special weapons - april-may 2016

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CYBER

3-GUN

FN’s SLP12-GA.

Rounds

NDisplay Until May 9, 2016

APRIL/MAY 2016

SIG SAUERLEGIONElite P229 9mm

MICRO M7A1



20 .338 WAR HAMMER By David BahdeAlexander Arms’ Ulfberht strikes like lightning out to 1,625 yards!

26 WE ARE LEGION By David BahdeSig Sauer’s Legion series unites those looking for professional-grade firepower.

42 LIGHTWEIGHT WARRIOR By Sean UtleyLewis Machine & Tool’s new airweight .308 delivers unstoppable performance!

48 ROCK SOLID By Dr. Martin D. TopperEverything you need and nothing you don’t, the Rock River Arms NSP CAR delivers!

66 PWS MK212SD 7.62mm By David BahdeSuppressor-ready system brings power and accuracy for covert counterstrikes!

72 FULL-AUTO PATRIOT By Mike Detty

POF-USA’s P308-FA keeps on running and delivers barrier-busting power! 82 SIGNATURE G34 By Jorge Amselle

The GlockStore’s highly customized 9mm is ready to reign on the range.

THE CADILLAC OF AKs By Robert A. SadowskiMeet Palmetto State Armory’s top-of-the-line PSAK-47.

RANGE MASTER By Dave NormanFN’s 12-gauge SLP Competition delivers cutting-edge scattergun performance!

DIRECT FROM LWRCI By David BahdeMeet LWRCI’s first direct-impingement AR—the tank-tough, 5.56mm IC-DI.

ACE OF SPACE By D.K. PridgenThe ultra-compact Black Aces Tactical DT 12 gauge dominates in CQB!

08

C

O N T E N T S

FEATURES

APRIL/MAY 2016special-weapons-magazine.com

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COVER STORYTROY M7A1 PDWUltra-compact 5.56mm deliversCQB power in an amazinglysmall package! By Sean Utley

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com4 SPECIAL WEAPONS® /APRI L/MAY 2016



To the Readers: Be advised that there may be productsrepresented in this magazine as to which the sale, possession or

interstate transportation thereof may be restricted, prohibited orsubject to special licensing requirements. Prospective purchasersshould consult the local law enforcement authorities in their area.

All of the information in this magazine is based upon the personalexperience of individuals who may be using specific tools, products,equipment and components under particular conditions and circum-stances, some or all of which may not be reported in the particulararticle and which this magazine has not otherwise verified. Nothingherein is intended to constitute a manual for the use of any productor the carrying out of any procedure or process. This magazine andits officers and employees accept no responsibility for any liability,injuries or damages arising out of any person’s attempt to rely uponany information contained herein.TACTICAL FIREARMS PRESENTS SPECIAL WEAPONS ®

(ISSN-1079-4999) is published quarterly by Harris Publications,Inc., 1115 Broadway, New York, NY 10010. Single copy price: $9.95in USA, $10.95 in Canada. Submissions of manuscripts, illustrationsand/or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility forunsolicited material. Copyright © 2016 by Harris Publications, Inc.

All rights reserved under International and Pan American CopyrightConventions. Reproduction in whole or in part without writtenpermission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the USA.

special-weapons-magazine.com [email protected] harris-pub.com

For subscriptions, single copies, back issues or gif torders, please call us at 800-866-2886.

PublisherStanley R. Harris

Executive Publisher Virginia Commander

Group PublisherShirley Steffen

Associate PublisherKarin Levine

Creative DirectorRory Slifkin

Editor-at-LargeMichael O. Humphries

Assistant EditorGreg Lickenbrock

Editorial AssistantRichard Ortega

Advertising SalesLeticia Henry

ContributorsJorge Amselle, David Bahde,

Will Dabbs, MD, Mike Detty, Richard Johnson,Doug Larson, David Maccar, Fred Mastison,

Dave Norman, Maxim Popenker, D.K. Pridgen,Robert A. Sadowski, Jack Satterfield,

Peter Suciu, Dr. Martin D. Topper, Sean Utley

Circulation DirectorTim Hannon

Social Media DirectorClaudia Bircu

Print Advertising ManagerHeila Nir

Advertising CoordinatorDanielle Connard

Director Digital and Mobile PublishingKim Shay

COVER: Troy M7A1 PDWPHOTO: Sean Utley

SPECIALWEAP NS

G E A R

R O U N

D U P S

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54 RIFLE UPGRADESMcMillan’s Adjustable A3-5 Stock

78 FOREIGN FIREPOWER Russia’s Next-Gen AK

102 CLOSE QUARTERS Legacy Of The HK MP5

116 BATTLE BLADESSpartan Nyx Fixed Blade

121 DVD SPOTLIGHTPanteao’s Tier-One Training

122 ASK THE EXPERTS On Target With Mark Redl

124 NEW PRODUCTSCutting-Edge Guns & Gear

126 CLASSIFIED ADSProducts & Services Of Interest

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6 SPECIAL WEAPONS® /APRI L/MAY 2016



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GUN TEST

Compact weapons continue to come intotheir own. Designs are being pushedfurther and further, bringing us smallerweapons that yield excellent accuracyand provide excellent reliability.There’s always been discussion about

the AR in short form and whether or not it’s reliable,accurate or truly effective. It’s pretty safe to say that wecan move past trivial discussions of those sorts.

Many companies have made shorter weapons bysimply putting a shorter barrel and gas system on areceiver, which is relatively simple. Troy did the samewith its first version of the M7A1 roughly four years ago.It was a small package that came with a Storm case sothat you could break it down for transport. However,Troy didn’t just settle for that and instead pushed to takethe M7A1 to a new yet smaller level by creating a viableextendable/retractable stock for the AR’s lower receiver.

STORY & PHOTOS BY SEAN UTLEY

Ultra-compact5.56mmdelivers CQB powerin an amazinglysmall package!

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com8 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL/M AY 2016



For the ultimate inCQB repower, lookno further than the

Troy M7A1 PDW,a 5.56mm AR thatcollapses down to

only 21 inches. Shownwith an EOTech HWS.

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6 9



10 SPECIAL WEAPONS ®

Stock OptionsA typical review

of a weapon mightstart with highlightingthe barrel. While thatis obviously extremelyimportant, the most innovative andnotable feature on the M7A1 is without

a doubt the stock. Functionality aside,extendable/retractable stocks suchas this definitely look awesome buthistorically only appeared on ultra-compact weapons like the HK MP5. Thechallenge with having such a stock onan AR has always been the buffer tubesystem and how to shorten it correctlywithout interfering with its function.Troy addressed this by creating aproprietary bolt carrier that has a bufferattached at the rear of the carrier aswell as a redesigned spring.

The retractable stock is made ofaluminum and is quite sturdy. It’s acomplete system that replaces theentire standard buffer tube assembly.The mil-spec bolt carrier and bufferare actually one piece andallow the proper amount oftravel for reliable function.Being a Troy product, it’s sturdyas well. The stock slides on twoaluminum rails that run alongboth sides of the lower receiver

when collapsed. With the stockcollapsed, the rails don’t interferewith the ambidextrous safety’soperation—for the most part. It’sa bit awkward operating thesafety lever with the stockcollapsed simply because

the amount of space above the leveris decreased slightly. A little practiceoperating the safety is necessary to getfully acclimated to it.

The addition of this PDW stockcreates a very compact package. Troy’sliterature points out that the PDW stockis 3 inches shorter than the traditional

carbine stock. This statement doesn’tdo it justice. The M7A1 PDW stockoffers six length-of-pull positionsand shrinks the gun down to an even21 inches when collapsed. Compactdimensions like these make for aweapon that is easy to maneuver in andout of vehicles and keep things closerduring CQB work. The stock is easilyadjusted by pushing a latch that resideson its underside just behind the rearof the receiver. Operating the latch issimple and straightforward. Press thelatch once to move the stock in eitherdirection, with it locking into eachadjustment point. If you hold the leverdown, you can completely extend orcollapse the stock in one motion.

TROY M7A1 PDW

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO Barrel: 7.5 inches OA Length: 21-25.75 inches Weight: 5.8 pounds (empty)

Stock: Collapsible Sights: Folding BattleSights Action: Semi-auto Finish: Matte black Capacity: 30+1 MSRP: $1,649

SPECS

TROY M7A1 PDW

“The The M7A1 PDWstock offers six length-of-pull positions andshrinks the gun downto an even 21 incheswhen collapsed.”

• • •

Troy’s M7A1 PDWuses an innovativebuffer/bolt carriersystem and acollapsible stock thatrides on rails running

alongside the receiveron both sides.

• • •

The 7.5-inchbarrel is capped

with Troy’s highlyeffective Claymore

muzzle brake, whichhelps reduce muzzle rise

and features aggressiveteeth for breaching.

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com



MAGPUL.COMMADE IN THE USA

©2015 Magpul Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Magpul holds a Trademark on all of its product names and logos.The following products are trademarks of Magpul Industries Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries: Magpul, M-LOK & Hunter 700.

HUNTER 700



Total PackageThe M7A1 is Troy from

muzzle to buttstock. Theforged upper and lowerare mated together andsupport a 7.5-inch, stain-less steel barrel with a1-in-7-inch twist rate. Shortbarrels mean big noise andblast, and Troy equips theM7A1 with its Claymoremuzzle brake. The Clay-more is designed to directmuzzle blast forward andaway from the shooterwhile also helping to reducemuzzle rise like a typical brake. TheClaymore is constructed of heat-treatedsteel and features short spikes machinedinto its front. According to Troy, it canbe used as a breaching device if needed.I didn’t note any significant concussionwhile shooting the Troy M7A1 PDW at

the range, even while prone.The handguard is Troy’s 7.2-inchAlpha BattleRail. The Alpha is madeof aluminum and stainless steelcomponents. As you might expect, itfeatures a Picatinny rail along the topwith markings so that you can returnaccessories to their rightful place. TheAlpha has large circles cut into it, andTroy claims it disperses heat better thanother handguards close to the barrel.It has its own proprietary attachmentsystem for attaching accessories, and

long and short Picatinny rail sections areavailable for the attachment of lights or

other accessories. Troyalso includes its SquidGrip grip panels. They’redifferent looking butprovide excellent grip.

As you might expect,the backup sights areTroy’s outstanding foldingBattleSights. These sightsare easy to use anddurable. I have several

pairs on various other guns and typicallyonly think of the Troy sights when I needa set of BUIS. The sights co-witnessed inthe lower third of the EOTech holo-graphic sight I attached for testing.

The lower receiver features anambidextrous safety and Troy’s Battle

Ax Control Grip. It has a straighterangle and keeps the shooter’s hand

positioning closer to that of a 1911 pistol.It’s comfortable and easy to hold, butI still prefer grips with a steeper angle.The grip combines with Troy’s oversizedtriggerguard and makes operation whilewearing gloves easier.

Shooting SessionThere were no surprises when

shooting the Troy M7A1 PDW. I hadalready experienced the PDW stockon a personal build, and similarly, theTroy-built gun ran like a top. The gun feltgood with very smooth operation and

soft recoil. With the Geissele trigger,cracking off several consecutive roundswas a cinch and only bettered thecharacteristics of the M7A1.

The short length of the stock mighttake some getting used to, though. Ifind that my nose is positioned right upagainst the side of the charging handleon the PDW. Many consider this theproper positioning anyway. To me it’s justa little too deep, but it’s simple enoughto get used to. If you’re wearing a vestor plate carrier, you’ll find that the M7A1fits nicely and works well in this scenariobecause the gun is never too long.

The only challenge I found with theTroy PDW stock was during accuracytesting in the prone position. It was notdesigned for this type of shooting, so it’snot a negative. It just didn’t make for thebest accuracy-testing scenario. At somepoint I used a glove as a makeshift cheekpad. Testing was done at 100 yards.

I was most impressed by the TroyM7A1 PDW’s ability to go anywhere.

It’s so tiny you can fit it in a small bag orthrow it in your vehicle and have amplefirepower if needed. It’s a small gun withbig performance, and the timing is rightfor such a product.

For working professionals, it is aneffective CQB weapon, taking up lessspace just about everywhere. If yourobjective doesn’t call for a longerweapon, the M7A1 PDW should fareextremely well with the right ammuni-tion on board. It conceals well, and Troyalso offers a select-fire version as well.

For more information, visit worldoftroy.com or call 866-788-64 12. SW

“It’s a small gun with big performance,and the timing is right for such a product.”

TROY M7A1 PDW

LOAD VELOCITY ACCURACY

Black Hills 2,053 1.80 77 SMK

Gorilla 77 SMK 1,817 1.70

Hornady 68 BTHP 1,994 2.30

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in

fps by chronograph, and accuracy in inchesfor best five-shot groups at 100 yards.

1. The forged lowerreceiver features anambidextrous safetyfor easy right or lefthanded operation.

2. Troy’s Battle AxControl Grip featuresa steeper angle than atypical unit as well as a

storage compartment.

3. The buttplate isaggressively texturedto ensure the stocklocks solidly against ashooter’s shoulder.

1

2

3

TROY M7A1 PDW

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com12 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 20 16



BY RICHARD JOHNSON

R A C E

G U N

R O U N D U P

inv nting The

FAST, ACCURATEAND RELIABLE

WHEELGUNSBUILT TO WINWHEN IT COUNTS!

The classicrevolver has provento be quite acapable performer,particularly withmodern upgrades.

Note this model’senhanced eight-round capacity.

14 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6



Once the mainstay of bothlaw enforcement service andmany shooting competitions,

the mighty revolver has takena backseat to high-capacitysemi-automatic pistols in recentdecades. However, revolversremain formidable tools in the righthands for both competitive and lawenforcement duties.

Smith & Wesson manufactures awide range of firearms, but it has neverleft the wheelgun behind. From qualitystandard models to highly specializedtools, the company offers a number ofexceptional revolvers.

There are two lines of S&Wrevolvers of particular note: the ProSeries and those from the PerformanceCenter. Performance Center guns arehighly specialized guns tuned by someof the best gunsmiths in the business.Typical Performance Center revolversfeature tuned actions, target crownsand cylinders cut or chamfered forfaster reloads.

Pro Series guns are still consid-ered stock revolvers for competitiondivisions, but they are a step closerto Performance Center upgradesfrom the standard models. Pro Seriesmodels commonly come equipped withhigh-visibility sights, improved grips

and other small upgrades that canenhance a shooter’s perfor-mance on the range or street.

While many law enforcementofficers carry a revolver as abackup or off-duty gun, manyare used by members of tacticalteams. When making a high-risk entryinto a building, an officer holding aballistic shield will often lead the way.A shield can induce a malfunction ina semi-automatic pistol if it interfereswith the slide. Additionally, somesemi-automatic pistols can malfunc-tion when held at odd angles or witha less-than-perfect grip. For an entryteam attempting to rescue hostages,the stakes are never higher and thereliability of a revolver helps ensurethat the good guys go home alive.

Here is a sampling of the special-ized revolvers currently available fromSmith & Wesson. From race guns todefensive models, there is one here foryou. For more, visit smith-wesson.comor call 800-331-0852.

SPECS

CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38 SpecialBARREL: 5 inchesOA LENGTH: 10.5 inchesWEIGHT: 36 .3 ounces (empty)GRIP:

SyntheticSIGHTS: Front post, adjustable rear ACTION: DA/SAFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 8

MSRP: $1,329

SPECS

CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38 SpecialBARREL: 3 inchesOA LENGTH: 7.75 inchesWEIGHT: 23.2 ounces (empty)GRIPS: WoodSIGHTS: Night front, adjustable rear ACTION: DA/SAFINISH: Matte stainlessCAPACITY: 5MSRP: $799

M&P R8In the era of modern pistols that hold morethan a dozen cartridges in each magazine,a wheelgun in the hands of a police officerseems archaic. However, many SWATofficers know that a revolver can fill animportant role during tactical operations,especially for the lead officer on an entry.The M&P R8 is a purpose-built, full-sizedrevolver with a 5-inch barrel and an

eight-round cylinder. Even with its largesize, Smith & Wesson was able to keepthe weight down to only about 36 ouncesthrough the use of a scandium alloy frame.The underside of the barrel has an acces-sory rail for adding a light or laser, and amatte black finish helps reduce glare.

MODEL 60An excellent choice for concealed carry,

the 3-inch-barreled Model 60 revolveralso makes for a good competition gun inCCW matches. Fitted with wood grips thatforce a high hold on the gun, the wheelgunhas a ramped front night sight for quicktarget acquisitions and fast follow-upshots. The rear sight is adjustable so theshooter can dial in his or her ammunitionfor precise shots in either a competition orself-defense situation. The matte stainlesssteel finish looks good and resists cor-rosion. Since the gun is in the Pro Series,and is not a Performance Center piece,a shooter can run this in a stock revolvercompetition division.

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRIL/ MAY 201 6 15



MODEL 625A true race gun, the

Model 625 is a revolverbuilt for speed. The gun is

chambered for the .45 ACP cartridgeand is designed to work with full

moon clips for lightning-fast reloads.The Performance Center chamfers

the charge holes in the cylinder for quick,positive loading. As with other PerformanceCenter handguns, the Model 625 has a

tuned action. The interchangeable front sighthas a gold bead, while the rear sight is blacked

out and adjustable. A custom teardrop hammeris installed on this revolver, while the Perfor-

mance Center trigger is equipped with a stop toeliminate overtravel. Laminated red, white and

blue grips finish out the look of this gun.

MODEL 627 V-COMP

Chambered for the .357 Mag-num, the Model 627 V-Comp is nostandard six-shooter. In fact, it is actually

an eight-shooter. Tuned by the Smith &Wesson Performance Center, this revolver

is fitted with a removable barrel compensatorto help tame recoil and muzzle flip. When pairedwith soft-shooting .38 Special ammo, the gun isa real pussycat to run. The Performance Center

adds a chrome hammer, trigger and trigger stop.The tuned action ensures reliable ignition with everysilky-smooth stroke of the trigger. The synthetic grip

ensures the shooter has ample control on the gunduring competition and recreational shooting.

MODEL 627Part of the Pro Series, theModel 627 is an eight-shotrevolver chambered for the .357Magnum. Like other members of thePro Series, the gun has enhancementsthat make it faster and more accuratethan a standard production gun. Smith &Wesson uses a tapered 4-inch barrel that hasa recessed crown for increased precision whileprotecting the crown. A bossed mainspringis used for a lighter, smoother trigger pull thatwill still provide reliable ignition of the rounds. Foreasier reloads, the Model 627 has chamfered chargeholes in the cylinder.

SPECS

CALIBER: .45 ACPBARREL: 4 inchesOA LENGTH: 10.5 inchesWEIGHT: 42 ounces (empty)GRIP: Altamont laminateSIGHTS:

Gold bead front,adjustable rear ACTION: DA/SAFINISH: Satin stainlessCAPACITY: 6

MSRP: $1,079

SPECS

CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38 SpecialBARREL: 5 inchesOA LENGTH: 11 inchesWEIGHT: 47 ounces (empty)GRIP: SyntheticSIGHTS: AdjustableACTION: DA/SAFINISH: Two-toneCAPACITY: 8

MSRP: $1,559

SPECS

CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38 SpecialBARREL: 4 inchesOA LENGTH: 9.75 inchesWEIGHT: 41.2 ounces (empty)GRIP: SyntheticSIGHTS: Interchangeable front,

adjustable rear ACTION: DA/SAFINISH: Matte stainless

CAPACITY: 8MSRP: $999

R A C E

G U N

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SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com16 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 2016



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MODEL 629COMPETITORFrom knocking

down bowling pins with mag-num loads or cutting precise holes in

paper with soft-shooting target loads, big-borefirepower is popular with a range of shooters.This .44 Magnum revolver offers a long sightradius with a 6-inch barrel plus the ability toeasily add an optic to the top of the gun. The

underside of the barrel has an adjustable weightsystem to help reduce muzzle flip. For help in

controlling the gun with even the hottest loads,Smith & Wesson installs a set of highly regarded

Hogue synthetic grips on the Model 629 Compet-itor. A tuned action is standard on this revolver, as

is the beautiful glass-bead stainless finish.

trigger and the hammer are chromed while the rest of thegun enjoys a glass-bead stainless finish. Hogue synthetic

grips are used to cushion the hand and provide the shooterwith increased control of the gun during recoil.

MODEL 629 V-COMPFew calibers have enjoyedsuch a storied history as the .44Magnum. The Model 629 V-Comp is aPerformance Center creation, mating the .44Magnum with a tuned action and a variety ofcompetitive features. The 4-inch barrel hasa removable compensator to reduce muzzlerise when rapidly shooting full-bore .44 Magnumloads. A bright orange front sight helps keeprounds on target downrange, while the pebble-

textured grip enhances the shooter’s control. Astainless steel finish is standard, with a chrometrigger and hammer providing an exquisite accent.

SPECS

CALIBER: .44 Magnum/ .44 Special

BARREL: 6 inchesOA LENGTH: 11 .25 inchesWEIGHT: 57.7 ounces (empty)GRIP: Hogue syntheticSIGHTS: AdjustableACTION: DA/ SAFINISH: Glass beadCAPACITY: 6MSRP: $1 ,549

Hogue syntheticPatridge front,adjustable rear

FINISH: Glass beadCAPACITY: 6MSRP: $1 ,439

SPECS

CALIBER: .44 Magnum/.44SpecialBARREL: 4 inchesOA LENGTH: 10 inchesWEIGHT: 44.1 ounces (empty)GRIP: SyntheticSIGHTS: AdjustableACTION: DA/ SAFINISH: Matte stainlessCAPACITY: 6MSRP: $1 ,559

R A C E

G U N

R O U N D U P

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com18 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRIL/ MAY 201 6



SPECS

CALIBER: .357 Magnum/.38SpecialBARREL: 4 inchesOA LENGTH: 9 .5 inchesWEIGHT: 38.3 ounces (empty)GRIP: WoodSIGHTS: Interchangeable front,

adjustable rear ACTION: DA/ SAFINISH: Satin stainlessCAPACITY: 6MSRP: $999

SPECS

CALIBER: 9mmBARREL: 6.5 inchesOA LENGTH: 12.25 inches

WEIGHT: 44.2 ounces (empty)GRIP: SyntheticSIGHTS: Patridge front,

adjustable rear ACTION: DA/ SAFINISH: Glass beadCAPACITY: 8MSRP: $1 ,189

MODEL 686 SSRDesigned for the Stock

Service Revolver (SSR) division, theModel 686 SSR is a standard Model 686

with competition-legal upgrades for a slightedge when it is time to put lead downrange. Part

of the Smith & Wesson Pro Series, this revolverhas a custom 4-inch barrel with a recessed, precision

crown for excellent accuracy. The rich wood grips helpto force a high hold on the gun so the shooter can better

control recoil. Smith & Wesson chamfers the charge holesfor surer reloads. The front sight is a ramp with a bright orange

insert, while the rear sight is adjustable. The result is an upgradedrevolver that is ready to deliver on target when it counts.

MODEL 929Signed by revolvermaster Jerry Mic-ulek, the Model 929




WAR HAMMER

B Y DAVID BAHDE • P HOTOS BY ALEX LANDEEN




Semi-automatic precision

rifles are extremely valuableto marksmen. Compared toprecision bolt-action rifles,semi-autos are more ver-

satile, offer faster follow-up shots andprovide more firepower. First-round hitsare critical in military and law enforce-ment circles, but follow-up shots are just as important. Semi-autos make iteasy to watch your hits without havingto come off the rifle. Unfortunately,big-bore semi-autos have had a rockyhistory. Cold-bore consistency with

early .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO

ARs was dismal. M1A rifles were better,but equipping and maintaining themcould be costly. Thankfully modernbig-bore ARs have leapt forward expo-nentially lately in terms of accuracyand reliability. Naturally, this has all ledthe way for military and police snipersto use similar platforms but with largerchamberings and more power.

More Power

The .338 Lapua Magnum is cur-rently the most popular intermediate

soft-target cartridge for militaries and

even a few police agencies. While the.50 BMG works as an anti-materiel car-tridge, it ‘s just not practical for muchelse. Big .50s are heavy, with majorrecoil and punishing muzzle blasts.While their penetration is impressive,it’s too much for urban work. Operatorsneeded a rifle that bridged the gapbetween the .308 and the .50. Foryears, the .300 Winchester Magnumfilled that role in America, but it’s notmuch more than a faster .308. The restof the world has been using the .338

Alexander Arms’ Ulfberht strikes like lightning out to 1,625 yards!

Named after an uncommonly strong typeof Viking sword, the Ulfberht is tank-

tough and accurate at extreme distanc-es. Shown with a Steiner 5-25x56mm

MSR scope and an LRA bipod.



Above the uted barrel at the fron t of the handguard is an adjustable ga s block thatallows users to ne -t une the Ulfberht rie to specic m iss io n requirements.

Lapua with great success. The U.S. isfinally recognizing its value, as shownby SOCOM’s selection of the RemingtonMSR in 2013. What we needed next wasinevitable: a semi-auto .338 Lapua.

Building a reliable semi-auto in .338Lapua Magnum is not easy. With theincrease in scale, you’ll also run into anincrease in problems. The magazines

have to run flawlessly, and this alonehas taken companies a few years towork out. Several companies have theirown takes on semi-auto .338s, and I’vetested most of them. Some focus onportability while others try to cut downon weight, and various gas systemsare used. One company, AlexanderArms, has unveiled a rather innovativedesign—the Ulfberht.

Meet The Ulfberht

Bill Alexander of Alexander Arms isknown for building tough, reliable andproven AR-based rifles. He’s alwayslooking to improve on the 5.56mmNATO cartridge, and his 6.5 Grendeldoes that nicely while his .50 Beowulfprovides serious energy on target in acompact package designed for close

quarters. So it only makes sense that Billwould work with another powerhousecartridge, the .338 Lapua, to create his

semi-auto Ulfberht.First off, everything about theUlfberht is built to last. The rifle startswith a forged 9310 steel receiver andan aluminum top cover. The 27.5-inch,4150 chrome-moly barrel featuressix-groove, 1-in-9.3-inch-twist, Enfield-pattern rifling. The muzzle sports 18x1.5threading—a common European .338Lapua thread pattern—and comesequipped with a three-prong flashsuppressor made of 4140 steel.

Another special feature is the rifle’sadjustable gas piston operating system.The gas block is made of casehardened8620 steel while the carrier, boltand extractor are all made from 17-4precipitation-hardened stainless steel.The recoil springs are rated for 6 millioncycles. The twin ejectors are craftedfrom S7 tool steel, and the locking lugs

ALEXANDER ULFBERHT

“The Ulfberht was built todominate, and I imagine it woulddo just fine in that endeavor.”

The oversized mag well easily accepts thelarge polymer magazine, which is designedto hold 10 rounds of .338 Lapua ammo.

SPECS

ALEXANDER ARMS ULFBERHT

Caliber: .338 Lapua MagnumBarrel: 27.5 inches

OA Length: 41.25-50 inchesWeight: 19.8 pounds (empty)

Stock: Magpul PRSSights: None

Action: Piston-operatedsemi-auto

Finish: Matte black

Capacity: 10+1MSRP: $5,800




Made In

The U.S.A.

Windham Weaponry, Inc. • 999 Roosevelt Trail • Windham, Maine 04062“The quality goes in before the rifle goes out.”

.223 / 5.56mm Barrel withMCS Upper & Integral Forend

7.62 x 39mm BarrelBolt, Bolt Carrier & Magazine

9mm BarrelBolt, Bolt Carrier

& Magazine

MCS Lower Receiverwith Telestock

Interchangeable MCS Magazine Wells

Magazine Well for .223/5.56mm,

.300 Blackout & 7.62x39mmwith AR Type Magazines

Magazine Well for7.62x39mm with AK

Type Magazines

Magazine Well for 9mm

.300 Blackout Barrel

M C S U p p e r w

i t h I n t e g r a

l

F o r e n

d ,

B a r r e l L o c k

i n g A r m s & R e t a

i n e r

The Windham Weaponry MCS System offers a quick change barrel capability in its Upper Receiver to allow multiple calibers simply unlatching a locking barrel retaining slide, and opening swing arms to unlock the barrel. The MCS Lower accommodateseveral different interchangeable magazine wells. With the complete MCS System you can have 4 different calibers available wittheir appropriate bolt carriers and magazines in no more than a few minutes. A variety of Kits are offered, and individual compo-nents are available so that you can choose the calibers you want, or “grow” the system as you desire.

Get all the details at: www.windhamweaponry.com or call Toll Free: 1-855-808-1888



are made from hardened 8620 steel. Alarge charging handle is mounted on theright side of the receiver.

Surrounding the barrel and pistonsystem is a hardcoat anodized alumi-num handguard with a long top railthat mates up with the receiver’s for afull-length, 30-MOA-offset mountingplatform for scopes and accessories.The handguard features several light-ening cuts, and its smooth sides andbottom are drilled and tapped for addingaccessory rails where needed.

The Ulfberht comes with a foldingMagpul PRS stock for easier carryand transport. Mounted solidly to thereceiver with a steel hinge, the stock

locks into place when it’s folded andextended. You can release the stockwith one hand using the top-mountedrelease button. Also, the PRS designfeatures thumbwheels that allow youto adjust the length of pull and cheekheight with just your fingers.

The pistol grip is a Hogue Deluxemodel, while the safety is similar toan AR’s. As for the trigger, a GeisseleAutomatics two-stage, 4.5-poundSSA unit is installed. A paddle-stylemagazine release is located just in front

of the triggerguard. The Ulfberht usesAlexander Arms’ own reinforced-polymer, double-stack, 10-round mag-azines. My test Ulfberht came in a hard

case with custom-fitted foam insertsand four magazines.

For optics, Bill Alexander waskind enough to send along a Steiner5-25x56mm M5Xi Military scope withan H59 reticle as well as a set of SeekinsPrecision rings of the proper height.

Precision Training

To really test the Ulfberht, I took italong with me to Pump Precision RifleTraining in Washington, Texas, which isrun by Chase “Pump” Stroud. Chase hasbeen a top Precision Rifle Series (PRS)competitor for years, and he teachesseveral top-notch long-range courses.

With a strong storm coming in, we jumped right into Chase’s ExtremeLong-Range (ELR) training on the firstday. I removed the Ulfberht from itscase and zeroed it with Barnes’ 300-grain OTM ammo. I was on paper in less

than five rounds with a group measuringabout an inch wide. Using a combi-

“If you are in the market for aserious .338 Lapua semi-autobuilt to last, the Ulfberht needsto be very high on your list.”

RIGHT: Theadjustable

Magpul PRSbuttstock is

installed on asturdy hinge that

allows it to foldto the right side

of the receiver.

FAR RIGHT: Thelarge, knurled,

reciprocatingcharging handle

makes it easy tooperate the rie.

The Ulfberht’s design allows users tosingle-load .338 Lapua rounds throughthe ejection port as needed.

ALEXANDER ARMS ULFBERHT


Black Hills 250 SMK 2,940 1.25

Barnes 300 OTM 2,610 0.75

Desert Tech 300 SMK 2,600 0.60

Lapua 250 Scenar 2,950 0.86

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured in grains,velocity in fps bychronograph, andaccuracy in inches forbest five-shot groupsat 100 yards.

ALEXANDER ULFBERHT




nation of my new Kestrel 5500 andChase’s experience, we dialed in the500-yard elevation and confirmed ourzero with five rounds on a 12-inch steeltarget. I put a final confirmation in thedead center of a 3-inch hostage-takertarget prior to moving to 800 yards.

At 800 yards, the Ulfberht proved just as accurate, with five consecutivehits on steel. Moving to 1,000 and then1,100 yards, it was almost too simpleto make hits. Thanks to superb windcalls from Chase, I was on target onmy second round and hitting steel at1,100 yards about as fast as I couldpull the trigger. The Ulfberht’s recoil istypical for a .338 Lapua semi-auto—notsubstantial but noticeable. Once lockedin position, the rifle stayed in place

while firing, moving to the rear withlittle muzzle rise. For support, I used anAtlas bipod along with a Wiebad PumpPillow at the rear.

The plan was to shoot out to a mile,but Mother Nature made that impossi-ble. A supercell quickly moved in, andrather than risk lightning and gettingsoaked, we settled for just under a mileat 1,625 yards. Shooting from prone, Idialed up the 21 or so mils of elevation.The Steiner scope made this easy.Adjustments based on calls were madeusing the H59 reticle. Chase called thewind and hits using a spotting scope.The target was a 36-by-36-inch whitesteel square with a 12-inch orange circlein the middle. On steel on the thirdround, I fired the remaining seven shotsin the magazine as quickly as I couldreacquire my hold and let the triggerreset. Five of the remaining seven shotshit steel, and the last three clusteredinside 6 inches on the edge of the cen-ter circle. Chase then climbed behind

the rifle, held for wind and proceeded tocluster three out of five rounds aroundthe center circle, leaving little doubt asto the Ulfberht’s capabilities.

Severe weather kept the Ulfberhtat bay until I could return to my homerange. Of course, shooting groups at100 yards with a .338 Lapua Mag-num can be a bit problematic. In myexperience, these rifles often groupbetter at 300 yards, and semi-autosrequire a whole other set of skillsand positioning to ensure you are not

adding to the equation.— Continued on page 128

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 2016 25



GUNT ST

WE ARE

Sig Sauer’s elite Legion series unites

those looking forprofessional-grade

firepower.BY DAVID BAHDE

26 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRIL/ MAY 201 6



or decades, Sig Sau r ha sdedicated itself to pr o ingweapons that are d s gn eby and for professiona s, c u -ing elite military units an aenforcement agencies worldw ewhich has given the company a

world. They company has also enjoyed com-

to the military/police market.

pistols were designed with input from to p

made changes at the request of its mos trolific users. This also leads to the

any skipping many of thefads; Sig Sauer just wants

-quality weapons thatd on to save lives. All o f

n to detail has made igular. You could say hat

rings us to Sig’sies.

For decades,professionals have relied

upon Sig Sauer pistolsto survive in battle, andnow Sig acionados can

join its elite “Legion” forexclusive guns and

top-tier gear.




Join The Ranks

Sig Sauer’s new Legion pro-gram is dedicated to discerningbuyers and working profes-sionals. Essentially, purchasinga Legion firearm—three arecurrently available, but moreare surely on the way—gets youentry into a specialized group.As a Legion member, you’ll haveaccess to an exclusive websitewhere you’ll be the first toknow about special Sig Sauerevents and new additions to theproduct line. This is also anotherway to access Sig’s excellentcustomer support.

Each Legion gun comes with a case,a Legion challenge coin and threehigh-quality magazines. You’ll alsohave access to Legion-specific gear andaccessories, all of which is made by top-notch manufacturers in the industry.Currently, Legion Kydex holsters aremade by Black Point Tactical, a premierholster-maker. Legion knives are also

available from seasoned knifemakerslike Daniel Winkler, and soon SureFirewill join the Legion accessories stable.All of the Legion-exclusive merchandiseis top tier. Nothing going into thisprogram is low grade.

The three Legion pistols currentlyavailable include the legendary double-action/single-action (DA/SA) P226 in9mm, .40 S&W or .357 SIG; a single-ac-tion-only (SAO) P226 in 9mm; and theDA/SA P229 in 9mm, .40 S&W or .357SIG. Each model was designed withsignificant input from active military andlaw enforcement personnel, providing a

pistol well designedfor use in anycondition.

To that end,each of thesepistols comes with anumber of enhance-ments, includinga tuned action

with a Short Reset Trigger (SRT). Theframes feature reduced and contouredElite beavertails, checkering along thefrontstrap and an undercut triggerguard(also checkered on the bottom) thatoffers a higher grip on the frame forsuperb control. Custom checkered G10

grips featuring the Legion medallionadorn each pistol.

While the P226 SAO comes with aMaster Shop Super Match Flat Trigger,the DA/SA P226 and P229 come withGrayguns Intermediate Reach Adjust-able Triggers. The pistols also sportlow-profile slide releases and decockinglevers to prevent snagging on the draw.Each control is checkered and easy tooperate with gloved hands.

Each slide features forward and rearserrations, stylish contouring and SigSauer Electro-Optics X-RAY day/nightsights. The front sights have large greendots surrounding their tritium inserts.The rear sights have tritium inserts withno dots to interfere with a clean sightpicture. Within the slides are match-

grade barrels and solid steel guiderods. Finally, each pistol is coated in aproprietary Legion Gray PVD and comeswith three magazines.

I received a 9mm P229 Legion fortesting. The internals were factorypolished and tuned for an incrediblysmooth DA trigger pull in the 8-poundrange. The SA pull is crisp thanks to theSRT design. I found the grip frame fitmy hand well and offered a lower boreaxis for less felt recoil. The checkeredgrips secured my hands without beingtoo aggressive. The controls were nicelysubdued while still being very positive.

Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 3.9 inches OA Length: 7.4 inches Weight: 32 ounces (empty) Grips: G10 Sights: X-RAY day/night Action: DA/SA Finish: Legion Gray PVD Capacity: 15+1

MSRP: $1,349

SPECS

SIG SAUER P229 LEGION

The modied Elitegrip frame features asmooth contour and

customized LegionG10 grip panels.

1 2

3

1. Sig Sauer’s newX-RAY day/night front

sight is easy to seewith a larger green dotand a tritium insert.

2. The rear sight hassmaller tritium insertsand a ledge-style designfor emergency one-handed slide racking.

3. The front faceand bottom of theundercut triggerguardsport expertly craftedcheckering that

matches the frontstrap.


SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com28 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6



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The slide has rounded corners tofacilitate concealed or off-duty carry. Iwas happy to see that the X-RAY sightswere easy to acquire and made of steelwithout being overly tall; the rear sight

has a functional ledge for emergencyone-handed slide racking. The Legionmarking on top of the slide was anothernice touch. It sets this pistol apart fromthe rest on the market.

The Legion Gray PVD finish wassmoothly applied, and the threeincluded magazines also had thisdurable coating for use in any condition.My test pistol came with Black PointTactical’s Legion-marked “LeatherWing” holster and magazine pouch.

Pro-Grade P229

The P229 Legion’s accuracy wasexcellent—something you come toexpect with a Sig Sauer pistol. Myown P226 SAO is as accurate as many

custom pistols. I’ve also used a numberof P220s over the years that were veryprecise. The P229 Legion proved to bethe most accurate with Sig’s own 124-grain V-Crown JHPs, creating a 25-yardgroup that measured 1.25 inches. Everyload produced five-shot groups in the1.5- to 2-inch range firing in SA modefrom the bench. Moving to 7 yards andswitching to DA, the P229 Legion reallyliked the Barnes 115-grain TAC-XPDammo. With light recoil and quick

cycling, the pistol was very pleasant toshoot. Drawing, moving and shootingquickly, my groups stayed within 3inches. Whether I was at the bench oron the move, the Sig Sauer P229 Legion

was very accurate.Next I ran some drills on the rangeto perfect my drawstroke and DA/SA trigger control. It had been a whilesince I had to deal with a DA-to-SAtransition, but it didn’t take me long toget back into the habit with the P229Legion. Once dialed in, my hits weredead center, with most draw times inthe two-second range and a few beingfaster. The pistol was also easy to con-trol when drawing without firing—oneof the reasons many agencies prefer thisdesign. This is my first time with an SRTtrigger, and it is was flat-out fast—asfast and controllable as any SA duty pis-tol I’ve used. Once the shooting started Ifound myself enjoying this pistol, whichisn’t something I say very often when itcomes to DA/SA pistols. This pistol wasthe best DA/SA I’ve used out of the boxso far. The controls functioned well; theP229 Legion operates exactly how onewould expect for a professional’s pistol.

Black Point Tactical’s Leather Wing

holster and magazine pouch are verywell made. My pistol snapped intoplace yet remained easy to draw. Twosets of belt loops were provided to facil-itate different belt sizes. The holsteredges were smooth with crisp moldingfor the pistol and magazine. The leatherwings wrap around the hip, keeping thepistol in place without letting it dig in. Icarried the P229 Legion in this holsterfor a week or so and it was prettycomfortable, though I prefer to use aninside-the-waistband (IWB) design.Thankfully, Sig also offers IWB holstersfor its Legion series pistols. The P229



Barnes 115 TAC-XPD 1,128 1.48

Black Hills 115 JHP +P 1,342 1.75

Sig Sauer 123 V-Crown JHP 1,178 1.25

Speer 124 Gold Dot 1,138 2.00

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured in grains,velocity in fps bychronograph, andaccuracy in inches forbest five-shot groups

at 25 yards.

FAR LEFT: For enhancedaccuracy, the P229Legion comes with aGrayguns IntermediateReach AdjustableTrigger coupled with ashort-reset tuning.

LEFT: The top of theP229’s PVD-coated slidefeatures the Legionlogo, immediatelyhelping it stand out.

The Legion series provides seriousshooters with serious tools for self-defense. They are expertly tuned to

deliver when lives are on the line.





Legion fit well in my MiltSparks IWB holster. It’spretty void of sharp edgesand only a bit heavier thanpolymer-framed pistols,making it well suited tooff-duty or concealed carry. I foundmyself grabbing the P229 Legion consis-tently for carry on most days.

Rounding out the test wassome quality time using mySurvival Body Armor tactical vestand chest-mounted holster. Manyprofessionals choose this positionwhen the pistol is a true secondaryweapon. When you always have a

rifle, your pistol needs to stay closebut not get in the way. This carryposition is new to me, and I’ve triedto carry several pistols in this locationover the last few months, but this pistolmay be the best suited for the task. Ittakes some practice making sure youdo not cover yourself on the draw orwhile reholstering—probably more ofa problem on the range than in real life,

but it’s still a consideration. Of course,the DA/SA design adds an additionallayer of safety in this regard. I workeda few carbine-to-pistol transitions withthe P229 Legion; it’s just about perfectfor this task. It’s compact, taking up littleroom, and pairs well with my SureFireX300 Ultra flashlight.

Tough EnoughWith a smooth DA trigger pull, a

short reset in SA and proven Sig Saueraccuracy, it just does not get muchbetter than the P229 Legion. Everyaddition to this pistol is well thoughtout, matching many of the changes Imake on stock pistols. The sights areeasy to see, grip properly checkered,controls easy to access, and internalssmooth and controllable. The pistol ranflawlessly over hundreds of rounds. Itsreliability was unaffected by addinglights. It is suitable for use in a thigh rig,a duty holster, concealment rig, a platecarrier or a vest. Everything about this

pistol screams professional. I’m not sureyou can get a more versatile handgun.Normally my DA/SA pistol evalu-

ations end on the range, but that’s notthe case with the P229 Legion. I planon carrying it and using it with somefrequency. I would not hesitate a secondto take this pistol to work, no matterthe task. For more information, visitsigsauer.com or call 603-610-3000. SW

“NOTHING GOING INTO THIS PROGRAM IS LOW GRADE.”

Joining Sig Sauer’sLegion allows you

to get exclusivemembers-only

accessories likeKydex holsters

from BlackPoint Tactical.




Crimson Trace is an industry leaderin creating integrated laser sightsfor concealed-carry and personal-defense firearms. The company’s

Rail Master Pro series took things a step fur-

ther by combining a laser sight witha tactical light in a compact unit thateasily attaches to the Picatinny railof a handgun, rifle or shotgun. Theinnovative new Linq system fromCrimson Trace takes tactical lightsand laser aiming accessories for AR-platformrifles to a whole new level.

No More Wires

The Linq LNQ-100 system features twocomponents. The first is an AR-15-style pistol

grip that replaces the factory grip andhouses a battery and the Linq controls.The grip communicates with the secondcomponent, a rail-mounted laser and lightmodule. Wireless “LiNQ” technology connectsthe two components so there are no wires tohang up on gun cases, vehicles, fences or anyother potential environmental snag points. Plus,the operator can control both the tactical lightand laser with their shooting hand. There’s noneed to use your support hand to control thelaser or light, which is necessary with mostother tactical lights and laser aiming devices.

TH

MISSING LINQ

OP TECH

BY ROBERT A. SADOWSKI

The Linq system’s wireless technologyhas been tested against numerous inter-

ruption possibilities and has passednumerous tests. It also cannot be

hacked. When the light/laser moduleand grip initially pair, the light stayslit for a few seconds to show they arelinked, then it turns off. If the grip unit

is “searching” for the light/laser module,the green lights flash. If the control griphas lost connectivity with the laser/lightmodule, the lights will turn red. Theseindicators are very easy for only the oper-ator to see. Ambidextrous buttons on thepistol grip allow the user to operate thelaser/light module in four “on” modes:light and laser together, both strobing,laser only or light only. The polymer con-trol grip—slightly larger than a mil-specA2-style grip—is comfortable to grasp,and the buttons allow easy activation forboth right- and left-handed shooters.

The control grip has been tested onnumerous AR platforms from a variety ofmanufacturers, and it will fit the standardattachment slot on nearly every AR riflecommercially sold. Installation simplyrequires removing the old pistol grip andadding the new Linq grip. Crimson Traceprovides all of the tools and hardwareneeded for the installation. Finally, thecontrol grip uses a single CR2 battery.

The light/laser module attaches tostandard Picatinny and Weaver-style rails

and is powered by one CR123 battery.The module features an LED lightwith a 300-lumen output and a greenlaser with a 5mW output. The laserhas a two-hour run time. The light/

laser module, which is similar to theCMR-204 Rail Master Pro, can also be

removed from the AR’s rail and used onanother weapon. Redundant controls on thelight/laser module allow the module to beattached to another carbine, rifle or shotgun.Just return the light/laser module to the ARequipped with the Linq grip and the grip andmodule will sync up again.

The Linq system also employs a sleepmode to conserve power. After 24 hours ofinactivity, the system will go into “sleep”mode to conserve battery power while

Crimson Trace’s game-changingnew light/laser works wirelessly!

Crimson Trace’snew Linq system

allows operators torun a fast-targeting

light and laserwithout any wires

to snag on gear.




maintaining the LiNQ between the gripand module. But if the unit is remotelyoperated by the grip’s activation buttons,then the entire system is constantly onand as soon as pressure is applied to thebuttons the light and laser are “awak-ened.” Either way, the Linq is ready to runas fast as you need it to.

Tank ToughBoth of the Linq units have passed

drop, dust and moisture tests. Just likeCrimson Trace’s other products, the Linqsystem is tough and durable. Anothernice feature of the Linq system is that theuser can mount the light/laser moduleas far forward on their rifle’s handguardas possible, thus eliminating glare whenusing an optic, and yet there is no longer

a need to reach out to turn the moduleoff or change modes. In an emergencysituation where an operator’s supportarm is incapacitated, the shooting handcan easily operate the light/laser.

Crimson Trace is again pushing theenvelope and leading the industry as aninnovator, and the new Linq system may just be the missing technological linkfor AR-platform carbines and pistols. Formore information, visit crimsontrace.comor call 800-442-2406. SW

“ The innovative new Linq system fromCrimson Trace takes tactical lights and laser

aiming accessories for AR-platform ri lesto a whole new level. ”

OP TECH

The Crimson Trace Linq pistol grip (right)controls the light/laser module (left). Greenlights present on both sides of the controlgrip indicate that the two devices arewirelessly linked and ready for operation.

This new green laser unit ensures your

BY MICHAEL O. HUMPHRIES

Sdeath. Enter the new LG-350G, a green laser Lasergrips systemfrom your friends at Crimson Trace.

company’s new Shock-Stop System, these soft rubber panels onthe front and rear segments of the grip increase the shooter’sin-the-hand comfort while enhancing control and reducing feltrecoil. The Lasergrips’ middle section is more rigid to enhancestability, and the interior has specially designed recoil-ab-sorbing chambers that run up the inner spine of the grip. Aninstinctive activation front pad, a master on/off switch, anduser-adjustable windage and elevation features round out theCrimson Trace LG-350G package.

The new LG-350G Green Laser Lasergrip retails for $399,while a version with a red laser has a suggested retail price of$319. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)




After years of raising the bar on long-range shooting withour 50 caliber, Barrett has now created our next generation ARWe call it the REC7 DI, and, while incredibly light, it carriessome truly weighty attributes. A highly customizable directimpingement rie, the REC7 DI can be adapted to your specicpreferences. What’s more, in true Barrett tradition, this rie ishand-built and intensely precise for accuracy that’s truly oneof a kind. Shoot it thousands of times, drag it through the mudsubmerge it in the water; whatever the case, it’s built to bereliable for years.

The REC7 from Barrett. Shoots holes in every excuse.

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Optics shown not included.



L O N G

G U N

R O U N D U P

MOSSBERG’S

TACTICAL

A NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNNN .............

The battle-ready 500

and its many offspringare ready to face any

deadly threat! MICHAEL O. HUMPHRIES

PHOTOS BY STRAIGHT 8

Mossberg’s 590A1 pump actionhas proven itself on battleelds

and mean streets for years. Thisparticular model sports a Kryptek

Typhon camo nish to blend in.

36 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL/M AY 2016



LET’S BE HONEST. High tech isfun. Who doesn’t want the latest“high-speed, low-drag” tacticalfirearm with cutting edge ballisticsand ultra-modern features? And

along these lines, with the AR dom-inating the tactical field these daysand the next generation of carbinesand personal-defense weapons(PDWs) making their way from thebattlefields of today into the hands ofLE officers tomorrow, it would seemthat the modern tactical carbine is the preferred choice for those in the know.However, if you talk to the operatorswho know what it is like to face deadly

encounters at ultra-close ranges(where most of them happen), youwill pick up on an enduring respect

and appreciationfor the “humble”scattergun. But thisshould come as nosurprise. With amuzzle diameterat just over .70

caliber, and the ability to fire eithera solid projectile slug or a handfulof devastatingly effective pellets ina variety of shot sizes, the 12-gaugeshotgun can be the ultimate conflictstopper at “conversational” distances.But, today’s pump-action shotgundoes not have to be a retro-stylescattergun that is the mirror image ofone that would be found in a policecruiser in the 1950s. In fact, the

tactical shotgun of today can be ascutting-edge and adaptable as themost advanced tactical carbine.

Mossberg has sold more than 10 mil-lion pump-action 500s over the past53 years. The reliable 500 was firstintroduced in 1961, and all subsequent500s were based on the same basicconcept that was first designed byCarl Benson. At its heart, the shotgunfeatures a single, large locking lug thatis used to secure the breech, whilethe magazine tube is located belowthe barrel. It is a simple yet reliable

design—one that has been refinedover the years, but it can be hard toimprove upon near perfection.The 500 series was designed to beeasy to clean and easy to maintain.It was conceived as a shotgun thatcould be used in harsh and even dirtyconditions, and this has made it idealfor everything from waterfowl huntingto use in tactical and even combatsituations. All of this is why it has

remained very much a workhorse forsportsmen and women, law enforce-ment officers and military personnel

Mossberg’s 500 and 590 seriespump-action shotguns have earned areputation for serving operators with

tank-tough durability and can’t-failreliability in harsh conditions.

SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6 37

The Kryptek Typhon 590A1Special Purpose (ofciallymodel #51522) ships with18.5-inch barrel, a fast-ta

front sight ramp and a 5+




The 500 and its offshoots haveserved countless law enforcementofficers, sportsmen and members of

militaries located around the world,including that of the United States.In fact, the 500 has the distinctionof having survived testing by theU.S. government under its stringentMIL-S-3443 shotgun performancerequirements, which involved atorture test that required it fire 3,000rounds of 00 buckshot without amalfunction—which it did. The testsalso included what can charitably bedescribed as brutal environmentaland handling tests.

While the 500 proved to be afully capable tactical and sportingshotgun, end-users began requestingan enhanced variant of the basic500, designed specifically fortactical applications. The result waswhat would become known as the12-gauge Mossberg 590. Introducedin 1987, the new variant took thebasic 500 platform and added afull nine-round capacity, with thetubular magazine under the 20-inch

barrel being capable of holding eight2 3 /4-inch shells. This was a significantenhancement over the standard500 that employed a six-round totalcapacity (as well as even the higher-capacity eight-shot 500 variants).

The 590 was an immediate hit,no doubt due to its reputation forreliable functioning, enhanced capa-bilities, very reasonable price point(a quality for which all Mossbergsare revered) and yes, its impressiveappearance. However, there were

still calls for a few more enhance-ments to the 590 platform.

One of these was to add rigidityto the barrel by increasing thebarrel’s wall thickness, in response

to feedback that “spirited” use of abayonet on the shotgun required alittle more rigidity in the barrel forsupport. One other request was forthe triggerguard and thumb safety,which are made of plastic on thestandard 500, to be made fromaluminum. Mossberg respondedto these requests, and the resultwas the 590A1, which combinedthe many appealing characteristicsof the standard 590 with an eventougher and more rugged package.

And the new 590A1 seriesexpanded beyond the iconic nine-round model with a bayonet lug andghost-ring sights to include modelswith simple bead sights, three-dotsights, Picatinny rails or the familiarghost-ring sight system to ones withSpeedfeed stocks with spring-loadedspare shell storage areas, collapsibleAR-style stocks with vertical pistolgrips or the traditional syntheticstocks to compact six-shot models

with a shortened magazine tube witha 5+1 capacity with 2 3 /4-inch shellsand 18.5-inch barrels (the compactmodels do not feature a bayonetlug). Weights range from 6.75 to7.5 pounds. Also of note is the factthat while this line was previouslyrestricted to LE and military salesonly, in 2009 Mossberg opened theline for sale to the civilian market aswell. The result is a wide range of500- and 590-based shotguns readyto face any tactical situation. For

more information, visit mossberg.com or call 203-230-5300.

L O N G

G U N

R O U N D U P

Mossberg’s 590A1 features an aluminum safety mounted on the tang,where it’s easy to reach for both left- and right-handed operators.




SOUTHPAW SCATTERGUNSMossberg brings some impressive left-handedoptions to its 500 and 590 series shotguns.

LEFT-HANDED SHOOTERS NEVER HAVE IT EASY.

For all of its adaptability, Mossberg saw that the ever-popular 500 was lacking in one regard: There weren’t mod-els tailor-made for left-handed shooters. Now that problemhas been addressed. In fact, the idea for a left-handedMossberg shotgun, though considered for many years, wasonly precipitated by modern CAD capabilities when one ofthe company’s manufacturing engineers—who happens tobe left-handed—was working on a receiver drawing.

Making what is in essence a mirror image of a firearmdid present a few challenges, but Mossberg’s engineerswere able to work these out quickly. There are also many

crossover parts between the 500 and 500L, and the keydifferences are really in the receiver, barrel, bolt and someinternal parts that had to mirror the right-handed compo-nents. This allowed for a shotgun that was truly designedwith lefties in mind yet retained everything that made the500 such a tried and tested shotgun.

In the new L-Series line, Mossberg has introduced sixtactical models, including a nine-shot version based on themilitary-approved, battle-hardened 590A1 scattergun. With-out further ado, here is a rundown of Mossberg’s six tacticalL-Series pump-action shotguns, which are truly designedwith left-handed shooters and operators in mind.

STOCK: Adjustable syntheticSIGHTS: Front beadACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 5+ 1

MSRP: $754

SIGHTS: Front beadACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 5+ 1

MSRP: $599

For those who don’t live by the mantra that “one size fits all,” there is theMossberg 500 Tactical L-Series Adjustable (#59819), which offers someflexibility in its black synthetic stock, which can be adjusted to six differentlength-of-pull positions to fit shooters of any stature. This 18.5-inch-barreledshotgun gives new meaning to the phrase “try one on for size.”

Available in 12 gauge, this is a mission-ready shotgun(#59817) that can be used with either a conventionalbuttstock or a pistol grip. In either configuration, this Mossberg500 Tactical is reliable and rugged. It is a go-anywhere shotgun that

can stand up to the elements and be ready when you need it.

BY PETER SUCIU




L O N G

G U N

R O U N D

SOUTHPAW SCATTERGUNS

SPECS

GAUGE: 12; 3-inch chamber BARREL: 20 inchesOA LENGTH: 41 inchesWEIGHT: 7 pounds (empty)STOCK:

S

yntheticSIGHTS: Front beadACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 7+ 1

MSRP: $577

SPECS

GAUGE: 12; 3-inch chamber BARREL: 18.5 inches

OA LENGTH: 28-38.5 inchesWEIGHT: 5.75-6.5 pounds(empty)STOCK: SyntheticSIGHTS: Front beadACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 5+ 1

MSRP: $599

STOCK: SyntheticSIGHTS: Front beadACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 8+ 1

MSRP: $691

SPECS

STOCK: SyntheticSIGHTS: X S Ghost RingACTION: PumpFINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 8+ 1

MSRP: $942

500 Tactical L-Series Persuader

Those who want the basics will find them in the Mossberg 500 Tactical L-SeriesPersuader (#59818), which features a conventional buttstock with a thick rubberrecoil pad. It is a full 41 inches long so it can be handled more like a traditionallong gun, and it offers a front bead for fast target acquisitions. It also has a 7+1capacity for those times when you need plenty of 12-gauge firepower.

Soldiers in the field will often say you can’t ever have enough sleep, enough foodor enough ammo. The Mossberg 590 L-Series 9-Shot shotgun (#59816) can’t helpwith the first two problems, but it offers extra capacity for those who want to go tothe “nines.” It measures 41 inches long overall yet weighs only a bit over 7 pounds.Another notable feature: A vented heat shield is installed over the barrel.

The 590A1 remains the only pump shotgun to pass the U.S. Army’s MIL-S-3443requirements, and it has served in multiple branches of the U.S. military for more thana quarter century. The new left-handed version (#59815) offers everything its right-handed twin offers, including a heavy-walled barrel. It was designed for the harshestof environments and features a Parkerized finish, a metal triggerguard and safety

button, an extended magazine capacity and an easy-to-clean magazine tube. SW

500 Tactical L-SeriesCruiser/PersuaderThis particular Mossberg 500 Tactical (#59824) features a solid synthetic forend

and stock, an 18.5-inch barrel and a fast-targeting front sight bead. This fast-handlingmodel can use either a pistol grip or a full-sized stock, making it a great fit for closequarters. It offers the 500 series’ renowned ruggedness with unparalleled versatility.





“The profile of the barrel was changed in a way that cutweight but did not affect the excellent accuracy andendurance the platform has historically produced.”

Continuing its legacy as a seriouscontender and an all around battle-provenplatform, the LM8MWS has undergoneyet another upgrade. In early 2015, LMTreleased the LM8MWSLTFDE. As that’sa letter-heavy designation I will refer

with other specifications as well. Onetender requested that the weaponbe less than 9.5 pounds without anyaccessories or magazines. I weighed

the MWS Lightweight whenit was completely strippedof all accessories, includingthe minimalist grip panels,which wouldn’t even registeron my scale by themselves.

A weight of 9.3 poundsflashed on the screen, proving thatLMT met the requested goal.

Pruitt explained that in order toremove over a pound of weight fromthe platform, a couple of changes weremade. The profile of the barrel waschanged in a way that cut weight butdid not affect the excellent accuracyand endurance the platform hashistorically produced. The barrelextension received changes as well.The extension material was changedalong with other modifications. “Thisparticular weapon made directly for atender included milled rails, a lightenedstainless steel barrel and an FDE Cera-kote finish with IR signature-reductioncapabilities.” You read that correctly.The military version is coated with anIR signature-reducing FDE finish. Thecivilian version lacks the IR reductionproperties, but it’s an equally attractiveCerakote finish.

The modifications also extendinto other parts of the weapon. As aconfirmation of LMT’s commitment toadapt to end-user needs, changes were

also made to the length of pull (LOP).A client specifically stated the need foran LOP with at least 4 inches of travel.The minimum LOP when collapsedneeded to be 12 inches and a maximumof 16 inches or longer when extended.

Reaching OutAnother feature LMT addressed

was the sights. The rifle can comewith LMT’s new L8BUIS308 flip-typebackup iron sights. These sights aredesigned specifically for the rifle-length

rail (or 19.25 inches of Picatinny railspace) on the .308 platform. Though

1

3

2

4

LMT LM8MWSLTFDE

1. The LM8MWSLTFDE comes with anambidextrous safety with easy-to-seemarkings on both sides of the receiver.2. The test rie came with a 16-inch,7.62mm NATO barrel with an A2-styleash suppressor installed. 3. Userscan swap out barrel assemblies bysimply removing two screws at therear of the handguard. 4 Note the ambidextrous magazine release and

44 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 20

letter heavy designation I will refer- ,ao it simply as the “MWS Lightweight”or the remainder of this text. The MWS

Lightweight is, just as the name implies,a lighter version of the MWS. “What wedid was take the L129A1 and reduce the

weight,” Mathew Pruit, the diretor of sales and marketing forLMT, said. In fact, a pound habeen ta en off the weapon—impressive feat. Of course, thbegs the question as to howMT was able to remove weig

from the platform.

Where It CountsIn conversations with Pruitt,

he explained why and how thecompany reduced the weight.

few international tenders madethe request for a lighter weapo

can swap ou arre assem es ysimply re moving two screws at therear of th e handguard. 4. Note theambi dext rous magazine release andlarge paddle-style bolt release .

The SOPMOD stock allowsusers to adjust the length of

pull from 12 to 16 inches.



U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,885& 8,413,587

CRITICAL DUTY ®

Tough, rugged, tactical handgunammunition featuring the patentedFlexLock ® bullet that delivers “barrierblind” terminal performance when shotthrough common urban barriers.

CRITICAL DEFENSE ®

Optimized concealed carry and personaldefense handgun ammunition featuringthe patented FTX ® bullet that unlikeconventional hollow points won’t clogwhen red through clothing.



we live in the days of mostly optics-onlyshooting, whether magnified or simply

red-dot type, operators in the field madethe observation that their shots werecoming up short when using backupsights, especially at extended ranges.That’s because typical backup sightsare designed for use on carbine-lengthrails. LMT addressed this with sightsdesigned for the rifle-length rail andspecifically calculated them for use with7.62mm NATO projectiles out to 800yards. As you would expect, these arerugged sights but feature flexible resis-tance in case the sights make contact

with hard objects. They will flex a littleand maintain their upright position but

will also close completely when underhigh pressure. The sights feature aclutch that allows for the closure to hap-pen. There is also a detent that, whenpressed, opens the clutch and allows thesights to fold easily. The rear sight canbe adjusted for windage in 0.25-MOAincrements and in 0.5-MOA incre-ments for elevation. There are two rearapertures, course and fine, measuring0.125 and 0.0625 inches respectively.While these sights don’t come standardon the MWS Lightweight, they can be

had for a small $40 upcharge. They arewell worth it, in my opinion.The rest of the MWS Lightweight is

pure LMT and its winning combinationof modularity and reliability. Thismodularity resides within its free-float-ing barrel, which is easy to install andremove. Barrels of various lengths andchamberings can be fitted to the MWSreceiver, including those in 6.5 Creed-moor, .260 Remington, .243 Winchesterand 7mm-08. The 7.62mm/.308 barrelis available in two twist rates (1-in-11.25-inch and 1-in-10-inch), and in a 13.5-inchlength as well. Keep in mind that all NFArules apply to this shorter length. Thesebarrels come in either stainless steel orchrome-lined versions.

LMT’s lower receivers featureambidextrous controls for the magazinerelease and safety. As a southpawshooter, I appreciate these merits. If youare one of those shooters who finds itdifficult to actuate the ambidextroussafety, a single-sided version can be

installed. The LM308MWS lowerfeatures LMT’s own two-stage trigger. Ithas a light take-up on the first stage andbreaks cleanly on the second stage. Thetrigger is actually quite nice, althoughI prefer single-stage triggers. Interest-ingly, LMT’s triggers are electronicallytested and recorded. The lower alsofeatures LMT’s popular SOPMODbuttstock and a specially designed Ergopistol grip. Internal features includeLMT’s mil-spec semi-auto bolt carriergroup and tactical charging handle.

While the LMT is a formidableweapon, it needed only a couple of

LMT LM8MWSLTFDE


“The LMT Lightweight proved to be extremely accurate.It’s a platform that you can buy and pretty much restassured that it will always outperform you.”

Caliber: 7.62mm NATO Barrel: 16 inches OA Length: 35-38 inches Weight: 9.3 pounds Stock: Collapsible Sights: None Action: Semi-auto Finish: Flat Dark Earth Cerakote Capacity: 20+1

MSRP: $3,300

SPECS

LMT LM8MWSLTFDE

The modular forend fea tures a long Picatinny top rail while the sides and bottom aredrilled and tapped for adding accessory rails. Also note the lightening cuts.

The LM8MWSLTFDE comes with a matching Flat Dark Earth tactical charging handlethat is reinforced for surere reliability in tough battleeld conditions.



things to make it complete for testingpurposes. I added a 4-16x42mmNightforce ATACR F1 scope featuringa Horus H59 reticle. I think this isone of the best reticles available. Thisreticle, coupled with the beautiful glassof the Nightforce scope, makes for agreat long-range shooting session. TheNightforce ATACR features large, well-marked turrets with excellent, positiveclicks and movement. Though it is onlya 42mm objective, plenty of qualitylight is transmitted through the 34mmtube. The ATACR features Nightforce’s ZeroStop technology, which allows for

rapid elevation adjustments.

Performance

The LMT MWS Lightweight provedto be extremely accurate. It’s a platform

that you can buy and pretty much restassured that it will always outperformyou. It was comfortable to shoot andnot abusive in any manner. My best five-shot group of the day was produced bySilver State Armory’s 168-grain HPBT.I managed a 0.45-inch group with thisload, and four of the five shots clusteredinto 0.3 inches. All of the test loadstested produced comfortably sub-MOAgroups.

As you might expect, there were nomalfunctions or issues with the LMTrifle. Removing and replacing the barrelwas a breeze as well, which, coupledwith its outstanding accuracy, makesit a bit easier to swallow the $3,300price tag. No, that’s not cheap, but it’s inline with other platforms of this quality

and caliber. And the LMT comes withthe knowledge that it is being used intheater and that the company is contin-ually developing the system to suit theneeds of operators. In short, the LMTLM8MWSLTFDE is an excellent rifle anddeserves serious consideration if youare in the market for such a system. Formore information, visit lmtdefense.comor call 309-787-7151. SW


LMT LM8MWSLTFDE


SSA 168 HPBT 2,490 0.68Gorilla 175 SMK 2,414 0.74

Federal 168 2,394 0.45 Gold Medal Match

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity infps by chronograph, and accuracy in inches

for three 5-shot groups.

The LM8MWSLTFDEis built to withstandharsh extremes.The semi-autobolt carrier group

features a hardenedbolt with a properlystaked gas key.



GUNTEST

The new LAR-15 NSP CAR is an all-business 5.56mm NATO AR packedwith several of Rock River Arms’polymer NSP components includinga reliable 30-round magazine. Shownwith a Trijicon MRO sight.




not a stripped-down gun that willneed major modifications to mount

accessories. Combine all of thiswith RRA’s reputation for

reliability and accu-racy, and you windup with a lot of gunfor the money.

at least a couple of pounds and make themdecidedly muzzle-heavy. Piston systems alsoneed to be disassembled and cleaned, makingmaintenance more complicated. To be fair,piston-driven guns do run cooler and theirchambers stay cleaner, but most homeown-ers and police officers are unlikely to fire athousand or more rounds without cleaningtheir guns or letting them cool off. So, for theaverage user, simpler is better.

Even though the NSP isn’t a fancy gun, it’swell made and has some nice features. The

upper and lower receivers are forged

from mil-spec 7075-T6 aluminum

“Rock River’s LAR-15 NSP CAR is alightweight, reliable, well-made and accurate AR carbinethat is ready for duty right out of the box.”


The ne LAR- 5 NSP C romRoc R r r R A s a w - a e an ompet t ve y pr ce AR

ar ne t at’s un o tt a t t e to ay’s crow e A -15 r et . This r le

as j st e r at s m -o e u i

ei d n sn hi tle . . n h o er

“

o No n

T e se1 ed it n . t

wei h ,, w l c , a rama ua o ar m r e k

nd . a y o - nr st the pp o .. ’r e

ulky q -r , --as s em s s

’

DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER • PHOTOS BY ALEX LANDE EN

With everything you need and nothi nthe ROCK RIVER ARMS NSP C



that is then hardcoat anodized. The

flattop upper has a full-length Picatinnyrail for mounting optics. There’s alsoa rail on top of the gas block that willaccommodate a front sight or a minia-ture light/laser. The non-free-floating,16-inch barrel is fluted to dissipate heatand help reduce weight. The barrel isalso hand-lapped at the factory so itdoesn’t need to be broken in. RRA statesthat the rifle will deliver 1-MOA accu-racy with appropriate loads, which isvery good since the NSP does not havea free-floating handguard. The muzzleend has a Rock River Operator muzzlebrake that is very effective. Even though5.56mm NATO loads don’t kick much,the brake’s recoil reduction is noticeablewhen shooting quickly. The LAR-15 NSP’s fire control

system is also top-notch. The carbine’stwo-stage trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5pounds. That is quite good comparedto the 7-pound triggers on many otherARs. In addition, the magazine release,safety selector and bolt release alloperate crisply and positively.

To keep the NSP light, RRA makessubstantial use of polymer in itsconstruction. The polymer handguard,magazine, buttstock and flip-up sightsare produced to RRA’s specifications.The handguard has a solid feel. It haspermanent Picatinny rails on the top andbottom, and two short rail segmentsare included for mounting lights and/or lasers on the sides. The buttstockoffers six adjustment positions and awide cheekpiece. I was impressed withthe stock’s diagonal bottom edge, whichfits like a conventional stock in a riflerest. This made it much easier to shoot

precisely from the bench. The flip-upsights are more substantial than manyother polymer sights. They are heldsecurely in place by spring pressure, andwhen folded, they sit low enough so thata scope can be mounted above the rearsight. The front sight is hand-adjustablefor elevation, which is much easierthan having to use a sight adjustmenttool, and the rear sight is adjustable forwindage. Overall, the NSP is a very easyrifle to work with, which is just what theaverage shooter needs.

Having a straightforward functionaldesign is good, but a rifle also has to bewell made. The exterior looked good andall of the safeties and controls workedwell when I picked the LAR-15 NSP CARup at the Florida Gun Exchange. Lateron I field-stripped it and thoroughlychecked its exterior and interior, looking

for scratches, tool marks, uneven lines,burrs, sharp edges and any other signsof poor manufacture. The charginghandle and bolt operated smoothly andlocked up tightly. The bolt never failedto go back into battery when the handlewas drawn back and released. In addi-tion, the bolt locked open every timeon an empty magazine. Magazines alsoinserted easily, locked firmly in placeand dropped free when the magazinerelease was pressed. The stock lockedfirmly in all four length-of-pull posi-tions. There was a minimal amount ofside-to-side play in the adjustable stock

RRA LAR-15 NSP CAR

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO Barrel: 16 inches OA Length: 33.75-37.25 inches Weight: 7 pounds (empty) Stock: NSP CAR Sights: Flip-up front and rear Action: Direct impingement

semi-auto Finish: Matte black Capacity: 30+1 MSRP: $1,120

SPECS

RRA LAR-15 NSP CAR

Rock River Arms ships the LAR-15 NSP CAR with a set of polymer backup sights thatare spring-loaded, meaning they’ll ip up in an instant when deployed. The carbine’slong top rail makes it easy to add optics as well, including the Trijicon MRO (shown).

The uted, 16-inch,chrome-moly barrel

comes equipped withRRA’s highly effective

Operator muzzle braketo help tame recoil

and muzzle rise.

RRA’s streamlined NSP CARstock offers a solid cheekweld

and can be adjusted to sixdifferent length-of-pull positions.




ROCK RIVER ARMS LAR-15 NSP CAR


Black Hills 50 TSX 3,205 1.87

Black Hills 69 SMK 2,615 1.30 Hornady 55 GMX 2,940 1.42

Liberty 55 Silverado 2,940 1.29

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured in grains,velocity in fps by

chronograph, andaccuracy in inches forbest five-shot groupsat 100 yards.

and even less play in the LAR-15 NSP’stwo-piece polymer handguard.

Seeing ClearlyThe NSP has plenty of places to

mount a wide variety of accessories.This versatility allowed me to movethe front sight back a few notches onthe handguard’s upper rail so I could

put an Insight Procyon light on topof the gas block. Mounting the lighton the gas block minimizes the offsetbetween the lines of the bore, lightand sights. The gas block’s top rail isa good place for a light or light/lasercombination—provided that the rifle’siron or optical sights are mounted highenough so that the light does not undulycompromise the sight’s field of view.The folding sights are useful as they

can be used as backups if the scope isdamaged and removed. However, it is

important to re-zero the iron sights ifthey are removed from the rifle and thenreplaced to ensure accuracy.

The scope I chose for the NSP was aLeupold 1.5-4x20mm Mark AR MOD 1. Ithas a duplex crosshair that allows quicktarget engagements at CQB distanceswhen the scope is set at low power,and also lets the shooter hit targets out

to 300 meters when the scope is setaccordingly. Three hundred meters is agood practical range for typical 5.56mmNATO and .223 Remington ammunitionbecause of the relatively limited ballisticcoefficients of most .224-caliber bullets.Therefore, a lower-power variable can bea good choice for tactical shooting witha 5.56mm. In addition, this particularscope’s 20mm objective lens and lowmagnification give it a very large exit

pupil for maximum light transmission inlow-light conditions.

RIGHT: The test rieexhibited a superior t

and nish, with smoothhardcoat anodizing and

easy-to-use controls.

FAR RIGHT: RRA outtsthe lower with its NSP

Overmolded pistol grip aswell as a two-stage trigger

with a 4.5-pound pull.

RRA LAR-15 NSP CAR




Shots FiredFour loads were provided by their

manufacturers for this evaluation. Theyincluded Liberty Ammunition’s 55-grain.223 Remington Silverado fragmentingcopper HP, Hornady’s 55-grain .223Remington Superformance GMX, BlackHills’ all-copper 50-grain 5.56mmNATO Barnes TSX and Black Hills’69-grain .223 Remington MatchKing. Ifired three 5-shot groups with each ofthe loads at 100 yards, and I used the69-grain MatchKing load to fire two5-shot groups at 200 yards and twogroups at 300 meters at the VolusiaCounty Gun & Hunt Club range. TheLiberty Silverado load just barely bestedthe Black Hills MatchKing ammo witha best group at 100 yards measuring

just 1.29 inches. The average 100-yardgroups were all under 2.13 inches,and the overall average for all of thegroups at 100 yards was 1.67 inches. At200 yards, the group average was 3.2inches, and it was 5.49 inches at 300meters. Given the gusting 4- to 8-mphcrosswinds, this is very acceptableperformance for a tactical rifle shooting.224-inch-diameter bullets.

To measure each load’s velocity,I fired five shots over a CompetitionElectronics chronograph. The fastestload was the 50-grain 5.56mm NATOload from Black Hills. At 3,205 fps, itproduced 1,140 foot-pounds of energy(fpe) at the muzzle. All of the other .223Remington loads produced between1,047 and 1,055 fpe. This is good perfor-mance for both the 5.56mm and .223cartridges from a 16-inch carbine barrel.

Complete PackageRock River’s LAR-15 NSP CAR is a

lightweight, reliable, well-made and

accurate AR carbine that is ready forduty right out of the box. Its configura-tion allows many different accessoriesto be added, and its MSRP of only $1,120makes it a good value for both new andestablished AR users. SW

ROCK RIVER ARMS

rockriverarms.com; 866-980-7625

LEUPOLD

leupold.com; 800-538-7653

FOR MORE INFORMATION




RIFLE UPGRADES

The Adjustable A3-5 stock will take yourRemington 700’s versatility to a whole new level.

BY DAVID BAHDE

S pace-age rifle stocks have takenover the tactical world. It seemseveryone today is offeringmodular aluminum stocks. Their

prices range from under a grand to wellover two. With adjustments galore, theyaccommodate pounds of accessoriesmost shooters will never need. Often, agood old composite stock with simpleadjustments for cheek height and length

of pull is all you need.Several companies still make com-posite stocks, but McMillan has beenan industry leader for decades. The lastduty rifle I deployed with was an FN SPRwith a McMillan A5 stock. It’s one of themost rugged and reliable rifles I’ve everused, and it’s still a tack-driving machine.Some of my older Remington 700-basedcustom rifles also wore McMillan stocks.The company’s composite stocks arelightweight, strong, easy to fit and comein variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Properly installed, these stocks allow forprecision, rugged reliability and simple

operation—exactly what today’s policecountersnipers need.

I was recently looking for a stockfor my 300 Blackout Remington 700bolt-action rifle, and McMillan’s Adjust-able A3-5 stock seemed ideal for mypersonal requirements.

Adjustable A3-5Over the years, two McMillan stocks

have popped up a lot during precisionrifle training courses: the A3 and theA5. The A5 remains popular with itswider and flatter forend, butt hook anddeep-seated action, but the A3 is still themost widely used. It’s lighter and offersa thinner, tapered forend. Designed towork well on sandbags, tripods or othersupports, it is available with or withoutan adjustable comb. Both the A3 and A5are adjustable for length of pull.

Well, McMillan took the best of bothand made the Adjustable A3-5. This

composite stock is a variation of the A3stock but with the addition of an A5-type

butt hook. The flat on the bottom of thehook is about 0.75 inches wide. Thisstock is only available with an adjustablecheekpiece that offers both vertical andhorizontal adjustments and is availablewith either the standard or thumbwheelelevator system. The front sling stud isreinforced for bipod mounting, and flushquick-detach (QD) sling cups are moldedinto the left side at the front and rear as

well as on the bottom.The Adjustable A3-5 can be orderedwithout inletting or a basic or full inlet.My test stock came inletted for aRemington Model 700 short action usingfactory BDL bottom metal and includedpillars. Several colors are available, andmy stock came with an attractive olive,tan and black marble finish.

All TogetherMy Remington 700 SPS Tactical

in 300 Blackout is a carryover from a

gun review; it worked so well duringtesting that I bought it. Loaded with

GRADE “A” STOCK

McMillan’s A3-5 stockis adjustable to t mostshooters and combines

the best qualities ofthe company’s most

popular stock systems.


McMILLAN’S



BCM GUNFIGHTER ™ VGLow-profile length for increased mobility and decreased “snag” factor The forward angle increases the rigidity of the forearm, while providinga more natural wrist angleCan be mounted in reverse angle to increase control when grabbinghandguard and gripFlat sides with aggressive texture give better control to the shooter

Anchor and bolt system offers a simple robust design, while maintaininga light-weight 1.9 ouncesMade in the U.S.A. from high quality, impact resistant polymers

Available in Black, Flat Dark Ea rth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray

BCMGUNFIGHTER VG-KM-MOD-3 - KeyMod Version. . . . . . . . . $18.95BCMGUNFIGHTER VG-1913-MOD-3 - Picatinny Rail Version. . $19.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER ™

Vertical GripForward angle increases rigidity of the forearm, pro-vides more natural wrist angleFeaturing an aggressive texture, and generous stor-age volumeCross bolt designed to work with improvised toolsReversible clamp for fastener setup on either sideMade in the U.S.A. from high quality, impact resis-tant polymers

Available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Greenand Wolf Gray

BCMGUNFIGHTER VG - Screw Mount. . . . . $39.95

BCM GUNFIGHTER ™ KAGKinesthetic Angled Grip

Forward rake gives positive retention when using “C-clamp” method of handguard support, works as a rest for supported firing positionsSlight angle without bulk adds just the right amount of strain relief to thewrist without substantially increasing the girth of the handguardSmall profile, textured front and back for positive engagementInnovative patent pending attachment method allows for robust clamp-ing and alignment with minimal hardware and accessory sizeMade in the U.S.A. from high quality, impact resistant polymers

Available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray

BCMGUNFIGHTER KAG-KM - KeyMod Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18.95BCMGUNFIGHTER KAG-1913 - Picatinny Rail Version. . . . . . . . $19.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™Pistol GripReduced grip angle keeps wrist in line for improved trigger controlHinged Trap Door interior storage with water resistant rubber gasketMod 0 similar to A1/A2 backstrap, Mod 1 with high rise backstrapMod 2 up to 1/4 inch wider with interchangeable backstraps/insertsMod 3 up to 1/4 inch wider with high rise backstrap/extended insert

All Mods available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Wolf Gray

BCMGUNFIGHTER Pistol Grips . . . . Prices start at $17.95

MOD 0 MOD 1 MOD 2 MOD 3

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ StockOver a year in design, specifically engineered geometry,with no weak links. New patent pending latch reinventsthe interface with the receiver extension, providing superior strength.

Simple modular, snag free design utilizes only 5 parts and 1 screw2 ambidextrous sling mounting options including QD swivel socketColor matched rubber buttpad for secure shoulder placement

Available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf GrayBCMGUNFIGHTER Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™Vertical Grip - Short

Low-profile length for increased mobilityand decreased “snag” factor

Forward angle increases rigidity of the fore-arm, provides more natural wrist angle

Aggressive texture, generous storage volumeMade in the U.S.A. from high quality, impactresistant polymers

Available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Greenand Wolf Gray

BCMGUNFIGHTER VG-S - Short, Screw Mount Version. . . . . . . $35.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER VG-S-KM - Short, KeyMod Version. . . . . . . .

$39.95

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.comAll pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.



125-grain supersonic ammunition, therifle offers significant penetration in asmall package. It’s accurate withoutproducing much recoil. It also workswell with subsonic ammunition andserves as a great practice rifle at 200yards and closer. Some of its upgradesinclude Seekins Precision’s AICS bottommetal, which features an ambidextrousmagazine release, a Timney flat triggerand safety, and a SureFire WARCOMP762 flash suppressor, which helpsreduce muzzle rise and accepts SureFireSOCOM sound suppressors. Ernie Brayat Red Creek Tactical helped me installand bed the barreled action in theMcMillan stock.

For optics, I installed a Trijicon1-6x24mm AccuPoint scope that uses amil-dot crosshair reticle on the 20-MOArail. A dial on top of the scope helpsadjust the illuminated reticle, whichis mounted in the second focal plane.This is a rugged optic offering plenty ofadjustments and crystal-clear glass.

At the range, the Remington 700’saccuracy was noticeably improved withthe McMillan stock installed. My five-shot groups measured right around aninch with 125-grain match ammunitionfrom Gorilla Ammunition and PNWArms. Barnes’ 90-grain range ammuni-tion grouped in the 1.5-inch range. I also

used some 120-grain Barnes TAC-TXand Gemtech 125-grain Nosler rounds,which proved perfect for short-rangedeployments due to their accuracy. Theconsistency also improved. The rifle wasvery solid in this stock, and the resultswere impressive, especially consideringthat it’s a factory action.

The rifle also ran reliably. Magazinesejected smoothly and bolt manipu-lations were fast. Brass ejected withauthority. In short, the rifle was fast,accurate and flat-out fun.

Pinpoint PrecisionUsing the McMillan Adjustable A3-5

stock reminded me of why I loved theA5 in the first place. These stocks allow

you to get very low to the ground, andthe butt hook locks you into the gun.The A3-5 is lightweight while still beingrock solid and well balanced. Onceadjusted, the cheekpiece never moved.The forend worked well on barricadesand against obstacles, remaining flatand stable. Shooting from prone with

a rear bag was a cinch, and it was easyto adjust the length of pull by addingspacers as needed. This adjustmentsystem is simple and reliable—there’sless to go wrong.

My original intent was to re-barrelthis rifle after completing this test, butnow I’m not going to touch it. Matingthe Seekins Precision AICS to theMcMillan stock resulted in a fantastic

little rifle, and it is going to stay intact.It will make a perfect practice rifle andtest bed for many projects to come.

McMillan has done a great jobwith this stock. Over the years, manyshooters have clamored for a hybrid ofthe A3 and the A5, and the companyhas come through with flying colors.

Whether it’s for your nextcustom build or duty rifle,make sure you give theAdjustable A3-5 stock a veryclose look. For more informa-

tion, visit mcmillanusa.com orcall 877-365-6148. SW

“ Over the years, many shooters have clamoredfor a hybrid of the A3 and the A5, and the company

has come through with lying colors. ”

The Adjustable A3-5 features a lower“hook” (above) to keep the stock lockedinto your shoulder. This particular stockwas cut for Seekins Precision’s bottommetal (right), allowing for use with anyAICS-compatible box magazine.

RIFLE UPGRADES




Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Fax: 262-367-0989Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO / 1-877-272-8626




The trigger is the mostimportant interface youwill have with your rie.

Installing a top-qualitytrigger in your AR can

increase your accuracyand control on the range.



TRIGGER TDIAL IN YOURAR’S PRECISION

WITH THESEEASY-TO-INSTALLAFTERMARKETTRIGGER KITS!


BRAVO COMPANY PNTDesigned to be 100-percent compatiblewith mil-spec AR lowers, the new BCMPNT trigger assembly is ready for action.Precision machined from AISI8620 invest-ment casting, the PNT trigger and hammeris heat treated in a three-step processand hardened for durability. Itfeatures hand-polished searengagement to reduce frictionand enhance smoothness, and anelectroless nickel finish furtherreduces friction in the triggerpull. The result is an Ameri-can-made trigger assemblythat is ready to serve inyour preferred AR-platformfirearm. (bravocompanyusa.com; 877-272-8626)

BY DAVE NORMAN

Y

ou probably don’t appreciate your AR’s triggerthe way you should, and certainly not the way youwill after seeing the purpose-designed optionsout there. I didn’t either until I really dug into thisresearch. It’s no secret that dozens of companies makecountless versions of the exact same components of

AR-pattern rifles, or that among those confusing options are manydifferent flavors of basically the same thing. But in the world of trig-gers, there is a range of truly different designs unlike anything thatexists for other basic components of the rifle.

Let’s get familiar with a few trigger options to sample the rangeof designs and maybe find a model that will transform your experi-ence with your rifle. That’s a big goal, but replacing your trigger canactually make an astounding difference.

It’s a confusing world, but we spent considerable time making a

functional sort of sense of it for you, and we hope these samples—ofthe hundreds available—contain some things you didn’t know aboutAR-pattern trigger design—and maybe an option that’ll help withyour style of shooting.

“The result is an American-madetrigger assembly that is ready to serve in

your preferred AR-platform firearm.”

P h

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ur

y D

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U P G R A D E S

R O U N D U P

ELFTMANN TACTICAL ELF 3-GUNThis trigger is designed to offer high-end compet-

itors a particularly smooth trigger that is adjustablewithout removing the trigger unit from the rifle. Thehammer and trigger pivot around their retaining pinson aircraft-grade, fully enclosed “sealed bearings”—likea ball bearing bushing—rather than simply rotatingaround the fixed pin. This greatly decreases drag, andthe sealed bearings decrease the chance of dirt, oil orother materials fouling the bearing surface and slowingdown or adding drag to the components’ functions. Theskeletonized triggers are available in traditional curvedor straight blade styles. The unit is a “cassette style”trigger group, meaning that it drops in and comes outas a unit with no fitting required. The housing is madeof aircraft-grade aluminum, with hardened steel com-ponents inside. (elftmanntactical.com; 602-773-9159)

pressure. Armalite’s service department can install the components f or you

enough for those who follow the included instructions. An added feat ureof the two-stage trigger is an adjustable pull that can be tuned by the user without the need for gunsmithing tools. This, combined with little or nocreep and positive stage break points, make the Armalite a boon for hunters

ELFTMANN TACTICAL ELF X 2This radical trigger is a cassette-style affair that

drops into mil-spec lower receivers and utilizesaircraft-grade “needle bearings” around the triggerand hammer pins to provide extremely smooth,low-drag operation. Most notably, it representsthe rare double-finger trigger design and comeswith a new triggerguard that accommodates its

ALITE TAalite’s

erg so, you

ggerguard). Thecontrtrigg

to 4are

levlengbottotop for t

shots—andshooters can

two fingers on the tto achieve a rate

faster than yankinwith just one fingeron a traditional triger. elftmanncom; 602

HIPERFIRE HIPERTOUCH EDT2The Enhanced Duty Trigger 2 (EDT2)a refinement of HIPERFIRE’s previous

DT design, and allows users to swap

The hammer is bulkier than theprevious hammer, so the addedmass ensures reliable ignition of

large .308/7.62mm rifle primers. Its

ering also gives additional mechanical

ance. (hiperfire.com; 651-762-2800)

isED

b

engineadvanta

performa

JARD AR MST

away with the traditional trigger dis connect, which also does away with the trig ger reset

overall unit geometry that promote s an extremely short trigger pull that offers

trigger springs. (j ardinc.com; 712 -324-7409)

oesconnect,er resetsingle-stage

d

offersounts of travelweights of

24 -7409)

ments ofds ofr yourward

ureuserounters0184)

. 712 32




The FN -9 is em r-ff m , st ik er-Àred 9 , t lhammer-f o barrr hed feed ramp . It e s fulylam ro , , e cham er in c ,,, strigger saf ,t ,, ri ,,, -resett ing trigger, 1 3 i itrail, andt rr e 1 - o n es . See it at FNA I . ..

THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS. O N L Y $ 5 9 9 M S R P



A R

U P G R A D E S

R O U N D U P LARUE TACTICAL MBT-2S

The two-stage MBT-2S trigger from LaRue waspurposefully designed and manufactured forreliability and durability, with all of the majorcomponents precision-machined from S7 toolsteel. The result of this extra effort is a consistent,glass-smooth trigger that will satisfy even themost scrupulous competition shooter, while beingoverly rugged for the battlefield. Made in Texas,

the MBT-2S can replace the stock trigger on anymil-spec AR lower receiver. It breaks crisply with a

required) to prevent creep or other problems.The Combat trigger is set to 5.5 pounds, theminimum mil-spec pull weight, suggesting itsutility for police and military use where adher-ence to mil-spec is required while the benefitsof aftermarket design are preferred. The majorcomponents are made of A2 steel that hasbeen heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of70 for corrosion resistance and strength. Eachunit ships with KNS Precision anti-walk pins for

installation. (pof-usa.com; 877-561-9572)

P TRIOT ORDN NCE

The EFP stands for “Enhanced Finger

low, repeatable position for maximumleverage and control, which also

hardness of 70, and the unit comes with KNSPrecision anti-walk pins. pof-usa.com; 623-561-9572)

The Two-Stage Match Trigger Kit from get-friendly price for those who want to

or competition ARs. The light firs t stage

second stage not feel as heavy— if you

TRIDENT 4-POUND TACTICAL TRIGGER

from Trident Trigger is a single-stagedesign with a curved blade and anon-adjustable pull weight of 4pounds. It’s designed to look like

a mil-spec unit but with a cleanerpull and a positive reset. The full-power springs and hammer ensureoptimum reliability. Every trigger ismeasured, hand-tuned and tested

com; 530-558-8010)

petitive rifle shooters, the Timn ey AR-15

utilizes an aircraft-grade alumi num block (anodized gold, no less) t o hold

mer in alignment, and it utilizesthe hammer and trigger pins to

- .2.5-pound first stage and a 2-pound second stage.(laruetactical.com; 512-259-1585)

RA TWO-STAGE MATCHTRIGGER KIT

PATRIOT ORDNANCE

FACTORY COMBATPOF-USA’s version of the combat trigger,

it fromud-ant to

uty, hobbyt stageheavierf youthe firstnly feelThis unitno-frills-7625)

sing Trident’s stringent quality contrrocess before being shipped. (tridenm; 530-558-8010)

olttrigger.

poostsi

ak


Nith com-y AR-15

system thatum hold

-

r. Several hex- the overtravel,fixed per

6-484-6639)



RUGER ELITE 452 MSR TRIGGERThis two-stage trigger requires roughly

1.5 pounds of pressure through the firststage, with the balance of 4.5 pounds

applied in the second stage with a full-power hammer spring, for a total that isbelow the mil-spec threshold. This rec-ommends it for a competition or targetrifle, or for hunting at long distances orfor small animals. The loose componentscome pre-installed on a polymer gripthat replicates the ergonomics of Ruger’sAR-pattern rifle. This self-containedmodule is designed for safe dry firing,allowing you to get used to the two-stagefeel of the new trigger through practice.You can even see exactly how the com-

ponents are properly oriented to makereassembly a breeze. (ruger.com)

adjustments that you can access fromabove, so that you don’t have to removeany component to adjust the trigger— just disengage the rear receiver pinand pivot the upper receiver out of theway. Then you can easily access theadjustment bolt. You can order the ARTop Adjustable Trigger with a spring inyour choice of six weights between 1.5pounds and 5 pounds of resistance, andswap between them to adapt the triggerresistance to varying purposes—hunting,target shooting, law enforcement duty,etc. (jardinc.com; 712-324-7409)




from JP nterpris es, allowing you to customize your trigger and rifle

JP EZ FIRE COThe JP EZ Fire

on the trigger shthe roller eliminatrigger, which helThe componentsand color-codedweights (below

4.5 pounds and sfrom JP Enterprisa es.com; 651-426-9196)needed. (jprifl

WILSON COMBAT TTUWilson Combat likes to keep its fine-tuned, match-grade prod-

ucts hearty enough for defensive use, walking that line betweenfine-tuning for precision and engineering tolerances to accommo-date debris and abuse. Wilson Combat’s approach to creating acassette-style drop-in unit with the Tactical Trigger Unit (TTU) is touse heat-treated H13 steel for corrosion and wear resistance, andto eliminate any setscrews or adjustment screws so there’s nothingto shoot loose over time or fall out of adjustment. It’s a robustsystem that trades a bit of user adjustment for a lot of durability.(wilsoncombat.com; 870-545-3618)

Those building an AR fromscratch—nearly a rite of pas-sage—can purchase a complete

lower receiver to save a few steps inthe building process or go completelyauthentic by buying the individualparts and completing the receiverthemselves. This also offers you thechance to choose which trigger you

want if you wish to stray from a stan-dard mil-spec package.

Taking a look at the standardlower parts package offered by DanielDefense (danieldefense.com) as anexample, you’ll see that the mil-spectrigger assembly comes in severalpieces: the hammer (with the searnotch as a component of it), the

trigger, the disconnect, the hammerspring, the trigger spring, and thehammer and trigger retaining pins.(The other components pictured arecrucial but don’t comprise the firecontrol system.)

INSTALL BY HAND: Installingthese individually is straightforwardenough, and may require minorfitting with a file and polishing with a jewel cloth—the surfaces where thehammer engages the sear, and everyaccessible surface that rubs againstthe receiver. Many aftermarket trig-gers include these components of thefire control group, loose, giving youthe opportunity to assemble and fitthem as you need.

The competing approach, whichmany builders find easier to workwith (though it makes cleaning andfitting them sometimes a bit harder),is to buy a fire control “cassette,”which consists of a unit that containsall the parts. Just pin the completeunit in place with the trigger andhammer pins, and voila : It’s installedand ready to go! SW

TRIGGER GROUP PARTS




GUNTEST

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com66 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® / APRIL/MAY 2016

PR M RY W E A P O N S S Y

S T E M S




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require a brake, making them unusableoff the range, especially if you’re in closeproximity to others. The weight of theserifles is getting better each year.

Suppressing a 12-inch-barreledAR can be a nightmare. One rifle thatdoes it well is the MK212 from PrimaryWeapons Systems (PWS). Its long-stroke piston operating system lendsitself to short barrels in general. Giventhe correct suppressor, even PWS’12.75-inch-barreled 7.62mm AR remainsreliable enough for duty, promptingthe creation of a suppressor-dedicatedrifle—the MK212SD.

Silent StrikerShortening 7.62mm ARs makes

them very handy without compromisingtheir practicality at realistic distances.These rifles can be used across a roomor across a field. A 12.75-inch-barreledAR remains plenty lethal at 800 yards

re led AR just makes sense My standard

receivers forgedfrom 7075-T6aluminum, whichallows for tightertolerances, savesweight and addsstrength. TheMK212SD’s 12.75-inch, chrome-molybarrel has a heavycontour and a 1-in-10-inch twist rate.PWS also furnishes the barrel withenhanced feed ramps before treating itwith Isonite QPQ for enhanced surfacehardness and corrosion resistance. Thelow-profile gas block is mounted closeto the muzzle with a small port forgreater reliability.

Surrounding the gas system andbarrel is PWS’ free-floating handguard,which sports a long top rail for addingoptics and night vision, KeyMod slotsalong the sides and bottom for acces-

points. Mapul’s polymer, flip-up MBUSsights come with the MK212SD.

PWS’ enhanced bolt group hasincreased mass, extending the dwelltime and delaying unlocking. Thisdecreases the chamber pressure foreasier extraction. The bolt, designedspecifically for this gas piston operatingsystem, is optimized for the 7.62mmNATO. Coated in nickel-Teflon, it is easyto clean and less susceptible to fouling.

The lower receiver includes a flaredmagazine well and an enlarged trigger-

SPECI L WE PONS ®

rema ns p en y e a a yar s.ing a suppressor with a short-bar-

led AR just makes sense. My standardK212 works great with a flash sup-essor, but I would never field it thaty on purpose. It’s tactically unsound just not pleasant to shoot. At thequest of its customers, PWS designede MK212SD, a simple rifle that onlyrks with a sound suppressor.

sor es, an our s ng-a ac men guar . a so ns a s s en ancebuffer tube, which is durable, offers QD

sling attachment points, prevents carriertilt and does away with the castle nut.The buffer tube sports a Magpul MOEstock to match the MOE pistol grip. For

SPECIAL-WEAPO --- ............SPECIAL WEAPONS ® / APRIL/MAY 2016

A collapsible Magpul MOE buttstock isattached to the MK212SD’s enhanced

buffer tube, which prevents carrier tilt anddoes away with the need for a castle nut.

Gas piston operating systems havelargely solved the short barrel issue,with barrels around 12 to 13 inches

lon

PWS’ MK212rifles start with

The free-oating handguardoffers a long top rail for

sights and optics as wellas KeyMod slots along

the sides and bottoms forother accessories.

The MK212SD ranawlessly with a numberof sound suppressors, includingthe ultra-compact, titanium Brevissuppressor from Delta P Designs.

The author testedthe MK212SD onthe range witha few additions,including a recoil-absorbing ATIScorpion pistolgrip (left) andLancer’s 20-round,translucentL7AWM mags(far left).

PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS MK212SD



the MK212SD, PWS uses an H4 bufferand a standard carbine spring. Theremaining controls are mil-spec.

For testing the rifle, I replaced thefactory trigger with a Geissele SuperDynamic Combat (SD-C) trigger. I alsoinstalled a 60-degree AmbidextrousSafety Selector from Battle ArmsDevelopment as well as a Scorpionpistol grip from Advanced Technol-ogy International (ATI). I tested theMK212SD with its Magpul stock aswell as one from Vltor, and I replacedthe factory recoil spring with Sprinco’sOrange spring. Finally, I added PRI’sGas Buster charging handle to preventany excess gas. I used Lancer’s new20-round L7AWM magazines for thebulk of the testing. When necessary, Iused a Blue Force Gear sling as well asan Atlas bipod.

Rapid FireMy testing of the MK212SD was

all about its practical application as

a police rifle, putting reliability at thetop of the list. I started by running theMK212SD under rapid fire with severaltypes of ammunition from 10 to 400yards. I used a U.S. Optics 1-8X SR-8Cscope for this portion of the evaluation.The scope’s illuminated red dot allowsfor CQB use, while the mil-lined reticleprovides holds for longer distances. Thescope’s knobs offer mil adjustments. Ialso used Dueck Defense offset sightfor backup targeting.

Several suppressors were tested,

including a SilencerCo Saker 762, aSureFire SOCOM762-MINI, a Yankee

Caliber: 7.62mm NATO Barrel: 12.75 inches OA Length: 27.5 inches Weight: 8.81 pounds (empty) Stock: Magpul MOE Sights: Magpul MBUS Action: Piston-operated

semi-auto Finish: Matte black Capacity: 20+1 MSRP: $2,600

SPECS

PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS

MK212SD

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 201 6 69



Hill Machine Phantom, a Delta P DesignBrevis and a Gemtech Sandstorm. DeltaP Design’s Brevis suppressor reallyruled during the testing. The MK212SDwas noticeably softer to shoot, withconsistent brass ejection no matter theammunition used. No excess gas wassent my way, either. The suppressoralso tended to cool more quickly, andthe rifle remained flawless no matterhow fast I pulled the trigger. Movingaround barricades, around my truck,and over and around walls, the rifle wastruly easy to handle. Working in myrange’s shoothouse or out to 400 yards,the Brevis/MK212SD combination wasperfect for me.

Producing tiny groups at 100 yardsmeans little if the rifle won’t hold that

kind of consistency throughout its entirerange. Accurately testing this premise,however, requires a long range, somesoftware and maybe some help froman expert. A trip to meet Buck Doyle ofFollow Through Consulting at his rangein Teasdale, Utah, took care of it all.

Buck Doyle is friends with ToddHodnett, a leading sniper instructor andballistics guru. Todd’s training, coupledwith Bryan Litz’s Applied Ballisticsprogram, is recognized as state of theart by our most elite military units.Recent training with Chase Stroud, a

world-class precision rifle competitor,would indicate that the competitiveworld thinks the same way. The bestsetup these days is to load the AppliedBallistics software into a Kestrelweather station. Buck’s range allowedus to properly true the rifle using this

device and test its accuracy at therealistic limits of its range.

Hiking up a short hill, we ended upin a slot that looked down a beautifulvalley with steel targets placed atranges designed for this gun and caliber.For these distances, we used a U.S.




Black Hills 175 OTM 2,307 0.80

Federal 168 Gold Medal Match 2,400 0.75

Hornady 155 TAP 2,459 0.70

Nosler 168 Trophy Match 2,397 0.72

Silver State Armory 175 OTM 2,240 0.85

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured in grains,velocity in fps by

chronograph, andaccuracy in inchesfor best five-shotgroups at 100yards.

have always been someof the softest-shooting ARries. They run cool withlight recoil, work reliably andare very accurate. So, PWSseemed to me a perfect tto try the now very popular6.5mm Creedmoor. Thischambering is really takingoff in both AR-style ries

and bolt guns. It is accurate

and at shooting, and factorymatch ammunition is readilyavailable. Primary WeaponsSystems has answered thisdemand with a limited run of6.5 Creedmoor MK220 ries.

Starting with the compa-ny’s forged receivers and lightbut strong handguard, the6.5 Creedmoor MK220 uses

a 20-inch, stainless steel

has been purpose-designedfor use with .30-caliber car-tridges. The four-position gasblock allows you to tune therie for proper operation forspecic ammunition, whensuppressed or under harshenvironmental conditions.

I was able to test the new6.5 Creedmoor MK220 out

to over 800 yards during a

match ammunition. Usingprecision handloads, groupswere closer to 0.35 inches.With an OSS suppressor, thePWS was soft-shooting, quietand deadly accurate. If youare in the market for a long-range AR, make sure you takea very close look at the PWSMK220 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

—David Bahde

n my opinion, PrimaryWeapons Systems ries

barrel. The PWS long-strokegas piston system drives anenhanced bolt carrier that

has been machined from toolsteel and coated in nickel-Teon. This super-strong bolt

scoped carbine class, andit held sub-MOA accuracythroughout . My groups at

100 yards were tighter than0.5 inches using factoryHornady’s 140-grain A-MAX


The MK212SD printedtight groups out to765 meters using anAtlas bipod, a GemtechSandstorm and a U.S.Optics MR10 scope.



Optics MR10 1.8-10x scope in a setof Seekins Precision rings. The scopefeatures Horus’ H425 reticle, whichallows for wind and elevation holds atlonger distances. We placed a 6-inchsteel target at 100 yards to confirm ourzero, then 765 meters for truing.

Using the Gemtech suppressor, myfirst hit was dead center at 100 yards.The Sandstorm is lightweight andvery quiet—perfect for precision rifleapplications. Moving to 765 meters,I fired several shots and achieveddead-center hits on steel using an8.4-mil hold. U.S. Optics’ glass and theHorus H-425 reticle made solid holdseasy and consistent. I placed this holdand range into the Kestrel system toobtain an accurate range card, which

I then tested by consistently hitting12-inch plates between 200 and 600meters. Getting first-round hits on each,the rifle was trued for this ammunitionwith an accurate range card. Just enterthe atmospheric conditions for the areayou are in and the Applied Ballisticssoftware does the rest.

Along with truing the rifle, we testedits combat accuracy at distance. Ideally,you want it to hold close to 1 MOAat range. Once the 8.4-mil hold wasconfirmed, I fired a four-round group ata sustained rate of fire. With a 0.3-milhold, the rifle was not only true, butit also held 1 MOA out to 765 meters(roughly 850 yards). That, coupled withconsistent first-round hits from 200 to600 yards, gives you a true indication ofthe rifle’s real-world accuracy.

Sub-MOA Results

This rifle’s typical range accuracywas impressive. Hornady’s 155-grainTAP ammo produced the best group

at 0.7 inches while using the GemtechSandstorm suppressor. Everything wassub-1-inch, with most groups under 0.75inches. Testing at 400 yards with theTAP yielded a 3-inch group, making thisan easy 1-MOA range gun with solidmatch ammunition.

Ultimately, this is a great rifle. It wasflawless, accurate and comfortable toshoot. This is one of the softest-shoot-ing suppressed 7.62mm ARs I’ve everused, and it’s a fine example PWS’continuing emphasis on simple reliabil-

ity. For more information, call 208-344-5217 or visit primaryweapons.com. SW




GUN REVIEW


When the San BernardinoCounty, California,Sheriff’s Departmentneeded a short-barreled,select-re 7.62mm AR,POF-USA answered thecall with its unstoppableP308-FA. Shown with aLeupold 1-6x20mmMark 6 riescope.




It was a solicitation by the San Bernardino County,California, Sheriff’s Department SBCSD) for a

short-barreled, select-fire .308 Winchester/7.62mmrifle that led to my meeting with Frank DeSomma, the

president and founder of Patriot Ordnance Factory, orPOF-USA, at his Phoenix, Arizona, factory.

Sitting in DeSomma’s office, it quickly became apparent that hisguns weren’t just of interest to law enforcement agencies. Pictures of

DeSomma and celebrities like Ted Nugent, Steven Seagal, Aaron Lewis,Toby Keith and Steven Tyler adorned his office walls. So too is his Patriot

artwork that has been featured in his ad campaign of a Minuteman in atri-corner hat holding a modern POF-USA rifle.

DeSomma searched through a stack of papers on his desk andhanded me the report written by Bruce Park for the SBCSD. The agency

had requested a test sample of the P308-FA, a 14.5-inch-barreled,select-fire, 7.62mm rifle, for its Special Enforcement Detail SWAT),

and in the 17 months of testing, during which over 35,000 rounds werefired, meticulous notes were recorded.

Patriot riginsPOF-USA started shipping guns in 2004, and right from the beginning

the company’s products were always something different and innovativethan the rest of the market. DeSomma had designed a regulated, short-

stroke gas piston system and adapted it to the AR platform.

MIKE DETTY • PHOTOS BY LEX L NDEEN TR OTOF-USA’s P 308-FA workhorse keeps onrunning and delivers barrier-busting pow er



In the beginning,his guns were looked

at with a jaundiced eye bythe shooting community.

Most of us withheld judgmentwhile we waited for his guns to

establish a track record—good orbad. DeSomma had come from the

aerospace industry, and he put his 28years of process engineering to use. Heused different materials and coatingsand, in general, not doing things theestablished way that traditional firearmsmanufacturers did things. By and large,the majority of the industry is traditionaland does not accept change withoutresistance. It turns out DeSomma

wasn’t so much a renegade as he wasa trendsetter, and other companies arenow following his lead.

An unapologetic patriot, DeSommagives credit to living in a nation wherefreedom and liberty still mean some-thing special. He even laser engraveshis ejection port covers with “Godbless America” and a picture of theU.S. flag. “Freedom breeds innovation,”DeSomma said with a grin.

My meeting at POF-USA wasn’tthe first time I had seen DeSomma’sshort-barreled .308s. Back in 2009,POF-USA’s shooting team competedwith 12.5-inch-barreled guns at theDPMS Tri-Gun match in St. Cloud,

Minnesota, and placed very well.So when the SBCSD came looking

for a .308 the same length as itsissued 5.56mm ARs, POF-USA hadits P308-FA ready. Other brands weretested and eventually discarded, andafter accepting the P308-FA, the SBCSDarmory attempted to “determine thelife cycles of the various components ofthe rifle and ultimately the service lifeof the rifle itself.” Used in training anddemonstrations, the rifle received littlemaintenance other than occasionallylubricating the bolt carrier.

Torture TestRun in both semi- and full-auto with

brass- and steel-cased ammo, the gunran without a malfunction for 23,500rounds, when a two-round burst pro-duced a double feed. It was determinedthat the buffer spring had becomecompressed by over 1.5 inches and wasreplaced. The gun returned to normalfunctioning until around 28,600 rounds,when some chrome plating on the gaspiston flaked off and caused enoughdrag for intermittent malfunctions. POF-USA used this as a learning experienceand stopped chroming its pistons. Arunning change was made to nitrate-heat-treat the pistons to eliminate anychance of delamination. In the case ofthe SBCSD rifle, a new piston got thisgun back to running at 100 percent. Thebolt’s ejector spring was responsible forsome failures to eject at about 29,080rounds, and replacing this part correctedthe problem immediately.

POF-USA P308-FA

“Even after 35,000rounds, the P308-FA was

still producing 1.5-MOAgroups at 500 yards.”

Several features helped the P308-FA reach such highround counts during the full-auto testing, including

POF-USA’s gas piston system and superior metal coatings.

1 2 3 1. Like the rest of theP308-FA, the charginghandle is a heavy-dutydesign that can withstandharsh use with ease.

2. Note the “FA” markingon the full-auto-capablebolt carrier group as wellas the P308-FA’s uniquelyengraved dust cover.

3. The P308-FA lowerfeatures an enlarged,integral triggerguard,anti-walk pins and aMagpul MOE pistol grip.




W W W.EOTECHI NC.COM X 3 2 0 ™

T H E R M A L I M A G E R© 2015, L-3 EOTechAn Company



At around 34,280 rounds,empty cases were being extractedbut sliding off the extractor before theycould be ejected during full-auto. Theextractor wasn’t broken, but its edgeswere burnished from use. Replacing theextractor cured this problem, and thetesting continued to 35,480 rounds,at which point the after-action reportwas written. If you’re not impressed,then you’ve never put this many roundsthrough the same gun. For a weaponto reach this round count with justminimum maintenance and a having

just a few parts replaced is incredible.The P308-FA is more than just the sumof its parts—it is the summation of acollection of mind-blowing innovations.

Higher GradeThe heart of the POF-USA gun is

its regulated gas piston system. Gas isbled from the barrel into an expansionchamber where the piston impacts theoperating rod, which transfers enoughkinetic energy to the bolt carrier to startthe unlocking, extracting, ejecting and

chambering sequence. DeSomma’sdesign uses an undersized piston. There

are no rings or friction-fitparts here. As DeSomma said, “It’sfree-floating.” Tightly fit parts create

friction, and friction creates heat andwear. This design uses enough gas tocycle the action and vents everythingelse off. Parts stay cool and don’t wearout prematurely.

Another of DeSomma’s innovations ishis roller cam, which reduces friction anddrag and takes most of the impact out of

locking and unlocking. The original camdesign is rectangular and made fromsteel and over time can cause significantwear inside an aluminum receiver.

Coatings are an important compo-nent of the POF-USA quality equation.“I spent a lifetime in aerospace,” saidDeSomma. “Every part we made hada coating designed to reduce friction,dissipate and protect from heat, preventcorrosion and prolong its service life.We use Robar’s NP3 electroless nickel-Teflon finish, which not only has highlubricity and a low friction coefficient,but it also increases the part’s surfacehardness. We use it on the bolt carrierand hard chrome our bolts. Our barrelsare nitrate heat treated—basically acasehardening process that increases

the hardness of the metal to 70Rockwell. Our barrels are easier to cleanand don’t copper foul like chrome-linedbarrels, and they can’t delaminate fromheat. We also use it on the gas block,pistons and muzzle devices.”

As I toured the POF-USA factory Inoticed that they were using steel-casedWolf ammunition for test firing. Manycompanies warn expressly against theuse of steel-cased ammo. DeSommasaid, “The new poly-coated cases areso much better than the old lacqueredcases. We buy it by the pallet load. Infact, we donated 5,000 rounds to theSBCSD for its testing of the P308-FA.Our nitrate-heat-treated barrel cham-bers are so much harder than the steelcase that it can’t hurt our barrels.”

In 2014, DeSomma introduced the“infoulable” E 2 dual extraction system.“Extraction has always been theAchilles’ heel of Stoner’s design. If youspend significant time shooting yourAR, you probably keep the bolt wet with

lube. You drop some cartridges in thedirt, blow them off and load them intoyour mags. Before you know it dirt andlube have migrated into your chamber,where the heat bakes it, and suddenlyyou’re having extraction problems. Theneck of the cartridge and the chamber,which supports the cartridge neck,are both cylinders, and the neck of thecartridge case forms to the chamberwhen the round is fired. Ever try to pickup a 5-gallon bucket that’s sitting insideof another bucket? You need to break

the seal, and that’s what we do with the

Caliber: 7.62mm NATO

Barrel: 14.5 inches

OA Length: 33.5-36.76 inches

Weight: 8.5 pounds (empty)

Stock: Magpul CTR

Sights: None

Action: Piston-operated,select-fire

Finish: Black anodized or NP3

Capacity: 20+1

MSRP: N/A

SPECS

POF-USA P308-FA

— Continued on page 128

The MRR forendsurrounds the uted,nitride-heat-treatedbarrel and gas pistonsystem (above), which isadjustable for conditions.The barrel is also cappedwith POF-USA’s highlyeffective triple-portmuzzle brake (left), whichhelps reduce muzzle rise.

POF-USA P308-FA




POWER Russia’s introduced a new balanced-actionAK for faster hits and less recoil!

BY MAXIM POPENKER

The Saiga MK-107 was con-ceived by the Izhmash factory(now part of KalashnikovConcern) in 2012 as a semi-

auto version of the abortive AK-107

assault rifle, which featured a balancedaction. After several years of testingand development, the Saiga MK-107 isscheduled to enter mass production in2016 under a new name: AK-15. It willbe available for Russian shooters underthe same “hunting rifle” license as othersemi-automatic rifles of the Saiga family.It also will be offered for export sales.

The semi-automatic Saiga MK-107carbine is intended primarily for sportshooters in IPSC, IDPA and 3-Gun. In allof these disciplines, speed and accuracy

are of equal importance, and the SaigaMK-107—as well as the upcoming

improved AK-15—is intended to providesport shooters with a carbine that allowsfor precision, very fast follow-up shotsand optimum reliability.

Achieving BalanceThe so-called “balanced action”came into existence as a result ofnumerous attempts to decrease therecoil of rapid-firing weapons, wherethe rearward and forward movementof the action parts such as the boltgroup) create additional forces thattend to disrupt a shooter’s sight plane.This is especially true if the bolt grouphits a stationary receiver at the end ofits recoil stroke. A classic example of agun known for its recoil is the AK and

its descendants. An AKM’s bolt groupweighs about 1.19 pounds and, under

normal conditions, hits the rear of thereceiver with a velocity of about 11 to13 fps. This adds another 20 percent offorce to the overall recoil impulse. Ofcourse, the impulse of the moving parts

is an intentional feature that greatlyincreases the overall reliability of thegun, but in this case reliability comes ata price of decreased accuracy.

Soviet research and developmentprograms attempted to decrease theAK’s recoil impulse, and in the late1960s, researcher Peter Tkachev fromTsNII-TochMash introduced a newconcept of balancing the impulseof recoiling parts. According to hisconcept, the recoil impulse of themoving parts can be neutralized by the

counter-recoil impulse of additionalparts that weigh about the same as the

BALANCE OF

FOREIGN FIREPOWER

The new MK-107has reinvented the

AK platform with aninnovative “balanced

action” that helpsreduce felt recoil and

increase accuracy.




bolt group and move synchronously but inthe opposite direction as a counterweight.

In the early 1970s, Soviet gun designersdeveloped several balanced-action assaultrifles using then-new 5.45x39mm ammu-nition. Among these were designs fromIzhevsk and Kovrov, such as the AL-4M andSA-006, respectively. The latter becamethe main rival to the new 5.45x39mmKalashnikov rifle during Soviet army trialsin 1974. In fact, the SA-006 outperformedwhat would become the AK-74 in terms ofhit probability, especially when firing fromunsupported and off-hand positions or onthe move. It also performed adequatelywell in terms of reliability and durability.Despite that, the Soviet army adopted theKalashnikov design, which was simpler,cheaper and already familiar to troops.The main reason behind this “retrograde”decision was to get a new small-bore rifle

into service as soon as possible and withminimal teething problems, and to closethe gap between Soviet and U.S. armies interms of small-arms effectiveness.

It seems that the AK-74 was considereda stopgap, as in the late 1970s severalresearch and development programs werewell underway to create assault riflesmuch more effective than existing designs,including the AK-74 and M16A1. Theseprograms, among other approaches, exten-sively pursued balanced-action designs. Asa result of these programs, the Soviet armyheld its famous “Abakan” trials in the 1980sthat featured several balanced-actionrifles. However, the weapon that won thetrials, the Nikonov AN-94, took a differentapproach. Despite this setback, two majorsmall arms developers continued their workon balanced-action systems: the Izhmashfactory with its AKB line of experimentalassault rifles developed by Viktor Kalash-nikov (the son of Mikhail Kalashnikov), andthe Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ), whichdeveloped the AEK-971 rifle.

The experimental AK-107 rifle, whichserved as a starting point for Saiga MK-107development, is a direct descendant ofthe AKB rifle. Unlike previous designs,

Through some1 000 or so roundsof cheap Barnaul

55-grain .223 fodderthere wasn’t a single

malfunction.

SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 2016 79



“Hundred” series of AK rifles, but unlike

its simpler cousins, like the 5.56x45mmAK-101 and 7.62x39mm AK-103, it wasnever mass-produced. The balanced-ac-tion AEK-971 assault rifle was present forthe recent “Ratnik” trials, but so far itsfate is undecided and a semi-automaticcivilian version has yet to materialize.

Izhmash, on the other hand, proposedits more traditional AK-12 as a possiblenew assault rifle for the Russian army. Butthe balanced action was revived in 2012for the civilian market after requests fromtwo top Russian IPSC shooters—AndrewKirisenko and Vsevolod Ilin—who wantedfamiliar AK-style weapons but with betterrecoil control during rapid fire. After acouple of years, Izhmash produced animproved, semi-automatic Saiga MK-107carbine broadly based on the AK-107. Itfeatured a similar action with a number ofimprovements for competition shooters,

shooters who want a gun that combines

AK reliability with Western accuracy andcontrollability. The AK-15 is availablein both 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mmchamberings, with the former usingAR-15-style magazines and the latterusing AK-74-compatible magazines. Itshould be noted that the 5.45x39mmwas recently certified in Russia forcivilian use (with lead-core bullets).

A Closer Look

The Saiga MK-107’s recoil-mitigatingbalanced action features two gas pistonsthat enter the T-shaped gas block fromopposite directions. The rear gas pistonis attached to the bolt carrier group andmoves in a traditional cycle (rearward,then forward). The forward gas piston,which moves in the opposite directionat the same time, is attached to a slidingcounterweight located above the bolt

the bolt group is balancedby a counter-moving

mass attached to the

alashnikov st yle rotating bolt with

the AK-107 is broadl based on the

As mentioned, an improved version ofthe Saiga MK-107, the AK-15, will enterproduction in 2016. This rifle featuresimproved furniture and an enhancedtrigger, and it’s intended to become ato -of-the-line race un for Russian

primarily intended for

follow up shots.

The Saiga MK-107 rie can be easily distinguished by anenlarged housing above the barrel that covers the forward-moving gas piston with its counter-balancing weight.

SPECS

SAIGA MK-107

Caliber: 5.56x45mm,5.45x39mm

Barrel: 16.3 inches

OA Length: 37 inches

Weight: 8.8 pounds

Stock: Collapsible

Sights: None


Finish: Matte black

Capacity: 30+1

MSRP: N/A

FOREIGN FIREPOWER

,azine well and ambidextrous bolt handles,but without any select-fire capability.

.sembly, the gato their respec

Both count

synchronizedso afterward a

forward gas pithe impulses greciprocating

The rifle feKalashnikov-stwo locking lutrunnion pinn

receiver. Recipare attached t

The MK-107 andits upcoming AK-15descendant areprimarily intended forcompetitive shooters,offering top-tierperformance and fastfollow-up shots.




sides of the gun. The dual return springarrangement (one for the bolt carrierand another for the counterweight)completes the setup. The primary returnspring, which operates the bolt group, isoffset to the left and is wound around acaptive guide rod assembly.

The MK-107’s top cover has beensignificantly redesigned compared toearlier AK-style weapons and is similarto that of the new AK-12 assault rifle.The top cover is made from stampedsteel with a long Picatinny rail perma-nently attached on top. The top coveris attached to the receiver and the gasblock by two dovetails (at the gas blockand at the front of the receiver) and bya removable crosspin at the rear of thereceiver. This results in a secure andstable platform for the optics attachedto the top Picatinny rail. To completely

remove the top cover, the operator hasto remove the rear pin, slide the topcover rearwards a bit and then pull it offof the gun.

For furniture, the MK-107 featuresa collapsible buttstock and a polymerforend. A cross-button manual safety islocated above the triggerguard, a bolt-hold-open device with release lever is

located on the left side, abovethe magazine catch, and amag well is installed for fasterreloads. The 5.56x45mmmodels are designed so thatthe bolt will lock back after thelast round is fired.

Hands-On TestingI was able to fire several

30-round magazines througha pre-production 5.56x45mm SaigaMK-107 during a demo shooting sessionheld by Kalashnikov Concern at theArmy-2015 expo. The rifle feels solidin the hands, with the comfortable

collapsible stock providing a goodcheekweld for the 1-4X scope installedon the test gun.

I tested the gun with slow, deliberatefire at ranges between 50 and 200meters. At all ranges, it was prettyeasy to achieve hits on the steel plates.When dialed to 4X magnification, thescope stayed on the targets all the

time—a good indication of the negligiblemuzzle flip. The recoil was linear andalmost non-existent, and I’ve seenserious IPSC shooters run the MK-107 invery fast strings of fire, achieving rapidhits at 200 meters and beyond without

scoring a single miss.Through some 1,000 or so roundsof cheap Barnaul 55-grain .223 fodder,there wasn’t a single malfunction. Itseems that the MK-107, and the soon-to-be-introduced AK-15, are set to trulymake waves in the world of AK-platformweapons. For more information, visitkalashnikovconcern.ru. SW

The Saiga MK-107 features anambidextrous crossbolt-stylesafety, and charging handles

are present on bolt sides.



GUNTEST


SIGNATURE

The Glock 17, which wasfirst introduced to Americanshooters in 1986, seemed

like a revolutionary design. In manyways it was, and there was a lot ofinitial grumbling about it—even fromme. But this unique pistol soon foundits footing and gained incrediblywidespread acceptance. Glocks arenow the most popular pistols in thelaw enforcement arena.

Glock pistols are popular forseveral reasons. They utilize a simpledesign and can be entirely disas-sembled with nothing but a punch

tool. A Glock certified armorer’scourse can be completed in one day,unlike the multiple-day armorer’scourses for most other handguns.This combination of simplicity andpopularity has led to the explosion ofthe aftermarket accessory and partsmarket, and custom gunsmiths havebeen turning these pistols into worksof art for years.

You can buy parts for your Glockonline from any number of places, butone of the best one-stop shops that

specialize exclusively on this pistol is

the GlockStore, which was founded byLenny Magill. The GlockStore doesn’t just sell parts—the company also pro-vides masterful custom work on yourGlock pistol. Basically, you can designyour own with the help of its customgun consultants, or you can simplypurchase one of its Lenny-Magill-de-signed custom pack ages.

I had the opportunity to test aGlock 34 that was custom designedand modified by Lenny Magill. Whileit started life as a regular 9mm, long-slide Glock 34, the end result can

only be described as an evolution,where each change advances theplatform to a higher state.

Custom BuildThe GSPC starts with the

GlockStore’s custom Pyramid CutSlide, where the top of the slide hasbeen cut wide open, exposing abouthalf the length of the barrel. Thesides of the slide feature distinctivepyramid-shaped cuts. The result is asignificantly lighter slide resulting infaster cycling and reduced recoil forfaster follow-up shots and improved

accuracy. The pistol does feelnoticeably less top heavy than even astandard G19, and the cuts also helpwith cooling. The slide also featuresforward slide serrations, and theexternal surface is polished and givena low-friction NP3 finish.

The factory, polygonal-rifled barrelhas been replaced with a 5.25-inch,match-grade barrel that has beenCNC-machined from 416 stainlesssteel. This new barrel featuresbroach-cut rifling and a target

crown so that shooters can use lead

The GLOCKSTORE’s customized 9mmis ready to reign on the range.

The G34, withits Lenny Magill-

designedcustomizations,is sure to draw

attention at theshooting range.

BY JORGE AMSELLE • PHOTOS BY ALEX LANDEEN



The customized Glock 34GSPC Signature Series pistolfeatures a redesigned Glock

Gen3 frame with deepernger grooves and a

restyled triggerguard.

For faster reloads, the G34GSPC Signature Series

sports a “Super Heavy”aluminum magazine well

with a brass insert.



deepened and smoothed out, whichreduces the overall size of the grip whileproviding better retention. The rear oftriggerguard has an undercut that raisesthe finger placement higher on the gripand smoothes this area out, eliminatingany rubbing the shooting hand mightreceive after a full day of shooting.Finally, a triggerguard undercut at themidway point provides a space for amore secure grip for the index finger ofthe support hand.

At the bottom of the grip, theGlockStore has added a “Super Heavy”4.4-ounce aluminum magazine wellwith a brass insert. The magazine wellis widely flared and provides for muchfaster magazine changes, and the designforces the shooting hand into a proper

and consistent grip position. Thus, themagazine well also aids in weaponretention. The brass insert that extendsinto the grip cavity found on all Glocksadds weight at the lower rear of thepistol for an improved balance.

The pistol ships with two 17-roundGlock 17/34 magazines with heavy,extended, aluminum baseplates. From theoutside, this looks like a magazine capac-ity extender, but it is not. The purposehere is to add weight to the bottom of themagazine so that they drop free fasterwhen conducting magazine changes.

All of the controls on the Glock 34have also undergone significant changes.The magazine release has been replacedwith an extended aluminum catch thatfeatures aggressive lines for secureengagement. The release extends to therear and is snag free but allows the userto engage it without having to adjust

their grip, significantly speeding up magchanges. It also allows the pistol to workin standard holsters.

The slide release has been replacedwith an extended release with a mattesilver finish. The takedown lever hasalso been extended and thickened for

improved precision. This part ismachined from 416 stainless steel,and its extra length makes disas-sembly easier. The added thicknesslocks up the barrel and slide with

greater consistency and strength.

Internal UpgradesInternally, there are still more

changes. The trigger, locking blockand trigger housing pins have all beenreplaced with stronger stainless steelpins. The factory trigger has also been

replaced with an Ultimate PyramidTrigger System for a lighter and shortertrigger pull. Unlike the factory trigger thePyramid trigger is made from aluminumand features a wider and more comfort-able trigger face and safety.

The pistol’s gold-tone trigger bar istitanium-nitride coated, which results inan extremely hard, friction-less surface,


SIGNATURE G34

Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 5.25 inches OA Length: 8.25 inches Weight: 28.3 ounces (empty) Grips: Polymer Sights: Trijicon night, RMR Action: Strike-fired Finish: Matte black, silver Capacity: 17+1

MSRP: $2,295

SPECS

GLOCK 34 GSPCSIGNATURE SERIES

The Glock 34 GSPC Signature Seriesfeatures a skeletonized slide for reducedweight and a new barrel (top left) as wellas a custom-shaped frame, extendedcontrols and an upgraded trigger (left).

Lenny Magillpersonally selectedthe impressiveupgrades andcustom work for thissignature pistol.

P h

o t o C o ur t e

s y J oh nH

e ar t /

G

l o c k

S t or e



SERPA®

LEVEL 2 TACTICAL HOLSTERFEATURES OUR EXTREMELY FAST, YET ULTRA-SECUREAUTO LOCK ™ RETENTION SYSTEM.

EASILY CONFIGURES TO ANY MISSION WITHMULTIPLE PLATFORMS.

U.S. MILITARY ISSUE.

In 1990, a Navy SEAL was navigating a mineeld when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground,he vowed if he made it out alive he would make gear the right way. Today, this obsession with qualityapplies to everything we do. We are constantly researching, rening and perfecting every detail toprovide gear that will not let you down. Because we are not just making stuff. We are honoring a vow.

MADE IN THE USA. SERVING WITH HONOR AND DISTINCTION WORLDWIDE.

© 2015



providing a crisp and consistent break.A titanium safety plunger with roundedshoulders is also installed to reducewear and offer positive engagement.The replacement spring kit improvesfunctioning, while the 3.5-pound DoubleDiamond connector reduces the triggerpull weight and is NP3 treated for

natural lubricity and smoothness as wellas a longer service life.

The skeletonized striker is made frompolished steel and is titanium-nitridecoated for reduced friction. Whencombined with the lower weight of thestriker, the result is much faster locktimes for improved accuracy. The striker

is also slightly extended to ensurepositive engagement against all primertypes, even hard primers.

Rounds DownrangeOn the range, the pistol was com-

fortable and easy to shoot. Muzzle flipwas virtually nonexistent despite thelightened slide. The trigger did have adistinctly different feel from a polymerGlock trigger and took a bit of gettingused to. Using 115-grain JHP ammuni-tion, I did experience a few failures tofeed and one failure of the slide to lockto the rear on an empty magazine.

This pistol has been extensivelytuned for competition and, as such,needs to be paired to the right ammu-nition. I had no issues with heavier 124-

grain or 147 grain loads while shootingoff-hand. The malfunctions were largelylimited to benchrest shooting where“limp wristing” was a contributingfactor. Suffice it to say that this isa competition gun, not a benchrestgun. For accuracy testing, I used threedifferent factory defensive loads at 25yards from a stable benchrest.

The G34, with its Lenny Magill-designed customizations, is sure todraw attention at the shooting range.It’s designed for competition and makesshooting a pleasure. For more, visitglockstore.com or call 800-601-8273. SW


The GlockStore provides aLenny Magill-designed custompackage for concealed carrycalled the Stealth Melt. In

many ways, this Glock 19 is the oppositeof its larger G34 cousin but with no fewercustom features, just more subdued. Theslide features low-prole Trijicon night

a rounded triggerguard with anundercut at the rear of the guardfor comfort. The magazinerelease, slide stop and takedown

improved CCW use. Internally, the pistolfeatures a Double Diamond barrel, a tung-sten guide rod, a stainless steel pin kit and

the Ultimate Pyramid trigger system.

THE STEALTH G19

Caliber: 9mm Barrel: 4 inches OA Length: 6.9 inches

Weight: 20.8 ounces (empty) Grips: Polymer Sights: Trijicon night Action: Strike-fired Finish: Matte black Capacity: 15+1 MSRP: $1,699

SPECS

GLOCK 19 GSPC STEALTH MELT

LOAD VELOCITY ACCURACY Black Hills 115 JHP 1,275 2.08 HPR 115 JHP 1,188 2.97 Sig Sauer 124 JHP 1,241 1.55

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weight measuredin grains, velocity in fpsby chronograph, andaccuracy in inches forbest five-shot groupsat 25 yards.

GLOCK 34 GSPC SIGNATURE SERIES

The Trijicon RMR reexsight that came withthe Glock 34 made iteasy to get on target

quickly during testing.

SIGNATURE G34



GUT ST

Outtted with top-notchMagpul furniture, the

still being very affordable.


ROBERT A. SADOWSKI

EET PALMETTO STATE ARMORY’SOP-OF-THE-LINE PSAK-47.



SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL/M AY 2016 89

A decade or so ago, were inexpensive and offered shooters abattle-proven rifle design that could take hellacious abuse and stillkeep shooting. It helped that its ammo was inexpensive, too, and readilyavailable. Back then, most U.S. shooters’ opinions of the AK were largely based

Eventually, as more guns came onto the market and we became better at under-standing the pluses and minuses of AKs built in particular countries, we became

less jaded and more appreciative of the AK design. But the fact is that the AK rifle

moment the market is flush with parts kits and complete builds while at otherstimes the supply of AKs can quickly dry up. In addition, the price of these

AKs slowly inched its way out of the reach of the average shooter.

......

“While indevelopment,PSA took 25

PSAK-47s and ranthem through a

10,000-roundtorture test.”



Palmetto State Armory(PSA) intends to changethat fact. Early in 2015,PSA showed off someprototypes of a U.S.-made AK-47 calledthe PSAK-47 with a retail price of around$699 depending on furniture. Peoplewere impressed. It was compared toAKs that retail at $1,200 or more. LarryVickers gave the PSAK-47 high praise,calling it the “Cadillac of AKs.”

Eastern BlendPSA had a lot to live up to as it

pushed forward with production, andafter testing a PSAK-47 MOE Editionrifle, I have to agree that the PSAK-47 isimpressive, well made, outfitted for themodern shooter and affordable. PSA has

indeed remastered the AKM.The PSAK-47 is truly Americanized.It is not Russian nor Bulgarian nor evenChinese, but an amalgamation of allthe good design traits of an AK madeinto one. When asked what AK-47design blueprint the company usedfor the PSAK-47, Adam Ruonala, chiefmarketing officer at PSA, respondedwith not just one AK-47 design plan butnumerous. “We looked at the Russian,Chinese, Romanian and Bulgarianblueprints and we took what we felt

were the best features from each andincorporated them into our AK design.”

The quality controlPSA places on these

rifles is rigorous. PSAtakes about one and ahalf hours to assemble arifle, not including rangetesting. On AK builds, thecompany fires 15 to 20rounds using brass- andsteel-cased ammunition.“We want to make sureour rifles perform, so we

test with ammo of all quality types, frominexpensive steel-case surplus ammo toU.S.-made factory-fresh brass ammuni-tion,” said Ruonala.

While in development, PSA took25 PSAK-47s and ran them through a10,000-round torture test. The com-pany wanted to ensure its AK-47 wouldrun smoothly and reliably. “We wantedour rifle to not only perform exception-ally but look good doing it,” Ruonalaexplained. “PSA wouldn’t produce a gunthat was not 100 percent.”

Not only does the company checkfor accuracy—4 MOA or better—but it

also looks for things that most shooterswouldn’t notice, like ejection patterns.

This is just one of several metrics PSAlooks at to ensure its AKs are runningsmoothly and reliably.

Rened DesignOne of the things I noticed imme-

diately with the PSAK-47 MOE Editionwas how smoothly the action cycled. Ihate to use the term “silky,” but it is anappropriate description. Also, and thisis a minor thing, the safety selector wasprecise and moved securely withoutscratching the receiver. On some AKs,the safety selector can be loose andscratch the receiver when actuated.The third thing was the price. My guessupon opening the carton was the riflewould cost us average shooters easily$800 to $900. The PSAK-47 MOEEdition costs only $700.

“When we first started to make theAKs, we made them to mil-spec,” saidRuonala. “They were tight and right on,and we found that tight…was not sucha good thing for an AK. It has to have

some play in it to run well,”Ruonala explained. “Of thethings we could control withhigher tolerances was thesmoothness of the action.We also wanted to make itas pristine as possible.”

This indigenous AK ismade of U.S. parts—exceptfor two—and is built inSouth Carolina. The reartrunnion is similar to theRussian design with thecurved radius on the back.It is cast and machined

PSAK-47 MOE EDITIONSPECS

PSAK-47 MOE EDITION

Caliber: 7.62x39mmBarrel: 16.2 inchesOA Length: 35.25 inchesWeight: 6.75 pounds (empty)

Stock: Magpul MOE

Sights: Front post,adjustable rear


Finish: Matte blackCapacity: 30+1MSRP: $700

ABOVE: The PSAK-47’srear sight is a ladder-style unit that can beadjusted for shooting outto 800 yards.

RIGHT: Palmetto StateArmory engraves therie’s markings on thebottom of the receiver, infront of the mag well.

The PSAK-47 ranreliably at the range

with a variety ofsteel- and brass-

cased ammo and a

PK-01 VS sight.




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outside the U.S., but it is finished herein the U.S. It is slightly modified onthe PSAK-47 so it more easily acceptsdifferent types of furniture. We all knowthat depending on the origin of an AK,aftermarket furniture may or may notwork. PSA also uses the Bulgarian boltdesign. These are the only two parts notmanufactured in the U.S. All the restare either made by PSA, made by a PSApartner or provided through a vettedsupplier. PSA outsourced these twoparts while ensuring quality, sourcingthem from a Korean-American companyand an Israeli company.

The PSAK-47 features a stamped1045 carbon-steel receiver, 1mm thickand heat-treated. A mil-spec, double-

hook trigger is used along

with a standard magazine release. A sidemount allows a user to mount a scope.The 16.2-inch, 4150 steel barrel is Mel-onite treated and has six-groove riflingwith a 1-in-9.5-inch twist. The classicslanted muzzle brake is screwed ontothe muzzle. The rifle’s sights are alsotraditionally classic, with an 800-meterrear sight and adjustable front sight. A

cleaning rod is also included.The PSAK-47 MOE Edition is com-pletely tricked out in Magpul furniture.This includes a fixed MOE AK stockwith a 12.8-inch length of pull, an MOEAK handguard with a larger grippingarea than the classic handguard andan integrated heat shield, as well as anMOE AK grip with improved ergo-nomics over a standard mil-spec gripand an aggressive pebbled texture forenhanced control.

The PSAK-47 also comes with a30-round Magpul PMAG. With Magpulfurniture, the AK loses a bit of weightand becomes more of a contemporarycarbine. A classic wood-stocked AKweighs close to 8 pounds while theMagpul Edition is lithe at 6.8 pounds.The PSAK-47 had better balance and Icould control it better during rapid fire.

The shorter length of pull also meansthat if you train in full kit, the rifle is stillcomfortable to fire. The fit and finishwere superb.

Target In SightSince PSA offers side mounts on its

AKs, I opted to mount a red-dot optic,which makes an excellent close- to mid-range sight—right in the AK platform’ssweet spot. Kalinka Optics offers avariety of surplus and new Russian-builtoptics, and the PK-01 VS red dot is justlike the kind in use with Russian specialoperations forces.

The PK-01 VS is a simple, no-non-sense red dot that’s as rugged as a tankand is compatible with nearly any AK orAK variant. It features a 1-MOA red-dotreticle with eight brightness settings.Elevation and windage directions are inboth Russian and English, so I didn’t haveto rely on my high-school Russian—orwhat I remembered of it—to zero in thePSA. The optic’s turrets are open, which

is typical of Russian-designed militaryoptics. It also runs off one AA battery. Toinstall, just run the scope mount over theside mount of the PSAK-47’s receiverand it clamps down tight.

Using an assortment of surplus andU.S. factory ammo, I wanted to be surethe PSAK-47 would run on whateverammo it was fed. I also didn’t wait fora sunny sky to fire the rifle. The rainwas hard, heavy and unending. I tookthe PSAK-47 in the rain and poppedoff a few magazines. The PSAK-47,

equipped with the PK-01 VS red dot,ran without a hitch.

The PSAK-47’s front sight is a traditionalAK-style unit with a post that isprotected by sturdy, curved “wings”while still being easy to adjust for bothwindage and elevation.

“Larry Vickers gavethe PSAK-47 highpraise, calling it the‘Cadillac of AKs.’”

PSAK-47 MOE EDITION


Hornady 123 SST 2,144 3.67

Winchester 123 SP 2,212 4.00

Wolf 122 HP 2,428 3.50

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured in grains,velocity in fps bychronograph andaccuracy in inches for

best three-shot groupsat 100 yards.

PSAK-47 MOE EDITION




For more precision work, I waitedfor the rain to end. Warming the AK upat 25 yards again showed me that PSAhad delivered on the goods. In rapidfire, it ran smooth, with none of theclunky cycling issues I’ve experiencewith some AKs. Setting out a target at100 yards and using a rest, the PK-01VS’s red-dot reticle filled the bullseyeof the target. While it hardly possessesa “target trigger,” I was still able to getdecent accuracy out of the rifle. I had noissues while running the rifle. The boltwas smooth to operate and magazineinsertion was sure, providing a confi-dent click every time.

PSA’s aim is to make the AKaffordable while still producing areliable and quality product that

shooters will be proud to own. ThePSAK-47s MOE Edition will cause AKenthusiasts to take notice—not onlybecause it is made in the U.S., butalso because of the way PSA sets upthe rifles and, more importantly, howthey perform. For more information,visit palmettostatearmory.com or call803-724-6950. SW

Real Avid AK Cleaning Tools

Gun Boss AK-47 AK-47 Scraper AK-47 Micro Tool AK-47 Field Guide

AK-47 Smart Mat


When your AK needs to be cleaned,Real Avid has you covered. The GunBoss AK-47 is a complete cleaning

kit with a six-piece cleaning rod, a borebrush, a gas tube brush, a drift pin punchwith a gas port scraper tip, and more—allin a zippered nylon pouch. The AK-47

Scraper is designed to scrape off the car-bon that builds up on the unique surfacesof an AK like the piston shaft, face andgrooves, as well as the bolt face. It comeswith built-in tools that assist opening thegas tube lever and a muzzle brake wrench.

Small and compact, the AK-47 MicroTool is a keychain with a gas piston face

and a piston shaft scraper, front sightadjuster, pin puncher and bottle opener.Keeping parts together on your work topsurface clean can be difficult, and theAK-47 Smart Mat makes maintenanceeasier with a 43-by-16-inch, padded,oil-resistant mat that has illustrated

disassembly instructions printed on thesurface. AK disassembly is made infinitelyeasier with the AK-47 Field Guide , a color-coded disassembly instruction manualwith detailed diagrams that are oil andsolvent resistant. For more information,visit realavid.com or call 800-286-0567.

—Robert A. Sadowski



BY PETER SUCIU

TODAY’S BEST BIG BORE LEVER ACTIONS R

BIG BORE ROUNDUP

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com94 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 201 6

ENJAMIN TYLER HENRY can be credited with inventing the firstlever-action rifle in 1860. The Henry, as it was known, was among thefirst repeating rifles, and it saw extensive use in the American CivilWar and later at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where its purporteduse by the Sioux helped lead to the destruction of the 7th Cavalry,who weren’t armed with such modern repeating rifles.

The original lever-action rifles of the latter half of the 19th century wereblackpowder cartridge firearms, and hence had large bores to match thoseearly cartridges, but today’s powerhouse lever rifles offer bores that fewwould want to stare down. These big-bore rifles are often used to takedown large game and more. In fact, the term “big bore” is believed to havecome from Africa, where big-game hunters would carry these types ofrifles because they were the only ones truly up to the task at hand.

“ ...Marlin’s tried-and-true Model 1895 in .45 70 is

more than just a classic—it’s downright timeless!

”

- R



ROSSI R92 CARBINEThis Rossi lever action packs 10+1 rounds of hard-hitting .44Magnum ammunition—more than enough to get the job donein a hurry. The R92 Carbine in .44 Magnum also weighs just5.6 pounds unloaded. It is a reliable firearm with an attractivestainless steel finish that can stand up to harsh elements,while its ultra-slick lever action means shooters won’t have

SPECS

CALIBER: .44 MagnumBARREL: 20 inchesOA LENGTH: 37.88 inchesWEIGHT: 5.6 pounds (empty)STOCK: Wood

WINCHESTER MODEL 9 TRAIL’S END TAKEDOWNOliver Winchester’s Model 1873 may have “won the West,”

is a solid choice for big-game hunting, especially in brushier and tighter conditions where a bolt-action rifle simply won’t

Marlin and offers a steel loading gate for smoother loading and an articulated cartridge stop that improves feeding. This

SPECS

CALIBER: .450 MarlinBARREL 20 inchesOA LENGTH 38 inches

WEIGHT 6.75 pounds empty)STOCK WalnutSIGHTS arble front and rearACTION LeverFINISH Blued


Oliver Winchester’s Model 1873 may have “won the West,”but he refined it with the Model 1894. Today this same model

is a solid choice for big-game hunting, especially in brushierand tighter conditions where a bolt-action rifle simply won’tdo. The Model 94 Trail’s End Takedown is available in .450Marlin and offers a steel loading gate for smoother loadingand an articulated cartridge stop that improves feeding. Thislever action is drilled and tapped for scope mounts to let youmake shots at long range as well . winchesterguns.com)

BARREL: 20 inchesOA LENGTH: 38 inches

WEIGHT: 6.75 pounds (empty)STOCK: WalnutSIGHTS: Marble front and rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: BluedCAPACITY 6+

MSRP: $1 ,460

SPECS

CALIBER: .45-70GovernmentBARREL: 22 inchesOA LENGTH: 40.5 inchesWEIGHT: 7.5 pounds (empty)STOCK: WalnutSIGHTS: Bead front, adjustable rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 4+ 1

MSRP: $640

MARLIN CLASSIC MODEL 1895Few products that were “classic” in 1895 would be consid-ered anything but outdated by today’s standards, but Marlin’stried-and-true Model 1895 in .45-70 is more than just aclassic—it’s downright timeless! The rifle features a 22-inchbarrel with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling and an Americanblack walnut pistol-grip stock with cut checkering and swivelstuds. This Classic Model 1895 might live up to its name evenin 2095 and beyond. (marlinfirearms.com; 800-554-8892)

to take their eyes off the target. All of this

makes for a carbine that is ideal for brushhunting and trekking deep into wilderness.

(rossiusa.com; 800-948-8029)

SIGHTS: Front post, adjustable rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: S tainlessCAPACITY: 10+ 1

MSRP: $651



SPECS

CALIBER: .45-70 GovernmentBARREL: 19 inchesOA LENGTH: 38.5 inchesWEIGHT: 7.69 pounds (empty)STOCK: WalnutSIGHTS: Fiber-optic front, scope railACTION: Lever FINISH: Blued

SPECS

CALIBER: .45-70 GovernmentBARREL: 18 inchesOA LENGTH: 37 inchesWEIGHT: 7 pounds (empty)STOCK: Soft-touch woodSIGHTS: Skinner ACTION: Lever FINISH: Hard chrome

CAPACITY: 4+ 1MSRP: $1 ,969

CIMARRON MODEL 71 HOGZILLA KILLAWhile no big-bore lever rifle will take down a mythical monster, the

Cimarron Model 71 Hogzilla Killa might just be the one to give it a try.The Model 71 line is based on the Winchester Model 1886 and offersequal parts strength, reliability and eye-catching beauty. The Hogzilla

Killa sports a traditional pistol-grip stock, an adjustable semi-buckhorn

CHIAPPA 1886 KODIAK For those who don’t want basic gun metal with their lever-action

rifle, the Chiappa 1886 Kodiak offers a fine mix of comfort andaesthetics. The stock and forend wood has “soft touch” paint with

a layer of matte black rubber that provides a firm yet pleasantgrip, while the rubber buttplate will help absorb the rifle’s .45-70

Government recoil. The receiver, bolt, lever and barrel are protectedfrom corrosion and rust—and even fingerprints—via a special hard

chrome treatment that provides an opaque finish and will lookgood year after year of rugged use. (chiappafirearms.com)

CAPACITY: 5+ 1

MSRP: $1 ,847rear sight and a European walnut stock. It packs quite a big punch in a

relatively small package. (cimarron-firearms.com; 877-749-4861)

BIG HORN ARMORY MODEL 90ABig Horn Armory produces its Model 90A to chamber the .454Casull with a 17-4 stainless steel barreled action that is properlyhardened to deliver downrange performance year after year. Severalstock options are available, including walnut, maple or a laminateversion . The rifle is fitted with front and rear sling swivel mounts, acurved lever for easy operation with gloves, a rear aperture sight, afront post sight and a pistol-grip stock with a 1-inch-thick buttpad

to help absorb recoil. (bighornarmory.com; 307-586-3700)

SPECS

CALIBER: .454 CasullBARREL: 18 or 22 inchesOA LENGTH: 41 inchesWEIGHT: 8.34 pounds (empty)STOCK: Walnut, maple, laminateSIGHTS: Front blade, aperture rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: S tainless, Hunter black, casehardenedCAPACITY: 8+ 1

MSRP: $2,949- $4,349


“ The original lever-action ri les...were blackpowdercartridge irearms...but today’s powerhouse lever ri les

offer bores that few would want to stare down. ”



HENRY .45-70 LEVER ACTIONDubbed “the choice of big-game hunters,” Henry’s .45-70 Lever

Action (Model H010) is capable of handling even the largest game inNorth America. It features a blued steel receiver with a round, 18.43-

inch barrel and a tubular magazine with a four-round capacity. Thepistol-grip stock and steel-capped forend are crafted from Americanwalnut and cut with checkering for a sure grip to help shooters make

every shot. A version with an octagonal barrel is also available.(henryrifles.com; 201-858-4400)

SPECS

CALIBER: .45-70GovernmentBARREL: 18.43 inchesOA LENGTH: 39 inchesWEIGHT: 7.08 pounds (empty)STOCK: WalnutSIGHTS: Bead front, adjustable rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: Matte black CAPACITY: 4+ 1

MSRP: $850

SPECS

CALIBER: .44 Magnum, .357MagnumBARREL: 16 or 20 inchesOA LENGTH: 34-38 inchesWEIGHT: 5.9 pounds (empty)STOCK: Soft-touch woodSIGHTS: Front post,Skinner rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: Matte chromeCAPACITY: 7+ 1

MSRP: $1 ,366

SP S

SIGHTS: Front post, adjustable rear ACTION: Lever FINISH: BluedCAPACITY:

9+ 1MSRP: $1 ,309

TAYLOR’S 1892 ALASKAN TAKE-DOWNShould you answer the call of the wild, you may want to have

the 1892 Alaskan Take-Down from Taylor’s & Co. Firearmsat your side. It combines a traditional design with modern

technology, and the result is a fast-handling lever action thatis designed specifically for today’s hunters. While the version

shown is a .44 Magnum with a 16-inch barrel, a 20-inch barrelis also available as well as a .357 Magnum version with a

16-inch barrel. (taylorsfirearms.com; 540-722-2017)

hardened lever and hammer, and fully adjustable sights. It alsocomes supercharged in the powerful .44 Magnum so today’s

cowboys can enjoy it not only for target shooting, defenseand competition, but also for big-game hunting at moderate

ranges. This carbine combines history and technology to evokethe Wild West in all its glory. (uberti.com; 800-264-4962) SW


SPECS

CALIBER: .44 MagnumBARREL: 19 inchesOA LENGTH: 38 inchesWEIGHT: 7.4 pounds (empty)STOCK: Walnut

UBERTI 1873 CARBINEThe Winchester Model 1873 was known as the rifle that“won the West,” so it isn’t surprising that Uberti should

replicate this timeless classic. This already elegant rifle comeswith an A-grade walnut stock, deep-blued steel, a color-case-

“ In fact, the term ‘big bore’...comes from Africa, wherebig-game hunters would carry these types of ri les

because they were the only ones truly up to the task... ”



GUNTEST


BY DAVE NORMAN

Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber

Barrel: 24 inches OA Length: 45.6 inches Weight: 7.5 pounds (empty) Stock: Synthetic Sights: Fiber-optic front,

flip-up lead rear Action: Semi-auto Finish: Hardcoat anodized blue

Capacity: 8+1 MSRP: $1,449

SPECS

FN SLP COMPETITION

FN’S -GAUGE SLP COMPETITIONdelivers cutting-edge scattergun

performance!

F N ’S GA U G E

RANGE

PHOTOS BY ALEX LANDEEN




breakdown of FN America’s 12-gauge Self-Loading

Police (SLP) Competition shotgun.

Military RootsFN America is the stateside subsidiary of the

Belgian Herstal Group, which traces its roots toFabrique Nationale d’Herstal (or FN Herstal as it’sknown today), a company founded in the late 19thcentury to produce rifles for the Belgian military.The company has had close relations with the Bel-gian government, and increasingly more Europeangovernments (and ours) ever since. Its facili tyin Columbia, South Carolina, is the U.S. place of

cl

I

are t

my hands for a very strenuous field test.

Self-Loading PoliceThe Self-Loading Police shotgun debuted in

2008. After earning several prestigious awards,it made its way into the hands to local and federallaw enforcement personnel, armed citizens andcompetitors. The M4-style front and rear sights(with the former affixed atop a post elevating itabove the muzzle) helped accurately deliver slugsdownrange, and the 6+1 capacity recommended it

for true tactical work as a primary weapon.Then came the SLP Tactical variant with a

pistol-grip stock. Competitors, and some armedprofessionals, wanted a version with a little extrafirepower, more minimalist sights (the M4-stylesights obscure moving targets) and interchange-able chokes. Enter the MK I, with its 22-inch barrel,8+1 capacity and a lack of M4-style sights in favorof a fiber-optic front sight and a rear leaf sight.The company also released a tactical variant witha pistol-grip stock—all of which led to the develop-ment of the SLP Competition.

FN’s aptly named SLP



Three GunningThe FN SLP Competition shotgun is

a good example of gear updated frompolice and military hardware to civiliansporting equipment tuned specificallyfor fast-paced, high-volume shooting, asepitomized by the 3-Gun competitionsregularly attended by FN America’scompetition team. With their directinput, as well as feedback from othertop athletes, FN’s designers set out toadapt the Self-Loading Police to thecompetitive world. They succeeded.

It’s normal for 3-Gun competitors

to fire 100 or more rounds in a compe-tition—and to have that round countinclude #7 1 / 2 birdshot, buckshot andslugs. Often on the same stage. Oftenalternating back and forth. Frequently atdifferent ranges.

This would drive a traditionalshotgun shooter mad and over-tax theirequipment. Thus, successful 3-Gunshotguns must handle a magazine tubefull of a mix of birdshot, slugs and buck-shot, being able to fire all three types ofammo at a time without jamming. The

FN SLP Competition shotgun I testeddid all of this and a lot more.

The SLP Compe-tition retains the gasoperating systemfound throughout theSLP line along with therifle-style syntheticstock and generouslyoversized handguardwith extremelypositive checkering.New to this model isthe vent rib that runs down the length ofthe 24-inch-long barrel for dissipatingheat mirage. We sent a box of birdshot

downrange as fast as we could fire andreload, and this vent rib worked as wellas one could hope.

Also new is a flip-up rear leaf sightwith graduated markings for helping getslugs to center-mass at longer ranges.There has been a move away fromtactical-style sights on competitionshotguns back towards the traditional-for-shotguns front bead (which cannotproperly be called a sight). This hasto do with field of view: Tactical-stylesights can obstruct too much, especially

when trying to track and lead a movingtarget, while the bead is ideal for the

shotgun’s traditional roleagainst moving targets. The SLPCompetition has such a bead,and the rear leaf sight foldsforward into an opening on thevent rib, where it rides out ofthe way as you blast movingtargets. If you want it to helpyou put slugs downrange ortake down poppers, you caneasily flip it up with the thumbof your support hand.

Shotgun stages—indeed,whole matches—can be wonthrough shotgun reloadingspeed. There are few thingsslower than reloading ashotgun, but competitorsusing the “load two” or “quadload” technique can cut thistime drastically. To help them,the SLP Competition has an

enlarged loading port, and the cartridgelift is milled so you can push your thumbinto the magazine tube to seat the last

cartridge, and retrieve your thumb againwithout snagging yourself. These detailsare absolutely crucial to a modern3-Gun shotgun, and work wonderfullyon the SLP Competition.

The SLP Competition’s design isextremely well thought out from first tolast. But how does it shoot?

Torture Test SurvivorTesting began at the trap and skeet

range, where the SLP Competition cameup to bear like a dream and tracked

targets smoothly. The receiver is madeof milled aluminum for a balance of

FN SLP COMPETITION

3 4

1. The loading portis relieved for easierloading especially in“load two” or “loadfour” style.

2. The ber-optic frontsight is easy to acquireand the top of the ventrib has serrations tohelp reduce glare.

3. The adjustableleaf-style rear sight ipsup easily for enhanced

precision—a boon forslug shooting.

4. Shooters canquickly fold the SLPCompetition’s rear sightdown ush with thevent rib to easily trackmoving targets.

1 2

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com100 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/M AY 2016



strength and light weight, and the lightweight resulted in fast handling andvery little overswing.

The SLP strikes many balances.Lightweight shotguns kick like mules,which slows down follow-up shots.Heavy shotguns push more than kick,but are slower in handling. By using itsshort-stroke gas operating system, FNhas engineered a system that actuallysoaks up some recoil energy, lesseningthe perceived recoil, while the syntheticstock and handguard and aluminumreceiver help lighten the overall shotgun.That’s how you get a 45.6-inch-long

and which magically doesn’t kick like amule. This was particularly appreciatedas I eclipsed 250 rounds on the traprange in under two hours.

My test SLP Competition shippedwith an Invector Plus extended choketube in Improved Cylinder size, whichshould be capable of handling any of theshot and slugs that the 3-inch magnumreceiver can chamber. It’s not the bestchoke for trap—a modified or light-fullchoke would have been better—butit’s dynamite for skeet and blastingthe kinds of clay targets frequentlyencountered at 3-Gun matches. Withthe Invector Plus choke system you can

associated with high-brass

but flew straight and printed groups thatsuggest excellent accuracy beyond ourtest shooters’ abilities.

A significant amount of buckshotwent downrange from Winchester,Federal, and some odds and ends fromthe gear bag, all to tremendous effect.At 10 yards, the pellets generally stayedin a 6-inch circle—big enough to giveyou some margin of error on steel platesand tight enough to give you multiplesteel-toppling hits when you do yourpart while firing.

I loaded a few magazine tubes with arandom combination of slugs, buckshot

FN’s previou s SLP models ship with

spectrum as we ll. This explains howit handled the 3 -inch magnum turkeyloads we put th rough it along with1 600-fps slugs on down to the Federaltarget loads tha t push 1 ounce of shotdownrange at a pproximately 1,250 fps.

FAR LEFT: Thecompetition-tunedtrigger rides in aguard that’s slightlyoversized for use withshooting gloves.

LEFT: FN ships theshotgun with a thickrubber buttpad tohelp absorb some ofthe 12-gauge recoil.

s o gun a we g s on y . poun s, e nvec or us c o e sys em, you canswitch chokes to suit individual stages.

Another balance is foundin how the SLP’s operatingsystem handles the pressuresassociated with high-brass,3-inch magnum cartridgesas well as low-brass birdshot

cartridges without users havingto change out any pistons, springs,

plugs or other components. The SLPCompetition chewed through a numberof Federal high-brass #6 hunting loads(which are great for swinging heavyspinner targets) along with all of theslugs and buckshot we fed it.

The Winchester, Federal andRemington slugs still kicked pretty hard

an r s o —for any uplanda good represerange for a 3-G

happy to see trom mixed mareliable cadenc

FN’s previotwo gas pistonand light-recoilthe other for fu3-inch magnuthough, ships“competition”heavier-load piwith the hotterspectrum as wit handled theloads we put th1,600-fps slugtarget loads thdownrange at a

“TESTING BEGAN AT THE TRAP AND SKEET RANGE, WHERE THE SLPCAME UP TO BEAR LIKE A DREAM AND TRACKED TARGETS SMOOTHLY.”

— Continued on page 128 D a v e

N o r m a n

P h o

t o

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL/M AY 2016 101



Th

CLOSE QUARTERS

How the HK MP5 defined ageneration of submachine guns.

BY FRED MASTISON

The world of counterterrorism isoften cloaked in shadows andrarely visible to the averageperson. That changed in

early May of 1980. The world watchedafter an Arab separatist group from theKhuzestan Province of Iran stormed theIranian embassy in South Kensington,London. After negotiations failed and theterrorists executed a hostage, MargaretThatcher picked up a phone and called inthe SAS. The elite British counterterror

team assaulted the embassy in broaddaylight in front of assembled journalistsand pedestrians. They rappelled fromthe rooftop dressed in black, wearing gasmasks and carrying submachine guns.The team entered through the embassy’swindows, skylights and doors. In thefollowing 17 minutes, the SAS succeededin freeing all but one of the remaininghostages, killing five of the six terroristsand capturing the sixth. Just as quicklyas they appeared, the SAS vanishedback into the shadows following what

would become known as OperationNimrod. But images were captured of

the counterterror team carrying a uniquesubmachine gun would be forever etchedinto people’s minds. That now-iconicsubmachine gun was the MP5.

Behind The MP5The MP5 is the brainchild and

treasure of German gun-maker Heckler& Koch. Officially the “ Maschinenpistole5,” the MP5 is a 9mm submachine gunthat began its life in 1964. Eventuallydesignated the MP5A1, this lightweight

and reliable submachine gun wouldsee service in 40 different nations formilitary, law enforcement and securityapplications over the years.

The MP5 originated in West Germanyas the HK54 as part of Project 64. Theproject was based on the proven designand function of the 7.62mm NATO HKG3 battle rifle. The design team of TiloMoller, Manfred Guhring and HalmutBaureuter worked for two years to createa reliable submachine gun using thesame roller-locked, delayed-blowback

action of the parent weapon. Theirattention to detail paid off. In a time

where most submachine guns fired froman open bolt, the MP5 was designedfor improved accuracy by firing froma closed bolt. No more bolt slammingforward and shifting the balance ofthe gun. Small submachine guns werenotorious for being difficult to manageon target. The MP5 would set a newstandard for subgun accuracy. TheMP5’s proven roller-delayed blowbackaction is tremendously reliable, modular,extremely accurate and extraordinarily

easy to control when firing.Notable Variants

According to Heckler & Koch, thereare currently over 100 versions of theMP5 in production. It can be almostdizzying to keep track. The primary dif-ference between most versions are stockstyle, overall length and trigger packdesign. While a breakdown of all of theversions could fill this entire magazine,we will look at a few that stand out. Themost widely seen version is the MP5A2.

This is the full-sized gun with a fixedstock. It comes with the “SEF” trigger




The MP5SD is easy toidentify because of itsintegral and detachablesuppressor which helps theplatform remain compactand covert and does notrequire subsonic ammo.

“…this lightweight and reliable submachinegun would see service in 40 differentnations for military, law enforcement

and security applications.”

MP5

MP5SD

MP5K

group, which includes safe, semi-autoand full-auto fire control positions.These are the versions most commonlyused by law enforcement and securityteams around the world.

Next up is the MP5K. The “K”stands for the German word forshort—“ kurz .” This version of the MP5is almost legend. It was designed for

close-quarters battle with clandestineoperations and special services. TheMP5K does not have a shoulder stock,and the bolt and receiver were short-ened at the rear. The resulting lighterbolt led to a higher rate of fire thanthe standard MP5. The barrel, cockinghandle and its cover were shortenedand a vertical foregrip was used to

replace the standard handguard. Thebarrel ends at the base of the frontsight, which prevents the use of anysort of muzzle device. This is alsothe MP5 that was designed to fit andoperate inside a special briefcase.

Almost as recognizable as the “K”version is the MP5SD. This MP5 variant

— Continued on page 129




After testing several LWRC Internationalrifles, they have become some of my favor-ites. I’m a fan of the 6.8 SPC, and I’ve spentmany hours and thousands of rounds behindthe company’s piston-driven Six8 riflesusing various barrel lengths. Recent testing

of LWRCI’s 5.56mm IC-PSD variant of the IndividualCarbine (IC) platform was an eye-opening experience. Itook it to a couple training courses and tested it for hourson my home range, and it ran everything I put through it,including some frangible ammunition that choked everyother rifle I’ve used it in.

Professionals, law enforcement officers and discerningbuyers have long sought out LWRCI when looking for aworkingman’s rifle. Built to high standards and designedfor hard use, they are among the most dependable andreliable carbines on the market. Their only drawback iscost—like any quality product, especially a piston-drivencarbine, they are not cheap. Piston-driven rifles have more

parts and tend to weigh more. For those with no need

GUNTEST “Mating the new bolt group with

the existing improvements of theIC platform provided what may

just be the perfect carbine.”

LWRCI’s new IC-DIdelivers capabledirect-impingementperformance at avery good price.Shown with aTrijicon SRS sight.

S e an

U t l e y P h

o t o

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com104



DIRECT FROM

for a piston system, direct-impingement (DI) ARs are a greatoption. What we needed was a DI rifle from LWRCI, and thecompany has come through with the 5.56mm IC-DI.

A Closer LookThe IC-DI starts with LWRCI’s proven “double coined”

upper and lower receivers, which are forged from 7075-T6aluminum. They’re easily some of the strongest receivers youcan buy. Like all IC rifles, the lower receiver sports ambi-dextrous controls and an oversized triggerguard. A MagpulMOE+ grip is installed for enhanced control, while the LWRCICompact stock makes it easy to use the IC-DI while wearingplate carriers or other duty gear. The lower’s internals,including the trigger, are mil-spec.

The upper receiver features a 16.1-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate, M4 feed rampsand a 5.56mm NATO chamber. The barrel is also flutedfor reduced weight and improved cooling. Out front is anA2-style flash suppressor. The barrel is made from 41V45

steel and coated in NiCorr for longevity and corrosion resis-

tance. Gas is delivered to the enhanced DI bolt carrier groupusing a NiCorr-coated gas tube.

Surrounding the barrel and gas system is a slim, 12-inchhandguard developed specifically for the IC-DI rifle. Attach-ing solidly at the receiver, it allows the barrel to float freely.Rails can be attached along the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.

The continuous top rail facilitates sights and other acces-sories. Rail panels were provided with my test rifle alongwith the company’s Angled Foregrip. It also came with twoaccessory rails: a short one for lights or lasers and an angledrail that includes a quick-detach (QD) sling cup. There is alsoa QD sling cup on the back of the Angled Foregrip. Each rifleships with a single Magpul PMAG.

Top TrainingHeaded to the San Antonio Texas area for some extra

long-range training put me in the neighborhood for aLights, Sights & Lasers Tour stop. Taught by my friend andcolleague Wes Doss, it focuses on police encounters in low

and failing light conditions. It includes half a day of class-

Meet LWRCI’s first direct-impingementAR—the tank-tough, 5.56mm IC-DI.

BY DAVID BAHDE




room training and about four hours onthe range with a carbine.

I decided to add a few things tothe IC-DI based on my experience. Iadded a Trijicon MRO in a brand-newAXTS mount. This sight has provenexcellent with a less obstructed view.The controls are easy to access, and it isrugged yet lightweight. The precision-machined AXTS is very sleek, easy touse and strong. This mount placed theLWRCI backup sights I added in thelower third of the MRO’s lens. Another

addition was LaRue Tactical’sMBT-2S trigger. I prefer two-stagetriggers, and LaRue’s is one of thebest. It’s smooth with a widerand slightly flatter shoe. It’s alsoeasy to install with a captured

sear while offering a 2.5-poundfirst stage and a crisp 2-pound second

stage. My final change was a Primary

Weapons Systems Triad flash suppres-sor. It has proven to all but eliminateflash on any 16-inch-barreled carbine.

I also added a SureFire Scout lightin a LaRue Tactical light mount. Finally,I added a Vickers sling from Blue ForceGear. I used several 5.56mm loads fromvarious manufacturers for ammunition.

Wes Doss focuses on fast targetacquisitions from unconventional start-ing positions. Rather than start ampedup in a standard position, you start withthe rifle hanging from its sling. Then youengage targets under stress at closerange (from 5 to 20 yards) using onlyyour backup sights—sighting throughor over your reflex sight if you haveone. There was also a shootout amongstudents where the winner walked awaywith over $1,000 in prizes. The MROreally shined here because of its wide

field of view. This was my fifth timethrough this training with various riflesand reflex sights, and the MRO was thefastest I’ve used to date.

The IC-DI’s ambidextrous controlscame in handy. I recently injured mystrong hand, so I had to alter howI normally operate the safety. TheIC lower uses a pinned safety withstandard-sized levers on both sides.This allowed me to run the rifle with mystrong-hand thumb forward throughoutthe drills, which isn’t my preference forCQB situations. But this was less painfulwhile still being fast. The LaRue trigger

LWRC IC-DI

The lower receiver features fullyambidextrous controls and an extendedtriggerguard, while the upper housesLWRCI’s enhanced bolt carrier group foroptimum reliability in harsh conditions.

Surrounding thebarrel and DIgas system isa free-oatinghandguard thatallows shootersto add accessoryrails where neededalong the sidesand bottom.

SPECS

LWRCI IC-DI

Caliber: 5.56mm NATOBarrel: 16.1 inches

OA Length: 32-35.25 inches

Weight: 6.7 pounds (empty)

Stock: Collapsible

Sights: None

Action: Direct impingementsemi-auto

Finish: Matte black

Capacity: 30+1

MSRP: $1,600




once again shined. Smooth and crisp,it allowed for control when needed

and speed when necessary. It has notfailed when used in four different rifles,including the IC-DI. All in all, the carbineran well and never missed a beat.

Range TestingBack at my home range, I measured

the IC-DI’s accuracy after reinstallingits factory trigger. I was able to producegroups under an inch, with the bestmeasuring just over 0.6 inches usingBarnes’ 70-grain TSX ammo. The IC-DIwas plenty accurate. Moving to a nicetwo-stage trigger will likely improvethings, but for a duty-ready rifle, this ismore than adequate.

Donning a Velocity Systems platecarrier, the short stock proved invalu-able. My arms are short to begin with,and standard stocks just extend myarms too far. LWRCI’s short stock makesit possible to keep the rifle squarely inmy workspace for reloads and otherquick manipulations.

The ambidextrous controls were

a boon, and it was good practice toprimarily use my left side. Having thebolt release on both sides allowed me touse a couple different reloading methods.The carbine ran smoothly, even insidemy range’s shoothouse. Because of mystrong-side injury, I mostly used theIC-DI from my left side during the entrypractice, with the SureFire light’s tapeswitch mounted on top of the handguardfor easy access. Having the light on theleft side also meant that it cleared obsta-cles first when working around corners.

Moving around my FJ Cruiser tooka bit of work considering I’m used to

resting my left side on the bumper, forexample. Once again, the ambidextrouscontrols really helped. It was possibleto operate the safety easily. The safetylevers are the same size on both sidesof the receiver, making the transitionmuch easier. Those shorter safetylevers are great for precision rifles,but not when you need to reach themwith your off-side thumb. It took somepractice, but after a couple of runs I gotthe hang of running the IC-DI from my

left side, making me quite confidentthat I could use this rifle effectively inany practical condition.

Accurate & ReliableThe IC-DI never suffered a single

malfunction. The ejection patterns wereincredibly consistent over several typesof ammunition. Even in less conven-tional shooting positions, brass neverhit me in the face. Also, LWRCI’s AngledForegrip is the best I’ve used so far. Itprovides excellent control while servingas a stable support against barricadesand other objects.

LWRCI is offering the IC-DI for$1,600, which is comparable to othertop-tier ARs. And, this model is as goodas any top-tier AR I have tested. Short ofa custom rifle, it just does not get muchbetter than this. Everyone has theirpreferences when it comes to features,but everything on this rifle is top notch.More importantly, it is built like a tankwith a robust gas block, cold-hammer-

forged barrel, forged receivers and anenhanced bolt carrier group. For more,visit lwrci.com or call 410-901-1348. SW

The IC-DI features a uted barrel (aboveleft) and a long top rail (above) for addingsights and optics. LWRCI’s Angled Foregrip(left) provides a solid hold as well as anambidextrous sling-attachment point.

LWRCI IC-DI


Barnes 69 Match 2,880 0.75 Barnes 70 TSX 2,800 0.60 Hornady 55 V-MAX 2,950 0.80 Silver State Armory 77 OTM 2,750 1.00 Winchester 69 Match 2,900 0.85

PERFORMANCE

Bullet weightmeasured ingrains, velocity infps by chronographand accuracy ininches for bestthree-shot groupsat 100 yards.




AMMO ROUNDUP

BARNESBULLETS High-quality pistol and rifle rounds

to help you take down any target!BY DAVID BAHDE

Most of my gun and gear testingtends to lean towards the tac-tical and self-defense realms.I hunt on occasion, but most

of my experience and expertise revolvesaround firearms used for law enforcementand self-defense. That includes the acces-sories and ammunition being fielded andused. While marketing today can make just about anything appear flawless, evenammunition, I try to focus on what works,which can take some effort. This is one ofthe reasons I rarely test ammunition foreffectiveness—only accuracy, functionand reliability. Proven effectiveness takes

real-world use and cannot be done prop-erly in a day. Besides, it’s just not prudentto change ammunition without goodreason. I’ve lived through the processas a police administrator, and it was anightmare. So moving away from a provenbullet or ammunition for something newshould never be taken lightly.

Attending training courses and mediaevents throughout the country keeps meapprised of the ammunition currentlybeing used for self-defense and profes-sional use throughout the industry. Whilesales and marketing populate these are-nas, reading between the lines and talkingto the right people can garner some solidinformation. In talking to military and lawenforcement professionals and readinga number of periodicals, one name justkeeps coming up: Barnes Bullets.

“ Barnes’ 150- and 168-grain TTSXloads…have caught the attention of

tactical teams, police departments and

smaller military units. ”

108 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL/M AY 2016



Barnes Goes Tact icalBarnes Bullets is no t new to the industry—just the

tactical and self-defens e worlds. It seemed every timeI turned around someo ne was telling me how well aBarnes TAC-X or TAC- TX bullet was performing bothin testing and in the fie ld. The company’s 110-grainTAC-TX is loaded exte nsively in 300 Blackoutammunition by some o f the best manufacturers onthe market. Many agen cies are moving to Barnes’ 62-and 70-grain TSX bulle ts in 5.56mm NATO. I recentlytested a DoubleTap .22 3 Remington that used Barnes’55-grain TSX projectile s, and I was impressed withthe results, especially o ut of an 8-inch-barreled entryrifle. Many agencies us ing .308 Winchester/7.62mmNATO rifles are looking at the 150-grain TTSX.

These bullets are pr oving very effective whenused through barriers, soft targets or anything else.They’re accurate and c onsistent. Designed to expandwhen necessary while retaining much of their initialweight, they fit perfect ly into the current standard forself-defense and law e nforcement use. Barnesrecently introduced pis tol bullets using

the same technology, a nd they’restarting to gain some i ncreasedattention, too. Barnes’ TAC-XP bulletsin 9mm, .357 Magnum , 10mm, .40S W and .45 ACP are showing up inseveral custom and se lf-defense loads.Barnes’ 155-grain TAC- XP bullets areloaded in the 10mm 19 11 I carry tothis day. Just like the ri fle bullets, thehandgun rounds perfor m well undermost any condition wit h proven weightretention and predicta ble expansion. Sowell in fact that Barnes is now offering these

bullets in their own pro duct lines, including the latestTAC-XPD self-defense ammunition.

TAC XPD Ammo

Barnes’ TAC-XPD ammo uses the best possible compo-nents, including nicke l-coated cases. Each round is gaugedto ensure proper feed ing. The packaging is completedby hand, adding anot her level of visual inspection to theprocess. Regular test ing ensures the bullets are performingas designed. Each cal iber is tested to provide the bestpossible penetration depths with complete expansion. Theammunition uses low -flash propellants while operatingeffectively at extreme temperatures. The most commonself-defense chambe rings are covered, with TAC-XPDloads in .380 ACP, 9m m +P, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W and.45 ACP +P. I’ve used the 115-grain TAC-XP in severalpistol tests and can a ttest to its consistent accuracy andreliability across seve ral pistol types. Designed for usein the harshest condi tions, the TAC-XPD line meets theneeds of professiona ls and CCW holders alike.




“ These bullets are provingvery effective when used

through barriers, soft targetsor anything else. ”

AMMO ROUNDUP

Precision MatchMilitary units are often restricted from using controlled

expansion bullets. So they typically choose Open-TippedMatch or OTM ammo especially for extended ranges.To this end Barnes’ new Precision Match line is seeingsignificant success. Its 69- and 85-grain 5.56mm loadsoffer superb accuracy thanks to trajectory calculations inthe development process generated using Doppler radarthe most accurate means to date.

Both the 175-grain .308 Winchester and 220-grain.300 Winchester Magnum loads offer greater energy on target at range. I recently tested Barnes’300-grain .338 Lapua OTM ammo, andthe results were very impressive. Hits on

a 12-inch steel target at 1,200 yards werealmost boringly consistent. Moving out to just under a mile, I was able to get sevenhits out of ten shots on a 36-by-36-inchsteel target in less than 10 seconds usingthe Alexander Arms Ulfberht. Most hitsclustered under 12 inches, with three closerto 6 inches. Loaded to precise standardswith the best components, Barnes’Precision Match ammo is exactly whatit claims to be—precision ammunitionloaded to match standards. It’s suitable foruse by the most elite units, target shooters

or competitors.

Going The DistanceBarnes Bullets has long been known as a premier maker

of proven hunting bullets. Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat hasbeen using these bullets for years at his premier hog-huntingranch in Texas, with consistent performance across a broadrange of calibers. I personally have taken large hogs at hisranch with 6.8 SPC, 7.62x40 WT and .458 SOCOM loadsusing Barnes’ TSX and TTSX bullets.

Barnes has taken its proven experience into the self-defense realm with the TAC-XP pistol bullets and TAC–Xand TAC-TX rifle projectiles loaded in TAC-XPD or VOR-TXammunition. Adding the new OTM line to the mix meetsthe needs of most anyone looking for ammunition for self-defense or professional use. Next time you are looking forthe perfect carry round, make sure you add Barnes Bullets tothe top of your list. For more information, visit barnesbullets.

com or call 435-856-1000. SW

VOR TX RoundsAlthough it’s listed as hunting ammunition much of

Barnes’ VOR-TX line is well suited to self-defense andprofessional uses. Barnes’ 300 Blackout ammo uses eitherthe 110- or 120-grain TAC-TX bullet making these loadswell suited to most applications. The company’s 5.56mmloads using 55- 62- and 70-grain TSX bullets offer provenpenetration solid expansion and excellent quality. Barnes’150- and 168-grain TTSX loads in .308 Winchester haveproven to be excellent performers at moderate ranges onmedium-sized game and have caught the attention of tacti-cal teams police departments and smaller military units.

110 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6 SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com



SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 20 16 111

OWN THE

Night-vision gearto keep you in the fightwhen the lights go out.

SPE CI -W - .

In ages past, darkness meantfear. Good people bandedtogether for protection afterthe dark, for predators huntin the night.

Cutting-edge technology nowoffers the means to dispel thedarkness. Mastery of the night isthe greatest single tactical advan-tage U.S. forces have over theiradversaries. Nowadays, this samegame-changing capability is availableto law enforcement agencies andcivilians. What follows is a typical

cross-section of the tactical toolsthat will let you own the night.

BY WILL DABBS, MD

P h o t o C o u r t e s y

W a l t h e r

H I G H

- T E C H

R O U N D U P



commer cial-grade image intensifiers.

on a single AA battery, can be

illumin to r and a low-battery indicator.

BERING OPTICS URBAN PATROL

The Urban Patrol is a lightweight andinexpensive digital night-vision camerabuilt with a specially developed IR sen-sitive CMOS chip, making it suitable foruse in urban environments. The device i s

be found in urban areas and has built-invideo recording capabilities. This device is appropriate for 24-hour video surveillan ce and offers full color recording. The devi ce runs off

m; 888-368-4656)

sly

iscee runs offl zoom as well

AN / The

tube nicomme

Dual-tubpercept

survThon

haandThe A

illuminatThe device has

control and weighoffer no magnifica

view. (eotechinc.co

AN / PVS-14The AN/PVS-14 is in common use by U.S.

personnel today. This monocular device canmet mounted for ground-based night obsetasks or fitted directly behind a collimatedWhen helmet mounted, the AN/PVS-14 s

as an image intensifier to identifand long-range threats. T

PVS-14 offers a 40-d

field of view as wellclear central aiminwhen used in conjwith weapon sightVision Depot offerversatile monocula

with a variety of inttubes that balance p

mance and price. (eotcom; 888-368-4656)

as a built-in IR illuminator. The device hSD slot and a micro USB port. (beringop

s a built-in microtics.com; 817-453-9966)

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZ112 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 2 016



HARRIS AN/PSQ-20A SENVGThe Spiral Enhanced Night-Vision Goggle (SENVG) is a refined version

of the AN/PSQ-20 ENVG. The SENVG is an optically fused monocularthat combines both an image intensified tube with an IR microbolometerinto a single compact unit.

The SENVG weighs 21 ounces and operates on three AA batteries.The field of view is 40 degrees for the image intensifier and 30 degreesfor the IR sensor. The SENVG can detect a man-sized target out to

328 meters. The SENVG’s non-exit-pupil-forming eyepiece allows an

HARRIS F4949

trained aviator to perform any mission in darkness. (harris.com)

g tactical operations. (harris.com)in

temse

ptimized like blacked-outhead mounts andThe external powerry failure will not compro-unces and allows a properly

FLIR MILSIGHT T90 TANSThe FLIR MilSight T90 TaNS (Tactical Night Sight) mounts

ahead of your day optic and provides truly long-range engagementcapabilities. Using the finest-quality mil-spec Gen 3 image intensi-fier tubes, the TaNS does not require boresighting and is opti-

FLIR SCOUT II

temperature gradients and display them s n im ge


ized for 2X to 8X day scopes. The TaNS includes FLIR’s Shockmitigation System (SMS) that allows this rugged optic to be usedM

n .50-caliber weapons. The TaNS runs on two AA batteries andoe ighs 24 ounces. Its focus range is 3 meters to infinity, and it haswo intrinsic magnification. (flir.com; 800-868-0639)n

ms detectas an imagebut impossiblend. The FLIR the palm

l lithium-ionge out to 500 yards.cking, surveillance and res-agined. The Scout II also finds

lation, and the Pro version allows both. (flir.com; 800-868-0639)

SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRIL/ MAY 201 6 113



NVD PVS-7The AN/PVS-7D is the workhorse night-

vision system for the U.S. military and has beenproduced by the tens of thousands. This versatilesingle-tube goggle is also widely used by foreignNATO forces. The AN/PVS-7D uses a single Gen 3image intensifier tube for maximum performance

Special Forces Kit. The PVS-7 is built to withstand w aterimmersion and runs for 40 hours on two AA batteri es. It

10-year warranty. (nvdepot.com; 610-395-9743)

G g laser. The T50 operates for nine hours on thr ee CR123s and weighs 23 ounces. This state-o f-the-art device

X and 4X digital zoom ca pabilities and proprietarydigital image enha ncement. flir.com; 800-868-0639)

clip-on Gen 3 image intensi-pon’s day optics to pro-

tification and engagementens of the AN/PVS-22 provides higha lightweight optic. The AN/PVS-22 isd other common military weapon systems.unds and operates to 48 hours on one AA oraterproof for four hours at 3 feet and sports armco.com; 321-607-9900)

NVD BMNVDOne of the newest night-vision goggle designs is the Binocular/

Monocular Night-Vision Device (BMNVD). The BMNVD usesmodular intensifier tubes that can be configured either together oralone using a common mounting solution that is compatible withstandard AN/PVS-14 accessories. Both tubes of the BMNVD drawpower from a common bridge to minimize the hardware footprint.The BMNVD uses standard CR123 batteries for roughly 40 hoursof continuous use. The BMNVD is fully collimated, nitrogen-purged and lightweight. (nvdepot.com; 610-395-9743)

FLIR TThe FL

that mocapabilitdesigneACOG G.targetin

atterie

sports 2STACE

potgles

aters. Ita full


H I G H - T E C H

R O U N D U P



NVD STRYKERThe Stryker is built around a high-performance Gen 2

image intensifier tube to offer professional-grade per-formance for the individual operator or law enforcemententity on a budget. The Stryker has a built-in IR illumina-tor and can be used in conjunction with optional 3X, 4X,6X and 8X magnifiers. The Stryker runs for 40 hours on asingle CR123 battery, but it can be ordered with a 12-volt jack to allow the unit to operate on vehicle power forstakeout and surveillance operations. The Stryker has a220-yard detection range. (nvdepot.com; 610-395-9743)

NVD MICRO

on evice. The MICRO c n

e -mounted, handheld or affixed to a camera. ThMICRO is available with commercial or mil-spec Gen 3 Pinnacleintensifier tubes. Adaptors allow the MICRO to be used along w it

and PVS-14 mounts. The MICRO is a versatile and concealable su

sports a 40-degree field of view, uses a single CR123 battery andounces. (nvdepot.com; 610-395-9743)

The Polaris Night Vis

device for those on a budgrequire an IR light source to be

inexpensive. The Polaris has a widtime on a single CR123 battery, an aut

lights and a built-in IR illuminator. The Poldevice or as a head-mounted monocular. The

couple hundred bucks. (nvdepot.com; 610-395-9

B

feet with an IR illuminator.

viewing as well. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)

cularsance sporting optics

dded two newroductrate

rsa rea-lars use, instantg capabili-t to 1,000

st water-ed optics.nocturnal gamey applications. Theke many more expensivethe option of daytime colorSW

eAuto Gated imagh standard PVS-7rveillance tool. It

weighs a mere 11

SPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /AP RIL /MAY 20 16 115



The Special-Forces-inspiredNyx is ready for combat!

BY DAVID MACCAR

handlemay seema bit inadequate,but after you use it fora while, the reasons behindthe handle’s dimensions becomeapparent. It offers a bit less leverage butprovides excellent control and, perhapsmore important for many operators ofall kinds, it makes the knife easier to

grab, use and hang onto while wearinggloves, thick or thin. The low-profilehandle also takes up less room when thesheath is mounted on a vest or belt.

Do-It-All Knife

But a knife is not always used as aweapon, even in combat. The thick bladeallows the Nyx to become a light pryingtool if absolutely necessary, and a choil just above the hilt and serrations on thespine allow a user to choke up on theknife for superior control and applying

force for more

delicate tasks like carvingor dressing game.

The blade is available with a flat blackor Flat Dark Earth SpartaCoat finish, andthe Micarta handle scales are availablein black or green. As for a sheath, thereare a couple options. The Nyx ships witha plastic and nylon MOLLE sheath witha handle retention strap with a snap.It’s square and bulky, but it works wellenough. You can also buy a molded

Kydex sheath to match the color of theknife’s handle or blade, which is a better

option, as it allows for the knife to beextremely secure or readily available fora smooth, quick draw.

The Nyx is a combat-ready knife thatwon’t fall short in handling the tasks youneed a knife to perform in any theater,in any circumstances. For more informa-

tion, visit spartanbladesusa.com or call910-757-0035. SW


SPECS

SPARTAN NYX

Blade Length: 5.13 inches

Blade Thickness: 0.19 inches

OA Length: 10 inches

Weight: 7.68 ounces

Blade Steel: CMP S35VN

Hardness: 58-59 HRC

Finish: SpartaCoat

Handle: Micarta

MSRP: $330



GUNTEST

The ultra-compact Black Aces Tactical DT12 gauge dominates in CQB! BY D.K. PRIDGEN

OF SPACESPECIAL-WEAPONS-MAGAZINE.com118 SPECIAL WEAPONS ® /APRI L/MAY 201 6



issue. And for those not in the military, th e NFA paperwork involved adds time andexpense, turnoffs for many.

Aces HighFlorida’s Black Aces Tactical has been

working to solve these problems. In 2009the company began manufacturing a line of shotgun rails, but stopping there just was n’t in

led to Black Aces building complete shot guns using asmany of its own parts as possible.

apacity, effectiveness and compactnessare each important factors in defensivelong guns. Unfortunately, these termscan conflict. In the law enforcement andmilitary worlds, each factor can mean

success or failure, but which one is most important at thetime really depends on the situation.

For those maneuvering in buildings or vehicles, com-pactness rates pretty high, as the U.S. Marine Corp recentlyacknowledged while considering replacing its M16s withM4s. As for capacity, well, quick reloads are always a goodthing. Not many people are taking Garands into battle today.

It seems that the best option for close quarters mightbe a high-capacity, magazine-fed 12 gauge with a shortoverall length. A short-barreled pump shotgun meets some

Patented Black Aces five- or 10-round stick

the company’s milled receivers using an AK-style system.It was obvious to the Black Aces crew that the receiver/magazine combination could eliminate the capacity short-comings for short-barreled shotguns, where shortenedbarrels meant shortened magazine tubes.

The guys at Black Aces put their thinking caps onand came up with plans to produce the Pro Series 5 DTshotgun—a compact shotgun with excellent capacity. Itwas a 12-gauge shotshell platform, which certainly provideseffectiveness. Still, there was the pesky NFA paperwork anddelays, but Black Aces had some ideas about that!

With the DT shotgun idea established and growing inpopularity, Black Aces wanted to work with the BATFE to

The Black Aces Tactical DT is a truly compact12 gauge built on a Mossberg 500-pattern

receiver but using box mags, a short barrel,an ATI grip and a Sig SB15 brace.

,of’t inilled,ssberg shotguns. This eventuallyuns using as

An ATI foldingstock adapter helps

bring the DT’s overalllength down to even

more compact dimensions.

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evaluate the future DT to ensure that thefinal product could be sold, purchasedand used without NFA difficulties. Themilled receiver—a virgin receiver thatnever had a stock attached before—wasone step. When the guys the guys atBlack Aces finished their ministrationsincorporating the advice of the BATFE’sFirearms Technology Industry ServicesBranch, they had the DT’s final specs.

Gun DetailsThe DT uses an 8.5-inch barrel, an

Advanced Technology International(ATI) pistol grip, a fixed or folding buffertube, a Sig Sauer SB15 stabilizing braceand a Magpul foregrip on a multi-posi-tional action block mounted betweenthe twin action bars.

The buffer tube is attached to the

receiver with an ATI Talon fixed or foldingstock adapter, which includes the ATIpistol grip. The Black Aces DT has anoverall length of 26.5 inches with thetube locked open and weighs about 7pounds empty. Black Aces also becamethe proud possessor of a BATFE letterdeclaring the DT a firearm, not an “anyother weapon” (AOW) or short-bar-reled shotgun (SBS), meaning no NFApaperwork was required.

There were qualifications, though.The shotgun submitted to the FTISB had

an overall length of 27.25 inches—defi-nitely exceeding 26 inches, as it must.

As explained by the FTISB, “afirearm of this type is properlyclassified as an AOW if its over-all length is less than 26 inches,or if it is actually concealed onthe person.” Because the overalllength of the DT is a product ofthe Sig Sauer SB15 brace, the “firearm”classification remains “provided the SigSauer SB15 stabilizing brace is used asoriginally designed and not used as ashoulder stock.”

All of this means Black Aces canlegally market the DT to users withoutinvolving any NFA paperwork. It alsomeans the end-user is responsible for

keeping the NFA fly out ofthe ointment by not illegallyusing the Sig Sauer SB15 asa shoulder stock or carryingthe DT concealed. That’spretty simple.

In addition to thereceiver, the barrel, action lock, barrelclamp and extractor are milled, andother small parts are purchased directlyfrom Mossberg. The DT is hand-finishedfor a tight fit and smooth operation.Finally, for a custom touch, the pur-chaser can choose from a large numberof Cerakote finish options. The result ofall of Black Aces’ work is three patents,with a fourth in the works.

CQB MachinesIt appears that although the Black

Aces DT is shooting out of its doors,there was one upgrade a large numberof customers wanted to see: a rail forsights and accessories. By the time youread this, Black Aces Tactical will beselling its new Tactical DTR—the currentDT but wearing one of Black Aces’RB7DT quad-rails.

Black Aces Tactical is a qualitycompany that solves problems, listensto its customers and build innovativeproducts. It sounds like these guysare doing everything right! For more

information, visit blackacestactical.comor call 407-919-9783. SW

BLACK ACES TACTICAL DT

“…the best option for close quartersmight be a high-capacity, magazine-fed12 gauge with a short overall length.”

SPECS

BLACK ACES TACTICAL DT

Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber

Barrel: 8.5 inches

OA Length: 26.5 inches

Weight: 7 pounds (empty)

Grip: ATI Talon

Sights: None

Action: Pump

Finish: Cerakote

Capacity: 5+1, 10+1

MSRP: N/A

With its Sig Sauer SB15 Stablizing Brace,the DT is extremely handy in close quarters.

Black Aces useda lot of machinedsteel in the DT,including themulti-positionalaction block(shown wearing aMagpul foregrip).

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DVD SPOTLIGHT

TIER ONE TRAININGPanteao offers carbine and combat optictraining from Pat McNamara and Freddie Blish!

BY JORGE AMSELLE

Training is important, and gettingthe best training from real expert s takes time and money, two thing s most of us never seem to have in

sufficient quantities. But being strapped forcash and time doesn’t mean you have to

miss out thanks to Panteao Productions an its full line of professional firearms trainingvideos available on DVD or online. PanteaoProductions pairs world-renowned expertsand professional video production qualityfor the best instruction available. Twoof Panteao’s recent DVDs will appeal totactical shooters in particular.

McNamara’s TAPSMake Ready with Pat McNamara: Carbine TAPS takes a life-

time of Special Forces firearms training and gives you the basicsinside an hour and half. It packs in 22 years of McNamara’sspecial operations combat experience. If you want to learn howto best run an AR, this is the man to teach you.

The Carbine TAPS (Tactical Application of Practical Shoot-ing) video covers topics in quick succession, starting withsafety basics and specific considerations for the AR, such askeeping your safety engaged anytime your rifle comes off tar-get. McNamara covers setting up your carbine, including whereto place optics and tactical lights and how to use your sling. Henext delves into basic rifle marksmanship, including under-standing ballistics, where to zero your sights, the importanceof the trigger and breath control, and differentshooting positions, including prone, kneeling,

sitting and standing.McNamara also runs through half a dozendifferent drills that combine magazine changes,transitions to secondary weapons, proper useof cover, movement and working in tandem.One of the most useful lessons is the section o n understanding and clearing malfunctions, whic

clearly all comes from firsthand real-worldexperience. Honestly, I personally have neverseen some of the malfunctions presented andwould have had a hard time clearing them.That alone is worth the price of admission.Malfunctions, according to McNamara are

primarily user error but can also be causedby bad ammunition, chamber obstructions,

broken parts or springs, a dirty gun andunreliable magazines.

Finally, you get McNamara’s personal andpractical take on the theory of training like youfight. Frankly, as he explains, unless you areemployed in a tactical job, you are better off

spending more time training how to draw yourconcealed-carry pistol and engaging targets.

lish’s BallisticsThe second video, Make Ready with Freddie

l sh: Intro to Combat Optics , is a truly com-

holographic sights. These sights can cost more than your rifle,and selecting the right one is important. Blish retired from theMarine Corps after 24 years as a lieutenant colonel beforeworking for Aimpoint. In this three-hour video, Blish coversproducts from Aimpoint, EOTech, Trijicon, Vortex and JPEnterprises, including their military and law enforcement usersand the various options available for quality mounts.

Different mounting options are discussed at length, includ-ing the importance of different risers and levels for co-witness-ing. Blish also spends significant time on the range explainingthe differences between 100-, 200- and 300-meter zeros andtheir effect on the standard-issue, 63-grain 5.56mm bullets.He demonstrates how well made these modern combat optics

are, and how they hold their zero despite being repeatedlydropped, removed and installed. Finally,

he explains how to handle malfunctionslike a dead battery (use the sight itself asa rear sight within 25 yards) and havingan occluded sight (shoot with botheyes open). Blish concludes with somerapid fire and movement drills as well asdiscussing the importance and viability ofred-dot sights for pistols and shotguns.

No DVD can replace one-on-onetraining with a qualified instructor, andthese are certainly not intended to do that,but they do offer excellent advice from realexperts and are well worth your attention.

SW


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S

he Team-Colt-sponsoredcompetitive shooter andtwo-time InternationalDefensive Pistol Associa-

tion IDPA) King of New England titleholder, Mark Redl, was recently hiredby Colt’s Manufacturing Company asits product manager for handguns.With more than 20 state and regionalshooting competition wins over hiseight-year professional shootingcareer, four of which have been shoot-

ing for the Colt team, he brings a levelof practical and product knowledge tothe job, that, according to Paul Spitale,Colt’s senior vice president of com-mercial business, “will help us usher inthe next generation of Colt products.”

To find out more about this com-petitor and now member of the Coltmanagement team, pecial Weapons was able to interrupt Redl’s busyschedule and ask him some questionsabout his shooting and his equipment.

Special Weapons How long haveyou been shooting?Mark Redl I started in 1981 whenI got my permit in New York Stateto carry concealed firearms. I thenrealized that I should probably learnhow to use the gun properly, so I wentto shooting schools run by people likeKen Hackathorn and John Farnam.After I started learning, I looked

around for a way to stay proficient,

and action shooting competition wasthe closest thing I could find.

SW What mindset do you need forcompetition shooting?MR You have to have a positive atti-tude. I look at each stage as a match,so if I do badly on one stage, I put thatout of my mind and move to the nextstage. I’ve seen many people shoot abad stage and then have a negativeattitude during every stage after that.

They end up having a terrible match.

SW How often do you practice?MR Like most shooters today, I havea full-time job, but I’m lucky and I’mliving the dream working for Colt. I’mvery busy, but I try to practice withlive fire three times a week. The restof the week, I try to get in at least 20minutes to half an hour of dry-firepractice. I think anybody who ownsa gun should dry fire to learn how tomanipulate the gun safely.

SW What is your typical practiceregimen when you go to the range?MR After working all day, I’ll pick oneor two techniques like transitions orshooting on the move, and concen-trate on those, shooting about 150rounds. On weekends, I’ll shoot nomore than 250 to 300 rounds eachday, because when you shoot morethan that, you start to get fatigued and

then get sloppy. Like the old saying,

ON TARGET WITHMARK REDL ANDHIS 175,000-ROUNDCOLT RACE GUN.

THE EXPERTS

BY DOUG LARSON

“ …when youbegin competing,don’t go for the winor glory, but enjoyyourself, be safeand learn. ”




“ Competition forces you to learn how tomanipulate your gun. If there’s a problem during a stage,you have to safely overcome it and think on your feet. ”

“Perfect practice makes perfect,” not just “practice makes perfect.”

SW: What advice do you have forsomeone just starting out in the com-petitive shooting world?MR: Most people don’t practice thefundamentals enough. In every oneof my training sessions, I start andend shooting groups at 25 yards. Thatbuilds the fundamentals and alsoconfirms that my gun is sighted in for25 yards. I also tell people to watch acouple of matches to see how they’rerun. Then, when you begin competing,don’t go for the win or glory, but enjoyyourself, be safe and learn.

SW: Are there any real-world benefitsfrom competing that can be applied toself-defense?MR: Absolutely. Everybody I knowwho shoots competitively is usually asafer gun handler. Competition forcesyou to learn how to manipulate yourgun. If there’s a problem during a

stage, you have to safely overcomeit and think on your feet. It also givesyou confidence that you can hit whatyou’re shooting at.

SW: What method of trigger manipu-lation do you use?MR: I was taught to keep constantcontact on the trigger. Of course, itdepends on how close the target is. At5 to 10 yards, I can be real aggressiveon the trigger as long as I keep thesights aligned. With a 25-yard target,you’re going to slow down and press.

SW: It’s been reported that you’ve runover 170,000 rounds through your

competition gun. Is that true?MR: It’s now got 175,000 roundsthrough it, and those are just mypractice rounds. I reload, so I keepthe primer packages and know howmany rounds I’ve shot. It’s actually thefirst Colt gun that I was given. All ofmy Colt guns are taken right off theproduction floor and are not Custom

Shop guns. I run a Combat Elite Series80 gun, and the only things I did after Igot it were clean up the trigger and puta mag well on it. Otherwise, it’s a fac-tory gun with a factory match barrel.

SW: Have you had to replace anyparts on the pistol?MR: I replaced the barrel because Ishot it smooth. It had only about halfan inch of rifling at the end, and I wasstarting to get flyers. I also replacedthe firing pin because it mushroomedfrom all the dry firing. But it’s still gotthe same hammer and sear that Coltput in it when it was brand new.

SW: What maintenance proceduresdo you practice with that gun?MR: I’m very religious about totallydisassembling the gun before any bigmatch to inspect and clean it. I changethe recoil spring every 5,000 roundsand the mainspring every 10,000rounds. Every year I change the searspring and mag release springs. SW

Mark Redl, the IDPA King of NewEngland, blazes through a course withhis Colt Combat Elite 1911, whichhas red well over 175,000 rounds.




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Liberty Ammunition’s lead-free, 55-grain,.223 Remington Silverado rifle cartridgereceives high marks for its accuracy, lack ofoverpenetration and running flawlessly withno malfunctions. The cartridge is designedto deliver flawless functioning in a widevariety of firearm types along with impres-sive performance on target. The result is alead-free round that gives up nothing andbrings a lot to the game. (941-567-6178;libertyammunition.com)

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New from Tetra Gun is its Carbon Cleaner solution, which is specially for-mulated to eliminate carbon buildup from metal surfaces on firearms. It is a

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mer and composite materials. Theproduct is also non-flammable and

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RUGER RX MMUNITION

Described by Ruger as “the nextgeneration of self-defense technology,”the new ARX line of handgun ammu-nition is engineered to deliver whenit matters. Developed in concert withPolyCase Ammunition and employingadvanced materials, the projectiles aredesigned for maximum hydraulic displacementand terminal energy transfer to the threat. Currently availablein 9mm, .380 and .45, with .40 coming soon. ruger.com)

HOGUE BED BLOCK STOCK

The Hogue Full-Length Aluminum Bed Block Stock features a molded-in,precision CNC-machined, 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum block that com-pletely surrounds the action and extends into the forend. This full-length blockprovides rock-solid stability over the full length of the stock and free-floats

rifles. (hogueinc.com; 800-438-4747)


BRAVO COMPANY M K15 WATCH

The Bravo Company Manufacturing(BCM) MK15 Tritium Watch is designedto be there for you when you need it.Housed in a case made from 316L stain-less steel and finished in a brushed blackPVD, the MK15 is water resistant to 200meters with Swiss-made chronographmovement. Offered as a limited editionof 2,500 timepieces, each MK15 is laserengraved with a unique serial number and

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POF-USA P308-FA


FN SLP COMPETITION

Nonetheless, the Ulfberht createdsome pretty impressive groups at 100yards. My best 100-yard group mea-sured right at 0.6 inches using DesertTech’s 300-grain SMK ammunition.This load might as well be handloadedbecause of its accuracy. The 300-grainBarnes OTM ammo created a bestfive-shot group measuring 0.75 inches.Groups at 300 yards with both loadswere right at an inch. The more I usedthe Ulfberht, the better it dialed in,making for some very solid accuracy.

Passing The TestThe Ulfberht has a user-adjustable,

five-position gas system with “zero”being off (no gas). Position one is for

high-pressure ammunition and twois for general use, including most300-grain ammunition. I mostly usedthe rifle with the gas system in positiontwo, and it ran very reliably.

Like most .338 semi-autos, theUlfberht’s bolt doesn’t lock back afterthe last round is fired. My guess is thatit would be very hard on magazinefollowers, and it mimics a bolt rifle inapplication. If single-loading is required,you can simply hold the bolt open, dropin a round and run the bolt with ease.

The Ulfberht’s ergonomics areexcellent. It was easy to get set upproperly. If extended shooting werein order, some might need a thickerrecoil pad. The buttstock is very solid,as is every other aspect of this .338Lapua Magnum rifle. The Ulfberhtwas built to dominate, and I imagine itwould do just fine in that endeavor.

The Ulfberht is no lightweight at just under 20 pounds unloaded. Add ascope and a loaded magazine and you

are pushing 25 pounds. Bill Alexandertells me this is an SR1 model. TheSR2 and SR3 are in final testing.Apparently a 22-inch barrel alongwith some titanium and carbon-fibercomponents will make the SR2 a bithandier. Full-time suppression isthe plan for the SR2. Given how thisrifle performed, any future iterationshould be impressive. If you are in themarket for a serious .338 Lapua semi-auto built to last, the Ulfberht needsto be very high on your list. For more

information, visit alexanderarms.comor call 540-639-8356. SW

ALEXANDER ULFBERHT

C ont inue d f rom pa ge 25

The only loads it didn’t like were car-tridges less powerful than the manualsuggests: birdshot loads with 1 ounce ofshot at only 1,180 fps.

My normal testing protocol forfirearms involves evaluating guns asthey come straight from the manufac-turer without any special tweaking—justa gun in its box, the same as you wouldget at the store when you buy one new.That preserves the validity of my tests.This shotgun appears to have cometo me after some prior usage for mostlikely testing or a photography shoot. Asa result, the plugs in the receiver (thatfill the threaded holes where you canmount an optic rail) were not installed.

I discovered during testing that

they do need to be installed, as thiscan allow a surprising amount of gasto be exhausted from the open holes,especially when firing high-brass shellsin the SLP Competition. Installing theseplugs closes up the openings to solvethe issue. Of course, this does not at allreflect what you would find in a new-out-of-the-box SLP that would comewith them installed.

Built To WinInternally, the SLP Competition has

a very simple, hearty design—we didn’tclean it at all over 500 rounds, and itworked flawlessly no matter the typeof ammunition we loaded, how fast wefired it, how dirty it got, or how hot theparts got with rapid fire. That’s sometruly awesome performance.

Externally, the matte blue anodizedfinish on the receiver and magazine tubeextension looks great and can withstandthe weather, and the synthetic furniturelaughs at rain, dust and hard use. This

is a shotgun you can dump into a 3-Gunbarrel without worrying if you’ll bend themagazine tube—it’s seriously robust,protected by an aluminum sleeve andinterfaces with a beefy gas port / bracethat’s welded to the barrel—or scratchthe furniture. It’s designed to be abused,as only action shooting competitions canabuse a shotgun, and launch some seri-ous payloads quickly and accurately. Andit survived our field evaluation, de spiteme not reading the manual before hittingthe test range. That’s an accomplishment

for any gun. For more, visit fnhusa.com orcall 703-288-3500. SW


E2 dual extraction system. We cut fourshallow grooves into the neck area ofthe chamber to allow gas to vent aroundthe casing’s neck, breaking the seal,and exert pressure on its shoulder forpush/pull extraction. Extraction is morereliable, and it increases the life of theextractor exponentially.”

The P308-FA uses DeSomma’sModular Railed Receiver (MRR), analuminum, free-floating handguard thatdovetails the upper receiver’s backboneand attaches with screws into steelanchors. The top of the handguard israiled, and rails can be attached whereneeded. One of the neat things aboutDeSomma’s design is that it uses analuminum heat sink as a barrel nut.

Combined with the piston operatingsystem, this keeps the bolt carrierand barrel chamber cooler than anydirect-impingement gun after firing.

Lasting LegacyPOF-USA rifles are legendary for

their accuracy, and the SBCSD evalu-ation surprised very few in this regard.Even after 35,000 rounds, the P308-FAwas still producing 1.5-MOA groups at500 yards. You can read the full SBCSDreport on POF-USA’s website.

Never one to let his creations growstagnant, DeSomma is constantlyfine-tuning his designs. In fact, he intro-duced his fourth generation of rifles.These lower receivers have ambidex-trous magazine releases, bolt releasesand safety selectors as well as nylontension screws for an unsurpassedreceiver fit. While I toured the factory,DeSomma also showed me an AR-stylebolt-action rifle, the ReVolt, designedfor hunters to use where semi-autos

aren’t legal. While the rest of the ARmarket follows in the “me too” position,DeSomma continues to lead.

While the select-fire P308-FAmay be impossible for most to own,POF-USA does make a comparablesemi-auto gun with a 14.5-inch barreland a pinned muzzle device to give itthe civilian-legal length of 16 inches.The SBCSD’s after-action report is solid,independent evidence that POF-USA’sregulated gas piston rifles will standup to several lifetimes of hard use! For

more information, visit pof-usa.com orcall 623-561-9572. SW




SPECIAL

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WEB DIRECTORY

AERO PRECISIONaeroprecisionusa.com

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windhamweaponry.com

features an integral but detachablesound suppressor. The “SD” stands forSchalldämpfer , which is German for“sound suppressor.” According to HK,“Despite its integrated silencer element,it has the same length and shape as anunsilenced submachine gun. Unlike mostconventional silenced submachine guns,it fires standard ammunition types withthe same effect. The use of special sub-sonic ammunition is not necessary. Theintegrated silencer element suppressesthe muzzle flash extremely effectively,as a result of which the weapon is alsoexcellent for night operations usinglow-light amplifiers. No wonder theMP5SD is one of the most accuratesilenced submachine guns of its type.”

The MP5SD is a quiet, smooth-shootingFerrari of the subgun world.In the late 1980s, HK answered a

call from the FBI for an MP5 chamberedin the Bureau’s favorite new round atthe time, the 10mm Auto, creating theMP5/10. This gun incorporated somedifferences, including a bolt-hold-openfeature. The standard trigger group forthe MP5/10 had the three-round burstmode. MP5/10 muzzles were threadedfor a suppressor, and a lever-stylemagazine release located behind themagazine well was installed instead ofthe standard release button on the HKMP5. Almost all of these guns ended upin the hands of the FBI’s elite HostageRescue Team (HRT). While they are nolonger manufactured, HK still providessupport for these weapons.

Into The Future

HK continued to evolve the MP5,and in 1999 the company released thesuccessor to the MP5 empire: the UMP.

The UMP ( Universale Maschinenpistole, German for “Universal Machine Pistol”)has been developed as a lighter andcheaper successor to the MP5, thoughboth remain in production.

The MP5 is one of the most recog-nizable firearms on the planet, and ithas helped HK reach the status it enjoystoday. In many cases, the AR-15 nowfills the space that the MP5 once held,but the classic subgun still remains. TheMP5 will always be the benchmark forhigh-end submachine guns. For more

information, visit hk-usa.com or call706-568-1906. SW

CLOSE QUARTERSC ont inue d f rom pa ge 103




B5 S ystems

SOPMODBravo Stock$ 58.00

Blue For ceGear VCASSling $45 .0 0

• BCMG UN FIGHTER™Grip Mod 0 $29.9 5

• BCM GUNFIGHTER™ KMSMKeyMod QD S lin g Mount $17.9 5

• BCM ® KMR-A15 Ke yMod RailHandguard 1 5 Inch $199.9 5

• Am erican Defen seRECON X S co peMoun t $189.95

• Trijicon AccuP oin t TR24G1-4x24 R iflescope $1,020 .00

• BCM ® Dia mondheadFo ld ing Rear Sigh t$119.00

• BCM ® Diamon dh eadFolding Fro nt Sight$99 .0 0

• BCMGUNFIGHTE R™Compensat or Mod 0$89.95

• BCMGUNFIGH TER™Vertical G rip Mod 3 $18. 95

• BCM ® Low P rofileGas Blo ck $44.95

• BCMGU NFIGHTER™QD End Plate $16.9 5

• GEARW ARD RangerBan d 20-Pak $10. 00

• BCMGUNF IGHTER™Stock $ 55.95


BCM® KMR-AKeyMod Free FloatRail HandguardsSame as the fantastic original KMR butmachined from aircraft aluminum!BCM 9 Inch KMR-A9. . . . . . . . $176.95BCM 10 Inch KMR-A10. . . . . . $179.95BCM 13 Inch KMR-A13. . . . . . $189.95BCM 15 Inch KMR-A15. . . . . . $199.95

Daniel Defense SLiM Rail HandguardSlim, Light, Modular KeyMod Free FloatDD SLiM Rail 12.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00DD SLiM Rail 15.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00

Daniel DefenseKeyMod BipodAdapter $47.00

Daniel DefenseKeyMod 1 O’ClockOffset Rail Assembly$39.00

InforceWML-HSP$119.00

AimpointPROPatrol Rifle Optic$424.00

PWS KeyModPolymer BipodAdapter $23.95

PWS DI KeyMod Rail HandguardFree float rail for AR15/M4 pattern rifles.

PWS DI 12 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . $249.95PWS DI 15 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . $249.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KeyMod 1-InchRing LightMountFor 1” diameterlights $39.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™KeyMod Modular Scout Light MountFor SureFire ScoutLight $39.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KeyMod Modular Light MountFor 1913 mountedlights $39.95

BCM® A2X FlashSuppressor $34.95

TrijiconTA31RCO-M4ACOG 4x32$1,422.05

WilsonCombatTacticalTrigger $269.95 Arisaka Inline KeyMod

Scout Mount $34.00

Arisaka Ring KeyMod1” Light Mount $44.00

Thorntail KeyMod OffsetAdaptive Light MountsThorntail1.030 Mount $70.00Thorntail M3M61913 Mount $50.00

Arson Machine Company KeyModLight MountsScout M600Mount $48.001” Ring Mount $44.00

KeyMod TM

is here!KeyMod™ is the tacticalindustry’s new modular standard!

BCM® PNT™

Trigger AssemblyPolished – Nickel – Teflon$59.95



Vltor CarbineEMODStock$119.65

VTAC MK2Wide Sling$4 4.95

• BCM GU NFIGHTER™Grip Mod 3 $17 .9 5

• BCMGUNFIGHT ER™KMSM Ke yM od QD SlingMou nt $17.95

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• BCM ® KMR-A13 Ke yM od RailHandguard 13 In ch $189.95

• Midwest Ind ustriesERS BUIS $93.95

• Aim point Micro H -1 2 MOAwith LRP Mo un t $709.00

• M idwest Indust rie sFolding Fr on t Sight $79.95

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PNT™Trigger$59.95

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• BattleComp 1 .5 $155.00

• BCMGUN FIGHTER™ KAGKine st hetic Angled G rip,KeyMod $18.9 5

• BCM GUNFIGHTE R™ 1913Modular Lig ht Mount,KeyMo d $39.95

• GEARWARD Rang erBand 20-Pak $ 10.00

• BCMGUN FIGHTER™QD End Plate $16.9 5

• BCMGUN FIGHTER™Stoc k $ 55.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™VG MOD 3Low-profile lengthfor increased mobilityand decreased “snag”.Made in the U.S.A.from impact resistantpolymers, available inBlack, Flat Dark Earth,Foliage Green, Wolf Gray.VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . $18.95

VG-1913-MOD-3, Picatinny Version . $19.95

AimpointComp M4SRed dot sight,fully NVDcompatible,with QRP2Picatinny Rail Mount$846.00

EOTech HOLOgraphicWeapon SightsModel 512$429.00

Model 552$529.00

BCMGUNFIGHTER™Comp Mod 0 - 556

Threaded 1/2x28 for5.56 AR15 platform

$89.95

Comp Mod 1 - 556Threaded 1/2x28 for

5.56 AR15 platform$94.95

BCM®

KeyModPicatinnyRail SectionsMil-Std 1913 rails, NylonRails available in Black, FDE, Foliage Green.Nylon Rail, 3 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95

Nylon Rail, 4 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95

Nylon Rail, 5.5 Inch. . . . . . . . . . $14.95

Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . $19.95

Aluminum Rail, 4 Inch, Black . . $24.95

Aluminum Rail, 5.5 Inch, Black . $29.95

PWS KeyModPicatinny RailPolymer Rail, 5 Slot. . . . . . . . . . $11.95

Aluminum Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . $28.95

PWS FSC556 TacticalCompensator $98.95

IWC KeyMod QDRL Sling MountAccepts heavy duty orstandard QD swivels$17.00

IWC KeyMod Hand StopMount-N-Slot design $34.95


KeyMod TM

is here!KeyMod™ is the tacticalindustry’s new modular standard!

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Enhanced Lower Parts KitWith BCM ® PNT™ Trigger Assembly,BCM ® Mod 3 Grip, BCM ® Trigger Guard,and Mil-Spec hardware kit.BCMGUNFIGHTER™ ELPK, semi-auto $99.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KAGKinesthetic Angled Grip Uses biomechanically efficientforward rake, small profile

textured front and back for positive engage-ment. Impact resistant polymers, in Black, FlatDark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray.

KAG-KM, KeyMod Version . . . . . $18.95KAG-1913, Picatinny Rail Version . $19.95

BCM® KeyMod Rail Panel Kits5.5 Inch Rail Panels, in Black, Flat Dark Earth,Foliage Green, Wolf Gray - 5-Pack . $9.95



tactical ultra ™ii25 ounces | 3 inch barrel

available in .45 ACP

special weapons - april-may 2016

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