Recoil January-February 2017

ISSUE 28

BUYER’S GUIDE KARAMBITS

PG. 50

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

LIKE AN AUG, ONLY BETTER

PG. 54

PG. 120 0

PG. 132

Lithgow Arms, Hardcore Hardware, Australian Defense Apparel, Safe Life Defense, Suunto, Zero Bravo, PG. 12

RECOILWEB.COM ISSUE 28

KARAMBITS 101 BESPOKE: DAMASCUS STEEL VICKERS GUIDE: AR-15 ZEROED IN: CODY WILSON DIY: 80% GLOCK LOWER PT: STRONGMAN EXERCISES PSYCH: FEMALES VS MALES — LONG-RANGE SHOOTING INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS

PG.40

™

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 of the Customer” process – where numerous law enforcement and military trainers, firearms experts,

Recoil-Reducing Barrel Cam, Low Mass Slide, Low Center of Gravity and Low Bore Axis

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 Three-Dot Sights

Modular Wrap-Around Grip System for Adjusting Palm Swell and Trigger Reach

Safe, Easy Takedown with No Tools or Trigger Pull Required

Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Manual Safety and Magazine Release Allow Actuation with Either Hand (Pro Models Come without External Safety)

Complete Your Ruger American Pistol® with the Officially Licensed Blade-Tech® Total Eclipse Holster at Your Local Retailer or Online at ShopRuger.com

BUILT TO PERFORM IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS.

RUGER.COM/AMERICANPISTOL

© 2016 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

090616

GLK-18 Fits the Glock 17, 18, 19, 26, and 34

GLK-9-22 (140mm) Fits the Glock 17, 19, 26, and 34

GLK-17 Fits the Glock 17, 18, 19, 26, and 34

GLK-19 Fits the Glock 19 and 26

Visit www.etsgroup.us to see our complete line of Glock® and AR magazines. Use coupon code ETSRECOIL to receive 10% off your order at www.etsgroup.us

Legion Elite Pack Eye Protection Pocket

Legion Elite Pack in Coyote w/ Battle Ready Hoodie

Legion Elite Day Pack w/ Shield Jacket

INTRODUCING CANNAE ACADEMY A new division of Cannae dedicated to helping professionals and responsible citizens understand and prepare for modern threats. Cannae Academy teaches the proper use of firearms, equipment, and defensive tactics while remaining ethical, legal, and safe. Learn more at: cannaeacademy.com

Love the craftsmanship your company put in to this bag, it's a 5-star quality….Your guys bags are by far the best!” — JM, NORTH YORK, ONTARIO, CANADA “Easily a favorite clothing item i must refrain from wearing all the time, everywhere. Enough space for a concealed stab or bullet vest and long enough for duty sized firearms” — BL, MERCED, CA

Legion Day Pack in Coyote w/ Battle Ready Hoodie In 216 BC Hannibal Barca and the outnumbered Carthaginians virtually wiped out a Roman force I times its size in just under four hours. The three Battle of Cannae is considered a perfect victory, and its tactics and strategies are studied and implemented to this day. The Cannae Brand of Professional Gear embodies not only this victory but the combination of preparation, strength and bravery. Be Battle Ready

Cannae is a registered trademark of Mission Critical Designs LLC

Cannae Pro Gear is proud to partner with TAPS

“Your legion day [pack] packs for everyday use. Great quality stuff!” — GM, HEWITT, TX RS

I VO

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I've had the Legion pack for a month. Hands down best pack I've ever owned and I've had a few.....thanks.

TAPS is an amazing non-profit organization dedicated to helping the family members and loved ones of fallen service members. Cannae Pro Gear donates a portion all proceeds to TAPS.

R

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Please learn more at www.taps.org

54 IS S U E 28

FEATURES 54

THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER Thales’ ATRAX is Like the AUG, Only Better

66

STEYR’S INCOMPARABLE AUGA3

66

78

A Look at the Rifle That Became the Bane of John McClane’s Christmas Eve

78

HISTORY AND F THE EVOLUTION OF KARAMBIT sa and After a Couple Thousa sign Is Years, This Blade Desig Still Cutting Edge

86

120

ASCUS ROAD TO DAMA U n A Modern Spin on An Ancient Art

106

S THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHO OICE AWARDS ons, and Aspirations, Inspiratio ce Celebrating Excellence

120

RT WHEREFORE AR THOU ROMEO1

86 132

Just When You Thought it Couldn’t Get Any Better — a Look at the SIG P320 RX

132

M40A1 RENAISSANCE Two Versions of the Classic Marine Sniper Rifle

140 AMERICA’S RIFLE The AR-15

140

YOU COULD WIN THIS TRUCK!

Purchase a new T/C® Compass™ Rifle between July 15, 2016 and December 31, 2016 and enter the “Follow Your Compass Dream Truck Giveaway” once the sweepstakes begins. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Making a purchase will not improve your chances of winning. You have equal chance to win without purchase by entering by mail. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia, age 18 or older. Void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, outside the U.S., and wherever else prohibited by law. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 AM ET on 7/15/16 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 12/31/16. For Official Rules and details on how to enter without purchase, visit www.tcarms.com/dreamtruckgiveaway. Sponsor: Smith & Wesson Corp., 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104.

FOLLOW YOUR

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FIREARM SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

IS S U E 28

DEPARTMENTS 12

ON THE COVER

92

ZEROED IN Cody Wilson

16

DOWNRANGE Editor’s Letter

148

MINDSET Battle of the Sexes

22

INCOMING New Gear

30

50

170

PT Strongman Training for the Average Joe

TRANSPORT 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

178

WANNA TRADE PATCHES?

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

218

GOING HOT

Karambits

68

DIY Completing an 80% Glock Lower

VISIT Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

40

158

GONE SHOOTIN’ Direct Action Resource Center

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 manufacturers and retailers, and are subject to change without notice.

RECOIL (USPS 013-320), January/February 2017; Number 28, is published bimonthly by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC, 261 Madison Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY 10016. Copyright © 2016 by TEN: The Enthusiast Network Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and at additional mail offices. Subscriptions U.S. and U.S. Possessions: $49.97 per year (6 issues); Canadian, $55.97, Foreign, $61.97 (including surface mail postage). Payment in advance. U.S. funds only. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5): NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address changes to RECOIL, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery of first issue. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission. This book is purchased with the understanding that the information presented herein is from many varied sources for which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy or completeness.

Throughout this issue you will see certain images are labeled as being 1:1 Actual Size. This designation is for the print edition of this issue. Because of the various screen sizes on different tablets and computers, we cannot always provide actual life size images in digital versions. We apologize if this causes any confusion and thank you for your understanding.

ON THE COVER

COVER PHOTO BY STRAIGHT 8

7

1 RIFLE

MAKE:

Lithgow Arms

SilencerCo

MODEL:

MODEL:

ATRAX

Hybrid

MSRP:

MSRP:

$1,999

$999

28

URL:

www.silencerco.com

IS SU E

URL:

www.lithgowusa.com MAKE:

MAKE:

ZeroBravo

Trijicon

REC O ILW E B .C O M

12

2

6

6 SUPPRESSOR

MAKE:

2 BELT

1

3

4

7 OPTIC

MODEL:

MODEL:

Alpha Belt

AccuPoint

MSRP:

MSRP:

$100

$1,399

URL:

URL:

www.zerobravo.com

www.trijicon.com

3 WATCH MAKE:

Suunto MODEL:

Traverse Alpha MSRP:

$569 URL:

www.suunto.com

4 PLATE CARRIER MAKE:

Australian Defense Apparel MODEL:

ABAS Vest (Alpha Modular) MSRP:

5

$180 URL:

www.ada.com.au

5 TOMAHAWK

OFF THE T COVER ER 8 BALLLISTIC S C PLATESS

MAKE:

MAKE:

Hardcore Hardware

Safe Line Defense

MODEL:

MODEL::

BFT-01

Hard Riflfle Plate NIJ .06 ICW Level IV

MSRP:

$345 AUD

MSRP:

URL:

$169

www.hardcorehardware. com.au

www.saffelifedefense.com m

URL:

8

Let’s face it … conventional media outlets are censoring the kind of information that freedom-loving Americans have enjoyed for years. That’s why we’ve stepped up to the plate and created a resource for everything firearms — RECOILtv. Just as RECOIL magazine gives you no-holds-barred insight on firearms, we’re bringing that same trusted expertise to video. From testing the latest guns, giving in-depth product reviews and expert tutorials, showing you top-notch vehicles, sharing user-generated content, and lots more, RECOILtv is the premier source for the content you want and deserve. As the climate of political correctness slowly censors online informational choices out of existence, RECOILtv will give you the scoop.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

sigsauer.com WATCH

AT RECOILWEB.COM

PRESENTED BY:

bravocompanyusa.com

cannaeprogear.com

fnamerica.com

freedommunitions.com

kimberamerica.com

As this issue ships to the printer, we’re about 29 days away

a great time. They offer nothing to keep your family safe

from the day when fellow South Park fans must make a

apart from bland admonishments and reliance on the state.

choice between a giant douche and turd sandwich. Given

They’ve no skin in the game when it comes to losing rights,

the wall-to-wall coverage lavished on these subprime speci-

property, or freedom, and for the most part, they’re either

mens of humanity (dear God, please make it stop) I’m not

insulated from the effects of disarmament, or else they’re

going to labor the point here. Instead, let us take comfort in

willing to trade it all for personal ambition.

the fact that due to the foresight of the men who wrote our

Those behind the gun-control organizations know this of

Constitution, the president has less power than the media

course, and try to counter by spending heavily on advertis-

would have us believe.

ing in an attempt to create the illusion of a grassroots move-

Despite the current incumbent throwing tantrums worthy

ment. You need only look at their social media presence to

of a 2-year-old, in terms of meaningful progress to his anti-

realize they’re an empty shell. By and large, they’ll make

gun agenda, he’s managed little apart from mildly inconve-

one turgidly unoriginal post every work day to satisfy their

niencing gunsmiths and a few importers. Now, this is not

backers, then call it quits on Friday afternoon. Contrast this

in any way meant to minimize the impact of government

with the torrent of content that comes from enthusiasts like

meddling in the lives of honest citizens, merely to illustrate

RECOIL at all hours of the day, just because we believe in

that in comparison to what might have happened were it not

what we do, and think this is the coolest job ever.

for the efforts of energetic and energized gun owners.

It pays to remind your elected representatives that they

It’s this rabidly enthusiastic base that our opposition has

serve at the pleasure of their electorate. Let them know

a hard time countering. They can’t take people to the anti-

that should they feel the need to screw with our Second

gun range and dispel myths and propaganda while having

Amendment rights, their opponents will find themselves

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better funded and can count on an extra volunteer. Join the

REC O ILW E B .C O M

16

NRA, or whatever gun rights organization you favor. Take a colleague or neighbor shooting. Whether we’re stuck with a giant douche or a turd sandwich, it’s our job as citizens to hold them accountable.

LIGHTNING CAN

TWICE.

A NEW CONCEPT IN AMERICAN-MADE MUZZLELOADING RIFLES D E L I V E R I N G R E L I A B I L I T Y, A C C U R A C Y & E A S E O F M A I N T E N A N C E .

www.TCARMS.com

#TCSTRIKE

twitter.com/tcarmsco

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instagram.com/tcarmsco

Editorial. Editor/ Iain Harrison Senior Editor/ Patrick Vuong Managing Editor/ Laura Peltakian Feature Editor/ Rob Curtis Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo Web Editor/ David Reeder Social Media Editor/ Dave Merrill Photography Studio Manager/ Jorge Nuñez Senior Content Editor/ Ryan Whitehouse Web Content Editor/ Josh Ching Contributors/ Earl Burress, Ryne Gioviano, C. Reed Knight Jr., Matt Landfair, Derek Lanham, Kenda Lenseigne, Isaac Marchionna, Neal H. Olshan, James Rupley, Nick Saiti, Nathan Schultz, Mike Searson, Stickman, Straight 8, Peter Suciu, Steve Tarani, Larry Vickers, Josh Whi Special Thanks/ Cowtown Range, Zack King, Strike Industries

Advertising. General Manager/ Mark Han Associate General Manager/ Danny Chang Network Manager/ John Schwartze Advertising Operations Manager/ Christy Tryon Advertising Operations Coordinator/ Monica Hernandez

National Sales Offices. New York Office/ 212.915.4000 261 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Los Angeles Office/ 310.531.9900 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 Irvine Office/ 949.705.3100 1821 E. Dyer Rd., Suite 150, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Detroit Office/ 248.594.5999 4327 Delemere Court, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Chicago Office/ 310.531.9896

Art Direction & Design. Creative Director/ Alan Alpanian Group Art Director/ Ti Tong Senior Art Director/ Gene Coo Associate Art Director/ Kanoe Irvine

Tampa Office/ 813.675.3479 To advertise on this magazine’s website, or any of TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s other enthusiast sites, please contact us at [email protected].

Manufacturing Operations. VP, Manufacturing Operations/ Greg Parnell Archivist/ Thomas Voehringer

TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC. Chairman/ Peter Englehart Chief Executive Officer/ Scott P. Dickey

Submissions. [email protected]

Chief Financial Officer/ Bill Sutman President, Automotive/ Scott Bailey EVP/GM, Sports & Entertainment/ Norb Garrett

Subscriber Customer Services. Domestic/Canadian: 888.681.7064 Foreign: 386.246.0439 [email protected] This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC., or the publisher as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Any submissions or contributions from readers shall be subject to and governed by TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s User Content Submission Terms and Conditions, which are posted at http://www.enthusiastnetwork.com/submissions/

Chief Marketing Officer/ Jonathan Anastas Chief Commercial Officer/ Eric Schwab Chief Creative Officer/ Alan Alpanian EVP, Operations/ Kevin Mullan VP, Editorial & Advertising Operations/ Amy Diamond SVP/GM, Performance Aftermarket/ Matt Boice VP, Financial Planning/ Mike Cummings SVP, Automotive Digital/ Geoff DeFrance SVP, Aftermarket Automotive Content/ David Freiburger SVP, In-Market Automotive Content/ Ed Loh SVP, Digital, Sports & Entertainment/ Greg Morrow

BACK ISSUES To order back issues, visit TENbackissues.com.

SVP, Digital Advertising Operations/ Elisabeth Murray

REPRINTS For high-quality custom reprints and eprints, please contact The YGS Group at 800-290-5460 or [email protected]

SVP, Marketing/ Ryan Payne

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage and we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. Manuscripts must be typewritten on white paper, and all photographs must be accompanied by captions. Photo model releases required on all persons in photos. Recoil reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributor’s act of mailing contribution shall constitute an express warranty that the material is original and no infringement on the rights of others. Mail contributions to: Recoil Magazine, 1821 E. Dyer Rd., Suite #150, Santa Ana, CA 92705. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please call Recoil Advertising Department, (949) 705-3100. Related publications: 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Four Wheeler, Jp, Truckin, Diesel Power, 8-Lug HD Truck, Dirt Sports & Off-Road, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Mustang Monthly, Vette, Chevy High Performance, Lowrider, Classic Trucks, Super Street, European Car, Motor Trend, Truck Trend, Automobile, Sound & Vision, Stereophile and other specialty magazines. Printed in the USA Copyright © 2016 by TEN: The Enthusiast Network Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Consumer Marketing, Enthusiast Media Subscription Company, INC. SVP, Circulation/ Tom Slater VP, Retention & Operations Fulfillment/ Donald T. Robinson III

LEARN TO LIVE READY AT REMINGTON HANDGUNS.COM

Proudly Made in the USA by American Workers

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1

REC O ILW E B .C O M

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Nothing causes cursing at RECOIL HQ like disasembling Glock mags. Well, maybe taking a Ruger Mark III apart, but it’s a close call. Glock says to stick a punch in that little hole in the base plate and lean into it to break the little bastard free. Oblonged baseplate holes and broken furniture attest to the efficacy of this factory-authorized method. The Maggclaw, distrubuted by Glockmeister, will change all that. It’s a sturdy tool that grabs the plate and levers it off the mag body with a little more effort than popping a bottle cap from a beverage. We tested it on a brand-new mag and it worked so well, we pulled all our mags apart just because we finally could. The Maggclaw works with most regular sized Glock mags; the outliers are the larger baseplate (.45 and 10mm) mags and the smaller G42 and G43 mags. MAKE:

CCRS Industry MODEL:

Maggclaw MSRP:

$14

2

3

MAKE:

Emissive Energy/Inforce

Scalarworks adds the Aimpoint CompM4 to its optic mount weight-loss program. The company touts its Low Drag Mount, weighing 1.49 ounces, as the lightest mount available for the CompM4. The LDM/CompM4 is made from 7075-T6 aluminum, and features that distinctive thumbscrew with ball detent for retention and telescoping clamp made to return to zero each time it’s attached. We’ve heard Scalarworks is going to have a dedicated Aimpoint PRO mount this winter, but we couldn’t wait. We ditched the base of Aimpoint’s QRP2 mount and put the PRO’s mounting ring atop the LDM. It cuts 1.2 ounces from the ensemble and fits the PRO like a glove.

The gen2 update to the Inforce WML and WMLx lights increase the brightness from 200 to 400 lumens in the onebattery, WML lights, and ups the brghtness of the two-cell lights from 400 and 500 to 700 and 800 lumens for the white and white/IR versions, respectively. The lights maintain their anorexic outlook, but just about everything else is upgraded, including the body material, LED, lens, reflector, waterproof sealing method, mode selector switch, durometer of the rubber, the activation button and the locking bale. Basic operation of all four models include constant, momentary, and a disable-able strobe with a selectable IR light on indicated models. MAKE:

Scalarworks

MODEL:

MODEL:

WML and WMLx

LDM/CompM4

COLORS:

WEIGHT:

Black, FDE

1.49 ounces

MSRP:

MSRP:

$175 to $2255

$149

URL:

URL:

www.inforce-mil.com m

MAKE:

Bullets2Bandages MODEL:

Six Shooter Shot Glass MSRP:

$30 per pair

www.scalarworks.com

URL:

4

Whether you’re a fan of wheel guns or you’re a cowboy at heart, the Six Shooter Shot Glass from Bullets2Bandages is a fun way to line up your shots (of liquid courage). Sold in pairs, each cylinder weighs 4 ounces, holds up to 1.25 fluid ounces, and stands 2.5 inches in height and 1.75 inches in diameter. It’s made of anodized aluminum with a food-grade gunmetal gray finish. Ideal as a birthday present, groomsmen gift, or business swag, these glasses can be engraved for an additional $12 or shipped in a customizable box for a $6 premium. Bullets2Bandages was founded by Erik Spalding and Cole Evans, two former U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal officers who donate a portion of their profits to various veteran charities.

URL:

www.bullets2bandages.org

www.glockmeister.com

5

Anyone who’s ever been in a tense situation or done realistic training under stress knows that, when the adrenaline’s pumping, fine motor control flies out the window. Enter the Lyte Ryder Center Mass Laser Sight for shotguns and rifles. LaserLyte says it’s the world’s first rail-mounted laser sight with built-in pressure activation. Switch on its nine-laser spread pattern by simply squeezing the 2.3-inch pressure pad — no tiny lever or button to feel for. The ambidextrous device has momentary-on and constant-on modes and can be set up where your support hand naturally goes — so long as your foreend has at least 4 inches of Pic rail. And thanks to its ledgeshaped design, it also doubles as a grip stop. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum and glass-filled nylon, the Lyte Ryder weighs 1.76 ounces with the included three 357 batteries installed. MAKE:

LaserLyte MODEL:

Lyte Ryder Center Mass Laser Sight MSRP:

3

$150 URL:

www.laserlyte.com

1

2

4

5

6

7

War rugs were first made by Afghans as a sort of wry celebration of the Soviet’s attempt to occupy the unoccupiable country. As so many Americans have taken up temporary residence in such shi*holes as Nangalam, Kandahar, Assadabad, and dozens of others, the war rug motif has traveled home. Bravo’s Sierra Block pack in war rug print throws back to the “F*ck you, USSR” era with modern accoutrements, such as a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve, tons of pockets, full-zip front, and some super plush, yet hardwearing fabrics that hold the print. If you don’t need a pack, but want in on the print, check out the limited edition War Rug Beach Towel ($50) with microfiber and antimicrobial construction.

Less than five years ago, nobody in the USA had heard of Fjällräven, let alone pronounce the name of the massive-inEurope, Swedish outdoor brand. Today, the mixture of authentic Scandanavian backcountry wear has collided with North Jersey fashion and exploded. Let the hipster masses eat up the brand’s trendy backpacks; we’ll roll in their highly technical Keb Trousers. These pants are tough, made for movement, and loaded with features such as vents, gusseted pockets, semi-gaiter cuffs, articulated knees, and reinforcements in all the right places. And, they don’t feel like trash bags on your legs since they’re made from a mix of stretch panels and comfortable, wax infused poly-cotton fabric. We used them on a three-day backcountry hunt, and they were a fast fave.

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MAKE:

8

Many dedicated range bags are setup for a full-on range outing, but the Blaster Bag — a collab between Tuff Products and Sentinel Concepts — carries all you need for a lunchtime range session, fits in your RDC pack, and stows in a car, easily out of sight. A little smaller than a Trapper Keeper, it holds a couple of pistols, eight mags, pasters, a staple gun, spare staples, data book, pen, marker, ear plugs, and 200 rounds of ammo in factory boxes. Add some folded-up targets and change for the meter, and you’re set for some midday 9mm therapy. For longer trips, the bag keeps your pistol gear organized and handy when placed inside a larger bag. MAKE:

Tuff Products MODEL:

Sentinel Concepts Blaster Bag Pro

Bravo Company Worldwide

MAKE:

MODEL:

Fjällräven

MSRP:

Sierra Block I Pack/War Rug Print

MODEL:

$45

MSRP:

Keb Trousers

URL:

$210

COLORS:

www.tuffproducts.com

URL:

10 colorways (Tarmac shown)

www.bravocoworldwide.com

9

Say hello to the Transformer of the pack world. The Czech Pack Tactical is a sling bag with MOLLE webbing that stands 7 by 6 by 4.5 inches, about the size of a few Game of Thrones paperbacks stacked together. Two compartments can hold your phone, keys, and other everyday-carry (EDC) items. The sling can be tightened to wear it as a waist pack. Unzip it down the center and out pops a lining and shoulder straps, turning this tactical “murse” into an 18.9-liter backpack. Known for Kydex accessories, zZz Custom Works teamed up with Lucky Dragon Industries to put an EDC spin on its favorite travel bag (whose design originated in the former Czechoslovakia). The result is a rugged sling bag that’s capable of increasing your cargo capacity in a hurry. MAKE:

zZz Custom Works MODEL:

Czech Pack Tactical MSRP:

$88

MSRP:

URL:

$200

www.zzzcustomholsters.com

URL:

www.fjallraven.com

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9

6

7

8

10

Why buy multiple items when you can purchase one that’ll do the job of several? So we gladly accepted a request from SKD Tactical to test out the Delta Utility Glove, the latest in the FDT lineup from Patrol Incident Gear. These paw protectors are meant to be used anywhere — on the range, in your car, or in the garden — while providing comfort, tactile sensitivity, and digit dexterity. For those addicted to posting foodporn photos (which no one cares about), these gloves have touchscreen-compatible thumbs and index fingers. They also have paracord pull loops and elastic wrists. Our early testing proves they’re indeed versatile and comfortable, but only long-term testing will determine their durability. Available in black, carbon gray, coyote, and ranger green.

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MAKE:

11

One of the most common reader complaints we get is that the guns, gear, and gadgets we write about are just too expensive. We hear you loud and clear — after all, we working-class journalists aren’t exactly crapping silver coins, either. This is why we’re impressed by the Westin. This production folder can serve as a reliable EDC tool when you’re concerned about losing a custom knife that costs 10 times as much. It has a quick flipper opening, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, and a sharp 8Cr13Mov-stainless-steel blade. With a glass-filled nylon front scale attached to a stonewashed steel back, the Westin feels good in hand. Of course, it’s made in China, but to get this quality for only $45 is ideal for budget-minded folks.

If you want advice on a light, tough boot, ask a bighorn sheep hunter. Quite a few guys braved the Trango’s original European mountaineer color scheme; it was nicknamed “Ronald MacDonald-flage.” La Sportiva realized there was a life for this light, waterproof, and incredibly stiff boot outside the climbing community and wisely released a version in Kryptek Highlander this fall. If there’s a mountain standing between you and your objective, be it an animal, an enemy stronghold, or a Strava hiking PR, you’ll appreciate the Trango Cube’s Gore-Tex lining, seamless upper, direct-inject lacing system, cramponcompatible sole, and removable tongue pad that lets you fine tune the fit. MAKE:

La Sportiva

MAKE:

MODEL:

Kershaw Knives

Trango Cube GTX Highlander

Patrol Incident Gear

MODEL:

WEIGHT:

MODEL:

Westin

26.2 ounces

Full Dexterity Tactical Delta Utility Glove

CAPACITY:

MSRP:

MAKE:

boltcarrier.com

MSRP:

7.8 inches

$390

$30

MSRP:

URL:

URL:

$$45

www.sportiva.com

www.skdtac.com dtac.com

URL: UR

MODEL:

Handguard Enhancement Tape INCLUDES:

10 strips MSRP:

www.k ww.kershawknives.com

26

13

Weather, blood, mud — these are a few things affecting the grip on your rifle. AR handguards have gotten slimmer to the point of ergonomic perfection, but that means any attempt to add traction with polymer panels ruins the slim feel we paid for. M-LOK die-cut grip tape from boltcarrier.com adds tons of grip and just barely a few millimeters to a handguard’s circumference. The tape feels like skateboard grip tape, though finer — closer to a cat’s tongue. It’s held in place by an industrial-strength adhesive you apply with some heat. Although the tape was made for Knight’s Armament URX-4 handguard, the M-LOK cutouts match any M-LOK-equipped accessory. As thin as it is, boltcarrier.com says it’s not made to go between the handguard and M-LOK attachments, so plan on a little arts and crafts time, cutting the strips to match your rail loadout.

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REC O ILW E B .C O M

URL:

www.boltcarrier.com

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OVER 100 YEARS OF ARTIFACTS IN ONE PLACE STORY AND PHOTOS BY PETER SUCIU

asts alike. It’s the Iowa Gold Star Military

land, Iowa is where their political dreams

Museum, and it easily wins a gold star for

Territory, it had been part of both the

rise or fall. Iowa is also about as Midwestern

its presentation and inspiring displays.

French and Spanish empires before becom-

as it gets — it’s truly part of the American

28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

It might seem surprising that Iowa would

ing an American territory and later a state.

Heartland and the only U.S. state to be

be home to a notable military museum,

It supported the Union during the Civil War

bordered on both east and west by rivers.

given that the state wasn’t the site of any

and, due to efforts by Samuel J. Kirkwood,

While some coastal residents may consider

major engagements. In fact, the Battle of

Iowa’s first wartime governor, the Hawkeye

it “flyover” country, Iowa has plenty of at-

Athens (a small skirmish that took place in

State sent more than 75,000 of its sons as

tractions.

August 1861 during the opening months

volunteers. Sadly more than one-sixth of

of the Civil War) was fought in neighboring

those who volunteered never returned home

State, or just driving through Iowa on Inter-

Missouri, as close as any front lines have

by the time the war ended in 1865.

state 80, there’s a must-see museum for

been to Iowa. Yet the state is still rich with

military history buffs and firearm enthusi-

military history.

For those in and around the Hawkeye

30

Given that it was part of the Louisiana

To those seeking the highest office in the

During World War II, five more sons of Iowa would become famous for their service.

IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM since that time has been a Guard and

fraction (some 1,000 items) are on

Reserve installation.

permanent display, while many others

It’s home to the National Maintenance Training Center, Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa’s emergency

The “Fighting Sullivan Brothers” of Waterloo, Iowa, were among the tens of thousands of men from the state to volunteer during World War II. All five brothers were killed in action after serving together on the USS Juneau (CL-52) in November 1942.

IS SU E

28

It’s the sacrifices of all of these

REC O ILW E B .C O M

32

sons of Iowa for which the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum was built. The museum’s mission is stated clearly to “honor and depict the military experience of Iowa citizens in all wars, homeland defense, and Iowa service. The museum’s purpose is to collect,

1. For those who like “old-school guns” it doesn’t get much better than these 18th and early 19th century European pistols. 2. Seventy-five thousand sons of Iowa fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War, and their sacrifice is depicted in this display that features a vintage 10-pound Parrot Rifle on a field carriage.

expect to see something new. The entire collection, apart from the

operations center, a Military Entrance

outside exhibits of military vehicles,

Processing Command installation, and

is housed in the former headquarters

the State Police academy.

building for the Iowa National Guard

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

1

are rotated so that repeat visitors can

on Camp Dodge. It chronicles the con-

is a member organization and facility

tributions of Iowa veterans in state and

of the Army Museum System, and as

national defense from the early 19th

noted it’s meant to honor the services

century, when Iowa was acquired by

of Iowa veterans. It does this in spades

the United States as part of the Louisi-

via its impressive collection, including

ana Purchase in 1803, to the present

140,000 artifacts, documents, and

day. Nearly 60 percent of the items

photographs ranging from the Civil

have come from Iowa military veterans

War era to present. Currently, just a

through donations to the museum.

2

preserve, and exhibit materials that illustrate the story of Iowa’s military past from statehood to the present. The Iowa Gold Star Museum honors the heroic service of all Iowa veterans.”

CAMP DODGE AND THE IOWA GOLD STAR MUSEUM Just driving up to the Iowa Gold Star Museum can be a thrill in itself, as it’s located in Camp Dodge, an active National Guard post that was first constructed in 1907. Named after Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge, who organized Iowa’s first National Guard in 1856 and later served a term in Congress representing Iowa, the camp was used as a regional training center for U.S. forces in the First World War. It served as an induction center for new service members during World War II, and

3. Iowa’s role in the American military dates back to the early 19th century, and some of earliest settlers were in the first forts to be settled west of the Mississippi River — when the U.S. Army wore uniforms such as the one in this display. 4. Young men from the heart of the nation went off to Cuba, the last time “blue” was worn as an American combat uniform — and those soldiers brought superior firepower, such as this Model 1883 Gatling Gun!

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IS SUE

28

IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM

1

REC O ILW E B .C O M

34

The bulk of the collection is made up of real artifacts, including a Civil War cannon, Indian War-era Gatling Gun, and a partially restored Vietnam War-era UH1 Huey helicopter. The museum even has a bicycle that was used by the Viet Cong to move equipment down the Ho Chi Minh

1. Seen here is a replica of the P-40 Warhawk flown by Lt. Colonel William N. Reed, who served as the commander of the ChineseAmerican Composite Wing during World War II.

Trial — and could likely be the only such example of one in any museum collection today. One replica, which is understandable, is a full-size WWII Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. It was added to the collection in 2012 to honor the four Iowans who served in China as part of the Flying Tigers during World War II. The plane is a recreation of the one flown by Lt. Colonel William N. Reed, who served as the commander of the Chinese-American Composite Wing. Reed had destroyed a total of nine Japanese aircraft in aerial combat as well as eight additional Japanese

2. Lt. Colonel Reed’s uniform and medals are also in the museum’s collection. 3. This display includes one of the only surviving military bikes used by the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. It was donated, along with the majority of the items in the collection, by an Iowa military veteran.

3

2 aircraft on the ground. Reed was shot

features one of the most impressive

down and killed in December 1944.

collections of military small arms found

“It’s a replica P-40B that has been

anywhere in the country. In total, the

suspended from the ceiling since Oc-

collection includes 324 small arms of

tober 2012, and it represents Reed’s

foreign and domestic manufacture,

aircraft as it would have appeared in

explained Vogt.

January 1942,” said Michael Vogt,

These include numerous American

curator of the Iowa Gold Star Military

rifles from the Civil War to modern day,

Museum.

as well as many small arms from the Second World War. The museum is for-

THE SMALL ARMS COLLECTION As the Iowa Gold Star Museum is part of the Army Museum System, it

tunate to have pieces on loan from the United States military, including several vintage sniper rifles. Among the

IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM

donated items is a working example of the German StG44, the world’s first assault rifle. The collection’s World War II weapons include some impressive pieces such as a Soviet PPSh-41 submachine gun, an M3 Grease Gun, and a Browning Automatic Rifle, while the Vietnam War-era firearms include the M14, two

1

different versions of the AR-15/M16, and an M60 machinegun. A full room is dedicated to the rest of the weapons collection and filled

IS SU E

28

with more than 250 weapons in total

REC O ILW E B .C O M

36

— from a recoilless rifle to a Lewis

1. A rare live working example of the German StG44 assault rifle that is on loan from the U.S. military.

2

gun, as well as several anti-tank weapons and bazookas. Among the sniper rifles in the museum’s collection are a Springfield, an M14, and a very rare WWII-era German G-43, still considered one of the most effective semiautomatic sniper rifles ever created.

2. A Soviet PKM light machine gun that was captured by soldiers of the 186th Military Police Company during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is truly worthy of a gold star in excellence.

IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM ADDRESS:

Camp Dodge 7105 Northwest 70th Avenue Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824 HOURS:

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Sundays, holidays, and holiday weekends) ADMISSION:

Free (donations accepted and appreciated) TELEPHONE:

(515) 252-4531 URL:

www.iowanationalguard.com/History/Museum/ Pages/home.aspx

3. Here’s just some of the 250-plus weapons that are now part of the collection of the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

3

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REC O ILW E B .C O M

40 IS SU E

28

2015 TOYOTA

4RUNNER TRD PRO 4L V-6

FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC

WWW.LAWNDARTDESIGN.COM

FROM STOCK 4RUNNER TO FULL OFF-ROAD DREAM RIG STORY AND PHOTOS BY ISAAC MARCHIONNA

Vision. It’d be easy to say in hindsight

added a Gobi Stealth model with a

there was a clear, start-to-finish vision

rear ladder to carry more gear and ex-

for this truck. But, like many project

pand the vehicle’s capability. facing is

builds, getting from stock to upgraded

a 40-inch Rigid E2 combination flood

was an ever-evolving path. For me,

and spotlight LED lightbar, while work

a professional filmmaker and pixel

lights are a pair of top-mounted Rigid

pusher, it was about treading the line

D2 white LED flood lights. An ARB

between daily driver and overlanding. I

2,000mm awning was mounted to the

wanted something that could serve as

driver side of the vehicle’s rack to ward

a utility vehicle for carrying precious

off the ever-present Pacific Northwest

cargo comfortably and safely into

rain and provide protection from the

remote locations.

sun during trips to shinier climes.

colored 2015 4Runner TRD Pro and

a total of three weeks before I decided

IS SUE

the balance of its on-road performance

it needed a winch. Given that WARN

28

and off-road handling. The 4Runner is

Industries is a local Oregon company,

based on the tough-as-nails, body-on-

there was no debate about brand. I

frame, Toyota Prado 150 platform with

chose the ZEON 8-S, with synthetic

a manual transfer case and bombproof

line, to provide 8,000 pounds of

reliability because ... Toyota. The TRD

pulling power. I was reticent to give

Pro from the factory was seemingly

up the styling of the OEM front end,

everything originally desired as a base

which admittedly was what attracted

platform, with factory skidplates,

me to the original vehicle in its base

larger Nitto Terra Grappler A/T’s, larger

form. The solution was to use a hidden

Bilstein shocks, and aggressive, retro

winch mounting system from Pelfrey-

styling. That was all that was needed,

bilt, requiring the removal of the origi-

or so I thought.

nal aluminum crush bumper assembly,

The project began with an inferno-

and installing the steel winch plate in

a back-and-forth facilitated by 503

its place. With this system, once the

Motoring. Iain Gordon, 503 Motoring’s

front bumper valence is trimmed, you

shop manager, served as the conduit,

have a winch that hides neatly behind

offering sensible design choices,

the bumper.

suggestions, and alternative execu-

Unfortunately, if you live in a two-

tions. As a shop that routinely handles

plate state, finding a good solution

supercars, the 4Runner provided an

for a license plate is a challenge. The

interesting change of pace for its staff,

solution came from Cascadia 4x4 in

mostly patrons of pavement.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,

Upon delivery from Japan, I im-

with its Flipster license plate system.

mediately began altering the 4Runner

It works with either the Hawse or roller

for more overland-specific use. I first

fairleads by placing a bracket behind

41 REC O ILW E B .C O M

The entire upgrade process was

The 4Runner stayed untouched for

EVERYDAY OVERLANDER 1

1 PLATE FLIPPER

2 3 4 5 6 7

MAKE:

Cascadia 4x4 MODEL:

Flipster V1 (Hawse Fairlead) URL:

www.cascadia4x4.com

2 AMBER LIGHTS MAKE:

Rigid Industries MODEL:

D2 Wide Single URL:

www.rigidindustries.com

3 FRONT BUMPER MAKE:

Pelfreybilt MODEL:

Aluminum Front Plate Bumper URL:

www.pelfreybilt.com

4 SNORKEL MAKE:

IS SU E

28

Safari Automotive Technology

REC O ILW E B .C O M

42

MODEL:

5th Gen Prototype Snorkel and over the fairlead, allowing the

remote reservoirs

license plate to swing up and out of

on all shocks,

the way when winching. Sandwiched

upgraded lower

between that is the Factor55 Flatlink

trailing arms,

and Hawse Fairlead, both extremely

and tubular up-

low-profile solutions. The Flatlink

per control arms.

replaces the traditional hook, making

8

5 TOP LIGHTBAR MAKE:

Rigid Industries MODEL:

40-inch E2 Combo Spot/Flood Lightbar

The Nitto Mud

for a safer and more visually attractive

Terrain tires were

option for using a winch. Great, it’s

selected from

done, right? Not even close.

past experience,

The vehicle looked good with its

URL:

www.safarisnorkel.com

URL:

www.rigidindustries.com

6 AWNING MAKE:

as they present

ARB

added carrying capacity and self-

a good balance

recovery abilities. But all that weight

between off-road performance, with

was a rather dramatic one, and would

had a rather adverse affect on the

minimal impact to on-road noise and

require the first major alteration of

stance of the vehicle. So, I decided

handling. The Nitto’s have an excep-

the vehicle’s body through the use of

the next goal would be to tackle the

tionally aggressive sidewall tread, giv-

power tools and sparks, lots of sparks.

suspension and tires.

ing them a beefier side profile without

The simplest solution for carrying

resorting to the use of wheel spacers.

a spare tire is on the roof. Does this

Pelfreybilt

work for most people? Absolutely.

Bolt On Tapered Kickout Sliders

I opted for the Icon Vehicle Dynam-

MODEL:

Awning (2,000 mm) URL:

store.arbusa.com

7 ROCK RAILS/SLIDERS MAKE: MODEL:

ics Stage 2 suspension and Nitto

Toyota designs their vehicles to

Trail Grappler 33-inch tires, while

use a 265/70 as their largest factory

However you’re most likely not chang-

URL:

still maintaining the original factory

equipped tire. As a result, some al-

ing a spare tire under ideal conditions

www.pelfreybilt.com

TRD rims; I didn’t want to give up

teration was required here and there.

to begin with, and trying to haul 85-

their strength and visual appeal. But,

Being that the factory spare (already

plus pounds of wheel from your roof

before I could get anything installed

undersized by comparison to the TRD

is a serious pain in the ass. Combined

I had reverse buyer’s remorse, and

Pro’s original 31.5-inch tire) would

with raising the vehicle’s center of

changed the suspension from the Icon

not be ideal in an emergency with

gravity, a roof-mounted spare was out

Stage 2 to the Stage 5, which gained

the new 33-inch tires, the solution

of the question.

8 ENGINE LIGHTS MAKE:

Anti-Dark MODEL:

Universal Engine Light URL:

anti-dark.com

EVERYDAY OVERLANDER The solution instead was through

In the pursuit of self-sufficiency an

possible. However, after a trip to the

the CBI Offroad rear steel bumper.

ARB twin compressor was installed,

Oregon desert, where many jackrab-

To say this bumper is well built would

allowing for in-the-field airing up of

bits sacrificed themselves on the

be a comedic understatement; it’s

tires or for cleaning off camera gear

front bumper, I decided it was only a

absolutely a tank, made entirely of

or other equipment. The main bat-

matter of time before the plastic front

steel. God help whoever rear-ends

tery was also swapped out with an

end would suffer a cruel fate. You’ve

that bumper. In preparation the rear

Odyssey Group 31 battery, the weight

got a lot of options with the 4Runner

MODEL:

springs were swapped with Old Man

of which is akin to that of a dying

in regards to front bumpers. Mostly it

Emu 2898 440-pound springs to

neutron star. However, the added

comes down to your particular tastes.

Stealth Roof Rack (with rear ladder)

handle the increased constant rear

capacity helps ensure power when

Since the vehicle lives downtown

load. The CBI rear bumper provides

you need it. The vehicle can also be

in a rather dense city, making the

a tire carrier on a steel locking swing

powered from the Overland Solar

vehicle longer is undesirable. The

1 ROOF RACK MAKE:

Gobi

URL:

www.gobiracks.com

2 RECOVERY BOARDS MAKE:

arm, while also allowing provisions for

panel array that can easily top off the

CBI rear bumper already increases

dual jerry cans, HiLift jack mount,

battery while at a campsite.

the overall length of the vehicle by

MODEL:

1 or 2 feet due to the jerry cans

MKII FJ Red

and rear tire, and a large front step

us.maxtrax.com.au

and cutouts for rear bumper lights (because, why not more lumens!).

1

2

The original intent was to keep the vehicle’s front end as stock looking as

Maxtrax

URL:

3 DRAWER SYSTEM

4

MAKE:

Goose Gear MODEL: 28

SUV Module 2 Drawer 1/3-2/3 Split

IS SU E

URL:

www.goose-gear.com

4 FRIDGE

44

MAKE:

REC O ILW E B .C O M

ARB MODEL:

50-Quart Fridge/Freezer

3 4 5 6 7

URL:

store.arbusa.com

5 FRIDGE SLIDE MAKE:

TemboTusk MODEL:

LoadSpotter Levitating Fridge Slider URL:

tembotusk.flyingcart.com

6 REAR BUMPER MAKE:

CBI Offroad MODEL:

5th Gen 4Runner Rear Bumper (with Swing Away Tire Carrier, Double Jerry Can Holder) URL:

www.cbioffroadfab.com

7 TIRES MAKE:

Nitto MODEL:

Trail Grappler M/Ts (285/70/17) URL:

www.nittotire.com

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D-SS Say Good-Bye to blind corners wit RIGID’s new D-SS, Dually Side Shooter LED pod. Perfect for any application that requires a wide spread beam, including A-Pillars, Fog Lights, and motorcycle applications. The D-SS pod incorporates the same powerful optics and legendary LED technology as RIGID’s popular D-Series lights but with the added benefit of additional LEDs aimed to the side for a much broader beam. The D-SS fixtures boast up to 120-degrees of horizontal lighting coverage when used in pairs or when used in the single light applications. D-SERIES FLOOD

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EVERYDAY OVERLANDER bumper would be both heavy, and increase the vehicle’s length further.

1

2

It’s a challenge to balance out what works great off-road with what has to be practical on-road, especially in an urban landscape. The solution, again, came from Pelfreybilt, which had just begun offering an aluminum frontend. Its frontend mimicked the general profile and shape of the OEM frontend and is a complete drop-in front replacement, no cutting required. Because it was aluminum it was also a staggeringly light 62 pounds. This meant when the steel winch plate was removed the net gain was only 6 pounds due to the addition of the Rigid Combo 30-inch single-row lightbar.

1 JACK

as a test mule for the upcoming Safari/

factory. So the goal was to make the

MAKE:

ARB ARMAX snorkel for the fifth-gen

vehicle as livable as possible, using a

MODEL:

4Runner. What you see on the vehicle

full drawer system from Goose Gear.

is actually a 3D printed prototype,

This provides full-length lockable

and, of course, added defense against

Jack X-Treme (with JackCover)

which should inspire a bit of awe when

drawers in the rear and a mounting

front impacts. As more and more OEM

www.hi-lift.com

you consider how big the printer must

platform for the ARB 47-quart fridge

be to accommodate such a large end

mounted on the TemboTusk LoadSpotter fridge slide.

The advantages of the bumper were better articulation off-road, quicker ac-

IS SU E

28

cess to the winch’s mechanical controls,

REC O ILW E B .C O M

46

provisions for amber Rigid D2 foglights,

Hi-Lift

URL:

components fell by the wayside, they were replaced by additional components

2 WATER CANS

result. The ARMAX snorkel, besides

such as the ARB steel skidplates, which

MAKE:

providing cleaner air in the desert, and

integrate perfectly with the Pelfreybilt

Rotopax

fording capabilities, also increases

extinguishers, medical kits from Dark

frontend. Other components were either

2-gallon water

horsepower and benefits in increased

Angel Medical, cargo organizers from

gusseted or additionally armored to

URL:

engine efficiency, seeing a noticeable

Blue Ridge Overland, and navigational

boost in miles per gallon.

aids. For navigation the vehicle uses

protect from trail damage.

MODEL:

rotopax.com

Other major additions were fire

The next upgrade, while not for the

Internally the 4Runner TRD Pro

squeamish, was an amazing opportuni-

(based on the Trail Edition Premium)

GPS, and an iPad with Bluetooth GPS

ty as the vehicle was selected to serve

comes incredibly well setup from the

module in a RAM mount for back-

its onboard GPS, Garmin Montana

country navigation. In addition, the vehicle is wired with a HAM radio for long-distance communication in the desert, along with a C.B. and Delorme InReach. Ultimately this is a snapshot of the vehicle as it currently stands. It would be a boldfaced lie to say it’s done. The vehicle has and continues to outperform our expectations. Not just in how it looks, but the terrain it can tackle safely. While treading dangerously close to serving as a background vehicle along the trails of Fury Road, it still serves admirably as an obnoxiously fun daily driver.

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

everyday-carry (EDC) knife, while the lack of a

retention — even if covered in mud or blood.

karambits are like the sexy foreign exchange

straight tip makes it a poor fighting knife.

With your index finger inside the ring with a next to impossible for a bad guy to disarm you.

as a utility tool by farmers and fishermen in

know better. A karambit is brutally effective at

Indonesia, this ancient knife (also spelled

ripping tendons, redirecting limbs, leveraging

popular since we featured it back in Issue

“kerambit”) was patterned after a tiger’s claw

takedowns, and (cue the groans) disembowel-

6, so here are just a few of the latest Asian

and eventually morphed into a self-defense

ing. It’s not without a specific purpose.

(inspired) models you’ll want to fondle today.

The karambit has haters, though. Some complain the curvature makes it a horrible MAKE:

1 Pinkerton Knives MODEL:

MAKE:

4 Ontario Knife Company MODEL:

ARK (Active Response Karambit)

Ranger Kerambit EOD

OAL:

7.5 inches

BLADE LENGTH:

3.6 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

5160 carbon steel

WEIGHT:

8.8 ounces

MSRP:

$237

URL:

www.ontarioknife.com

5.46 inches 28

reverse grip (the most common position), it’s

ipino kali, and other Southeast Asian systems

years among Western knife nuts.

IS SU E

But those who practice Indonesian silat, Fil-

love to get your hands on. Originally used

weapon. It’s become all the rage in recent

REC O ILW E B .C O M

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATRICK VUONG

With vivacious curves and seductive rings, student you know nothing about, but would

50

KARAMBITS

1.6 inches

154CM stainless steel 1.2 ounces $80

OAL:

BLADE LENGTH: BLADE MATERIAL: WEIGHT: MSRP: URL:

www.compfightsys.com MAKE:

2 Combative Edge MODEL:

Dragon’s Tail OAL:

7 inches BLADE LENGTH:

2.5 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

D2 tool steel WEIGHT:

3.69 ounces MSRP:

$170

URL:

www.combativeedge.com MAKE:

3 Böker Plus MODEL:

Wildcat OAL:

7.38 inches BLADE LENGTH:

2.88 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

D2 tool steel WEIGHT:

4.6 ounces MSRP:

$120

URL:

www.boker.de/us

MAKE:

5 Fox Knives MODEL:

479KN Neptune Kryptek G10 Folding Karambit OAL:

7.6 inches BLADE LENGTH:

3 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

N690Co stainless steel WEIGHT:

4.6 ounces MSRP:

$150

URL:

www.karambit.com MAKE:

6 Emerson Knives MODEL:

Super Karambit OAL:

8 inches BLADE LENGTH:

3 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

154CM stainless steel WEIGHT:

5.6 ounces MSRP:

$308 URL:

www.emersonknives.coom

This exotic genre has only gotten more

And, no, the ring in the handle is not for

Also check elsewhere in this issue for Steve

spinning it around like a cowboy’s six-shooter.

Tarani’s article on the history of the karambit

Sure, some twirling techniques do exist, but

rn more about why to learn

the ring has two primary functions: striking and

a key to its longevity. longevvity.

MAKE:

7 TOPS Knives MODEL:

TAC-TOPS Karambit OAL:

11.25 inches BLADE LENGTH:

7.13 inches

BLADE MATERIAL:

109 carbon steel 1095 WEIGHT WEIGHT:

1 ounces 10 MSRP:

$210

URL:

w www.topsknives.com p m

its effectiveness is

FLIP THE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS ON EACH KNIFE.

INTERROGATING THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS PINKERTON KNIVES

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28

ARK

REC O ILW E B .C O M

52

COMBATIVE EDGE

DRAGON’S TAIL

BÖKER PLUS

WILDCAT

ONTARIO KNIFE CO.

RANGER KERAMBIT EOD

FOX KNIVES

479KN

EMERSON KNIVES

SUPER KARAMBIT

TOPS KNIVES

TAC-TOPS KARAMBIT

411: After fielding a request from a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan, Dirk Pinkerton devised (with input from Chad McBroom of Comprehensive Fighting System) this backup blade to stay in your hand even while you’re shooting, reloading, or hauling gear. (Note: We reviewed a prototype. The production version will reportedly have a tumble-blast finish and chamfers at the corners for more comfort.) Made in the USA.

411: Designed by two martial artists (Rob Walker of Combative Edge and C. Despins of Max Venom Product Group), the Dragon’s Tail combines a karambit handle with a spear-point blade in a slim package. This hybrid design provides the benefits of a karambit (retention ring, concealability, etc.) with a wider range of utility due to its versatile blade profile. Comes with a well-built custom Kydex sheath. Made in the USA.

411: Böker’s blade-smithing lineage goes back almost 200 years, so its reputation for manufacturing quality swords, knives, tools, and other edged implements is well deserved. The company’s Böker Plus line aims to offer gear at affordable prices by manufacturing in China or Taiwan. The Wildcat is one such specimen, combining Chinese manufacturing with German engineering based on an Indonesian concept.

411: Ontario Knife Company (OKC) has operated out of New York for more than 125 years, with a long history of making tools for the U.S. military. So it’s no surprise that OKC’s Ranger lineup consists of edged weapons meant for combat in the harshest terrain. Designed by U.S. special operations veteran Justin Gingrich, this model was made specifically for the U.S. Marine Corps EOD — hence the name. Made in the USA.

411: This top-tier folder has three opening methods: flipper tab, tear-drop thumb hole, and Emerson Knives’ patented wave-shaped feature (which opens the blade as you draw by snagging on your pocket). Offered exclusively at www.karambit.com, this version has handle scales with Neptune Kryptek camo. Also available in Typhon Kryptek (a blackish pattern) and Highlander Kryptek (more desert-y colors). Made in Italy.

411: It’s impossible to talk about karambits without mentioning Emerson Knives; naturally we included one from this California company. The Super Karambit is Ernest Emerson’s modern interpretation of a large-ish karambit, and the results are first-class. (Watch for a future review of his karambit flipper model, which we got to play with briefly, but was still being tweaked at press time.) Made in the USA.

411: Knife noobs, this is not the karambit you seek. Designed by C. Despins (there’s that name again), this bad boy is meant for advanced users. Born out of a request from an elite military operator who needed a deadly tool he could carry while wearing gloves, this innovative chimera combines the Indonesian blueprint with a kukri’s reach and quality American manufacturing. Made in the USA.

PROS: Reminiscent of the Max Venom Karambite, the ARK’s extended tang above the ring provides tension that keeps the knife in hand even if you hold it palm down. 154CM is one of our favorite blade steels. Quality Kydex sheath can be worn around the neck or affixed to a belt or pack.

PROS: Blade shape suitable for combat and most EDC tasks. Despite the anorexic look, it’s the most comfortable knife in this buyer’s guide to hold, whether in reverse or forward grip. Compact, slim, and concealable Pointed pommel on ring for striking

PROS: Sleek hybrid aesthetics Smooth flipper opening Durable yet comfortable G-10 scales Reversible pocket clip for right- and “wronghanded” users.

PROS: The 0.25-inch-thick blade is made of tough 5160 carbon steel to stand up to abuse. Though not stainless, the steel is powdercoated to help fight off corrosion. Thick-ass Micarta scales ideal for heavyduty use and those with sausage fingers or gloves

PROS: The N690Co blade cuts and stabs like a laser. The G-10 scales (our favorite handle material) is smooth without being slippery. Love having multiple opening methods Reversible pocket clip

PROS: Wave-shaped feature on the blade’s spine allows for lightningfast draws from one’s pocket. The 154CM blade features a chisel grind, making it razor sharp. Superb construction and craftsmanship Incredibly durable (and reversible) pocket clip — something lacking in many production folders.

PROS: Inventive design meets battlefield lethality Pointed pommel on the ring is skull-crushingly crafted without being too obtrusive. Though almost a foot long, it weighs only 10 ounces. Because 1095 carbon steel rusts easily, this monster features a black traction coating to help prevent corrosion.

CONS: Placement of the ring (for the middle finger) offsets our grip by several millimeters — just enough to make it feel a little awkward. Not for tactical mall ninjas: If you plan to use the ARK while shooting, lots of mindful training will be needed beforehand to prevent accidental cuts.

CONS: D2 is a good tool steel, but for the price we would prefer a premium stainless. Due to its curve, the Dragon’s Tail is a tad difficult to place smoothly into the sheath.

CONS: This made-in-China knife retails for 120 clams?! Recurve blade diminishes some of the karambit’s greatest attributes: ripping and hooking. In forward grip, we had to keep our pinky outside of the ring, which splayed our digit if looped inside.

CONS: Bust out the sharpener; edge came kinda dull out of the box. One of the worst designed sheaths we’ve seen in a while. It’s ill-fitting with limited mounting options.

CONS: In forward grip, the position of the ring is too far rearward, forcing our pinky to sit uncomfortably inside of it.

CONS: The roughness of the G-10 scales acts as sandpaper on our pants. In forward grip, the retention ring forces an awkward pinky position.

CONS: Length precludes it from being a practical EDC tool, unless you’re a doorkicker ... or want to draw plenty of unwanted attention. Will require knifefighting experience and/ or training

28 IS SUE REC O ILW E B .C O M

54

STORY BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOS BY STRAIGHT 8 AND JOSH WHI

LITHGOW ARMS USA’S ATRAX IS LIKE THE AUG, ONLY BETTER

27 years and was chambered in a far

In the late ’60s the guys at Steyr gazed

bolt popularized by Stoner’s system. A

upon the firearms landscape and said,

short-stroke gas system dating to the

superior cartridge. But let’s not get

“You know what? Star Wars isn’t even

1920s acts on a milled bolt carrier,

too far into the weeds. Following its

going to be thought of for another de-

which runs on twin guide rods vaguely

adoption by the Austrian armed forces

cade, but let’s build a space gun any-

reminiscent of an AR-18.

in 1978, other countries were quick to

way.” And they did. And it was good.

Placing the magazine well behind

jump on the bandwagon, with Ireland,

the trigger did confer a number of

New Zealand, Malaysia, and all three

to be fielded by a modern army, the

advantages, however, chief of which

members of Luxembourg’s army

AUG or Armee Universal Gewehr to

being a truncated OAL — useful if

adopting it.

give it its full title, is surprisingly

your main strategic threat lay on the

conventional beneath its attention-

other side of the Fulda gap and your

to Australia. The government there

grabbing plastic exterior. Unlike the

infantry was destined for a short, ac-

negotiated local production by Lithgow

HK G11, there are no telescoped,

tive life, jumping in and out of armored

Arms at their Lithgow plant as part

caseless wunderpatrone fed by a Swiss-

fighting vehicles.

of the deal, with an official in-service

One of the first successful bullpups

watch-like hyperburst mechanism.

The AUG was also one of the first

The biggest contract, however, went

date of January 1989. Known as the

Instead, a detachable box mag

general-issue rifles pushed across an

F88 Austeyr, it replaced both the long-

offers plain vanilla 5.56 NATO into a

arms room counter complete with an

serving L1A1 SLR and the M16A2.

hammer-forged barrel, where they’re

optic, though if you really want to get

locked into place by a multi-lugged

nerdy, the British EM2 predated it by

After 20 years of service, the F88 was due for a facelift based on two

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55 REC O ILW E B .C O M

THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER decades’ worth of user feedback and improvements in available materials and manufacturing technology. In addition, design improvements were

28 IS SU E

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS

new rifle dubbed F90 on the world

Let’s start with the most significant

military market. A semi-auto model

change first. One of the most distinc-

to be manufactured by Lithgow Arms

tive features of the original AUG was its ability to switch barrels by simply

headed to these shores. We got to

pressing a button and pushing forward

than just slavishly following Austrian

play with a couple of samples, and

on the folding foregrip, whereupon it,

blueprints. Their upgrades are both

here’s what we found.

the gas system, and barrel would pop

lution into a true R&D facility, rather

REC O ILW E B .C O M

significant and worthwhile,with the

USA as the ATRAX in the U.S. is

made possible by Lithgow Arms’ evo-

56

The ATRAX offers smooth, curvaceous lines which means it’s less likely to get hung up on stuff. Plus we like curves. It’s a guy thing, so sue us.

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28

THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER

REC O ILW E B .C O M

58

free from the receiver. This is conspicuously absent from the new version. Instead, the barrel assembly and receiver are unitized, and in order to swap barrels, the whole shebang must be pulled. While this might sound like a retrograde step, it means that any optic mounted on the full-length

The triangular section forward of the trigger is empty and provides space for electronics, the trigger group of a 40mm grenade launcher or snacks. OK, we lied about the last one.

o’clock Picatinny rail that accepts oth-

and provides adequate clearance when

er accessories in addition to any VFG,

deployed. This means the user doesn’t

and infrared lasers or white lights can

skin their knuckles against mounted

be accommodated on the supplemen-

optics when cycling the weapon, un-

tary rail located on the receiver’s right

like some contemporary designs. We

side. The bottom rail is particularity

always figured the SCAR got its name

significant to Australian troops, as it

when the development team was using

gives a convenient mounting location

scopes with QD mounts ….

upper Picatinny rail retains zero, and a

for a new 40mm grenade launcher,

significant weight saving is achieved.

which is an important force multiplier.

given a makeover, and there’s a

Not only is the new version about a

Add one to your birthday list.

better cheek weld due to a revised

pound lighter than the one it supersedes, its center of balance is shifted toward the user’s shoulder, making the rifle feel much livelier in the hands. Further mass is shed from the hammer-forged barrel by means of fluting, which perhaps more importantly also increases surface area available for cooling. The folding foregrip of the original is gone, replaced by a 6

The ATRAX is one of the few carbines that actually needs a VFG. Fortunately, the lower Pic rail offers a handy solution, as well as space for an underslung grenade launcher.

On the left side of the unitized barrel

The old weapon’s stock has been

profile that places the user’s head

assembly lies a familiar cocking handle

more in line with rail-mounted optics.

that retains the forward assist capabil-

Advances in plastic technology haven’t

ity of the AUG. In the Lithgow Arms

been overlooked, and the new exoskel-

version, it folds upward into a recess

eton is tougher than the previous one,

We’d like to thank our competition for paving the way in polymer pistols.

we ’ll take it from here. ®

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THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER while incorporating cavities destined to house whatever electronics the military industrial complex can come

Cocking handle retains the forward assist capability of the original.

up with. You can see evidence of this in the revised stock profile at the front of the trigger guard, which has a triangular addition with handy trap door at the front.

That crossbolt safety is a royal pain, but falls easily under thumb and forefinger.

The semi-automatic ATRAX will be available in the USA manufactured by Lithgow Arms USA, which will be based on the Lithgow Arms F90 with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2017. If they’re anything like the ones we shot, then purchasers won’t be disappointed by their trigger pull, as for a bullpup, they’re pretty frickin’ good, and way better than a stock trigger on an AR.

Right side rail is a handy place for a PEQ or light.

While the AUG’s magazine catch has

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28

been retained, there’s now a bolt re-

REC O ILW E B .C O M

60

lease on the left side of the weapon so users no longer need to rack the charging handle to chamber the first round after a reload. Speaking of magazines, while Steyr was using polymer mags before the cool kids got around to it, the version destined for the U.S. has ditched their proprietary design in favor of the ones we’ve all been stocking up on over the past decade.

ROUNDS DOWNRANGE As the AUG has a stellar, longterm reputation for accuracy and the ATRAX uses the same barrel and bolt technology, we skipped the usual dull foreplay of shooting groups off of a bench and cut to the chase. While 40 years of sub-MOA performance should not be taken lightly, the landscape has changed considerably since the funnylooking carbine burst on the scene, and suppressor use has exploded. If a design weakness is going to show up, then it’s going to show up faster if the weapon is suppressed. And it’s going to show up tout de suite if a suppressed gun is shot full auto, so we proceeded to do just that, chew-

Mag release is operated by the left thumb. Bolt catch is new and a definite improvement.

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28

THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER

REC O ILW E B .C O M

62

ing through a case of ammo in about

Bullpups and vehicles are a wining combination. Muzzle exhibits almost zero movement in full auto fire. Get some.

able affect on balance, but due to the

After experiencing zero stoppages

ATRAX’s weight shift as compared to

with either rifle, despite putting

the AUG, it had way less effect than

enough rounds through both to get

we were expecting. Another surprise

them uncomfortably hot and discolor

was in terms of controllability. In its

their barrels and cans, we arrived at

as well as the firearms they were fitted

full auto guise, the F90 is one of the

the conclusion that for the major-

to. We took the opportunity to shoot

easiest 5.56 guns we’ve ever shot to

ity of users, the 16-inch barrel is

both the 16- and 20-inch barreled

keep on target, and the only compa-

the way to go. Shooting from inside

guns and came away with a distinct

rable experience is shooting a HK MP7.

and around vehicles and buildings is

preference for one of them.

Instead of rising up and to the right like

much less challenging, and the trad-

most machine guns, both stay flat and

eoff for reduced velocity is easy to

level. Rather than recoil, they vibrate.

justify — you get the same size pack-

the time it takes to finish a large coffee. SilencerCo Hybrid cans were used as an optional accessory and took the edge off the muzzle blast and held up

Adding 20 ounces to the muzzle of a carbine usually has a very notice-

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28

THE BULLPUP FROM DOWN UNDER

age as a 10-inch SBR, but without the paperwork. As a “do anything” carbine, the

64

SPEC BOX

REC O ILW E B .C O M

ATRAX is a very attractive proposition.

Hammer forged, chrome lined, fluted barrel should last a long time in a semi-auto.

adverse conditions and as compact as

RECOIL, we’re proud to not pull that

possible for home defense, it’s hard to

sh*t, so when we come out with an un-

find a role it couldn’t fill.

equivocal recommendation, we stand

As gun buyers these days, we’re

by it. This is one of those cases, and

Accurate enough for slaying coyotes

pretty much inoculated against glowing

when the ATRAX goes on sale, your

and prairie dogs, with a good enough

gun rag reviews, especially when — lo

humble editor will be one of the first in

trigger to make rapid follow up shots

and behold — there’s a full-page ad

line with a credit card clutched tightly

for three-gun, sufficiently reliable for

running right next to the feature. At

in his sweaty paw.

LITHGOW ITHGOW W ARMS ARM

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28

A LOOK AT THE RIFLE THAT BECAME THE BANE OF JOHN MCCLANE’S CHRISTMAS EVE STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE SEARSON

REC O ILW E B .C O M

66 It’s harrd to believe that the Steyr y AUG

The AUG’s journey as a firearm in

a reprieve off sorts in off the i i the form f

is turningg 40 next year. y What’s more

America has been an interesting one to

USR. Cosmetic S C i changes were made

remarkable is that it’s still used to this

say the least. One might consider it an n

to the rifle’s ifl design i to allow importai -

day to represent a futuristic weapon or

in-depth examination of the stupidity

tion under the 1994 Federal Assault

the latest in firearms technology.

of laws designed to restrict firearms

Weapon ban, with the name being

ownership being written by people who

primary. A plastic segment was added

know nothing about firearms.

behind the pistol grip to transform it

That’s the beauty of the bullpup. Its shorter overall length makes it great to keep in confined spaces such as

Importation began in the 1980s as

into a “Planet of the Apes Thumbhole”

troops in an APC or a tank crew, and

the AUG/SA (SA denoting semiauto-

stock and the barrel was unthreaded

this compact size is perfect for troops

matic), and for the most part they were

so a shooter could add neither a flash

to use in MOUT operations for shoot-

slow sellers due to the price and likely

suppressor nor a silencer because the

ing from cover.

the fact that its design was so unique.

goal of anti-gun politicians is obviously

The initial offering (A1 model) boasted

to make all shooters go blind and deaf.

an integral 1.5x optic.

So much for their bold calls for safety!

Initially called the Stg-77 (Sturmgewehr 77) and adopted by the Austrian Army in 1988, we saw it for

Despite never being used in any

the first time in a James Bond movie

sort of crime in the United States for

end and when the ban sunset in 2004

(Octopussy). Being 12 or 13 years old

over its first decade, it was banned

Steyr Arms worked with Sabre Defense

at the time, I assumed it was some

by name via an executive order by

to produce enough of the parts do-

futuristic rifle invented by a Hollywood

President George H.W. Bush under

mestically so that the AUG could be

prop master, until seeing it again five

the 1989 Assault Weapon Import ban.

sold legally in this country. The first

or six years later in Die Hard. Then,

This really sent the prices of existing

of these came to market in 2008,

I thought, “Man, I really need one of

rifles through the roof.

but production was short-lived due

those.”

Six years later, AUG fans gained

All bad things eventually come to an

to legal problems with Sabre. Appar-

ently smuggling weapons in the false

with a 1 in 9-inch twist rate (yeah,

AUG, and they can be had for as low as

bottom of an ISO container is frowned

we know). Barrels lock into a steel

$17 in some areas. We were able to run

upon by the feds. Who knew?

insert within the receiver that, contrary

a few and, while we did not have the

to popular belief, isn’t considered a

time nor the stockpile of ammo to jam

ing with VLTOR in 2012 to manufac-

trunion. The folding vertical fore grip

20,000 rounds downrange, we were

ture receivers and with FN USA to

makes pivoting and removing the bar-

happy with the results and found them

make their barrels.

rel deceptively simple.

Steyr Arms bounced back by partner-

In the same manner that Rolex sells

Operation is via a true piston system,

watches, so does Steyr with regard to

allowing the shooter to regulate the

AUGs: They sell every model they make.

flow of gas depending upon conditions.

STEYR AUG A3

CALIBER:

5.56x45mm NATO

as reliable as the factory magazines. The AUG-A3 we borrowed for this retrospective look at the Steyr AUG

BARREL LENGTH:

was fitted with a Nightforce 1-4x

Like many bullpup designs, the

16.375-inch

scope — one of our favorite types of

newest M1 variant for review, but

main flaw that we see is in the rifle’s

28.15 inches

scopes for use on a defensive carbine.

unfortunately even their demo rifles

trigger. The A3 we sampled has a trig-

WEIGHT, EMPTY:

The circle reticle is similar to the origi-

were completely sold out by the time

ger that breaks at about 8 pounds, but

7.8 pounds

is remarkably smooth and has a short

MAGAZINE CAPACITY:

nal one found on the integrated scopes

we went to press (as were their new 40-year tribute rifles in the form of the

reset. We have been told that quality

Stg77). We borrowed our sample from

aftermarket triggers by several compa-

30 rounds (10- and 42-round available)

a friend and fellow Steyr enthusiast in

nies are in the works and one may be

the form of an AUGA3.

available by the time you read this.

We were on deck to receive the

The A3 differs from the original

the rear of the stock. They can be

any scope of their choosing without

expensive and/or hard to find and an

the limitations of a 1.5x optic. A bolt

aftermarket STANAG stock is available

hold-open to lock the bolt on an empty

to accommodate standard AR-15 maga-

magazine was added at the request of

zines if you’re one of those folks who

shooters worldwide.

either can’t give up their P-Mags or has

migration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the United States. Now that they’ve been absorbed by DHS (Department of Homeland Security) they’re stuck with M4s. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but we have heard through the grapevine that many ICE guys lament the fact that they had to give up their AUGs. The quick-change barrel system is one of our favorite features, allowing the AUG to use barrels anywhere from 13 to 24 inches in length. Likewise the rifle can be converted to 9mm in a similar manner should anyone have a need for that. Barrels are cold hammer forged

500 perfectly fine GI magazines left over from the last rash of panic buying. Fortunately, Magpul has begun producing 30-round magazines for the

Shooting it was a dream. We found the circular reticle to really draw our eye to the target and the soft recoil of the AUG with the scope on the 4x setting at 100 yards let us see our hits on

Steyr is rightfully famous for their AUG design, but in recent years we have become fans of their striker fired pistols like the M9A1, which incorporates an absolute perfect grip angle for a lower bore axis and easy to acquire trapezoidal sights.

of a Glockish feel to it, so if you are a fan of the other Austrian gun maker,

target. The broken-in trigger had more

you might find yourself comfortable behind the Steyr AUG. We predict that the AUG will remain a cutting edge design for the next 40 years as Steyr and Lithgow continue to improve upon an amazing platform.

67 REC O ILW E B .C O M

receiver allowing the shooter to mount

variable power is definitely an upgrade.

28

and textured, they insert straight into

tries and was used for a time by Im-

steyrarms.com

of the AUG A1 and USR, while the

IS SUE

of engineering beauty. Translucent

top Picatinny rail on the top of the

In spite of its radical appearance,

URL:

Steyr’s magazines are simply a thing

A1 variant by incorporating a flat

the AUG is fielded by over 40 coun-

OVERALL LENGTH:

DIRECT ACTION RESOURCE CENTER SEPARATES THE MEN FROM THE BOYS

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28

STORY BY DAVE MERRILL PHOTOS BY MATT LANDFAIR AND DAVE MERRILL

REC O ILW E B .C O M

68

Down an unimproved road in the backwaters of northern Little

— waits beyond. It’s immediately apparent that this isn’t your

Rock, Arkansas, sits the Direct Action Resource Center, common-

run-of-the-mill shooting range.

ly known as DARC. As you drive toward the gated entry, mosqui-

Though it’s been around for more than a decade, DARC (pro-

toes buzz in the air. You pass a swamp-ish pond, where turtles

nounced “dar-see”) has managed to stay out of the limelight. It

throw themselves into the water. Beyond the simple chain-link

was the first center exclusively built for tactical urban training,

barrier lies a training facility where some of the very best law en-

and while some training facilities rely on flashy advertising or big-

forcement and military personnel train for worst-case scenarios.

name instructors, everything I heard about DARC came from the

After passing through the threshold from its rural surround-

mouths of graduates. Details were always vague, with knowing

ings, you’re greeted by an actual helicopter fuselage mounted

nods, quiet murmurs, and sly grins exchanged among any alumni

on a raised platform for speed roping. An airplane hull, com-

present for the conversation. Is this Skull and Bones routine just

plete with all seats — including flight attendant serving carts

flash — or is there something more hidden behind the veil?

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PROCEED WITH CAUTION When I told my wife I’d be attending

day training period I put in 96 hours

a course at DARC to check out the facil-

and expended nearly 3,000 Simuni-

ity, she said very seriously, “You’re going

tion rounds. Over 50,000 Simunition

to get hurt.” Wait! My former-psycholog-

rounds were fired by students and

ical-operations soldier wife knows more

OPFOR (opposing forces) during the

about the school than I do? Sh*t.

week. And this was just Level 1.

DARC is best known for their LECTC, the Law Enforcement Counter

can be characterized as rapid incre-

Terrorism Course. While we knew

mentalism. Imagine a college-level

it would be challenging, the term

math class originally designed for a

“challenging” would turn out to be an

16-week semester crammed into three

understatement.

weeks, and you’ll have the right idea.

Some courses, even from profes-

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28

Mason teaching the nuances of assaulting.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

70

Complex structures and real obstacles make for a challenging training environment.

The founder and owner of DARC is

the previous, and if you miss anything

enforcement, are structured for the

you’ll be well behind the power curve.

students to succeed or for simple team building. DARC is not one of

He’s of small stature, built like a

those places. Though teams natu-

barrel, and pieces it all together with

rally become more cohesive through

a fiery red beard and piercing eyes

shared hardship and experience, no

that could freeze lava. A comparison

scenario the students were put in is

to Gimli, the dwarf from The Lord of

specifically designed to be won or lost

the Rings, paired with an M4 sprung

— the scenario is the scenario, and

to mind, but some thoughts are

you prosper or you fail.

soundly again.

Each step immediately builds upon

sional schools solely devoted to law

a former SOF warrior, Richard Mason.

best kept unsaid lest we never sleep

The training methodology at DARC

To give an idea of the intensity of the course, over a five-and-a-half

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LECTC is a tactics course, so if your weapon manipulations aren’t solidly at a subconscious level there’s no way you’ll be able to succeed without being carried by your stronger teammates. The coursework takes large and complex problems and breaks it down into bite-sized elements — but no matter how small you cut up that 72-ounce steak challenge, you still have to eat the whole thing to win. “We don’t teach people what to think; we teach people how to think,” explained Mason during a conversation after a particularly rough raid. “We’re training for the Super Bowl, and you’ll never know how many people you’ve saved if you do it right.” The instructor cadre at DARC is incredibly dedicated, comprised almost

IS SU E

28

entirely of full-time law enforcement

REC O ILW E B .C O M

72

personnel. They’ve seen the tactics, techniques, and procedures from DARC work firsthand and therefore are very motivated to pass on the knowledge to others. Far beyond a typical weekend basic course load, the class had a very impressive student/instructor ratio — the best I’ve ever experienced for a large class. For 24 students in LECTC, there were 10 instructors standing by for corrective action. There’s no sliding by, and there’s no place to hide. You have to do it legitimately. Just as important as the actual instructors are the role players. There’s no taking turns amongst the students — there are assaulters, and there are terrorists. A small group of role players take time out of their daily lives to regularly wreak havoc on those training at DARC. They aren’t stupid, and they know the entire layout of the facility better than the architects who designed the place. They’re nameless, faceless, and show no mercy. Almost all major force-on-force training scenarios took place in the dead of night — if not with white

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IS SU E

28

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

REC O ILW E B .C O M

74

lights, night vision, and lasers. DARC

The shoot house is the centerpiece

of the interior walls can be removed

shares a healthy relationship with

of many DARC courses. It’s more

to alter the layout and keep everything

several other companies, including

than 6,000-square feet of concrete

unpredictable. Catwalks cover the en-

L3 Communications. An L3 repre-

and steel, structurally reinforced by

tire upper portion of the structure for

sentative was actually on hand at the

the tears and frustrations of anyone

instructor and student observation.

facility to troubleshoot and fix any

who has ever stepped foot inside.

equipment issues that cropped up

Dozens of rooms and hallways present

and to loan out night vision gear to

endless angles that help the OPFOR

those in need.

murder the hell out of students. Some

In addition to the airframes at the facility, there are dozens of vehicles to work with. School buses, city buses, compact cars, and molester vans were all present and standing by, waiting to be used and abused. Live-fire ranges are peppered throughout the entire campus to accommodate both short and long ranges. A concrete village covering more than an acre is a complete gunfighting nightmare with enough angles to give a geometry teacher the cold sweats. And, arguably the heart of DARC, a huge covered modular shoot house is purpose built for maximum carnage and assaulter demoralization.

Not your everyday square range.

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28

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

REC O ILW E B .C O M

76 A high steel roof is equipped with

rifle and handgun classes as well, all

interior lighting, so neither weather

taught by experienced instructors.

nor time of day are ever an issue —

Patches and other assorted flair

and everything is wired for sound.

have been popular in our industry for

Why sound, you ask? So they can play

a long time now. The bulk of them

heavy metal loud enough to rattle

are passed out at trade shows and

your teeth and make Manuel Noriega

conventions with little or no fanfare.

surrender all over again.

It’s different at DARC. I earned a

But as you may have surmised,

coveted patch during the fourth night

there’s more to DARC than LECTC.

of the course with a lot of sweat and a

They offer nearly two-dozen courses

little bit of blood. Now, when I come

that span the range from beginner to

across someone sporting a DARC hat,

expert. Breaching courses cover both

I can engage in some knowing nods

mechanical and explosive methodolo-

and quiet murmuring myself.

gies. They have Advanced Urban Warfare (AUW) and long-range precision shooting. Recently more popular, for reasons that remain obvious, is TUSC,

DIRECT ACTION RESOURCE CENTER TELEPHONE:

(501) 307-9031

the Tactical Urban Sustainment

EMAIL:

Course. TUSC focuses on surviving the

[email protected]

breakdown of law and order following the immediate aftermath of a mass catastrophic civil disturbance. And, of course, they have your less-sexy basic

URL:

www.facebook.com/DirectActionResouceCenter/ [Note: You may have to log in to view the page. As of this writing, this is the actual spelling of the link.]

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28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

78 8

AFTER A COUPLE THOUSAND YEARS, THIS BLADE DESIGN IS STILL CUTTING EDGE STORY BY STEVE TARANI PHOTOS BY STRAIGHT 8, PATRICK VUONG, AND STEVE TARANI

An ancient design, the karambit’s

island located northeast of Java, which

origins can be traced back to Suma-

is traditionally larger and with more

tra, Java, and Malaysia, according to

of a curve known as the klurit (pro-

the oral history passed down from

nounced “clure-eet”). There are also

generation to generation and then onto

many different shapes and designs of

me by my Indonesian masters. Due to

the ancient combat karambit such as

regional variations, there have always

rajawali (bird-head shape) and others

been differences in design, depending

that include protruding spurs used for

on which island the blade came from.

tearing flesh in the heat of battle — a

For example, the karambit of Pulau

coveted blade-performance require-

Lombok, an island of the Indonesian

ment of the ancient world. Today,

Archipelago, and that of its northeast-

these features have been reduced to

ern neighbor, the island of Sumbawa,

merely fanciful designs and, in most

is said to have been traditionally a

cases, ceremonial etchings.

larger or “battlefield-sized” karambit — quite a bit bigger than its more personal-sized Javanese cousin. According to the oral record, there is also another variation of the karambit that comes from Pulau Madura, an

Early Javanese bladesmiths figured

of the tiger’s claw combined with the

To take advantage of these toxins,

that Mother Nature had already

handheld weapons of the characters

the personal karambit, a smaller

developed the appropriate length and

from the Sanskrit epics called the

version of the battlefield or combat

blade geometry of the ultimate edged

Mahabharata and the Ramayana has

karambit, was primarily designed for

tool, so they copied it. The tiger claw

evolved into what is known in modern

targeting the nerves and joints. Given

was used as the pattern for the evolu-

times as the karambit. It’s now recog-

diminutive blade lengths and cor-

tion of a cutting instrument, which

nized internationally as a traditional

responding reduced cutting surface

to this day, has no need for improve-

Malay weapon.

of the smaller karambits, most cuts

It’s said that in ancient times,

cannot be made deep enough to kill

was emulated by the first designers of

when a fighter unsheathed a battle-

someone, which is why the karambit

the combat karambit.

field karambit, the cutting edge was

can be considered a personal self-

often smeared with some type of

defense tool and not an offensive

rienced tremendous Hindu influences

deadly poison, acting almost instantly

weapon.

as early as 1st century A.D. Since

upon entry into the bloodstream via

that time, Hinduism along with Bud-

laceration or even a light scrape of

karambit besar (larger or battlefield

dhism spread across the archipelago

the flesh. The smallest cut was

version of the personal-sized karambit)

and reached a peak of influence

good enough to get the poison

is longer and thus facilitates deeper

around the 14th century when the

into the bloodstream. Knowledge

cuts. According to the ancients, the

last and greatest among Hindu-

and usage of poisons derived from

combat karambit was preferred not

Buddhist Javanese empires, the

various species of poisonous frogs,

only for its superior length, but also for f

Majapahit Empire, ruled.

snakes, scorpions, and spiders were

the fact that you could “quickly spill

considered an essential element of

the entrails of your enemies onto the

a warrior’s arsenal in close-quarter

ground.” However, with the advent off

able cultural influence from the

combative skills. These poisons

mfunctional, battle-worthy firearms, sim

Indian subcontinent during the first

immediately affected the central

ilar to circumstances in the Occident,

and second millennia CE. Hinduism

nervous system, rapidly accelerate

bladed weapons became obsolete on

had significant impact and left an

brain death, and were mostly feared

the Far East battlefield and relegated

indelible imprint in Javanese art and

for their nearly instantaneous stop-

to the utilitarian uses of knives that we

culture. The original blade geometry

ping power.

see today.

ment. It is this original shape that

The Indonesian Archipelago expe-

Sumatra were subject to consider-

The concepts shown here are for illustrative purposes only. Seek professional training from a reputable instructor before attempting any techniques discussed or shown in this story.

In contrast, the blade of the

IS SUE

Consequentially, both Java and

WARNING!

28

799 REC O ILW E B .C O M

Below is a kujang, kujang one of the traditional edged weapons of the Sundanese.

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28

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE KARAMBIT

REC O ILW E B .C O M

80 Often used as a last line of defense in ancient times when the larger klurit was made inoperable, the smaller

Top right: The three grips of the karambit.

rendering his enemy’s weapon arm

arm stroke. All other blades of that era

permanently disabled.

were limited to only one arm motion per

Specifically designed as a close-

one cut. The ancient battlefield karambit was

personal karambit targets included the

quarter instrument of self-defense, the

eyes, testicles, the Achilles tendon, ca-

personal karambit of old was addition-

rotid artery, biceps, forearm, and wrist.

ally quite difficult to see in the hand of

A particularly nasty target of ancient

a well-trained user, due to its method

times was the clavicle (collar bone).

of deployment and cover of the fingers,

It could not be effectively taken

clenched within a closed fist. Doubly

away.

Madi tribesmen, when executed

menacing was that it could not be

It could change ranges without

perfectly, the karambit user jumped

disarmed as a result of its forefinger

body movement.

straight up into the air driving his

grip design — what we now call the

It could deliver two strikes in a

curved blade downward into the upper

“safety ring.”

single arm motion.

According to the traditions of the

torso of his opponent, similar to one

This feature was unique at the time,

unique because: It could not be easily seen.

It could be held in thee complete-

of the fight scenes in the 2004 movie

and meant it could be used for both

ly different grip configurations.

Troy. In one swift movement, he’d uti-

close-quarter and extreme-close-quarter

It could be used simultaneously

lize the combined physics of momen-

fighting ranges without changing dis-

with other weapons systems.

tum and body weight.

tance of the striking arm. The user sim-

Under load, the combat karambit

ply swings the blade around the index

would hook the collarbone, tip pointed

finger, allowing it to protrude from the

and as fierce as it looks, its primary

down, then reverse blade direction

fist and providing an additional handle-

application in this modern era is utili-

upon impact. This would result in a

length of reach to the opponent’s target

tarian. Although used also by martial

broken collarbone, effecting destruc-

areas. It was also the only blade used in

artists who practice the art of Pencak

tion of the brachial plexus and thus

battle that could cut twice with a single

Silat and in some cases can be used

Although quite a remarkable weapon,

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HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE KARAMBIT

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28

as an implement of personal defense

REC O ILW E B .C O M

82

(much like any modern pocket knife, screwdriver, or steak knife as an improvised weapon), it’s small blade-tip size

Regardless of the grip, the karambit’s ripping and hooking can do serious damage.

tioner that his knife should not be

training members of the special opera-

unsheathed without good reason, nor

tions community, I was approached to

without honor.

design a “get off me” weapon based on traditional blade designs.

THE MODERN KARAMBIT

and length are not conducive to delivery of lethal blows. The karambit cannot be

Fast-forward 600 years. Modern

Partnering with Duane Dwyer of Strider Knives, Inc., we came up

used for effective thrusting, and thus

war-fighters faced with the constant

with a modified karambit that would

cannot be considered a dirk or dagger.

threat of close-quarter contact in a

fit adjacent the ejection-side trigger

However, when used correctly, it can

hostile environment rely upon only two

housing of the AR-15, and allow the

deliver convincing motivation to any

things for their personal survival: their

user an additional weapon option when

would-be attacker to forget about you

training and their gear. As a result of

working in a crowded environment.

and look for a much softer target. Today, the karambit has found a home with campers, hunters, construction workers, martial artists, collectors, knife enthusiasts, and defense-minded citizens who choose to carry a utility knife that may also be used in the event of assault on their person. As with any tool of value it becomes the responsibility of its owner to know how to care for and safely operate it. In the blade cultures of the Malay people, such a utility tool that could also be used for personal protection represents skill, maturity, honor, and wisdom. Those who are well versed in its usage have a greater advantage over those who don’t. A 14th century code of ethics reminds the practi-

A 14TH CENTURY CODE OF ETHICS REMINDS THE PRACTITIONER THAT HIS KNIFE SHOULD NOT BE UNSHEATHED WITHOUT GOOD REASON, NOR WITHOUT HONOR.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE KARAMBIT Oftentimes, when carrying out hits

to rapidly engage a threat at personal

in urban areas, team members would

contact range and with curved blade

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

be crowded by potentially hostile

still in hand. He could then move right

Steve Tarani is a former CIA employee who served

members of the community that

back onto the carbine to deliver rounds

in protective programs and formerly on staff at the

although appearing to be unarmed,

down range unimpeded.

U.S. Department of Energy National Security Institute

would impede their ability to provide

It would seem that the ancients

(Security Force Training Dept.) at Kirtland Air Force

cover, limit their movement, and oth-

knew a thing or two when they crafted

Base, where he worked for the U.S. State Department

erwise attempt to screw up what they

the karambit. This classic Eastern

Anti-terrorist Assistance Program. Tarani has served

were doing.

knife design is still, in my opinion,

the U.S. defense, law enforcement, and

the most versatile and adaptable in

intelligence communities for over 30 years

immediately an option, but some way

existence. The karambit is capable

as a respected subject-matter expert

of persuading the unwashed masses to

of delivering incapacitating cuts in

and service provider to numerous high/

go do something else was needed. In

a self-defense situation, while being

low-profile federal agencies. Steve has

case things got squirrely, the ability to

legal in most jurisdictions due to its

authored eight books to date and is

deal with XCQB threat without being

short blade length. As with all self-

currently employed internationally

able to deploy the carbine was also a

defense tools, getting the most out of

as a protective agent, professional

requirement.

it requires training, so be sure to check

educator, and keynote speaker.

In this scenario, lethal force was not

Easy to carry, rapidly deployed, and

out the videos at www.recoilweb.com where we demonstrate just how devas-

ity, the design enabled the operator

tating it can be.

www.stevetarani.com

IS SUE

28

with its personal protection capabil-

REC O ILW E B .C O M

84

5.11 TACTICAL TACTICAL KARAMBIT

5.11 TACTICAL TACTICAL KARAMBIT FOLDER

6.5 inches

6.6 inches

OAL:

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A MODERN SPIN ON AN ANCIENT ART

I S SU E

28

STORY BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOS BY STICKMAN AND IAIN HARRISON

REC O ILW E B .C O M

866

Shrouded in mystery, Damascus steel has an

crucible steel originally produced in India from

aura surrounding it like no other material. Ac-

around 200 B.C., comprising a Martensite or

cording to lore, the blade of a Damascus sword

Pearlite matrix, within which are micro carbide

can cut cleanly through a gun barrel and will

layers that produce microscopic “teeth” in a

sever a hair falling on it. Because the knowledge

cutting edge. In recent years, researchers have

needed to produce this ancient material was

also discovered evidence of carbon nanotubes

lost in the early 1800s, it’s achieved a mythical

and tungsten micro alloys, adding to the mys-

status. While we can approximate it in modern

tique. This Wootz steel features a distinctive

times, the ancients took their secret recipes and

pattern, which, depending on the individual

techniques with them to the grave.

sample, can look like waves or flowing water. It

A true Damascus blade utilizes a type of

was traded across the Near East for almost two millennia, much of it fetching up in the city of Damascus (which had a thriving arms industry), where it was forged into the blades bearing its name. While original, genuine Damascus steel is no longer available, the Damascus look is

ROAD TO DAMASCUS DA still highly sought after and can be visually reproduced by another technique known as pattern welding. In it, different alloys are heated and then forge welded (think BFH) together before being folded over and forge

8 inches

duce the two items here. Be warned, if you admire the flowing, organic lines of either original Damascus steel or its modern, forge welded counterpart, you’ll need a healthy bank account if you plan on adding it to the collection.

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CONSTRUCTION:

nated material that has an amalgam

It is this method that’s used to pro-

IS SU E

CALIBER:

30

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that went into its creation.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

MODEL:

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100% Mokuti titanium laminate

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88

MAKE:

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The Japanese art of Mokume-game was originally applied to sword making, where it would be employed in the creation of eye-catching tsuba or other decorative components. The Mokuti billet used in Nottingham Tactical’s suppressor was created in an inert atmosphere under intense heat and pressure by Chad Nichols in Blue Springs, Mississippi. If that sounds like an expensive way to create a chunk of titanium bar stock, you’d be absolutely correct. Before attempting to machine this piece, (and machining it is a royal PITA) the maker was already 10 grand in the hole due to material costs, so the finished price tag of somewhere north of $14,000 seems almost reasonable. There will only be five of these cans ever produced, so take a number and get in line. Using modified K baffles, each of which is also spun from the same material as the endcaps and tube, the can is rated for .300 Win Mag and is just the thing for your next unicorn hunt.

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ROAD TO DAMASCUS DAHMER ARMS DAMASCUS AR LOWER CNC’d from a billet comprised of 416 layers of carbon steel, the Dahmer

28

there you have it — pair your billet

MODEL:

billet was folded by hand on a Nazel

Damascus lower with a Mokuti can and

Damascus Lower Receiver

4B power hammer (if you’re interested

you’d have a one-of-a-kind rifle that’ll

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for the same kind of money, you could

any apart from the other nine units

WEIGHT:

interview of Jesse James in Issue 11).

have a pretty decent family sedan.

Once off the machines, the receiver

We know which one would be more

For those interested in the technical

I S SUE

15n20, 52100, and 5160 and the

Dahmer Arms

Damascus steel

that make up this production run.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

pattern and sealed against rust. So

AR unlike any other. Or, rather, unlike

Arms lower is for those who want an

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REC O ILW E B .C O M

92 IS SU E

28

CODY WILSON BEGAN HIS REVOLUTION WITH ONES AND ZEROS, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT FOUGHT BACK WITH RED TAPE

was a small, inexpensive pistol meant

technology. Wilson might say it’s about

to be air dropped en masse into Axis

a government restricting the flow of

occupied territory. The idea was to sink

information that threatens its ability to

Jerry’s morale by making him wonder

control its citizenry. Yet, spectators will

if every civilian might be an armed,

argue the U.S. Constitution’s First and

insurgent threat.

Second Amendment are very much at

Wilson’s Liberator differs from the original in a few ways, the most

stake. Wilson’s new book, Come and Take

important being DD’s Liberator isn’t a

It, is a sort of journal describing the

gun. It’s an idea. Sure, the end result

ideas and events that led to the release

is a 3D-printed, single-shot, .380 ACP

of the Liberator. The journey spans

pistol. But, the gun itself isn’t what

continents, social movements, and

According to Wired, this guy is the

moved the U.S. State Department

technological horizons. Left wing, right

fifth most dangerous person on the

to action. It was DD’s free and open

ring, anarchists, capitalists, politicians,

internet. He and his company, Defense

distribution of the instructions and

bureaucrats, and the media are all

Distributed, caused Uncle Sam some

files, giving anyone with a 3D printer

forces Wilson has to navigate and mar-

heartburn back in May 2013 when it

the ability to manufacture a pistol, that

shal in order to bring about his vision

released the Liberator project.

locked the two in a years-long legal

of a free society through technology.

STORY BY ROB CURTIS PHOTOS BY SCHULTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

The Defense Distributed Libera-

battle.

Cody is 28, grew up outside Little

tor grew out of Wilson’s wiki weapons

What’s the basis of the fight? It de-

Rock, Arkansas, has a girlfriend and no

project. It’s named after the .45-cali-

pends whom you ask. The government

Southern accent. He was student body

ber, WWII-era, FP-45 Liberator. The

might say it’s about the protection of

president in high school, a member

original gun was more a tool of psycho-

American strategic interests through

of the varsity track team, and drives a

logical rather than actual warfare. It

the regulation of exportable weapon

Ford Edge.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY WILSON

HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER? Wilson displays his experience and his motivations for his controversial project in his new book, Come and Take It: The Gun Printer’s Guide to Thinking Free.

as a violation, so they already had me

Who’s funding your defense?

by the balls. All I had time for was to

CW: I am, but in fact it’s not a de-

scramble to get a lawyer in the 30 days

fense. I’m the one who brought the

they gave me to respond.

challenge. The government is the defense, and I’m an appellant. At the end

… and your response?

of 2014, I started a new company and

CW: I ended up taking all the files

a new product, called Ghost Gunner,

down. Then in the intervening years,

with the purpose of making enough

I waited for the State Department

money to begin a lawsuit against the

to make a decision about whether

State Department to fight and prove

I violated ITAR. At first I waited six

out the Liberator in court.

months. Then I waited a year. Then

RECOIL: So, your book is out; what’s happened since it was published?

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28

Cody Wilson: Two days after [the Lib-

REC O ILW E B .C O M

94

erator] was released, the government was like, “F@#k no. This ain’t getting released,” and we’ve been in a fight ever since. What’s the government’s argument? CW: It was the State Department through what’s called the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). They did what they did in the 1990s with encryption. They were like, “Naw, the public can’t just have this,” and so under the tissue-thin justification of export law, they made the novel argument that posting the plans for a gun on the internet were the same thing as exporting those plans to foreign nationals. They sent what’s called a directed disclosure letter or a directed disclosure request. They were like, “This may have violated International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You have to remove all these files while we decide if you’ve violated ITAR.” I was like, “What the hell?” I wasn’t in a position at that time to fight because penalties are huge. Penalties are like millions of dollars for every violation. I mean, it’s bad. Each foreign download can count

Defense Distributed’s Ghost Gunner 2 is a $1,500 desktop CNC mill designed to complete aluminum 80% AR-15 lowers. DD is working on code that’ll allow the device to finish 80% AR-10 and 80% 1911 receivers, as well.

I ended up waiting three years. They

Tell us a little about Ghost Gunner.

didn’t make a decision, and I realized,

CW: We sell a CNC machine that

“Oh, yeah, it’s pointless for them to

finishes 80-percent receivers for both

make a decision.” They were just going

AR-15 and 308s, and we’re working on

to keep me off the internet.

the 1911 pistol frame. We’ve shipped

So we tried to get an injunction

almost 3,000 in the last couple of

against the government because the

years. We’ve done millions in revenue,

government argues, “This is exporting

and funded this huge lawsuit.

defense information. You can’t just post it on the internet.” Then we go, “Oh,

Where does the fight over the project

what are you talking about? This is pri-

stand today?

vately generated, unclassified stuff. We

CW: We started in Western District last

have a freedom of speech interest.”

year. The first thing we did strategi-

HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER? cally was to ask for a preliminary

Two years in court and the govern-

three days after I released the Libera-

injunction against the government. We

ment would only address procedural

tor, I dropped out of law school. The

did that so we wouldn’t have to have

concerns instead of the free speech

next day, I got attacked by the govern-

the whole trial at the lower level and

issue? Now what?

ment. Everything changed after that.

let the judge just mangle everything.

CW: I can appeal en banc because we

I couldn’t finish my degree because I

We pushed on with our facial challenge

got a monster dissent. It’s a split deci-

was trying to fight for many years to

so that we can get an appellate court

sion, and the majority is very meek in

protect what we had done in those few

their opinion. I think we’ll probably be

short months.

like the Fifth Circuit court of appeals, to say, “OK, these are the constitutional issues. These are what issues will control them,” then basically force the government to settle by solving the constitutional issues real quick. But, it’s been two years, and they won’t talk about the merits because it’s too scary. They don’t like the merits. Amazingly, the Fifth Circuit was just like, “Well, we don’t have to talk about the merits. It’s just procedural. We don’t think the government has

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28

exceeded its discretion so far, so we’re

REC O ILW E B .C O M

96

not going to give an injunction.”

The Liberator ia a 3D printed, singleshot .380 pistol that is untraceable and can be made to be undetectable. Though the round and the hardware store nail it uses as a firing pin can be carried separately, a chunk of metal is supposed to be permanently epoxied in the frame to complete assembly, making the receiver itself detectable by electronic means.

granted an en banc hearing and have to do it all over again in New Orleans

Are you concerned about establishing

before the Fifth Circuit.

a bad precedent if the case goes all the way to the Supreme Court? They

OK, but what the hell does “on bonk”

could decide you created and dissemi-

mean? Is that lawyer-speak?

nated a weapon, not protected speech.

CW: En banc. It’s a legal term. It

CW: No. I think there’s two different

means the whole circuit has to hear it

things going on. About six months after

instead of just a three-judge panel.

I took them to court, the government decided that, “Oh, hey, by the way,

You talked about attending law school

we got back to you on the request you

in your book. A law degree must be

made. Yeah, you did break the law.”

useful through this struggle?

So, the government has already de-

CW: I didn’t put this in the book, but

cided that I broke the law, and I made

HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER? Is there irony in the idea of a free society having to vote for measures that provide freedom? CW: Yeah. It’s almost like when people vote freedom today, they almost subconsciously mean it in terms of license: “Someone will give me freedom to do so.” Anarchy is totally egoistic, the vacuum of authority. In terms of guns and 3D printing, you can almost only do things the government will literally license and allow you the freedom to do. That’s been true for many years in our gun culture, and it’s becoming increasingly true in aspects a weapon or whatever. But no, if you’re asking am I afraid of making a bad precedent, not really. I think I have the best legal team possible. I have Alan Gura. I’ve got the guy who got us Heller

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28

and McDonald, you know?

REC O ILW E B .C O M

98

Has anybody ever called you an optimist?

Profits from Wilson’s original Ghost Gunner, and now the Ghost Gunner 2, have been funding Wilson’s fight with the U.S. government over the release of the Liberator.

CW: Optimist, yeah, sometimes. I think I’m pretty gloomy in my outlook in general, but you’re right. I wouldn’t do everything I was doing if I didn’t believe that I could pull out in the end. Do you consider yourself a firearms enthusiast? CW: I am now. But, not at that time. I like guns, and I liked them then, but no, I didn’t know much about them, and I wasn’t a huge enthusiast. Now, I’m much more comfortable talking to people about the specifics of a couple different guns, but at the beginning there was just, “How do we play with the symbol; how do we exploit the symbol?” Do you carry a pistol? Are you an advocate of self-defense? CW: Yeah. Sure. I’m an advocate, but I don’t carry. Maybe one day I will carry. I don’t have a problem with carrying. Most of the people at my shop do, and have guns at work and everything. I just don’t personally.

What’s the difference between anarchy

that we felt they’d never touched, both

and freedom?

in the states and eventually at the

CW: I think they’re synonymous. In

federal level. We all know that Hillary

some ways freedom is kind of like a

doesn’t spell a good end to all this if

buzzword because people differ more

she makes it. Yeah, at some point only

on what freedom is, negative liberty

a good anarchist will have a semi-auto

versus positive liberty, than they differ

rifle in this country.

on what anarchy is. Anarchy is the lack of control. It’s

A shipment of Ghost Gunner 2 housings arrive at Defense Distributed in Austin, TX for final assembly.

Have you ever felt like a terrorist when

a lack of systemic, programmatic

you’re trying to bring about change?

mechanisms. It basically means the

CW: A little bit. I kind of flirt with what

true latitude of human action, indi-

Baudrillard called “the spirit of terror-

vidual sovereignty.

ism” a little bit in the narrative. The

HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER? spirit of terrorism is this idea they can use involuntary, involuting forces. You can take the government structure and almost trick it, lull it into a defensive spiral of extending resources and effort to where it collapses on itself. That was one thing we were kind of beckoning people at the time. We’re like, “Hey, come and stop us on the internet. Hey, security state, come and make yourself real. You think you can stop guns? Watch this.” I think that’s a terrorist spirit, at least in the sense that Baudrillard writes about it. In your book you say, “we piss explosive,” what does that mean? CW: One of the ingredients of the explosive urea nitrate is in our piss. We’re weaponized down to our core biology.

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28

That’s the thing. You can try to play

REC O ILW E B .C O M

100

a game of platonic forms where, “Oh yeah, there’s weapons, and we can regulate weapons. The world can be made safe,” but when you really think about it, the whole problem is at the level of scientific discipline. We’ve accessed the power of electricity in the atom and the explosive, and it’s everywhere, and it’s in our biology. We live in a world of increasingly exploitable weaponization. What’s your take on Snowden? CW: There was a lot of overlap in our network and Snowden’s network, and, of course, we aspire to the same mentality about access to information, but Snowden is a committed Democrat. I don’t mean that in just his party politics. I mean he still believes in democratic structures, protecting, and defending the Republic of the United States from corruption. Everything he did came from a place of civic norms — that we might recognize a generation ago — in the interest of the voting public. That’s cool, but we just don’t share his view about how to protect, and his optimism about what’s worth protecting in this government.

Wilson doesn’t think 3D printing will supplant traditional machining, “... there’s always going to be more complex parts that we can only make with metal 3D printing. But you can’t beat the old-school milling and lathing man. That’s just the bread and butter of all this stuff.”

You talked a bit about your father

your mom. I’m going to probably hear

in the book, but nothing about your

about it. I don’t know, man. Obviously

mom. You think she’ll be pissed that

she was a part of this, but all I did was

you didn’t mention her in the book?

make her worried through that whole

CW: She hasn’t read the book yet,

thing, so she didn’t play the same role

so she’s probably going to be like,

as my dad did in it. Of course she was

“Where’s mine?” I did say “To my mom

there for the whole thing. She knew

and my dad” in the dedication, so at

what was happening just like other

least I put it in the beginning there.

people in my family did. But, no. If anything, moms just want you to be

For your sake, we hope she’s not like

safe. They don’t want you to go off and

our mom.

start inviting the government to f*ck

CW: Oh God. I think she’s probably like

up your life.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY WILSON

HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER? Do you support the NRA?

NRA. NRA is not spending money on

CW: I’m glad they’re there. I do think

you for that. It’s even worse for groups

they’re a significant lobby. At the same

like the NSSF. All they are is an indus-

time I know that they don’t really take

try lobby. All they have is a political

the government to the mat in court.

action committee, and they just like

They don’t really care about creat-

schmaltz around with politicians and

ing precedent and a strong Second

stuff. They won’t even give me a mem-

Amendment at the highest level. They

bership. These people don’t believe in

tried to f@#k up and then take credit

the Second Amendment.

for McDonald. All the significant Sec-

We talked about freedom and anarchy. What about security? What does that mean to you? CW: Security now is like a dog whistle. I think it’s used culturally and ideologi-

REC O ILW E B .C O M

102

saw things in the terms of, “Oh, I’m actually going to help people with security. They’ll have a gun, and then they’ll be safer.” I don’t believe the Liberator

What precipitated your strong opinion

at the courts have been through the

of the National Shooting Sports Foun-

Second Amendment Foundation, not

dation?

the NRA. They are not as important

CW: I joined the NSSF for one reason.

to the actual living, breathing Second

I want to present at SHOT Show. I have

Amendment as they would like you to

a nice product. I don’t mind support-

believe; but I’m glad that they’re a big,

ing the NSSF. I think they’re like the

strong lobby in Washington.

little brother to the NRA. I send an application, and I don’t get a response.

The Second Amendment Foundation is

A month later, I just get my member-

an organization you respect? Can you

ship application returned and my

talk about them a little bit?

application fee refunded as an NSSF

CW: Of course. Alan Gottlieb runs the

check. They said ... In fact I’ve got it

show, man. They just got a victory in

in my email. It went all the way up to

the Third Circuit on a double en banc.

the CEO of NSSF. Let me get it to you

They just created [a way so] felons

right now. I’m like radioactive up there.

for anybody’s self-defense. I want to

who’ve served their debt to society

I think they’re worried I’m going to go

strip away that veneer, that feeling of

can get their guns back. That ain’t the

write some story in RECOIL Magazine.

is an effective and acceptable option

the security state and the kind of prevailing norms of security that you think protect us like a little blanket.

Testing: DD decided to see if the Liberator could run 5.7x28 FN. It couldn’t.

You mention the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 in your book. How does that play into your attack of state security? CW: There’s a historical bonus because the Liberator ends up being this undetectable gun; it can be made completely of plastic. It’s a happy accident because I was only interested in it being an untraceable gun. It’s so beautiful because it highlights two separate conversations. There’s security through observability in a sense of the government can see what you’re doing when you’re doing it. Then, there’s that deeper level of security in detectability. The Liberator creates problems out of both of them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY WILSON

IS SU E

28

cally in a sense of securitization. I never

Wilson and Amir Taaki in Berlin, August 2014. Taaki joins Wilson on the other side of Wilson’s cryptoanarchist project: Bitcoin. Their Dark Wallet and DarkMarket projects use Bitcoin to create untraceable financial transactions.

ond Amendment victories we’ve had

Diagnosis:

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HAS THE LIBERATOR MET ITS MAKER?

CODY WILSON

Ha.

after the Liberator plans were posted,

for years. This controversy is manu-

CW: Here we go. This is an email

but how much of this stuff was already

factured, and nothing we’ve done is at

AGE: 28

from [their] director of membership

out there on the internet, and still is?

the level of true fundamental inven-

services. “Follow up to your phone

CW: Oh, quite a bit. All of the stuff

tion, although we ushered in the 3D

EDUCATION: BA English

message Friday 19th. Defense Dis-

we released is still out there. Our

printed gun phase. The stakes of the

tributed’s application was reviewed by

printable lower files are the basis of

fight are that the government now

HOMETOWN: Cabot, Arkansas

NSSF staff, including Steve Sanetti,

everybody else’s remixes for the AR.

realizes there’s tooling and technology

president, CEO. After reviewing the

You can show me an STL file, and I

out there that lets anyone take all the

FAVORITE FIREARM: FN P90

application and NSSF bylaws, it was

can tell you if it’s based on our stuff.

plans and know-how that’s been in

determined that Defense Distributed is

The DNA of our work is completely in

the public domain for years, and make

not qualified for membership because

the wild.

an AR now. I mean anybody, with no

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IS SU E

28

IPHONE OR ANDROID: I’d rather be choked

REC O ILW E B .C O M

104

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE FIREARM IT WOULD BE AN: M1 Garand LAST BOOK YOU READ: W.B. Yeats Collected Poems LAST SHOW WATCHED: Neon Genesis Evangelion URL: ghostgunner.net

knowledge at all. Anybody can make

it was felt that Defense Distributed would not further the objectives of the

Here’s our last question. If the genie is

an AR. Anybody can make a 1911.

foundation in the promotion of the

out, why continue to rub the lamp?

They can do it on the cheap with

firearms, ammunition, hunting and the

CW: I’m not rubbing the lamp. The

digital technology, with the internet,

shooting sports industry.”

genie was out of the bottle when [Eu-

unmediated, no authority. We’re yelling

gene] Stoner’s plans passed into the

about it, and they have got to shut

So, the government stopped you from

public domain. Goddamn. Machinists

us up as a response to dissuade the

disseminating your work a couple days

have been passing this stuff around

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28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

106

ASPIRATIONS, INSPIRATIONS, AND CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE STORY BY STEVEN KUO PHOTOS BY ROB CURTIS AND STEVEN KUO

Some industries have made an entire

Park City, Kentucky. Nathan and Nick

Nathan explained that they wanted to

industry out of celebrating their own

Noble of Rockcastle Shooting Center,

develop an in-depth product testing

industry. Tinseltown, for example,

David Powers of Oneida Molded

process for firearms and accessories,

has elevated self-aggrandizement to

Plastics, and many others worked

with comprehensive and unbiased

an art form with an unending array of

tirelessly to execute an event honor-

evaluations. The goal was to help

awards and awards shows, from the

ing innovation and excellence in the

consumers with their buying decisions

Academy Awards to the Tony Awards

firearm industry.

as well as to give manufacturers honest and detailed feedback about their

to the Emmy Awards. Consumers eat it up, artists genuinely appreciate

THE GRAND IDEA

products. Participating manufacturers

the recognition, and companies love

Powers described how it came

the exposure. The firearms industry,

to be: “We tried to come up with a

submitted products they considered

however, has never been quite so

different concept for the Firearms

their best in various categories —

organized and ambitious.

Industry Choice Awards and Team

each evaluated and scored on fit,

Challenge. It’s an opportunity for

finish, form, and function. Product

change that, and we were there to wit-

us in the industry to celebrate our

categories included rifles, handguns,

ness its unveiling — at the inaugural

passion, the things we do, and what

shotguns, optics, accessories, and

Firearms Industry Choice Awards in

makes these products so great.”

ammunition.

But there’s an effort afoot to

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THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS

COMPETITION, CAMARADERIE, AND CELEBRATION Two months after the evaluations, their representatives converged

on Rockcastle Shooting Center for two days of shooting competitions, good food, and good company. The Industry Team Challenge format pitted teams of four against each other across eight courses of fire. Three shotgun stages featured trap, five-stand, and sporting clays. Competitors’ pistol skills were put to the test on the Smoke and Hope stage from Steel Challenge and a team relay stage with 70 steel targets spread across the berm to be engaged with five different types of pistols. Two three-gun stages required shooters to engage targets with pistol, shotgun, and rifle at both close quarters and at

28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

forms per product, with both numeri-

ators assembled at the Rockcastle

cal ratings and qualitative feedback

culverts and engage long-range targets with a precision bolt gun and

Shooting Center for several days of

— no small task given the number

a gas gun. After all the dust settled, the Luth-AR team won the event.

hands-on testing and evaluation of

of products, and time and effort re-

the products. Evaluators were hand-

quired to review each. Their feedback

generous portions of delicious smoked pig for dinner, folks from the

picked to include a mix of firearms

was anonymous to ensure they could

various companies enjoyed the opportunity to connect with each other

retailers, distributors, gunsmiths, law

be completely frank and honest. We

in a much more intimate manner than the frenzied Vegas nights at

enforcement, military, journalists, and

were impressed to see the reviewers

SHOT and other trade shows.

competitive and recreational shoot-

taking their appointed duties very

ers. Powers elaborated, “We looked

seriously, working on their evaluations

youth of America and supporting our veterans. The former are critically

to bring in a team of people who

from morning to night the whole time

important to the future of the Second Amendment; the Generation III

have no bias and no correlation to

they were at the Rock.

Gun and 2A Heritage organizations were on hand, raising money and

the manufacturers who submitted the

awareness for junior shooters. In fact, the Generation III Gun team of

products.”

Reveling in the hospitality at the Rock, musical performances, and

108

A panel of 20 experienced evalu-

distance. Finally, a team relay called for teammates to crawl through

Two other causes near and dear to the firearms industry are the

junior shooters took second place in the Team Challenge. Mission 22

Evaluators carefully examined prod-

Ratings were then tallied to determine the winners in each category. All evaluator feedback was given to

was also present, raising awareness, enlisting support, and seeking to

ucts on the bench before taking them

the manufacturers following the award

end veteran suicide in America. Raffles and auctions raised funds for

to the range for live-fire testing. From

ceremony, vetted end-user feedback

all of these causes.

the perspective of the end user, they

being invaluable when it comes to

filled out three pages of evaluation

product development.

HOT WASH At RECOIL, we strive for credible and honest reporting, and we love to celebrate the strong values and excitement that the firearms industry, lifestyle, and shooting sports represent. Therefore, we were happy to hear of the Firearms Industry Choice Awards, with its noble goal of honoring the best the industry has to offer, evaluating products with hands-on, impartial testing, promoting the shooting sports, and bringing the industry together. With high hopes, we headed out to Rockcastle for the evaluation

THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS represented 151 years of military and

ators weren’t able to shoot groups to

law enforcement experience; 138

test firearms for accuracy, run box

years as instructors, rangemasters,

tests on scopes, perform product

or coaches; 67 years of gunsmithing

durability testing, or examine the

experience; 64 years of retail and

terminal performance of ammunition

distribution; 24 years as media; 346

in gel blocks, and so on.

years of recreational hunting and

sessions and returned months later for the Industry Team Challenge competition and the awards ceremony.

The incomparable Andy Horner hard at work on the range.

IS SU E

28

Coordinating an industry-wide

REC O ILW E B .C O M

110

We’d like to see the event expand

shooting; 288 years of competitive

the scope of product testing beyond

shooting; and an average of 14,000

the look, feel, measure, and shoot

rounds sent downrange each year.

evaluations performed this year. Some

Rankings were calculated by tabu-

participants suggested increasing the

lating numerical assessments on a

number of evaluators to allow subject

scale of 1 to 10 across many specific

matter experts to focus on specific

dimensions. Qualitative feedback was

categories and do more extensive test-

also recorded, but not factored into

ing. Still, when compared to the award

the scores.

criteria applied to other industries’

The testing and evaluation protocol was focused on deriving impartial

award competitions, it was a great start. And that’s really the most important

product evaluation event is truly

results, unencumbered by any other

a herculean challenge. In an ideal

business considerations. One evalua-

thing — the fundamental underpin-

world, you’d have many categories to

tor told us, “The idea of an industry

nings are strong and now in place.

compare like-for-like items and a wide

award is great, but it needs to be

This sets the stage for growing the

representation of products from across

based on merit, not on popularity or

event and evaluation process while

the industry. But, the inaugural event

monetary concerns. Nothing should

maintaining the purity of the original

saw a more modest field of entries,

skew the results. And they did a good

intent.

with a total of 65 products submitted.

job of that.”

Therefore, categories had to be broad

And a manufacturer (who didn’t win

In the end, you’ve gotta start somewhere. And for its inaugural effort,

enough to foster competition — but

their category) said, “I don’t have a

we were impressed with the objec-

made for some strange bedfellows. For

huge advertising budget, so my guns

tives and execution of the Firearms

example, the first year’s rifle category

have to stand on their own merit. It

Industry Choice Awards. There’s still

had carbines ranked against precision

sucks to lose, but it was good to get

much that can be improved with more

an honest shake.”

time, resources, and support from the

rifles. In the optics category, there were red-dots, tactical scopes, longrange scopes, and binoculars. In speaking with manufacturers and evaluators afterward, both said they’d like to see narrower product categories. Increased awareness of the event will bring more resources and, we hope, more manufacturers who want to validate their concepts and reward their employees with the recognition of an award presented by industry insiders. The organizers created an evaluation process designed to produce honest and unbiased feedback based on actual hands-on use, coming from a highly experienced, end user perspective. The evaluator cadre collectively

A Springfield Armory EMP, the ICA Handgun of the Year, getting wrung out by one of 20 evaluators.

However, resource and time con-

industry. We’re excited for the event to

straints put limitations on the extent

grow into the definitive source of rec-

of testing that could be performed by

ognition for excellence in the firearm

the evaluators — for instance, evalu-

industry.

IS SUE

28

THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS

REC O ILW E B .C O M

112

RUGER

PRECISION RIFLE CALIBER

NOTES:

.308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win

There’s a reason Ruger Precision Rifles are scarce in stores, and it’s the same reason it won the rifle category — it’s a featurepacked, accurate, precision bolt gun at a great price. For a retail price starting at $1,399, Ruger offers a precision rifle with a 5R rifled, cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel, secured in a 4140 upper receiver with a KeyMod handguard. The lower accepts multiple magazine types and the folding buttstock is fully adjustable — and can be replaced along with other furniture with AR parts. The trigger is adjustable from 2.25 to 5 pounds, and the stock is in-line with the bore, providing more effective recoil management, like an AR. Evaluators were duly impressed. One stated, “The price point was really eye opening. Years ago, this would have been a custom gun with a custom price tag. But a shooter can just buy this off the shelf and do PRS matches. You get a lot for that price point, and it’s hard to beat with any other bolt gun platform.” Another said, “No other bolt rifle out there performs like it does with the same options for that price. It’s no surprise they’re so hard to find right now.”

BARREL LENGTH

20, 24, 26 inches WEIGHT

9.7 to 11 pounds MAGAZINE CAPACITY

10 MSRP

$1,399 to $1,599 URL

www.ruger.com

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F-1 FIREARMS BDR-15 3G NEMESIS ARMS VANQUISH

THREE MILES AWAY, THEY’RE COVERING A PRISON BREAK ON THE NEWS YOU’LL NEVER SEE.

THE ENHANCED R5I SUBCOMPACT

THE PERFECTION OF A TRULY GROUNDBREAKING DESIGN. Point instinctively. Recover instantly. Re-engineered from the ground up and rigorously tested to deliver maximum reliability, the all-new R51 gets you on target faster and more intuitively than any other subcompact on the market. Add to that its dramatically reduced felt recoil and muzzle flip, and it’s exactly what you need to perform at your best when things are at their worst. #LiveReady The industry’s lowest pistol bore axis for dramatically less muzzle flip and faster follow-ups

A longer grip for sure handling and a 20-degree grip angle for natural aiming.

9mm Luger +P

Smooth, rounded edges for easy concealment and fast deployment

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICAN WORKERS ©2016 REMINGTON ARMS COMPANY, LLC.

REMINGTON.COM

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THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS

REC O ILW E B .C O M

114

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

1911 EMP 4” LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION 9MM CALIBER

9mm

NOTES:

Springfield Armory’s EMP variant 4 inches of the venerable and WEIGHT seemingly immortal 31 ounces 1911 platform is MAGAZINE CAPACITY notable in that it’s 10 scaled down for MSRP the smaller 9mm $1,179 cartridge, resulting in URL a very compact packwww.springfield-armory.com age that retains all of the 1911 ergonomics that shooters love so much. The latest version extends the match-grade barrel to 4 inches and stretches the grip out another ½ inch, accommodating a 10-round magazine and more of your grubby mitt. The slide is satin stainless steel with a fiber-optic front sight and two-dot rear sight. The frame is black anodized aluminum, with a dimpled front strap, a checkered mainspring housing, and ambidextrous safety levers. Evaluators were particularly pleased with the downsized 1911 design, optimized for 9mm rather than retrofitting a .45 ACP frame. They also praised the quality, fit, finish, and value. However, in speaking with some, we could feel eyes rolling through the phone at a win for the century-old JMB platform — apparently no one’s immune to the age-old 1911 debate. BARREL LENGTH

RUNNERS-UP KIMBER K6S SIG SAUER P320

THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS

BENELLI

828U CALIBER

NOTES:

12 gauge

Benelli is known for its semi-automatic shotguns, and we’re big fans of their inertia-driven guns. So, 26 and 28 inches it was a bit of a surprise when they unveiled a new WEIGHT over-under shotgun. But not a surprise was the fact 6.5 to 6.6 pounds that Benelli had a brand-new take on how to build MAGAZINE CAPACITY an over-under. The 828U features an innovative steel 2 locking system with a steel plate that locks behind MSRP the chamber and barrel, containing all the pressure. $2,499 to $2,999 This eliminates stress on the receiver and hinge pin, URL enabling the use of lightweight aluminum for the www.benelliusa.com receiver and avoiding a usual wear point. The result is a very light, lively, and well-balanced shotgun. Benelli didn’t stop there; the 828U also has a removable trigger group, carbon-fiber rib with a fiber-optic sight, and a recoil-reducing buttstock. The whole package comes together in a beautiful meld of metal and wood. Evaluators loved the 828U, despite its hefty price. They applauded its innovative design and simply enjoyed shooting it. One complaint focused on the slimline safety, which could be difficult to actuate with gloves while hunting.

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BARREL LENGTH

RUNNERS-UP

MOSSBERG 930 PRO SERIES SPORTING REMINGTON V3 FIELD SPORT

REC O ILW E B .C O M

116

TRIJICON

MRO

NOTES:

The red-dot sight market seems to get more crowded every day. The Trijicon MRO differentiates itself with an offering that’s compact, lightweight, boasts long battery life, and comes from RETICLE a distinguished lineage of bombproof optics. In particular, its 2 MOA red-dot 25mm objective size provides better field of view than other MSRP micro-sized red-dot sights. It has cap-less windage and eleva$579 to $639 tion adjustments and a brightness control on the top of the sight URL for quick ambidextrous use. You can opt for a low, co-witness, or www.trijicon.com lower one-third co-witness mount. Evaluators appreciated the MRO’s mix of features and its price. For instance, one wrote, “The Trijicon MRO has been one of the best values in optics that’s come out in a long time. I really like the balance of the 25mm objective size — it’s right in between the Aimpoint Micro and the fullsize Aimpoints, allowing for a decent FOV while still maintaining a small footprint. What’s especially impressive to me is how crisp the dot is until you really push the brightness levels.” On the other hand, the MRO has something of a reputation for having slight magnification noticeable to some shooters; indeed, some evaluators noted that. Still, the MRO’s many strengths chalked up a win for Trijicon.

RUNNERS-UP

NIGHTFORCE ATACR 5-25X56 STEINER T5XI 3-15X50

UNLEASH DEVASTATING ACCURACY, PRECISION AND ENERGY OUT TO 2,000 YARDS, ROUND AFTER ROUND.

ORDER YOURS NOW OR FIND A DEALER AT www.alexanderarms.com 540.639.8356

THE FIR FIREARMS REARMS INDUSTRY INDUSTRY CHOICE CHOICE AWARDS AWARDS

LUTH-AR

MBA-3 CARBINE STOCK COLORS

NOTES:

Black, Flat Dark Earth

Following on Luth-AR’s original MBA-1 rifle-length AR $160 ($170 in FDE) buttstock, its MBA-3 stock clicks URL onto a carbine receiver extension. www.luth-ar.com You get the same custom fit and light weight, while being able to set it to your desired length. The shorty Luth-AR retains the tool-free cheek height and length of pull adjustment and adds multi-position functionality, a three-axis butt plate (with fine adjustments for length, vertical position, and cast), a Pic rail on the base, and a set screw to eliminate play in the stock. Spin those knobs and get that precision feel for your carbine. Evaluators praised the stock for being well designed and thought out, packed with features while being light and affordable. Those familiar with the evolution of the Luth-AR buttstocks were pleased that the company consistently incorporated customer feedback in improving each successive generation. One suggestion for improvement was to include a QD sling swivel cup, which currently can be added by screwing in an aftermarket threaded cup.

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MSRP

RUNNERS-UP AXTS RAPTOR FREEDOM BONE AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE SAFARILAND MODEL 578 GLS PRO-FIT HOLSTER

REC O ILW E B .C O M

118

RUNNERS-UP

BARNES PRECISION MATCH 5.56MM BROWNING BPT PERFORMANCE TARGET/BXP PERSONAL DEFENSE 9MM

SIG SAUER

V-CROWN ELITE PERFORMANCE 9MM CALIBER

NOTES:

9mm

SIG’s V-Crown defensive ammunition features jacketed hollow point bullets with V-shaped jacket skives and scores, designed to provide uniform and controlled expansion. The brass cases are nickel-coated for additional lubricity, corrosion resistance, and enhanced reliability. The loads are optimized for terminal ballistic performance in smaller-framed handguns. The organizers noted that the ammunition category was the most difficult category to evaluate, and scoring was very tight. Terminal performance wasn’t tested, but evaluators weighed, measured, and chronographed the ammo, sending thousands of rounds downrange in a variety of guns. They also assessed retail appeal and packaging. In the end, the SIG ammo was victorious.

BULLET WEIGHT

124 grains MSRP

$19 (20 round box) URL

www.sigammo.com

28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

120

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT COULDN’T GET ANY BETTER — A LOOK AT THE SIG P320 RX STORY BY NICK SAITI PHOTOS BY KENDA LENSEIGNE

Red-dot sights make everything better.

A red-dot is simpler to use than

Just think how accurately you could

iron sights. That doesn’t mean it’s

brush your teeth or how fast you could

easy. I think back to the first time

answer your smartphone with a red-dot

I dropped the hammer on a pistola

mounted. They can do all that and

with a dot. It was magical. Just put

more. I’d put a red-dot on all my ap-

the red dot on the target, and that’s

pliances if possible. I must admit a bit

where the bullet goes. The gun almost

of a jaded perspective as most of my

shoots by itself. Insert rude awaken-

competitive shooting career has been

ing. I believe the bullet hit the back

with a red-dot.

berm, but can’t be sure.

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121 REC O ILW E B .C O M

Delusions of being an action-movie

and trigger control are all the same.

star, sending blazingly accurate rounds

It’s in the sight alignment arena that

downrange without even looking were

the advantage comes into play. Simply

laid to rest. The realization is quick

put, movie magic does not exist.

that just because the sighting system

Red-dots have a definite leg up on

(or any other part of the firearm for

iron sights. The fact that you don’t

that matter) is “more better” doesn’t

need to switch focus back and forth

mean you can skimp on the important

from sights to target, but simply super-

stuff. The fundamentals of good shoot-

impose the dot on the target is the big-

ing still need to be there. Grip, stance,

gest advantage. The dot is much easier

WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO1 Optical sights have been riding long

to see than irons, especially with aging eyes that aren’t what they used to be.

guns forever, and nowadays you’re hard

sights are a perfect example of this,

The target area is more visible without

pressed to find a rifle without some

as they keep getting smaller by the

iron sights impeding the view, making

sort of mounted optic. In the realm of

minute. Pistol manufacturers are now

it easier to shoot with both eyes open.

long guns, iron sights are circling the

making way for progress by offering

All this pales in comparison to the cool

drain. Until recently the use of optics

optics-ready guns that have the slides

factor of having a frickin’ laser saddled

on a pistol was looked at as a novelty

milled just right to make the red-dot

on your gun.

or for gamers on their race guns. Laser

feel at home.

sights were about as crazy as the

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages. Red-dots are electronic, and no matter how bulletproof the companies say they are, failure can occur. Whether that means the electronics or the ability to hold zero. The most common disadvantage is simply the difficulty in finding the dot. This is very prevalent with someone who hasn’t put many rounds downrange with a red-dot. A look of confusion follows the shot when the dot evaporates

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from view and the shooter spends eons

REC O ILW E B .C O M

122

the rest of the tech world. Mini red-dot

adjusting grip, stance, and bobbing his head trying to find the dot again. Not a pretty sight.

SIG had the bright idea of running a channel down the top side of the ROMEO1, which conveniently lines up with the rear sight notch. Two buttons on the sight’s left side control dot intensity.

The latest company to join the fray

industry went. Technology has come a

has been in the firearms business

long way since Arnold kicked in Sarah

since the mid 1800s. SIG SAUER is a

Connor’s door waving his long-slide

name that doesn’t need any expla-

.45 with a laser that looked like a

nation and in the last decade have

silver Maglite mounted on it.

broadened their horizons to include

It seems the size of electronic

training, ammo, suppressors, and

devices is inversely proportional to

optics. Anyone who’s familiar with this

their state of advancement, and the

company knows they don’t skimp when

gun industry is finally catching up with

it comes to quality, and it’s evident

© 2016 Desert Tech, LLC. All rights reserved.

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28

WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO1

REC O ILW E B .C O M

124 The 320RX retains the original’s modularity due to its chassismounted fire control system.

and law-enforcement, where you need to fit many different body types, but still keep uniformity. The modularity doesn’t stop there. The caliber of the pistol can also be interchanged between 9mm, .40, and .357 SIG. It’s like you have a safe full of pistols in one wee package. After getting past the modularity there isn’t much to set the P320 apart from the pack. The full-size version

in their new endeavors. The feeling of

system is a genius idea. It features a

comes with a 4.7-inch barrel, 17-round

quality cannot be faked.

stainless steel “frame” that holds the

magazine capacity, and a full M1913

trigger group, and this is the serial-

rail. It does have a little more heft than

TECHNICAL

ized part the ATF is interested in. This

its peers, weighing in at 29.4 ounces.

The introduction of P320 a few

allows the P320 to be configured into

There are two schools of thought here.

years ago has added SIG’s name to

different sizes and many applications.

One side says a heavier gun will soak up

There are full, compact, and sub-

more recoil, while the other side says a

the striker-fired pistol market. The

lighter gun is quicker to transition.

slide sits high in the hand, removing

compact frames and small, medium,

doubt that it’s a SIG SAUER. It has a

and large circumference grips. This

streamlined design with no external

allows for a custom fit in the hand

in at just under 6 pounds, which was

controls other than the takedown lever

versus just changing an insert or palm

very surprising, as the way it breaks

and slide stop. The P320’s chassis

swell. This is a big plus for military

makes it feel significantly lighter. All

They’re both right. The trigger comes

WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO1 the trigger parts are metal, making the

sight was designed specifically with

they’ve conveniently designed the

trigger very consistent; out of all the

handguns in mind.

top-loading compartment so there’s no

factory striker-fired guns out there it

Admittedly, I was more intrigued

need to remove the sight and read-

has the closest feel to a single-action

by the optic than the pistol itself. The

just zero. The 30mm diagonal lens

trigger. Again, this is a personal prefer-

ROMEO1’s zeroing system uses SIG’s

size is bigger and clearer than most.

ence issue; some think single-action

TruHold lockless twin adjustment

The sight is covered by SIG SAUER’s

triggers are better, and then there’s ev-

springs to compensate for the abuse

Infinite guarantee and electronics

eryone else whose opinion is wrong. I’ve

of a reciprocating slide. The two-piece

limited warranty. Don’t plan on using

always been analytical when it comes

magnesium housing saves weight,

the warranty — the sight is built like

to shooting, whatever nets the most hits

but not rigidity. It features a 3-MOA

a T-800 minus the intent to kill the

on target is the method to go with.

dot with seven intensity settings.

human race. There’s a rumor that SIG

Even though it’s bright enough, the

tortured this poor sight with 25,000

ROMEO1 isn’t available with a bigger

rounds on top of handguns. How do we

dot size. A bigger dot can be an advan-

get invited to these torture tests?

SIG has hung an RX designation on the latest iteration of its strikerfired pistol. The P320 RX comes with suppressor-height night sights and a slide-mounted red-dot straight from the factory. No messing about with gooey thread locker and small screws during install. The ROMEO1 miniature reflex

You can take a soldering iron to the 320’s interchangeable grip modules, but they’re pretty sticky right out of the box. Forward cocking serrations are a nice touch.

tage in close quarters situations. The MOTAC (motion-activated illumination) system with motion sensors

TRIGGER TIME Any good shooter will tell you the

ensures you wring out the most battery

fastest way to shoot is to rely on the

life. When you do replace the battery

sights and know where they are when you activate the trigger. If you can’t

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28

track the movement of the sight, you’ll

REC O ILW E B .C O M

126

spend extra time trying to reacquire them. This translates into lost time and efficiency, totally negating the purpose of putting a red-dot on in the first place. The answer to this is to spend time getting familiar with the timing of the gun and the dot. Striker-fired guns don’t use hammers, which should technically allow for a low bore axis. The closer the grip is to the bore axis the easier it is to manage recoil. SIG decided to stick to its signature high riding slide. This along with the steep angle of the grip equates to more muzzle flip and perceived recoil. Even with the lower recoil of the 9mm round this not a plus when it comes to pistoleering.

WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nick Saiti has been a world-class competitive shooter for over 10 years and is a four division USPSA Grand Master. As impressive as he is to watch behind an Open Division pistol, he’s currently third in the nation in the sport of three-gun. Considering himself a professional gunslinger he happily imparts his unique perspective and knowledge teaching at www.secretweapontraining.com.

The gun can shoot. Functionality 28

was flawless, even with lighter hand IS SUE

loads. The best five-shot group off hand at 20 yards was 0.68 inch with SIG’s 9mm 115-grain ammo. The concept of co-witnessing sights on a

128

handgun is fairly new, and I’m starting

REC O ILW E B .C O M

to get the idea. When I found myself looking for the dot the iron sights act-

Though Nick claims the high bore axis is a handicap, he’s the only guy we know who’s good enough to tell the difference. One case in the air, two holes in the target, and a flat muzzle — all while sliding into home base.

SPEC BOX

ed as a GPS, letting me know the dot

gears between sighting systems. The

have to prove yourself to the other kids,

iron sights for the close easy targets

and the P320 tends to get lost in the

where you can get away with indexing

playground among a sea of Glocks and

and the red-dot for the harder shots

S&W’s. What’s key here is the package

that require a better sight picture. This

that SIG offers. There’s no need to go

takes a ton of focus to do efficiently.

shopping for a separate red-dot that

Co-witnessing this way could be a big

may or may not fit your gun, or send

asset, but might be a bit complicated

your slide to a gunsmith to be milled.

especially for simple-minded gun writ-

An MSRP of 800 bucks makes it very

ers/competitive shooters.

appealing indeed, and if anything ever

is high, low, or anywhere in between.

The base P320 by itself is not a

After shooting some run-and-gun-

game changer, but it’s not at the bot-

goes wrong, then there’s no one else to play the blame game. Put all this to-

style field courses, something interest-

tom of the heap, either. Being the new

gether, and you get something greater

ing happened. I found myself switching

guy in the neighborhood you always

tthan a tthe e su sum oof its ts pa parts. ts

SIG SAUER

P320 RX W/ROMEO1 CALIBER

9mm, .40, .357 SIG BARREL LENGTH

4.7 inches OVERALL LENGTH

8 inches WEIGHT (UNLOADED W/ SCOPE)

29.4 ounces (gun), 0.8 ounces (optic) MAGAZINE CAPACITY

17+1 (9mm), 14+1 (.40/.357 SIG)

MSRP

$ $799

U L URL

www.sigsauer.com www ssigsauer gs ue com

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BLUE FORCE GEAR AND LARRY VICKERS TEAM UP TO REINVENT A PIECE OF KIT FOR THE MODERN AGE PHOTOS BY JORGE NUÑEZ AND LLOYD WAINSCOTT

You might be saying, “Why do I need a sling

Sometimes it’s easy to look at something simple

tive sling ever made. “It set the benchmark,” says

and assume that no improvements can be made.

Vickers. “The quality of the webbing and stitching,

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In the world of firearms, particularly in military

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throw Blue Force Gear and Larry Vickers into the

we’re sure you’ve noticed many of the same issues

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interferes with functionality, and a general recipe for

as many in the field do. How many? The Vickers

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sling melt on a rifle barrel and experiencing the other headaches that came with using the standard two-point sling left him with a desire to give the version he’d used in the military a facelift somehow. Vickers’ was familiar with Blue Force Gear’s uncompromising commitment to quality and tapped their expertise to successfully complete his vision. The combination of Vickers’ guidance combined with the company’s insistence on top-shelf standards led to the Vickers SlingTM, the most innova-

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3 UNIVERSAL WIRE LOOPTM

The patent-pending design is a game changer. Instead of being stuck with excess material that disappears or leaves you with a tail, this sling is closed loop so you’re not fumbling about with slack. The unique slider mechanism feeds back on itself, so when you tighten or loosen with the contrasting pull tab, you can go from slung to combat ready in fractions of a second.

This flexible nylon-coated stainless steel wire is durable and versatile, allowing sling attachments to be threaded through a variety diff rent openings.

The Rail Mounted Fixed LoopTM makes securing a sling to railed forends a no brainer. Fits standard Picatinny / 1913 rails with just a few turns of the screw.

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4 UNIVERSAL WIRE LOOPTM W/PUSH BUTTON SOCKET Wondering what you can use as a sling attachment for the front eyelet on AKs, SCARs, ACRs, HKs, SIGs, or other weapon with small- or odd-sized eyelets? The Univ l ire LoopTM w/Push tt Socket (UWL) allows t attach slings with h buttons directly to th W h e kt ke t k d a t wt h t p t r t to l .

5 ULOOPTM As a QD version of the Universal Wire Loop, the ULoopTM can be installed through eyelets, holes in railed handguards, and KeyMod Rails. Replace your tired hooks, clips, and connections with the ULoopTM. The cable snaps into the back after looping it through the eyelet on your weapon.

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1

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6 7 RAPID EMERGENCY SLING SLEEVE DETACHMENT SWIVEL Hold your sling neatly and (RED SWIVELTM) snag free to quick deployThis emergency quickrelease swivel replaces the standard push-button design with a pull knob emergency release that fits any standard push button sockets and socket inset in many popular handguards and stocks. It can be released with only 7 pounds of force, but a pull of more than 15 degrees off axis will not release the t g an a d tl l

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ABOUT LARRY VICKERS Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired U.S. Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century.

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28 IS SUE REC O ILW E B .C O M

132

TWO VERSIONS OF THE CLASSIC

MARINE SNIPER RIFLE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE MERRILL

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133 REC O ILW E B .C O M

Both of these rifles featured were expertly

If you close your eyes and try to imagine a

until the early 2000s, though some still saw

sniper rifle, you’ll probably come up with

limited use later. It could safely be called the

hand-crafted at C&H PWS (CHPWS) by Dave

something like the M40A1. Though there

prototypical sniper rifle, and the only one of

Clark. Clark was in the Marine Corps for more

were precursors, this heavily customized Rem-

its kind for quite a long time. Every precision

than two-and-a-half decades, and a good

ington Model 700 was the longest-serving

bolt-action rifle would be compared to the

portion of it was spent in Quantico building

standard-issue Marine Corps sniper rifle. It

M40A1 from that point on, for better or for

these very guns for warfighters as a precision

was fielded from the early 1970s all the way

worse. The grandson alongside is the M40A5.

weapons technician.

M40A1 RENAISSANCE Starting with Remington 700 Short Actions, Clark goes through each build process meticulously — precisionfitting each barrel, lapping lugs, and bedding everything properly to specifi-

You can clearly see the shared lineage between the two, though the M40A5 is distinctly more modern.

ber, we’ve been at war for a decade

is being replaced after only six years

and a half so there are bound to be

in service.

some changes along the way. Though both rifles featured are extremely accurate and are about as featherweight

but they will deviate a bit and finish

seeing the M40A1 that you see here.

as your typical anvil, there are some

in Cerakote if a customer requests it.

Though he carries a different precision

obvious differences we’ll get into. You’ll notice that the M40A5 has

Though CHPWS has branched out into

rifle for work these days, he still has

customizing and building all sorts of

a strong affinity for the one he went

a standard rail for optics mounting

guns, they stay busy with their M40

through Scout Sniper Basic Course

as well as a bridge mount to ease the

builds. And it’s for a reason.

(SSBC) with so many years before.

attachment of clip-on thermals, night

Like a race car driver remembering

vision, and other electronic devices.

their first fast car.

With the M40A1, mounting solutions

the whole spectrum of precision shooting, but there’s just something about this old rifle that causes stirrings.

28

deployed and outfitted. And remem-

currently issued M40A5 pictured here

sh*t, that’s my jam right there!” upon

capable rifles than the M40A1 across

IS SUE

so long — a sign of stability. Even the

ished in black oxide per USMC specs,

Of course we have newer and more

REC O ILW E B .C O M

weapons themselves, but how they’re

One sniper we know said, “Oh

cations. All of the metal parts are fin-

134 34

Perhaps it’s just that it was around for

The bridge mount of the M40A5 makes using modern night optics a much more appealing prospect.

To be certain, warfare pushes and

were far less wieldy and more cumber-

drives innovation through sheer neces-

some. Also, note the threaded barrel

sity — not only in the development of

topped with a SureFire muzzle device

IS SUE

28

M40A1 RENAISSANCE

REC O ILW E B .C O M

1366

for use with a suppressor as a further sign of modernization. The stocks themselves are quite different, with the M40A5 having far

The Kestrel Elite Weather Meter and Bushnell CONX range finder are right at home with this crowd.

approved the A3/A5 (stock) was obvi-

ways taught field-expedient measures

ously getting some kind of kickback. I

for setting up our firing positions.

have learned how wrong I was over the

Whether it was shooting sticks/tripods,

years,” he elaborated.

or deuce gear, or our packs, we had

“The flat rear portion of the stock

to have something else in order to use

slings. More than that, Ben Alicea, a

makes the rifle so much steadier on a

the rifle effectively. A3/A5 eliminated

retired Marine Scout Sniper who has

rear bag. With A1s, if you weren’t hold-

that with the ability to mount a bipod,

experience with both models had this

ing onto the rifle it would slowly roll

now only requiring a rear bag to ensure

to say, “Back when they came out

over and fall to its side. A1s had no

the likelihood of a high-probability

I would have told you that whoever

ability to mount a bipod so we were al-

first-round hit.”

more options for attaching bipods or

M40A1 RENAISSANCE The M40A1, unlike the M40A5 doesn’t have an integral cheek-piece. Snipers and shooters instead utilized

SPEC B BOX OX

The optics have also changed. Gone is the fixed 10 power Unertl (the

500-mph tape to achieve their desired

featured rifle has one of a limited run

cheek weld with the M40A1. It should

of MST-100’s from U.S. Optics) and

be noted that there are still some

instead replaced with a 3-12x variable

who continue this practice, integrated

Schmidt and Bender M8541. While you absolutely could still use

The M40A5 also features a

28

modularity.

cut-up portions of sleeping mats and

cheek-piece be damned.

IS SUE

are the result of a need for increased

an M40A1 to precisely put holes in

five-round detachable magazine as

whatever you happen to be shooting,

opposed to the internal magazine of

for modern fighting it just got a little

the M40A1. While we’re not talking

long in the tooth, especially when it

about a 20- or 30-round magazine in

came to electro-optics. No, it’s no

a semi-auto carbine, it’s doubtful that

longer primarily utilized as a fighting

many have complained about the abil-

implement, but this old warrior can

ity to rapidly reload a rifle. The main

still live on at the range and hold a

differences you see between the two

coveted place inside your gun safe.

C& PRECISION C&H PR CIS ON WEAPONS

M40A1

CALIBER

138

.308 Win / 7.62 NATO BARREL LENGTH

REC O ILW E B .C O M

24 inches from recoil lug OVERALL LENGTH

44 inches without recoil pad WEIGHT (UNLOADED W/ SCOPE) ACCESSORIES

Turner Sling US Optics MST-100

$80 $2,900

14.5 pounds

MSRP

$ $3,450

MAGAZINE CAPACITY

5 rounds

PRICE AS FEATURED

URL

SPEC BOX

$ $6,430

www.chpws.com

C& PRECISION C&H PR CIS ON WEAPONS

M40A5 CALIBER

.308 Win / 7.62 NATO BARREL LENGTH

26.45 inches with muzzle device

ACCESSORIES

OVERALL LENGTH

Schmidt & Bender M8541 Scope Badger Ordnance 34mm USMC spec rings and SIMRAD Cap

44.25 inches without recoil pad WEIGHT (UNLOADED W/ SCOPE)

16.6 pounds

MAGAZINE CAPACITY

5 rounds shown (10-round magazines available)

MSRP

$ $4,250

$3,900 $375

PRICE AS FEATURED

$ $8,525

URL

www.chpws.com

IS SUE

28

STORY BY STEVEN KUO WITH COMMENTARY FROM LARRY VICKERS, C. REED KNIGHT JR., AND DR. EARL BURRESS PHOTOS BY JAMES RUPLEY AND LARRY VICKERS

REC O ILW E B .C O M

140

The AR-15 has truly become “America’s Rifle,”

After a rough start in service during the

Last year in Issue 22, we brought you a

modern-day muskets that are integral to the

Vietnam War, the U.S. military officially adopt-

special look at some amazing 1911s cour-

fabric of life for American gun owners. Whether

ed the AR-15 platform as the M16A1 service

tesy of the Vickers Guide: 1911. If there’s

wielded by warfighters and law enforcement,

rifle by the end of the decade. Chambered

something even more closely associated with

or in the hands of civilians for home defense,

in 5.56x45mm, it’s a direct impingement

Larry Vickers than the 1911, it might just

hunting, competition, or target shooting, ARs

gas-operated rifle. Both of these facts have

be the AR-15 platform. Vickers spent over

are literally everywhere. It’s reported that one

generated a great deal of debate and Internet

two decades in special operations, including

of every four rifles made in the U.S. is an AR.

butt-hurt over the years, but the truth is that

15 years with Delta Force, deploying with

And it’s a uniquely American story — with

the AR platform is extremely effective and has

different varieties of the AR platform. He’s

ingenuity and innovation, missteps, continuous

been refined to a mirror finish. There are many

also renowned for his encyclopedic knowl-

improvements and refinements, and its even-

very lethal 5.56mm rounds on the market

edge of firearms, gunsmithing, and firearms

tual ascendance to firearms behemoth.

now, and the modularity of the platform allows

instruction.

Today, one might think of Hollywood,

you to easily switch to many other alternative

Vickers Guide is back, with another beau-

California, with some amount of disdain when

calibers. The direct impingement operat-

tiful coffee table book dedicated to the AR-

it comes to firearms. But back in the late

ing system can deliver great accuracy and

15. With all the modern-day wonder guns,

1950s, Armalite’s small workshop in that very

shootability, but many short- and long-stroke

bristling with optics, accessories, and race

town gave birth to the most adaptable and

gas piston systems and conversions are also

parts, folks today might not be as familiar

longest-lasting standard U.S. service rifle of

available. The AR platform features largely

with early incarnations of the AR platform.

all time. The AR-15 was based on Eugene

unparalleled ergonomics, with well-positioned

So flip the page and enjoy some fascinating

Stoner’s 7.62mm AR-10 design, utilizing the

controls, conveniently configured sighting

and historic rifles from the earliest days of

latest in materials as well as manufacturing

systems, amazing aftermarket triggers, and

the AR-15, with commentary from Vickers

processes. Precise manufacturing tolerances

the ability to accommodate different types and

as well as industry experts C. Reed Knight

combined with steel, aluminum, and synthetic

sizes of shooters. And there’s an enormous

Jr. of the Institute of Military Technology

materials to create a weapon system that has

ecosystem of products and services supporting

and Dr. Earl Burress of Tactical Applica-

become a model of modularity, versatility,

the huge installed base of AR-platform rifles in

tions Group. Please try not to drool on the

and effectiveness.

the U.S. and the world. ’Merica, indeed.

magazine.

PHOTO BY STEVEN KUO

AMERICA’S RIFLE

IS SUE

28

Left: The first AR-15 ever made. Behold its glory. Note the charging handle on the top of the upper receiver and nonadjustable rear sight.

XAR1501 This is the first AR-15 ever made.

originally had aluminum composite

We’ll repeat that — this is the very

barrels. Serial number 1001 was sold

first AR-15, ever. Patient zero. The

to Sam Cummings at Interarms and

granddaddy of them all. Built by Ar-

remains with only minor modifications

malite before 1958, this is Experimen-

to its original configuration. Serial

tal AR-15 Number 1, prior to Colt’s

number 1002 was used in the Spring-

involvement in the AR-15 program. On

field Armory testing performed in 1957

the orders of General Willard Wyman,

and sports Mathewson’s replacement

Commanding General of the U.S.

barrel. Serial number 1003, shown

Continental Army Command, approxi-

here, was at Fairchild (Fairchild Engine

mately 15 to 20 guns were built for

and Airplane Corporation, the parent

initial testing.

company of Armalite) and is virtu-

Knight relates that the serial num-

ally unaltered. Serial number 1004

ber, XAR1501, was derived from the

was also tested at Springfield, fired

following formula: eXperimentalAR-

extensively at the same time as number

15number01. Note that this particular

1002, and later had the upper receiver

rifle is missing the front sight and is

replaced with a quick-change heavy

equipped with a non-adjustable rear

barrel. 1005 was retrieved out of Eu-

sight, as requested by General Wyman.

rope, received additional modifications,

The furniture was also painted with

and was the test rifle for the Dutch to

the same speckle paint used on the

build their original guns. These five

Armalite AR-10s.

guns were the very first batch of proto-

If you look carefully at the left side of the rifle’s magwell, you’ll see

142

were all used for demonstrations and

type hand-built guns with the uniquelooking front sight tower.

something that’s practically invisible

REC O ILW E B .C O M

to the naked eye in person. “AR-15 Exp. Prototype” is handwritten on the magwell. It all started here, folks.

COLT ACR In the latter half of the 1980s, the U.S. Department of Defense funded the Advanced Combat Rifle program

“HOLLYWOOD” AR-10 SERIAL NUMBER 1003 Five original prototypes of the

Right: One of the five original AR-10 prototypes. It was built in Armalite’s workshop in Hollywood, California.

to develop a successor to the M16 platform. A primary objective of the program was to improve the hit prob-

Armalite AR-10 were built, with serial

ability of the average U.S. soldier

numbers 1001 through 1005. The one

employing the weapon, as compared to

shown here is the third, serial number

M16 variants in use at the time. Colt

1003. The serial numbers for these

was one of six companies selected to

initial guns were derived as follows:

participate, and the Colt ACR shown

ar10number03. So number 1003 here

here (in its more rare carbine-length

is the third rifle built, not the 1,003rd.

form) was their entry.

Knight explains that they were all

The Colt ACR experimented with a

hand-built in Armalite’s workshop in

number of ergonomic changes to the

Hollywood, California, thus earning

M16 and is closely associated with the

the moniker, “Hollywood AR-10s,” and

development of so-called “duplex” am-

differentiating them from AR-10s later

munition — a single cartridge contain-

manufactured in other locations such

ing two nested bullets, which would

as the Netherlands.

both be discharged down the barrel of

All five prototypes were inscribed

the rifle with a single trigger pull and

with the large “ARMALITE” marking

single recoil impulse, with the intent of

on the left side of the receiver. They

increasing hit probability.

AMERICA’S RIFLE

Vickers explains that the Colt ACR

The p program g was eventuallyy ter-

Dr. Burress explains: 65 American prisoners were believed to be held at

unique entrants progressing further.

the Son Tay camp, located 21 miles

Vickers notes one particularly useful

from the North Vietnamese capital of

realization from the program — that

Hanoi. During the operation, a team of

an enhanced multi-position retract-

56 Army personnel were inserted by he-

able buttstock would be advantageous.

licopter and assaulted the camp. In just

under 40 grains, out of a barrel de-

Indeed, the ACR-style buttstock lives

29 minutes, the assault team secured

signed to fire much heavier projectiles

on through a variety of manufactur-

the objective, cleared the prison facility,

like the 62-grain M855 and 64-grain

ers such as Lewis Machine & Tool,

determined that there were no American

M856 tracer proved hopeless without

Knight’s Armament Company, and B5.

prisoners present, and completed an

a change of the barrel twist rate.

Alas, beyond that the Colt ACR has

extraction of all U.S. personnel. Though

been relegated to history, with none of

they encountered heavy resistance,

ing plane on top of the handguards also

its other distinctive features making it

no Americans were killed, whereas the

wasn’t sufficiently effective, with any

past the developmental stage.

North Vietnamese forces suffered an

ammunition fired from an M16 is nearly worthless due to unacceptable accuracy at reasonable combat distances. The effort to stabilize two

IS SUE

28

relatively lightweight projectiles, each

REC O ILW E B .C O M

144

A rare carbine-length Colt ACR, with enhanced buttstock and shotgun-style sighting plane. Pictured to the right is a cutaway of the unique but ill-fated duplex ammunition.

minated in 1990, 1990 with none of the

ultimately demonstrated that duplex

Additionally, the shotgun-style sight-

such advantages as a rapid sighting

estimated 40 killed-in-action. Although

SON TAY COLT GAU-5A/A REPRODUCTION

considered an intelligence failure since

developments in red-dot optics to come later. As a point of comparison, Vickers

The Son Tay raid, code-named

been moved out of the camp, the raid

system being completely outclassed by

himself used an Aimpoint 2000 optic on his Colt Model 723 during Operation Just Cause in December 1989 — the same time period that Colt and the U.S. Army were testing the ACR.

This is a reproduction of the Colt GAU-5A/A carbine used in Operation Ivory Coast, the Son Tay raid.

the American prisoners had already

Operation Ivory Coast, was a ground-

was an operational and tactical success.

breaking American special operations

Moreover, it had a strategic impact

mission conducted to rescue U.S.

on the Vietnam War, demonstrating

prisoners of war at the Son Tay camp

America’s will and capability to conduct

on the night of November 21, 1970.

a deep strike into North Vietnam.

AMERICA’S RIFLE

Duringg the operation, p American forc-es primarily used two versions of the GAU-5 (the Air Force designation g for t Colt XM177), manyy of which were the equipped eq pp with a Normark Singlepoint g p Occluded Eye Gunsight (OEG) scope.

IS SUE

28

It’s believed that Air Force GAU-5s

REC O ILW E B .C O M

146

This Model 601 may be one of the prettiest AR-15s ever made.

red-dot optics to improve the night--

ceding page gp g was constructed using g an

time capabilities of the ground assault

early 1970s upper, a barrel and lower

force. This model Singlepoint scope

from a mid-1990s Colt R6520, and a

were selected in lieu of Army XM177s

(as pictured) presented the shooter

solid replica flash suppressor serving

because the mission was rehearsed

with a closed black tube punctured

as a substitute for an XM177 modera-

near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida;

by a 16 MOA pinhole, illuminated by

tor. A genuine moderator is classified

thus, it may have been easier to

a red fiber optic filament, which ap-

as a sound suppressor/silencer by the

procure Air Force weapons through the

peared to the shooter as a single red-

BATFE, despite its minimal sound

local logistics system. Though today

dot. The weapon was aimed using the

reduction. The replica flash suppressor

these weapons would be considered

shooter’s binocular vision to superim-

is constructed to appear to be fitted

carbines, during this period the GAU-5

pose the red-dot, viewed by the shoot-

with a grenade ring, designed to be

and XM177 family were classified as

er’s dominant eye, over the target as

used as a mount for the experimental

submachine guns. The 10-inch bar-

viewed by the shooter’s non-dominant

XM148 40mm Grenade Launcher. The

reled GAU-5A carbine was assembled

eye. The Singlepoint was attached to

barrel length is a bit longer than 11.5

using partial fence lowers, and the

the upper receiver’s carrying handle

inches to achieve a 16.1-inch overall

11.5-inch barreled GAU-5A/A was con-

using a mount that incorporated steel

length with the moderator permanently

structed using full fence lowers. The

strap retention bands, similar to those

attached, avoiding classification as a

lower was fitted with a slick side upper

used on the German WWII G43 ZF4

short-barreled rifle.

devoid of a forward assist, a barrel with

scope mount — reportedly reinforced

a 1 in 12-inch twist rate, an XM177

with black electrical tape. The Son

moderator, and an aluminum buttstock

Tay Raid was the first documented

on a two-position buffer tube.

example of a U.S. SOF team using a

During the mission rehearsal period between September and November 1970, the rifles were fitted with OEG

red-dot type optic in combat. The reproduction of the Colt GAU5A/A used in 1970 shown on the pre-

COLT AR-15 (MODEL 601) SERIAL NUMBER 000112 This Model 601, serial number 000112, features absolutely beautiful, unpainted bakelite furniture. This is very unusual, and the fact that this rifle is the 14th Colt AR-15 Model 601 ever made just adds to the appeal. When it comes to aesthetics, Vickers considers this rifle to be at the top of the list for ARs. The scope attached to this rifle is very rare in the U.S.; it’s an adaptation of the same Delft scope used on the Dutch-built AR-10s. Different versions of this optic were also used on the unique Dutch variant of the

Presented in a collectible 13x11-inch coffee table format, Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 1) features over 70 rifles,

FN FAL, which served as the stan-

including some of the rarest and most historically unique rifles in the AR family. Options will include a Standard Edition

dard service rifle in the Netherlands

($95), a signed Signature Edition ($125), and a Limited Edition Premium Version ($250), limited to just 250 copies.

throughout most of the Cold War, be-

www.vickersguide.com

fore being replaced by Diemaco-made AR-style rifles.

28 IS SUE REC O ILW E B .C O M

148

HOW MUCH DO MEN’S BRAINS DIFFER FROM WOMEN’S IN PRECISION SHOOTING? STORY AND PHOTOS BY DR. NEAL H. OLSHAN

around the United States and is by no

out that the rifle had been designed

means a scientific study. However, the

from the ground up for a British sniper

results might make you a bit more ob-

rifle contract in the early 1980s. Next

jective about your own decision making

came the pricey optics, including a

or desires to criticize others.

high-end rangefinder. Of course, there

Fred is a typical male. He was

People often question the differences

excited about attending a long-range

between men and women in terms of their ability to handle firearms, how

shooting class. He didn’t regret spend-

they take to firearms training, and their

ing the money on an Accuracy Inter-

motivation for seeking training. We’ll

national .300 Winchester Magnum.

break it down with examples of both as they apply to precision rifle shooting. Note: This article is based on a sampling of multiple interviews conducted with male and female instructors

Do you often ask yourself if expensive gear is better? See how men answer that question versus women.

Fred didn’t want to be handicapped by a cheapo rifle. He liked the idea that, as his friend had said, “The AI is built like a tank and shoots like a laser.” He also felt a tingle when he found

BATTLE OF THE SEXES was the bipod and other incidentals, but after spending nearly $12,000, he

The author with C2 Tactical instructor, Aili deGreef

was confident that he would be at the top of his class. Maria is a typical female and was a little nervous about the long-range shooting class that she was going to take in two weeks. She had become proficient in the use of her handgun and felt it was time to move up. The idea of shooting objects at distances out to 1,000 yards was daunting. That afternoon she called the shooting center and asked to talk to the instructor of the class. He called back 30 minutes later and answered all of

IT’S BELIEVED THE AVERAGE PERSON HAS AS MANY AS 70,000 UNIQUE THOUGHTS IN A SINGLE DAY.

her questions, which were, “What type of rifle, what caliber, and what type of

upsell her, realized that this customer

in the air and ask. She was enjoying

optic and accessories should I buy to

was going to stick with what was on

shooting her new rifle and appeared to

use in the class?”

the list. She walked out of the store

be making progress. There were four

IS SUE

28

Maria listened and took notes as the

REC O ILW E B .C O M

150

feeling somewhat guilty about spend-

other women in the class, and she

instructor provided her with several

ing nearly $4,500, but confident that

enjoyed the mutual support. Although

options in each category, but only after

she’d been able to obtain all of the

her groups weren’t as good as some

asking her some questions about her

instructor’s recommended gear.

of the men, she was unconcerned and

physical stature, arm length, height,

felt that she was improving at each

WHAT HAPPENED?

weight, and previous shooting experience. He also asked her if she had any

By lunchtime break on the first day

evolution with the help of the instructional staff. Although she was tired,

back, neck, or extremity problems that

of the three-day shooting class, the

might cause her discomfort if she were

difference between men’s brains and

Who do you think had the most

in a specific position for an extended

women’s brains had become obvious

enjoyable and productive morning of

period of time.

and, in fact, had taken a toll on Fred.

instruction?

She was very grateful that the in-

After firing approximately 70 rounds

structor had been willing to spend over 30 minutes on the phone with her. That evening she went to one of her local gun stores and provided the list to the salesperson who, after trying to

In most cases, women aren’t as bashful as men about asking instructors for guidance.

she enjoyed lunch.

“Women learn differently than

from a prone position during the morn-

men in most cases, but it’s especially

ing, Fred was having difficulty moving

so in shooting,” says Aili deGreef, an

his shoulder. No one had mentioned to

instructor with C2 Tactical. “Most

him about the recoil. A quick inspec-

women get into shooting for the pur-

tion of his shoulder while in the men’s

pose of self-defense. Most women who

room indicated the beginnings of a

shoot have had an event in their life

rather nasty looking purplish bruise.

that caused them to seek out proper

He also ran into difficulties with the

instruction and purchasing a firearm.

complexity of his optics, with which

After a personal incident, I made that

he was unfamiliar, and battled through

very decision. I don’t think I could ever

multiple periods of frustration. He left

explain fully the sense of indepen-

the restroom disgruntled, in search of

dence and empowerment that I felt

some type of padding to cushion his

after becoming safe, confident, and

shoulder.

proficient with a firearm. Now, as an

Maria’s morning went fairly well. She

instructor, I find women are less likely

found the instruction to be easy to fol-

to have an ego about their shooting or

low, and whenever she had a question,

learning; oftentimes the ladies are the

she didn’t hesitate to put her hand

best students and the better shot!”

©2016 MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MAGPUL HOLDS A TRADEMARK ON ALL OF ITS PRODUCT NAMES AND LOGOS.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES Women come to classes for very prag-

WOMEN’S BRAINS

matic reasons and typically do more

The frontal lobes, the seat of ex-

research before signing up for a class,

ecutive control in the brain, are

with specific reasons why they want

larger in women than in men.

to take the class. Additionally, women

Girls do better at tasks utilizing

have a tendency to read the user’s

fine motor skills.

manual, be it a carbine or an optic. Women are typically encouraged and

Women have a greater density of gray matter, or neurons, in

motivated by incremental improvement

the language areas of the brain.

whereas men often come to class with

Female brains have more space

the mindset I want to be a gunfighter.

between neurons, which means

Women respond more quickly to skills that are broken down incremen-

more connections. At rest, many women had increases in amygdala activation. The amygdala plays a key role

John Chapman, EAG Tactical Instructor

in memory, decision making, jgroup/istockphoto.com

IS SUE

28

and emotional reactions.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

152

THE POPULAR MYTH THAT HUMANS USE ONLY 10 PERCENT OF THEIR BRAINS ISN’T TRUE: EVERY PART OF THE HUMAN BRAIN HAS A FUNCTION.

tally and are willing to move step by “With men, a higher percentage

step through the learning process. In

seem to come to class for reasons

general, men have a tendency to think

other than motivation to learn. Ego and

in terms of, “Just give me the rifle,

outside validation seem to be a greater

show me the target, and let me pull

factor in men when it comes to tactical

the trigger.”

training than with women. All men

Women have a tendency to develop

want to be thought of as dangerous,

personal satisfaction in the small

and some choose to validate this not

incremental steps in the learning pro-

through action, but through training.

cess involved with precision shooting,

Women tend to not have this ego-driven

but when things go off the rails, they

trait, and therefore tend to learn more

have a tendency to become more eas-

quickly and with greater precision.”

ily flustered than men. They also seem to be more susceptible to psychologi-

MEN’S BRAINS Males tend to have larger brains than females. On average, the region of the brain involved with spatial reasoning is larger in men. Male brains are 8- to 10percent bigger and more densely packed with neurons.

A quote from John Chapman, Instructor EAG Tactical seems to sum it up nicely: “The type of women who self-select to attend a course tend to be confident and truly eager to learn. This gets to the heart of what makes a good student regardless of gender: motivation. In my experience, women tend to be easier to train, but only because a much higher percentage of them are coming to class for the right reasons.”

While men may have the stature to hold heavier guns more easily, a woman’s attention to detail can often give her an advantage.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

cal frustration than men.

Based on the collective experience

Men have a tendency to look at

of the instructors we interviewed, here

success only in terms of results like

are some patterns that they’ve seen.

groupings of shot clusters, as opposed

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28

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

REC O ILW E B .C O M

154

to the woman who often views success as mastery of all the steps. Men have a distinct advantage in their weight and musculature when utilizing highercaliber weapons. Men typically want the latest, greatest, and most powerful weapon, whereas a woman, prior to entering the class, will typically ask the instructor what type of weapon she should be using based upon her size, body structure, and musculature. Women are typically more compliant in terms of appropriate caliber. They more easily obtain a natural point of aim, and quickly realize that they can’t muscle the rifle. Women also have a tendency to learn alternative shooting

Jason Palleta, LMS Defense Instructor

tion and, if they have the money,

“As far as easier to instruct, in my

assume success requires the lat-

experience, woman are easier. They

less body mass to absorb the recoil of

est, greatest, and most expensive.

check their ego at the door and lack the

a rifle.

Typically, when an inappropriate rifle

testosterone or ‘I know what I’m doing

positions more easily. Yet, they have

Women will readily take into con-

selection is pointed out to a male, the

attitude’ you sometimes tend to see

sideration advice regarding the recoil

response usually is, “That’s OK, I can

with men. With that being said, I would

component involved in the selection of

handle it.” This almost becomes ap-

also add that women are inherently bet-

an appropriate rifle.

pointment worship.

ter shooters than men because of their

Men have a tendency to become ego driven, wanting instant gratifica-

Women focus more on better rifle fit and caliber fit.

attention to detail,” says Jason Palleta, an instructor with LMS Defense.

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BATTLE OF THE SEXES THE INSTRUCTOR’S ADVICE Men

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28

Women will typically ask questions,

REC O ILW E B .C O M

156

Women

Before taking a precision rifle

Before taking a precision rifle

shooting class, check with the

shooting class, check with the

instructor to find out which rifle

instructor to find out which rifle

and optic will provide you with

and optic will provide you with an

an optimal learning experience.

optimal learning experience.

Don’t get caught up in the “mine

Research the instructor. If you feel

is longer and more powerful than

more comfortable with a woman,

yours” mindset.

then do the legwork and find one.

Ask questions if you’re unsure or

If you have trouble finding a female

don’t understand.

precision rifle instructor, contact

Allow your instructor to help you

me and I’ll help find one for you.

set appropriate goals.

Relax and don’t view the class

Relax … take a deep breath,

as a competition of men against

let it out slowly, and enjoy the

women. Save that for when you get

experience.

into competition shooting.

Dan Flowers, owner of Ballistic Edge

but if it’s a mixed class with males, they usually feel uncomfortable asking. In one precision shooting class, several women were asked why they didn’t ask any questions and the typical response was, “I didn’t want to be treated like a dumb little broad.” Women consistently report that male instructors in a mixed gender class have a tendency to talk down to the women. However, Dan Flowers, owner

BECAUSE YOU’RE SMALLER IN STATURE DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE ANY LESS OF A SHOOTER.

of the Ballistic Edge, states, “What’s great about women is that if they’re

— DAN FLOWERS

not getting it — they will ask.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Neal H. Olshan is the developer of Evolution of Mindset and is a consulting psychologist for corporations and the sports industry for athletic improvement through the use of his Mindset program. He is also a pilot, an award-winning photographer, an author of both fiction and nonfiction books, and the chief combat psychologist for LMS Defense.

RESOURCES The best resource is a qualified instructor. Don’t be shy. Ask for their advice.

Ask Dr.O

As I began the interview process, which involved talking to numerous male and female instructors from various parts of the United States, it became abundantly clear that in training, women appear to have a distinct advantage based upon the way their brain functions and how it controls the body. This doesn’t mean that women have the same advantage in situations that might involve taking someone’s life, such as a military sniper, a SWAT sniper, or competition shooter. This article solely focuses upon the training experience and outcomes of an individual just entering the arena of precision rifle shooting. I must admit that during the course of these interviews, I recognized some of my own behaviors and made mental notes. Surely there are some of you out there who will disagree with some of my statements and conclusions — and in particular circumstances you may be right. If you disagree or agree, please let me know and some of your feedback may be cited in a future column. And let me know if you want me to take the next step: Who is the better competitive shooter? Who is the better sniper, a man or woman? Send me your thoughts at [email protected].

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28 IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

158 58 8

COMPLETING AN 80% GLOCK LOWER BY DAVID MERRILL

No doubt you’ve seen 80-percent AR-15

deemed kosher by the BATFE — until

receivers built in the past, with materials

lowers. They’ve taken many forms over

it wasn’t. A notable example of this in

ranging from sheet steel to converted

the years from simple forgings to billet

the AR-15 world was the EP Armory

airsoft lowers (the latter was harder than

pieces in various states of completion.

80-percent lower that utilized two

you’d think). Polymer 80 first wet its feet

If the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,

different colors of polymer: one that

with AR-15 lowers and more recently

Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) has a

needed to be drilled and milled out,

moved into the world of Glock.

special calculation as to the difference

and the other that didn’t. Another was

between an 80-percent lower and an

an “AR flat” that consisted of slabs

complete Glock receivers, all with

81- or 82-percent lower, they haven’t

that could be drilled, tapped, and

varying levels of success and failure,

shared it with us.

screwed together (a weldable version is

but Polymer 80 has produced the first

still allowed at the time of this writing).

commercially available 80-percent:

By and large, what the BATFE considers a firearm seems mostly to be

It was only a matter of time before we

There’ve been a few third-party

the Spectre. Polymer 80 started with

a subjective measure. There’ve been

saw 80-percent Glock lowers for sale.

a standard 9mm/40 frame, suitable

incidents in the past where a lower was

There’ve been some scratch-made Glock

for constructing third-generation

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THE GHOST GLOCK

REC O ILW E B .C O M

160

Glocks (17/17L/22/34/35) in a variety of colors. Likely by the time of publication, they’ll have a Glock 19-sized option available. For $160 you get the incomplete

Though it might look like a lot of work to the uninitiated, there’s not too much required to bring this project to completion.

frame, a disposable jig, mill and drill

have to provide yourself, as well as the slide and barrel assembly. A quick jaunt to Gunbroker and other online

resulted most of what was needed,

(subject to your state laws) — like the

and the rest was obtained for under

Ghost Guns California State Senator

$20. The magazine catch spring, one

Kevin de Leon is so worried about.

of the simplest parts, was the hardest

build include the following:

Complete slides are readily available online and can ship directly to your door.

Going through our box o’ o parts

legal, homemade gun for personal use

The parts you need to complete this

bits, and a proprietary locking block. All the small parts and pieces you’ll

who simply like the idea of having a

to source. For those without a box o’ parts, some aftermarket shops have started selling receiver completion

Complete slide assembly, in-

packages. Lone Wolf Distributors cur-

cluding barrel and recoil spring

rently has them listed for $79.

Trigger and trigger bar

For complete slides, Polymer 80 sells

auctions shows complete Glock receiv-

Rear housing assembly, includ-

their own, and auction sites like Gun-

ers for as low as $165, so some of you

ing trigger spring, ejector in ap-

Broker are a safe bet if you want OEM.

may be asking “why bother?” Why not?

propriate caliber, and connector

Some resellers seem to do little more

Not every DIY project one undertakes

Magazine catch and spring

than separate the slides and receivers

has to be done solely for cost sav-

Slide stop lever

and sell them separately. Of course, a

ings; the pure pleasure of working

Slide locking lever and spring

ton of aftermarket slides and barrels are

with your hands is enough for many.

Pins (trigger, locking block, and

out there. We decided it would be best

Still, there may be those worried about

rear housing assembly)

to go with an OEM slide to minimize

prospective bans, and perhaps more

possible issues with fitment.

THE GHOST GLOCK tightly around the incomplete frame as we went. We’re talking plastic here, so you don’t have to mill this area down in 40 passes like you’re working something like hardened steel. Still, a few slow passes makes for much cleaner work. We did bobble it a couple times and you can see the scars on the jig itself. Oh well, it’s single use anyway. When drilling the holes, ensure you’re perfectly lined up — it’s probably best to drill each side separately. One of the holes we drilled through without being perfectly level, making for a larger headache later. Then came milling the rear rails. While you’ll be cleaning up this area later during fitting, this isn’t something you want to mess up. Go nice and

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slow.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

162

The Spectre frame isn’t just a facsimile of the OEM model. It has a larger gripping area, no finger grooves, an

You can see why a clamp is recommended to keep the jig tight around the frame.

some clamps. The idea was to put the end mill bit into the drill press, secure the jig in the vice, raise the drill press

integral beavertail and magwell, and

table itself to achieve proper height,

a full Picatinny rail. It’s also available

and move the vice itself around to

in a variety of colors. Just giving the

perform the milling. The jig wasn’t a

kit a glance over, it doesn’t seem like

perfect fit, so the clamps ensured it fit

there’s actually too much to do — mill off the front bits that stick out, drill three holes, and machine the rail in the back. The rail is what we expected to give the most trouble, in no small part, because while a traditional Glock handgun frame is mostly polymer, the rear rails themselves are metal. The Polymer 80 webpage has links to video instructions, which we dutifully watched for 30 seconds before deciding to just dive right in. Let’s talk about how we did, where we messed up, and how to avoid the same pitfalls yourself. While we have access to a milling machine, in order to make this more of a “home build” we decided to use some more common tools. An old 12-inch tabletop drill press, Dremel tool (of course), a drill press vice, and

Go slow if you want a job clean enough to show off to your friends.

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THE GHOST GLOCK stays in place. Your slide locking lever and spring go in next. And check fitting. Again. Start again with a bare slide. Then, an assembled slide without barrel. And finally, with the barrel. Fitting in steps allows you to isolate and diagnose any potential issues with the parts and your machining. Don’t go nuts and take off too much at once. Though it took a bit of time, we felt fairly confident it would be easier to do another. And with fewer tools. So we did. Though we didn’t have time to grow a scraggly beard and find a proper cave to work in, we settled for not showering for a day and doing everything on a dirty basement floor. You gotta set the mood. Glocks are like AKs

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28

in that no matter how dicked up they there are reports by some of frame

are, there’s always some assh*le who

cracking. Some builders have used

(drunkenly) says, “I bet it still shoots

larger bits, but we used a hand reamer

good!” Let’s test that.

until the pins went in without an undue amount of force.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

164

And that’s it! Well, almost. The actual machining operations are fairly

A flat file is perfect for final fitting.

simple, but parts fitment can be more time consuming. Start with a stripped slide to check for fit. Use a flat file to make modifications as required, but continue checking for fit often — you can always take off material, but adding it on is a different story. Next, you’ll want to install your small parts. The included locking block is the first to go in. It’ll absolutely be tight, but don’t remove any material. Line it up and tap it in. From there you might think you can install your trigger, but you’d be wrong. The holes themselves are undersized, and

Use the best tools you can, but you don’t necessarily need the best tools.

Another Spectre was obtained, this time in FDE. That desert color also

After your pins are installed, bust

helped with the mood. For tools we

out your Loctite or other thread locker,

went with a Dremel (naturally), cord-

and secure the included machine

less drill, and a clamp. In a pinch, you

screws to ensure your locking block

could probably just use the cordless

THE GHOST GLOCK drill. Sanding drums on the Dremel made quick, albeit dirty, work of the front area that has to be milled out. The rear rail and the holes were done freehand. To fit the rails a stripped slide and hunk of wood were used to rough it out. Total time? Twelve minutes — with most of that being swapping out sanding drums and snapping photos. Assembled, she’s ugly as hell. But, do they shoot? The first time shooting any home build gives us pause. Yes, people have done this before, but we can’t help feeling like we should be using a vice, a string, and a ballistic shield. I settled

Drilling and Dremeling, and not much more.

for extending my arm and turning my head to the side — all that was missing was a hearty “Hold my beer, and watch this!” We wish we could report that both

28

pistols were phenomenal right out of the IS SU E

box ... err basement? Ultimately it took

REC O ILW E B .C O M

166

a couple range trips along with some tinkering before they became more reliable. The black Spectre suffered from ejection

The beavertail is a welcomed touch.

issues and the FDE would fail to return to battery.

THE GHOST GLOCK

FDE Glock self-corrected. Apparently

POLYMER 80 80% PISTOL FRAME V.1

j doesn’t make for a rushed Dremel job

$160

With a generous g amount of lubrica--

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tion and rounds sent downrange, the

REC O ILW E B .C O M

168

the smoothest of actions. Huh. The issue with the black Spectre p was a bit i more nuanced. There was some p playy in i the rear trigger igg housing, i g likely i y due to mucking i up the pin i hole a bit, i Ultimately i we ended up shimming i i it i iin place p to restrict i movement, though g there are still i some phantom malfuncf tions i to track down. All told, the Spectre Sp was a ffun afternoon project with f j i some more work k on the h b back k end d at the h range. g Don’t official o t be like i e us — watch atc tthe e officia videos and use the best tools that you have available. But even a Dremel can probably do some excellent work if you have a steady hand and aren’t racing the clock. In terms of receiver completion, this is a very easy project. With the frames being polymer, you can also burn and stipple to your heart’s content, or until you mess something up so badly you have to scrap the whole thing. The longevity of the polymer rails at the rear of the receiver is our main concern, and the only way to see if it holds up is to continue to shoot the hell out of it.

PRICE: URL:

www.polymer80.com

STRONGMAN TRAINING FOR THE AVERAGE JOE IS SU E

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STORY BY RYNE GIOVIANO

We’ve all seen the behemoths on TV performing insane feats of strength: pulling an 18-wheeler, deadlifting an axle with several large tires attached,

170

or carrying a huge stone for distance. Some of these

REC O ILW E B .C O M

seem inconceivable. For the vast majority of us, they absolutely are, but what we can take away from these incredible performances are concepts and a style of training that can lead to tremendous gains in strength. For others, it’ll change things up a bit and give you some much-needed variation in your training. Enter strongman training for the average joe.

COMPONENTS OF STRONGMAN TRAINING When considering strongman training, you might be thinking that it’s not for you; maybe for others, but it’s just too hard core for you. This really couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several factors making up strongman competitions that we can use in our training that will result in great progress. Varying your training regimen can be a great thing. Now, you don’t need to rush over to Menard’s and attempt to make a gigantic stone. Nor do you need to figure out how you’re going to get the axle off of your car. We’ll use what we can in a typical gym or trainAndrew Rich/istockphoto.com

ing facility to get the same effect. Let’s go over some of the basics of strongman training, and then create a game plan that’ll have you well on your way to great strength gains.

WARNING!

The exercises and content expressed in this column are for illustrative purposes only. Consult your physician before trying any physical activity or nutritional plan. RECOIL and its contributors are not responsible for any harm or injuries sustained while attempting these techniques.

IS SU E REC O ILW E B .C O M

172

EXERCISES

THE

28

PILLAR OF STRENGTH holding a heavy object in each hand,

One of the first commonalities

Most of these strongman events

in strongman training is simplicity.

involve some sort of time component.

or lifting boulders and placing them on

Many programs involve few exercises

These guys are pulling something,

pedestals. In doing this type of lifting,

with many sets, based on just a few

carrying something, or holding some-

the exercises such as deadlifting, tire

types of movements. Secondly, heavy

thing for a length of time. Based on

flipping, or moving a huge weight over-

weights are obviously a large aspect

the mathematical equation for power

head involve the entire body. So, we’ll

of the program. You won’t become

(force multiplied by distance divided

look to mimic this as well.

the World’s Strongest Man with sets

by time), one could make a convinc-

of dumbbell curls for 15 reps. We’re

ing argument these competitions

usually talking heavy sets of two or

should be called the World’s Most

three repetitions. There are definitely

Powerful Man. In any case, complet-

variations, but strength is built with

ing exercises for time is a critical

tires lying around or boulders to lift.

low reps and more sets.

component for strongman training,

While that tends to be what these guys

and it should be part of your strong-

lift in competition, you can get a great

man training.

strength benefit without figuring out

Next, grip training is an absolute must. Pulling a truck or deadlifting a

EXERCISES YOU CAN DO WITH REGULAR GYM EQUIPMENT Not many of us have spare tractor

car or truck axle requires a ridiculous

Strongman training tends to include

amount of grip strength. This is often

static holds and concentric lifts (lifting,

your house. Much of the equipment at

accomplished with thicker bars and

not lowering, the weight), so including

your local gym or training facility has

handles, simply changing your grip to

that type of training will better mimic

everything you need. Let’s break down

make holding weight more challenging,

strongman-style training. Examples of

these types of lifts, and give you op-

or just lifting a lot of weight.

lifts like this include pulling a truck,

tions to do on your own.

the logistics of shipping a boulder to

1. CONVENTIONAL/SUMO DEADLIFT This is an easy one. These guys typically lift an axle with huge tires attached. While it may not look as impressive, you can certainly use a bar and regular weights to do the same thing. Vary up the stance so you’re getting a good mix of conventional and sumo stances in your deadlifts. Start by standing with

Sit your hips back while

your shins touching the

reaching forward to keep

tween your knees about

Grab the bar in be-

floor, focusing on pushing

Drive your feet into the

to the starting position,

barbell and your feet

your spine in a neutral

shoulder-width apart.

the bar off the ground,

while keeping your back

about one-and-a-half

position.

flat.

Your hands should be

not pulling it with your

times shoulder-width

directly underneath your

back. Squeeze your butt

apart. Your toes should

shoulders.

at the top and bring your

also be pointed out a bit.

hips to the bar.

Lower the weight back

THE

PILLAR OF STRENGTH

EXERCISES 2. BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS

This is another pretty easy exercise to do on your own. Strongman competitors lift gigantic logs overhead, which can easily be replicated in the gym with a regular Olympic bar and plates. Generally speaking, this exercise shouldn’t pose a problem, but you have to know your body. If you can’t get your arms over your head without arching your lower back, that’s an issue. It’s recommended, at the very least, that you use dumbbells to give your shoulders freedom of movement. If that hurts, or you still notice your back arching, go to a single-arm dumbbell overhead press or nix the exercise altogether. Begin in a standing position

Begin driving the bar overhead

Push your head and shoul-

Return the bar to the starting

with the bar 1 to 2 inches

by generating power through

ders under the bar as you

position.

below your collarbone, and

your elbows, not your hands.

reach the top position.

push your elbows slightly

There’s a definite distinction.

forward and inward.

As you begin to press the bar past your face, imagine pushingg yourself y awayy from the bar

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28

as hard h d as you y can.

REC O ILW E B .C O M

174

3. LOADED CARRY Loaded carries are another staple in strongman training, as well as strength and conditioning. These can be great for building overall body strength and muscle, enhancing core stability, improving shoulder health, and increasing your conditioning. Whether it’s a large stone, a keg, or some other object, carrying something heavy for a distance is always in the training program. We can easily do carries that yield some great benefits. Our carries of choice are the barbell carry, trap bar carry, and Zercher carry. This will give you some options and variation in your training.

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THE

PILLAR OF STRENGTH

EXERCISES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

4. SLED WORK Pulling or pushing something heavy is another common exercise and does a

Ryne Gioviano is the owner of Achieve Personal Training & Lifestyle Design located in Aurora, Illinois. He earned his master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. You can find more information at www.achieve-personaltraining.com or reach him on Twitter at @rgioviano.

great job building leg strength, endurance, faster sprinting, and overall conditioning. Whereas pulling a truck might be pretty common, we’ll pull or push a weighted sled. These are harder to find at traditional gyms, but are becoming more common in private fitness facilities and personal training gyms. For the sled, we’ll focus on pushing the sled, pulling the sled with a suspension trainer attached, and pulling the sled with a harness.

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28

PLACES TO BUY STRONGMAN EQUIPMENT

REC O ILW E B .C O M

176

5. SLED AND CARRY COMBINATIONS NS What happens when you combine sled work an nd carries? You get several of the benefits of each all at once — strength, stability, power, and condiitioning all wrapped up in one. Pull the sled witth a harness and two heavy dumbbells in your hand ds. It’s very challenging and also very beneficial.

SAMPLE PROGRAMMING EXERCISE

SETS

REPS

REST (SECONDS)

Conventional/Sumo Deadlift

6

3

120-180

Barbell Overhead Press

4

4

90-120

Loaded Carry

4

30 Yards

90-120

Sled Push

4

30 Yards

120-180

CONCLUSION This type of training is sure to de-

Implement these exercises within your

liver some great strength gains. After

own program, or feel free to use this

all, if you’re going to take any tips from

article as a sample of how to structure

people on building strength, it only

your training. Either way, you’ll get a

makes sense to learn from the best.

hell of a lot stronger.

ROGUE FITNESS Rogue is fairly well known as being integrated into CrossFit, but they also have a good strongman following. Anything you need related to strongman training can be found here. www.roguefitness.com ELITE FTS Elite FTS also has a strong following not only for powerlifting and strongman training equipment, but also for education. This is a great resource to pick up some supplies while learning more about strongman training. www.elitefts.com

WANNA TRADE PATCHES? Some of history’s most storied and feared warriors were samurai and ninja. While some have kept their rituals and teachings alive, tactical mall ninja have also blasphemed their name. At any rate, we thought we’d show you some patch-

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UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Publication Title: Recoil Publication Number: 2374-2836 Filing Date: 10/01/2016 Issue Frequency: July/August, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb, March/April Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 Annual Subscription Price: $49.97 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 261 Madison Ave., 6th FL, New York, NY 10016-2303 Contact Person: Brian Laboe Telephone: (212) 915-4182 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Mark Han, 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245 Editor: Iain Harrison, 1821 East Dyer Rd., Santa Ana, CA 92705 Managing Editor: Laura Peltakian, 1821 East Dyer Rd., Santa Ana, CA 92705 10. Owner: TEN: The Enthusiast Network, Inc. 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages x or Other Securities: None R

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12. Tax Status: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months R R Has Changed During the Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: Recoil 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Nov/Dec-16 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. No. of Copies Copies Each Issue of Single Issue During Preceding Published 12 Months Nearest to Filing date a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 243,967 241,135 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 14,221 14,673 (2) Mailed In-County Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 0 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS 81,774 82,223 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) 0 0 c. Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)] 95,995 96,896 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 806 795 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 0 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) 0 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (carriers of other means) 4,733 100 e. Total Free or Nominal Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)] 5,540 895 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c And 15e) 101,534 97,791 g. Copies not Distributed [See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page#3)] 142,433 143,344 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) 243,967 241,135 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) 94.5% 99.1% 16. Electronic Copy Circulation: Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date a. Paid Electronic Copies 23,503 23,607 b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15C) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16A) 119,498 120,503 c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15F) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16A) 125,037 121,398 d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electric Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100) 95.6% 99.3% x I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (Electric & Print) are paid above R a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: x If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is R required. Will be printed in the Jan/Feb #28 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Thomas Slater, SVP Consumer Marketing 10/01/2016 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

SPONSORED BY

BLACKHAWK! 9200 CODY OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214 P: 800.379.1732 WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

SPONSORED BY

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MOMENT’S NOTICE

1

TOP 1 MODEL:

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PANTS 2 MODEL:

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3

MSRP:

$89.99 to $99.99

FOOTWEAR 3 MODEL:

Terrain Mid COLORS:

Black, Brown MSRP:

Coming soon

BELT

4

4 MODEL:

5

Instructor’s Gun Belt – 1.5 inches COLORS:

Black, Multi Cam MSRP:

$50.95 to $61.45

5

2

KNIFE 5 MODEL:

Be-Wharned COLORS:

Silver

MSRP:

$102.45

PACK

6

6 MODEL:

Cyane Stealth COLORS:

Black, Coyote Tan, Multi Cam, Ranger Green, Urban Gray MSRP:

$143.45 to $173.95

3

OUTFIT: MOMENT’S NOTICE BLACKHAWK! prides itself on clothing that’s inconspicuously functional. This ensemble is perfect for everyday use. The Tac Convetible Shirt and Tac Life Pants provide a level of comfort that’s unimpeded by their durable, Teflon-coated fabric. Convertible sleeves give you the option of buttoning up if you need to literally get your

hands dirty. With the addition of the Instructor’s Gun Belt and Terrain Mid shoes, this outfit allows maxiumum mobility and fast movement to access to your EDC firearm, Michael Janich-designed Be-Wharned knife, or a variety of other accessories you can keep on your person. Your Cyane Stealth pack is the perfect

addition with over 1,000 cubic inches of storage space for your larger items. Whether it’s a day at the office or out running errands, you’ve got the practicality you need packaged in a versatile style. There’s no question that whatever the task at hand, you’ll be ready at a moment’s notice in this outfit.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE SEE WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM FOR LATEST PRICING, INCLUDING SALES AND SPECIALS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM 4 2 1

EXTREME OUTDOORSMAN OUTERWEAR 1 MODEL:

Tactical Softshell Jacket COLORS:

Fatigue, Slate MSRP:

$199.99 to $209.99 7

TOP 2 MODEL:

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$59.99 to $64.99

PANTS 3 MODEL:

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Black, Fatigue, Jungle, Navy, Steel, Stone MSRP:

7

$69.99 to $79.99 5

5

FOOTWEAR 4 MODEL:

Desert Ops Boots COLORS:

Coyote Tan, Desert Tan, Sage Green MSRP:

3

$163.45

KNIFE 5 MODEL:

6

Be-Wharned COLORS:

Silver

MSRP:

$102.45

PACK 6 MODEL:

Cyane Stealth COLORS:

Black, Coyote Tan, Multi Cam, Ranger Green, Urban Gray MSRP:

$143.45 to $173.95

GLOVES 7 MODEL:

S.O.L.A.G. Full-Finger Gloves COLORS:

4

Black

MSRP:

$45.95

OUTFIT: EXTREME OUTDOORSMAN Inclement weather got you down? Then you’re not wearing the right apparel. Rainy, windy days are no match for this combination of BLACKHAWK! clothing. The S.O.L.A.G. Full-Finger Gloves’ quickdrying material will keep your hands warm when you need it most. The resilient Tactical Softshell jacket gives you plenty of protection from rain and cold, as well as a host of storage compartments. Use

the lockable side-flap zippers to protect your carry items when locked in the up position; flip them to the down position and pull the tab for quick access. When the weather warms up you can switch up to the Pursuit SS Shirt, practical for any occasion or purpose. The action waistband and reinforced knees in your Pursuit Pants allow great flexibility with lots of pockets for your extra gear. Those Desert Ops

Boots are to your feet what radial tires are to your car — lots of traction, while holding up to the elements without fail. This combination offers everything you’d need to handle a day outdoors if you’re forced to deal with wet, stormy conditions without having to stop in the middle of what you’re doing because your clothes got soaked. See for yourself how much you’ll be able to carry with uninhibited movement.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE SEE WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM FOR LATEST PRICING, INCLUDING SALES AND SPECIALS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

SPONSORED BY

BLACKHAWK! 9200 CODY OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214 PHONE: 1-800-379-1732

LONG-RANGE OUTDOORSMAN

1

OUTERWEAR 1 MODEL:

Tac Life Softshell Jacket COLORS:

Admiral Blue, Black MSRP:

$179.99 to $189.99

TOP 2 MODEL:

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Black, Fatigue, Jungle, Navy, Steel, Stone MSRP:

$64.99 to $69.99

3 5

PANTS 3 MODEL:

Pursuit Pant

6

COLORS:

Black, Fatigue, Jungle, Navy, Steel, Stone MSRP:

$69.99 to $79.99

FOOTWEAR 4 MODEL:

Terrain Mid COLORS:

4

Black, Brown MSRP:

Coming soon

PACK 5 MODEL:

YOMP Pack COLORS:

Black, Coyote Tan, Multi Cam, Ranger Green/ Coyote Tan

5

MSRP:

$204.95 to $255.95

KNIFE 6 MODEL:

Be-Wharned COLORS:

Silver

MSRP:

$102.45 1

6

3

OUTFIT: LONG-RANGE OUTDOORSMAN When you’ve got to be on foot for an indefinite amount of time, you don’t have the luxury of going home to get whatever you forgot. You need it all in one place, while wearing clothes that are unobtrusive and keep you cool. The Pursuit LS Shirt gives you all the flexibility and comfort of the short-sleeve version with a little more protection for

extended outdoor use. You’ll be amazed how much defense from the weather the lightweight, water-repellant Tac Life Softshell Jacket offers. Even when fully packed, the padded straps and quick-release buckles on the YOMP Pack enable you to securely and comfortably take your belongings along for the ride. With plenty of webbing, you’ve got lots of op-

tions for your loadout placement and the hydration bladder enables you to carry water ergonomically, all while covering ground in your Terrain Mid shoes. The interchangeability of these apparel items and freedom of movement won’t slow you down. Take it out for a day’s hike, weekend camping trip, or survival course.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE SEE WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM FOR LATEST PRICING, INCLUDING SALES AND SPECIALS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM 2

PRO OUTDOORSMAN TOP 1 MODEL:

Performance Polo COLORS:

Admiral Blue, Fatigue, Slate MSRP:

$54.99 to $59.99

PANTS 2 MODEL:

1

Tac Life Pants COLORS:

Black, Fatigue, Slate MSRP:

$89.99 to $99.99 3 5

FOOTWEAR 3 MODEL:

Terrain Lo COLORS:

Admiral Blue/Slate, Black/Slate MSRP:

Coming soon

BELT 4 MODEL:

4

2

Rigger’s Belt With Cobra Buckle COLORS:

Black, Coyote Tan, Desert Sand Brown, Multi Cam, Olive Drab MSRP:

$86.95

PACK 5 MODEL:

Courier Bag COLORS:

Black, Coyote Tan MSRP:

5

$112.45

3

OUTFIT: PRO OUTDOORSMAN Some people prefer the look of a collared shirt, but one that’ll hold up to the elements when you need it most. Whether you’re an instructor who is looking for the right shirt to embroider with your company logo or you just enjoy wearing a pullover collared shirt, the capabilities of

the Performance Polo are hidden in plain sight. With UPF 40+ protection, Teflon-coated fabric, and quick-drying polyester, you won’t be let down by how well this top holds up and looks stylish doing it. Pair it up the Rigger’s Belt for a secure and professional combo. Your Courier Bag can

function as both an office laptop bag or low-pro carry bag for your EDC gear. Go straight from the office for a jog or to throw a few rounds downrange. You’ll be surprised how much you can do with an outfit that’s a little more on the formal side, but functions like casual wear.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE SEE WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM FOR LATEST PRICING, INCLUDING SALES AND SPECIALS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

SPONSORED BY

BLACKHAWK! 9200 CODY OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214 PHONE: 1-800-379-1732

CLASSIC OUTDOORSMAN

1 2

1

OUTERWEAR 1 MODEL:

Field Jacket COLORS:

Fatigue, Slate MSRP:

$149.99 to $159.99

TOP 2 MODEL:

Tac Flow Shirt COLORS:

Admiral Blue, Black, Jungle

1

MSRP:

$89.99 to $94.99 5

FOOTWEAR 3 MODEL:

Black Ops Boots COLORS:

Black

MSRP:

$205.45

2

3 3

OUTFIT: CLASSIC OUTDOORSMAN Everyone wants a casual outfit, but not one that sacrifices function and practicality. Find your favorite pair of jeans and throw on the Tac Flow Shirt. Its unique fabric technology contains micro perforations that allow maximum breathability and lightweight comfort. If things cool down, you can throw

on your Field Jacket, that’s reminiscent of denim to the touch, but the reinforced cotton canvas, bartacks, and traditional pockets bring its performance level up a notch. All combined, it looks cool and offers plenty of pockets to hold your gear. The Black Ops Boots feel like athletic shoes, but offer the

tenacity you’d expect from boots with the Blackhawk! name. Wear this combo while you take the family for an outing, spend a day with friends on the fishing boat, or just relax by the campfire. You’ll be astonished how much you can do and carry in clothing that’s so relaxed in feel and appearance.

PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE SEE WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM FOR LATEST PRICING, INCLUDING SALES AND SPECIALS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION

WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM 1 2 1

ACTIVE OUTDOORSMAN OUTERWEAR 1 MODEL:

Field Jacket COLORS:

Fatigue, Slate MSRP:

$149.99 to $159.99

TOP 2 MODEL:

1700 Shirt COLORS:

1

Admiral Blue Plaid, Slate MSRP:

$59.99 to $64.99

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CODE: K8F USE AT BROWNELLS.COM OR CALL 800-741-0015 ENDS 12/12/2016 11:59PM CDT

08

EDITOR’S LETTER

T

here’s a certain pride

Mike Searson takes us back to the

associated with being one

early days of the AR-15, to a time

of “those people.” You

when Colt was advertising the SP1 as

know, the ones who are

the ideal ranch protection tool (you’re

able to actually do stuff, rather than

dating yourself if you can remember

either wait for the market to react to a

those print ads when they first came

need they never thought they had, or

out). Here, he recreates a classic

have to take their busted appliance,

XM177 from brand-new components,

vehicle, or firearm to a pro to be fixed.

that’s as close as you can get without

Yet the transition from consumer to

taking out a second mortgage for a

doer has never been easier, due in

full-auto original.

rapidly changing place. It seems like instead of anticipating what’s going to

be the hottest trend or newest product next year, you’re looking at what

Bolt gun fans have recently gotten

could potentially be introduced in the

information, and the wide availability

a new set of toys to play with, as the

next 90 days. There’s a lot to digest,

of parts and accessories. If you’ve

highly respected Japanese Howa

but when it comes down to it, you

always wondered whether or not a

rifles have made a welcome return to

need only visit one location to stay

particular project is within your abili-

the U.S. Not only are there complete

up to snuff on all of it — Brownells.

ties, then if you’re like most of us, the

guns available, but for the home

For the past 75-plus years, Brownells

default answer is probably “yes.” Take

’smith something even more exciting

has been staying in the know for one

pistol modifications, for example.

has happened — barreled actions in

simple reason — they love firearms.

large part to the democratization of

In this issue of Brownells Gunnery,

a range of calibers and profiles are

Brownells’ YouTube channel

Dave Merrill takes two of the most

shipping, so you can build them up to

(www.youtube.com/brownellsinc) has

popular handguns on the planet and

your liking. We took three examples

over 1,500 videos with new ones

tears into them. Both have weakness-

and configured them to meet any

posted each week. Subscribe and

es. Both can be improved, so we do

requirements we could see coming

just that. You can choose how wild to

down the pike, and got a lot of satis-

go with modifications, but there are a

faction from doing so.

few basic problems that every owner

A firearm is one of the most

should be able to correct without

personal tools we as humans own,

breaking the bank.

embodying a history and tradition that goes far beyond mere steel, plastic, and wood. Don’t settle. Be one of those people. Iain

2

T

he firearms industry is a

BROWNELLS.COM

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY GET BETTER stay informed on the latest product reviews, tech tips, and even tutorials on topics as simple as what headspace is and how it’s measured, or the differences between .223, .223 Wylde, and 5.56. Brownells won’t assume you know — they’re going to make sure you know, so you can make an informed selection for your next purchase. Their new 7,000-square-foot retail store off I-80 at exit 182 in Grinnell, Iowa, is truly incredible, giving customers access to the entire Brownells inventory. You know it’s an accomplishment when VIPs and fellow gun lovers like Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lou Ferrigno come out to help you celebrate the grand opening. Visit www.brownells.com/retail to get a look at this impressive facility. If you’re in the area, stop by and they’ll make it worth your while. You can even pick up a catalog order while you browse the rest of the store. Still have questions? Visit Brownells.com and click on the live chat button or call (800) 741-0015 to speak with techs who can give you the general guidance you want and that same family-oriented mentality.

deserve. Whether you need help de-

Bob Brownell was putting together a

termining the right part for your aging

catalog with a handful of staff — prob-

Personal “thank you” letters from

Remington 870, or need recommenda-

ably the same catalog your grandfather

Frank or Pete Brownell still get sent

tions on what the best tools are to help

was choosing parts from.

out for large orders. They’re still rooted

you disassemble and reassemble that Ruger Mark Series you’ve got, they’re

In addition to having the best parts

in old-school values, and no matter

to choose from, Brownells now offers

how much technology evolves, they’ll

actual production firearms for sale.

keep up with it and not let it compro-

You can finally buy a new gun and get

mise how they operate. Not today, not

itable, one thing that never wavers is

everything you need to customize it

tomorrow, not ever. You’ll still hear a

their commitment to you, the custom-

and maintain it from one place. Talk

real person on the other end of that

er. Brownells’ 100% Forever Guaran-

about true one-stop shopping! But

phone. Brownells is serious about

tee (excluding ammo and guns) still

even as their inventory grows by leaps

ensuring you’re armed with all the right

stands, just as it did in the days when

and bounds, they still do business with

information the future will bring.

only a few clicks or a phone call away. Even as anticipating change is inev-

If you’re a firearms lover and haven’t made the pilgrimage yet to Grinnell, Iowa, to see Brownells’ retail store, it’s definitely something to add to your bucket list.

BROWNELLS.COM

3

BY MIKE SEARSON

T

hey don’t make ARs like they used to, and that’s both good and

RECEIVERS Black Cerakoted receivers with Spartan

bad. The modern AR-15 offers

helmets, Gadsden flags, or pirate ships may

improved rifling, piston operating

be cool on a personal AR, but are completely

systems, more calibers, better materials,

wrong for a retro build of any type. Likewise,

integrated scope rails, and thanks to innova-

integrated trigger guards, checkering on the

tions like KeyMod and M-LOK, 99 percent of

front of the magazine well, and other forms of

the accessories are plug ’n’ play.

customization have no place on a retro build.

Today’s rifles are a breed apart from what

Brownells is producing their receivers as

initially sprang from Eugene Stoner’s mind

close to period correct as you can get without

over 60 years ago. Still, the author cut his

jumping into a time machine and snagging

teeth on an M16A2 as a 17-year-old Marine,

some hippie’s draft card before he burns it to

and sometimes we kind of miss carry handles

take his place at INDOC.

or find ourselves lusting after one of the short

Pouring over the Brownells M16A1 Upper

XM177s that a generation of operators before

Receiver, we found that it matches the orig-

us carried, as they slogged through the rice

inal A1 profile. That means there’s no shell

paddies and jungles of Southeast Asia.

deflector for southpaw shooters, the A1 rear

We wanted to roll a retro carbine build and

sight housing and carry handle have identical

went on a nostalgic hunt for an AR receiver

contours to the “ARs of old,” and obviously

with a fixed carry handle, and there were

there are no M4-type feed ramps.

virtually none to be found. Every assembled

The BRN-16A1 Lower Receiver has a front

rifle for sale at the local gun shop/gun show

takedown lug profile and profile surrounding the

circuit seemed to be a railed, 16-inch bar-

receiver extension that are identical to those

reled wonder with Magpul furniture. Not that

found on the M16A1, versus the more common-

there’s anything wrong with those, but we

ly found “A2” profiles, making them correct for

wanted to go retro!

any M16A1 reproduction build.

The few we did find were older Colts that

Nodak Spud (the manufacturing leader

have value as collector items in their own

in retro receivers of all types) provides the

right, and we didn’t want to “Bubba” a fine

7075-T6 aluminum forgings on both upper

factory piece for our own amusement. As

and lower receivers, and then Brownells has

comes from the “grenade ring moderator.”

a builder, I found myself challenged by the

it machined to Mil-spec dimensions. After

This muzzle device was intended to reduce

authentic M16 kits that were abundant just

machining, each receiver is coated in a matte-

the loudness of a short-barreled rifle by mak-

a few years ago, but are now drying up. The

black, hard anodized finish.

ing it sound like a full-length M16. Because

few parts that you can find seem to be more spurious than anything else. We turned to Brownells, which makes it

Our suggestion is to not cheap out on the

of the change in sound signature, ATF classi-

build with another lower or upper that may not

fied these moderators as silencers requiring

match up with either of these for a retro build.

the $200 transfer tax.

BARREL AND MUZZLE DEVICE

nade ring, allowing mounting of the XM148

There are lookalikes without the gre-

safe and easy to source a retro build — you pretty much get one-stop-shopping with the added benefit of trusting the source.

4

BROWNELLS.COM

One of the unique looks of the XM177

launcher, the precursor to the M203 grenade

BROWNELLS MAKES BUILDING A RETRO-THEMED AR-15 SIMPLE AND PAINLESS

FURNITURE

launcher. We wanted authenticity above all

Brownells AR-15 12.7-inch barrel as opposed

else, though, and Brownells makes a repro

to the sexier 10-inch version. An added benefit

XM177 flash hider complete with grenade ring

was the ability to pin and weld the moderator,

short. These are very unlike the fat M4-

with a total length of 4.5 inches.

saving us the $200 tax stamp for an SBR.

style handguards with dual heat shields that

When looking for a barrel, we wanted to

This barrel came with the “Skinny Min-

The handguards on XM177s are round and

became popular in the 1990s. We like the

go short. Unfortunately that proves to be a

nie” profile and the old-school 1:12-inch

problem with a retro build as most of the

twist rate. While it’s not our favorite configu-

improvements to function come at the expense

ration for heavier match bullets, it’s fine for

groove original A1 type. These can actually be

of authenticity. We definitely wanted the

the standard 55-grain projectile — and it’s

relatively easy to find, but Brownells is working

aforementioned moderator, but went with a

the one you want for historical accuracy.

on a classy reproduction that fully looks the

version that Brownells is currently offering. For the pistol grip, you need the no-finger-

BROWNELLS.COM

5

9 3

10 8

2

7

1 6 13 p part. The version i we used is i a prototype, but i should be very similar i i to what they roll out it i early 2017. 201 . in f a buttstock, a true XM177 1 would never As for p i CAR C stock! The original igi stocks for f use a plastic

i the early years off the 1 use in e XM177, but the

authenticity, y you y rattle-can it with Brownells

ifl were made from f i these rifles aluminum coated

i 20-round 20 j standard capacity mags work just

Aluma-Hyde y II (Parkerizing g Grayy 083-002-212)

i black rubber, which i can be hard to find. with

fi s a stash stas tthat at were e e made ade fine. We have a small

to give it a true “old-school” look that matches

We found a plastic reproduction that got the job

in the 1960s that still see use to this day, but

the original finish.

done, but it’s currently not available.

you can pick up new 20-round magazines

An imaginative builder could also send the

from Brownells that look authentic and are

carbine out for a Cerakote paintjob. No Boba

made with an improved follower and spring.

Fett or Iron Man themes, but a nice old-school

MAGAZINES

tiger stripe camo pattern would do this type

While your plastic mags, drum-style magazines, and other favorite AR-15/M16 magazines will fit, the only ones that will look right are the original metal GI types. Experimental 30-round magazines were in

FINISH The matte-black, hard anodized finish works

of build justice — and give it the protection of modern chemicals.

well, but is a little too black to be entirely authentic. If you really want the ultimate in

GADGETS? You might say, “Add a sling and a flashlight and you could run any modern tactical course with this rifle.” While you’d be right, the main problem with that statement is that the retro style does not lend itself well to adding lights or optics. We found a Midwest Industries rail that attaches easily to the front sight blade and works well for mounting a flashlight. Purists will shout, “Heresy! Thou shalt not mount any tactical accessories to thy retro build!” We aren’t advocating it as such. We merely put it out there should you want to run a lowlight carbine or other tactical course with your build. Although unlikely, if this is the only AR

6

BROWNELLS.COM

11 MAKE / MODEL / PRODUCT ID# / PRICE

12 4

5

t that you own and want to use it for personal de--

one thing. on the o g Putting g it through g its paces p

f i hose clamps and fense, that mount beats using

rrange g to measure its accuracyy and reliabilityy is

i i Maglite. i Just remove the rail i section i and a mini

another. Brownells was kind enough g to send us

lig when you y want to look like i you’re y i g light leading

200 rounds of PMC M193-type 2 yp ammunition,

t raid i on Son S Tay. y. the

and we enjoyed j y shooting g it so much we dipped pp

F i For guys who want to run optics, if you i somewhat retro your only want to keep it

iinto to ou o ammo a o hoard oa d when e we e ran a out. our own i the most accurate AR we ever fired? fi ? Was it

i might i O G decent option be an Armson OEG

fi i Probably not, but iit was definitely one off the

(O i G i ) You might i (Optically Enhanced Gunsight).

j i i most enjoyable. The lightweight and handy

i i to source one, but have to do some digging

i made us not want to put iit down. O design Our

l i iji i still i service i last time we checked Trijicon will

f 2 2 iinchgroups ran from 2.75 at 100 yards and 4.2

these original tactical sights.

es at 200. This was while shooting in a standing

As for an optic for actual use, our favor-

position with no sling, rest, scope, or bipod.

1

Brownells M16A1 Lower Receiver 080-001-304 $150

2

Brownells M16A1 Upper Receiver 080-001-303 $150

3

4

5

6

7

ite has always been the Trijicon ACOG with ACOGs, will mount in the carry handle. It may

FINAL THOUGHTS If you’re a builder and want to put something

affect your cheek weld a bit, but our LEOs

together to resemble a Vietnam-era build with-

and warfighters used them long before all the

out the hassles and heartbreaks of crawling gun

cool kids switched over to flat tops. That’s the

shows and scouring online ads for questionable

uppers, not the haircuts.

parts while you listen to Credence or the Stones

If you don’t care for the ACOG, another

on your iPod, then Brownells has you covered.

option is a Picatinny carry handle mount by

We started out with the intent of putting

Smith Enterprise (available from Brownells,

together an XM177, and once that building

851-000-071) or a variety of others that mount

bug bites, we found ourselves thinking of the

to the carry handle and hover the sight over the

next project.

top of the handguard. Personally we prefer the

The good news is Brownells is committed

extended eye relief to an awkward cheek weld.

to the “retro” market, with a line of about 10

When you need to make your rifle look like

retro/military-style barrels already out, and the

it belonged to a LRRP (Long Range Recon-

company is looking to develop more period-cor-

naissance Patrol) Team slogging it through

rect furniture in the future. They’re committed

Cambodia, you simply remove the mount from

to seeking out additional parts for other retro

the mounting hole in the carry handle.

builds as well.

Our own stance is that if you learn to correct-

your trigger, it looks like there will be plenty more

all shooter, but some shooters prefer optics.

to come in the future from Brownells. We think the world would be a better place with some

Nailing the look on any historical build is

Brownells X177 Flash Hider & Grenade Ring 078-000-311 $50 DPMS AR-15 Lower Parts Kit 231-115-003 $50 Brownells AR-15/M16 Old-Style Flat Slip Ring 080-001-262 $17 Brownells AR-15/M16 Buffer Tube Assembly 080-000-555 $70

9

DPMS AR-15/M16A1 Rear Sight Assembly 231-000-195 $14

10 0 Bushmaster AR-15 Tear Drop Forward Assist 100-015-495 $18

11 Arsenal Line Products AR-15 A1 Front Sight Base Kit 100-020-431 $8

12 Doublestar AR-15/M16/M4 CAR-Style Handguard 100-004-515 $16

13 Brownells AR-15/M16 USGI-Style 20-Round Magazine 078-000-160 $12

So if building an old-school AR really trips

ly use your irons, it will make you a better over-

IT’S PRETTY, BUT CAN IT SHOOT?

Brownells AR-15 12.7-inch A1-Style Barrel 100-020-996 $235

8

M16A1 rifle clones, with a 1:12-inch twist on a 20-inch A1 barrel, but we’re silly like that.

TOTAL:

AMMO

a crosshair tritium reticle. Most, if not all

Brownells M16 Mil-Spec Bolt Carrier Group 078-000-250 $130

$920

PMC Ammunition Inc. X-Tac 5.56 NATO Ammunition 105-000-390 $9

BROWNELLS.COM

7

BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOS BY STRAIGHT 8 AND KENDA LENSEIGNE

W

e’re all familiar with the

offer barreled actions for those of us who like

The actions themselves are a two-lug,

ubiquitous Remington 700

to set up our rifles to meet our specific needs

push feed design, much like their M700

action, with its vast array

(either real or imagined), rather than settle

competitors. Where they differ is their

of aftermarket accessories

for whatever rolled off the production line.

extractor, which is usually one of the first

that allow a motivated individual to build up

items to be replaced on a custom build. In

bolt guns ranging from mild to wild. Thanks

thing we could foresee doing in the next 12

this case, there’s no need, as the upgrade to

to Brownells, there’s now an alternative that

months, from Precision Rifle Series matches

an M16-style claw has already been done for

starts a little higher up the spec sheet, while

to big game hunting to one rifle that’s just

you. The bolts themselves are well finished

offering one option that Big Green overlooks.

as versatile as it is unusual. Common to all

and cycle smoothly. While the bolt knob is

Interested? We thought you might be.

is a Howa 1500 barreled action, saving us

a little on the small side for a full-house

the headache of finding a good rifle smith

tactical build, it’s no more diminutive than

an excellent reputation among the cogno-

to thread, chamber, and barrel a stripped

a stock M700, with a slightly longer handle.

scenti, while, for the most part, staying under

receiver. While this does admittedly limit

Overpressure events resulting in case head

the radar of most American gun buyers. That

your options when it comes to barrel length,

separations are handled via three large vents

might change in the coming years, as Legacy

profile, and chambering, the stock ham-

on the bottom of the bolt and one small one

Howa rifles have a long track record and

8

We put together three rifles to cover every-

Sports from Reno, Nevada, has committed

mer-forged barrels are an excellent starting

on the right, which should mean that gasses

long-term to importing them from Japan,

point — by the time they’re shot out, you’ll

are safely vented into the magazine and

which has encouraged many accessory com-

have a better idea of exactly what you want

away from the shooter’s face. Hopefully, we’ll

panies to offer products and support for the

to spend that particular chunk of cash on

never need to put this to the test, but it’s

base models. In addition, they’ve taken the

and the factory tubes give a good baseline

reassuring to know the engineering’s there if

inspired step of partnering with Brownells to

from which to make a decision.

we need it.

BROWNELLS.COM

BUILDING YOUR OWN CUSTOM RIFLE JUST GOT A LOT EASIER WITH BOLT-ON GOODIES FOR EVERY APPLICATION Wrapped around the bolt, the Howa

shots at bull elk, stalking moose through alder

SAUER. This 1-inch diameter 4-12x40 gave

receiver features a flat-bottomed design

thickets, or sneaking up on brown bears, a lit-

us a good price-to-performance ratio, as it’s

that puts lots of real estate in contact with

tle more horsepower is preferable. The 7mm

rated waterproof to 1m, uses low-dispersion

either bedding compound, bedding blocks,

Rem Mag is on the lower end of the caliber

glass, and won’t break the bank. It sat in a

or a chassis, depending on how you choose

spectrum for Alaskan grizzlies, but when

pair of SIG Alpha medium height rings, and

to set up your stock. An integral recoil lug is

loaded with premium bullets it works just

if we had to do it over again, we’d opt for the

employed to limit rearward movement as the

fine, while offering a flat trajectory and proven

low versions to get a little better cheek weld.

bullet goes downrange, and the front stock

performance on everything in the lower 48.

screw is threaded into it. All told, it’s a very

Howa offers a 24-inch barreled, long action

Previous versions of Howa rifles were blessed with triggers that — how should

competent design. Sure, it’s not an Accuracy

that fits the bill nicely, while Hogue supplied

we put this? — sucked. The current HACT

International or a Surgeon, but it’s around one

an overmolded stock with an aluminum

trigger, however, is a good example of how

third the price, and you get a barrel for free.

bedding block that should be impervious to

factory rifles should be set up. A two-stage

anything mother nature flings at it. Further

unit that breaks clean at around 3 pounds,

enhancing the weatherproof nature of the proj-

it’s very competent and eminently useable;

One of the first choices to be made when

ect is the action’s matte gray Cerakote finish,

if you’re looking to control costs, leave it

selecting a rifle for North American hunting

which looks like bead-blasted stainless steel.

alone until it starts to hinder your perfor-

THE BIG GAME RIFLE

is of course the caliber. Just about anything

Up top, an EGW scope base was attached

mance. In a hunting rifle, we’re guessing it’ll

short of a BB gun will take down an eastern

via four screws and a dab of thread locker,

be a long time before you need to whip out

whitetail, but when it comes to cross-canyon

ready to accept a Whiskey3 scope from SIG

the credit card for a better bang switch. ICE akote

rrel

4

$60

3

2

3 4

1

5

EGW Howa 1500 Heavy-Duty LA Scope Base 296-000-253 $70 SIG SAUER WHISKEY3 4-12x40 Scope w/Triplex Reticle 100-017-262 $250 Howa 1500 Barreled Action 100-805-054 $527

5

AM M O

TOTAL: $1,128 Hornady 7mm Remington Magnum 162-grain ELD-X 20/Box 749-016-321 $40

BROWNELLS.COM

9

3 4

5

MAKE KE / MODEL MOD / PRODUCT ID# / PRICE Howa 6.5 Creedmoor 24-inch -inch Hvy Bbl

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

AMMO

9

10

Kinetic Research Group Howa 1500 180-XRay Short Action Chassis 100-019-798 $700

1

Jard Howa & S&W 1500/Weatherby Vanguard Adjustable Trigger 100-003-164 $132 Vortex Optics Razor HD 5-20x50 Rifle Scope w/EBR-2B Reticle 100-013-101 $1,700

9 6

2

8

7

Vortex Optics Vortex Precision Matched 35mm Scope Rings (.95-inch Height) 100-006-719 $150 EGW Howa 1500/Vanguard Heavy-Duty Steel Scope Base 296-000-256 $120 Magpul Remington 700 PMAG 10 7.62 AC AICS Short Action Magazine 100-017-581 $38 Magpul Remington 700 PMAG 5 7.62 AC AICS Short Action Magazine 100-016-599 $33 Accurate Mag AICS-Style 10-Round 223/5.56 Magazine 100-012-475 $70

THE PRS S RIFLE E A couple of years back, the guys who run the Precision Rifle Series came up with an excel-

and replaceable butt pads to shift the length of pull. KRG makes this chassis for other rifles, but the Howa 1500 version is available only

lent idea. In order to build the sport, why not

from Brownells. If we got to feeling froggy and

offer a division with a price cap, so that anyone

wanted to upgrade to a folding stock at some

thinking of getting involved wouldn’t have to

point in the future, well, that takes three screws

drop new-car money on a custom rifle, just to

and a credit card, or as we like to call it, a

get in the door? Production Division has since

typical Friday night.

taken off like a cigarette butt dropped in a Cal-

Being less than $1,800 into the build at this

ifornia forest, proving that there’s a demand for

point, we decided to splurge on some glass,

a competitive rifle that won’t require its owner

opting for Vortex Optics’ top-of-the-line Razor

to trade in their home for a refrigerator carton

HD 5-20x50, mounted in their own rings. With

under a freeway bridge.

a 35mm tube, this monster optic allows up to

Our sniper match rifle started out life as a

33 Mils of elevation adjustment, which means

Howa 1500 Barreled Action 100-805-064 $546

24-inch barreled short action in 6.5 Creed-

we could exploit the 6.5’s ballistics out to its

moor, chosen because the .260 caliber blows

transonic range, without ever running into the

TOTAL: $3,489

away the .308 ballistically, while offering much

stops.

Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 140-grain ELD-Match 20/Box 749-016-348 $29

BROWNELLS.COM

Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor 120-grain A-Max 20/Box 105-201-260 $27

longer barrel life than a 6mm. A KRG 180-

A precision rifle is best served by a precision

XRay chassis gave us a place to hang AICS

trigger, so Allen wrenches were pulled from the

magazines, as well as an adjustable cheek-

toolkit and a Jard, single-stage adjustable unit

piece, near-vertical pistol grip with optimum

swapped in. This brought the pull down to just

finger placement, a rear hook for our off hand

under 2 pounds, with zero slack and overtravel.

2 10

Howa a 6.5 Grendel 20-inch Heavy Bbl blued

1

3

8

MAK KE / MODEL / PRODUCT ID# / PRICE

2

6

5

9 4

7

3

1

4

11

AMMO

5

THE CBD RIFLE Wait, you’ve never heard of the CBD rifle be-

Hornady 6.5mm Grendel 123-grain, Super Shock Tip 20/Box 100-012-016 $23

tto b l such h system t il bl right i ht now be th the only available Howa’s standard 10-round detachable polymer

up. The acronym stands for “cute, but deadly,”

magazine, so spares are readily available. It’s a

and it’s a sub 10-pound, 1,000-yard capable

skinny little fella though, so if you’re expecting

bolt gun that’ll fit in a regular backpack.

tons of acreage for a skid plate or a flat area the size of Kansas to lay against a barricade, this is

up, through the use of a “mini”-length action.

not the chassis you seek, though it does come

Howa is one of just three manufacturers we

drilled and tapped for an optics bridge, so you

know of that build a bolt gun specifically for the

can use it at night. Although I only needed the

shortest of commonly available cartridges. Usu-

half-inch cheek riser, other sizes are available.

ally, rounds such as the 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39,

7

for the mini action. As a bonus, it accepts

fore? That’s probably because we just made it

We kept the weight down, and performance

6

Add a Timney trigger and a scope rail, and

8

9

Timn ney Howa a 1500 Trigger 883-000-056 $124 4 Nigh htforce SHV 3-10x42mm Rifle Scope 524--000-219 $873 3 Warn ne Howa a Mini Action Mountain Tech Scope Base 947--000-267 947 000 267 $59 Modular Driven Technologies Folding Adapter for LSS Chassis 100--015-983 $130 0 Brow wnells AR-1 15/M16 Mil-Spec Buffer Tube 080-001-046 080 8 $26 High Standard M4-Style Castle Nut 430-000-532 $5 Magpul AR-15 CTR Carbine Stock - Mil-Spec 100-002-946 $57 Howa 1500 Barreled Mini Action 100-805-077 $439 Modular Driven Technologies LSS Chassis for Howa 1500 Mini Action 100-022-919 $400

10 0 Magpul AR-15/M16 CTR/MOE Cheek Risers 100-004-222 (½-inch) 100-004-221 (¼-inch) 100-004-223 (¾-inch) $19

11 Magpul

and their derivatives are fed through actions

you have the makings of a rifle able to wring

more suited to their .308-length brethren,

everything possible out of the Hornady factory

which means they’re longer and fatter than they

load with the 123-grain SST bullet, and if you

AR-15/M16 MIAD Gen 1.1 Grip Kit 100-014-095 $34

need to be, with a concomitant weight penalty.

don’t mind single loading, 140-grain projec-

TOTAL: $2,166

By using a mini action and chambering it

tiles are a perfectly feasible option. Our CBD

in 6.5 Grendel, we’re able to stuff an awful

performed admirably on the range. While it was

By doing your homework and turning

lot of performance into a very small package.

slightly sub MOA with the Hornady ammo, I

wrenches, building a bolt gun to fit your

That package size is reduced even further if

reckon handloads could get it down from that

criteria, rather than those of some corporate

we incorporate a folding stock, made possi-

with CFE powder. In keeping with our “most

marketing team, is easier than ever. Start with

ble through the use of an MDT LSS chassis

bang for the ounce” theme, a Nightforce SHV

a barreled action and pay only for the parts

system, which also permits a degree of

3-10x42 scope was chosen — at 21 ounces

you need — there’s no one better than you

customization, as the buttstock and pistol grip

it’s one of the lightest and most capable pieces

to figure out just what features are im-

are both sourced from the ubiquitous AR-15.

of glass in its price bracket, and was used to

portant and which are superfluous to your

This MDT chassis is brand new and appears

ping distant steel on Cowtown’s West range.

requirements.

BROWNELLS.COM

11

BY DAVID MERRILL

W

To that end, we obtained an example of

backstraps to accommodate for hand sizes,

each. A Glock 17 Gen3 was chosen over a

whereas Glock didn’t release the same,

hen the Smith & Wesson

Gen4 not only because a Gen3 is still easy

perhaps in a reactionary manner, until their

M&P was first released,

to obtain, but also because the vast majority

latest Generation 4 variants. While both can

the comparisons to Glock

of aftermarket parts are tailor-made for that

be burned with soldering irons or otherwise

immediately started rolling

popular series. A large-frame M&P 9mm

modified, with the S&W having the edge on

out. While there have been other so-called

was chosen as the rival. Since the Glock

grip, neither is particularly aggressive.

“plastic fantastics,” the M&P was the first

doesn’t have a magazine or thumb safety,

that actually seemed capable of dethroning

we configured the M&P similarly.

noise of Glock versus 1911 and .45 ACP versus 9mm, soon came Glock versus M&P.

The same goes for the swappable magazine release, though with small hands the M&P release tends to be easier to engage

Glock from the top of the pile. Adding to the

OEM When considering either pistol, the word

with your dominant hand without breaking your master grip. S&W has a truly ambidex-

utilitarian first comes to mind. Initially, that

trous slide stop/release, though if the photos

Sure, we’ll look at the raw handguns

sounds OK, but it also conjures images of

are to be believed, we’ll soon see the same

themselves, as it provides a solid baseline,

concrete Soviet-bloc housing and Toyota

from the next Glock offering.

but we’ll also have a gander at the after-

Corollas. If you just want a place to lay your

market for some solid solutions to potential

head at night or something to make quick

factory sights. The M&P sights are better

drawbacks and possible deal breakers.

jaunts to the grocery store, that’s fine. But

than the plastic pieces lovingly referred to

Today we’ll cover three different levels of

of course, we want to go further.

as “dovetail protectors” found on the Glock,

This isn’t your typical A versus B piece.

modifications for each type of pistol: OEM, enhanced, and advanced.

12

The M&P ships standard with different

each handgun, a fullsize 9mm version of

BROWNELLS.COM

Out of the box, it’s considerably easier to talk about differences than similarities.

Neither will win awards for the basic

but that’s a bit like saying Carrot Top is less obnoxious than Pauly Shore.

WE TRICK OUT AN M&P9 AND GLOCK 17 GEN3 TO SEE HOW THEY COMPARE The triggers are much of the same, but in

If you want two grown men to argue like

the opposite direction. We’re not even upset

children, the easiest way is to find a woman

that S&W managed to have a longer pull with

they’re both attracted to and add her to the

more creep than a Glock — we’re impressed

mix. The immediate runner-up would be to

at the feat. Of course, higher-end models of

ask them about preferences in pistol sights.

both can be had with better. Measured on

The minutiae between fiber optic, tritium,

an actual trigger scale, the M&P weighed in

adjustable, fixed, thin front sights, etc., can

with an average of 7 pounds, 5.7 ounces;

work people into a tizzy. Though the S&W is

the Glock at 5 pounds, 13 ounces. Despite

newer than the Glock, it’s been around long

ment here. If you’re a “just keep it stock

the weight difference, my split times on the

enough that you can probably get whatever

for reliability” person, feel free to opt out.

range were similar at 0.22 seconds between

sights you prefer. I happen to like Trijicon

However, with both guns there are combi-

shots. No, I’m not winning any championships

HD sights, so both guns are wearing them.

nations that are proven to be reliable. The

Regarding controls, there was a bit less

Apex AEK completely changed the feel of

anytime soon. Overall impression: utilitarian.

ENHANCED In an effort to correct some of these woes

The triggers showed the biggest improve-

needed on the S&W side of things. Their

the M&P trigger; once you try it, you might

foresight from the factory is apparent. If you

never turn back.

like an aggressive texture, grip tape makes

The pull was shortened a bit, smoothed

we turn to the aftermarket, which in this case

for an easy job of it. If you plan to carry

tremendously, and reduced to 5 pounds, 7

means Brownells. It’s no surprise that we

either pistol, you might want to put grip tape

ounces, though it subjectively feels much

address the same downsides of each pistol:

on just the off-body side, as to avoid sanding

lighter. At the range, splits improved to 0.16

sights, trigger, grip, and controls. We consid-

yourself down or wearing holes in your un-

seconds, standing out as the largest single

er addressing these first as near-mandatory

dershirts as you go about your day. Just be

enhancement of any item shown here. Be

upgrades in most circumstances. Here’s the

sure you install your preferred grip module

advised that working on the M&P trigger can

parts breakdown for each:

on the S&W before applying the grip tape.

be quite frustrating when compared to the simplicity of the Glock. Thankfully Apex has

S&W (see chart for number reference) 2 Apex Tactical Aluminum AEK Trigger 5 21st Century Gunfighter Catalyst Extended Magazine Release 7 Trijicon HD Night Sights 10 Brownells Insta-Grip Tape

Glock (see chart for number reference)

a good series of installation and trouble-

2 5 7 10 13

shooting videos.

ZEV 3.5-pound trigger bar TangoDown Vickers Extended Magazine Release Trijicon HD Night Sights A-Zone Gear Grip Tape Aro-Tek Extended Slide Release

The simplest solution with the Glock was installing a ZEV connector. It didn’t give the same dramatic change as the AEK on the M&P, but did result in an incremental upgrade to a 5-pound, 3-ounce pull and 0.18 second splits. Of course, you can do more if you start swapping springs and such — which is what the advanced scenario is all about.

ADVANCED We’re not just going a little further here, we’re running all the way down the road in this section. As in, make-your-friends-uncomfortable down the road. We’re going to push it as far as we can go without having to rely on custom work. Match triggers,

BROWNELLS.COM

13

threaded barrels, optics, and more — yes

Yes, we replaced the entire upper half

haps demonstrates S&W being more proac-

sir. This is also where the more robust af-

of the Glock. The fact that this form of

tive about anticipating their own aftermarket

termarket of the Generation 3 Glock shines

aftermarket support exists for the Glock and

— interchangeable grips, ambi controls, and

the most. But as you’ll see, all is not lost

not the M&P shouldn’t be taken outright as

let’s not forget the M&P C.O.R.E. that was

for the M&P. Here’s the parts breakdown

a slight against the S&W. Aside from Glock

released well before the Glock MOS. Had

for each:

being around for decades longer, it also per-

Glock released the MOS several years ago, the pool of aftermarket optics-ready Glock

Glock (see chart for number reference) 2 ZEV Trigger Springs 3 Agency Arms Flat Trigger 4 ZEV Threaded Barrel 6 Brownells/Taran Tactical Magazine Extension 8 Trijicon RMR06 9 Raven Concealment Freya Magwell 11 ZEV Z Dragonfly fl SSlidee

S&W (see chart for number reference) 3 Apex Tactical Red Flat Face Forward Set Trigger 4 AAC Threaded Barrel 6 Brownells/Taran Tactical Magazine Extension 8 Vortex Viper Reflex Sight 9 Burris FastFire M&P Mount

slides would likely be smaller. We’re fans of handguns with red dots, though it’s easy to spend as much on the optic itself as the base handgun. The same could be said for rifles, as well, though not everyone finds this juice worth the squeeze. Certainly an optic that mounts in the rear sight’s dovei is i less than idea i l. As far as sight acquitail si i goes, the sligh i htly higher height over sition bore can be surmounted with a little trigger i time. However, cowiitnessing iron sights is a i this is setup. In general, with a non-starter with i i it’s best for the optic to slide-mounted optic i e slide itself. be recessed into the fly comes straight from The ZEV Dragonfl go with ZEV internals Brownells readyy to g i sights, i and plain all hot and ready for you to i a barrel and d an RMR. drop in ’ be runnin ing a suppressor or muzIff you’ll i off some kind, a threaded barrel zle device i mandatory. Additionally, you may be is able to e eke out extra accuracy if ide to roll with a match you decid h some fitting may be barrel, though i required. Thosse shooting lead reloads i probably e enjoy the non-polygonal will ifli g as well. nature off the rifling / Tactical extensions give Brownells/Taran j i s for the party. 23+1 you more projectile 9 rounds off 9mm isn’’t anything to turn your p at. Unlike i m many other magazine nose up

14

BROWNELLS.COM

Vacillating between the

i ownells variety comes extensions, the Bro

Apex AEK and the Apex Red Flat-Faced trigger for your M&P? There are noteworthy benefits to each option — head on

i replacement springs and has a locking with

over to Recoilweb.com for a breakdown.

heir extensions failed. everywhere when th

i i’ e exceedingly hard to mechanism so it’s i dmittedly, we may have lose by accident. Ad j enfreude in the past from enjoyed the schade i someone’s ’s magazine spill rounds watching

MAKE / MODEL / PRODUCT ID# / PRICE

1

2

3

4

Flat-faced triggers may take some getting used to for some and are a joy for others, and both the Apex and Agency rock wide,

a measly 3 pounds, 3 ounces, and average

5

splits of 0.16 seconds. Why the magwell? Why not? Though origi-

flat faces. Whenever you stack non-OEM

nally designed as a reloading aid, if you have

parts on top of non-OEM parts, you can

larger mitts it’ll help your hand stay higher

start running into problems. Part of the

on the grip. In order to fit the Raven Con-

reason these particular trigger parts fall

cealment magwell on the Glock 17, we had

under the advanced section is that you

to trim back some of the grip tape — this is

should probably know what the hell you’re

a fitted part manufactured with precision.

6

7

doing before you just start replacing one part after another. And if you weren’t good at swapping out fire control parts before you

CONCLUSIONS The bottom line is that you need to deter-

start ... you’ll either get good at it, or have

mine what you want to do and how far down

an awfully hard time with it.

the rabbit hole you want to go. Configuring

The Apex Red Flat-Faced trigger is

for defense is different from competition.

designed to work with Apex’s Forward Set

If you’re looking to upgrade all the way to

Sear; it just doesn’t play well with the facto-

advanced in parts and pieces, the Glock is

ry sear. Thankfully, Brownells sells these as

the obvious choice with its vast aftermarket

a matched set. It also should be noted that

support. If you’re looking for the simplest

at the time of this writing the red version

solution right out of the box, perhaps strong-

is only available from Brownells. Put in the

ly consider something from the S&W line.

time on the bench, and you’re rewarded with

I’ve been shooting Glocks for a long time,

minimal creep and overall throw. That orig-

but those M&P aftermarket triggers sure do

inal OEM pull of more than 7 pounds was

shine brightly once properly tuned.

halved to 3 pounds, 7 ounces. Split times

Remember that we’re talking about two

weren’t cut in half, mostly because this

pistols that have seen heavy law enforce-

shooter isn’t superhuman, but times below

ment, carry, and competition use for years.

0.15 seconds were recorded.

It’s cliché to say that you can’t go wrong,

The ZEV/Agency solution provided similar results, ultimately attaining a pull weight of

8

but you really can’t. Besides, the title of this article wasn’t “Glock versus Lorcin.”

9

GLOCK

M&P

Glock G17 100-300-133 $550

Smith & Wesson M&P Handgun 9mm 17+1 Full Size No Safety 100-300-407 $470

Zev Technologies Trigger Upgrade Components for Glock 100-004-108 $15

Apex Tactical Specialties M&P Aluminum AEK Trigger 100-010-583 $77

Agency Arms Drop-in Flat Trigger for Glock 100-018-061 $150

Apex Tactical Specialties Red Flat Face Forward Set Trigger 100-017-344 $165

Zev Technologies Match Barrel for G17, Threaded 100-019-697 $285

Advanced Armament S&W M&P 9mm Threaded Barrel 276-000-038 $215

TangoDown Vickers Glock Extended Magazine Release 100-003-404 $17

21st Century Gunfighter M&P Catalyst Extended Magazine Release 100-015-909 $20

Brownells / Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Base Pad Kit Glock +5/+6 100-020-743 $40

Brownells / Taran Tactical Innovations M&P Firepower Base Pad Kit +5/+6 100-020-740 $40

Trijicon HD Tritium Night Sight Set 892-000-077 $134

Trijicon HD Tritium Night Sight Set 892-000-081 $158

Trijicon RMR Sight LED 3.25 MOA Red Dot 892-000-050 $557

Viper Optics Viper Reflex Sight 100-017-321 $230

Raven Concealment Systems Freya Mag Well 100-020-442 $95

Burris FastFire Mount 118-000-073 $48

10 0 A-Zone Gear

Brownells Insta Grip 084-093-106 $21

Grip Tape 100-013-729 $10

11 Zev Technologies Zev Dragonfly G17 Slide Kit 100-019-702 $798

TOTAL: $1,444

12 Zev Technologies V4 Connector for Glock 100-012-422 $15

13 Aro-Tek Extended Slide Release for Glock 066-100-300 $36

TOTAL: $2,702

AMMO Remington UMC Handgun Ammunition (9mm 115-grain FMJ) 305-201-761 $25

BROWNELLS.COM

15