Beruflich Dokumente
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GUIDE
LOCKBACK
KNIVES PG.56
GUN LIFESTYLE: GEAR TECHNOLOGY SPORT OUTDOOR HOME & PERSONAL DEFENSE
EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK!
WE GET HANDS-ON
WITH A GEN 3
PROTOTYPE
CARBINE PG. 64
7.62X39
BOLT GUN
RUGER
AMERICAN
RANCH
PG. 88
Dickies
Skeli
Trijicon
O.S.T.
Buck
PG. 14
TIKKA
T3X
NEXGEN2
ARCTIC
A GIFT FROM
DEFENSE THE NORTH
PG. 112
MAXFLO 3D
SUPPRESSOR PG. 150
SMALL-ARMS INNOVATIONS
IN THE U.S. MILITARY
FAUX FULL AUTO: BUYERS GUIDE
ZEROED IN: SEBASTIAN GORKA
PT: MAINTAIN BALANCE
RECOILWEB.COM
VISIT: WEST POINT MUSEUM
ASSAULTERS GUIDE
TO PROCESSING ROOMS
ISSUE 34
GLOCK GEN5
THE RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL IS DESIGNED WITH THE TOUGHEST STANDARDS IN MIND.
Short Takeup Trigger
with Positive Reset
Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol is built to perform
in the harshest conditions. A true American innovation, this pistol was developed through a rigorous Voice
Recoil-Reducing Barrel Cam, Low Mass Slide,
Low Center of Gravity and Low Bore Axis
of the Customer process where numerous law enforcement and military trainers, rearms experts,
distributors and retailers provided input, feedback and testing in the determination of the form, function and
features of this rearm. The resultant new pistol is a revolutionary platform for Ruger, one that utilizes the
combination of a recoil-reducing barrel cam (which is designed to better spread recoil energy over time) with
a low mass slide, low center of gravity and a low bore axis to provide an unparalleled shooting experience.
Genuine Novak LoMount Carry
Three-Dot Sights
RUGER.COM/AMERICANPISTOL
BUILT TO PERFORM IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS. 2017 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 010317
34.340633, -84.372703
46
64
IS S U E 34
FEATURES
64 STRAIGHT OFF THE
WORKBENCH
We Get Hands-On With a Gen 76 88
3 Prototype Carbine From Skeli
76 SPACE INVADERS
An Assaulters Guide to
Room Processing
88 AS AMERICAN AS
AN AK
Apple Pie and Vodka Are
an Interesting and Tasty 100 112
Combination
100 FULL-AUTO
SIMULATORS
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1 RIFLE
MAKE:
Skeli
MODEL:
X11
MSRP:
$1,449
URL:
3 4
www.skelico.com
IS SU E
2 OPTIC
MAKE:
Trijicon
MODEL:
14 MRO
MSRP:
REC O ILW E B .C O M
$493
URL:
www.trijicon.com
3 AR TOOL
MAKE:
O.S.T.
MODEL:
O.S.T. Wrench
MSRP:
$20
URL:
www.operatorsurvivaltool.com
2
ON THE COVER
1 KNIFE
MAKE:
Buck
MODEL:
Vantage Force
MSRP:
2
$70
URL:
www.buckknives.com
2 OVERALLS
MAKE:
Dickies
MODEL:
Indigo Bib Overall
MSRP:
$42
URL:
www.dickies.com
3 4
IS SU E
16
REC O ILW E B .C O M
1
If its too good to be true, theres usually a catch. Not here.
The TCM Rock Standard FS Combo delivers a lot of value in
addition to its penetrating impact and remarkably light recoil.
So while the price may shock you, the rest of its features will
leave you invigorated.
ALWAYS
BE READY
20
REC O ILW E B .C O M
The all-new Yamaha Wolverine X4 offers four times the proven off-road capability,
comfort and condenceto deliver four times the fun and excitement on your
next outdoor adventure. Boasting room for four, the ultra-versatile Wolverine
X4 includes adjustable rear seating to provide additional cargo capacity, a new,
supremely quiet and smooth 850-class twin engine, and a compact, nimble
chassis with self-leveling rear shocks for a plush ride even in tight, rugged terrain.
The all-new Wolverine X4: designed and engineered in the Real World to help you
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Sound & Vision, Stereophile, and other specialty magazines.
GripSense
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1 2 3 4
Look at it. The new CompM5 While the US Optics SR-8S Most of the time when you Instant on and instant off is
is the product of one crazy isnt brand new, the reticle read about a new cheekrest, a major selling point for this
consensual evening involving inside this particular model is. the manufacturer will go on bipod from Spartan Precision
the older, proven CompM4 sight The Plumb reticle is tailored about the pure utility. In this Equipment. They utilize a
and the newer, sexier Micro T-2 reflex to allow a sniper or marksman to engage case, the very thing mentioned is how magnetic locking system to attach this
sight. Aimpoint took the ruggedness people at unknown distances at a rapid great it looks. Presumably if youre in aluminum and carbon-fiber bipod. Its not
of the U.S. Armys well regarded M68 pace without any additional special the market for a $100-plus cheekrest, just legs either, the Spartan 300 has cant,
close combat optic, shrunk it down equipment or calculations. To range with youre already aware of the benefits, rotation, tungsten carbide tips, and lock-
and fed it a single, easy-to-source the Plumb reticle, simply nest a target and perhaps that cut up iso-mat and ing abilities just like other high-end rifle
AAA battery that powers the optic head or torso inside the funnel, and 100 mph your rifle currently rocks just bipods. The magnetic system means the
for years. Its got a 2 MOA dot, and squeeze the trigger. For more precise isnt doing it for you anymore. When bipod can be stowed when its not needed,
10 intensity settings, the first four of ranging, there are 1/10th mil scales on ordering you specify your stock type so or can easily be swapped from rifle to rifle.
which are designed to work with night either side in both horizontal and vertical they can ensure you get straps of the Despite the Thermopylae theme, we doubt
vision equipment. While its a little orientations. Currently, the reticle is correct length, and they also toss an- they can guarantee your survival against
longer than the Micro T line, it uses the intended for 175-grain 7.62N fired from a other set in for you in case you change an army of over 100,000 Persians. But it
same mounts, so theres no shortage 1/10 twist barrel, the same used by many your mind down the line. probably cant hurt.
of great ways to mount the CompM5 designated marksmen weird. MAKE: MAKE:
if you pass on Aimpoints factory MAKE: Bradley Cheekrest Spartan Precision Equipment
mounting system. Its a solid upgrade Plumb Reticle/U.S. Optics MODEL: MODEL:
to the CompM4 that reduces size while MODEL: Elite Series Cordura 500d Bradley Spartan 300 Bipod
increasing ease-of-use without giving SR-8S Adjustable COLORS:
up a bit of performance. MAGNIFICATION: COLORS: Black
MAKE: 1-8x OD, Multicam, Kryptek, Coyote, and FDE MSRP:
Aimpoint COLORS: MSRP: $395
MODEL: Matte Black $125 URL:
CompM5 MSRP: URL: javelinbipod.com
SETTINGS: $1,595 bradleycheekrest.com
3 4
6 daylight handldefense.com
BATTERY:
1 AAA 4
28 ESTIMATED BATTERY LIFE:
10 years night vision
REC O ILW E B .C O M
3 1
Fit most AK-47s, AK-74s and variants, stamped and milled!
Installs in minutes, with no permanent modifications, easy to follow instructions and tools included Lightweight rugged construction of 6061 alu-
minum, hard coat anodized for a lifetime of service Battle proven patented clamping system: US Patent D625,765S Optic specific models include US
patented design features The highest quality, most affordable AK handguards on the market! 100% Made in the U.S.A. - MI Lifetime warranty
KeyMod M-LOK
COMPATIBLE! COMPATIBLE!
MI Gen2 Extended Universal AK Handguard MI Gen2 Extended Universal AK Handguard
KeyMod compatible design includes one five slot picatinny rail section M-LOK compatible design includes one five slot picatinny rail section
Four anti-rotation QD sockets for QD sling swivels Four anti-rotation QD sockets for QD sling swivels
Supplied MI gas tube with proper internal geometry Supplied MI gas tube with proper internal geometry
11.5 inches in length, weighs only 16 ounces! 11.5 inches in length, weighs only 16 ounces!
Requirements for fit: Barrel diameter of .700 under lower handguard; Lower fur- Requirements for fit: Barrel diameter of .700 under lower handguard; Lower fur-
niture length of 6, not counting mounting surface; Will not fit Yugo pattern rifles. niture length of 6, not counting mounting surface; Will not fit Yugo pattern rifles.
With Rail Topcover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-AKXG2-UK Retail $254.95 With Rail Topcover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-AKXG2-UM Retail $244.95
With T1 Optic Specific Topcover . . . . .#MI-AKXG2-UKT1 Retail $254.95 With T1 Optic Specific Topcover . . . . .#MI-AKXG2-UMT1 Retail $244.95
With MRO Optic Specific Topcover .#MI-AKXG2-UKMRO Retail $254.95 With MRO Optic Specific Topcover #MI-AKXG2-UMMRO Retail $244.95
W292S4498 Hillside Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189 Tel: 262-896-6780, Fax: 262-896-6756 www.midwestindustriesinc.com
5 6 7 8
We love short guns, and This one turned our heads, mostly For the downhill skier, Been drooling over
apparently so does Pantheon because we couldnt figure out snowboarder, or other winter the Magpul Mossberg
Arms. Theyve developed a exactly what the hell was going on. sportsman, Giro dropped a shotgun stock options,
buffer system for AR pistols The short story is that the M-Zero new frameless goggle design but you happen to own
thats incredibly short just 3.5 inches Scope Mount is a Picatinny rail that can be for your perusal. Like many new items a Beretta 1301? This is for you.
beyond your receiver; about half that zeroed. Follow us here, because it might seem released the last several years, its also Aridus Industries took something
of a normal buffer system. Shaving off a bit weird at first. There are many quality QD available in Kryptek. The Axis features a that used to be in the realm
that kind of length without touching the optic-mounts that retain their zeros decently new quick-change lens system that uti- relegated to Dremel and Bondo
barrel and retaining a functional rifle when removed and reattached. ModZero lizes magnets to aid fast location; espe- enthusiasts mainstream. That is,
isnt an easy job. Remarkably, Pantheon took it a step further and made a rail that cially handy when youre wearing gloves. putting a stock on a gun where
Arms achieved this level of shortness can be zeroed. If you have an optic zeroed to Speaking of lenses, no cheap stuff here it wasnt originally intended. The
without the use of a proprietary BCG but one rifle, the M-Zero allows that optic to be with ZEISS and VIVID producing the ASA-1301 adapter is a CNCd 6061
only with a special buffer and spring placed on a second rifle and also be zeroed, optics. Of course being made by Giro, anodized aluminum adapter thats
configuration. Currently, the Kentri since you adjust the M-Zero itself. We havent theyre a seamless fit with Giro helmets, placed between the Beretta and
Buffer System is available for both SB had time to do any sort of extensive testing, though were sure youll be able to use it the Magpul Mossberg SGA stock
Tactical and Shockwave brace systems, but if it works its kinda neat. on any number of head protectors. for a solid fit and seamless look.
but not for short-barreled rifles. As to MAKE: MAKE: MAKE:
whether youre small enough to get a ModZero Defense Giro Aridus Industries
proper position with a stock more than 3 MODEL: MODEL: MODEL:
inches shorter? That part is up to you. M-Zero Scope Mount Axis Goggle Kryptek Highlander ASA- 1301 Stock Adapter
MAKE: COLORS: COLORS: COLORS:
Pantheon Arms Black Various, to included White, Black, Green, Black
MODEL: MSRP: Bronze, Blue, Gray, Yellow, and more MSRP:
Kentri Buffer System $350 MSRP: $75
COLORS: URL: $180 URL:
Black modzerodefense.com URL: aridusindustries.com
MSRP: giro.com
4
30
$55
IS SU E
URL:
pantheonarms.com
6
30 7
REC O ILW E B .C O M
5
FIRST ROUND POP?
NO THANKS
INTRODUCING THE
17 WSM
17 HMR
22 WMR
5.7X28
22 LR
RATED
URL:
IS SU E
first-spear.com
32
11
REC O ILW E B .C O M
10
12
Sometimes Sibling Rivalry...
RAS47
C39v2
C39v2 RAS47
Both Models
Milled Receiver 100% Made in the U.S.A. Stamped Receiver
facebook.com/CenturyArms instagram.com/CenturyArms
NEW DESIGN.
NEW LEVEL OF FEEL.
0.5mm The new Specialty 0.5mm is built
to deliver precision feel and
a precision t that adheres to
the contours of your hands. High-dexterity 0.5mm AX-Suede
provides the perfect blend of protection and tactile control so you
can focus down range. The Specialty 0.5mm provides evaporative
cooling to reduce heat build-up and expandable ex joints for
smooth trigger nger mobility.
West Point, or more formally the United States Military Academy (USMA),
is known today as being one of the oldest military service academies in the
world. The four-year coeducational federal service academy is also home to
the oldest military museum in the country.
The West Point Museum, which officially opened to the public in 1854, ac-
3 4
tually evolved from a collection of military items that were used to train candi-
IS SU E
dates. Unlike many other military museums around the country, the primary
THE WEST POINT MUSEUM
1. A collection of
World War I small
arms, including
bolt-action rifles
from the combatant
nations above a
French Chauchat
light machine gun
the first such
weapon that could
be truly carried by
a single soldier. The
weapon earned a
terrible reputation,
but despite this fact
it influenced later
firearm designs.
1 2
carried by the
that the military had already played in Emperor Napoleon.
building the country. As expected, the It was a gift from
French General
West Point Museums collection now
and later President
covers nearly all aspects of military Charles de Gaulle
history, thus encompassing the history to General and later
President Dwight
of the academy as well as the evolu- D. Eisenhower for
tion of warfare and the development of American efforts
American Armed Forces. to liberate France
during World War II.
Currently, the West Point Museum It had been Napoleon
is open to the public daily, except for Bonapartes sword
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New when he was First 4
Consul of France
Years Day, but only a portion of the before he crowned
collection is on display. For cadets, himself Emperor.
all artifacts are made available for
instruction, special exhibition, and
research. Regular visitors will note that
the museum rotates items on a regular
basis, both as a way of helping preserve
items and to ensure that the collection 4. An American World
War II-era bazooka
can be seen. is above a German
The collection is notable in that it version called a
isnt displayed by era or conflict, said panzerschreck.
These were among
Leslie D. Jensen, curator of arms and the earliest true anti-
armor at the West Point Museum. The tank rockets.
THE WEST POINT MUSEUM
baton that belonged to Reichs used for training purposes. But what
IS SU E
Marshal Hermann Goering. It was really might turn heads is the collection
surrendered to the 7th Army on May of arms.
9, 1945, and is noted for having an Housed in the lower level are numer-
40 ivory shaft thats embossed with 20 ous cannons and could only be called
gold eagles and 20 platinum crosses. serious firepower. These include the
REC O ILW E B .C O M
It was presented to Goering by Adolf French 75mm field gun that American
Hitler in August 1940 during the crews used to fire the U.S. Armys first 2. Part of the West
Battle of Britain apparently before shots of World War I 100 years ago. Point Museums
collection of medium
the German leader knew how that Other pieces include captured British, and heavy machine
campaign would play out. Spanish, and even Chinese cannons. guns
2
THE WEST POINT MUSEUM
1. An American
Renault FT tank is
part of the West
Point Museums
vehicle collection.
It was the first tank
used by the American
military.
2. The Thompson
submachine gun
that was carried by
General George S.
Patton during World
War II. Officers
didnt typically carry
shoulder weapons,
but Patton was
certainly no typical
general.
1
3. This gold-plated
.32-caliber pistol
was a gift from
2 3
3 4
The lower level of the West Point Mu- Another display is focused on anti- been owned by Apache leader Geronimo
seum also houses a few vehicles, most tank weapons, including such iconic which when seen side-by-side with THE WEST
POINT
notably a World War I American-used pieces as the American bazooka, Ger- the Springfield Trapdoor rifles of the era MUSEUM
Renault FT tank, while a larger World man panzerfaust, and Soviet RPG-7, quickly shows how the Apache and ADDRESS
War II-era M4 Sherman E8 stands as well as various anti-tank mines. The other Native American tribes had superior 2110 New South
Post Road
guard outside. museum even houses an example of firepower to the U.S. Cavalry. West Point, NY 10996
An entire balcony level in the base- the Mk 3 series atomic bomb, the same The collection also includes examples HOURS
ment is devoted to small arms from size and configuration as the Fat Man of military sniper rifles from both World Daily 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving,
the earliest days of firearms to modern atomic bomb carried by the Boeing B-29 Wars and a very rare German FG-42
Christmas, and New
assault weapons. The collection includes Superfortress Bockscar and dropped on paratrooper rifle. Years Day
various long guns, including wall Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945. Like many of the weapons that ADMISSION
guns from Europe as well as a Chinese That is truly something few museums are on loan from the U.S. Army, said Free
jingal that was used in the Boxer Re- have on display. Jensen. We are very happy to be able PHONE
845-938-3590
bellion to various light and submachine In addition, throughout the museum to build our collection with the help
URL
guns from World Wars I and II, and the are other notable small arms, such as a of the U.S. military. It has allowed the www.westpoint.army.
Cold War. Winchester rifle that was reported to have collection to grow and evolve. mil/museumhome.html
trust is earne
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2017, kimber mfg., inc. all rights reserved. information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.
OF MONE Y TO RISK YOUR LIFE?
LIKE SPENDING LOTASRMS WHY YOU SHOULD TRY
JUST ASK F-1 FIRE
YOUR LUCK AT BAJA RACING
TZE
BY JOHN SCHWAR
HARRISON
PHOTOS BY IAIN
3 4
IS SU E
46
REC O ILW E B .C O M
2016
BAOJPALITEUCXKRSPEC
TR HY TR
CHEVY 6.2L LS3
TH400 ENTURES.COM
WWW.BAJARACINGADV
W.F-1FIREA RMS.COM
WW
just glori-
say that Baja racing is
If you ever hear anyone beat them
no reason you shouldnt
fied off-roading, theres t. Theyve
n sh*
stuffed full of their ow
senseless with a sock nearby para-
olved in it. There are no
obviously never been inv hours away.
crew may be minutes or
medics and your chase
to be airlifted
y have to wait till dawn
If you get hur t, you ma have a
each year, meaning you
out. The courses change away from
miles
lost and being 100
good chance of getting plete a race
time. Plus if you do com
civilization at any given
y will feel like
serious injury, your bod
and manage to escape
ht.
wood for 24 hours straig
youve been chopping ts it, Youre
ner of F-1 Firearms, pu
As Dion Podgurny, ow
one. We
ja race, never mind win
lucky just to finish a Ba er Hurri-
a phone call shortly aft
caught up with Dion on
of Texas. He
down in his home state
cane Harvey touched lter some
ned up his house to she
relayed to us that he ope cks that
a few of the military tru
displaced neighbors and orts, which
d during the rescue eff
he owns were being use to go. But
wa y
ting, still have a long
at the time of this wri
intere st in
eavors, Dion puts his
much like his racing end
More on that later.
others before himself. ognition
and quickly gaining rec
After opening up shop
Tommy Lee of
became introduced to
for his firearms, Dion
an invitation
ntual friendship led to
Motley Cre. Their eve
Trophy Truck
Felipe 250 in a rented
to compete in the San
ja Racing
te Sohren, owner of Ba
provided by Pistol Pe ustry for
been a fixture in the ind
Adventures. Sohren has
and owns a
for several champions,
decade s, built trucks America on
to host Truck Night in
race team. Look for him
this year.
Histor y Channel later
GO POUND SAND
After that initial introduction to the maximum of 525 hp. The powerplant text, phone, and radio. In other words, 1 BODY
MAKE:
sport, Dion was hooked. Its the pure in this one happens to be a 6.2L Chevy you can dial a phone number and talk
FiberwerX
raw, barbaric nature of it that appealed LS3, which no modifications can be directly to the driver. The truck tips the MODEL:
to me, he says. The next logical step, made to. scales at roughly 4,000 pounds. Ford Raptor TT Body
URL:
of course, was for him to commis- Because entrants are so limited in A set of Rigid lightbars and a
www.fiberwerx.com
sion the build of his own vehicle. That what performance modifications are al- camera system with eyes on whats
project became the F-1 Firearms truck lowed, the biggest way of making your in front of, in back of, and inside the
2 WHEELS
seen here. The truck itself is a custom vehicle go faster is by saving weight. vehicle also helps keep the occupants MAKE:
Bajalite XR, also built by Pistol Pete This is where Dion and Pete had their whereabouts and condition transmit- Cummins American Racing
MODEL:
and is part of the Trophy Truckspec differences. Dion was adamant about ted to the rest of the crew. Nothing AR172
class. For the layman, that means the safety and wanted a pretty sophisti- ever works the way its supposed to, URL:
vehicles in this category are basi- cated communications and GPS system says Pete. Its like the Wild West out www.americanracing.com
cally bound by a few rules, set forth powered by four lithium-ion batteries. A there. This extra insurance, while
by Score International, the sanction- Lowrance guidance package for driver adding pounds, provides an additional
3 TIRES
MAKE:
ing body for the big Baja races and navigator, PCI SatComm G2 Race peace of mind for those braving the BFGoodrich
no underdrive or V-drive, must use a Radio Kit, VHF Kenwood TK7360HK dunes. The stories you may have heard MODEL:
Baja T/A KR3
TH400 transmission, and engines can radio, and Baja Tracking ROMTraX about bandits robbing stranded drivers
URL:
only be sealed crate motors with a system allow for communications via are based on fact. www.bfgoodrichtires.com
3 4
IS SU E
48
REC O ILW E B .C O M
1 2 3
UPGRADE!
Find everything you need for your
Jeep, Truck or SUV at 4 Wheel Parts!
1
IS SU E
2
50
Aside from the thrill of being able to 1 MOTOR 2 SHOCKS 3 NAVIGATION 4 SEATS
REC O ILW E B .C O M
You dont need a roaring fire to bring the heat this holiday season. Go tactical this year with Blue Force Gear. From the
casual shooter to the core enthusiast on your list, you wont miss the mark giving the gift of battle-tested gear.
BlueForceGear.com 877.430.2583
Cant decide on the perfect gift? Give a Blue Force Gear Gift Card!
GO POUND SAND
MAKE: MAKE:
Some folks focus so much 1 Spyderco 5 Cold Steel
on how cool a blade looks MODEL: MODEL:
that they fail to consider the Native 5 Steve Austins Working Man
OAL: OAL:
locking mechanism. After all, 6.88 inches 8 inches
a sharp but faulty folder wont BLADE LENGTH: BLADE LENGTH:
3 inches 3.5 inches
seem so attractive after its BLADE MATERIAL: BLADE MATERIAL:
accidentally lopped off one of S35VN stainless steel 4116 stainless steel
WEIGHT: WEIGHT:
your fingers or three. 4.5 ounces 3.1 ounces
Thats why were examining MSRP: MSRP:
$225 $60
the classic lockback knife. URL: URL:
Barring any manufacturing www.spyderco.com www.coldsteel.com
1 2
MSRP:
$40
URL:
www.crkt.com
FLIP THE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS ON EACH KNIFE.
3 4 5 6
INTERROGATING THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS
COLD STEEL
SPYDERCO COAST PRODUCTS GERBER CRKT STEVE AUSTINS OUTDOOR EDGE
NATIVE 5 BX300 SHARKBELLY OFFBEAT WORKING MAN RAZOR-LITE EDC
(Thats what he said.) for quick deployment, but SharkBelly is an example lift the terminus out of the it up. The bottom line: The slip grip. The handle is
IS SU E
The leaf-shaped blade its belly provides good of Gerbers recent wave notch. Despite its futuristic Working Man is a tough available in Blaze Orange,
provides more cutting slicing ability. Its slim of everyday-carry (EDC) appearance, it was actually SOB and quite colorful, Blue, and Gray.
surface without extending and lightweight ideal knives priced at affordable first designed by knifemaker as its available in Blaze
the overall length. Made in for everyday carry, yet it prices. Made in the USA. Pat Crawford in 1979. The Orange, Neon Green, and
58 the USA. doesnt have a pocket clip. Offbeat will be available OD Green (as shown).
come January 2018.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
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BUILDSHEET
RADIAN DRACOS
CUSTOM
3 4
IS SU E
60
REC O ILW E B .C O M
BY ROB CURTIS
Build Concept: A defensive build based on the newly available Radian Weapons receiver that serves as a
testbed for the Dracos Straightjacket barrel and Cerakotes new Elite coatings.
Radian Weapons recently got back to board convos about them. And, when it company if something went wrong. But
producing its AX556, featuring the comes to cost, lets just say we always when Falkor Defense bought in and
ambidextrous A-DAC control system. knew an AX556 build wasnt gonna be made its line of Dracos barrels using
We were fans of the setup back when a budget build. the Straightjacket tech (and guarantee-
Radian was known as AXTS, having Wed also heard about a little com- ing the barrel for life), we figured itd be
shot a few AX556-based builds years pany called Teludyne and its Straight- the perfect way to offset the AX556s
ago. We added it to our wish list, but as jacket process. Theyd take your barrel, beefy barrel nut/handguard interface.
the company rebranded and focused on turn it down to its barest outer diameter And was it.
building complete rifles, our chances shove it in a tube and fill the gap with With our setup, the rifles balance
to get one evaporated, only intensifying goo. The result, according to Teludyne, point is exactly at the base of the
our desire to own one. is a longer-lasting, lighter barrel with handguard/upper junction. We acces-
Fast-forward a year and imagine our reduced harmonics and an immunity sorized the rifle with Aimpoints new
excitement as Radian catches up with to thermal loading that increases its CompM5 so wed never have to worry
rifle demand and releases full receiver accuracy. As neat as the concept was, about breaking our optic or changing
sets. Sure, theyre spendy, but our lust we didnt have the patience to wait on the battery. Well skip the BUIS with
was fully fueled by all those discussions a barrel conversion, or deal with the an optic as tough as the CompM5, but
IS SU E
wed never run a non-competition car- ridiculously tight machining toler- Note, we tested the AR Gold in our
bine without a light. We got our hands ances, so tight that they account for trigger guide and noted similar findings.
3 4
on a prototype SureFire M600DF the thickness of the standard Cerakote The companys claims about short reset
light that puts out 1,500 lumens for used on all their parts. They dont are true. This trigger is incredibly fast,
more than an hour using an 18650 normally do patterns on their guns clean, and reliable, but the trade-off is
61
rechargeable lithium-ion battery. because the added layers of Cerakote the absence of tactile reset.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Were stoked to see SureFire get off its can make things too tight. But we As shown, the rifle shot five five-
watchlight kick and build exactly what worked with Radian and Blown Dead- round groups using Federal Premium
weve been begging for! line Custom Cerakote to measure the 223 Rem 77-grain GMM that all printed
The coating is Cerakotes new Elite difference and found the new coating better than 0.65 MOA. The best was
series. Weve used it on a few compo- had no effect on fit, even built up in 0.52 MOA. Recoil was negligible, and
nents, but wed yet to see applied in layers needed for the MultiCam Black we havent had any stoppages. Though,
multiple layers. We know Radian holds effect, above. were still shy of 1,000 rounds.
COMPONENTS ACCESSORIES
BARREL: RECEIVER ENDPLATE: COATING:
Dracos StraightJacket Barrel, 16-inch 223 Wylde, Radian Weapons Ultralight QD Endplate, $26 Blown Deadline, Cerakote Elite MultiCam Black,
$850 RECEIVER EXTENSION: $440
BOLT CARRIER GROUP: Brownells AR Receiver Extension, $26 LIGHT MOUNT:
Radian Weapons Enhanced BCG, $150 RECEIVER, LOWER: Magpul M-LOK Offset Light/Optic Mount, $35
BUFFER SPRING: Radian Weapons AX556, $370 OPTIC:
JP Custom Operating Spring OSC, $20 RECEIVER, UPPER AND HANDGUARD: Aimpoint CompM5 and AR Mount, $1068
BUFFER WEIGHT: Radian Weapons 15.5-inch, $600 WEAPON LIGHT:
Brownells H2 Carbine Buffer, $30 SAFETY: SureFire M600DF Scout Light, $299
CHARGING HANDLE: Radian Weapons Talon Ambidextrous Safety, $50
WEAPON LIGHT BATTERY:
Radian Weapons Raptor SD, $99 STOCK: SureFire 18650 Li-Ion Battery, $50
GRIP: Magpul MOE SL-S, $80
HANDGUARD
Magpul MOE Grip, $20 TAKEDOWN PINS: COVERS:
HANDGUARD Radian Weapons, $26 Magpul M-LOK Rail Cover, Type 1, $16
COVERS: TRIGGER: RAIL SECTIONS:
Magpul M-LOK Rail Cover Type 1, $16 American Trigger Corporation AR Gold, $279 Magpul M-LOK Aluminum Rail, 5 Slots, $20
MAGAZINE:
TOTAL: TOTAL:
Magpul PMAG 30 GEN M3, $15
$2,790 $1,928
MUZZLE DEVICE:
Surefire WarComp-556, 1/2-28, $149
))))) A CIVILIZED EDC
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STRAIGHT
OFF THE
WORKBENCH
IS SU E
WE GET HANDS-ON Its perhaps a measure of this great spirit that involves someone deciding
3 4
country that despite our troubles and that, since nobody said it cant be done,
WITH A GEN 3 differences, theres still room for the he might as well just do it.
65
PROTOTYPE
garage inventor. Oh sure, most new To be clear, a number of areas on the
products are the result of collaborative X11 still need work to refine them. Its
REC O ILW E B .C O M
CARBINE teams of worker bees toiling away in
a cube farm, but even in the firearms
the nature of the beast when youre deal-
ing with a prototype in the latter stages of
66
OVERVIEW The Skeli X11 be produced in countries with a less folding stock. And its gas piston made
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Prototype is simple,
The X11 design incorporates ele- well-developed manufacturing base. for a cooler-running and cleaner bolt
easy to break down,
ments from Americas favorite rifle, and promises a high Had the AR-18 been introduced first, carrier group.
while seeking to address some of its degree of modularity. its likely that it wouldve been a com- The Skeli X11 is the latest rifle to
drawbacks. Housed inside an extruded mercial success. Instead, it languished make use of Armalites work on the AR-
aluminum upper receiver lies a short- in the shadow of its sibling, doomed to 18, while bringing the concept into the
stroke piston acting on a bolt carrier, compete with the first-born M16 and 21st century. It starts out with a one-
which rides on twin guide rods. In order the attention lavished on it by a doting piece extrusion, rather than a stamping,
to allow the user the greatest degree of defense family. Like a second child, the incorporating a full-length Picatinny
flexibility when it comes to aftermarket AR-18 had to compete for resources rail up top. Unlike the AR-15, its this
options, great use is made of AR-15 that had already been spent on its pre- component, instead of the lower, which
components, while weight is reduced by decessor, and by that time, the novelty forms the serialized part of the gun and
employing polymer wherever possible. of a 5.56 combat rifle had worn off. is regarded as the actual firearm.
Nonetheless, the AR-18s archi- In addition to its rail, there are suf-
UPPER RECEIVER tecture played an important role in ficient M-LOK slots cut into the sides to
In 1963, Eugene Stoners design influencing the design of other, more give mounting points for every occa-
team at Armalite in California came up successful weapons. Britains SA80 sion, and itll ship with a reasonably
with an alternative to the just-adopted bullpup was once described in the slim polymer handguard to address the
M16 that made great use of stamped press as, An AR-18 shoved up the arse usual complaints of heating, endemic
steel, rather than machined aluminum. of an EM2, a reference to that coun- when placing an aluminum rail system
Requiring simplified manufacturing trys pioneering, yet ill-fated service close to the barrel. That barrel, by the
techniques as compared to the space- rifle of 1951. Its use of twin guide rods way, can be swapped out in under a
age M16, the AR-18 skirted patent and recoil springs allowed the entire minute by undoing the conspicuous nut,
restrictions (Armalite had already sold assembly to fit inside the receiver located just forward of the chamber.
the M16 design to Colt) and could unlike the AR-15 permitting use of a While its not a toolless system, it does
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STRAIGHT OFF THE WORKBENCH
mean the oft-quoted advantage of 300 wallet. Theres one significant change The 3D printed proto-
Blackout requiring just a barrel change to the combo, however, caused by the type we got to mess
with utilized a hinged
can be fully realized. bolt carrier group being lighter than that
folding stock and a
Rather than design every single found in the donor system. As it has healthy number of
component from scratch, the X11 less mass, theres a bit more velocity currently available
AR-15 control parts.
stands on the shoulders of giants. involved as it cycles, necessitating the
Using a standard AR-15 barrel brings use of a titanium firing pin to forestall
several advantages. First, development the possibility of slam fires when shoot-
cost and time are drastically reduced. ing soft primers, such as those found in
Second, the end user isnt dependent some commercial ammo.
on a single, proprietary source should The piston acting on this BCG
they wish to change lengths or profiles runs through a trunion in the upper
(yes, were looking at you, Bushmaster) receiver, which ties both the barrel
so long as it has a 0.75-inch- and it together. A return spring over
diameter journal to accommodate the the barrel drives the piston forward
Skelis gas block, any aftermarket barrel after it delivers a blow to the carrier,
with a midlength gas system will work but its not a critical component in the
on the X11. operating system. Meaning, the gun
Likewise with an AR-15 bolt. While will still run if it eventually loses its
Below: Skeli uses a
were all aware of its shortcomings, its temper due to prolonged and sustained
titanium firing pin
a simple matter to swap it out, and so firing, given its proximity to the barrel. to mitigate the pos-
long as you treat it as a service item Its gas system proved almost too sibility of slam fire
and replacement occurs when its eaten efficient during the brief period we due to the increased
velocity of the bolt
up 6,000 rounds, there shouldnt be spent with the X11. The development
carrier group.
an issue. The X11 makes use of both team is still playing around with various
of these components, which should combinations of vent locations and
lessen any impact on the purchasers gas plug diameters, but, suffice to say,
IN STOCK!
Available At
STRAIGHT OFF THE WORKBENCH
the X11 runs on a gas port measuring evaluate ergonomics and functionality, The left-side-folding firearms patent law). Depending on the
around half the diameter as found on an both of which were very good. The stock is adjustable route chosen, this may involve design-
for length of pull. It
AR-15. And its still overgassed. Making stock is adjustable for length and will ing around existing patents or licensing
also allows for firing
efficient use of propellant is no bad accommodate a wide range of body while folded. designs from other manufacturers.
thing, however, as the less gas admitted types, both with and without armor. So much for the engineering
to the system, the cooler it runs and It folds to the left side, while still spiel. How does it shoot? Most Gen
the less carbon buildup occurs, which permitting the user to fire the weapon 3 carbines employing a gas piston
should make for greater time between in both open and folded conditions. It operating system tend to suffer from
mandatory cleaning. In the meantime, locks solidly in the open position by muzzle heaviness, a condition the X11
we experienced stoppages due to means of a B&T-style hinge and catch, manages to mostly avoid. The example
overfunctioning the BCG flung empty and theres a less secure detent that we played with had a SOCOM-ish barrel
cases hard enough to bounce them comes into play when folded and stops profile but was still reasonably fast on
back into the ejection port, giving the the assembly from flopping around. target transitions; if it were to shed a
illusion of a failure to extract. Controls are based around the AR- few ounces from the tubes exterior,
A polymer lower mates to the 15s architecture, which given it uses forward of the gas block, itd feel like a
upper and secures with a very familiar an AR hammer, trigger, safety, mag lightweight AR-15 build.
pushpin, though in this instance, catch, and disconnector should come The carbines recoil impulse was
theres only one of them the lowers as no surprise. Drop-in triggers work noticeably sharper than its peers,
front portion is mechanically locked without modification, though theres probably due to the aforementioned
to its counterpart. At the time of some development work still needed on lighter weight BCG. Its not a bad thing,
our range session, the lower was 3D the bolt hold open. Due to the use of a just different from the guns we used to
3 4
printed and therefore nowhere near as polymer lower receiver, and the desire While many piston benchmark 180 degrees away from
guns can feel overly
IS SU E
strong as a production version made to make it fully ambi, certain patents the freight-train-in-a-marshalling-yard,
front-heavy, Skelis
from glass-reinforced nylon, though it need to be negotiated. (See CONCEAL- design seems to miti- kerchunk of a SCAR 16, and more
was still robust enough to be able to MENT Issue 8 for background on gate much of this. akin to that of a CZ BREN 805. We
70
REC O ILW E B .C O M
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STRAIGHT OFF THE WORKBENCH
didnt engage in any kind of accuracy Where does the Skeli X11 fit in the budget backing it up. But then again,
testing, but the heart of the system pantheon of 5.56 carbines? In both its expected to be considerably less
is a known quantity; if the production function and design, its close to the expensive, and if it takes off, we can
gun ships with a decent-quality AR SIG MCX in that it takes over where expect the aftermarket to fill in the
barrel and bolt, then wed expect it to the AR-15 leaves off and adds the gaps. Because Murica.
be capable of 1.5 MOA with 77-grain functionality of a folding stock, quick- Given the market conditions prevail-
OTM ammunition. change barrels, and caliber conversions. ing at the moment in the black rifle
Its more limited in terms of options world, it takes a lot of guts to launch a
when compared to the SIG product, new carbine that the gun in question
as its both brand new and doesnt is the product of one guys imagination
have an entire engineering department and drive is both laudable and unusual.
and multimillion dollar development We look forward to getting a produc-
tion version of the X11 and putting it
through the wringer, but in the mean-
time, should you want to dig a little
deeper, check out the video we shot of
this prototype on RECOILtv.
3 4
IS SU E
72
REC O ILW E B .C O M
SKELI
X11
CALIBER MSRP
5.56 NATO, 300 Blackout $ $1,449
BARREL LENGTH
16 inches
OVERALL LENGTH PRICE AS FEATURED
34 inches $ $1,942
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
6.8 pounds unloaded
ACCESSORIES URL
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
30 Trijicon MRO $493 skelico.com
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Over the last few issues, weve outlined First, if you only take one thing from
the procedures needed to work inside a this missive, make it this: slow down
structure in one- or two-person teams. and think things through. Working by
While door, hallway, and stairway pro- yourself is so much more dangerous
cedures are important, they all, at their than working in a team because there
core, serve as a way to get you safely are more angles of exposure (the an-
to where the real work is done: in a gles from which you can be attacked)
room. Once again well focus on these than you have angles of coverage (the
procedures from the perspective of one angles which you can cover with your
person working alone, because thats eyes or weapon). Slowing down and
the circumstance most of you will find maximizing your advantage at every
yourself in, should it become necessary step is the difference between success
to get your fight on inside a building. and failure.
SPACE INVADERS
prioritizing threats yourself inside a structure should make do not take doing solo CQB lightly. low-light conditions, is absolutely vital
is important, but
first you have to you think hard before deciding to go into Having said that, if you find your- to processing threats in a fight. Notic-
see them. If youre a room at all. When working by yourself, self in a situation where entering a ing shadows, noises, smells, and body
expecting to see avoid entry into rooms unless you simply room alone during a life-threatening parts early will give you an advantage
whole people, youll
have no other choice if, for instance, scenario is necessary, there are some when it counts.
likely miss the small
things that give your child or spouse is trapped in the techniques and procedures you can But people arent the only thing to
people away. room and you need to either get them train on ahead of time to give you a identify in a fight. Other doors in a
out or get inside and then bunker down fighting chance. room and places inside the room you
cannot see behind are also important;
correctly identifying angles of exposure
inside a room is an essential skill, as
well. For instance, recognizing the
open door of a closet will change how
and when you clear behind a bed,
because if you ignore the closet and go
to the danger area behind the bed, you
expose yourself to the closets angle;
and sure as God made little green
Prioritization
apples, thatll be where the pantless
of threat areas
is important guy in the clown mask with a 14-inch
because the open knife will be waiting.
door affects
As we identify threats or threat ar-
how you handle
the danger zone eas, we also have to prioritize them. If
inside the room. we just focus on the thing closest to us
SPACE INVADERS
2017 Safariland
SPACE INVADERS
exposure from the door means you Give that threshold the rest of the room you can see from as you have to in order to both see and
have to start searching as soon as you some air as you outside. Beginning in the narrow angle, process what youre seeing as you go.
search. Being all up
can see the inside edge of the door in it limits your view smoothly work your way around the Quickly cutting this angle faster than
frame opposite of you. Do not cross, and reduces your opening, focusing the majority of your you can process information practically
or rabbit, past an open door if reaction time. attention on the new parts of the room guarantees youll miss vital clues. You
3 4
you plan on turning around and you see with each step. Make this have the rest of your life to finish every
IS SU E
entering from the other direction. movement smooth, and move as slowly scan, so take your time.
Movement is the easiest thing for
Smooth movement
the eye to see, and rabbiting to gain
82 some imaginary advantage is dumb.
across the angle of
the door will allow
Work an open door from the direction you to process what
REC O ILW E B .C O M
youre seeing.
youre already moving.
If you stand on the wall about 3
or 4 feet from a door, on the same
side, youll notice you can see the
narrow angle close to the corner of
the room opposite you. This area is
called the narrow. I like to look at
this area first because that corner is
a dangerous place; its impossible to
see all the way to that corner from
outside the door, and dirtbags know
this. Searching the narrow first allows
you to search all but the last 10 to 24
inches (depending on the depth of the
doorframe) of that deep corner. Work-
ing the narrow angle first on an open
door also allows you to gather other
information about the room. If you see
a wall in front of you through the door,
for instance, you know the room is
corner fed and you only have one deep
corner to deal with.
Starting in the narrow allows you a
good starting point for the search of
SPACE INVADERS
ing a step and stopping every few Smooth, efficient movement is the door is standing open, then turn on
stealth is sometimes
IS SU E
missed in modern- inches. Remember, youre not nearly name of the game in CQB. the side behind the door, but this is a
day training. as ninja as you think, and you give off Once youve seen as much of the sketchy advantage at best. Whichever
Smooth, quiet target indicators as you move. Your room as you can from outside, includ- side you choose, clear that corner,
84 movement can give
shadow, a part of your body, or even ing the narrow angle on the other side, duck out of the room, and attack the
you the advantage
your breathing can let an enemy know its time to put on the big boy pants other corner from another elevation
REC O ILW E B .C O M
on occasion, and
doesnt cost you youre coming. Stopping during this and do the really dangerous thing: You (like kneeling). It sucks, but its the
much. sweep merely gives them a stationary have to see in the deep corners (one best option you have.
Warren Tactical
Decocker for Sights
Standard or DA Carry
Cerakote -
Burnt Bronze Finish
Match Grade
Barrel
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SPACE INVADERS
step down the wall. Search the entire take the hallway back exactly like you
room methodically again. Prioritize any took the room in the first place. But
doors and the danger areas in the room, Chappy you say, isnt it going to take
make a plan for assaulting them, and forever to clear my house this way?
get the work done. Dont linger inside a Yes, it takes a long time to manage the
room any longer than necessary. risks involved in one-person CQB. The
When its time to exit, guess what good news is you have the rest of your
you need to do? Yep, you have to life to do it.
3 4IS SU E
86
GOING INTO THE ROOM If you have two
REC O ILW E B .C O M
90
REC O ILW E B .C O M
OVERVIEW Streamlined engi- process effect of work hardening the Whats less traditional is a three-lug
In the five years since Ruger intro- neering and modern surface of the bore, we expect it to bolt, as found on its upmarket sibling,
manufacturing
duced the American rifle, its carved processes make hold up to many, many cases of steel- the Ruger Precision Rifle. And instead
out a name for itself as a very com- the Ruger American jacketed Combloc ammo. At 16 inches of a controlled round feed, modified
petent budget blaster. Designed from both nimble and in length, its a perfect match to x39 Mauser action found on the companys
affordable.
the outset to make maximum use of internal ballistics, as theres almost legacy M77 rifles, the use of a three-
modern manufacturing procedures such no velocity increase worth having from lug design offers some advantages
as metal injection molding, wed be sur- saddling it with a longer pipe. Shorter from both the shooters and the engi-
prised if a pair of human hands touch it barrels are inherently stiffer a good neers perspective.
more than a couple of times from when thing if youre planning on adding a First is the removal of a machining
raw materials arrive, to when it lands on suppressor, and as the Americans step necessary to broach raceways in
the loading dock for shipping. If youre muzzle is already threaded 5/8-24, it the action that serve to guide the bolt.
looking for a finely crafted heirloom, would be a shame not to. Instead, bolt lugs are the same diameter
carved from wood and steel by a long- The barrel is mated to its action as the bolt body, rather than sticking
tenured craftsman whos worn out a by means of a Savage-style barrel out on either side of it, meaning the
spot in the floor in front of his vise, nut, while foregoing the latters ease corresponding hole in the action can
then this assuredly aint it. It would be of swappage (yes, we just made that simply be bored through. One side effect
a mistake though to equate this with up) in favor of aesthetics we dont is smoother bolt travel, as we now have
low quality. After all, your iPhone isnt expect too many folks will lament the two simple tubes sliding one inside the
a product of generations of silicon arti- omission, as its a very low profile, other. Another is reduced bolt throw (in
sans, and it works just fine. slick system. this case, 70 degrees, rather than 90),
The heart of any rifle is its barrel, That action, by the way, starts out giving more clearance between bolt knob
and this one is made in-house on a life as a chunk of 4140 CrMo bar and scope, as well as theoretically faster
hammer-forging machine. Due to the stock, about as traditional as it gets. operation. A downside to a shorter bolt
AMERICAN AS AN AK
throw is that theres more effort needed and cheesy no getting around it.
to cock the striker when the bolt is lifted But on a rifle thats likely to be banged
you still need to do the same amount around in a truck and scratched to
of work, but in a shorter amount of time. hell and back as the user bushwhacks
So, to address this, Ruger doubled the through brambles and thornbushes,
number of cocking cams under the plas- were prepared to make allowances,
tic, snap-on bolt shroud. It works well. even so far as the bottom metal. Or
Once that striker is cocked, its rather plastic. Thankfully, it does have
released by means of what Rugers a steel catch that should allay concerns
marketing department has christened about wear and tear caused by insert-
their Marksman trigger. A secondary ing and removing a steel mag.
safety blade locks the primary and
persuaded the companys lawyers to ROUNDS DOWNRANGE
endow it with a decent pull its way Before heading to the range, we out-
better than the one found on our M77, fitted our T&E gun with a Leupold VX3
and can be user-adjusted down to a 2.5-8x36 scope and a Liberty Mystic
claimed 3 pounds X suppressor, before throwing an as-
Up front, a spring-loaded plunger- sortment of godless heathen commie
style ejector, familiar to anyone whos ammo into a range bag. Apologizing to
ever stripped an AR-15, kicks empty the wholesome examples of upstand-
cases out of the right side of the action. ing, patriotic, American rounds that
3 4
A MIMd sliding extractor grabs about shared space with them, we sallied
IS SU E
SAFETY SOUNDS
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3 4
IS SU E
AMERICAN AS AN AK
94
REC O ILW E B .C O M
its available online at RECOILweb, so The bottom metal ... lore would have us believe is slightly tent, running around 3 inches. Not
well ... isnt. But a
theres no excuse for not brushing up less accurate than buckshot through a exactly stellar, but OK for plinking. It
steel catch seemed
on the myriad offerings in this caliber. at least during 12-gauge? should be noted that the oft-encoun-
We used considerably fewer examples our T&E to stave Of the bargain-priced eastern op- tered problem of short, western firing
than he did, but came away with similar off any potential tions, our rifle preferred Wolf 123-gr pins meeting deeply recessed eastern
damage from
results Federals 123-gr soft point Polyformance, which in previous test- primers never reared its head. The
repeated magazine
remains the most accurate factory load changes some- ing was rather ho-hum in the accuracy American lit them all reliably.
weve tested and in this case, turned in what inevitable, as department, but here could be counted Wed be remiss if we steered clear of
shooting this rifle is
several 0.6 MOA groups. Whoa. Did he on to produce 1.5 MOA groups in the the question of just why Ruger might
both cost-effective
just say that? Consistent sub-MOA per- and downright Ruger. Other brands, such as Centurys introduce an x39 rifle when they al-
formance from a cartridge that Internet pleasant. Red Army Standard were less consis- ready have the same model chambered
AMERICAN AS AN AK
1 turn in 24cm Russian spec. We had pressors job that much easier. And if ing another 100 yards to its effective
IS SU E
the most luck with Sierras 174-grain youre going to handload for subs, then range while keeping the cheap steel-
Matchking, but according to our bullet its not too difficult to wring an extra cased ammo option open. In the mean-
stability calculator, even thats mar- hundred feet per second out of the time, we like this one just fine, and will
96 ginal in dense air at 1,050 fps. case when capped with a 125-grain be using it to train for activities suited
The good news is that, freed from class projectile. to bolt guns, such as PRS competi-
REC O ILW E B .C O M
the constraints of a gas system, if you While were pleased Ruger intro- tions and hunting when you can get
decide to handload for the American, duced the 7.62 version of its American a complete rifle for the same cost as a
then it can be made Hollywood quiet. rifle, were more excited by whats on new barrel on a precision rig, its appeal
Stick to fast-burning pistol powders, the horizon. It doesnt take a crystal becomes even more apparent.
SPEC BOX
RUGER
AMERICAN
RANCH
CALIBER ACCESSORIES
7.62x39
Leupold VX 3 2.5-8x36 $500
BARREL LENGTH
16 inches
OVERALL LENGTH
36 inches MSRP
WEIGHT (UNLOADED) $ $600
6 pounds
URL MAGAZINE CAPACITY PRICE AS FEATURED
5 rounds standard
www.ruger-firearms.com (20-round mags available) $ $1,100
BE THE
GREY MAN
greyghostgear.com
EVEN BETTER THAN THE REAL THING?
3 4
BY MIKE SEARSON
IS SU E
100
REC O ILW E B .C O M
102
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Slide Fire
stock installed Texas Bump
Fire stock
BUMP FIRE AND SLIDE FIRE
Two companies manufacture stocks
that can be installed on an AR-15
pattern rifle with minimal fuss: Texas
Bump Fire and Slide Fire.
Installation is simple and requires PROS: CONS: WHERE TO GET ONE: LEGALITY:
replacing your existing rifles pistol The price is a major factor Theres a bit of a learning www.slidefire.com Neither companys websites
grip with an Interface Block. This here as the Bump Fire can curve, particularly if youre www.bumpfiresystems.com states that the product is
resembles the top inch of your exist- be found for less than $100 an experienced rifle shooter, banned anywhere; however,
ing grip and retains the selector detent and the Slide Fire for about and results for us were the State of California has
and spring. $200. very mixed. Theres also the declared it to be a multi-
We advise measuring before instal- look and feel aspect that burst trigger activator and
lation; we ended up having to shorten some shooters wont be therefore illegal.
our selector detent spring by two coils able to get past. If you have
in order to get our selector to work with an extra stripped lower
both stocks. receiver and want to build it
The Slide Fire stock simply slides into something that lets you
over your buffer tube and is secured by waste ammunition and have
a locking pin attached to the stock. a little fun thats the route
Once installed its a rather good- we suggest, just move an
looking arrangement and can be used in upper onto it and have at it.
FULL-AUTO SIMULATORS
the first squeeze and then fires a sec- video a onceover before and during
ond shot upon its release and return installation and do it on a laptop, PC,
forward. This action is accomplished or stream it to your flat screen as reso-
by moving the selector to the third po- lution may not be the best. Franklin
sition so that the rifle has three modes: Armory advises attaching the included
safe, semiautomatic, and binary. Both Franklin Armory fit. We had no problems whatsoever sticker to the lower on which youre
triggers ship with an ambidextrous advises attaching in this regard, but have heard of other using, or you can have the third posi-
the included sticker
safety that allows rotation to the third to the lower on which shooters having this issue. tions marking engraved.
trigger position. youre using, or you
The concept isnt new. Trap shooters can have the third
positions marking
have been using triggers that fire on
engraved.
release for decades, and back in the
1980s there were a few binary triggers
floating around the gun show scene.
However, Franklin Armory and Fostech
have taken these to a new level.
While they provide the same function,
each one works a little bit differently.
Franklin Armorys BFS (Binary Firing
System) trigger requires a more de-
tailed installation and, depending upon
your lower receiver, it may just drop in
or you may have to file metal from the Franklin Armorys BFS
lower or add shims to ensure a proper (Binary Firing System)
TAKE THE VECTOR
IN A NEW DIRECTION
Rail Cover Modular Rail Hand Guard Picatinny Rail Section Hand Stop
The Fostech Echo dropped in with If youre a trigger snob, you may
little fuss a good thing as its a not like that aspect, but there may be
more complex-looking design, even something else in this realm for a bit
though the Franklin sports three sears. more money.
3 4
important in this case for reasons that M16-A2 clone feel like the old friend one of the items we were going to re-
Digitrigger 1.2
IS SU E
well get into later. installed we had shoved into our hands 30 years view. A few weeks later it was declared
On our first trip to the range we didnt ago as a 17-year-old Marine recruit, illegal by ATF, and therefore didnt
heed the warning about using Duracell although its semi-auto setting is light- make the cut.
110 batteries. We used another brand that years ahead of anything we fired in the As we put the final keystrokes on
came brand new out of the box. military in an A1 or A2. this article, the events of the October 1
REC O ILW E B .C O M
In semiautomatic mode with the Fostechs Echo Trigger has a massacre in Las Vegas are still unfold-
grip turned off, we had a rifle with a smoother feel in semi-auto mode, but ing. Some of these devices may face
mediocre trigger pull and a pistol grip is probably tied with our love for the further scrutiny from the government
that was on the slightly bulky side. The trigger fires via Franklin Armory BFS. It works well as a feel-good measure to address the
a microprocessor
in our Business Rifle and is most concerns of freedom-hating nanny-
housed in the grip
and powered by a likely the rifle we will grab when the statists who dont understand the way
9-volt battery. zombies come. of life of the professional shooter.
RIPSTOP TECHNOLOGY
BREATHABLE RIPSTOP WITH TEFLON
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ARTICULATED KNEES
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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. That vow is at the core of our strategically designed
apparel, constructed to perform at mission-ready level. To never fail you.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Something thatll run in a desert otherwise barely civilized areas. Its
of ice, wind, and permafrost. Itll a volunteer, part-time, civil-military
provide safety and sustenance, taking force of about 5,000 people, split
on predators and game in places so among five geographical regions.
remote that youre as much a part of Were talking about them because
the food chain as the beasts you seek were looking at the Tikka T3x Arc-
to dine on. tic through the lens of the Canadian
Its here that the Canadian Rang- Rangers requirements for its recently
ers, CRs for short, do their nations adopted C19 rifle. The T3x Arctic is the
bidding. Not as soldiers or functionally, and practically identical
snipers, but as the eyes and commercial version of the issued rifle.
ears of a national defense Despite being issued rifles, The
force. Hunters, guides, trap- Canadian Rangers are not actually
pers men and women of mandated with armed defense, says
THE MISSION The T3x Arctic is a caliber longarm is ideal for the harsh The Tikka T3x Arctic is the commer-
Aside from performing sovereignty purpose-built wilder- environment; the fact that its been in cial version of the C19 with no functional
ness rifle, made to
patrols, CRs provide a host of services stand up to use in service with the unit for 70 years alone differences. The only cosmetic differ-
3 4
within and beyond their communities. the most inhospitable is testament of its suitability for the role. ences are the CR crest laser etched on
IS SU E
Search and rescue is a bread-and-but- environments found The old .303 was a great rifle in its the C19 stock, the red hue of the C19s
on earth. And, no, we
ter mission, as is hosting Canadian mili- time, Meades says, but its had its day. laminate stock (versus the T3x Arctics
dont mean Chicago.
tary units when they operate in these Sako cut no corners It could probably go on for many years to orange tones), and the contract require-
114 remote locations. The CRs act as a on this rifle; it even come, but the fact is were cannibalizing ment that dictates the C19 is manu-
community liaison and provide environ- comes with tools and .303s right now because there just arent factured by Colt Canada under license
REC O ILW E B .C O M
a well-written, well-
mental expertise, wilderness education, illustrated manual. enough parts in the system anymore. from Sako, Tikkas parent company. The
guide services, and predator overwatch This brings us back to the Tikka. commercial rifle is manufactured on the
for the units during exercises. The CRs began searching for a replace- Sako/Tikka line in Riihimki, Finland,
The CRs are issued rifles for a few ment for the Lee Enfield No. 4 nearly and exported initially in limited numbers.
reasons; the first is personal security. Tikka and Sako rifles 10 years ago. The search ended with Were spending a lot of ink talking
The Canadian wilderness is a CRs are made on the same the adoption of a Tikka rifle custom about the CRs, because understanding
office, and its as wild as it is beau- production lines, by made for the CRs, type classified as their requirements explains a lot about
the same people,
tiful. Its a place where predators, the C19. the features of the rifle they chose.
using the same
small and large, need to be scared off equipment. Heres the
or dispatched. Second, its a means barrel inspection sta-
of sustenance. Whether at home or tion in the Riihimki,
Finland, Factory.
out on patrol, CRs hunt. And, unlike
traditional military units, the Rangers
keep their rifles at home where theyre
free to train and hunt with them. The
remaining uses trail off into recruiting
efforts, the rare auxiliary law enforce-
ment, and even rarer military action.
THE RIFLE
Since the CRs stood up, the standard
issue rifle for CR patrols has been the
World War II-era Lee Enfield No. 4,
Mk1 rifle. The bolt-action, .303 British
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Meades says, Our more northerly The Arctics action retains all the
patrols, say anything north of the 55th regular Tikka traits, including the
parallel, operate in -40, - 50 de- two-stage safety, talon-like Sako-style
grees C. A bolt-action is abso- extractor, constant tension ejector,
lutely essential because its broached machining. It adds the T3xs
just embarrassing when improved rail mount interface and a
a bears coming at you stainless 5-inch-long (shortened to
According to a report and your semi-automatic seizes up. accommodate the rear aperture sight
commissioned by Can- Argue if you will, but lubes freeze which well get to), 0-degree Pic rail,
adas Defense Research and condensation formed on warm and the slightly enlarged ejection port
and Development director- metal freezes. Frozen things lead to for easier single round loading. And
ate called Canadian Ranger Rifle: problems that turn semi-autos into the handier among you can modify this
Human Factors Requirements Valida- single shots if youre lucky. Running short action Tikka to run as a long ac-
tion, the CRs mainly wanted a gun that a bolt beats tapping a forward assist tion with relative ease. (Google it.)
addressed the No. 4s shortcomings over and over when things get dire. As smooth and reliable as the action
namely it was heavy, big, and outdated. Extreme cold is only one of the is, we did find one dark spot. Single
The CRs are a mobile force, mov- environments in which the rifle has round feeding is improved with the
ing about the northern expanse on to work. The coastal areas contain T3x actions enlarged ejection port on
The Canadian
all manner of locomotion. Rifles are Rangers wanted a humidity, salt water, and sand. The most models, but the rim of single-
strapped to dogsleds, lashed to snow- two-stage trigger, Tikka deals with these by way of stain- fed .308 cartridges regularly hung up
mobiles, shoved into a small aircraft, so Sakos engineers less steel just about everywhere. The on the back wall of the Arctics CTR
made this Tikka
3 4
stowed in boats, and, of course, slung barrel, bolt and action are all stain- magazine, seizing the action. A jiggle
two-stage adjustable
IS SU E
over the shoulder. Smaller and lighter trigger. Its sweet, less, including the newly designed of the rifle knocks the round forward
is easier and faster to stow and deploy. and its getting put extended stainless bolt handle thats and allows it to feed, but its an issue
in the Tikka TAC A1,
Aside from smaller and lighter, the unique to the C19/Arctic. It doesnt whenever the rifle is single-fed with the
116 Rangers wanted a rifle that met or
and will probably
stop corrosion, but it slows it way bolt all the way rear.
be offered in more
exceeded the No. 4s durability and Tikkas soon. down. A bonus is the way the stainless We reached out to Sakos Miikka
REC O ILW E B .C O M
reliability, while improving on its ac- bolt runs in the action. Tikka actions Tamminen, the product manager for this
curacy. They also wanted to move to a generally have a feel all their own, but program, and he was unaware of this is-
modern intermediate caliber that offers the Arctics full stainless action feels sue. He expressed genuine concern but
more commercial ammunition choices glassy smooth. Itll make anyone who wasnt able to get to the bottom of it by
than the dated .303 British round. spent $1,200 on a custom 700 action press time. Well update this article on
Commercially available ammo is impor- question their decision. the web when he gets back to us.
tant to the CRs because, in addition to The Arctics fully
the 200 round per year allotment, CRs stainless steel action
can run any other ammo they choose. is smoother than
Jackos moonwalk.
The C19, and the Tikka T3x Arctic,
Notice the Sako-style
checks all the boxes on the CRs wish cross bolt used to
list, but does that make it a good rifle or shore things up since
they had to take
a committee-designed jack of all trades?
more material out of
the stock to fit the
ACTION double stack mag.
Despite the many advantages mod-
ern semi-auto rifles bring to the table,
a bolt-action rifle is the most reliable
firearm in the widest array of environ-
ments. Sure, you can keep an AR-10
running in the cold, but itll take time
and energy away from whatever else is
going on. And, when we say cold, we
mean f#@king arctic cold.
A GIFT FROM THE NORTH
Being men of action, though, we sights are probably the single biggest
went ahead and fixed the issue our- contributor to the rifles key attribute:
selves. We did the unthinkable and its fun as hell to shoot.
took a Dremel to the rear wall of the The rotating drum rear sight has
$100 magazine. With a quarter moon six apertures for ranges from 100 to
ground off (see photo, left) the top and 600 meters. Adjusting for elevation is
a little cold bluing, single rounds fed straightforward turn a screw on the
without issue. We acknowledge this front sight to raise or lower the point of
calls for added attention when han- impact. The rear is a different animal.
dling loaded mags due to the exposed In order to make the sights as accurate
primer, but its no different than lots of and durable as possible, instead of
other mags. a single shaft design, the Arctic rear
Speaking of the mags, were fans of sight uses a pair of bolts tensioning the
the standard CTR mags that come with carriage from both sides for maximum
the Arctic. The 10-round, double-stack resistance to unintentional adjustment.
mags work flawlessly, single feed is- Youre not just wearing gloves,
sues not withstanding, and impart the youre wearing gloves inside beaver
handling characteristics of a rifle with or seal mitts, says Meades of the
a magazine half that size. For the price Rangers operating in the -50 degree C
of the rifle, though, we wish it came temps. You dont have a lot of sense
with more than one. of feel there. Accordingly, the six-
3 4
home to half of one of the Arctics the Tikka CTR, but it houses a complete-
standout features: the aperture sights. ly new trigger developed for the C19/
The stainless barrel is just that Arctic rifle. Its an adjustable two-stage
no chrome lining, no fillers, just Sakos trigger with a break that feels smooth
specified grade of stainless steel thats and crisp with no overtravel. Set at 2.3
better suited to hammer forging than pounds, our Lyman trigger scale mea-
rack-grade stainless. It just happens sured fluctuations of about 0.2 pound
that the steel made to withstand the over and under for 10 pulls. This does
higher deformation of hammer forging not feel like a typical factory trigger.
is also a little more corrosion resistant. Tamminen describes it as an
economical version of the Sako TRG
NEW FRONTIER trigger. He said its getting used in the
While theres a lot in common with Tikka TAC A1 now and will probably
existing Tikkas, theres a whole lot find its way to other Tikkas in the
thats unique to the Arctic platform. future. He says the Tikka two-stage
These are the features that came in withstood a heavy testing cycle, and
response to the CRs requirements, has a seriously fast lock time, some-
fueling the rifles premium price tag. thing the Sakos triggers are known for.
So, the sights. Sakos Tamminen
says the company couldnt find a sight TAKE STOCK
on the market that gave them the com- The stock is another component
bination of durability, ease of use, and developed for the Arctic. Its a highly
range required for the CRs contract stable, engineered wood laminate
so Sako made its own. The steel thats as tough as a steel beam, but
G33
3X MAGNIFIER
ROTATES
INTO PLACE
Model
G33 Magnifier
way more comfortable to rest your stocks, like that of the Fins RK 95
cheek on. Its also got that distinctive assault rifle, have been in service in
coloration that we dig. When asked the frigid Laplandian north for years
why wood instead of synthetic, the without issue.
CRs Meades said the unit was simply While wood stocks arent unique to
distrustful of plastic in the cold and, the Tikka line, this one is. Its got that
at the same time, wanted something Sako-style cross bolt and aluminum
To accommodate warmer and with more character than a spacer system. The cross bolt is
seasonal clothing synthetic stock could supply. needed to shore up the stock since the
changes, the Arctics
Tamminen says they went with the double stack CTR mag requires thinner
stock is cut shorter
than your average orange hue on the Arctic to increase walls. And the aluminum butt stock
stock and length- visibility of the rifle; remember, the spacer system was designed for easy,
ened with aluminum CRs arent military, they want to be semipermanent adjustments that ac-
spacers. The spacers
seen. He says the wooden stock might commodate seasonal clothing changes.
slide on from the
side with the screws be easier to repair in the field using The stock itself is cut shorter than
loosened, vice re- basic hand tools and adhesives, but most for use with heavy winter cloth-
moved, thus reducing
acknowledges the choice likely came ing, the spacers added for temperate
installation time and
limiting the chance down to an aesthetic consideration weather use.
of cross threading. made by the customer, as polymer
CONFIGURATION
In the stock setup, the Arctic is sim-
ply a gas to shoot. With days and days
spent head down behind a Formula
Onelevel precision rig this summer,
the open-sight Arctic feels like hopping
on a motocross bike and hitting the
trails. With the largest aperture zeroed
for 100 yards, popping clays on the
berm under the zeroing target was
doable. But the small targets really
began popping when we honed in on
the top of the 100-yard clays with the While the CRs run the fore end slick
200-meter peeper. The circle-in-a- and shoot in the prone unsupported,
circle sights proved accurate enough to we arent afraid to use a little accu-
reliably tag E silhouette steel at 300- racy crutch. We added a carbon fiber
plus yards while standing unsupported. Spartan 300 bipod. The bipod snaps
To wring a little more accuracy magnetically into a cup that replaces
from the Arctic, we took advantage of the forward sling stud. Its 6 ounces of
the 5-inch rail and added an optic, adjustable, on-call support. We like the
a Steiner T5Xi 3-15x50mm, using a adaptability, but the single attachment
34mm ZRODelta DLOC M4X mount. point means the base pivots too much
The mount set the optic about inch on the flat-bottomed stock.
above the rear sight wheel, with the
mount hanging one section over the PERFORMANCE
front edge of the rail. We started our testing with a couple
The stock is set up to run the on- hundred rounds of Remington UMC
board iron sights, so rather than chin 150s to get the round count up with-
weld, we added a Bradley Adjustable out breaking the bank. With the barrel
Cheek Rest to fill the gap. The Bradley seasoned, and one cleaning session,
rest provides a remarkably rigid plat- we broke out the Magnetospeed and
form for accuracy. match ammo. We clocked and grouped
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A GIFT FROM THE NORTH
VALUE
Looking at all the unique compo-
nents Sako made for the C19 proj-
ect, its no wonder the rifle is on the
spendy end. From the muzzle back,
theres new iron sights, reinforced
wood laminate stock to hold the CTR
bottom metal and mag, new two-stage
trigger, winter trigger guard, stain-
less extended bolt handle, and stock
spacer system.
Essentially, this is a custom produc-
tion rifle that provides both a unique
capability and an uncommon aesthetic.
Still, Tikkas known as a budget brand
though this is no budget rifle when
it comes to price or performance.
Based on the accuracy, durability, and
three types of rounds. First up, The T3x Arctics a 0.51 MOA. The Remington ammo desirability of a product endorsed by
Remington Premier Match 168-grain rotary aperture was the third wheel, but still nudged a one of the toughest user groups on the
rear sight is more
Matchking BTHP ran at 2,487 fps, durable, easier to 0.85 group from the cold-souled fin. planet, the $1,900 street price seems
3 4
with an eye-twitching S.D. of 37.2. use and faster to Our finding that the rifle likes em big reasonable. Add to that the flat-out fun
IS SU E
Next up, Hornadys Precision Hunter employ than any seems to echo the Rangers findings, factor the Arctic supplies when run au
tangent rear sight.
178-grain ELD X ran at 2,488 fps, as we hear theyll issue 180-gr Nosler natural, and its more than palatable.
The iron sights are a
with a very respectable S.D. of 12.3. big contributor to the Accubonds with the C19. Our only gripe is the lack of a sec-
122 Lastly, Federal Premium Gold Medal rifles flat-out fun to As far as reliability, we havent ond mag, and the fact we cant run a
Berger 185-grain Juggernaut OTM shoot demeanor. logged a malfunction, aside from the brake or a can on the threaded muzzle
REC O ILW E B .C O M
ran at 2,471 fps with a 13.1 S.D. The easily corrected single-feed hang-up without losing the front sight. Given all
Arctic got on famously with the Hor- issue. And 8 pounds dry isnt too bad the considerations in the Arctics pro
nady, printing the best five-shot group for moving through the northern New column, the cons arent enough to stop
of the day at 0.48 MOA. The Jugger- England woods, the 20-inch barrel car- us from admiring what Sakos made
nauts made an impression too, with rying well on a two-point sling. with the T3x Arctic.
SPEC BOX
TIKKA
T3X ARCTIC
CALIBER ACCESSORIES
308 Winchester
Steiner T5Xi 3-15x50 $2,275
BARREL LENGTH
20 inches ZRODelta DLOC M4X $279
OVERALL LENGTH Spartan 300 Bipod $395
40.25 inches (no spacers) Bradley Cheek Rest Elite Series $125
WEIGHT (UNLOADED)
8 pounds, 12 ounces (11 pounds,
12 ounces with optic and cheek rest)
URL MSRP PRICE AS FEATURED
www.tikka.fi
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
10 rounds
$ $2,099 $ $5,173
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pro
Were living in exciting times. Its an era of small the M14 and M16 rifles, M60 machine gun, M203
arms innovation a renaissance, if you will. Not grenade launcher. Some of this was to counteract
since the fielding of the M60 and the M16 in the perceptions of overmatch by Warsaw Pact Forces
3 4
50s and 60s have we seen the potential for such in Europe, while other efforts were to deal with the
IS SU E
fundamental change in U.S. military issue small realities of jungle warfare in Vietnam.
arms. At the time, the U.S. military introduced Our president is emphasizing defense, the
two new cartridges. First, the U.S. selected the secretary of defense is a retired Marine general,
126 7.62x51mm cartridge and then the 5.56x45mm, and our congress is actively engaged in hearings to
both of which became NATO standards. As youll determine what appropriations need to be made to
REC O ILW E B .C O M
see, new calibers are intertwined in these modern- modernize our forces.
ization efforts and just as much a part of this renais- The U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special
sance as the new weapons that employ them. Operations Command are all engaged in small
Theres always talk about weapon modernization, arms improvement efforts, either on their own or in
and the military seems to perpetually conduct one conjunction with one another. Additionally, the Navy
science experiment after another to find the next and Air Force are monitoring these efforts in hopes
wonder weapon. All too often, action is lacking. Now, of mirroring each of its successes.
however, everything is coming into alignment. We
not only have requirements from the services, but
also solutions already developed by industry, ready
to fit the bill. But most of all, we have the will to act,
and thats something we havent had in a long time.
In fact, we havent seen this level of effort, since
the period between the adoption of the 7.62 NATO
and 5.56 NATO cartridges that saw the replacement
of World War II-era weapons by such systems as
RENAISSANCE RESET
SURVEY OF PROGRAMS requirement for 6,069 Squad Desig- 2017. Additionally, multiple government
IN DEVELOPMENT nated Marksman Rifles based on the ammunition programs are in the works,
The U.S. Army took the lead on a same rifle. The Army has gone one step developing polymer cartridge cases to
joint service effort for a new pistol. The further and also issued a solicitation to lower both weight and cost.
9mm SIG P320 was selected earlier industry for 50,000 select-fire Interim Some of the biggest news is that the
this year as the M17/18 and has begun Combat Service Rifles in 7.62mm U.S. Marine Corps has made signifi-
fielding, initially with the 101st Airborne NATO. The Army seeks a commercial- cant moves to increase fielding of the
Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, versus 5.56mm M27 infantry automatic rifle,
While an issue was recently exposed developing a weapon system from based on the Heckler & Koch HK416.
relating to a vulnerability in the design scratch, in order to get a weapon in The Marines have also issued a notice
of the pistols drop safety mechanism, service members hands that can defeat through contracting channels seeking
the problem is isolated to the commer- updated enemy body armor. Conse- sources for a full spectrum of small
cial version of the P320, and the model quently, many of the details are left arms suppressors.
selected by the Army is unaffected, open in order to cast a wider net. As U.S. SOCOM has a requirement for a
according to SIG SAUER. Interestingly, we go to press, multiple companies are .300 Blackout personal defense weap-
SOCOM had already fielded the Glock answering this requirement in hopes of on kit for its SOPMOD M4A1 carbines,
19 and has plans to add a red-dot optic supporting this program. as well as a 5.56mm suppressed upper
to its fleet of pistols. In addition to an ongoing small arms receiver group and has stated an inter-
The Army selected a variant of the ammunition study by the Army, SOCOM est in improving their existing carbines
German 7.62mm Heckler and Koch took the bull by the horns, conduct- with a mid-length gas systems, M-LOK
G28 for the M110A1 compact semi- ing a live-fire 6.5mm family cartridge handguards, and SureFire WarComp
auto sniper system and has a directed study in conjunction with the Army. Its muzzle devices.
already fired 23 different cartridges on SOCOM has been evaluating various
a 2,000-yard radar-equipped range at rounds in the 6.5mm range including
Aberdeen Test Center to determine the Creedmoor and .260 Remington as
terminal ballistics of each. A live-fire well as a new cartridge, the .264 USA,
Caption here? user evaluation is scheduled for fall of developed by the Army Marksmanship
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boxing a guy with longer arms who more actionable. First off, the devel- placing it well within the weight class
den on the infantry.
IS SU E
wont let you get close enough to get opment of polymer-cased ammo has One way to deal with of the 27-pound M240 machine
any licks in. The military leadership progressed to the point that its now it is the introduction gun and rivals the weight of the new
wants to turn the tide in favor of our viable. Second, theres now a military of polymer-cased M240L machine gun. The LWMMG
132 troops. The capability the Lightweight requirement. In fact, the 75th Ranger
rounds, such as the
also features a quick-change barrel
338 NM cartridges
Medium Machine Gun provides seems Regiment conducted an evaluation of with fixed headspace and timing, as
REC O ILW E B .C O M
a suppressor, and the recent Sources THE M4 AINT GOING AWAY The proposed Light- with the M4A1, which will remain the
Sought Notice required the capability to Despite all of this effort, the M4A1 weight Medium Ma- core weapon of the SOF Operator.
chine Gun in 338 NM
use an integrally suppressed barrel. carbine, a close relative of the M16 first offers the weight of Aside from the selection of the M17
While General Dynamics is way fielded over five decades ago, will remain a 7.62 NATO Medium Modular Handgun System, contracts
out front of the development of this in service for the foreseeable future. Machine Gun with the for none of the other capabilities
range of the .50 Heavy
capability, the Sources Sought Notice If you disagree, consider how long its discussed have yet been awarded.
Machine Gun.
published by SOCOM opens up the taking to transition from the M16 to the However, combine these weapons with
competition to all manufacturers of M4. In its latest budget request, the advances in target acquisition and fire
weapons in this caliber and class. Now Army continues to seek the funding from control, along with more accurate and
that theres a requirement for this capa- congress to complete its full transition lighter weight ammunition even if
bility, lets see what the industry can do to the M4. Even SOCOM, which has a only a few of these key programs are
to offer the U.S. warfighter, a capability lot of small arms modernization efforts fielded, well see a fundamental shift
unparalleled anywhere else. Imagine a underway, remains committed to this in the lethality of the American mili-
weapon that has the reach of the .50 venerable platform. Instead of replac- tary. Add to that the ingenuity of the
cal, laser-like accuracy past a kilome- ing it, it seeks to increase the carbines American service member to employ
ter, and light enough to be carried by reliability by modernizing components. these capabilities, said lethality will
a single service member. Thatll surely Its strategy is to field new, additional be unparalleled. Its indeed an exciting
keep those PKMs at bay. weapon systems to be used in concert time for U.S. small arms.
134
REC O ILW E B .C O M
40 LBS 41 LBS
37 LBS 37 LBS Weapon Tripod,
Sight Spare
Weapon, Tripod, Barrel, 36 LBS
Sight, Spare 100 rds.
200 rds. 300 rds.
100 rds. Barrel,
200 rds.
27 LBS
400
rds.
1 HUMMV
136
REC O ILW E B .C O M
WANT TO BUILD A GUN Its not that their neighbors hate shoot- 200-plus acre parcel in Winchester,
couldnt have imagined what would living in a rural setting, said Lee,
happen next. Right before the zoning who personally raised over $16,000
committee was scheduled to make a for the Ridgeline project. but said he
decision in the spring of 2017, that he wasnt one of those who bought the
believed would likely be in his favor, he property. Were not anti-gun, were
received a notice in the mail from his anti-location.
land seller: The deal was off and the Hartmann thought he knew the
PHOTO BY MATT STAGLIANO
land had already been sold to a group neighbors fighting style well. He had
My vision for it was this destination of undisclosed alternate buyers. already faced them at zoning com-
shooting facility that was open to the The buyers turned out to be a few mittee hearings and through their
public, he says. Youre never going in a group of anti-range neighbors social media and online anti-Ridgeline
to make everyone happy. You could organized under the name Winchester campaign. But he was blindsided by
want to build a church somewhere and Citizens Against Ridgeline. And they the notice that the sale was off and
people are going to bitch about it. meant business. Members of that the land no longer available. That was
But Hartmann made one fatal mis- group, such as local resident Sander the end of the Ridgeline project in
take: He underestimated the enemy. Lee, had poured thousands of dollars, Winchester. With no land to build on,
Perhaps he just didnt know about much of it raised from donations, into the zoning application was dead.
the six years worth of zoning appeals their own sound studies to fight Ridge- Hartmann is far from alone in his
his would-be neighbors brought upon line. They saw Hartmanns project as zoning battle. In Vermont, PRS enthu-
one businessman before the Dunkin an encroachment on their own rights siast Nicholas Iocco has found that
Donuts was able to break ground in as landowners. death by red tape is, perhaps ironically,
early September of this year. Or maybe Lee insists that the neighbors like not even a little stealthy. His troubles
he hadnt heard about the local neigh- guns. They just didnt like Ridgeline. started in 2016 with a notice in the
borhood association that launched a We live in a very rural setting mail from his small town of Whiting
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elsewhere in New England, making it state. Iocco abandoned the idea of making That assumes, of course, all goes
IS SU E
the perfect place to host region-wide his range a profit-turning business, well and your permit is granted. After
matches that can attract the cream of and now just wants to charge enough you apply, the Borough will put your
the PRS crop. Ioccos own 90-plus to cover his expenses. He says what plans through a battery of tests to de-
140 After registering Green Mountain Ri-
acres combined with
he wants to do is operate a hobby. He termine exactly what kind of nuisance
500 more from an
fle Challenge LLC with the state, Iocco argues that businesses make money, your new business is likely to be. As in
REC O ILW E B .C O M
agreeable neighbor
purchased 40 AR500 steel targets, a li- were to make up the they dont just break even, but hobbies other municipalities in the Lower 48,
ability insurance policy, and a bunch of Green Mountain Rifle are a different story. the public gets a chance to file their
Challenge shooting
swag with his company name and logo. Even that requires city permission, comments and speak at a public hear-
area. He envisioned a
All told he dropped about $16,000 and range that wouldve lest he face potential fines and prob- ing. After those steps, a seven-member
settled into a swing of hosting several hosted precision lems later. At the time of this writing board makes a determination.
rifle matches and
competitions a month with a $50 buy- he was still waiting on a verdict In most circles in Alaska, even a hint
given the Vermont
in, as well as renting out his land for State Police a place and still shooting and inviting friends of being anti-gun is political suicide.
Vermont state police training, he said. to train. over to do the same. But thats especially true in the
INNOVATE OR DIE
reddest of the red Matanuska-Susitna Chase Eckert and against the project, although he has make his range a reality. He wont give
Valley. If neighbors in any part of the his brother, Hayden denied doing so. in easily, he said.
Leavitt, plan to
Anchorage bowl region are going to be open their shooting Were going to proceed as best we That stubbornness isnt just an
pro-shooting range, its there. range, LiveFire AK, can to be a good neighbor, Eckert Alaskan trait. In the battle against bu-
3 4
Eckert has billed his planned outdoor in Palmer, Alaska. said. Frankly, we can do whatever we reaucracy theres one thing the zoning
They recently started
IS SU E
range just off the busy Glenn Highway want on our land. people and neighbors would be wise to
construction on the
as Livefire AK, a shooting theme park property, which is Officials with the National Rifle remember: Shooters are persistent.
featuring machine gun rentals. Eckert currently home to a Association, who advise future range Iocco plans to continue to use his
142 grew up shooting rabbits on the prop- gravel pit. owners on best practices and how to land for PRS whether his neighbors
erty, and recently started renting it out navigate zoning boards and applica- like it or not, and regardless of what
REC O ILW E B .C O M
as shooting space for a local tactical tions, say walking into the neighbor- the zoning board says a right which
shop. In the summer he plans to use hood approval process without enough Vermont protects, he says.
the range for a mix of instructor and preparation is a common mistake. If nothing else, Vermont does protect
rental lanes. In the winter itll serve as Traditionally the people who are landowners and friends who shoot on
a much-needed outdoor class space. building ranges are passionate about their own property. Even if we cant have
But like Iocco and Hartmann, Eckert shooting, but they may not necessarily liability insurance, even if that has to all
made a key miscalculation. He thought be business people, said Elizabeth go away, even if I dont charge anything
his neighbors would be at least OK Bush, who manages recreational pro- and allow them to come shoot, under
with the improvements hes plan- grams and ranges for the NRA. We try Vermont law they would still be protect-
ning to the currently vacant property, to educate people so they go into the ed, he said. Right now I couldnt care
which has been in his family for over situation with as much information as less if I could make money doing it.
40 years. Its recently become host to possible, in a professional way. And Hartmann wont let getting
vandals and discarded needles. De- Eckert thinks his odds with the chased off of his original site plan keep
veloping the property will keep those zoning board are pretty good, and him down, either. After the surprise
people out, he says. hes willing to take a risk. He started sale he sued the seller for breach of
He was wrong. Even before the construction on his new range without contract, although hes barred by a
project started, his closest neighbor, his permit in hand, a gamble that he nondisclosure agreement from revealing
whose bedroom sits only a few hun- hopes will pay off in the long term. The any details of the suit or its outcome.
dred yards from the planned instructor permit is only required if he ends up He said hes got his eyes on a new loca-
lanes, began contacting the Borough going over the 70 decibel mark, and tion for the Ridgeline park, declining to
and notifying the local paper of the hes confident his planned noise abate- discuss any details.
upcoming project. A second neighbor ment techniques will keep him under. But thats probably smart. After all,
is rumored to have asked other nearby Even if it takes a war, he said he plans you cant let the opposition know what
property holders to sign a petition to continue to work with the city to youre up to.
THE HELL-BENT WALLET
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146
REC O ILW E B .C O M
IS SU E
3 4
147
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Although silencer technology has benefited round pop. But if its simple and works, then It achieves this remarkable feat by ditching
from advances in materials science since why mess with a good thing? the traditional baffle stack, instead relying on
Hiram Maxim patented his original invention, NG2 Defense couldnt leave well enough an intricately machined core that never gets in
the basic design hasnt wavered much from alone, and while its can isnt any quieter than the way of expanding gases, but rather offers
that seen in the early 1900s. We still employ its competitors, its innovative design does them a meandering pathway to daylight, all the
the principle of high-pressure gas flow be- offer one major advantage. We should prob- while allowing them to cool and decelerate. If
ing interrupted by a series of baffles the ably state up front that if you plan to use this you appreciate slick design and even slicker
propellant simply slams into them as it leaves suppressor on a bolt gun, then there are a CNC tool paths, then youll probably want to
the muzzle with perhaps a little additional lot of better options that are both lighter and frame the photos of this cans guts, or send
turbulence coming into play from mouse holes cheaper. However, it really shines when mated them as postcards to friends.
and baffle clipping. Monolithic cores achieve to a semi- or full-auto rifle, as its the only By minimizing backpressure, the host
the same ends and are easier to manufacture, can weve ever shot that doesnt appreciably firearm operates within its design parameters,
often at the expense of incurring louder first- increase cyclic rate. leading to greater reliability and reduced wear.
3 4
IS SU E
NG2 DEFENSE MAXFLO 3D
148
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Its not unheard of for conventional MAKE: up with an adjustable gas block sped up around 30 rpm with the can
NG2 Defense
suppressors to increase cyclic rates to reliably run on 77-grain OTM attached, which was so little as to
MODEL:
from 650 (unsuppressed) to 900 rpm MaxFlo 3D rounds, gently ejecting spent cases be negligible in terms of its impact
in the case of a 16-inch barreled AR- CALIBER: about four feet from the shooter on performance weve seen the
Up to .300 Win Mag
15. The shorter the barrel, the faster MATERIAL: while unsuppressed. After screwing same variation occur by switching
the cyclic rate, and the greater the Titanium, the can into place, cases landed between different lubes.
17-4 Stainless
increase when running suppressed. LENGTH: in the same pile, indicating that Bottom line the MAXFLO 3D
At rates over 1,000 rpm, theres a 7 inches no increase in bolt velocity was is pretty hefty in its current form
DIAMETER:
very real danger of the bolt running 1.8 inches noticeable. In another range session, (theres another model in the works
so fast it outstrips the magazines WEIGHT: the suppressor was then attached with more Ti components that should
ability to present rounds in front of it. 22 ounces) to one of Patriot Ordnance Factorys shave a few ounces) and its not
MSRP:
Then the wheels fall off. $1,500 full-auto carbines and a shot timer exactly cheap, but its the only one
During range testing, we used URL: used to measure cyclic rate. As best we know that keeps backpressure to
www.ng2defense.com
a dedicated three-gun rig set as could be determined, the gun an absolute minimum.
150
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 3 4
THE
WITH
QUICK COITUS
GEN
5
BY DAVE MERRILL
As the big news about the Gen5 Glock find something else to complain about. face and choking on Walmart ammo.
begins to fade into the background And we werent disappointed. Though Weve seen no such complaints regard-
scatter, we thought wed take some the grooves are gone, the front cutout ing the actual functioning of the Gen5.
time to reflect on it. If you want to see that can aid in grasping the magazine
151
a full breakdown, hit us up on RECOIL- with a particularly dirty gun is the new UP THE ACCURACY
REC O ILW E B .C O M
web or give CONCEALMENT Issue 8 a point of contention. By far this is the The Glock 43 is less a tiny Gen5
hard look. Glock made some incremen- largest complaint about the Gen5 that than the Gen5 is an enlarged Glock
tal improvements with the Gen5, such weve heard, followed by outrage that 43. Were reminded of 50s science-
as replacing flat-wire springs with their Glock didnt see fit to include forward fiction movies where a laser or potion
coiled cousins as well as switching up serrations on the slide. makes someone or something larger,
the look and feel. But same girl in a but with less misogyny and cigarettes.
different dress it aint. As youll see, its RELIABILITY All of the internal changes that were
considerably closer to its baby brothers. To that end, we bring up reliability. made with Glocks 42 and 43 are pres-
With this fifth generation, Glock set Though were told the mean rounds be- ent in the Gen5 guns safety plunger
out to do several things: tween stoppages (MRBS) is significantly redesign, a pin subtraction, and impor-
Improve handling and ergonomics higher with the Gen5 than any previous tantly, the trigger.
Increase reliability model, this isnt something that we can While bench tests pitting the new
Up the accuracy reasonably test for ourselves. Real test- purportedly more accurate Gen5 barrels
ing costs a considerable amount of time against the legacy design didnt lead us
HANDLING AND ERGONOMICS and money, not to mention its rather to any staggering conclusions, we did
The most obvious actual improve- boring and tedious. find new shooters took more quickly to
ment is the truly ambidextrous slide Plurality of the anecdote does not the Gen5. We strongly suspect its more
stop. Its also the part that means your data make, but when other generations about the trigger than anything else. We
new Gen5 may not perfectly fit into your of Glocks were released, some problems would argue that the Gen5 OEM trigger
current holster. Fear not, the Gen5 has reared their ugly heads from the outset; is the best Glock has ever produced.
proven to be a popular pistol, much to early Glocks were prone to cracking While its not ZOMG-amazing, if Glock
the chagrin of their competitors. when using rounds with a high-pressure released this one 30 years ago wed
We knew that once the finger grooves curve and Gen4 Glocks were famously have heard far fewer half-joking remarks
were eliminated, people would need to great at stuffing brass directly into your comparing it to a staple gun.
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154
REC O ILW E B .C O M IS SU E 3 4
THE SECOND FIREARMS INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARDS BIGGER AND BETTER
STORY BY STEVEN KUO
PHOTOS BY STEVEN KUO AND DEREK LANHAM
Last year, we told you all about the and areas of expertise. Collectively, they and future products to come. One told
brand-new Industry Choice Awards, an represented 564 years of hunting, 379 us, Feedback is a gift.
ambitious new attempt to celebrate and years of competitive shooting, 148 years Later in the summer, company
honor innovation and excellence in the of retail and distribution experience, 99 representatives descended upon Rock-
firearm industry. Were pleased, once years of instructional background, and castle to shoot the Industry Team Chal-
again, to be the exclusive publishing 90 years of military service. lenge match, designed by the incom-
IS SU E
partner to report on its second year. Compared to the previous year, the parable Andy Horner, network and chat
Nathan and Nick Noble of Rockcastle cadre of evaluators increased from 20 amongst themselves, and attend the
3 4
Shooting Center and David Powers of to 30, and the number of products formal awards ceremony. Many partici-
Oneida Molded Plastics were again increased from 65 to 98. The testers pants mentioned that the time spent 155
the driving forces behind the awards. toiled for several days, filling out numeri- together with old and new friends was
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Building on the success of the inaugural cal ratings and qualitative feedback on a as valuable as anything else.
effort, they aspire to steadily grow the comprehensive range of criteria, including Below, youll see examples of the
Industry Choice Awards every year. Na- fit, finish, form, and function. This year, awards process working exactly as
than explained that they were remain- rather than give everyone a stack of paper hoped, and examples of where wed
ing true to the original vision of a truly and a head start on carpal tunnel syn- like to see more product submissions
objective product evaluation process, drome, Practiscore set up an electronic to be able to carve out additional prod-
designed to determine the product system to streamline the process for the uct categories with an array of apples
of the year in each category through digital age of tablets and smartphones. to apples comparisons.
unbiased, hands-on testing and evalu- Last year, there were six product Still, versus last year, the Indus-
ation. As a result, consumers benefit categories rifle, handgun, shotgun, try Choice Awards had 50-percent
from unbiased awards, while manufac- optic, accessory, and ammunition. This more products and 50-percent more
turers receive extensive feedback about year, there were enough products to evaluators. Thats solid growth, and we
their products. As the awards grow in add two more targets and triggers look forward to the trend continuing.
prominence, so too would the number while splitting the accessories category Furthermore, the feedback we heard
of product submissions from participat- into basic and premium accessories. from end users and companies alike
ing manufacturers, ability to create ad- Ratings were analyzed to determine this year was also extremely encourag-
ditional meaningful categories, and the the winners, and all evaluator feedback ing there was strong appreciation
resources to expand testing protocols. was provided to the manufacturers fol- for the intent and process behind the
In late spring this year, at the pictur- lowing the award ceremony. Companies ICAs. A manufacturer (who didnt win)
esque Rockcastle Shooting Center in indicated that they really value the told us that the awards mean more on
Park City, Kentucky, a group of evalua- end-user feedback, both as validation the consumer side, because its not bi-
tors assembled to inspect, review, and (or constructive criticism) of decisions ased. We agree and feel these awards
test the product submissions. They were theyve already made and as inspira- will become a great venue for recogniz-
carefully selected for their experience tion and suggestions for modifications ing excellence in the firearm industry.
MAKE GUNS GREATER
CALIBER NOTES:
7.62 NATO The short-stroke gas piston 7.62mm POF Revolution was our in QD mounts, adjustable gas piston, crisp single-stage trigger, and
BARREL LENGTH cover gun for Issue 32, impressing us with clever engineering to triple-port muzzle brake.
16.5 inches build a 7.62 in a 5.56-sized package. In his testing, our HMFIC Evaluators raved about the Revolution, in particular giving it high
156 WEIGHT Iain Harrison found it to be handy, fast, and accurate, ripping off marks for innovation for delivering a .308 on a .223 frame. They also
7.3 pounds 0.16-second splits during drills while also printing sub-MOA groups praised its ergonomics and shootability. Effusive comments ranged
REC O ILW E B .C O M
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
with match ammo. from State of the art technology. At this time theres no other firearm
20
MSRP
Many parts in the Revolution are interchangeable with an AR-15, on the market that compares, to By far the best bang for the buck.
$2,669 and the barrel extension, bolt assembly, upper, and lower receiver Amazing features, including the cut chamber. Dead-on accurate. Well
URL are exactly the same size. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds, the rifle done, bravo! One evaluator liked it so much they wrote, Id also prob-
www.pof-usa.com features a nitride heat-treated barrel, ambidextrous controls, built- ably sleep with this gun. Not probably, definitely.
RUNNERS-UP
F-1 FIREARMS UDR-15
STURM RUGER AMERICAN
RIFLE RANCH 450 BUSHMASTER
MICRO 9 DESERT TAN
Purpose-built
Signature features
Featuring white 3-dot sights, a
matte black frame and a slide
finished in Desert Tan KimPro II
for increased resistance to
the elements.
Enhanced grips
Special Desert Tan Crimson
Trace Lasergrips provide a
positive grip and improve target
acquisition.
2017, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.
3 4
IS SU E
MAKE GUNS GREATER
CANIK
158 TP9SFX RUNNERS-UP
CALIBER NOTES: GLOCK 43
REC O ILW E B .C O M
9mm The winner of the 2017 Handgun of the Year SIG SAUER P320 X-FIVE FULL-SIZE
BARREL LENGTH award is the poster child for what the Industry
5.2 inches Choice Awards are all about. Jason Karvois,
WEIGHT Director of Sales for Century Arms, explained,
1.8 pounds Having entered other Canik models into the
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
competition last year, we relied upon the
20
2016 feedback and constructive criticism to
MSRP
$550 develop and produce the pistol that won this
URL
year. In fact, after the awards ceremony,
www.canikusa.com several executives in the industry confided
to us that they were tickled that an underdog
won the award in such a strong field.
In Issues 18 and 32, we reported on the original Canik TP9SA and its
competition-focused descendant, the TP9SFX. We found them to be excellent
handguns offering tremendous value. The SFX model bristles with features
and enhancements that you might not expect in a gun with a $550 retail
price. The match barrel, enhanced trigger, extended controls and magazines,
and slide cuts and serrations arent a big surprise. But keep looking, and
youll notice the factory-provided iron sights are from Warren Tactical. The
slide is pre-cut for a red dot, with a cover and several interface plates for
different brands of optics. The magazine catch is reversible and comes with
extras in different sizes.
Evaluators were duly impressed. Comments like incredible value and
awesome pistol for the money showed up repeatedly, along with praise for
the TP9SFXs accuracy, ergonomics, and upgrades. They noted how well it
works out of the box This would make an awesome entry-level competi-
tion pistol. It comes off-the-shelf with many of the aftermarket add-ons that
youd need to add yourself. Some werent overly impressed with the included
holster, but its part of an overall package that allows the buyer to buy the
Canik and go straight to the range. For the price, were not complaining.
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MAKE GUNS GREATER
BENELLI
SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3
CALIBER NOTES:
12 gauge Fresh off a win last year, Benelli came back strong with the three-gunners handbook, the loading port is beveled, the trig-
BARREL LENGTH latest installment in its bread-and-butter, inertia-driven semi- ger guard is scooped out, and the carrier is extended to make
3 4
26 or 28 inches automatic shotguns. The Super Black Eagle 3, which chambers loading easier. You wont mistake it for a Taran Tactical-modified
IS SU E
WEIGHT 2-, 3-, and 3-inch shells, features the rock-solid Benelli inertia shotgun, but itll reduce the odds of inflicting Benelli thumb on
7 pounds system with a revised bolt head for increased reliability and more yourself while reloading. Its available in black and three different
MAGAZINE CAPACITY
secure lock-up. The buttstock has the latest recoil reduction camouflage finishes.
3+1
160 MSRP
system, Comfort Tech 3, along with a new comb insert. The evaluators loved everything about this gun, except for its price
$1,899 to $1,999 Its predecessors ergonomics were already excellent; theyve tag. They raved about what a pleasure it was to shoot and found the
REC O ILW E B .C O M
URL been refined even further to improve handling and pointabil- new Comfort Tech system effective at reducing recoil. Those familiar
www.benelliusa.com ity, with a recontoured pistol grip and fore-end, as well as with previous Super Black Eagle iterations were impressed with the
an extended bolt handle and safety. Taking a page from the upgrades, and many testers wanted to take one home.
RUNNERS-UP
BROWNING CITORI CXS
WINCHESTER SX4
MAKE GUNS GREATER
SIG SAUER NOTES:
RUNNERS-UP
3 4
MAGPUL
X-22 BACKPACKER STOCK
RUGER 10/22 TAKEDOWN
COLORS NOTES:
Black, flat dark earth, The Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock is a
olive drab green,
stealth gray
MSRP
perfect complement to the handy Ruger 10/22
takedown rimfire rifle, cleverly snapping RUNNERS-UP
$110
together into a portable package when broken
down. The buttstock is pared down, but still
DOUBLESTAR OOPS! REPLACEMENT KIT
URL
contains a storage compartment in the grip LASERLYTE MBS-1 .22-.50 CAL
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and one in the stock that holds three spare LASER BORE SIGHT
magazines. The lower portion is cut out to ac-
cept the shortened handguard and barrel when detached. You can swap out
the cheek-piece for a taller version if youre using an optic. You can also
add optional quick-detach sling mounts and a forward optic mount.
Magpuls innovative design was lauded by the evaluators, who high-
lighted the slick coupling feature and its compactness, while maintaining
full function of the firearm. They felt it exhibited excellent quality, fit, and
finish. Many comments sounded like this one: This is a fantastic product.
Full use of the stock, adjustable comb, fits and functions well. Im totally
buying one of these. The only negative comment we could find was a tester
who didnt like the texture on the polymer weve used so many Magpul
products over the years that Magpul could make polymer boxers, and it
wouldnt feel odd to us.
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VOODOO TACTICAL
3-GUN CASE
DIMENSIONS NOTES:
56 x 14 x 8 inches Designed with Mark Roth, the Voodoo Tactical
COLORS 3-Gun Case is intended to swallow everything you
14 pounds need for a three-gun match, including halberd-like instruments
COLORS of scattergun badassery, with their absurdly long magazine
Black, coyote tan, tubes, without breaking a sweat.
Voodoo Tactical camo
RUNNERS-UP
MSRP
Its an unapologetically huge, 56-inch-long case, designed
$250 ($296 in camo) to accommodate everything you need to channel your inner
URL Daniel Horner. Roth explained that they intentionally didnt
constrain themselves to what might fit in a typical airline- JP ENTERPRISES AR-15
www.voodootactical.com
safe hard case, and it shows. But you can still sling the bag, SILENT CAPTURED SPRING
handhold it, or hoist it on your back. Make no mistake though, SAMSON M-LOK SX SERIES 15 HANDGUARD
its no lightweight. Convenient dividers safely separate your long guns, which tuck nicely into
place. Theres so much storage in this bag that there are pockets for your pockets.
Voodoo definitely struck a chord with the evaluators, three-gunners or not. Those who
compete loved its well-thought-out design, with one saying, This is my next (and last) three-
gun bag. It will replace the three other ones I have. Another tester wrote, Item is number-one
purchase when I get home. Hate the bag I use because tube and barrel stick out of top unless
I breakdown my shotgun. One suggested adding a removable zipper pouch for a pistol, which
Voodoo has accommodated with the addition of a velcro-backed utility pouch thatll accept a
3 4
padded pistol bag (along with several removable magazine pouches). But the bag isnt just for
IS SU E
three-gunners, as many noted that it would be perfect for a multitude of uses and to carry
several guns and gear. Everyone complimented the quality materials, stitching, zippers, pad-
ding, and straps. The backpack configuration was especially well liked.
164
REC O ILW E B .C O M
RUNNERS-UP
HORNADY BLACK 450
BUSHMASTER
RIO ELITE TARGET LOAD
FEDERAL AMMUNITION
AMERICAN EAGLE SYNTECH
CALIBER NOTES:
.40 S&W Ammunition may not be the sexiest category, but we all know The testing protocol this year was similar to before, with
BULLET WEIGHT that ammo is a critically important component of any weapon sys- evaluators weighing, measuring, and chronographing all the
165 grains tem. And manufacturers continue to introduce new and interesting ammunition. They then tested the ammo at the range, but didnt
MSRP product lines aimed at various segments of the market. This years assess terminal performance or accuracy. Testers were intrigued
$27 (50-round box) winner is Federals American Eagle Syntech. and found the ammo to function reliably with manageable
URL
The Syntech line is intended for range and training use. It fea- recoil. They were generally impressed with its performance and
www.federalpremium.com
tures a bullet thats encapsulated in polymer, preventing metal-on- consistency, though a few evaluators reported some dimensional
metal contact. The primer is lead-free and propellants burn cleanly. variation and a few examples of thin application of the polymer
Federal says Syntech ammo eliminates copper and lead fouling, coating. Overall, they liked the concept and its applications at
while extending barrel life, lessening the need to clean as often, the range and for training.
and reducing felt recoil. Additionally, since theres no copper jacket If you wish to roll your own, Federals now selling Syntech compo-
and a soft lead core, theres less splash from shooting steel targets. nent bullets in 9mm, .40, and .45.
RUNNERS-UP
INNOVATIVE TARGETS
RINGER
MGM TARGETS TACTICAL AR500
TARGETS
EVIL ROY TARGET SYSTEM MAGNUM A-DAP SYSTEM
TARGET PLATE NOTES:
8 inch hexagon MGM Targets is synonymous with steel
HEIGHT target systems. And their new Evil Roy Steel
40.5 to 56.5 inches Target System is a perfect example, as well as
WEIGHT the winner in its category. It combines toolless
24 pounds (excluding setup and breakdown with a target head thats
target plate)
adjustable for height and angle.
MSRP
$299 The base has four legs that swing out for
URL stability, but collapse into a compact package,
www.mgmtargets.com just 36 inches long. The target post is made of
AR500 with slots at the top to accept various
different target plates (an 8-inch hexagonal
plate is included). The post has five positions to adjust the height of the tar-
get and can pivoted forward or back to place the target plate at either a 15-
or 45-degree angle. It can also be locked in place or allowed to rock backward
to further dissipate impacts. The target head and post also have no welds,
brackets, bolts, or rivets to be damaged or cause ricochets and splatter.
Evaluators commended the design, durability, and versatility of the Evil
Roy target. They were well aware of MGMs reputation, with one relating,
3 4
With MGM I expect quality; I was not disappointed. Many also felt it was a
good value. The targets were put to good use during the Industry Team Chal-
IS SU E
lenge match, reliably soaking up a barrage of pistol and rifle fire over several
days of heavy use.
166
TIMNEY TRIGGERS
REC O ILW E B .C O M
RUNNERS-UP
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20 MOA Rail Barrel changes in a few minutes with hand tools. Light enough for all day carry.
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When Sebastian Gorka went to work on Janu- A rank outsider that nobody took seri- revolution, his parents fled Communist Hun-
ary 21, 2017, things were looking good. He ously, said Gorka, destroyed 16 establish- gary across Eastern Bloc minefields to the
scored a great parking spot for his Mustang, ment candidates and, against everybodys west and settled in the U.K., where Gorka
stepped out into Washington, D.C.s crisp expectations, beat a woman whod spent at was born.
morning air, straightened his tie, and relished least $700 million for a position she thought His dad imparted a love of freedom upon
the opportunity hed been given as he strode was owed to her. Gorka that only a political prisoner could
toward the White House. His mandate came But, by August, 2017, the elation dimmed share. Gorkas fierce love of liberty, and the
from the President of the United States, Don- as the tide turned against the MAGA Wol- hatred of those who oppose it, fueled his ca-
ald Trump, and he held it as an unequivocal verines and their efforts to reform American reer. He graduated London University, served
honor to make America great again. politics. A lot of good guys were fired from as an interrogator in the U.K.s Territorial
Gorka, the Trump administrations deputy the National Security Council, said Gorka, Army, worked for five years in the Hungarian
advisor on national security issues, knew his and Steve [Bannon] eventually decided to defense ministry helping with NATO acces-
mission wouldnt be a cakewalk. The White leave after the Afghan speech the president sion, taught counterterrorism at the George C.
House and Capitol Hill were home to en- was given had no mention of radical Islamic Marshall Center in Germany for a few years,
trenched political forces, jealously guarding terrorism. So, I decided the best way to sup- and moved to the U.S., where he naturalized
their own stations and interests. port the president was from the outside. and continued to teach national security at
It was going to be a hostile takeover, Gorka Gorka was hired by the Trump campaign defense related institutions. He eventually
said, and it was, but the Swampdwellers team to advise the candidate on national se- started his own CT training and consulting
pushed back effectively. curity issues as he prepared for the fall 2015 firm before being contacted by Corey Lewan-
Seven months later, Gorka saw his own ef- Republican presidential debates. Ever since, dowski on behalf of Trump in 2015.
forts to protect the United States from radical Gorkas colorful background and controversial Politically fueled accusations abound about
Islamic terrorism thwarted as the establish- policy recommendations have fueled political Gorkas background, his loyalties, and his
ment rallied, like a body battling an infection, rancor and personal attacks. qualifications. Its hard to see through all the
and expelled the outsiders. His parents were freedom fighters in partisan mudslinging, but we sat down with
For Gorka, a European-born counterterrorism Soviet-era Hungary. Gorka says the regime the controversial figure and got to know him
expert, November 8 was like a scene from Red gave his father a life sentence for his anti- as a man with an affinity for fine cigars and
Dawn. The MAGA team was a scrappy bunch of Communist activities, but he escaped after 7.62mm projectiles, and most importantly, a
insurgents who won despite overwhelming odds. six years of captivity. After the failed 1956 deep love of the Second Amendment.
171
IS SU E 3 4 REC O ILW E B .C O M
A CERTAIN MAN IN AN UNCERTAIN PLACE
Ashford, Kent during What do you do for fun? tacks of the media are just that: words.
fall, 1990, and, left, SG: Once a month, I join my FFL for
in a foreign weap-
a night of full-auto shooting (Tommy Whats your dream job?
172 ons familiarization
guns, HK MP-5, HK-53, etc.). Rum- SG: After teaching thousands of Ma-
course.
mage through the local comic book/ rines, FBI agents, and tier-one opera-
REC O ILW E B .C O M
used sci-fi bookstore. I grew up on tors, and then being Deputy Assistant
Doctor Who, 2000AD, and Judge to the president? Maybe owning a
Dredd, and you never get that out of rural log cabin store that sells tactical
your bloodstream. firearms and fine cigars.
GUN LIFESTYLE: GEAR TECHNOLOGY SPORT OUTDOOR HOME & PERSONAL DEFENSE
We heard you loud and clear: You demanded print subscriptions and were delivering. RECOIL is now available for home-
Like us on: delivery subscriptions. A one-year subscription gets you six issues for $49.95. (Subscriptions dont include special issues.)
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your door will retain all the same features that set us apart on the newsstands: thick cover with gritty texture, high-quality
paper stock throughout, and in-depth coverage of the gun lifestyle. Plus, all issues will ship in a protective covering.
About how many guns do you own, and have guests and are trying to teach
how do you describe your collection? them too.
SG: Many. And not enough. Ill call it
eclectic. Many, many modern hand- With Eastern Bloc family ties, serv-
guns, but also the odd SW 1917, ing in the British Territorial Army, and
Webley 38, PPK, etc. Modern military now living in the U.S., you must have
rifles, more AKs than ARs, but my love some perspective on the AK versus AR
is the FAL. I have a particular soft spot debate, as well as the European versus
for snubbies in .44 and .41 magnum. U.S. firearm design debate?
And, .22 rifles I love plinking all day SG: No. For me its always about cali-
with a .22. I never grew up. ber. I have numerous AR-type rifles,
but I still detest the .223. I mean, just
Any favorites? take a round in your hand and look
SG: Anything I salivated over as a kid in at it! Its so small. For me, if I had
the 80s as I thumbed through Combat to choose one rifle it would have to
Handguns magazine, and the late great launch a .30 projectile. Also, the direct
British publication Handgunner and impingement system is so weird. I
which I can now actually afford. Num- mean, releasing gases into the mecha-
ber one: my Bren Ten with extra .45 nism without a piston? Come on!
slide. My SPAS-12. My Astra Termina- Im a proud American now, and I
tor. My original .44 Auto Mag. And, my love my U.S. wheelguns, but do like
3 4
Pardini GT-45. It isnt from the 80s, European aesthetics. Just put a Par-
IS SU E
but its sublime. Also, love my AKs from dini GT45 in your hand, and tell me
Krebs, especially my Krink. it isnt an ergonomic and mechanical
masterpiece.
174 What about silencers?
SG: My favorite shooting is walking Choose one: side folder, underfolder,
REC O ILW E B .C O M
GLOCK TRIGGER
Whats the first gun you bought? massacre. Imagine if just one of the Is there a disconnect between the way
SG: The first gun my father bought for state employees at the Christmas party rural and urban Americans view the
me in the U.K. was a beautiful target in San Bernardino had been armed. Second Amendment? What shapes gun
Anschutz .22 with all the parapherna- Many of those killed by the husband policy, rural or urban issues?
lia. I think it was a Model 54. And the and wife Jihadist team would likely be SG: Undoubtedly. In rural areas, a gun is
first full-bore gun my dad bought for alive today. most often correctly understood as a tool.
us to shoot was a factory nickel-plated My former colleague AWR Hawkins To the majority of those living in urban
S&W Mod 39. I miss it. at Breibart.com does an amazing job areas today, a gun is an object mystically
of chronicling how private citizens and irrationally endowed with evil intent.
Latest gun acquisition? save lives every day by practicing their
SG: Steyr GB. Im reliving the 80s! Second Amendment rights. Is national reciprocity a priority for the
I had one that I regretted selling to a Administration?
friend. Its a real hog leg, but just iconic. Aside from issues of crime, is there SG: Its early to say. But I know it is
a danger in taking guns away from a priority for Wayne LaPierre and the
SECOND AMENDMENT Americans? NRA, which was the first national orga-
How does the Second Amendment SG: Yes. The Second Amendment isnt nization to endorse candidate Trump.
contribute to National Security? ultimately about stopping rapists or Wayne has done incredible things for
SG: Thats easy to answer. Just look at bank robbers. Its about the peoples all Americans, and I was very happy to
the Sudanese Church attack yester- last line of defense against a strategic bump into him in the White House very
day in Tennessee. A private citizen level threat. Its not about hunting early on after the Make America Great
stopped that one fatality becoming a whitetails. Again Team moved in.
3 4
IS SU E
SEBASTIAN
176
GORKAS
EVERYDAY
REC O ILW E B .C O M
CARRY
Pistol: Glock 29, customized
by Robar Guns with a
SharkTac trigger guard cover
Pistol: Smith & Wesson M&P
9mm full-size with RDS and
compact frame customized
by Robar Guns carried in a
holster by DH Custom Leather
Flashlight: Surefire 6P and a
thin penlight (for fine work)
Fire: Commemorative MFO
Zippo lighter bought while
visiting the Sinai in 1991
and retrofitted with a jet
insert to light cigars
Medical: C-A-T Tourniquet. I
can deploy it with one hand.
Blade: CRKT Hissatsu
Power: USB battery charger
for mobile phone
Reference: I never go
anywhere without my copy of
the Constitution, the owners
manual to the greatest nation
on Gods earth.
Be the Best.
Buy the Best.
What about getting rid of the NFA, and SG: I dont drink coffee. (At least not the president on Afghanistan, which
GORKAS
IS SU E
making silencers an over-the-counter rubbish like Starbucks). Im into Turk- had no mention of the key phrase:
CAREER commodity? ish coffee, with the grounds in it. But I radical Islamic terrorism. Thats
HIGHLIGHTS SG: Again, early days. However, if we regularly drink British tea. Typhoo. The when I knew I could do more for the
178 Regular instructor look at how the presidents son, Don Empire was built on it. Commander-in-Chief on the outside.
for the J. F. Kennedy
Jr., has tirelessly advocated for bring- Theres no such thing as an average
REC O ILW E B .C O M
Special Warfare
Center and School, ing reason and common sense back day in the White House, or standard Depending on the news source, you
USASOC, Fort Bragg into this issue, I think we should all work hours. My work rotated between resigned or were fired?
Former Strategist be optimistic. Just think how a scant classified NSC meetings on a current SG: Resigned. Its all there in my
and Deputy Assistant
five years ago suppressors were rarely issue (ISIS, Qatar Crisis, China, etc.), letter to the president that you can
to President Donald
J. Trump discussed and even more unusual on meeting our foreign national security read at Breitbart.com. The MAGA
Former Major the range. That has all changed. counterparts visiting the White House, movement has simply moved outside
General Horner Chair Both Eric and Don keep a scrupu- doing media hits for the president the building, and we will continue
of Military Theory,
lous firewall between themselves and (CNN, MSNBC, and BBC were the to support the president against the
Marine Corps
University, Quantico their father. So theyre doing what most fun they always brought a swamp dwellers surrounding him and
Former Associate theyre doing as private citizens. But knife to a gunfight), or being in the obstructing him on The Hill. Its about
Dean for we havent had somebody with that Oval to consult with the president on the long game eight years, not
Congressional kind of name recognition embrace the most urgent issue, such as whether eight months.
Affairs and
these issues in recent years. to recertify the Iran deal or not. It was
Relations to the
Special Operations a dream. I pinched myself every day. What do you say to people who insist
Community, National Which are we more likely to see, national you were fired?
Defense University, reciprocity or over-the-counter silencers? Whos the most interesting figure you SG: I couldnt care less about this fake
Fort McNair
How long till we see one or both? met at the White House? news. I know exactly what I said to
Expert for the U.S.
Department of SG: Hmm, thats a tough one. My SG: There are too many to choose General [John] Kelly the day I resigned
Justice on the Boston gut tells me suppressors first then Youd walk into the West Lobby and and what I wrote in my resignation let-
Bombing Trial reciprocity. bump into Dr. Kissinger, for example, ter to the president.
Currently, Chief or a fascinating rabbi visiting from
Strategist, Make
America Great Again WORK Israel with a group of high school- What do you have to say to those who
(www.magacoalition. Whats a typical day in the White House, ers visiting the White House. But two attacked you and your credibility during
com) and how much coffee do you drink? stand out. Vice President Pence was and after your time in the White House?
A CERTAIN MAN IN AN UNCERTAIN PLACE
SG: They start under a false assump- ist. The problem today is the fake for corporate owners. Not too long
tion. I never craved, nor will I ever news industrial complex. When CNN, ago media concerns lost money by
want, the recognition of the establish- MSNBC, Politico, Huffington Post, design because they were performing a
ment. The establishment experts are New York Times, and Washington Post service. Now its your job to keep them
the people who promoted dumb wars are so politically demented that they straight, dear reader.
and saddled us with $20 trillion in actually stated on election night that
debt. The only recognition I need is Hillary Clinton had a 90- to 96-percent What about Russian interference in the
from the thousands of Special Forces, chance of winning, you know some- U.S. election and the special counsel?
Special Operations, U.S. Marine thing is rotten in the state of Denmark. Is this an important topic?
Corps, and law enforcement opera- Too much of what we call main- SG: Only for the Loony Left thats
tors Ive had the honor of working with stream today is all about a political been, ironically, in bed with Moscow
since moving to America. The swamp agenda, sensationalism, and profits since 1917. The Kremlin has been
dwellers and talking heads are utterly
irrelevant to me.
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M02677
A CERTAIN MAN IN AN UNCERTAIN PLACE
SEBASTIAN mucking around in democratic elec- Whats caused the erosion of trust in Where on the political spectrum do
GORKA tions around the world since its incep- the media? conspiracy theorists such as Alex
BORN: tion. Thats not news. But the idea SG: Their transparently partisan behav- Jones reside?
1970, London
that the Trump campaign was in bed ior. When you accuse the president of SG: I love conspiracy theories as
CITIZENSHIP: with Vlad is pure fantasy. Its just yet being an anti-Semite when the mans diverting entertainment. But theres a
USA
another way for the losing candidate grandchildren are Orthodox Jews, the reason theyre called conspiracies and
FAMILY: to ignore her own culpability for her American people just switch off and not facts. Professional conspiracy theo-
Happily married with
a grown son and abysmal performance. rightly so. rists are a menace. Propagating dark
daughter theories about the world without actual
PETS: proof kills the mind and can lead to
Belgian Tervuren very dangerous consequences. Its not
Shepherd named
Killian an accident that outrageous forgeries
and smears such as the Protocols of
DOGS OR CATS:
I like all dogs. the Elders of Zion are still printed and
Only some cats. widely available in the Middle East,
TEACHER for example. Conspiracy theories are
COMMENTS ON dangerous. Those who propagate them
YOUR 5TH GRADE
REPORT CARD: should be shunned.
Could try harder.
Skates.
POLITICS
LAST READ: How deep and dangerous is
The Hundred-Year
3 4
Longmire
feelings on President Trumps plan to
FAVORITE erect a wall along our southern border?
RESTAURANT:
La Diplomat in D.C. SG: Yes. Its vital. Do you lock your
doors at night? America is a home.
FAVORITE
FIREARM: We need to secure it, especially in
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FAVORITE American thing?
CHEESEBURGER: SG: Wow, great question. I wish we
Cheeseburgers from
the Navy Mess, under didnt. Read de Tocqueville. Americas
the West Wing true identity and strength comes from
its local sense of community and local
volunteerism. Why are we where we are
today? The media.
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RUN AND GUN
LETS MAKE SOME TWEAKS TO We want to use exercises we know something we all want.
BALANCE TRAINING will result in better performance for By looking at the whole body, were
Balance training typically focuses on the specific task of firearms training. taking into account much more than
the lower body and involves equipment So, well look at the whole body, and just the legs. Sure, some balance
like balance pads and cones. While how it functions as a unit. That means work on the lower body is great, and
these are great to use in rehabilitation well use exercises for the lower body, we definitely incorporate that. But
settings or for general balance training, but well also incorporate balance (or we have to look at the body as an
well go in a slightly different direction stability) training for the upper body integrated system. This means we aim
with this to make it much more appli- and the core as well. The result will to create balance in the upper body
cable to shooters like you. be a rock-solid shooting platform, as well.
THE
EXERCISES
HALF-KNEELING KETTLEBELL HALO
Begin in a kneeling position with one
knee down.
Your down knee should be nearly in-line
with your front foot
3 4
ball part of the kettlebell above your fist. Crush the handle.
Bring the arm up so your elbow is about the same height as
your shoulder, but slightly outside.
188 While holding the kettlebell, drive your front foot into the
floor and stand up so both knees are roughly straight.
REC O ILW E B .C O M
CONCLUSION
Balance training certainly has proven
190 its worth both in the real world and
numerous studies. If its not a compo-
REC O ILW E B .C O M
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Ryne Gioviano is the owner of Achieve
Personal Training & Lifestyle Design
located in Aurora, IL. He earned his
masters degree in exercise physiology
and is a certified personal trainer
through the National Strength
and Conditioning Association.
You can find more information at
www.Achieve-PersonalTraining.com
or reach him on Facebook or on Twitter
and Instagram at @rgioviano.
THE ONLY
STAIN-FREE
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LUBRICANTS
THAT GET THE JOB
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HONORING
THE
FALLEN
Artist: Scott
Rising Sparrow Tattoo
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