has more active users today. Besides managing to stay in widespread service for longer than the FAL, recent photos from the world’s conflict zones also tell us that the G3 is still more prevalent amongst guerrillas as well.
Since at least the 1960s, the G3 rifle has made an appearance in most of the world’s significant conflicts. From various African bush wars, conflicts in Northern Ireland and the Global War on Terrorism, G3s have played a part.
Portuguese soldier with G3 rifle during NATO training exercise. Photo: Wikipedia
The G3 rifle is still widely used today, whether it be by professional armies, insurgent forces or civilian sports shooters. The former two still do mostly due to their abundance and relative affordability, but they’re still regarded as being incredibly durable, reliable and decently accurate. Contemporary hobby shooters also appreciate the platform’s modularity and dirt-cheap magazines. Between old imports and commercial models, picking a G3 to own yourself can be complicated, but they still can make for an excellent battle rifle choice if you know what to look for. Between its practical qualities and historical charm, this classic .308-thumper would still be right at home in anyone’s arsenal today.
Smith & Wesson’s already-established M&P9 Shield Plus is now available in an optics-ready configuration with a J-Point pattern footprint and factory tritium night sights.
Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 Shield Plus has already amassed a sizeable number of users since it first launched earlier this year. It followed the recent CCW trend of micro-compact 9mm striker-fired pistols with as large of a magazine capacity as possible. Now having established itself as one of only a handful of viable pistols in its class, the M&P9 Shield Plus is conforming to the next-hottest CCW pistol trend—red dot optics. Many of this gun’s competitors came optics-ready upon release, but now fans of the Shield platform can comfortably carry with an optic as well.
The M&P9 Shield Plus OR’s slide is cut to accept Shield RMSc/J-Point footprint optics, a pattern that includes many popular small pistol red dots intended for concealed carry. Smith pictures theirs with a Crimson Trace sight that’s available from the factory on certain Performance Center models. The upgraded Shield now also comes with orange tritium night sights as a standard feature.
Like the original Shield Plus, the new optics-ready version comes with both a flush-fitting 10-round mag as well as an extended 13-rounder. It also features the same ergonomic upgrades, flat-faced trigger and optional manual thumb safety.
The optics-ready M&P9 Shield Plus has an MSRP of $595 and is available now.
Available in twelve different chamberings, the new Nosler Model 21 rifle uses custom-tier parts to be lightweight, accurate and reliable right out of the box.
Nosler is a company primarily known for their premium ammunition, but their rifles have been equally well-regarded since they first started making the Model 48. Now, nearly twenty years later, the company has decided to introduce a new rifle—the Nosler Model 21. It’s available in twelve popular chamberings and is made with top-quality materials using cutting-edge technology, resulting in a production rifle that feels custom-built. Right out of the box the Nosler Model 21 should be incredibly accurate, very lightweight and reliable in any environment.
Accurate
As manufacturers of very accurate ammunition, it only makes sense for Nosler’s rifles to be very accurate as well. The Nosler Model 21 achieves this primarily through its action, its barrel and its trigger. Its action is a modified EVO action, designed in collaboration with the EVO’s original designers. Like the EVO, the Model 21 action is built using advanced wire EDM technology to precision tolerances, working alongside the self-indexing recoil lug to increase the gun’s overall accuracy. The barrel also comes threaded and with a recessed precision crown.
Practical accuracy on the Nosler Model 21 is also improved by the TriggerTech Field trigger which can be adjusted between 2.5 and 5.5 pounds.
Light And Rugged
The stock on the Nosler Model 21 is made from high-grade carbon fiber, a material famous for being both durable and light. This stock, combined with other weight-saving measures, enables the new rifle to be only about seven pounds depending on its cartridge. The carbon fiber stock should also be very durable and resistant to the elements. The Model 21’s fluted bolt also helps to increase the rifle’s reliability in any environment, making it a very versatile platform suitable for the most difficult of hunts.
The Nosler Model 21 appears to be an excellent new premium hunting rifle option for anyone seeking accuracy, durability and a very low weight. It has an MSRP of $2,495 and is available now.
Cleaning cases and reloading tools is less fun than cleaning guns, but it must be done. Brass tumblers, ultrasounds and other tools make it much quicker and easier.
Spoiler alert: I’m not the neatest guy in the world. While not technically a slob, most of my guns could use a thorough cleaning, and so could my reloading gear. I find cleaning rifles a necessary but mundane chore. Sometimes we need to turn an eye to our reloading tools themselves and give them some attention to keep things running smoothly and delivering consistent results.
Polished Brass Regarding the cleaning of cases, there are several methods you can choose, depending on your personal preference. Some reloaders like to clean all of their cases before they even see a resizing die, leaving the spent primer in the case during the cleaning process, and letting the resizing die push that old primer out. Others want to get rid of that primer so the cleaning/tumbling process will clean the empty primer pockets, not being concerned about any residue, dirt or grime in their resizing dies.The large-capacity Lyman 2500 Pro Mag brass tumbler will hold over 1,000 .38 Special cases.
The third method—and the one I personally prefer—is to use a Universal Decapping Die to pop the primers out of the cases before they even see the resizing die, clean/tumble the cases and then start resizing them. I find that the extra step does keep a good amount of unwanted debris out of my resizing dies (and extending the time between the need for cleaning my dies).
Your choice of case cleaner or brass tumbler might be dictated by the amount of room you have and the volume of reloading you tackle. At a minimum, a good vibratory cleaner or tumbler using some form of abrasive media—ground corn cob, crushed walnut shells, or even stainless steel pins—is necessary to keep your brass cases clean.
Of the three types of media, I’ve used walnut the most over the years—though I’ve been known to spike the punch bowl with Lyman’s Turbo Brite Brass Polish. A white pasty substance, just a little dollop of Turbo Brite speeds up the polishing process and really makes the brass shine. I use two vibratory cleaners: the RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler and an older Midway Model 1292; I’ve had them for years and both get the job done well.
The RCBS Ultrasonic Cleaner II will clean not only brass cases, but many reloading tools as well.
If using a vibratory cleaner or tumbler, you’ll want to be absolutely sure that all the media is out of your cases. It’ll have a tendency to stick in the flash hole or clump up in the bottom of the case, eating up precious case room and possibly creating a dangerous situation. I use a Rotary Case/Media Separator (RCBS), a simple little device, containing a plastic basket that rotates inside of a plastic housing; with a few cranks of the handle, the cases spin around in the basket—kind of like the drum of a clothes dryer—and the media will be shaken free of the cases.
An ultrasonic cleaner is another means of cleaning brass; they use high-frequency sound waves to create small bubbles, which agitate the liquid contained in the tub. While I can’t exactly prove it, ultrasonic cleaners are the best choice for match-grade ammunition, as the cleaning process keeps the internal case volume as uniform as possible. They’re also a great tool for cleaning reloading dies, and you may be amazed at what comes out of your dies. Bit of brass from cases, shavings of bullet jackets, and burnt primer residue all mix with case lube to create a greasy, abrasive paste that can harden over time.
A Universal Decapping Die will remove spent primers from your cases before you resize them, allowing the primer pockets to be cleaned, keeping dirt and debris out of your resizing die.
I’ve come to enjoy the RCBS Ultrasonic Cleaner II, as it’s easy to use and has a six-liter tub, so all sorts of things can be cleaned in that unit—from brass cases, dies, handgun parts and rifle bolts, to the wife’s jewelry. I can fit a full-size 1911 in the tub, and the basket holds a considerable number of brass cases, even the big magnums. It features a timer that can be set from 1 to 30 minutes, and a convenient drain valve is used with the provided drain hose. You can use plain old tap water, distilled water or one of the many solutions designed to work best with brass cases or gun parts. I’ve had excellent results with Lyman’s TurboSonic solutions.
Be Gone with Die Scum I give my dies a good spray with an aerosol solvent or good old Hoppe’s No. 9 to help remove built-up copper, lead and brass—I then send them to the ultrasonic. Toss your reloading dies in the basket, and in 5 minutes or so, a whole bunch of gunk will be removed. Every so often I clean the dies, shellholders and any other tool that looks like it’s getting a bit funky. Just be sure to use a light coat of oil on steel parts to prevent rust. Some good cotton swabs or lint-free cotton cloths can be used to apply oil to the nooks and crannies, and then to remove any excess.
Many reloaders like to use the ultrasonic for the first stage of cleaning brass cases, and then send them directly to the vibratory tumbler for the second stage. Where the ultrasonic cleaner will do the majority of the cleaning, the abrasive media of the tumbler will act as a polishing stage.
In addition to cleaning the cases and dies, I even clean the presses once in a while: I’ll take an aerosol can of brake cleaner or Hoppe’s Gun Medic and give the press’ threads, ram and joints a good spray, and then brush and wipe away any debris I can get to. A light oiling prevents rust and keeps the parts moving smoothly.
Ground walnut shells are just one type of abrasive media used to scour and polish cases in your brass tumbler.
I save the small packets of silica gel wherever I find them and place them in the die boxes to keep any moisture away from my dies. Sweat is corrosive, so I try to keep things oiled. Should I forget to wipe the dies down, however, and they sit in the box for a while, I’ve got a rusty surprise waiting for me when I open that box again.
Your reloading tools, if properly cared for, will give you a lifetime of use. I’ve got a number of buddies who routinely use presses and dies that are over 40 years old. A little bit of love can go a long way.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Beretta’s new APX A1 Carry pistol is optics-ready, modular and available in four different colors.
Beretta has decided to expand their APX line of striker-fired pistols with the new APX A1 Carry. Revealed at the 2021 USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Expo, the APX A1 Carry has several upgrades and features not seen when the original model launched two years ago. This tiny, single-stack CCW gun now comes optics-ready, has an improved trigger and is available with four different frame colors.
Size And Capacity
As a single-stack, striker-fired, polymer-framed 9mm, the Beretta APX A1 Carry is most comparable to a Glock 43. They share similar dimensions, utilize the same action, and when the APX is equipped with its flush-fitting magazine, they have the same 6-round capacity. Unlike the G43, however, the new APX also includes an 8-round magazine in the box that provides both increased capacity and a better grip.
Optics-Ready
Following the release of the M9A4 and 92X RDO, it appears that Beretta has fully embraced the red dot-sighted pistol advantage. The APX A1 Carry now comes with an optics-ready slide that’s capable of mounting a variety of popular pistol red dots, including Burris, C-more, Shield RMS-C and the Holosun K Series. The mounting plates can be purchased separately from Beretta but like with their other new optic-ready handguns, APX A1 Carry owners may receive one for free upon completing Beretta’s online warranty registration.
Upgrades
Besides the addition of an optics-ready slide, the APX A1 Carry also features an improved trigger that has been made to be shorter and lighter. The frame also now has more aggressive texturing to ensure a better grip while firing, and the general consensus is that the A1’s front and back slide serrations are more aesthetically pleasing than the original model’s as well.
Beretta is also now serializing the gun’s internal chassis instead of the polymer frame, meaning that the same APX A1 Carry can be used with any of the four available frame colors without buying a whole new gun.
It will be interesting to see how the APX A1 Carry fares against more established CCW pistols in its class. This new gun hasn’t had the time to garner the reputation that Glock has yet, but upon release, it appears to be a less expensive option that comes with more features out of the box than a G43. It is available with a black, green, gray or FDE frame and all models have an MSRP of $449.
Buffalo Bore is known for its seriously bad-ass ammunition and Tim Sundles is the man who made it come to fruition.
My grandfather would’ve liked Tim Sundles, partly because of his strong back, but mostly because of his character.
Tim is serious about his word: If he tells you there’s a dinosaur on Main Street, you’d best get your gun—your really big gun—and get ready for a gunfight. Tim is “politically incorrect” and a little rough around the edges. He’s also a gentleman who expects the same from those he meets. I’d advise against knocking off his hat, insulting his lady or spilling your martini on his flannel shirt.
At common-sense lever-action rifle ranges, this Heavy .35 Remington load from Buffalo Bore is suitable for anything in North America.
Tim grew up on the wild side of Idaho and Oregon. His stepfather taught him to handload when he was only 12 years old. That same year, Tim shot his first deer and had a run-in with a game warden, who cited him for not properly cutting his tag. Unfrazzled by his encounter with a moron opossum cop (you’ve got to be a moron to write a ticket to a 12-year-old boy for not properly cutting the tag for the first deer he ever killed), Tim became a committed hunter and conservationist. He also became embroiled in a long-running feud with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service because of its illegal dumping of wolves. So committed was Tim to the cause that he did jail time for a misdemeanor offense.
Buffalo Bore Start-Up
Tim started the Buffalo Bore ammunition company in 1997. His first commercial loads were for the .475 and .500 Linebaugh—serious big-bore cartridges by any measure.
Buffalo Bore offers a full line of lead-free Buffalo Barnes ammunition for handguns and rifles.
I first became acquainted with Tim in 2002, when I was looking to try his Heavy .35 Remington loads. “Heavy” is a good name for this stuff: Out of a Marlin lever gun, this load will push a 220-grain Speer bullet to just the other side of 2,200 fps, making it a load suitable for anything in North America … at least at any distance anyone has business shooting at stuff with a lever gun.
Since then, Tim has vastly expanded his line, and Buffalo Bore has evolved from a small, boutique-like ammo company into a full-fledged ammunition manufacturing powerhouse. I turn to Buffalo Bore anytime I need to really knock the snot out of something. In fact, I used the Buffalo Bore 430-grain .45-70 Magnum load on my first African buffalo hunt and ended up stopping the charging bull at about 20 feet. I used the same load on my second buffalo hunt and have also since taken several whitetail deer and a javelina with the company’s .327 Federal Magnum Hard Cast load.
Trust the Man, Trust His Ammo
It’s easy to trust ammunition from a man who uses what he makes in the wilderness backcountry—where you have to be serious about every shot taken. Tim saddles up and rides into parts unknown after griz, elk, sheep and other critters. He uses the same ammo he offers for sale, and he knows you can trust it—because he’s seen it work.
Hard-cast loads for little guns, such as this .380 Auto, turn them into deep-penetrating man-stoppers.
If there’s such thing as a modern-day mountain man, it just might be Tim Sundles. He could be, as described by Bear Claw Chris Lapp in the 1972 movie, Jeremiah Johnson, “ … blood kin to the grizzer that bit Jim Bridger’s ass!”
Tim is also a big believer in flat-nosed, hard-cast bullets, because he’s used those projectiles on game. He’s not a Jell-O junkie who bases his assertions on hypothetical pontification or on how well a bullet busts the hell out of a block of ordnance gelatin. Outside of his personal experience, he has lots of customers making the case for his ammunition; for example, the Montana Highway patrolman who was fishing the Clark Fork River when a big black bear decided an off-duty cop was more appetizing than a trout. When the bear rushed, the officer shot him in the shoulder with a Smith & Wesson Model .65. The 180-grain hard-cast bullet broke its shoulder, shattered its hip on exit and … might still be going.
You can expect this Buffalo Bore .327 Federal hard-cast load to penetrate—just like all the other hard-cast handgun loads from Buffalo Bore. It’ll drive to 3 feet or more in ordnance gelatin.
However, not all of Buffalo Bore’s success stories involve four legged critters: A Marine clearing buildings in Iraq ran his rifle dry. During an ensuing hand-to-hand, life-or-death fight, the butt of the insurgent’s rifle knocked the Marine to the ground. On his back—and trying to keep from being beaten into a blood puddle—the Marine drew a compact .380 from his cargo pocket and fired one shot. The Buffalo Bore 100-grain hard-cast bullet struck his attacker just above the hip, angled through his torso, pierced his scapula and stopped under the skin, incapacitating him immediately.
Ever-Expanding Ammo Offerings
Today, Buffalo Bore has vastly expanded its catalog. No longer does it only make ammunition for big-bore stoppers. Although that’s still a big part of what Buffalo Bore offers, there’s currently a host of other interesting loads for very popular and even old-school cartridges.
The company offers sniper-quality .223 Remington ammunition, full-power-plus jacketed .30 Carbine loads that include a jacketed hollow-point, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum hard-cast loads, “heavy loads,” .30-30, .308, .348 Winchester and even ammunition for the .38-55, .375 and 9X23 Winchester. There’s even a Buffalo Bore load for the .45 Raptor, which is a .45-caliber rimless cartridge developed for the AR-10 that will launch a 250-grain bullet at 2,500 fps. Buffalo Bore now even offers a lead-free line of ammunition loaded with bullets from Barnes and Lehigh Defense.
Buffalo Bore’s Tim Sundles inspects a recent run of the company’s ammunition.
The most recent additions to the Buffalo Bore line of ammunition include a selection of dangerous-game loads for cartridges such as .375 Ruger, .416 Remington Magnum, .500 Smith & Wesson, 10mm Auto, .454 Casull, .44 Magnum, .460 Smith & Wesson, .45-70 Government and even .45 Colt+P. As a matter of fact, last summer, I watched a hunter take a massive African buffalo with a single shot using the .45-70 load at about 25 yards.
You might not need to crumple a Cape buffalo or fight it out with a big bear (as did the Alaskan guide who used a 9mm pistol loaded with the Buffalo Bore 9mm Outdoorsman load to stop a 900-pound grizzly). However, if you want ammunition that’s as serious and bad-ass as anything you’ll ever need—or the man who builds it—now you know where to get it. Just don’t call Tim Sundles (or me) if the recoil is a bit too much for your delicate, little hands. Hey—man-up: This is serious stuff!
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2021 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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.
Bridging the gap from its off-the-shelf pistols and custom gems, Springfield’s Emissary puts high-tier performance in reach of more shooters. Springfield doesn’t skimp with this forge-steel framed 1911, decking the gun out with several features to get it on target. In addition to VZ G10 grips, accessory rail, front and rear cocking serrations, and Tritium front sight (U-notch rear), the gun sports a snappy flat-faced trigger. Matched with the .45 ACP’s 5-inch match-grade bull barrel, the iron has all the tools to punish the bull’s-eye. Plus, it’s a looker too, with a unique Tri-Top slide. MSRP: $1,279
Ruger LCP MAX
Long celebrated for its compact size, the LCP can now boast another asset: capacity. Hard to believe, but the introduction of the LCP Max Ruger’s micro .380 ACP carries as much ammo as a pistol twice its size. Presently, the pistol comes with a 10- and 12-round magazine, making its firepower a legitimate selling point. However, Ruger didn’t compromise its greatest quality: size. The LCP Max is only a hair larger and heavier than the LCP II, at 5.17 inches in overall length and 10.6 ounces. In short, it’s a pocket pistol punching well above its weight. MSRP: $449
Wilson Combat SFX9
Never one to be outdone, Wilson Combat is taking the high-capacity subcompacts niche by the horns. As expected from the renowned gunmaker, they’re putting their own twist on the class of pistol. Breaking from the polymer-frame, striker-fired herd, the SFX9 is a new twist on what has become a rote style of gun. The 1911-style 9mm, however, has more to offer than simply a metal frame and Wilson’s craftsmanship. The 3.25-inch barreled pistol also has capacity, plenty of it feeding off a 15-round double-stack magazine. Adding to its appeal, the SFX9 is also lights-out reliable no matter what it’s fed, thanks to its Enhanced Reliability System. This is an upgrade over a majority of subcompacts out there today. MSRP: $2,895
Zigana PX-9 G2
In recent years, Turkish guns have kicked a firm toehold in the American firearms market. This includes personal defense arms. Zigana’s PX-9 has filled this role nicely and gives armed citizens another reason to look in its direction with the introduction of a Gen 2 model. The striker-fired 9mm retains all its popular and practical features—accessory rail, forward cocking serrations, solid trigger and manual thumb safety. But, it’s added a ton of flexibility in its latest iteration. In particular, the duty pistol’s grip allows for 27 different configurations, giving shooters the utmost comfort and control over the system. For the price, the PX-9 G2 over-delivers. MSRP: $380
Galco EDC Valet Tray
The secrets to consistent carry are convenience and routine. This is why Galco’s simple and stylish EDC Valet Tray is an intriguing accessory to any concealed carry system. Who hasn’t struggled keeping spare magazines, EDC knife, light source and even keys together, when not on person? Made from premium Latigo leather with a dark Havana finish, the leather tray proves the perfect place to pocket dump at home, yet know where all your kit is when you walk out the door. Measuring 9.75 inches diagonally and 2 inches deep, the tray has plenty of room for your possibles, yet remains inconspicuous and stylish in the meantime. Held together with brass rivets, like all of Galco’s wares, it’s built for the long haul. MSRP: $60
DeSantis Veiled Partner
Best known for their leather hangers, DeSantis knows its way around a piece of Kydex. This is no better demonstrated than in one of its most recent creations, the Veiled Partner. An OWB rig, the holster is precisely molded to fit your particular firearm, providing incredible passive retention and peace of mind. That’s not half of it. The optics-compatible hanger is also easily configurable for height and cant with its 1.5 and 1.75 loops, and it holds tight to the body like a well-tailored shirt. Available in right- and left-hand variants and for many popular semi-auto models, the Veiled Partner brings a new dimension to outside-the-waistband carry. MSRP: $60
1791 Gunleather Optic-Ready Open Top Multi-Fit Belt Holster
With a name like 1791, you’d figure the company is fairly wed to tradition: They’re tried-and-true methods to create fine leather holsters. But this doesn’t mean the concern doesn’t have an eye to the future, most recently outfitting armed citizens with optic-ready hangers. You heard that right: an old-fashioned rig capable of holding a modern-style defensive system—the best of both worlds. Offering a lightning-fast draw, the FBI cant OWB rig is ideal for an EDC rig and rides high enough that most long shirts and jackets easily conceal it. And the premium-grade leather only gets better with time, aging with character while better forming to the body. MSRP: $60
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Updated with some modern amenities, the Winchester 94AE still proves an all-time classic field lever-gun.
In 1983, I made my first legal over-the-counter long-gun purchase: It was a Winchester 1894 AE (Angle Eject) Big Bore lever-action rifle chambered for the .307 Winchester. Up until that time, my parents, grandfather or best friend had to facilitate my weapons cache. This was a rifle I dearly wanted, and I considered it a graduation present to myself. My fondness was due to its svelte handling qualities lever-actions are known for, combined with its .308 Winchester-like performance. For deer hunting in the hills of West Virginia, I felt there could be nothing better.
I’m not so sure I wasn’t right. The rifle performed marvelously for me. I used it to take several deer, and if my memory serves, I don’t think I ever missed a deer with that rifle. Unfortunately, while I was a die-hard deer hunter, I was also a seriously dedicated coon hunter. I was raised around hounds in a coon-hunting family. In fact, the first hunt I ever went on was a raccoon hunt, and the first animal I ever killed was a raccoon. My best friend and I were desperate for a really good coonhound, and he managed to locate a direct descendant of the notorious Grand Night Champion Hickory Hunt Harry.
We traded some cash and my Winchester for that dog.
With the ability to push a bullet like the Speer Hot Core Flat Point to 2,700 fps, the .307 Winchester takes the lever gun into a new realm of ballistic performance.
It was a good trade; the dog turned out to be the best coonhound I’ve ever hunted with, but I’ve missed that rifle ever since. It was a special rifle for two reasons. First, because the AE designation meant that, unlike previous 1894 Winchesters, a riflescope could be mounted directly over the action. And second, because the Big Bore (BB) designation meant that the rifle could handle higher-pressure cartridges than the old .30-30 Win. These rifles were offered in three chamberings: the .307 Winchester, the .356 Winchester and the .375 Winchester.
For history’s sake, the .356 Winchester was essentially a .358 Winchester with a 0.506 rim diameter, as opposed to 0.473. It was even loaded to the same CUP pressure of 52,000 as the .358 Winchester. The .375 Winchester was, for all practical purposes, a modernized version of the old .38-55 Winchester, with a slightly longer case that was loaded to a CUP pressure of 52,000 as opposed to 30,000. Like the .356 and .358 Winchester, the .307 Winchester had a slightly larger rim than the .308 Winchester, but the rest of the cartridge case was dimensionally identical as was the CUP pressure limit of 52,000.
Welcoming Back The Winchester 94AE
Not too long ago, I found myself with a little extra cash. I also found a used Winchester 94AE Big Bore in .307 Winchester in excellent condition. I purchased the rifle based on photographs to only later learn the shell catch was defective; it didn’t want to let the last round out of the magazine feed into the action. That, of course, didn’t stop me from shooting the rifle. One of the reasons my interest in the cartridge/rifle had been renewed was because Hornady had just released a new .307 Winchester LEVERevolution load with a 160-grain bullet at an advertised 2,650 fps.
The .30-30 Winchester (left) is the cartridge that made the Winchester 94 famous. Though it’s nowhere near as powerful as the .308 Winchester (center), the .307 Winchester can nearly duplicate .308 Winchester muzzle velocities.
I installed set of XS aperture rear and post front sights and found that at 100 yards, I could use the Hornady ammunition to shoot groups measuring less than 2.5 inches. With my original .307 Winchester, I could do a bit better, but back then I had a low-power variable riflescope attached. Still, for hunting deer, bear and boar in my home state of West Virginia, 2.5-inch groups at 100 yards with open sights is more than sufficient. Ultimately, I decided on a Williams red fiber-optic front sight and even managed a few on-target groups at 200 yards that I’ll not describe for fear of being labeled a charlatan.
Of course, I had to get the rifle fixed—even the most accurate rifle in the world is worthless if it doesn’t work. I turned to my local gunsmith, Jerry Dove at Dove’s Custom Guns, and asked him to sort the rifle out. I turn to Jerry for a lot of gunsmithing chores, and for the next several months I kept him busy with more pressing projects. Finally, just after Christmas 2020, Jerry completed all the other work I’d saddled him with, and he fixed the .307. I called it a Christmas present, because that’s exactly what it felt like.
If you’ve read much of what I’ve written about guns, you’ll know I have a dedicated interest in the Scout Rifle concept formulated by Jeff Cooper. Cooper was a fan of the Winchester 94 and its handiness was part of his inspiration for the Scout Rifle. However, as far as Scout Rifles are concerned, one of the weaknesses of the Winchester 94 was the .30-30 Winchester cartridge.
Because the Winchester 94AE rifle ejects to the side and because it has the ability for a top-mount scope, it was easy to mount the XS aperture rear sight on the rifle.
Cooper didn’t feel it was powerful enough for animals as large as 1,000 pounds, and this resulted in his ideal Scout Rifle cartridge being a .308 Winchester. In fact, Cooper was a believer in the original ballistics of the. 30-06, and he discovered that, properly loaded, a .308 Winchester with a 19-inch barrel could meet that 150-grain bullet at 2,700-fps threshold.
What I wanted to know was if I could do the same with the .307 Winchester—not that it would make it a Scout Rifle. It’d make it capable of handling, ballistically, anything a Scout Rifle could handle. You could argue Hornady’s new LEVERevolution load was already there; with 2,495 foot-pounds of energy, a 160-grain bullet at 2,650 is a bit more powerful than a 150-grain bullet at 2,700 fps at 2,428 foot-pounds. The problem is that Hornady’s impressive velocity figures are obtained with 24-inch test barrels. My rifle, like most lever guns, has a 20-inch barrel. Actual velocities were 2,475 fps, delivering 2,176 foot-pounds of energy—impressive but not what Cooper or I wanted.
Handloading looked to be the answer and given the lack of availability of factory ammunition for the .307 Win.—Hornady and Winchester both offer one load, but only load it seasonally—handloading would be necessary. Researching some data, I found that a relatively new powder from Alliant called AR Comp should push a 130-grain bullet to 3,030 fps with 2,650 foot-pounds of energy, and a 150-grain bullet to 2,831 fps with 2,669 foot-pounds of big-game busting power. Granted, these seemingly pie-in-the-sky velocities were also obtained with a 24-inch barrel, but I had a few fps to work with.
Using Speer’s 130-grain Hot Core Flat Nose bullet, I eased up to the maximum listed load of 45.8 grains of AR Comp, and the resulting velocity averaged 2,818 fps with 2,292 foot-pounds of energy. That was as bit shy of 3,000 fps, but the resulting energy exceeded the Hornady 160-grain load. But that was also not a 150-grain bullet, and given this bullet was intended for the .30-30 at substantially lower muzzle velocities, I was a bit concerned about its terminal performance.
A fiber-optic front sight on the Winchester 94AE was settled on to provide the highest visibility in low-light hunting conditions.
Bill Wilson, who has used this bullet a great deal in his .300 Hamr cartridge, told me not to worry, but I wanted to test it anyway. Wilson was, as expected, right. In blocks of Clear Ballistics, it penetrated to 17 inches, expanded to 6/10 inch, and retained 85 percent of its weight. This is more than capable for big-game hunting, but I wanted Cooper’s Scout Rifle load.
Measuring The Muzzle Product
Given the current ammunition and component situation, I couldn’t find any 150-grain Speer Flat Nose bullets for sale anywhere. Though round-nose bullets are customarily loaded in lever guns, there seems to be a unanimous concern about using them in the harder recoiling .307 Winchester. It didn’t matter. I didn’t have any 150-grain round-nose bullets and couldn’t find them anywhere either. Fortunately, during that phone call with Wilson, he told me he had a box he could spare.
Working up to the maximum published load of 44.6 grains of AR Comp, I was optimistic and ultimately very pleased. Five shots over a Caldwell G2 chronograph delivered an average velocity of 2,695 fps. Adding in 0.75 feet per second for each foot the chronograph was from the rifle’s muzzle puts the average velocity at 2,702.5 fps. I had managed to safely reach original .30-06 velocities out of a traditional lever action rifle!
The addition of a Versacarry Ammo Caddy to the stock of the Winchester provides a great way to carry a field load of ammunition or extra ammo.
Of course, like with the 130-grain bullet, I needed confirmation of terminal performance, so it was back to blocks of Clear Ballistics. The 150-grain Speer Hot Core Flat Point bullet—with an impact velocity of 2,690 fps and an impact energy of 2,410 foot-pounds—penetrated to a depth of 21 inches, expanded with a frontal diameter measuring 0.50 inch across, and had a retained weight of 107 grains. By comparison, the factory Hornady 160-grain load penetrated 16.5 inches, expanded to 0.58 inch and had a retained weight of 121 grains.
What’s Old Is New
It’s hard to express my delight in once again having a rifle I so adored as a young man. It’s also pleasing to know that while the Winchester 94AE Big Bore isn’t a Scout Rifle, it can ballistically perform with Scout Rifles. And to be honest—and as Cooper knew—it’s an extremely compact, lightweight and friendly rifle that can serve respectably in the role of a Scout Rifle.
The new AR Comp powder from Alliant, which wasn’t available when the .307 cartridge was introduced, can greatly enhance its performance.
As far as lever-guns go, this rifle might be one of the most important ever made. It’s also, of course, one of the least remembered and appreciated. They’re out there, and you can find them for about a grand. Hornady makes a great load for them, or you can load your own even better-performing ammunition.
Once again, I have mine. And I’ll be damned if I’m trading it for a coonhound!
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Smith & Wesson are moving their headquarters out of historic Springfield, Mass., to Tennessee following proposed restrictive legislation in their home state.
Smith & Wesson, one of the world’s most significant and storied firearms manufacturers, has been headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts for over 150 years. Despite the company’s affinity with their historic home in New England’s “Gun Valley”, they announced today their intentions to move the company’s headquarters to Maryville, Tennessee in 2023. The announcement follows new proposed legislation in Massachusetts that Smith & Wesson claimed would change the climate of gun manufacturing in the state for the worse.
Smith & Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith had this to say about the upcoming move:
This has been an extremely difficult and emotional decision for us, but after an exhaustive and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative.
The legislation in question would prohibit the manufacturing of certain kinds of firearms within Massachusetts, firearms that comprise over 60 percent of Smith & Wesson’s yearly revenue. The company stated that even if the specific legislation in question were to fail, similar measures would likely be raised in the future thanks to the state’s growing anti-gun political environment. If enacted, the arbitrary legislation would not make Massachusetts any safer, but its proposal has earned its backers a few cookie points with their already loyal pro-gun control voter base. All it cost them was 550 good jobs leaving their state forever.
Smith’s new Tennessee headquarters will be located in a Second Amendment sanctuary county that has a strong pro-gun culture. This move will likely not be the last of its kind as the country continues to polarize along political lines, as anti-gun state governments will continue to erode away at 2A freedoms while others fortify them. Gun owners in America are used to the death by a thousand cuts strategy, so it's good to see companies as iconic as Smith & Wesson finally say that enough is enough. Firearms companies should not be providing tax revenue to governments that seek to restrict gun ownership amongst their own populations.
The move will not begin until 2023, and Smith stated that their Springfield location will remain active and retain at least 1,000 employees for continued parts manufacturing and revolver assembly operations. They do not expect the move to put any damper on their output, but once some facilities are consolidated into their new Tennessee location Smith & Wesson claims that their manufacturing and distribution processes will be significantly streamlined.
Domenic Sarno, Mayor of Springfield, expressed regret for the currently employed Smith workers who will be affected by the move and stated that his office will be assisting them in any way they can. The best assistance these individuals could have received would have been their representatives not supporting anti-constitutional, anti-freedom legislation. Legislation that drives away good, legal and safe businesses to states that have a better understanding of this country’s founding principles. Presuming that gun-grabbing politicians will continue to not understand this, they can continue to say goodbye to some of their state’s most historical and beloved companies.
Beretta’s new 92X RDO pistol brings the classic 90 Series Beretta into modernity with better ergonomics, a new trigger and an optics-ready slide.
Beretta USA is continuing their trend of modernizing their classic 90 Series pistols with features that are becoming the standard on premium combat-style handguns. Following the release of their newest M9 generation, the M9A4, they are now giving the 92 the same treatment. Upgraded with a new grip, trigger and optics-ready slide, the 92X RDO is an attractive option for those who want modern features without giving up the old DA/SA action. And unlike the M9A4, the 92X does come in black.
Many of the same upgrades that graced the new M9 make an appearance on the 92X RDO as well. Both new pistols feature an optics-cut slide, 3-slot Picatinny rail and forward slide serrations. They also both have short reset triggers, Vertec-style thin grips and a beveled magazine well. They are also both compatible with Beretta’s new 18-round mags. While the M9A4’s slide is the decocker-only variant, the 92X RDO slide can be swapped between decocker-only and safety/decocker configurations.
Like the M9A4, the 92X RDO’s optics-cut slide comes with blanking covers that can be replaced with one of five mounting plate options. The available footprint patterns from Beretta include Aimpoint, Trijicon, Burris/Vortex/Docter, Leupold and C-More.
The 92X RDO most significantly differs from the M9A4 not because of what it has, but what it doesn’t have—namely a threaded barrel and FDE finish. Those must be some expensive features because with an MSRP of $699 the 92X RDO is $400 cheaper than the new M9. For those who are in the market for an optics-ready, full-size combat pistol, you can’t go wrong with the newest generation of Beretta 92.
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