BUYER’S

GUIDE
LIGHTWEIGHT
FOLDERS PG.50

GUN LIFESTYLE: GEAR • TECHNOLOGY • SPORT • OUTDOOR • HOME & PERSONAL DEFENSE

Crye Precision,
Knight’s Armament,
Armageddon Gear,
Brügger & Thomet,

NON-PIPEHITTERS
PG. 12

NEED NOT APPLY

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PG. 60
LESSONS FROM SUMMIT IN THE SAND
6.5CM CHASSIS RIFLE ROUNDUP
GREY GHOST PRECISION’S G43 SLIDES
BUILDSHEET: M16A4 OIF EDITION
ZEROED IN: DR. JOHN MATTHEWS
VISIT: CHICKAMAUGA AND
CHATTANOOGA MILITARY PARK

RECOILWEB.COM ISSUE 35
 ™

THE RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL IS DESIGNED WITH THE TOUGHEST STANDARDS IN MIND.
®
 Short Takeup Trigger
with Positive Reset

Anything Else Would Be Un-American. ™

Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol is built to perform
®

in the harshest conditions. A true American innovation, this pistol was developed through a rigorous “Voice
Recoil-Reducing Barrel Cam, Low Mass Slide,
Low Center of Gravity and Low Bore Axis
of the Customer” process – where numerous law enforcement and military trainers, firearms experts,
distributors and retailers provided input, feedback and testing in the determination of the form, function and
features of this firearm. The resultant new pistol is a revolutionary platform for Ruger, one that utilizes the
combination of a recoil-reducing barrel cam (which is designed to better spread recoil energy over time) with
a low mass slide, low center of gravity and a low bore axis to provide an unparalleled shooting experience.
Genuine Novak ® LoMount Carry
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Online at ShopRuger.com

RUGER.COM/AMERICANPISTOL
BUILT TO PERFORM IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS. © 2017 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 010317
IS S U E 35

FEATURES
60 OUT OF HIDING 132 B&T UNIVERSAL
Remington’s CSR is Finally SERVICE WEAPON
Available for Public Consumption A Hardware Response to an
Evolving Terrorist Threat
74 RIFLE READY
Shooting Tripod Buyer’s Guide 142 OH, SPARE ME!
Should You Even Bother to 60
88 LITTLE Carry a Reload?
GHOULISH GLOCK
Glock 43 Slides From 152 PROJECT JOY
Grey Ghost Precision Geissele’s .260
Remington VSASS
92 KNIGHT’S
LIGHT ASSAULT 164 NO TRUE ZERO
MACHINE GUN Don’t Be a Basic Bitch —
We Get Hands on With a Make Your Zero Personal 74 88
Weapon That Might Just Change
Special Forces’ CQB Tactics 174 U.S. OPTICS SR-8S 106
WITH PLUMB RETICLE
106 6.5CM CHASSIS Specifically Spec’d for
RIFLE ROUNDUP Two-Legged Game
RECOIL Does the Math on Four
6.5 Creedmoor Chassis Rifles 180 ACTUAL INTEGRAL
Under $2K We Dig Into the Suppressed
5.56 Integra From Gemtech 92
123 SIG’S P365
A Peek at SIG’s
11-Round Subcompact

124 PLAYING IN THE

SANDBOX
Lessons Learned From
RECOIL’s Summit in the Sand
2017 on Keeping Your Rifle 123 124 132
Running in the Desert
152
DEPARTMENTS
08 DOWNRANGE 50 UNUSUAL SUSPECTS
Editor’s Letter Lightweight Folding Knives

12 ON THE COVER 56 BUILDSHEET

M16A4 OIF Edition 142
24 INCOMING
New Gear 190 ZEROED IN
Dr. John Matthews
32 VISIT
Chickamauga & Chattanooga 204 PT
Military Park Kickboxing for the Street

40 TRANSPORT 216 SHOW US YOUR TATS

Survivor Truck III
218 GOING HOT 164 174 180

FIREARM SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
RECOIL reminds you to be safe and always obey firearms safety rules:
1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
4. Be aware of your target’s foreground and background.
All contents in RECOIL Magazine are professionally photographed in a
closed studio or range. Do not attempt to re-create any photographs
depicted in this magazine.
PRODUCT DISCLAIMER
Prices and details for items featured in RECOIL are set by the manu-
facturers and retailers, and are subject to change without notice.
RECOIL (USPS 013-320), March/April 2018; Number 35, is published bi-
monthly by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC, 1212 Avenue of the Americas,
Throughout this
issue you will see
18th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Copyright © 2018 by TEN: The Enthusiast certain images
Network Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at are labeled as being 1:1 Actu-
New York, NY and at additional mail offices. Subscriptions U.S. and U.S. al Size. This designation is for
Possessions: $49.97 per year (6 issues); Canadian, $55.97, Foreign, $61.97 the print edition of this issue.
(including surface mail postage). Payment in advance. U.S. funds only. Because of the various screen
POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5): NON-POSTAL sizes on different tablets
AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address changes to RECOIL, P.O. Box and computers, we cannot
420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery of always provide actual life size
first issue. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permis- images in digital versions. We
sion. This book is purchased with the understanding that the information apologize if this causes any
presented herein is from many varied sources for which there can be no confusion and thank you for
warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy or completeness. your understanding.
 Ah, January. That time of year when people in the real world
are cursing their commute, once again gorked up by snow-
fall. When heating bills provide a mild shock when pulled
from their envelopes, and we’re counting down the days
until venturing outside to do something worthwhile doesn’t
require eight layers of clothing and a flask of brown liquid.
The firearms industry is, of course, in the midst of its
annual trip to Vegas to show off its wares. No doubt we’ll be
regaled by breathless pressers touting the latest ground-
breaking version of a 40-year-old design, only this time
— gasp — it’s in Coyote! Buried amongst the hype will obvi-
ously be some true innovation and original thinking, and you
can count on RECOIL’s staff to wade through the hyperbole
and bullsh*t to bring you the news that matters. We’ll be
expanding our class-leading coverage from the Sands Expo
Convention Center, with the goal of producing more quality
video and web content than anyone else. And we hope that
you, our loyal readers, will hold us to that goal.
In that theme, this issue looks at some of the most cut-
ting-edge firearms around. Candice Horner examines Rem-
ington’s CSR, which is finally appearing on gun store shelves
35
IS SU E
8
REC O ILW E B .C O M
after years of only being available to guys with pixelated
faces, the same dudes who are running the Knight’s LAMG.
We also get to grips with Bill Geissele’s Project Joy —
almost 13 pounds of super-accurate gas gun, developed for
yet another solicitation that originated behind the wire. And
from across the Atlantic, the B&T USW brings a European
solution to problem that unfortunately crosses continental
boundaries. You’ll probably notice that none of these guns
appear anywhere else in print, but that’s OK, the other guys
will catch up eventually.
We predict that market pressures will make 2018 a ban-
ner year for new products and outside-the-box thinking. And
we’ll be doing our utmost to ensure our readers are ahead of
the curve when it comes to both hardware and hard skills.
Stay tuned ...
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2. HEAVY WATER DIVER® Titanium/Tritium Watch
3. OVERWATCH Convertible Rifle Roll-Pack
4. BATTLE-T Quickdry, Anti-microbial Patch Tee
5. HOLMES Lumbar-to-Chest CCW Sling
6. PLAN-B Front-to-Back Slim-Sling
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8. PLAN-C Dual Strap Slim-Pack
9. AIR SUPPORT Rolling Laptop Carry-on
10. SHORELEAVE Splitting Rolling Luggage
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 ON THE COVER
2 GUN
MAKE:
6
Knight’s Armament Company
MODEL:
Light Assault Machine Gun
MSRP:
N/A
URL:

COVER PHOTO BY ROB CURTIS

www.knightarmco.com

3 GUN
MAKE:
B&T
MODEL:
Universal Service Weapon
MSRP:
$2,350
URL:
www.bt-ag.ch

4 HELMET
MAKE:
Crye Precision
1 PLATE CARRIER MODEL:
MAKE: Airframe Helmet
Crye Precision MSRP:
MODEL: $844
Airlite SPC Plate Carrier URL:
MSRP: cryeprecision.com
TBD
35

URL: 5 BELT
IS SU E

cryeprecision.com MAKE:
NOTES: Armageddon Gear
As well as the shirt and pants across the page, Crye’s MODEL:
also releasing a new version of its Airlite plate carrier Brokos Belt
12 for 2018. The Airlite SPC, short for Structural Plate MSRP:
Carrier, offers the capability of Crye’s JPC 2 but has $150
the structural support of a standard plate carrier.
REC O ILW E B .C O M

URL:
When Crye made the original Airlite plate carrier five www.armageddongear.com
years ago the goal was to make lightest plate carrier www.leadfaucettactical.com
possible. It was under a pound, but Crye wanted to
increase the amount of weight the rig could comfort-
ably carry.
Crye says the new carrier is about the same
weight as the JPC 2, but it can carry more weight
thanks to a new fabric package the company
spent a year developing.
At first blush, it looks like Airlite SPC is a JPC
2 made from the new Airlite material, allowing it
to distribute the load and hold more equipment.
But, there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Airlite SPC’s side closure is made from a
heavier weight material that supports
a fully loaded vest using Crye’s
StKS support system. StKS
works with any Crye ballistic
belt to transfer the load
from the shoulders and
carry it on the hips.
Feature for feature the
SPC feels a hair lighter to
us than a similarly equipped
JPC 2, and it’s also a bit more
breathable since the plate
bags are made entirely of a
spacer mesh compared to
the JPC’s enclosed plate
bags.
Pricing on the new
carrier wasn’t set at
press time.

1
 6 CLOTHING
MAKE:
Crye Precision
MODEL:
G4 Combat Shirt and Combat Pant
MSRP:
TBD
URL:
cryeprecision.com
NOTES:
New for 2018, Crye Precision’s fourth-generation combat
2 uniform features updates in design and materials that, the
company says, make it the most comfortable, durable, and
functional combat uniform it’s yet produced.
The updates include optimization of the pattern and
pocketry, and the additions of a few features, but the
headline update is the brand-new stretch fabric Crye
developed called VTX Ripstop. The designers set out to
make a fabric as strong, or stronger than the 50/50 nylon/
cotton fabric used in its G3 uniforms, but the new fabric
had to be lighter and it had to stretch. In fact, Crye says
the G4 is the first stretch NYCO uniform to be made in the
USA from U.S.-made materials.
Crye’s head apparel designer Johanna Bloomfield says
the key to reaching and exceeding the performance goals
of the new fabric was using Invista’s T420 high tenacity
nylon fiber. Crye spun its own yarn from the fiber knowing
6 the resulting fabric would be lighter weight than the 50/50
NYCO it wanted to replace, but lighter fabrics are rarely
stronger than heavier fabrics.
“We worked on the fabric construction, all the way

IS SU E
down to the way we spin the yarn to make it stronger,” said
Bloomfield. “Keep in mind our fabric is an ounce lighter
in weight than Mil-spec NYCO,” she said, “and lighter
is usually not as strong, but this actually has a higher

35
strength-to-weight ratio.”
Crye says compared to 50/50 NYCO, the new fabric is
17-percent lighter weight, has times more tear strength, 13
dries 60-percent faster, is four times more breathable, and

REC O ILW E B .C O M
is no melt and no drip. The new fabric’s integrated stretch
allows for a slimmer cut without compromising mobility.
Aside from the fabric story, other changes include
a redesigned thigh pocket sized to fit a cell phone in
a protective case without it turning on its side, a new
cargo pocket opening optimized to fit different types of
equipment without increasing bulk, and low-profile loops
on the front of the pant for securing charges.
Pricing on the new uniform wasn’t set at press time.

5
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"3"+,2/,*%4(*& %/$&+$ -1"+1"!/,))"/ *-&+#,//"!2 "!
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CALIBER ǜǽǛǗ BARREL LENGTH ǖǛǽǚȋ(ǖǿǖǕ) RAIL LENGTH ǖǙǽǚȋȒ WEIGHT ǜǽǘ OVERALL LENGTH ǘǙȋ
 
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1%""3,)21&,+620&+$ǚǽǚǛ,)1 //&"/+!,1%"/ǚǽǚǛ-/10)),4&+$#,/0%,/1"/,3"/))/" "&3"/0&7"+!/"!2 "!4"&$%1ǽ

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$0-&01,+Ǿ0&+$)"01$"*1 %$/!"1/&$$"/Ǿ+!*,/"ǽ&1%,2//"!"0&$+"!1/&-)"-,/1*277)"/("/" ,&)*+$"*"+1&0+,1+
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 Editorial.
Editor/ Iain Harrison
Executive Editor/ Rob Curtis
Senior Editor/ Tom Marshall
Managing Editor/ Laura Peltakian
Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo
Editor // Social Media/ Dave Merrill
Editor // Online/ Candice Horner
Director, Video Production/ Trent Stockton
Photography Studio Manager/ Jorge Nuñez
Senior Online Producer/ Ryan Whitehouse
Online Producer/ Josh Ching
Contributors/ Jason Davis, Daniel Jackson, Tamara Keel,
Kenda Lenseigne, Chad McBroom, Muzzle Flash Media,
Mark Saint, Patrick Vuong
Special Thanks/ Angeles Armory, Cowtown Range,
Trish Ellis, Jay Ponsford, SureFire
Art Direction & Design.
Senior Art Director/ Gene Coo
Art Director/ Sarah Lampert
Submissions.
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Please visit us at Shot Show 2017,
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Consumer Marketing, Enthusiast Media
Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors Subscription Company, INC.
Reliability is the key.
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 1 2
High-magnification variable-
power scopes are often huge,
especially when they have a
front focal plane reticle. The
latest offering in the Vudu line from
EOTech reduces this long footprint into
something a bit more manageable; this
is particularly important with a smaller
rifle or those who use a clip-on thermal
or night vision device. The new Vudu
5-25x50mm Super Short is just over
11 inches long,making it one of the
shortest magnified optics of its kind.
It’s a first focal plane, illuminated optic
featuring locking turrets with EOTech
EZ Chek zero stops, with 0.1-mil clicks.
EOTech will offer the Super Short with
two reticle patterns initially when it
ships to dealers this spring.
MAKE:
EOTech
MODEL:
Vudu Super Short 5-25x
TUBE SIZE:
34 mm
FOCAL PLANE:
First Focal Plane
35
MSRP:
IS SU E
$1,999 to $2,199
URL:
eotechinc.com
24
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Steep and rocky on your ho-
rizon? Salewa loaded its new
Mountain Trainer Mid Leather
hikers with serious alpine
chops. The boot features a full-grain
leather lining that breaks-in and molds
to your foot like only a leather boot can.
The mid-height cut offers scrambling
protection and the Vibram Lynx C soles
give talon-like grip on scratchy paths,
and still sheds mud and dirt on tamer
terrain. The soles are stiffer than your
average hiker, providing a lot more
stiffness and climbing efficiency, and
the ankle is tuned for descents with its
notched Achilles area. Like a climbing
shoe, the lacing system goes all the
way to the toe for precise fit and feel up
front. Salewa is so confident you’ll like
these boots, they offer a blister-free
guarantee.
MAKE:
Salewa
MODEL:
Mountain Trainer Mid Leather
LINING:
Full grain leather
UPPER:
Full rubber rand with 1.8mm Nubuk
leather
MSRP:
$270
URL:
www.salewa.com
3 4
SureFire’s new Optimized
Bolt Carrier group is a
drop-in reliability upgrade
for any AR-15 pattern rifle.
Jim Sullivan, the guy who made Eugene
Stoner’s gas system work in the AR-15,
applied decades of hindsight to the
BCG to develop the concept for the OBC
… which SureFire now brings to reality.
There’s quite a bit going on here, and
we’re going to have an in-depth look at
the system in an upcoming issue, but
here’s the big blue arrows description:
The system uses new bolt carrier geom-
etry, a rebounding counterweight and
redesigned gas key, a shorter buffer, a
new buffer spring, and some other voo-
doo to slow the BCG and increase the
time the system has to strip and load
the next round. Aside from improved
reliability, the OBC reduces wear and
increases the service life of the host
rifle. It also increases controllability of
full-auto ARs by smoothing and slowing
the rate of fire by about 30 percent.
MAKE:
SureFire
MODEL:
Optimized Bolt Carrier Group
MSRP:
$399
URL:
www.surefire.com
3
Tools for tuning and cleaning
AR-15s have become quite
popular in recent years, but
few are as small as the AR Key.
Almost every part of this laser-cut stain-
less steel one-piece functions to clean out
the carbon buildup in your rifle, with six
scrapers to scrub all surfaces of an AR
bolt and bolt carrier group. It also has an
integrated ¼-inch hex bit, a bottle opener,
and a key ring slot. The AR Key’s profile
is based on a common car key, making it
a compact tool that can be carried on a
keychain or in a range bag without taking
up nearly as much space as more conven-
tional multi-tools. Made in the USA.
MAKE:
Guardian Defense Inc.
MODEL:
AR Key
DIMENSIONS:
3.625 by 1.25 inches
MSRP:
$35
URL:
www.guardiandefenseinc.com
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 5 6
Kempter Kustoms is a
sibling-run business in
Alabama that — in addition
to crafting handmade knives
and custom guitars — produces trailer
hitch covers that depict everything from
comic book icons to college logos. The
covers shown here are from Kempter’s
three popular lineups: Punisher, Spartan,
and Military. Each series has a wide va-
riety of options, from different colors to
more intricate details (such as the Stars
and Stripes or the Thin Blue Line). Each
cover is laser cut from 3/16-inch-thick
steel, welded onto custom-made tubing,
then powdercoated. They fit 2-inch
receivers. Made in the USA.
MAKE:
Kempter Kustoms
MODEL:
Assorted Punisher, Spartan, and 101st
Airborne trailer hitch covers
MSRP:
Starting at $40 each
URL:
www.kempterkustoms.com
0
35
IS SU E
26
REC O ILW E B .C O M
8
Founded by veterans, Ranger
Proof Swag is a relatively
new company that’s making a
name for itself by putting out
quality U.S.-made products. For example,
the Marsh Rifle Sling is an adjustable
two-point sling that uses 1.5-inch-wide
nylon designed to stay where you need it
to be. It shouldn’t get tangled up while
distributing weight evenly. If you’re look-
ing for a skinnier version, the Kapp Rifle
Sling might just be the one. Though the
webbing is an inch wide, it’s designed
not to roll or twist. Plus, it’s friction
adjustment system lets you loosen or
tighten the two-point sling quickly with-
out leaving behind a tail of webbing.
MAKE:
Ranger Proof Swag
MODEL:
Kapp Rifle Sling, Marsh Rifle Sling
MSRP:
$70 to $88 each
URL:
www.rangerproofswag.com
6
7 8
Zero Tolerance’s 0055 caught
our eye because it features
a “hidden” flipper tab called
the SLT, an innovative design
from custom knifemaker Gus T. Cecchini.
Rather than a large tab protruding from
the blade’s tang like a dorsal fin, the
0055’s SLT is more like a tiny rounded
lever that sits almost unnoticed at the
top of the handle. The knife flicks open
once the SLT is pulled back completely,
feeling much like a two-stage AR-15 trig-
ger. Once the 3.75-inch S35VN stainless
steel blade deploys, the tab disappears
into the 3D-machined framelock handle.
The 8.75-inch-long knife comes with a
reversible titanium pocket clip for right-
ies and lefties. Made in the USA.
MAKE:
Zero Tolerance Knives
MODEL:
0055
MSRP:
$275
URL:
zt.kaiusaltd.com
Whether hunting for some
whitetail, spotting for your
sniper team, or peeping on
that hot neighbor down the
street, a pair of binoculars can verify
you’ve identified the correct target. Un-
fortunately, a pair of high-quality optics
can sometimes cost more than your rifle
itself. Fortunately, Cabela’s Intensity HD
12x50 Binoculars offers solid perfor-
mance in the field for a reasonable price
tag. The multi-coated lenses provide
excellent clarity in low light and against
high-contrast backgrounds. Plus, the
binos are shockproof, fogproof, and IPX7
waterproof (meaning it can be sub-
merged up to a meter for 30 minutes).
The chassis is made of a magnesium
alloy, rather than aluminum, increasing
toughness while decreasing weight. This
model comes with lens covers and a
padded neck strap.
MAKE:
Cabela’s
MODEL:
Intensity HD 12x50 Binoculars
MSRP:
$230
URL:
www.cabelas.com
© 2018 Streamlight Inc.
 9 10
We’ve said it before and we’ll
say it again, wool is mother
nature’s super fabric. It’s
exceptional at insulating and
can even keep you warm while drenched
in water or sweat — unlike cotton,
which can kill you if it gets soaking wet
in freezing conditions. In balmy weather,
it breathes well and is even moisture
wicking, despite the common myth that
you should only wear wool when it’s cold.
Plus, it’s naturally odor resistant. These
reasons and more make the StrongCore
Merino Pocket Tee a kickass base layer
during frigid months and a performance
T-shirt disguised as a casual top in
milder conditions. While wool’s only dis-
advantage is that it doesn’t last as long
as other materials, this shirt’s merino
wool is spun around a strong nylon fiber
to increase durability. There might be
some sticker shock if you’re used to buy-
ing three-packs of Hanes shirts, but it’s
worth it if you have the scratch.
MAKE:
Western Rise
MODEL:
35
StrongCore Merino Pocket Tee
IS SU E
MSRP:
$96
URL:
28 www.westernrise.com
REC O ILW E B .C O M
10
We all know that guy. You
know, the one whose first AR
build looks mall-ninja killer,
sporting a gadget-laden
quad-rail with barely enough room left to
grip it. But, it doesn’t take long until the jag-
ged edges of the Picatinny rails on all four
sides cheese-grates his hand. Fortunately,
plenty of companies now make fore-ends
that offer both comfortability and custom-
ization. The 14.5-Inch 3RGS Handguard from
Brothers & Arms USA is one good example.
With a single Pic rail at the top, this hand-
guard features a patent-pending design with
a smooth ergonomic body and — depending
on which system you pick — multiple M-LOK
or KeyMod-compatible attachment points,
so you can affix the accessories you want
where you want. The handguard comes with
a proprietary barrel nut and has a 1.36-inch
diameter.
MAKE:
Brothers & Arms USA
MODEL:
14.5 3RGS Handguard
COLORS:
Black
MSRP:
$230
URL:
www.brothersandarmsusa.com
11
11
Not all of us are lucky
enough to have a garage
with a workbench and cabi-
nets filled with tools. Some
of us have to get by cleaning, modifying,
and repairing our guns using C-clamps
and a MultiTasker at the kitchen table.
Enter the Ultra Gun Vise from Tipton. This
portable fixture is capable of all sorts of
duties, thanks to its modularity and well-
thought-out features. The center magwell
fits AR-style guns while the independently
adjustable sliding clamps hold everything
from handguns and break-open rifles to
crossbows and compound bows. Its four
legs can be lowered or raised separately,
helping you level your gun when mounting
a scope. Plus, its accessory trays are
both moveable and completely removable.
MAKE:
Tipton
MODEL:
Ultra Gun Vise
MSRP:
$180
URL:
www.btibrands.com
12
When it’s possible,
we prefer to shoot
without gloves on.
The more of our
hands on the gun, the more control
we’ll have. But sometimes condi-
tions call for some paw protection.
Whether it’s a little chilly out or
you’re attending an advanced tacti-
cal course with a high round count
that heats up your fore-end, a good
pair of shooting gloves can keep
your digits safe while also letting
you maintain a solid grip on your
firearm. Mechanix Wear recently re-
designed its Specialty 0.5mm High-
Dexterity Shooting Gloves to offer
even more precision and protection.
Each trigger finger has anatomical
flex inserts while the working side
of the gloves features AX-Suede
that’s just a half-millimeter thin,
providing incredible dexterity and
improved sensitivity over thicker
materials. Plus, the TrekDry perfor-
mance fabric on the backside helps
cool your hands when the temps get
milder.
MAKE:
Mechanix Wear
MODEL:
Specialty 0.5mm High-Dexterity
Shooting Gloves
MSRP:
$28
URL:
www.mechanix.com
12
 35

A SPRAWLING BATTLEFIELD WITH A

IS SU E

GUN COLLECTION TO GET LOST IN

32
BY DANIEL JACKSON
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Not only was the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park the site of the battles that
marked the beginning to the end of the Civil War, the U.S. military also uses it as an outdoor
classroom for commanders to study the conflict and to keep prepared for an all-out war.
For any admirer of rare guns or student of the firearms that made this
country, they’ll find a gem at the Chickamauga Visitors Center in the form
of the Fuller Gun Collection.
Don’t be misled by its free admission. The amount you can learn
from the battlefield and see in the gun collection is limited only by
your curiosity and the time you have to spend.
 CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA MILITARY PARK

The Civil War was “The watershed
moment in our nation’s history,” said
Jim Ogden, National Park Service
historian for the battlefield. “Because
the United States that comes out of
the Civil War is very different than the
United States that entered that war.”
The guns in the park’s collection are
no exception.
ROWS OF GUNS
A semicircle of cannon greets people
walking up to the visitor center located
in the northwest corner of Georgia. Take
a right past the front desk and pass
through a room with the usual displays
explaining key points of the battle. The
Fuller Gun Collection rests in a dimly lit
1 room, with lights on timers in order to
preserve the guns from light exposure.
The collection is one of the few
displayed study collections of firearms
in the nation. Often, museums will only
show pieces in their collection that
help tell the story they’re trying to say,
said Ogden. With the Fuller Collection,
everything is displayed.
The earliest guns stand to the
left of the rooms’ entrance, and are
organized in rough chronological order
clockwise around the room. Overall,
they show the gun’s 400-year evolution
from matchlock boomsticks to the
bolt actions of World War I. Along the
way, there are experimental guns that
represent the various ways gunsmiths
converted flint-fired guns to percussion,
for example.

1. Not only does it

provide a gateway to
2 3
35

the park at the tip of

Lookout Mountain,
IS SU E

the battlement-
flanked gateway was
modeled after the
34 logo of the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
REC O ILW E B .C O M

2. Is it some early
instance of a
machine gun? Nah,
that crank in the
buttstock of this
experimental firearm
(only 25 were made)
is to a coffee mill,
designed for raiding
parties riding light.

3. To this day,
Chickamauga
war logs, pieces
of trees studded
with cannonballs
and shot, show
the ferocity of the
fighting.
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Normally a stunning
view of Chattanooga
below, a cannon on
Lookout Mountain
points only into fog.
It marks the place
where a Confederate
battery helped lay
siege to Union-held
Chattanooga in
1863.
35 IS SU E
The gun collection has been
displayed at the visitor center since
July 4, 1954. In 2000, the National
36 Park Service renovated the display so
each gun rests vertically. The locks
REC O ILW E B .C O M
rest level with each other so they can
be easily studied. “The result is it is
really the displayed study collection
that Claude Fuller envisioned it to be,”
Ogden said.
Fuller and his wife, Zenada,
rummaged through estate sales and
auctions to build the collection in the
early 1900s. Despite having a seventh-
grade education, Fuller published
several books on firearms, and became
one of the foremost firearm scholars of
his time.
The collection boasts of a large
number of Confederate-made firearms,
and the near-identical guns churned
out by northern factories during the
Civil War.
The collection tells the story of
American manufacturing. It shows how
it rose from making one gun at a time to
creating interchangeable parts, Ogden
said. So, when America built its arms
for World War I, the country entered the
CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA MILITARY PARK
muddy fields of France, a world power
thanks to its manufacturing might.
The key guns, “Significant markers
in the history in the development of fire-
arms,” Ogden said, are highlighted with
more information about each piece.
EXPLORING THE PARK
There’s a whole battlefield to explore
beyond the visitor center’s doors,
and one you shouldn’t miss. Ogden
suggests people view the displays and
watch the 26-minute movie explaining
the battle to get an overview of what
happened on the park’s 9,036 acres.
What you do next depends on how
much time you have and what kind
of money you want to spend, Ogden
said. By touring Chickamauga, you can
stand where thousands of Confederates
rushed through a gap in the Union line
and caused the Union Army to retreat,
for example. The NPS produced a free
audio tour and schedules tours with
park rangers. Private groups offer tours
and guidebooks for sale.
Afterward, Ogden suggests visitors
make the 12-mile trip up Lookout
Mountain to the small NPS visitor
center there. Then people can pay a
$5 entrance fee to Point Park, the only CHICKAMAUGA
& CHATTANOOGA
section that requires a fee. There, you NATIONAL
can walk the pathways and see the
MILITARY PARK
cannons overlooking the best view of ADDRESS
3370 LaFayette Rd.
Chattanooga and get a sense of the Fort Oglethorpe, GA
scope of the siege for the city. That 30742
is, if a cloud hasn’t rolled over the HOURS
Most of the park:
mountain, mimicking the conditions 6 a.m. to sunset
in which solders of the blue and gray Chickamauga Battlefield
Visitor Center:
fought when they battled across the 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
slopes of Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain
Battlefield Visitor Center:
Then, if you want extra credit, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
check out where soldiers struggled Point Park (a.k.a. Lookout
Mountain Battlefield):
for control of Missionary Ridge. The 8:30 a.m. to sunset
NPS maintains a series of pocket Park open daily except for
Christmas and New Year’s
parks dotting the crest of Missionary Day, though some portions
Ridge, which has since filled up with of the park, such as
Wilder Brigade Monument,
residential neighborhoods. remain closed Dec. 1 to
Ogden said this is the most underap- March 15.
preciated and overlooked portion of the ADMISSION
Free, except for
battlefield. “As with everything, prepa- Point Park
ration is valuable,” he said. To explore, Adults (16 and older):
$5 and ticket remains
Ogden recommends buying a private valid for seven days
guidebook or join a scheduled tour. Children (15 and
under): Free
Just like the Fuller Gun Collection,
PHONE
many people skim through the park, but (706) 866-9241
there’s a sea of information for those
URL
who linger. www.nps.gov/chch
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 35
IS SU E

40
REC O ILW E B .C O M

HOW DOES ONE BACK UP THEIR VEHICULAR

BACKUP PLAN? GET ONE FOR EVERY OCCASION BY JOHN SCHWARTZE
PHOTOS BY MARK SAINT

If we could indulge our vehicular interests in the same manner we
do our firearms, then it wouldn’t take long to amass a fleet that’d
rival our childhood Hot Wheels collection. With our daily drivers,
though, we can usually only afford to buy one that can accomplish a
variety of tasks. With each survival-oriented vehicle we cover in this
publication, the point is to give you, dear reader, some inspiration
to start thinking about what would best suit your individual needs
and budget if you could only pick one. Some people, however, aren’t
limited to just one.
SURVIVOR TRUCK 3
2014 RAM
1500 4X4 CREW CAB
5.7L HEMI
EIGHT-SPEED ELECTRONIC
WWW.SURVIVORTRUCK.COM
WWW.ONESTOPSURVIVAL.COM
You’ll probably recall the name Survivor Truck if you’re a regular
reader of RECOIL. We previously covered owner Jim DeLozier’s first
two iterations of said vehicle in Issues 8 and 22. The first one being
an ’80 Chevy C70 that’d damn near rival an MRAP; the second being
a Cummins-diesel-powered Ford Excursion. Each has its own unique
story and purpose. Jim’s created yet another that now encompasses
all three major U.S. automakers. Why? What could he possibly do
with all these trucks? We asked Jim the same questions, to which he
answered, “Whatever I want.”
 35
IS SU E
SPARE NO EXPENSE

42
REC O ILW E B .C O M

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Let’s back up a little and revisit Jim’s Yes, it’s a Dodge, but Fiat Chrysler
initial intentions. While living in California, Automobiles changed the truck line 1 WHEELS 3 BUMPERS 5 LIGHTBAR
Jim couldn’t help but cogitate on what name to Ram as of 2010. “I was
MAKE: MAKE: (BOTTOM)
RBP Iron Cross Automotive MAKE:
sort of vehicle would enable him to go a looking at new trucks and wanted MODEL: MODEL: Rigid Industries
long distance with a lot of gear if SHTF. something I could drive everyday 94 R Black, 17x9 Ram 1500 MODEL:
URL: URL: RDS
There was no way to do that with what that was light, small, and efficient,”
rollingbigpower.com www.ironcross URL:
he had at the time. So if he had to get DeLozier says. “The Ram was the automotive.com www.rigidindustries.com
500 miles away from the Golden State best value. A Ford or Chevy with the
with family and supplies, Survivor Truck 1 same payload would’ve cost me $10K
2 TIRES 4 ACCESSORY 6 ACCESSORY
MAKE: LIGHTS LIGHTS
became the solution to that problem. more, and $15K more for a Toyota. Cooper MAKE: MAKE:
Now that he no longer resides in The Ram came with a bumper-to- MODEL: Golight Rigid Industries
Discoverer STT Pro, MODEL: MODEL:
the land of background checks to buy bumper lifetime warranty for an extra 33-inch 3x4 2x2
ammo, the next obstacle was how to $2,400, an eight-speed electronic URL: URL: URL:
make the first version smaller and still HD transmission, and a 5.7L Hemi. us.coopertire.com golight.com www.rigidindustries.com

get a safe distance with enough people
and gear to make escape practical. Sur-
vivor Truck 2 took care of just that. Now,
the question became, what could he
drive on a daily basis instead of just hav-
ing a vehicle for an emergency and also
be a bit more mainstream for his clients?
Answer — a kitted-out ’14 Ram.
Before it’s loaded down I can get 22
mpg highway, and around 17 to 18
around town.”
Being as hard on trucks as he is, Jim
felt the performance combined with
the warranty was nothing to sneeze at.
Next came the ancillaries. Jim added
a Rancho Shocks leveling kit in front
7 LIGHTBAR
with stiffer shocks in the rear, as well (TOP)
as Hellwig self-leveling airbags and MAKE:
Fenix
antisway bar, and a VIAIR tank and MODEL:
compressors. Then came the need to 52-inch AI-5217 speed-
sensing adjustable beam
outfit the bed to hold more gear. Jim
(spot/flood) with strobe
reached out to Steve Ellis at Urban and manual controls
Garage and gave him a rough sketch of URL:
www.fenixlight.com
FOR
F THOSE WHO’D
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done right, but shorter and more compact for easier carrying in rugged terrain. With
patented downward case ejection, an adjustable stock and the best factory
bullpup trigger ever. The new RDB Survival. For those who follow no beaten path.
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©2018 Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc
 35
IS SU E
SPARE NO EXPENSE

1 2 3 4
44
3

what he was looking for. Ellis welded 1 SAW

REC O ILW E B .C O M

MAKE:
up a bed rack to support the Cascadia
Broco
Vehicle Tents Mt. Rainier 3+ person MODEL:
tent. Jim then designed mounts for Mini Breaching Saw
URL:
lights, cameras, RotopaX fuel cans, fire
www.broco-rankin.com
extinguisher, and GoLights.
The fuel can mounts wrap verti- 2 BACKPACK
cally around the cans, making them MAKE:
5.11 Tactical
very secure and completely supporting
MODEL:
the weight, providing a platform for a Rush72
360-degree pan/tilt GoLight search- URL:
www.511tactical.com
lights on each side that are controlled
by two joysticks. Jim also added a 3 EXTRICATION KIT
beveled scene light on each side and MAKE:
One Stop Survival
created recessed areas for bed light-
MODEL:
ing, both provided by Whelen. The rear Extreme Rescue and
lighting, flood lighting, and RDS light- Extrication Kit
URL:
bar in the front were provided by Rigid Spydura synthetic cable. The truck’s relays on each appliance for total
www.onestopsurvival.com
Industries and the emergency lighting exterior was shod in LineX for durabil- protection of the system.
and adjustable-beam lightbar are from ity. For electronics, three Odyssey The C4ISR (Command, Control, 4 ONBOARD AIR
SYSTEM
Fenix and are controlled by two Switch Extreme AGM batteries are charged Communications, Computers, Intel-
MAKE:
Pros eight-switch control modules. and controlled through a Blue Sea ligence, Surveillance, and Reconnais- VIAIR
The bumpers come from Iron Cross ML Remote Battery Switch automatic sance) system consists of a Panasonic MODEL:
Dual 444C OBA
Automotive with LED bumper lights charge relay and 200-amp circuit VG-Z1 Toughpad mounted in a Havis URL:
and a Warn Winch, shackles, and breaker for each feed, with fuses and docking station and four full-time www.viaircorp.com
 SPARE NO EXPENSE

2 7

6
35
IS SU E

1 RIFLE 4 MISC. DRAWER 6 STORAGE

MAKE: CONTENTS MAKE:
46 Springfield Armory Three custom AR-15s, Decked
MODEL: Haley Stretegic Disrup- MODEL:
REC O ILW E B .C O M

M1A in Sage EBR chassis tive Environments chest Dodge Ram 1500
URL: rigs, Watershed Bags, URL:
www.springfield- Chinook Medical EPMK www.decked.com
armory.com 1 medical kit, Strider
Knives machete, three
Glock 41s, Kestrel
7 SPARE TIRE
2 RIFLE Ballistic Weather Meter
CARRIER
MAKE: MAKE:
and DROP unit, Leupold
Remington Wilco Offroad
LTO Tracker handheld
MODEL: thermal tool MODEL:
700 / McRee chassis Hitchgate
URL: URL:
www.remington.com 5 SHOTGUN www.wilcooffroad.com
8 MAKE:
Remington
3 PISTOL MODEL: 8 SEAT COVER
MAKE: VangComp Custom 870 MAKE:
Heckler & Koch Wet Okole
URL:
MODEL: www.remington.com MODEL:
cameras (IR, thermal, PTZ) in BASH way radio hard mount, and portable VP9 Tactical Dodge Ram
URL: URL:
(Ballistic Anti-Shock Housings) from HAM radio.
www.hk-usa.com www.wetokole.com
Dotworkz. Cameras and monitor by We think it’s safe to say Jim isn’t
VDO are powered through a solid-state building mall crawlers and has some-
computer, MoFi 4G/LTE router Mobile- thing that’ll enable him to face sh*t right direction if you’re not sure where
Mark antenna. All of this is integrated head on if things get hairy. If you’re in to start and want to turn your daily into
with his other vehicles via a Silvus the market to create your own survival a bug-out vehicle. It’s probably only a
Technologies tactical mesh network vehicle, feel free to reach out to Jim matter of time before we’re reporting
configured by Brent Kinnaman at K-Tac via his websites for consultation. At on yet another addition to his armada
Communications in San Diego. There this point he’s on track to be the Q of vehicles. Anyone want to take bets
is also a Cobra Electronics CB radio Branch of tactical trucks, so there’s a on an Aston Martin with revolving
and 2,400-watt power inverter, two- good chance he can point you in the plates? We’re not ruling it out.
 FOUR TIMES
THE ADVENTURE.

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UBDUJDBM
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 UNUSUAL SUSPECTS LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING KNIVES
BY PATRICK VUONG

MAKE: MAKE:
A folding knife isn’t 1 Coast Products 5 Outdoor Edge
particularly heavy in and MODEL: MODEL:
of itself. But when you FX200 Conquer
OAL: OAL:
consider your daily loadout 5.4 inches 7.2 inches
of keys, wallet, smartphone, BLADE LENGTH: BLADE LENGTH:
2 inches 3 inches
concealed pistol, holster, BLADE MATERIAL: BLADE MATERIAL:
extra magazine, and — well, 3Cr13 stainless steel 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
WEIGHT: WEIGHT:
you get the picture. 1.4 ounces 2.9 ounces
So, we’re balancing the MSRP: MSRP:
$15 $55
pros and cons of lightweight URL: URL:
folding knives which, for the www.coastportland.com www.outdooredge.com

sake of argument, we’ll call MAKE: MAKE:

2 SOG Specialty Knives & Tools 6 Ruger Knives
anything 3 ounces or lighter. MODEL: MODEL:
A lighter folder won’t bog Twitch II LCK
OAL: OAL:
you down as much as a hefty 6.2 inches 7.5 inches
one. Plus, it tends to be made BLADE LENGTH: BLADE LENGTH:
2.65 inches 3.33 inches
35

of fewer components to keep BLADE MATERIAL: BLADE MATERIAL:

AUS-8 stainless steel 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
IS SU E

the weight down, so it takes

WEIGHT: WEIGHT:
up less pocket real estate. 2.6 ounces 2.6 ounces
On the flip side, a tool that MSRP: MSRP:
50 weighs next to nothing doesn’t
$71 $40
URL: URL:
provide sufficient leverage www.sogknives.com www.crkt.com
REC O ILW E B .C O M

for heavy-duty chores. And MAKE: MAKE:

3 Kershaw Knives 7 Spyderco
there’s something to be said
MODEL: MODEL:
about accidental droppings. Fraxion Manix 2 Lightweight
OAL: Gray Maxamet
No, we’re not talking about 6.75 inches OAL:
“sharting.” We mean letting BLADE LENGTH: 8.03 inches
2.75 inches BLADE LENGTH:
it slip from our hands. Don’t BLADE MATERIAL: 3.37 inches
believe you’ll drop something 8Cr13MoV stainless steel BLADE MATERIAL:
WEIGHT: Maxamet tool steel
so precious regardless of its 1.9 ounces WEIGHT:
weight? Ask yourself this: MSRP: 3 ounces
$50 MSRP:
Have you ever dropped your URL: $280
6-ounce iPhone while relaxing kershaw.kaiusaltd.com URL:
www.spyderco.com
at home? Compare that to MAKE:
4 Cold Steel Knives
the number of times you’ve
MODEL:
dropped a 3-pound hammer Khan
while working on a project. OAL:
7 inches
Of course, you should BLADE LENGTH:
always pick the right tool for 3.5 inches
BLADE MATERIAL:
the job. There’s no shame AUS-8A stainless steel
WEIGHT:
in leaving a beefy knife at
2.4 ounces

1 2
home should your task call MSRP:
$70
for something more petite.
URL:
Perhaps one of these low-carb www.coldsteel.com
options here will fit a specific
need you might soon have.
FLIP THE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS ON EACH KNIFE.

3 4 5 6 7
 INTERROGATING THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS
COAST SOG KERSHAW COLD STEEL OUTDOOR EDGE RUGER KNIVES SPYDERCO
FX200 TWITCH II FRAXION KHAN CONQUER LCK MANIX 2

411: 411: 411: 411: 411: 411: 411:

The flyweight in this This handsome devil We have friends who Is this more of the With its generous belly, Ruger’s collaboration Who says your
battle royale is also the is the next step in buy and carry cheapo modern Benedict this knife is ideal for with Columbia River lightweight knife has
shortest and slimmest. the lockback knife’s knives. Their mental- Cumberbatch or the detailed slicing — such Knife & Tool has been to be tiny? The Manix
It makes total sense evolutionary chain. The ity is they’ll just buy old-school Ricardo as skinning — but its a mixed bag. Some of 2 has the build of a
that the FX200 can also Twitch II is the only another one if it dulls, Montalban? Neither, versatile enough to be their models are quality heavyweight, but barely
play double duty as lockback folder we know breaks, or gets lost. as we can’t see any a daily carry tool. Plus, blades, others just ho- tips the scales like a
a money clip, since it of that has a flipper tab Well, the Fraxion is one connection between this it keeps the ounces off hum knives with a Ruger bantamweight. This
weighs 1.4 ounces and and assisted opening, budget knife you don’t knife and Captain Kirk’s with its slim design: logo. Fortunately, the is due mostly to its
stands 3.4 inches when thanks to SOG’s want to break or lose. nemesis — nor to any a frame-lock folder LCK (Lightweight Com- injection-molded handle
closed. Plus, it has an patented Pass-Through It’s a manual folder with other meaning related doesn’t need extra pact Knife) is among made from fiberglass-
35

integrated bottle opener Lock Bar. While all other a flipper tab to open it to the word “Khan.” metal for liner locks or the former. It borrows reinforced co-polymer
IS SU E

on the butt end to lockbacks feature a and a liner lock to close Still, it’s a formidable a lockback bar because design cues from its and Spyderco’s patented
increase its utility. Not solid metal bar in its it. Kershaw trims the fat folder to be respected by the frame is the lock. brother from another Ball Bearing Lock,
meant to be a primary lock mechanism, this by having G-10 handle humans and enhanced The Conquer is available mother, the Ruger LCP which uses very little
knife when SHTF, this one has a cutout in its scales with carbon- humans alike. It’s made with a plain edge or II .380, and serves as a metal. It’s made in the
52 frame-lock folder is an rocker bar that allows fiber overlay. This is of quality materials, semi-serrated, or with a slim EDC tool in its own USA and available in
affordable option if you the flipper tab to pass both an inexpensive and built to withstand a 3.5-inch blade. right. Its weight savings an assortment of blade
REC O ILW E B .C O M

want to wring out more through when the knife reliable everyday-carry beating, and has all the is in its glass-reinforced steels, handle materials,
functionality from a closes. Innovation (EDC) knife. prerequisites to be a nylon handle. and colors.
money clip. meets sleekness. daily carry knife.

PROS: PROS: PROS: PROS: PROS: PROS: PROS:

Hard to beat the Outside-the-box Non-obtrusive Slightly textured Though Chinese Clean aesthetics that Ambidextrous
$15 MSRP design flipper tab G-10 handle provides made, the 8Cr13MoV genuinely harkens locking mechanism
Works as a money clip AUS-8 blade steel Pocket clip is revers- excellent traction blade cuts and back to the LCP II Ambidextrous
and a bottle opener Simple yet elegant ible, left or right. Ambidextrous and pierces effectively. A sizeable blade in a thumb hole to
The Chinese 3Cr13 aesthetics, from the Kershaw’s KVT manual ergonomic HTR Flipper tab opens lightweight package deploy the blade
blade steel was stout pocket clip to opening is faster than thumb-discs the blade smoothly Flipper opening is Made of Maxamet
shockingly effective at the graphite-colored some of the assisted- Reversible pocket clip and swiftly. quick and easy. alloy, the blade is
slicing (though we had aluminum handle opening knives in this for right- and “wrong- In a world of $500 a lightsaber.
to resharpen it after Pass-through lock bar buyer’s guide handed” users. folding knives, the Pocket clip can be
our testing). provides secure lockup Decent price tag Blade stabs and cuts Conquer is a good deal set up for righties
once the blade’s out. with ferocity. at $55. or lefties.

CONS: CONS: CONS: CONS: CONS: CONS: CONS:

Its small size doesn’t Pushing up on the When closing the Tanto blade profile An innate flaw of Great for thrusting, Like most Spyderco
give our medium-sized thumb-stud or pulling blade, there’s not doesn’t offer as much frame-locks: To close but it did poorly in our folders with leaf-
hands much to grab down on the flipper tab much resistance. We slicing versatility as the blade, your thumb test cutting. shaped blades, the
onto, making for a isn’t enough kick for can picture our clumsy other shapes. pushes the frame-lock Unfortunately, the Manix 2 takes up a
slow and cautious the assisted opening selves accidentally Deep forefinger groove to the left. But to stout pocket clip lot of pocket space
draw — not ideal for to fully deploy the letting the cutting and slight curve to the have a solid grip, your isn’t reversible for when closed.
deployment in self- blade. You’ll need to edge fall on our fingers handle forces you to middle and ring fingers left-handers. With such a light
defense situations. add a little wrist flick if we’re not paying have a slightly canted squeeze on the op- Glass-reinforced nylon handle, the knife feels
Sorry, lefties, the to get the blade all the attention or doing it pistol grip; not ideal if posite side you’re push- handle can get slip- a bit blade-heavy.
pocket clip is fixed in way around. too quickly. you prefer a hammer ing. It can sometimes pery when wet.
one position. or Filipino grip. feel like you’re arm
wrestling yourself.
 Performance Softshell Jacket
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• Hidden magazine pocket • Front leg cell phone pocket • Durable Water Repellent

DICKIES.COM
 BY DAVE MERRILL
35
IS SU E

56
REC O ILW E B .C O M

It’s no secret the firearms market has
softened since Trump took office.
Prices are lower than they’ve ever
The author on a fun
street in Fallujah, been, so we’re seeing a lot of interest
November 2004. in just-for-fun guns, and clone builds in
particular. With a nod to the OIF vets
among you, we’re looking at an M16A4
clone; specifically, a clone from Opera-
tion Iraqi Freedom, mostly from the
author’s service rifle, circa 2004.
Shortly after the initial invasion of
Iraq, the USMC began replacing well-
worn M16A2 rifles with the M16A4.
Though it still sported a fixed stock
and a 20-inch barrel (the better to do
rifle drill with), it had a flat-top upper
receiver that simplified the mounting
of optics and a Knight’s Armament
M5 Rail Adapter System (RAS) to hold
lights and other accessories.
The clone’s complete upper comes
from Aero Precision. It’s made for
their M16A4 Special Edition Rifle. The
handguard is a P&S Products M5 RAS,
an acceptable-and-issued substitu-
tion for the original Knight’s
Armament handguard, which is
harder to find. There’s nothing
special about the lower receiver, A2
stock, and internals. We plucked these
parts from the RECOIL workshop’s
spare parts bins.
The first Trijicon ACOGs issued with
these rifles were the TA31F variety,
later to be replaced with the TA31RCO-
A4 with LaRue mounts. Shown is a
TA31F with a LaRue QD LT100 mount
and TA91 Tenebrex killflash complete
with the Trijicon objective flip cap.
It’s the small things that make this
rifle just right. It’s also the small things
that make this rifle look a bit ridiculous.
Take the carry handle attached to the
rail, for instance. It’s unclear whether it

IS SU E
was kept on the rifle as a backup sight-
ing system or to keep the part from get-

35
ting lost. The author still has no idea,
and he did this on his own issued rifle. 57
The buttstock magazine pouch was in

REC O ILW E B .C O M
common use in Iraq. While on a forward
operating base and not outside the
wire, weapons were carried empty or, in
Marine parlance, kept in “Condition 4.”
The buttstock pouch was an easy way to
keep a magazine with the rifle without it
being loaded. The buttstock magazine
pouch also provided a sling location that
was actually worth a damn.
Rifle slings were in a state of flux at
the time this rifle was in service. The standard, 200 lumen lights like these ITEM MSRP STREET/USED
complicated three-point sling was the (even with a 20-minute run time) may Aero Precision A4 Upper $644 $410
original issued item with the M16A4. as well have been the light of God.
Complete Lower w/ A2 Stock Assy 400 250
Many Marines either found more useful Other items like the magazine
P&S M5 RAS 276 125
two-point alternatives, or modified the coupler and worn-as-hell USGI mags,
KAC M5 Panel Kit w/ VFG 210 50
complex three-points. In later years, hideous in hindsight, came directly
Trijicon TA31F ACOG 1,502 900
Viking Tactics VTAC slings as you see from a seabag that sat untouched in the
Trijicon TA91 Killflash 48 41
here, were standard. author’s garage for more than a decade.
Trijicon Objective Flip Cover 18 15
Both the SureFire M962 (seen in the Though this rifle won’t be humped
Colt Carry Handle 130 55
lower-right photo), as well as the two- through the streets or foreign hovels,
SureFire M962 (kit w/ WML) 1,100 400
cell SureFire M951 (shown with a body it will still ping steel at 600 yards.
Viking Tactics VTAC Sling 50 40
extension converting it into a three-cell Holding the A4 resurrected from the
Spec-Ops Mag Pouch 30 10
in top photo) are period correct. Back in author’s OIF service had him falling in
the days when 65-lumen lights were the love all over again. Totals $4,408 $2,296
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 60
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 35
 REMINGTON’S CSR IS FINALLY
AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION
BY CANDICE HORNER

IS SU E
The Remington Concealable Sniper Rifle is a lot like upgrading from a

35
Motorola Razr to the iPhone X — you didn’t know what you were miss-
ing until it’s in your life.. Remember when smartphones weren’t readily
available? And now, you can’t imagine life without access to such
61
life-changing advancements? In a nutshell, this is how we feel about

REC O ILW E B .C O M
the CSR.
The CSR impacted us way back in 2014. We’ve been fortunate
enough to have been privy to the ins and outs of the CSR and have
tried to beat the brakes off it — but to no avail. This rifle quickly
became a personal favorite, but it was not available to the public until
now with a limited production run.
We were stoked to hear the CSR is finally going to bless others with
its advancements in rifle technology. There are a few rifles with similar
features, but certainly not all the features. The CSR comes with a hefty
price tag, but you get what you pay for. Similarly so, that paying for the
bells-and-whistles smartphone is worth denting your wallet versus the
agony of trying to text on a flip phone.

OVERVIEW
The Remington CSR was originally designed for its namesake: to
be a concealable sniper rifle. This precision tool was made for the
most elite warriors the world has ever seen. It was intended to be
used during bold, challenging, and curtained missions across the
globe. A captivating aspect of the CSR is its purpose and ability to
be broken down and reassembled by the end-user and still make
hits without re-zeroing. How many rifles would you be willing to at
least bet your lunch money it would still hold zero after taking the
barrel off in the field and putting it back on? For us, so far, the
answer is one.

Genetics of the CSR are based off
of Remington’s Modular Sniper Rifle
(MSR) and Precision Sniper Rifle
35
(PSR). This family of rifles features
IS SU E
the ability to change barrels and
calibers within minutes. Not having
to tote around a full-length musket,
62 and instead carrying a rifle that fits
in a backpack and can be quickly as-
REC O ILW E B .C O M
sembled is a unique benefit. While that
benefit isn’t necessary for most of us,
it undoubtedly has a cool factor.
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
The heart and soul of the CSR is
the barrel design. Being able to easily
switch out parts on the AR platform
has spoiled us. We didn’t expect such
user-friendliness from a bolt gun until
getting acquainted with the CSR. After
being able to fully disassemble the
CSR with one tool, our expectations
have been upped.
Chambered in 7.62 NATO, the bar-
rel is 4140 hammer-forged steel and
melonite-treated. Fluting of the barrel
lessens the weight of the rifle without
sacrificing accuracy. Melonite-treating
barrels improves the barrel life, but is
known to be a difficult treatment to
control. During the coating process,
imperfections and uneven thickness
affects barrel accuracy. In order to
have the advantages of melonite
without the negative effects, Reming-
ton thoroughly tested and adapted its
process for a more controllable end
result. Those improved processes have
Side-by-side CSRs, tightened up the accuracy standard of
the production the CSR/PSR/MSR family. Initial CSR
version and the one
barrel length offerings from Remington
we’ve been abusing
for the past four includes either a 14-inch or a 16-inch
years barrel, with 1:7 or 1:10 twist rate,
respectively. The 14-inch 1:7 twist is
optimized for subsonic ammunition,
while the 16-inch 1:10 twist is ideal
for supersonic ammunition.
Akin to an AR barrel extension, the
CSR barrel extension looks familiar.
Remington says it’s conceptually an
M16 extension, but for a bolt action. If
you’ve ever built an AR, inserting the
barrel into the receiver fits together like
Legos. You’d have to severely screw up
the simple task if you couldn’t get an
AR barrel into the upper receiver. That’s
assuming the receiver and barrel are
spec’d correctly. Point being, the CSR
barrel snugly slides into the receiver in
the same manner. The alignment pin
OUT OF HIDING
and stop shoulder locates the barrel
extension against the receiver the same
way, every time the barrel is removed
and reinserted. Locking lugs of the bolt
lock into the barrel extension. Important
for maintaining zero after disassembly is
the bigger, beefier extension. While the
CSR barrel has similar features to an AR
barrel, it will not fit on any other rifles
other than the CSR/PSR/MSR series.
The CSR barrel is held in place by a
barrel nut that can be quickly removed
and reinstalled with the Remington-
supplied torque wrench. The torque
wrench head slides into cutout holes
on the barrel nut. It’s torqued to 20
ft-lb. After a lot of testing, Remington
found that 20 ft-lb of torque pro-
vided all the needed rigidity and zero
retention, while also making the barrel
easier to install and remove.
NOT JUST FOR LOOKS
This is a sexy rifle. We would un-
derstand if you liked her just for her
looks, but every aspect of the design
is justified. It’s a beauty and brains
kind of rifle. We’ll give a front-to-
back rundown.
Seeing as how Advanced Armament
Corporation is owned by Remington,
it’s not surprising the CSR sports an
AAC muzzle device. The AAC BLACK-

OUT 7.62mm 90T Tapered Flash Hider
has Nitride finish and mates to AAC
SR7 fast-attach silencers. Since we’ve
already covered the barrel, we’ll jump
to the bolt.
The titanium-bodied bolt can be dis-
assembled without tools, and you don’t
need super-strength to do so. The ac-
tion is titanium, while the bolt head is
35
4140 steel. Its three-lug design allows
IS SU E
for a 60-degree bolt throw. Less hand
64
REC O ILW E B .C O M
The CSR can
be partially
or completely
disassembled in movement needed to work the bolt is
under 60 seconds. faster for follow-up shots. As with most
parts of the rifle, the fire control is
unique to the series. The trigger is es-
sentially a Remington Model 700 trig-
ger, but modified for the safety lever to
curve around the receiver. The trigger
is adjustable from 3.5 to 5 pounds.
OUT OF HIDING
While the CSR is pretty much a
shrunken-down short-action version of
the PSR/MSR, it did require redesign-
ing because the MSR/PSR is too long
to conceal. Titanium is a high-end,
costly material, but it’s the secret be-
hind the CSR’s durability. Unlike most
other metals, titanium doesn’t wear
when removing and reinstalling parts.
Thanks to machined-billet titanium,
the receiver’s dimension at its nose
and overall strength are maintained af-
ter putting on and taking off the barrel
time after time. Seeing as how there is
not another rifle exactly like the CSR,
the receiver is custom to the action.
Bolt guns are either built on a
stock or chassis, with a chassis allow-
ing for more options and modularity.
With a standard stock, you’re usually
stuck with the configuration unless
you perform gunsmith-level modifica-
tions. A chassis system allows you to
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 35
IS SU E
66 move parts around effortlessly. The
machined billet 60 Series aluminum
REC O ILW E B .C O M
CSR chassis consists of the hand-
guard, center, and buttstock.
Using the Remington Accessory
Chassis System (RACS) as a starting
point, the CSR team needed to figure
out how to make it concealable with-
out degrading the structural integrity.
The top rail was cut into two pieces,
allowing for the handguard to be
completely removed. A hardened align-
ment pin, at the 12 o’clock position,
keeps the two halves indexed properly
when assembled.
For quick disassembly, the adjust-
able locking lever doesn’t require tools
to unlatch. The lever’s engineering
is an advancement, but is the Achil-
les’ heel of the CSR design. The latch
has a large footprint so the user can
manipulate it without having their
hand slip off. But, since there isn’t an
additional component to prevent the
takedown lever from inadvertently get-
ting pulled open, a piece of gear and
a good tug can make it open and send
the handguard flying. If you have a la-
ser attached, watching the handguard
roll down the road at 30 mph from the
back of a truck can be heartbreaking.
Duct tape is the solution for so many
problems, and a strip of it around the
base of the handguard helps prevent
an unintentional disassemble.
Three included rail sections allow
for more than enough room for a laser,
light, and bipod. Two medium and one
long rail sections mount directly to the
handguard with two and three screws,
respectively. Six flush cups on the
handguard give multiple choices for
attaching a quick-detach sling.
Sandwiching the receiver are the
top rail and center body of the chas-
sis. Large diameter, #10-32 screws
are used to mount the top rail to the
receiver. For scope mounts, #6-48
screws are the industry standard. Most
sniper-rifle builds use #8-40 screws. A
larger screw than the more commonly
used smaller sizes gives more muscle
OUT OF HIDING
to hold heavy scopes with attach-
ments such as laser range finders and
IR illuminators. Having the magazine
release in front of the trigger protects
Some of the more it from accidental release; you have to
distinguished purposefully press it to drop the mag.
aspects of the CSR
are the two-piece Two 10-round, double stack Accuracy
top rail, handguard International pattern magazines ship
locking lever, unique with the CSR. A folding pistol grip by
barrel nut, and a
FAB Defense slims down the overall
very robust barrel
extension. size of the rifle. But, the chassis ac-
cepts most AR-15 pistol grips.
At the rear, the buttstock is a skel-
etonized powerhouse of options. Apply-
ing rearward pressure to the release,
folds the buttstock to the right, locking
it closed, while also securing the bolt.
When folded, the width of the rifle is
just over 4 inches. A button on the
other side of the release mechanism
unlocks the buttstock that swivels on a
takedown pin. Like the handguard, four
flush cups provide multiple locations
for a quick-detach sling. Two small
rail sections are at the 6 and 3 o’clock
positions, providing more mounting
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options. Adjusting the comb height,
length of pull, and height of the recoil
pad takes mere seconds. Comb height
and length of pull are adjusted with a
locking throw lever and turn knob.
For a consistent cheek weld, the comb
height can be raised up to 1.88 inches
higher than the lowest setting. For
optimal eye relief and overall comfort
while shooting the CSR, the length
of pull can be extended an additional
1.65 inches. With a press of a button,
the recoil pad can be moved between
35
IS SU E
68
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Try to tell us this 16 different vertical positions. From
rifle doesn’t look center, the highest adjustment moves
badass. A quick flip
of the buttstock cuts the recoil pad up 1.75 inches and the
down the length of lowest position moves it down 1.06
the production rifle inches. Those 16 slots provide 2.81
by 7.3 inches.
inches of vertical movement of the re-
coil pad. Tucked away, under the cheek
1
piece is a ⁄ 8 -inch Allen wrench, which
fits most of the screws on the CSR.
GOING ALL THE WAY
Shooting an accurate rifle is always
entertaining. Its performance is
OUT OF HIDING
predictable and being able to consis-
tently shoot at further distances an
uncommon feat. Having our hands on
the CSR for the past few years has
enabled us to shoot it in many differ-
ent scenarios. Targets varying in size,
all the way down to 0.5 MOA, have
been consistently hit out to 1,200
yards. With the 16-inch barrel, and
a longer 18-inch taken from a PSR,
168-grain and 175-grain projectiles
have been the most accurate out of
the CSR.
 OUT OF HIDING

Of the several barrels we’ve used
on the CSR, all have shot well under
one MOA at 500 yards for 10-shot
groups. At 100 yards, the produc-
tion model shot 0.723 MOA with
175-grain Federal Gold Medal Match
ammunition. After shooting 10 five-
shot groups to confirm accuracy, we
removed the barrel while at the range.
Once the barrel had completely
cooled off, we reassembled the rifle
and shot another group to determine
how much zero shift had occurred.
That five-shot group at 100 yards
showed a 0.418 MOA shift after reas-
sembly. Less than half an inch shift
at 100 yards after taking the barrel
completely off is extraordinary.
Too often the accuracy of a rifle is
discussed, but the actual shootability
it overlooked. Fast adjustments like
35
adjustments, shooters of different body
types can customize the fit of the gun.
Every aspect of the CSR’s design has a
purpose. Each purpose either improves
how easy it is to shoot and transport or
how it maintains optimal accuracy. As
far as felt-recoil is concerned, it feels
like a .308 — there’s no getting around
it. Repeatedly shooting groups served
as a quick reminder that a .308 will
make your teeth tingle.
Disassembly of the CSR is possible
in under a minute and only requires
the rifle-specific torque wrench.
Breakdown options give more or less
concealment. If running a suppressor,
disassembly begins with its removal.
Then release the handguard lever and
remove the handguard to access the
LENGTHS OF PARTS
barrel nut. Because the bolt’s lock-
ing lugs lock into the extension, you
have to open or remove the bolt before
proceeding. Next, loosen the barrel nut
with the torque wrench, once loose,
unscrew it by hand and slide it off the
barrel. Pull out the barrel, collapse
the pistol grip, and fold the buttstock.
To go a step further, and for a thinner
profile, the buttstock can be removed
by pressing the takedown pin up. To
see the options for and how simple the
disassembly is, check out the video on
RECOILweb.com.
Owning a CSR will likely put you on
some weird watch list, but it’s worth
it thanks to the unparalleled features
and exclusivity status the rifle brings
with it.

the push-button recoil pad height

Barrel removed, with extension and muzzle device installed 18.75 inches
IS SU E

makes the CSR uncomplicated to Handguard 12 inches

shoot from prone to barricades to Center body of chassis, with pistol grip folded 15 inches
using a tripod for support to shoot- Rifle with buttstock folded, and pistol grip not folded 29.5 inches
70 ing the rifle offhand. With so many
Buttstock, removed 11 inches
REC O ILW E B .C O M

SPEC BOX

REMINGTON
CSR

CALIBER ACCESSORIES
7.62 NATO
Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44 $2,860
BARREL LENGTH
16 inches US Optics UMQDS 34mm Mount $380
OVERALL LENGTH Atlas PSR Bipod $319
36.8 inches
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
10.75 pounds
MSRP PRICE AS FEATURED URL
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
10
$ $13,200 $ $16,759 www.remingtonmilitary.com
 TRITIUM + FIBER-OPTIC XTREME
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BE READY FOR THE FIGHT.
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Improves speed
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CONTRASTING ORANGE
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SEALED
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Fully protects optics
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©2018 SAFARILAND, LLC.

 RIFLE
READY
SHOOTING TRIPOD BUYER’S GUIDE

74
BY CANDICE HORNER
Shooters needed tripods before tripods for rifles existed. We
had to wait for the industry to catch up by manufacturing tri-
pods for rifle shooting. Snipers and hunters have been shooting
off of tripods or sticks of some sort for longer than anyone can
confirm. But each group has vastly different requirements for
the use of tripods.
Snipers often don’t have the best gear available, relying instead
on creative problem solving. Since fighting has moved to a more
urban arena, prone shooting is rarely possible. Snipers have used
everything from makeshift shooting sticks to sturdier tripods.
Modifying photography tripods to accommodate rifles was the
norm, but the problem with using a photography tripod is that
they aren’t meant for rifles. Misusing photography tripods leads to
broken parts. The tiny clamp whose job was to hold the mounting
plate attached to the rifle onto the tripod frequently broke. And,
to top it off, photography tripods weren’t rigid enough to hold
the weight of a large rifle. Although readily available, standard
photography tripods were simply the wrong tools for the job.
 35
IS SU E
76
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Tripods intended for rifle use
were first brought to consumers
via hunting. Shooting sticks can be
made from nearly any type of stick.
They can use one, two, or three legs
for support. Having more legs to
support the rifle’s weight decreases
the amount of wobble or movement
you see when aiming in on your
target. The less weight you’re trying
to muscle into place, the more
stable your shooting position, thus
increasing your chance of success.
Shooters with heavier rifles or
who need to be able to shoot further
distances require strong tripods that
can hold a position for long periods of
time and can quickly pan or tilt when
needed for a moving target. When
weight matters, for example trekking
up a mountain stalking an elk, a
lightweight tripod is more ideal. Each
tripod design has its own advantages
and disadvantages, but there’s surely
one that fits the job you need.
When deciding to buy a new tripod,
the main question to ask is how
you’ll use it. If you want to be able to
shoot a deer within a couple hundred
yards, a lightweight hunting tripod
is the way to go. If you want to take
precision shots out to a thousand
yards, you’re going to pay a pretty
penny for the tripod that’ll take
RIFLE READY
care of you. Back in Issue 31, we
covered “Problem Solving Shooting
Positions.” Many of the key topics in
the article apply to the use of tripods.
You can catch that full article on
RECOILweb.
For this buyer’s guide, we started
by reviewing tripods commonly used
by hunters, snipers, and competitive
shooters, but quickly realized that
so few are actually tailor-made for
rifles. Instead of highlighting old
adaptations, workarounds, and
companies that don’t like guns, we’re
featuring tripods that have been
specifically designed, tested, and
marketed for rifle shooting.
MODERN SPORTING RIFLE SHOOTERS
DEMAND RELIABLE, CONSISTENT,
ACCURATE, CLEAN AMMUNITION TO
FEED THEIR RIFLES. OFFERING
OPTIONS FOR HIGH VOLUME TRAINING,
SELF-DEFENSE, AS WELL AS
PRECISION MATCH ROUNDS FIOCCHI
OF AMERICA HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO
ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN
SPORTING RIFLE SHOOTER
THOROUGHLY. LEANING ON OUR
EXPERIENCE FULFILLING MILITARY AND
LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTRACTS
AROUND THE WORLD FIOCCHI
UNDERS
UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF
RELIABLE PERFORMANCE WHEN
UTILIZING THESE MODERN FIREARMS.
WHETHER YOU ARE MORE OF THE
EUGENE STONER PERSUASION, A FAN
OF THE ROLLER LOCK FIREARMS, OR
YOU FANCY YOURSELF A KALASHNIKOV
WIL
YOU WILL FIND THAT WE HAVE
ENGINEERED THE RIGHT AMMUNITION
 RIFLE READY

SOAR TVC-33
REALLY RIGHT STUFF
LEGS
MSRP
$975
MIN/MAX HEIGHT
4.1/58.6 inches
PACKABLE LENGTH
25.6 inches
WEIGHT
4.3 pounds
MATERIAL
Carbon fiber

ACCESSORIES
BALLHEAD BH-55
MSRP
$489
WEIGHT
1.96 pounds
CHASSIS-SPECIFIC MOUNTING PLATES
MSRP
$80
WEIGHT
2.79 ounces
VYCE MOUNT
MSRP
$295 - $344
WEIGHT
17 ounces
35
IS SU E

AS CONFIGURED
MAX LOAD
50 pounds (ballhead), 50 pounds (tripod)
78 MSRP
$1,544 to $1,808
WEIGHT
REC O ILW E B .C O M

7.3 pounds
URL
soar.reallyrightstuff.com

NOTES
Really Right Stuff (RRS) has been
manufacturing photography equipment for the
past 26 years. It’s no surprise the RRS name
is synonymous with quality. RRS systems are
interchangeable and customizable to the user’s
needs. In 2015 RRS decided to branch out into
making gear that was specifically designed
for long-range shooting by launching the Sport
Optics & Rifle (SOAR) division.
Often companies rebrand products without
clearly disclosing to consumers who manufac-
tures their offerings. RRS SOAR is completely
transparent; all the information can be found on
the RRS website.
Michael Haenel, RRS SOAR Division
Specialist and former sniper school instructor,
explained, “Throughout my military career
I was taught to use my imagination and
find gear helpful to our missions, whether
sniper of reconnaissance oriented. Many of us
repurposed crappy camera tripods to steady
alternate firing positions. The key problem came
whenever we had to shoot at distance. Every
step, bump, and vibration threw you off target.
When I heard of RRS, I pitched the idea that
military and competitive long-range shooters
need products as lightweight and rigid as what
they were already manufacturing. With the help
of some close industry friends and competitive
shooters we made a case for the firearms-
oriented products. Really Right Stuff dove into
the market headfirst, without hiding our new
endeavor from our current customers.”
RRS SOAR offers a variety of tripods and
heads from its photo line that have been
extensively tested for use with firearms.
Several firearm-exclusive products are found in
the SOAR lineup, like chassis-specific mounting
plates and universal mounts. All of the mounts
use a patented lever-release clamp. Even if a
non-RRS mounting plate is out-of-spec, the
RRS clamp will self-adjust with tension and
usually still hold the mounting plate.
For the past few months, we’ve had our
hands on the RRS SOAR TVC-33 with the
BH-55 LR SOAR Series Ballhead. We shot large
bolt guns and smaller AR platform rifles out to
1,200 yards using the RRS SOAR tripod setup.
Shooting off of a RRS tripod is just as stable as
shooting prone.
At first glance, the carbon-fiber legs are
eye-catching and elegant. They are the most no-
ticeable feature of the system. At the bottom of
each leg are rubber ball feet, which are remov-
able and can be replaced with rock or spike feet,
sold separately. We didn’t get a chance to shoot
in conditions to warrant switching out the feet.
Each leg section can be quickly and
individually extended with a quarter turn of the
rubber twist grip extension lock. The first, and
smallest, joint is 1.133 inches tall and has 17
threads. The larger joint on the next extension
is 1.282 inches tall with 19 threads. Each leg
extension can be completely removed, but with
all those threads it would have to be intentional.
Topping each leg is a patented SureGrip Apex
Lock System, allowing each tripod leg to be
independently moved between three positions.
The lock can be either pulled from the front or
pushed open from behind. Once the locking
mechanism is open, it easily springs into its
position with minimal pressure.
The apex of the tripod accommodates
several types of RRS SOAR ballheads and
leveling bases. Its offset leg joints are obvious
when you’re looking down at the apex, with the
ballhead removed. RRS says offset leg joints
are a patented feature that allows for more
support at each leg angle stop. Easily visible on
the apex is a bull’s-eye level.
Panning and tilting are effortless with the
ballhead, and we didn’t run out of realistic
vertical or horizontal ranges of motion. Shots
can be taken from the tripod in countless posi-
tions and at varying heights. There are three
adjustment knobs on the ballhead. The largest
knob is the most convenient, as it controls
the tension of the main ball joint. Completely
tightening the large knob locks the rifle into the
desired position, while base panning and ball
joint resistance are controlled by the other two
knobs. Once you have the tripod configured
to your preference, the largest knob is the
go-to for most target engagements. A hook
underneath the ballhead, in the center of the
apex, accommodates a bag or anything you
want to hang, providing additional weight and
stability. We didn’t use the hook because we
were able to push into the tripod when needed
to visualize impacts.
Of the variations we tested, the setup with
the BH-55 was our favorite because positional
options seemed endless. While RRS offers
leveling bases, those bases don't provide as
many degrees of motion compared to a full-size
ballhead. Every ballhead and leveling base has
an additional bull's-eye level so you can level
your weapon even when the tripod is extended
askew and uneven. With a load capacity of 50
pounds, you’d be hard pressed to max out the
weight limit of the ballhead.
 RIFLE READY

PMG, LIGHTWEIGHT
CRUX ORDNANCE
LEGS
MSRP
$795
MIN/MAX HEIGHT
4/58 inches
PACKABLE LENGTH
26 inches
WEIGHT
6 pounds
WEIGHT
Carbon fiber

ACCESSORIES
ADJUSTABLE RIFLE SUPPORT/REST PMG-006
MSRP
$545
WEIGHT
2.4 pounds
CLAMP MOUNT PMG-004
MSRP
$295
SCOPE MOUNT PMG-005
MSRP
$139

AS CONFIGURED
MAX LOAD
35

35 pounds
IS SU E

MSRP
$1,799
WEIGHT
9 pounds
80 URL
cruxord.myshopify.com
REC O ILW E B .C O M

NOTES
Over the past year, Crux Ordnance
(CruxOrd) has entered the scene with
its line of tripods and accessories. At
first glance, the tripods look similar to
RRS, but there are several differences.
CruxOrd calls its tripod series the Pro
Military Gear (PMG) Tripod System. After
a quick Google search, we learned that
PMG stands for Pro Media Gear. Pro Media
Gear manufactures high-end photography
equipment. No need to reinvent the wheel;
CruxOrd repurposes and reconfigures a
proven product for use with rifles.
The CruxOrd tripod system looks
futuristic. The gimbal on top of the tripod
seems confusing, over-engineered, and
out of place at first, but each piece has a
purpose. This setup has been used to pro-
vide overwatch and kept guns on standby
at major sporting events. Intended to be
a complete one-man setup, this system
keeps the rifle and either a spotting scope
or rangefinder at the ready. In addition
to mounting the rifle, a spotting scope
or laser rangefinder can be attached and
zeroed with the gun. A shooter can spot
their target with the scope, and then im-
mediately drop down to the rifle and have
the same field of view. So long as tension
is set correctly, the rifle, spotting scope,
and any other attachment can be moved
in any angle or direction and will remain
in place when you let go.
We tested this tripod setup with
multiple rifles and consistently made hits
out to 800 yards. We could have easily
shot further if the range environment had
allowed for it. The CruxOrd did not disap-
point. Due to multiple knobs for adjusting
panning and tilting of the rifle, there was
a bit of a learning curve.
Cutting weight without sacrificing
strength, carbon fiber is used for the leg
extensions. Each leg features a removable
rubber foot. Stowed away in each foot is
a spike that can be quickly flipped around
and used in sketchy terrain. Each leg
operates and extends independently, lock-
ing with a slight twist of the aluminum
lock. The joint of both the small and
larger legs is 1.103 inches tall with seven
threads each.
Moving up the legs, there are adjust-
able locking positions with three angle
options. Once you choose your desired
angle, just push the lock back into place.
A ¼-20 threaded adapter port to mount
additional accessories is located between
each leg, on the apex. One comes with a
bull’s-eye level attached.
Seated in the tripod apex is a half ball-
head base. Tension of the half ballhead
can be adjusted with the attached knob
underneath. Mounting to the half ballhead
by means of a 3/8-16 standard mounting
thread is the gimbal contraption, known
as the Tripod Mounted Adjustable Rifle
Support/Rest.
Each movement of the gimbal is
smooth and has the ability to lock in
whatever angle your heart desires. At-
taching to the vertical rail of the gimbal
is a horizontal rail that provides multi-
position mounting options for a spotting
scope or laser rangefinder.
The tripod system features a universal
clamp that fits even the largest rifles.
Especially noteworthy is that there are
two tension adjustments on the saddle,
ensuring that rifles with an extreme taper
on the stock are held securely. On the bot-
tom of the clamp is a removable Picatinny
rail, allowing rifles with Picatinny on the
bottom to mount directly to the CruxOrd
Adjustable Rifle Support/Rest. If you don't
need the large Adjustable Rifle Support/
Rest, remove the Picatinny from the
universal clamp, and the clamp can be
directly mounted to the half bowl base.
While the CruxOrd tripod system has
an answer to most shooting problems,
in full configuration it’s a cumbersome
setup. The limited range of the half bowl
base with the universal clamp didn’t
provide enough range of motion when
shooting from high angles. In order to
overcome awkward angles without using
the full system, the legs had to be ad-
justed instead, which takes extra time. In
November 2017, Pro Media Gear released
a small ballhead with a load capacity of
20 pounds that allows for panning and
90-degree tilting in any direction. We
wouldn’t be surprised if this new, more
compact ballhead made its way over to
the CruxOrd webstore as an option for
competitive shooters.
 RIFLE READY

TRIGGER STICK
GEN2 SERIES
PRIMOS HUNTING
LEGS
MSRP
$196
MIN/MAX HEIGHT
24/62 inches
PACKABLE LENGTH
24 inches
MAX LOAD
2.4 pounds
MATERIAL
7075 aluminum

AS CONFIGURED
MSRP
$196
WEIGHT
3 pounds
URL
www.primos.com
35 IS SU E

82
REC O ILW E B .C O M

NOTES Made of 7075 aluminum, the telescoping legs are

It’s for good reason shooting sticks have been used for
so long — they’re like a sore dick, hard to beat. Shooting
sticks are known for being lightweight, purposefully
straightforward, and user-friendly.
We’ve been using the Jim Shockey Tall Tripod Gen2
Trigger Stick by Primos Hunting for the past couple years.
Having the chance to use the monopod and tripod versions,
the tripod Trigger Stick is one of our favorite pieces of gear.
The Trigger Stick moniker comes from the mechanism
that extends the legs with a pull of the trigger. To operate
the sticks, all you have to do is hold the Trigger Stick out
in front of you at about the height you want your rifle and
squeeze the trigger. As legs extend, you can spread them for
a wider base, creating more stability. The Trigger Stick de-
ploys faster, quieter, and easier than other mechanical rifle
rests we’ve tested — making adjustments is just as quick,
too. Pulling the trigger while gently pushing down on the rest
will lower the overall height of the rifle support. As with any
well-designed trigger, there's a locking lever that’s akin to a
rifle safety, preventing accidental height adjustments.
A strap on one of the legs gives the option to use the
Trigger Stick as a tripod, bipod, or monopod. You can also
keep the legs bound together and extended for use as a
walking support.
durable and light. A 360-degree rotating yoke provides a
no-fuss rifle rest, requiring no additional mounts. Removing
the yoke reveals a 3/8-16 standard mounting thread, which
can turn the Trigger Stick into a rest for glassing.
Getting into lower positions, like kneeling or sitting, is
as simple as either collapsing the legs or angling them out
further. Being lower to the ground provides more stability
and decreases the amount of wobble, thus increasing your
chance of making a good shot.
On the other hand, while using the Trigger Stick fully ex-
tended in a standing position, we found it to be less stable,
with roughly five MOA worth of wobble. With an accurate rifle
and some practice time behind the gun, getting a deer out to
400 yards is very possible.
Back in September, Primos Hunting released the Gen3
Trigger Stick. Interchanging between rifle and spotting
scope is easier thanks to a quick-detach yoke. Updated legs
feature leg locks to prevent them from sliding open from
downward pressure. Lastly, the Gen3 grip is designed for a
more ergonomic fit. We’ll likely update to the Gen3, but only
because we like new and shiny.
The Trigger Stick is a perfect companion for long stalks
through the woods, gives enough support to get the job
done, and won't break the bank.
 RIFLE READY

SENTINEL TRIPOD
SPARTAN PRECISION EQUIPMENT
LEGS
MSRP
$695
MIN/MAX HEIGHT
25/30 inches
PACKABLE LENGTH
26 inches
WEIGHT
1.72 pounds
MATERIAL
Carbon fiber

ACCESSORIES
UNIVERSAL RIFLE ADAPTER
MSRP
$45
WEIGHT
0.74 ounces
CHASSIS-SPECIFIC MOUNTING PLATES
MSRP
$80
WEIGHT
2.79 ounces
PICATINNY ADAPTER
MSRP
$60
GUNSMITH ADAPTER
35

MSRP
IS SU E

$30 to $35
QUICKSHOT ADAPTERS
MSRP
84 $40
HEAVY OPTIC ADAPTERS
REC O ILW E B .C O M

MSRP
$90

AS CONFIGURED
MAX LOAD
40 pounds of downward pressure on each leg
MSRP
$740
WEIGHT
1.8 pounds
URL
javelinbipod.com

NOTES
Spartan Precision Equipment seems to
have thought of everything when it comes
to its tripod system. The Sentinel Tripod
system has features we didn’t even know
we wanted. We were able to get our hands
on the system before it was released to the
public. Usually pretty savvy around firearms
and gear, we were dumbfounded with all the
options from Sentinel. This type of confusion
doesn’t happen often, so it was exciting that
this product worked so well.
The most standout feature is how the
rifle attaches to the tripod. In a feat of
quasi-magic, the Sentinel Tripod uses rare
earth N52 magnets. Neodymium magnets
have about 10 times more adhesive force
than standard ferrite magnets we use to
hang pictures on the fridge. The small
N52-grade neodymium magnets within the
rifle mount and tripod head hold strongly
enough to keep your rifle from falling off the
tripod. Depending on your rifle configuration,
Spartan provides multiple mounting options,
all with an N52 magnet being installed on
the rifle. Modifying a rifle with the universal
rifle adapter was as simple as unscrewing
the sling swivel and screwing in the Spartan
adapter. But there are adapter options for
every rifle configuration. Encased in the
tripod head is an interchangeable ballhead.
Friction of the ballhead’s movement is
adjusted at the ring of the tripod head in a
righty-tighty, lefty-loosey manner.
Versatility makes the Sentinel tripod
really interesting. Each leg completely
detaches from the head unit and can be
used as walking sticks or in a bipod or
monopod application. Hidden under each
rubber foot is an easily accessible tungsten
carbide tip for better gripping power when
needed. Snowshoes or baskets can be
installed to the feet if you encounter soft
ground. Twisting the carbon-fiber legs
unlocks them for individual extension. Since
the Sentinel is lightweight, it isn’t as sturdy
as a heavier tripod. Spartan offers a hook
that attaches to the base of the tripod head,
between the legs. Hanging a bag or anything
heavy to that hook substantially helps with
the rigidity of the tripod. You can reportedly
even hang a small deer from the tripod hook
for field dressing.
With so many options to use the tripod
for a rifle and optics, we’re looking forward
to the next iterations of the Sentinel Tripod.
Once you understand all of the features of
the Sentinel tripod, it’s ingenious, a lot of
fun to use, and sure as hell beats shooting a
hunting rifle without support.
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 GLOCK 43 SLIDES FROM GREY GHOST PRECISION
35
IS SU E
BY DAVE MERRILL
88
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Weapons in general, and Glock slides
in particular, aren’t new to Grey Ghost
Precision (GGP). Last year, GGP
launched a line of custom Glock 17
and 19 slides and barrels; rather than
using original slides or bulk blanks pro-
duced by a third-party manufacturer,
they built them all from scratch. The
team at Grey Ghost did all the measur-
ing, testing, and fitting for themselves
— their new SPG43 Glock 43 slide is
no different.
Because we have a preproduction
slide, there’ll undoubtedly be some
differences between what you see
here and what you see in stores. We’ll
note these anticipated changes as we
go along.
Though the research, development,
testing, and evaluations were all done
in-house at the Tacoma, Washington,
facility, the mass-production pieces are
manufactured down the street at Aero
Precision’s impressive machine shop.
When the Glock 43 and later Gen5
Glocks were released, many decried the
lack of forward serrations. That com-
plaint is addressed with these slides.
The Grey Ghost Precision G43 slides
will first be offered in two distinct pat-
terns, one with sloped cutouts, and the
other with a diamond checkered pattern.
At least at the time of this writ-
ing, Grey Ghost Precision is the only
large manufacturer, aside from Glock,
producing Glock 43 slides. Each slide
starts out as a block of American-
made billet 17-4PH stainless steel.
All critical dimensions of the SPG43
slides are machined to tolerances as
tight as 0.003 inch.
Our example features a Grey Ghost
Precision barrel; some aesthetics of it
may differ from our preproduction sam-
ple to what finally hits the shelf. Like
many aftermarket barrels, it’s construct-
ed from 416R stainless steel. Instead of
polygonal rifling, the GGP barrel utilizes
1/16 twist button-type rifling, rocking
a chamfered match crown. Though any
but the smallest of specialized silencers
looks quite ridiculous on the diminutive
Glock 43, we’re still holding out hope
that Grey Ghost offer a threaded version
in the future … because reasons.
Though the slides are tailor-made to
nest perfectly with the corresponding
Grey Ghost Precision G43 barrel, your
OEM barrel will drop in as well. The
same goes for your other factory parts.
The initial SPG43 upper offerings from
GGP will only include stripped slides,
but barrels and complete slides will be
available in the future.
Precision fit, with OEM parts? We’ll
give that a go. As promised, OEM parts
dropped into the SPG43 slide with
no need for filing or other fitting. We
remind you that this won’t necessar-
ily be the case when paired with other
aftermarket parts, tolerance stacking
being a potential issue.
 LITTLE GHOULISH GLOCK

“With the need now more than ever

to rely on your carry pistol, the deci-
sion was obvious for us to develop an
option for the G43,” said GGP Vice
President of Firearms, Jason Curns.
“We take great pride in providing
products that meet the demands of our
customers, and are confident that the
new SPG43’s look and functionality
will more than exceed expectations.”
Our example is Cerakoted in, of
course, gray. Production models will be
available in Black Nitride or Diamond-
like Carbon (DLC) in various colors.
With respect to making the slide
red-dot-ready, that may be in the cards
down the line. Though some third-
party machinists have been tooling
The first two up Glock factory slides for a micro
offerings, though we red-dot sight (MRDS), the fact is that
anticipate more in
the future the width is just a tad too narrow for
35

a precise fit with most of them. But a

IS SU E

Dueck Defense RBU for a Glock will fit;

a Leupold Delta Point Pro looks large
even on a full-size Glock 17 and abso-
90 lutely massive on a Glock 43. So we
did it anyway. It looks
REC O ILW E B .C O M

ridiculous, the height-

over-bore is overly
high, and it’s harder to
conceal — but boy is
it fun on the range.
Before hitting the
range, we removed
the plastic OEM sights
(production models
The Dueck should be without sights) and swapped
Defense RBU them for a set of Ameriglo Spartans.
looks impractical,
but is a ton of We didn’t conduct any formal accuracy
fun. We hear testing, but we certainly didn’t see any
dedicated red- decrease in accuracy with the SPG43.
dot options are
It functioned exactly as you’d expect:
coming down the
road. boringly reliable.
As we see more third-party options
for the single-stack baby Glock, per-
haps we’ll hit a point where an entire
pistol can be assembled without the
aid of any OEM pieces. We’re already
there with the 9mm Gen3 guns, and
the popular G43 would make sense to
be next in the line.
Fit most AK-47s, AK-74s and variants, stamped and milled!
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◆ Requirements for fit: Barrel diameter of .700 under lower handguard; Lower fur-
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◆ Requirements for fit: Barrel diameter of .700 under lower handguard; Lower fur-
niture length of 6”, not counting mounting surface; Will not fit Yugo pattern rifles.
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 35
IS SU E

92
REC O ILW E B .C O M

WE GET HANDS ON WITH A WEAPON

THAT MIGHT JUST CHANGE
SPECIAL FORCES’ CQB TACTICS BY IAIN HARRISON
PHOTOS BY ROB CURTIS
Once Hiram Maxim’s machine gun had been
adopted by British, American, and Russian
armed forces, the hunt was on for an equally
reliable automatic weapon that didn’t require
six men, a mule, and several small boys to
operate. There’s an almost watertight case
for the first successfully fielded light machine
gun being the 1914 Lewis gun, though at 28
pounds, “light” is a relative term. Relative to
the 60 pounds of the Maxim, that is.
Despite being a quantum leap in porta-
bility, the Lewis, like the BAR in American
service, suffered from its lack of a replace-
able barrel, severely limiting the number
of rounds that could be fired in support of
assaulting infantry. While the requirement for
a squad automatic weapon was identified all
the way back in 1917, at least in U.S. ser-
vice, it seemed as if the magic combination
of quick-change barrel, belt feed, and being
chambered in the same ammunition as the
rest of the squad’s individual weapons wasn’t
ever going to happen in the same gun.
At least not for long — there was a brief
period of sanity in the early ’60s when the
M60 and M14 were issued together, but then
5.56 became the flavor du jour, and infantry
squads were stuck with a SAW that required
ammo which couldn’t be used in their rifles,
and vice versa. It took until 1984, and the
 KNIGHT’S LIGHT ASSAULT MACHINE GUN
adoption of the FNH Minimi, before Reed Knight was a personal friend of
soldiers finally got the weapon they’d the maestro’s, and so it came to pass
been asking for. that Stoner’s final design was refined
The prospect of a lucrative contract and tweaked by Knight’s Armament in
from Big Army was a pretty sizeable order to meet the needs of the modern
carrot, spurring ’80s designers the warfighter. Now, those needs might not
world over to sharpen their pencils. as yet have been articulated as requir-
Several submissions from overseas ing the adoption of an ultralight SAW,
were in the ballpark — the CETME but that hasn’t stopped KAC from put-
Ameli and Daewoo K3 checked all the ting the gun into production.
boxes, while the Singaporean Ultimax As of press time, the third iteration
designed by Jim Sullivan was the of a project that started life in 1986
lightest of the bunch. Also in conten- weighs in at a feathery 9 pounds (and
tion was the Ares LMG designed by change) unloaded, balancing like a bull-
Sullivan’s boss at Fairchild, none other barreled M4. Despite its pretensions,
than the prophet Eugene Stoner. the M249 most definitely handles
like a machine gun. With the LAMG,
you could almost forget you have 200
Short top cover
rounds on tap, until you need it.
means more real
estate for sighting From the outside, it looks like a prop
systems. But getting from Aliens. Its deep handguards have
to buggered-up
35
multiple M-LOK slots on both flanks
cases in the event of
IS SU E
a stoppage is more and Pic rails top and bottom to accept
difficult. all manner of lights, lasers, range-
94
REC O ILW E B .C O M
finders, bipods, and, if you’re feeling
froggy, a rail-mounted under-barrel gre-
nade launcher isn’t out of the question.
Lightening cuts feature prominently
on the sides of the aluminum receiver,
which is longer than you’d expect for a
5.56 weapon — more on that later.
Its charging handle can be swapped
from left to right side operation,
depending on user preference and
training. And while M240 and 249
gunners may want to run it with their
right hand, the rest of us will prob-
ably opt for keeping our paws on the
standard, AR pistol grip. Stripping the
gun reveals a mixture of features found
elsewhere, though nowhere in this
exact ratio. Press in a latch, and the
buttstock slides downward for removal
like a M240, while the trigger mecha-
nism housing slides backward like a
BREN. Barrel change is M249-ish, but
the barrel extension will be familiar to
anyone who’s ever stripped an AR.
 35
IS SU E
96
REC O ILW E B .C O M
According to SGM (Ret) Dan Brokos,
the current inventory of machine guns
leaves a lot to be desired, especially
when attempting to use them in the
tight confines of the urban battle space.
“Special Forces doesn’t currently
use the M249 SAW in the assaulter
role. While we love the firepower it
brings to the fight, it’s old and heavy,
and once you put a decent optic on
the topcover, it becomes difficult to
reload and clear malfunctions. I’ve
used the LAMG, and can shoot that
motherf*cker off the shoulder all day.”
Although it points like a rifle, it’s most
definitely an MG, and as it fires from an
open bolt, it’s worth taking a detailed
look at the mechanism. It’s full-auto
only, with a sear that, when cocked, en-
gages a ledge on the lower surface of the
carrier, holding it fully to the rear against
pressure from the recoil spring. On re-
lease, the carrier flies forward and a lug
at the 12 o’clock position on its multi-
lugged bolt (hey, it’s a Stoner design
— what did you expect?) strips a round
from the first M27 link on the feed tray
and pushes it into the chamber.
A sinusoidal cam track in the carrier
cams the bolt into its locked position,
and there’s about a ¼ inch of dwell
between full lock up and when the
carrier finishes its travel, at the end
of which a fixed firing pin slams into
the primer. While all of this is happen-
ing, the gun’s feed pawls are pushed
leftward and ratchet themselves under
the next links in the ammo belt.
KNIGHT’S LIGHT ASSAULT MACHINE GUN
Once the round fires and the bullet
passes a gas port close to the muzzle,
propellant is tapped off into a gas
block, which lies above the barrel. This
acts on a long-stroke piston for about
In order to see just ¼ inch, driving it backward until it
how soldier-proof reaches four radial ports. Then the gas
the LAMG’s design
was, we attempted is vented to the atmosphere, and the
to quickly field carrier with its attached bolt run under
strip it without any momentum to complete the rest of the
instructions. Here’s
extraction and feeding cycle.
the result.
As the carrier moves rearward, it
acts on a feed arm, and it’s here that
the design deviates from just about
every western, post-WWII belt fed.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, most
late 20th century engineers simply
recycled features from the most suc-
cessful and iconic machine gun they
 35
IS SU E
98
REC O ILW E B .C O M
faced across the field of battle. The
MG42 has spawned more imitators
than even the CZ-75, and its feed
mechanism has been ripped off the
world over. Just not in the LAMG.
Instead of the usual roller-bearing
cam running in a track inside an
elongated top cover, the Stoner LMG
uses a feed arm that rides in a cutout
in the carrier, reducing parts count.
This feed arm does double duty as
a fixed ejector at the end of the car-
rier’s stroke, kicking empties out the
right side after dragging the next link
across the feed tray and into position
for the cartridge it’s wrapped around
to be fed into the chamber. Rinse and
repeat 199 times.
KNIGHT’S LIGHT ASSAULT MACHINE GUN
With a 100-round When it’s time to replenish the
nutsack and optic, ammo supply, the user has the op-
the LAMG is still
five pounds lighter tion of using a standard SAW box, a
than the M249 when 150-round nutsack, or a loose belt.
empty. Knight also has a 150-round box that
serves to monopod the gun, like firing
an AR from a 30-round magazine;
speaking of which, there’s no ability to
use rifle mags in an emergency.
Of course, after a couple of belts,
it’s probably a good idea to also
change barrels. To do so, the gunner
yanks on the charging handle, applies
the safety, lifts the feed tray, and
presses the barrel latch. We handled
two versions of the gun, the latest of
which had a modification to the feed
tray, allowing it to be used as a lever to
press harder on a stubborn latch — a
good thing as it locks up tighter than
a M249. Once free, the barrel can
then be pulled out forward, out of the
handguard, and a new one swapped
in. Note that our test gun didn’t have a
carrying handle installed, though there
was an attachment point milled into
the double-pinned gas block.
ROUNDS DOWNRANGE
We took the opportunity to shoot
the LAMG at Knight’s sprawling
facility in Florida, though time and
travel constraints didn’t permit a full,
RECOIL-esque evaluation where we
got to beat the ever-loving sh*t out of
it. Blame the NFA.
 KNIGHT’S LIGHT ASSAULT MACHINE GUN

Getting it up and running is a pro-

cess that should be familiar to any ma-
chine gunner. Lock bolt to the rear, lift
top cover, lay belt over feed pawls, slap
the top cover closed, then proceed to
rock ’n’ roll, pulling a trigger that feels
like it came out of Belgium — heavy,
mushy, and with no distinct break
when the carrier falls off the sear.
Remember that elongated receiver?
Well, in order to increase reliability
without adding mass to the bolt carrier
group, the assembly recoils way further
than you’d expect — a distance almost
twice as long as a fired 5.56 case.
This gives two very desirable benefits.
First, the BCG takes a long run up to
the chamber. Just like a dude shoulder
charging a door, more run up means
more momentum, which in this case of steam against the recoil spring. A soft shove, coupled with a slower-than-
can be used to drag a dirty ammo belt similar system is used in the grand- usual 550-rpm cyclic rate, means it’s
35

up off the floor, strip a round out of the daddy of assault rifles, the StG44, a piece of cake to hold the gun on
IS SU E

link, and jam it into the chamber.
The second benefit is that on
the other end of the cycle, the BCG
100 never actually contacts the rear of
the receiver — it just sort of runs out
REC O ILW E B .C O M
and unsurprisingly there’s a similar
recoil impulse in both examples. While
the 5.56 NATO round isn’t exactly
punishing, everything counts in large
Controllable? Yeah,
you could say that. amounts, and the LAMG’s long and
target during sustained bursts.
This being a development gun with
a lot of rounds through it, we weren’t
expecting the kind of reliability KAC is
known for in their ARs. In the course
 KNIGHT’S LIGHT ASSAULT MACHINE GUN

Railed fore-end
has M-LOK slots
on either side for but it also limits access to the receiver
additional mounting when you need to clear a case — small
options. Note left fingers are a decided advantage.
side-charging
It’s perhaps fitting that Eugene
handle.
Stoner’s last design is finally being
placed into production by one of his
closest associates. The LAMG is the
embodiment of his design principles
of lightweight, aluminum construction,
of several belts, we experienced a enclosed receiver, and multi-lug bolt. It
couple of stoppages caused by (we remains to be seen whether our armed
think) an extractor that lost contact forces adopt it, especially with LSAT
with the case rim, probably due to waiting in the wings, but should they
worn-out springs. Which brought up do so, our troops will have a significant
35

an interesting problem. Using a short weight advantage over existing plat-

IS SU E

top cover may give a lot more solid forms, with all the functionality they’ve
real estate on which to mount optics, been asking for.

102
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REC O ILW E B .C O M

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 106
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 35
BY ROB CURTIS
RECOIL DOES THE MATH ON FOUR 6.5 CREEDMOOR CHASSIS RIFLES UNDER $2K
Once upon a time, bolt-action chassis rifles
were rarely seen outside the military or well-
funded law enforcement agencies. It took a
while for the larger civilian market to see the
benefit of the big, heavy, bolt-fed rifles and
the configurability they provide.
Even with the relatively recent availability
of high-performance, large-frame semi-autos,
there are still plenty of people who covet the
ballistic efficiency, simplicity, and reliability
of the bolt gun, but want to utilize modern
shooting accessories. And for those people
the chassis gun is just the thing.
There may have been a hard and fast
definition of a rifle chassis at one point, but
in the days since Accuracy International
introduced the concept, the term has evolved.
A chassis generally distinguishes itself from
a traditional bolt-action rifle stock in a few
ways. It’s a drop-in platform that requires no
custom bedding, provides the host action the
capability to run from a detachable magazine,
has a modular accessory attachment system,
features an adjustable stock, and is often
made of machined aluminum.
All of these characteristics appealed
squarely to the tactical shooter at the turn of
the century, but the Safari Club set still held
sway as the alpha influencers of the high-end
bolt gun market. It’s hard to believe, but 25
years ago there was a good chance a collar-
popping, square-range-mustachioso would
call into question the manhood of anyone who
used a bipod to steady a shot.
Slowly, from about the time Brad Pitt asked
Morgan Freeman “What’s in the box?”, senti-
ment evolved and the benefits of the chassis
system won over cops and competitors. Now,
we have a wide range of affordable, accurate,
and configurable chassis rifles that suit snip-
ers, practical rifle series shooters, and even
some hunters.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Contemporary chassis guns are, first and
foremost, adaptable and accurate. All the
guns we’re looking at easily shoot better than
1 MOA groups. The beauty of the chassis
system is having a single rifle that can feed a
family, clear a farm of predators, ring steel,
and even protect a community without incur-
ring a significant penalty in any area of per-
formance. Sure, the truly loaded can afford to
have a quiver of purpose-built firearms, but
the rest of us need to be very satisfied with a
single rifle that’s capable of performing just
about any mission.
The current crop of 6.5 Creedmoor chassis
guns appeal to those looking for bolties that
bulk up to win PRS-style matches in the sum-
mer and downsize to efficiently fill the freezer
in the fall. If you’re an LE-type looking for a
precision duty rifle and your agency isn’t at
the cutting edge of the caliber wars, nearly
every chassis gun that comes chambered in
6.5CM is also available in .308 Winchester.
IS SU E
While chassis guns aren’t known for being
particularly light, they’re scalable. Starting with
35
a barreled action and chassis that weighs some-
where in the neighborhood of 11 pounds and
adding a scope and mount, you end up with a
107
13- to 14-pound rifle. That kind of weight isn’t
REC O ILW E B .C O M
an issue for practical shooting, as the weight
dampens recoil and improves follow-up shots.
But ounce-counting shooters need to weigh
the benefits of such a highly configurable rifle
against its chief disadvantage: weight.
We’ll pick apart four modern chassis guns,
pointing out key components, features and
how each relates to the rifle’s performance
and value. Whether you’re ready to buy a
chassis gun, kicking tires, or just killing time
while waiting on an oil change, a critical look
at these rifles provides some insight into the
direction the modern bolt gun is moving.

RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
The RPR is credited with kicking off the
mainstream chassis rifle movement, and it’s
still ahead of the pack thanks to its combina-
tion of performance, features, and price. It’s
the least expensive option for a chassis gun,
likely thanks to Ruger’s massive manufactur-
ing advantage. We’ve been to the factory and
watched molten metal formed into firearms.
Insourcing leads to cost savings, as well as
tight quality control.
The biggest news for prospective (and exist-
ing) RPR owners is Ruger’s 2018 release of an
update to the RPR that replaces the Key-Mod
handguard with an M-LOK compatible hand-
guard. The underlying barrel nut is updated
to fit the new shape, so if you’re reading this
and thinking the swap is just a couple of bolts,
sorry. If you want to swap to the new factory
M-LOK handguard, you’ll have to go through 80
percent of the barrel swap process.
The barrel interface is AR-like, but there’s no
35
attached barrel extension or shoulder. Instead,
IS SU E
Ruger uses a Savage barrel nut-like system to
set and lock the headspace — great news for
anyone who wants to switch their own barrel.
108 The RPR’s action is a major departure when
it comes to the chassis designs we’re familiar
REC O ILW E B .C O M
with. Instead of a drop-in chassis for a barreled
action, the RPR is an inline chassis. This means
the stock, action, and barrel are connected in a
direct line rather than the Remington 700 way,
where the barreled action is screwed down into
4 X 6.5CM < $2,000
BEST 5-SHOT GROUP
an inletted stock. Ruger chief engineer Jona- $30 upgrade makes it easier to operate from a
than Mather explains the benefit. Instead of a firing grip.
zigzagging path for the recoil forces to follow, The folding buttstock is notable for its wide
“The RPR directs recoil forces straight back, range of positive adjustment. It can also be
giving a more consistent recoil load back to replaced with an AR stock, but we’re not sure
the shooter. So, you’ve got less variation there, why anyone would bother since the factory
which is the enemy of accuracy in long-range, stock leaves little to be desired. CALIBER:
6.5 Creedmoor
precision shooting.” PERFORMANCE: The RPR shot nobly. It GROUP SIZE:
The 70-degree bolt throw offers positive posted its best, 0.78 MOA group with Hornady’s 0.78 MOA
AVG. MUZZLE
control, a solid feel, and some ingenious 140-grain ELD-Match. Groups with Hornady VELOCITY:
engineering, but it’s not the smoothest feeling 140-grain American Gunner were about an 2,558 FPS
S.D.:
action. The bolt has three lugs, instead of the average of 0.12 MOA wider. We experienced 26.5
The RPR’s three lug bolt allows no malfunctions over 200 rounds swapping TRIGGER
seamless feeding from AICS between AICS mags and Magpul P-Mags. Ac- 2.25 to 5.0 pounds
and AR10 mags. (set to 2.8 pounds)
curacy between strings was consistent, and we BARREL:
credit the Ruger designed muzzle brake for fast 24 inches,
5
follow-up shots. ⁄8 x 24 muzzle thread
TWIST:
OVERALL: Ruger’s dominance in the chassis 1:8 inches
field is well deserved. The RPR gives the budding SCOPE BASE:
20 MOA
precision shooter a tool that’ll out-shoot them for
MIN. OVERALL
two normally found in mid-level bolt guns. The a long time while still offering room to grow when LENGTH:
43.75
third lug leads us into another unique aspect the tables turn. We like being able to run mags
LOP ADJUSTMENT:
of the RPR’s design, its ability to switch seam- from two different families, the 20 MOA scope 12 - 153 ⁄8 inches
lessly between AICS (single stack) and AR10 base provides lots of reach and scope mounting LENGTH FOLDED:
36 inches
(double stack) style mags. The narrow, third options out of the box, and the folding stock
bolt lug fits between the feed lips of the narrow makes traveling with the 22-inch 6.5CM a little
WEIGHT:
11 pounds 2.1 ounces
AICS mag and the wider Stoner mag. And the less of a hassle. Ruger’s ever-expanding line of (no mag, no optic)
MAGAZINE:
lower is set up to accept, retain, and release accessories shows a strong commitment to the SR-25 or AICS pattern
both styles. Very slick. rifle, though high demand means Ruger isn’t of- (2x PMAG10 LR/SR incl.)
The only control upgrade we suggest for the fering some parts for sale as accessories, namely MSRP:
$1,599
RPR is a Catalyst Arms mag release extension. barrels. When worn out, shooters will have plenty INFO:
The RPR’s mag release is adequate, but the of aftermarket barrel options, though. www.ruger-firearms.com

MCREE RIFLES 6.5 CREEDMOOR PRODUCTION RIFLE (FIXED STOCK)
When diagnosing a grumpy Remington 700
series bolt-action rifle that doesn’t want to
print groups as tight as we think it should, one
of the first troubleshooting steps is to pull it
from its stock and plug it into a McRee chassis
we keep in the vault. There’s something about
the stock’s V-bedding that seems to whisper
to barreled actions. We used it to diagnose a
bad bedding job on a high-end, custom rifle.
It works. So, when RECOIL heard McRee had a
production rifle in the works, we were piqued.
The company starts with an off-the-shelf
Remington 700 barreled action, pulls the barrel,
and makes library lawn artwork out of these
castoffs, we suppose. The bone-stock actions
are mated with custom profiled barrels from
PAC-NOR, a well-regarded barrel house among
bench rest shooters. The profile is a turned-down
version of McRee’s 1,000-yard benchrest barrel
with a Savage shank. The 24-inch, stainless
steel barrels run a four-groove, 1:8 twist, and the
35
sample rifle we shot produced the tightest groups
IS SU E
of the guns in this article — by a wide margin.
This goes to show you that a bog-standard
R700 can do good work out of the box, when mated
110 to a capable barrel and stock. Now, we won’t deny
the benefits of an extractor upgrade, a stronger
REC O ILW E B .C O M
bolt stop, and more ergonomic bolt handle — all
things the McRee Rifle lacks. But it seems each of
those upgrades are likely to have a more meaning-
ful impact on the gun’s performance than anything
spent on blueprinting or truing.
4 X 6.5CM < $2,000
BEST 5-SHOT GROUP
McRee’s G10 stock is the basis of this rifle. cam and opens by lifting. It’s held open by the
It’s a rigid AF aluminum chassis that offers same cam and stays put without a lock, mean-
M-LOK attachment points up front, screw holes ing when it’s go time you just flick it into the
for custom Pic rail lengths or sling studs on the ready position without messing with a release.
squared bottom of the fore-end, and screws to The stock LOP adjustment is coarse, using
mount an optional night vision saddle on top. screw holes instead of locking rods, but once CALIBER:
6.5 Creedmoor
There’s also a short length of Pic rail in front set, you’ll never have to wonder if someone
GROUP SIZE:
of the magwell that provides a great tripod or flicked a lever and messed with it. The alumi- 0.35 MOA
temporary bipod interface. num cheek riser slides up and down and cants AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY:
There’s nothing special about the stock fore and aft. McRee includes a cheek pad with 2,655 FPS
Remington action and bolt, but it’s fed from a tool pocket that creates a more comfortable S.D.:
17.3
AICS mags. The chassis attaches like a regular cheek interface on the cold/hot/hard metal TRIGGER
stock using two captured screws that tension plate. We suggest using it. Timney #510 Adjustable
the action down into a V-block channel and PERFORMANCE: The McRee outshone the 1.5 to 4 pounds, set at
2 pounds 4 ounces
lock the recoil lug into a machined pocket. The competition, printing 0.35 MOA groups at BARREL:
whole affair provides a rock solid interface 100 yards with Hornady’s 140-grain 6.5CM 24 inches,
5
between action and chassis that free-floats the American Gunner ammo. A muzzle brake would ⁄8 x 24 muzzle thread
TWIST:
barrel. Barrel swaps are gunsmith free, thanks be a nice addition for the general public, but 1:8 inches
to the Savage-style setup; all you need is a honestly, we’d just run it with a can, tossing MIN. OVERALL
LENGTH:
vise, some plywood to protect the finish from any included muzzle device in a drawer. 42¾ inches
the vise jaws, a Savage barrel wrench, and go/ OVERALL: We dig this gun. The money is LOP ADJUSTMENT:
11¾ - 14¼ inches
no-go gauges (or a spent shell that was shot in the trigger and the barrel, two places that
LENGTH FOLDED:
from the rifle with the original barrel installed). contribute directly to accuracy. The MOA- 34 inches
Thankfully, McRee ditches the Remington per-dollar ratio on it is already outstanding. WEIGHT:
11 pounds 4.8 ounces
trigger and uses an adjustable, single-stage But McRee also offers this rifle in a complete
Timney 510 with a wide-faced trigger shoe, kit form, saving you $200 if you don’t mind
(w/cheek pad, no mag,
no optic)
which adds a feeling of control, pulls straight assembling the gun yourself. And, as easy MAGAZINE:
AICS pattern (x1 5-round
back, and breaks cleanly. It also has adjust- as that is, we’d go with that option. The only Accurate-Mag incl.)
ments for pull weight, overtravel, and sear downside to the kit; only the stock is Cera- MSRP:
engagement. koted, the reason being you’re going to bone $1,992/fixed, $2,059/
folder, $1,800/fixed kit
The gun is available with or without a fold- the finish when installing a barrel, no matter INFO:
ing stock. The folding mechanism locks with a how careful you are. www.mcreerifles.com
 After multiple US government tests involving hundreds of thousands of rounds, the PMAG 30 GEN M3
stands undefeated against all commercial competitors and USGI magazine variants by wide margins.
These tests, along with years of proven combat performance, have resulted in official adoption and acceptance
by the US Marine Corps, USSOCOM, US Army, US Air Force, US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Secret Service
and numerous other domestic and international partners.

www.magpul.com
©2018 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, PMAG

TIKKA T3X TAC-A1
Tikka might be a little late to the chas-
sis party, but they brought the hookers and
blow. There’s no ignoring the smooth running,
unquestioningly reliable Tikka action. Add a
hammer-forged, threaded barrel and ice the
cake with low-profile, double-stack CTR maga-
zines, and you’ve got a turnkey precision rifle fit
to fulfill any tactical request.
The front of the gun features an M-LOK fore-
end with a full-length Pic rail on top that gives
shooters night vision capability right out of the
box. Accordingly, the scope base is 0 MOA, so
be prepared to shell out for a scope mount if
you’re looking for that 20 MOA lift.
The handguard locks up to the action and
includes a flange that bridges the handguard to
the mid-chassis, adding rigidity to the system.
There are lots of small things that add up
to a premium experience on the TAC-A1. For
one, we figured out the oddly shaped cheekrest
is shaped to allow the bolt to pass out of the
35
action without needing to lower it or fold the
IS SU E
stock. The safety has a secondary lever that
allows the bolt to run with the safety engaged.
There’s a storage compartment in the grip, and
112 the action is secured to the stock using Gucci
level Nord-Lock locking washers.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
They work really well to prevent bolts back-
4 X 6.5CM < $2,000
BEST 5-SHOT GROUP
ing out, but they can be over torqued since it’s ment, but the shimmed length of pull system
hard to avoid the tendency to crank them down requires the removal of the buttpad. The shims
‘til they feel tight. Once the camming faces are stackable in a way that allows you to angle
engage, they create a mechanical lock that can the butt pad from top to bottom.
be tough to overcome. PERFORMANCE: Getting behind the gun
The Tikka’s broached action is smooth, and and running the action inspires confidence CALIBER:
the long bolt handle offers plenty of leverage before your finger even enters the trigger 6.5 Creedmoor
GROUP SIZE:
to run the bolt with authority, even with gloves. guard. Once on a bipod or settled into a bar- 0.58 MOA
The trigger is an adjustable two-stage that rier, the gun balances well, feels stable, and AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY:
breaks as cleanly and consistently as a custom recovers quickly thanks to the included muzzle 2,564 FPS
trigger. The short first stage gets you to the brake. It printed the third tightest groups of S.D.:
second stage wall, giving you time to prep the the test, 0.58 MOA at 100 yards with Hornady 21.9
TRIGGER
trigger for a deliberate pull. 140-grain ELD-Match, while we were able to 2 to 4 pounds
Tikka offers a tantalizing hole in the mag- fill one hole with 3 rounds with a different (set to 3.2 pounds)
BARREL:
well that supposedly lets you adjust the trigger TAC-A1 we shot last year. So, we suspect
24 inches,
pull weight without removing the action from there’s untapped accuracy here for anyone 5
⁄8 x 24 muzzle thread
the chassis. In reality, you need the dexterity of with the patience to develop a custom load or TWIST:
1:8 inches
a surgeon and the patience of martyred saint test more factory ammo.
MIN. OVERALL
to connect a hex key with the pull weight screw OVERALL: The T3x TAC-A1 presents a com- LENGTH:
45¼ inches
through that hole. Luckily, the factory 3-pound pelling package for anyone who wants the just-
LOP ADJUSTMENT:
setting suited us fine. add-scope tactical performance experience. 135⁄8 - 14¼ inches
The magazine release on the TAC-A1 is our It’s a little pricier than its competitors, but it LENGTH FOLDED:
36½ inches
favorite. It’s easily reached, protected from also comes with two CTR mags (three, if you
WEIGHT:
accidental activation, and drops mags without buy it before the end of Tikka’s free magazine 11 pounds 5.1 ounces
hesitation. offer ends in late February 2018), and features (no mag, no optic)
The folding stock mechanism locks up as a long-lasting, hammer-forged barrel, excellent
MAGAZINE:
Tikka CTR
solidly as any and accepts AR-style stocks. The ergonomics, and that lubricated-glass-on- (2x 10-round incl.)
stock features tool-free comb height adjust- glass Tikka action. MSRP:
$1,899
INFO:
www.tikka.fi

BERGARA B-14 BMP
Bergara might be a new name in the rifle
business, but the Spanish company’s been a
long, long-time maker of aftermarket and OEM
barrels for companies whose names you will
undoubtedly recognize.
The company’s B14 BMP combines a
Bergara-made 700-style action and button-
rifled barrel with their drop-in, aluminum chas-
sis. It’s the second most accurate rifle in our
test behind the McRee, and it’s also the second
least expensive.
The fore-end is M-LOK adorned on the sides
and bottom with an interface for Bergara’s
forthcoming proprietary night vision optic
saddle. The chassis fore-end connects to the
chassis midsection with a beefy, interlocking
interface that leaves little doubt about the
stock’s rigidity. And, if there was any doubt, the
gun’s ability to print tight groups erases it.
In a clear cost-cutting measure, the BMP
doesn’t include a scope base, instead leaving
35
the end-user to choose from the wide variety of
IS SU E
Remington 700 action compatible mounts. In
theory, it’s good that Bergara doesn’t presume
to know what cant you’ll want. In practice,
114 scope base selection can be confusing to new
shooters, and there’s something to be said for a
REC O ILW E B .C O M
gun that arrives ready to be scoped and zeroed.
4 X 6.5CM < $2,000
BEST 5-SHOT GROUP
The gun runs from AICS-style mags and The non-folding stock’s tool-less adjust-
includes a PMAG AC to get you started. The ment is a solid benefit, and the BMP’s unique,
action is a slightly modified 700 action with single knob adjustment system was the fastest
an upgraded Sako-style extractor. Sadly, the and easiest to use. We also liked the ability to
extractor was a weak point on this rifle, as the rotate the butt pad without tools.
gun failed to extract from the first zeroing shot. PERFORMANCE: Bergara’s barrel manu- CALIBER:
It turns out Bergara got a shipment of bad facturing pedigree is evident in the 0.54 MOA 6.5 Creedmoor
GROUP SIZE:
extractor springs (photo below, right) from a groups it produced with Hornady’s 140-grain 0.54 MOA
vendor that made it into several hundred rifles. ELD-X. While this was the tightest group, it AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY:
We got one. Sad Trombone. also required the most concentration, as the 2,587 FPS
A conversation with Bergara’s customer BMP’s trigger was the least consistent of the S.D.:
27.8
service was quick, pleasant, and without bunch. On the scale, it presented pulls rang-
TRIGGER
excuse. They knew the problem, apologized, ing from 2 pounds, 9 ounces to 3 pounds, 10 2.8 to 4.4 pounds
and offered to fix the rifle or send a new ounces. This translated into a bit of a guessing (set to 3.7 pounds)
BARREL:
spring. There was no hesitation, deflection, or game on the range. We can’t comment on 24 inches,
infuriating request to see the gun; we appreci- extraction, since the extractor spring gave up 5
⁄8 x 24 muzzle thread
ated the quick mea culpa. on the first round. TWIST:
1:8 inches
Extractor performance notwithstanding, OVERALL: The gun checks a lot of boxes: MIN. OVERALL
the action runs as smoothly as any stock 700 The non-folding stock and in-house compo- LENGTH:
43¼ inches
action, and the elongated bolt handle provides nents make the gun a tempting value, as does LOP ADJUSTMENT:
improved ergos and leverage. Perhaps too its impressive accuracy. And we can forgive the 13 - 14¾ inches
LENGTH FOLDED:
much leverage, as we did bind the action a few company for shipping a gun with a bad extrac-
N/A
times while running the bolt aggressively. tor, but we have to fault them for their quality WEIGHT:
Bergara made their own trigger for their control … and the funky trigger. Bergara’s still 10 pounds 13.8 ounces
(no mag, no optic)
B-14 line of rifles, and it works. The trigger a young company, and they’ve told us they plan
shoe features an exaggerated curl that adds on continuing to develop the BMP line, so we
MAGAZINE:
AICS pattern
leverage and decreases the feel of the trigger look forward to rounding back up with them as (1x PMAG 5 AC incl.)
MSRP:
pull weight. the platform matures.
$1,699
INFO:
www.bergarausa.com
This B-14 BMP
shipped with a bad
extractor spring.
 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

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BY CHAD MCBROOM
PHOTOS BY AZPHOTOMAN
Whether you’re trying to go undetected in your
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opportunistic predators that you have supplies
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We often think of camouflage in terms of
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Tactical gear covered with external MOLLE
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only the end-user would know.
116 LOADOUT
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
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ed internal lining. This allows your PALS-backed
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flashlights, batteries, charging cables, and other
necessary items can be organized on the panel
using the elastic webbing, and a large admin
pocket at the base lets you stow larger items. A
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point will keep your sunglasses scratch-free
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TM
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ther of the two vented pads located on the back
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draw configuration. If a ballistic panel is used in
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zippered access point located at the top opens
to a hanging hydration pouch attachment that
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The best feature of the dart is the color
selection. It doesn’t matter how covert your
pack design is, if it’s painted one of the colors
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Dart provides an excellent platform to carry a
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chad McBroom is a law enforcement officer with over 20 years of service, with most of that time in a tactical unit. He has spent over 30 years
studying various combative systems with instructors from all over the country. Chad is the owner of Comprehensive Fighting Systems, offering
training in the areas of empty-hand tactics, edged weapons, impact weapons, and firearms tactics.
www.comprehensivefightingsystems.com

511TACTICAL.COM 117
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Women’s Defender-Flex Slim Pant
be particularly challenging. Sometimes
COLORWAY:
you sacrifice quality for comfort or vice Code Red, Volcanic, Stone, Thyme
versa because it can be difficult to find a PRICE:
$69.99
balance between the two. We took a look
at several pieces of female-specific cloth- MODEL :
ing produced by 5.11 with eye for both Wyldcat Pant
COLORWAY :
wearability and durability.
Black, Khaki, Grenade, Thyme
While the search for women’s conceal- PRICE:
ment apparel that is both fashionable $74.99
and practical can be deep waters to wade
into, 5.11 has done an excellent job hit-
ting the mark with comfortable clothing
and fashionable purses that synergize to
provide a series of options for. As rough
as I am on my clothing, between regular
hunting trips and range days in the field,
I’m perpetually looking for apparel that
can endure rugged adventure. Some of the
clothing shown here is more comfortable
than my regular “non-tactical” clothing.
The purse and tote are exceptional choices
for both armed and unarmed everyday use.
I’m confident that these products will last
without hindering performance.

118 LOADOUT

CARRY CONCEALED PURSES
I had the privilege of looking at both the
CCR purse and Lucy Tote. These purses
are designed with the perfect combination
of style and compartmental convenience.
We particularly like how the CCW pockets
completely conceal even 4-inch barreled
“compact” handguns. The outside pocket
and zipper on the Lucy Tote make your hand-
gun easily accessible, while leaving plenty of
space for storage inside this tote. The CCR
purse is just the right size to carry everything
I need for daily use. Having the concealed
pocket inside this purse does not hinder the
storage space. The bonus for me was the
cell phone pocket lined inside the wall of the
purse. Both purses were lined inside with an
aesthetically pleasing, rich cranberry color
with hearty leather on the exterior.
MODEL : MODEL :
Charlotte Leather Leather Lucy Tote
Crossbody Bag COLORWAY :
COLORWAY : Black
Black PRICE:
PRICE: $204.99
$165.99
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
T-SHIRT
One of the biggest issues we see in female
T-shirts is that material used might be so
5.11 MEN’S
thin as to cause them to be see-through and
weak in the seams. What I love about the APPAREL
5.11 Legacy Pop Tee is, simply, I don’t have As I am writing this admittedly nibbling on a
to wear another shirt underneath it to con- little crow, I simultaneously rejoice in the pros-
ceal skin. The material is soft, comfortable, pect of 5.11 endeavor. “Why?” you ask? Simple,
and durable enough to survive my unforgiv- because 5.11 is a huge conglomerate in outfitting
ing washing machine. This shirt is simple, our nation’s peacekeepers. As their products have
the seams aren’t restricting under the arms, stacked the shelves of performance apparel deal-
and the color can easily be matched with all ers for the last 10 years I can say I have stayed
of my recreation clothing. in touch with the line, waiting for what I now see.
Call it innovation, call it competitiveness call it
MODEL :
Women’s Legacy Pop Tee adaptability; 5.11 is evolving. My latest exposure
COLORWAY : MODEL : to the brand has left me excited and wanting more.
Burgundy Heather, Cream Hera Flannel
I’ll provide a little history here … I bought my
PRICE: COLORWAY :
$24.99 Thyme Plaid, Wisteria first 5.11 pants and long-sleeve shirt back in
Plaid, Ivory Plaid 2007. As my first non-issue uniform purchase
PRICE: they were, rigged, not comfortable, and baggy in
$74.99
HERA FLANNEL all the wrong places (hence the excitement now).
Keeping a half-closet full of flannel shirts Recently, as a firearms and hard skills instructor I
is, thankfully, fading away from the trends have been provided with various 5.11 products for
of “tactical vogue.” But after a long day of review, and I can say, whoa … am I impressed. So
running around with temps dropping below let’s dig these corners out.
our delicate standard of climate comfort,
we found total contentment with this shirt.
Most of our long-sleeve shirts end up thrown
somewhere indiscriminately and then it’s
back to needing that additional layer. This
shirt never let us down for providing all-day
comfort as well as noteworthy capacity for
small EDC cargo. The pockets are a good
addition for pens, ammo, notepads, and
even handgun magazines. This a great cozy,
casual shirt for indoor or outdoor wear.
511TACTICAL.COM 119

TACLITE® M-65 JACKET
Boom! Right outta the box I love this Cold War-
era throwback of an M-65 jacket. It’s not only
a version of a nostalgic coat I grew up with in
the Marines, but an improved one at that. The
M-65 boasts a tough YKK Brass zipper backed
up with brass buttons for quick opening by you
concealed carriers and more. A waist cinch
keeps the waist nice and tight for thermal regu-
lation just like the old-school M-65. Also for
you personal protection dudes and concealed
carriers, the main outside pockets offer a huge
zipper access to your waistband in a very dis-
creet and fast manner. I carry a KE Arms Delta
with red-dot (bulge) and had faster presenta-
tion times than traditional appendix cover shirt
carry. Love this jacket initially, but will run it
through the ringer for future review.
120 LOADOUT
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
SIERRA SOFTSHELL
Next up we have the Sierra Soft Shell Jacket.
Soft shells are not new and many companies
have similar shells like this one. It blocks the
wind, is water resistant as advertised, and
is well built. No frills, all function. If you’re
looking for a professional light jacket, then
this is perfect for you.
MODEL : MODEL :
Taclite® M-65 Jacket Sierra Softshell
COLORWAY : COLORWAY :
Black, Tundra, TDU Khaki Black, Battle Brown,
PRICE: Moss, Burnt
$149.99 PRICE:
$119.99
DEFENDER-FLEX STRAIGHT
JEANS
If you try anything in the “new” 5.11 line of
clothing, let it be the Defender Flex jeans, and
you’re welcome. These jeans rock. The more
I like a pair of pants, the less I tend to wash
them, so my wife is gonna hate these. I’ll just
have to get her the Women’s Defender Flex Slim
Pants so she can relate. The pants fit great,
and are built like a brick sh*t house if you know
what to look for. The material is double stitched
at the seams and reinforced in all points of
stress. The waistband is like an integral belt
in itself the way it’s built, and could probably
survive a trip through a wood chipper. This
hardy belt line is excellent when loaded down
with two full service rifle magazines in the rear
hip pockets provided. Magazine retention is
great, as well as ease of access. We ran through
a seven-shooting-position firing drill, and had
no issues. I even used the rear mag pockets to
hold and draw Glock 19 Mags as well.
APEX PANTS MODEL :
Defender-Flex Straight
It’s clear 5.11 put some serious thought into the Apex
Jean
pants. They’re an excellent balance between rigidity and COLORWAY :
comfort. Described as the “next-gen cargo pant,” I’d have to Indigo, Dark Wash Indigo
PRICE:
agree. The cargo pockets have been shifted a little forward,
$69.99
which is great. Not only does this allow for easier access to
these pockets, but helps prevent items from falling out. The
inside of all pockets is comprised of a soft, light, breathable MODEL :
Apex Pants
material. Cargo pockets contain two inserts each for service
COLORWAY :
rifle magazines, and the rear hip above the pocket contains Black, TDU Green, Dark
single magazine pouches barely noticeable to the eye. I really Navy, Battle Brown,
like the feature of magazine storage in trousers after attend- Tundra, Khaki, Volcanic,
Storm, Burnt
ing a Graham Combat class recently and these hold them very PRICE:
well in regards to retention and not bouncing around. $79.99

JUST IN CASE
PROTECTING YOUR FIREARMS AND RANGE GEAR CORRECTLY DOESN’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT
BY KRIS SOUTHARDS AND TOM MARSHALL
PHOTOS BY AZPHOTOMAN
There are few things more frustrating than set-
ting aside time and ammo for a day of range
practice only to get to your favorite berm and
realize you forgot something — tools, spare
mags, holsters, first-aid kit, etc.
We’ve seen all manner of bags repurposed
to hold range gear: duffel bags, gym bags,
sports equipment cases, old children’s back-
packs, and more. But without proper pouch
setup and internal organization it’s all too
easy to forget that one critical item or lose
said items in the chaotic jumble that happens
when you just drop a bunch of shooting gear
into a repurposed bag. So why not stick with
the right tools for the right jobs? Let’s look at
three offerings we’re sure you’ll be pleased
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
with that offer exactly what shooters want
and deserve.
VTAC MK II 36”
®
DOUBLE RIFLE CASE
Convenience, versatility, and simplicity are
the hallmarks of 5.11’s Double 36” Rifle case
and Single Pistol case. Both are soft-sided, all-
weather cases meant to provide the user with
reliable protection while storing or transporting
their firearms without breaking the bank.
The Double 36” Rifle Case easily holds this
writer’s scoped Smith and Wesson M&P 22 long
rifle. Interior integrated retention straps for two
rifles are adjustable and keep the weapons from
moving. Locking tabs on the straps make secur-
ing the firearm quick and easy. The padded in-
terior cushion provides good protection for both
firearms. It’s securely fastened to the case by
means of Velcro along the entire bottom edge of
the cushion. The case has a wrap-around zipper
that can be locked.
The front of the case has two zippered com-
partments one on each end of the bag. These
two compartments can be used for magazine
storage, a few ammo boxes, or other ancillaries.
On the front of the two compartments are numer-
ous MOLLE points. The center of the bag has
a wrap-around flap, which can be locked, that
conceals additional MOLLE points. The MOLLE
points give the case its versatility allowing you to
configure the case to your specific needs.
MODEL :
VTAC ® Mk II 36”
Double Rifle Case
COLORWAY :
Black, Sandstone,
Double Tap
PRICE:
$179.99

The case has a detachable padded yoke on
the backside allowing you to carry the case
like a backpack. This has the added benefit of
keeping one’s hands free for other tasks. The
backside also has a sleeve for an address card
as well as a Velcro point to attach a patch. The
top of the bag has a simple soft handle on top
for quick transfer to home or vehicle or range.
SINGLE PISTOL CASE
The Single Pistol Case is made of all-weather
1050D nylon that is water resistant with the
added benefit of not looking like a pistol case.
It’s secured by a wrap-around zipper that can be
locked and provides a clean storage solution for
the pistol and other related gear when traveling.
Inside you’ll find a zippered padded compart-
ment that can hold a full size semi-auto pistol,
such as a SIG SAUER P226, with ease. There
are also five magazine/accessory straps on the
other side that securely held the magazines for
the SIG.
It must be kept in mind that, since these are
soft-sided cases, you shouldn’t expect to beat
these the same way you would with hard-sided
cases that get checked on a commercial airline
trip. Nonetheless, both cases are well made
with double stitching along all exterior seams
and appear to be well suited to protect your fire-
arms at home or during travel situations where
you’ll have the bag nearby at all times.
122 LOADOUT
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
The largest external compartment runs
MODEL :
Single Pistol Case the length of the main compartment and is
COLORWAY : equipped with eight elastic loop pouches that
Black, TAC OD, Sandstone
can hold just about any single- or double-stack
PRICE:
$29.99 pistol magazine, in addition to similar sized
items like flashlights, multitools, folding knives,
or small bottles of weapon lube. The other three
outside pouches are open, but sized appropri-
ately to help you resist the temptation to over-
stuff the bag with unnecessary knick-knacks.
The main compartment opens with a tethered
double-zipper that seals with a small hook-and-
loop flap. Inside is a pull-out tray that itself has
three dividers that may be adjusted or removed
via more hook-and-loop. The center pocket of
this tray also has a small mesh bag to hold field
repair tools or spare parts that allows you quick
visual confirmation of what’s inside.
If that’s a little too highly compartmentalized
for you, it can be removed completely to make
enough room for multiple pistols or a possibly
even a very short SBR with folding or collaps-
RANGE READY BAG ible stock. It’s equipped with both carry handles
5.11 now has a self-contained solution to and a removable shoulder strap to cater to your
TM
this problem with their Range Ready Bag. preferred method of carry. The shoulder strap
The RRB has a clean, simple appearance on fits nicely in the largest outside pouch for easy
the outside, while still offering modular, flexible stowage in the event of travel or to prevent the
organization on the inside. It’s available in two bag from snagging on anything during storage
colors and isn’t covered with MOLLE/PALS web- and transport.
bing, save the built-in exterior pouch designed All in all, the Range ReadyTM Bag is attractive,
to accommodate a water bottle or radio. Aside user-friendly, and very reasonably priced for a
from this, there are four other external pouches one-and-done bag that’s ready to train whenever
plus the large main compartment. and wherever you find the chance.
MODEL :
Ready ReadyTM Bag
COLORWAY :
Black, Sandstone
PRICE:
$99.99
 A PEEK AT SIG’S 11-ROUND SUBCOMPACT
BY ROB CURTIS
PHOTOS BY RICHARD KING
That’s right. The SIG SAUER P365,
released this month, is a 10+1 slimline,
subcompact that’ll have recent pur-
chasers of a Glock 43 wondering if their
dealer has a 30-day return policy.
At first glance, the gun looks like a
me-too pistol meant to compete in the
quickly crowding 9mm, striker-fired,
subcompact pistol space. But, this
is no copy of any other pistol on the
market. It’s smaller, lighter, and more
shootable than its competitors. The
IS SU E
35
123
REC O ILW E B .C O M
gun features a low bore axis, textured more comfortable to shoot than a gun MAKE:
SIG SAUER
grip, fore-and-aft slide serrations, ships of its size should be. Accuracy was MODEL:
with night sights, and two 10-round impressive. We watched SIG’s pistol P365
CAPACITY:
mags (one with a pinkie extension). product lead, Phil Strader, empty a 10+1
SIG is offering a 12-round, extended mag on IPSC steel at 50 yards. Our WIDTH:
mag, shown, that adds a bit to the groups weren’t as tight as his, but 1-inch
BARREL LENGTH:
grip length while adding to the pistol’s we were easily able to print fist-sized 3.1 inches
controllability and capability. groups at defensive distances. WEIGHT:
17.8 ounces
We spent a couple days putting We’ll be giving this pistol a deeper (empty mag)
more than 1,000 rounds through look in an upcoming issue, but there MSRP:
$599
preproduction pistols and can report are few defensive pistols that excite us
URL:
it’s flat-shooting, controllable, and far the way the P365 does. www.sigsauer.com
 124
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 35

LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECOIL’S SUMMIT IN THE SAND

2017 ON KEEPING YOUR RIFLE RUNNING IN THE DESERT
BY TOM MARSHALL
PHOTOS BY RECOIL STAFF AND MUZZLE FLASH MEDIA

RECOIL recently held its first-ever

live event, Summit in the Sand,
in Phoenix, Arizona. We hosted a
number of great instructors teach-
ing equally interesting topics. It
generated a lot of lessons to be
learned both by the students and
our team. We thought we’d reflect
on a couple and share them here
for those of you who couldn’t make
the Summit in person. Hopefully,
we’ll see you at the next one.
The weather in Phoenix was
unseasonably hot for early October,
and Cowtown Range, like many
places in the Southwest, has a
knack for blowing dust and loose
rocks. One of our Summit guest
instructors, RECOIL contributor Dan
Brokos, taught an excellent block of
instruction on technical marksman-
ship with a scoped carbine. Aside
from Brokos’ awesome lesson plan,
the high temps and dusty gusts
reinforced a couple other principles
on how to keep your carbine up and
running in the desert air.
 While Arizona was our proving
ground, there are lots of high des-
ert, both in and out of the United
States. Places where a properly
functioning carbine could mean
the difference between eating and
starving, or life and death. While
this is by no means a comprehen-
sive user’s guide, we wanted to
impart a couple of pertinent points.

DON’T BE COLOR BLIND

Different colors absorb and
reflect sunlight at different levels.
Black — the single most popu-
lar OEM color for ARs and other
service carbines — retains more
light, and hence more heat, than
the rest. Carrying a black rifle
under intense sunlight can quickly
become uncomfortably similar
to picking up the wrong end of a
branding iron. One way to avoid an
M-LOK or rail-shaped palm tattoo
are quality shooting gloves. Rail
covers or wraps are another poten-
tial answer, but they only address
one part of the weapon — the
handguard. The trigger, charging
handle, metal foregrips, and other
accessories still get hot.
Another part of the solution can
be as simple as changing the color
of your weapon to something lighter
that absorbs less heat. All those
pictures of Mk-18s painted tan
overseas? Sure, it looks operator
as f*ck, but it also serves a more
practical purpose: preventing your
weapon from reaching Chernobyl
temperatures 20 minutes into a
10-hour dismounted patrol.

You can achieve this end result with
a can of spray paint or with any number
of high-end aftermarket finishes. When
choosing a surface coating, matte or
35
rough-surface coatings may be a slightly
IS SU E
better choice than high-gloss or reflec-
tive ones. Though, full disclosure, this
particular suggestion is based largely
126
on anecdotal evidence and some self-
inflicted palm blisters over dozens of
REC O ILW E B .C O M
rifles handled in hot weather.
Our examples from Summit in the
Sand were SIG MCX VIRTUS carbines,
finished in stealth gray. This lighter fin-
ish kept the MCXs cooler to the touch
despite 10 hours on the range and
nearly 1,000 rounds per rifle under
the desert sun. The VIRTUS is also
available in FDE, depending on per-
sonal preference, but either choice —
whether factory finished or sprayed on
from a can — will reduce the chances
of searing your support hand like a
sirloin. In the end, regardless of what
color your weapon is or how you got it
there, you can’t shoot your gun if you
can’t hold your gun.
An additional environmental factor
to consider is that as temps drop
steeply overnight, condensation can
form on your rifle. Whether you’re in
a tent, deer stand, or sniper hide,
if your weapon is outdoors with you
overnight moisture collects. Any
PLAYING IN THE SANDBOX
untreated metal parts or components
can start to form surface rust in a
matter of hours. So in addition to
protecting your hands from the gun,
TEMPERATURE
PRESSURE
a quality surface treatment will also
ALTITUDE
protect the gun from the environment.
HUMIDITY
BE A HERO, CHECK YOUR ZERO
DENSITY
If you zero your weapon in one cli-
mate and shoot it in another, confirm-
ALTITUDE
ing your point of impact (POI) becomes
critically important. It doesn’t matter if
you’re shooting paper, four-legged prey,
or two-legged predators, your weapon
must be adjusted for the density alti-
TEMPERATURE
tude. The author personally remembers
PRESSURE
days in Iraq where the temperature
ALTITUDE
would reach 140 degrees F during
HUMIDITY
the day and 80 to 90 degrees F at
night. That’s a 50-degree temperature
change in a single 24-hour period.
After Summit in the Sand con- Density Altitude is the term given for a A higher density
cluded, we reached out to Brokos at culmination of atmospheric conditions. altitude causes less
resistance, while
Lead Faucet Tactical and asked for Each atmospheric shift, individually, a lower density
some of his accumulated wisdom on can affect how easily the projectile altitude causes
temperature and bullets. His rough travels downrange. For shooting, we more drag on the
projectile. Each
rule of thumb is that cold weather will mainly take into account altitude,
environmental factor
drop your impact, and hot weather barometric pressure, temperature, and affects the increase
will raise it. moisture content. Separately account- or decrease of DA.
Relying on how weather changes ing for each of those conditions takes
feel to you serves as a good reminder too much time when you need quick
that your rifle’s zero is shifting as well. data for making an important shot.
In regard to zero shift, temperature Instead, we use the all-encompassing
fluctuations don’t take the full blame. measurement of Density Altitude.

Density Altitude uses all those sepa-
rate factors to give a final number as
the DA, which we can more easily and
quickly use. Many ballistic engines
give the option for updating atmo-
spherics. Ballistic engines that are
downloadable to your phone are handy
and fairly inexpensive. For the most
accurate data, a handheld device,
like the Kestrel 5700 Elite Meter with
Applied Ballistics, will hold all your
gun data and update for atmospherics
at your exact location. A Kestrel is a
pricier option, but it’s also the most
accurate for measuring atmospherics
and giving updated information for
elevation and wind holds.
Below: Lube used Even with all the information in the
during Summit was world about how atmospherics will
an industry stand-
affect projectiles, an accurate zero is a
by: Hoppe’s 9. Keep
your gun clean and must. Zero and zero often. Zero before
35
well lubricated. That taking important shots and confirm
goes for both literal
IS SU E
zero whenever there’s a climate change
and metaphorical
“guns.” or you have traveled to a vastly differ-
ent location. If you’re in an area where
128 Below, right: the DA is constantly shifting, either
Zero data isn’t
use a ballistic engine that’ll give real-
REC O ILW E B .C O M
only specific to
environmental time updates or print out DOPE cards
conditions, but that reflect multiple Density Altitudes.
also to choice of
The topic of terminal ballistics along
ammo. In this case,
Federal’s 55-grain various temperature gradients is one
American Eagle FMJ. that has filled books all by itself. With-
out going too far down the rabbit hole
of ballistic science, we raise this point
for the sake of general awareness and
as a reminder that “keeping your gun
running” can (and should) also include
keeping it running accurately. For more
information on this topic, see “No True
Zero” on page 166.
TO LUBE OR NOT TO LUBE
Lubrication seems to be a bad penny
of the carbine consumer base — it
just keeps turning up. No matter how
much information is made available to
the populace, the debate never seems
to really be settled. Particularly in the
context of a dusty or sandy environ-
ment, passionate arguments are made
about how much (if any) lubricant
should be used on a weapon. The argu-
ment goes that using wet lube on a
weapon in this environment will attract
dust/grit and induce malfunctions
faster than running it dry.
On paper, the logic feels sound. The
problem we see is that this supposes a
dry weapon won’t hold any dust. Prac-
tical experience hard-earned by several
of our team … and many others who
live or work in places where blowing
dust is a fact of life … doesn’t support
this. The bottom line is that, in the
PLAYING IN THE SANDBOX
desert, your weapon is going to collect
dust. Regardless of how much or little
lubricant is applied, sandstorms, dust
devils, haboobs, and sudden gusts are
going to kick loose debris up into the
air and onto/into your gun. If we accept
this as unavoidable, the question then
becomes how to overcome the grit that
does make it inside the action.
The bottom line is that any situation
that involves metal surfaces mov-
ing against each other requires some
degree of lubrication — engines, guns,
metal-cutting, etc. A proper amount
of lubrication can allow any debris to
be sluiced out of the action during
the firing cycle, or at least reduce the
possibility of binding by allowing that
debris to move with the bolt carrier,
vice caking on as the chamber heats
up. But, in sandy environments, it can
be a fine line. If you’re used to lubing
by the pint, maybe dial it back some.
You want enough to keep the parts
running in spite of some fine particu-
late, but you also need to avoid col-
lecting a bunch of sandy sludge in the
nooks and crannies of the receiver. The
best recommendations from Brokos are
to use a lubricant that’s very slick —
stay away from grease or thicker cold-
weather lubes — and don’t just douse
 PLAYING IN THE SANDBOX

Or, at least, cover cal answer for most situations — but

the parts most likely it can work for some. If you can haul
to let debris in. your weapon in a drag bag or soft case
A couple of the until you’re in your shooting position,
biggest culprits are that’s something to consider. If your
the muzzle, ejection rifle breaks down into halves, it can
port, and magazine be dropped into a daypack and made
well. We’ve seen all ready when needed. Again, this will
manner of muzzle not apply to everybody’s needs, but
covers used on rifles: explore every option you’ve got based
fingers cut off of on your circumstances.
latex or nitrile gloves,
condoms, sandwich CONCLUSION
A shooter’s version your BCG like some folks normally bags, caps — basically anything that Our military’s long-term engagement
of Occam’s razor. If advocate. A thin, functional coat should will prevent foreign material from in various campaigns across Southwest
you can just cover
your weapon up, or get you best results. For the VIRTUS getting down the barrel you can shoot Asia have given us a wealth of practical
put it in a case, do rifles running at Summit, we used good through. All the examples listed can knowledge about how to keep individual
it. The better the old Hoppe’s 9 and had zero issues with be made almost watertight with a weapons running smoothly in some of
case, the cleaner the
any of the demo guns we ran for two few turns of good tape. Ejection port the most hostile conditions available
weapon.
days straight. Lube your rifle in the solutions will vary by rifle. In the case for firearms. At the end of the day,
desert like you lube for sex: you don’t of AR-pattern weapons, keeping that decreased maintenance intervals and
35

want it dry and chappy, but you don’t ejection port cover closed as much as regular confirmation of zero as condi-
IS SU E

want to be dripping on the floor either. possible will make a difference. With tions require will go most of the way to
bolt or other manual cycling actions, heading off any potential issues caused
COVER IT UP keep them closed until needed. by sand and dust. The points raised here
130 The MCX VIRTUS’s Our last tip may be the most obvi- Of course, the absolute easiest way will hopefully get you thinking about
monochrome finish
ous — making it the one that folks are to keep your weapon clean and ready how to best set yourself up for success,
REC O ILW E B .C O M

may help keep the

weapon a little most likely to either forget or blow off. is to keep it out of the environment by whether you’re facing this kind of envi-
cooler a little longer. Whenever possible, cover your weapon. way of a case. This isn’t the practi- ronment for business or pleasure.
 HIGH PERFORMANCE
WITHOUT THE HIGH PRICE

300 BLACKOUT 300 BLACKOUT

115 gr OTM / 123 gr FMJ / 200 gr FMJ (Subsonic) 124 gr FMJ / 147 gr FMJ / 200 gr FMJ (Subsonic)

W W W. M A GT E C H A M M U N I T I O N . C O M W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S
 132
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 35
 A HARDWARE RESPONSE TO AN EVOLVING TERRORIST THREAT
BY IAIN HARRISON
PHOTOS BY KENDA LENSEIGNE
AND B&T USA

In January 2015, Europe was shocked by

the massacre of 11 staff at the offices of
Charlie Hebdo, and the subsequent murders
of an unarmed cop and of four civilians at a
Jewish supermarket. A terrorist cell allying
themselves with Al Qaeda in the Arabic
Peninsula (AQAP) engaged in a three-day
running gun battle with French police and
security personnel. They were eventually
shot dead, though not before shutting down
air and road transport in northern Europe.

35
IS SU E
134
REC O ILW E B .C O M
In the aftermath of the attack, law
enforcement officials faced some
sobering facts. The three Islamic
terrorists claimed their actions were
in defense of the prophet Mohamed,
who had been defamed by the satirical
magazine’s publication of supposedly
offensive cartoons. In return for spill-
ing ink, they decided to spill blood and
tooled up with a variety of hardware
sourced from the Balkans. Between
the three of them, they had AK vari-
ants, a VZ58, Skorpion machine pistol,
an M80 Solja anti-tank weapon, and
fragmentation and smoke grenades.
This attack was unfortunately a pre-
lude to another massacre that would
occur in November of the same year.
Three cells with three terrorists each
used AKs and TATP suicide vests to
kill 130 victims, injuring and maiming
Adding an MRDS over 300 more. All of the terrorists had
adds more previously fought in Syria for Daesh
components than
you might think. before returning to Europe.
Note frame-mounted Faced with coordinated attacks from
bridge for Aimpoint multiple cells armed with explosives
Nano.
and full-auto long guns, the aver-
age beat cop armed with a 9mm SIG
SP2022 handgun was at a distinct,
and fatal, disadvantage. One of the
first to confront the Charlie Hebdo
attackers was National police officer
Ahmed Merabet. Hopelessly outnum-
bered and outgunned, he neverthe-
less bravely exchanged fire with the
terrorists across a park before being
wounded. While bleeding out on the
pavement, his assailants walked up
and shot him in the head.
Despite the hardware overmatch,
there’s little political enthusiasm for
officers to be routinely equipped with
patrol rifles in Europe. While the sight
of jocked-up cops at airports and
railway stations has become common-
place, there’s a general antipathy to-
ward the same image when transposed
to the suburbs. Europe, in general,
has a collective distaste for black-clad
stormtroopers, and given historical
precedent, it’s not hard to fathom why.
What then could be done to level the
playing field a little?
There’s a lot of empirical evi-
dence from both operational deploy-
ments and the competition circuit to
show that putting miniature red-dot
sights (MRDS) on handguns makes
it easier to connect with targets at
longer ranges, versus relying on iron
sights. Which isn’t to say MRDS’ don’t
come with their own set of drawbacks,
notably battery life and durability,
especially when attached to the slide
of a semi-auto. Most recently in the
civilian world, the advent of pistol-
caliber carbine division in USPSA has
simply underlined what we’ve known
all along — the fastest way to improve
a pistol shooter’s scores is to hand
them a rifle. Stocks > grips.
Adding a stock to a handgun is
hardly a novel concept. Churchill liked
the Mauser C96 he used in the Sudan
campaign so much he bought three
more upon returning home to London.
Through the years, various Luger and
Hi-Power models have had stocks
added to them. Proving that ideas
never die and simply get recycled,
modern-day versions can be found in
countries with gun laws every bit as
ridiculous as the U.S. — Israel being
a notable example. There, a cottage
industry has developed devoted to
adding stocks and chassis systems to
the one-handgun-allowed-per-licensee,

most of which are fairly bulky and
prevent carrying the result on a belt.
B&T’s USW takes a different approach,
being designed from the outset to
incorporate an MRDS and a stock,
rather than bolting them on after the
fact. The result, while bigger than a
conventional handgun (after all, that
extra hardware has to go somewhere)
is surprisingly trim given the potential
performance increase it offers. Using
the Sphinx line of pistols as a start-
ing point, the USW gives the user
increased hit potential with a package
weighing less than most 1911s.
At its factory in Thun, Switzerland,
B&T has carved out a reputation for
building highly engineered designs
and upholding the Swiss reputation for
quality. The USW continues in this vein
— it feels solid in the hand without
any snag points and sharp edges, while
gaps and rattles are non-existent.
Whether by design or accident, the
Sphinx pistol’s architecture handily
lends itself to adaptation to the USW
concept. In terms of machine time,
the most involved part of milling out
a handgun frame is the grip area,
as there’s a whole pile of chips that
have to be removed in order to get a
magazine in there. Until the advent
of four-axis CNC machines, that
long, square-edged hole had to be
broached, which was both time con-
suming and required a lot of up-front
investment in a single-use tool. Sphinx
addressed this problem by means of a
separate, polymer grip that was then
attached to an upper chassis, in much
the same way as STI’s line of double-
stack 2011 handguns.
Machined from simple bar stock,
the upper part of the frame is com-
prised of rails and lockwork, and
it was a relatively straightforward
process to extend the rear portion of
the beavertail to provide mounting
points for a hinge mechanism and
MRDS. Functionality of the handgun
B&T UNIVERSAL SERVICE WEAPON
remained unchanged — it’s a DA/SA
design based on the CZ 75, and as
such has been pretty well debugged in
the course of the last 40 years.
The USW’s slide differs slightly from
the parent gun, sporting extended
wings forward of the ejection port. This
allows a secure hold during manual
cycling, necessary as the usual cocking
groove location at the rear is enclosed
by a polymer bridge, which serves as
a mount for Aimpoint’s Nano MRDS.
These wings add mass, so material is
removed elsewhere in order to keep the
overall weight the same — the slide’s
height is slightly reduced, and it’s
chopped square just rear of the firing
pin stop. Slide to frame fit is typically
The USW’s Sphinx Swiss, and there was no discernible
origins are evident
play in our sample when pressing down
when compared to
the SDP shown above. on the barrel hood area.
IS SU E
Although the forward A word on that MRDS mount: Any
cocking wings add
initial misgivings we may have had
weight, chopping and
35
reprofiling the slide about a plastic component in such a
offsets. critical role were allayed on closer ex-
135
REC O ILW E B .C O M

amination. It’s hella stout and closely
fitted to both the frame and slide
— if you should stress it to the point
where it flexes, any movement will be
stopped by steel, and it’ll spring right
back. We honestly can’t think of an
impact where it would fail before one
of the other major critical assemblies.
Mounting an MRDS to the frame con-
veys a couple of advantages. First, any
battering caused by sudden changes in
direction as the slide cycles is com-
pletely avoided, leading to improved re-
liability of delicate electronics. In fact,
B&T is so confident in the robustness
of the Aimpoint Nano, that the gun isn’t
equipped with iron sights. The second
advantage is that it’s much easier to
track the dot through the firing cycle,
as it doesn’t whip back and forth on the
slide. The Nano has Aimpoint’s usual
35
battery life, i.e., install a decent lithium
IS SU E
cell, then change it when you change
presidents. Its window is smaller than,
say, a Trijicon RMR, so presentation is
136
REC O ILW E B .C O M
B&T UNIVERSAL SERVICE WEAPON
more critical. But the dot is crisp and
the optics clear.
The second component, which
serves to increase the USW’s hit prob-
ability, is, of course, the stock. It’s
a simple glass-filled nylon strut that
hinges to the right and lies tight to the
slide when folded. A Magpul PRS it’s
not, but it does provide two additional
points of contact when deployed. In
order to bring it into action, the user
pokes a catch on the dust cover with
their right index finger, and a spring-
loaded plunger in the MRDS mount
kicks it open. This spring isn’t suf-
ficiently powerful to send it into the
locked position, but it gets it moving
to the point where it can be snagged
on the shoulder and flicked past the
locking detent. Between the stock’s
Without its stock,
the USW is just hold-open catch and pivot is a lanyard
a bigger-than- point, which can be used either to
average handgun,
secure the weapon or to attach a sling
albeit one with an
RDS that’ll last as if you wanted to run it like a stockless
long as the pistol. MP5-K, while awaiting a tax stamp.
The remainder of the controls are
vanilla. There’s a left-side-only slide re-
lease, which can be easily manipulated
with the index finger if you’re a lefty,
along with ambi decocking levers and a
reversible magazine catch. This feature
set, teamed with replaceable back-
straps, ensure the USW will fit about
95 percent of the population. And the
ones it doesn’t fit wouldn’t be in this
line of work anyway. About the only
improvement in this area we could find
relates to the double-action trigger,
which is heavy, crunchy, and stacks
badly at the end of the stroke. Experi-
ence has shown just how silky smooth
CZ triggers can be made, so the only
reason we can come up with for the
oversight is that it’s a service weapon
— and designed to light off cast-iron
commie primers while submerged in
mud. By contrast, the single-action
pull is sweet, with a crisp, 4.5-pound
break, short tactile reset, and just a bit
of overtravel.
 B&T UNIVERSAL SERVICE WEAPON

Given that the addition of a simple

stock and MRDS increases the weapon’s
profile, the obvious question is whether
the juice is worth the squeeze, given its
intended role. Realistically, you’re not go-
ing to carry it in an IWB rig (though OWB
under a jacket is perfectly feasible). But
that was never its purpose.
As a pistol, it works just like any
other full-sized DA/SA duty gun, such
as the SIG P226 or Beretta 92, with
the same capacity. Red-dots take some
getting used to if you’re comfortable
and familiar with using iron sights, but
it’s way easier for complete newbies to
grasp the concept of putting the dot on
place where they want the bullet to go,
rather than the counterintuitive notion
of ignoring the target and focusing on
the front sight. We passed the USW
around the attendees at RECOIL’s
35

Summit in the Sand event, and, used

We weren’t fans of
IS SU E

as a handgun, shooters had no prob-

the USW’s dedicated
lem banging steel at 140 yards. Add
holster and wish B&T
had given the task a stock to the mix, and you can add
138 to Safariland, rather another 50 yards to that distance.
than designing it
Due to the insane restrictions of the
REC O ILW E B .C O M

in-house — it adds
unnecessary bulk to National Firearms Act, the USW has a
an already bulky gun. limited role in the USA. As a peon, you
could add one to your collection, then
file a Form 1 to turn it into an SBR and,
while the wheels of bureaucracy turn,
 B&T UNIVERSAL SERVICE WEAPON

employ it as a very accurate pistol.

Unfortunately, once registered as a
short-barreled rifle, it then becomes
more complicated to take across
state lines. As a LE or government
user, it definitely stretches the
performance envelope of a handgun
without getting into rifle territory.
And as a vehicle to demonstrate the
benefits of frame-mounted red-dot
sights, it’s a landmark in small
arms development. You saw it here
first, but we confidently predict that
this is the future — look for further
product introductions from other
manufacturers where red-dots tran-
sition from the slide to the frame,
and they’re integrated into handgun
design from the outset, rather than
being thrown into the mix as an
afterthought. In this, the tiny Swiss
35

firm of B&T is leading the way.

IS SU E

140
REC O ILW E B .C O M

SPEC BOX

B&T
USW
CALIBER
9mm Luger
BARREL LENGTH
4 inches
OVERALL LENGTH
10.1 inches
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
41 ounces
MSRP URL
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
17 or 32 rounds
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 35
IS SU E
142
REC O ILW E B .C O M
SHOULD YOU EVEN BOTHER TO CARRY A RELOAD?
BY TAMARA KEEL
PHOTOS BY DAVE MERRILL
Let’s get this out in the open: You can
count the number of private-citizen
defensive gun uses in the U.S. when
a rapid reload made the difference
between a dead good guy and a live one
without taking off both mittens.
Reloading a handgun mid-gunfight,
outside of a military or law enforcement
context is pretty unlikely. Although he’s
talking about carbines rather than pis-
tols, a great quote from trainer Randy
Harris springs to mind: “If you empty
one 30-round mag in civilian-world
USA, you’re going to be on the news ...
if you empty two, you’re going to be in
the encyclopedia ...”
Another trainer, Claude Werner, stud-
ies the reports of private-citizen defen-
sive gun uses as collected in sources like
the NRA’s Armed Citizen column. Over
time, he’s found the average number of
rounds needed in these encounters is
low. One month, May of 2017, the aver-
age round count across seven reported
gunfights was only 1.43 rounds per
incident. That’s not a lot. Unless you
find yourself caught up in the middle of
an action-movie shootout, you’re highly
unlikely to need that reload.
And yet having a spare magazine
along if you’re carrying a self-loading
pistol is still considered best prac-
tice — for reasons that can be broken
down into three basic categories. It’s
worth exploring them further, as well
as the best ways to carry a spare in the
event one of these situations actually
comes up.
REQUIRED RELOAD
The first and most obvious consid-
eration is that every now and again,
someone might be unlucky enough to
be “that guy,” who gets caught up in
an action-movie shootout. An active
shooter-type scenario will likely require
a more substantial loadout than what’s
needed to convince a bad guy that he
doesn’t want to die for your wallet.
Sure, we said the need for a reload
was just about as likely as winning the
 OH, SPARE ME!

single-shot weapon, and it’s highly

Powerball, but we’ve all seen the com-
mercials: Somebody ends up winning
that Powerball every time. And if your
35
HUMAN ERROR
A more likely reason to need a
spare mag than the action movie
unlikely you’ll have any loose rounds
in your pockets to feed it.
Because reloading a pistol rapidly
is important to its efficient operation,
the release for most pistol maga-
zines is placed where it can be easily
reached without breaking the hand
from a firing grip. In some pistols, the
release is ambidextrous, so that it can
be activated easily from either side of
the gun.
When you think about it, this pres-
ents some downsides. While it assists
in rapid mag changes, it’s also akin to
a single-engine aircraft with a joystick
button near your thumb which will
quick-disconnect the propeller, send-
ing you crashing without the needed
thrust to keep flying. Don’t push that
button at the wrong time, because it

day has reached the point where you’ve shootout is that … well, people lose would be bad, m’kay?
IS SU E

had to pull a gun and start shooting, their minds in stressful situations. A Some pistols with ambidextrous
it’s already taken a statistically unlikely disconnect of dexterity can cause bad releases are known to have the oc-
This is how many turn and is unlikely to get any more decision-making and fumbling. casional inadvertent mag drop caused
144 spare mags you
normal from that point. You don’t want The magazine is a vital component by everything from the support hand
should carry — at
to be the one to forfeit for inability to on a semi-auto handgun. Without it, while shooting with an aggressively
REC O ILW E B .C O M

least according to
the internet. shoot back. the pistol is an awkward-to-operate high grip to a seat belt buckle in
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35
IS SU E
146 Even the most the car. Similarly, left-handers have
mythically reliable shared tales of magazine releases
REC O ILW E B .C O M
pistols suffer
mag-related intended for right-handed shooters
malfunctions. If the getting triggered because they faced
clock is running, outboard when worn by southpaws.
loading a fresh mag
Further, a magazine catch that’s
is a statistically
solid choice for been inadvertently jostled this way
remedial action won’t necessarily immediately dump
since a buggered the mag from the gun when it hap-
mag is just as
likely the cause of pens. Instead, the magazine may
the malfunction as become unlatched from its proper,
anything else. locked-in feeding position, but still
be retained in the gun by the mag
catch. Then, when the normal-looking
handgun with a mag visibly still in the
well is drawn and the first shot fired,
recoil may finish dislodging it. And
then the bugger might land at your
feet or, worse, go skittering off
under the least-accessible piece
of furniture or vehicle in a 5- or
6-foot radius.
That’s definitely a time when a
second magazine on your person is
infinitely preferable to chasing after
the one that just hit the deck.
MALFUNCTIONS AND THE
DREADED MURPHY
The most common reason to need a
spare magazine, however, is that guns
are mechanical devices that are known
to pick the worst possible times to
stop working.
A spare magazine is often the easiest
way to fix certain pistol malfunctions.
We’re sure everyone pays close atten-
tion to the condition of their maga-
zines, numbering them, keeping track
of round counts, and gauging feed
lips regularly … well … at least we’re
supposed to be doing all that stuff. But
maybe some (most) of us don’t.
At least number your magazines,
and if you notice “Mag #4” is in-
volved in more than its share of range
mishaps, toss it. (Well, maim it and
then toss it, so someone doesn’t get
themselves killed by fishing a defective
mag out of the range trash can in the
hopes of saving $25.)
Magazines get dropped, bumped,
and banged around when carried in
ammo cans and thrown in random
drawers. Loaded magazines get stored
for months and even years at a time.
Magazines go bad from use. Feed lips
can get damaged or simply spread
wider apart than they should be from
the pressure of being fully loaded.
This can contribute to the dreaded
double-feed, aka the “Type III”
malfunction. You don’t clear one of
OH, SPARE ME!
those with a simple “tap-rack.” There
was a mnemonic we learned back in
the day for clearing one of these that
we can’t entirely remember. It went
like “tap-rack-curse-rip-shake-put
your left foot in,” or something along
those lines.
In a single-stack gun, these mal-
functions will tie the gun up more
thoroughly than in one with a double-
column or staggered mag. A lot of
time and effort was put into teaching
how to forcefully rip the magazine
from the gun. While these methods
are still taught with newer guns, it’s
our experience that the magazines are
rarely that hard to remove. Besides,
we learned a new and simpler mne-
monic for this situation.
It hails from Chuck Haggard: “Un-
load the gun. Reload the gun.”
In other words, lock the slide to
the rear and get the mag and any
chambered rounds out just like every
other time you unload the gun and
then — here’s where that spare mag
comes in handy — reload it with the
fresh magazine.
Can you fix the problem by retain-
ing the original mag and reloading
with it? Yes, but there’s a lot more
juggling involved, plus there’s always
the chance that the magazine was the
culprit in the first place. If that’s the
case, putting it back in the gun isn’t
much of a fix.

SO SHOULD I CARRY A SPARE?
So, those are the three biggest
reasons for “why” you should carry a
spare magazine as part of your CCW,
but what about the “how?”
The simplest answer is in a vertical
mag carrier mounted to your belt the
same way you carry your gun, just
on the opposite side. This has many
The PHLster IWB
Mag pouch offers a pragmatic benefits, not the least of
easy-to-hide reload. which is that it puts a bit of ballast
35
IS SU E
148
REC O ILW E B .C O M
on the opposite side of your beltline
from your heater, keeping your trou-
sers from sagging all lopsidedly and
uncomfortable-like.
Another upside is that your holster
maker likely offers simple vertical
mag carriers that function the same
way as the holster they sold you: IWB,
tuckable, OWB with hard loops, and so
on. You can probably also get a mag
carrier that perfectly matches your
OH, SPARE ME!
holster, if that sort of thing makes you
feel all the way dressed.
This is also the fastest and most
fumble-free solution should you actu-
ally need to make use of the spare
magazine in any of the circumstances
we’ve just covered.
There are unconventional ways to
carry a spare, too, if they better suit
your own concealment needs. For in-
stance, some folks have a hard enough

time getting pants that fit with enough
room for an IWB holster, let alone
an IWB mag carrier. There are a few
ways around this dilemma. The easi-
est solution, depending on your daily
wardrobe, is a mag carrier that looks
more like a multi-tool pouch or other
gadget case.
Also available are horizontal carriers
for spare magazines that’ll conceal
under an untucked polo shirt without
causing unidentified blocky objects to
protrude beneath the shirt’s hem.
You can also just carry the spare
magazine in a pocket, although this is
probably the least effective method.
They tend to tumble in the pocket and
wind up oriented in the wrong direc-
tion when you need to pull them out,
plus pocket debris can do undesirable
things to your magazines.
35
You can mitigate the debris is-
IS SU E
sue by keeping your pocket free of
anything but the spare magazine. The
150
REC O ILW E B .C O M
OH, SPARE ME!
orientation problem can be solved
with products like the NeoMag and
SnagMag. These little devices com-
bine a pocket clip with either a mag-
netic bracket or a hook (as with the
NeoMag and the SnagMag, respec-
tively) to hold the magazine vertically
in the pocket. From the outside, all
that’s visible is the clip. There’s still
some fishing and fisting involved in
retrieving a reload relative to a con-
ventional belt-mounted carrier, but
you no longer look like you’re trying to
dig out correct change at a tollbooth
when you reload from a pocket.
However you decide to carry a
spare mag, make a point of practicing
accessing it under some sort of time
pressure. You don’t want the very first
time you do a speed load from your
chosen magazine hidey-hole to be in
a gas station parking lot at 3 in the
morning. That’s an awfully poor setting
to be trying to learn new skills.
While they don’t
blend in every
environment, Dickies
new $50 Tactical
Relaxed Fit Stretch
Ripstop Cargo
Pants offer internal
mag pouches and
plenty of room to
comfortably carry
other gear.
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 GEISSELE’S .260 REMINGTON VSASS
BY JASON DAVIS
PHOTOS BY RECOIL STAFF AND STEVEN KUO
35
IS SU E
152
REC O ILW E B .C O M
The first time I shot a weapon chambered in
.260 Remington was in the mid 2000s, when
the incomparable Chuck Mawhinney intro-
duced it to me. At the time, it was discussed
as a round that could one day replace the
ubiquitous .308 Winchester. With a higher
ballistic coefficient, slightly less recoil, and a
bullet that can buck the wind better at longer
ranges, the .260 Remington was an impres-
sive cartridge.
Fast-forward a decade, and I’ve had the
opportunity to build several bolt actions
chambered in .260 Remington. The round has
worked its way into my shooting rotation more
and more, whether for shooting matches, for
work, or, more recently, for hunting. The .260
Remington has really come into its own since
that first flirtation a decade ago.
THE BIG SHOW
Others have taken notice of the .260 Rem-
ington as well. Recently, a Defense Depart-
ment unit put together a handful of require-
ments for a new weapon system, including that
it be chambered in .260 Remington. Geissele
Automatics hand-tailored and built a system
to meet the requirement from the ground up,
resulting in their new Very Long Range Semi-
Automatic Sniper System, or VSASS.
We spoke with Bill Geissele to learn more
about this weapon system, the requirements,
and Geissele itself. His previous work as a
machinist and his weekend shooting pursuits
led him to build match-grade triggers — which
is what put Geissele Automatics on the map in
the firearms industry. We discovered that not
only does Bill have an encyclopedic knowledge
of current weapons, but his knowledge of past
weapons of all kinds helped inform his vision

in building the VSASS. Bill understands what
makes a weapon work well and, importantly,
what doesn’t.
A deep understanding of why something
doesn’t work leads to surmising how it
can ultimately be designed well. All of this
knowledge comes into play with his designs,
current productions and, now, the VSASS.
Bill described his appreciation for the AR
platform: “The concept that Gene Stoner
came up with — the AR-10 and M-16 that
came after that — I firmly believe that there
are qualities about that weapon design that
to this day are over and above anything that’s
out there on the market.”
JG-06
Within the Geissele Automatics shop in
North Wales, Pennsylvania, the VSASS is
more commonly referred to as “Project Joy”
or “JG-06.” It resulted from a relationship
Geissele has with the military customer. Ex-
cept for a few parts, the entire project was
built in-house and delivered to the custom-
er within eight weeks of the initial phone
calls and emails. Given an end user with
IS SU E
35
153
REC O ILW E B .C O M
such specific and absolute requirements,
Geissele was able to produce the VSASS
with exacting tolerances in an extremely
short period of time. Bill explained, “We
have a very vertically integrated company;
we do almost everything in-house … We’re
able to move quickly at a customer’s re-
quest. We can make something, print it out
in 3D, send it to them, get their comments
on it, make the prototype very quickly, and
do an iterative design process to come up
with a component for a firearm that meets
their needs.”

The VSASS arrived in a case embroi-
dered with “GEISSELE - Project Joy
- JG-06.” The VSASS in .260, all 12.3
pounds and 43 inches of it, also came
with several boxes of NEXUS ammo
35
sporting 139-grain Scenar projectiles
IS SU E
from Lapua. We supplemented it with
Black Hills and PRIME Ammunition.
More on shooting the VSASS later.
154
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Initial reports about the VSASS
gave an inkling of the fit, function, and
performance of this weapon. But my
experience with Geissele products and
their constant pursuit of perfection
The VSASS was meant an in-depth, hands-on inspec-
designed and built
tion was in order.
almost entirely
in-house in eight Unsheathing the VSASS, its heft
weeks. is apparent. Shouldering the weapon,
PROJECT JOY
the optics snap into view. The rifle
was wearing a Steiner M5Xi 3-15x50
in a new Geissele Vanguard mount,
finished in a tan color that matched
the weapon nicely.
Detaching the upper from the lower,
the suppressor out front immediately
draws your attention. Dubbed the
Super Night Owl, it’s more “short and
fat” than “long and skinny,” as you
might be used to seeing with sup-
pressors. The reason is simple — the
length requirements specified by the
customer. Thus, Geissele designed the
suppressor from scratch, finding a way
to achieve the required performance
while going shorter, but without ex-
ceeding the width of the M-LOK Super
Modular rail. Made from titanium,
which helps reduce weight, the Super
Night Owl features a serviceable and
rebuildable core. It disassembles with
a few simple tools and can be cleaned
and monitored for wear rather eas-
ily. The suppressor attaches to the
barrel in a unique manner, which aids
in accuracy when shooting with the
suppressor. Repeatability is key with
the VSASS, so everything needs to
maintain tolerances for first round hits
at all distances.
Bartlein Barrels, known for their ac-
curacy and repeatability, built the 22-
inch barrel featured in the VSASS. It’s
covered by Geissele’s Super Modular
Rail with M-LOK attachments. A testa-
ment to Geissele’s wonderful OCD, the
1913 Picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock
 CONDOR-ELITE.COM

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The Steiner M5Xi 3-15x scope is secured
by Geissele’s new Vanguard mount. The
Wilcox RAPTAR-S laser and rangefinder
sits on a “diving board” that can be
removed without affecting the front scope
ring and the rifle’s zero. The Vanguard
mount will be commercially available in
early 2018 for an estimated MSRP of $750.
PROJECT JOY
position is machined to a flatness
within 0.005 inch across the entire
rail. The handguard system mates with
the upper receiver and maintains these
tolerances together. The interface pro-
vides this critical consistency for NVG’s
or other aiming devices.
The upper receiver is built from
7075-T6 aluminum, which is tougher
than woodpecker lips. It’s slightly taller
than other SR-25/M110 pattern uppers
on the market, aiding in the acceptance
of the larger and longer barrel nut. The
2.4-inch barrel nut secures the rifle
and barrel with a unique fit that allows
for less stress on the weapon system.
It’s also non-indexing, so barrel instal-
lation and removal is much easier, with
a better lockup on the barrel.
A particularly interesting feature on
the upper is its hardened steel raceway,
where the cam pin rides during opera-
tion. Other weapons that operate under
stress of high pressures can start to
show wear in their cam pin slots. If
you’ve shot some piston-driven 5.56
weapons and found aluminum shavings
in the lower receiver, then you’ve seen
this before. Geissele wanted to rectify
this problem before it started, and the
hardened steel plate will increase the
lifecycle of the VSASS upper.
The lower, also made of 7075-T6
aluminum, has a distinctive Geissele
signature. A few oversized parts, such

as the magwell and trigger guard, arise
from the end user’s requirements.
Geissele’s maritime bolt catch is on
the left side and highly optimized and
slightly oversized, for ambidextrous op-
eration. It works very well, and lefties
can easily manipulate the bolt catch
with their index finger. At the heart of
the lower is a custom Geissele SSA-E
two-stage trigger that’s lightened to
2.5 pounds and Nanoweapon-coated.
If you haven’t had the chance to use
one of their triggers, you’re missing
out. Overcome around 2 pounds in the
first stage, make a quick check of your
aim, then press off the rest — boom!
The entire line of Geissele triggers is
great, and you’ll find them on many of
our personal weapons.
The buffer and action spring are also
built by Geissele, dubbed the Super
35
42 recoil spring and buffer assembly.
IS SU E
Looking to the MG-42 for inspira-
tion, the action spring is made from
three separate strands of wire, braided
158 together to form the final spring. It
lessens vibration and will last longer
REC O ILW E B .C O M
under normal wear and tear. The buffer
system also eliminates the “twang”
you usually hear with a conventional
recoil spring as it rides back and forth
in the receiver extension.
One other innovation on the VSASS
is the Nanoweapon coating from Geis-
sele’s new Nano Composite Coating
company. More than just a simple
coating, Nanoweapon is a process ap-
plied on hard use parts of the weapon.
It’s just 6 microns thick, boasting
extreme hardness (83 HRC), de-
creased friction, and strong corrosion
resistance. Nanoweapon is chemi-
cally inert and helps reject carbon.
All told, it needs less lubrication, has
less carbon buildup, and significantly
increases wear resistance. Items with a
Nanoweapon coating on the VSASS in-
clude the hardened steel cam raceway,
bolt carrier and bolt rings, gas carrier
key, cam pin, the bolt, and some other
small items.
RANGE REPORT
The VSASS at home It was time to head to the range and
on a HOG Saddle and start putting some Black Hills, Nexus,
field tripod beefed
and PRIME downrange. The first
up by SLIK, with a
magnesium body and magazine was loaded with five rounds
aluminum legs. of Nexus, the ammunition used by the
PROJECT JOY
VSASS’s customer. Our MagnetoSpeed
chronograph read an average muzzle
velocity of 2,639 fps with a standard
deviation of 11.3.
Loaded and ready, the initial rounds
at 100 yards went into one ragged
hole; groups measured 0.55 to 0.6
inch. Working the numbers in a bal-
listic app, the round will drill out to
1,000 yards and beyond. With 8.8
mils out to 1,000 yards and dropping
to subsonic at 1,500 yards, the .260
Remington is a dream to shoot out of
the VSASS.
With range time in full swing, the
Super Night Owl Suppressor was at-
tached the whole time. There were no
issues with the weapon system and,
as a lefty, I was surprised by the lack
of gas being expelled in my face. The
Geissele Super Charging handle can be
credited for this. Recoil on the hefty
system is minimal; it was basically just
a slow push on the shooter. Working
with the Steiner optic at some long-
range steel, I could spot my rounds
easily during recoil out to 600 yards.
The VSASS is a real pleasure to
shoot. The smoothness when working

the bolt carrier and charging handle
is impressive, comparable to that of
a custom-built 1911 where the frame
and slide rails feel like they’re on
ball bearings. The bolt carrier slides
through the upper with ease. No stops,
glitches, or humps were noticeable
when working the VSASS action.
The ergonomics are equally pleas-
ing, as the stock has 10 positions to
choose from for fine adjustments and
a particularly wide range of length of
pull. The grip is standard, as you see
on the majority of M16/AR-15 weap-
ons in the U.S. A bipod is an absolute
must for a weapon like the VSASS, and
The VSASS is heavy the tried-and-true Harris BR-S came
but an absolute
installed on it. Shooting prone, from a
pleasure to shoot.
We couldn’t miss bench and standing, the VSASS kept
with it. running accurately all day.
PROJECT JOY
PUTTING ROUNDS ON SMALL
TARGETS FROM FAR AWAY
The VSASS is being evaluated by a
military customer and was built to their
specs for a specific reason — to hit
accurately at very long distances. They
wanted to be able to make accurate
hits out to 1,400 yards on relatively
small targets. The .260 Remington
was the round they wanted, and the
 PROJECT JOY

hope for the rest of us in the near

future, with uppers and perhaps even
complete weapon systems engraved
35

with the Geissele name.

IS SU E

VSASS was purposely built around it.
That being said, Geissele plans to build
the VSASS in .308 Winchester and 6.5
162 Creedmoor as well. The VSASS uppers
Geissele sweats the
will be compatible with SR25/M110
REC O ILW E B .C O M
The VSASS was a blast to shoot, and
it was tough to watch the UPS man
take it away. I’m too old to join the
military, so it might be a while before I
get behind another one. But if Geissele

small stuff. The cam

pin is made from pattern lowers and should operate with makes it available commercially, I’ll be
a cobalt alloy for ease on them. jockeying with the rest of you to buy
strength, and the
While this particular JG-06 weapon one. If you get the chance, jump on it;
stainless steel firing
pin is contoured to system is headed to a military cus- you’ll be happy and hitting at long range
reduce weight. tomer for evaluation, there may be with ease.
SPEC BOX

GEISSELE AUTOMATICS
VSASS

CALIBER ACCESSORIES
.260 Remington Wilcox RAPTAR-S $8,603
BARREL LENGTH Steiner M5Xi 3-15x50 3,331
22 inches
Harris BR-S bipod 137
OVERALL LENGTH MSRP
43 inches $ n/a
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
12.3 pounds
URL
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
20 rounds www.geissele.com
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NO DON’T BE A BASIC BITCH —

TRUE ZERO
MAKE YOUR ZERO PERSONAL

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CANDICE HORNER & DAVE MERRILL

Ask someone what the best zero is, and you’ll get a response based
on personal preference, prior training, and maybe individual needs. If
you’re in the military or a law enforcement agency, the distance you zero
may well be dictated by an official government publication or crusty old
training officer. Most of us aren’t so limited by these restrictions, so why
do we revert back to standards that don’t apply?
The U.S. Military has hundreds of thousands of both rifles and
people, usually all using similarly spec’d ammunition. They can get
away with generalized zeros. And it’s beneficial for them to keep
firearms training standardized. But if you don’t have to be basic, you
shouldn’t be.
In the simplest terms, a zero is the adjusting of the sights/optic so
your point of aim matches your point of impact at a specific distance.
This convergence is the intersection between your line of sight and bullet
trajectory. Bullets aren’t laser beams like in the movies, and are subject
to gravity. If your bore and sight lines were both
perfectly parallel, their paths would never cross, and
thus no zero could be obtained.
Many prevailing zeros have two convergence points
that intersect the line of sight, giving you both a near
zero and a far zero. Commonly, these are written as
“50/200” or “25/300,” though they virtually never
actually print on targets exactly in that manner in the
real world. This type of zero is a shortcut solution that
doesn’t maximize your rifle’s capabilities.
For most types of shooting, we should strive to
have the longest Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR)
possible. In popular culture “point blank” means a shot from an espe-
cially close distance; throw maximum into the term and it means the
farthest you can shoot and hit your target without having to adjust your
sights or hold. You can successfully think of your MPBR as a ballistic
tube of Point-Click-Kill.
THE STARTING POINT
Your zeroing distance should be task-oriented. To determine the
best zero, answer the following questions:
What is your intended target?
How far do you plan to shoot?
What optic, if any, is on your rifle?
In addition to several variables that go into rifle shooting, your
answers to those questions can affect what zero you should actually
be using.
The size of the intended target and your anticipated range of en-
gagement determine your required precision standard. If you want to
shoot the literal broadside of a barn at 10 feet — your zero doesn’t
matter at all. If you want the ability to make
a head shot at 425 yards or snag a suc-
cessful hit on a partially obscured target
closer in, having a solid zero and knowing your dope matters. So.
Much. More. It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that most things
don’t just stand there and let you shoot at them.
The larger the intended target, the more leeway you have in your
MPBR. If you’re a soldier on the streets of Afghanistan, a required
400-yard hit is infinitely more likely than if you’re a cop on the beat.
If you’re a hunter, your MPBR has to measure within the kill zone of
the animal. Ultimately, what you’re trying to figure out is how far you
can shoot your rifle and make a hit while still maintaining the same
point of aim.
You can get the most out of your weapon setup by running a zero
that makes sense for your optic. A red-dot sight with no magnification
has several benefits, but drawbacks occur when shooting at further
distances. Depending on what zero you use with a red-dot, you could
be holding a lot of space between the dot and the top of your target.

Projectile Flight Path
Bore Line
Sight Line
Near Zero
Red-dot optics aren’t used for preci-
sion long-range shooting, so running
an MPBR zero is beneficial.
For precision shooting, a 100-yard
zero is hard to beat. Having the rifle
zeroed at 100 and dialing or using the
MOA or MRAD holdovers is precise
and predictable. With a 100-yard zero,
there isn’t another point of conver-
gence. This is beneficial for long-range
35
shooting because the shooter doesn’t
IS SU E
have to problem solve whether or not
to hold under or over. The correction
for every shot is going to require the
166 shooter to either dial up or hold over.
These days, most scopes have more
REC O ILW E B .C O M
than enough of elevation adjustment.
But you may run into a few scopes
that either don’t have elevation turrets
intended to be adjusted on the fly, or
they may not have enough clicks, or
you may not have enough time to dial.
Once again, an MPBR zero is ideal.
Maximum MPBR gets the most out
of your rifle from your position to the
target and onward.
Once you surpass the reach of your
MPBR, it’s imperative to know your
data at every distance. With a red-dot,
this means knowing your holdover,
and with a magnified optic, either the
same or how much to dial.
The capabilities of your rifle setup
are as unique as a fingerprint. No two
rifles are exactly the same, and they
never will be thanks to small variances
during the build process, and the fact
that every bullet that goes down the
barrel permanently changes the rifle.
This is why slapping a 50/200-yard
Far Zero
zero on it isn’t good enough. So how
do we figure it out?
BALLISTIC CALCULATORS —
THE CRYSTAL BALL OF LONG-
RANGE MATH
Using a ballistic calculator to
determine the best zero for your
weapon system is like having answers
to the test. We’re big fans of ballistic
engines; no longer do we have to rely
on guesswork from trajectory charts
online nor old military manuals.
Instead, we can tailor a zero to what
we want the rifle to do.
Thirty years ago the idea of using a
ballistic calculator to determine your
best zero was probably a nonstarter
for most; it involved a lot of books,
specialized equipment, and maybe
a protractor or graphing calculator.
Ballistics was a mystery, relegated to
the most nerdy of long-range shooters.
This is no longer the case, and if you
have an Internet connection you have
free access to some of the best ballistic
calculators in the world. Right in
your pocket at this moment is likely a
computer more powerful than any used
by the highest-end university a decade
ago. By all means look at cute cat
photos and porn with it, but utilize that
processor for some calculations too.
If you open up a ballistic calculator,
you’ll find several important variables
at play — and they all affect where
your projectile ends up downrange.
Since any minor element or deviation
exponentially expands with range, the
farther you shoot and the tighter the
NO TRUE ZERO
If your sight line and precision standard, the more each of
bore line were parallel, these components matter.
you’d never be able to
obtain a real zero. Stuck at a range that only allows
you to shoot 25 yards? Use a calcula-
tor to show your offset. At a long range
and unsure of your hold? Use a calcu-
lator to give it to you. Ballistic calcula-
tors aren’t just for simple holdovers
either; with most of them you can save
individual data from a given gun and
ammunition combination for easy ac-
cess later. Some apps like Strelok Pro
have options where you can display
the same reticle in your scope on the
screen, and literally show you where
to hold to make your hit. Many range
finders and weather meters will inter-
face with your standalone or in-phone
ballistic app to provide you with the
best and most up-to-date information.
You can’t rely on the listed velocity
on the side of the ammo box if you
want your calculations to be anywhere
Anticipate a small close to reality. Invariably those
target? Your ballistic
readings were taken at ideal scenarios
tube of maximum
— perfect weather, longer barrels,
point blank range is
going to be shorter. etc. The velocity of a given load is
THE BALLISTIC TUBE OF MAXIMUM
POINT BLANK RANGE
Smaller Target = Shorter MPBR
Larger Target =
Longer MPBR
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MANUFACTURING AT SHOT SHOW, BOOTH 16324
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ORIGINAL DROP IN TRIGGER MANUFACTURER
www.cmctriggers.com
 NO TRUE ZERO

10in. 2800fps 100 Yard Zero 200 Yard Zero 300 Yard Zero 292 Yard Zero This example was
MPBR 225 yards MPBR 250 yards MPBR 125 yards MPBR 325 yards gathered with a 6.5
2700fps Creedmoor using one
0in.
specific ammuni-
2600fps tion. Your rifle/ammo
combination will be
-10in.
different — so treat it
2500fps
as such.
-20in. 2400fps

-30in. 2300fps

2200fps
-40in.
2100fps

-50in. Fusion 6.5 With 100 Yard Zero 2751.00

2000fps
Fusion 6.5 With 200 Yard Zero 2751.00
Fusion 6.5 With 300 Yard Zero 2751.00
Fusion 6.5 With 292 Yard Zero 2751.00
0yrd. 100yrd. 200yrd. 300yrd. 400yrd. 500yrd.

incredibly subject to nuances of your
individual rifle. Not only is barrel
length a component, but also the
cut of the chamber, and even minute
35
relate this to the drop of the bullet, we
can only have plus or minus 5 inches
of drop in our data if we want to make
a hit without adjustment.
of Colorado in the winter, your zero
will change. Atmospheric pressure,
temperature, elevation, and more will
change your point of impact.
Holdovers are a quick,

differences in barrels on otherwise We tried the standard 100-, 200-, There’s an EOTech joke in here, dirty, and effective
IS SU E

identical guns. The best way to and 300-yard zeros. The data showed and we’ll address it because we know way to save you the
time of dialing eleva-
determine the actual muzzle velocity our bullet’s path would stay within our you’re thinking it: It doesn’t matter
tion. Learn your holds,
is to use a good chronograph such target size: what optic you use, if you have a
168 as a Magneto Speed or LabRadar. If Just over 225 yards with a 100- large temperature change your zero
and what they look
like at range.
you don’t have a chronograph or a yard zero

VISUALIZING HOLDOVER
REC O ILW E B .C O M

friend with one, the next best thing Out to 274 yards with a 200-yard zero
would be to find someone who has At a mere 126 yards with a 300-yard
independently tested the rounds in zero the trajectory is out of our
a similar setup to what you’re using. allowed radius Point of Aim
Imperfect for sure, but better than After running the data for the Point of Impact
going by the box. standard zeroing distances, we
adjusted the zero distance until the
FINDING YOUR MPBR highest point of the bullet’s path was 70in.
If you want to be able to hold center at 5 inches. Doing this allowed us to
14in.

of your target and hit, use technology use the projectile’s trajectory to its
to figure out what your zero should be. maximum capability, as related to
16in.

Here’s an example we worked up: the size of our intended target. With
We used the Shooter phone app by the very specific 292-yard zero for
Kennedy Development Group LLC. this rifle/ammo combo, our MPBR is
We input all the data for our rifle, around 340 yards. We should be able
ammo, and scope combination. We to hold center on a 10-inch target, out
determined the size of the target we to 340 yards — and hit.
planned to shoot (10 inches). From
there, nothing changed except the ze- YOUR ZERO IS CONSTANTLY
roing distance until finding the MPBR. CHANGING
Since our intended target is 10 We’re not even talking about
inches round, if we held dead center, dropping your rifle. If you zero at
we would have a 5-inch radius all the sea level in the North Carolina 20 inch Holdover 45 inch Holdover
(1/2 head (1 head and
way around our circular target. To summer, and head over to the peaks length above) torso length above)

absolutely will shift. Know how to zero
your rifle and check your zero before
taking any important shots.
THAT BDC DOESN’T MEAN
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS
Just as with a generalized zero, the
military can get away with a Bullet Drop
Compensator (BDC). A BDC has lines in
the reticle itself for elevation holds at
given distances for a particular caliber.
Except it’s not. Not unless you’re using
an identical ammo/rifle combination
and are in the same exact environmen-
tal conditions the BDC was designed for
and tested in.
You can find a good example of a
BDC in this very issue — head on over
to check out the U.S. Optics SR-85
with Plumb Reticle. Also note that it’s
setup for (1) caliber, in (1) given barrel
twist with (1) kind of ammunition. A
designated marksman in the military
can get away with that — you can and
should do better.
Several optics manufactures have
been marketing BDC reticles to the
general public as a solution to en-
gage targets quicker without having to
remember your Mil or MOA holds. There
are also caliber-dedicated scope turrets
to ease the thought process of long-
range shooting. But, just as we already
mentioned, your zero changes with your
environment — and your gun and am-
munition combination isn’t the same as
the manufacturer.
Don’t rely on these shortcuts when
your shots matter.
If you’re going to an area with a
different density altitude, first confirm
your zero and then either use a ballistic
engine that will update the environmen-
tal conditions or true your rifle data for
every distance you plan to shoot.
But all isn’t lost, once you accept
that the stadia lines of the BDC are
just lines, you can use them as points
of reference. For example, if your hold
for 400 yards isn’t exactly center, but
instead the bottom of a 10-inch plate,
you know that’s your hold.
If your accuracy standard is no great-
er than minute-of-deer at 80 yards, that
NO TRUE ZERO
random BDC made for a 7.62N on your
.30-30 will probably work.
LOOSE ROUNDS
It should be said that regardless of
what ballistic engine you use, you’re
going to want to confirm those holds
are correct by actually shooting rounds
down range. Nothing will give you more
confidence in your data than making a
successful hit.
Initially we thought we would name
this piece “Rethinking the Zero,” but it
wasn’t accurate — in reality we’re ask-
ing you to actually think about how and
why you zero in the first place. With nu-
merous ballistic engines and boatloads
of data at your fingertips, there’s little
excuse not to spend a modicum of time
and consideration on your zero.
If you’re the type that thinks a rough
zero is good enough and turning dollars
into noise is all you want — you do
you. But if you want to maximize the
capabilities of your unique rifle, optic,
Everything you need to
zero, and a bunch of and ammunition setup use the tools at
sh*t you don’t. your disposal.
MAKE LIFE
EASIER
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 SPECIFICALLY SPEC’D FOR TWO-LEGGED GAME
35
IS SU E

BY DAVE MERRILL

174
REC O ILW E B .C O M

It started with a failed ambush, and the successful

firefight that followed. When Frank Plumb was in the 3rd
Special Forces Group, his team was engaged by numerous
fighters in an L-shaped ambush. The enemy used AKs,
PKMs, RPGs, and RPKs at distances ranging from 75
meters to hundreds. In the chaos, Plumb tells us, most
of the individual fire was purely suppressive as ranges
had to be estimated on the fly and often on only partially
exposed fighters. They made it through the harrowing fight
with zero casualties on their team. But it got Plumb think-
ing about how he could have ended it sooner.
Upping training was one obvious solution but
hardware, specifically a reticle, would be another of
Plumb’s fixes. Enter the Plumb Reticle.
We’ve seen a lot of new reticles produced over the
last decade — some categorically for warfighting,
others for gaming, and still more combination “do all”
designs. Though it could probably be used for the
purpose under the right circumstances, the Plumb
Reticle wasn’t designed for Precision Rifle Series
(PRS), multi-gun, or any other gun sports. From the
ground up, the Plumb reticle was designed for one
thing: shooting bad guys quickly at unknown ranges.
 35
IS SU E
176
REC O ILW E B .C O M
The Plumb Reticle is like the
original Dragunov reticle — but done
right. Your standard PSO-1 optic has
a ranging scale built-in based on
the height of a man. This allows the
shooter to determine an approximate
distance to the target without using
mathematics or range triangulation.
It’s limited in application, in part
because of the accuracy of the rifle,
(lack of) optical quality, and the
design of the reticle itself. Though
the Soviet sniper reticle has a ranging
U.S. OPTICS SR-8S WITH PLUMB RETICLE
scale, it’s calibrated only for a rather
short man standing completely
upright. Further complicating matters,
targets have to be ranged and
engaged in separate portions of the
optical window, and you either have to
know your holds or dial them in.
With the Plumb Reticle, ranging
and engagement happens at the
same time. There are two funnels
inside the reticle — the larger fits
an average torso width, and the
smaller funnel head width. Simply
line up your target in the reticle,
and when either shoulders or head
just fit between the sides of the
funnel, pull. The head-sized funnel
also works for shoulder/chest-sized
targets presented “on end.” In the
case of a partial or obscured target,
it’s not difficult to fit them inside the
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As with any other bullet drop
compensator (BDC), the Plumb
Reticle is weapon and ammunition
specific — remember how we said
this wasn’t for gaming? The Plumb
is for 175-grain 7.62N fired from a
1/10 twist barrel, not coincidentally
the same used by many U.S.
Military designated marksmen.
Of course, we have to talk a
bit about the scope in which the
reticle resides. In this case, an
illuminated U.S. Optics SR-8S
U.S. OPTICS SR-8S WITH PLUMB RETICLE
Plumb Reticle
1-8x front focal plane (FFP) scope.
Plumb Reticle (illuminated)
Since it’s an FFP scope, the reticle
changes size in conjunction with
the magnification of the scope. Due
to the nature of how FFP low-power
variable optics work, at least right MAKE:
Plumb Reticle
now, the illuminated center portion
/ U.S. Optics
of the reticle unfortunately isn’t yet MODEL:
what we’d consider daytime bright. SR-8S
MAGNIFICATION:
Your current best bet would be to 1-8x
pair the Plumb with some offset MSRP:
$1,595
irons or a red-dot of some type for URL:
close-in work. handldefense.com Soviet PSO-1
Looking for a
little action?
’bout building your own custom bolt rifle?

Howa barreled actions bring AR-15-like

modularity to building a bolt action rifle.
 WE DIG INTO THE SUPPRESSED 5.56 INTEGRA FROM GEMTECH
BY DAVE MERRILL
In mid-April 2016, USSOCOM
officially started solicitation for a
Suppressed Upper Receiver Group
(SURG). The requirements for the
contract were extremely lofty and
eventually the program was scuttled.
Then reborn. Then got mucky again.
Thus is the nature of government
procurement. Several manufacturers
submitted samples, but at the time of
this writing, Gemtech is the only one
who brought their offering to the com-
mercial market — almost.
There are a couple of differences
between the SURG upper and the
Gemtech Integra, but functionally
it boils down to this: The Gemtech
SURG upper has just over an inch
more rifled barrel, and the overall
length of the upper was reduced
by 1.7 inches due to government
requirements.
To be sure, an integral silencer
isn’t a normal first NFA purchase.
When starting out, buyers typically
want something with more perceived
utility, such as one of the myriad of
multi-caliber silencers. Later, they
branch out into specific calibers and
guns. An integral is likely at least four
or five slots down the list, if one is
ever purchased at all.
SINGLE-STAMPING ACROSS
STATE LINES
As an individual, before crossing
state lines with most types of legally
owned federally regulated firearms
like machineguns and short-barreled
rifles (SBR), you need an approved
BATFE Form 5320.20. Though it’s
very dependent on your examiner,
it’s not unheard of for an approved
form to take four to six weeks to ar-
rive. We know numerous people who
were unable to bring their goodies
with them to a class or other event
for lack of approval. For reasons
that we don’t understand and don’t
want to ask about, this annoying law
about interstate travel applies to all
federally regulated firearms, sans
two categories: Any Other Weapon
(AOW) and silencers.
Provided that silencers are legal in
your destination state, you can cross
state lines with no notice and no
permission. Hence, the advantage of
the one-stamp silenced rifle.
While a one-stamp rifle has
certain legal benefits in the United
States, there are some additional
perks too. Namely, a manufacturer
can build it from the ground up with
complete integration in mind. The
 181

IS SU E 35 REC O ILW E B .C O M
 ACTUAL INTEGRAL

The titanium Gemtech Integra certainly isn’t the Both of these methods are easy ways
monocore is easily first gun with a built-in suppressor. In to reach that 16-inch minimum of a
removed with a 3/8-
inch socket wrench. recent years we’ve seen several new non-federally regulated rifle. Gemtech
models come to the market, such as took a different approach with the
the SilencerCo Maxim-9. Integra, opting to weld a sleeve to the
Many integral rifles have a si- barrel that encompasses a removable
lencer monocore machined into or titanium monocore. With the twist and
permanently attached to the barrel. turn of a 3 ⁄ 8 -inch socket wrench, the
Some psuedo-integrals simply have core comes out for cleaning and servic-
a silencer welded to a shorter barrel. ing. The core itself features a sharp
edge that cuts any accumulated carbon
during removal. There are four angled
ports machined into the end of the
monocore, making it self-tightening.
Get an endcap strike with a per-
manently attached core and you’re
SOL, whereas the core on the Integra
can be readily replaced. Additionally,
The four angled have you ever try to run military bore
ports in the end of patches through a silencer? We don’t
the monocore make
recommend it.
the Integra self-
35

tightening. The ability to remove the entire

IS SU E

monocore assembly leaves room

for upgrades by Gemtech into the
foreseeable future. Perhaps down the
182 line, we’ll see silencer upgrades for
this rifle.
REC O ILW E B .C O M

We admit, seeing that this was

a pistol-length gas system with a
monocore gave us some pause. But
we withheld judgment until we got it
to the range.
5.56 silencers are loud. The
round’s high pressure and velocity
just aren’t conducive to that movie-
quiet experience that one can attain
with subsonic .300blk or .22LR.
Though in theory subsonic 5.56
could be used to further muffle the
report, its terminal ballistics leaves
a lot to be desired. If you ever
want to see a face worthy of being
featured in a sad Sarah McLachlan
ASPCA commercial, we suggest ob-
serving someone who just shot their
brand-new 5.56 silencer for the first
time — and who has never experi-
enced one firsthand. You can practi-
cally hear “Angel” playing in the
background as the tears of sadness
and regret roll down their faces.
If it’s too good to be true, there’s usually a catch. Not here.
The TCM Rock Standard FS Combo delivers a lot of value in
addition to its penetrating impact and remarkably light recoil.
So while the price may shock you, the rest of its features will
leave you invigorated.

Aside from the caliber being loud in bolts attempting to unlock far too early,
general, the suppressed AR-15 can be more pronounced expulsion of gas out
unusually troublesome at times. Over of the ejection port, and higher rates
the last six decades of development, of fouling, not to mention a face full of
we’ve seen a series of engineering burnt powder. After these last several
challenges updating and upgrading the paragraphs, one may get the impres-
AR-15 to fit current mission require- sion that we hate suppressed ARs, but
ments. These unplanned impositions nothing could be further from the truth.
ultimately made the AR the modular These problems all have solutions in
monster that we currently know and the form of all manner of specialized
love. Dealing with silencers was but adjustable parts, weights, and differing
one of those ongoing obstacles. silencer designs. Modular monster
By containing indeed. The Integra does something
the expansion of different enough that they patented
hot gases at the it, and now that said patent has gone
muzzle in order through we can share it with you. It’s
to bring down the gone largely unnoticed, mostly because
The Dead Foot
Arms folding sound, a silencer it’s welded to the barrel and hidden by
stock makes for can significantly the monocore sleeve. The Integra has a
a small package increase back- bore evacuator. Like the main gun on a
while maintaining
pressure into the tank. Here’s how it works:
functionality.
35
system. This can The projectile first passes the pri-
IS SU E
mean malfunc- mary gas port, and some of the gases
tions from exces- travel down the gas tube to begin the
sive bolt speed, cycling of the rifle as usual.
184 Shortly after this, the bullet
passes two additional gas ports.
W E B .C O M
These ports lead into a chamber that
surrounds the barrel expressly for this
purpose, and a fixed amount of high-
pressure gas is held.
Once the projectile leaves the bar-
rel, the resulting vacuum sucks the gas
in this chamber out toward the muzzle.
Effectively, the bore evacuator
delays the movement of the gas, giving
it slightly more time before it follows
the path of least resistance. The end
result is that the majority of the extra
Gemtech’s patented gas goes through the muzzle end
bore evacuator instead of back-flowing through the
ACTUAL INTEGRAL
barrel and the effects that come with
it. When we asked Gemtech if the bore
evacuator reduces the velocity of the
ammunition shot, similar to a ported
barrel, they told us that if anything
it actually increases the FPS. Since
the bore evacuator just delays the gas
rather than venting it out like an open
port in a barrel, this makes a good
deal of sense. In order to test it for
ourselves we would need another In-
tegra sans bore evacuator, since there
are numerous factors that can affect
muzzle velocity.
BUILD QUIRKS
But not everything is all daisies.
Because the gas block and sleeve
are welded into place, you won’t be
swapping out your handguard system
anytime soon. Thankfully, instead of a
lower-end handguard they went with a
Seekins MCSR V2 handguard. If you
somehow ended up with a KeyMod
and wanted an M-LOK or vice versa,
anything in the Seekins MCSR line can
be swapped out. Overall, the modular
nature of the AR-15 becomes a skosh
less modular with the Integra.
Take note that depending on who
makes your M-LOK accessory attach-
ment, you may have to hit the hardware
store for some slightly smaller screws
to avoid marring the silencer shroud.
While everything fits under the hand-
guard, you don’t have an awful lot of
room on the front half. We had to shave
down the screws on the Magpul MVG,
and at the end of the day it was easier
to remove the rail to add grip covers a
la the Troy TRX rail.
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Since the upper receiver itself prom-
ises to be perennial on the Integra,
Gemtech thought it would be best to go
with a high-quality known quantity, the
Vltor MUR-1A. It’s the same internally
as any other Mil-spec upper, but rocks
thicker walls, is fully heat treated,
stress relieved, and even subjected to
the mysticism of cryogenic freezing.
THE JERSEY SHORE
Though normally the Integra is sold
as a separate upper, our particular
example has a corresponding Vltor
VRA-R lower receiver, complete with
Gemtech manufacturing marks. In
addition to the recessed extra large
magazine release, the VRA has a
As shipped, all it set of ambidextrous limited-travel
needed was a set of
QD sling swivels inset into the lower
chrome truck nuts
to complete the itself. A lightweight two-stage flat
package. Yeah, no. trigger from CMC Triggers completes
the package.
The Gemtech Integra
we received was gaudy to
say the least. Heavy with
highly contrasted brand-
ing, chrome, and polish,
this is damn near the rifle
equivalent of a bro with a Tap-Out
T-shirt and a fistful of energy drink.
We wouldn’t have been surprised to
see it snorting lines with people who
ACTUAL INTEGRAL
could be cast on The Jersey Shore.
Start your fist pumping now.
They say beauty is just a light
switch away or, in our case, a can
of Krylon and a box of replacement
parts. Like refacing a lime green
1970s kitchen, a change of color
can make a world of difference.
We removed and replaced most of
the chrome, and swapped out the
more egregious branding. Same rifle
in a different dress, for sure. But
1,000 times more palatable. Like
wearing a Rolex on a NATO strap,
there’s just something special and
fun about using $12 in paint on an
expensive rifle.
We won’t apologize for focusing on
some aesthetics, as rarely does some-
one cross a street to meet your per-
sonality. Since the Dead Foot Arms
system adds several inches to the
length of pull if used with a standard
stock, a shortened receiver exten-
sion and buttstock from an LMT PDW
stock tightened up that distance. We
also liked how the Dead Foot Arms
can be fired when the stock is folded,
however unlikely it is that particular
feature will be needed. In order to
achieve this feat, the crew at Dead
Foot Arms uses a truncated bolt car-
rier and a dual spring setup.

AT THE RANGE
It’s always nice to know that you’re
the first one to shoot a rifle. And we
know we were because the CMC trigger
wasn’t resetting. Every other trigger
we tried worked fine, while the CMC
wouldn’t reset with a regular upper
either. So, we dropped in an ELF trigger
instead. Once you start playing mucky
muck with specialized buffer spring
assemblies like you have to with PDW
stocks, you can run into issues (for a full
breakdown, see our PDW Stock Buyer’s
Guide in Issue 30). Locking back on an
empty magazine was inconsistent before
a little spring tuning was performed.
35
IS SU E
188
REC O ILW E B .C O M
SPEC BOX
GEMTECH
INTEGRA
CALIBER
5.56
BARREL LENGTH
16 inches (10.5 inches rifled)
OVERALL LENGTH
26.25 inches (folded), 34.25 inches (open)
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
8 pounds, 6 ounces
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
30
Neither were issues related to Gemtech
— and you can put the Integra on any
5.56 lower that you want.
Gas to the face? None. Zero. Nadie.
Nada. The bore evacuator and tuned gas
system are great at their job. On a similar
note, usually our internals and magazines
get scummed up quickly when shooting
suppressed due to the dirty backpres-
sure. We are happy to report that nothing
seemed any dirtier than a regular-ass
unsuppressed 16-inch AR.
Grouping just under For science, we also tried the In-
1.5 inches at 100
tegra without the monocore installed.
yards, accuracy is
acceptable but not This isn’t recommended because, well,
exceptional. it doesn’t work. This rifle is specifical-
ly tuned to run with the pressure that
the silencer produces. No monocore,
no worky.
We tested accuracy with match Prvi
Partizan 75-grain ammunition, and the
Integra printed a five-shot group at just
under 1.5 inches at 100 yards.
Regarding sound? We’ll rely on
folks with $40,000 rigs to make that
determination, but Gemtech advertises
131 decibels. This is about on par
with an unsuppressed .22LR rifle, and
that seems to hold true. We can say
that the ejection port noise is greatly
reduced, and the Integra was quieter
and produced less flash than our other
10.3-inch guns with several differ-
URL
gemtech.com
ACCESSORIES
Vltor Receiver
Elftmann Trigger
Dead Foot Arms Stock
M600DF w/SR07
Aimpoint Micro
Midwest Industries BUIS
Elevated Tech Mount
VFG & Panels
ACTUAL INTEGRAL
ent silencers. A nice surprise, since a
monocore design isn’t widely regarded
as being the most effective.
LOOSE ROUNDS
We’re not completely sure about the
first integral, but arguably the most
famous is the Heckler & Koch MP5SD.
And the coolest? The OSS’ Nazi-snuff-
ing High Standard HDM. As to where
the Integra falls onto the list of viable
guns — it has a lot going for it. We wish
there was more choice regarding hand-
guards. The enclosed front end largely
negates the ability to further refine the
gas flow, reducing your options to an
adjustable bolt carrier gas key like those
sold by Rubber City Armory. With that
said there’s still some flexibility on the
rear end of the equation with buffer and
spring weights.
When we started, we looked at the
Gemtech Integra like a short-barreled
rifle with a silencer attached, but it’s
more than that. The thoughtfulness
of design, the fine-tuning, and how it
sounds all add up to a package more
than just a sum of its parts. Actual.
Integral. Hot damn.
A relatively short, quiet, soft-shooting
suppressed rifle you can cross state lines
with without asking permission from
Uncle Sugar? We’ll be in our bunk.
$380
$259
MSRP
$425
$473
$ $1,999
$642 (upper receiver only)
$229
$150 PRICE AS FEATURED
$56
$ $4,613
 PATENTED | MADE IN USA

07 FFL OEM MANUFACTURING | WWW.JLBILLET.COM | SALES@JLBILLET.COM | 619-800-1751

 190
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 35
BUILT
TO LAST
DR. JOHN MATTHEWS, SUREFIRE’S FOUNDER, REFLECTS ON HIS PAST,
THE FUTURE, MOTORCYCLES, AND A BIT ABOUT FLASHLIGHTS
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE MERRILL
PORTRAIT ROB CURTIS
Though the genesis of SureFire came from la-
sers, the real primordial ooze of the company
started with a young, not-yet-then-Dr. John
Matthews racing from police in the 1950s. As
with many good stories, this one starts with
two wheels.
SureFire, originally known as Laser
Products, is a name now synonymous with
weapon-mounted lights. While assorted
illumination methods have been used in
conjunction with weapons ever since we’ve
had both fire and weapons, Matthews was
the first to make a successful commercial
venture out of it — to the benefit of us all.
Though a great many of us here at
RECOIL have used SureFire handheld and
weapon lights across the globe, none of us
had spent any considerable time with the
man behind the machines. So we paid a
visit to SureFire’s Fountain Valley, Califor-
nia, headquarters to get an inside look at
Dr. Matthews, his legacy, and the inner
workings of everything that is SureFire.
While big businesses are moving opera-
tions overseas to increase profit margins
and stay in the game, SureFire has managed
to keep virtually everything American. That’s
for one simple reason: the sheer hardheaded
doggedness of Dr. Matthews.
It hasn’t been without cost, however.
While supplying the Department of Defense
is a shrewd move during times of conflict,
when troops get pulled out and the supply
chain is no longer needed, you’re going to
see some spring-back. Over the years we’ve
watched SureFire go both high and low, and
reinvent and root themselves into different
market sectors.
The second half of 2017 was particularly
good as far as new illumination technology.
Though many turned to cheaper Chinese
wares on eBay, bellowing unproven boasts
of high power and durability, SureFire
upped their game. Their new series of lights
squeeze more juice out than ever before.
Matthews is an engineer to the core.
Many employees we questioned danced
around the topic when we asked them what
it was like to have a boss who wasn’t a
businessman. Since no one would tell us
directly, we had to break out the context
clues: Matthews is highly respected, and
sometimes a bit maddening with his idio-
syncrasies and his pursuit of perfection.
Outright we’ll say that we love this combi-
nation, especially when contrasted against
the what’s-the-bottom-line-buddy cutthroat
businessmen.
At 79 years old, Matthews comes to work
every day. Somehow he still manages to
find time for his beloved wife, exercising,
and tinkering in his garage. His office could
be described as old-school organized, with
labeled file folders crowding nearly every
open surface. His meticulous house could be
used to film a James Bond movie, complete
with subterranean shooting range. And his
motorcycles are racetrack ready. We’re not
sure we’d want to work for John Matthews,
IS SU E
but we certainly wouldn’t mind growing up to
be John Matthews.
35
You can tell when Matthews gets
excited about a topic. He produces grand
gesticulations and gets a twinkle in his eye.
191
His intensity is only leveled by his laughter.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
We witnessed all of this during our time
with him.
RECOIL: SureFire still produces lasers, but
they aren’t what you’re best known for. When
did Laser Products develop into SureFire?
John Matthews: What happened with the
lasers, is laser diodes came along. So
instead of a big giant tube, the diodes are
very small. The problem with laser sights is
that you have to see the spot. They were sort
of wimpy, and I thought of the new diodes
as more of a gimmick than a useful tool.
We didn’t push the laser sights at that time,
because we only want to do the real thing,
the things that work. The flashlights.
Of course since diodes were cheap, com-
panies were flooding the market with them,
and they weren’t any good. We now have
real laser diodes. When powerful diodes first
became available — they really weren’t avail-
able commercially, but we convinced one of
the manufacturers to sell us the prototypes
— we got back into them.
 BUILT TO LAST

How did you convince the market that

lasers on pistols was a good idea?
JM: We didn’t convince the market; it
took all these years. Finally now there
are people coming to realize, you know,
it really is a good tool. If you want to hit
something accurately, you’ve got to see
where the gun’s pointed. You can do
that with open sights; people have been
doing it that for 100-plus years. But
when there’s a huge time pressure?
With the laser, if you can see the
spot on the target ... it does everything
you want. The problem is you’re
limited with how much laser power you
can put out for eye safety reasons. If
the sun is too bright, it just doesn’t
work. What’s really useful for laser
sights are the infrared laser sights the
military is using.
35

We’ve heard a lot of stories. Have you

IS SU E

ever been in trouble with the law?

JM: Only as a teenager. Two wheels
are the best toy going, as long as
192 you have a good place to ride. In the
’50s, there was no law about riding in Did you entertain the idea that you might 1972. We bought a couple of Armalite Matthews’ house
REC O ILW E B .C O M

private property. You could fly through
construction sites. You could ditch the
cops in a snap. In those days you were
riding on a four-stroke motorcycle,
almost as good as they are today. And
they were driving sh*tty cars. You could
lose cops within a matter of blocks.
This area was really neat to ride in.
My first bike I bought for $150
from a sailor. It was a ’38 Harley 74
with a suicide clutch. So you have a
manual shift, and you have to run the
clutch like a car. I had about two hours
practice on it before I took it on the
coast highway. Thankfully no one killed
me, but I woke up in the hospital with
a concussion. The bike was fine, and I
got back to it.
I did everything but road racing. As
a kid I would practice after school.
The guys I was racing against had
jobs. So after a few years, I was doing
pretty good. I won every heat race I
was ever in.
be a professional racer at any point? How
did you get here?
JM: I actually tried the flat track; that’s
interesting. You don’t get to practice on
the track, you get a few laps, and then
you race. That’s how you learned. You’re
out on this track with no brakes, and guys
doing it for a living? I was a motorcycle
mechanic, that’s how I made money.
I signed up for junior college, so I
could use their machine shop to build my
motorcycle. Well, I thought maybe I’d take
an engineering course too. Then I figured
I’d just be an engineer. I went through
10 years of college and ended up with
a Ph.D. from Caltech. In that process I
learned how to do engineering things.
My first company was Newport
Corporation. And we were building
equipment that laboratories would use
to exploit lasers, which were new at the
time. I observed that gee, with a visible
laser beam, this should be pretty good for
weapons. So we started on that project in
AR-180 rifles and thought, yeah, we’re is full of beautiful
artwork and modern
going to build laser systems for them.
architecture — all
The lasers were too big at the time. of which he tells us
Eventually we built lasers that were was hand-selected
small enough to put on pistols. The first by his wife.
weapon we adopted was the Colt Python
pistol. We had Hughes Aircraft Company
build these big ruggedized lasers for us;
it was a pretty big deal. That was the
first laser-aimed handheld weapon.
At that time Newport Corporation was
a publicly held company, and the outside
investors questioned why we were doing
this gun stuff. So basically I bought the
division from the company and formed
Laser Products.
And then we pursued putting these
ruggedized helium-neon lasers on about
everything. M-16s, Ruger Mini-14s, and
shotguns. It wasn’t successful finan-
cially, but we did a good job. You’d have
to sell these things for three or four
thousand bucks. I put in the resources
so we could do it.

35
IS SU E
Being around and interfacing with
the emergence of the SWAT team at
194 the time, they came to us and said,
“You know, we really need illumination.”
REC O ILW E B .C O M
So we put the first lights on shotguns,
on the rifles, MP5 submachine guns,
Colt 1911s. Now we have lasers and
lights. We started out using parts from
the Mini Maglite flashlight.
Maglite was using tungsten lamps,
and they were getting them from a local
manufacturer. They were interfaced
with alkaline batteries. The problem
with alkaline batteries is that if you pull
the voltage out slowly, the voltage stays
kinda constant — if you want to pull it
out fast, for a lot of power, the voltage
collapses. With a tungsten lamp, you
have to control that voltage very closely.
You couldn’t make a high output
light with alkaline batteries. About that
time, Duracell developed the lithium
123 battery for cameras. We couldn’t
get them directly, not at first, so we
would get small quantities for cameras.
It turns out that then we could pull
out a lot of current, but there were no
lamps available.
So we went to the lamp manufac-
turer, and they developed a special
tungsten lamp that would work with
the new batteries. Instead of getting
6 lumens, we got 60. That was a big
deal. Factor of 10.
We hear the CR123A battery that ex-
ists today is because of you. Any truth
to that?
JM: There’s an interesting story. When
we built illumination products using
those batteries, I went to a media event
they had at the Ritz Carlton. I had one
An early original of our weapons, I think it was a 1911. It
Laser Products used a single cell, it put out 10 lumens,
advertisement.
and they were all walking around the
Simplistic, but it
parking lot with it saying how great of a
certainly got the
point across. light it was.
I met with these guys and they were
excited about it, but then I got a notice
from them that they were not going to
sell us the product directly. They were
concerned for safety, that people would
incorrectly stack these single cells up
and would have a problem. I’d already
invested all this money in tooling, am I
One of SureFire’s supposed to sue Duracell or whatever?
early products, a Well, I approached them and said,
Mini-14 with a laser “Hey, if you put this spacer button here
aiming device. The
...” and I gave them the prints — and
helium/neon lasers
weren’t exactly that’s what they used. So we designed a
small, were they? modification for their battery to work on
BUILT TO LAST
our product, and they use that design to
this very day. That’s the CR123A.
Of course now you can stack them any-
way. Just curious how some things happen.
Prior to the Global War on Terror, did you
mostly sell to smaller units and SWAT?
JM: The initial market was basically SWAT
and individuals. The military’s involvement
was initially SEAL Team 6 when Mar-
cinko was running it. I worked for Litton
Industries as a side gig on a top-secret
program. And the sponsor of the program
was the CIA. That was way back when,
but that, that was interesting. So we
discovered SEAL Team 6 and they discov-
ered us, and we built things for them.
At that time the Team was using Be-
rettas, and mounting anything to a pistol
without a rail was a challenge. We actu-
ally had a number of patents on how to
do it. On the Beretta pistol, we extended
a pin and used it as an attachment. We
thought the diameter of the pin would
be adequate for that purpose. But SEAL
Team 6 did a lot of shooting.
So they called and said, “Hey, these
pins are bending,” and, well, we didn’t
really believe them. So they got on a
plane and flew out here from Virginia
Beach with 7,000 rounds of ammo. And
we went to the range [laughs]. And I’m
loading magazines for them and they’re
shooting ... and sure enough, yup, it
did bend! So we changed our design.
They were really good guys. Use
of lights evolved, and the rest of the
military realized that hey, it’s really
useful to put lights on guns. And then it
became the standard, but SEAL Team
6 was the first. Before [Marcinko] got
thrown in jail, of course.
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Are there things you wish you could’ve

made in the ’80s that you can now?
JM: Our basic mission is to provide prod-
ucts that help the guy going into harm’s
way. That’s a very broad area, and I
think we understand that very well now.
There’s no mystery. They have to be able
to see; they have to be able to shoot.
Which means we have to help them see
and help them to shoot.
Actually building the equipment and
optimizing it to be the best to get the
job done is an ongoing challenge. What
makes that area interesting is that you’re
using technology. It’s evolving very fast. If
you look at lights, it was a big deal to go
from 6 lumens to 60. Now we’re pushing
1,000 lumens out of our pistol lights.
And it’s running longer, and it’s using the
same two lithium batteries. That reflects
the evolution of the LED as a light source.
35

Now that you have more light, the

IS SU E

question is what do you do with it.

What is the beam pattern, so to speak.
And we have the capability to say we
196 want X distribution, and with very fancy
computer software we can go back and
REC O ILW E B .C O M
1994 Surefire ad — not always happy with the way I run the financially. We’ve had the strength that
you can really tell company. They don’t necessarily want we continue to build the best.
how far flashlights
to see the new stuff, the research, and Of course, there’s a variation of

have come when

design the optics to provide it. That’s a
very challenging problem, and we have
a capability that’s unique in the world to
do that. We have a pretty good idea of
what you want, and we’ve developed it in
some of the optics, like the MaxVision or
the TIR [total internal reflection].
We have exceptionally good people
working for us, doing the actual engi-
neering now. The software is so good.
We can have one or two guys pulling out
a really nice design in weeks, whereas
before it would have taken teams of
people much longer.
You’re a large American company.
American founded. American employ-
ees, American manufacturing. You’ve
maintained control of the company
the entire time. How have you resisted
external pressure?
JM: We’re the last guy standing. We do
have two minority investors who have
put in a fair amount of money. They are
140 lumens was the development; they want to optimize the
absolutely brightest business to make money.
light you could get. But it’s easy because I’m the majority
shareholder. The focus of Laser Prod-
ucts, and now SureFire is: Let’s build
the best gear possible for our military
and law enforcement. Period. We have
the strength to do that, and of course
you hope to make some money in the
process. You have to do that eventually
or you can’t stay in business.
Good people, good engineers, the best
engineers enjoy building the best prod-
ucts. Most companies, to be commer-
cially successful, you’re not building the
best product. You’re building the product
that you can sell for the lowest price that
sorta gets the job done in most cases.
In this world, we think what you need to
do is build the best product operationally
for the user. And you keep the cost down
to reasonable, but it’s not about building
it to sell it competitively. That’s a dif-
ficult situation for a company to do well
things, and some things cost less than
others. There’s less expensive SureFire
lights, and more expensive SureFire
lights. But basically we do the best, and
we build it here. You can get stuff made
in China very cost effectively, and you
can even tell them, “Hey build this and
this will be the very best,” but they will
on their own, make changes themselves
which diminishes it because it saves
them money. It’s really bizarre. We don’t
do that — we build everything here.
There’s a cost; it costs more money.
There was some pretty dire stuff
going on with the influx of Asian-
manufactured lights into this part of
the industry. How have you managed to
weather that?
JM: With difficulty. It hurts. It hurts
everybody. About all we could do was
build genuinely better products. We
seem to have enough customers that
appreciate that and buy our products. If
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 BUILT TO LAST

they don’t end up buying our products,

then we won’t be doing as much in that
sector. They’re still buying our silencers;
they’re still buying our sighting systems.
Being in the weapons arena, maybe
we’re a little bit shielded from overseas,
but not in the flashlight business obvi-
ously. Diversifying.

What’s been a favorite project?

JM: You know what’s interesting? Try
riding a mountain bike with night
vision. We were working on a helmet-
mounted monocle mount where you
could partially look through it. My
criteria was that I had to be able to
ride my mountain bike in the dark.
We developed a system — we never
brought it to market — where you could
mount a single monocular. You could
position it just so and you could see
35

around it, but if you looked to the side

IS SU E

you could see through it. It worked fine.

The problem was getting it to fit the
head just right. If it’s a little off, it’s not
198 right. So we developed that, but then
realized we needed to be in the helmet
REC O ILW E B .C O M

business to make it the way we wanted.

So how old do you feel?

JM: About 30. I’m starting to see that
I’m not quite as strong as I was 10 years
ago. I didn’t feel that until I hit my 70s.

Where do you see SureFire in 30 years?

JM: Just where it is right now. I probably
won’t be here in 30 years because I’m
pushing 80. So hopefully someone like
Barry Dueck or similar will continue on
the legacy. We’re always evolving and
changing the business.

How about the near future?

JM: We’re working on more projects
now than we ever have. It probably isn’t
in our best interest to describe maybe
even most of them at this point in time
Matthews’ under-
because they compete with everyone in ground range and
this market. I would be delighted to have proving ground.
Absolutely now one of
this conversation with you —maybe in our personal goals.
two months.
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 35
IS SU E
204
REC O ILW E B .C O M
WEAPONIZING YOUR CARDIO-COMBAT PROGRAM
BY CHAD McBROOM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD McBROOM AND NATALIA BENENATE
We remember the early days of the UFC, when U.S.
Senators were writing letters to the governors of all
50 states, urging them to ban what they referred to
as “human cockfighting.” Fortunately, cooler heads
prevailed and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
has grown into a billion-dollar industry. With such a
fervent, far-reaching fan base, it’s no surprise that
so-called “combat-sport” gyms have sprung up all
over the country.
Most of the people who attend these gyms aren’t
there to become the next Ultimate Fighting Cham-
pion. They simply want to get into shape and have
some fun doing it. For this reason, you will find
these gyms frequently offering classes like “Cardio
Kickboxing,” “Boxing for Conditioning,” etc. After all,
what’s more fun than strapping on a pair of 16-ounce
gloves and going to town on a heavy bag or working
the focus mitts?
Many times, these classes are marketed as “self-
defense” with pitches like, Learn self-defense while you
get in shape! Such claims are often misleading, as these
classes typically focus on high-tempo striking routines,
with no time dedicated to teaching self-defense theory
or realistic strategies for employing strikes. The bottom
line is there’s no substitute for specialized self-preserva-
tion training with a highly qualified instructor.
WARNING!
The exercises and
However, many folks may find themselves in a situ- content expressed in
this column are for
ation where effective, reality-based training just isn’t illustrative purposes
available on a regular basis. Not to worry, there’s still only. Consult your
physician before
hope! With some fine-tuning of the fundamentals and trying any physical
a little out-of-the-box thinking, your cardio-kickboxing activity or nutritional
plan. RECOIL and
class can still become the solid foundation for a its contributors are
practical self-defense program. In this article, we’ll not responsible for
any harm or injuries
present some strategies that you can use to weapon- sustained while
ize these watered-down classes and go from fighting attempting these
techniques.
to be fit, to being fit to fight.

LEARN PROPER MECHANICS
Learning proper body mechanics is
35
the most important thing you can do
IS SU E
to prevent injury and turn this cardio
activity into a viable self-defense sys-
tem. Unfortunately, not every trainer
206 teaches correct movement patterns or
striking mechanics. The truth is that a
REC O ILW E B .C O M
lot of these trainers attend a two-day
certification course to learn how to
lead a class, taught by someone who
was just as clueless when it comes to
proper striking. If you’re attending a
reputable MMA gym, your chances of
getting good instruction in this area
are much higher.
Educate yourself in proper basics.
Find a reputable instructor who can
teach you how to throw a jab, cross,
hook, and uppercut with correct form.
You should know how to assume a
proper stance, how to generate power
through hip rotation, how to align the
bone structures of the wrist and forearm
of the striking arm, and how to move on
your feet. These elements form the solid
foundation of your self-defense skills.
WORK THE HEAVY BAG
If heavy bag work isn’t already part
of your routine, then add it. Striking a
solid, 100-pound-plus heavy bag will
KICKBOXING FOR THE STREET
upon impact. Striking a bag or pad
while wearing hand wraps and boxing
gloves isn’t the same as hitting bone
with your bare knuckles. If your finger-
nails are long and beautiful, making a
solid fist is impossible, which means
you won’t have the bone mass to fill
your hand and support the knuckles;
therefore, you need to understand how
to modify the surface with which you’re
striking to avoid injury.
Striking with the palm of the hand
is a much safer alternative to punching
with the knuckles. Turning your hand
so that the open fingers are to the
outside instead of vertical will allow
you to reach full extension and help
reduce the risk of spraining your wrist,
which can result from striking too
Find a reputable strengthen your muscles and increase close to the fingers.
instructor who can bone density and connective tissue
teach you proper
THINK MOVEMENT,
striking mechanics. resilience. It’ll also help you develop
NOT TECHNIQUES
speed, power, balance, coordination,
timing, and accuracy. Heavy bag train- Think about the body mechanics and
ing will take your fitness gains to the angles from which your punches are
next level, while developing combative normally thrown and see how you can
attributes and hardening the body for use those same mechanics to deliver
real-world threats. other strikes. The jab and the cross
can become powerful palm-heel strikes
MODIFY YOUR STRIKING to the face or finger jabs to the eyes.
SURFACE The motion of the hook can be used to
Punching with your fist requires a lot deliver a devastating power slap with
of hand conditioning to prevent injury the open palm or a raking claw with
Striking with your
fist requires a lot of
hand conditioning
to prevent injury to
yourself.
 KICKBOXING FOR THE STREET

the fingernails. That uppercut to the

body can become an open-hand strike
to the groin, which can be converted
into a groin grab upon impact.
Don’t limit yourself to personal weap-
ons, either. Incorporate impact, edged,
and improvised weapons into the mix.
Pick up an umbrella, book, knife, etc.,
and see how you might be able to use
your punching mechanics to deliver
Striking with the
strikes or cuts. A crushing straight
palm is a safer alter-
strike (jab or cross) to the throat can native to punching
be done with the spine of a hardcover with the knuckles.
Turning the palm
book or tablet. And don’t forget about
horizontally reduces
those elbow strikes. The same mechan- the risk of a wrist
ics of an elbow strike can be used to sprain.
perform reverse-grip knife cuts.

IMPROVISE
Every movement has a reverse.
Analyze your movements and figure
35

out the reverse application. Usually,

IS SU E

by simply following and extending the

reverse path of a strike, you’ll find an-
other strike that can be delivered from
208 the opposite direction. For example,
take the motion of a wide hook, play it
REC O ILW E B .C O M

in reverse, and you’ll find a backhand

strike. Now, exaggerate the retract-
ing motion of a right cross, and you’ll A basic elbow strike
discover a straight rear elbow strike. contains a lot of
An inward elbow strike becomes a mechanicals that can
readily be applied to
rear elbow strike when played in improvised weapons.
reverse. Once you learn to recognize
and then refine these “hidden” move-
ments, your world will begin to open
up and you’ll discover the possibilities
become endless.

VISUALIZE
Whether you’re striking a heavy bag
or just shadow boxing, keep your mind
engaged. Visualize your opponent in
front of you. See the body targets
you’re hitting with each strike. Imagine
your attacker’s response to every move-
ment you make. Doing so will build The mechanics of
the horizontal elbow
accuracy in your strikes while simulta-
strike above can be
neously developing a predator mindset used to deliver a
that will ensure you win the fight should reverse-grip cut with
a knife.
that dreadful day ever arrive.
 BROUGHT TO YOU BY PRESENTED BY

Your Source
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banning the kind of information freedom-loving

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we’ve stepped up to the plate and created a
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can’t find anywhere else.

35
IS SU E
Top left: Chad has SWITCH HIT
Sheena Green work-
Practice working from a reverse
210 ing knee strikes on
lead, with your dominant side for-
the focus mitts from
a clinch position. ward. You don’t get to choose how
REC O ILW E B .C O M
or when you’re attacked. You may be
Top right: Sheena
delivers a devastating knocked off balance, pulled into your
knee strike to the groin attacker, or thrown to the ground.
of an attacker from a
reverse lead. If you’re comfortable striking from
both leads, your reaction time will be
much quicker should you find yourself
in a position where your dominant
side is forward.
WORK WITH A PARTNER
Hitting bags and pads only goes so
far. To add some realism into the mix,
grab a partner and work out possible
attack scenarios. Have them “attack”
you in different ways and problem-
solve the situation. This should be
done in a very slow and controlled
manner to allow you to discover the
natural body mechanics and identify
angles and targets for your strikes.
Over time, you’ll begin to recognize
your responses more quickly as they
become ingrained into your central
nervous system.
KICKBOXING FOR THE STREET
boxing. Start off with a 15-second
burst of shadow boxing, immediately
sprint 100 yards, and then finish with
another 15 seconds of shadow boxing.
This drill simulates fighting an attacker,
breaking contact, and running away, as
well as fighting an attacker after you’ve
attempted to run away.
Another thing you can do is break off
during your regular training class and
run short shuttle sprints in the back
of the room. This may pose a chal-
lenge because it’ll require coordinating
with your instructor before class. Your
instructor may not like the disruption,
but if you explain what you’re trying to
accomplish, they might just go for it.
Who knows, they might even like the
idea and decide to add it into the mix.
MINDSET
Your mindset is the thread that’ll
either weave all of these principles
RUN together into a vivid tapestry or cause
Running isn’t just something you do the entire fabric to unravel. You must
to burn extra calories, it’s a self-de- be willing to leave your comfort zone
fense skill! If you’re attacked, the best to better yourself. That means pushing
thing you can do to get away is run. You past your physical limitations in train-
don’t have to be a marathon runner. ing, and breaking through the mental
You don’t even have to go out and run barriers that prevent you from seeing
several miles at a time. Your goal is to the depths to which you can dive in
develop short bursts of speed that’ll terms of application.
allow you to create distance from an A combat-sport-based fitness
attacker. A psychopath can’t drag you program can be an excellent choice
into his car if you’re 50 yards away. for increasing your cardio fitness and
There are a few ways you can inte- melting away body fat. By applying the
grate sprints into your workout. One is to strategies outlined here and developing
go out to the track (or wherever you can the proper mindset, you can increase
find the surface and distance) and work the value of your training and uncover
a combination of sprinting and shadow its true self-defense potential.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chad McBroom is a law enforcement officer with over 20 years of service, with most
of that time in a tactical unit. He has spent over 30 years studying various combative
systems with instructors from all over the country. Chad is the owner of Comprehensive
Fighting Systems, and offers training in the areas of empty-hand tactics, edged
weapons, impact weapons, and firearms tactics.
www.comprehensivefightingsystems.com
 X X X                   

 

 
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 Who isn’t inspired in some way by
movies? Two of this issue’s submis-
sions are just that — ink that repre-
sents a fondness for firearms seen
on the big screen. We’re sure that
De Niro’s Travis Bickle and Clint
Eastwood’s “Blondie” would be
happy to see their pistols of choice
emblazoned in the flesh.
35
IS SU E
COLT 1851
Artist: Rob Rutherford
Black Pearl Tattoo
Clayton, NC
Wendy Womack: Like many of us,
I grew up watching Clint Eastwood
movies with my dad and grandpa. I
decided to add Eastwood’s rattle-
snake revolver from The Good, The
Bad and The Ugly. My revolver tattoo
has definitely turned some heads
being that you don’t see many women
with a large gun tattoo. This tattoo is
probably one of my favorites.
DERRINGER
Artist: Jim Sylvia
Unbreakable Tattoo
Studio City, CA
Chuck Bradford: I always wanted a
Derringer pistol on my forearm ever
since I saw old Westerns and movies
like Taxi Driver. I got this tattoo, which
I call “The old trick up the sleeve,” for
a couple reasons. Mainly, as a slam
against the gun laws here in Califor-
nia. We are no longer allowed any type
of carry in Los Angeles. So, besides it
just being a cool and original piece,
it’s a bit of an FU.

216
REC O ILW E B .C O M

Got a gun tattoo you’d like to share? Please send some well-lit, high resolution photos to recoil@enthusiastnetwork.com, along with your name, the tattoo artist’s name, the
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 MODEL
Mercedes Terrell @mercedesterrell

PHOTOGRAPHER
Jorge Nuñez @jorgehnunez

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Spike’s Tactical @spikes_tactical
.308 Roadhouse 18-inch

FLARE LAUNCHER
Spike’s Tactical @spikes_tactical
Havoc 37mm Launcher 12-inch

OPTIC
TNVC @tnvc_inc
FLIR ThermoSight PRO PTS233

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35
IS SU E

218
REC O ILW E B .C O M
THIS IS MY P320
— Mechanic
MODEL SIZE GRIP CALIBER
P320 Nitron Full Large 9mm

The P320 is fueled by innovation and driven by performance.

The modularity of the Nitron Full-Size gives you the ability to
individualize your handgun to your own specific needs.

#m p320
#myp320

www.sigsauer.com
WWW.MAGTECHAMMUNITION.COM WWW.MEN-DEFENCETEC.DE WWW.SELLIERBELLOT.US
2

Both Magtech and Sellier & Bellot are well known for produc-
ing quality, budget-priced ammunition, but that’s not the only
reason I enjoy seeing their products on the shelves. Because
of their long European ancestry, they’re the go-to resource
for calibers that are sometimes overlooked by other manu-
facturers, but are nonetheless part of the rich history that
firearms have carved out over the course of the 20th century.
S&B
Sellier & Bellot is the oldest continually operational ammunition
producer in the world dating back to 1825. Located outside of
Prague, Czech Republic, they’ve been producing high-quality
ammunition for military, law enforcement, and civilian cus-
tomers for almost 200 years. The CBC Group purchased S&B
in 2009 in an effort to better serve the U.S. market. Significant,
consistent investment in the company ensures that S&B remains
a leader when it comes to producing high-performance ammu-
nition at reasonable prices.

American troops twice faced rifles and machine guns in 8mm
Mauser in the European theaters, while our allies fielded
soldiers equipped with guns in .303 British and 7.62x54R. For
a collector and student of warfare, the significance of these
calibers cannot be overlooked, though keeping old guns fed
can be an expensive proposition since the disappearance of
surplus ammo from the civilian market. Fortunately, S&B
offers reasonably priced fodder for vintage warhorses.
Recent introductions such as the 10mm, 300 Blackout, and the
6.5 Creedmoor are examples of innovative, cost-effective loads
that address specific market requests. Along with Magtech and
MEN, S&B ammunition is quickly becoming better known in the
United States.

Magtech has recently introduced economical, bonded self-de-

fense ammo for our favorite handguns, which offers better
performance against intermediate barriers. Because bad guys
don’t stand naked in the middle of the street, except on old
episodes of COPS. And it’s been a long while since MEN’s pre-
mium NATO-spec loads have been available in the U.S., except
for the odd box that would occasionally pop up at a gunshow.

As shooters, we’re currently spoiled for choice — a far cry

from the ammo shortages and crazy prices of the last admin-
istration. So stock up while the market is in your favor and
enjoy the savings as you celebrate with sounds of freedom.

Iain
 W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

MAGTECH MEN
Based in São Paulo, Brazil, Magtech Ammunition is the CBC
Group’s original entry into the U.S. market. Known as Magtech in
the United States and internationally as CBC, they produce some
of the highest quality military, law enforcement, and civilian am-
munition in the world. A leader in the international military am-
munition market, Magtech 5.56, 7.62, and 50 BMG are produced in
strict compliance with NATO standards for reliable performance
in the most demanding environments. These products along with
their reliable, reasonably priced pistol ammunition are recog-
nized as industry standards in U.S. and international markets.
Acquired by the CBC Group in 2006, ammunition from MEN has
never been widely available in United States until very recently.
Based outside of Nassau, Germany, MEN is one of a very select
number of factories able to meet the extremely high perfor-
mance standards of the German Bundeswehr and German
law enforcement agencies. Their manufacturing precision and
attention to detail are legendary in Europe. Due to demand from
German military and law enforcement customers, MEN 9mm,
5.56, and 7.62x51 ammunition is available to U.S. customers in
limited quantities.

Magtech is now offering their Bonded line of duty and personal

protection ammunition in the U.S. market. International law
enforcement customers have been using this proven line of duty
ammunition for years. Magtech will be offering a complete line
of Bonded loads starting in 2018.
4

Full Metal Jacket projectiles are the ideal choice

for recreational target shooting and extended
training sessions at the range. When you want
great value without sacrificing quality and
performance, you can rely on Sellier & Bellot
and Magtech Full Metal Jacket ammunition to
deliver reliable results.
 W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

Utilizing state-of-the-art bonded production technology, Magtech has designed a

complete line of bonded pistol ammunition focused on surpassing the demanding
requirements of law enforcement agencies worldwide. Integrated with a special
hollow point cavity, our proprietary bonding process features a permanent jacket/
core bond that controls expansion, ensures weight retention and delivers deep
penetration through the toughest barriers, including auto glass. Strict loading
tolerances result in consistent velocity and excellent accuracy. This is serious
ammunition for the most demanding of circumstances.
6

Soft Point, Jacketed Soft Point, and

Semi-Jacketed Soft Point projectiles are
designed to deliver deeper penetration
with less expansion than Semi-Jacketed
Hollow Points. These projectiles are ideal
for recreational shooting and hunting
small to medium sized game. SP, JSP,
and SJSP projectiles perform at a wide
range of shooting applications and are
especially well suited for revolvers.
 W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

The Jacketed Hollow Point projectile features a full-length jacket and

hollow point construction that creates quick, positive expansion with
good penetration. The Jacketed Hollow Point projectile is designed to
deliver excellent accuracy and smooth feeding in auto-loading pistols.
Revolver shooters rely on the Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point projectiles to
combine optimum expansion with controlled penetration. JHP projectiles
are considered appropriate for thin-skinned animals and self-defense.
Plus they are often used in competition due to their accuracy.
8

Total Full Metal Jacket bullets and Fully Encapsulated

bullets deliver great accuracy and no barrel leading
or bullet expansion. The complete cartridge features
high tech, lead-free primers and fully encapsulated
projectiles, which eliminate exposure to lead and other
heavy metals. The end result is less gun fouling and
cleaner fired cartridge cases. These loads meet the
non-toxic requirements of most indoor ranges.
W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

Lead Round Nose, Flat Nose, and Wad Cutter

projectiles are 100% lead with no jacket.
These projectiles were developed to be
economical, deliver excellent accuracy and to
excel at a wide range of shooting applications.
Cowboy Action shooters rest assured. These
cartridges were designed for superior
accuracy, knockdown power for steel plates,
and to provide trouble free function in single
action revolvers and lever action rifles.
10

Soft Point projectiles are famous for high-energy

impact and reliable expansion. Soft point bullets
provide exceptional performance in most hunting
applications as the exposed lead soft point initiates
expansion to produce a mushroom-like shape,
which enhances the lethal effect. These reliable
projectiles are available in a wide assortment of
calibers at an economical price.
W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

11

Sierra MatchKing® HPBT (Hollow Point Boat Tail)

projectiles are super accurate and every bullet is held to
exacting tolerances in diameter and weight. The Sierra
MatchKing® HPBT design provides that extra margin of
ballistic performance match shooters need to fire at long
ranges under adverse conditions. Experience world-class
ballistic performance with Sierra MatchKing® projectiles.
12

Whether you use your shotgun for defense, hunting or

competitive shooting, choose from the wide variety of Sellier
& Bellot shotgun loads to give you the edge in any shooting
scenario. Our buckshot provides tight downrange patterns
combined with excellent stopping power. Our slugs give you
tight-group accuracy perfect for important shots.
 W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

13

CENTERFIRE RIFLE AMMUNITION BULLET BULLET BULLET VELOCITY VELOCITY ENERGY ENERGY
SYMBOL CALIBER MANUFACTURER WEIGHT STYLE BALLISTIC MUZZLE 100 YARDS MUZZLE 100 YARDS
GRAINS COEFFICIENT FPS FPS FT. LBS. FT. LBS.
SB22HA .22 Hornet Sellier & Bellot 45 FMJ 0.124 2346 1726 550 298
SB22HB .22 Hornet Sellier & Bellot 45 SP 0.124 2346 1726 550 298
SB222A .222 Remington Sellier & Bellot 50 SP 0.248 3215 2821 1148 884
SB223B .223 Remington Sellier & Bellot 55 SP 0.260 3301 2917 1331 1040
SB223A .223 Remington Sellier & Bellot 55 FMJ 0.260 3301 2917 1331 1040
SB22250B 22-250 Remington Sellier & Bellot 55 SP 0.250 2861 2499 1000 763
SB22250A 22-250 Remington Magtech 55 SBT 0.250 3680 3245 1654 1287
SB243A .243 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 100 SP 0.249 2904 2538 1873 1430
SB270A .270 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 150 SP 0.382 2625 2397 2296 1915
SB30A .30 Carbine Sellier & Bellot 110 FMJ 0.155 2024 1567 1001 600
SB30B .30 Carbine Sellier & Bellot 110 SP 0.155 1814 1398 804 477
30A .30 Carbine Magtech 110 FMJ 0.184 1990 1604 968 628
30B .30 Carbine Magtech 110 SP 0.168 1990 1570 968 602
SB3006C .30-06 Spr. Sellier & Bellot 150 SPCE 0.324 2887 2604 2777 2259
SB3006A .30-06 Spr. Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.507 2673 2498 2856 2496
SB3006B .30-06 Spr. Sellier & Bellot 180 SP 0.333 2707 2442 2930 2384
SB3006D .30-06 Spr. Sellier & Bellot 168 HPBT 0.462 2786 2590 2896 2503
SB3006E .30-06 Spr. Sellier & Bellot 180 SPCE 0.507 2673 2498 2856 2496
SB303A .303 British Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.505 2438 2272 2376 2063
SB303B .303 British Sellier & Bellot 150 SP 0.276 2654 2340 2347 1824
SB303C .303 British Sellier & Bellot 180 SP 0.505 2438 2272 2376 2063
SB308A .308 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 147 FMJ 0.409 2788 2567 2538 2152
SB308D .308 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 150 SPCE 0.324 2756 2481 2530 2050
SB308B .308 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.507 2411 2246 2324 2018
SB308C .308 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 180 SP 0.333 2454 2203 2408 1941
SB308E .308 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 168 HPBT 0.462 2628 2439 2577 2219
308A .308 Winchester Magtech 150 FMJ 0.398 2820 2620 2649 2287
308D .308 Winchester Magtech 168 HPBT 0.462 2635 2445 2591 2230
SB3030A 30-30 Winchester Sellier & Bellot 150 SP 0.190 2388 1966 1900 1287
SB300BLKA 300 Blackout Sellier & Bellot 124 FMJ 0.292 2165 1916 1290 1010
SB300BLKB 300 Blackout Sellier & Bellot 147 FMJ 0.391 2077 1893 1408 1170
SB300BLKSUBA 300 Blackout Sellier & Bellot 200 FMJ 0.333 1060 926 499 381
300BLKA 300 Blackout Magtech 115 HP 0.325 2280 2033 1328 1056
300BLKB 300 Blackout Magtech 123 FMJ 0.330 2230 1990 1359 1082
300BLKSUBA 300 Blackout Magtech 200 FMJ 0.560 1050 1008 490 452
SB300B .300 Winchester Mag Sellier & Bellot 180 SPCE 0.480 2936 2741 3446 3003
SB5652RA 5.6X52R Sellier & Bellot 70 SP 0.253 2861 2504 1273 974
MEN556A 5.56X45 MEN 55 FMJ 0.261 3067 2681 1161 1202
556C 5.56X45 Magtech 77 HPBT 0.362 2789 2540 1330 1103
556B 5.56X45 Magtech 62 FMJ 0.340 3100 2818 1323 1094
556A 5.56X45 M193 Magtech 55 FMJ 0.272 3265 2900 1302 1028
SB65A 6.5 Creedmoor Sellier & Bellot 140 FMJ 0.548 2657 2476 2202 1911
SB6552RA 6.5X52R Sellier & Bellot 117 SP 0.219 2208 1856 1267 895
SB6555A 6.5X55 SE Sellier & Bellot 131 SP 0.343 2602 2350 1970 1607
SB6555B 6.5X55 SE Sellier & Bellot 140 SP 0.338 2671 2412 2218 1809
SB6555C 6.5X55 SE Sellier & Bellot 140 FMJ 0.338 2602 2347 2105 1712
SB6557A 6.5X57 Sellier & Bellot 131 SP 0.343 2543 2295 1882 1532
SB6557RA 6.5X57R Sellier & Bellot 131 SP 0.343 2543 2295 1882 1532
SB68C 6.8 Rem. Sellier & Bellot 110 FMJ 0.334 2556 2313 1580 1301
SB76239A 7.62X39 Sellier & Bellot 123 FMJ 0.192 2421 1999 1601 1092
SB76239B 7.62X39 Sellier & Bellot 123 SP 0.273 2437 2135 1622 1245
SB76254RA 7.62X54R Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.505 2579 2407 2659 2317
SB76254RB 7.62X54R Sellier & Bellot 180 SP 0.275 2624 2311 2753 2135
SB76254RC 7.62X54R Sellier & Bellot 174 HPBT 0.211 990 910 379 320
MEN762A 7.62X51 MEN 147 FMJ 0.343 2740 2471 2443 1986
SB308SUBA 7.62X51 Sellier & Bellot 200 HPBT 0.560 1000 970 444 418
762A 7.62X51 M80 Magtech 147 FMJ 0.398 2735 2510 2442 2057
SB7A 7mm Rem Mag Sellier & Bellot 173 SPCE 0.318 2790 2508 2991 2416
SB7B 7mm Rem Mag Sellier & Bellot 139 SP 0.250 3160 2774 3083 2376
SB757B 7X57 Sellier & Bellot 139 SP 0.250 2651 2306 2170 1641
SB757C 7x57 Sellier & Bellot 173 SPCE 0.318 2379 2122 2175 1729
SB757A 7X57 Sellier & Bellot 140 FMJ 0.402 2621 2404 2136 1798
SB757RA 7X57R Sellier & Bellot 173 SPCE 0.318 2379 2122 2175 1729
SB764A 7X64 Sellier & Bellot 139 SP 0.250 2808 2451 2434 1854
SB764B 7X64 Sellier & Bellot 173 SPCE 0.318 2526 2260 2452 1962
SB765RA 7X65R Sellier & Bellot 173 SPCE 0.318 2608 2337 2613 2098
SB857JRA 8X57JR Sellier & Bellot 196 SP 0.275 2329 2036 2361 1805
SB857JRSA 8X57JRS Sellier & Bellot 196 SPCE 0.286 2381 2096 2468 1912
SB857JSA 8X57JS Sellier & Bellot 196 FMJ 0.567 2558 2406 2848 2519
SB857JSB 8X57JS Sellier & Bellot 196 SPCE 0.286 2591 2292 2922 2286
SB338LMA .338 Lapua Mag Sellier & Bellot 250 HPBT 0.587 2878 2720 4599 4107
SB338LMB .338 Lapua Mag Sellier & Bellot 300 HPBT 0.768 2713 2594 4903 4483
SB9362A 9.3X62 Sellier & Bellot 285 SP 0.331 2280 2038 3291 2630
SB9372RA 9.3X72R Sellier & Bellot 193 SP 0.207 1952 1610 1633 1112
50BMGA 50 BMG Magtech 624 FMJ 0.715 2952 2820 12077 11018
14

PISTOL AMMUNITION BULLET BULLET BULLET VELOCITY VELOCITY ENERGY ENERGY

SYMBOL CALIBER MANUFACTURER WEIGHT STYLE BALLISTIC MUZZLE 100 YARDS MUZZLE 100 YARDS
GRAINS COEFFICIENT FPS FPS FT. LBS. FT. LBS.
25A 25 Auto Sellier & Bellot 50 FMJ 0.090 760 733 64 60
SB25A 25 Auto Sellier & Bellot 50 FMJ 0.082 781 750 68 63
SB762TOK 7.62 x 25 Tokarev Sellier & Bellot 85 FMJ 0.167 1647 1550 512 453
32A 32 Auto Magtech 71 FMJ 0.134 905 879 129 122
32B 32 Auto Magtech 71 JHP 0.106 905 873 129 120
32C 32 Auto Magtech 71 LRN 0.134 905 879 129 122
SB32A 32 Auto Sellier & Bellot 73 FMJ 0.122 1043 997 176 161
32SWA 32 Smith & Wesson Magtech 85 LRN 0.123 680 663 87 83
32SWLA 32 Smith & Wesson Long Magtech 98 LRN 0.123 705 687 108 103
32SWLB 32 Smith & Wesson Long Magtech 98 LWC 0.030 682 615 101 82
32SWLC 32 Smith & Wesson Long Magtech 98 SJHP 0.013 778 610 132 81
SB32SWLA 32 Smith & Wesson Long Sellier & Bellot 100 LRN 0.216 886 871 174 168
SB32SWLB 32 Smith & Wesson Long Sellier & Bellot 100 WC 0.074 735 704 120 110
CR380A 380 Auto Magtech 95 FEB 0.082 951 903 191 172
380A 380 Auto Magtech 95 FMJ 0.082 951 903 191 172
380B 380 Auto Magtech 95 JHP 0.116 951 917 191 177
380D 380 Auto Magtech 95 LRN 0.082 951 903 191 172
SB380A 380 Auto Sellier & Bellot 92 FMJ 0.116 955 920 186 173
SB9MAK 9mm Makarov Sellier & Bellot 95 FMJ 0.108 1017 971 218 199
9A 9mm Luger Magtech 115 FMJ 0.156 1135 1084 329 300
9B 9mm Luger Magtech 124 FMJ 0.192 1109 1071 339 316
9BONA 9mm Luger Magtech 124 JHP Bonded 0.152 1165 1101 374 337
9BONB 9mm Luger Magtech 124 JHP Bonded +P 0.152 1215 1149 407 363
9BONC 9mm Luger Magtech 147 JHP Bonded 0.200 990 963 320 303
9BOND 9mm Luger Magtech 147 JHP Bonded +P 0.200 1050 1020 360 339
9C 9mm Luger Magtech 115 JHP 0.140 1155 1095 341 306
9D 9mm Luger Magtech 95 JSP Flat 0.104 1345 1228 382 318
9E 9mm Luger Magtech 124 LRN 0.153 1095 1050 330 304
9F 9mm Luger Magtech 95 JSP Flat 0.104 1345 1228 382 318
9G 9mm Luger Magtech 147 FMJ Flat 0.201 990 967 320 305
9H 9mm Luger Magtech 115 JHP 0.140 1328 1241 450 394
9K 9mm Luger Magtech 147 JHP 0.211 990 968 320 306
9S 9mm Luger Magtech 124 JSP 0.192 1109 1071 339 316
CR9A 9mm Luger Magtech 115 FEB 0.156 1135 1084 329 300
CR9B 9mm Luger Magtech 124 FEB 0.192 1109 1071 339 316
MEN9B 9mm Luger MEN 124 FMJ 0.097 1237 1148 420 360
SB9A 9mm Luger Sellier & Bellot 115 FMJ 0.086 1237 1123 391 322
SB9B 9mm Luger Sellier & Bellot 124 FMJ 0.080 1181 1076 384 319
SB9C 9mm Luger Sellier & Bellot 115 JHP 0.086 1237 1123 391 322
SB9G 9mm Luger -Subsonic Sellier & Bellot 140 FMJ 0.162 1001 971 312 293
SB9NT 9mm Luger - NONTOX Sellier & Bellot 115 TFMJ 0.102 1280 1173 418 351
SB9S 9mm Luger Sellier & Bellot 124 SP 0.079 1165 1064 374 312
38G 38 Special Short Magtech 125 LRN 0.100 686 665 131 123
38SWA 38 Smith & Wesson Magtech 146 LRN 0.119 686 668 153 145
38A 38 Special Magtech 158 LRN 0.149 755 739 200 192
38B 38 Special Magtech 148 LWC 0.055 710 671 166 148
38C 38 Special Magtech 158 SJSP Flat 0.149 744 728 194 186
38D 38 Special Magtech 125 SJSP Flat 0.163 938 914 244 232
38E 38 Special Magtech 158 SJHP 0.149 807 789 229 218
38F 38 Special Magtech 125 SJHP 0.163 938 914 244 232
38H 38 Special Magtech 158 SJHP 0.149 890 868 278 264
38J 38 Special Magtech 158 LSWC 0.161 755 740 200 192
38L 38 Special Magtech 158 LFN 0.138 800 781 225 214
38N 38 Special Magtech 158 SJSP 0.149 890 868 278 264
38P 38 Special Magtech 158 FMJ Flat 0.172 755 741 200 193
38Q 38 Special Magtech 125 FMJ Flat 0.163 938 914 244 232
CR38A 38 Special Magtech 158 FEB 0.172 755 741 200 193
38T 38 Special Magtech 130 FMJ 0.134 800 780 185 176
38U 38 Special Magtech 125 LFN 0.163 938 914 244 232
38S 38 Super Auto Magtech 130 FMJ 0.178 1215 1159 426 388
SB38A 38 Special Sellier & Bellot 158 LRN 0.149 997 965 349 327
SB38B 38 Special Sellier & Bellot 148 WC 0.118 699 681 161 152
SB38C 38 Special Sellier & Bellot 158 SP 0.191 889 871 277 266
SB38NT 38 Special - Nontox Sellier & Bellot 158 TFMJ 0.191 889 871 277 266
SB38P 38 Special Sellier & Bellot 158 FMJ 0.191 889 871 277 266
357A 357 Magnum Magtech 158 SJSP Flat 0.149 1235 1166 535 477
357B 357 Magnum Magtech 158 SJHP 0.149 1235 1166 535 477
357C 357 Magnum Magtech 158 LSWC 0.161 1235 1170 535 481
357D 357 Magnum Magtech 158 FMJ Flat 0.172 1235 1174 535 484
357E 357 Magnum Magtech 158 SJSP Flat 0.163 1235 1171 535 481
 W W W. M A G T E C H A M M U N I T I O N . CO M ° W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S ° W W W. M E N - D E F E N C E T E C . D E

15

PISTOL AMMUNITION (CONTINUED) BULLET BULLET BULLET VELOCITY VELOCITY ENERGY ENERGY
SYMBOL CALIBER MANUFACTURER WEIGHT STYLE BALLISTIC MUZZLE 100 YARDS MUZZLE 100 YARDS
GRAINS COEFFICIENT FPS FPS FT. LBS. FT. LBS.
357L 357 Magnum Magtech 158 LFN 0.138 1085 1037 413 378
357Q 357 Magnum Magtech 125 FMJ Flat 0.163 1405 1322 548 485
SB357A 357 Magnum Sellier & Bellot 158 FMJ 0.156 1263 1193 560 499
SB357B 357 Magnum Sellier & Bellot 158 SP 0.156 1263 1193 560 499
SB357SIG 357 Sig Sellier & Bellot 140 FMJ 0.110 1352 1240 568 478
40A 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 180 JHP 0.174 990 963 392 371
40B 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 180 FMJ Flat 0.191 990 965 392 373
40BONA 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 155 JHP Bonded 0.174 1198 1123 494 434
40BONB 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 180 JHP Bonded 0.200 991 959 393 368
40C 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 160 LSWC 0.136 1165 1102 482 431
40D 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 155 JHP 0.166 1205 1146 500 452
40G 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 165 FMJ Flat 0.149 1050 1011 404 375
40PS 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 180 FMJ Flat 0.191 1050 1019 441 415
CR40A 40 Smith & Wesson Magtech 180 FEB 0.191 990 965 392 373
SB40B 40 Smith & Wesson Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.152 968 940 375 353
SB40G 40 Smith & Wesson Sellier & Bellot 165 FMJ 0.149 1027 976 387 349
SB40NT 40 Smith & Wesson - NONTOX Sellier & Bellot 180 TFMJ 0.152 968 940 375 353
10A 10mm Magtech 180 FMJ 0.197 1230 1176 605 553
SB10A 10mm Sellier & Bellot 180 FMJ 0.140 1165 1107 542 490
4440A 44-40 Winchester Magtech 200 LFN 0.161 1180 1123 619 561
4440B 44-40 Winchester Magtech 225 LFN 0.161 725 711 263 252
4440C 44-40 Winchester Magtech 200 LFN 0.161 722 708 232 223
44B 44 Special Magtech 240 LFN 0.100 761 737 309 289
44E 44 Special Magtech 200 LFN 0.152 722 707 232 222
44F 44 Special Magtech 240 FMJ Flat 0.175 722 709 278 268
44A 44 Remington Magnum Magtech 240 SJSP 0.172 1180 1127 742 677
44C 44 Remington Magnum Magtech 240 FMJ Flat 0.175 1180 1117 742 665
44D 44 Remington Magnum Magtech 200 SCHP 0.220 1296 1242 746 685
SB44A 44 Remington Magnum Sellier & Bellot 240 SP 0.064 1181 1055 743 593
45A 45 Auto Magtech 230 FMJ 0.162 837 819 358 343
45B 45 Auto Magtech 230 FMJ SWC 0.160 780 764 311 298
45BONA 45 Auto Magtech 230 JHP Bonded 0.169 837 811 358 336
45C 45 Auto Magtech 200 LSWC 0.075 950 899 401 359
CR45A 45 Auto Magtech 230 FEB 0.162 837 819 358 343
SB45A 45 Auto Sellier & Bellot 230 FMJ 0.115 853 827 372 349
45D 45 Colt Magtech 250 LFN 0.150 761 745 322 308
45F 45 Colt Magtech 200 LFN 0.150 705 692 221 212
SB45D 45 Colt Sellier & Bellot 250 LFN 0.172 725 712 292 281
45GA 45 G.A.P. Magtech 230 FMJ 0.150 837 818 358 342
SB45GAP 45 G.A.P. Sellier & Bellot 230 FMJ 0.176 807 792 333 320
454A 454 Casull Magtech 260 SJSP 0.266 1800 1734 1871 1736
454B 454 Casull Magtech 260 FMJ Flat 0.266 1800 1734 1871 1736
454C 454 Casull Magtech 225 SCHP 0.230 1640 1569 1344 1230
454D 454 Casull Magtech 240 SJSP Flat 0.246 1771 1700 1672 1541
500A 500 Smith & Wesson Magtech 400 SJSP 0.242 1608 1542 2297 2112
500B 500 Smith & Wesson Magtech 325 SJSP 0.197 1801 1712 2341 2115
500C 500 Smith & Wesson Magtech 275 SCHP 0.167 1667 1569 1697 1503
500D 500 Smith & Wesson Magtech 325 FMJ 0.197 1378 1311 1371 1241
500L 500 Smith & Wesson Magtech 325 SJSP Flat 0.197 1378 1311 1371 1241

SHOTGUN AMMUNITION BULLET VELOCITY

SYMBOL CALIBER MANUFACTURER WEIGHT BULLET STYLE MUZZLE FPS
GRAINS
SB410SDA .410 Self Defense Magtech N/A 000 Buck & BB 987
SB310SDB .410 Self Defense Sellier & Bellot N/A 000 Buck & BB 987
SB410B .410 Spherical Bullet Sellier & Bellot N/A #00 Buckshot 1190
SB410A .410 Spherical Bullet Sellier & Bellot N/A #000 Buckshot 1256
SB12RSA 12 Ga Rubber Shots Sellier & Bellot N/A Rubber Shots 2 5/8" 15 shots 1464
SB12RBA 12 Ga Rubber Spherical Ball Sellier & Bellot N/A Rubber Ball 888
SB12RBB 12 Ga Rubber Spherical Ball Sellier & Bellot N/A Rubber Ball 921
SB12BSA 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #00 Buckshot 1207
SB12BSB 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #4 Buckshot 1190
SB12BSC 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #00 Buckshot 1190
SB12BSD 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #4 Buckshot 1185
SB12BSE 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A # 00 Buckshot 1200
SB12BSF 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #1 Buckshot 1200
SB12BSG 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #00 Buckshot 1200
SB12BSH 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #4 Buckshot 1185
SB12BSI 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #1 Buckshot 1200
SB12BSJ 12 Ga SB Buckshot Sellier & Bellot N/A #00 Buckshot 1200
SB12SLUG 12 Ga SB Special Slug Sport Sellier & Bellot N/A Slug 1 oz. 1350
 W W W. S E L L I E R B E L LOT. U S

MAKING THE
6.5 CREEDMOOR
AFFORDABLE TO SHOOT