GW Jan 2017

BEST OF THE BREED LWRCIS NEW DI AR
JANUARY I 2017
THE LEGENDARY 1911 IN 9MM
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CLEARED HOT: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
HUNT: 8 NEW PRODUCTS THAT WILL CHANGE
THE WAY YOU HUNT
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JAN. 2017 VOLUME 58, NO. 1
01
WWW.GUNWORLD.COM
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GW-1701-COVER_CX.indd 1
GUN WORLD
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11/16/16 3:20 PM
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GW_1701_3 11/4/16 3:51 AM Page 3
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CONTENTS
94
ON THE COVER
GUN: RUGER SR1911 COMMANDER 9MM
PHOTO: ROBB MANNING
(THANKS TO MJ GUNSHOP; WWW.MJGUNSHOP.COM)
DESIGN: MICHAEL BELCHER
COLUMNS
06
08
10
14
74
82
86
90
94
98
UP FRONT
KIT UP!
OPTICS
HUNT
QUICK S HOTS
EDC
TRAIN
PREPS
CLEARED HOT
DOWN RANGE
GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) is published monthly in January, February, March,

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December by
Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine,
CA 92614. Periodical postage paid at Irvine, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GUN WORLD c/o Engaged Media Inc., VSI, Inc., 905
Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068. 2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
GST#855050365RT001. Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement Pitney Bowes,
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www.gunworld.com
76
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GUN WORLD
JANUARY I 2017
COVER STORY
18
RUGER SR1911 COMMANDER 9MM

This sweet-shooting 9mm brings Ruger quality to the
legendary 1911 commander.
By James E. House
30
24
38
FEATURES
30
38
44
62 52
62
70
76
www.gunworld.com
SIG P238 HD
There are other .380 single-action, 1911-style
pocket guns on the market, but the stainless steel
frame on this one makes it heavy duty.
By Andy Massimilian
PRESENT ARMS!
Honor Defense enters the compact-carry field with
the Honor Guard 9mm. Order arms!
By Bob Campbell
BEST OF THE BREED
Long known for gas piston ARs, LWRCI goes back to
the original direct-impingement gas system.
By Garrett Lucas
BLASERS TRUCK GUN
Blaser rifles are priced out of the average persons
budget, but the R8 Professional comes as close as
ever to being obtainable.
By Robert A. Sadowski
REMAKING THE DEFENDER
Colts Defender line of 1911s gets a 9mm refresh.
By Garrett Lucas
BROWNING AMMO
Brownings new line of Premium ammunition
delivers in performancewithout breaking the bank.
By Mike Dickerson
WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION
The NRA-sponsored Brownells 1911 Builders Course is
the ultimate adventure. If you build it, they will come.
By Jerry Cannon
SPORTING ARS
The idea that ARs only have military uses and arent
for sporting purposes is ridiculous, and heres why.
By Chuck Taylor
JANUARY I 2017
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UPFRONT
BY ROBB MANNING RMANNING@ENGAGEDMEDIAINC.COM
GUN WORLD
JANUARY 2017
Volume 58 Number 1
EDITORIAL
Robb Manning Editor

Amy Maclean Managing Editor
DESIGN
Michael Belcher Art Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Steve Barlow, Brian Berry, Bob Campbell, Jerry Cannon, Michelle Cerino,
Mike Dickerson, Brad Fitzpatrick, James E. House, Steven Ledin, Garrett Lucas,
Andy Massimilian, Robert A. Sadowski, Chuck Taylor, Richard Venola
ADVERTISING
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SUPPRESSORS
ONE SAFETY ISSUE THE GUN COMMUNITY SHOULD NOT BE SILENT ABOUT
he gun community is all about safety. This is evident whenever

you go to a range, undertake some formal gun training, go to the
gun counter at a store or participate in any other activity with
other gun owners. Go to a gun forum or social media website and
try posting a picture of yourself with your finger on the trigger.
Youre going to get lambasted.
OPERATIONS
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Then, why is it that we, as gun owners, have allowed our politicians to keep
such tight restrictions on another form of gun safety: hearing protection?
GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) is published monthly in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August,
September, October, November and December by Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine,
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Thats exactly what suppressors (or silencers, as device inventor Hiram

Percy Maxim called them) are. After a lifetime of shooting, including time in the
infantry, my hearing is degraded.
2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is
strictly prohibited. GST#855050365RT001.
Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement Pitney Bowes, Inc.,
P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada
Its impossible to use hearing protection in every situation. Using it at the range is
easy, but its not always so when doing other things, such as some types of hunting.
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Suppressors place the hearing protection on the gun, instead of on the person.
We do it with automobilesin fact, its illegal to not have a muffler on your car.
It only makes sense to do it with firearms.
I do not want my children to have hearing loss due to guns. Yes, I use suppressors
on my own guns, but the other people at the range often dont. The worst part is
that hearing loss is permanent. Once the damage is done, its done.
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The fix is easy: suppressors. Suppressors shouldnt be harder to get than the
firearms you put them on.
Fortunately, H.R. 3799 (the Hearing Protection Act of 2015), a bill sponsored by
U.S. Representative Matt Salmon (R-AZ), proposes to do just that. Suppressors
would be taken off the NFA registry and be treated as long guns. The buyer
would be required to fill out a Form 4473, just as for any other firearmnot
a Form 4, which can take months (and sometimes up to a year) to get back. It
would also eliminate the $200 transfer tax.
ENGAGED MEDIA, INC.
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Bob Hulsy Business Development Director
Its a win-win for everyone. People who live close to where guns are fired
(ranges, hunting lands, etc.) win, gun owners win, and our children win.
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various
sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
GST #855050365RT001
Please contact your elected officials and urge them to support H.R. 3799.
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JANUARY I 2017
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PERFORMANCE
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
PERFORMANCE CENTER
PORTED M&P SHIELD
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HI-VIZ'*#&3015*$4*()54'03'"455"3(&5"$26*4*5*0/
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1&3'03."/$&$&/5&3&/)"/$&%53*((&3'03
4.005)53*((&316--
www.smith-wesson.com/pc
9 MM
.40 S&W
#PerformanceCenter
KIT UP!
2
3
1
MAKE: Bravo Company Manufacturing

MODEL: BCM KMR *Alpha* 13
AVAILABLE: 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15
inches
URL: www.BravoCompanyMfg.com
MSRP: $200
MAKE: Browning
MODEL: Black Label Pandemonium
Full Auto
SPECS: Blade length3.5 inches;
overall length 7.75 inches; closed
length 4.25 inches; weight 5.5 ounces
URL: www.Browning.com
MSRP: $310
MAKE: Mantis
MODEL: MantisX Firearms Training
System
SOFTWARE: Free. Android and iOS
URL: www.MantisX.com
MSRP: $150
BCM has the reputation of making

some of the best AR accessories on
the market, and the KMR (KeyMod
Modular Rail) is one of its classics.
The KMR *Alpha* handguard has all
the features of the original KMR but is
made in 100 percent aluminum, so it
weighs only 7.7 ounces.
Handgun shooting is a constant quest

to perfect our mechanics. For some
of us, its just a struggle to fix bad
habits acquired over time. Who among
us hasnt referenced the shooting
symptom chart?
Its KeyMod for the ultimate in

modularity, free float for accuracy, and
it comes with a proprietary mounting
system for lockup and stability. It is
hard coat anodized to prevent rust. On
top of all that, its got a thin profile
coming in at 1.5 inches, flat to flat. Its
tough as nails, thin and lightweight,
and you can hang just about anything
off your AR that you want.
The MantisX goes way beyond that.

It analyzes every shot you make,
shows whats wrong and coaches
you on how to fix it. Then, it tracks all
shooting sessions. Its simple to use:
Attach it to any handgun Picatinny
rail, download the software, connect
the phone, and then shoot. Its more
accurate than having a trainer watch
over your shoulder. It can also be
used while dry firing.
www.gunworld.com
This Russ Kommer-designed knife has

a smooth-as-silk auto action that locks
open with an unmistakable click, just
so theres no confusion as to what just
opened up. It uses a modified tanto with
a curved cutting edge that drops to a
pointthe effect is almost like a minikukuri knife. Its outstanding for slashing.
The knife has a checkered black G-10
handle with finger grooves for a secure
grip. The handle is curved to fit the
palm of your hand just right, and the
butt curves around the end of your
little finger, keeping your hand from
sliding off. There is no safety, but the
open button is recessed to prevent
accidental activation. Just forward of
the tang is jimping that culminates in a
thumb rise. The blade is made of 440
series steel with a Rockwell hardness
of 5658. The pocket clip is reversible.
This knife is made in the U.S.A.
P
MAKE: Man-PACK
MODEL: Ballistic Backpack Insert
SPECS: Dimensions10x13 inches;
weight 1 pound; level IIIa (.22 LR,
9mm, .45, .380, .38, .44 Mag)
URL: www.Man-Pack.com
MSRP: $119
Often, places with no guns allowed
signs that are intended to protect our
loved ones actually attract those with
evil intent. The Ballistic Backpack Insert
will help protect you.
We were skeptical that something this
light and thin would work, but it easily
proved us wrong: We fired 12 rounds
of 9mm (two HPs and 10 FMJ), and
the only one that went through was
one that clipped the edge, tumbled
around the panel and through the edge
of the other side.
It fits in brief cases and backpacks,
including children-sized backpacks.
Plus, its light enough so that it wont
be too much for even little ones to
carry. Its unfortunate we live in a world
in which we have a need for such
a thing. Fortunately, Man-PACK has
an answer. Made of Dyneema, this
backpack insert meets NIJ Level 3A
ballistic testing standards.
JANUARY I 2017
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5
7
6
8
5
MAKE: LaserLyte
MODEL: Sight Center Mass DL
(CM-K15B)
URL: www.Laserlyte.com
MSRP: $220
Our entire shooting mindset is based
on how accurately we can shoot
... that elusive pinpoint accuracy.
Manufacturers of laser aiming devices
have perpetuated this over the years.
LaserLyte realized there are times when
laser-dot precision isnt necessary;
sometimes, the solution is placing a
shot center mass. The mighty buckshotslinging shotgun comes to mind.
The Center Mass pattern consists of
one center dot, circled by a ring of
eight dots, and it spreads at a rate of
1 inch for every 1 yard in distance. Its
not just for shotguns, either: Have you
ever had a hard time finding your laser
point on a bright day? Its much easier
to find nine of them and then shift to
the center-most one.
8
6
MAKE: Breakthrough Clean

Technologies
MODEL: Battle Born HP Pro
URL: www.BreakthroughClean.com
MSRP: $13
MAKE: Advanced Technology

International (ATI)
MODEL: X2 AR-15 Grip
URL: www.ATIGunstocks.com
MSRP: $25
The folks at Breakthrough dont believe

in CLPthe clean contradicts the
protects. What they do believe in
is making a great, military-grade
lubricant and protectant: the Battle
Born HP Pro.
We have wrapped our mitts around

plenty of outstanding AR grips in
our day, but this one is the most
comfortable yet.
Ergonomically, it feels a lot like an HK
VP9 or Walther PPQ. Its a two-piece
design with excellent texture on the
front and a luxurious, soft rubber
backstrap. Its slightly wider than
a standard A2 grip for better recoil
dispersion, and it absorbs recoil like
nobodys business. The only down side
is that it must be used with a standard
receiver end plate; the ones with QD
mounts or sling loops cannot be used.
The original BB High Purity Oil is great,

but the HP Pro is designed for guns
that are run hard (its full auto rated).
First clean your gun with Battle Born
Military-Grade Solvent and then apply
one coat. Let it settle into the metal, and
then apply a second coat. After that,
when you run your gun, simply wipe it
down, and most of the carbon will be
removed. This is a great product.
www.gunworld.com
MAKE: Bear & Son Cutlery

MODEL: Bear Song IV
(Model B-500-A1BK-B)
SPECS: 50 inches closed; 30-inch
blade; weight 4.5 ounces
URL: www.BearandSonCutlery.com
MSRP: $160
I grew up in the 1980s, so when I think of
a balisong (a.k.a. butterfly knife), I think
of mall ninjas with nunchuks sticking out
of their back pockets, whipping around
their $5 butterfly knives.
Balisongs today are a far cry from
the cheap knives that I knew, and
this one from the Bear Ops line is a
fine example of the quality thats out
there today. The blade is 1095 carbon
steel, so its tough, easy to sharpen
and holds an edge well. Its also very
sharp out of the box. 1095 will rust,
but the black powdercoat will help
prevent that. Its also a little stiff out
of the box, but apply about four drops
of the Battle Born HP Pro mentioned
elsewhere in Kit Up!, and this knife will
be good to go.
JANUARY I 2017
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SCOPE EYE CHRONICLES
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN K. LEDIN
ABOUT
THE
AUTHOR
The author puts his longrange setup to good use.
ast month, I attended a two-day shooting

symposium sponsored by Alpha Munitions at THE
SITE training facility in Mount Carroll, Illinois,
which is a few hours west of Chicago. THE SITE is
one of the countrys premier ranges and is directed
by U.S. Navy SEAL Master Chief (Ret.) Jim Kauber. Courses are
available in every imaginable discipline, and the trusted class
instructors were also SEALs. Ive never seen so many muscles,
testosterone and structural integrity in one place at one time.
These people live with and know their firearm tools as well as
I know my spoon.
We stayed at THE SITEs nearby Black Bear Lodge. The
class culminated with a timed competition targeting 600yard moving steel plates.
THIS MANUFACTURER
HAS BEEN TAKING
HIGH-END BUSINESS
AWAY FROM THE
CRME DE LA
CRMEFOR A GOOD
REASON.
www.gunworld.com
Steven K. Ledin is
a former U.S. Navy
nuclear gunners
mate and current
director of a prominent
online optics retailer.
Hes a CCW and NRA
instructor and has
been a sponsored
competitive
shooter and private
investigator. He has
hunted (and gotten
lost) from Alaska to
Africa.
Lets just say I didnt win.

Vortex Optics loaned me some products, and I installed a Razor HDII
3-18x50 with MOA adjustments and the EBR-2C (MOA) reticle on
my Savage 10 FCP McMillan in .308 Winchester. This is a first focal
plane scope. I mated the Vortex 34mm Precision Matched Rings to
an Evolution Gun Works Steel HD mount with zero angle. I also used
the Vortex 34mm bubble level to complete the outfit.
The current mount du jour seems to be anything with at least
20 MOA built in. This is fine for guns that will be used mostly for
P
JANUARY I 2017
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Alpha Munitions makes

world-class cartridges
with consistent and
gorgeous annealing on
every case.
long range, but most guns are not. A range of 300 or 400 yards
is not really considered long enough to require such a product.
Actually, up to 600 yards or so is considered intermediate.
People regularly run out of elevation adjustment because they
want to shoot the gun at backyard distances with angled bases.
My 0 MOA base had loads of elevation left at 600 yards, although
the extra room for the erector assembly to move within the huge,
34mm tube was significantwith up to 117 MOA available!
In addition, todays shooters think they require a ridiculous
amount of magnification for their scopes, when, in fact, less
magnification is often much more useful.
Binoculars,
rangefinders and
riflescopespeople
are getting more
comfortable using
Vortex products
exclusively.
I was recently in the desert heat shooting up to a mile. The

mirage was so severe that I often could only use up to 12 or
14 power to prevent my reticle from walking all over the target.
And being able to find your target quickly at lower power with a
larger exit pupil is priceless.
The Vortex rings made by Seekins were outstanding (after
mounting thousands of scopes over the years and lapping off
collective pounds of steel and aluminum, I have gotten to know
metal characteristics and overall quality control). These rings
oozed eminence. Although they are made in pairs and matched,
they have no index marks to keep ring halves together and in
the correct orientation. Nevertheless, Seekins assured me that
the rings have such close tolerances, this is not requiredand
it felt like itbut Id still like to see them marked. It makes me
feel good. In fact, when I lap rings, I put matching witness marks
on the top and bottom halves so I cannot install them incorrectly.
The scope was an absolute dream to use. I used MOA
adjustments, because my mind thinks more easily in inches
than milliradians. And because distance computations are
complicated and my mind is like a steel sievewith stuff
running out through all the holesthe easier it is for me, the
better. Its easy to say that adjustments are repeatable, but its
another to actually test them at distance by shooting the gun in
front of an experienced spotter.
The zero stop on this Razor is a firm wall that is easily set,
unlike some other competitive offerings. Upon a full rotation of
the elevation turret, an indicator pops out from the bottom of it;
after two revolutions, it protrudes more, showing one index mark
instead of two.
Above: The Vortex

Viper HD 15-45x65 is
the perfect size and
price range for most
applications.
A balanced package
of quality rifle, glass
and ammoa delight
to shoot
www.gunworld.com
The clarity is commensurate with other Alpha scopes costing

almost twice as much. It would take an exhaustive controlled test
with competitive products lined up next to each other to compare
resolution, color, brightness, etc. But its a rare individual who
can determine which scope is from what manufacturer if they
can only see the image of the scope and not the scope, itself.
JANUARY I 2017
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SCOPE EYE CHRONICLES
Vortex optics
Alpha Munitions, maker of superb, U.S.-made ammunition,

sponsored the two-day shooting symposium. The 6.5 Creedmore
cartridges were world class.
ortex Optics has been crossing the traditional

boundaries of other manufacturers. It is now
known widely for its high-end, competitiongrade and tactical products, and loyal consumers have
been getting comfortable with Vortex Optics for all their
optics needs.
The VIP warranty and dollar value are two of the best
talking points, but the overall performance in the field
and target ranges is what draws people to Vortex
Optics products in the first place.
Contact
Information
VORTEX OPTICS
(800) 426-0048
These people live with and

know their firearm tools as
well as I know my spoon.
WWW.VORTEXTOPTICS.COM
The Razor HDII has

quality and performance
to mate comfortably on
firearms of any price
point.
A major reason Vortex seems to be taking over the shooting world

is value, and this is evident when you see what rifles are wearing
at Precision Rifle Series and other long-range events. The EBR-2C
reticle is one of the easiest Christmas-tree-type reticles Ive ever
used, and its not as intimidating or busy as some others.
The illumination is clever and intuitive, with a pop-out dial set in the
parallax knob featuring 11 brightness levels that go low enough and
off between numbers. This makes it easy to re-summon your preset
brightness level. Eye relief was long and forgiving at all magnifications.
Mounting positioning was easy because of the generous tube length
available. Overall, the scope performed superbly and looked great doing it.
The attention to detail

on the outside is a
reflection of the quality
inside.
I also used a Vortex Razor HD 22-48x65 spotting scope, which

quickly became the favorite of the experienced spotters. Bullet
trace was as easy to see as watching a bird fly overhead. One
spotter, a U.S. Rifle Team member, insisted he saw the sun glint
off a bullet speeding down range.
Alpha Munitions fed all the guns with its superb, U.S.-made
cartridgesthe prettiest brass Ive ever seen. This manufacturer
has the daunting goal of taking a lot of Lapua business and it
is primed (pun intended) to do just that.
Each click of the dial

on the Razor is as
crisp and solid as the
numbering on each
adjustment turret.
Vortex has been taking high-end business away from the crme
de la crme for a reason: Its new 6-24x50 Razor HD AMG scope
is 100 percent made in the United Statesfrom the glass to
the turrets and every screw and dab of grease. This will further
frustrate the status quo. GW
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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Flawless performance on the range

or at the ready. With its lightweight polymer
frame, thin profile, and ramped 3.2 barrel,
the Taurus Millennium G2 is the perfect
Everyday Gunat an unbeatable price.
Available in 9mm Luger or 40 S&W
Ideal for concealed carry
Proven performance
Picatinny accessory rail MIL-STD-1913
Adjustable rear sight
Taurus Security System
TaurusUSA.com
HUNT
BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
MOVING FORWARD
EIGHT RECENT
HUNTING PRODUCTS
THAT WILL CHANGE THE
WAY YOU HUNT
ach year, firearms and ammunition manufacturers roll

out new models, but many of these items are quite
similar to (and are designed to compete with) products
that already exist. Competition in the hunting industry
is fierce, however, and that competition has led to a
lead-or-get-out-of-the-way mentality that keeps companies striving
to improve and create new products that are truly revolutionary.
Sometimes, its a major change, and sometimes, even the smallest
upgrades make a big difference in the field.
Of all the new items that have come down the pipeline in recent
years, Ive picked eight I think represent a step forward for
hunters. Heres a look at some of the products poised to forever
change the way you hunt. GW
www.gunworld.com
about the
author
Brad Fitzpatrick is a full-time
freelance writer based in
Ohio. His work has appeared
in several print and online
publications, and he is the
author of two books: The
Shooters Bible Guide to
Concealed Carry and Handgun
Buyers Guide 2015. He has
hunted on four continents
and was a collegiate trap
and skeet shooter before
becoming a writer.
MAKE: Federal Premium Ammunition

MODEL: .50 Caliber Trophy Copper
URL: www.FederalPremium.com
RETAIL: $19 (pack of 15)
Muzzleloaders have improved greatly over the last
two decades, and Federal has made these guns even
more user friendly with the launch of its new Trophy
Copper Muzzleloader ammo.
Gone is the traditional sabot jacket; it is replaced
instead with a polymer base cup that expands to
create a superb gas seal. The copper bullet, itself,
features external skiving for reliable, consistent penetration. Plus, the B.O.R. Lock MZ cup makes loading
much easier than with a traditional sabot.
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MAKE: Benelli
MODEL: Ethos Shotgun
GAUGE: 28 gauge (also 12 and 20 gauge)
SIZE: 2 and 3 inch
URL: www.BenelliUSA.com
MSRP: $1,999
The Ethos is one of Benellis flagship
semiautos; it is the culmination of
decades of refinement and tuning on
the companys Inertia-Driven action.
The 12-gauge version came first, then
the 20 gauge, and now, Benelli has
rolled out a 28-gauge version of its
sleek scattergun. The 28 has the same
classy looks and feel of the larger Ethos
models, but theres something very
special about this gun: Its the very
first semiauto 28 gauge chambered
for 3-inch shells. Now, the 28 is a
legitimate, all-around weapon for
hunting larger upland birds such
as pheasant and chukar, and
its a teal gun par excellence.
MAKE: Hornady
MODEL: ELD-X
CALIBERS: .270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .280 Rem,
.300 WSM, .300 Weatherby Mag, 6.5 Creed, 7mm
Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 RCM.
Bullet components: .270, 7mm, 6.5mm, .308
URL: www.Hornady.com
MSRP: $49$55
Hornady engineers were using Doppler radar to
test bullets in flight and noticed something odd:
The polymer tip on the bullet was heating and
melting due to friction from the air. To remedy
this, Hornady developed a special polymer tip that
could withstand the heat of friction without falling
apart. This new tip gave rise to the ELD-X bullet,
which stands for extremely low drag-eXpanding.
At closer ranges and at lower velocities, the
bullets tapered jacket helps it retain 50 to 60
percent of its weight. At long ranges, where
velocities dip, the ELD-X tip drives back into the
bullet upon impact to initiate expansion. The ELD-X
is also available as a reloading component.
MAKE: Mossberg
MODEL: 500 Flex
GAUGE: 12 gauge; 20 gauge (some models)
URL: www.Mossberg.com
MSRP: Starting at $473
Mossbergs pump shotguns are known for
their reliability and versatility, but the FLEX
system takes this to a whole new level.
Not only can you swap out the barrel,
you can also change the stock and the
forearm to configure this shotgun any
way youd like. So, in a matter of minutes,
you can go from a defensive pump to a
big-game gun to an upland or trap
gun. And if you have small-statured shooters at home, you can
quickly adjust the length of pull by
swapping out stocks.
MAKE: Browning Ammunition

MODEL: BXC
CALIBERS: .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg,
.300 Win Mag, .300 WSM
URL: www.BrowningAmmo.com
RETAIL: $36$45
Brownings new, controlled-expansion BXC bullet uses an anodized
aluminum tip for higher ballistic coefficients and stability to the
target. However, on impact, this bullet begins expanding, and the
bonded jacket and core hold together for maximum weight retention.
Its a slick, new design that will work wonders for dropping even the
toughest game, and the heavy bullet design (185 grains for the .30-06)
gives this projectile enough heft to provide reliable, deadly shots. If
youre chasing tough game such as elk, moose, bear, aoudad or big
hogs, this is your hammer.
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HUNT
MAKE: Winchester Ammunition
MODEL: Blind Side
GAUGE: 12 and 20 gauge
URL: www.Winchester.com
RETAIL: $25$30
Winchesters Blind Side is an idea 40 years in the making. Back in the 1970s,
engineers knew that round hexahedron shot was extraordinarily effective at
killing birds, but the problem was that there was no way to stabilize it.
Winchester managed to jump that hurdle with the introduction of the Diamond
Cut Wad, which has three wings that fold out like brakes to help provide a more
uniform pattern. The hexahedron steel packs more evenly than round shot so
that you can increase payload in your shells, and the damage these pellets
inflict is severe, so birds drop very quickly.
MAKE: Remington
MODEL: Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader
BARREL LENGTH: 26 inches
OVERALL LENGTH: 47 inches
Caliber: .50
URL: www.Remington.com
MSRP: Starting at $949
Blind Side is made from steel wire that is cut, and the angled design comes
from a special medium that helps chamfer the familiar angles onto each pellet.
But as a waterfowl hunter, you wont need to worry about that. All that will
concern you is how devastating these loads really are.
Muzzleloaders have come a long way, but Remington took the next major step
in its development with the introduction of the 700 UML. It utilizes a very clever
ignition system that looks like the sawed-off rear portion of a .308 Winchester
cartridge (you can even reload them), and the action is lifted straight from the
Model 700 line.
Theres even a floorplate with space inside to hold three additional ignition
cases, and the crisp X-Mark trigger comes standard. Loaded with 200 grains
of powder, it drives a 250-grain Accutip bullet at 2,400 fps from the muzzle,
making this a legitimate 300-yard rifle thats easy to clean.
MAKE: Weatherby
MODEL: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum
URL: www.Weatherby.com
MSRP: $98
Weatherby is known for producing fast magnum
cartridges, so when the 6.5 craze came about, it
was no surprise that Weatherby decided to enter the
fray. The company already had a selection of brass
from which to choose, and the .300 Weatherby
Magnum case was the winner.
By squeezing the .300s neck to .264 inch, Weatherby created a blistering-hot 6.5 that would work on
any game up to, and including, elk. The high ballistic
coefficient and sectional densities of the heavy 6.5s
made them a natural choice for this round, and the
127-grain Barnes LRX load pushes a 127-grain pill
at more than 3,500 fps.
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gun world
TEXT BY JAMES E. HOUSE
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN A. HOUSE
Made in the unmistakable 1911 pattern, the

9mm Ruger SR1911
is as beautiful as it is
functional.
RUGER
SR1911
COMMANDER T
9MM
9MM PERFORMANCE
IN A PISTOL OF
LEGENDARY DESIGN
he auto-loading pistol known as the Colt 1911
is one of the most recognized, copied and used
handguns. Originally produced in .45 Auto, it was
later introduced in .38 Super and more recently in
10mm Auto and 9mm Luger. Many variants have
been produced, but one of the most popular is known as the
Commander size. Unlike the full-sized model, the Commander
version features a 4-inch barrel, with some types having an alloy
frame to reduce weight.
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THE NEWEST RUGER SR1911

A large number of companies produce 1911-style pistols. When
another variant appears, it is usually no big deal. For several
years, Ruger has produced pistols of the 1911 pattern, but the
newest Ruger 1911 is neither full size nor a .45 Auto; its a
Commander-sized version with an alloy frame and chambered
in 9mm Luger. The .45 Auto is a legendary caliberbut so is
the 9mm Luger.
Deep checkering on the

back strap gives a good
purchase for the palm of
the shooters hand.
For a considerable number of years, my double-action Ruger

P95 has been a durable and reliable companion, but it is thick
and boxy. In comparison, the new SR1911 is downright sleek.
For my taste, the full-sized 1911 .45 Auto seems to be slightly
too much of a good thing. It is a rather large pistol, and at almost
40 ounces, it is heavier than I like to carry.
Known as the Model 6722, the Ruger SR1911 Commander
9mm features a 4.25-inch barrel, which is inch longer than
some other Commander-sized pistols. The frame is made of
anodized aluminum alloy, giving the pistol a weight of 29.3
ounces. However, the slide is made of stainless steel that has
a satin finish. The SR1911 utilizes a single-stack magazine that
holds nine cartridges, giving a 9+1 capacity. Two magazines are
provided, and they are made of beautifully finished stainless steel.
Rugers new pistol is provided with the highly respected and
functional Novak sights. The blade of the front sight is 1/8
inch thick and has a highly visible white dot on the rear face.
The rear sight has a square notch that features a white dot
on either side. Moreover, the rear sight is held in a dovetail
groove and locked in place with an Allen head set screw. After
loosening the locking screw, the rear slide can be drifted
laterally to adjust windage. For a pistol of this type, the sights
are very appropriate.
HANDLING
When I first handled the 9mm Ruger SR1911 in a store in
Wyoming, I was impressed with that subjective quality known
as feel. The pistol felt neither too large nor too small. The
weight was sufficient to give assurance that a substantial piece
of hardware was in the hand. Yet, the pistol pointed well and was
easy to hold steady.
Part of this comes from the fact that the SR1911 is provided
with crisply checkered, black rubber grip panels. Made of black
polymeric material, they might not have the eye appeal of exotic
wood, but they stick to the hand. There is a good reason a couple
of my other .45 Auto 1911s have had beautiful wooden grip
panels replaced by grips of exactly that type.
Although this is a true

1911 pistol, the muzzle
makes it apparent that
the new Ruger is not just
another .45 Auto.
The front of the grip frame is smooth, but the back strap is finely
checkered. The bottom of the grip safety has ridges that help
offer a secure grip. Made of aluminum and skeletonized, the
aluminum trigger has grooves along the front face.
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gun world
As is the case with many other 1911-style pistols, the magazine is
flush fitting. The hammer is also skeletonized, deeply serrated and
easy to cock. All these attributes contribute to making the Ruger
SR1911 comfortable to hold and pleasant to shoot.
On a more mechanical level, the SR1911 utilizes the internal
mechanism known as the Series 70 design. The firing pin is
titanium; it is sufficiently low in weight so that if the pistol were
dropped, it would not strike a chambered cartridge with enough
force to cause it to fire. The Series 80 design has a connector
linked to the grip safety so that if the pistol were dropped, the
firing pin would be held in the rear position to prevent discharge.
Some purists believe the linkage somehow detracts from the
original design. Consequently, the Ruger 1911 in 9mm Luger
should appeal to that group.
The Ruger SR1911 in

9mm caliber features a
single-stack magazine
that holds nine rounds.
During the first handling session, it was immediately apparent

that the trigger action was better than on any of the other 1911
pistols in my safe. I measured the let-off with a Lyman digital
gauge, which indicated a pull of 3.7 pounds and only a very slight
movement. For this type of pistol, nothing more is needed.
The caliber of the

SR1911 is clearly
marked on the barrel.
RANGE TIME
Having spent time with the Ruger SR1911 and assessing its
esthetic qualities, it was with some anticipation that I took it
to the range.
Long a fan of 1911 style

pistols, the author found
that shooting the 9mm
Ruger SR1911 was a
very pleasant experience.
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The flush-fitting
magazine assures a
flat bottom to the grip.
Novak sights are featured
GW-1605-Rossi_taurus
2/3/16 10:57 AM Page 1
on the Ruger SR1911.
White dots on either side of the rear
sight notch and on the back face of
the front sight help sight alignment.
A wide lever makes it easy

to manipulate the safety.
*Round-barrel models only
.38/.357 MAG.
.44 MAG.
.45 COLT
.454 CASULL*
HARD WORK REAPS GREAT REWARDS.

BEAUTIFULLY AUTHENTIC AESTHETICS MATED WITH
MODERN ENGINEERING, FOR A RIFLE THAT WORKS
HARD AND LOOKS GREAT DOING SO. 20" AND 24"
OCTAGON-BARREL MODELS AVAILABLE IN BLUE,
CASE-HARDENED, OR STAINLESS, WHILE 16" AND 20"
ROUND-BARREL MODELS ARE FINISHED IN BLUE OR
STAINLESS. PICK ONE UP AT YOUR ROSSI DEALER
TODAY AND GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT.
The trigger
on the
SR1911 is
skeletonized
and has an
adjustable
stop for overtravel.
GW-1701-RUGER.CX.indd 21
SAFETY NOTE: Always wear ear and eye

protection when shooting firearms.
(Images shown are for marketing purposes only and
are not intended as safe firearm handling examples.)
11/13/16 10:30 PM
gun world
I tested an assortment of ammunition that included types suitable

for defensive purposes, as well as inexpensive bulk-pack varieties.
The temperature during testing was almost 90 degrees (F), and the
humidity registered almost the same digits. The results obtained
are shown in the table on page 23.
A skeletonized hammer
is a popular feature on
1911 pistols in
Commander size.
Ruger SR1911
Commander
9mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Shooting was conducted under somewhat less-than-ideal

conditionswith the hands supported on an ammunition box
topped with a felt pad. With a glaring sun overhead, a consistent
sight picture was difficult to attain, and numerous groups showed
vertical stringing.
MODEL: SR1911 Commander 9mm (#6722)

CALIBER: 9mm Luger
BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inches
WEIGHT: 29.3 ounces
CAPACITY: 9+1
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.75 inches
HEIGHT: 5.45 inches
FRAME: Aluminum alloy
SLIDE: Stainless steel
MSRP: $979
Groups of 3-inch size were common, with four shots in a smaller

cluster and an occasional outlier. As a result, group sizes are
shown in the table as the average of three five-shot groups with
the average of the best four shots for each group. Under better
conditions, and with a better rest, I believe the Ruger SR1911 is
capable of consistent groups in the 2.5-inch range.
CONTACT INFORMATION
STURM, RUGER & CO.
(603) 865-2442
www.Ruger.com
Throughout the tests, the gun performed flawlessly, and its original
gritty action became noticeably smoother. The handling of this little
gun is superb.
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Performance results
RUGER SR1911 COMMANDER 9MM
AMMUNITION
BULLET TYPE
Blazer
Federal
Hornady
Ruger
Winchester
115-grain FMJ
115-grain FMJ
115-grain FTX
80-grain ARX
147-grain JHP
AVERAGE
STD. DEVIATION
VELOCITY (FPS)
(FPS)
1,098
1,070
1,118
1,418
944
9
9
10
10
10
GROUP
(INCHES)
3.10/2.07
2.87/1.86
3.00/2.07
3.03/2.31
3.41/2.35
NOTE: Velocities were measured at 10 feet

from the muzzle with a Competition Electronics
ProChrono chronograph. The average velocity and
standard deviations are the results from at least 15
shots. Group size is the average of three five-shot
groups/average of the best four shots of each
group at 25 yards.
Although Ruger is a relative newcomer among the

producers of 1911-style pistols, it has developed a new
product worthy of serious consideration by anyone who
likes 1911s but prefers 9mm Luger. The 9mm SR1911
has all the desirable characteristics of the legendary
design in a compact, portable pistol.
A modern feature of the SR1911 is the

small hole at the rear of the
chamber that makes it possible to see if a
cartridge is in the chamber.
Now you can have a pistol of both legendary design and

in a legendary caliber in a very attractive, new handgun.
It should be a winning combination it is a winner with
me. GW
The grip safety is

ridged to help provide
a secure grip.
During the first handling

session, it was immediately
apparent that the trigger action
was better than on any of the
other 1911 pistols in my safe.
GW-1505-SSK Industries 3/4/15 8:56 AM Page 1
SSK
HANDCANNONS
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shots, semi autos, bolt guns
and suppressors. Over 400
calibers including Whispers,
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and rebarreling services. Mouse
to Mastadon killers. Settle
back and enjoy our website. No
boring guns allowed.
SSKINDUSTRIES.COM
740-264 0176
11/9/16 11:12 PM
gun world
BY ANDY MASSIMILIAN
SIG Sauer
P238 HD
THIS PISTOL IS
MADE FOR SERIOUS
WORK, WITH A
WELL-ENGINEERED
DESIGN AND A
QUALITY BUILD.
year, every major manufacturer serving the U.S. marketwith the

exception of FN and HKoffers a .380ACP.
These new pistols, however, differ from the traditional models in
one important respect: They all use a locked breech instead of a
blowback operating system. Pistols that fire from a locked breech
offer several benefits. They can be made shorter, lighter and use
lighter recoil springs than blowback-operated pistols. In addition,
they can safely handle higher-pressure loads, because blowbackoperated pistols keep the breech closed (and contain the highpressure gases of burning gunpowder within the bore) until the
bullet exits the barrel and gas escapes the muzzle.
These pistols use heavy springs and/or a relatively heavy
slide to keep the action closed while gas pressure is high.
The positive attributes of the blowback design are the fixed,
nonmoving barrel that allows for easy attachment of a sound
suppressor without needing a booster device; better accuracy
potential; and easier manufacture.
andgun sales have grown tremendously in the

past decade, and the growth rate of .380 ACPcaliber pistols has far exceeded the average.
Probable reasons for its newfound popularity:

More compact .380-caliber pistols are available that are easier to
operate; a larger variety of ammunition from many different makers
has helped lower costs; better-performing bullets might persuade
some to consider this caliber for defensive purposes; and there is an
increased interest in small pistols for concealed carry.
In contrast, locked-breech designs mechanically lock the barrel

and slide together. The slide and barrel move rearward together
during recoil until the barrel is pulled downward by a cam slot
in the barrel lug out of engagement with the slide, allowing the
action to open and extract the cartridge case.
Another probable driving factor is the demographics of new gun

buyersmany of whom are womenwho favor lighter-weight,
lower-recoiling handguns that are easy to carry off body, such as
inside handbags and purses.
THE SIG P238

The SIG P238 was introduced several years ago and is consistently
one of the companys best-selling lines. It ties the SIG P290 as
the companys most compact pistol and is small enough to fit
in your hand. Sharp edges are nonexistent, and only the sights
and hammer protrude slightly from an otherwise smooth profile.
SIG makes a staggering 22 versions of the P238 that differ with
respect to sights, grips, finish, laser and frame material.
THAT WAS THEN; THIS IS NOW

A little over a decade ago, shooters had very few choices in .380
ACP-caliber pistols, with the iconic Walther PPK, Beretta Cheetah,
Browning BDA and SIG P232 being the dominant models. This
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The P238 is single action with a capacity of 6+1 (or 7+1 rounds
with an extended magazine that comes with the pistol). These
pistols are made with a steel slide and barrel and either an
aluminum or stainless steel frame.
safety levers. The P238HD, however, is unique, because it is made

with a steel frame. In contrast, Colt and Kimber use aluminum
alloy (or polymer for the Mustang Lite).
The P238 can be safely carried in a proper holster with a round
in the chamber and cocked and locked (condition 1, for those
who favor Gunsite terminology). This method is preferred by those
with the experience to quickly disengage the safety and keep the
trigger finger clear of the trigger until aiming.
My personal preference is the P238HD variant. HD stands for

heavy duty, with the distinguishing aspect being the stainless
steel frame. I prefer steel to aluminum on many of my pistols,
because stainless frames do not show wear as readily as
aluminum or plastic and are typically stronger, thereby providing
a longer lifespan. The better durability does add to the cost,
because steel frames are more costly to machine. Nevertheless,
an additional $48 for the HD over a comparable aluminum-framed
model is worth it to me. (Besides, some shooters also like a bit
more weight to soak up recoil.)
The P238HD comes with a lever-type safety on the left side of the
frame, night sights and G10 grips. Accessories include a polymer
right-hand OWB holster with adjustable tension and an extra
seven-round magazine with finger rest.
I sent my pistol to the SIG custom shop for two minor upgrades
that enhance this pistols effectiveness: an ambidextrous safety
installed on the right side and a Hogue rubber grip. The Hogue
is one piece with wide finger grooves in the front and a nonslip
Although there is a large and growing number of .380 ACP pocketsized pistols, the SIG P238, Colt Mustang and Kimber Micro are
the only single-action models with 1911-style thumb-activated
The SIG P238 was introduced

several years ago and is
consistently one of the
companys best-selling lines.
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gun world
Handgun sales have

grown tremendously in
the past decade, and the
growth rate of .380 ACPcaliber pistols has far
exceeded the average.
surface. More importantly, it has a palm swell to fit the hand of
either right- or left-handed shooters. Changing from the factory
flat-sided panel grips to the form-fitting Hogue was the best $15
upgrade I ever spent on a pistol.
This SIG P238 is stock

from the manufacturer.
The P238 is a small-caliber handgun, but this is hardly a downmarket pistol like so many other .380 ACPs. SIG has designed and
built this for buyers who want materials and features that match
the metal-framed pistols in SIGs flagship P226 and P229 lines.
For instance, the tritium-filled night sights are made of steel (the
same that is used on the P226) and are fitted to the slide with
dovetail slots that make adjustment or replacement possible. The
sights also have a squared-off leading edge for one-handed slide
racking on a hard surface (such a as belt buckle, for instance) if
one of the shooters hands is incapacitated.
the frame. This allows the slide assembly to move forward off
the frame. The barrel, guide rod and recoil spring are now easily
removed from the slide.
Pocket-sized pistols are carried as primary arms for low-threat
scenarios and as backup pieces. Owing to its diminutive size, the
P238 can be carried concealed in many more ways than larger
models. Holster designs span the traditional (hip, ankle, small of
You wont find a plastic frame on any SIG P238. The only plastic
parts on the firearm are the trigger shoe, mainspring housing and
the grip extender on the extended magazine.
Even though the P238 shares features with the 1911 (mag
release, slide lock and thumb safety), there are significant
differences between the two pistols. The P238 lacks a grip safety,
and activating the thumb safety when the hammer is cocked does
not lock the slide closed, as on the 1911. This allows the gun to
be unloaded and cleared with it on safe. However, the slide is
locked when the safety is applied and the hammer is down. Also,
the trigger on the P238 is hinged, not sliding as on the 1911.
Most significantly, takedown of the P238 is much easierthanks,
in part, to a bushing-less design and full-length recoil spring guide
rod. To field strip, you simply clear the pistol, retract the slide to
where the takedown notch aligns with the rear of the slide stop
lever, push the lever all the way to the left, and remove it from
www.gunworld.com
Performance Results
Velocity (fps)
LOW
HIGH
MEAN
Black Hills 90-grain JHP
841
898
867
American Eagle 95-grain FMJ
887
930
910
Remington 95-grain FMJ
802
865
831
SIG Sauer 100-grain FMJ
856
892
871
Winchester 95-grain FMJ
805
847
831
NOTE: Velocity was measured 10 feet from the muzzle with an Oehler 35P chronograph.
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Night sights are made

of durable steel by
MeproLight and are the
same as on most other
SIG Sauer pistols. They
are crisply defined in
darkness, when only the
tritium glows, and the
white circles surrounding
the vials are unseen.
the back, horizontal shoulder) to newer, deeply concealed methods

such as the belly band and the UnderTech Undercover shirt. (A
belly band is a wide elastic band that wraps around the stomach,
secures with hook-and-loop closures and has an integral pistol
pouch.) Made of polyester and spandex, the UnderTech is worn
like an undershirt and has an elastic pouch and locking band
under each arm to secure the pistol and an extra mag pouch.
RANGE TIME
I tested the P238 using eight different loads, including some with
hollow-point bullets. Reliability was perfect, even when I purposely
held the grip loosely, trying to induce a stovepipe failure-toeject stoppage. For accuracy tests, I typically shoot pocket pistols
such as this one at 7 yards from a bench rest to help determine
the pistols mechanical accuracy and then off hand to see what
happens in real life, when the shooting starts.
For all practical purposes, the five-shot groups from the bench
with all loads touched each other or grouped within an inch.
Winchester USA ammo shot exactly to point of aim, while the
SIG has a growing line of

its own ammunition that
includes match, defensive
and range/practice loads
in the most popular rifle
and handgun calibers.
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gun world
other brands tested printed about to 1 inch below point of
aimwhich had no practical significance.
No windage corrections were needed. For those who do wish to tinker
with their sights, SIG sells replacement sights that can be installed
with a tool such as the MGW Sight Pro tool. This is a professionalgrade drift-type tool I have used on several pistols. Its the only way I
know to do the job precisely and without risk of damaging the finish.
Chronographed velocity showed that the Federal American Eagle
was 79 fps faster than comparable loads on average. That might
not matter to you, but what does matter is choosing a load that
performs adequately in ballistic gelatin if the P238 is carried
defensively. Performance testing is warranted, especially because
the .380 ACP is on the low end of the power scale, and published
velocities are often for longer-barreled handguns.
Many pocket-sized pieces are easy to carry but difficult to shoot
well off hand because of bad sights, bad trigger and poor fit. Not
so with the P238HD with a Hogue grip. Despite its short sight
radius of only 3.8 inch, shooting off hand at 7 yards yielded groups
of 2 inches or smaller; and at 15 yards, five-shot groups were
under 4 inches, with most shots under 3 inches.
Tighter groups are certainly possible with a better marksman or
an action job from the SIG Pro Shop that would lighten the trigger
weight to 5 pounds. My pistol has a trigger pull that measures 6
pounds, 12 ounces (using a Lyman electronic trigger pull gauge)
and breaks cleanly without any creep. However, the factory spec is
a heavy 7.5 to 8.5 pounds.
Perceived recoil was very mild; the Hogue grip kept the pistol
welded to my hand, and the beavertail and short hammer fully
protected me from hammer bite on the web of the hand.
In my experience, the P238HD shoots far better than many
.380-caliber pistolsespecially those with narrow sights integral
to the slide and a long, double-action trigger. Yes, the P238 is
made for close-in defensive work on relatively large targets,
but I measure a defensive handgun by its effective engagement
distance. Better-shooting pistols mean scoring hits at longerrange targets or making that critical head shot if the need and
time to do so arise. This pistol can do that, and with its night
sights, its obviously more versatile.
Ergonomics and handling were very good, with the slide lock and
magazine release easily activated without a change in grip. Lefthanded operation was easy using the trigger finger to release the
slide lock lever or hitting the magazine release.
The P2338HD also showed a finer point of good engineering in
that a fully loaded magazine could easily be inserted into the grip
with the action closed. This is important for tactical reloads and is
not as common a feature on concealed-carry pistols as you would
think (try this on your M&P Shield!).
The forward edge of the

rear sight is snag free
but can be used as a
cocking ledge if one hand
is incapacitated. The only
modifications the author
made to the stock pistol
were the addition of a
Hogue grip to increase
comfort and control and
a right-side safety for
left-handed users.
The disassembled pistol

shows the simplicity of
the tilting-barrel locked
breech design. Note the
flat recoil spring, which
has a longer lifespan than
wire springs, according to
SIG Sauer. Two mags are
included, and the sevenround extended version
has a finger rest.
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With 22 variants of the

P238 availablesome with
striking finishesthere is
something in the line for
everyone
sIg sauer
P238 HD
SPECIFICATIONS
CALIBER: .380 ACP
BARREL: 2.7 inches
WIDTH: 1.1 inches
HEIGHT: 3.9 inches
WEIGHT: 20.1 ounces
SIGHTS: SIG Lite fixed, three dot, tritium filled,
3.8-inch radius
STOCKS: G10
ACTION: SA
FINISH: Brushed stainless steel
CAPACITY: 6+1; 7+1 with extended mag
MSRP: $786
The open action shows

how the barrel on this
locked breech design
tilts downward out of
engagement with the
slide. Note the full-length
stainless steel recoil
spring guide rod.
CONTACT INFORMATION
SIG SAUER, INC.
(603) 772-2302
www.SigSauer.com
There are many more

ammo choices than these,
and pistols in .380 ACP
are likely the fastest
growing segment of the
handgun market.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

With 22 variants of the P238 availablesome with striking
finishesthere is something in the line for everyone, from
professional users to those who just want a pistol with panache.
While the aesthetics of a pocket pistol might play an important
role for some, all of the P238 series pistols are made for serious
work, with a well-engineered design and a quality build. GW
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gun world
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BOB CAMPBELL
Honor
Defense:
Honor
Guard
MM
THIS PISTOL OFFERS

GOOD SIGHTS,
EXCELLENT
HUMAN ENGINEERING,
A GOOD TRIGGER
ACTION AND
RELIABILITY.
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ome regard a handgun as the scarecrow in the

melon patchsimply used to frighten away
nonmotivated assailants. But all criminals are
sociopaths, and a high percentage of the violent
offenders are psychopaths. If you think the mere
sight of a handgun will send them fleeing, you have miscalculated
reality. I carry a handgun to deal with worst-case scenarios.
Note the grip treatment.

This isnt a handgun
that will slip in the
hand. (The bump
behind the trigger is an
integral trigger stop.)
When I test a handgun, I look to practical value and getting

my moneys worth. During the testing and evaluation period, I
often carry the handgun in order to learn about its comfort and
capabilities. Some of the handguns tested are upgrades of proven
models; others are downgrades with less-expensive finishes.
Others might be clones of an existing firearm.
However, when the handgun offered comes from a new American
company, and the pistol is American made, that is interesting.
A lot of talent, energy and design competence are behind the
Honor Defense handgun line. The compact Honor Guard 9mm is a
capable handgun I find worthy of betting my life on.
The Honor Guard 9mm pistol isnt a cheap handgun, but it falls
into a highly competitive niche at about $450. A quick look at
www.Budsgunshop.com and www.Cheaperthandirt.com shows
that the Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm costs $381, the Glock 43
(9mm) is $456, and the Honor Defense Honor Guard costs $449. I
knew going into the testing that the Honor Guard would need good
performance to be competitive in the slimline 9mm niche. This
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JANUARY I 2017
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gun world
and gun lock. The Honor Guard also arrives with two single-stack
magazines. One is a flush-fit, seven-round magazine; the other is
an eight-round magazine that offers a finger rest.
With the Steel Will

Onrush and the Honor
Guard 9mm, you are
well armed, indeed!
Shooters with small- to average-sized hands are able to get a firing

grip with the flush-fit magazine. Hands that are a tad over average
will find the small finger hanging over. There is an extra back strap
to customize hand fit for smaller hands. The longer magazine offers
a more positive grip with little compromised in concealment. For
pocket carry, the shorter magazine is the best choice.
FEEDING IT
isnt a cheap handgun meant to undersell the competition; rather,

it is a pistol designed to offer superior performance at a fair price.
NO COMPROMISE
I checked out the fit, finish, features and attributes of the Honor
Guard, and I could detect no compromise. It is delivered in a red,
white and blue box and is packaged with the necessary manuals
This bright-orange front
dot is an aid in fast
combat shooting. The
cocking serrations and
bold front sight show
attention to detail.
The Honor Guard features a steel slide with a polymer frame. The
slide gives the impression of robust constructionas well it should.
The Honor Guard was designed for use with +P ammunition, which
is loaded to a higher pressure than standard loads and, on average,
generate about 100 fps more velocity with a given bullet weight.
Slide velocity might be accelerated to the point that the ability of the
magazine to feed is compromised.
The Honor Guard

also comes in
a F.I.S.T. frame
(Firearm with
Integrated STandoff),
which helps keep
the slide in battery
when pressed
against objects.
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11/10/16 11:05 PM
This pistol features a strong recoil spring and heavy-duty magazine

spring. It is reliable with standard pressure loads, as well as +P
loads. Not only is momentum harnessed, the pistol also cycles
quickly, making follow-up shots rapid and control good (for those
who practice, that is).
OPERATION
The Honor Guard field-strips without pulling the trigger. However,
make sure the pistol isnt loaded. Lock the slide to the rear with
the magazine removed, rotate the disassembly lever, and the slide
will run forward off the frame. The recoil spring assembly lifts
off the barrel. The recoil spring assembly features recoil-arresting
spring-within-a-spring technology. Finally, the striker is easily
removed for service.
The Gearcraft holster

offers a good balance
of speed and retention.
The internals are enclosed in a modular chassis assembly, which

opens the way for offerings of interchangeable frames. There is
a trigger stop built into the frame that limits overtravel. Trigger
reset is fast and positive. The slide features forward and rear
cocking grooves. These grooves extend over the top of the slide,
forming a continuous path with the sights both fore and aft,
breaking up the continuity.
The rear sight is snag free on the draw and looks like a Novak
sight thats been mounted backward. The flat front of the sight is
GW-1701-RamRodz 10/21/16 9:42 AM Page 1
intended to allow snagging the sight on the belt or boot heel to rack
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gun world
Honor
Defense:
Honor
Guard
The Honor Guard 9mm

gave excellent results
against steel plates,
paper targets and at long
handgun range.
The frame contains the takedown lever and an ambidextrous slide

lock, which is buried in the frame. I have observed shooters in
training classes allow the support hand thumb to contact the slide
lock in recoil when using a compact pistol. I cannot imagine this
happening with the Honor Guard.
SPECIFICATIONS
MAKE/MODEL: Honor Defense/Honor Guard
CALIBER: 9mm
ACTION TYPE: Locked breech
SLIDE: Steel
FRAME: Polymer
BARREL: 3.2 inches
MAGAZINE CAPACITY:seven/eight rounds
TRIGGER: DAO
SIGHTS: Fixed
HEIGHT:4.6 inches
WEIGHT: 22 ounces
ACCESSORIES: Supplied with a spare magazine;
small and large backstraps
MSRP: $499
the slide or clear a malfunction. The front sight features a cutout filled with
bright orange for contrast against the white, two-dot rear sight. These
sights gave excellent results in fast combat firing and in precise shooting.
The extractor is a large piece of steel securely pinned into the slide.
The trade-off is that it is difficult to use the slide lock to release the
slide. I used the slingshot method, grasping the rear of the slide and
releasing it to load the pistol. This is a combat gun feature, not a
target gun feature.
The cocking serrations

are a good design
feature.
The frame is supplied with a cutout on each side that will accept
a manual safetyto be professionally installed when Honor
Defense offers this option. The magazine release is positive in
operation and fully ambidextrous.
The frame treatment is amazing in its efficiency. The abrasion isnt
uncomfortable, but adhesion in firing is excellent. The curve of the
grip fame is ideal for most hand sizes. The magazines are well
made. There are no weld marks, and polish is excellent.
CONTACT INFORMATION
HONOR DEFENSE
(678) 943-8035
www.HonorDefense.com
In the case of the eight-round magazine, I could not load the

magazine to full capacity. However, after I fired 60 cartridges, the
spring loosened, and I was able to load eight cartridgesgiving the
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GW_1701_35 11/4/16 4:01 AM Page 35
LOADS OF FUN.
Black Label
1911-22
browning.com
gun world
shooter a nine-round pistol. The flush-fit, seven-round magazine is
preferred for close carry. During firing, the magazines never gave
any indication of problems.
FIRING TESTS
Initial firing was done with SIG Sauer 115-grain FMJ ammunition. This
load is clean burning and accurate. It was comfortable to fire in the
Honor Guard, and the pistol remained comfortable with every load
tested, including the SIG Sauer Elite 124-grain JHP.
I fired quickly at 7 yards, and the Honor Guard gave excellent combat
groups. The sights are well regulated, the trigger has a fast reset,
and the pistol handles well. At one point, I was firing double taps and
hammers so rapidly, I had two to three bullet holes touching at 7 yards.
This is really a fast-shooting pistol.
The Honor Guard fieldstrips easily. Note the

spring-within-a-spring
recoil spring guide.
In my opinion, the Honor Guard performs in a superior manner to

any other handgun in its class. That is a strong statement, but it is an
accurate evaluation.
Over the past six months, I have fired a wide range of defense loads
in the Honor Guard 9mm. Among these are loads from Double Tap
Ammunition. These are powerful +P-rated loads. Accuracy has proven
excellent with 2-inch, 15-yard groups off the bench rest. I have used
the Double Tap loads in both 77- and 115-grain weight with excellent
results. The powder burn is clean, the velocity is high for the bullet
weight, and function is faultless.
Holsters are not common for the Honor Guard. At present, a custom
maker, Gearcraft Holsters, is among the few to offer a holster purposedesigned for the Honor Guard 9mm. The holster is an IWB design and
is concealable under light clothing. The balance of speed and access
is good for those who practice their skills. With the Honor Guard 9mm
loaded with Double Tap ammunition and carried in this rig, you are
about as well armed as possible with a light handgun.
This isnt a cheap handgun

meant to undersell the
competition; rather, it is
a pistol designed to offer
superior performance at a
fair price.
The Honor Guard pistol
demonstrated excellent
practical accuracy.
The Honor Defense Honor Guard 9mm offers good sights, excellent
human engineering, a good trigger action and reliability with all
loads tested. The Honor Guard is well worth its price. GW
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gun world
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY GARRETT LUCAS
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JANUARY I 2017
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Best
of the
Breed
LWRCIS
NEW DIRECTIMPINGEMENT AR
IS A MASTERPIECE
OF DESIGN AND
EXECUTION.
LWRCIs new IC-DI model
is an excellent blend
of craftsmanship and
engineering culminating
in a weapon platform that
is both extremely reliable
and accurate.
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JANUARY I 2017
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gun world
A vital part of the DI model
is the cold-hammerforged, NiCorr-treated
barrel with its spiral
fluting for quicker cooling.
For better ergonomics and

user comfort, the LWRCI
comes with an angled
foregrip, a hand stop
and rail panels already
installed.
hether its the constant stream of news about

deadly events or the efforts of unscrupulous
politicians trying to seize control of the
lives of American citizens and deprive them
of their rights, the American people have
begun to speak with their money. During the past few years,
record numbers of firearms purchases have been made, and one
of the most popular items is the AR-style rifle.
Several of LWRCIs parts are both patented and proprietary after

the company went through the research and testing process to
find what exactly works best for each system it produces.
The IC-DI in 5.56x45mm (.223) receives the same attention to
detail as the more-expensive gas-piston rifles. So, for the user
who cant fit a quality gas-piston design AR into their budget,
they can still obtain a highly refined rifle based on the directimpingement process. This was the original operating system for
AR rifles when they were first introduced to the market.
The AR rifle is available in different calibers and configurations

and is now becoming almost as ubiquitous as the two-car
garageand for good reason: They are generally reliable,
accurate, portable and easy to learn and use.
When it comes time to defend life or liberty, all that a person
is, or ever will be, could be at stake, and that is not the time
for a weapon to fail. There are dozens, or even hundreds, of AR
manufacturers turning out products, but there are just a select
few that reside at that upper echelon of makers whose name and
reputation engender the respect and trust from those who expect
the very best. One such company is LWRCI International (LWRCI).
Getting sub-MOA groups

with match ammunition
is one thing, but doing the
same with solid defensive
ammo such as Hornadys
75-grain TAP FPD is more
satisfying and more
relevant to the intended
use of the IC-DI.
LWRCI is known for its expertise in manufacturing advanced

piston-driven AR rifles. The company has just this year introduced
its first direct-impingement rifle, the IC-DI. In comparative terms,
the direct-impingement model might be considered basic when
stacked up against LWRCIs gas-piston offerings, but dont let the
looks fool you; its a hot rod in disguise.
Additionally, the barrel is surrounded by LWRCIs free-floating,

one-piece rail, and the barrel is finished with the companys
A-2 Birdcage Flash Hider. Moving back to the internals, the ICDI incorporates LWRCIs Ni-Corr-treated direct-impingement gas
system and its proprietary bolt-carrier group.
The upper receiver of the LWRCI IC-DI rifle is a monoforge
assembly with an integrated, full-length Picatinny rail and
ambidextrous charging handle. The lower receiver also comes
complete with fully ambidextrous controls, including the bolt
catch, magazine release and fire selector. Additionally, LWRCIs
own Enhanced Fire Control Group rounds out the lower receiver,
along with the companys advanced trigger guard.
HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE
One of the key reasons LWRCI ranks among the best
manufacturers of AR rifles is the fact that almost every part in the
rifle is manufactured in house. This allows LWRCI to have absolute
control over every part of the process, from the individual parts
tolerances to the assembly and finish of the product.
www.gunworld.com
THE IC-DI
Once the user starts digging into the specs of the IC-DI, it becomes
readily apparent that LWRCIs base model incorporates a
plethora of superb components. A key feature of the IC-DI, the
cold-hammer-forged barrel is 16.1 inches long, is Ni-Corr treated
and is also spiral fluted for rapid cooling.
For added comfort, the rail is finished with LWRCIs rail panels
and angled forend with a quick-detach socket for a sling. Final
touches to the rifle include a type III hard-anodized finish, an
p
JANUARY I 2017
40
11/13/16 11:00 PM
LWRCI Compact Stock and a MOE grip from Magpul. The rifle ships
with one 30-round Magpul magazine.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE AR
Aside from the ease of use, light recoil and accuracy, the modern
AR rifle has another characteristic going for it that makes it such
a loved platform: configurability.
Because of its use in the military and adoption by so many civilian
shooters, a large cottage industry of aftermarket suppliers has
arisen simply to make the AR rifle a more versatile and personal
weapon system. Even though the industry surrounding the AR rifle
doesnt seem as if it can get any better each year, the next year
will see even more growthand it doesnt look as if its going to
stop any time soon.
LWRCI is fully cognizant of users desires to customize their rifles.
As a result, it includes plenty of rail space at the top, bottom and
both sides for easy attachment of accessories. As mentioned, an
angled forend is already included and resides on the 6 oclock rail.
On the top rail, any number of optics choices can be installed
on the Picatinny rail, including red dots, scopes, and thermal and
night vision units. The side rails are excellent attachment points
for lasers, LED lights and even action cameras for those who want
to document their adventures.
For running drills or actual

home defense, the IC-DI
can be modified to the
users tastes while maintaining the outstanding
performance offered by
the platform as a whole.
A welcome sight for lefties, the IC-DI is fitted with

ambidextrous controls,
including the magazine
release, bolt catch and fire
selector.
The free-floating, onepiece rail is securely fitted

to the receiver at multiple
anchor points for long life.
Suffice it to say, a good deal of the success of the AR platform is

a result of its ability to be configured for the individual shooter,
making it an even more effective weapon should the time come
for it to be used.
For those who dont necessarily care to build an AR from the
ground up to get the best rifle possible, LWRC provides an alreadyadvanced system in the IC-DI that requires only a few finishing
touches by the user with their choice of preferred accessories.
RANGE REPORT
Having fired a couple of other LWRC rifles previously, there were
no real surprises; rather, there was a strong affirmation of what I
already expected. A variety of ammunition was tested during the
range sessions, including loads for plinking, match rounds and
general defensive ammunition. With approximately 540 rounds
fired through the IC-DI, there was not a single malfunction
despite the different bullet types.
To gauge the DIs accuracy, we set up several targets at 100
yards and went to town with different loads, including Black
Hills Ammunitions 77-grain Tipped MatchKing rounds. Hornady
was also represented with its 55- and 75-grain Hornadys TAP
FPD loads, along with the 53-grain Superformance Varmint and
75-grain Superformance Match rounds.
All the rounds shot pretty well with the LWRCI IC-DI rifle, but the
two top performers were the Black Hills MatchKings and the
Hornady Superformance load, with results of .56 inch and .75
inch, respectively. All but one of the loads tested for accuracy had
at least one of three groups come in under an inch.
Accuracy averages ranged from .88 to 1.67 inches. I dont claim
to be the ultimate rifleman, and Im sure more-accomplished
shooters could wring some extra accuracy out of most of the
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JANUARY I 2017
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gun world
loads. That said, I thought the rifle performed extremely well,
considering its build profile and intended use.
Performance
LWRC IC-DI RIFLE
The trigger had very little creep, with a clean and consistent
break at 6.25 pounds. This is not exactly a match trigger
but perfect for the role for which the rifle was designedas
a defensive combat weapon. Testing it for this purpose was
where the fun really began.
Hornady 53-grain Superformance Varmint
Hornady 55-grain TAP FPD

Hornady 75-grain TAP FPD
Hornady 75-grain Superformance Match
Black Hills 77-grain Tipped MatchKing
With a simple Lucid M7 red-dot optic attached, the IC-DI was

put to work taking out targets at various distances, and the
rifle shone. Away from the bench, things get more real, and
the shooter isnt worrying about a few hundredths of an inch,
especially for close-quarters or intermediate distances.
Recoil was negligible, as with almost all 5.56x45mm AR rifles.
The rifle was comfortable and easy to control, and it was childs
play to get precision follow-up shots on target. There are no
iron sights included with the IC-DI package, and its not a bad
idea to get a set to act as a backup if the users optic goes on
the fritz.
VELOCITY
ACCURACY
AVERAGE
BEST
3,049
2,988
2,737
2,601
2,645
1.22
1.67
1.32
1.03
.88
.81
1.13
.94
.78
.59
NOTE: Velocity in feet per second 15 feet from the muzzle and accuracy in
inches with the best of three five-shot groups at 100 yards.
In addition to the rail

panels, LWRCI includes
a short Picatinny rail for
accessory attachment.
Additional Picatinny
rails can be obtained if
needed.
Finally, working with the rifle during the testing was very
satisfying. The action was smooth, the magazines seated easily
and properly, and all the controls responded positively. And,
most importantly, as mentioned above, function was flawless.
I can live with just about anything in a rifle except unreliability
and the lack of confidence that goes with it.
WATCHING THE WALL
We live in a dangerous time that is rife with terror attacks,
internal conflicts, nations posturing for war and trust in
government by the body politic at an all-time low. Now, more
than ever, is a time to guard that which is most precious to us;
and to do so, we must be both vigilant and prepared.
I enjoy plinking and playing with sporting arms as much as the
next gun guy, but when it comes to a tool with which I might
have to defend my life or the life of others, I want the best tool
possible for the job.
LWRCI has assembled in the IC-DI rifle an exceptional tool that
is manufactured to exacting specifications and tolerances.
Not satisfied with cobbling parts together to brand a rifle as
its own, the company goes through the painstaking process of
researching, designing and producing the best firearms it can
to make sure they dont fail when needed most.
With an MSRP of $1,599, the IC-DI isnt the least expensive
AR on the market, but its value exceeds the price when you
consider what could be at stake. Besides, the savvy shopper
can find one for considerably less.
Included with LWRCIs

direct-impingement rifle
is a full-length Picatinny
rail that is suitable
for mounting multiple
accessories such as
iron sights, red dots,
magnifiers or infrared
units.
With an eye for detail,

LWRCI also comes
with an ambidextrous
charging handle for the
IC-DI.
What matters most is whether or not it will perform as required
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JANUARY I 2017
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11/13/16 11:01 PM
when pressed into service. Having used it and other LWRCI

rifles extensively during successful trials on the range, that
question has already been answered for me.
LWRCI
IC-DI rifle
What better testimony could I give, other than to note that I

now have an IC-DI of my own standing ready right now
waiting for the call to arms. GW
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: LWRCI IC-DI rifle
CALIBER: 5.56x45mm (.223)
WEIGHT: 6.6 pounds
STOCK: LWRCI Compact Stock
SIGHTS: Optional
ACTION: Semiautomatic
FINISH: Type III hard-coat anodized
CAPACITY: Varies; 30-round magazine supplied
(where legal)
MSRP: $1,599
Included with LWRCIs

direct-impingement rifle
is a full-length Picatinny
rail that is suitable
for mounting multiple
accessories such as
iron sights, red dots,
magnifiers or infrared
units.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The butt stock of the
IC-DI is LWRCIs own
Compact Stock that can
be set in six positions.
LWRC INTERNATIONAL
(410) 901-1348
www.LWRCI.com
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JANUARY I 2017
43
11/13/16 11:01 PM
,
Blasers T
Pickup
Truck
RifLe
gun world
BY ROBERT A. SADOWSKI
his Teutonic rifle was born to hunt, and it doesnt care if

its in the back of a rusted-out F150 or a posh Land Rover.
The R8 Professional has none of the opulent frills of other

Blaser rifles. It is just a workhorse of a rifle that has a
super-fast straight-pull actionId say almost twice as fast a traditional
bolt action. It is an accurate rifle with a multi-caliber platform. Swap
barrels, bolts and magazine inserts, and you can go from tagging
gophers to stalking elephants.
I hate expensive rifles (mostly because I cant afford them), but there
are times when you cross paths, and the connection is immediate.
The connection with the Blaser (pronounced BLAH-zer) R8 line was
immediate.
The R8 debuted in 2008 and is a direct descendant of the R93a
unique rifle with an exorbitant price that only a baron, count, marque
or princess could afford due to a long list of options that ranged from
tastefully ornate to ostentatious. The straight-pull bolt is a bit odd, too,
especial for those of us who have been cranking traditional-style bolt
actions for decades.
The R8 follows the R93s bloodline with a more robust receiver that can
handle cartridges ranging from the .204 Ruger up to the massive .500
Jeffery. As with the R93, the sky is the limit with R8 options, so you can
take the red carpet path ... or the dirt road.
R8 PROFESSIONAL:
A GERMAN-BUILT
BOLT GUN FOR
TRUE-BLUE
AMERICAN HUNTERS
The R8 Professional opted for the dirt road approach. Although it has a
high level of refinement, it keeps good company with our friends and
hunting pals in low places. (Actually, during hunting season, its in high
places: tree stands.)
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As far as speed
is concerned,
the R8s ability
for a follow-up
shot leaves
traditional
bolts actions in
the dust.
Blaser features a
proprietary saddle scope
mount that offers quickrelease mounts. There
was no loss of zero when
removing and reattaching
a scope.
The butt pad is perfectly

mated to the stock and
is rounded, making it
less prone to snagging
when quickly shouldering
the R8.
STRAIGHT-PULL BOLT ACTION

The R8 uses a straight-pull bolt that is much easier and faster to
operate from the shoulder than a traditional turn-bolt action, allowing
you to keep your sight picture for faster follow-up shots. It took just a
few rounds fired to acclimate to the R8.
The bolt is designed with a radial head. A collet behind the bolt head
is slotted into 13 pieces and, as the bolt is closed, the collet is pushed
forward against the rear of the bolt head, causing the front ridge to
expand into a groove in the barrel. This locks the bolt to the barrel in
a full 360 degrees.
This straight-pull action is not only strong enough to take the pressure
from the full spectrum of centerfire cartridges, it also makes the rifle
3 inches shorter than traditional turn-bolt rifles without reducing
barrel length. In fact, the barrel on my R8 is 23 inches longabout
an inch longer than most standard .30-06 bolt-action rifles. This
shorter action gives the R8 a nice balance and makes it fast pointing.
It almost feels like a carbine when, in fact, it has a rifle-length barrel.
As unique as the straight-pull action is, the cocking slide/safety slide
is also distinctive: The slide cocks and de-cocks the rifle, so there is
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gun world
It is an accurate rifle with a multicaliber platform. Swap barrels,

bolts and magazine inserts, and
you can go from tagging gophers
to stalking elephants.
no need to crank the bolt to cock the rifle or to dry-fire the rifle to
de-cock it. Both left-and right-handed shooters can use their thumb
to push the cocking slide forward until it locks in place and exposes
a red square that indicates the rifle is cocked and ready to fire. To
de-cock the rifle, press the slider forward and down, and the cocking
slide returns back. With the slide in the rear position, the bolt is locked
in place. If you want to open the bolt, you can push the slide to the
cocked position; alternatively, you can slightly press the slide and
pull back on the bolt handle. In the de-cocked position, the rifle
will not discharge, even if dropped. The process is also relatively
quiet, so it wont spook cagey bucks.
TRIGGER-MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY
The bolt of the Blaser

uses a straight-pull push
feed action. The bolt
lever pivots slightly to the
rear, so follow-up shots
are fast.
Two tabs, one on each

side of the stock, need to
be pressed to remove the
trigger/magazine group.
It can also be locked
in place.
The R8 features a detachable magazine or not. Depending on the

type of game you are hunting, a nondetachable magazine can be
R8 Professional
Distance: 100 yards
Average Velocity Muzzle Energy Best Group Average Group

(fps)
(foot/pounds)
(inches)
(inches)
Hornady American Whitetail

150-grain Interlock
2,772
2,065
1.10
1.12
Black Hills Gold

180-grain Nosler AccuBond
2,588
2,677
0.65
0.77
Hornady Full Boar

165-grain GMX
2,807
2,887
1.45
1.50
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JANUARY I 2017
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Hornady Full Boar and

American Whitetail
cartridges loaded with
a 165-grain GMX bullet
and 150-grain Interlock
bullet, respectively, gave
good accuracy. The Black
Hills Gold cartridges
with a 180-grain Nosler
AccuBond bullet offered
exceptional accuracy.
magazine inserts; you can use your finger. If you go out of the caliber
group, you also need to swap out the bolt head using a flat-head
screwdriver. This is also a fast and simple process. Blaser divides
calibers into six groups, all of which have distinct markings. I only
tested the R8 in a .30-06 barrel, but I like the idea of being able to gun
up or down with different caliber choices.
The R8 line offers a variety of stock configurations, from lush wood to
durable synthetic. The R8 Professional features a one-piece synthetic
stock with a straight comb. The overall texture is smooth, but the pistol
grip and forend have elastomer inlays that offer rubbery traction. The
recoil pad is made of recoil-absorbing rubber with rounded edges that
allow the rifle to be shouldered fast without it hanging up on clothing
or gear. The black synthetic forend cap has a European-style sling
swivel stud. The bolt knob is a matching green synthetic, and the
metal work is a no-glare matte blue.
Theres
Gold in
Them
Thar
Hills
considered safer, because there is less probability of spilling your
brass on the ground when a Cape buffalo decides hes had enough
of you. The magazine can be locked into the receiver by sliding a
lever with your finger.
The R8 is cocked by
pushing the slide forward
until the red square is
exposed. Operating it is
silent and easy.
Finding .30-06 Springfield ammunition is pretty darned

easy. From big-box stores to small mom-and-pop
general stores, you will most likely find 06 rounds.
In detachable mode, two tabs (one on each side of the receiver) are
pressed at the same time to remove the magazine so that an accidental
magazine dump is less likely. Like a traditional internal box magazine
bolt action, the R8 can be loaded from the top of the receiver; there
is plenty of room to load single rounds through the ejection port.
Alternatively, you can remove the magazine and load it directly.
The quality of the ammo can vary, and you might be fine
with low-cost rounds for busting brush, where a shot
of fewer than 50 yards is typical. As long as you can
hit vitals in that range, being frugal has its advantages.
Stretch the distance out between you and the critter
you are hunting, and the quality of the ammunition can
mean the difference between making sausage this year
or buying it.
The non-adjustable trigger averaged a crisp 2.75 pounds

it is a very nice trigger, indeed. The trigger and magazine are a
one-piece unit that is removed via the bottom of the receiver.
Removing the trigger/magazine unit disables the rifle from firing.
This offers an additional level of safety. When the magazine/trigger
group is removed from the rifle while the rifle is cocked, the rifle
automatically de-cocks when the magazine is removed.
There are certain brands of ammunition I prefer,

because I know I will be getting consistency, accuracy
and reliability. The Black Hills Gold line of ammunition
delivers. Running it through the Blaser R8 again
reinforced how well this ammunition performs. At
100 yards, I put two rounds through nearly the same
hole, but I buggered the near-perfect group with the
third round not that 0.658 inch is bad for a threeshot group. Thats pretty good, especially when I was
shooting 0.779-inch groups on average. (Sweet.)
HIGHLY ADAPTABLE
Many rifle manufactures have tried to crack the multi-caliber
repeating rifle nut, and the R8 might be the one to have done it:
Barrels are attached to the stock via two screws on the underside of
the forearm. A 5mm hex wrench tool, included with the rifle, is used
to attach a barrel to the stock.
Although I did not connect with a whitetail this year

(yes, I am buying sausage), I know Black Hills Gold
cartridges perform. In fact, I just finished eating a roast
from a hunt last year.
If you stay within the same bolt head size, you only need to swap out
the magazine insert for the new caliber. No tools are required to swap
www.gunworld.com
Black Hills Gold with a

180-grain Nosler AccuBond
bullet offered exceptional
accuracy, with the best
three-shot group at 100 yards
measuring 0.65 inch. Two of
the bullets went through the
same hole.
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AT THE RANGE
Blaser uses its own proprietary scope saddle mount that clamps into
four notches cut into the barrel. Two levers lock it into position. This
mount allows you to remove a scope from the barrel without loss of
zero. I tried this at the range and can confirm that.
I mounted a SIG TANGO6 2-12x40mm scope to the R8. The
TANGO6 features a FFP (first focal plane) reticle position
and an illuminated MOA milling reticle. I used three .30-06
Springfield loads, two from Hornady and one from Black Hills.
Blaser features a
proprietary saddle scope
mount that offers quickrelease mounts. There
was no loss of zero when
removing and reattaching
the scope.
The Black Hills Gold cartridges loaded with a 180-grain Nosler

AccuBond bullet offered exceptional accuracy in the R8. My best
three-shot group at 100 yards measured 0.65 inch. I needed to study
the group through the Meopta spotting scope and discovered two of
the bullets went through the same hole.
TANGO6 Magnified Optic

I have come to really appreciate FFP scopes, because the milling reticle
can be used at any magnification to estimate range.
The SIG TANGO6 optic was a good

match for the R8. It is lightweight,
offers good clarity and definition, and
offers an FFP reticle.
Most hunting scopes are SFP (second focal plane) and stay the same
size through magnification range. Those equipped with a ranging
reticle typically need to be set at the highest magnification to use the
ranging feature.
ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS

The TANGO6 features an illuminated MOA milling reticle with hash
marks up and down the X and Y strata. You can adjust the reticles
illumination as needed. Forget to turn it off (as I typically do), and the
scope automatically turns off the illumination after six minutes of rest.
Nevertheless, it powers back on as soon as the optic senses motion.
Below: The SIG Tango6
MRAD/MOA FFP reticle
SIG has gone all in with a line of magnified

optics with dedicated hunting and tactical
models. The TANGO6 line is designed for
tactical use but can also be considered
a crossover scope for hunting. Not as
complicated as some tactical scopes can
seem, the TANGO6 is SIGs premium line of
tactical scopes that incorporate features both
tactical shooters and hunters will appreciate.
Zerolock turrets are featured on the TANGO6; this means you wont loose
zero if you rotate the turrets too much in either direction. The turret
dials are pulled out to make adjustments and then pushed back with
adjustments that could be felt and easily dialed in.
A pair of fiber-optic dots is built into the magnification ring facing the
shooter, making it easy to determine the magnification setting. The
texture on the turrets and magnification ring were toothy, so rotating
the dials was effortless with or without gloves. While getting my dope, I
could dial the magnification in or out while still on target.
At the Holly Shelter game landsthe public hunting land on which I
resideI followed a pair of does through the tall pines. (I hoped for a
buck, but no luck that evening.) The TANGO6 provided clear color and
crisp images. Accidentally dropping the rifle and scope on a cement
deck didnt knock it out of zero, nor did shooting three boxes of .30-06
ammo and moving the turrets from zero and back. The TANGO6 stayed
dead on.
I mounted a TANGO6 2-12x40mm to the Blaser

R8 Professional and found it a good match; its not too large, bulky
or heavy, and it has a reticle that doesnt remind you of high school
geometry class.
FFP VS. SFP
For midrange and hunting distances out to 300 yards, the SIG TANGO6
is a good choice.
This is an FFP (first focal plane) reticle scope, so the reticle increases
and decreases in size as the magnification is increased or decreased.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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GW_1701_49 11/4/16 4:06 AM Page 49
112 MAGNUM TARGET, 338 LAPUA

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Factory-Blueprinted Savage Action, Monolithic Aluminum Chassis Machined From
Billet, M-LOK Forend, One-Piece Picatinny Scope Rail, Adjustable AccuTrigger,
Fab Defense GLR-16 Buttstock, 24 Barrel, Muzzle Brake
110 FCP HS PRECISION, .338 LAPUA

Tactical Conguration, HS Precision Fiberglass Stock,
One-Piece Scope Rail
111 LONG RANGE HUNTER, .338 LAPUA

Lighter Weight Hunting Conguration, One-Piece Scope Rail
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hand-straightened button ried barrels; zero-tolerance headspace control and
crisp, adjustable AccuTrigger. Utilizing the 338 Lapua Magnum, the most popular
ultra-long-range cartridge of Snipers and target shooters alike, you have the
power to reach out to 1,000+ yards and yes, even a mile.
SAVAGEARMS.COM
gun world
While not inexpensive,

the R8 Professional
offers prestige with
performance.
R8
Professional
SPECIFICATIONS
MANUFACTURER: Blaser (made in Germany)
MODEL: R8 Professional
ACTION TYPE: Straight-pull bolt
CALIBER: .30-06 Springfield; also available in more than
30 other calibers
BARREL LENGTH: 23 inches; hammer-forged
LENGTH OF PULL: 14.75 inches
WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 7.4 pounds
TRIGGER: Single stage; 2.2 pounds pull weight
MAGAZINE: Detachable polymer box; four-round capacity
SIGHTS: None; optic-ready for Blaser Saddle Mount
SAFETY: De-cocking button
STOCK: Synthetic; dark green with gray elastomer grip areas
FINISH: Blued
MSRP: $3,787
The Hornady Full Boar and American Whitetail cartridges are

loaded with a 165-grain GMX bullet and 150-grain Interlock bullet,
respectively. They also gave good accuracy, averaging 1.5 MOA for
the Full Boar and 1.1 MOA for the American Whitetail. No doubt the
crisp trigger helped me achieved those groups.
While the R8 is lightweight (about 7.4 pounds naked), recoil was
noticeablebut tolerable. Follow-up shots were made easy and
super fast with the straight-pull action. It leaves traditional bolts
actions in the dust.
CONTACT INFORMATION
While not inexpensive, the R8 Professional offers prestige with

performance. The unique straight-pull bolt of the R8 series, combined
with the no-nonsense synthetic stock of the Professional model,
makes this Blaser a dedicated pickup truck rifle that is well suited for
whitetails, pigs or whatever game youre after. GW
www.gunworld.com
BLASER USA, INC.

(210) 377-2527
www.Blaser-usa.com
JANUARY I 2017
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TCM TAC ULTRA FS HC
TCM ROCK STANDARD MS
TCM ROCK ULTRA FS
THE TCM FAMILY. ONLY FROM ROCK ISLAND ARMORY.

Pick your size and get ready for adventure. All TCM handguns shoot your choice
of 9mm or Armscors powerful 22 TCM round at over 2,000fps with surprisingly
little recoil. Theyre simply the most potent, versatile 1911s money can buy.
www.RockIslandArmory.com
gun world
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY GARRETT LUCAS
Remaking the
Defen
C
oncealed carry is sweeping the nation as never before.

Besides the uptick in applications for carry permits
due to recent events in the country, whole states
are instituting constitutional carry for its citizens.
Constitutional carry is when states enact laws that
allow citizens to carry concealed without having to pay for and
acquire a carry permit.
The Colt Defender in 9mm

has the essential features
needed for a concealedcarry pistol: rear slide
serrations, low-profile
sights and compact
dimensions.
In addition to the venerable .45 ACP chambering, the officer-sized

Defender now offers a model that employs the 9mm cartridge to
offer a higher-capacity firearmand one thats somewhat easier to
control than its larger-caliber sibling.
THE ARGUMENT
This ever-increasing trend has more firearms manufacturers focusing

on new models that can be carried concealed and also accommodate
an even wider variety of users. One example is the new Colt Defender
1911-style pistol in the 9mm chambering.
www.gunworld.com
In 2014, a report the FBI had completed was leaked online, and it
revealed its findings about the efficacy of the 9mm round in comparison
to larger calibers such as the .40 S&W, .357 SIG and the .45 ACP.
p
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ender
COLTS DEFENDER LINE
OF PISTOLS GETS A
9MM REFRESH.
It isnt until you take a

peek at the muzzle that
you can tell the difference
between the 9mm and .45
ACP Defenders.
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gun world
Even with its light
weight and compact
size, the Colt Defenders
recoil was quite simple
to controlthanks, in
large part, to the softershooting 9mm round.
In its findings, the report declares that the 9mm round loses little
in the way of performance and offers other advantages to people
who are of smaller stature or who struggle to manage the recoil of
the more-powerful calibers.
Due to the technological advances made by ammunition manufacturers
in the last 15 years, the playing field has been leveled somewhat
between the various calibers. As the report goes into more detail, its
apparent that the FBI views the results of its tests through the prism of
justified trade-offs.
As mentioned, the Defender is built on an officers frame with an overall

length of 6.75 inches and a barrel length of just 3 inches. The frame
height is reduced, as well, making the grip print less in concealed
mode. The weight of the Defender is a scant 25 ounces.
The best group at 25 yards
was 2.13 inches and was
shot with SIG Elite Performance Ammunitions
147-grain V-Crown load.
The Defender comes with two stainless magazines that hold eight
rounds each; the .45 ACP Defender magazines hold seven rounds.
This doesnt help too much with the capacity argument that was
Essentially, the FBI found that the wide range of its agents who
participated in the testing were able to control the recoil of a 9mm pistol
more effectively and were also able to get quicker follow-up shots.
In addition, theres the argument the FBI makes for the benefit of
higher-capacity magazines that can be had, relative to pistols that
use larger-bore ammunition. One last observation was that the
move would save the agency money, because 9mm is generally less
expensive than the larger rounds.
Based on the caveats that it considered, such as controllability, cost
and capacity, the same argument the FBI makes for its move to 9mm
pistols makes just as much sense for normal citizens, as well.
Hence, the 9mm offering found in the new Colt Defender.
DEFENDER DETAILS
The Defender is what I would call a meat-and-potatoes 1911
variant. The price is fairly low compared to more-tricked-out 1911s,
and accordingly, there are very few frills to the overall package.
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gun world
For a carry
weapon, the
Colt Defender
in 9mm
would be an
excellent
choice.
Included in the Colt

Defender package are
black cherry G10 grips
and serrations on the back
strap below the extended
beavertail grip safety.
discussed earlier, but for a weapon this size, controllability of the 9mm
chambering is a much more important quality.
One feature thats a decided advantage for the Defender is the
incorporation of Novaks excellent Night Sights. The Defenders
rear sight is a blacked-out affair, with the front post sporting a
tritium insert with a white outline. The finish on the frame is black
Cerakote, and the slide is blued with a matte finish.
There are serrations at the rear of the slide and at the bottom of the
back strap; both sets provide a more secure purchase for the user.
Although the Defender is essentially a base model, it does sport an
extended beavertail grip safety and aluminum trigger. The pistol is
finished off with an attractive set of black cherry G10 grips that
complement the pistol nicely.
With a fully loaded

magazine of SIG 115-grain
FMJ ammunition and one
in the pipe, this group was
kept under 3.5 inches on
the small B-29 target. The
Defender was shot at 7
yards in semi-rapid sequenceaveraging under
a second for each shot.
Colt Defender 9mm
HOME ON THE RANGE

Just to lay the cards out on the table: I wasnt sure what to expect
when I tried out the Defender the first time. Im a traditionalist, and the
thought of running 9mm loads through the .45 ACP platform seemed
a bit blasphemous on my part. Nevertheless, Im open to new things,
and I tend to get surprised now and then.
Shooting the 9mm Colt Defender turned out to be more satisfying than
expected. Even though there was a bit of creep, the trigger consistently
broke right at 3.5 poundswhich isnt too shabby at alland quick
follow-up shots were easy to control, despite the aluminum frame, even
with +P loads.
www.gunworld.com
PERFORMANCE RESULTS
Federal Premium 124-grain +P HST

Federal Premium 135-grain Tactical Bonded
SIG Elite Performance 147-grain V-Crown
Speer 124-grain Gold Dot
Speer 124-grain +P Gold Dot
VELOCITY
ACCURACY
AVERAGE
1,132 fps
1,001 fps
862 fps
1,033 fps
1,108 fps
3.32 inches
2.92 inches
2.75 inches
3.25 inches
3.44 inches
BEST
2.88 inches
2.38 inches
2.13 inches
2.32 inches
3.13 inches
NOTES: Velocity was measured in feet per second 15 feet from the muzzle;
accuracy was measured in inches with three five-shot groups at 25 yards.
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Despite the short barrel
length, the Colt Defender
in 9mm is an accurate
pistol with carefully
selected loads (such as
SIGs 147-grain V-Crown
load).
It handled well, had a

great pair of sights and a
simple (but attractive)
appearance, and it was
very accurate for such a
compact pistol.
There was a variety of ammunition from different companies on hand

to thoroughly evaluate the Colt Defender, including Federal Premium,
SIG Elite Performance Ammunition and Speer. Both FMJ rounds and
hollow-point rounds were fired to check for accuracy and reliability.
For such a compact firearm, the Defender turned out to be quite
accurate with its preferred loads. I will typically test a firearm this size at
shorter distances, but I went ahead with straight-up, 25-yard accuracy
testing once I got a feel for its performance. All accuracy testing was
done in a standing position off a small shooting rest clamped to a
vertical 4x6 building support.
With the rear sight blacked out, the front sight of the Novak Night Sight
system was very easy to pick up. For a close-range defensive weapon
such as this, the ability to focus just on the front sight makes acquiring
the target faster and easier to re-acquire for fast follow-up shots.
The Novak Night Sights

included with the 9mm
Defender have blackedout rear sights and a
single tritium dot outlined
in white on the front post.
The main accuracy issue most people will have with a pistol of this
size is the short sight radius, although, as mentioned, this is intended
for close encounters of the personal kind. Even so, the Defender did
rather well at 25 yards, especially with a couple of particular loads.
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The best group during the different range sessions

turned out to be shot with SIGs Elite Performance
Ammunitions 147-grain V-Crown load. It measured
2.13 inches, with a three-group average of just 2.85
inches. Federals 135-grain Tactical Bonded LE didnt do
too badly, either, with a best group of 2.38 inches and an
average of 2.92 inches. The Defenders accuracy really
impressed me, given its diminutive size.
THE RELIABILITY FACTOR

I was enjoying my time with the Defenderbut
everything was not peaches and cream.
During the first 100 rounds, I was shooting both hollow
points and FMJ ammunition. The FMJ ammunition
ran fine, but there were several failures to feed with
the heavier hollow-point rounds. During this same
period, the Defender had no issues digesting the Speer
124-grain and 124-grain +P rounds.
I know some people are shaking their heads and saying,
You should have broken it in with a few hundred rounds
of ball ammo first. Yeah, Ive heard that and practiced
it before, but this test was intentional: to just gauge the
Defenders performance straight out of the box.
That said, I did take a break from the hollow points and
ran a couple hundred more rounds of FMJ ammunition
through it, including SIGs 115-grain FMJ loads and
Federal Premiums 115-grain FMJ rounds. Once this
process was completed, I only experienced two more
failure to feed in the next 150 rounds of hollow points.
It needs to be broken in a bit more, or it needs a little
TLC from a competent smith. Either way, its a relatively
cheap and easy fix, especially if one takes the time to
find a defensive load they like and that feeds reliably in
the pistol. My definition of reliably is no malfunctions
in at least 300 rounds, although Id feel much more
comfortable with none in 500 instead.
Another difference, aside from its size, from the full-sized and
commander-sized 1911 is that the Colt Defender has a captive
dual-spring recoil assembly.
11/13/16 11:50 PM
gun world
THE VERDICT?
Colt
Defender
9mm
Despite my obsessive nature with reliable function, I actually grew

pretty fond of the 9mm Colt Defender during the time I had itmuch
more so than I would have first thought. It handled well, had a great
pair of sights and a simple (but attractive) appearance, and it was
very accurate for such a compact pistol.
SPECIFICATIONS
As for the feeding issues, thats the nature of 1911s, which is a
100-year-old design, and the Defender is a pretty bare-bones 1911 at
that. With a suggested retail price of $949, the street price is a good
amount lower. I have seen more than a few semi-custom or tuned
1911s that cost quite a bit more yet have similar issues.
CALIBER: 9mm
BARREL LENGTH: 3 inches
WEIGHT: 25 ounces
OVERALL HEIGHT: 5.13 inches
SLIDE MATERIAL: Carbon steel
SLIDE FINISH: Blued (matte)
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum alloy
FRAME FINISH: Cerakote, black
RATE OF TWIST: 1:16 LH
MAGAZINE: (2) eight-round
GRIPS: black cherry G10
SIGHTS: Novak Night Sights
MSRP: $949
Its a simple matter to isolate the issue and correct it; it usually costs no
more than $100. More than likely, this is something Colt would correct
at no cost to the user.
For a carry weapon, the Colt Defender in 9mm would be an excellent
choice. Despite the aluminum frame, the recoil was easy to control,
even with +P loads. The safety responded positively, providing a tactile
acknowledgment when going in the safe or fire positions. Also, the
trigger break was excellent, allowing for almost surgical shot placement.
With a little tweak here and there and with a quality holster, the Colt
Defender would not only serve well as a concealed-carry pistol, its light
weight would also allow it to ride on the hip all day without the user
really noticing it.
On balance, the package is a strong value overall. It has many points
in its favor, and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. With a little
practice on the range, not only will it impress, it could quickly become
your companion and possibly your defender, as well. GW
CONTACT INFORMATION
COLTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC
(800) 962-COLT (2658)
www.Colt.com
Although it operates like a
full-sized 1911, one difference includes a short and
stubby 3-inch barrel to aid
with concealment.
With a little
practice on the
range, not only
will it impress,
it could quickly
become your
companion
and possibly your
defender, as well.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE DICKERSON
More Bang
for the
Buckmark
BROWNINGS NEW LINE OF AMMUNITION
DELIVERS PREMIUM AMMO PERFORMANCE
AT A LESS-THAN-PREMIUM PRICE.
rowning has long been known as a manufacturer of fine

firearms, and you can find the distinctive Buckmark logo
on everything from knives and trail cameras to crossbows
and clothing. One product notably missing from this
inventory, however, has been ammunition.
That changed with the companys 2016 announcement of a new line of

Browning-branded ammo, and I didnt have to think twice when offered
an opportunity to expend large quantities of the stuff during a couple
of days of shooting at the excellent facilities of the JL Bar Ranch and

Resort in Texas. Ive been working with the new ammo ever since and
have formed some solid first impressionsall positive.
The new line of rifle, handgun, shotgun and rimfire ammo is designed
to deliver premium ammo performance at a price thats often less
than youll pay for competitive premium ammo.
If you typically buy the cheapest stuff you can find, Browning ammo
gives you an affordable option to step it up, in terms of performance,
without completely emptying your wallet, says Ben Frank, Browning
Ammunition brand manager. Folks already shooting premium ammo
will find themselves actually saving money without compromise.
Its no secret that the ammo is produced by Olin Corp.the
manufacturer of Winchester ammobut the design is all Browning. It
is not just repackaged Winchester ammo, but it does come packaged
with that famous Buckmark logo; and on that basis alone, I suspect
sales will be brisk.
Heres a closer look at the individual products.
RIFLE AMMUNITION
The famous Browning
Buckmark logo adorns
countless products but
has been notably absent
from ammunition
until now.
www.gunworld.com
The new Browning lineup includes two new rifle rounds with different
bullet designs for optimal performance on either deer or big game.
The BXR Rapid Expansion Matrix Tip load is specifically for use
on deer-sized game. This bullet has a tip constructed of 85 percent
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The .380 Auto is considered marginal for self-defense by many, but Brownings 95-grain BXP Personal Defense load
showed great expansion and penetrated more than 11 inches in ballistic gelatin.
Folks already shooting

premium ammo will find
themselves actually
saving money without
compromise.
copper and 15 percent polymer. Its designed to fragment upon

impact while initiating rapid expansion of the bullet, thereby creating
large wound channels and transferring maximum energy.
During testing at the JL Bar Ranch, it worked as advertised when
I shot a .30-06 BXR 155-grain round into ballistic gelatin from a
Browning BAR MK3 rifle with a 22-inch barrel at 100 yards. The round
mushroomed beautifully, creating a large wound cavity and penetrating
approximately 24 inches. The core and jacket remained intact.
We like to call it rapid expansion, rapid recovery, because deer
dont go far after being hit with BXR, Frank says.
I used the BXR loads in testing two new rifles chambered in .270 Win.
and .30-06 Springfield. In both cases, the Browning loads produced
the best 100-yard groups of all tested ammo, with 1-inch average
groups and sub-MOA best groups.
During testing, the .380

Auto BXP Personal
Defense round showed
good penetration
and textbook-perfect
expansion.
Clearly, Browning is doing something right with this deer load.

Available BXR loads include .243 Win. 97 grain, .270 Win. 134 grain,
.30-30 Win. 155 grain, .308 Win. 155 grain, .30-06 Springfield 155
grain, .300 Win. Mag. 155 grain and .300 WSM 155 grain.
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Performance Results
RIFLE
LOAD
Avg. Muzzle
Velocity (fps)
Avg. 100-yard
Group (inches)
Best 100-yard
Group (inches)
Browning 270 Win.

BXR 134-grain Matrix Tip
(shot from a rifle with
22-inch barrel)
2,896
1.02
0.89
Browning 30-06
BXR 155-grain Matrix Tip
(shot from a rifle with
22-inch barrel)
2,856
0.96
0.92
Avg. Muzzle
Velocity (fps)
Avg. 25-yard
Group (inches)
Best 25-yard
Group (inches)
BPX X-Point 40 S&W

180-grain from 30-inch barrel
(Groups measured as best
five of eight shots)
1,028
3.26
2.58
BPX X-Point 9mm

147-grain 9mm from 3.1-inch
barrel (Groups measured as
best five of eight shots)
935.6
3.18
2.77
HANDGUN
LOAD
BXP Personal Defense

ammo has a unique
X-Point design that
helps shed material
and ensures consistent
expansion and
penetration.
CONTACT INFORMATION
BROWNING AMMUNITION
(800) 333-3288
www.BrowningAmmo.com
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BXC Controlled Expansion Terminal Tip ammo is built to take on

larger, tougher animals, such as elk, moose and bear. The copper
jacket and lead core are bonded through a proprietary process to help
the bullet retain weight and achieve deep penetration. A solid metal
tip, made of anodized aluminum, helps punch through tough hide and
bone. BXC is available in .270 Win. 145 grain, .7mm Rem. Mag 155
grain, .308 Win. 168 grain, .30-06 Springfield 185 grain, .300 Win.
Mag. 185 grain and .300 WSM 185-grain loads.
Rimfire offerings in the

new Browning lineup
include a 22 Long Rifle
37-grain, fragmenting
hollow-point load with a
bullet designed to break
into four pieces upon
impact.
While Browning doesnt set the MSRP for its ammo, the company
says BXR ammo should sell for about $28 to $30 per box of 20, and
BXC loads should retail for $35 to $37 per box of 20.
HANDGUN AMMUNITION
Like the rifle ammo, Brownings handgun ammo is split into two
offerings for different applications.
BXP Personal Defense, designed for optimal expansion and
penetration, has a unique X-Point design. Browning says this
design helps the bullet shed any material it might encounter,
ensuring reliable and consistent expansion and penetration. The
rounds have a distinctive look, with nickel-plated bullets and
black nickel-plated cases that increase corrosion resistance and
assist with smooth feeding.
BXR Rapid Expansion

Matrix Tip ammo is sold
in a range of popular
calibers from .243 Win to
.300 Win Mag.
Its designed to be an everyday-carry product, and its offered

at a very affordable price point for such premium performance,
Frank points out.
In testing, the .380 Auto roundone of the meekest of the selfdefense cartridgesdelivered surprisingly good performance. A
95-grain BXP round was fired into ballistic gelatin at a range of 7
yards with a Browning 1911-380 Black Label pistol with a 4-inch
barrel. The round penetrated more than 11 inches, which is pretty
good for a .380, and showed textbook-perfect expansion and good
weight retention. This leads me to expect even better terminal
performance from BXP ammo in larger cartridges.
I clocked the 180-grain 40 S&W load at 1,028 fps out of an H&K
P2000 pistol with a 3 5/8-inch barrel, while the 147-grain 9mm load
stepped out at 935 fps out of a S&W Shield with a 3.1-inch barrel.
Accuracy was good on both counts. BXP ammo is also available in a
230-grain 45 ACP load.
The other handgun load, BPT Performance Target FMJ ammo, is
loaded in bullet weights to match the personal defense ammo. I found
the BPT ammo to be loaded slightly milder than the personal defense
rounds, with the 40 S&W ammo running 110 fps slower and the 9mm
load running 27 fps slower out of the guns used for testing.
You should be able to find BXP Personal Defense ammo for $16 to
$18 per box of 20 rounds, while the BPT target loads should sell for
approximately $15 to $20 per box of 50 rounds.
BXD Upland Extra

Distance shotshells use
nickel-plated shot and
high velocities to deliver
tight downrange patterns.
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At an often-cited
selfdefense range of
7 yards, BXP Personal
Defense ammo produced
decent groups when
fired as fast as the sights
aligned on the authors H&K
P2000 pistol.
SHOTGUN AMMUNITION
Brownings shotshell offerings include loads tailored for waterfowl,
upland game and target shooting.
BXD Waterfowl Extra Distance loads are designed to send steel shot
downrange at high velocities using an aerodynamically stabilized
long-range wad. Available loads (in 12 gauge) include 3-inch and 3.5inch #2 shot and BB loads, as well as a 3-inch #4 shot load. Theres
also a 3-inch 20-gauge #2 shot load.
Our goal on all of the shotshell products is to keep the shot as round
as possible, Frank explains. On our Extra Distance Waterfowl loads,
we achieve this by starting with premium round steel. We then plate
the steel with blue zinc chromate. This plating provides corrosion and
rust resistance.
BXD Upland Extra Distance shotshells make use of nickel-plated
shot (to reduce deformation) launched at high velocities to deliver
tighter downrange patterns. In 20 gauge, theres a 2-inch #5 shot
load and 3-inch loads with #5 and #6 shot. One 2-inch 16-gauge
load is offered with #6 shot, along with 2-inch 12-gauge loads with
#5 and #6 shot. Theres also a 3-inch 12-gauge load with #5 shot.
Browning BPT
Performance Target
ammunition uses FMJ
bullets with weights
matching those of BXP
Personal Defense loads,
so you can affordably
train with ammo mirroring
the performance of your
carry ammo.
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SERPA LEVEL 2 TACTICAL HOLSTER

FEATURES OUR EXTREMELY FAST, YET ULTRA-SECURE
AUTO LOCK RETENTION SYSTEM.
EASILY CONFIGURES TO ANY MISSION WITH
MULTIPLE PLATFORMS.
U.S. MILITARY ISSUE.
In 1990, a Navy SEAL was navigating a mineeld when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground,
he vowed if he made it out alive he would make gear the right way. Today, this obsession with quality
applies to everything we do. We are constantly researching, rening and perfecting every detail to
provide gear that will not let you down. Because we are not just making stuff. We are honoring a vow.
MADE IN THE USA. SERVING WITH HONOR AND DISTINCTION WORLDWIDE.
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gun world
BPT Performance Target shotshells are made with highantimony shot to reduce deformation and maintain tight
patterns. They have a slick outer hull surface to help ensure
consistent ejection. Available loads include a 2-inch 20-gauge
load with #7.5 shot and a 2-inch 16-gauge load with #8 shot.
There are two 12-gauge 2-inch loads with #7.5 shot. One is
loaded to a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps, while a hotter load
launches shot at 1,300 fps. A 2-inch 12-gauge load with #8
shot rounds out the selection.
I tested the new shotshells on the challenging JL Bar Ranch sporting
clays course and did about as well as I ever do at sporting clays:
I missed some easy shots and connected on some difficult ones,
such as a long-range rising-teal simulation using a 20-gauge load. In
my defense, Im one of those dinosaurs who learned to (and prefers
to) shoot shotguns on live birds, not clay ones. Nevertheless, the
performance of the Browning shotshells left no doubt that they would
be deadly in the field.
Prices should be in the range of $20 to $21 per box for the BXD
waterfowl load, $17 to $18 per box for the BXD Upland load and $7.75
to $8.50 per box for the target loads.
RIMFIRE AMMUNITION
BPR Rimfire offerings include a 40-grain blackened lead round-nose
load in a 400-round bulk pack that is designed for use in semiauto
guns. Also offered is a high-velocity, 40-grain, hollow-point round in
100-count packs. These are meant for hunting or target shooting.
BXR Rapid Expansion

Matrix Tip ammo,
designed for deer-sized
game, produced groups
of 1 inch or better at 100
yards when tested in two
different rifles.
BXD Waterfowl Extra

Distance shotshells,
incorporating a longrange wad design and
blue zinc chromate-plated
steel shot, are available in
12- and 20-gauge loads.
Theres also a high-velocity, 37-grain, fragmenting hollow-point

load with a bullet designed to break into four pieces upon impact.
Pricing for the BPR Performance Rimfire ammo should be $23 to
$26 for the 400-round bulk pack and $10 to $12 per 100-round
packs. GW
Initial offerings in the

BXP Personal Defense
line include .380 Auto,
9 mm, .40 S&W and .45
ACP loads.
www.gunworld.com
We like to call it rapid

expansion, rapid recovery,
because deer dont go far
after being hit with BXR.
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gun world
BY JERRY CANNON
PHOTOS BY GREG BOYCE
WHAT
I DID
ON MY
SUMMER
VACATION
THE NRA-SPONSORED
BROWNELLS 1911
BUILDERS COURSE
IS THE ULTIMATE
ADVENTURE.
hat a vacation! Forget about the Bahamas

or even the Himalayas. I experienced the
consummate adventure vacation this past
summer: I signed up for the NRAs summer
program and followed the Brownells 1911
Builders Course, during which I met a young woman who is a
student of gunsmithing and saw the first set of 1911 parts from
Nighthawk Custom.
LADIES FIRST
Ainsley Ridgeway is the first woman I have ever met who is a
student of gunsmithing; she is a full-time student at Trinidad State
Junior College. At the same time, she is also earning a business
degree from a university in another state, at which she works as a
residence assistant, works for the shotgun program at the nearby
NRA Whittington Center, works in the college tool room and runs her
own firearms business. (Whew!) She was seated next to me during
the class, and I was curious as she empted a box of Nighthawk
1911 parts onto the workbench.
1
1. The careful and precise
application of the file
is the key to building a
custom 1911. A note to
this effect appears on the
cover of the student guide.
2. The hands-on 1911

builders course instills in the
student a complete knowledge of the components and
function of the 1911.
3. After filing the rails,
Ainsley Ridgeway carefully
laps the slide for a smooth,
tight fit.
4. Using the right tool for
the right job is a big part
of the building course.
Course instructor Mike
Watkins adds that this is
the way to build it right.
5. Filing and fitting lead to
polishing, which ensures
smooth, reliable operation.
The parts are also another first. They are all from Nighthawk Custom
and are stainless steel. Nighthawk, already well known for its custom
handguns, has stepped out into the quality parts market. This
company is cataloging every part required to build a high-quality
1911 and a high-quality 1911 is what I watched Ainsley build.
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THE COURSE
Well, listening to Watkins and watching Ainsley, it was easy. Watkins

speaks in a quiet, easy-going tone and clearly demonstrates each
section to the class. The students are then left to work at their own
pace. However, Watkins remains available to answer and explain
the details of the procedure, if needed.
The force that brought this young woman, Nighthawk Custom and
me together is the NRA Summer Program. These summer courses
are held at Trinidad Sate Junior College in Colorado. It is the oldest
gunsmithing school in the country. Among the numerous courses
offered each year is the Brownells 1911 Builders Course, taught
by Mike Watkins. He is a senior gun technician, IPSC shooter and
member of the prestigious American Pistolsmith Guild (APG).
FOR ACCURACY
Fitting the slide to the frame comprises a lot of marking and
filing. Drawing a file across the rails removes the high spots.
A permanent marker is used to blacken the rails. The slide is
gradually fitted onto the rails, each time, scuffing off the black
marker. The process is repeated, repeated and repeated. (Ainsley
came up with a mantra, Mark. Mark. File. File.) When the slide
reaches the rear of the frame, lapping compound is applied, and
the slide is gently worked back and forth until it glides smoothly.
According to Watkins, the 1911 is the simplest gun to buildalthough

he qualifies his statement by adding the word, right, to the end of
his statement.
The major steps to building the 1911 are: fitting the slide to the frame;
fitting the barrel; fitting the fire controls and safeties; and finishing the
exterior, including the sights. Now, thats simple isnt it?
Along with hand-fitting the slide, Watkins lists four barrelrelated items for maximum accuracy: Barrel legs should lock up
on the slide stop shaft and not the frame; achieve the maximum
fitting between barrel and slide locking lugs; ensure a tight fit
between the barrel hood and breech face; and achieve a tight fit
between the exterior and interior diameter of the barrel bushing.
The barrel bushing is the only part that needed a machine (the
lathe). Watkins stipulated that the bushing must be removable
only by using a wrench and that there is only a thousandth of an
inch clearance with the barrel.
6. There are some things

a gauge just cannot
measure. The eye is used
to check for a light-tight fit
between the barrel and the
face of the slide.
7. An important tip for
a very small piece. A
set of barrel links in
various sizes ensures the
absolutely tightest lockup
available.
8. Even the finish work
of fitting the rear of the
slide with the frame starts
with a file.
9. Time, patience and

progressively fine-grit
polishing cloths bring the
grip safety and the frame
surfaces to a perfect
contour.
There is a peculiarity to a hand-built 1911the click. The

1911 handgun, especially the GI version, is known to rattle a
bit. However, one thats been hand fitted has the unmistakable
sound of a click as the barrel locks and unlocks. I watched as
Ainsley focused her attention and smiled broadly when she had
achieved that special sound.
FIRE CONTROL
The fire control process goes from the mundane task of getting
the trigger to fit though the frame and run smoothly to the
very-precise trigger sear and finally, the thumb safety. Not
surprisingly, the trigger shoe is slightly oversized and, of course,
has to be filed to fit. A file is also used to ensure that the trigger
raceways are smooth and free of burs.
You might be surprised to find that a file is not used on the sear;
an India stone is used for this task. The very fine primary and
secondary surfaces are precisely stoned using a Brownells sear
fixture. Frankly, this was the easiest fitting of the entire project.
But the thumb safety was another story altogether. Its a safety
device, so if you screw it up, throw it away and get a new part.
Watkins highly recommends the Armorers Tool from 10-8
Performance. This tool holds the thumb safety in order to file the
small, but oversized, surface to fit.
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EXTERIOR FINISH
With the entire interior fitted and tested, it was time to finish the
exterior. As is, the Nighthawk was beautiful. The final touch still
involved the all-important hand-file-to-fit processprimarily, the
extended beavertail grip safety where it meets the rear of the frame.
Mike Watkins examines

the Nighthawk Custom
components as Ainsley
Ridgeway completes her
beautiful custom 1911.
The rear tang of the frame is oversized for this purpose. In order to get
things just right, a filing jig is used. This jig is typically provided by the
grip safety manufacturer. Different manufactures use different radii on
the upper and lower portion for the tang, so be sure to use the right one.
The upper radius is worked first, and after a large amount of
metal is removed, the grip safety is fitted and the precision filing
is undertaken. (Once again: Mark. Mark. File. File.) Next, the grip
safety will be held down with a rubber band, and the lower radius of
the side of the frame is blended to the safetys contour.
Because the rear of the slide is likely to be 1/16 to 1/8 inch longer
than the frame, the rear surface is also filed to blend. Finally, all the
file surfaces are polished to a fine finish.
Nighthawk Custom offers

complete parts for building a 1911. Combined
with Brownells Builder
Course and a talented
student, the result is the
face of success.
NRA SUMMER PROGRAM
The final exterior finish was not part of the Brownells course, but the
folks at ROBAR ably assisted by applying the companys black stainless
steel finish. Ainsley then followed up by bead blasting the raw stainless
surfaces to give them a satin look.
Founded in 1947 by P.O. Ackley,

Trinidad Sate Junior College (TSJC) is
Americas oldest gunsmithing school.
TSJC offers a full-time, two-year
degree in gunsmithing, as well as
many other academic degrees and
vocational programs.
SO, WAS THE PROCESS EASY?

Well, Ainsley had no trouble with the build it right: Following
Watkins instructions, she turned the Nighthawk parts into a
beautiful, custom handgun.
TSJC partners with the NRA and hosts

the sponsored NRA Summer Program,
which offers a plethora of unique and
challenging courses. The summer
2016 courses included, among
others
Building your own custom 1911 is just one of the adventures

you can have at the NRA Summer Program. I cant wait until next
summer. GW
Introduction to Gunsmithing
Checkering
Basic and Advanced Machine Shop
Beginning Blacksmithing
Knifemaking
Vintage Metal Finishing and
Experiments in Color Case Hardening
Action Blueprinting
High-Power Competition AR-15
Custom Stockmaking
Novak sights and ROBAR

finish round out the
near-custom features of
the factory parts from
Nighthawk.
CONTACT INFORMATION
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
GUNSMITHING SCHOOLS
(703) 267-1496
www.Gunsmithing.NRA.org
TRINIDAD STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE
NRA SUMMER GUNSMITHING
COURSES
(800) 621.TSJC (8752)
www.TrinidadState.edu
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FRANCHIUSA.COM
FROM FIRST PASS TO FOLLOW-UPS

NOTHING SWINGS LIKE A FRANCHI
Afnity Semi-Auto Smooth Swinging

Inertia-Driven, 12-gauge or 20-gauge.
QUICK SHOTS
BY RICHARD VENOLA
T
ITS TWINS!
10 QUESTIONS TO TEST YOUR FIREARMS SAVVY
he old saw, Great minds think alike, is

certainly true regarding the development
of new technology. As soon as each
advance is made, the world shamelessly
rushes to copy it.
This quiz focuses on clones or almost-clones. See

how many correct answers you can come up with.
(Find the answers at the very end of the quiz
but try not to cheat.) GW
1. Identical in size, caliber, capacity and function, these revolvers

soldiered on both sides during the American Civil War.
6. Englands BSA produced the mechanically quirky Lewis light

machine gun from 1914 to 1945. Which of the following is a copy?
A.) Remington 1858 and Colt 1860

B.) Colt 1851 and LeMat
C.) S&W Model 1 and S&W Model 3
D.) Remington 1858 and Beaumont-Adams
A.) Czech vz. 15 in 7.92x57mm

B.) Savage M1917 in .30-06
C.) Japanese Type 92 in 7.7x56mmR Nav.
D.) All the above
2. These firearms are the same design, but very few parts will
interchange, because one uses good, old-fashioned Imperial (inch),
and the other uses the newfangled metric.
7. Frances MAS 49 and the Soviet SVT-40 share identical (and

easily manufactured) locking mechanisms with
A.) The beautiful, but flawed, SAFN 49 and underrated SKS
B.) Your grandfathers M1 Garand and BAR
C.) The perfect FAL and Finlands Arctic-optimized m/95
D.) Germanys G3/HK 91 and Mexicos Fire Serpent FX-05
A.) Norwegian M1914 and Argentine Sistema 27

B.) .45-70 Remington-Lee and 6mm Lee-Navy
C.) L1A1 and StG58
D.) Mannlicher-Carcano JFK 1924 and Mannlicher-Carcano 1938
8.) The British BESA tank machine gun was a licensed copy of this
European design.
3. These two excellent shotguns are identical, yet one was produced
by traditional methods (think castings, lathes and wine glasses) in one
country and the other by computerized CNC in another nation.
A.) Frances egregious 1915 CSRG

B.) Denmarks ubiquitous Madsen
C.) Czechoslovakias ponderous vz. 37
D.) Germanys complex MG 34
A.) Benelli Montefeltro and CZ 712

B.) A.J. Aubrey and classic Winchester Model 12
C.) Browning BT-99 and Beretta 391
D.) Franchi 912 and Sarsilmaz Excel Auto
9. These late-19th-century smokeless rifles and their cartridges

were nearly identical but were manufactured by traditional enemies.
4. These nearly identical rifles were both manufactured in England

but fought hard on opposite sides during the First Anglo-Boer
War in Southern Africa. (Amateur Afrikaners won out over British
professionals.)
A.) Lee-Metford and Mosin-Nagant

B.) Type 22 Murata and Mannlicher-Schoenauer
C.) Lebel and Kropatschek
D.) Krag and Daudeteau
A.) Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield

B.) Martini-Henry and Anson & Deeley
C.) Pattern 1853 Enfield & Purdy
D.) Martini-Henry and Westley-Richards
10. These two companies laser range-finding scopes are so similar,

they might have been made from the same blueprints. Fortunately,
theyre both practical and affordable.
A.) Burris and Bushnell
B.) Leupold and Zeiss
C.) Swarovski and Vortex
D.) Hi-Lux and Trijicon
5. These similar cartridges were introduced to great controversy

and, despite long-term military and sporting use, are still scorned by
large numbers of shooters.
A.) 7.62x39mm and 7.62x45mm
B.) 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mm
C.) .30-30 WCF and .348 WCF
D.) .50 BMG and 12.7x108
Suggest a topic
for a future gun
quiz: E-mail
Richard Venola
at popelando@
hotmail.com.
ANSWERS: 1. A, 2. C, 3. D, 4. D, 5. B, 6. D, 7. A, 8. C, 9. C, 10. A
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gun world
BY CHUCK TAYLOR
Not for I
Sporting
Purposes?
Wrong!
n our modern world of political correctness, deceptive

politics and dont-bother-me-with-the-facts ignorance,
the claim that the AR15 and AR carbine are unsuitable
for sporting purposes and should, therefore, be banned
from civilian ownership is commonplace. Day after day,
night after night, the anti-gun news media parrots the phrase both
verbally and in print, leading those who arent shooters or hunters
to eventually believe the lie.
Yet, the facts they pointedly ignore show otherwise. In truth,
both rifles are not only suitable for sporting purposes, they are
actually excellent for nearly any kind of sporting endeavorfrom
recreational and competitive shooting to collecting and hunting.
Yes, I said, hunting. Hunters have long known that the AR15 and
AR carbine (the civilian version of the military-designated M4)
are excellent hunting rifles. And, why not? They possess all the
attributes that a good hunting rifle needs: light weight, fast handling
qualities, functional reliability and accuracy.
BUSTIN BIG BUCKS

WITH THE AR AND
DRT AMMO
www.gunworld.com
Varmint hunters, in particular, have long embraced ARs, realizing

that hitting a moving jack rabbit, coyote, fox or bobcat is no mean
feat. The semiautomatic AR, with its fast repeat shot capability,
makes the task a little less difficult.
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Loaded with either jacketed soft-point (JSP) or hollow-point (JHP)

ammunition, the .223 REM/5.56 NATO cartridge has plenty of punch
for such endeavors and is quite capable of downing any kind of game
up to the size of javelina with no difficulty whatsoever. However, its
long been believed that the .223 lacks the power and penetration to
quickly and humanely down larger animals, such as deer.
The TS bullet is a controlled-frangible projectile that differs

from the traditional frangible bullet in that its frangibility is
retarded until the bullet penetrates to sufficient depth in the
target to reach vital organs; then, it upsets violently. The
result is a tremendous amount of systemic shock to vital
organs and the virtual destruction of nearly everything in
the thoracic cavity.
This too, isnt necessarily truethat is, if you carefully choose

your ammunition. And this is where the problem is: All brands of
traditional .223 ammo utilize a conventional JSP or JHP bullet, and
for larger critters such as deer, they do lack the penetration needed
to ensure the bullet reaches vital organs, even when a perfect
broadside shot is presented. If the animal is facing either toward or
away from the hunter at any angle, a raking shot is required, further
exacerbating the problem.
DYNAMIC RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES (DRT)
This particular problem has been solved, making ARs chambered
in .223 entirely suitable for use on larger animals, including
deer. Dynamic Research Technologies (DRT) first appeared
several years ago with what it called Terminal Shock (TS)
ammo. Featuring a revolutionary bullet design that took decades
to perfect, TS changes the entire picture. Its so effective that
it alters the whole perspective on the .223 cartridge for both
sporting and tactical purposes.
Because conventional frangible bullets have a deserved

reputation for upsetting too quickly and thus lack penetration
to vitals, the .223and, by association, the ARwas long
thought to be suitable for hunting only smaller game species.
However, because it allows penetration to vitals from any
reasonable angle, DRTs TS bullet radically alters the equation.
Because the select-fire
versions of the AR15
and M4 are used by the
military, anti-gunners
often claim they are
unsuitable for sporting
purposes. However, the
truth is very different:
In their civilian-legal
semiauto versions, both
are excellent sporting
rifles. And, with the right
ammo, theyre even
effective on larger game
such as deer. (Photo:
U.S. Navy)
With the ARs fast handling qualities, repeat shot capability and
accuracy thats fully equivalent to any decent bolt-action rifle,
the inclusion of DRT ammo makes the picture complete. Both
instantly become effective on a far wider spectrum of game
animals, including deer.
To prove that point, yours truly and three associates took to the
field with variously configured ARs in search of a tough and elusive
quarrythe Midwestern whitetail buck.
ARs are, indeed,

modern sporting
rifles in every way
especially when used
with DRT ammoand
their capabilities
prove that beyond any
reasonable doubt.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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11/9/16 4:39 AM
gun world
Although commonly encountered
in the hands of U.S. military and
law enforcement personnel, in their
civilian-legal semiauto versions, the
M4 and AR15 are exceptionally handy
for hunting. Fast, light and accurate,
they have much to offer for sporting
applications. (Photo: Adam Perez)
The combination of the AR and DRT

Terminal Shock ammo is a winner.
DRT ammunition boosts the .223
into another category entirely and,
in doing so, makes the AR entirely
suitable for bigger game.
The claim that the AR
isnt sufficiently accurate
for sporting applications
is completely untrue. As
long as the upper and
lower receivers are tight
and a decent trigger
pull is achieved, both
configurations shoot as
accurately as any wellconceived bolt-action
rifle. Here is a three-shot,
100-meter target shot
by the author from a
sandbag rest using a
precision AR carbine with
DRT 55-grain ammo.
Midwestern whitetails are not only canny but also exceptionally

tenacious, with a reputation of being tough to put down quickly,
even with a perfect thoracic hit. Theyre big, often weighing 250
pounds or more, and will almost always run a considerable distance
before expiring, even with a perfectly placed shot. Thus, for our
purposes, they were the perfect test animals.
If our ARs with DRT ammo could quickly and humanely down them
with any reasonable shot placement, the proof would be indisputable,
rather than being viewed as a stunt. So, off we went, deer hunting
with ARs and DRT ammo in hand.
HUNTERS AND ARS
My companions, Norm Hanson, Steve Browning and Gail Chandler,
are excellent shots and fine hunters and were most gracious in
accepting my challenge. I told them I believed the AR with DRT
ammo is capable of effectively taking deer and wanted them to help
me prove it.
Conventional 55-grain
soft-point ammunition is
effective for many types
of smaller game, but it
lacks the penetration
to be reliable on deer.
However, Dynamic
Research Technologies
new 55-grain Terminal
Shock ammo, with its
controlled-frangible
bullet, changes
everything. Accurate,
functionally dependable
and devastatingly
effective, its revolutionary
design boosts the .223s
efficiency to previously
unheard-of performance
levels, making it a good
choice out to 300 meters
and even beyond.
www.gunworld.com
As for weapon choices, Norman used a precision-configured AR

carbine. Steve preferred to use his standard AR carbine with a
TAO-1 ACOG optical sight. Gail opted to put a Leupold 2-7x36mm
scope on her standard AR carbine. And I chose to bring a fullsized, precision-configured AR and an AR carbine.
THE HUNT
It was the second week of November, and the whitetails were in rut,
moving about all day long. We split up, each of us with our own guide, and
moved several miles apart to separate locations at the ranch on which
we were hunting. As daylight dawned, it was obvious that the choice
of dates coinciding with the rut had been a good one: There were deer
everywhere, with lots of nice bucks casting about, looking for does.
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Steve was the first to score, taking his buck shortly after dawn.
Sitting in my blind, I heard the single ka-pow of his shot break the
stillness as it echoed across the landscape in the frigid winter air.
A few minutes later, my cell phone buzzed with a text message
from Steves guide: They had one down, taken with a perfect hit
from 60 meters. The buck had traveled fewer than 40 meters before
collapsing. Later in the day, once up on the skinning rack back at
the lodge, the bucks dressed weight was confirmed at 232 pounds.
Norm was next, with a single shot at 4:00 that afternoon. He took
a nice, 130-class eight-point buck slightly quartering away. As with
Steves buck earlier that day, Norms buck traveled fewer than 40
meters before expiring. Its dressed weight was 208 pounds.
At sunrise on the second morning, Gail cleanly nailed a gorgeous
140-class 11-pointer at 135 meters with a single broadside shot.
The buck, which weighed a whopping 271 pounds, went only 50
meters before collapsing.
Shown are the three ARs used

in the article. Because of their
excellent ergonomics and
accuracy, ARs perform well
as hunting rifles, and their
precision-configured versions
are nearly ideal. (Photo: Adam
Perez)
That left yours truly as the only one yet to score. It wasnt because
I hadnt seen a suitable buck (as I mentioned earlier, there were
plenty of them). Sitting in the blind with my precision-configured
AR carbine in hand, Id committed myself to explicitly following my
guides recommendation as to which buck I should take. I wanted
a nice trophy, as much tasty venison as possible and a realistic test
of both rifle and ammo, so I was being selective. Many a good buck
came and went while we waited patiently for the one.
But I wasnt finished. I still had another tag and another rifle to testa
full-sized, 24-inch-barreled precision AR15. I decided to continue
hunting so I could test it, as well.
With an only slightly veiled smile on his face, the ranch owner replied
that he knew where another large buckthis one a 160-class
10-pointerhad been seen regularly. Tongue in cheek, he asked me if
that buck would do. With enthusiasm, I accepted, and the next morning,
off we went.
Before we had arrived, my guide, Dustin, had seen an exceptionally

large 140-class eight-pointer in the area around that particular blind,
and he wanted me to hold out for him. Although I experienced a
bunch of virtual heart attacks and nervous breakdowns as I watched
beautiful bucks pass by, I resigned myself to following his advice.
Sitting in the blind, Dustin and I saw lots of deer and a number of good
bucks, but not the one. I was told to be of good cheer; the buck we
had in mind was most often seen just before dark. As the morning
faded, we pulled up stakes and went back to the lodge for a great
breakfast and additional autopsies on the deer wed already taken.
Finally, on the evening of the second day, the one appeared. We

watched him for nearly an hour as he flitted in and out of the trees, fought
with another buck and finally came toward us to check out a promising
doe that was nearby. Preoccupied with the doe, he came in close.
I nailed him with a straight-on shot to the chest from 40 meters,
causing the most spectacular reaction Ive ever seen. When hit,
he leaped skyward, turned a complete 360-degree, backward
somersault and finally landed, belly down, with a thud
apparently dead before he hit the ground. Later, on the skinning
rack, the weight estimate was confirmed: He weighed exactly
251 pounds dressed.
At the lodge that night, all of us were of the opinion that the project
had been a resounding success. In two days, wed cleanly and
humanely taken four nice bucks, each with a single shot. Everyone
agreed that it was not a fluke. Four big bucks in four shots made
the point irrefutable: The combination of the AR and DRT ammo was
truly a match made in heaven.
DRTs Terminal Shock

ammo features a
revolutionary, new,
controlled-frangible
bullet that allows
penetration to vital
organs from any
reasonable angle before
upset occurs. This has
not been the case in the
past with conventional
or frangible .223 bullet
designs, which tend to
upset too early after
impact, thus precluding
them from reliably
reaching vital organs.
www.gunworld.com
DEVASTATINGLY EFFECTIVE
The results were revealing. In every instance, the DRT 55-grain Terminal
Shock bullet had penetrated to vital organs and then disintegrated into
a large number of fragments that destroyed virtually everything in the
thoracic cavity. In two instances, ribs had been struck during bullet
passage, and more secondary missiles in the form of bone fragments
had been created. Yet in all four cases, no fragments had exited.
JANUARY I 2017
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11/14/16 12:15 AM
gun world
More enthused than ever, we again sat in the blind the next morning,
shivering in the November darkness. Although we saw lots of deer and a
dozen good bucks, the big boy didnt appear.
Gail Chandler with her

excellent, 140-class
nine-pointer, taken
with an AR carbine and
55-grain DRT ammo
The morning passed uneventfully, and by 9 oclock, we decided that the

morning action was pretty much over.
Dont worry. Theres still the evening hunt, Dustin said.
However, as we prepared to exit the blind and make our way back to the
lodge, I took one last look around and was rewarded by movement at the
edge of the clearing below.
Hold it, I whispered urgently, and Dustin froze in place. Look down there,
to the left.
A few moments later, a gorgeous, 160-plus 10-pointer emerged and
crossed below us in that curious rut trot to check out some does
browsing nearby.
Take him, Dustin breathed. He wont be stopping until he gets to the does.
By then, hell be in the trees, and you wont have a shot. He quickly checked
his laser rangefinder and whispered, The range is 1-4-0 meters.
But I was ahead of Dustin, having already re-established my shooting
position and getting my crosshairs on the buck. One second, two, three and
then four passed as I tracked him. As the crosshairs settled on his shoulder
for a short lead, Dustin grunted loudly, and the buck stopped in his tracks
and looked up toward us. Quickly, I altered my aiming point, placing the
crosshairs low, behind the shoulder.
Steve Browning
preferred to use his
ACOG-equipped standard
AR carbine with DRT
55-grain Terminal Shock
ammunitionand
cleanly downed his
130-class buck with a
single hit.
Ka-pow! Although I dont remember pressing the ARs 2-pound Timney

trigger, the sharp crack of the 24-inch-barreled precision AR ended the
morning silence, and the 55-grain Terminal Shock was on its way.
WHACK!
The buck jumped, kicked and took off (a sure indication of a heart/aorta hit),
but piled up after only 30 meters. Back at the skinning rack at the lodge, his
vital statistics were computed. Score: 165; dressed weight: 225 pounds.
WITHOUT A DOUBT
Conclusion? Without question, our project was a resounding successall
our bucks taken with ARs, each with a single hit and using DRT ammo.
The conclusion is both obvious and irrefutable: The combination of the AR
and DRT Terminal Shock ammo is a winner. DRT ammunition boosts the
.223 into another category entirely and, in doing so, makes the AR entirely
suitable for bigger game. We took our bucks cleanly, quickly and humanely,
with the bonus of also having no significant meat loss. From a hunters
standpoint, how much better can it get?
The author with a

large, 140- to 160-class
Midwestern whitetail
buck. It was taken with
a single shot from his
precision-configured AR
carbine and AR15, using
DRT 55-grain ammo.
Midwestern whitetails
are renowned for their
ability to run surprising
distances after
sustaining perfect hits,
but this buck collapsed
quickly after being hit,
traveling fewer than 50
meters.
So, the next time someone tells you your AR isnt suitable as a sporting rifle,
send them my way. Ill be glad to set them straight with the facts and show
them the folly of their ways! ARs are, indeed, modern sporting rifles in every
wayespecially when used with DRT ammoand their capabilities prove
that beyond any reasonable doubt. GW
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
80
11/9/16 4:39 AM
GW_1701_81 11/4/16 4:26 AM Page 81
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EVERYDAY CARRY
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
Seeing
the Light
LASER SIGHTS:
WORTHWHILE
ACCESSORY OR
UNNECESSARY
EXPENSE?
used to think of laser sights as expensive gadgets that were

unnecessary if your shooting fundamentals and defensive
tactics were sound. I didnt exactly light up at the thought
of adding lasers to my handguns, and I thought I had good
reasons:
If youre using a flashlight with your handgun (as you should to

positively identify your target), your iron sights are naturally silhouetted
by the flashlights beam, providing you with an excellent sight picture.
Any electronic gizmo can malfunction or run out of battery power at
an inopportune moment.
If you train consistently, your gun will come up remarkably on target,
even in the dark, as a result of the muscle memory of drawing and
presenting your handgun thousands of times.
A laser can be a valuable

addition to your everydaycarry gear, but it wont
take the place of good
shooting fundamentals
and sound tactics.
If youre conditioned to looking for that point of light on your target,

youll be in for a surprise when, in daylight conditions, that light is
nowhere to be seen.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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a
GW-1701-EDC.CX.indd 82
11/14/16 1:34 AM
A green laser is supposed

to be easier to see
over a wider range of
light conditions than
a red laser. While the
red dot is brighter here
in subdued light, the
author did find that the
green was still visible in
sunnier surroundings,
in which the red all but
disappeared.
However, time passed, and eventually, I began to put some lasers to work. I
dont have them on all my handguns, but I now acknowledge their benefits:
Defensive use of your handgun is more likely to occur at night, so
having one more tool to help you get on target is not a bad thing. If an
attack comes suddenly at contact distance, youll be lucky to draw your
pistol while fending off the attacker, much less get to your flashlight.
While muscle memory and a good sight picture are desirable, when
youre off balance, diving for cover or shooting from awkward positions
one handed, you might find that your normal shooting stance and sight
picture arent possible. Youll be out of your comfort zone, and a laser dot
on the chest of your adversary can quickly get the fight back in your favor.
The author installed this

LaserMax guide rod laser
in his well-worn Glock
19 and found it to be a
simple operation. A big
benefit of this type of
laser is that it cant be
knocked out of alignment
and, once installed,
doesnt require a different
holster.
www.gunworld.com
Defensive use of your handgun is

more likely to occur at night, so
having one more tool to help you
get on target is not a bad thing.
JANUARY I 2017
83
11/14/16 1:34 AM
EVERYDAY CARRY
A laser is especially a plus
on small handguns with
rudimentary sights. This
Ruger LCP came equipped
with a Crimson Trace
Laserguard. The North
American Arms Sidewinder
revolver is fitted with
Laserlyte laser grips.
a dot of light on the chest of

your adversary can quickly get
the fight back in your favor.
If youre compromising by carrying a small gun with rudimentary
sights, a laser can enhance your chances of making an accurate shot.
Lasers can be good training devices. Alone, and in the privacy of
your home, close the blinds to darken a room and to prevent nosy
neighbors from getting nervous. Make sure your gun is unloaded.
Choose a point on a wall, and practice drawing smoothly and getting
that laser dot on target. Dry-fire the gun. If you pull the laser dot off
target, your trigger control needs work.
ATTACHING A LASER
There are non-gun-specific lasers that attach to your handguns rail.
The advantage: These lasers can fit several of your handguns. The
drawback: Youll need a holster that will accommodate the gun with
the laser attached.
Some lasers are made for specific guns and attach in front of the
trigger guard. Theyre more streamlined, but again, youll probably
need a new holster. Still other lasers are built into handgun grips for
guns with easily replaceable grips, such as revolvers and 1911 pistols.
Most lasers are activated by either a pressure switch at the front
of the grip or a switch within reach of the trigger finger. Many are
adjustable for windage and elevation by means of a tiny hex wrench
thats often included (and just as often lost). The good news is
that once your laser is dialed in for your defensive load, no further
adjustments are usually needed.

One of the best laser devices in my estimation is the type that replaces
the pistols recoil spring/guide rod assembly. In fact, I installed a
LaserMax unit recently in my well-worn Glock 19.
ABOUT
THE
AUTHOR
Steven Paul Barlow
is a retired sergeant/
station commander
and former firearms
instructor with the
New York State
Police. He has been
writing on outdoor
topics for more
than 30 years and
has served as the
editor for a number
of Engaged Media
special publications,
including Gunslingers.
www.gunworld.com
To install it, I also had to replace the pistols slide stop and spring with
those supplied with the laser. It was a quick, painless operation, even
for me. The laser is turned on or off from either side of the handgun by
depressing the small protrusions of the slide stopthe same device
used for removing the slide from the pistol.
Because the LaserMax is positioned in line with the bore, it doesnt
need to be adjusted. The model I have emits a pulsing green light,
which seems to be easier to see in a wider range of light conditions. In
addition, because the unit resides within the handgun, you wont have
to purchase a special holster.
Expect to pay between about $200 and $375 for a quality laser sight.
The best deals come when you buy a gun that includes a laser.
I couldnt miss with one of those, Ive heard people say. But a laser
doesnt turn your handgun into a jet fighter. It doesnt lock you onto the
target. So, if you dont have good shooting fundamentals, its just as
easy to miss, laser or not. It is simply another handy tool to consider for
everyday carry. GW
JANUARY I 2017
84
11/14/16 1:34 AM
Because of the different

types of laser sights now
available, more handguns
can be equipped with them
than ever before.
where
to get
your
lasers
CRIMSON TRACE
(800) 442-2406
WWW.CRIMSONTRACE.COM
Left: Several manufacturers

offer handgun grips that
feature built-in lasers.
This Kimber Micro9 is
fitted with laser grips from
Crimson Trace. A pressure
switch on the front strap
activates the laser.
GW-1602-Media Direct-Heritage 12/1/15 1:38
LASERLYTE
(928) 649-3201
WWW.LASERLYTE.COM
Right: After installing the

LaserMax guide rod laser
in the Glock 19, the new
slide stop becomes the
device for removing the
pistols slide, as well as
for activating the laser by
pushing it in from either
PM
1
sidePage
of the frame.
LASERMAX
(800) 527-3703
WWW.LASERMAX.COM
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STARTING AT: $199 MSRP
See our complete line of revolvers and accessories at:
WWW.HERITAGEMFG.COM
11/14/16 1:35 AM
TRAIN
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CERINO
SECOND
STEPS
YOU FOUND
Electronic hearing
protection not only
blocks out noise; you
are also able to hear
instructions without
removing them.
First, start by reading the instructors course description.

Hopefully, he or she describes what will be covered during the
class and lists all the items you need to bring. At a minimum, this
should include the suggested amount of ammunition and number
of magazines, eye and ear protection, a belt, holster and, of course,
your firearm.
Now, let me make some minor adjustments to this list and clarify.
AMMUNITION: Regardless of the amount required, bring a little
extra. Although most professional instructors can judge the amount of
ammo needed, it could vary, depending on the classs overall abilities.
A PLACE
TO ATTEND
TRAINING.
NOW WHAT?
www.gunworld.com
ast month, I gave you pointers about vetting an instructor

and registering for your first pistol course. Now comes
the next step.
You dont want to run out of ammo. Not only will you cut yourself
short and miss out on extra practice, you also might not be able to
partake in a fun competition at the end of class. Its not as if it will
go to waste if you dont use it that day. Right?
MAGAZINES: Again, as with the ammunition, it doesnt hurt to have
extra. Sometimes, magazines stop functioning properly; things break. If
you end up with less than the instructor required, you will waste both
your own and the classs time reloading to keep up with everyone.
p
JANUARY I 2017
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11/8/16 4:14 AM
EYE AND EAR PROTECTION: Make sure your eye protection

meets or exceeds ballistic protection standards. Ive had near misses
with ricochets, and it could have been much worse without my glasses.
As for ear protection, I highly recommend electronic ears. Whether
inside the ear or muffs, they make a huge difference when you are
attending a class. First of all, being able to hear the instructors
directions is a plusboth for safety reasons and to keep you from
looking like an idiot. Second, for those who need to remove their ear
protection to hear, you will avoid forgetting to put it back on when
the gunfire starts again. (Ouch!)
BELT: The belt you use with your holster has to be sturdy. It
should fit tightly against your body and keep your holster from
sagging or coming up along with the gun as you draw. Be cautious
of standard leather and dress belts, because they tend to wear,
stretch and crack. You might find yourself fumbling both on the
draw and while re-holstering if the belt isnt sturdy.
You dont want to run out of ammo. Not only

will you cut yourself short and miss out on extra
practice, you also might not be able to partake
in a fun competition at the end of class.
Keep everything you

need for training in a
range bag so you have
it whenever you attend
classes.
www.gunworld.com
HOLSTER: Bring a holster that is conducive to the type of training

you are attending. Understandably, many people use IWB holsters,
leather holsters, belly bands, etc. for their daily carry. Although these
holsters are practical and necessary for concealed carry, they might
not be the best choices for high-repetition training and learning how
to hit what you are aiming at. (High repetition and drawing from the
holster should be part of any training program. )
JANUARY I 2017
87
11/8/16 4:14 AM
TRAIN
Adding the stresses of returning your pistol to a deep-concealment
holster might take away part of what an instructor is trying to teach.
You dont want your focus to change from practicing new shooting
skills to struggling with a holster. Deep-concealment IWB holsters
or snaps, as well as misshapen leather holsters, not only slow
you down; they hold up the rest of the class. A quality Kydex or
plastic outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster is money well spent. It
enables you to easily return your gun quickly and securely.
Full-sized firearms help

you make the most of
training when shooting
large quantities of
ammunition.
PISTOL: Chances are, you will be shooting several hundred rounds

of ammunition each day of the class. Generally, a full-sized, highcapacity gun with three magazinesas opposed to a compact, lowcapacity gunis much easier to train with for long days at the range.
Save compacts for low-round-count practice and concealed carry.
WAITTHERES MORE
Besides the basic equipment the instructor tells you to bring, here
are some items you might also find handy to have in your range bag:
A pencil and note pad or an electronic device for taking notes comes
in handy when you have that, Ah, ha! moment. An UpLULA makes
loading your magazines easy, fast and painless.
A billed hat will keep the sun out of your eyes, help you avoid
sunburn and hopefully block the brass ejecting from your neighbors
gun. Depending on the time of year at an outdoor range, bring
sunscreen, bug spray, layered clothing and rain gear. Being cold,
wet and hot on the range sometimes makes learning more difficult.
Always make sure you have a quality meal replacement or energy
bars, water and a drink for replacing electrolytes. It is important to
stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up to avoid accidents.
Most instructors prefer an unloaded firearm in the classroom, and
many dont allow ammunition there. Be sure to arrive early enough
so you can find out what is expected and then get settled it.
Now, relax. Knowing you have all the items you need will make it
all the more enjoyable. You will have a better experience with the
proper tools for learning, and your instructor will appreciate that you
are well prepared. GW
ABOUT
THE
AUTHOR
Michelle Cerino
isboth a firearms
trainer and the
president ofCerino
Consulting and
Training Group,
LLCa firearms
training company
she built with her
husband, Chris, in
2011. She writes,
hunts and competes
in major 3-Gun
matches nationwide.
Left: Avoid IWB leather
holsters when training.
Above: A quality OWB Kydex-type holster works best

for repetitive drawing from the holster during training.
Right: The UpLULA makes

reloading much easier
and also saves your
thumbs.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
88
11/8/16 4:14 AM
GW_1701_89 11/4/16 4:29 AM Page 89
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preps
STORY BY GARRETT LUCAS
THE SAVVY
SURVIVOR
The author chose the Foliage Maxpedition
Kodiak gearslinger as his walkabout bag
because of its low tactical profile, its build
quality and capacity, if needed.
here are different levels or categories of preparedness,

and each progressive step becomes more
comprehensive and all encompassing than the one
before it. In a way, its like layering clothing for survival
in the outdoors.
We will begin our survey of the different levels with the most basic
preparations one can make. The skills and supplies from lowerlevel preps can be incorporated into the more-comprehensive
measures that are established later on. Additionally, starting
with the basic levels will allow people new to the preparedness
world to start from the ground up as we begin our discussions.
The most important thing to remember as one becomes involved
with more preparedness tasks: Gear, alone, will not suffice.
Knowledge is critical at each phase, and keep in mind that the
brain is always the most powerful weapon.
Tier 1 preparedness addresses immediate threat scenarios that
can affect an individual directly while away from home. Tier 1
readiness encompasses the equipment an individual has on
their person at all timesbasically, EDC (everyday carry) gear.
WALKABOUT BAG
Our discussion will bypass equipment that is carried in a pocket
or on a belt and focus on an extension of personal preparedness
with what I refer to as the walkabout bag.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
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11/9/16 4:48 AM
The author also carries a pistol with

at least three magazines in his WAB to
supplement the concealed-carry gear
thats already on his person.
TIER 1 PREPAREDNESS: THE WALKABOUT BAG

There are cases, such as when one is at work, for which a
different kind of kit can be prepared for sheltering in place
(or a GHB can be stored). However, the WAB will cover normal
activities during the day when one is running errands, shopping
at the mall, going to the movies or just buying groceries.
The WAB, for me, is a fairly recent refinement to my preparations,

mainly as a result of the recent terror attacks, riots and rise in
crime rates in certain areas. This is for times when a get-home
bag (GHB) probably isnt readily available because of where its
stored (usually in the vehicle).
The WAB is designed to be a light, low-profile pack I keep with me
whenever I am on foot away from the car. It is only intended to be
used for an immediate threat lasting under an hour or two. Some
folks claim to keep their full GHBs with them at all times, but based
on what Ive seen, thats usually not true. Because of weight and
lack of comfort, most folks who do have a GHB keep it in their cars.
Even a small handful

of tools can make
the difference in an
immediate threat
event. The wrench
can do double duty as
an effective club or
glass breaker, and the
8-inch bolt cutter is
effective for fencing,
nails and wire.
The key to the WAB is to keep it light enough so the individual

wont mind carrying it at all times. As a result, compromises
have to be made. Those compromises will take into account
the most likely short-term threats and the tools that might be
needed to deal with them. Water, food, tarps and other typical
survival gear arent going to help much in an escape situation
that involves a fire, active shooter or an IED.
From there, the next transition (if required) will be to make it to
the vehicle or GHB (this item will be covered in future columns).
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
91
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preps
SUGGESTED WAB CONTENTS
Assuming that most folks reading this column carry a concealed
weapon, we wont focus on a firearm or holster for the WAB.
Below are the contents for my personal WABand by no means
are they deemed as being required. Hopefully, they are just a
starting point, and each persons pack can vary, depending on
skill and local conditions.
1 pistol (in addition to EDC)
2 spare loaded magazines (in addition to EDC)
1 tactical light
Spare lithium batteries
1 compass (for communicating position)
1 quality fixed-blade knife
1 backup/neck knife
1 multi-tool (such as Wave or Charge TTi)
1 pair of 8-inch bolt cutters
1 vari-size wrench
1 basic trauma pack (not a first aid kit)
1 CAT (or similar) tourniquet
1 compression bandage
1 permanent Sharpie medium marker
1 extra/extended-life cell phone battery
1 medium roll of duct tape
1 100-foot package of 550 paracord
1 survival whistle
1 pair of quality gloves
1 iEvac smoke/fire hood (kept in separate compartment)
1 liter of water
Now, for some folks, this list might seem like a lot for a light
pack, but most items are small and weigh very little. And with
the right knowledge, the user can find many uses for the gear
and improvise on the fly. The heaviest items are the loaded
magazines, knife, wrench and bottle of water. Everything else
is fairly negligible.
The iEvac EBP 900

smoke hood is the
first device certified
to meet standards for
respiratory smoke
escape devices in
the United States.
It protects against
smoke, as well as
other toxins, such as
hydrogen cyanide,
ammonia, tear gas, OC
(oleoresin capsicum/
pepper spray) and
sarin nerve gas.
The current WAB isnt the end-all of survival packs, but it equips
the user with various items to deal with different situations. Its
up to you to decide whether you want to carry the extra weight,
but if it keeps you from carrying the pack at all times, strip some
weight. Having some items with you is better than none, and if
its not with you when you need it, its not going to do you a bit
of good. GW
For others, this pack might seem to be missing items such as

additional water, eye protection or maybe a small demo tool. I have,
in fact, considered this, but they do add significant weight. Just 1
liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds. A tool such as the Stanley 18-inch
Fubar Forcible Entry tool weighs about 3.4 pounds.
Certainly, the Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger I use can carry
much more gear fairly comfortably. Ive done so with it in the
past, but I keep the weight of my WAB at a bare minimum to
ensure it stays with me everywhere I goat least where its
legally allowed.
The walkabout bag

should contain items
with which you can
communicate or signal
emergency personnel
or family.
www.gunworld.com
JANUARY I 2017
92
11/9/16 4:48 AM
I chose the Foliage

Maxpedition Kodiak
gearslinger as my
walkabout bag because
of its low tactical profile,
its build quality and
capacity, if needed.
about the author

Garrett Lucas has been a member of the prepper community for more than 20 years. He has served
as editor for American Survival Guide and has written on topics that include firearms, cutlery, longterm preparedness, wilderness survival, first aid and personal/home security. He currently resides in
GW-1609-Numrich
6/13/16
2:41 PM
Page
1 and every day.
Kentucky,
where he continues
his learning
process
each
In the authors WAB is the Bleeding Control Kit from

Doom and Bloom. This choice was deliberate because
of its easy-to-follow instructions for beginners and
because the pack might have to be used by others who
are not familiar with traumatic wounds.
11/9/16 4:48 AM
CLEARED HOT
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRIAN BERRY
ABOUT
THE
AUTHOR
Brian Berry is a retired
Army Special Forces
Command sergeant
major. He is a former
Special Forces
Weapons sergeant and
has multiple combat
tours under his belt.
Brian is the co-founder
of Spartan Defensive
Concepts, at which
he teaches concealed
carry and defensive
marksmanship courses.
Brian retired in 2014
and is now a consultant
currently working for
the Special Operations
community. He resides
on a horse farm with
his wife and sons.
Once you get into your

car, leave. By not paying
attention, you allow
an assailant to easily
approach you.
their favorite restaurant, they all show signs of the lowest level of
awareness of their surroundings.
These behaviors also make you a target for someone who might wish
to do you harm. However, maintaining situational awareness doesnt
mean living your life in fear; it means living your life prepared.
A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
MAINTAINING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

DOESNT MEAN LIVING YOUR LIFE IN
FEAR; IT MEANS LIVING YOUR LIFE
PREPARED.
dont want people to think Im paranoid.
In many cases, that is how my conversation with some of

my students starts when I bring up the subject of situational
awareness. This comes after I have given several examples and
asked how many of my students exhibit certain behaviors.
These
behaviors
also make
you a
target for
someone
who might
wish to do
you harm.
Think about where you are sitting and how it might affect getting to
your defensive weapon in the event of trouble. For example, sitting in
a booth might make it more difficult than sitting at a table. Take note
of the material the table is made ofwill it protect you from gunfire
or flying debris? You should also look for things that might seem out of
the ordinary, such as a heavy coat in the summer or someone trying to
hide their face. Watch for that disgruntled customer or employee: If they
return to the establishment; they might intend to do someone harm.
THE TRIP TO THE MALL
From using their phones while walking to texting at stop signs or

lights (or worsewhile driving) to sitting in any booth or table at
www.gunworld.com
While most people would think that going to dinner at a nice restaurant
is a routine thing, there are many things to think about during your night
out. Where you sit and the type of table you sit at are things to consider.
You should be able to see the entry and/or exit. Its optimal to have a
direct line out if you need to get yourself and your loved ones to safety.
The mall can be a fun place. Who doesnt like to shop? (Probably all
P
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Avoiding Danger
GROCERY STORES. The number-one place that women are
abducted or attacked is the grocery store parking lot. Be
vigilant; pay attention to your surroundings. Never carry your
bags and always use a cart. It can help gain you some distance
from an attacker and also keeps your hands free.
Both hands are full; theres no

way to get to a firearm, even
if you had one. At a minimum,
keep your strong hand free.
PURSES. Carry your purse cross-body if possible and also in

a position that allows you to access your weapon quickly. If
someone is trying to rob you, do not hand them your wallet or
purse; throw it on the ground and run.
ATTRACT ATTENTION. Try to bring as much attention to yourself
as possible. Crooks hate attention. If you see someone who
looks out of place, get a good look at them and make sure they
know it. They do not want to be identified, and they will most
likely break off contact with you.
PARKING GARAGES AND PUBLIC RESTROOMS. The next mostdangerous places are parking garages and public restrooms.
Stay in pairs if possible and avoid anything that looks out of
place. This includes missing lights, someone sitting in their car
near yours or something on your windshield.
If you are in a multi-story parking garage and the elevator has a
sign on it that says it doesnt work, test it anyway. It could be a
ruse. Bad guys prefer to catch you in the stairwell, where there
are no windows and it is very well insulated for sound.
When you get in your car, start it up and leave. Bad guys look
for someone sitting in their car texting, searching through their
purse or backpack, or some other action that distracts them
from what is going on outside the car. Pay attention to your
surroundings.
men, unless there is an outdoors store!)
The OODA Loop
n the 1950s, Colonel John Boyd developed what he called the OODA loop as
a method of describing how we react to stimulus. OODA stands for Observe,
Orient, Decide and Act. Most people will take these steps when reacting.
OBSERVE: You might hear a crash or a scream. What you want to avoid in this
phase is denying that something is happening; accept that it is.
ORIENT: Try to determine the direction the sound or action came from.
DECIDE: From there, you decide what you can do and begin to formulate your
plan. The decide phase is dependent on how aware you are and whether or not
you will have time to decide anything or have it decided for you.
ACT: The final phase is to act. In an active shooter situation, this might be your
fight-or-flight reaction.
But the mall can also be a very dangerous place. For some reason,
people seem to let their guard down while shopping. Maybe its all
those endorphins that are let loose while filling your bags with the
latest fashion wear. In addition, most malls are gun-free zones
and the bad guys know it. Whether they are waiting to pick your
pocket or purse, they can spend hours waiting for the right target. In
addition, they blend in with the shoppers.
There are many things you can do to harden yourself to prevent
being a target. You must be like a tiger, not a lamb.
The easiest fix is to get off that phone and pay attention to your
surroundings. If you notice that someone has been outside every
store you have left, they could be following you to assess if youd
make an easy target.
www.gunworld.com
Maintaining situational awareness will allow you to formulate through the

OODA loop. You should not think of these phases as distinctly
different, because that will slow your response time.
Observe and orient are simultaneous, and decide and act
should happen quickly, based on your training. You
cant train for every situation, but the more
you train, the better equipped you are, both
physically and mentally.
The OODA loop graphically depicts the stages
through which you might experience an event as it
unfoldsfrom the first step of recognition through the decision
toward the outcome. You can use this in your training regimen.
JANUARY I 2017
95
11/14/16 1:43 AM
CLEARED HOT
A couple of key pieces of advice: First, dont fill both arms up with
bags; leave your strong arm free to access your weapon. Second,
dont shop alone, if you can help it, especially if youre going to
be leaving in the evening. Last, avoid paying with cash.
Be particularly mindful when its time to leave and get to your
car. Its best not to leave when its dark outside, especially in a
secluded parking lot. Pay attention to the parking lot lighting.
If the lights are out where you are parked, go back inside and
ask for a security guard to walk you to your car. The same goes
for parking garages.
driver door is against one of those shopping cart returns. It
allows me a greater field of view. Also, be aware of parking
next to the parking lot landscaping, because its a good place
to hide.
TAKING A DRIVE
For many people, their cars are safe places. You can lock the
windows and feel relatively safe.
But are you? Most drivers dont pay attention to their surroundings
while driving. Make sure to keep proper distances from other cars
to avoid being boxed in when you stop. Most people I ask dont
do this. When the average person pulls up to a stop in traffic, they
tend to pull up close to the person in front of them; the person
behind does the same. This leaves the chance of escape unlikely.
Texting or talking on
the phone while sitting
still can be dangerous.
Pay attention to your
surroundings.
Also, pulling up to the multi-lane stop and being in the middle

lane leaves you trapped. The outside lanes give you an
opportunity to get out and around in an emergency such as an
attempted carjacking or theft.
NEVER STOP TRAINING

My last piece of advice: Do not make situational awareness
your only tool. You need to seek out other training. Learn how
to defend yourself with and without a weapon. Just knowing
what is around you wont help when something happens.
Maintaining situational awareness wont prevent bad things
from happening, but it will hopefully give you those precious
seconds to react. GW
Smart Phones
Do not make
situational
awareness
your only tool.
You need to
seek out other
training. Learn
how to defend
yourself with
and without a
weapon.
mart phones are not all bad. There are some

very good apps that might be useful in the event
you are abducted, such as the locator app. You
can also use your phone for apps such as SpotCrime
and CrimeMapping. Have your local law enforcement
numbers saved in your favorites file for those times
that arent emergencies ... but could turn into one.
www.gunworld.com
Levels of Awareness
here are four levels of awareness in most defensive

circles. Years ago, Jeff Cooper identified them and
used colors to define them.
WHITE. The first color is white, which is associated with

being relaxed and unaware of your surroundings. You might
have seen videos of someone falling in the fountain at the
mall or walking across a busy street while texting. This
is the lowest level of awareness; it is also the one most
criminals look for.
YELLOW. You are relaxed but aware of your surroundings. You
recognize and avoid people and places that could cause trouble.
AMBER. This level puts you in alert mode. This is when
something has heightened your senses to a situation and
increases your awareness. It might turn out to be nothing,
but you are prepared just the same.
RED. This is the last and most dangerous level. This is
where the possible threat in amber has increased the level
of a threat toward you. It still might not be to the point at
which you might draw a weapon, but you should at least
be prepared to.
It is also important to maintain 360-degree awareness and
not allow someone to approach you from behind. The best
remedy is to always attempt to get out of the area and survive.
JANUARY I 2017
96
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GW-1412-GTUL 9/29/14 9:43 AM Page 1
GW-1701-Hogue 10/28/16 8:46 AM Page 1
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DOWN RANGE
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GW_1701_C3 11/4/16 4:35 AM Page C3
GW_1701_C4 11/10/16 11:31 PM Page C4
DESIGNED WITH
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Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol is built
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2016 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
092616

GW Jan 2017

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