The new ARES Adaptive Retention System from DRD Tactical can help you operate faster, smoother and longer.
DDR Tactical ARES System Benefits:
Maintains a tighter center of gravity.
More evenly distributes rifle’s weight.
No sling to become tangled in gear.
Can be quickly brought in and out of action.
Many shooters only practice their hobby while seated at a bench or standing at a firing line. While this is good fun and good practice, if you ever envision using your rifle in any sort of real-world defensive situation, it’s not enough. The two basic components of engaging in a firefight are shooting and moving, the latter of which gets neglected far too often. One must only watch a few short clips of real-life gunfights to see that to be truly proficient with your rifle one must be able to run, jump, scale and fight all while retaining their weapon. Some slings on the market were designed to help with this the best they could, but ultimately none of them offer the same level of retention as systems like the new ARES from DRD Tactical.
It may not be the first of its kind, but the ARES seems to be an improvement on the retention system concept. Constructed from what appears to be high-durability plastic, the mounting plate’s mouth opens at the top in a wide “V” shape before narrowing into a channel near the bottom. This channel is what retains your rifle close to your chest via the peg attached to your AR’s endplate or a QD-sling point. The whole system then attaches to MOLLE, ideally on the front of a plate carrier.
This system enables you to quickly go hands-free without worry that your rifle’s sling will become entangled in your gear. Even slings that can be cinched tight to one’s body tend to flop around during intensive movement, and slings are notorious for getting snagged on things. The DRD Tactical ARES system solves this problem by eliminating the amount of potential play between your body and your rifle. By keeping the rifle closer to your center of gravity the ARES also enables quicker movement and better agility. Another advantage is when the rifle is secured to your chest it effectively turns your entire plate carrier or vest into a sling, evenly distributing the weapon’s weight over a greater surface than what any traditional sling can provide. This should help to reduce fatigue any time you need to carry a rifle for an extended period.
There are pros and cons to each piece of gear like this and each mission has different requirements, but DRD Tactical’s ARES system looks like good execution of this somewhat novel concept. Those whose profession entails a lot of standing around, patrolling or even running while armed would likely appreciate what this system has to offer.
The future of ammo is here, True Velocity’s composite-cased .308 Winchester is available now with more calibers to come.
True Velocity Composite-Cased Ammo Advantages:
Extends Chamber Life
Reduces Throat Erosion
Lighter Weight
Sub-MOA Accuracy
Extreme Consistency
Originally developed for The U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program, True Velocity’s composite-cased ammunition first became available to the public through their commemorative box set. Now, for those who’d actually like to try shooting this innovative new ammo, it’s available in more economically viable 20-round boxes.
While the biggest advantages of composite-cased ammo are only useful for military logistics on a large scale, there are some benefits that can be experienced by the individual shooter as well. The reduced heat transfer between the cartridge case and the chamber results in decreased throat erosion and a longer chamber life, although you’d have to be shooting a lot of True Velocity exclusively to benefit from the effects. The sub-MOA accuracy and extremely consistent muzzle velocity is the real appeal of this ammo for the average enthusiast, both of which are achieved by what True Velocity describes as “medical-grade manufacturing.” The use of robots and intensive quality-control systems ensures that each round produced is perfectly within spec.
Twenty-round boxes of .308 Winchester are available for purchase now with an MSRP of $69.99 per box. They will be introducing new calibers for sale in the coming months as well, and while they didn’t specify which ones, 5.56 is probably a safe bet.
Pocket pistols are simple in theory, but the history of the concept’s development suggests otherwise. Since the auto pocket pistol concept was first introduced with John Browning’s Colt 1908 Vest Pocket, there have been attempts to make them in a wide variety of calibers, sizes and qualities. What started as a gentleman’s uber-concealable defense piece eventually branched off into the realm of Saturday night specials as well, somewhat damaging pocket pistols’ overall reputation. There was one pocket pistol, however, that's innovative design kept it a popular choice despite the overall reduction in the concept's popularity. That pistol is the Seecamp .32, and its designers managed to squeeze a lot of quality into a very tiny gun.
The L. W. Seecamp Company was founded in 1973 by Ludwig Seecamp, a German immigrant to the United States. Classically trained as a gunsmith before the war, after moving to America he spent several years working as a designer for Mossberg before retiring and establishing his own company which would specialize in double-action 1911 conversions. As new double-action .45s like the Browning BDA were released, Seecamp’s 1911 conversions were being pushed out of the market and he felt the need to release something new.
By 1968 most pocket pistols were cheap imports, but the 1968 Gun Control Act’s “sporting clause” seriously restricted what pistols could be brought in. Aiming to capitalize on this void in the market, Seecamp released his LWS .25 in 1981.
Hammer-fired and double-action only, the LWS .25 was based on the Czech CZ-45 but managed to be even smaller. The .25 model was around long enough to prove that the design had merit and that people were willing to buy it, but only a few years after its introduction it was replaced by the .32 caliber version which is still being produced today.
For most of the Seecamp .32’s production, it has been overseen by the original Seecamp’s son, Larry. Continuing in his father’s tradition, during this time every Seecamp pistol was made the old-world gunsmith way: individually and by hand. While the resultant pistols were of very high quality, with only about seven workers on staff this was a very expensive and time-consuming process which resulted in over a year’s worth of outstanding orders to accumulate. For those who would like a Seecamp pistol, however, a positive change to production occurred in 2014. As Seecamp’s original master gunsmiths retired and Larry Seecamp was unable to find replacements for them, he sold the entire business to the company of a family friend, Whalley Precision. The general consensus since the takeover is that the pistols’ quality has not reduced any, but they have become much more readily available and for much better prices. Today Whalley Precision still produces LWS pistols in .25 ACP, .32 ACP and .380 ACP.
Design Details
Nothing can be designed without intent, and the intent behind the Seecamp pistols was self-defense. While this is thankfully a common and socially acceptable reason to own a pistol today when the Seecamp .32 was released this was not the case. Sections of the owner’s manual were actually published in firearms magazines because of how unorthodox it was to unapologetically claim that your pistol was designed for self-defense against other humans. In a time when other companies were still pretending that their Saturday night specials were intended for target shooting or sporting purposes, it took guts to be honest about your design’s capabilities.
The reality of Seecamp pistols’ capabilities is that they are decidedly not for sporting purposes, as otherwise they likely would have had sights of some kind. The Seecamp was designed from the ground up to be a last-ditch, point-and-shoot self-defense weapon, and its only safety is its 11.5-pound DAO trigger pull.
Seecamp .32s utilize a chamber-ring delayed blowback operating mechanism, unlike the direct blowback action of the original LWS .25. While .32’s higher pressure necessitated a new operating mechanism, it is still a light-enough recoiling round to be very pleasant to shoot even out of a small gun. This easy controllability is likely why the .32 Seecamp remained the most popular model even after the introduction of the LWS .380.
As a purpose-built self-defense pistol, the Seecamp .32 was designed around the only .32 hollow points available at the time and would fail to cycle anything else. While some considered this a downside, others viewed it as a reasonable compromise to make the Seecamp the best possible defensive pistol it could be. Partially thanks to the Seecamp .32’s popularity, there are now a wider variety of defensive .32 hollow points that are produced and that function properly in a Seecamp system. Every Seecamp model has a 6+1 capacity and a heel-style magazine release.
Since the Seecamp .32’s release, it has been a favorite backup gun for police officers across the country. Ideally sized for a pocket or ankle holster, these make great emergency deep concealment pieces whether you have a badge or not. They are surprisingly ergonomic for their size, making it no surprise that the gun’s general characteristics have been copied by at least two other manufacturers since its introduction. Now that the backorders have been filled and one can be purchased new right off the shelf, there hasn’t been a better time to add a Seecamp to your collection. MSRP is $510 for the LWS .32, a fair price for what may be the greatest pocket pistol ever made.
For more on Seecamp guns, please visit seecamp.com.
The World War II-era M1 Garand, chambered in .30-06 caliber, was the first semi-auto issued to American fighting men.
Built like a Sherman tank, accurate to 1,000 yards and available on the surplus market, the battle-worn M1 Garand still soldiers on.
What makes the M1 Garand the “greatest battle implement ever devised”?
The M1 Garand was the first semi-auto rifle issued to American military personnel.
The rifle is a long-stroke gas-piston-operated firearm, similar to the AK-47.
The M1 Garand's operating handle doubles as a forward assist.
The M1 is top-loaded, fed with an eight-round clip of .30-06 Sprg. ammunition.
Its magazine can be topped off; however, this is not recommended.
The M1 weighs between 9.5 and 10 pounds, depending on the wood used for the stock.
The M1 Garand is perhaps the most storied battle rifle in U.S. history, having stormed the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima. It was a cornerstone to America's victory in Europe and the Pacific and hold a revered place in soldiers' and shooters' hearts.
The grand M1 is still available today and not only makes a unique addition to a collection, but also provides endless hours of enjoyment. The Garand is a competent target rifle, has been used to take more than one deer, and is a solid survival option if need be. And yes, you can still purchase one.
Here's what you need to know about the M1 Garand if you're in the market for the old warhorse.
The M1 Garand, generally chambered in .30-06 Springfield, was the first semi-auto issued to American fighting men when our enemies and allies were still carrying bolt-action rifles little different from those of World War I. This revolutionary design was adopted by the U.S. Military in 1936 after more than a decade of development and even then saw some key changes before ending up as the rifle carried to victory in WWII and Korea.
In fact, the M1 Garand was so successful that it continued to see use in Vietnam and with reserve troops into the early 1970s, although it had been officially replaced in 1957 from front line service. Even then, the Garand was still in use with the militaries of a dozen friendly nations that we equipped, including the Greek Army well into the 1980s.
The M1 can weigh between 9.5 and more than 10 lbs. empty, depending on the type of wood used. Add a sling and buttstock cleaning kit, and the scale tips up. Of course, this much weight soaks up a lot of recoil, which helps with weapon fatigue and faster follow-up shots.
M1 Garand History
Designed by Canadian-born John C. Garand, a long-time Springfield Armory engineer, the rifle that bears his name is a long stroke, gas piston-operated, eight-shot clip-fed semi-automatic rifle chambered in the same .30-06 cartridge as its predecessors, the 1903 Springfield and the M1917 Enfield.
The long-stroke piston on the M1 is like that found on the AK-47 and constitutes a long steel operating rod that is one piece with the charging handle and joins the rotating bolt, which features two locking lugs on its face.
When firing, the operating rod, handle, and unlocked bolt move back as one unit, improving the rifle’s reliability in field conditions but also negatively affect precision accuracy. In addition, the bolt handle can serve as a forward assist to properly seat a round. Nevertheless, the M1 was considered very accurate and was used in the sniper role with scoped variants as well as in modern competition.
Even using iron sights the Garand is capable of outstanding accuracy and continues to be popular for competition.
It is possible that Mr. Garand may have come up with different features on his rifle if left to his own devices, but the terms that the military contract called for set the stage. The most off-putting feature to our modern eyes is undoubtedly the clip mechanism, which was demanded instead of a removable magazine.
Clips or Mags?
Although many people use the terms interchangeably, a clip and a magazine are not at all the same. A magazine holds the ammunition to feed into the gun; a clip holds the ammunition to be loaded into the magazine.
The M1 has a fixed internal magazine, which is fed from the top by a spring metal clip holding eight rounds. Without the clip, the M1 becomes a single-shot weapon with the shooter only being able to load one round at a time.
The eight rounds are staggered in the clip, and there is no top or bottom, so it doesn’t matter on which side the top round is located (which is handy for a battle rifle). On the last round fired, the clip automatically ejects, and the bolt locks to the rear.
Retracting the bolt and depressing the clip latch located on the left side of the receiver manually ejects a full or partially full clip. Magazines can be topped off, but this is not easy or recommended, and it is far better to eject a partially expended clip and replace it with a fresh one. Both 2- and 5-round clips are commercially available.
M1 Rifle Operation
Operating the M1 is simple, but takes a bit of practice at first. Once the bolt is locked to the rear, a full clip is inserted through the top of the receiver and pressed down. The bolt then automatically releases to go forward and load the first round. It is best to do this with the thumb of the right hand while using the palm to hold back the bolt handle, otherwise the bolt could slam onto your thumb with some force, causing the infamous “Garand thumb.”
Moreover, the safety catch is somewhat novel and reminds me of those found on SKS rifles. To engage the safety on the M1, depress the metal catch in front of the trigger guard toward the trigger. This moves the steel tab into the trigger guard, partially blocking access to the trigger.
Overall, the Garand is a simple rifle system to master with a bit of practice. The biggest obstacle is avoiding the dreaded “M1 thumb” when loading.
When you are ready to fire, simply place your finger on the trigger and push the safety bar forward and out of the trigger guard area.
M1 Garand Gas System
The final gas system adopted for the M1 uses a hole in the bottom of the barrel toward the front of the rifle to divert gas against the front of the operating rod.
The short gas tube located underneath the barrel at the front was made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion; it was then painted black since the stainless steel would not be easily Parkerized. This accounts for the difference in finish of this part from the rest of the rifle. It should also be noted that a lot of military .30-06 ammunition is corrosive because it has sodium in the primer and requires the use of water to clean properly and prevent rust.
Garand Production Figures
During World War II, Springfield Armory (the government armory not the Springfield Armory we know of today) and Winchester Repeating Arms produced approximately five million Garands. After the war, another nearly 1.5 million were produced by Springfield Armory, Harrington & Richardson Arms, and International Harvester Corporation.
Almost every M1 has undergone some sort of arsenal repair or rebuilding, which often included new barrels and replacement parts from different manufacturers. Even Beretta produced Garands using Winchester machinery after the war, and Beretta parts can be found on M1s imported from service with European armies.
I have owned several, all purchased through the Civilian Marksmanship Program or CMP. These differ significantly from M1s that may have found their way back to the U.S. from commercial importers.
That’s because CMP guns are all genuine U.S. Government surplus that have been inspected, repaired and test fired by CMP armorers and are free of those annoying import marks.
Maintenance And Disassembly
Maintenance and disassembly of the M1 Garand is straightforward, although at first glance it does seem like there are a lot of parts to keep track of; of course, they must be reassembled in the correct order, too. Also, it is best to assume that any ammunition you use, except for modern commercial stuff, is corrosive — requiring you to clean accordingly.
The M1 Garand clip, the magazine is part of the rifle. It loads pretty quickly once you get a hang of feeding in the clip. Photo courtesy garandgear.com.
M1 Sights
The front blade sight is fixed, but the rear peep is outstanding with elevation adjustments in 25-yard increments out to 1,200 yards with easy windage adjustments. Mounting a scope on a Garand is no easy task and in order to keep the rifle as close to original as possible it's best to stick with iron sights.
Shooting the M1
This is a large, heavy rifle, and I can’t say that I would have relished having to carry it in combat. It is easy to understand why a lot of American soldiers preferred the M1 Carbine. Still, the rifle is very well balanced, shoulders easily, and the recoil — even with the full-sized .30-06 battle round — very manageable.
Accuracy on the range firing at 100 yards from a bench rest and using the standard iron sights was very good — as good as most of the scoped ARs I shoot. My best group was an impressive 1.4 inches using Remington ammo, but the Greek 1980s vintage surplus stuff also produced a 1.4-inch group.
Keep in mind that this is out of a WWII vintage, semi-auto, beat up, rebuilt, Greek loaner rifle using ammo that was made in Greece when Jimmy Carter was president.
Many variants of the M1 Garand were created during and after the war, including a never-issued tanker and paratrooper model as well as select-fire versions and ones with detachable magazines. Some were also chambered and issued in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), especially once the .30-06 round was phased out.
M1 Garand For Sale
The best place to get a real American M1 Garand is still through the CMP, and they have various grades available, although supplies are dwindling. Rack Grade guns are the cheapest and have the most replacement parts and wear. Criteria for purchase is easy to meet, and CMP ships the rifle directly to your door.
Given the interest in the rifle, away from CMP, Garand prices have soared. At gun shows, it's not unusual to find a common model, such as one from the Springfield Armory, draw in excess of $1,000. Rarer and more collectible ones, such as International Harvester M1 Garand, demand a premium price, even in rough shape.
U.S. M1 Garand .30 Caliber Specifications: Caliber: .30-06 Springfield Barrel: 24 in. Overall Length: 43.5 in. Weight: 10.5 lbs. empty Stock: Walnut Sights: Fixed blade front, adjustable peep rear Action: Semi-auto Finish: Parkerized Capacity: 8-round clip Price: $525 256-835-8455 www.odcmp.com
Made for long treks over open country, the new Razor HD LHT is light, rugged and ready to go the distance.
Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP Features:
First Focal Plane XLR-2 Reticle
RevStop Zero System
4.5-22 Power Magnification
50mm Objective Lens
Weight: 21.7 Ounces
Vortex Optics understands the difficulties associated with western hunting. Wide open country, erratic elevation changes and volatile weather all contribute to the western hunter’s need for a good riflescope. Vortex’s previous Razor HD LHT scope had proven popular already, but their new 4.5-22×50 FFP promises to take things to the next level.
Easier Aiming
Several features on the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP were intended to make aiming as easy for the shooter as possible, starting with the new XLR-2 reticle. The reticle provides ample information for calculating holdovers or adjusting for range at any magnification level, something which has also been increased over the previous generation of Razors. The reticle also benefits from the Razor HD LHT’s new FFP functionality which ensures that the reticle scales accordingly as you increase the scope’s zoom. The reticle is available with either MOA or MRAD markings and can also be illuminated for shooting in low light conditions. With the addition of the RevStop zero system that allows for quick and reliable returns to zero at the throw of a lever, the new Razor HD LHT was clearly designed for maximum long-range performance.
Ready For Anywhere
Of all the groups that utilize long-range optics, western hunters may have some of the greatest requirements for durability. The rifle must be packed in for miles of rough terrain only to be deployed among the sharp edges of the Rockies. That’s why the new Razor HD LHT was designed to be as tough as it is accurate. The scope body is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and then covered in Vortex’s patented protective coating. The end result is a scope that is shockproof, waterproof and fog proof all while remaining one of the lightest scopes of its size.
Each Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP comes with lens covers, a sunshade, lens cloth, RevStop zero ring and a CR2032 battery for illuminating the reticle. MSRP is $1,999.99 for either reticle option.
Smith & Wesson makes a marked break from tradition with its first bullpup shotgun, the M&P 12.
How Does The M&P 12 Stack Up:
Dual tubular magazines
Push-button magazine selector
AR-style controls
3-inch chamber
Lower ejection
Loved in some corners, reviled in others, bullpups stir the passions. And while there are devotees to the oddball design stateside, the backed-up configuration has never really punched a toehold in the market. Outside of midsized manufacturers, such as KelTec, it’s usually been gunmakers from across the pond—IWI and Steyr in particular—who’ve scratched the Yanks’ bullpup itch. However, this might change.
Rolling the dice the bullpup shotgun’s time is now, Smith & Wesson has unveiled its rendition of the oddball design as an expansion of its M&P line of defensive/tactical firearms. Dubbed the M&P 12 Shotgun, the 12-gauge is the company’s first attempt at a scattergun in quite as spell and is a marked break from its previous smoothbores. One thing is for certain, the time is ripe for the introduction of a defensive shotgun—bullpup or otherwise. Much like carry-friendly pistols, tactical shotguns have flown off the shelves the past two years in America’s record-breaking gun-buying flurry.
What The M&P 12 Shotgun Brings
If the UTS-15 and KSG had an attractive kid it might look like the M&P 12. It’s definitely as blocky in stock and fore, and like the aforementioned bullpups, the shotgun boasts a dual-tubular magazine design. Throw the confetti, because this means the Smith & Wesson scattergun has plenty on tap without compromising overall length. To that end, the 27.8-inch long gun holds six 3-inch shells per tube or can maximize capacity with seven 2 3/4 shells per tube. Shooters can even load up even more, given Smith & Wesson boasts it will also properly cycle mini shells, which isn’t the case with all shotguns. A push-button selector intuitively situated at the rear of the fore allows for quick mag changes and plenty of flexibility of what you pitch downrange.
Perhaps the most visually notable aspect of the M&P 12 is its two-grip design, offering more control over the guns and potentially faster actuation of the pump. Though, it does tend to increase the overall profile of the gun. The nice part, however, Smith & Wesson recently rethought the entire concept of grips and has veered away from run-of-the-mill AR handles. Instead, the shotgun is outfitted with M&P pistol grips, complete with interchangeable palm swell grip inserts to customize each user's fit.
As to some of the M&P 12’s finer points, its controls are configured similar to an AR-15—fully ambidextrous as well—making it very intuitive to manipulate. It’s outfitted with a Picatinny optics rail (there are M-Lok slots too), though this is somewhat forward, which makes sense, given a red-dot is the most likely candidate for an optic. It boasts a push-button load/unload assist system, as well as a loaded chamber indicator and compatibility with Rem Chokes. And it has a reciprocating dust cover over the receiver, a bid to make clearing damaged shells or malfunctions easier. One other nice touch, the action lock lever is located at the front of the trigger guard, which removes having to take the gun out of ready to reach.
As to the tale of the tape, the gun has a 19-inch barrel and weighs in at a tick over 8 pounds. Now the big question, what does it cost? At present, Smith & Wesson has an MSRP of $1,165 on the M&P 12, which puts it at the upper end of the market. Though with the way tactical and home-defense shotguns have flown off the shelves in recent months the price is likely far from prohibitive.
Not The First Smith & Wesson Shotgun
A quick note about Smith & Wesson pivoting to shotguns, it isn’t the company’s first rodeo with scatterguns. It’s peddled both sporting and defensive break action, pump and semi-auto guns. Many of their more modern offerings were contract jobs, such as the Japanese-made (Howa) Model 3000 pump and Model 1000 semi-auto. However, shotguns have rolled off the manufacturer's lines, most notably the side-action 916—based on the Nobel Shotgun Company’s Eastfield Model. Though the M&P 12 marks the company's first foray into the scattergun in nearly 30 years and no word if it’s made in-house. Time will tell if this proves a wise move.
M&P 12 Specs: Caliber: 12 Ga Capacity: 6 3-inch per tube, 7 2 3/4-inch per tube Optics: Yes Color: Matte Black Safety: Ambidextrous safety selector Length: 27.8 inches Action: Pump Action Stock: Synthetic Fixed Stock Grip: M&P with Four Interchangeable Palmswell Grip Inserts Barrel Material: 4140 Chrome-Moly Vanadium Steel Barrel Length: 19 inches Weight: 8.3 pounds MSRP: $1,165
For more information on the M&P 12, please visit smith-wesson.com.
Rare Breed has rejected the ATF’s claim that the FRT-15 trigger qualifies as a machine gun based on the agency’s own definition. Time to grab some popcorn.
ATF Rul. 81-4 The National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. 5845(b) defines “machine gun” to include any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Rare Breed Triggers caused quite the stir when they released their FRT-15 trigger for AR-style rifles last year. At first glance, it's easy to see why. The FRT-15 enables its users to shoot in controllable, sustained bursts of fire in a way that is very outwardly similar to the function of a machinegun, but it does not technically meet the definition of one according to the ATF’s own rulebook as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Rare Breed Triggers clearly has a better grasp on this definition than the ATF.
Standing for “Forced Reset Trigger”, the FRT-15 forcibly resets the trigger after each round is fired, avoiding legal classification as a machinegun because there is only one round fired per trigger pull despite the greatly increased rate of fire. Regardless of how blatantly this device skirts the spirit of the law intended to restrict private ownership of fully automatic weapons, it does not change the fact that it complies with the letter of the law. If the ATF wishes to classify the FRT-15 as a machinegun, they will need to amend how a machinegun is defined within the NFA.
The situation is best understood by simply reading the correspondence between the ATF and Rare Breed Triggers, as any attempt to paraphrase the response from Rare Breed’s lawyer would not do it justice. In the letters which can be read at the bottom of this post, attorney Kevin Maxwell eloquently, professionally and summarily informs the ATF of the many issues with their attempted new classification.
The case is still ongoing, and the results will remain unknown for quite some time, but Rare Breed’s refusal to comply with the ATF’s baseless cease and desist order is a glimmer of hope in the otherwise bleak onslaught on our constitutional rights. Many Americans flat-out disagree with the Supreme Court’s confirmation of the NFA’s constitutionality, but that’s a conversation for another day. As long as the NFA requires citizens to register their suppressors, SBRs and pre-’86 machineguns with the federal government, that’s what law-abiding citizens will do. The ATF is currently also targeting braced pistols, 80% receivers and homemade firearms. So their attack on Rare Breed triggers appears to be the agency testing the waters on compliance.
The development of this case holds interest for all gun owners, whether they purchased an FRT-15 themselves or not. An ATF court victory would enable them to classify things however they please, regardless of their own definitions. If this is the outcome, FRT-15 owners should expect a knock on the door from the Federales at some point where they may even see their dog get reclassified as target practice. If the courts determine that the ATF is obligated to abide by definitions as they are written in the NFA, we will likely see the FRT-15 and a slew of similar designs flood the market and finally enable the common man to own weapons with otherwise financially prohibitive fire rates.
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A behind-the-post view of Skinner Sights, an aiming solutions company equal parts tradition and innovation.
What Makes Skinner Sight Special:
Sights are machined from solid steel, stainless steel or brass bar stock.
No aluminum, except on its Picatinny rail products.
Designed to match and enhance the aesthetics of the rifle.
At the same tick, they're engineered to maximize the accuracy potential of a firearm.
The finest man I’ve ever met makes peep sights, and his name is Andy Larsson.
How good of a man is
Larsson? He makes arguably the finest peep sights in the world; yet, more often than not, it’s for life advice that I call him.
Skinner Sights also makes a 1-6x24mm optic, which is a great tool for turkey hunters.
What’s a man’s character have to do with making peep sights? If you want the very best sights, you need them to be made by a man who can see himself, you and your targets clearly. Mental clarity has and always will be more critical to good marksmanship than how well you can run a lathe.
“I’ve always been an outdoors person, hunter, shooter andt reloader … almost from birth,” Larsson says. “During high school, I had access to a lathe, mill, shaper and welding equipment, and I applied the training to gunsmithing immediately by re-barreling rifles and pistols in school shop class. During college, I worked at a sporting goods store as the ‘in-house’ gunsmith. After college, I continued gunsmithing as a hobby while serving as a Christian minister. I also opened, owned and operated an archery shop for a few years.”
As Larsson grew more experienced with firearms and life, he adjusted his sights on some new goals.
“I first worked for Buffalo Bore Ammunition, then had a chance to purchase Skinner Sights from my friend of 30 years, Dr. Tim Skinner,” Larsson says. “I bought the business in August of 2010 and never looked back.”
Andy Larsson creates sights for hunters that work because he does most of his product development where hunters are—in the woods. A constant tinkerer, Larsson often solves big problems with small solutions because of his ability to see the needs of the shooter so clearly.
Larsson’s purchase of Skinner Sights wasn’t an impulse. Skinner and Larsson had known each other for years because of the work Larsson did for him. Skinner certainly saw what Skinner Sights could be now because of who Larsson was then.
Forging Skinner Sights
As any successful entrepreneur will tell you, talent alone isn’t enough to win: It takes an enormous amount of hard work as well.
“My goal at first was just to make the first payment to Dr. Skinner,” Larsson says. “The next level was a desire to grow the six basic products he had been offering and expand our line of proven, durable, aesthetically pleasing, rugged and accurate sights. I was a one-person band, doing all the marketing, machining, assembly, packaging and shipping. It was a quick learning curve, and by January 2011, I hired two employees.”
As much of a realist as any straight-shooting man ought to be, Larsson was a dreamer. He’s just a dreamer who has enough grit to make his come true.
Larsson has grown Skinner Sights into a brand trusted by the world’s best firearms manufacturers, such as Marlin and Henry.
“I’m passionate about bringing new products to the market,” Larsson says. “It’s very satisfying to have an idea, lay awake at night figuring out the details on how to hold the part, cut the part, finish and apply the results in a way that will help shooters. To see that come to fruition when the first orders come in is very motivating.”
Larsson’s mechanical aptitude was machine-matched to a work ethic and moral values with very high expectations.
“My core value is first to follow the golden rule,” Larsson says. “We treat our customers the way we want to be treated. Customer service is paramount. Don’t sell gimmicks. Never steal anything from another company. Be honorable. Always leave something on the table. A business will reap what you sow. Appreciate your customers and listen to them. Don’t borrow against the company. Make it profitable. Invest in people and infrastructure. Bring everyone forward with you that you can. Help others. Be loyal to those who have been loyal to you.”
A good idea matched with a great work ethic still isn’t enough to succeed in today’s ultra-competitive outdoor industry marketplace. Larsson also needed to know how to market Skinner Sights—and he did just that.
“Everything now has our name on it,” Larsson says. “Dr. Skinner had not been marking any of his products. After registering the name, Skinner’s exclusive use in the firearms market, I bought a small Pantograph engraver and put Skinner on everything I built.”
Larsson knew then what his goals would be. “I want the brand Skinner to continue to be relevant in the market, appearing on other manufacturers’ OEM products, and branch out to other outdoor products. I’m working on some products for ORV machines, the fishing/boating industry and perhaps something for the adult air gun market.”
Once the Skinner Sights name was known, he added value to the brand’s identity.
Larsson is a deep, devoted family man and is rarely found far away from Sheila, his wife, who has grown into a successful world-class hunter herself.
“Whenever responding to a customer, I would link our website,” Larsson says. “Using online blogging and forums, we got the name out there. I’m very visual, so photos were included everywhere. Our unique shape and design stand out. In late 2010, I introduced the Black Gold line, and they were an instant hit. Today, more than half our sales include the Black Gold option, and we incorporate the colors into our logos and advertising.
“Getting our sights into the hands of real users, gun writers and shooters around the world was important,” added Larsson. “I love people, especially shooters and hunters, so we quickly developed lasting relationships in the firearm industry. These folks are now our family.”
So, what exactly are Skinner Sights? According to Larsson, his sights are machined from solid steel, stainless steel or brass bar stock. “No aluminum, except on our Picatinny rail products,” Larsson proudly said. “A Skinner Sight looks like it grew on your rifle. It is designed to enhance your firearm’s beauty, be rugged as the gun itself, accurate, reliable and comes with a lifetime warranty. We use our products daily in the field and on the range. Our customer service is among the best in the industry. Our goal is your success. These are products I’ve developed based on a lifetime spent in the outdoors and shooting world. I stake my life on them, and so can you.”
Larsson’s plan, ethics, skill and vision have rewarded his customers and his employees and family as well. Skinner Sights has grown significantly since 2010, with some of Larsson’s most authentic validation to his business acumen coming by word of mouth.
“We just celebrated our 10th anniversary and still love our association with the industry, the friends we have made here, and bringing my ideas and dreams to the market to help other shooters and companies be successful.”
Skinner Sights makes a variety of systems for many different manufacturers.
What’s one of Larsson’s main battle cries as a business owner?
“Never get in too deep that you can’t keep your head up,” Larsson explains. “I work with manufacturers I trust. I’m also very trusting until we have been given reason to do otherwise. Remember, we reap what we sow. If a company is shady in their business deals, steals product ideas or sells you out for their profits, it will come back to bite them later.”
The most telling thing about Larsson was revealed when I asked him who his best and most influential mentors in hunting, shooting and business are:
“My father, who introduced me to the love of shooting, hunting and reloading,” Larsson says. “My boss during college days: He trusted me with his customers. Various friends who share outdoor passions. Tim Sundles from Buffalo Bore Ammo has been an employer, friend, mentor and encourager.
“Dr. Skinner for his trust, innovation and vision,” Larsson added. “Coni and Randy Brooks, who built Barnes Bullets into an amazing, world-recognized, standard-setting business. Their ethics, inspiration and innovation witness what can be done with the right business model. Coni also inspired Sheila to engage fully in the outdoors and the firearm industry.
Need to front mount something on a Ruger Mini14? Skinner Sights has you covered.
“Anthony Imperato (and crew) of Henry Repeating arms reached out to us early on, trusted us to develop some sight solutions for Henry Rifles, set a standard in customer service, generosity and made-in-USA loyalty. Eric Lundgren of Remington/Marlin is innovative, level-headed and communicates clearly how Skinner Sights can help their product line. My staff and employees: They are the backbone of production, and customer fulfillment and service. My crew helps the business grow every day. And my wife, Sheila: Every day we wake up ready to embrace whatever adventure awaits. My respect for and relationship with Sheila inspires me to do better, reach higher and be successful.”
Skinner Sights continues to hit where it’s aiming, both with its customers and its future. We continue to grow.
“I have some cool new ideas to bring forward this fall, and we continue to stay relevant in the marketplace without chasing the current ‘fads,’” said Larsson. “We’re not just another company with a CNC machine and a can of spray paint. Our products and designs should endure the tests of time.”
For more information on Skinner Sights, please visit skinnersights.com.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
One of John Browning’s many revolutionary designs, the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket is the one that got the pocket pistol ball rolling for decades to come.
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket Features:
.25 ACP, 6+1 Capacity
Direct Blowback Action, Single-Action Trigger
OAL: 4.5-Inches
Weight: 13 Ounces
Technically speaking, the Browning design that first kicked off the pocket pistol trend was released in Europe as the FN M1905. But it was virtually identical to the version Colt would begin to sell on the American market a short while later as the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket. Whichever name you know it as, this iconic little mouse gun was Browning’s attempt to make the smallest centerfire pistol possible utilizing his new .25 ACP cartridge.
It was the turn of the century and automatic pistols had only just begun to take off, with most designs being full-sized duty pistols intended for military service. Cowboys may not have taken issue with wearing their irons proudly on display, but Browning recognized that the modern gentleman preferred to carry concealed, and he preferred to carry comfortably. Acknowledging the inherent reliability issues with .22 rimfire cartridges, he set out to design the .25 ACP centerfire and a new pistol to go along with it. His design was first introduced by FN as the M1905 onto the European market, and Colt followed suit in America shortly after under the name “Model N” (more commonly known as the Colt Model 1908 or Colt Vest Pocket). Their collectability makes these guns less than ideal for practical CCW today, but the design that birthed the automatic pocket pistol as a concept deserves a second look.
Not only was the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket the first automatic pocket pistol, it was also the first pistol in common usage to feature a striker-fired design. Too small to incorporate a hammer, shrouded or not, the only way for Browning to make his pistol as small as he wanted was to design a new firing mechanism that would fit inside. Other guns had utilized striker mechanisms before, but none this small or efficient.
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket back of slide, striker mechanism is contained inside in lieu of a hammer. Photo:Rock Island Auction Company.
The low-pressure nature of .25 ACP enabled the design to use a blowback action, and like all other semi-auto pistols of its time the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket was single-action only. The original design incorporated two safeties, a manual thumb-safety and a grip safety, similar to what would eventually be seen on Browning’s 1911 pistol as well. As a gun that was designed to be concealed close to the body and quickly accessed for self-defense, these features were obviously wise inclusions. The magazine holds 6 rounds of .25 ACP and is removed via a magazine heel release. Like virtually all pocket pistols, the iron sights on the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket are nearly non-existent. This gun was clearly intended more for point-shooting across a card table than hitting bullseyes at the range. Colt would go on to produce this pistol until 1948, where it would remain many people’s pocket pistol of choice for decades to come. While there have been many innovations made on the pocket pistol concept since its introduction, many people stayed loyal to Browning’s original design.
A Colt 1908 Vest Pocket being held in “The Maltese Falcon” (1931). Photo: IMFDB
While ultra-small pocket pistols like the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket have certainly fallen out of common usage since at least the 1980s, there are some that still believe in the utility of a gun small enough to be smuggled in a cup of coffee. Caliber choices in a gun this small are essentially limited to .22LR and .25 ACP, and the greater reliability of .25 makes it the clear winner in my mind especially since the two are so ballistically similar. There have been a plethora of pocket pistols released since Browning started it all, some cheap imitations and some legitimate innovations on the concept. If you have a Colt 1908 Vest Pocket at home, its historical provenance and value probably mean that it’s best left as a safe queen, but if the right situation warranted it these guns would still make for a great backup or deep concealment piece.
Apex’s new CZ P-10 trigger kit can be configured for either the range or carry, giving you an edge in accuracy wherever you may need it.
Apex CZ P-10 Trigger Kit Features:
Easy, Drop-in installment.
Choice of a sub-4 pound or 5.5-pound trigger pull.
Doesn’t compromise safety.
MSRP: $104.95
The CZ P-10 has been a relatively popular concealed carry pistol since its introduction. Fans of the platform praised it for having an already nice trigger out of the box, but even the best striker-fired designs leave something to be desired for many shooters. For those looking to give their gun a lighter pull and a cleaner break, Apex’s new CZ P-10 trigger kit can help make it happen.
Trigger Options
Different tasks require different gear, and your pistol’s trigger is no different. Having as light of a trigger pull as possible can be nice at the range, but not everyone is brave enough to stick a chambered piece in their pants when it has a hair-trigger, especially when there’s no manual safety to speak of. While it’s generally considered safe practice to carry appendix with a good holster, negligent discharges have happened using this method. A heavier trigger decreases that risk. This is why Apex’s CZ P-10 trigger kit can be easily configured for either the range or your belt.
To achieve the lightest pull possible, the Apex kit’s trigger, disconnector and slide cover plate must all be installed. This combination of parts reduces the CZ P-10’s pull weight to below 4 pounds while also providing a smoother take-up and cleaner break. This configuration should help shooters maintain a steadier sight picture and grip while firing, and the trigger’s reduced over-travel should also aid competition shooters looking for faster splits. Because this kit uses no new springs, the upgrade shouldn’t result in any light primer strikes or reliability issues. The alternative configuration of the CZ P-10 trigger kit is intended more for CCW or duty use. By retaining the use of the factory CZ disconnector the pull weight remains at about the stock 5.5 pounds, but the other Apex parts work to create a cleaner and more distinct break.
The Apex CZ P-10 trigger kit can be dropped into the C, S or F variants of the 9mm P-10 for quick and easy installations. Note, however, this kit was designed to be used with the most recent generation of CZ trigger bars labeled as #19. If your P-10’s trigger bar is marked with a #16, #17 or #18 you will have to replace that component before installing this kit.
The black variant of the trigger is available for pre-order now with units beginning to ship August 17th. For competition shooters who like things flashy, a red version will eventually be released as well.
For more than half a century, the Marlin Model 336 has stood as a model of what a modern lever-action rifle should be.
What Has Made The Model 336 A Sterling Lever-Action Rifle:
Solid receiver made for an overall stronger rifle.
Round bolt smoothed out operation of the lever-action, making it faster.
Count its cousin, the Model 1895, it's been chambered for everything from small- to big-bore cartridges.
Shooting the .35 Remington it proved an all-time classic North American hunting rifle.
Men in red, woolen coats. Remember them? They slew deer by the step-side truck full with a smattering of the gear we use today, a great many armed with what quite a few would currently consider an anachronism. By that, I point to the lever-action.
Yes, I can hear it now … “But, but, the lever-action isn’t as accurate as a bolt-gun and you certainly can’t deliver your payload as far out.” There is truth in this view. For the time being, the lever-action isn’t the first gun off the rack for a precision rifle match or your personal attempt to connect at a mile. To counter that, is that what you really need in the field or for a majority of other applications?
Technologically advanced as hunting has become, most deer (safe guess elk, too, and maybe antelope) are taken 200-yards in. It’s the veritable cannon to kill a mosquito applying a chassis rig for this job. If that’s how you roll, more power to you. But, when practically and soberly assessed, the appropriately chambered lever-action is most likely a better bet. They’re plenty accurate for the job, faster than a wink when operated properly and just plum cool guns to put meat on the table.
Especially when you talk the Marlin Model 336.
Model 336 History
In some respects, Marlin's lever-actions—at least since the Model 1889—have sat at the crux of tradition and progress. At one end, the gunmaker dedicated itself, though not exclusively, to an age-old design. At the other, they’ve advanced it, creating arguably a more resilient and reliable rifle, better suited to modern shooting.
The 336's predecessor, the Model 36—an evolution of the 1893—still boasted the square bolt. Photo: icollector.com
In particular, starting with the 1889, Marlin lever-actions’ side-ejection (to the right) have proven better suited to modern hunting methods (read: with a scope). Their solid top receiver and locking lug have also made for a stronger design, particularly when accommodating modern rifle cartridges. And the guns’ two-piece firing pin, which can’t fire until the action is close, has created a safer overall firearm.
In 1948, the advent of the Model 336 took this a step further. An advancement of the Model 36, Marlin improved the design considerably by breaking from its traditional design, in particular the square bolt. Not that there’s anything wrong with the iconic bolt; it’s still found on the Model 1894 and remains a milestone in the progress of the lever-action. But the rounded bolt of the Model 336 offered up a little something more.
Aside from the metallurgical advancements of the time, the design proved much stouter in many shooters' eyes. It’s hard to argue against that, given its solid receiver is inherently stronger than Marlin’s older ones with a raceway milled out of the upper quarter. Additionally, the operation of the Model 336 feels smoother and faster, in part thanks to a redesigned carrier, enhancing not only its speed but potentially its accuracy—at least shot to shot. An improved extractor stamped out of spring steel also did its part in improving the rifle’s overall function, clearing spent brass with authority. What it added up to was one of the finest hunting rifles ever made—more so given the cartridges for which it was chambered.
The big wrinkle to the Marlin 336 story presently is what its future holds since Ruger bought its remains in the autumn of 2020. It’s hard to argue the acquisition isn’t a best-case scenario for the company and its prospects in the future. Bill Ruger was an absolute sucker for classic gun designs, essentially founding the company and moving it to the forefront of the market with well-priced reboots of iconic guns. Heck, the cornerstone of the gunmaker’s empire—the Standard—is a tweaked Japanese Nambu pistol that looked to most folks like a Luger.
It’s certain, Marlin as a whole should be in good hands. As to if Ruger will continue to make the Marlin 336 in particular, good news! The rifle is slated for release sometime this year. Though, little word on if Ruger plans on any modifications to the original design and what models will be available. Time will tell.
Feeding The Marlin Model 336
Like all self-respecting lever-actions, the Model 336 initially came chambered in .30-30 WCF (as well as .32 Special). Absolutely explosive deer medicine, it was only natural Marlin turn to the standby rimmed centerfire cartridge to christen the new rifle. However, a year after its introduction, the 336 found a match nearly made in heaven—.35 Remington.
Originally developed in conjunction with the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle, the long bottle-necked cartridge was a natural in the Model 336. Its round and flat-nosed bullets played nicely with the 336’s tubular magazine, and, boy, could it deliver a wallop close in. All of a sudden, the Marlin rifle became a legit coast-to-coast North American game-getter, capable of dropping an elk as easily as it could a whitetail. Sure, it thumped more than the .30-30, but not prohibitively so. In fact, the Model 336 in .35 Remington remains a favorite of hunters who need to deliver a succession of fast shots on tough critters—such as hogs.
A cutaway of the 336's action shows the locking lug lowered, which fits into the notch at the back of the bolt when closed. Photo: merzantiques.com
Certainly, the successful marriage of the 336 and .35 Remington—one which, along with the .30-30, endures today—must have gotten the Marlin heavy heads thinking. If the Model 336 action is wildly popular with the relatively large medium-bore .35, how would it fare with something bigger? Fairly well, as it turns out.
Today, the Marlin Model 1895 continues to define big-bore lever-action rifles, available in behemoth .45-70 Government and, under the guise of the Model 444 Marlin, in .444 Marlin. The large rifles have especially taken off with the loosening of deer hunting regulations in some areas of the country, which now allow straight-walled rifle cartridges, in addition to pistol caliber long guns. But despite its designations, the 1895 and 444 are pretty much the Model 336, at least where it counts—the action. Logically, they’re quite a bit beefier.
Along with these current chamberings, the Model 336 strictly has provided a launching pad for a host of other cartridges, including .307 Winchester, .32-40 WCF, .32 Special, .219 Zipper, .356 Winchester, .375 Winchester, .38-55 Winchester, .410 bore and .44 Magnum. Each has had its fans, except perhaps the .44 Magnum, which never quite got along with the 336. On the bright side, this incompatibility led Marlin to dust off its classic Model 1894 design and chamber it for modern magnum pistol cartridges, which few will complain over.
A Note On Marlin Micro-Groove
Marlin is famous for its Micro-Groove rifling, a forward-looking concept that appeared soon after the Model 336, in 1953. The idea behind it goes like the following. Many shallow grooves tend to better index the bullet down the centerline of the bore and cause less deformity. Originally, the Model 336 boasted Marlin’s traditional “Ballard” rifling. However, over the course of its history, most of the rifles have included Micro-Groove rifling. (We'll see if Micro-Groove continues with Ruger's Marlins.) Though, some of the offshoots of the line have gone away from it in more recent decades.
Debate rages over the actual downrange results of Micro-Groove rifling, particularly with cast bullets. Whatever the truth of the matter, Marlin bent to customer demands and did away with the boring system for a number of models—including the 1894 and the 336’s cousin, the 1895. Both reverted to Marlin’s more traditional Ballard style. Though, the core Model 336 line—both .30-30 and .35 Remington—continue to use the Micro-Groove system and, as its always been, say as much on the barrel.
Marlin 336 Models
Marlin has turned out a slew of riffs on the original Model 336, with 16.5-inch barreled carbines up to 24-inch barreled rifles among their ranks. The gun has been outfitted—and still is—with both round and octagon barrels, as well as straight and pistol-grip stocks—depending on the model.
With a tactical flare, the 336 Dark Series shows Marlin's dedication to advancing the design.
Rocky Mountain rear sights and a bead front were the order of the day to start, but now every model, save one, boasts semi-buckhorn rear sights, generally with a ramp front—hooded and unhooded. The odd one out is the Marlin 336 Dark Series, which has a more tactical bent and comes with an XS Ghost Ring peep rear (post front) dovetailed into a Picatinny rail.
Before becoming a Ruger brand, the Model 336 line was composed of eight variations, including 336C (Compact), 336 Dark Series, 336C Curly Maple (stock), 336TDL (Texan Deluxe), 336XLR (Long Range), 336SS (Stainless Steel), 336BL (Big Loop Lever) and 336C with a 3-9x32mm scope. Every model is available in .30-30, but only the 336C comes in .35 Remington. Universal to every Model 336—as it has been from the start of the line—is a tubular magazine. Depending on variation, this gave the rifle a capacity of five or six rounds.
While the Model 336 had always been cherished as a hunting-season staple, the Marlin Dark Series opened the rifle's utility somewhat. Oldtimers might find it difficult to conceive, but the line ushered in the Marlin 336 as a tactical tool. Not that it couldn't hold its own chasing whitetail. But it's been upgraded to make it a legitimate SHTF option.
In particular, the 336 Dark is suppressor-ready with a 5/8×42-tpi threaded muzzle. It sports XS Lever Rail, complete with a fully adjustable ghost ring and an easy way to mount an optic. The company replaced slotted screws with Torx. And, for an extra dash of the tactical, it oversize loop is wrapped in paracord, and it comes with a sling made of the same stuff.
Parting Shot
Over the years, the Marlin 336 more than proved itself among the acme of lever-action rifles. Its production number alone tells this tale, as it was among the most produced rifles in history. There is a certain amount of solace it will soldier on under Ruger.
Outside of a few small points, the 336 is a solid rifle, among the best lever-action rifles of the past 80 years. It’s kept the age-old design raking in backstraps during hunting season. And proven itself adaptable to the times as a tactical tool. In all likelihood, it will continue to do so into the future.
For more information on the Marlin Model 336, please visit marlinfirearms.com.
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.
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.
