Gun World - November 2014 USA

GW-1411-COVER 9/8/14 5:52 AM Page US_C1
www.gunworld.com
NOVEMBER 2014 VOLUME 55, NO.11

$4.99 U.S. DISPLAY UNTIL: 11/18/14
11
74470 03105
GW_1411_C2 9/5/14 5:47 AM Page C2
INTRODUCED IN 1873.
THE REST IS HISTORY.
No Colt revolver has earned more fame than the Single Action Army
Revolver (SAA), most notably for its role in winning the West. More
important is its lasting reputation as an accurate, durable and reliable
firearm perfect for competitive shooters and collectors alike. When
looking for the ultimate revolver, demand quality; demand Colt.
COLT.COM
800.962.COLT
FACEBOOK.COM/COLTFIREARMS
@COLTFIREARMS
GW_1411_3 9/5/14 5:33 AM Page 3
GW-TOC-4-5 9/8/14 11:59 PM Page 4
CONTENTS
16 Rockin Rimre
NOVEMBER 2014
24 The Other Benelli
Smith & Wessons new

M&P 22 Compact pistol
is loads of fun to shoot
and a perfect companion for plinking, practice
and dispatching small
game.
Benellis semiautos
added Inertia-Driven to
the common vernacular.
But for those looking for 34 Raging Bull
a less expensive way to
In bear country and
add a Benelli to your
closer to home, the .454
arsenal, dont overlook
Casull revolver may be a
the Nova pump.
short-barreled lifesaver.
By Mike Dickerson
By Brad Fitzpatrick
By Jerry Catania
44 Versatile Velocity
Photo by Mike Dickerson
The .338 Lapua

Magnum has found
wide popularity with
military snipers, and
the ArmaLite AR30A1
continues to gain plenty
of new fans as well.
By Leroy Thompson
54 Mil Spec Marvel
By Mike Dickerson
92 CZ with a Sting
The 527 American from
CZ-USA is a useful and
accurate varmint rie.
By Jerry Catania
GUN WORLD | NOV 2014
FEATURES
Conceived in the world

of special operations,
the Daniel Defense
M4A1 Mil Spec+ gets
down and dirty, and
looks good doing it.
16
GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 55,
Number 11, is published monthly, 12 times
a year by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi
Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.
Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and
additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to Gun World c/o Beckett
Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244.
Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun
World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542,
London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001
www.gunworld.com
Photo by Daniel Defense
GW-TOC-4-5 9/8/14 11:59 PM Page 5
54
Up Front
Craig Hodgkins
10 New Products
Brad Fitzpatrick
COLUMNS
Photo by Benelli
24
12
Ask the Experts

Tim Stetzer
64 Todays Hunter
Thomas C. Tabor
82 Gunsmithing
Steve Sieberts
98 Back Pages:
Johnny Cash
Craig Hodgkins
70 Reload
James E. House
76 Concealed Carry
Dave Workman
ON THE COVER:
Photographs by
Mike Dickerson, Leroy Thompson and Daniel Defense
Cover design by Eric Knagg
www.gunworld.com
NOV 2014 | GUN WORLD
GW_1411_6 9/11/14 11:29 PM Page 6
JANTZ
THE SUPPLIES YOU NEED

FOR THE KNIFE YOU WANT
PATTERN 31
Pattern 31 Blades
Overall Length: 7 5/8"
Blade Length: 3"
Width: 1 1/8"
Thickness: 5/32"
CAT.#
STEEL
1095
J3198
1095
J319K
D2 Steel
J3127
D2 Steel
J3128
154CM
J3147
154CM
J3148
Damascus
J3189
FINISH
Satin
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24.95
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35.95
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ALLOY
Brass
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CAT.#
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THICK
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TYPE
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Blade Length: 3 1/4"
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CAT.#
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J6128
J6107
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J6157
J6158
J6189
STEEL
D2 Steel
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TYPE
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PATTERN 61
Pre-Shaped Handles, Bolsters and Custom Components

available for these Pattern Blades at knifemaking.com
GW_1411_7 9/11/14 11:29 PM Page 7
KNIFEMAKING.COM
PATTERN 42
Pattern 42 Blades
Overall Length: 6 5/8
Blade Length: 2 5/8
Width: 7/8
Thickness: 1/8
CAT.#
J4298
J429K
J4227
J4228
J4207
J4208
J4257
J4258
J4289
STEEL
1095
1095
D2 Steel
D2 Steel
440C
440C
CPM154
CPM154
Damascus
FINISH
Satin
Black Teon
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Random
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32.95
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39.95
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550lb Parcord 100ft

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PC115
PC102
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Burgundy
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CAT.#
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DESCRIPTION
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J4127
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PATTERN 41
MADE IN USA - Blades, Handles, Steel, Machinery and
m o r e ! G e t w h a t y o u n e e d o n l i n e o r c a l l 1- 8 0 0 - 3 5 1- 8 9 0 0
GW-UPFRONT-8-9.CX 9/15/14 2:41 AM Page 8
UP FRONT
Book
It
Craig Hodgkins
For the past few decades, Ive
described myself as a book guy,

but more often than not these days,
cover (although you can probably

name a few who may try), but the
enlarged and comprehensive index
EDITORIAL
will help readers track down the
Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins

Managing Editor: Kari Windes
Senior Creative Director: Eric Knagg
Art Director: Johann Frederick Mendoza
needed information when and

where it is needed. Like other
reference works of its kind,
cartridges are pictured in actual
size, and a handy 16-page color
section depicts more than 320
items.
In addition to everything youd
I hear myself replacing book with
expect to nd in a volume like this,
media. After all, its right there on
I enjoyed the nicely illustrated
my official business card.
chapters on interior and exterior
Its true that some people
ballistics, which will delight the
absorb information via video better
engineers and history buffs
than they ever have in print, and the
among us.
proliferation of excellent Internet

information sources gives readers
an opportunity to ip virtual pages
instead of the kind that can give
paper cuts.
Still, I must admit that my
5th Edition Ammo Encyclopedia

For All Rimre and Centerre
Cartridges, Plus Shotshells!
By Michael Bussard
1,008 pages, paperback
Suggested List Price: $34.95
bookish heart skips a beat when I

arrive at the office and see a box on
NOV 2014 VOLUME 55 NUMBER 11
The book offers more than
CONTRIBUTORS
Todd Burgreen, Jerry Catania, Mike Dickerson,
Brad Fitzpatrick, Paul Hantke, James House, Jameson
Parker, D.K. Pridgen, John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave
Spaulding, Tom Tabor, Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson,
Martin Topper, Dave Workman
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GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 55, Number 11, is
published monthly, 12 times a year by Beckett Media, LLC,
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.
Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional
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enough value for any gun lover to
CUSTOMER SERVICE
this week when the most recent
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Beckett Media, LLC

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Encyclopedia arrived from the
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Gun Values people, Blue Book
and those working behind the
Publications. This new edition
counter at a rearms retailer.
clocks in at 1,008 pages and
The book is now available in
contains more than 100 chapters
the media section of your favorite
on all rimre cartridges, centerre
rearms store, or direct from Blue
cartridges and shotshells. They
Book Publications. GW
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GW_1411_9 9/5/14 5:33 AM Page 9
In 1990 a Navy SEAL was navigating a mineeld when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground,
he vowed that if he got out of there alive he would make gear the right way. Today this obsession with
quality applies to everything we do. Were constantly researching, rening and perfecting every detail
to provide gear that wont let you down. Because were not just making stuff. Were honoring a vow.
GEAR THAT
TRIES YOU ON
FOR SIZE.
2013 BLACKHAWK! NORFOLK, VA U.S.A. BLACKHAWK.com
GW-PRODUCTS-10-11.qxp 9/8/14 2:00 AM Page 10
NEW
PRODUCTS
Large Assortment
For Smaller Shooters
Text by Brad Fitzpatrick
Mossbergs New Catalog Oers 45 Firearm Products For

Youth And Small-Statured Shooters
For almost a century, O.F.
shotguns, which is positioned
Mossberg and Sons has been build-
closer to the receiver and is smaller
ing quality rearms for American
in diameter.
shooters and hunters, and in the
Mossberg is also offering Super
latter part of 2014, the company is
Bantam stock spacers that allow
releasing the most extensive cata-
for up to 1 inch of variation in the
log of youth-friendly rearms, ever.
length of pull in its ries and shot-
Mossbergs focus, throughout
guns. The FLEX TLS (Tool-less
the companys history, has re-
Locking System) allows for quick
mained on providing exceptional
changes of stock, foreend, and bar-
quality and value-added features to
rel, and the smaller dimensions and
our rearms, for hunters and shoot-
lighter weight of the youth versions
ers of all ages, while promoting safe
make them more manageable for
gun-handling, commented Iver
younger shooters.
Mossberg, CEO. Introducing a
In addition to making guns
young or new shooter to recre-
more comfortable for small shoot-
ational shooting or hunting pro-
ers, Mossberg is also working to
vides an opportunity to teach
promote rearms safety and pro-
discipline, responsibility, sports-
vides gun locks with all their mod-
manship and a respect for the out-
els, as well as additional safety
doors. And with rearms that t
materials, including the 10 Com-
properly, the shooting sports can
mandments of Gun Safety. Moss-
provide years of enjoyment.
berg is also offering youth rearms

sets to hunter education instructors
COMFORT AND CONTROL

Photography by Mossberg
The products in the new Moss-
10
through the International Hunter

Education Association (IHEA). GW
berg youth catalog are specically

engineered to increase comfort and
To view the full catalog of
control for small shooters, not only
Mossberg youth rearms online, visit
shortening length of pull but also
its website or an authorized
adding additional features like the
Mossberg dealer.
EZ-Reach foreend on pump

www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_11 9/5/14 5:35 AM Page 11
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GW-EXPERTS-12-15.qxp 9/8/14 2:04 AM Page 12
ASK the
EXPERTS
We do the research so you dont have to.
The Spin
OnRiing
Rie barrels and muzzles

come in all shapes, sizes
and congurations, which
could be the result of either
button-processed, broach
or broach cut.
Question: Manufacturers
seem to use different methods to produce the riing in
gun barrels, and I'm confused
as to the differences and
which produces the best results. Is one type any better
than another?
There are far more button bar-
full blank form, after which they can
rels produced than broach or cut
be turned down to whatever outer
barrels, largely because they are
contour desired.
quicker and easier for the manufac-
The oldest method of barrel
turers to produce. But dont equate
makingthe cut, or broach cut,
speed with low quality. This process
methodis produced by running a
involves more of a swaging process
cutting tool through the barrel to re-
rather than actually cutting the
move the necessary metal. Some
metal away. In other words, pulling
manufacturers draw a distinction
or pushing a tool made of carbide
between the terms cut barrel and
or other very hard material through
broach cut barrels, but for simplic-
Tom Tabor Answers: Experts dis-
the barrel produces the grooves,
itys sake, I will group them together.
agree all the time on this subject,
and this controls the twist rate.
This is a more time-consuming
John C., Omaha, NE
but most quality rearm barrels
Some individuals believe that a
process, requiring multiple passes
produced todaywhether they
swaging process produces a higher
through the bore to accomplish the
have been produced by what is
degree of metal stress and fatigue
desired result. The twist rate in this
commonly referred to as button
than an actual cutting process. Un-
case can vary, based on a number of
processing or by broach cutting
like broach or cut riing, the button
factors.
will usually exceed the shooting ca-
riing process is usually accom-
pabilities of most shooters.
plished when the barrels are in their
12
Although these methods take

longer, some believe it produces
www.gunworld.com
more uniform consistency to the riThe two basic methods used by barrel
manufacturers to produce the riing
are the button method and the broach
or broach-cut methods.
ing twist, but the difference is not

noticeable by most shooters.
The rie barrels made today
are for the most part very good
products, whether they are button
or cut produced. I do believe that all
barrels should be hand lapped after
the bore work has been completed.
Lapping a barrel can result in removing any small imperfections
that can trap lead, copper and the
products of combustion, making
them shoot more accurately and
less of a hassle to clean.
As a side note, always follow
proper procedures to break in a new
less metal fatigue and stress than
varmint hunter or target shooter
barrel and be careful to not damage
the button-processing method, and
that burns a lot of powder, most
the bore while cleaning it. It is all
there have been claims made that
shooters will never burn a barrel out
too easy to scratch or mar the in-
barrels produced in this manner last
in their lifetime. My personal belief
side of a barrel through poor clean-
a bit longer. In reality, unless you are
is that broach riing may produce
ing practices.
www.gunworld.com
13
Right-side view of the

UH M42. Note the 180degree selector switch
and the fore grip.
Name That SMG!
Question: I was reading a

book by a World War II OSS
agent and he mentioned a
Marlin submachine gun that
he used. I own a Marlin leveraction rie, but I was not
aware it ever made a submachine gun.
son SMG, which was expensive,
were problems with the magazines
time-consuming to manufacture,
warping. Overall, it did not stand up
and heavy. One design that
well to rough combat conditions.
showed promise was the United
Well-known gun makers, High
Defense Model 42, which was orig-
Standard and Marlin, produced ap-
inally intended to be chambered
proximately 15,000 UD M42s, but
for 9mm and .45 ACP, but produc-
as soon as the U.S. M3 submachine
tion models were almost all in
gun became available, the UD M42
9mm Parabellum.
was declared substitute standard.
Gary M., Tampa, FL
Although the weapon was
Many were acquired by the Office
adopted and quickly went into pro-
of Strategic Services (OSS) for use
Leroy Thompson Answers:
duction in 1942 (hence, M42), it had
by agents and for supply to Resist-
Youre far from alone in not know-
various problems. A straight blow-
ance groups.
ing about the SMG made by Marlin
back, select re weapon, the UD
during World War II. Though some
M42 used a 20-round magazine;
M42 is the front pistol grip, which in
called it the Marlin, it was more
sometimes, two were welded to-
my experience, makes it easier to
commonly known as the United
gether for a faster reload. Ironically,
control than many other SMGs of
Defense M42. Early in World War II,
since it was intended to be easier to
the time. GW
the U.S. armed forces were looking
produce than the Thompson, it
for a replacement for the Thomp-
proved labor intensive, and there
One notable feature of the UD
Our November Experts:

Thomas C. Tabor is Gun Worlds resident hunting columnist, and routinely goes aeld in pursuit of small birds, large
game and good stories. His Todays Hunter column can be found on page 64.
Leroy Thompson is an internationally recognized authority on weapons and tactics, and is the author of more than
50 books. His feature on the Armalite AR30A1 .338 Lapua Magnum can be found on page 44.
14
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_15 9/5/14 5:36 AM Page 15
THERES A THIN, RED LINE

BETWEEN PREPARED AND
UNPREPARED.
The M&P Bodyguard 380 and M&P Bodyguard 38 are expertly engineered to work in
sync with a laser sight, so you can focus on one thing your target. For personal protection,
theres only one choice on the market with a built-in Crimson Trace laser. This is it.
DRAW THE LINE AT SMITH-WESSON.COM/380REASONS
M&P BODYGUARD 38
M&P BODYGUARD 380
FEATURING A BUILT-IN
LASER.
GW-COMPACT-16-23.qxp 9/8/14 2:10 AM Page 16
COVER
STORY
With a full, 10-round magazine, the

pistol weighs just 18 ounces, making it
an easy-to-carry trailside companion.
16
www.gunworld.com
ROCKIN
RIMFIRE
Photos and text by Mike Dickerson
Smith & Wessons new

M&P 22 Compact Pistol Is
Loads Of Fun To ShootAnd
A Perfect Companion For
Plinking, Practice And
Dispatching Small Game
y initial introduction
to Smith & Wessons
newly announced
M&P 22 Compact pistol
occurred several months ago
when I got a sneak peek at the
new gun during a prairie dog
shoot in Wyoming. I quickly
put the pistol to productive
usepurely in self-defense,
mind youin dispatching a
couple of bloodthirsty,
charging prairie dogs.
www.gunworld.com
17
COVER STORY
The pistol can be eld

stripped to its basic
components in seconds.
take long for some observers to
stances, however, the 22 Compact
charging, exactly, but they did have
start calling the new pistol the 22
is more gainfully employed as a fun
the impertinence to pop out of their
Shield. There are some obvious
gun for plinking, practice and dis-
holes within pistol range while I and
similarities to the M&P Shield in ap-
patching small vermin.
a handful of fellow scribes were en-
pearance and how the pistol feels
gaged in what came to be known as
in the hand, but there are also sig-
the 22 Compact comes with a
the Zombie Prairie Dog Apoca-
nicant differences. The most obvi-
grown-up thumb safety. Ive never
lypse while testing a variety of
ous is the fact that the new pistol is
much cared for the small manual
S&W rearms. While I didnt have
a rimre, which I would never rec-
safety on the original Shield pistols.
time to fully evaluate the pistol
ommend as a primary concealed
Others apparently agreed because
then, I made arrangements to con-
carry weapon. Some people who
S&W subsequently produced
duct a full test and evaluation as
may not be able to handle center-
Shield models without one. Thats
soon as the cloak of secrecy was re-
re pistols due to disability or other
ne on a striker-red, double-action
moved.
reasons may use it in that role, and
pistol, so long as the user remains
thats innitely preferable to being
appropriately safety conscious, but
unarmed. Under most circum-
its a bad idea to go sans safety
Well, they might not have been
Comparisons are inevitable

with any new handgun, and it didnt
18
Happily, from my point of view,
www.gunworld.com
with a single-action, internal-hammer .22 rimre pistol design.

Several people have asked me
why S&W didnt go with a strikerfired design for this pistol and duplicate the trigger pull of its larger,
striker-fired M&P stable mates.
Thats a fair question. The last
time I looked, there arent a lot of
true, striker-fired .22 rimfire pistols
out there because that action is
simply not the best choice for reliable function in a pistol chambered for .22 rimfire. A lot of .22
pistols which people think are
striker-fired are not. They are, like
A takedown lever speeds disassembly of the pistol for cleaning or maintenance.
this .22 Compact, a single-action,

internal-hammer design. You just
to the trigger on my full-size M&P
pact is made by S&W, in Springeld,
cant see the hammer without
.40. The trigger on the pistol sent to
Mass., with all U.S.-made parts.
breaking the guns down.
me for testing had a slightly lighter
With these basic similarities
break and a tad more creep in it,
and differences aside, heres a
gers, the 22 Compact employs an
after initial take up, but its close
closer look at what makes this little
articulated trigger that feels similar
enough to stand in for the M&P
pistol a joy to shootand why it has
centerre guns for the purpose of
a reserved spot in my collection.
While were on the topic of trig-
some inexpensive practice.
SPECIFICATIONS
The 22 Compact does not

come with the interchangeable grip
BY THE NUMBERS
Dimensionally, the 22 Compact
SMITH & WESSON

M&P 22 COMPACT
backstraps of other M&P pistols,
is small enough to carry concealed
but S&W got the ergonomics right
should you choose to do so. Overall
on this rimre version. Every writer
length is 6.7 inches. Overall height,
Action: Single-action, internal hammer
present at the Wyoming shoot
including sights, is 5 inches, and
commented on how good the pistol
width is 1 inch if you dont count the
feels in the hand, and I wholeheart-
controls. Weight with an empty
edly agree.
magazine is 17 ounces. A full, 10-
Frame: Polymer
Caliber: 22 Long Rie
Mag. Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
Overall Length: 6.7 inches
Weight (Empty): 17 ounces
Unlike the Shield, the 22 Com-
round magazine bumps the weight
pact has a Picatinny-style rail for
up just 1 ounce. The pistol is sup-
attaching lights or lasers. It also
plied with two magazines, which
comes with a threaded muzzle.
utilize a stainless steel, electro-pol-
Youll have to remove the muzzle
ished magazine tube. S&W built a
cap and, most likely, use an adapter
magazine safety into the pistol, so it
to convert the barrel threads from
wont re without a magazine in
3/8-24 to -28 threads for most
place.
Sights: 3 white dot, adjustable
.22 rimre suppressors.
Finish: Black hard coat anodized slide,

blued barrel
compare the 22 Compact to the
Rate of twist is 1:15. The barrel is
full-size M&P 22, its worth noting
made of 4140 carbon steel and has
MSRP: $389
that the latter is actually made by
a blued nish. As noted, the muzzle
Walther in Germany. The 22 Com-
is threaded and covered with a
Should you be tempted to
www.gunworld.com
The barrel length is 3.6 inches,

with six-groove, right-hand riing.
19
COVER STORY
PERFORMANCE RESULTS
S&W M&P 22 COMPACT
LOAD
AVG. 12-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)
BEST 12-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)
Federal Champion
40-gr. solid
1.32
1.25
Winchester Super Speed

37-gr. copper-plated HP
1.09
0.72
Winchester White Box

36-gr. copper-plated HP
0.95
0.70
Winchester M22 40-gr.

black copper-plated,
round nose
1.23
0.84
ply focusing on the dots.

The slide is made of hard-coat
anodized 7076 T651 aluminum.
Wave-pattern serrations on the
rear provide ample purchase for
racking the slide. S&W thankfully
kept the slide relatively clean. The
left side sports a white S&W logo
The front sight is
drift-adjustable.
and the words, M&P 22 Compact

in stylish lettering, while the right
side displays just the words,
Smith & Wesson, Springfield, MA.
U.S.A. On top, youll find an opening at the rear of the barrel hood
that serves as a loaded chamber
indicator.
muzzle cap which must be in place

for normal operation if youre not
using a suppressor.
tance is 0.150 inches.

Sights are of the standard,
The slide stop is made of 410

stainless steel, and has a block
white-dot variety, and are ad-
oxide coating, while the ambidex-
justable for windage and elevation.
trous, stainless steel thumb safety
at 5.8 pounds. When I measured
The front sight is made of polymer,
is overmolded with polymer. I liked
the trigger pull on my test gun, it
while the rear sight has a polymer
the frame-mounted thumb safety.
came in acceptably close at 5
body and blade with a zinc alloy die
Its easy to reach, and it operates
pounds, 12 ounces. With a slow trig-
cast arm. The three generously
with just the right amount of resist-
ger squeeze, I noticed a slightly
sized white dots provide a decent
ance and a distinctly audible click.
gritty bump before the trigger hits
sight picture, even in relatively dim
The slide stop, on the other hand,
rm resistance and breaks. I sus-
light. In normal light, the post of the
while reachable with the thumb,
pect that will smooth out a bit with
front sight nestles fairly tightly in
was small and not easily disen-
use. Trigger travel distance to re is
the groove of the rear sight, and I
gaged. I found it much easier to load
0.302 inches, and trigger reset dis-
actually shot the pistol best by sim-
the gun via the slingshot method.
Trigger pull weight is advertised
20
www.gunworld.com
To reassemble, make sure the
threw at it without expressing dis-
blocking manual safety, the pistol
hammer is cocked to the rear and
pleasure with some loads. Theres
has a trigger-activated ring pin
insert the recoil spring/guide rod as-
so much variation in .22 rimre
block and drop safety as well as an
sembly back into the frame in its
ammo that you really have to do
internal lock (or accursed lawyer
proper orientation. With the take-
your own testing to nd out what
lock, depending on your point of
down lever in the down position,
your particular pistol prefers.
view) which you can use, if desired,
start the slide back onto the frame
to lock the manual safety to the
from the front, again holding the
tion, although early reports indicate
safe position.
rear part of the slide up clear of the
it is less nicky than most. I didnt
In addition to the trigger bar
The 22 Compact was no excep-
The magazine catch has the
frame. When its as far back as it
have a lot of different ammo on
same stipling found on the grip, and
will go, push the rear of the slide
hand to test in the pistol, and was
is reversible for southpaws. In oper-
down over the frame rails and let
limited to four different factory
ation, it positively ejects magazines.
the recoil spring power the slide for-
loads. The test pistol sent to me
ward. Pull the slide back and use
didnt care much for the rst load
may seem a bit unusual, at rst,
the slide stop to lock it back, and
tested, Federals Champion 40-gr.
given the pistols xed barrel, but
rotate the takedown lever to the up
solid lead load, which exhibited
the procedure is easily mastered.
position.
multiple failures to eject and feed.
Field stripping and reassembly
With the magazine removed, you
Its simple, really, and you can
Oddly enough, that load performed
simply lock the slide back and en-
break it down a lot faster than it
in stellar fashion in Wyoming, but
gage the slide stop. Then rotate the
takes to read these instructions.
my test pistol didnt care for it. As

noted, thats not uncommon with
takedown lever down, pull the slide

fully to the rear and lift the rear portion of the slide clear of the frame.
With the rear part of the slide held
SURPRISINGLY
ACCURATE
Its no secret that semi-auto .22
.22 rimre pistols. Guns, like people,

can behave as individuals.
Things improved with the sec-
up, slide it forward and off the
rimre pistols can be a bit nicky in
ond round tested. Shooting 100
frame. You can then remove the
their ammo preferences. This
rounds of Winchesters Super
captured recoil spring/guide rod as-
ammo sensitivity is more pro-
Speed, hollow point, copper-plated
sembly from the frame. Thats as
nounced in some guns than others,
37-gr. load, with an advertised ve-
far as you need to go to perform
but Ive seldom red a .22 rimre
locity of 1330 fps, produced two
routine cleaning and maintenance.
semi-auto that ate everything I
failures to feed.
Now for the good news: The
pistol had zero problems digesting
100 rounds of the slightly slower
(1,280 fps) Winchester white box
36-gr. hollow point, copper-plated
load. It also showed positive affection for Winchesters M22 round,
which is a black copper-plated, 40gr. round-nose load designed for
reduced fouling and enhanced
functioning at a rated muzzle velocity of 1,255 fps. Both of these
loads performed flawlessly, regardless of whether the pistol was
clean or dirty.
In testing, I found the 22 Compact to point naturally, and the
Controls are ruggedly constructed and within easy reach of the gun-hand thumb.
www.gunworld.com
sights were easy to pick up. As a reNOV 2014 | GUN WORLD
21
COVER STORY
The author rst test red the M&P
22 Compact while on a prairie dog
shoot in Wyoming.
undoubtedly contribute to its

accuracy. Thanks to the way Smith
& Wesson designed it to rest naturally and comfortably in the hand,
and the ease with which you can
pick up the sights, this pistol
shoots well.
The toughest part of owning
this pistol, for the foreseeable future, may be nding enough .22 LR
ammo to keep it fed. GW
CONTACT
The author found the M&P 22 Compact capable of very good accuracy for a gun with a
3.6-inch barrel.
sult, the pistol shot well for me
found that the four tested rounds
off-hand, whether I was taking my
produced average groups that ran
time and aiming carefully or dump-
from just less than an inch to 1.32
ing a magazine into a target. To get
inches. The average size of all aver-
a better idea of the pistols accu-
age groups was just 1.14 inches. The
racy potential, I shot it over sand-
best ve-shot group from each load
bags from the bench at the rather
showed the little pistols real accu-
arbitrary distance of 12 yards, and
racy potential, as bullets from three
quickly found that it shot tighter
of the four loads tested nestled into
groups than I expected.
groups measuring less than an inch.
Shooting ve-round groups, I

22
Federal Premium Ammunition

FederalPremium.com
Nagels gun Shop
NagelsGuns.net
Smith & Wesson
Smith-Wesson.com
Winchester Ammunition
Winchester.com
The ergonomics of the pistol

www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_23 9/5/14 5:37 AM Page 23
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Sights:TRUGLO True-Bead t)BQQZ)BQQZ)BQQZ0O.BH$BQ
1187 Sportsman Field
t8BUFSGPXM.PTTZ0BL%VDL#MJOE$BNP'JOJTI
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GW-BENELLI-24-33 9/5/14 6:38 AM Page 24
24
www.gunworld.com
The
Other
Story & Photos

by Brad Fitzpatrick
BENELLI
Benellis Semiautos Revolutionized

Shotgunning And Added Inertia
Driven To The Common Vernacular.
But For Those Looking For A Less
Expensive Way To Add A Benelli To
Their Arsenal, Dont Overlook The
Nova Pump.
This SuperNova features a 24inch barrel, a black nish and

boasts a 3 -inch chamber. For
turkeys, upland game, and home
defense, its a great option, and
the ability to swap out barrels
makes it more versatile still.
www.gunworld.com
hat comes to mind

when you think about
Benelli guns? For
many, its the hard-working
Super Black Eagle, the go-to
scattergun for a sizable chunk of
the nations serious waterfowl
hunters. Perhaps you imagine a
tactical gun, the M2 or the M4,
both highly successful defensive
and competition guns.
25
Even though Benelli is most

associated with its line of semiauto
guns, the company also makes
outstanding pump guns as well.
The Nova and SuperNova lines are
budget options for those that dont
mind shucking their own empty
shells, and there are a number of
different options available.
Perhaps what comes to mind

is the avant-garde look of the Vinci
or Super Vinci, or for those who attended SHOT Show, the violinists
that provided a beautiful soundtrack to the introduction of the
Ethos.
Notice a pattern (besides the
violinists)? Yes, Benelli is and likely
will always be known best for its
semiautos. The Inertia-Driven
craze helped put Benelli on the
map, and that technology has now
bled into the brands other offerings
from Franchi and Stoeger, other
companies residing under the
Benelli umbrella.
Theres a reason for all that
fuss; the Intertia system is extremely simple and very reliable,
The SuperNova has an oversized trigger guard,

which allows the shooter to manipulate the
trigger even when wearing heavy gloves. The
controls are also easy to nd and use; the actionrelease button and safety are both located just in
front of the right side of the trigger guard.
and chances are youll never shoot

26
www.gunworld.com
enough to wear one of these guns

out. But that new technology
comes at a price, and some folks
just cant swing the high price tag of
a Benelli semiauto (Stoeger and
Franchi offer less expensive alternatives. Please see sidebar).
But just because youre on a
budget doesnt mean you cant
come home from the gun shop with
a Benelli box. If you dont mind cycling your own gun, let me introduce
you to the most underrated Italian
shotgun in years, the Benelli Nova.
In Ohio, where I grew up, we
hunted virtually everything with
shotguns, and most of the hunters I
knew carried pumps. These were
squirrel guns, upland guns, and,
when deer season rolled around,
they brought home the venison (ries arent allowed for hunting deer
in Ohio). Pumps were economical,
reliable, and fast.
Coming from that background,
THE OTHER INERTIA GUNS

Benelli brought the inertia-driven concept to this country, but the company now
offers that same technology in less expensive, ultra-reliable semiautos from its
Franchi and Stoeger brands. Franchi offers two semiauto shotguns with the inertiadriven system: the 3-inch Affinity and the 3 -inch Intensity. Ive hunted waterfowl
with both guns, and theres little question that they are effective and reliable. From
the salt ats of Texas to the grain eld swamps of South Dakota, the reliable and
reasonably priced Franchis have never failed me.
Now Stoeger also offers inertia guns as well, including the M3000, a 3-inch, 12gauge version that is available in both black and camo nishes, and the M3500
shotgun, which is chambered for 3 inch, 12-gauge shells. Recently, Stoeger added
a 20-gauge version to the M lineup, the M3020. With all these options, there is an
inertia gun that ts your needs, as well as your budget.
I have a soft spot for pump guns,

and even though I spent years tot-
For more information, visit FranchiUSA.com or StoegerIndustries.com
ing an over/under as a competitive

shooter, most of the guns I own
able, with two lugs that twist into
keep you hidden from the eyes of
today are pumps. Why? Because
extensions in the steel barrel upon
incoming gadwalls, wary coyotes,
theyre in my budget, theyre darn
chambering for a secure lockup.
or an unconvinced spring gobbler.
near indestructible, and they work
To say that the Benelli is a de-
The 12-gauge version of the
for just about everything, from
parture from the standard way in
Nova weighs around 8 pounds (de-
small game and upland birds to
which pump shotguns are con-
pending upon barrel length), and
deer to home defensive and even
structed is an understatement. In a
the 20-gauge and youth versions
competitive shooting.
realm where the great battle is be-
hover around 6.5 pounds, light
tween steel and aluminum alloy re-
enough to carry, but substantial
ceivers, Benelli ventured into totally
enough to keep recoil manageable.
new territory by producing a shot-
The SuperNova 12-gauge, 3 -inch
SMOOTH FUNCTIONING,
WITH OPTIONS
gun with a steel framework that is
gun features a ComforTech stock
perNova pumps have, in my opin-
over-molded by high-tech, light-
that reduces recoil and has a
ion, been unfairly overlooked. Sure,
weight, durable polymer. The result-
unique armored look to the receiver.
youll have to shuck your own emp-
ing gun has a stock and receiver
It is also available with a Steady-
ties and chamber the next shell, but
that ows into one unit, and this is a
Grip stock with a soft pistol grip
these guns allow you to do that
gun that can stand up to hard-core
that helps manage recoil, a perfect
quickly and smoothly, thanks to an
hunting without worrying about
setup for turkey and predator
oversized forearm and a slick rotat-
scratches, dings, or rust. The nish
hunters. The safety is located at the
ing bolt head that is extremely reli-
also reduces glare, and it helps
front of the trigger guard, which,
The Nova and the powerful Su-
www.gunworld.com
27
The ComforTech stock, which is found

on the SuperNova, does an excellent job
minimizing felt recoil. The standard Nova
comes without the ComforTech stock, but
recoil is still quite manageable.
SPECIFICATIONS
BENELLI NOVA
Action: Slide action
other than a tang mount, is the
the 20 gauge comes with either a
most logical and useful position, in
24- or 26-inch pipe.
my experience.
The trigger guard has a owing,
The SuperNova is available in

12 gauge, 3 -inch only, comes in
artistic look that may or may not
the same nishes and also offers
catch your eye, but the important
the option of a SteadyGrip or Com-
feature is that its oversized. Trying
forTech stock. There is a long list of
to t a big, fat gloved nger into a
speciality versions available for tac-
small trigger guard while rising up
tical or slug hunting, and Benelli of-
out of a goose pit is both irritating
fers additional barrels to add to the
and potentially dangerous, so the
versatility and value of your Nova.
generous trigger guard is a welcome
No matter your needs, theres al-
feature. It comes with sling studs,
most certainly a Nova gun that ts
an intelligent and useful touch.
the bill. The MSRPs range from
There is a shell stop button located
$449 up to $929.
in the center of the forearm, but it is

recessed and doesnt interfere with
normal function.
AN INTUITIVE GUN
There is a long list of available
Nova in basic black with a 24-inch

barrel, a gun that would serve duty
easy chore, but Ill give it a try: you
as a home defense, turkey/predator,
can select a Nova eld model in ei-
and upland game gun. In an era
ther 12 or 20 gauge with either a
when everything seems to require a
black or camo (Realtree Max-5 or
specialized shotgun, the SuperNova
APG) nish; theres also a youth 20-
is a pump that can do everything.
gauge version with a shortened
Its versatile enough to handle just
length of pull. The 12-guage ver-
about any situation, and the one-
sions are available with three barrel
piece coated stock and receiver is
lengths (24, 26, and 28 inches), and
impervious to the elements.
Chamber: 3 inches, 3 inches

Finish: Black synthetic,
camo synthetic
Weight: 6.4 to 8.0 pounds
Barrel: 24 to 28 inches
Stock: Non-ComforTech
MSRP: $449-$569
BENELLI SUPERNOVA
Action: Slide action
Gauge: 12
The gun I tested was a Super-
options, and cataloging them is no
28
Gauge: 12, 20
Chamber: 3 inches
Finish: Black synthetic,
camo synthetic
Weight: 7.8 to 8.0 pounds
Barrel Lengths: 24 to 28 inches
Stock: ComforTech or SteadyGrip
MSRP: $549-$929
www.gunworld.com
The gripping surfaces are

large and easy to hold onto, and
the oversized forearm means
that no matter where you grab,
you can pump this gun. The trigger is oversized and the safety
button is conveniently located in
front of the trigger and not far
from the action release button.
The SuperNova becomes an
intuitive gun, one that you learn
to shoot by feel very quickly. The
ComforTech stock is a welcome
addition, especially if you plan
on utilizing the SuperNovas 3 inch capabilities. I didnt shoot
any 3 -inch magnum loads, but
I did put several Winchester 3inch Longbeard XR Turkey loads
through this gun, and the recoil
was manageable.
Traditional wood-stocked
guns have the tendency to
crunch the shoulder joint under
heavy recoil, but the Benellis
stock and pad do an admirable
job dissipating that punch before it jars the shooter. That
means faster follow-up shots,
andwhether you are hunting
deer, ducks, gobblers, or defending your own lifethats a good
thing.
The Nova and SuperNova
are both exceptionally reliable
and durable. The unique exterior
surface material protects the
guns inner metal skeleton
against corrosion. In essence, the
Benellis are armored, and the
large, stylized plate pattern on
the rear of the SuperNova gives
the gun a mechanical, futuristic
look. Its rounded recoil pad
doesnt hang up on clothing, and
I shot a few clays from the low
gun position. Serious clay shooters prefer a radiused heel, and
www.gunworld.com
29
The SuperNova is available in a variety of congurations for both hunting and

tactical work. Tactical models have battle sights, shorter barrels, and a SteadyGrip
stock for a secure mount.
Many hunters are familiar with Benellis waterfowl guns, but the SuperNova
is an excellent duck and goose gun. The cost is reasonable, and the quality is
very high. The tough exterior surface can stand up to the elements, even in salt
marshes. This SuperNova is shown in Realtree Max-5 camo.
This is a gun that can

stand up to hard-core
hunting without worrying
about scratches,
dings, or rust.
the rounded gure of the Benelli is

quick to the shoulder.
The lines in the pistol grip and
the forearms matrix look may seem

to be simply aesthetic touches, but
in reality they serve very functional
purposes. The pistol grip provides a
secure hold even when wet, and the
forearm is easy to grab and manipulate, even for shooters with short
arms or for those wearing heavy
gloves.
The oversized trigger guard
isnt just nice to have, its a necessity. The older I get, the less inclined
I am to sit in a duck blind or deer
stand without a pair of warm
WINCHESTERS NEW SHOTSHELLS

Over the past few years, Winchester Ammunition has added a number of
offerings to its existing lineup of shotshells. For turkey hunters, it now offers its
Longbeard XR in both 3- and 3 12-inch, 12-gauge loads that contain 1 34 and 2
ounces of shot, respectively.
The Longbeard XR loads have a unique resin that helps keep the shot charge
clustered until it leaves the muzzle. The resin then evaporates (sometimes visible as
a white cloud) and the shot charge remains extremely tight, producing outstanding
patterns out to long ranges. Also new from Winchester are two TrAAcker target
loads. These loads provide visible reference lines (either orange or black) when red
to help determine where the shot charge is traveling. This, in turn, allows target
shooters to determine why they are missing clays, an effective tool to improve your
shotgun performance.
Lastly, Winchester introduced its PDX-1 Defense shotgun loads, which contain a
lead slug and three buckshot pellets for added stopping power when you are faced
with a defensive situation.
For more information on Winchesters newest loads, visit Winchester.com.
gloves, and theyre usually very

30
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GW_1411_31 9/5/14 5:38 AM Page 31
The SuperNova Turkey model is shown here with a red dot sight and SteadyGrip stock. Benelli offers a wide variety of options in the
Nova and SuperNova line, so no matter what youre looking for, youll be able to nd a gun that meets your needs, whether thats a highly
specialized gun like the one shown here, or a do-all pump that can accomplish a variety of tasks.
The SuperNova is available in a variety of congurations, including this slug gun version
with a Burris red dot sight. The ComforTech stock with raised cheekpiece helps align the
eye with the optic or iron sights without transferring the full recoil energy to the face.
thick. Having to take your gloves off
proaching second bird. With a fast,
more expensive semiautos, look to
to shoot a gun is often very irritat-
smooth pump that swings well, you
the Nova or SuperNova. They are a
ing, but thats not a concern when
can break that second target with
great value on a hard-working
shooting the Benelli pumps.
time to spare. If there are any hang-
scattergun that brings with it the
ups, you wont.
type of quality youd expect from
Speed is relative when it comes

to pump guns. Most experienced
I shot about a half-dozen pairs
pump shooters with a familiar
with the Benelli, and each pair was
weapon can cycle shells as fast (or,
easy and unhurried. I followed the
in some cases, even faster) than
top bird out (the red ber optic is
those using a semiauto. My own
great; very easy to see in your pe-
test for speed with a pump is sim-
ripheral eld of view), broke it,
ple: how hard is it to break the dou-
pumped and swung back to break
bles at station one on a standard
the second bird. Its not scientic,
skeet eld?
but it tells me everything I need to
For those unfamiliar with the
know about a pump. With the
sport, the rst station starts under
Benellis speed, I know I wouldnt
the high tower and the rst clay of
have any trouble with wild birds in
the pair comes from overhead and
the eld.
is followed by a low crosser at a
Benelli may never be synony-
sharp angle from the low (oppo-
mous with pump guns, but the
site) tower. Bottom line, youre
budget-friendly Nova family offers a
breaking one bird thats pretty quick
great deal to like. Its extremely
and easy and following that up by
reliable, its tough, and its afford-
getting back in battery, changing di-
able. If youre in the market for an
rection, and breaking a swiftly ap-
Italian gun but cant afford Benellis
32
the brand. GW
The budget-friendly
Nova family offers a
great deal to like.
Its extremely reliable,
its tough, and its
affordable.
CONTACT
Benelli USA
(301) 283-6981
BenelliUSA.com
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_33 9/5/14 5:39 AM Page 33
GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:48 AM Page 34
The Taurus Raging Bull 454 can save your

life when going up against the really big stuff.
34
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GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:48 AM Page 35
RAGING
BULL
Story & Photos
by Jerry Catania
In Bear Country And Closer To

Home, This .454 Casull Revolver
May Be A Short-Barreled Lifesaver
few years ago, a snapping

twig alerted a man walking
his three dogs to a charging
900-pound Alaskan brown bear.
Neither the man nor his dogs were
aware of the bears presence until
the man turned and saw the bear
attacking from 20 yards at full
speed with its head down and its
ears laid back.
Yanking his short-barreled
.454 Casull revolver from its
holster, the man red two to three
shots, killing the huge bear almost
instantly. It slid to a stop just past
the point where he had been
standing. Although he had to check
the cylinder to determine exactly
how many shots he red, he knew
one thing: the .454 did the job.
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35
GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:48 AM Page 36
This close-up shows the two

cylinder locking latches, fore and aft.
If youre ever out wandering in

bear country, the Taurus Raging Bull
Model 454 revolver ts the bill as a
short-barreled lifesaver. More than
adequate for black bears, mountain
lions, wild hogs, and moose, the
Raging Bull can save your life when
going up against the really big stuff.
Featured in the hands of Ethan
Hawke in the movie, The Purge, the
Raging Bull is a handsome, sturdy,
and functional hand-cannon. Engineered like a Tiger Tank, the Raging
Bull .454 is a fusion of craftsmanship and strength.
GUN DETAILS
Built on a large, hammerforged stainless steel frame, the
Raging Bull features a massive ve-
A top view of the xed notch rear sight.

The front sight featured a red ber optic.
round cylinder that locks up in three

36
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GW_1411_37 9/5/14 5:40 AM Page 37
GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:48 AM Page 38
CHRONOGRAPH DATA
LOAD454 CASULL
MUZZLE VELOCITY (1) MUZZLE VELOCITY (2)
MUZZLE ENERGY
DT 400 GR. WFNGC CAST*
1,150 FPS (2.5)
1,109 FPS
1,096 FT.-LBS.
DT 360 GR. WFNGC CAST**
1,225 FPS (2.5)
1,189 FPS
1,123 FT.-LBS.
DT 325 GR. EQUALIZER
1,000 FPS (2.5)
N/A
N/A
FED 300 GR. A-FRAME
1,520 FPS (ON BOX)
1,317 FPS
1,152 FT.-LBS.
FED 260 GR. FUSION
1,350 FPS (ON BOX)
1,169 FPS
796 FT.-LBS.
BB 360 GR. LBT-LWCGC
1,425 FPS (ON BOX)
1,229 FPS
1,206 FT.-LBS.
LOAD45 COLT +P
MUZZLE VELOCITY (1) MUZZLE VELOCITY (2)
MUZZLE ENERGY
BB 325 GR. LBT-LFN
1,325 FPS (ON BOX)
1,202 FPS
1,043 FT.-LBS.
BB 260 GR. DEER GRENADE
1,449 FPS (4)
1,292 FPS
967 FT.-LBS.
BB 260 GR. JHP
1,450 FPS (ON BOX)
1,264 FPS
928 FT.-LBS.
Legend: Data recorded on an Oehler 35p, 2,000 feet elevation, temp of 85 degrees. Muzzle velocity (1) is
the advertised velocity. Muzzle velocity (2) is the actual chronographed velocity, which was the average
of four (4) shots with ve rounds in the cylinder to record any jumped crimps.
*- means the bullet in the fth chamber jumped its crimp.
**- means the bullet in the fth chamber jumped its crimp and tied up the cylinder.
places: on the yoke (or crane) at the

front of the cylinder (not at the end
of the ejector rod), at the back of
the cylinder, and at the bottom of
the cylinder. So secure is the lockup that it requires two hands to
open the cylinder mechanism. The
uted cylinder rotates counterclockwise, and the ejector rod turns
with the cylinder.
Lock-up is extremely tight with
zero play fore and aft and no sideto-side play when the hammer is
locked back before ring. The locking bolt notches are cut midway between chambersright over the
The yoke-mounted cylinder lock.
cylinder utesfor maximum

strength. The locking bolt is oversized as well, and the entire mechanism works with the precision and
38
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GW_1411_39 9/5/14 5:41 AM Page 39
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AR rifles, we knew they couldn't be like everyone
else's. So, from the beginning, our AR rifles have
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GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:49 AM Page 40
smooth and did not pound my trigger nger upon ring. The hammer
The Taurus Raging Bull
ts perfectly in Galcos DAO
(Dual Action Outdoorsman)
holster.
was wide and well shaped, but had

extremely sharp edges. Twenty seconds with a Dremel around the
edges solved that problem, nicely
and invisibly. At rst, the single-action pull was heavy and stiff, but
smoothed up a bit with some oil
and usage. It had a bit of creep and
over-travel, as well. The double-action pull was very heavy and
stacked badly at rst. It smoothed
up greatly after hundreds of dry
res, and became quite nice, although still heavy. The heavy cylinder denitely had an effect here,
and on the overall smoothness of
the DA pull.
The reach from the grip to the
trigger was very long, and I had
trouble with it at rst. This was
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer:
Taurus International
Model: Taging Bull 454ss2m
strength of a bank vault. The
casts a shadow on itself in the right
rounded and knurled knob on the
place, and enhances visibility where
end of the full-length ejector rod
it counts.
that enables the ejection of stub-
Best of all, Taurus engineered
born cases with little effort or pain,
this piece so that lateral bullet im-
is also a nice touch.
pact (windage) was spot-on with
The barrel on this model of
with all loads (from .45 Colt to full-
Other models have barrels ranging
power .454s) that there was no
from 5 inches to 8 38 inches with
practical difference in a gun de-
adjustable sights. The short-barrel
signed for close-in protection. The
.454 comes with a red, ber-optic
short barrel is ported with three
front sight and a xed rear notch.
ports on each side of the front
This combination provided an ex-
sight. Recoil was masterfully sub-
cellent sight picture under virtually
dued and muzzle flip was almost
all conditions except full dark. The
eliminated.
40
Weight: 48 ounces
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: Five rounds
every load. Elevation was so close
Raging Bull is 2 14 inches long.
rear sight is cut in such a way that it
Caliber: .454 Casull
Front Sight: Fiber optic

Rear Sight: Fixed, non-adjustable
OAL: 7.5 inches
Barrel Length: 2.25 inches, ported
Extra: Taurus lifetime warranty
MSRP: $1,054.78
The trigger was wide and

www.gunworld.com
GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:49 AM Page 41
made a bit more difficult by the

special Taurus rubber grip with a
-inch wide red insert of some
5 8
rubber-like material. The special insert was supposed to dampen recoil, but I found that my hand was
stung the most in a line where the
narrow red insert came across my
hand, even with the heavy +P .45
Colt loads.
I took my Dremel (again) and
The internal lock is
located in the hammer.
whittled away some of the insert

(which originally protruded about
inch) to t my palm, and that
1 8
made a near 100-percent improvement in handling and shooting for

me. Any old pistolero will tell you
that to reduce felt recoil, use a wide
grip that spreads out the jolt across
your palm, not one that will focus it
in one spot.
Originally, Id intended to test
both the Taurus and the Ruger
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41
GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:49 AM Page 42
Alaskan, but although the trigger

reach on the Ruger was perfect for
me, and the grip nice and soft, it
kicked badly. That gun actually intimidated me. After putting on a
heavily padded shooting glove, I
could still barely hold the thing
down. Muzzle ip was so pronounced that I decided to abandon
the dual-gun idea.
By contrast, the wide-andsmooth-triggered Taurus did not
hurt my nger at all and muzzle ip
was reduced to near nothing (for
the caliber). The shape of the trigger and the porting really paid off
for me, at least. Heavy recoil was
still there, and after I whittled the
insert down, I still had to put a big
adhesive pad across my palm and
wear a light glove. That let me
shoot a few dozen rounds through
the chronograph, and as I did, I became more tolerant and started
shooting better, as well. We kind of
grew on each other. Blast did not
seem any worse than with the unported Ruger.
SHOTS FIRED
The darling of my tests was the
The Raging Bulls ve-round cylinder.
DoubleTap Equalizer load, consisting of a 185-grain JHP on top of

a 140-grain hard-cast ball for a
total of 325 grains. Two hits with
every shot makes for a formidable
defense load for two-legged predators, especially when you can make
hits on a man-sized B-27 target out
to 50 yards. Recoil was relatively
mild, and the Taurus shot these to
perfection. There is no doubt you
could successfully hunt big game
with the super-accurate Raging
Bull, even with its short barrel and
xed sights. It is also viable for
home defense.
A line-up of some of the many .454 and .45 Colt loads.
42
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GW-TAURUS-34-43 9/5/14 6:49 AM Page 43
travelling nearly 1,300 fps out of a
The .454 Casull

Designed in 1958 by Dick Casull
and Jack Fullmer, the .454 Casull uses
a lengthened and strengthened .45
Colt case with a small rie primer to
achieve power levels that were unheard of back in the day. Even today,
with the advent of the more specialized .460 and .500 Smith & Wesson
cartridges, the .454 is just about the
most power that can be had in a normally sized revolver.
Using a Triplex mix of powders,
the original load launched a 250-grain
bullet at a sizzling 1,900-plus feet per
second with 2,000 ft.-lbs. of energy,
and operated at a pressure of 60,000
CUP. Some of todays loads seem
tame by comparison.
.45 Colt case. This should stop any

tracks; it also makes a near-perfect
deer-hunting load.
Two of DoubleTaps loads
(both lead bullets) jumped their
crimp. One of them tied up the
cylinder and jammed the gun. It
was the fth shot in the cylinder. No
problems were encountered with
any of the other loads.
just have to keep shooting it. As the
Buffalo Bore Ammunition

BuffaloBore.com
Double Tap Ammunition
DoubleTapAmmo.net
FederalPremium.com
Taurus Raging Bull 454 breaks in,
of the ne .45 Colt loads, one can
and as you become more comfort-
easily nd the right combination for
able with it, a change will take
your needs. Another load I really
place, a feeling of power and the
liked was the Buffalo Bore Deer
ability to control any situation.
Grenade, consisting of the proven
Thats a good feeling to have,
(and hardened) LSWC-HP bullet,
especially out in bear country. GW
www.gunworld.com
Taurus, USA
TaurusUSA.com
The power of the .454 is simply

addicting. In spite of the pain, you
Using the Equalizer load, or any
CONTACT
black bear, hog, or cougar in its
Galco Holsters
GalcoGunLeather.com
43
GW-ARMALITE-44-53.qxp 9/8/14 2:50 AM Page 44
VERSATILE
VELOCITY
Story & Photos by Leroy Thompson
ArmaLite AR30A1 .338 Lapua Magnum Sniper Rie
ver the last decade, the

.338 Lapua Magnum has
achieved wide popularity
with military snipers, especially in
the special ops community. With
greater range and striking power
than the .308 or .300 Win Mag
sniping rie, yet lighter and easier
to transport than the .50 BMG
anti-material gun, the .338 Lapua
Magnum is arguably the most
versatile sniping rie in the world.
In fact, the current worlds longest
sniper kill of slightly farther than
1.5 miles was by a British sniper
using one.
44
www.gunworld.com
The AR30A1 ready for ring

from the bench; note that the
bipod allows enough clearance
to change the magazine
without lifting the rie.
www.gunworld.com
45
Although the bulk of shooting

with the AR30A1 was done prone,
I also tried the rie using various
improvised shooting positions.
Ive recently begun work on a

book on .338 Lapua ries, a task
that demands I test most of the
currently available models in that
Leupolds MK4 LR/T 6.520x50mm scope used on the

AR30A1; note the elevation
dial calibrated for .338 Lapua
ammunition.
caliber. I have found the more Ive

shot themincluding the Armalite
AR30A1 youll read about herethe
more Ive become a fan.
I imagine that most people
reading this are like me and are
used to semiauto Armalite AR-type
ries. Ive had an AR-10 Ive been
using for years and like a lot, and
many years ago in Africa shot some
of the early military AR-10s that
were sold there, but the AR30A1 is
the rst bolt-action Armalite rie
that Ive red.
TESTING THE TARGET

There are two versions of the
AR30A1: the standard and target
models. I evaluated the target version, which features an 18-inch top
46
www.gunworld.com
Picatinny rail (to allow use of night

vision scopes or other accessories),
rails on the sides of the forearm for
pointers or illuminators, a bottom
rail for mounting a bipod, a vertically adjustable cheek piece, and a
horizontally adjustable butt pad for
length of pull.
The two models share other
characteristics, including an aggressive-looking and very effective muzzle brake threaded for a suppressor,
a receiver that is through hardened
for decreased wear and smoothness of operations, a bolt-mounted
safety that locks the ring pin to the
rear when applied, multiple sling attachment points, military-grade anodizing and phosphating, and a
buttstock that can be removed for
The muzzle brake of the AR30A1 is aggressively impressive, but it is also very practical
and dampens felt recoil substantially.
ease of transporting the rie.

Among other features that aid
accuracy are the competition-
grade, 26-inch barrel and the V-
design can inhibit smooth feeding.
tion are bedded. Plus, the
But, great pains were taken in de-
aluminum stock offers additional
signing that of the AR30A1. It is a
reinforcement for the receiver.
single-stack design, fabricated of
Designed for smooth operation,
steel rather than polymer or alu-
the bolt is what Armalite terms er-
minum. In addition to aiding reliable
gonomically improved for smooth
feeding, the magazines slimmer
operation. Armalite also cites the
design limits the amount of mate-
competition grade dimensions
rial removed to create the mag well,
and tolerances in the receiver that
thus increasing the strength of the
allow smooth and fast bolt opera-
receiver. This magazine well is also
tion. The bolt handle is large
deep enough to position the maga-
enough to allow ease of operation;
zine for reliable feeding, as well as
however, I did nd that there was
allow the magazine to be removed
not much tolerance for operation
or replaced easily.
with a low-mounted scope.

To aid in fast and reliable oper-
Another plus is the well-designed central magazine release
ation of the bolt, the ejection port is
catch, which can be operated with
large enough that even a loaded
either hand. I found that it works
.338 Lapua round may be ejected if
best for me to use my support hand
necessary, or so that a round may
(left) so that I can grasp and with-
be single-loaded. To point out a few
draw the magazine as I hit the re-
other characteristics of the bolt: it
lease.
cocks on opening, locks with dual-
www.gunworld.com
In many ries, the magazine
Block into which the barrel and ac-
Although I used to be a com-
opposing lugs, and has a separate
petitive weightlifter and have con-
bolt head with a plunger ejector.
tinued to work out in the ensuing

47
The length of the stock may be

adjusted by 2 inches, while the height
of the cheek rest may be adjusted by
1 inch, using the dials shown here.
years, Ive never tried shooting one
long-range sniping ries, I chose to
of the .338 Lapua ries offhand. Im
mount Leupolds MK4 LR/T 6.5-
sure there are some incredibly con-
20x50MM on the AR30A1. This is
ditioned U.S. military snipers who
my go-to scope because I have had
have managed to do so, but not me.
Leupolds Custom Shop make an
As a result, I was glad that the
Armalite
AR30A1 .338 Lapua
elevation dial for it that is designed
AR30A1 came with a short Harris
for use with .338 250-grain loads.
bipod. Whether shooting prone or
As is typical with .338 Lapua Mag-
off a rest, the bipod is a great aid to
num ries, twist for the AR30A1 is
shooting the AR30A1 or another
1:10, for which the 250-grain bullet
sniping rie. In the case of the
is optimized.
AR30A1, too, the bipod raises the
SPECIFICATIONS
Two reticles are available for
muzzle just enough to allow the
this scope: Mil Dot or TMR (Tactical
magazine to be removed without
Milling Reticle). Both work well for
shifting the rie, though I did nd
range estimation, though today,
that it worked best if I tilted the rie
most snipers, especially when using
slightly to one side.
a .338 Lapua at longer ranges, will
Action: Bolt
Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
Overall Length: 50.1 inches
(with butt adjusted to maximum
length)
Barrel Length: 26 inches
Weight: 15.3 pounds
Magazine Capacity: Five rounds
use a laser range nder. Still, having
SCOPING AND SNIPING

Although I have multiple
scopes that are suitable for use on
48
the capability of estimating range

using the reticle is an important
Sights: Picatinny rail for various

optical sights
backup. Both reticles are illumiwww.gunworld.com
nated, a denite aid to lowlight

shooting. Although I use both types
of reticle, the scope I used for the
A good view of the AR30A1s

bolt handle and the safety in
the re position.
AR30A1 has the Mil Dot, a system

with which I have grown familiar
over the years.
Although I had both medium
and high rings available for the
MK4, I found even with the high
rings, it was difficult getting it
mounted high enough on the
AR30A1. I then had to experiment
to get the scope mounted in the
right position on the Picatinny rail
for best eye relief (3.6 to 4.4 inches
recommended). I have used this
scope on various .338 Lapua ries
in the past with medium rings without a problem, but the 50mm objective lens of the Mk4 had only a
fraction of an inch of clearance with
the AR30A1. For purposes of the
testing, though, I made it work. If I
A very comfortable pistol grip aids in shooting the AR30A1; note the magazine release just in front of the trigger guard and the bolt
handle.
www.gunworld.com
49
When shooting seated, I found that

getting a good cheek weld was
somewhat difficult, but when ring
prone, it was much better.
were going to be using the AR30A1
sive. Generally, though, it is loaded
with the .338 Lapua, though I
for tactical purposes, I would either
for accuracy and will give good
wouldnt recommend anyone with-
try to nd a mount that would get
groups. For testing, I chose to use
out reasonable experience firing
the scope .25 inches higher or use a
Black Hills 250-grain JHP and Cor-
center fire rifles to do too much
different scope, despite the fact I
Bon 250-grain and 300-grain JHP
shooting with the caliber early on.
like this Leupold so much.
loads. I have red groups at 300
Most .338 Lapua rifles are fairly
yards of one-half minute of angle
heavy and have good muzzle
Lapua ries is limited primarily to
with each of these loads, so I am
brakes, which helps with recoil, as
military and government agencies
condent of their accuracy.
well.
One reason that use of .338
is that ammunition is quite expen50
Recoil is not really unpleasant
I always re the rst 20 rounds

www.gunworld.com
One reason that use of .338 Lapua

ries is limited primarily to military
and government agencies is that
ammunition is quite expensive.
when testing a .338 Lapua rie
residual recoil. I would say it is a bit
with no special shoulder protec-
more noticeable than ring a
tion to see how the recoil is. After
7.62x51mm sniping rie, but no
that, if I need to re many more
more than ring a .300 Win Mag
rounds I wear a ScotteVest low-
one. Since I was ring a lot of other
prole ballistic vest to spread re-
ries the day I took the AR30A1 out
coil a bit. To test how comfortable
the second time, I did use the ballis-
the recoil is with the AR30A1 is I
tic vest when shooting prone during
red 40 rounds when doing the
that session.
initial zeroing and ring the rie
I mentioned that I would have
without the protective vest. The
liked the scope to be mounted a
muzzle brake really does dissipate
little higher than it was. As it was, I
recoil and the recoil pad cushions
had to carefully assume my
Three-hundred-yard, 2.75inch group red with Black Hills

250-grain JHP ammo.
www.gunworld.com
51
GW-ARMALITE-44-53.CX_EM 52.qxp 9/15/14 2:28 AM Page 52
Even with a high scope mount,

the objective lens is very close
to the Picatinny rail. The .338
Lapua chambering is clearly
marked on the barrel.
shooting position to get the right
red groups right around 2 inches at
wanting a reasonably priced .338
cheek weld with the cheek piece in
200 yards and with the Black Hills
Lapua Magnum rie is that the
its lowest position. This was really
250-grian loads of about 2.75
MSRP for the rie I tested is $3,599.
only noticeable when shooting off
inches at 300 yards. Those should
Street price seems to run less than
of a bench while zeroing the scope.
have been at least half that size, but
$3,000 for some specialty sellers.
the fault was mine and my cheek
GW
When I red prone, it was much

easier to get a good cheek weld.
weld rather than the gun, scope, or
One other consideration with the
ammo. The AR30A1 will perform if
way I had mounted the scope was
the shooter does his part.
that I had to take some care with
The AR30A1 is designed so that
my nger placement while operat-
the butt stock may be removed for
ing the bolt, making sure that I did
easy carry. In fact, Armalite states
not graze the scope. I found the
that using the pistol grip and bipod,
safety quite easy to ip back and
the rie may be red without the
forth between SAFE and FIRE,
butt stock. I did not try this, but I
though using the thumb of my right
can see that for use in very close
hand required me to shift from my
quarters and at urban ranges, that
shooting grip. As a result, I used my
might be an option.
left (support) hand most of the

time.
Personally, I prefer a sniper rie

with a folding stock, which allows it
Although I still managed to
to be slung and carried more read-
shoot the AR30A1 fairly well, I think
ily. This is especially the case for ri-
if I were going to continue to use it
es used by special ops snipers, as
with the Leupold MK4 LR/T, I would
many .338 Lapua ries are.
nd a different mount. Still, with

the Black Hills 300-grain load, I
52
One feature that should make
CONTACT
ArmaLite, Inc.
(800) 336-0184
ArmaLite.com
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
(800) LEUPOLD
Leupold.com
Black Hills Ammunition
(605) 348-5150
Black-Hills.com
COR BON Ammunition
(800) 6267266
Corbon.com
the AR30A1 interesting to someone

www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_53 9/5/14 5:43 AM Page 53
Dillon Precisions
XL650
STANDARD FEATURES:
www.dillonprecision.com
Too receive
e i e a FREE
REE Catalog,
a alog call
ll 800-762-3845
0 62 45 and
nd askk for
or stock
o k number
umber K91-14690.
9 4690
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:01 AM Page 54
MIL SPEC
MARVEL
Story & Photos By Mike Dickerson
Conceived In The World Of Special Operations,

The Daniel Defense M4A1 Mil Spec+ Gets Down
And DirtyAnd Looks Good Doing It
The author came away impressed

with the M4A1 Mil Spec+ carbines
accuracy and reliability.
54
www.gunworld.com
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:01 AM Page 55
merica now has an entire generation

of military personnel, veterans and
law enforcement professionals who
need no introduction to the M4 carbine. In
case youre unfamiliar with the platform or
just parachuted in from an AR-free zone, the
M4 is essentially a lighter, shorter version of
the M16 rie, which the M4 is rapidly
replacing in many military units.
www.gunworld.com
55
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:01 AM Page 56
The at, dark earth

cerakote nish dresses
up the M4A1 Mil Spec+
nicely, while providing
enhanced protection
from abuse and the
elements.
we wanted to do something that
properties, such as increased corro-
decades, thousands of Americans
would be similar to the at dark
sion resistance, durability and abra-
have fought with an M4 by their
earth color on our rail.
sion resistance, are well known, and
Over the past couple of
sides. The rifle is battle tested. Its
Mil Spec+ actually refers to the
complement the M4 platform.
strengths and weakness are well
color, he said, but it also signies
While this M4A1 has a more appeal-
known. The M4A1 variant, which
something else. We dont just
ing appearance than other M4 ri-
gave military users a full-auto ca-
meet mil-spec requirements. We
es, in my judgment, its real beauty
pability versus three-round burst,
exceed them.
goes beyond the surface.
has been widely used by U.S. spe-
I really liked the look of the rie
Heres a detailed look at the
cial operations units. It is a popular
Daniel Defense sent us to test. An
components that make the Mil
choice for urban fighting and close
anodizing process, such as is often
Spec+ a strong contender for the
quarters combat because it packs
used on rails, can result in consider-
limited space in my gun safe.
a lot of firepower in a trim, handy
able variation in color. The color of
package.
the cerakote applied to the Daniel
A WELL THOUGHTOUT DESIGN
While Daniel Defense cant sell
Defense carbine is much more con-
you a fully automatic version of the
sistent, and the nish was well exe-
M4A1, it can sell you a rie that du-
cuted on this rie. The subtle
M4 ries, and you can buy cheaper
plicates M4A1 performance in virtu-
contrast between black compo-
ones, but youd be hard-pressed to
ally every other respect.
nents and the at, dark-earth cer-
nd one that delivers as much qual-
akote results in a more-rened look
ity at the MSRP of $1,949.
Our M4A1 is essentially a clone
You can buy more expensive
of what several military assault
than that of the standard, all-black
units are running, says Jordan
M4 carbine. If the standard-issue
that rie is made in our factories,
Hunter of Daniel Defense. Its our
M4A1 conveys the attitude of a bel-
and that allows us to put our name
take on the rie thats been so suc-
ligerent bulldog, the Mil Spec+ is
behind itand our lifetime
cessful overseas. Its always been a
like the bulldog that went to a bet-
guarantee, says Hunter.
hot seller, but we wanted to put a
ter school.
new spin on it. Customers asked us

to look into a cerakote nish, and
56
I would say that 95 percent of
Both the upper and lower re-
Of course, cerakote isnt just
ceivers of the rie are machined
about appearance. Its benecial
from 7075-T6 aluminum, which

www.gunworld.com
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:01 AM Page 57
uses zinc as an alloy element and

has the highest peak strength of
mount and cheek weld.

The handguard is also more
Defense M4A1 RIS II, which has

been used extensively by U.S. Spe-
the 7075 alloy. The lower has a QD
comfortable than you might expect,
cial Operation Command (SOCOM)
swivel attachment point and a
thanks to the use of three low-pro-
for the SOPMOD II (Special Opera-
ared magazine well to speed mag-
le ladders made of heat-resistant
tion Peculiar Modication)
azine insertion. All controls are in
Santoprene. Picatinny rails and
weapons system for nearly a
their usual locations and are in-
their sharp edges are notably rough
decade. The RIS II allows for a truly
stantly familiar to anyone who has
on the hands, and these ladders
free-oated barrel, as well as an
ever red an AR-15 or M4.
make the handguard much more
uninterrupted Picatinny rail on top
comfortable to grip with bare
and three shorter rails on the sides
measures 14.5 inches and has an
hands. The nice thing about ladders
and bottom, along with Grade 8
M4 prole. Its made of chromoly
is that you can cut them up and po-
mil-spec fasteners. The gun weighs
vanadium steel and is chrome lined,
sition them around your acces-
just 6.75 pounds empty, so you can
with a 1:7 rate of twist. It is heavy
sories in a truly customized scheme.
easily add optics or illuminators
The cold hammer-forged barrel
phosphate-coated to military spec-
We put a lot of thought into
without turning the gun into an an-
ications. The barrel is topped with
this rie, and we added our own fur-
chor. (Yes, I know some of you will
a proprietary Daniel Defense ash
niture because we thought we
add enough stuff to turn it into an
suppressor. The extended suppres-
could do a better job with it than
anchor anyway, but at least I wont
sor is both pinned and welded, and
what was being offered before,
have to lug it around).
is made of 17-4 PH stainless steel
says Hunter.
with a salt bath nitride nish.
The handguard is the Daniel
The RIS II handguard has interesting origins. SOCOM wanted a rail
The gas system used a pinned,

low-prole gas block, machined of
4140 hardened steel. It is also
heavy phosphate coated. The mil
spec-tested, M-16prole bolt carrier group is chrome lined and, as
you would expect, has a properly
staked gas key.
With those basics covered, we
can move on to the furniture, most
of which was designed by Daniel
Defense and really sets the rie
The Santoprene ladders installed on the carbines rails provide great protection to the
hands from the sharp edges of Picatinny rails.
apart. For starters, the pistol grip is

made of glass-lled polymer with
soft-touch over-molding. It provides a comfortable, sure grip under
any weather conditions. The buttstock is also made of glass-lled
polymer and has beard-friendly,
soft-touch over-molding, along
both upper sides, as well as a nonslip rubber butt pad.
It rides on a six-position, milspec receiver extension made of
7075-T6 aluminum. The net effect
of these components, working together, is a solid, non-slip gun
www.gunworld.com
Controls on the new Daniel Defense carbine are in the usual place and familiar to
anyone who has red an AR or M4.
57
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:02 AM Page 58
DANIEL DEFENSE M4A1 MIL SPEC+

LOAD
AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY (FPS)
AVG. 100-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)
BEST 100-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)
Barnes VOR-TX .223

55 grain TSX FB
2,784
1.18
0.88
Black Hills 5.56

OTM 77 grain
2,597
0.64
0.27
Black Hills 5.56

Barnes TSX 62 grain
2,863
1.02
0.96
Federal Premium 223

55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip
2,883
1.47
1.20
Hornady Varmint
Express 223 55 grain V-MAX
2,894
1.76
1.16
Liberty Silverado
223 55 grain
2,777
1.48
1.30
Speer LE Gold Dot

223 64 grain GDSP
2,637
1.28
1.03
Winchester Ballistic
Silvertip 223 50 grain
3,010
1.52
1.18
Note: All test groups red with wind varying 5 to 16 mph.
system that would accommodate a

M203 grenade launcher, without
the use of special tools or parts,
while allowing the barrel to remain
free oated. Daniel Defense remains the sole provider of the RIS II
to SOCOM. I think its safe to say
that most of you wont have to
Our test rie came

with optional Daniel
Defense iron sights
installed. Daniel
Defense asserts that
95 percent of the
ries components are
made in its own
factory.
worry about strapping a M203

grenade launcher to this rie, as
much fun as that may sound, but
you can still enjoy the primary advantage of the RIS II by adding accessories without impacting
accuracy.
When I got out of the service
in 2004, we were just beginning to
get barrels that were free oated,
says Hunter. If you add a vertical
grip and the barrels not free
58
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GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:02 AM Page 59
oated, that changes your point

of impact. So that rail allowing
the barrel to remain free oated
is extremely important.
In testing, I dry-red the rie
a fair amount to get a feel for the
trigger, which broke at an average of 6 pounds, with a small
amount of initial take up that
was a bit heavy for my liking. Although this is a carbine and not a
long-range varmint-sniping rig,
Im picky about triggers, and almost always end up swapping
out factory triggers on AR ries,
which almost always has a benecial impact on accuracy.
For tactical, plinking and
self-defense purposes, the trigger is ne. I still managed to
shoot some excellent groups
with this trigger, but I have no
doubt that a lighter trigger with a
crisp break would enable this
rie to show what it can really
do, despite having only a 14.5inch barrel. Heres how it performed out of the box.
RESULTS AT THE RANGE

Our test gun arrived with its
own hard plastic case and a 30round Magpul magazine. It also
came with optional Daniel Defense iron sights in place. I
quickly removed them and
mounted a Leupold Mark AR
Mod-1 3-9x40 scope for accuracy testing.
This scope comes with P5
BDC dials, which are matched to
Discover the
World of Firearms
at Your Fingertips.
a 55-grain .223 bullet launched

at 3,100 fps. One click equals 0.1
mil at 100 meters, and its a
handy setup for those who like
to spin turrets and a good selection for those on a tight budget.
Visit our new website Today!
www.gunworld.com
The scope features multi-coat 4

www.gunworld.com
59
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:02 AM Page 60
SPECIFICATIONS
DANIEL DEFENSE
M4A1 MIL SPEC+
Action: Gas-operated, semiauto
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Mag. Capacity: Variable
The proprietary buttstock has beardfriendly, soft-touch over-molding and a

non-slip rubber butt pad. It rides on a
six-position, mil-spec receiver extension.
lens coatings, and is waterproof
2,777 fps, only 223 fps slower than
and fog proof. A variety of reticle
the factorys stated velocity out of
options, including Leupolds green
longer barrels. The fastest of the
FireDot Tactical Milling Reticle
55-grain bullets was Hornadys
(TMR), are available. Its a lot of
Varmint Express load with a 55-
scope for the money.
grain VMAX bullet, which stepped
All testing was done at 100
out at 2,894 fps. The only load that
yards, with velocities measured
clocked more than 3,000 fps was
over my Competitive Edge Dynam-
Winchesters 50-grain Ballistic Sil-
ics M2 chronograph. The results
vertip load.
may be eye-opening if you havent
Heavier bullets generally came
shot a lot of .223 ammo out of
closer to achieving advertised ve-
shorter barrels. Velocities for eight
locities out of the rie. Two Black
tested rounds came in considerably
Hills 5.56 loads were notable in this
below factory-stated velocities. The
regard. The 62-grain TSX load was
lighter, 50- to 55-grain bullets had
only 137 fps off the mark, while the
the biggest drops in velocity, by an
77-grain OTM load was only 153 fps
average of 351 fps. In one case, the
slower than advertised. Still, the
drop-off was a whopping 456 fps
lesson is clear: dont expect normal
slower than factory-tested velocity.
velocities out of a 14.5-inch barrel.
Liberty Ammunitions lead-free

Silverado 55-grain round fared the
Thats not going to happen.

Accuracy testing, on the other
best of the lighter bullets, in terms
hand, was a pleasant surprise,
of drop-off from factory-stated ve-
made all the more so by the fact
locity. Average velocity of this
that Im not crazy about the ries
ammo 10 feet from the muzzle was
triggeror most other factory AR
60
Barrel Length: 14.5 in. chromoly, M4

prole, chrome-lined
Muzzle: Daniel Defense extended
ash suppressor, stainless, salt bath
nitrided
Upper Receiver: 7075-T6, mil spec
with indexing marks and M4 feed
ramps
Lower Receiver: 7075-T6, mil spec
with ared mag well
Overall Length: 31 to 34 inches
Weight (empty): 6.74 pounds
Sights: None, picatinny rail for optics
Handguard: Daniel Defense M4A1 Rail
Interface System (RIS) II
Furniture: Daniel Defense pistol grip
and buttstock with soft touch
overmolding
Receiver Extension: Six-position mil
spec 7075-T6
Rail Ladders: Three low-prole
Santoprene
Finish: Mil spec+ cerakote
MSRP: $1,949
www.gunworld.com
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/8/14 1:58 AM Page 61
triggers, for that matter, as previously noted.

Three of the eight tested loads
The average size of all

groups, combined, was 1.29
inches, while the average size of
turned in sub-MOA best groups.
the best groups for each load,
One of those rounds, the Black Hills
combined, was 0.99 inches. It
77-grain OTM load, absolutely stole
would have been interesting to
the accuracy show. That load
see how the rie would have per-
turned in average groups measuring
formed on a less windy day, but
.64 inches and a single best, ragged
these results demonstrate that
little group measuring just .27
this carbine will get the job
inches. To say that the rie loves
donewith or without a short
that load would be an understate-
barrelfor just about any job I
ment, but it also shot with better-
would task a carbine to do.
than-expected accuracy for a

carbine with most loads tested.
Functionally, the gun never

skipped a beat, even though I
Back
Issues
Available
The new M4A1 mil spec+ sports a proprietary Daniel Defense pistol grip
with soft-touch over-molding, which provides a sure grip in any weather.
Call us at
1-800-764-6278
www.engagedmediamags.com
The new carbine makes use of a ared magazine well to speed magazine insertion.
www.gunworld.com
61
GW-DANIEL-54-63 9/5/14 7:02 AM Page 62
For accuracy testing, the author mounted a

Leupold Mark AR Mod-1 3-9x40 scope, with P5 BDC
dials, which are matched to a 55-grain .223 bullet
launched at 3,100 fps.
deliberately ran it straight from the

box with no prior lube or cleaning.
With this rifle, youre getting
the same quality, whether youre a
Tier One operator or just using the
rifle for home defense, says
Hunter. We only make rifles one
way, to one standardand thats
the standard of Your life has to depend on it.
These days, I only have to worry
about defending the homestead,
but if I had to go into harms way tomorrow, my rst preference would
be for a B-52 bomber to sanitize the
path ahead. Short of that, this rie
and a generous supply of full magazines would be of considerable
comfort. GW
In spite of its 14.5-inch barrel, the carbine proved capable of shooting tight
groups with ammo it liked, although I would have preferred a lighter trigger.
62
www.gunworld.com
GW-DANIEL-54-63.CX.63 9/15/14 2:31 AM Page 63
INTRODUCING THE
LAR-6.8 COYOTE
CARBINE
Precision-engineered around the 6.8 SPC cartridge,
the next generation Coyote Carbine delivers
excellent terminal performance in a lightweight,
predator-stopping package.
CONTACT
Barnes Bullets
BarnesBullets.com
Black-Hills.com
LAR-6.8 COYOTE CARBINE

SPC1542X
WITH OPERATOR CAR STOCK
MSRP: $1270*
Competitive Edge Dynamics

CEDhk.com
Daniel Defense
DanielDefense.com
SMITH VORTEX
FLASH HIDER

FederalPremium.com
Hornady Ammunition
Hornady.com
Leupold Optics
Leupold.com
* Prices are subject to change.

Optics and scope mount not included.
ROCKRIVERARMS.COM
Liberty Ammunition
LibertyAmmunition.com
Nagels Gun Shop
NagelsGuns.net
Speer Ammunition
Speer-Ammo.com
Winchester Ammunition
Winchester.com
www.gunworld.com
63
GW-HUNTER-64-69.qxp 9/8/14 2:59 AM Page 64
TODAYS
HUNTER
A couple of ne cottontails headed

to the frying pan, compliments of
the synthetic-stocked Crosman
Benjamin Marauder .25-caliber rie.
64
www.gunworld.com
AIR POWER
Story & Photos by Thomas C. Tabor
Todays Pellet Ries Take The Concept To A Whole New Level
would classify myself as a traditional shooter.

But occasionally, a new concept comes around
that breathes new life into my hunting adventures. Nowhere is there a better example of this than
the new generation, air-powered pellet ries.
Sharing few similarities to the good ol Daisy
BB gun I once carried on the farm as a youngster, the
modern day pellet powerhouses have opened new
possibilities in small game hunting. Many of todays
pellet ries are phenomenally at shooting,
hard-hitting and fully capable of dispatching small
game at a fairly impressive range.
www.gunworld.com
65
TODAYS HUNTER
At the 2014 SHOT Show, I had my rst
opportunity to try out the new syntheticmodel Crosman Benjamin Marauder
.25-caliber rie and came away impressed.
Earplugs were necessary only for
protection from the other shooters using
conventional-style weaponry.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
be accomplished in several differ-
magazine, it adds even more
ent ways. A hand pump is possibly
advantage for a hunter. In addition,
erally limited to the ring of BBs, or
the most common recharging
due to the potential of higher PSI
pellets in .177 and .22 caliber, and
method (and one I have found
levels, it opened up the door to
they came in a variety of different
most convenient for my purposes),
larger calibers than the traditional
congurations, including single-
but auxiliary tanks can be pre-lled
.177 and .22.
shot break-barrel, pump-up vari-
to replenish the gun and in some
eties and CO2-powered designs.
cases, a scuba diving tank can be
Sometime back, however, a con-
modied for the purpose.
Air ries of the past were gen-
cept was developed that resulted in
This PCP technology has pro-
A MODERN PELLET RIFLE

Id previously used a powerful
.25-caliber air rie and had found it
taking airgun technology to an all-
vided greater versatility, better con-
to be a real game killer. But at the
new level: the precharged pneu-
sistency in performance and
2014 SHOT Show, a Crosman rep
matic, or PCP for short.
frequently greater velocities and
tantalized me with the companys
energy levels. In colder weather, air
newest offering, an adjustable-
charge the airgun with enough air
power has always been more reli-
comb, synthetic-stocked PCP it
capacity for multiple rounds to be
able than CO2, and when the PCP is
dubbed the Crosman Benjamin Ma-
red, after which the recharging can
equipped with a multiple-shot
rauder. It didnt take me more than
This design allows the user to
66
www.gunworld.com
a few shots on the range to be sold
the process was better than pound-
on one for hunting. It is rated at up
ing the pavement with a bunch of
to 900 fps muzzle velocity and
sweaty joggers.
comes equipped with a removable
I was pleasantly surprised,
self-indexing, eight-shot magazine.
however, that a full charge was ca-
By simply drawing the bolt handle
pable of about 35 shots before
sharply to the rear, and then moving
dropping back under 2,000 psi and
it forward, a pellet would automati-
requiring a recharge. I also found
cally be indexed and chambered.
that it took considerably less effort
Once I received mine, I quickly

realized that a considerable
to bring the rie back up to 2,900

psi from this partially lled state.
I equipped my new Crosman
amount of effort was needed to

bring the rie up to its maximum
.25 caliber with a CenterPoint 3-12x
charge of 2,900 psi. Fortunately, I
scope before heading out to the
needed to work off a little undesir-
range. This particular scope came
able ab from my midsection, and
with a parallax side dial adjustment
Even Greater Air Power

If you like air-powered ries for
hunting, there are some even larger
calibers now available. Companies
like Evanix and Sam Yang are now
building air ries chambered in
9mm/.357 and .45. There is even a
massive Sam Yang .50 cal called the
Dragon Claw marketed by Pyramyd
Air. Some of these ries produce energy levels of more than 200 ft.-lbs.
and muzzle energies sometimes
bump the 1,000 fps mark. While the
use of airguns for hunting larger size
game should be approached very
cautiously, these larger calibers do
open up even more possibilities for
the modern day hunter.
and very simple but creative locks

on its target-style turret dials. Simple lock-down rings are used to
snug each setting in place to prevent an accidental changing of the
reticle settings.
Initially, I questioned whether
or not a constant velocity could be
maintained as the internal pressure
of the rie decreased, and if this
would affect its overall accuracy.
Nevertheless, both remained remarkably constant until the pressure had dropped back to about
The adjustable comb stock is a great feature.
2,000 psi, which generally occurred

after ring about 35 rounds. At that
point, the muzzle velocity had
begun to decrease, and the 50-yard
groups were starting to open up just
a bit. It was time to bring the pressure back up.
So, how does the .25 caliber
stack up to the .177 and .22
calibers? When Crosman made a
comparison between its own .22caliber air rie with that of the
Benjamin Marauder .25, it found
that the .25 produced a whopping
80 percent more kinetic energy, and
that amounts to about 45 ft.-lbs. of
To cock the Crosman rie, the bolt must be drawn fully rearward, then pushed forward.
This moves a fresh pellet into the chamber from the self-indexing, eight-shot magazine.
www.gunworld.com
energy, in the case of this larger

caliber.
67
GW-HUNTER-64-69.CX.68,69 9/15/14 2:38 AM Page 68
TODAYS HUNTER
quate to make a kill at that extreme
A bit of hasenpfeffer
for supper?
range on, say a rabbit or squirrel,

misjudging the target distance by
only a few feet would likely result in
a miss or wounded game.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
By no means of the imagination is this rie a petite, lightweight
model. With the CenterPoint scope
mounted, it tips the scale at a hefty
9 pounds. The forearm is broad
and at on the bottom, appearing
almost like that of a benchrest target rie. The safety design includes
a lever located in front of the trigger.
When this lever is brought rearward,
it blocks the shooters nger from
access and engages the safety
mechanism. When the shooter is
ready to re, the lever is
pushed forward, disengaging the
safety.
The trigger
on the Crosman is a
two-stage
match-grade
adjustable
HOW ACCURATE?
The accuracy of the syntheticstocked Crosman Benjamin Marauder .25 caliber was nothing short
With the greater power and

atter trajectories produced
by the .25-caliber Crosman
rie, the possibilities are wide
open for use on a variety of
hunting species, like this
ground squirrel.
design. Right
out of the box, the
trigger pull weight
came in at 2.4-pounds
(ve-pull average) with only
about -pound spread between
of superb. At 50 yards, I shot four
the highest and lowest reading.
groups of three shots each, result-
became a bit curious as to how the
ing in two nice 12-inch groups, and
rie would actually perform at
one -inch group; the worst group
longer range and decided to check
good, but when it comes to evaluat-
came in at 1 516 inches, for a mean
it on the 100-yard range. While the
ing a rie for hunting purposes, par-
9 16
Range testing is all well and
average of less than inch. That
accuracy was excellent at that ex-
ticularly an air rie, there is no
degree of accuracy is pretty darn
treme distance, generally about 1-
better way to do that than to actu-
good for any rie, whether powered
inch groups, when sighted in to
ally go hunting. So, I headed aeld
by air or by gunpowder.
shoot at -inch high at 50 yards,
with a little cottontail rabbit hunt-
3 4
the .28-grain pellet impacted nearly
ing in mind. Anyone that has hunted
use of this or any other airgun
20 inches low at the 100-yard point.
rabbits will likely attest to the fact
beyond 50 yards for hunting, but I
Even if the energy level was ade-
that while cottontails seem mild
I would never encourage the
68
www.gunworld.com
GW-HUNTER-64-69.CX.68,69 9/15/14 2:38 AM Page 69
The Crosman .25 cal

proved to be deadly
accurate on cottontails.
mannered and outwardly frail, they

are masters at clinging to life.
Im always amazed at how
Having shot conventionalstyle ries and shotguns for so

many decades, however, I dont
difficult they are to anchor. Never-
think I will ever get use to the
theless, several nice hasenpfeffers
quietness of the report. Hearing
fell to the charms of the new Cros-
the almost non-existent poof
man .25. The range varied from
sound of the Crosman always
about 20 to 40 yards, and in every
takes me a bit by surprise, but it
case the .28-grain pellet experi-
is nice to be able to leave the
enced complete penetration, exit-
earplugs at home for a change. I
ing out the backside of each rabbit.
do, however miss the smell of
In a couple of cases, the energy
fresh burning gunpowdera
level seemed to be so great that it
scent that mens cologne manu-
appeared to knock the rabbits com-
facturers should try to copy. GW
Ridiculously
Comfortable
Neoprene
Padded Holster
Cloak Tuck 2.0
$ 35.88
pletely off their feet and the accuracy proved to be nothing short of
superb.
Rabbit huntingand in many
cases, squirrel huntingwould be
the perfect match for a rie like the
new PCP model airguns, and in
particular this Crosman Benjamin
Marauder .25-caliber synthetic rie.
I feel condent that starlings,
crows, pigeons and various other
like-sized winged and fur critters
should also fear the sight of
CONTACT
Crosman Airguns
Crosman.com
Enhanced Comfort
More Flexible
Improved Stability
Lighter Weight
CenterPoint Scopes
Centerpoint.Crosman.com
Pyramyd Air
PyramydAir.com
208-215-2046
AlienGearHolsters.com
this rie.
www.gunworld.com
69
GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:06 AM Page 70
RELOAD
CLOSE,
BUT NO CIGAR
Story & Photos by James E. House
Seeking The Dierences In Four Similar Powders
cant imagine anyone

who loads ammunition
not being familiar with
the ubiquitous table that
compares burning rates of
powders. This table lists
propellants, starting with
the fastest burning type
and concluding with the
slowest burning powder.
70
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GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:06 AM Page 71
Four powders that have similar

applications are Accurate 4350,
Winchester 760, Reloder 17, and IMR 4350.
www.gunworld.com
71
GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:07 AM Page 72
RELOAD
Cartridges in .243 Winchester and

.30-06 Springeld were loaded using
identical cases, primers, and powder
charge weights.
At one extreme, one nds a
is used. For example, the range of
loading might assume that as long
powder that burns so rapidly that it
published loads for 100-grain bul-
as powders have similar burning
is consumed in a 2-inch barrel of a
lets utilizing the powders listed
rates, they may be considered to be
25 Auto, whereas at the other ex-
above are almost the same in sev-
equivalent and to give almost iden-
treme are listed powders suitable
eral calibers. Someone new to re-
tical velocities.
for loading 50 BMG ammunition.

Somewhere in the middle of
the table, one nds numerous propellants that are intended for loading medium-caliber cartridges that
have medium capacity. Such powders include Winchester 760, IMR
4350, Alliant Reloder 17, and Accurate 4350. These powders occupy
positions 110, 114, 116, and 117, respectively, in the Hodgdon burning
rate table.
Load data shows that for a
given caliber, powder charges for
some of the propellants are virtually identical when a specic bullet
72
For this experiment, 100-grain Hornady bullets were used in the .243 Winchester
and Hornady 165-grain bullets were used in the .30-06 Springeld.
www.gunworld.com
GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:07 AM Page 73
TESTING
MIDPOINT RANGES
To see how this line of thinking
Accurate 4350 can be used with

100-grain bullets in the .243.
Similarly, charges for 165-grain
would play out, I conducted tests
bullets in the .30-06 indicated
with the four powders listed above
that a typical charge should be
because they are virtually adjacent
about 54 grains. Consequently, I
in the table showing burning rates
chose those charge weights be-
using identical charges of each
cause they were neither the mini-
powder. Moreover, each of these
mum nor maximum, but rather
powders is suitable for loading
they are just about the midpoints
many calibers, so I chose to work
of the published ranges.
with the .243 Winchester and the
Winchester cases primed
.30-06 Springeld. The bullets used
with Winchester large rie
were the 100-grain Hornady Spire
primers were used for both cal-
Point in the 243 and the 165-grain
ibers. Cases were trimmed to the
Hornady Spire Point in the .30-06.
suggested lengths of 2.035
Consulting several loading
inches and 2.484 inches for the
manuals showed that a charge of
.243 and .30-06, respectively.
about 39 grains of IMR 4350, Win-
Overall cartridge lengths were
chester 760, Alliant Reloder 17, or
2.635 inches for the .243 loads
Accurate 4350 is a
powder that consists of
short cylindrical grains.
www.gunworld.com
73
GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:07 AM Page 74
RELOAD
PROCHRONO CHRONOGRAPH.
THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE SHOWS THE DATA OBTAINED.
Results of testing four powders having similar burning rates.
CALIBER
POWDER
CHARGE, GR
LENGTH, IN.
VEL., FT/SEC
S.D., FT/SEC
.243
.243
.243
.243
Acc. 4350
Reloder 17
Win. 760
IMR 4350
39.0
39.0
39.0
39.0
2.635
2.635
2.635
2.635
2,581
2,788
2,739
2,745
6
12
14
6
.30-06
.30-06
.30-06
.30-06
Acc. 4350
Reloder 17
Win. 760
IMR 4350
54.0
54.0
54.0
54.0
3.215
3.215
3.215
3.215
2,576
2,623
2,631
2,589
22
8
21
28
These loads were safe and reliable in the authors ries, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts
any responsibility for their preparation and use by others. These loads should be approached with caution.
and 3.215 inches for the .30-06 cartridges. All powder charges were
weighed. Both ries used were
Remington Model 700s that have
22-inch barrels. Velocities for ve
shots were measured at 10 feet
from the muzzle, using a Competition Electronics
The data shown in the table reveal some interesting facts. First, in
the .243 loaded with 100-grain Hornady bullets, there is only slight
variation in velocity produced when
the propellant is Reloder 17, Winchester 760, or IMR 4350. The high-
The results obtained with the .30-06 Remington 700 are as good as I ever get with that
rie and each of the groups had four shots in less than 1 inch.
est velocity was given by Reloder 17,

but the average velocities for Win-
2,582 fps with a standard deviation
tical difference. In fact, all four pow-
chester 760 and IMR 4350 are only
of 12 fps. Therefore, the velocity dif-
ders gave average velocities that
slightly lower.
ference appears to be statistically
show such small difference as to be
signicant.
negligible in real world applications.
On the other hand, the average

velocity was almost 200 fps lower
Second, a comparison of the
There appears to be a measurable
when a charge of 39.0 grains of Ac-
data for the .30-06 loads shows
difference between the velocity
curate 4350 was used. That load
that a charge of 54.0 grains of
produced by Reloder 17 or Winches-
was prepared and tested a second
Reloder 17 or Winchester 760 gave
ter 760 with that produced by
time, and the average velocity was
average velocities having no statis-
Accurate 4350, but could be con-
74
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GW-RELOAD-70-75 9/8/14 3:07 AM Page 75
rmed only by additional and more

exhaustive tests.
None of the data indicate

anything with regard to suitabil-
For the .243 Winchester,
ity for use in loading the .243
Reloder 17 appears to give slightly
Winchester or .30-06 Spring-
higher velocity than the other pow-
eld. Neither is there any indica-
ders, but the difference is probably
tion of superiority of one
statistically signicant only in the
propellant over the others. The
case of Accurate 4350. For the .30-
essence of this experiment is to
06, the data show that IMR 4350
show that even though certain
and Accurate 4350 produced
powders have similar burning
slightly lower velocities when iden-
rates, you cannot assume that a
tical charge weights of the four
given charge of one powder will
powders are utilized. These results
give results that are equivalent
show that whatever the differences
to those obtained with another.
are between propellants having
One should never assume that
similar burning rates, the difference
powders can be substituted on
is not constant and varies with the
the basis of burning rate charts.
type of cartridge being loaded. It
UNSURPASSED
CAPACITY
CZ P-09
With 19+1 in its ush tting

magazine, the P -09 cant be beat
when it comes to 9mm service pistols.
The results of this experi-
appears to show up more dramati-
ment indicate that there are nu-
cally in the .243 Winchester.
merous nuances in the eld of

cartridge loading. Nothing
should be taken for granted, and
loads should be developed carefully by starting low and working
up gradually while watching for
signs of high pressure. Although
the experiment described deals
only with velocity, the results
would be very instructive if
equipment were available for
measuring pressures. GW
CONTACT
MAIN FEATURES
t*OUFSDIBOHFBCMFCBDLTUSBQT
t$POWFSUJCMF TBGFUZPSEFDPDLFS
t0NFHBUSJHHFSTZTUFN
t1PMZNFSGSBNFXJUI1JDBUJOOZSBJM
t NN 48
t5XPNBHB[JOFT
tZFBSXBSSBOUZ
Alliant Powder
(800) 276-9337
AlliantPowder.com
Hodgdon Powders
(913) 632-9455
Hodgdon.com
Loads were tested in Remington 700

ries in .243 Winchester (left) and .30-06
Springeld (right) calibers.
www.gunworld.com
Hornady
Manufacturing Company
(800) 338-3220
Hornady.com
1305&$5t)6/5t$0.1&5&
www.cz-usa.com
75
GW-CONCEALED-76-81 9/8/14 3:23 AM Page 76
CONCEALED
CARRY
76
www.gunworld.com
AMMO
This 10mm Glock, property of the
authors pal, Brian Lull, really liked
the new 10mm loads from Federal,
loaded with 180-grain JSPs.
ALL RIGHT
Story & Photos by Dave Workman
The Author Breaks Out His

Chronograph To Test A Batch Of
Hot New Loads, And Cant Conceal
His Excitement
othing so completely and immediately

ruins a self-defense strategy quite as
thoroughly as bum ammunition.
I was reminded of that fact during the
range session for this column when one of the
rounds in the spare magazine for my vintage
Kimber Compact Custom failed to re, even
after three solid hits from the ring pin. But
better that it happened on the range than in
some dark alley or the connes of ones home
as you greet an uninvited visitor in the wee
hours of the morning.
www.gunworld.com
77
CONCEALED CARRY
out of his gun averaged 1,222 fps
with a high of 1,243 fps, but were
talking a difference of maybe 50
fps, which is so negligible that I
wouldnt give it a second thought.
Id be willing to gamble that in
a different pistol with a different
barrel, one might get speeds that
exceed the factory velocity. Any
predator of the two- or four-legged
variety is not going to protest because a bullet isnt slamming into
him/it at exactly the speed promised on the box.
Lull also had a .40-caliber
Glock Model 27, with which he put
135-grain PowR Ball bullets over
the chronograph at an average of
1,116 fps, and Im not going to harp
on that one teensy bit.
Then, of course, is the .45 ACP,
which is my preferred carry gun.
Typically, I pack a Colt Commander,
either the all-steel Combat Commander, or a lightweight put toCheck out this target. The 9mm denitely has ght-stopping accuracy.
gether by my pal, gunsmith Tim

McCullough.
This failure of a factory round

to re is so rare for me that I cant
recall the last time it happened, if
A VARIETY OF LOADS
Theres a 9mm+P round from
ever. But happen it does, which is
Cor Bon with a 115-grain JHP that
why I counsel everyone to replace
sizzles. It didnt quite match the ad-
the ammunition they carry in a de-
vertised muzzle velocity of 1,350 fps
fensive handgun at least every six
out of the short barrel of a brand-
months. Take it to the range and
new Ruger LC9s I was testing for
shoot it up, then reload with fresh
these pages, but Ill denitely settle
ammo.
for the 1,202 fps it did deliver over
Luckily for me, I had a bunch of
my Chrony Alpha screens. At defen-
new test ammunition from Cor Bon,
sive distancessay, anything within
Sig Sauer, Glaser/PowR Ball and
21 feetwhatever is on the receiving
Federal; stuff I obtained specically
end of a pistol launching this bullet
for this evaluation. Allow me to say
is in for a very nasty experience.
without fear of contradiction, the
My pal, Brian Lull, owns a
new loads from these companies,
Glock 10mm and he was delighted
now available for armed citizens, is
to join in this effort, loading up with
terric. It lives up to my expecta-
the new Federal 180-grain JSP am-
tions for accuracy and velocity, so
munition. The advertised velocity
what else is there?
of this stuff is 1,275 fps, and rounds
78
www.gunworld.com
Sig Sauer sent a supply of its
the Kimber, it averaged 1,125 fps
new Elite Performance ammuni-
and in the Commander, it aver-
tion and the stuff is very impres-
aged 1,157 fps. Thats with a 165-
sive. The muzzle velocity listed on
grain hollow-core bullet tipped
the box is 918 fps, and it delivered
with a polymer ball that helps
the goods out of my Lightweight at
the bullet feed properly, and I ex-
an average 902 fps with a high of
pect it helps to open it up after it
920.4 fpswhich would come up a
makes contact.
bit out of a 5-inch barrel, no

doubtand 896.1 fps average out
of the Kimber, with a high mark of
922.2 fps.
ACCURACY COUNTS
All of this ammunition was
satisfyingly accurate at gunght-
Now, pay attention to those ve-
ing ranges out to 25 yards. In-
locities, because the Commander
deed, during an afternoon range
barrel is 4.25 inches and the Kim-
session, I managed to actually
bers tube a at 4 inches, yet the
break chunks of broken clay tar-
Kimber barrel delivered the slightly
get discs someone had left
higher velocity.
behind. Those that I missed, I
I also had a supply of new 230-
didnt miss by much, so close
grain Performance Match FMJs
that in a real emergency, those
from Cor Bon, and they clocked at
bullets would have struck hard
770.8 fps out of the Commander
with devastating results.
and 773.5 fps in the Kimber. That is
It is important for ammuni-
right where I would expect a .45-
tion to perform consistently so
caliber match load to y.
that it delivers repeated accuracy
The PowR Ball? Boy-howdy,

does that stuff warp along. Out of
out of your carry gun. After all, an

armed citizen essentially trusts
his or her life to whatever ammunition is in that defensive handgun, and it better work up to
snuff.
Subscribe to
GUN WORLD
Today!
Cor Bons match ammuniWorkman tested

some 9mm Cor Bon
loads in Rugers new
striker-red LC9s.
tion was certainly match quality,

and Ive gotten into the habit of
loading JHP and FMJ alternately
in my street magazines. I was so
impressed with the performance
of the .45 ACP ammunition from
both Sig Sauer and Cor Bon, that
right nowon what one might
call an extended test that will
continue through the winterIve
got both loads in my Colt, with a
PowR Ball in the chamber.
If Im willing to trust my sorry
carcass to a combination of this
stuff, so should anyone else.
www.gunworld.com
Call us at
1-800-764-6278
www.engagedmediamags.com
79
CONCEALED CARRY
MORE GOOD NEWS
As I was preparing this column,
I received word of new loads in
9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP from
HPR (High Precision Range) in
Payson, Ariz. HPRs new entries
constitute the Black Ops series, and
it raised my eyebrows.
In 9mm, the Black Ops load
pushes an 85-grain projectile out of
the muzzle of a 4-inch barrel at an
advertised 1,259 fps, with a muzzle
energy of 299 ft.-lbs.
You think thats impressive?
At the range, Workman
put several different .45
ACP loads through their
paces.
The .40 S&W launches a 105-grain

pill at 1,323 fps with 408 ft.-lbs. of
energy, which is ample for knocking
some bad guy out of a ght, pronto.
Now, in .45 ACP, were talking a
at-on-your-backside punch with a
150-grain bullet leaving the muzzle
at 1,095 fps with 399 ft.-lbs. of energy. That may seem less impressive than the .40-caliber bullet, but
factor in the frontal mass of a .45caliber projectile and youve got a
sudden cessation of hostilities.
As an old retired sheriffs commander once told me, Im a rm
believer in big, slow-moving bullets. Its tough to argue with that
logic. GW
Cor Bon has a variety of excellent

personal defense ammunition available,
including these 9mm Luger +P Hollow Points.
The authors Lightweight Commander, like any .45 ACP semiauto, delivered eye-popping results with PowR Ball 150-grain sizzlers.
80
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GW_1411_81 9/5/14 5:44 AM Page 81
C
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IN thE WOOD S OR O
Y
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When you own a Del-Ton rie,

you are guaranteed:
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GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:33 AM Page 82
GUNSMITHING
Here, Im applying the blue marker to

show the high spots on the frame where
I need to remove more material to make
the beavertail safety t properly.
82
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GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:34 AM Page 83
PROJECT
1911
Part Two: Finishing The Beavertail,
Installing And Finishing The Magazine
Photos and text by Steve Sieberts
ast month, I covered how to rough-in

the beavertail safety on our 1911 Project
Gun. This month, Ill show how to nish
it so it looks like its one piece of the frame
and not something added to it later. Ill also
show how to professionally install the Smith
and Alexander magazine well and show how
to blend that in as well, and nally, Ill
checker the front strap of the frame to 20
lines per inch, and underneath the trigger
guard at 40 lines per inch.
www.gunworld.com
83
GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:34 AM Page 84
GUNSMITHING
This is how to start the checkering
process. The grooves are pretty straight
already, so it gives me a good head start.
I could show how to add check-
little material needs to be removed
ering to areas such as the rear of
from the bottom of the frame
the slide, and the front of the trigger
where it meets the safety.
guard, but adding checking to the
Remember, when tting parts,
rear of the slide would make it likely
the permanent marker is your best
to snag on clothing when drawing
friend. Apply the blue marker, rein-
from a concealed holster. Since this
stall the safety, and move it in and
pistol will be used for IDPA matches
out; this will reveal the high spots
and for daily carry, I decided to
where additional material needs to
leave this feature out. Once you
be removed. In my case, since the
have mastered the art of metal
safety was just a little sticky, I know
checkering, its easy to add it to
from experience that I only need to
other areas of the gun, but just be-
remove a small amount of material.
cause you can do something, does-
Go slowly and check your work
nt mean you should.
often, its much easier to take more
I begin by grinding the rst row of

teeth off of the checkering le to make
sure Im starting with sharp row. I use
one side per gun, so a checkering le
will last me two guns. I could probably
double that with a little more effort.
Once the vertical lines are almost full
depth, change over to start cutting the
horizontal lines.
metal off, (or wood or Fiberglas)
FILING AND FITTING

So, once we have the beavertail
than it is to put it back on.

When I remove the safety, I see
safety roughed in, it will need to be
the two small high spots where the
tted so that it pivots smoothly
safety is rubbing, and use a flat, #2
around the shaft of the thumb
single-cut file. Since the high spots
safety. On my pistol, it was a little
were equally spaced on both sides
sticky when I gripped the pistol and
of the frame, I use the file to re-
depressed the safety all the way. A
move material from both sides of
84
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GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:34 AM Page 85
the frame at the same time, a

process that ensures the removal
of material equally and keeps
everything square.
I only take a couple swipes with
the le and recheck the safety; it rotates smoothly. Once that is complete, I move to blending the safety
into the frame. To do this, I install
the extractor, ejector, ring pin and
spring and ring pin stop.
When I install the barrel, I make
sure the lower barrel lugs keep to at
least .110-inch thickness; this will
make the rear of the slide extend
out from the frame at the rear
about the same amount.
For a professional installation,
we want the back of the slide to be
ush with the back of the frame.
We do this not by taking more material off the lower lugs, making the
The Smith and Alexander magazine well is checkered at 20 lines per inch, but it needs
to be sharpened for best results. The xture helps hold the mag well during checkering.
slide go forward; we take the back
www.gunworld.com
85
GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:34 AM Page 86
GUNSMITHING
of the slide down to be ush with
the frame. Previously, I took the
Install the ejector, beavertail
safety, and thumb safety, and all
of the parts into the slide in order
to blend the slide, frame and grip
safety together.
slide and frame to a belt sander to

remove the back of the slide
quickly, then nished it with les,
sanding drums on a Foredom tool
and nally sandpaper.
I dont recommend this method
unless you have extensive experience installing these safeties, so
start with a #2 double-cut halfround le, and le the back of the
slide ush with the top of the frame
in front of the safety, as well as underneath the safety where there is
excess frame material. (See photos.)
You could start with a #0 le, but
those les are a little aggressive, and
could take off too much, very quickly.
Once you have the frame, slide
Take a little material off the frame where

the blue marker shows the high spots.
86
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GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:34 AM Page 87
and beavertail blended in, youll

need to switch to your Foredom
or Dremel tool and sanding
drums. I use two types of drums
and several different grits. A
straight roll sanding drum is
great for contours, as well as at
surfaces, whereas the tapered
sanding drum is essential for
sharp corners and tight places.
Using 120-grit rolls will take
For a professional installation, we want

the back of the slide to be ush with
the back of the frame.
out le marks from the #2 les,

but if you nish with #0 cut les,
you will go through quite a few
120-grit sanding drums to take
out all of the le marks. Metalworking is a balance between
choosing an aggressive le to remove material quickly, and
achieving the right nish of your
determination.
For a high polish, 120-grit
sandpaper wont provide a high
LIFE CAN BE LOUD...BUT SOMETIMES,
enough nish and progressively
SILENCE IS GOLDEN!
ner grits will be needed. If you

are looking for a matte nish,
this is achieved with sand or ne
glass beads and a sandblasting
unit. Discuss this with whomever
you choose to apply the nal nish; they will help you.
Dont waste time polishing
parts, trying for a high-gloss nish if you are getting the pistol
Parkerized, for example. Also,
take out all le and sanding
marks before you get the pistol
renished, because any
scratches will be highlighted
Introducing the new incredibly quiet Umarex

Fusion CO2 powered pellet rie, featuring the
SilencAir ve-chamber noise dampening system.
With its .177 caliber precision accuracy and
virtual silence, the Umarex Fusion is a one-of-akind airgun. Zero In on the Fusion at
UmarexUSA.com/Fusion
once the nish is applied. Metal

nishing is equally science and
art, and way beyond the scope
of this short article.
THE MAGAZINE WELL

There are many types and
brands of magazine wells available, but I like the ones from
www.gunworld.com
87
GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:35 AM Page 88
GUNSMITHING
Ive led down the beavertail to

the level of the frame, and Im
using a sandpaper-backed le
to blend it in. I use 120-grit sandpaper for much of my work.
Smith and Alexander, either at or

arched.
Placing the mag well onto the
frame, you can see where the two
arms dont meet the bottom of the
frame. These have to be moved up
to t as ush as possible to the bottom of the frame.
Placing the mag well in the vise
and tap the arms upward, (see
photo) tap a few times and look for
movement. Reinstall the well onto
the frame and look at the daylight
between the bottom of the frame
and the tops of the arms of the
mag well. Insert the internal parts
into the mag well, reinstall the
magwell onto the frame, and insert
the mag well retaining pin. While
looking for daylight, keep tapping
the arms up until they are as ush
as possible against the bottom of
the frame. It wont be entirely ush,
but the magwell should be tight,
with as little daylight as possible.
88
Here Ive roughed it in; you can barely see where the mag well and the frame meet. This
process took about two to three hours. Im using a needle le to remove material in the
corner to blend it in.
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_89 9/5/14 5:45 AM Page 89
GW-SMITH-82-91 9/8/14 3:35 AM Page 90
GUNSMITHING
to make a mistake here and end up
with points that are slanted or not
fully deep. One of the most important items to have when checkering
is a strong light. You will need to
look at your progress from different
angles to make sure you are producing straight lines.
Once the frames frontstrap is
checkered, move to the underside
of the trigger guard. Again, use the
smooth vise jaw face and edge to
act as a guide, get the rows to full
Electrical tape keeps the ngertips from bleeding. Checkering les are very sharp.
depth, and then nish with the needle le to point everything up. Once
When I was building 1911s for

the DOD, I got magwells from S&A
without the retaining pinholes or
nel for the magazine when execut-
the checkering is nished, clean up
ing a speedy reload.
the overruns. This is accomplished
Point up the checkering on the
with small les and sandpaper.

Hesitant to start checkering on
nishing. I drilled this hole with a
magwell. I have a small xture for
milling machine; that way, I could
that; its 20 lines per inch, and once
your favorite 1911 pistol? Start with
press the magwell tight up against
it is deepened, nish it with a trian-
scrap wood checkering to get your
the frame and get it as ush as pos-
gular needle le. I always use an
eye trained, and then move to scrap
sible before tting.
Opti-Visor from Brownells to aid in
pieces of metal. Try some of the x-
making sure the checkering Im
tures available from Brownells.
do this, that way it wont mar the
doing is straight and true. You are
Theres a reason wood and metal
surface of the magwell. Once the
looking for symmetrical pyramids
checkering is expensive. Its not
magwell is tight and ush with the
all going in a straight line.
easyor quickto produce good
Use the brass faced hammer to
checkering.
frame, I blend in the beveled inside

edge of the magwell to meet up
FRAME CHECKERING
Next month, Ill move to sights,
with the edges of the magwell. I use
There are many xtures to aid
trigger work, tting safeties, dehorn-
the #0 double cut le for this. Once
novices in frame checkering. I have
ing and nal detailing. Then its off to
everything is nice and blended in
never used them, as I have always
the Bluegrass Sportsmans League
with the les, switch to the 120-grit
relied on my bench vise and a good
range for accuracy testing with the
sanding drums and sand out the le
set of eyes. My vise has the faces on
Ransom rest. Stay tuned! GW
marks, using a mix of straight roll
the jaws surface ground to a
and tapered drums. The tapered
smooth nish, and I use this as a
drums will get into the corners.
guide by inserting the frame into
Needle les will get the material in
the vise and hold the le against
the corners; follow up with the
one edge of the vise face. This gives
sanding drums.
me a good, straight starting vertical
There are many types of mag-
line, eyeballing it to make sure Im
wells out there. I like and have used
cutting straight, subsequent lines.
the Ed Brown mag wells, but unless
The edge of the vise is used to
you have a TIG welder and a milling
get the horizontal lines started.
machine, you wont be able to in-
Once the vertical and horizontal
stall it. The S&A also has the ad-
lines are cut to full depth, switch to
vantage of being very open in the
the needle les to get the checker-
front, which acts like a very big fun-
ing points sharpened. Its very easy
90
CONTACT
Bluegrass Sportsmans League
2500 Handy's Bend Road
Wilmore, KY 40390-8029
BGSLInc.com
Brownells Inc.
200 South Front St.
Montezuma, IA 50171
Brownells.com
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_91 9/5/14 5:45 AM Page 91
Now DW\RXUQJHUWLSV
Gun World
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GW-CZUSA-92-97CX_EM.96 9/15/14 2:55 AM Page 92
CZ
WITH
A full view of the CZ 527 American.
92
www.gunworld.com
STING
The 527 American From CZ-USA
Is A Useful And Accurate Varmint Rie
Story & Photos by Jerry Catania
lthough Ruger was the rst company to

produce a rie for the .17 Hornet cartridge,
CZ-USA is now making ries in both
Sporter and Varmint congurations, including
the CZ 527 American; a lightweight bolt action
Sporter with a walnut stock.
Featuring a 21.9-inch barrel, a single-set
trigger (SST), and a Mini-Mauser controlledfeed action, the 527 is a fast-handling rie at
just under 6.5 pounds. Supplied with a set
of CZ rings, the 527 iswith the addition
of a good scopeready to go hunting
right out of the box. The Hammerforged barrel features a target-type
crown to ensure accuracy. The checkered Turkish walnut stock looks and
feels good, with a correctly balanced
length-of-pull of 13.5 inches. The rubber
recoil pad keeps the rie where it belongs
in your shoulder pocket.
www.gunworld.com
93
Top view of the receiver

showing the cuts for the scope
rings (supplied). Note that
only the rear base is cross-cut
to immobilize the rings. The
system works.
The trigger of the 527 Amer-
shooter can tell you. However, the
ican is unique. Out of the box, the
bane of all .17 caliber rifles is cop-
regular trigger pull measured 2.5
per fouling, and there was no ex-
pounds with 1/8 inch of take-up
ception in that regard.
and 1/4 inch of over-travel. Fear

not, the trigger is completely adjustable to the shooters require-
Advertiser Index
American Tactical Imports
ATK - Blackhawk
ATK - Savage Arms
Browning
Caspian Arms Ltd.
Colt's Manufacturing Company
CZ-USA
Davidson's
Del-Ton
Dillon Precision
DoubleTap Ammunition
GTUL
Guncrafter Industries, LLC
Hawke Sport Optics
Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Jantz Supply
Les Baer Custom,Inc.
Major Surplus & Survival
Mec-Gar
Numrich Gun Parts Corporation
Old Faithful Holsters
Rio Grande Custom Grips
Rock River Arms
S&K Scope Mounts
SCCY Industries
Secure Medical
Smith & Wesson
Springeld Armory
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Tormach LLC
ULTIMAK
Ultra Holdings
Umarex USA, Inc.
WILSON COMBAT
13
9
11
43
73
79
2
75
23
81
53
95, 99
63
37, 95
59
33
6-7
39
3
29
96
69
94
63
95
41
29
15
31
100
96
85
89
87
95
SHOTS FIRED
I red a couple of boxes of Hor-
ments and desires, although I
nadys 20-grain V-Max .17 Hornet
made no attempt to do so. It
ammo without cleaning between
seemed okay for coyote, fox, or
shots. By the time I got to round 48,
bobcat hunting to me. The set
signs of excess pressure were there
trigger is activated by pushing
in the form of a blackened circle
the trigger forward (after cock-
around the primer. Round 49 blew
ing). The result was a trigger that
the primer completely out of the
broke at exactly 1 pound on my
case. Fortunately, the CZ handled
trigger gauge. While it had no
that easily, venting the gasses away
take-up, it had an excessive
from my face. After a thorough
amount of over-travel at 1/2 inch.
cleaning, both rie and ammunition
Again, the user can adjust this to
returned to their normal excellent
his/her specications.
selves.
For accuracy testing, I

mounted a Hawke Optics 4-
The moral here is that all .17

caliber ries require complete bore
12x50mm dual-illuminated MilDot reticle scope on it. For

hunting fox or coyotes, I would
probably go with something a
bit smaller. Accuracy was excel-
Hornadys
SuperPerformance
load used in the
article. Note the
primers.
lent, with groups small and

round. As the rifle heated up, the
shots did not walk away from
The advertiser index is provided as a service to

Gun World readers. Gun World is not responsible
for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.
the group, and this is extremely

important, as any prairie dog
94
www.gunworld.com
cleaning with a copper solvent

at regular intervals (every 10 to
20 shots minimum), or at least
until the rie is adequately bro-
Hawke Optics 4012x50mm Sport HD scope

with dual red/green illumination mil-dot reticle.
ken in; say 200 rounds, or so.

The reason is not just high muzzle velocities and small bores.
The fast-twist riing causes extremely high rotational speeds
of the tiny bullets; something on
the order of 270,000 rpm.
The detachable magazine
t very tightly and was a bit hard
to get in and out of the rie. It
also sticks out below the rie all
SPECIFICATIONS
CZ 527
AMERICAN
Calibers: .17 Hornet, .22 Hornet,
.221 Fireball, .204 Ruger, .222 Rem.,
.223 Rem.
Barrel Length: 21.9 inches
Weight: 6.3 pounds
LOP: 13.5 inches
Stock: Turkish Walnut
Capacity: Five rounds
Extras: Scope Rings
BUSINESS
DIRECTORY
John Bartulin
866-866-5146 ext:2746
jbartulin@beckett.com
MSRP: $711
www.gunworld.com
95
the way to the trigger guard. This is
ingly smooth and more Mauser-
empty case several feet away.
the one thing I found aesthetically
like with use. Functioningthe im-
Perfect performance.
challenging in an otherwise very
portant thingwas awless. The
handsome little rie.
controlled ejection of red cases
the precise screens of my new
was denitely Mauser-like. Slowly
Oehler model 35P chronograph
on my test rie, but CZ
pulling back the bolt deposits the
revealed the 20-grain V-Max
assured me that the 527 breaks in
red case right in your hand, while
bullet leaving the muzzle almost
very nicely and becomes increas-
energetically doing so ings the
250 fps slower than Hornady
The action itself was very stiff
Firing the .17 Hornet through
advertises. This is not unexpected. The CZs barrel is more
Enable Your Ideas with a PCNC Mill

Discerning gunsmiths and manufacturers know theres only one
choice in CNC for affordable precision:
The Tormach PCNC 1100.
Take aim at your most demanding machining needs
- engraving, milling, threading, reaming, and boring. Big
or small, Tormach hits the bullseye to deliver for you.
2011 Pistolsmith of
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uses his PCNC
to customize a
357 Magnum.
1100 lbs cast iron construction
Ground P4 ballscrews and single

shot lubrication
Computer controlled spindle speed

and direction
PTFE bonded slideways (similar to Turcite)
Precision R8 spindle - 100 to 5000 RPM

with vector drive technology
Easy to use in manual or automatic modes
barrel Hornady uses to achieve

its muzzle velocity claims.
Still, a muzzle velocity of
more than 3,400 fps is nothing
$8480
(plus shipping)
Every PCNC 1100 features:
than 2 inches shorter than the
to sneeze at. In addition, this

speed is achieved with virtually
no recoil and very little muzzle
blast more like a .22 WMR than
a bigger cartridge like a .223.
When combined with a bullet
drop of less than 6.5 inches at
300 yards (sighted at 200), the
potential of this cartridge be-
Product information and online ordering at
www.tormach.com
Shown here with

optional stand,
LCD monitor,
machine arms,
and accessories.
comes clear.
As it stands, the dedicated
prairie dog hunter would do well
to consider the 527 American in
the Varmint conguration, while
those like myself who desire a
walking varmint rie that can
reach out there with no recoil
will likely be very happy with this
lightweight CZ 527 American
model. GW
CONTACT
CZ-USA
CZ-USA.com
Hornady
Hornady.com
Hawke Optics
HawkeOptics.com
96
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_97 9/8/14 4:21 AM Page 97
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BACK PAGES
You cant eat horns,

the singer-turned-hunter
replied.
Friske wrote, There was no

alarm clock in the cabin, but Merle
Travis did just as well. He was
awake long before dawn, shaking
sleeping bags and urging us out of
our slumbers with promises of what
lay in the woods, awaiting us and
our guns.
Before much time had passed
that morning, Cash spotted movement. He was carrying his personal
Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine
with a 20-inch barrel, chambered in
.30/06 and topped with a Redeld
3-to-12x variable scope.
A detail from our
November 1969 cover
pictures Johnny Cash
with the MannlicherSchoenauer carbine he
used on the moose
hunt.
CASH COW
By Craig Hodgkins
Staring through the crosshairs

of the scope, wrote Friske, (Cash)
made out the moose nearly 200
yards away. His companion was
staring at the animal through
binoculars. Its a young cow, he
murmured to Cash. No horns. You
want it?
The singer-turned-hunter
replied, You cant eat horns. He
held his breath, squeezed (the trigger) slowly, then rode with the re-
In the summer of 1968, country
Friske, a writer on assignment for
singing legend, Johnny Cash, was in
Gun World. Friskes story ran in our
the midst of a heavy touring sched-
November 1969 issue.
ule, and that led him to seek some
According to Friske, the group
coil, as the cartridge exploded.

After they had located the cow,
his guide needled him. Were out
less than 30 minutes and you make
a one-shot kill, he said.
R&R wherever and whenever he
was encouraged to learn that there
could nd it. Cash had grown up
were an estimated 50,000 moose
hunting in Arkansas, so when the
in the area, and that each hunter
are 50,000 moose around here,
opportunity to go after moose in
would be allowed three animals of
Cash reminded. Its the law of av-
Newfoundland, Canada presented
either sex.
erages.
itself, he jumped at the chance.
Cash mused. I just come up
But they said last night there
The guide replied, There are
Joining Cash on the trip was fel-
here to shoot me some eatin meat
50,000 when youre not looking for
low country star, Merle Travis, some
and they want me to shoot three of
them. The number shrinks a lot
members of Cashs band and Dick
them!
when you are. GW
98
www.gunworld.com
GW_1411_C3 9/5/14 5:48 AM Page C3
GW_1411_C4 9/5/14 5:49 AM Page C4
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RUGER.COM/LC9S
2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
073114

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GW-1411-COVER 9/8/14 5:52 AM Page US_C1

NOVEMBER 2014 VOLUME 55, NO.11

GW_1411_C2 9/5/14 5:47 AM Page C2

GW_1411_3 9/5/14 5:33 AM Page 3

GW-TOC-4-5 9/8/14 11:59 PM Page 4

24 The Other Benelli

Smith & Wessons new

Photo by Mike Dickerson

The .338 Lapua

54 Mil Spec Marvel

GUN WORLD | NOV 2014

Conceived in the world

Photo by Daniel Defense

GW-TOC-4-5 9/8/14 11:59 PM Page 5

Ask the Experts

NOV 2014 | GUN WORLD

GW_1411_6 9/11/14 11:29 PM Page 6

THE SUPPLIES YOU NEED

Pre-Shaped Handles, Bolsters and Custom Components

GW_1411_7 9/11/14 11:29 PM Page 7

550lb Parcord 100ft

550lb Parcord 100ft

GW-UPFRONT-8-9.CX 9/15/14 2:41 AM Page 8

For the past few decades, Ive

described myself as a book guy,

cover (although you can probably

will help readers track down the

Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins

needed information when and

I hear myself replacing book with

expect to nd in a volume like this,

media. After all, its right there on

I enjoyed the nicely illustrated

my official business card.

chapters on interior and exterior

Its true that some people

ballistics, which will delight the

absorb information via video better

engineers and history buffs

than they ever have in print, and the

proliferation of excellent Internet

5th Edition Ammo Encyclopedia

bookish heart skips a beat when I

NOV 2014 VOLUME 55 NUMBER 11

The book offers more than

DIRECT MARKETING GROUP

(866) 866-5146 ext. 2746

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

my desk from a publisher, as it did

enough value for any gun lover to

this week when the most recent

appreciate (the gift-giving season is

Beckett Media, LLC

edition (the 5th) of the Ammo

on the near horizon), but it will be

Encyclopedia arrived from the

especially invaluable to reloaders

Gun Values people, Blue Book

and those working behind the

Publications. This new edition

counter at a rearms retailer.

clocks in at 1,008 pages and

The book is now available in

contains more than 100 chapters