TABLE OF

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INSIDE
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ISSUE 05
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SLIDE IN
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P. 38 P. 48 P. 55
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P. 62 P. 64 P. 72
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4 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

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 TABLE OF
® CONTENTS

® INSIDE
ISSUE 05
P
WHICH P
BLAST L
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STORY
R
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WATCH? R
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OFF! F
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TIME
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BUYER’S GUIDE U
BLAST MITIGATOR S
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P. 80 P. 84 P. 92
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AMERICAN P
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BEAUTY R
O THE DRAW
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RUGER
AMERICAN
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HOLSTER E
S MAGIC
R C BUYER’S GUIDE T
Y NUMBER
M PISTOL T

P. 106
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SUPPLY BLACKBIRD TO SPECIALIZED

P P P

DROP BLACK RIFILE

R
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TITANIUM
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U U AR PARTS U
C C C
T T BUYER’S GUIDE T

P. 122 P. 139
S S S

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER ALWAYS ABIDE BY THE FIREARMS SAFETY RULES:

1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
Prices, options and information for products and services featured in 2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Ballistic are set by the retailers and manufacturers, and are subject to 3. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
change without notice. 4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire.

Proudly printed in the USA All imagery in Ballistic is photographed in a closed studio or range by
professionals. Do not attempt to recreate any photographs depicted in
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TIP: THIS ICON REPRESENTS A PRODUCT THAT

Cover photo by Michael Neveux
IS SCALED TO APPROXIMATE ACTUAL SIZE.
Cover composite by Stephen Chavez

6 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 ®

05
GOING
BALLISTIC
The greatest challenge of putting together an issue of Ballistic isn’t the tight deadlines or writer’s block. The
challenge is finding enough pages for everything we want to cover. The range of firearms and survival tactics
is as vast as it is deep, and we can rarely cram everything we’d like to present to you, our readers, in each and
every issue. We do, however, strive to serve up as much valuable content as we can to entertain, educate and
encourage you to seek more information about the new and interesting topics and products we share.

In this fifth issue of Ballistic, we turn our focus to advanced materials. In one article we talk about the
advantages of materials such as Inconel and Kevlar, and in another we’ve assembled the finest titanium AR-15
parts for those who want to shave ounces of weight off their custom builds.

This time around, we’ve reviewed not one but two AR-15 rifles. We are excited about both of these ARs
because they’re unlike any you’ve seen before. One is milled out beyond belief, and the other is geared up to
take 1,000-yard shots. We also got behind one of the hottest American-made pistols to come out in recent
years—the Ruger American Pistol. Does it live up to its hype? Read on to find out.

Never one to shy away from thought-provoking conversation, we asked our panel of Ballistic Round Table
experts to weigh in on competitive shooting’s effects on self-defense scenarios. Does competition shooting
translate to effective self-defense shooting in the real world, or is it detrimental to your safety? Wait until you
read our experts’ thoughts about this topic.

One of our more popular departments here at Ballistic is EDC. In this issue, we take a personal tour of Frank
Proctor’s everyday carry setup. You might know him from Way of the Gun. Frank breaks down what he
chooses to carry and why. We also dissect the FBI’s crime report, and our easy-to-read infographic will show
you the cities where you don’t want to get stranded with a flat tire.

As always, we’ve kept our editorial finger on the pulse of new products you need to see. We went in-depth
with buyer’s guides that cover aftermarket Glock slides, wristwatches that won’t fail you, muzzle blast control
devices, and reliable and safe outside-the-waistband holsters.

Thank you for picking up this issue of Ballistic. We appreciate your faith in our mission and, as always,
encourage you to send us your feedback and follow us at facebook.com/ballisticmagazine and instagram.com/
ballisticmagazine. Until next time, stay safe and keep on shooting.
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*Quotes obtained from long-range shooting blogs and forums. Warranty is valid for products purchased after January 1st, 2016.
© 2016 For more information, visit bushnell.com/yesthatscovered
 ®

Volume 2, Issue 01

PUBLISHER
Stanley R. Harris
GROUP PUBLISHER
Shirley Steffen
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Karin Levine
EDITOR AT LARGE
Michael O. Humphries

EDITORS
Howard C. Lim, John Naderi
CREATIVE DIRECTORS
Stephen Chavez, Howard C. Lim
ART DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Stephen Chavez
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers: Tim Anderson, Garrett B. Carter, Edward Hurst, John Jarasa, Justin Kaehler,
Dale Martin, John Scott, David Thorson, TracerX, Triple Bravo
Illustrator: Spacemen Inc.

DESIGN CONSULTANT
Socrates Gomez
COPY EDITORS
Ryan Pasquale, Greg Lickenbrock
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Richard Ortega
ADVERTISING SALES
Leticia Henry
AD PRODUCTION MANAGER
Heila Nir
AD COORDINATOR
Danielle Connard
SOCIAL MEDIA/ONLINE DIRECTOR
Claudia Bircu
WEB COORDINATOR
Tatiana Garcia

CHAIRMAN
Stanley R. Harris
PRESIDENT
Ben Harris
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Warren Sherman
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Tim Hannon
DIGITAL/MOBILE DIRECTOR
Kim Shay

Send editorial queries and comments to:

personaldefenseworld@harris-pub.com
Harris Tactical Group can be reached at:
Phone: 212-807-7100; Fax: 212-463-9958
harris-pub.com
realworldsurvivor.com
personaldefenseworld.com
tactical-life.com
Online Store:
harristacticalstore.com
Subscriptions/Back Issues:
subscriptions@harris-pub.com, backissues@harris-pub.com or call 800-866-2886

To the Readers: Be advised that there may be products represented in this magazine as to which the sale, possession or interstate trans-
portation thereof may be restricted, prohibited or subject to special licensing requirements. Prospective purchasers should consult the lo-
cal law enforcement authorities in their area. All of the information in this magazine is based upon the personal experience of individuals who
may be using specific tools, products, equipment and components under particular conditions and circumstances, some or all of which may
not be reported in the particular article and which this magazine has not otherwise verified. Nothing herein is intended to constitute a man-
ual for the use of any product or the carrying out of any procedure or process. This magazine and its officers and employees accept no re-
sponsibility for any liability, injuries or damages arising out of any person’s attempt to rely upon any information contained herein.

BALLISTIC® is published four times per year by Harris Publications, Inc., 1115 Broadway, NYC, NY 10010. Single copy price:
$8.99 in USA, $9.99 in Canada. Subscription price: 4 issues for $23.97. Submissions of manuscripts, illustrations and/or photo-
graphs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited mate-
rial. Copyright © 2016 by Harris Publications, Inc. All rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the USA.
 ESSENTIAL
® GEAR 5 Hatch

Model: Street Guard Glove with Kevlar

Select Products That Are
MSRP: $44.99 URL: safariland.com
Notes: This glove provides cut protection
thanks to a Kevlar-knit liner located on the inside 5
of the hand and fingers. Outside, the synthetic-
leather palm provides a positive grip area for
confident weapon control.

Featured On The Cover 6 Blue Force Gear

Model: Vickers Combat Applications Sling

1 Arc’teryx
Color: Kryptek Typhon
Model: Men’s Covert Cardigan MSRP: $45 URL: blueforcegear.com
Color: Black Notes: By far Blue Force Gear’s most popular
MSRP: $179 URL: arcteryx.com product, this two-point sling incorporates
Notes: This feature-rich technical fleece is features honed from real-world experience
engineered to provide you with versatility and and is constructed of 1.25-inch webbing and
warmth, and is constructed with flatlocked durable nylon hardware. The sling is easy to
seams for comfort. It is both quick-drying use and built to last.
and breathable, and has three pockets with
10
7 Pivothead
laminated zippers.
Model: Durango
2 Unity Tactical Color: Glossy black
Model: ATOM Slide MSRP: $199 URL: pivothead.com
URL: unitytactical.com Notes: These sunglasses record what
Notes: Read more about this slide in “Slide In you see. With the push of a button, a high- 10 o Co
Comp
mpan
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pan
a y USA
Style” on page 30. definition camera captures full HD video and Model: ( )
crystal-clear audio at 1080/30p or 720/60p, MSRP: $595 URL: bravocompanyusa.com
3 Carhartt Force as well as 8-megapixel still images in burst and Notes: Read more about this watch in “Which
Model: Tappen Cargo Pant time-lapse modes. Watch?“ on page 80.
Color: Gravel
MSRP: $59.99 8 F-1 Firearms
11 Rainier Arms
URL: carhartt.com Model: BDR-15-3G
Notes: Carhartt Force’s Tappen Cargo Pant URL: f-1firearms.com Model: Precision Match-Grade Nickel-Boron
is made of ripstop cotton that can wick away Notes: See the “Machined Precision” feature Bolt Carrier Group
sweat for comfort. It is constructed with a story on page 38. MSRP: $194.95 URL: rainierarms.com
gusseted crotch to help keep your guys from Notes: This nickel-boron-plated AR-15
AR 15
getting crunched, and has articulated knees for 9 Tactical Tailor nd
5.56mm bolt carrier is machined and
easier movement. Model: Mini MAV with Fight Light 556 Triple eet and
Mag Panel exceed all mil-spec requirements.
4 Magpul
Color: Wolf Grey MSRP: $52.50 / $31.25
12 Colt
Model: PMAG 15 GL9 URL: tacticaltailor.com
MSRP: $15.95 URL: magpul.com Notes: The Mini Modular Assault Vest Model: Thin Man Linerlock
Notes: Magpul’s PMAG 15 GL9 is a 15-round (MAV) allows you to carry ammo and other MSRP: $17.20
magazine made to work with Glock 19 pistols. accessories while maintaining a lower profile URL: amzn.to/1PBDqnH
It features a stainless-steel spring for than with larger chest rigs. The Mini MAV can Notes: a 3.75-inch-
corrosion resistance and all-polymer body be worn under a jacket or over body armor. long, 440A stainless-steel blade, an
a aluminum
l i
construction for dependable reliability over Attached to the Mini MAV is a Fight Light 5.56 et clip. It
thousands of rounds. Triple Mag Panel, which is sold separately. en closed.

12 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 6
1 4

3 12

11

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 13

 ESSENTIAL
® GEAR
Three Everyday Carries,
Including Frank Proctor’s
Personal Setup
Written by Frank Proctor & Ballistic Staff
Photos by Frank Proctor & Ballistic Staff
How one approaches their everyday-carry
setup can be as varied as the individual
themself. Their job, place of employment and
even personality and known skills can have a
huge effect on their EDC. And when you also
take environmental factors such as location
and weather into account, you get a mixed bag
of EDC setups.
Some may subscribe to the “right tool for the
right job” mindset and choose to carry as
much as they reasonably can to help them
out of any imaginable jam. Need to stop the
bleeding? They have a HALO seal for that.
Need to open up a beer, stat? Out comes
the belt-buckle bottle opener. Others might
be more of the MacGyver type and can wing
it with a simple pocketknife and a packet
of ketchup. In any case, it’s always best to
fashion your EDC setup to your particular
needs and situation.
We’ve showcased a couple of EDC setups
that feature a varied selection of gear on the
following pages, but first, we asked Frank
Proctor, noted trainer, competitor, inventor
and all-around badass, what he carries. Here’s
Frank’s EDC in his own words:
As you can tell by looking at my gear, I use it all
as tools. I don’t baby anything, and I don’t carry
anything that’s not functional and minimalist in
design. Here’s how I roll and why.
14 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Frank Proctor
Pistol
For a pistol, I carry a Glock 19 Gen4. I choose
a Glock 19 because it is small enough to
conceal well but big enough to be a very
shootable pistol. (glock.com)
Ammo
My carry ammo is Hornady 135-grain Critical
Duty +P. I’m very confident in the capability
of this ammo. With the Hornady ammo in the
Glock 19 and my Proctor Y Notch sights, I’m
comfortable and confident in the ability to
quickly deliver accurate hits out to 50 yards on
realistic-size targets. (hornady.com)
Holster
I carry the pistol in a Way Of The Gun design
IWB holster manufactured by Off The Grid
Concepts, I use this holster to carry appendix
and behind the hip with very good comfort and
function. (otghex.com)
Belt
I worked on the design for my Covert B.E.L.T.
for a few years to end up with a very minimalist
and super-functional all-purpose belt. I use this
one for everything from EDC to USPSA and
CQB. The B.E.L.T. gives me the option to carry
extra magazines covertly and comfortably, plus
several other features. (wayofthegun.us)
Flashlight
I also carry my Streamlight ProTac 1L in one
of the front mag pouches on the B.E.L.T. I’ve
been using a Streetlight ProTac 1L as a carry
light as well as on my carbine since early
2012. I love the size of this 180-lumen light,
and it’s super-economical. (streamlight.com)
Knife
My knife is an older Benchmade 9100SBK
Auto Stryker. I got the knife in 2006 on a
deployment to Afghanistan and initially didn’t
like the style of it. I started carrying the knife
and using it for just about everything from pry
bar to field-dressing deer, and it has been a
great tool. (benchmade.com)
More About Frank Proctor
Proctor is founder and head instructor at Way
Of The Gun. He has served over 18 years in
the military, 11 of those in U.S. Army Special
Forces, and has been shooting competitively
since 2007. He has earned the rank of Grand
Master in the Limited division and holds a
Master ranking in IDPA Stock Service Pistol.
He brings his experiences as a Special Forces
operator, competitive shooter and instructor
to his WOTG training courses and line of
specialty gear. Visit wayofthegun.us for more
on Proctor, his training courses and his line of
innovative products.
 Ballistic Picks:

Premium Selection

A D

F
B

G
C

Samsung Torpedo Titanium Kershaw Fisher Space Pen Glock

MUF-64BA USB 3.0 Drive 1 Lighter LINK (Model 1776GRYBW) Chrome Bullet Space Pen Glock 19
A samsung.com B survivaldepot.co.uk C kershawknives.com D spacepen.com E us.glock.com
$27.99 $38.48 $69.99 $25 $599

SureFire Apple Porsche Design Rainier Arms Techlink

TITAN iPhone 6s Plus P8552 Carbon Fiber Wallet Recharge 2600 USB Charger
F surefire.com G apple.com H porsche-design.com I rainierarms.com J apple.com
$69.99 $749 $257.95 $98.95 $24.95

16 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 Ballistic Picks:

Practical Selection

C
I

K
E

G J

Vargo Bastion Urban Operators MecArmy Fossil

Titanium Watter Bottle Carbon Fiber Blade Titanium EDC Tool SGN3 Multifunction Flashlight Evan Key Fob
A vargooutdoors.com B magplates.com C fenixoutfitters.com D goinggear.com E fossil.com
$84.95 $79.99 $39.95 $42.90 $24

Boker Zippo Casio Field Notes CarbonFiberz

Boker Plus Tactical Pen 205 U.S. Flag AE1000W-1BV Pitch Black Dot-Graph Premium Carbon Fiber
F bokerusa.com G amazon.com H casio.com I fieldnotesbrand.com J
Money Clip
$33.95 $19.95 $24.95 $9.95 carbonfiberz.com
$25.99
Lewis N. Clark Kel-Tec
RFID Passport Wallet P-11 with optional Belt Clip
K lewisnclark.com L $250 (Belt Clip $14.00)
$25.99 keltecweapons.com

18 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

®
 ROUND
® TABLE
CAN MATCH SKILLS
HELP YOU SURVIVE?
Our Experts Weigh In On Competitive Shooting’s
Effect On Self-Defense Scenarios
Compiled by John Scott & John Naderi
Images by Staff & Respondents
A decade ago, there were seemingly very
clear lines drawn between competition and
tactical shooters. On one side, you had men
and women in tight spandex shirts with logos
plastered all over them and on the other,
shooters clad in nothing but camo and Velcro.
The two groups rarely mixed, and when they
did, you got a heated debate about the merits
of one shooting discipline over the other.
Some say competition-style shooting places
the shooter in unrealistic situations and that it
can teach dangerous habits. They insist that
competition should not be used as a form of
defensive training. Others say competitive
shooting enhances important shooting and
gun-handling skills and is a great way to
maintain shooting proficiency.
Taking a look at current guns and gear trends,
it looks like these two worlds have merged in
20 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
recent years. We’re now seeing what were
once the trademarks of competitive shooting,
such as red dots and long slides on pistols,
making their way over to the tactical and
defensive side.
But how does competitive shooting affect
real-world defensive shooting scenarios?
In this Round Table installment, we ask the
experts, “Do the skills learned from competition
shooting translate to defensive scenarios,
or do you think it’s best to not to mix these
shooting disciplines?”
Shutterstock/Arina P. Habich
Ballistic’s Round Table is a varied panel of
competition shooters, tactical trainers and
former military and law enforcement personnel
with invaluable experience to share. The
opinions of this diverse group of seasoned
experts are meant to create debate and
encourage further discussion.
 MAGPUL.COM/MLOK

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 01
Gail Pepin Photo
MASSAD AYOOB
Affiliation Massad Ayoob Group
Position: Director and trainer
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes, for the better.
Why? Competition makes shooting under
pressure the norm. Wyatt Earp shot in the
informal cow-town matches of his day. In the
20th century, Jelly Bryce was a pistol match
winner before he became a cop. Jim Cirillo
and Bill Allard of the famed NYPD Stakeout
Squad were winning competitions before
they became famous for winning shootouts.
Col. Charles Askins, Jr. and Kerry Hile in law
enforcement, and from Alvin York to Carlos
Hathcock in the military…the list goes on.
02
WILLIAM BELL
Affiliation U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Position: Retired CBP officer and instructor
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes.
Why? I have been shooting competitively
as an Army National Guard officer and law
22 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
enforcement officer (LEO) for over 38 years
and have found that other than force-on-force
training using Simunition, shooting competitively
provides a certain amount of stress that one
doesn’t normally experience in target practice or
even during standard LE qualification courses.
Competitive shooting builds confidence
and results in additional practice than might
otherwise not be experienced. This leads to
more familiarity with the firearm, so that if there
is a weapons-related mishap, the user will have
the know-how and “muscle memory” needed
to immediately resolve it. Intense practice
increases your accuracy, heightens your
performance and reduces your reaction time.
Sure, there are aspects of competitive shooting
that could be counterproductive to “real world”
situations, such as firing out in the open or
shooting for speed in place of accuracy. But,
sadly, lots of the LE training I’ve seen isn’t much
better, as tactics are secondary to qualifying.
I think the LEO or legally armed citizen who
uses competition for training needs to separate
fact from fantasy and decide if they want to win
competitions or maybe save a life. If choosing to
use the proper tactics causes you to lose some
points, so be it. I for one believe my years of
competitive shooting were a plus in my efforts
to survive on the streets. I’m able to draw my
handgun and get off effective shots rapidly, but
I also realize it’s on me to train using tactics
not covered in competition. If you are serious
about shooting to survive, then I think you
have enough intelligence to translate what you
learn in competition into practical skills for your
training toolbox so, if necessary, you can go into
action instead of hesitating.
03
SHANE COLEY
Affiliation Team Glock
Position: Captain
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes. Why? Competitive shooting
teaches you how to manipulate your firearm
efficiently and effectively at high rates of speed
under certain levels of stress not encountered
during normal training sessions. We are able to
quickly adjust our focal points between targets
while still seeing a clear front sight. We are
able to put fast and effective shots on target
while continuously maintaining proper trigger
control, and we are constantly shooting on
the move while maintaining a stable shooting
platform. Of course, I will not enter a defensive
situation with my competition rig, so I still train
with my carry pistol on a regular basis, but
the skills I learn from my everyday competition
will continue to prepare me for any defensive
situation I might find myself in where I have to
move quickly and put effective shots on target.
Many combat veterans and law enforcement
personnel have now ventured into the world
of competition because it increases their skill
set on the battlefield by teaching them speed,
efficiency and how to think quickly on their
feet. Competitive shooting makes me a better
shooter as a whole, which in turn makes me
more prepared and more effective.
04
CHRIS EDWARDS
Affiliation Glock, Inc.
Positions: Firearms instructor, GSSF range
master/match coordinator
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Absolutely.
Why? My involvement with competition
shooting began over 35 years ago, when, after
my first defensive handgun course with John
Farnam, I asked what would be a good way to
keep my recently acquired skills sharp. John,
a follower of Col. Jeff Cooper, said, “Well,
there’s this new thing called IPSC.” Since
then, I’ve participated in IPSC, USPSA, Steel
Challenge, PPC and IDPA and had a hand in
getting the GSSF started. I’ve been fortunate
enough to receive instruction and training
from many respected schools, like Gunsite,
Thunder Ranch, the Rogers Shooting School
and NRA LE programs. Along with Farnam,
I’ve been instructed by Ken Hackathorn,
Todd Green, David Blinder, Scotty Reitz,
Jeff Gonzales, Michael de Bethancourt, Walt
Rauch, Massad Ayoob and privileged to work
with Glock instructors and current and recently
retired members of the U.S. military’s special
operations community. The vast majority of all
these good folks have been or are still involved
in some form of “practical/action” shooting.
In my deputy sheriff days, we would have
recognized that as a clue.

Speaking of being a deputy sheriff, I am

convinced that my competing improved my
shooting, which bolstered my confidence;
I was better at my job because of that
confidence. Many of the early 20th century
gunfighters participated in or started out in
competitive shooting—Askins, Bryce, Cirillo
and Walsh to name just a few. And recent
21st century warfighters like Harrington,
Lamb, Parent and Proctor shoot/have shot
competitively—there’s that clue word again.
Here’s the bottom line: Anytime you can get
your gear, perform weapons manipulations, see
your sights and work triggers in a controlled
and safe environment, that’s called learning
and experience, and those developed skills are
going to be damn helpful should misfortune
and evil come your way. Competition isn’t an
end. It’s a means to the end of developing,
testing and maintaining skills. I don’t “run and
gun” as fast as I used to, but I still shoot in
GSSF, IDPA and Steel Challenge matches to
maintain my skills.
 HHS II
W W W. E O T E C H I N C . C O M An Company ©2015, L-3 EOTech (G33 / EXPS2-2)
 05
KEN HACKATHORN
Affiliation Alias Training & Security Services
Position: Firearms trainer; retired U.S. Army
Special Forces; Army, Gunsite, FBI-certified
small arms instructor; retired deputy sheriff
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes and no. Why? Competition
shooting has advantages in that it provides
a format where individuals can learn to be
very competent shooters. The accuracy and
speed factors that they develop are both well
documented. In my training classes, the best
shooters almost always come from the ranks of
IPSC/USPSA and IDPA. So, without question,
competition provides really good skills.
The problem is that to become really good
at competition, many mindset/tactics are
disregarded. In fact, the real issue is that,
like everything we do in life, “we are what we
practice.” Engaging targets in the open when
cover is close by, reloading on the run (though
it’s much wiser to reload behind cover and
then move), engaging targets in the order that
gives us the fastest times instead of those that
would be the greatest danger to the shooter,
always having a chance to plan your “attack”
or even rehearse your run—these are but a few
of the things that set people up for failure in
the real world. It appears that the more skilled
you become in competition, the easier it is to
preprogram behaviors that could be fatal in a
real self-defense encounter.
It is my belief that situational awareness is far
more important than marksmanship skills in
the real world. You need to be good at combat
26 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
marksmanship—it’s nice if you’re a great shot,
but it’s rarely ever a requirement. Sadly, most
top competition shooters delude themselves
into believing that, because they are so fast
and good, they will automatically win any fight
they might get in. As soon as the targets start
shooting back, “gameboys” will learn very
quickly that the rules they live by on the range
are much different than on the street.
On the other hand, naysayers who say,
“Competition will get you killed on the street,”
miss the mark in that they do not understand
that the stress of competition can be an
excellent learning device. Once you have
learned to perform in competition and have
reached a skill level you are confident in, you
can begin to ask yourself, “What is it that the
game offers me?” If game shooting is driven by
the goal to be the best, you will likely acquire a
mindset about doing well at the game without
any appreciation of how badly you are setting
yourself up for failure on the street when the
learned behaviors from competition surface
under life-and-death scenarios. As such, like
many things in life, competition can be a great
learning experience, but too much can be
dangerous, kind of like alcohol consumption.
06
JOSH JACKSON
Affiliation LMS Defense
Position: Director of operations and
instructor; law enforcement patrol officer
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes, in a positive way.
Why? In a tactical or defensive environment,
your ability to perceive and interpret
information faster will directly translate into an
ability to make decisions in a compressed time
frame. In competitive shooting, participants are
required to make decisions in the fastest time
possible in an effort to make the highest-value
hits, or the most efficient hits. In my opinion,
any opportunity to practice getting accurate
first-round hits in a compressed time frame is
of value for today’s shooters.
Competition requires the shooter to process
information as the situation changes in front
of you (moving, reactive targets, etc.). Having
to make rapid decisions is invaluable training.
Other benefits of competitive shooting that
will translate to defensive applications include
rapid and efficient weapons manipulations,
smooth reloads and the ability to clear
malfunctions under stress.
The cons of competition? Some are willing to
forsake good tactics for points. I have seen
police officers with a strong background
in tactics forget all of that when they begin
competitive shooting. I have then watched as
their tactics began to degrade on the street.
Specific issues include crowding cover,
pushing weapons into areas not yet cleared
and moving faster than the situation dictated.
Additionally, the use of competition-based
equipment can be contrary to the equipment
used in self-defense or tactical applications.
A sound mix of defensive firearms training
integrating shoot/no shoot targets,
compressed time allowances and force-
on-force training, coupled with competitive
shooting, can only benefit the participant.
Every shooter should identify and reevaluate
their personal training goals on an ongoing
basis. They should then seek out training to
help them improve. Seek out information and
training from a variety of sources to meet your
specific needs.
“Having to make rapid
decisions is invaluable
training.”
 07
FRANK PROCTOR
Affiliation Way of the Gun
Position: Owner; USPSA Limited Division
Grand Master; former Green Beret
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes. Why? From my own
personal experience, I believe that competitive
shooting will make a better tactical shooter.
The skills necessary to win in competition can
also help win in combat. I was a Green Beret
for about three years before I started shooting
competitively. I was absolutely the tactical
shooter that said, “That stuff isn’t real. It’s a
08
game. It doesn’t apply to combat,” etc.
But during my first USPSA match, I found
out what I didn’t know about shooting. I
wasn’t nearly as good as I thought I was, and
I wanted to win, so I trained and competed
more and learned more. Some of the skill sets
I developed absolutely translate to tactical
shooting, including extremely safe gun handling
under very dynamic shooting situations,
efficiency in movement and mechanics, and
BILL ROGERS
the ability to shoot and score hits on targets
faster with more accountability. The greatest Affiliation The Rogers Shooting School,
takeaway for me was more aggressiveness The Rogers Holster Company, The
with my vision to see and process information Safariland Group
faster. That skill set is key for tactical shooters, Position: Owner and chief instructor of the
as they must see faster and see more in order Rogers Shooting School; VP of new products
to make faster decisions. After the decisions for Safariland; former FBI agent; former
are made, then apply the shooting skills that USPSA VP and Area 6 director
were honed in competitive shooting. In my Do you think competitive shooting
opinion, based on my experience, I affects real-world defensive-shooting
encourage every tactical or defensive scenarios? Yes. Why? The skills learned
shooter to compete often. while participating in shooting competition
 certainly transfer to real-life scenarios. This
is especially true when you look at shooting
sports such as IDPA and USPSA. Learning to
quickly and safely draw a handgun is a critical
skill, as well as many of the other manipulation
drills that are commonly learned. Engaging
multiple targets quickly and sometimes while
moving rapidly is another important skill for
real-life situations. Probably one of the greatest
skills acquired while competing is learning how
to operate under pressure. I have seldom ever
shot a match where I did not have an elevated
heart rate, upper torso tremors, shallow
breathing and difficulty focusing mentally.
one can acquire from tactical training as from
competitive shooting.
It is critical to use multiple types of training
and adjunct activities—such as dry firing,
live fire, force-on-force training, competition,
etc.—as often as possible, or there will be
holes in our skill sets. The potential downsides
of competitive shooting are vastly overblown.
Competitive shooting is particularly important
because, for most people, it is one of the
only circumstances available where there are
repeated, legitimate opportunities to perform
on demand and under stress. No single
activity can give us everything we want or
will be irrelevant to real-world self-defense.
Shooting competitions will definitely improve
the following skills: firearms safety, your ability
to shoot well under stress, drawing and
presenting a firearm, overall shooting skills
such as accuracy and speed, reloading under
pressure, shooting from cover and on the
move, and controlling recoil during rapid fire.
Competition will not improve your ability to do
things like effectively clear a building, shoot
and survive in a 360-degree environment or
decide when to shoot and when not to. These
skills are best learned by taking classes that
focus on these skills from top trainers like
Paul Howe, Clint Smith, Ken Hackathorn, Pat

09 need. It’s important to utilize tactical training

to develop our awareness, decision-making
skills and tactics, and it can provide a solid
foundation for shooting and gun handling,
too. Competition is virtually a necessity if our
technical skills are to be driven to the highest
level possible.
Rogers, etc. As my friend Clint Smith once
told us at a class, when asked “How long does
it take to clear a building with bad guys in
it?” he answered, “Potentially the rest of your
life.” Unlike competition, time is no longer a
factor—it is all about your decision-making, use
of cover and how accurately you shoot. The
shooting skills you honed during competition

10 will come in real handy, though, when the

target is shooting back at you!

GABE WHITE

Affiliation Public Safety Training Center

Positions: Chief instructor, Public Range FTU
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes! Why? I think the skills
tested in competition translate well to
defensive shooting in many ways. Competition
emphasizes accuracy and speed in shooting
and gun handling, on-demand performance
under stress and pressure, and making many
small mental and physical adjustments while
on the fly—all in the honest and open venue
of a public contest. No competition accurately
reflects the real-world issues of tactics
and human interpersonal dynamics. Those
cannot be accurately represented in a live-fire
competition and must be addressed separately
in tactical training. Bad habits can result from
the exclusive practice of any activity, whether
it’s an exclusive focus on competition or an
exclusive focus on tactical training. We can
make as big a list of potential training scars
BILL WILSON
Affiliation Wilson Combat, Circle WC Ranch
Position: President
Do you think competitive shooting
affects real-world defensive-shooting
scenarios? Yes, but some forms of
competition—obviously NRA Bullseye, NRA
Bianchi Cup, Steel Challenge and most 3-Gun
events—don’t qualify. Some skills needed in
IPSC/USPSA will improve your self-defense
skills, but not nearly as much as IDPA.
Why? I think many of the skills needed
to perform well at an IDPA match directly
translate to the real world. Like all competitions
that keep score, portions of the competition

28 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

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
 BUYER’S
® GUIDE
SLIDE IN
STYLE
Off-The-Shelf Aftermarket
Slides For Your Glock
Written by John Scott
Images by John Scott

Ever since Glocks first made their appearance

stateside, their looks have been compared to
bars of soap and even Tupperware. For some
Glock fans, the pistol is perfect and needs no
modifications. For many others, however, the
Glock platform has become a blank slate upon
which to design whatever serves their needs.

Some modifications are made for performance

reasons and others are purely cosmetic. Glock
frames have been shaved, cut, stippled, coated
and reshaped every which way for some time
now. It’s relatively easy to do thanks to their
polymer construction.

Many of those with modified frames want to

modify their slides for the same reasons. Some
want front cocking serrations for a better grip,
or a lightened slide for enhanced performance;
others still require optic mounting options. But
unlike the frames, Glock slides are not made of
plastic and are much more difficult to modify.

Over the past few years, enterprising

machinists have lent their services to those
in search of enhanced functionality or a more
unique look for their Glock pistols. Usually
this requires sending your factory slide to a
gunsmith for irreversible customized work.
These artisans achieve truly impressive results,
but the customization process often means
you’re left without the use of your pistol for
weeks, sometimes even months. Also, once
modified, your stock slide could never be
returned to its factory state.

Recently, companies have begun to produce

their own Glock-compatible slides.

30 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 The upsides to buying an aftermarket slide are
that you get to change the performance and
visual characteristics of your pistol by simply
slapping on a new slide. This allows you to
try different upper setups—even calibers in
some cases—while keeping your stock slide
unmolested. You can now have multiple slides
for a single frame, changing them depending
on their intended use at any time.
With so many aftermarket Glock slides now
entering the market, it’s a good time to be a
Glock shooter. Let’s investigate some of the
most popular choices currently available.
Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
Available For: Gen 3 G17 (shown), G19,
G21, G22, G23, G34, G35; Gen 4 G17,
G19, G21, G34, G35
Included: Stripped slide
Colors: FDE (shown), Black,
Aquaterra, Gray
MSRP: $299.99 (FDE)
URL: onesourcetactical.com
1 Suarez International V3 SI-317 RMR Slide
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
TOP
32 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Notes: Stripped or fully loaded,
Suarez International’s slides are built
to your specifications and crafted with
tighter tolerances than factory units for
increased accuracy, reliability and overall
performance. The V3 is made of heat-
treated 17-4 steel and features angled
front serrations for improved ergonomics.
Its ejection port is contoured and lowered
by 0.1 inches to eject spent casings more
reliably. To enhance reliability, enough
material is removed from the slide to
counterbalance a Trijicon RMR so that it
weighs virtually the same as a standard
factory slide, even with an optic on board.
Word is a new series of Suarez slides will
soon be offered that are compatible with
Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro.
Shown With: Glock G17 barrel, White
Sound Defense steel guide rod, Wolff
recoil spring, Suarez tritium suppressor
sights, Trijicon RM03 RMR
Lightweight .308 ARs in
configurations for any
shooting need.

See all the

Windham Weaponry Rifles,
Parts & Accessories at:
www.windhamweaponry.com

Made In
“The Quality Goes In Before The Rifle Goes Out”
P.O. Box 1900 • Windham, Maine 04062 • Toll Free: 1 855 808 1888 The U.S.A.
 2 BattleComp BCE Custom Glock 19 Slide with ATEi Top Serrations

Caliber: 9mm
Available For: Gen 3 G19
RIGHT SIDE

Included: Stripped slide

MSRP: $429.99
URL: battlecomp.com

Notes: Known for its popular line of muzzle

brakes, BattleComp has stepped into
the aftermarket Glock slide arena with its
match-grade BCE Custom Glock 19 slide.
LEFT SIDE

It’s milled from 416R stainless steel and

finished in durable black melonite. The slide
features a generous number of front and rear
serrations that are inspired by BattleComp’s
muzzle brakes. The version shown here also
features optional ATEi full top serrations
for extra grip and a customized look. The
slide comes stripped, with a channel liner
installed. A standard BCE Custom slide with
TOP

no top serrations is available for $279.

3 Lone Wolf Distributors Assembled Slide

Calibe
Cali ber:
r: 9mm
mm, .40
40 S&
S&WW, .35
357
7 SI
SIG
G,
10mm Auto, .45 ACP
RIGHT SIDE

Available For: Gen 3 G17, G17L, G19,

G20, G21, G22, G23, G24, G26, G27,
G34, G35
Included: Slide, internal parts
MSRP: $330.23 URL: lonewolfdist.com
Notes: Lone Wolf’s forged 416 stainless
steel Assembled G19 9mm Slide features
front and rear cocking serrations, a rounded
LEFT SIDE

bull nose, a lowered ejection port and

beveled rails. It comes with internal parts
but requires a barrel and sights. The sample
shown has been lightened with Lone Wolf’s
custom-machining service. For an extra
$174.95, Lone Wolf will machine your slide
in a variety of patterns. This one is done in
“Pattern #4 (BM).” Another custom service is
a “Slide Melt” red-dot sight installation.
TOP

Shown With: Lone Wolf M/19 Stock-Length

Barrel, Lone Wolf SS Guide Rod Complete
Assembly, AmeriGlo Suppressor Sights,
Trijicon RM05 RMR

34 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 Primary Weapons Systems Enhanced Duty Slide 4
Caliber: 9mm
Available For: Gen 1-3 G17 (shown), G19

RIGHT SIDE
Included: Slide, internal parts and sights;
Trijicon HD night sights (shown) are optional
MSRP: $549.95 with Trijicon HD night
sights (shown) / $449.95 with Glock sights
URL: primaryweapons.com
Notes: The Enhanced Duty Slide, or EDS, is
billet-machined from 17-4 stainless steel and
coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC) for

LEFT SIDE
surface hardness and corrosion resistance.
PWS promises that the EDS will improve
the stock trigger pull of Gen 1 through Gen
3 Glock pistols, resulting in a crisp 4-pound
trigger break. The slide features front
serrations that aid in weapon manipulations
and clearing malfunctions. Installation
requires a barrel and recoil spring assembly.
Shown With: Titanium Gun G17 StormLake

TOP
Titanium-Nitride-Coated Barrel, Lone Wolf
Distributors Stainless Steel Guide Rod
Complete Assembly

Unity Tactical ATOM Slide 5

Cali
Cali
lib
ber: 9mm
ber: mm, .40
40 S&
S&W
W
Available For: Gen 3 G17, G19 (shown),

RIGHT SIDE
G22, G23; Gen 4 G17, G19
Included: Slide, optic-height sights
Colors: FDE (shown), black
MSRP: $479.95 URL: unitytactical.com
Notes: Unity Tactical’s slides are premilled
for the company’s ATOM optic-mounting
system, which uses proprietary optic
adapters. ATOM adapters are available for

LEFT SIDE
the Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint Micro, Leupold
DeltaPoint, Insight MRDS, Docter red
dots and the Burris FastFire II. The mounts
have tight tolerances to retain zero and
survive harsh abuse. The heat-treated,
17-4 stainless steel slides come with front
and rear serrations and optic-compatible
sights, but the assembly is stripped and
does not include a barrel, internal parts or
TOP

an adapter plate. Shown With: Lone Wolf

M/19 107mm black barrel, Glock 19 guide
rod assembly, ATOM Trijicon RMR adapter,
Trijicon RM07 RMR

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 35

 6 Zev Technologies Enhanced SOCOM RMR ABS CW Slide

Caliber: 9mm
Available For: Gen 1-3 G17 (shown),
RIGHT SIDE

G19, G34
Included: Stripped slide
Colors: Graphite Gray (shown), FDE
MSRP: $525 (Z17)
URL: zevtechnologies.com

Notes: Pictured here is ZEV Technologies’

3rd Gen Z17 Stainless Steel Slide with the
LEFT SIDE

company’s Enhanced SOCOM contour

and RMR optic cut to ensure the optic will
co-witness with its iron sights. Designed
with tighter tolerances to increase accuracy
and performance, ZEV’s Z-series slides
are available for a variety of applications in
various contours and surface treatments.
Each slide is machined from 17-4 billet
stainless steel, accommodates an RMR
TOP

optic and is finished in your choice of DLC

or PVD coatings.

7 Fowler Industries Mark 2

Cali
Ca libe
ber:
r: 9mm
mm, .40
40 S&
S&WW, .35
357
7 SI
SIG
G
Available For: Gen 1-4 G17 (shown),
RIGHT SIDE

G19, G22, G23, G26, G27, G31, G32, G33

Included: Custom work
MSRP: $800 (plus your stock slide)
URL: figuns.com

Notes: The Mark 2 service takes your stock

Glock slide and refines it for the stresses
and precision required for competition
LEFT SIDE

shooting. Fowler performs many gunsmithing

services, including a Trijicon RMR optic cut,
a front-top window cut, 45-degree top angle
cuts, pyramid rear serrations, left and right
window cuts, angled front serrations, mass-
reduction cuts on both sides and a black
nitride coating.

Shown With: Fowler Enhanced Match

TOP

Barrel, Fowler RMR cover plate, Enhanced

Precision Products sights, Lone Wolf SS
Guide Rod Complete Assembly.

36 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

CUSTOM
SLIDE
WORK
Looking for the ultimate in made-to-measure
slides and don’t mind the additional wait and
expense over buying off the rack? Going the
custom slide work route is always an option.
Though this guide focuses on off-the-shelf
aftermarket slides, we’d be remiss if we didn’t
at least show what truly custom work looks
like. Fowler Industries is among a very select
few Glock customizers who
g
are acknowledged
by even the most
selective of Glock
enthusiasts. Here is
what the company
can do to your
factory Glock slide.
 FEATURED
® FIREARM

38 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016


MACHINED
PRECISION
Is The F-1 Firearms BDR-15-3G
As Good As It Gets?
Written by John Scott
Images by John Scott
We’re willing to bet that if you’re reading
this magazine, you’ve been bitten by the
“black rifle” bug. We know what its like to
spend countless hours online building and
reimagining your rifle with new parts. Perhaps
you’re a “newb” bogged down in research
mode before buying your first AR-15. Or
maybe you’re an old hand at this and are
searching for something different to add to
your arsenal. Regardless of your experience
level, we all share a certain amount of affection
for the good ol’ AR-15 and its siblings.
At some point, you’ll deviate from the run-of-
the-mill carbines and develop a real thirst for
something different, though. We have friends
with themed builds that include everything from
“CQBs” and “RECCEs” to “DMRs” and retro
builds. Those who have really fallen down the
rabbit hole also opt for unique barrel length
and gas system combinations. Comparisons
between 16-inch-barreled, mid-length systems
and 14.5-inch-barreled guns with rifle-length
gas systems—that’s how people end up with
10 to 20 ARs. And let’s not even start on
colors and furniture sets. It’s a slippery
slope indeed.
With the seemingly constant stream of
new AR-15 variants hitting the market, getting
noticed is quite the challenge. One rifle that
doesn’t have a hard time standing out from the
crowd is the BDR-15-3G from F-1 Firearms.
One quick glance at the BDR-15-3G tells
you that this AR was not milled from the same
stock as the others. With slices of aluminum
cut out of the upper and lower receivers, this
rifle boasts a unique look. But is this thing for
real? Would we want one in our ever-growing
collection? Let’s take a closer look to find out.
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 39
 Think Different about the
Incorporated just four short years ago, F-1 r receiver,
Firearms has the unique distinction of being see it.
born out of the information technology sector, wers before,
not the defense industry or a machine shop. Its d an upper
founder spent a decade with his successful IT erial removed.
company before launching F-1 Firearms and tionality?
laying a foundation that stresses advancement
through technology. th
F-1 Firearms’ vice president
The company, located in Spring, Texas, takes of product development,
pride in making its firearms in America as well C.J. Willits. “The cuts in
as employing veterans from all branches of the the upper are strategically
United States military. F-1 strives to do things th any of the
differently by using its technological expertise functionally critical areas in the upper
to bring advancements to modern weapon ded, “They
system designs. actually have shown to have a positive
h unsuppressed
Let’s talk about the look of the BDR-15-3G. low a rapid
Do you love it? Do you hate it? As you can after the initial gas
immediately tell, it’s probably unlike any other e gas key of the
AR-15 at your local shop or even online. The bolt carrier.”
lightening cuts in the rifle’s upper and lower
receivers are a dead giveaway that F-1 took its These cuts, he infers, improvve the
h overallll
design in a completely different direction. (For performance of the gun, “Shooters have
the record, we love it.) consistently remarked as to the
t ‘soft’ feeling
of our 3G rifles, which we crredit much to our
Built with competition in mind, the 3G variant as dispersion of
of the BDR-15 features lightening cuts the 3G upper, negating any excess gas that
whereas the standard BDR-15 does not. e the felt recoil of
Many of F-1’s BDR-15-3G rifles see use at the weapon system.”
3-Gun and multigun competitions, because
competition shooters want to keep their
“One quick glance at the
platforms lightweight and rigid, attributes the
BDR-15-3G incorporates in its design.
BDR-15-3G tells you that
this AR was not milled
The upper receiver
features a milled-out from the same stock as
channel for greater
weight savings. the others.”

F-1’s Flat Face

Compensating Muzzle
Brake is effective at
controlling muzzle rise.

A Magpul MOE Carbine

stock comes standard on
the BDR-15-3G.

40 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016


Made To Order
All rifles made by F-1 are
available in a standard
form as well as a custom
setup. If a customer opts for
a custom build, they can choose to make their
rifle truly bespoke by selecting everything from
the rifle’s caliber, anodization color and trigger
to the barrel contour and length, buttstock,
optics and even bolt carrier group. A standard
rifle, like the one we received for this article,
includes a match-grade barrel, a nickel-
boron-coated bolt carrier group, and Magpul
buttstock and grip.
At the front we added an
Inforce WML light for better
low- and no-light visibility.
“F-1 Firearms’ tight
machining tolerances and
meticulous attention to
detail really take the rifle
up a couple of notches.”
42 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Rifles offered by F-1
Firearms are available in a
standard form as well as in
custom setups.
are located along
the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock
positions. The handguard
has an overall diameter of 2
inches and is mounted to the
Our standard off-the- receiver using an aluminum
shelf model BDR-15- barrel nut.
3G came equipped
a 16-inch, 416R As mentioned earlier,
stainless, match-grade the BDR-15-3G’s upper
barrel with a 1-in-7- receiver has had all of the
inch twist rate. It has a medium contour and a “unnecessary” surfaces milled
soft-shooting mid-length gas system. An F-1 out for a lightweight yet
Flat Face Compensating Muzzle Brake sits at reliable configuration. Our test
the tip of the barrel to help control muzzle rise. model was equipped with a
nickel-boron-coated FailZero
Surrounding the barrel is F-1 Firearms’ full-auto bolt carrier group
12.75-inch-long C7K Contoured Handguard. and an AXTS Raptor charging
A key feature of this free-floating handguard handle. This rifle’s flattop
is its distinctive hand-gripping area. It is Picatinny rail also features a
comfortable to grip and acts as a quick milled-out channel for greater
point of reference for hand placement. A weight savings.
continuous Picatinny rail runs along the top
of the C7K, while KeyMod attachment points Like the handguard and
upper receiver, the lower is
also made from a billet of
7075-T6 aluminum and is
Type III Class 2 hard-
 IN T R ODUCING SIG SAUER ELECTRO-OPTICS

BRE A K
THE BOUNDARIES

7º
10º BRAVO 4
4x30mm

The BRAVO4 expands your vision with a massive 10º field of view,
BR AV O 4 ME G AV IE W 43% wider than standard 7º sights. That’s 53 feet of view at 100 yards
43% WIDER FOV vs. 37, which could be the difference between seeing a threat, or not. This
prism-powered battle sight also boasts unprecedented edge-to-edge clarity
which means your target acquisition will be sure and fast. The patented
MegaView™ aspherical lens eyepiece provides 47% more eye relief and our
LensArmor™ abrasion-resistant coatings will withstand the harshest conditions.
BREAK THE BOUNDARIES WITH THE BRAVO4 BATTLE SIGHT FROM SIG SAUER

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©2015 SIG SAUER, INC
 Fortis Manufacturing’s
Control Shield slips right
over the Rainier Arms XTC
2.0 muzzle brake to control
excess muzzle blast.

Our BDR-15-3G came

equipped with an AXTS
Raptor ambidextrous
charging handle.

coat anodized; our test model arrived in F-1’s

titanium-colored finish. For those who want a
more personal touch, F-1’s website shows 10
available colors, but we’re told that a phone
call is all you need to get a particular shade not
already offered.

The BDR-15-3G’s lower is machined with an

oversized triggerguard and big gaping holes
in its mag well. Like the slots in the upper,
we’re told that the cuts do not affect strength
and only contribute to the rifle’s lightweight
attributes. Upon further inspection, the framing
around the mag well appears to be beefed
up quite a bit. The mag well’s extra material
is beveled with 60-degree relief angles at its
front and back for slicker reloads.

Sitting in the fire control pocket is a decidedly

competition-centric Hiperfire Hipertouch 24
3G trigger. This single-stage trigger is a $145
add-on to our standard BDR-15-3G rifle and
had an average pull weight of 3.5 pounds,
according to our Lyman trigger-pull gauge.
The rifle was also outfitted with a Battle Arms
Development ambidextrous safety, a Magpul
MOE+ pistol grip and a MOE Carbine stock
on a mil-spec-sized buffer tube.

44 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016


To help the quest of not losing springs and
detents if you were to take the rifle apart, F-1
thoughtfully designed the lower with setscrews
holding the bolt catch as well as the takedown
pin detent. It is also has a screw to help adjust
upper receiver tension.
Back In The Lab
Because kitting up a rifle is what we like to do,
we added a few aftermarket enhancements to
the BDR-15-3G before heading to the range.
Since the Magpul MOE is not lockable to
tame buttstock wobble, we opted to go with
a Rogers Super-Stoc that does the job. The
Super-Stoc was developed by famed shooting
instructor Bill Rogers to include a cam lock,
which helps eliminates slop. For a bit of bling,
we also installed a Rainier Arms Enhanced
Pins Set, which replaces the standard
takedown and pivot pins with titanium versions.
We also added a KeyMod-compatible
BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 Vertical Grip to the
underside of the handguard, just aft of the
contoured grip relief, for better front-end
control. Right up top, at the front of the C7K
handguard, we added an Inforce WML light for
better low- and no-light visibility. It’s rugged
To save weight, excess
material has been milled
out of both the upper and
lower receivers.
and capable of producing 200 lumens of bright
light at the touch of a button. We replaced the
stock muzzle brake with a Rainier Arms XTC
2.0 muzzle brake, which interfaces with Fortis
Manufacturing’s Control Shield blast mitigator
(read more about muzzle blast control devices
in “Blast Off” on page 84).
As for glass, we topped the BDR-15-3G with
Leupold’s dynamic duo, the Leupold Carbine
Optic (LCO) red-dot sight and the Dual-
Enhanced View Optic (D-EVO). The LCO is a
1X red-dot sight that allows the shooter to aim
with both eyes open. It has a 1-MOA dot reticle
that is adjustable for 16 brightness levels.
We had no problem seeing its dot on even
the brightest of sun-soaked days. The LCO is
night-vision-friendly, too. The LCO will run for
five years on a single CR123A lithium battery.
Just behind the LCO was Leupold’s innovative
D-EVO. The D-EVO allows the shooter to
access a viewfinder with 6X magnification by
simply shifting their eye’s focal point down.
When mounted in concert with the LCO or
most any other red dot, you look forward to see
your red dot and look down into the D-EVO’s
window to see a magnified view with Leupold’s
CMR-W reticle in your sight picture.
The CMR-W reticle features a 0.5-MOA dot
surrounded by a 5-MOA circle as well as
mil-based ranging features and windage hold
points that are compatible with both 5.56mm
and 7.62mm cartridges. This allows users to
quickly estimate range and engage targets with
greater precision and speed—all while using a
standard primary red dot.
Finally, before we hit the range, we wanted to
make sure we weren’t going to foul anything
up. One thing about ARs, especially new
ones, is that they need to be thoroughly lubed
up for them to run right. We asked Willits
what lubrication tips F-1 recommends for the
BDR-15-3G. He explained, “We recommend
users’ individual choices of lubrication, as they
vary from user to user. In house we like to use
QMaxx Black Diamond.” We went ahead and
lubed up the bolt carrier group and charging
handle with Breakthrough’s Battle Born High-
Purity Oil and headed out.
Shots Fired
Because the BDR-15-3G is primarily a
competition rifle, we set up a quick all-steel
competition-style stage with multiple targets
The oversized
triggerguard is
uniquely contoured
for a smooth feel.
The Rogers Super-Stoc
includes a slop-eliminating
cam lock.
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 45
 ranging from 10 to 50 yards and a single gong
at 250 yards. It’s worth noting that the stock
rifle weighed 6.94 pounds unloaded, and our
additions added nearly 2 pounds to it, bringing
it to well over 8 pounds. That’s not the lightest
setup, but the enhanced capabilities were well
worth the added heft.
Each shooter took their turn running as
quickly as possible with the rifle. The quick
Hiperfire trigger was definitely a hit among
our staff. It breaks cleanly and resets almost
instantaneously. Thanks in part to the mid-
length gas system and Rainier Arms muzzle
brake, we could fire off multiple shots quickly
and accurately on even the smallest targets.
The recoil felt muted and was not much of a
factor when quickly transitioning from
target to target.
We fed the rifle 55-grain remanufactured
Freedom Munitions FMJs with the help of
Elite Tactical Systems’ translucent “smoke”
magazines. We chose these magazines
because, frankly, they look cool in the BDR-15-
3G’s open mag well. The rifle, ammunition and
magazines all worked flawlessly together and
presented no malfunctions. It was our first time
shooting with the Leupold LCO and D-EVO
setup. While the LCO is easy to transition to,
the D-EVO took some getting used to. The
eye relief isn’t bad, but it does require you to
have your head in just the right position to
use effectively. When you do, however, the
1X-to-6X transition takes only a tiny fraction of
a second. And, unlike simple magnifiers, the
D-EVO has a very functional reticle to boot,
and we like that.
The rifle itself was comfortable to use since the
controls are all standard AR-15. We expected
much more lubrication to splash about when
the bolt carrier group cycled, but to our
surprise it really didn’t. Of course, this probably
depends on the amount of lube used. We kept
it wet with Breakthrough but didn’t add enough
to make it drip.
Overall, the rifle was well balanced, but we did
wish for a lighter-weight barrel, something we
46 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
are more accustomed to in a competition gun.
The handguard also seemed larger in diameter
than others we favor. If we were to order a
BDR-15-3G from F-1, we would opt for
a thinner-profile barrel and a smaller-
diameter handguard.
The cuts in the upper do
A Cut Above not interfere with the rifle’s
functionality.
The BDR-15-3G may not necessarily be what
most people search for when they are looking
to buy their first AR-15, but it’s definitely worth
taking a look at if you want something different
or a competition gun that’ll turn heads.
F-1 Firearms’ tight machining tolerances and
meticulous attention to detail really take the rifle
up a couple of notches. Each F-1 product is
hand-finished to ensure that all of the machined
The C7K contoured
parts are free from any functional or cosmetic handguard features
a distinctive hand-
imperfections. At $1,950 for the base model gripping area.
BDR-15-3G or $2,095 with the featured
Hiperfire 24-3G trigger, the price is nothing
to gloss over. But when you take into account
how much time and care the F-1 crew puts
into its products along with the confidence of
its technological expertise and a 100-percent
lifetime product guarantee, it’s hard to make a
case against adding one to the collection.
“...it’s...a competition gun
The Hiperfire trigger
that’ll turn heads.” breaks cleanly and resets
almost instantaneously.
The BDR-15-3G breaks
open like any other AR-15,
making maintenance a
breeze.
 The BDR-15-3G ran
smoothly using Freedom
Munitions 5.56mm FMJs
and Breakthrough lube.

BY THE NUMBERS:
F-1 FIREARMS
BDR-15-3G

F-1 FIREARMS

BDR-15-3G

COLOR
Titanium

CALIBER
5.56mm NATO

BARREL LENGTH
16 inches

CAPACITY
30+1

WEIGHT UNLOADED
6 pounds 15 ounces

OVERALL LENGTH
33–36.25 inches

MSRP
$2,095

f-1firearms.com

/F1Firearms
@f1firearms

Accessories As Featured (Not Included):

• Leupold LCO
• Leupold D-EVO
• Rogers Super-Stoc
• Rainier Arms XTC 2.0 Muzzle Brake
• Rainier Arms Enhanced Pins Set Titanium
• Inforce WML
• BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 KeyMod Vertical Grip
• Elite Tactical Systems 30-round AR-15
Magazine, Smoke

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 47

 SURVIVAL
® SCIENCE

Find The Right Face

Mask And Respirator
To Make Sure You
Don’t Take Your Last
Breath Too Soon
Written by Edward Hurst

48 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 ®

IWI US, Inc. | info@iwi.us | www.i wi .us

 Breathing is such an involuntary process that
we rarely stop to think about what exactly
we suck into our lungs other than the air we
breathe. But just as you wouldn’t drink water
from a random puddle or other questionable
source, you cannot assume the air around you
will be safe during times of crisis. Without
air, your body will shut down within minutes,
culminating in a quick death. What’s more,
polluted air can carry many hazardous
particles that might not have an immediate
impact on your body but, over time, could
propagate and lead to serious illness. When
the air around you gets kind of funky, it’s wise
to have safety masks or respirators around to
make sure you take care of those essential
airbags in your chest.
Common face masks are effective at
preventing the spread of diseases,
especially when providing medical
assistance to sick and infected people.
Mask It Off
Protective masks can generally be put into
two categories: face masks and respirators.
Face masks are the type of masks gardeners
and hospital employees wear while working.
They are generally made from paper or a
nonwoven fabric that covers the nose and
mouth. These types of masks can protect the
user from larger particles such as dust and
pollen, and they also provide a protective
barrier from droplets of bodily fluids that might
contain harmful biological bugs.
50 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Though the protection they provide is limited,
face masks should be in every prepper’s
storage bin since they are very cheap,
disposable and easy to use. They can come
in handy if one member of your party tends to
have severe allergies from particles that float
through the air. The most important reason
to carry these facial masks is that they are
effective at preventing the spread of diseases,
especially when providing medical assistance
to sick and infected people. These masks can
“…face masks should be in
every prepper’s storage
bin since they are very
cheap, disposable and
easy to use.”
N95 masks are handy in cases
of pandemics, biological threats
and against particulates that
spew from collapsed buildings.
protect the user from accidental splashes of
blood or saliva during the administration of
lifesaving medical aid.
Every Breath You Take
Respirators, on the other hand, are designed to
filter most of the air you breathe by separating
your mouth and nose from the outside air with
a filter that separates pollutants. There are
many different respirator designs as well as
filter types available to the general public, and
selecting the right one depends on several
factors. One of the most important is fit: Proper
use requires that respirators must make a
complete seal with your face and not allow any
gaps around the edges of the seal. Thus, it is
crucial to select the correct style and shape so
it is contoured to perfectly fit your face. Since
we all have different facial structures, you must
ensure that every member of your party gets a
properly fitted respirator.
The most common respirator in use is
dubbed the N95. The N95 is a single-use,
disposable respirator; the “N” means that it
is not oil-resistant and the “95” means that it
can effectively filter 95-percent of particles
at the size of 0.1 to 0.3 microns. The obvious
advantage of having N95 masks around is cost.
Since they are relatively cheap compared to
other types, stockpiling them for a large group
of people will not make a huge dent in your
budget. They are handy in cases of pandemics
and biological threats, and great for avoiding
breathing particulates that spew from collapsed
buildings. However, since they can still allow 5
percent of small particles to seep through the
filters, they are not bulletproof. For example,
N95 respirators are not fully effective in filtering
out asbestos, lead and silica particles. Another
drawback to the N95 is its ineffectiveness
against chemical hazards and toxic-gas vapors.
 ™
MSRP
$599

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THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS.

 “…the very same air
that we depend on to live
also has the potential to
instantly end our lives.”
Full-face respirators have
the advantage of protecting
not only your nose and
mouth, but your eyes from
chemicals as well.
Is Your Mask Half Full?
Two other major types of respirators are
half-mask and full-face respirators. As the
name implies, a half mask will cover the
mouth and nose while full-face respirators
cover the mouth, nose and eyes, protecting
your peepers from irritants. Both types of
respirators are made to form a perfect seal
around the face, sending the air you breathe
through replaceable cartridges that will only
filter out specific contaminants based on the
composition of the cartridge.
Full-face respirators have the advantage of
protecting your eyes from chemicals as well,
but this leads to a few disadvantages, such
as limiting your field of vision. Both of these
respirators are readily available online and
in safety and protection stores and military
52 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Gas Passers
Respirators are sometimes referred to as
“gas masks,” but this can be confusing,
since many have particle filters that won’t
help filter out toxic gases. It’s important to
understand what your needs are before buying
specific filter cartridges. Similar to the N95,
the P100 cartridges are oil-proof (thus the “P”
in the name). P100s filter out 100-percent of
particles of 0.1 to 0.3 microns in size. One
advantage of these two types of respirators
surplus stores. Not all respirators are made is that they can filter harmful gas and vapors
equal, so be prepared to fork out a bit of depending on the cartridge type.
money for a durable one. Anyone sporting
facial hair should be aware that it will affect fit
and may prevent a good seal against the skin,
so a clean-shaven face might work better than
the full-on chin curtain.
Once you have found a mask that fits properly,
it is wise to test whether you are physically
fit enough to properly breathe in one. Since
breathing through a respirator requires enough
lung strength to pass the outside air through
filters, it can be difficult for the elderly and
those with weakened lungs to get enough air
to the body. It’s worth noting that the use of
these respirators requires enough oxygen in
the circulating air, so using one in low-oxygen
environments, such as fires, will not prevent
the effects of suffocation.
These cartridges are usually made with
activated charcoal or other resins that will
absorb or break down specific harmful
elements in the air. Know what type of
cartridge your mask has, since some will
work on organic vapors, others will filter out
ammonia, while others still can even stop
mercury vapors. For extra protection, there are
combo cartridges that combine the attributes
of P100-type filters with safeguards against
harmful chemicals as well.

Many manufacturers use a color-coding

system to designate the function of their
cartridges. Though full protection from
everything you may face is not possible, a full-
face respirator strapped with a combination
cartridge, such as the Olive/Magenta cartridge
made by 3M, will limit your exposure to a wide
range of nasty stuff. Because filters need to be
swapped out with use, don’t forget to stockpile
extra cartridges with your respirator.

The Great Escape

There is one type of respirator that is designed
solely for emergency purposes. The escape
hood respirator doesn’t just cover the face but
is placed completely over the head and wraps
around the neck. It has a dedicated, filtered
breathing apparatus for the mouth. These
respirators are only to be used in emergencies,
and for a short period of time. Specifically, they
will buy a bit of extra time in case you need

Manufacturers use a
color-coding system
to designate the
different filtering
functions of their
cartridges.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 53

 breathable air to escape a
dangerous situation.
Once used, they are to be
discarded. Having a few
escape hood respirators might
not be a bad idea, but you
should strategically place them
in different spots around your
living quarters to make them
easily accessible.

In a rather ironic twist, the very same

air that we depend on to live also
has the potential to instantly end our
lives. But if you plan ahead and use the
correct air protection equipment, you
can protect yourself from many of
the invisible airborne killers
that can appear during a
catastrophic event.

Escape hood respirators

can buy you some extra
time in case you need
breathable air to escape a
dangerous situation.

54 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 FEATURED
®
VEHICLE

BUILT ON A
A Rolling Tribute To
An American Hero
Written by Justin Kaehler
Photos by Dale Martin

Chris Kyle is a name that needs no introduction

around these parts. The man is an icon, a
legend and a true American hero. His legacy
has served to inspire Americans everywhere,
and a wide variety of projects have been
created in his honor. One such project is the
special-edition Jeep Wrangler—dubbed “The
Legend”—you see here.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 55

 “...when you think American
legends, you can’t get any
more American than
Chris Kyle and Jeep.”
When talking to the team involved in the
making of this Jeep, it’s immediately apparent
that this project was a true labor of love.
Leading the project was Shaun Freilich of
Complete Customs, based in McKinney, Texas.
Freilich worked closely with Chris’ widow, Taya
Kyle, and the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation to
ensure that this build stayed true to the man
who inspired it.
As Freilich explains, “The overall theme is
to help keep Chris Kyle’s spirit alive and
help bring awareness to the Chris Kyle
Frog Foundation. After meeting with [the
foundation], we decided that the Jeep was the
best platform to express Chris’ personality. By
going with the Jeep Wrangler, it really gave us
the ability to work with several companies that
Chris worked with, such as Kryptek, Bowtech
and TrackingPoint. Besides, when you think
American legends, you can’t get any more
American than Chris Kyle and Jeep.”
We couldn’t agree more at Ballistic. So let’s
dive into the details and see what makes this
Jeep so awesome.
56 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
A Closer Look
One of the first things you’ll notice is the
Kryptek Banshee Kevlar paint. Freilich explains
that as Chris had a personal relationship
with the guys at Kryptek, incorporating the
company’s unique patterns was key to getting
this Jeep looking just right. Complete Customs
worked with Kryptek on the renders, after
which the talented team at Camoliner took over
and applied the textured paint job to the Jeep.
This was an extremely challenging aspect of
the build, says Freilich. But now that it’s done
and looking oh-so-good, the team can proudly
claim, “We are the only shop to spray the
Kryptek pattern in the Kevlar form!”
Now that the outside of the Jeep Wrangler
was looking right, the vehicle was sent back
to Complete Customs so Freilich and his team
could add their magic.
Complete Customs partnered up with
suspension company Rock Krawler to beef
up the Jeep’s already impressive off-road
prowess. Rock Krawler supplied its latest
5.5-inch Trail Gunner suspension kit, which
The Kryptek Banshee
Kevlar paint job is textured,
not smooth.
by itself can make any Jeep special. This kit
includes an independent three-link front and
rear conversion, remote reservoir shocks up
front that allow up to 12.5 inches of travel,
remote reservoir rear shocks that give up to
10.5 inches of travel, and all the parts needed
to make the kit work in perfect harmony with
the Jeep. The front axle was also upgraded
with a G2 Core 44 axle and ARB lockers.
This kit also allowed the Complete Customs
team to add some oversized tires to help this
“The overall theme is to
help keep Chris Kyle’s
spirit alive...”
Jeep crawl over whatever gets in its way.
Since this photo shoot, the wheels have been
swapped out for new forged Chris Kyle-edition
wheels, but the tires remain the same. We’re
talking meaty 40x14.5x20 Interco SS-M16
tires here. In addition to looking the part,
Freilich says they also help give this Jeep
Wrangle an amazing ride. We’re counting the
days until we can get a ride-along to confirm
that last bit about the new tires.
MetalCloak overline
fenders provide protection
in the front.
A MaxRax roof rack keeps
gear secure up top.
Interco 40x14.5x20
SS-M16 tires provide
major amounts of grip.
The Addictive Desert
Designs Venom front
bumper houses a Warn
M8000-S winch.
Truck-Lite headlights by
Rigid Industries guide this
Jeep Wrangler when the
sun goes down.
Complete Customs and
participating Jeep dealers
are selling versions of The
Legend, with proceeds
supporting the Chris Kyle
Frog Foundation.
Powering it all is the standard 3.6-liter V6,
with a few power-adders thrown in for
good measure. A Magnuson supercharger
kit, featuring an Eaton Twin Vortices series
supercharger, adds boost, power and that
sweet supercharged whine. Helping it all
breathe a bit easier is an MBRP cat-back
Off-Road exhaust system.
Inside, the team partnered with Roadwire
interiors to create the Kryptek-patterned
Chris Kyle Edition seat covers. A 9-inch,
in-dash Alpine Restyle system adds a bit of
entertainment for cruising around town.
Up front, the first thing you’ll notice is the
custom Chris Kyle Legend grille. Adding some
extra style to the Jeep’s exterior is a Venom
front bumper courtesy of Addictive Desert
Designs (ADD). This stylish piece of off-road
armor houses the Warn M8000-S winch
and serves as a mounting point for the Rigid
Industries LED lighting/GoPro camera mount.
ADD also amped up this Jeep’s attitude with
its Venom series rear bumper, tire carrier and
side steps. Gear that needs to go up top is
kept secure by a MaxRax roof rack.
Taya Kyle herself has nothing but praise for
this Jeep. “The details in Chris Kyle Frog
Foundation Jeeps are not only exceptional
quality, but they have a badass feel that
Chris would have loved. When I saw the final
product, it was emotional, mostly because I felt
Chris would have been humbly ecstatic about
the look, the feel and the utility. I could almost
feel his smile and hear his laugh as I saw him
driving it full-out in my mind’s eye.”
Endorsements don’t ring any truer than that.
Complete Customs and participating Jeep
dealers are selling versions of The Legend,
with proceeds going to the continued support
of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
To learn more about the foundation itself,
and to see how you can get involved, visit
chriskylefrogfoundation.org.
“...I felt Chris would have
been humbly ecstatic
about the look, the feel
and the utility.”

The first thing you’ll notice

is the custom Chris Kyle
Legend grille.

An Alpine Restyle system

adds a bit of entertainment
for cruising around town.

Rock Krawler’s 5.5-inch

Trail Gunner suspension kit
allows up to 12.5 inches
of travel up front.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 59

 SPECIAL
THANKS!
From Shaun Freilich:

“I would like to thank Taya Kyle, her team and

everyone at the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
for giving us the opportunity to build such a
meaningful project! It’s been a true honor to
help keep Chris’ spirit alive and help bring
awareness to the foundation. I also would
like to thank all the sponsors and partners.
Without you guys and gals, this project would
have never been possible. Lastly, I take my hat
off to my team at Complete Customs—Luis
Salas, Chendo Moreno, Francisco Quiroz and
Shon Brammer. You guys made this dream
become a reality!”
ExoSkin quick-release
dovetail fenders grace the
rear corners.

LEGEND SPECS
The Base Ride: • Rigid Industries GoPro mount
Jeep Wrangler JK • Addictive Desert Designs Venom Front
Bumper, Rear Bumper, Tire Carrier,
Engine/Drivetrain Side Steps
• 3.6-liter V6 • MaxRax roof rack
• Magnuson Supercharger kit • MetalCloak overline front fenders
• MBRP cat-back Off-Road exhaust system • ExoSkin 6-inch quick-release dovetail
• G2 5.38 front and rear gears rear fenders
A Magnuson supercharger
provides extra power
for towing and off-road Suspension Interior
expeditions.
• Rock Krawler 5.5-inch Trail Gunner kit • Roadwire Interiors Chris Kyle Edition
A Condition Zero gun Kryptek seat covers
mount keeps a rifle Wheels/Tires • Alpine 9-inch, in-dash Restyle system
close at hand.
• Custom XD wheels • Condition Zero gun and bow mounts
• Interco 40x14.5x20 SS-M16
To support the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, visit:
Exterior
• Custom Kryptek Banshee Kevlar paint
by Camoliner
• Chris Kyle Legend grille
• RKSport hood
• Rigid Industries LED lighting
60 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
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 ESSENTIAL
® GEAR
BUDGET
BOLT
BUILD
Upgrade Your Remington 700
Without Breaking The Bank
Written by John Scott
Images by John Scott
Nothing compares to the feeling of lining up a
string of shots that result in a single (more or
less) ragged hole in the target. The satisfaction
one feels from a tight shot grouping comes
from hard work, practice and preparation.
Throwing lead downrange at distance with
pinpoint accuracy can be challenging on many
different levels. As a shooter, one has to deal
with a myriad of environmental conditions, work
up suitable cartridge loads and even manage
one’s own body to perform efficiently.
Precision shooting can be challenging, but
getting your rifle outfitted doesn’t need to be. It
wasn’t long ago that upgrading a precision bolt
gun meant spending thousands of dollars at a
specialized gunsmith. Over the past few years,
aftermarket companies have created a whole
host of off-the-shelf parts dedicated to the
home armorer that allow them to upgrade
62 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
2
1
and effortlessly outfit their rifles to fit their
needs with nothing more than a few
common hand tools.
If you are looking to upgrade your Remington
Model 700 rifle, you’ll want to take a look at
Magpul’s line of Hunter 700 stocks. Available
for both short and long actions, the Hunter
700 stock is made for those who want to add
more adjustability options to their rifles without
spending a small fortune. It is fully adjustable
for length of pull and comb height, and it
requires no bedding, making it easy to install
and maintain. In fact, it only took us about five
minutes to swap stocks for the rifle seen here.
Compatible with standard Remington
700-pattern rifles, the Hunter 700 stock
is made of reinforced polymer with a Type
III hard-anodized, A380 cast-aluminum
4
6
V-bedding block core. The forward portion of
the stock features M-LOK slots on the sides
and bottom for attaching a wide range of
desired accessories.
Along with the stock, we further upgraded our
20-inch-barreled, .308 Winchester-chambered
Remington 700 SPS Tactical with a Nikon
Monarch 7 scope, a Badger Ordnance scope
base and rings, as well as a Caldwell bipod.
Our upgrades came in just under a trending
street price of $1,700. For those who want to
go suppressed (and who wouldn’t?), we
went with a Dead Air Sandman-L sound
suppressor that nudged the overall price to
just over $2,600. Check out the cost
breakdown of each part in the accompanying
list, and then you can easily modify your
Remington Model 700 bolt action to fit your
needs. It’s that simple.
 Remington 700 (BEFORE)

Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD

MSRP: $756.57
Trending Price: $650
URL: remington.com

3 Magpul Bolt Action Magazine

8 Well/Hunter 700 Stock 6 Badger Ordnance 30mm
Scope Ring: Medium (.88”)
MSRP: $69.95
5 Trending Price: $66.45 MSRP: $168
URL: magpul.com Trending Price: $168
Notes: In conjunction with the Hunter 700 URL: badgerordnance.com
stock, this magazine well allows the 700 to Notes: Optimized for use with most 30mm
feed off AICS-compatible magazines, including optics, Badger Ordnance’s scope rings are
Magpul’s PMAG 5 7.62 AC magazine, which machined from steel and black-oxide finished.
is included.

7 Dead Air Sandman-L

4 Badger Ordnance Remington
MSRP: $1,199
1 Magpul Hunter 700 Stock Short Action Scope Rail
Trending Price: $950
Remington 700 Short Action
MSRP: $150 URL: deadairsilencers.com
MSRP: $259.95 Trending Price: $150 Notes: If you don’t want to blow out either
Trending Price: $246.95 URL: badgerordnance.com your eardrums or wallet, the Sandman-L is
URL: magpul.com Notes: Badger Ordnance’s scope rail features what you’re looking for. It offers a stated sound
an integrated recoil lug with a 20-MOA bias. It reduction of 31 decibels when firing standard
2 Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50mm is machined from 4142 prehardened steel. 7.62mm ammunition.
SF BDC Custom XR Turret

MSRP: $999.95
Trending Price: $999.95
5 Caldwell XLA Pivot Model 8 Magpul M-LOK Bipod Mount
Bipod (6–9”)
URL: nikonsportoptics.com MSRP: $22.95
Notes: The Monarch 7 riflescope features MSRP: $54.99 Trending Price: $21.90
a one-piece, 30mm main tube and a glass- Trending Price: $42.00 URL: magpul.com
etched BDC reticle. It includes a Custom URL: btibrands.com Notes: Machined from aluminum, the Mag-
XR Turret package that allows for dialing Notes: The XLA Bipod features a lightweight pul M-LOK Bipod Mount is a great option for
in distance on the crosshair or the use of aluminum design with spring-loaded, notched attaching stud-mounted bipods to M-LOK-
holdover points on its BDC reticle. legs for quick indexing and deployment. compatible forends.
* The Trending Prices listed were calculated from an average of popular retailers’ listed prices at the time of publication and are subject to change.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 63

 SHOOTER
®
SCIENCE

THE
CUTTING
EDGE
Advanced Materials
Written by Ballistic Staff
Images by John Scott & TracerX

Whether we realize it or not, most of us

interact with advanced materials every day.
You may have Kevlar in your shoes or carbon
fiber in your car. Some of us might even
have titanium implants in our bodies. These
miracles of innovation may have started as
science experiments in some mysterious lab,
but they’re now a part of our daily lives—and
for many of us, even present in our firearms,
survival gear and safety equipment, too.

To better understand how these materials work

for us, let’s delve deeper into their advantages
and what we can expect from them.

64 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 TOUGH, RELIABLE AND WITHIN REACH, THERE’S NO
EXCUSE NOT TO OWN THE WORLD’S FINEST CARBINE.

After years of raising the bar on long-range shooting with

our 50 caliber, Barrett has now created our next generation AR.
We call it the REC7 DI, and, while incredibly light, it carries
some truly weighty attributes. A highly customizable direct
impingement rifle, the REC7 DI can be adapted to your specific
preferences. What’s more, in true Barrett tradition, this rifle is
hand-built and intensely precise for accuracy that’s truly one
of a kind. Shoot it thousands of times, drag it through the mud,
submerge it in the water; whatever the case, it’s built to be
reliable for years.

The REC7 from Barrett. Shoots holes in every excuse.

BARRETT.NET/REC7DI | #REC7DI

BOLT CARRIER GROUP HANDGUARD STAINLESS STEEL BARREL MUZZLE BRAKE

Plated in a super tough nickel Lightweight and balanced, AND OPTIMIZED CHAMBER Reduced recoil provides
boron finish that eases cleaning with fully customizable Chambered, threaded and crowned superior control
and increases reliability. rail system. in-house by BARRETT® craftsmen. and accuracy.

Optics shown not included.


Carbon Fiber
At one time, carbon fiber was reserved for use
in only the most cutting-edge machinery. From
Formula 1 cars to the Space Shuttle, carbon
fiber was the material of the future. Nowadays,
we find this advanced material in use in
everyday items such as golf clubs and even
wallets. It’s only natural that carbon fiber found
its way to the firearms world, too.
Carbon-fiber-wrapped rifle barrels,
handguards, buttstocks and even bolt-action
chassis are now appearing en masse. Aside
from the futuristic look, what advantages
can shooters expect from its magic weaves?
According to a recent study, carbon-fiber
composites are 3.8 times stronger than steel,
4.5 times stronger than aluminum alloys and
7.4 times stronger than titanium. The material
is stiffer and lighter than traditional metals as
well. In fact, it’s said that carbon fiber is up to
70 percent lighter than steel and 40 percent
lighter than aluminum. Understanding this
makes the advantages of using carbon-fiber
composites obvious.
66 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
“...carbon-fiber composites
are 3.8 times stronger
The Shadow Tactica from Shadow Gunworks than steel, 4.5 times
is a 100-percent carbon-fiber/epoxy prepreg
Remington 700-compatible chassis that actually stronger than aluminum
utilizes the advantages of carbon-fiber composites
for structural integrity—it’s not “just for looks.” For alloys and 7.4 times
more information, visit shadowgs.com.
stronger than titanium.”
Its high corrosion resistance added to its
superior strength-to-weight ratio make it a Kevlar protects particularly well against cuts,
natural fit in the “ounces equal pain” mantra abrasions and heat. It is used in gear worn by
of the tactical and survival worlds. Rifle firefighters as well as athletes such as speed
barrels are another beneficiary of this material: skaters and fencers. Hunters and fishermen
Carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels were once will be familiar with its use in gloves that
considered gimmicks, but over the years many protect from accidental knife cuts. Protective
shooters have found that the weight savings gear such as body armor that incorporates the
and cooling properties equate to barrels they use of Kevlar is usually much lighter
can carry farther and with less fatigue. In fact, and thinner than gear of an equivalent
carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels oftentimes weigh protective value that’s made of more
half or less than that of a steel barrel of the conventional materials.
same profile. At the same time, these barrels
maintain their accuracy and last longer than
standard steel barrels.
Kevlar
Poly-paraphenylene
terephthalamide, aka
Kevlar, is commonly
used as a protective
material and is
employed extensively in
everything from motorcycle
safety gear to military-grade
body armor. In fact, the gloves you see on the
cover of this magazine contain Kevlar. The
material has a high-tensile strength-to-weight
ratio and is said to be approximately five times The shell of helmets worn by U.S. Army
soldiers are commonly constructed of
stronger than steel. 19 layers of Kevlar to provide protection
against shrapnel and other ballistic threats.
 Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Fax: 262-367-0989 / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO / 1-877-272-8626

* MOUNTING HARDWARE ADDS 2.2 OZ BravoCompanyMFG.COM/KMR

 Parts that are required to be
lightweight yet strong, such as
this turbine wheel, are commonly
made of titanium.
This Knight’s Armament
Company Triple Tap
compensator is made of
Inconel and also works as
a suppressor mount.

steel to explain the meaning of all

Titanium
Do you think titanium is rare? We thought
so too until we did our research. Titanium
is actually one of the top 10 most abundant
elements found in the Earth’s crust. If it’s so
abundant, then why is it so expensive? The
answer lies in its production. Titanium must
be processed in a complex, time-consuming
and labor-intensive process. So from a certain
point of view, it’s still considered rare.
Titanium is most prized for its corrosion
resistance and the fact that it has the highest
strength-to-density ratio of any other metallic
element. When used as an alloying agent and
mixed with other metals such as aluminum,
titanium alloy becomes a very strong yet
lightweight material. The material is frequently
used in aircraft, naval ships and even missiles
due to its high corrosion and fatigue resistance
as well great tensile strength-to-density ratio.
Yes, titanium may be expensive, but it’s no
longer a material reserved for those with the
spending budget of the Department of
Defense. Recently, companies such as
V Seven Weapon Systems have been
pioneering the use of titanium in relatively
affordable gun components such as
AR-15 gas blocks and takedown pins. To see
what other titanium parts you can use to bling
out your rifle, take a look at the titanium AR-15
parts buyer’s guide elsewhere in this issue.
Inconel
Inconel is a corrosion-resistant material that
is used in very high-temperature and high-
pressure applications. It retains strength over
a wide and high temperature range and is
employed where traditional materials such as
aluminum and steel would fail. SpaceX uses
Inconel in the engine manifold of its Merlin
rocket engines. Common uses include gas
turbine blades and turbocharger rotors.
In the firearms world, Inconel can be found
inside the high-pressure, high-temperature
spaces within a sound suppressor as blast
baffles. Because it is difficult to machine, often
ruining the very tool trying to cut it, Inconel
parts can be expensive to produce.
Stainless & Carbon Steel
Though not really considered an “advanced
material” anymore, we thought we’d include
those numbers you read in firearm and
knife specifications. You’ve seen designations
like 4140 steel or 17-4 stainless before—in
fact, you’ve probably seen them in this very
issue. To understand these names, let’s learn a
little bit about steel.
Steel is an alloy of iron with enough carbon
and other elements in it to allow for hardening.
The definition of carbon steel can get very
particular, but generally the term covers most
steels that are not stainless steel, including
different alloy steels. The more carbon steel
has, the greater its ability to become harder
and stronger through heat treatment; but too
much carbon makes steel less ductile, or
unable to be deformed without becoming
weak and brittle.
Alloying agents mixed with steel give the
material different attributes, such as corrosion
resistance, increased strength, decreased
brittleness, easier machinability and so
forth. The Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) establishes the designations for these
various steel alloys by way of a four-number
designation system. Classifications like the
ones we commonly see in the firearms world,
such as 4140 and 4150, designate the
contents of a certain type of steel. The first
number represents the material’s class, in
this case molybdenum steel, the second digit
indicates the secondary alloying element, and
the final two numbers indicate the amount of
carbon it contains. It can get more detailed,
but since this isn’t a metallurgical class,
we’ll move on.

68 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

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 So what’s the difference between 4140 and content that makes it easier to machine, while There are different grades of 440; 440C has
4150 steel? As you can see by their SAE 440 stainless is a higher grade of cutlery the highest carbon content. The next time you
designation, they’re similar in most aspects steel with more carbon content. This means are comparing products, don’t quickly shrug
except for the amount of carbon in them. The that the 440 is preferred by knife-makers for off the designation differences as something
4140 has enough carbon content in it—0.40 its ability to better retain sharp edges. When minor. Just a single changed digit can mean a
percent carbon by mass—to make it hard hardened, it is one of the hardest stainless big difference in a material’s performance and
enough yet malleable enough to be used steels available. durability characteristics.
extensively and reliably in the firearms
world. The 4150, however, increases
the carbon content to 0.50 percent,
which makes it a much harder material.
This additional hardness means it is
more durable, but it’s also harder to
work with, which usually equates to
increased cost.

Stainless steel is a steel alloy with a

minimum of 10.5 percent chromium
content by mass, which means it won’t
easily corrode, rust or stain. Those of
us who are around guns and knives
are most familiar with 416 or 440
stainless steel. The 416 is commonly
used in firearms and has added sulfur Stainless Steel

70 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

Aluminum
Like steel, we see all sorts of aluminum
designations being thrown around—6061
this and 7075 that. So what’s the difference?
Well, 6061 is an aerospace-
grade aluminum alloy that contains
magnesium and silicon as its major
alloying elements. It is easy to work
with and is used for everything from
flashlight bodies to firearm receivers.
The type known as 7075 is a
stronger-grade aluminum alloy
that has zinc as its primary alloying
element. Its strength is comparable
to many grades of steels, and it has
good fatigue resistance. It isn’t as
easy to machine as 6061, though,
and its relatively high cost limits its
use. Its strength also lies in its high
level of corrosion resistance.
What’s up with the suffixes after
some designations? Sometimes you’ll
see a dash, a letter and a number after an
aluminum designation. This signifies its temper
designation. We usually encounter the suffixes
“-T6” or “-T7.” “T” means that the alloy is heat-
Aluminum
treated for improved hardness and elasticity.
Specifically, “T6” means that the aluminum has
been solution heat-treated and artificially aged,
while “T7” is also solution heat-treated but is
then stabilized for greater durability.
So, going back to 6061 aluminum—
its strength can vary greatly
depending on how it’s tempered.
Regular 6061 has a maximum tensile
strength of 18,000 psi and is used for
items such as automotive parts and
aluminum cans. However, 6061-T6
has an ultimate tensile strength of
at least 42,000 psi and is used for
bicycle frames and AR-15 receivers,
among other items. As with steel, a
seemingly small change in designation
can equate to a very different material.
There you have it. Use your newfound
knowledge wisely.
 FEATURE
®
FIREARM

Pushing The Limits Of The AR-15:

A Short Case For The Long Range
Written by David Thorson
Images by TracerX

72 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

A few months back, as we sat in a coffee
shop discussing different AR-15 chamberings
and their effective ranges, we wondered if
there was one caliber that trumps them all
for effectiveness out to 1,000 yards. Could
we actually build an AR-15 that is capable of
ranges usually reserved only for larger-caliber
ARs or bolt-action rifles?

Back at the office, we scoured the Internet,

researching forums and filtering the plethora
of information (and sometimes misinformation)
out there. One round kept coming up with the
best potential for 1,000-yard effectiveness—
the 6.5 Grendel. We asked Paul Scott, an
expert on the round and one of the 65grendel.
com moderators, a few questions on the topic.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 73

 Could we make it out to 1,000 yards with an GMX a problem; the PSR’s controls are intuitively
AR-15 built for the 6.5 Grendel? Which barrel 0 fps placed in the same location on either side.
length offers the most repeatable results for barrel..
the average user? In short, the answer to the or a The mating between the barrel and
first question was yes, and any barrel from o
into receiver was the strongest selling point
16 to 24 inches would be able to get n in for us when deciding upon which rifle
ds. Of ould to base our build. A loose fit does not
e the make this a reality. lend itself to accuracy, especially at long
yond ranges where there are so many variables
l would
d We started the 6.5 Grendel to consider when taking aim at a target.
be perfect for our needs. conversion with arguably one of While it pained us to dismantle such a
e beautifully comprised rifle, it definitely gave
der and ay: some insight on how well the transitional
el was e rail was designed. By no means is this
o 800- Caitlyn PSR, which comes with a quick-detachment system. The barrel
-length a Proof Research carbon-fiber- and handguard assembly is held in place
nergy wrapped barrel. The M-LOK with eight machine screws and an equal
game handguard has a proprietary number of setscrews and small dowels
nts transition ring and barrel nut to (which we learned are actually heat sinks)
ndeed
d rel in the transition ring itself. This holds the
g- and upper for superb accuracy. barrel firmly in place with even pressure
range capabilities. and without the need to over-torque the
The billet 7075-T6 aluminum barrel nut, which would unevenly stress
In a nutshell, they opted to use a s the aluminum and lessen accuracy.
, we
h no We chose a 16-inch, 416R stainless steel,
the as 1-in-8-inch-twist barrel from X-Caliber and
locity olid paired it with a mid-length gas system.
508 or It was easy to install the barrel, and the
fi e
pace upper and barrel fit tightly. To aid in the
were measured from Hornady s 6.5 Grendel background and quality control. e stallation pro
123-grain A-MAX ammunition shot through magazine release and bolt catch are both
b with a heat g
a 16-inch barrel. In mirrored, so shooting from either side isn’
’t
isn’t extension i
perfectly
zero m t
the ba
barrel nut.

we
The 7075-T6 aluminum
receiver set has absolutely
no play between the oi
mating surfaces.

n
the 6.5 Grende
AR-15’s
accom
While
The Caitlyn PSR comes replaced the bolt itself,
O
with a free-floating M-LOK
handguard for accessories. we didn’t want to deal

74 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 To
o reach
eac out to 1,000
,000 yards,
we went with a 16-inch,
416R stainless steel, 1-in-
8-inch-twist barrel in 6.5
Grendel from X-Caliber.
with any possible fitting or tolerance issues.
JP Enterprises is an industry leader known for
creating top-tier rifles and add-ons, and the
company’s bolt carrier groups are no different,
so we went with JP’s Full Mass Bolt Carrier
Group with a 6.5 Grendel JP EnhancedBolt.
JP Enterprises did a phenomenal job putting
the bolt carrier group together. Its roller-
burnish bore allows the bolt to move inside
the carrier without friction, while the polished
exterior pieces and ejector have rounded
edges to prevent shaving any brass, which
could build up in the ejector hole and lead to
potential failure.
The Falkor rifle came with a Geissele SSA-E
two-stage trigger. Normally the trigger is
the first thing we’d replace, but this unit is
already perfect: Falkor Defense did a great job
researching the best triggers on the market for
the rifle in its 5.56mm form. What few people
realize is that the Geissele’s hammer mass—on
“We quickly knew we had
inner on our h
a wi
winner ands.”
hands.”
top of having a
clean break and a
short reset—yields the
lowest preignition vibration
compared to any other trigger
o the market. To put it in layman’s
on
terms: The mass of the hammer on
standard m
mil-spec triggers has a tendency
to push do
own ever so slightly on
down
the receiver set during the
receiver
hammer’s swing, resulting in a
slight accuracy loss right before
accuracy
it strikes the primer. While subtle and
mostly unnoticed, it is one more thing to
think about when squeezing every MOA
you can out of your rifle.
After finishing the rifle itself, it was
time to add a suitable optic. Of course,
reaching out to a 24-inch target 10
football fields away is no ordinary feat.
All the work, time and energy we poured
in would go to waste if we couldn’t
actually see our target clearly. The March
Optics Tactical 3-24x52mm scope is an
ideal choice for this application because
it is compact and lighter than most optics
in this class. Two illuminated first-focal-
plane (FFP) reticles are available—MOA
or mils—and we chose to go with the mil
model for easier calculations.
The PSR is hardcoat
anodized in solid grey or
this optional color scheme,
called Shadow.
cal
Aside from the FFP reticle, the scope has
oversized elevation and windage knobs that
are incredibly solid and well built with very
positive clicks. There is also a zero-stop
adjustment for elevation and options for
illuminated or non-illuminated scopes. The
scope’s Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass
is incredibly sharp and clear across the full
magnification range.
Because everyone’s needs are
different, most high-end optics
do not come with scope rings, and the
size of our March Optics scope required
us to go with an extended mount that
pushed the optic over the rail while keeping
it rigidly in place on the upper. For this
we turned to Bobro Engineering, which
has been creating some truly innovative
products since 2000.
During initial testing and short-range
shooting, we found a standard base
worked great to 700 meters, but to get
our shots to 1,000 yards, the adjustments
on the scope would not drop far enough.
To make it out to 1,000 yards, we needed
a 20-MOA base, which helps compensate
and allows for much more drop. The mount
we ultimately used features both a 20-MOA
cant and the patented Bobro Lever/Auto-
Compensation (BLAC) system.
s to
uld
nd off
not be suitable for this kind
g range work,
long-range

C
The Caitlyn S comes
PSR
equipped with fully
ambidextrous
ambide
d xtrous controls,
including Falkor’s
ambidextrous
handle.
charging handlee.

76 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

we installed a set of Troy BattleSights on the
rifle just in case, and replaced the Troy front
sight post with a Blitzkrieg Chevron unit, which
makes it easier to get on target if the gun is
used in close quarters.

Finally, we come to the bipod—the final

element needed to properly stabilize the
firearm. We decided to add an Accu-Tac SR-5
to this build. While it looks robust and heavy,
the bipod itself only weighs 19 ounces. Its legs
are incredibly easy to extend and retract, and
its height ranges from 6.25 to 9.75 inches. The
bipod can also be adjusted for cant when the
ground is not perfectly level.

Our first attempt at shooting the rifle was very

disappointing. Our usual spot where we can
range targets out to 2,500 yards was blocked
by fallen trees due to recent storms in the
mountains of western Washington State. We
had to reschedule, and drove three hours to
Yakima, Washington, to an incredible private
range. It was equally snowy, but at least it was
accessible. Luckily for us, the range already
had metal targets set up set up at 340, 650

Hornady’s 6.5 Grendel 123-grain A-MAX

cartridge fits in a standard AR-15 magazine
and has the energy to remain accurate
enough for target shooting past 1,000 yards.

A set
set
e off Tro
T
Troy
roy BattleSights
Batt
attl
ttleS
leSi
Sigh
igghts
with a Blitzkrieg
g Chevron
front sight post installed
serves as an excellent
close-quarters backup
sighting option.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 77

 We fired this three-shot, sub-MOA group at 100
yards, and it shows the rifle’s capabilities.

BY THE NUMBERS:
FALKOR DEFENSE
CAITLYN PSR

FALKOR DEFENSE

CAITLYN PSR

COLOR
Shadow

CALIBER
5.56mm NATO

BARREL LENGTH
16 inches

CAPACITY
30+1

WEIGHT UNLOADED
6 pounds 4.8 ounces

OVERALL LENGTH
34 inches

MSRP
$3,499

falkordefense.com

/falkor.defense
@falkor.defense

Accessories As Featured (Not Included):

• X-Caliber 16-inch 6.5 Grendel Barrel
• JP Enterprises 6.5 Grendel Enhanced Bolt
Carrier Group
• March Optics 3-24x56mm Tactical Scope
• Bobro Engineering 30mm 20-MOA
Scope Mount
• VG6 Precision GAMMA 762 Muzzle Brake
• Accu-Tac SR-5 Bipod
• Troy BattleSights
• Blitzkrieg Chevron Front Sight Post

78 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 The Mission First Tactical Battlelink
stock and Hogue pistol grip come
standard on the Caitlyn PSR and
worked perfectly for our purposes.
ver 1,000 yards—exactly what we were
g for, and definitely worth the trip!
ng the gun was incredibly easy; we had
y bore-sighted it just so we could get
per without wasting ammo. Shot after
the rifle produced impressive 0.5- to
0.38-MOA results. We quickly knew we had a
winner on our hands. With giddy excitement,
we engaged the 340-yard target with a 2.4-mil
elevation adjustment and a 0.25-mil wind hold.
The first shot was right on target. After a few
more shots to verify repeatability, we moved
to the 640-yard target. Our ballistic computer
gave us an elevation adjustment of 6.7 mils
and a 0.5-mil wind hold. While our initial shots
had some misses as the wind down range
was a bit stronger and more unstable, we
corrected to a 0.75-mil hold and finally got the
hits we were looking for.
Now the true test for the 6.5 Grendel—1,000
yards. At that distance, the Hornady Match
123-grain A-MAX bullet is still traveling at
supersonic speeds with nearly 343 foot-
pounds of energy. That’s similar to that of a
124-grain 9mm round at the muzzle—definitely
enough power for thin-skinned game.
With the wind picking up to small,
unpredictable gusts, we dialed
the ballistic computer’s numbers
into the scope: 12.5 mils of
elevation and about 1.25 to 1.5
The Accu-Tac SR-5
bipod’s height ranges
from 6.25 to 9.75 inches.
Its optional spikes provide
aggressive traction on dirt
or any soft surfaces.
mils of windag
ag
ge. The
he snow on the ground
only further deadened the incredible silence
of the eastern Washington countryside and
just echoed the incredible explosion of the
6.5 Grendel round leaving the gun. You could
actually hear the bullet’s sweet whir flying to
the target, finally reaching the 24-inch steel “You could actually hear
plate with a resounding gong. There was the bullet’s sweet whir
nothing more elating than hearing the sound of
flying to the target, finally
the lead hitting the steel at that distance. We
accomplished our mission. reaching the 24-inch
steel plate with a
This may not be the most cost-effective build, resounding gong.”
but the rifle, the 6.5 Grendel round and the
scope all worked so incredibly well together.
The recoil was unbelievably light and stable,
and the VG6 did an amazing job keeping the
Bobro’s 20-MOA scope mount
scope on the target while firing. and the illuminated first-focal-
plane March Optics Tactical
3-24x52mm scope were ideal
Most quality AR-15s can be converted to the choices for us to reach out to
1,000 yards.
6.5 Grendel by swapping out the barrel, bolt
carrier group and magazine. Switching to the
6.5 Grendel is definitely a great upgrade if you
want a gun that plays well in the 300- to 800-
yard range and can stretch its legs all the way
out to 1,000 yards.
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 79
 BUYER’S
® GUIDE

WHICH WATCH?
Treat Your Wrist To These Tactical Timepieces
Written by Ballistic Staff
Images by John Scott
2

The benefits of having a dependable timepiece

on your wrist are obvious. Not only can the
right watch supply you with the time and date
accurately and reliably, but some models can
also give you important data, such as your
exact location anywhere on the planet or
important weather updates.

Though practicality comes first for most of us,

there’s no reason you can’t opt for a quality
watch that pleases the eye as well. Here are
six wristwatches trustworthy enough to get
you to your appointments on time and rugged
3
enough to get you out of a disaster zone when
the proverbial s#&% hits the fan—all while
doing it in style.

1 Garmin

Model: Tactix Bravo

Style: Black with nylon straps
MSRP: $699.99
URL: garmin.com
1
Notes: The Tactix Bravo is equipped with
GPS plus altimeter, barometer and compass
functions as well as Garmin’s Tactical features,
which include Jumpmaster activity (fancy a
HALO jump anyone?), projected waypoints
and a dual-position-format GPS Coordinate
Data Page that supports MGRS, Degrees
Minutes Seconds and more. This watch
includes a host of other features for fitness
training, outdoor navigation and more.

80 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 2 Resco Instruments

Model: Manus
Style: Grey dial, PVD
MSRP: $1,185
URL: rescoinstruments.com
Notes: Founded by a U.S. Navy SEAL, Resco
Instruments is a company that builds watches
for rugged use in the field. Built and tested
in Coronado, California, Resco’s watches
are currently worn on the wrists of more than
100 active-duty SEALs. How’s that for an
endorsement? The Manus features 13-jewel,
Swiss Ronda quartz movement and a 316L
stainless steel case with a black DLC finish.
The watch is rated to a depth of 200 meters
for water resistance. It has a slightly domed
sapphire crystal with a single inner anti-
reflective coating.

3 Bravo Company USA

Model: BCM Mk15 Tritium Watch

(Limited Edition)
Style: Brushed black PVD
MSRP: $650
URL: bravocompanyusa.com
Notes: Housed in a 316L stainless steel
case, the Mk15 is water-resistant to 200
meters and features 13-jewel, gold-plated
Swiss chronograph movement. It has a real
carbon-fiber dial and is finished in brushed
black PVD. Its hands and hour markers are
each tritium-illuminated and protected by a
sapphire scratch-resistant crystal. The watch
comes with a stainless steel band as well as
an optional rubber diver’s band. Each Mk15
is laser-engraved with a unique serial number
and comes encased in a reinforced hard case,
adding to its collectability.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 81

 4 Casio G-Shock
Model: GLS-8900AR-1DR
Style: Black
MSRP: $130
URL: gshock.com
Notes: Casio G-Shock watches are well
known for their rugged resilience. This
model is in the G-LIDE series and features
low-temperature resistance (to -4 degrees
Fahrenheit), which makes it a perfect choice
for cold-climate operations. It is shock-
resistant and water-resistant up to 200 5
meters, and comes with automatic LED “Super
Illuminator” face illumination for easier reading
under the harshest of conditions.

5 Nixon
Model: Unit SS
Style: Matte black/camo
MSRP: $250
URL: nixon.com
Notes: The Unit SS contains all the essentials
you’d typically need and then some for
4 daily use or outdoor adventures. Features
include time, day, date, alarm, chronograph,
countdown timer, thermometer for air
temperature readings and water resistance to
100 meters. Built to last, its band, bezel, dial
ring and three-link bracelet are constructed of
tough, surgical-grade 316L stainless steel. The
digital display can be user-customized for a
positive or negative LCD display.

6 Luminox
Model: Navy SEAL Colormark - 3053
Color: Black
MSRP: $395.00
6
URL: luminox.com
Notes: Military watch aficionados need no
introduction to Luminox. A longtime favorite
of operators around the world, Swiss-made
Luminox watches see use under the harshest
of conditions. The Navy SEAL Colormark has
a carbon-reinforced polycarbonate case, case
back and unidirectional ratcheting bezel. Its
face is self-illuminating and is protected by a
tempered, scratch-resistant mineral crystal.
Living up to its name, this watch is water
resistant to 200 meters.

82 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 BUYER’S
GUIDE

BLAST
®

OFF!
Muzzle Blast Control Devices
Written by John Scott
Images by John Scott

84 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

It’s a nice, sunny day. You arrive at the range
with your favorite carbine for some plinking and
target practice. There’s nothing more satisfying
than getting some quality trigger time with your
rifle. The smell and taste of burnt gunpowder
coupled with the concussive force of the
muzzle blast can be exciting, even something
to look forward to, provided you’re only sharing
the range with a couple of shooters.
But when you’re at the public range on a busy
weekend or standing shoulder to shoulder with
20 other shooters at a tactical carbine class,
the bits of carbon and thick clouds of blast
residue hurling your way can be downright
stifling. It’s especially unpleasant when you’re
stuck between two shooters, each with mon-
ster brakes that feel like they’re competing to
see which can collapse your lungs first.
The overload of concussive forces and sound
from muzzle blasts is even worse for duty
personnel who may find themselves in life-and-
death situations and have to move and shoot
with a team in everything from small rooms and
cargo holds in seafaring freighters to under-
ground tunnels. Silencers are good to help
mute this sound and blast, but unfortunately
they’re not available in every situation. If sound
suppressors are not an option to help you tame
that blast, there is another solution, though.
“The overload of
concussive forces and
sound from muzzle blasts
is even worse for duty
personnel...“
One of the hottest new accessories on the
market today is the muzzle blast control device.
In fact, this category is so new that there isn’t
even a uniform name for them yet, and they’ve
been called everything from “blast mitigation
devices” to “blast shields.” The devices attach
to muzzle brakes and generally throw a rifle’s
blast and everything that goes with it in a
uniform direction. Fire, smoke, carbon junk and
even some of the sound is projected forward
and not to the sides or back toward the shoot-
er or his or her neighbors.
These blast control devices are attached much
in the same way as a silencer. They interface
with a compatible muzzle brake and are usually
installed via a quick-attach system propri-
etary to the particular device’s manufacturer.
Remember, these devices are primarily made
to keep blast debris and forces away from
your shooting partners and not necessarily
to enhance your rifle’s shootability. They are
designed to interfere with how your muzzle
brake works when not covered, so be aware
that they probably will affect your rifle’s feel
and performance. Of course, to what degree
depends on each manufacturer’s design.
If you shoot in groups or are just considerate
of your fellow shooter, you’ll probably want to
look into getting a device of your own. Without
further ado, let’s take a look at some of the
latest muzzle blast control devices.
 1 FERFRANS CQB Modular Muzzle Brake System

1.6"
Length: 2 28 inches
Diameter: 1.6 inches
Weight: 6.4 ounces (10 ounces w/mount)
Caliber: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
MSRP: $180 (set)
URL: ferfrans.net
Shown With:
FERFRANS Muzzle Brake Mount
Compatible Mounts:
FERFRANS Muzzle Brake Mount
Notes: This kit consists of two parts, a
muzzle brake mount and the Concussion
Reduction Device (CRD). The CRD features
a built-in quick-attach mechanism so you
can easily switch between using just the
brake by itself for less felt recoil and muzzle
2.28" movement or with the CRD attached to
minimize side blast and concussion and
redirect sound forward. Unlike other solid-
body devices, the CRD retains its brake’s
compensating properties thanks to small
perforations in its shroud.

2 Fortis Control Shield & Stainless Steel Muzzle Brake Bundle Pack

1.49" Leng
Le ngth
th:: 2.36
36 in
inch
ches
hes
Diameter: 1.49 inches
Weight: 4.2 ounces (7 ounces w/brake)
Caliber: 5.56mm
MSRP: $179.95
URL: fortismfg.com
Shown With: Fortis Muzzle Brake 5.56 SS
Compatible Mounts: Fortis Muzzle Brake
5.56 or Rainier Arms XTC 2.0

Notes: Fortis’ Control Shield pushes

noise forward while maintaining its muzzle
brake’s flat-shooting properties thanks to
four rows of ports located to either side
of its topside surface. It features a quick-
detach system for effortless installation. The
2.36"

bundle pack as featured comes with a Fortis

Muzzle Brake 5.56. The Control Shield’s
attachment system is being made available
to other manufacturers, so expect additional
compatible muzzle devices in the future.

86 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 3 Gemtech Blast Jacket

1.5"
Length: 2 55 inches
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Weight: 3.6 ounces (6.7 ounces w/mount)
Caliber: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
MSRP: $195
URL: gemtech.com
Shown With: Gemtech Triad 5.56
Quickmount (sold separately, $99)
Compatible Mounts: Gemtech
Quickmounts

Notes: Gemtech makes great suppressors,

so it’s only natural that the company came
out with a blast device of equal quality.
The Blast Jacket is made of lightweight
titanium and mounts to all existing Gemtech
2.55" Quickmounts. So if you already have one
of the company’s muzzle devices, you’re
in luck. It features no ports, allowing it to
effectively throw muzzle blast forward and
away from you and other shooters. The lack
of ports also greatly reduces the dust cloud
you get when shooting prone.

4 Griffin Armament QD Blast Shield

1.5" Leng
Le ngth
th:: 2.38
38 in
inch
ches
hes
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Weight: 5.4 ounces (8.3 ounces w/mount)
Caliber: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
MSRP: $149.95
URL: griffinarmament.com
Shown With: M4SD 5.56 Flash Comp
(sold separately, $99.95)
Compatible Mounts: Griffin SDQD
mounts and A2 flash suppressors
Notes: Designed to offer significant
concussion reduction for those around it, the
QD Blast Shield also protects the shooter
from excessive muzzle blast by directing
concussive force forward and away. It is
especially effective in CQB environments on
short-barreled rifles. It is made of 17-4PH
2.38"

and then coated in a Melonite QPQ surface

treatment, allowing it to withstand full-auto
fire. The QD Blast Shield can be fitted to
Griffin Armament mounts as well as mil-spec
A2 flash suppressors.

88 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 “If sound
suppressors
are not an
option to help
you tame that
blast, there
is another
solution ...”

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 89

 5 SureFire Warden Blast Diffuser

1.56"
Length: 3 5 inches
Diameter: 1.56 inches
Weight: 8.1 ounces (12 ounces w/mount)
Caliber: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
MSRP: $180
URL: surefire.com
Shown With: SFMB-556-1/2-28 Muzzle
Brake (sold separately, $149)
Compatible Mounts:
SureFire SOCOM Muzzle Devices
Notes: Looking like a miniature version of
a SureFire sound suppressor, the Warden
Blast Diffuser attaches by utilizing the same
ratcheting fast-attach system found on the
company’s series of SOCOM suppressors.

3.5"
The Warden directs concussive muzzle blast
forward of the rifle, which helps reduce the
effects of muzzle blast around and back
toward the shooter. With no side vents or
ports, the Warden Blast Diffuser also helps
minimize the dust signature when firing from
a prone position.

6 Wilson Combat Rapid Thread Muzzle Brake Blast Diverter

1.15" Leng
Le ngth
th:: 2.63
63 in
inch
ches
hes
Diameter: 1.15 inches
Weight: 2.2 ounces (6.1 ounces w/mount)
Caliber: 5.56mm, .30, .458 SOCOM
MSRP: $64.95
URL: wilsoncombat.com
Shown With: Rapid Thread Muzzle Brake
(sold separately, $95)
Compatible Mounts: Wilson Combat
Rapid Thread Muzzle Brakes

Notes: Wilson Combat’s Rapid Thread

Muzzle Brake Blast Diverter is designed to
direct noise and muzzle blast to the front,
away from the shooter and those in the
blast’s vicinity. It mounts by screwing onto
2.63"

rifles equipped with any of Wilson Combat’s

Rapid Thread Muzzle Brake/Whisper
Suppressor attachments. It has a slim
diameter and is the most compact device
featured in this guide. It is made of Melonite-
coated 4140 carbon steel for longevity.

90 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 “One of the
hottest new
accessories
on the market
today is the
muzzle blast
control device.”

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 91

 STORY
® TIME
TRUE TO IT.
NOT NEW TO IT.
Ryan Smalls Turned His Experience
As A Criminal Investigator For The
USMC CID—And Special Agent For
NIS—Into A Practice All His Own
Written by John Jarasa
Images by Garrett B. Carter
Entry into an organization or a profession
means nothing without years of dedication
and success to back it all up. This is where
experience trumps title. It is that valuable
on-the-job experience that refines one’s skills
and sharpens intuition. In the end, it’s what
ultimately makes or breaks us.
For Ryan Smalls, experience isn’t an issue at
all. His wealth of expertise dates back to the
mid-1970s, when he first became a criminal
investigator for the United States Marine
Corps Criminal Investigation Division (USMC
CID). The experience he gathered as a criminal
investigator served many purposes, and
while the memories are plentiful, so were the
opportunities—one of which landed him a job
as a special agent for the Naval Investigative
Service (NIS).
Just hearing the acronym NIS should be
proof enough that his seniority in the game
is well deserved. It is the same organization
that is now known as NCIS (Naval Criminal
Investigative Service) thanks to an agency
name change in 1999.
92 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
During those years, Smalls was investigating
felony crimes against military personnel and
was assigned to cases around the globe.
He has since turned his skills and priceless
experiences in criminal investigations,
surveillance and narcotics investigations
into a business of his own. In 1998, he
created the US Fugitive Service—a company
that specializes in exonerating bail bonds
by apprehending and surrendering fugitives,
both locally and internationally. Today, US
Fugitive Service International continues to work
with local and international law enforcement
agencies, including Interpol, to aid in the
arrest and transportation of fugitives. In
addition, Ryan Smalls has doubly increased his
enterprise by expanding his services to include
private protection.
US Fugitive Service
International, founded by
We had a chance to sit down with Ryan Smalls Ryan Smalls, specializes
in apprehending and
and learn more about his experiences and surrendering fugitives, both
current company. locally and internationally.
What prompted the creation
of US Fugitive Service
International?
I created this company back
in 1998 with two retired law
enforcement officers because
we saw a demand that still exists
today. That demand was for
the apprehension of fugitives
and public safety. I understand
that law enforcement cannot
effectively bring every fugitive
back into the system—not
because of a lack of talent, but
simply because of tight budget
constraints and a consistent lack
of resources.
I would like to stress that we are not “bounty
hunters” as portrayed by Duane Chapman,
aka Dog the Bounty Hunter. We are an
agency comprised of elite professionals with
military and law enforcement backgrounds
who share the same ethical moral compass.
Smalls was a criminal
investigator for the USMC
Criminal Investigation
Division in the early 1970s.
Who recognizes your agency?
Based on our track record and results, we are
recognized by major insurance companies
that specialize in bail, such as AIA, Bankers
Insurance, Lexington and Accredited, just to
name a few examples. City, state and federal
law enforcement communities, as well as
Interpol, also recognize us. We
also have a very strong ongoing
relationship with the federal
agencies of Mexico.
What does your agency
specialize in? And what
requirements do you look for
in your staff?
Our staff is composed of prior
law enforcement and ex-military
professionals. US Fugitive Service
International specializes in high-
risk, nationwide fugitive retrieval,
prisoner transportation and
criminal extradition services.
In addition, we provide protection
for executives, high-net-worth individuals
and dignitaries.
Can you elaborate on the protection
service side of the business?
Sure. I was approached by Xpert Premier
Protective Services to help them with the hiring
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 93

Smalls’ experience with
the military taught him
the value of teamwork
and working toward
one common goal.
process of their future candidates. I was hired
to make sure they had qualified individuals
who could work their protection details. That’s
how the relationship began, and I am now
the operations director as well as a managing
partner in that establishment.
What lessons did you learn from your
time in the military that you apply to life
and business today?
I worked in the military in a different era. At
the time, things were very different than they
are today. If I learned anything, it’s simply the
fact that everyone needs to be treated fairly.
As a special agent, you’re just a small part of
a big system, a cog in the machine, if you will,
and while your accolades may get recognized
on paper, it never really gets recognized in the
system—at least back then it didn’t. I was very
good at what I did, and in the end I felt left out,
but this made me realize the bigger picture of
government interest, self-reliance and respect.
What are the most valuable skills you
have learned from being a former law
enforcement agent, and how do they
relate to you today?
Communication is key, and the ability to assess
a threat is vital for the protection of your well-
being and your team as well as your client. On
the private protection side, it’s important to be
able to communicate swiftly and effectively.
Part of my training and experience has
helped calculate threat assessments while
94 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
giving me the ability to identify a threat and
handle it appropriately as quickly as possible.
Once you recognize a threat, you need to be
ready to handle it verbally. If that fails, or the
situation changes, then you need to know the
progressive steps, which lead to the use of
deadly force. It sounds easy, but it’s not. Make
the wrong move, act too soon or act too late,
and you can wind up hurt or land yourself in
jail. The bottom line is the fact that acting in the
wrong context can land you in jail—regardless
of if you’re in law enforcement or not.
How has this affected your
hiring process?
I realized that the people you hire must have
the same moral and ethical backgrounds that
align with your company’s purpose and vision.
It is very important that you share a common
vision so there’s less room for friction and
more time to handle the mission and objectives
at hand. This makes me very picky about who I
hire, because I want to add to the team. I need
my team to be fluid, and there is no room for
any high school antics when lives are at stake.
Have you encountered any dangerous
situations in the military or in your
current business that you would consider
life-changing?
There have been plenty of situations I can
discuss, but as with anyone who has served
our country, it’s not a subject we like to
entertain—especially when it deals with fatality.
Hearing about and watching shootouts
entertains the general public, and while it may
be fun to hear, read or watch on TV, it’s not
fun to deal with or discuss when it’s your job.
When things go bad, the frailty of life becomes
clearly evident, so this is probably why we
like to remain silent. Besides, does killing one
person or 20 make you a more credible person
or business? Not at all.
I will tell you this, though: Arresting an
individual that has not shown up to court is
a risky situation and not something to take
lightly. You can be dealing with anyone from
child molesters to homicide suspects, and their
reactions cannot be predicted. A homicide
suspect may comply with your every given
request, and on the flip side it can end really
nasty—so you need to be on your toes.
When you knock on someone’s door with a
warrant, they already know that we’re there
to pick them up, so the level of expectation,
adrenaline and anxiety can lead them to
function erratically and make bad choices.
Those bad choices can kill you if you’re caught
off guard. TV glamorizes the most dangerous
aspects of any job, but there’s nothing
glamorous about someone who is willing to
risk human life, regardless of if it’s their own or
the general public’s.
Were there any valuable lessons that you
learned from a past mentor or agent that
you’d like to share?
I was told by a well-known LEO and mentor
to make my business revolve around the word
“next.” That word is to be used in context of
my job and life. It simply translates into the
mentality that you need to keep things moving
without dwelling on the past arrest. The bottom
line: We’re only as good as our next successful
and safe arrest, so the word “next” has become
“TV glamorizes the most
dangerous aspects of any job,
but there’s nothing glamorous
about someone who is willing
to risk human life...“
a valuable tool in managing the stress created
by the occupation I chose. “If I learned anything, it’s simply the fact
that everyone needs to be treated fairly.“
Any advice for those leaving the military?
My advice is simple: Follow your passion and
start putting in the time to get the credentials
necessary to get there. If you want to become
a law enforcement officer, then become a law
enforcement officer. The reason I say that is
because we have had some ex-military folks
come work for us thinking that this is a step
into law enforcement and it is not.

You see, what we do is not a step into law

enforcement, and it can actually hurt them in
the process. Though we are licensed, we are
in the private sector. Now, if for some reason
you don’t continue in law enforcement, then
you can always give me a call, so long as your
moral and ethical compass is on.

Editor’s Note:
For more information about Ryan Smalls and
US Fugitive Service, visit usfugitivesvc.us.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 95

 FEATURED
® FIREARM

AMERICAN
BEAUTY
Ruger’s New American Pistol In 9mm
Written by Triple Bravo
Images by Triple Bravo

96 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 A D VA N C I N G T H E
SCIENCE OF SILENCE
THE SILENT ERA HAS BEGUN. INTRODUCING THE TOUGHEST,
QUIETEST, MOST ADVANCED SILENCERS THE WORLD HAS SEEN,
OR HEARD. THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER.

TAPER-LOK™ Fast-Attach System Tubeless Design

Muzzle Devices
• Minimal point-of- Lightest Weight
impact shift
• Three-piece mount
eliminates the need
for shims, which
cause misalignment

Titanium
TAPER-LOK™ Mount
• Superior accuracy
• Taper provides
alignment and
prevents loosening

Fast-Attach

SIGSILENCERS.COM
#ScienceMatters
 Many would argue that two or three major

When

new Ruger American Pistol, I was curiious,

y came
t its
ion?
Why had Ruger decided to design and
years
after the debut of its SR line?
company as “a scientifically engineered
Well, it seems the folks at Ruger spen
nt system that reduces recoil.” The low bore
ent
some quality research and developme axis and natural grip angle further aid the
time talking to law enforcement and shooter in managing the recoil of this
military trainers, firearms experts, and 30-ounce pistol.
even distributors and retailers about
what they wanted in a reliable pistol. I found the 9mm version of the Ruger
Designing an entirely new pistol gave American Pistol a pleasure to shoot.
e The grip felt natural and made quick
ply sight acquisitions a breeze. Follow-up

98 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 The Ruger American has
a “pre-tensioned striker
system,” which allows for a
short and crisp trigger pull.
 pected,
positive)
contrast to the snappy .40 S&W dutyy pistol
The magazine release buttons
law and slide stops mirror each
other on both sides.
enforcement officer.

Trigger Pull
Another design feature of the Ruger American
A
which
ll. My test
pistol’s trigger averaged 7.38 poundss over
an digital
trigger pull gauge.

ile
tive than
he Ruger
st favorite
attribute, I imagine a number of afterm
market
eep me off
my feet with a drop-in solution.
“Designing an entirely
Ergonomics new pistol gave Ruger
nd
the freedom to fully
interchangeable grip modules make the R
Ruger
ge
American a really attractive option for agencies
incorporate end-user
that train shooters of all different shapes suggestions…”
and sizes. After all, even the most accurate
out-of-the-box pistols require shooters to
be comfortable with them for their potential
to be fully realized. Being able to adjust the
American’s grip size to more closely fit one’s
hands is a clear advantage over pistols that
don’t have this feature.

The magazine release buttons

mirror each other on both sides
and are placed where both
left- and right-handed
shooters would

Ruger American’s
stainless steel slide
rides on the rails of a
one-piece, machined
stainless steel core.

100 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 XT 22
MAGNUM
22 Magnum

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Why are you still reading? You know you want one. www.RockIslandArmory.com
 traditionally expect to find them. Allowing
the shooter to fine-tune their grip, the Ruger
American’s wraparound grip modules are each
sized differently to adjust the trigger reach and
palm swell. The 9mm version comes with small,
medium and large options, while the .45 ACP
has just medium and large grip modules.
Initially I shot the Ruger American with the
factory-installed medium-sized grip module.
When I switched it out for the largest one
to compensate for my burly mitts, I achieved
much more positive support-hand palm
contact with the pistol’s grip. Switching the
grip module is simple and only requires the use
of an included #10 Torx wrench.
Added Safety
Ruger designed the American Pistol with
increased safety in mind. The majority of
negligent discharges can happen when an
operator fails to ensure the chamber is clear
prior to pulling the trigger when breaking the
pistol down for cleaning. While fault for these
incidents always lies squarely on the individual,
our agency in particular has taken some pretty
extreme measures to minimize the possibility of
this type of negligent discharge.
The Ruger American Pistol’s design provides
two safety features that eliminate the potential
“The Ruger American
Pistol looks like it has
what it takes to challenge
popular incumbents….”
102 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
for this type of negligent discharge. The slide
must be locked back before the takedown
lever can be rotated for disassembly. This
helps ensure any round present in the chamber
is ejected prior to disassembly. With the slide
locked back and the takedown lever rotated
into the down position, a magazine will not
fully seat into the pistol, thus reducing the
possibility of the introduction of any new
ammunition. Most importantly, removing the
slide does not require a pull of the trigger.
Additional Features
The Ruger American’s stainless steel slide
rides on the rails of the pistol’s one-piece,
machined stainless steel core that also
houses its fire control components. For
increased durability, these components are
mostly composed of stainless steel or nickel-
Teflon-coated steel (for lubricity). The slide
and chassis are both black-nitride-coated to
protect against corrosion. The 9mm’s 4.2-inch
barrel (4.5-inch for .45 ACP) is also made of
stainless steel and is tested for sustained use
with even high-powered +P ammunition.
Ramped three-dot Novak LoMount Carry
sights come standard on the Ruger American.
For duty use, I prefer a front sight with a
tritium insert and a rear sight designed to aid
The slide is black-
nitride coated to protect
against corrosion.
in one-handed manipulation of the slide. The
pistol comes with two nickel-Teflon-coated
magazines, although three would be more ideal
for true duty use. The standard 9mm magazine
holds 17 rounds, and the standard .45 ACP
magazine holds 10 rounds.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, my only previous experience with a
Ruger duty handgun was the stainless steel
Speed-Six I carried as a seasonal police officer
in Ocean City, Maryland, more than 20 years
ago. I have owned a wide variety of duty and
everyday-carry pistols since then, but never
one from Ruger. However, the Ruger American
9mm may change that.
The Ruger American Pistol looks like it has
what it takes to challenge popular incumbents
such as the Glock 17, Smith & Wesson M&P9,
and Springfield Armory XD. It performed very
well on the range. The accuracy I achieved fell
well within any expectations for a duty pistol,
and I experienced zero malfunctions in the 600
rounds fired. Its true ambidextrous controls,
attention to recoil management and added
safety features are enhancements that
should catch the eye of agency buyers
and individuals alike.
As cliché as it may sound, it seems clear that
a lot of real-world experience went into the
design of this duty pistol. In a very crowded
market, Ruger seems positioned to really make
an impact with a great new American-made
product.

The Ruger American’s

wraparound grip modules are
each sized differently to adjust
for trigger reach and palm swell.

“I found the 9mm version

of the Ruger American
Pistol a pleasure to shoot.”

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 103

 “In a very crowded market,
Ruger seems positioned to
make an impact with a great
new American product.”

RUGER
BY THE NUMBERS: AMERICAN PISTOL

CALIBER
RUGER
9mm

BARREL LENGTH
AMERICAN PISTOL
4.2 inches

COLOR CAPACITY
MATTE BLACK 17+1

MSRP WEIGHT UNLOADED

$579 1 pound 14 ounces

URL OVERALL LENGTH

ruger.com 7.5 inches

FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM
/Ruger @rugersoffical

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 105

 BUYER’S
® GUIDE
QUICK ON
THE DRAW
Nine Holsters To Keep You Handy With Your Steel
Written by Ballistic Staff
Images by John Scott
Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just
happy to see me? To be honest, neither option
is particularly appealing (not that there’s
anything wrong with that). Contrary to what
you see on television and film, there’s a much
better alternative to stashing your pistol down
your pants or in a random pocket. Holsters are
a safe, reliable way to carry your pistol, and
having a good one is just about as important to
your safety and convenience as owning a sling
for your rifle or even a bag for your laptop.
Holsters come in many different shapes, sizes
and styles. Some are meant for the conceal-
ment of guns, while others are worn in plain
sight. There are so many, in fact, that we
couldn’t possibly show you all of them in one
article. Instead, we’re targeting a popular style
106 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
that most shooters and self-defense-minded
citizens will probably need at one time or an-
other: outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters.
Unlike inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters,
OWB holsters are worn on the hip, on the
outside of the belt. These types are commonly
seen at shooting competitions and tactical
classes, and on the hips of law enforcement
officers and military personnel. Meant to give
the shooter a safe place to keep their fire-
arm when not in use, these holsters are also
designed to allow the user to draw their gun
quickly and safely. If you are searching for the *Holsters are shown with a Glock 17 for
right holster, check out the next few pages demonstration purposes only. Holsters
for some of the latest and greatest models shown are available for multiple makes
currently available on the market for all of your and/or models of pistols. Please refer to
gun-toting needs. manufacturers’ websites for details.
 THE LASER SAYS
I’VE GOT
MY OWN BACK.

www.crimsontrace.com

In a world of variables, one fact remains constant: Speed wins.

With your handgun and the training to back it up, a laser gives
you the ultimate advantage. This is Condition Crimson.
AND IN CONDITION CRIMSON™, WE STAND.

Being prepared means making Laser Sights standard equipment on your personal protection firearm.
Contact Crimson Trace at 1-800-442-2406 or crimsontrace.com for your FREE catalog and training DVD.
 1 Alien Gear
Model: Cloak Slide OWB
Material: Polymer, leather
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Fits: Multiple makes and models
MSRP: $29.88
URL: aliengearholsters.com
108 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
Features: The Cloak Slide holster has
a fully swappable polymer shell that is
interchangeable for use with Alien Gear’s
Cloak Tuck IWB Holster, another gun rig
option that is available separately.
2 Bianchi

Model: Model 125 Consent Features: This Allusion series holster can
Material: Premium leather exterior, be carried on the hip or converted with an
laminate synthetic liner extra set of included belt loops to wear
Weight: 5.4 ounces inside the waistband.
Fits: Multiple makes and models
SRP: $74
RL: safariland.com

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 109

 3 CrossBreed

Model: DropSlide Features: The DropSlide features 1 75-

Material: Kydex, leather
Weight: 3.7 ounces
Fits: Multiple makes and models
MSRP: $50.50
URL: crossbreedholsters.com
inch belt slots that also work with 1.25- and
1.5-inch-wide belts. The drop cut of the
leather backer allows for a full grip on the
firearm when drawing.

4 Crossfire

Mode
Mo
M del:
d ll: Th
he Out
utla
tllland
nder
der Feat
Fe
F atur
tures
es:: Th
he Out
utla
tllland
nder
der can be co
conv
nver
erte
tted
d
Material: Nylon from hip to shoulder carry, and it comes
Weight: 4.9 ounces with a padded shoulder strap. It’s also an
( p) g
Fits: Multiple makes and models
MSRP: $64.99
URL: crossfiregear.com

110 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 BECOME A

DUAL THREAT

T
GO FROM CLOSE QUARTERS TO LONG RANGE AT A GLANCE.
The revolutionary design of the D-EVO co-witnesses perfectly with the
Leupold® LCO® or virtually any red dot sight. With a mere eye shift, shooters
have both a bold aiming point for fast reflexive shots or a 6X magnified view
for longer-range precision. The exclusive CMR-W™ reticle features elevation
and wind holds allowing users to successfully estimate range and engage
targets at distance. The D-EVO is 100% waterproof and
occupies minimal rail space. Double your carbine’s
capabilities with the D-EVO.
(D-EVO shown with
Leupold LCO)

© 2016 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. LEUPOLD.COM/DEVO

 5 DeSantis Gunhide

Model: Quick-Chek Scabbard Features: This holster features an internal

Material: Polymer, leather
Weight: 4.5 ounces
Fits: Multiple makes and models
MSRP: $79.99
URL: desantisholster.com
weapon lock that prevents the pistol from
being deployed unintentionally. One fluid,
intuitive motion by the user can unlock
the pistol. Also of note is the fact it can work
with pistols fitted with miniature reflex sights.

6 DSG Arms

Model
Mod
del:
l: Alph
lpha
ha Featur
Feat ures
es:: The
he Alph
lpha
ha is co
conv
nver
ertitibl
ibl
blee to IWB
Material: Kydex carry without the use of additional hardware.
Weight: 6.3 ounces Its 1.75-inch belt loops allow it to be used
Fits: Multiple makes and models y
MSRP: $69
URL: m/holsters

112 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 7 Galco Gunleather

Model: Corvus Belt/IWB Holster Features: The Corvus is convertible from

Material: Kydex
Fits: Multiple makes and models
Weight: 4.1 ounces
MSRP: $79.95
URL: galcogunleather.com
OWB to IWB carry positions and adjustable
for cant and ride height. It comes packaged
with both 1.5- and 1.75-inch-wide belt slots.

8 Safariland

Model
Mod
del:
l: 578 GLS Pro-Fi
Fitit Featur
Feat ures
es:: The
he 578 GLS adj
djus
usts
ts to fifitt mo
more
re
Material: SafariSeven, than 225 different firearms. It comes with
a proprietary nylon blend an injection-molded paddle as well as an
Fits: Multiple makes and models injection-molded belt loop for alternative
Weight: 5.8 ounces (with paddle) OWB mounting.
MSRP: $55
URL: safariland.com

114 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

9 Tagua Gunleather

Model: 4-In-1 Inside the Pant Holster Features: Made of leather with a sturdy
Material: Leather reinforced-metal belt clip, this holster is
Fits: Multiple makes and models convertible from IWB to OWB, small-of-the-
Weight: 3.8 ounces back and cross-draw carry positions.
MSRP: .90
URL: gunleather.com
 SHOOTER
® SCIENCE
THR3E
THE MAGIC NUMBER
Have you ever entered an action-pistol match?
What about IDPA or USPSA? Well, imagine a
challenge much like the former but with three
guns instead of just one. That’s what 3-Gun is!
Like other action shooting sports, in 3-Gun
you tackle a series of stages, navigating a
particular course of fire on each and engaging
targets of various types. The difference is that
you’ll use your rifle, shotgun and handgun
throughout the match—sometimes two or
more on the same stage. There are different
types of targets for each type of weapon, from
paper to steel targets to flying clays. There
are even specialty targets, which move, spin,
rotate and disappear from view to increase the
challenge as well as your stress level.
For example, at a 3-Gun match, you might
start with your pistol holstered. At the buzzer,
you draw your gun and engage numerous
paper and steel targets while working around
barricades and other obstacles. Reaching a
doorway, you safely abandon your pistol in a
drop bucket and pick up your rifle, staged at
the doorway. Moving through the doorway, you
116 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
The Action Shooting
Sport Of 3-Gun Is Taking
The Nation by Storm
Written by Tim Anderson
Images by Tim Anderson
shoot paper targets through windows on either
side of a hallway. Emerging from the hallway,
you finish by engaging paper targets hidden
behind clusters of blue barrels.
Another 3-Gun scenario starts with your trusty
shotgun in hand. You shoot several steel
targets at 50 to 75 yards with slugs, then,
switching to birdshot, fire at a series of steel
pepper popper targets. The steel targets fall
down and launch a clay bird up in the air,
which you must shoot before it hits the ground.
You reload your shotgun as you move forward
and shoot several other arrays of steel and
clay targets scattered behind barricades and
barrels. After you safely leave your shotgun in
a dump barrel, you retrieve your pre-staged
rifle and run to another shooting position with
steps up to a platform, engaging several close-
range paper targets along the way. Leaping
onto the platform, you settle in and shoot
10-inch steel targets 200 to 375 yards away.
If this doesn’t get your blood pumping,
check yourself—you might need one of
those little blue pills.
Three Times The Fun
Three-gun has a long and proud history of
large matches with their own particular flavor
in various parts of the country, drawing in
competitors from around the nation. Similarly,
many local clubs put on 3-Gun matches,
each with their own flair. Rules and equipment
divisions can vary from one to another.
One organization, 3-Gun Nation (3GN), brings
even more attention to the sport with large
cash prizes, televised coverage and its Pro and
Regional series matches and club affiliations
across the country. 3GN has its own brand of
fast and furious stages, and yet another set of
rules. There are also 2-gun matches, which
dispense with the shotgun and focus on rifle and
pistol; the U.S. Carbine Association (USCA) is
just one example.
When getting started in 3-Gun, we advise
that you simply run what you’ve brung (see
the sidebar for more on this). Until you have
more matches under your belt, you won’t really
know what equipment will work best for you. It
does, however, help to have a sense of what
equipment division you’d like to participate in. To
maintain a more level playing field, competitors
with similar types of gear are grouped and
ranked together. Given the prevalence of outlaw
matches with slightly different rules, we present
the following as a general guideline. Check your
own matches for specifics.
Tactical Optics: The most popular division,
Tactical Optics (similar divisions have slightly
different names depending on the match), is
jam-packed with meat eaters and is usually
the most competitive. A rifle can only have one
optic (a magnified scope or a red dot plus a
magnifier), no bipod and a reasonably sized
compensator. Offset iron sights are allowed.
The shotgun must be a conventional tube-fed
system with iron sights and no porting; magazine
capacity limitations may vary. Your handgun can
generally be similar to a Limited class handgun
in USPSA—iron sights, no compensation—but
otherwise can be customized.
 Limited: A Limited division rifle is similar
to the Tactical Optics specs, except it’s
restricted to either iron sights or an
unmagnified (1x) optic, such as an
Aimpoint or EOTech red-dot sight.
Shotgun and handgun rules are
usually shared with Tactical Optics.
Open: Open division is pretty much
unrestricted. You can bolt just about
anything you want on your rifle, your
shotgun can be a red-dot-topped,
magazine-fed marvel that
belches fire, and your pistol
will probably have a huge
compensator and a red-dot
sight as well.
Heavy Metal: Heavy
Metal typically refers to
equipment divisions where
the rifle must be at least
7.62mm in caliber, shotguns
are 12-gauge pumps and
handguns are .45 ACP,
like John Moses Browning
intended. And with all that
manly gear, you shoot the
same stages that other guys are
running their powder-puff .223s and
9mm race guns on. There’s a reason
some 3-Gun matches call this the
“He-Man” division.
3-Gun Equipment
Rifle
Any magazine-fed semi-automatic rifle
(or modern sporting rifle, if you prefer the
latest jargon) can be used to great effect, but
.223 AR-15 platform rifles have elevated it to a
fine art and are ubiquitous at 3-Gun matches.
There are numerous companies refining almost
every component in an AR-15 to customize
your rifle for optimal 3-Gun use. The only
limitation is your pocketbook. Key 3-Gun rifle
considerations include:
Barrel/Ammo: If you typically encounter
long-range targets at your 3-Gun matches,
118 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
q y Trigger: A good trigger enables noticeably
easier precise shots without disturbing your
aim, and many also make it a cinch to rip off
lightning-fast double-taps.
Muzzle Device/Operating System: Given
their obnoxious muzzle blast, compensators
won’t win you any friends with neighbors
on the firing line, but they are very effective
r at reducing recoil and minimizing muzzle
movement between shots. In addition, the
particulars of your operating system also
affect the recoil impulse. For example, direct
Qua impingement AR-15s tend to be smoother than
piston guns. Moreover, for direct-impingement
te in) are ver ARs, 18-inch barrels with rifle-length gas
systems, 16-inch barrels with intermediate gas
systems and 14.5-inch barrels with mid-length
dominate the gas systems generally provide the nicest recoil.
sport. Reticle
design is You can take things even further by utilizing
critical, as adjustable gas blocks, lightened bolt carrier
you will groups and lighter buffer systems to reduce
typically the reciprocating mass in your AR-15. To
zero be sure, AR-15s hardly have stout felt recoil
p to begin with, but when you’re trying to put
ssuch as 200 yards, two shots on a paper target as quickly as
th possible or to see your impacts through your
(i.e
e., aim high) to scope at 300 yards to adjust your aim, these
eng
e gage targets that enhancements really make a difference.
are farther away. T
to provide referen Ergonomics: There are almost limitless
the center crosshairs for you to combinations of handguards, buttstocks, grips
aim with for long
g-range targets. and so on that you can choose from to make
Additionally sure your rifle fits your needs rather than the
daylight il other way around.
design th
hat is easy to pick
up lets yo Magazines: It’s very helpful to have a
close target selection of different types of magazines, from
feature usually comes with a smaller 20-round options to extended ones
but a 1x with bright illumination essentially with capacities well in excess of 30 rounds.
works as well as a red-dot sight. Open division For example, depending on the particular stage
competitors generally supplement their design, an extended magazine could allow you
magnified optic with an offset-mounted mini to avoid needing to reload on the clock, while
red-dot sight so they can simply roll the gun a shorter 20-rounder might allow you to lock
a bit in their shoulder and use the red dot for in a good supported shooting position on a
close targets. For iron-sight shooters, quality slanted surface like a rooftop. Two magazines
fixed iron sights with maximum sight radius are cinched together can also act as a very stable
most effective. And for red dots, you’ll typically monopod while shooting from prone.
see a variety of models represented.

Sh
ho
ottgu
g n
The most common shotguns used in 3 Gun
are traditional semi-automatic, tube-fed
shotguns that have been modified for the
sport. Pump-action shotguns are also used in
Heavy Metal as well as magazine-fed shotguns
in Open. Almost all are 12 gauge, though you
might run across a 20 gauge from time to time.
The Benelli M2, the FN SLP, the Remington
Versa Max and the Mossberg 930 are popular,
as well as new offerings from Beretta and
Stoeger (1301 and M3K, respectively).
Delving into the intricacies of Open division
shotguns is a complicated topic, but some of
the main characteristics of tube-fed 3-Gun
shotguns include:
Vent Rib Barrel: Traditional shotgun
Ve
targets, such as flying clays, play a big part
in the game, so shotguns are configured
appropriately—you’ll most often find longer
vent rib barrels at the matches (usually 21 to
24 inches). Additionally, many shooters add a
rear sight to their vent rib to dial in a zero for
their slugs; having a good slug zero is also
important in most of the 3-Gun matches.
Extended Magazine Tube: You’ll generally
want as much magazine capacity (i.e., 10, 11,
12) as allowed by the rules of your matches.
And, yes, it will start to look absurd, like you’re
getting ready for a pole vault.
Extended Shell Carrier/Beveled Loading
Gate: Given how much longer it typically takes
to load your shotgun than to actually shoot it,
reloading your shotgun quickly and efficiently
is a crucial skill and can make or break your
scores on certain stages. Combined with
shotgun shell caddies that are specifically
designed for particular reloading techniques,
customizing your shotgun’s loading gate, shell
carrier and other internal parts goes a long way
to achieving this.
Interchangeable Chokes: As you get more
serious about 3-Gun, you’ll likely appreciate
the ability to select specific types of chokes
for different stages—tighter chokes for tougher
targets farther away, wider chokes for flying
clays and close targets.
Enhanced Controls: Extended bolt handles,
carrier releases, safeties and other doodads
are all available to put the finishing touches on
your 3-Gun shotgun. None are mandatory, but
they’re certainly nice to have.
 Handgun
At many 3-Gun matches, handguns play a bit
of second fiddle. So many more action pistol
matches are available to shoot that many folks
prefer to emphasize the other weapons at
a 3-Gun match. Still, you can’t neglect your
pistol work, and any handgun that serves
you well at a USPSA or IDPA match will do
just fine for 3-Gun. The 9mm is usually the
caliber of choice because there aren’t any
power-factor rules to worry about and you
can fit more of them in a magazine. Striker- secure that blaster, lest it fall out and you get
fired guns like Glocks and Smith & Wesson sent home for a safety violation.
M&Ps are very common and easy to abandon
safely, while the big boys tend to run custom
A common requirement across all of these
platforms is reliability. As much as your tacti- GETTING
double-stack 2011 beauties. Key handgun
considerations include:
cool buddies might denigrate competition-
focused weapons, if you have a malfunction STARTED IN
Good Sights & Trigger: Quality
he
on the clock during a match, it could cost
3-GUN
r
ould The sport of 3-Gun can be expensive, but
(such it doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive if you
arly, a don’t let things get out of hand. Also, don’t
o. start investing in gear until you’ve shot enough
matches to get a good sense of what you really
Extended Magazine Capacity: need and what works for you in your specific
The less frequently you need to matches.
ity
ds are Once you’ve got a basic set of gear together,
commonplace. keeping your guns fed while staying out of
the poorhouse will probably be your biggest
Secure Holster: There can be a challenge, so reloading your own ammo is a
to great source of savings.

3-Gun Starter Kit

“...3-Gun
n is the most f • Reliable rifle, handgun and shotgun
you can have with yo • Spare magazines
• Holster
clothes on.” • Sturdy belt
The bottom line is that many folks say 3-Gun • Magazine pouches
is the most fun you can have with your clothes • Dump pouch for shotgun shells
on. We heartily agree. Give it try—even if you • Eye protection
don’t have all the right equipment, just grab • Ear protection
what you’ve got and head out to the range. • Good attitude
Three-gunners are a friendly bunch, and you’ll
find squad mates gladly lending you gear to
get you started. Once you get hooked (and we
suspect you will), you’ll have plenty of time to
buy your own.

120 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 SUPPLY
® DROP 2 Spot On Ballistic Wind Meter

Make: Nikon
MSRP: $39.99
URL: nikonsportoptics.com
Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Wind Meter plugs
into popular smartphones and takes accurate
readings of wind speed and direction and
inputs the data directly into Nikon’s free Spot
On ballistic calculator app. The meter, working 2
in conjunction with the app, provides you a
precise aiming point on your scope’s reticle to
New & Notable Products compensate for distance as well as wind drift.

1 Surface

Make: Matador
MSRP: $59.95
URL: matadorup.com
Designed to protect you, your tools and your
gear, the Matador Surface helps to make any
job a tidy affair. Use it at the range or in your
garage. The Surface is resistant to gas, oil and
grease, and it is 100-percent waterproof. It
features an integrated hardware trap to ensure
that you never lose another pin or spring.
Other features include standard and metric
ruled edges, a laser-etched metric mini rule, a
protractor corner, angle-marking guides and a
3
bottle opener. Its work surface measures 53
by 36 inches.

3 B
BCM PNT Trigger Assem
mbly

Make: Bravo Company USA

MSRP: $59.95
URL: bravocompanyusa com
PNT stands for “Polished-Nickel-Teflon,” all
1 processes that Bravo Company’s trigger and
hammer set have gone through to make it
outperform and outlast other mil-spec units.
The sear engagement surfaces have been
ground and hand-polished, an electroless
nickel finish is applied for a smoother trigger
pull, and Teflon particles are embedded in the
nickel, further reducing friction and ensuring
long-lasting performance.

All product information is deemed correct at the time

of publishing. Item details, prices, features, colors,
sizes, applications and availability are subject to
change at anytime.

122 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 4 ABDO Concealed-Carry
Portable Firearm Safe

Make: EAA Corp.

MSRP: $49
URL: eaacorp.com
y
to
worn
concealment. This device offers fast and
etta,
p,
North American Arms, Smith & Wesson,
Taurus and more.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 123

 5 Poncho Villa

Make: Hazard 4
MSRP: $129.99
URL: hazard4.com
c
military poncho has more in common with
technical sport jackets than the old vinyl
camping standby that you’ve encountered
before. The waterproof Poncho Villa has
s
t-
shell fabric, and it’s large enough to fit over
packs to keep you and your gear dry.

6 .50 BMG FMJ Handmade 5

3D Expanded Ammunition
Display

Make: Archetype Ammunition Displays

MSRP: $89.99
URL: archetypeammunition.etsy.com
This display suspends all of the components
of an ammunition cartridge in a way that
maximizes both the visual and educational
impact. The primer cup, anvil, cartridge case,
simulated smokeless powder and bullet of
each display are meticulously hand-fitted to
ensure long-lasting durability. Other calibers
and custom orders available. 6

124 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 BUYER’S If you want to build a tough, lightweight
® GUIDE rifle that resists corrosion in even the most
tenacious of environments, consider using
titanium components. Titanium is considered
superior to steel mainly because of its high-
strength-to-low-weight ratio, low density, high
corrosion resistance and wide temperature
range resilience. Reasons enough why

BLACKBIRD TO
Lockheed built its famed long-range, Mach
3-plus spy plane from this miracle metal—in
fact, as much as 85 percent of the SR-71

BLACK RIFLE
Blackbird’s structure was made of titanium.

These remarkable attributes lend themselves

Titanium Parts For AR-Platform Rifles
Written by John Scott
Images by John Scott
well not only to aircraft airframes and
spacecraft rockets, but also to high-
temperature firearm applications such as
sound suppressors, muzzle devices and
gas blocks as well. While titanium parts are
advantageous to use for these characteristics,
they can also add a bit of flair to a build.

The current lightweight carbine trend means

a focus on weight loss, and finding ways
to shave those last extra ounces off a rifle
can get tough. Titanium parts easily help
eliminate a few more ounces, which is a nice
perk, especially if the replacement parts
are stronger to boot. Read on to see just
how many AR-platform
titanium parts are on the
market today.

126 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 Christensen Arms
URL: christensenarms.com
FB: /christensenarms
IG: @christensenarms

1 2 3

1 Slayer TRR-2 2 Regulator TRR-2 3 TFS-2

Threading: 1/2-28, 5/8-24 Threading: 1/2-28, 5/8-24 Threading: 1/2-28, 5/8-24

Weight: 2 ounces Weight: 1.6 ounces Weight: 1.7 ounces
MSRP: $225.00 MSRP: $195 MSRP: $195

128 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016


1
1 BAD-LGB-Ti-625
Lightweight Low Profile
Titanium Gas Block 0.625”
Weight: 0.48 ounces
MSRP: $79.95 (raw Ti)
3 FB: /BattleArms
2 BAD-LGB-Ti-750
Lightweight Low Profile
Titanium Gas Block 0.750”
Weight: 0.56 ounces
MSRP: $89.95 (raw Ti)
Battle Arms Development
URL: battlearmsdevelopment.com
IG: @battlearms
3 BAD-EPS-Ti
Enhanced Pin Set-Titanium
Weight: 0.26 ounces
MSRP: $37
4 Titanium Pistol Grip Screw
Weight: 0.14 ounces
MSRP: $6.60
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 129

1 IG: @vsevenweaponsystems
5
1 Ti Mag Catch/Release
Weight: 0.26 ounces
MSRP: $41 (Diamond)
2 Ti AR-15 Pivot/Takedown Pins
Weight: 0.28 ounces
MSRP: $27 (raw)
130 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016
V Seven Weapon Systems
URL: vsevenweaponsystems.com
FB: /V-Seven-Weapons-620570517988354/
3 Titanium Buffer Retainer
Weight: 0.039 ounces
MSRP: $7
4 Ti Castle Nut/QD Endplate
Combo Pack
Weight: 0.59 ounces
MSRP: $59.00 (raw)
5 Furion
Variants: 5.56mm (shown), 7.62mm/6.8mm
Weight: 1.6 ounces
MSRP: $125 (satin titanium)
 Parallax Tactical
URL: parallaxtactical.com
FB: /parallaxtactical
IG: @parallaxtactical

1 2 3

1 PXTreme Super Light Low 2 PXTreme Super Light Low 3 PXTreme Super Light Low
Profile 0.625” Titanium Profile 0.750” Titanium Profile 0.625” Titanium
Adjustable Gas Block Adjustable Gas Block Gas Block

Weight: 0.8 ounces Weight: 1.4 ounces Weight: 0.8 ounces

MSRP: $49 MSRP: $49 MSRP: $69
 2
3

1 4

Rainier Arms
URL: rainierarms.com
FB: /rainierarms
IG: @rainierarms

Northtech Defense JP Enterprises

URL: northtechdefense.com 2 Enhanced Pins Set Titanium URL: jprifles.com
FB: /NorthTechDefense Weight: 0.3 ounces FB: /JPRifles
IG: @northtechdefense MSRP: $34.95 IG: @jprifles

1 Ti Fang Forward Assist 3 Titanium Forward Assist 4 JPFP-223T Titanium Firing Pin
Weight: 0.5 ounces Weight: 0.5 ounces Weight: 0.1 ounces
MSRP: $47.95 MSRP: $47.45 MSRP: $29.95

132 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 BUILT ONE AT A TIME,
PROVEN EVERY ROUND™
The new Colt Competition Pistol™ is race ready right out
of the box. Colt’s Dual Spring Recoil System™ combined
with Novak’s patent pending adjustable rear sight and fiber
optic front sight helps keep shots on target, round after round.
With an MSRP of $899, the competition has been put on notice.
Only available at Colt Stocking Dealers.

COLT SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES BY DONATING PART OF


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MADE
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 L I F E L I B E R T Y H O R N A D Y®

AMERICAN GUNNER®
Featuring legendary XTP,® HP or BTHP hollow point bullets, these loads
are designed for target shooting, hunting and self-defense applications.
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 1 2A-Ti Gas Block (0.625”) 2A Armament
Weight: 0.7 ounces URL: 2a-arms.com
MSRP: $75 FB: /2AArms
IG: @2a_armament
2 2A-Ti Gas Block (0.750”)
Weight: 0.7 ounces
MSRP: $75

3 AR-15 Titanium Pins

Weight: 0.18 ounces
MSRP: $38

4 LR-308/SR-25 Titanium Pins

Weight: 0.25 ounces
MSRP: $42

5 T3 Titanium Compensator
1 2
Compatibility: Gemtech HALO
Weight: 1.35 ounces
MSRP: $125

3 4

7
5 6

6 X3 .30 Cal Titanium Compensator 7 X4 Titanium Brake (7.62mm)

Threading: 5/8-24 Threading: 5/8-24
Weight: 1.15 ounces Weight: 1.15 ounces
MSRP: $125 MSRP: $125
 ®
FEATURED
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136 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 HARRIS PUBLICATIONS SPECIAL
MONEY SAVING MAGAZINE ORDER FORM
COMBAT HANDGUNS

      

 
defense and law enforcement use. Tests and data on new guns and ammo, plus
how-to articles on combat survival.
 1 year/8 issues for $29  2 years/16 issues for $48

GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The magazine that takes you behind the scenes into the unforgiving world of police
work and combat survival. You’ll see the latest products tested and reviewed, then see
how they’re used in action against the bad guys.
 1 year/6 issues for $24  2 years/12 issues for $36

TACTICAL WEAPONS
Harris Publications’ Tactical Weapons is the quarterly magazine that lets its readers become
virtual “insiders” in the world of tactical operations against terrorism, crime, and aggressive
military action on freedom’s frontiers.
 1 year/4 issues for $24  2 years/8 issues for $40

SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE

Here is a quarterly magazine that gives readers the ultimate “insider” look at today’s
new high-tech weapons, gear and tactics used by the pros who face the ultimate
dangers.
 1 year/4 issues for $24  2 years/8 issues for $40

BALLISTIC
  
 
survival gear, toys, tech items and gear. Ballistic will give each reader unique tips and
techniques on all types of usage situations.
1 year/4 issues for $24 2 years/8 issues for $40

SURVIVOR’S EDGE
The magazine that prepares you for real world disasters with the skills and knowledge to
take on whatever Armageddon comes your way from power outages to a knife assault
to snake attacks. In our ultimate guide for staying alive, we’ll give you the resources to
handle the three stages of survival—preparation, eye of the storm, aftermath!
1 year/4 issues for $24 2 years/8 issues for $44

THE NEW PIONEER

Every issue is jammed with do-it-yourself projects, spotlights on successful back-to-the-landers


      

gardening and farming guides, homestead tools and so much more.
1 year/4 issues for $25 2 years/8 issues for $40

GUNS OF THE OLD WEST

This magazine gives attention to shoot-
ing matches, wardrobe, holsters, knives
and other products and services in de-
mand. In the fastest growing shooting
sport, cowboy action shooting, the Old
West is as alive today as it ever was.
 1 year/4 issues for $19
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 ®

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 ESSENTIAL
® GEAR
SPECIALIZED
Dedicated Armorer’s Tools
Written by Ballistic Staff
Images by John Scott
Disclaimer: The following information is to be
used for general guidance only. Working on
your firearm may irreversibly modify or damage
it and should be done solely at your own risk.
Be sure that the firearm is safe and unloaded;
all firearm safety rules apply.
Multitasker Twist
A multi-tool bit
set is included.
All of the tools conveniently
fit inside the small pen
shape for easy storage.
What Does It Do?
The Twist is a pen-shaped multitool specially
designed for weapon maintenance and
cleaning, as well as optic and iron sight
adjustments. Created by specialized firearms
toolmaker Multitasker, the pocket-sized tool fits
neatly into a range bag or even a shirt pocket.
After taking it to the range a few times,
its usefulness was quickly apparent. This
permanent-marker-sized tool took the place of
several other tools, helping us to save space
as well as weight in our already overfilled bag.
On top of that, it’s much faster and hassle-free
to pull out and use than the tools it replaced.
The Twist is CNC-machined from 6061-T6
aluminum, which is mil-spec Type III hardcoat
anodized for durability. It measures 5 inches
in length and weighs less than 2 ounces. We
counted no less than 16 different tools in the
Twist, which gives it an incredible amount
of uses considering its small package. Let’s
examine each of its tools.
BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 139
 How Do You Use It? 4. A second tool that fits on the tip is a 3/32- dental pick, radial carbon scraper, 3/32-inch
inch pin punch, which is perfect for use on pin punch and Aimpoint Micro turret adjuster
Glock pistols, among others. are our favorites.

Users can add their own 8/32-inch threaded

Otis attachments and ¼-inch hex bits to add
to its usefulness. The Twist’s small footprint
and light weight, coupled with its heavy-duty
build and multitasking properties, make it a
1 winner in our book.

1. An Aimpoint Micro red-dot turret adjuster is 5 Make: Multitasker Tools

located on the rear cap. Model: Twist
MSRP: $59.95
5. The third included tool is a radial carbon URL: multitaskertools.com
scraper, contoured for use on parts such as
bolts and bolt carriers.

Make: Guntec USA

Model: AR-15 Armorer’s Gun Cleaning/
Assembly Mat

2 MSRP: $24.95
URL: guntecusa.com
2. The Twist’s sturdy pocket clip doubles as a
light-duty flathead screwdriver.
6

6. Removing the rear cap reveals a magnetic

¼-inch hex bit holder with an M16A2-style
adjustment tool to help dial in front sights.

3
3. In the tip of the front cap is an 8/32-inch
threaded post for attaching one of three
included tools, such as the heavy-duty dental
pick with brass shank. The post is also
compatible with Otis cleaning accessories.
7

7. An additional tray of 10 general-purpose

4 bits is included, with various screwdriver and
hex tools to use with the ¼-inch hex bit holder.

Does It Work?
Multitasker’s Twist is perfect for those who
need firearm-specific tools but have limited
space in which to carry them. It feels solid in
the hand and sturdy in use. Tools such as the

140 BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016

 ESSENTIAL
® GEAR

TOOL
OF THE
TRADE
Guntec USA’s AR-15
Armorer’s Gun Cleaning/
Assembly Mat

Working on a clean surface is not only a good

idea, it is essential for keeping track of all the
tiny parts you remove from your gun. Armorers
commonly use dedicated mats to keep
everything tidy and in their place.

Guntec’s neoprene cleaning and assembly

mat comes in a desert tan color. The surface
features a white-outlined illustration of an
exploded view of an AR-15. This illustration
makes for a good reference tool and looks
cool to boot. The mat also helps keep the
work surface underneath it clean by absorbing
excess oil and solvents. It measures 36 inches
wide and 15 inches tall.
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 STICK’EM
UP ®

STICK ’EM UP
Written by Ballistic Staff

There are those who collect vintage license

plates and others who collect baseball cards.
We’re partial to collecting once-fired brass,
ourselves. But when we’re not at the range, we
like to snag ourselves some firearms-related
stickers. Stickers are not only fun to collect,
but they can help decorate or label equipment
such as ammo boxes and gun cases.
At this year’s SHOT Show, we scored the
stickers you see here. If you weren’t lucky
enough to attend the show to grab your own
cache of stickers, we’ve got you covered by
including a sheet of Ballistic and Bravo Company
stickers in this issue. Show us how you use these
stickers by posting pictures on our Facebook
page: facebook.com/ballisticmagazine.

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 143

 THE WORLD’S MOST EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
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 ®
WEB DIRECTORY
AERO PRECISION EUROPEAN AMERICAN ARMORY ROCK ISLAND ARMORY
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ALIEN GEAR HOLSTERS FN RUGER

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AMERICAN GUNSMITHING FREEDOM MUNITIONS
SPARTAN BLADES
americangunsmith.com freedommunitions.com
spartanbladesusa.com
ASHBURY PRECISION GEMTECH
ashburyprecisionordnance.com gem-tech.com Q SERIES
qseriesllc.com
BARRET FIREARMS GORILLA AMMUNITION
barrett.net gorillaammo.com SAFETY HARBOR FIREARMS
safetyharborfirearms.com
BATTENFIELD TECHNOLOGIES GUNTEC USA
battenfeldtechnologies.com guntecusa.com SCCY
sccy.com
BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION HAZARD 4
black-hills.com hazard4.com SHARPS BROS.
sharpsbros.com
BRAVO COMPANY USA HORNADY
bravocompanyusa.com hornady.com
SIG SAUER
BREAKTHROUGH IWI US sigsauer.com
breakthroughclean.com iwi.us
SIG SAUER ELECTRO-OPTICS
BROWNELLS KIMBER sigoptics.com
brownells.com kimberamerica.com
SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES
BURRIS LASERMAX sogknives.com
burrisoptics.com lasermax.com
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
BUSHNELL LEUPOLD springfieldarmory.com
bushnell.com leupold.com/devo

CHRISTENSEN ARMS LEWIS MACHINE & TOOL SPYDERCO

christensenarms.com lmtdefense.com spyderco.com

CMMG LIFE STRAW STOCKYS

cmmginc.com buylifestraw.com newriflestocks.com

C-MORE SYSTEMS LUCID OPTICS TACTICAL RIFLES

cmore.com mylucidgear.com tacticalrifles.com

COBALT KINETICS LWRC International TACTICAL SOLUTIONS

cobaltarms.com lwrci.com tacticalsol.com
COLT’S MANUFACTURING MAGPUL CORE
TAURUS
colt.com magpul.com
taurususa.com
COMPETITION TARGET SYSTEMS MARCH OPTICS
ctstargets.com marchoptics.com TOPS KNIVES
topsknives.com
COMP-TAC MEC-GAR
comp-tac.com mec-gar.com TROY
worldoftroy.com
CRIMSON TRACE MTR CUSTOM LEATHER
crimsontrace.com mtrcustomleather.com UNDERTECH UNDERCOVER
undertechundercover.com
DARK STORM INDUSTRIES O.F. MOSSBERG
dark-storm.com mossberg.com
URBAN CARRY HOLSTERS
urbancarryholsters.com
DEAD AIR ARMAMENT OKAY INDUSTRIES
deadairsilencers.com okayind.com
VIRIDIAN
DESANTIS LEATHER ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY viridiangreenlaser.com
desantisholster.com ontarioknife.com
VZ GRIPS
DIAMONDHEAD PANTEAO PRODUCTIONS vzgrips.com
diamondhead-usa.com makeready.tv
WALTHER
DOUBLESTAR PEARCE GRIP waltherarms.com
star15.com pearcegrip.com
WILSON COMBAT
DRD Tactical POF
wilsoncombat.com
drdtactical.com pof-usa.com

ELITE SURVIVAL SYSTEMS PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS WINDHAM WEAPONRY

elitesurvival.com primaryweapons.com windhamweaponry.com

EOTECH RESCO INSTRUMENTS ZT KNIVES

www.L-3com.com/eotech rescoinstruments.com ztknives.com

BALLISTIC SUMMER 2016 145

 TM KeyMod™ is the tactical
KeyMod is here! industry’s new modular standard!
• Trijicon AccuPoint TR24G
1-4x24 Riflescope $1,020.00
• American Defense • BCM Diamondhead
®

RECON X Scope Folding Front Sight

• BCM
Mount $189.95 $99.00
Diamondhead
®

Folding Rear Sight

$119.00

• BCM KMR-A15 KeyMod Rail

®

Handguard 15 Inch $199.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
Compensator Mod 0
$89.95
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KMSM
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
Stock $55.95
KeyMod QD Sling Mount $17.95 • BCM Low Profile
®

Gas Block $44.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
QD End Plate $16.95
Vertical Grip Mod 3 $18.95

BCM® A2X Flash

• GEARWARD Ranger
Band 20-Pak $10.00
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Suppressor $34.95
Grip Mod 0 $29.95

B5 Systems BCMGUNFIGHTER™
SOPMOD KeyMod 1-Inch
Bravo Stock ®
Ring Light
$58.00 BCM KMR-A Mount
KeyMod Free Float For 1” diameter
Rail Handguards lights $39.95
Same as the fantastic original KMR Handguards
Blue Force Gear but machined from aircraft aluminum! BCMGUNFIGHTER™
VCAS Sling $45.00 BCM 9 Inch KMR-A9 . . . . . . . . . . . . $176.95 KeyMod Modular
BCM 10 Inch KMR-A10 . . . . . . . . . . $179.95
BCM 13 Inch KMR-A13 . . . . . . . . . . $189.95
Scout Light Mount
For SureFire Scout
BCM® PNT™ BCM 15 Inch KMR-A15 . . . . . . . . . . $199.95 Light $39.95
Trigger Assembly
Polished – Nickel – Teflon
$59.95
BCMGUNFIGHTER™
KeyMod Modular
PWS DI KeyMod Rail Handguard Light Mount
Wilson Free float KeyMod rail for AR15/M4 pattern rifles. For 1913 mounted
Combat PWS DI 12 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . $249.95 lights $39.95
Tactical PWS DI 15 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . $249.95
Trigger PWS KeyMod
$269.95 Polymer Bipod
Adapter $23.95 Arisaka Inline KeyMod
Inforce Scout Mount $34.00
WML-HSP
$119.00 Arisaka Ring KeyMod
1” Light Mount $44.00
Daniel Defense SLiM Rail Handguard
Trijicon Slim, Light, Modular KeyMod free float handguard. Thorntail KeyMod Offset
DD SLiM Rail 12.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 Adaptive Light Mounts
TA31RCO-M4 DD SLiM Rail 15.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 Thorntail
ACOG 4x32 Daniel Defense 1.030 Mount . . . $70.00
$1,422.05 Thorntail M3M6
KeyMod Bipod 1913 Mount . . . . $50.00
Adapter
$47.00 Arson Machine Company KeyMod
Aimpoint Daniel Defense Light Mounts
PRO KeyMod 1 O’Clock Scout M600
Patrol Rifle Optic Offset Rail Assembly Mount . . . . . . . $48.00
$424.00 $39.00 1” Ring Mount . . $44.00

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

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

 TM KeyMod™ is the tactical
KeyMod is here! industry’s new modular standard!
• Midwest Industries • Aimpoint Micro H-1 2 MOA • Midwest Industries
Folding Front Sight $79.95 with LRP Mount $709.00 ERS BUIS $93.95
• GEARWARD Ranger
Band 20-Pak $10.00

• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KMSM KeyMod QD Sling
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ 1913
Mount $17.95
Modular Light Mount, • BCMGUNFIGHTER™
KeyMod $39.95 • BCM KMR-A13 KeyMod Rail
®

Handguard 13 Inch $189.95

QD End Plate $16.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG
Kinesthetic Angled Grip,
• BCM ®
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
PNT™
KeyMod $18.95 • TangoDown ARC MK2 Trigger
Stock $55.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™
30 Round Mag $14.95 $59.95
PWS FSC556 Tactical Grip Mod 3 $17.95
Compensator $98.95 • BCM ®
Polymer Trigger Guard $6.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Vltor
Comp Mod 0 - 556 Carbine
Threaded 1/2x28 for EMOD
5.56 AR15 platform Stock
$89.95 $119.65
Comp Mod 1 - 556
Threaded 1/2x28 for
5.56 AR15 platform
$94.95
VTAC MK2
Wide Sling
IWC KeyMod QD $44.95
RL Sling Mount BCMGUNFIGHTER ™

Enhanced Lower Parts Kit BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Accepts heavy duty or
standard QD swivels $17.00
With BCM PNT™ Trigger Assembly, BCM
® VG MOD 3 ®

Mod 3 Grip, BCM® Trigger Guard, and Mil- Low-profile length

for increased mobility
Spec hardware kit.
IWC KeyMod Hand Stop BCMGUNFIGHTER™ ELPK, semi-auto . .$99.95
and decreased “snag”.
Made in the U.S.A.
Mount-N-Slot design $34.95
from impact resistant
polymers, available in
Black, Flat Dark Earth,
BCM® Foliage Green, Wolf Gray.
KeyMod BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG
VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . . . . . . $18.95
VG-1913-MOD-3, Picatinny Version . . . . . $19.95
Picatinny Kinesthetic Angled Grip
Rail Sections Uses biomechanically efficient
forward rake, with small profile
Aimpoint
Mil-Std 1913 rails, Nylon Rails
available in Black, FDE and Foliage Green.
textured front and back for positive engage- Comp M4S
ment. Impact resistant polymers, in Black, Flat Red dot sight,
Nylon Rail, 3 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95 Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray. fully NVD
Nylon Rail, 4 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 KAG-KM, KeyMod Version . . . . . . . . $18.95 compatible,
Nylon Rail, 5.5 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.95 with QRP2
KAG-1913, Picatinny Rail Version . . . . $19.95
Picatinny Rail Mount
Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . . . . . . $19.95
$846.00
Aluminum Rail, 4 Inch, Black . . . . . . . $24.95
Aluminum Rail, 5.5 Inch, Black . . . . . $29.95 EOTech HOLOgraphic
Weapon Sights
PWS KeyMod Model 512
Picatinny Rail $429.00
®
BCM KeyMod Rail Panel Kits
Polymer Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 Model 552
5.5 Inch Rail Panels, in Black, Flat Dark Earth,
Aluminum Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . $28.95 $529.00
Foliage Green, Wolf Gray - 5-Pack . . . . $9.95

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

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

 desert warrior®
39 ounces | 5 inch barrel
available in .45 ACP

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(888) 243-4522
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©2016, kimber mfg., inc. all rights reserved. information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.