R1 &R1S R1 &R1S - Jeffersonian

VOLKMANN CUSTOM 1911
ANDREWS HOLSTER AND MORE!
BIG GREEN’S
$4.95
R1 & R1S 1911 .45 ACP
MOSSBERG MVP
.223 BOLT GUN
TAKES AR-15 MAGS
BUGS! BUGS!
BACKUP
GUNS Pg. 16
OUTSIDE U.S.
$7.95
JANUARY
2013
AMERICA’S
FAVORITE
.223 REM
HANDLOADS
LEATHER IT!
GREAT HOLSTERS Pg. 26
ASSAULT MICE
UMAREX UZI & ATI
STG44 .22 LR

1.4 SECONDS TO DECIDE.
THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
TO LIVE WITH IT.
Things go down fast on the streets. The response time from recognizing a threat to firing your
pistol can be well under two seconds. Make sure your flashlight, not just your firearm, is
up to the task. Wield the rechargeable 750-lumen Lawman —the ultimate duty light.
It was built to provide you with the visual data, and the blinding effect, to get
those 1.4 seconds right. That way, you go home safely—with no regrets.
www.surefire.com/lawman

JANUARY 2013
Vol. 59, Number 1, 684th Issue
COLUMNS
6 CROSSFIRE
Letters to the Editor
8 RIMFIRES
hoLT BODINSON
12 RIFLEMAN
dave Anderson
16 RANGING SHOTS
Clint Smith
20 MONTANA MUSINGS
mike “Duke” Venturino
22 HANDLOADING
John BARSNESS
26 HANDGUNS
massad Ayoob
28 UP ON ARs
GLEN ZEDIKER
60 KNIVES
Pat COVERT
62 VIEWS, NEWS & REVIEWS
RIGHTS WatCH: David Codrea
78 ODD ANGRY SHOT
John Connor
82 CAMPFIRE TALES
John Taffin
$5,375
GUN PACKAGE
GIVEAWAY!
Volkmann Custom 1911,
Andrews Wilson 1 Holster and More!
30
76
DEPARTMENTS
30 SURPLUS, CLASSIC
AND TACTICAL FIREARMS
GSG/ATI’S STURMGEWEHR 44 .22 LONG RIFLE.
hoLT BODINSON
34 OUT OF THE BOX
LASERLYTE’S REAR SIGHT LASER
JOHN TAFFIN
36 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Jeff John
68 QUARTERMASTER
Featuring GUNS All-stars!
THIS MONTH:
JOHN CONNOR, JACOB GOTTFREDSON
72 GUNS CLASSIFIEDS
72 CUSTOM CORNER
74 NEW PRODUCTS
76 GUN OF THE MONTH
80 ADVERTISER INDEX
GUNS Magazine (ISSN 1044-6257) is published monthly by Publishers’ Development Corporation, 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego, CA and at additional
mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year (12) issues $24.95. Single monthly copies, $4.95. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Eight weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new.
SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS: For immediate action write GUNS Magazine, Attention: Circulation Dept., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 or call (858) 605-0250. CONTRIBUTORS submitting
manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. PAYMENT will be made at rates current at time of publication and
will cover reproduction in any or all GUNS Magazine editions. ADVERTISING RATES furnished on request. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine in any manner, without written permission is
prohibited. All rights reserved. Title to this publication passes to subscriber only on delivery to his address. The opinions and recommendations expressed by individual authors within this magazine are not
necessarily those of Publishers’ Development Corporation. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GUNS Magazine®, ATTN: Circulation Dept., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Copyright
© 2012 by Publishers’ Development Corporation.
4
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

ON THE COVER
REMINGTON R1 & R1S
FEATURES
38
42
BOLT RIFLE MEETS
AR MAGAZINES
MOSSBERG’S SENSATIONAL
MVP VARMINTER.
HOLT BODINSON
BIG GREEN
GOES 1911
REMINGTON’S R1 AND
R1S PISTOLS.
MIKE “DUKE” VENTURINO
48
54
WOOD, PLASTIC
& GLASS
RIFLE STOCK MATERIALS
HAVE EVOLVED OVER THE
LAST 8 CENTURIES.
JOHN BARSNESS
BIRTH OF A LEGEND
THE STURMTRUPPEN’S
COMPANION, THE KAR 98.
JOHN SHEEHAN
ONLINE FEATURE
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM
THE .22 HORNET
STILL BUZZING 80 YEARS LATER.
SAM FADALA
42
38
EXCLUSIVE
ONLINE MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT INDEX:
www.gunsmagazine.com/product-index
WARNING: Firearms are dangerous and if used improperly may cause serious injury or death. Due to the inherent variables in the reloading of
ammunition, be sure to verify any published loads with manufacturer’s data. Products mentioned or advertised may not be legal in all states or
jurisdictions. Obey all firearms laws. Always consult a professional gunsmith when modifying any firearm. Be a safe shooter!
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 5

CRO
GUNS Magazine® welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all published letters for clarity and length. Due
to the volume of mail, we are unable to individually answer your letters or e-mail. In sending a letter to GUNS Magazine,
you agree to provide Publisher’s Development Corp. such copyright as is required for publishing and redistributing the
contents of your letter in any format. Send your letters to Crossfire, GUNS Magazine, 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego,
CA 92128; www.gunsmagazine.com; e-mail: ed@gunsmagazine.com
Veterans Day
Did John Connor in “Odd Angry
Shot” in the November issue really
say that Veterans Day is celebrated
on the 10th of November—twice!?
I wouldn’t be surprised if I was
reading the Huffington Post but
John Connor? Really? And no one
caught that?
Mike Propst
No excuse. We both get to wear the
Dunce Cap and sit in the corner.—Jeff
John
More Veterans Day
Please remind John Conner that
Veterans Day is November 11 and the
Marine Corps Birthday is November
10. Other than that I enjoyed reading
again both stories.
Semper Fi,
Charles Thomas
OK, John’s a former Marine. He can
serve half duty in the corner and I’ll sit
out the whole term.—Jeff
Higgins Boats
I did not see any reference to the
National World War II Museum
located in New Orleans in John
Connor’s column about the Higgins
boats.
It is well worth a visit should the
opportunity to do so present itself,
as my daughter and I discovered a
couple of years ago.
Charles Brumbelow
via e-mail
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 528-1944
www.nationalww2museum.org
Shame On You
On the lower left hand corner of
page 20 in the November 2012 issue,
you picture the Galco pocket holster
with the Ruger LCR. As shown, and
a picture being worth 10,000 words,
fire
LETTERS TO GUNS
one is almost guaranteed to shoot
themselves in the leg or blow off their
genitals.
As a NRA-certified instructor, I
instruct my students to never, repeat
never, use a holster that doesn’t cover
the triggerguard of their firearm.
Dale Deming
Sterling Heights, Mich.
Contemptibles
I just read Duke’s article and want
to say the French MAS 1936 is a very
fine-shooting rifle, loads easily and
the bolt action is quite smooth. As for
front sight adjustment, it’s not made
to be adjusted. Instead the rear sight
is adjustable for both elevation and
windage by replacing the leaf with
one that has the “peep” hole placed
correctly. There were 25 variations
available (sadly some are no longer
available today). Replacement was
quite easy. Slide the sight aperture all
the way forward, remove the hinge
pin at the front and voilà, the leaf
slides out and the new one slides in.
“Tres facile.” The other nice thing is
the amount of surplus ammo still
available for this weapon.
Pamela Jean Street Dunn
via e-mail
M240
I would just like to point out the
caption for the Marine machine
gunner’s photo on page 70 in the
November issue is incorrect. The
caption states the Lance Corporal
“…sights into his M240B machine
gun...” The version of the M240 in
the picture is the “G” not the “B.” The
lack of a handguard and heat shield
around the fore-end and barrel are the
telltale signs. Also, the Marines don’t
have the M240B. That’s an Army issue
weapon.
SFC William McClure, owner
The X Ring
Ashland, Neb.
Check out www.gunsmagazine.com for our digital edition, news, our exclusive
Product Index, Web Blasts, online features, to enter the Giveaway Package and
more! And if you have any news about hot new products you’ve found, or anything
you think we need to know about, drop me a line at ed@gunsmagazine.com!
THE FINEST IN THE FIREARMS FIELD SINCE 1955
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas von Rosen, CEO;
Thomas Hollander, Randy Moldé, Marjorie Young
PUBLISHER Roy Huntington
Editor Jeff John
Managing Editorial Assistant Stephanie Jarrell
Art Director/Staff Photographer
Joseph R. Novelozo
Photography Assistant Jade Moldé
Advertising Sales Director Anita Carson
Advertising Sales Assistant Dana Hatfield
Production Manager Linda Peterson
Website Manager Lorinda Massey
Promotions Coordinator Elizabeth O’Neill
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
John Taffin, Holt Bodinson, Dave Anderson,
Clint Smith, Massad Ayoob,
Mike “Duke” Venturino
FIELD EDITORS
Sam Fadala, David Codrea, John Morrison,
Glen Zediker, John Sheehan, Jacob
Gottfredson, Mike Cumpston, John Barsness,
Dave Douglas, J.B. Wood
FMG PUBLICATIONS
shootingindustry.com
Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman
Advertising: Delano Amaguin, 888.732.6461
email: delano@shootingindustry.com
americancopmagazine.com
Editor: Suzi Huntington
Advertising: Phil Mendelson, 800.426.4470
email: phil@americancopmagazine.com
americanhandgunner.com
Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington
Advertising: Steve Evatt, 800.533.7988
email: steve@americanhandgunner.com
gunsmagazine.com
Editor: Jeff John
Advertising: Jason Moreau, 866.903.1199
email: Jason@gunsmagazine.com
fmgpublications.com
Editor: Sammy Reese
Advertising: Scott McGregor, 800.553.7780
email: scott@gunsmagazine.com
ONLINE ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Moore,
TEL: 888.651.7566, FAX 858.605.0205
tracy@fmgpublications.com
NATIONAL ADVERTISING: 12345 World Trade Dr.,
San Diego, CA 92128, TEL: 866.972.4545, FAX 858.605.0211,
anita@shootingindustry.com
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Lori Robbins,
TEL: 800.633.8001, FAX 858.605.0247,
classads@fmgpublications.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE
www.gunsmagazine.com
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES ............858.605.0252
Express Service ....www.gunsmagazine.com and click “contacts”
EDITORIAL .........................858.605.0243
Email: .............................ed@gunsmagazine.com
PRODUCTION.......................858.605.0216
Email: ...................... production@gunsmagazine.com
BOOKS/MERCHANDISE...............888.732.2299
Email: ........................... lori@fmgpublications.com
General Counsel/Legal Affairs: Steele N. Gillaspey
Email: ...................................sng@g-glaw.com
PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A.
6
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

PROVEN RELIABILITY.
QUICKER REACTION TIME.
MORE RESPECT
INTRODUCING
®
The New Agent
with Crimson Trace Lasergrips ®
We’ve joined forces with Crimson Trace to make The New Agent even more
versatile and accurate. With a snag-free draw and unmatched ergonomics with
Instinctive Activation , this powerful carry gun is sure to increase your confidence.
45 ACP & 9 mm / 3” barrel / lightweight construction
The Legend Continues.
Visit your dealer or go to www.coltsmfg.com MADE IN THE USA

One Neat Uzi
And it’s a .22 Long Rifle.
Holt Bodinson
One of the most iconic and most
recognizable firearms of all
times has just joined the rimfire
club, and it’s a beaut! Under license
from IWI-Israel, the current manufacturer
of the Uzi family of tactical
firearms, Carl Walther of Germany
has created an exacting rendition of
the UZI submachine gun in .22 Long
Rifle. With similar weight, length,
controls and even disassembly procedures,
the Walther rimfire version of
the Uzi, imported by UMAREX USA,
is a remarkable achievement of arms
making.
Reviewed earlier, the Waltherproduced,
UMAREX USA versions
of the Colt 1911, M4 carbine and
A full-size copy of the
original 9mm Uzi, the
new Walther Uzi is a
rimfire clone complete
with faux suppressor.
M16 rifle as well as the HK MP5 and
HK416 are superior rimfire examples
of those famous models. They are the
best-of-the-best rimfire clones of the
original models and a delight to own
and shoot. The Uzi upholds that same
tradition.
Historically, the Uzi is a product
of its political times and environment.
The times were the 1940s and 1950s
when Israel was emerging as a nation.
The new country was forged in conflict
with its Arab neighbors who were
doing everything possible to insure it
would not be a successful nation-state.
The environment, the sandy, dusty
deserts of the Middle East, is about as
tough a proving ground as exists for
any weapons system.
At that point in time, Israel’s Defense
Forces were armed with everything
from German and Czech Model ’98
Mausers to homegrown versions of the
Sten gun. Faced with a rudimentary
economy and the lack of an advanced
industrial production base, the Israelis
needed a domestic arms industry and a
cheap, easily produced submachine gun
suited for the ambush, raid, night-fighting
style of close-quarter combat in
which they found themselves engaged
in daily. Uzi Gal gave it to them.
Working at the government owned
Israeli Military Industries (IMI), Gal
took some of the best features of the
Czech vz23 subgun, specifically, its
barrel-enveloping bolt and handgrip
magazine well and crafted what was to
become the most popular submachine
gun of the era.
For ease and economy of production,
Gal designed the Uzi to use a maximum
amount of stampings and heatresistant
plastics. The major components—the
receiver, top cover, trigger
housing and folding metal stock—are
welded-up, sheetmetal stampings. The
only precision machining is found
on the bolt and the barrel. The Uzi is
simple to make, simple to use, reliable
in the dirt of combat and cheap. In full
combat mode, it can be fitted with a
bayonet, anti-tank grenade, suppressor
and flashlight.
The Walther-made rimfire version
is even better, yes, the suppressor
surrounding the 16" barrel of the
rimfire version is a fake, but by removing
the screw-attached front handguard,
you will find a 10-slot Picatinny
rib under the barrel just waiting for a
flashlight or laser.
Over Gal’s objections, the gun
was named in his honor—the Uzi.
It quickly made its reputation in the
Six-Day War and during the daring
Entebbe rescue mission. The picture
of a take-charge Secret Service agent
wielding an up-lifted Uzi seconds
The Uzi is simple to make, simple
to use and utterly reliable. The
Uzi’s classic, folding metal stock is
tough, stable and quick to deploy.
8
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Popping off the top cover reveals a square bolt
riding in a sheetmetal trough.
Hidden under the detachable front handguard is
a useful Picatinny rib.
“Hands-find-hands” placement of the magazine
and fire controls enhances the Uzi’s
operational readiness.
after John Hinkley, Jr. shot President
Reagan is among the most famous of
all Uzi action photographs.
To truly appreciate the ingenuity
of the Uzi design, you have to remove
the top cover of the receiver, which
is easily done by merely depressing
the cover latch and lifting off
the cover. What you see in both the
centerfire and rimfire versions is a
square bolt, reciprocating back-andforth
in a trough formed by the sheet
metal receiver. Furthermore, when
you look at the sides of that trough,
you see pressed-out grooves running
along both sides of the receiver that
are there to capture dirt, sand and
combustion crud. With the top cover
sealing off the bolt raceway and the
receiver together with those dirtcollecting
grooves, the Uzi is one
weather- and combat-proof little
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 9

“They’ll Need an
X-Ray
to See MY Gun!”
Recognized as the
World’s Stealthiest
& Most Comfortable
Holsters
Don’t risk detection!
Our unique
computer-assisted
design eliminates
angles that create
outlines and bulges
that tell others you’re
carrying. You walk... run… bend in
total comfort—with any size gun!
Superior construction lasts for decades.
No wonder it’s the #1 choice of many
law enforcement officers nationwide.
50% Stronger leather
50% Thicker Kydex ®
Smoother, faster draw
100% made in the USA
“The most comfortable IWB I’ve worn in the
30+ years of concealed carry, competition
and instructor duty.”
Gregg Smith, Rangemaster/CRSO
NRA-Certified Instructor, Clatskanie, OR
SPECIAL! Quick-assemble holster kits at
wholesale prices: Just $39.97!
SAVE 10% at our website when you use
promo code: GN0113
WATCH OUR FREE
VIDEO: “Conceal It
… and Stay Alive!”
OldFaithfulHolsters.com
Symbol of honest, competent,
quality workmanship
"LOOK FOR IT!"
Member list $2.00
1449 Blue Crest Ln.
San Antonio, TX 78232
subgun. Combat results around the
world have proved it is.
One of the great features of the Uzi
design is the positioning of the magazine
within the centrally located grip.
The grip frame also incorporates three
essential controls—the manual safety,
the grip safety and magazine release
catch. Not only does the location of the
magazine protect it, but also that location
facilitates the “hands-finds-hands”
concept of swapping out magazines in
the stress of combat and during night
operations. Close your eyes and try it.
One hand will naturally and consistently
find the other hand, and that’s
exactly where the Uzi magazine well is
located.
UZI RIMFIRE
MANUFACTURER:
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen
P.O. Box 4325
D-89033 Ulm Arnsberg, Germany
www.gunsmagazine.com/walther-arms
LICENSER: IWI, www.israel-weapon.com
IMPORTER: UMAREX USA, Inc.
7700 Chad Colley Blvd.
Fort Smith, AR 72916
(479) 646-4210
www.gunsmagazine.com/umarexarms
ACTION TYPE: Blowback, semiautomatic,
CALIBER: .22 Long Rifle
High Velocity, CAPACITY: 20, BARREL
LENGTH: 16.1", OVERALL LENGTH: 26-
1/4" (collapsed), 33-1/2" (extended),
WEIGHT: 8-1/2 pounds, FINISH: Matte
black, SIGHTS: ReAR: “L” style aperture,
windage adjustable; Front:
Post, elevation adjustable, STOCK:
Metal, PRICE: $645
Remington’s .22 Long Rifle
Golden Bullet HP, CCI’s
Mini-Mag and Quiet were
top performers in the Uzi.
While early Uzi’s were produced
with wood stocks, the Walther-made
Uzi is fitted with the later model’s folding
metal stock. It might be a bit cold
in cold weather and a bit hot in sizzling
weather, but it’s one of the best folders
ever put on a subgun. You whack
it with your hand to open it and whack
it to close it. It’s one piece of rugged
engineering.
The sights of the Walther Uzi
consist of an “L-style” flip-over, rear
peep sight with two apertures—a large
aperture for close-in work and a smaller
aperture for more precise long-distance
shooting. The rear sight is adjustable
for windage. The front sight is a post
adjustable for elevation by screwing it
up-or-down and locking it in place.
With a sighting radius of only 12",
the Walther Uzi isn’t a target gun. It’s
a fun gun of a plinker. The 20-round,
polymer magazine functioned and fed
perfectly. The Walther does need highvelocity
fodder to function reliably. I
tried CCI’s New “Quiet” round as a
test, and it would not cycle the action.
Remington’s Golden Bullet HP turned
in the best 25-yard grouping, placing
five rounds in 1-1/4" with CCI’s Mini-
Mag and Quiet coming in second with
a 1-3/4" groups. The best accuracy was
obtained by using the smaller aperture
which brought the front post into sharp
focus.
Walther’s rimfire Uzi, imported by
UMAREX USA, is a faithful rendition
of the classic Uzi. Beautifully
made and detailed, it’s a remarkable
rimfire that promises many hours of
fun for the whole family. There’s even
an Uzi pistol version as well. Let the
fun begin!
10
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Hand Crafted. High-Tech. Ultimate Performance.
We start where the competition leaves off.
Whether you’re in the heat of fierce competition or on the hunt of a lifetime and you only have one shot,
make sure you have the right tool for the job. Performance Center firearms are hand-crafted, high-tech
and ultimate performing machines.
smith-wesson.com/pc

Forgotten
Speed Demon
The .264 Winchester Magnum
has many attributes today’s
shooters demand.
Dave Anderson
The .257 Weatherby Magnum
and .264 Winchester Magnum
are remarkable cartridges.
They deliver very high velocity with
ballistically efficient bullets, with
tolerable recoil.
Many shooters were intrigued by
the .257’s ballistics, but not enough
to lay out the bucks for a Mk V.
When Weatherby began offering the
Vanguard in .257 Weatherby, demand
exceeded all expectations. The Weatherby
Vanguard is one of the best
sporting rifles available and, at current
prices, a fantastic value. The popularity
of the .257 is probably higher now
than it has ever been.
Other factors include increased
interest in long-range shooting; more
choices in slow-burning powders, slippery
low-drag bullets, monometal
bullets which maintain their integrity
even at high impact velocity. The
increased popularity of the .257 seems
to have renewed interest in the .264.
They are about as alike as two
cartridges can get. My fired W-W .264
cases averaged 86-grain water capacity,
compared to an 87.5-grain average
for fired Weatherby/Norma .257
cases, an insignificant difference.
Bullet diameter difference is just
.007", really not very much. Mind
you—the same .007" difference
between the .270 Win and .280 Rem
has fueled many an argument.
Originally it appeared the .264
Mag would be a solid success. In addition
to the Winchester 70, Remington,
Savage, Sako and Browning offered
rifles in .264 Mag.
Run Over
Then came 1962 and the new 7mm
Rem Mag. While the .264 was considered
a varmint/deer/antelope/sheep
cartridge the 7mm Rem was promoted
as a big-game round for everything
from whitetails to moose.
So popular was the 7mm Rem it
even surpassed the .30-06 for a time,
and it just swatted the .264 aside. The
.264 Mag wasn’t so much a failure as
it was a victim. It was alive and well
right up to the moment the 7mm Mag
ran over it.
The original Winchester 70
If you want ultra-flat trajectory, power, and tolerable recoil the Weatherby Mk V Ultra Lightweight .257
Weatherby (top) and Winchester 70 Westerner (1962 production) in .264 Win Mag (bottom) deliver.
Both wear Leupold VX-III 4.5-14X scopes with B&C reticles. On big game you don’t even have to
think about trajectory from zero to at least 350 yards.
Here’s a memorable 1962 Winchester ad for the
.264 Magnum Westerner. Dave doubts current
ads would show a down-the-muzzle perspective
or use terms like “a man’s rifle.” Dave’s Model
70 was made the same year as the ad, though
it took 50 years before it came his way. They
aren’t kidding about the noise.
Westerner was nearly 45" long with a
26" barrel. “Field ready” (with scope,
mount and rings, cartridges, sling)
weight pushes 10 pounds. Outstanding
for long-range shooting, stable
and accurate, but not much fun to
carry on long hikes.
The first Winchester ads touted
“.264 country” as “up where the high
sheep grazing seem to flow in and
out of the clouds.” Very lyrical, but
a 10-pound rifle over 44" long isn’t so
appealing to the hunter up among the
clouds.
Winchester then offered the .264
in the Featherweight model. Its 22"
barrel didn’t seem well suited to
Magnum performance. Moreover the
original Featherweight barrel contour
had a very short shank section.
Cutting a magnum chamber in this
barrel contour didn’t leave much steel
surrounding the case.
Initially two W-W loads for
the .264 were offered, a 100-grain
bullet at 3,700 feet per second and
a 140-grain Power Point at 3,200
fps. Currently W-W offers just the
140-grain load rated at 3,030. Articles
I’ve read where some say W-W
has cut back the load. I think the
difference is they now report velocities
in 24" barrels (plus the original
claim may have been enhanced a bit).
12
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM

FACTORy-Claimed Chronographed
Cartridge Load Velocity (FPS) Velocity (FPS)
.264 Win Mag W-W 140-grain Power Point 3,030 3,107
.257 Weatherby 80-grain Barnes TTSX 3,870 3,932
.257 Weatherby 100-grain Hornady 3,500 3,557
.257 Weatherby 120-grain Nosler 3,305 3,330
Notes: Oehler 35P chronograph, center screen 10' from muzzle.
Temperature 70F; Winchester 70 Westerner, 26" barrel, 1:9" twist;
Weatherby Mk V Ultra Lightweight, 26" barrel, 1:10" twist.
The .257 Weatherby and .264 Win Mag are ballistic
brothers (or at least first cousins) with
very similar case capacity and bullet diameter.
The .257 (left) has the characteristic Weatherby
double-radius shoulder, and the .264 (right) a
conventional shoulder. Both are descendants of
the classic .375 H&H belted magnum.
Dave’s 50-year-old Winchester 70 .264 Mag still
shoots (as it should, since he doubts it had two
boxes of ammunition fired through when he
bought it). This 100-yard group was handloaded
using W-W brass, Federal 215 primer, Ramshot
Magnum powder and the wonderfully accurate
Hornady 120-grain A-Max bullet. Glass is a
Leupold 4.5-14 VX-III scope in Burris Z-rings.
Digging through my library of old
magazines, I found a .264 review by
Jack O’Connor (Outdoor Life, May,
1960). On the chronograph at the
Speer facility he found the 140-grain
load actually produced 3,115 fps
muzzle velocity.
Current production ammunition
in my Westerner averaged 3,107 fps.
(15-round average). Not much difference
considering the two batches
of ammunition were loaded half a
century apart!
Another .257/.264 myth is they
“need” a 26" barrel. Certainly a
shorter barrel loses some velocity
but in my experience not enough to
lose sleep over. The .257 velocities
in the chart are from my Mk. V with
26" barrel. In my Vanguard with 24"
barrel velocities are typically 60 or
70 fps slower. We’re talking a difference
in drop of around 1" to 1-1/2"
at 500 yards.
Some ’60s-era load data for the
.264 Mag was rather exuberant,
with some loads showing 3,300 fps
with a 140-grain bullet. It’s no myth
load recommendations have been cut
back.
In my .264 Mag Westerner I’ve
been loading 140-grain bullets to
3,100 fps and 120-grain bullets to
3,300+ fps. This is in W-W cases
with Federal 215 primers, Hornady
A-Max and GMX bullets. Powders
used include Alliant RL-25, Hodgdon
H-1000, and Ramshot Magnum.
Other powders similarly positioned
on burn rate charts include
IMR-7828 and Hodgdon Retumbo.
Currently Winchester is reintroducing
the .264 Mag in two versions of
the Model 70, one a Sporter with 26"
barrel. Since I already have my Westerner,
I’ve ordered a Featherweight
model. Unlike the original Featherweight
it has a 24" barrel and a different
barrel contour, with plenty of steel
surrounding the chamber. Now we
need a few more factory ammunition
options.
Laser and gun, beautifully integrated. Elite engineering,
evident in every detail. The CENTERFIRE laser for
your Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield. The art of accuracy.
• Controlled Activation puts you in charge.
• Location of the distinct on/off switch
puts your finger in the ready position.
• Learn more at LaserMax.com/Shield.aspx
14
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

HIS OTHER WEAPON
IS AN F/A-18.
PISTOL, COMPACT, 9MM, M11 Issued to US Naval Aviation and key units
in every branch of the Armed Services, the M11 is proud to serve. Upgraded
with a stainless steel slide, a short reset trigger and three 15-round flush
fit magazines, the M11-A1 variant features the same phosphate-coated
internals and SIGLITE ® night sights of the standard-issue M11.
Find us:
Learn more at
SIGSAUER.COM/M11-A1
Use of Department of Defense image does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

BUGs!
Some thoughts on choices
of backup guns.
Clint Smith
Photos: Heidi Smith
History records people who
carried two handguns for a
variety of reasons. In the days
of mounted cavalry big “horse” pistols
were carried in scabbards mounted to
or attached to the saddle pommel. A
second or backup gun came in handy in
mounted fights as loading the revolver
of the day required some detail and
often some time to charge with powder
and ball. Some gunmen of the era of
the American West carried two guns,
Hickok, Hardin, Stoudenmire but
mostly these were gunmen or residents
of built up towns as a true cowboy
working stock had enough stuff to deal
with and documents record working
cowboys often left their handguns in
the chuck wagon rather than having to
deal with the handgun, a rope and an
ornery steer in thick brush.
Bluntly in cap-and-ball handgun
times a second gun was a lot easier and
faster than trying to load the empty
first handgun. Even with the advent of
the cartridge-firing Single Action Army
or the break-top S&W loading was still
a time consuming process compared to
the insertion of the magazine into the
well like so many of us do today.
Why a backup? As food for thought
the drawing of a second gun may still be
The Springfield Armory XDs .45 ACP pistol (above, left) is small but a controllable package with
practice. Limited rounds is a concern of interest but the Tyler T-grip (above, right) and greatly
improved large sights by Hamilton Bowen increase the effectiveness of the small S&W .38 Special
Chiefs Special revolver. Good examples of proper BUGs include (below, left to right) the
Springfield XDs Single Stack in .45 ACP, the Smith & Wesson Model 327 and a Bowen-converted
S&W .38 Special Chiefs Special.
The S&W Model 327 loaded with eight shots
of good .38 Special +P ammo makes it a good
backup gun.
quicker than a reload in a fight regardless
of the era or the type of gun. The
backup gun may be a lifesaver in case
of a mechanical failure of the primary
gun. In the case of physical “loss”
of the primary handgun to a threat a
second gun gives the shooter the ability
to respond.
Here comes a firestorm: The backup
gun must be used by a skilled person
who understands the use of the BUG
will most likely occur in a high stress
application. Proper or normal shooting
techniques might be impaired by injury
so the skill and application must be
applied without a hitch. Try to aquire
the best proper grip and the best application
of body weight behind the gun
especially if you want to use a small
auto. I know it’s all the rage to carry
a small .380, but you can have it and
you’re welcome to it (I’ll get to that in
a minute). Since the fight can and could
be at short range and many gunfights
start out as a fist fight, the chances of
you being on the ground are high and
if the threat is on top of you, consideration
must be given to the fact that
barrel-slide-muzzle contact to the
threat may cause a failure of the auto
pistol to operate correctly. The shooter
must remember under duress to clear
the muzzle of physical contact.
Personally a revolver is much
better for the muzzle contact applications
that can occur at short range
because the revolver still works—
fires—in the muzzle contact mode.
You can train up to “hold” the back
of an auto pistol so it fires while in
physical contact but then as soon as
the auto does fire the shooter must
cycle the slide to clear the fired case
from the chamber, but at least you
16
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

m
One Shot
One Thrill!
Safer, More Accurate, And Easier To Use
manual safety • unload without pulling trigger • adjustable peep
sights • adjustable accutrigger • feed ramp • Cocks by lifting bolt
savagearms.com

A Sierra GameKing
bullet is the one
bullet you need
for deer hunting
at long range.
GameKings’ boat
tail design aids in
downrange accuracy
and energy retention,
providing trophy
performance without a
premium price. When you get
ready for your next deer hunt,
choose the only bullet you’ll
need for that one trophy buck,
Sierra GameKing.
Contact your favorite dealer for the
complete line of Sierra bullets or visit
www.sierrabullets.com
1 400 West Henry Street | Sedalia, MO 65301 | Tech support: 1-800-223-8799 | Other calls: 1-888-223-3006
078.27306 One Trophy Buck_Guns Mag_4.625x7.5.indd 1 12/16/10 3:53 PM
get one round in the guy, so to speak.
BUGs have always intrigued me
because in my head the thought process
is that my big, main, primary buttkicking
handgun is empty, broken or
stolen… so now I’m going to reach
inside my shorts and pull out this
popgun? Yeah, yeah, the gun with you
is better than the one at home in the
safe, but the gig still remains “I was
fighting with Ken (so to speak) until
everything goes south in a fight I could
honestly lose and my response is… I
drag out Barbie to fight with?”
So, puppies are cute, yet a BUG
should be in reality the biggest gun you
own—remember you’re in a dogfight,
your first choice of handgun fails—and
out comes a poodle? Sorry, I think a
BUG should be the biggest gun you can
carry. My BUG is a double-action-only
2" S&W 327 8-shot .357 Magnum with
no hammer spur. I also am starting to
train up and use the new Springfield
XDs in .45 ACP… yes, an auto pistol,
but a big-bore gun, in an ankle holster
and very reliable in every format I have
trained in with the gun to date.
A BUG should be in a place where
you can get as much access and the best
access to the gun from as many odd
places or positions as humanly possible.
Ankle holsters are a good choice in
my opinion, if I wind up on the ground
in a fight, good access and access
while sitting in a car with either hand.
Offside pocket holsters—yes the gun in
a holster in your pocket—not floating
around loose. The BUG location will
also dictate that you’ll need to train up
in offside or opposite-hand shooting—
and you should anyways.
History after a fashion will record
your problems, and your resolutions.
If you do well people will remember,
if you do poorly even more people will
remember. Your BUG, big, little, carried
or not carried, it’s your call, it could also
be your life in the balance.
Springfield Armory
420 W. Main St., Geneseo, IL 61254
(309) 944-5631
www.gunsmagazine.com/springfield-armory
S&W
2100 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, MA 01104
(800) 331-0852
www.gunsmagazine.com/smith-wesson
Bowen Classic Arms
P.O. Box 67, Louisville, TN 37777
(865) 984-3583
www.gunsmagazine.com/
bowen-classic-arms
Milt Sparks
115 E. 44th St., Boise, ID 83714
(208) 377-5577
www.gunsmagazine.com/miltsparksholsters
Tyler Mfg.
P.O. Box 94845, Oklahoma City, OK 73143
(405) 625-4992
www.gunsmagazine.com/tyler-mfg
18
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

When Duke can steal
some time for single-action
revolver
shooting at his home
range, it’s most likely
with one of his .44-40s.
The Best Old
West Handgun
Cartridge
The .44 Winchester Centerfire.
Mike “Duke” Venturino
Photos: Yvonne Venturino
Over the past 30 years, I’ve
tried to shoot every revolver
type that someone would have
packed in a holster during the last 50
years of the 19th century. Such shooting
has encompassed handguns from
.36-caliber cap-and-ball “Navy” Colts
to the big-bore double actions of the
1890s. In regards to metallic cartridges
I’ve handloaded tens of thousands of
rounds with both black powder and
smokeless powders ranging from .38
Colt up to .45 Colt. In between have
been .38 WCF, .41 Colt, .44 S&W
American & Russian, .44 Colt, .44
WCF, .45 Schofield and others.
In my humble but experiencebased
opinion, one of those many
rounds stands above all the rest both
in regards to its historical perspective
and modern application. That is the
.44 WCF (Winchester Centerfire) more
commonly known today as .44-40.
Such an attitude might surprise some
readers because cartridges like the .45
Colt are held in near reverence.
Evidently, I wasn’t the only one to
draw such a conclusion. Consider this:
during the time frame mentioned above
no other handgun manufacturer cataloged
.45 Colt revolvers. Virtually every
maker of “belt revolvers” offered them
as .44 WCF. (Belt revolvers were what
we would call “holster guns” today.)
Remington had the Models 1875 and
1890, Merwin & Hulbert had a couple
versions of their unique twist-frame
design, Smith & Wesson made both
single- and double-action top-break
versions of their Model No. 3 in .44
WCF and even Colt put the round in
all of their big-frame revolvers introduced
after 1873. Another gun’riter
far more famous than me, the late Col.
When Winchester introduced their new .44
WCF round in 1873 it had a brass case and
centerfire primer making it their first reloadable
cartridge.
Charles Askins once wrote that he saw
no reason for Smith & Wesson to introduce
their .44 Special because the .44
WCF was already well established.
Ironically, for a cartridge, which
I consider a most excellent one for
revolvers the .44 WCF was actually
developed for rifles. Winchester did that
in 1873 for the rifle and carbine named
for the year. It was their first round
using a brass case with external primer;
meaning it was reloadable. From the
beginning standard factory loads used
a 1.31" long, slightly bottlenecked case
with 40 grains of black powder under
a 200-grain, roundnose-flatpoint bullet.
From, a 24" rifle barrel velocity was
supposed to be about 1,300 fps.
Most sources give 1878 as the year
Colt finally began chambering their
Single Action Army revolver for .44
WCF. (Some say 1877.) That would
have been after about serial number
41,000. By the time the First Generation
of Colt Single Action Army
production ended in 1941, .44 WCF
chambered ones were in distant
second place in regards numbers
made. Of course .45 Colt was first with
about 150,000 compared to the .44
WCF at approximately 64,000. One
fact makes .44 WCF unique among
Colt SAAs is the name the company
gave revolvers so chambered. They
were stamped “COLT FRONTIER
SIX-SHOOTER.” Merwin & Hulbert
bestowed an even odder moniker on
their .44 WCF chambered sixguns.
They were marked “CALIBRE
WINCHESTER 1873.” Although I’ve
shot Remington Model 1875 .44s and
even owned a Smith & Wesson single
20
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Duke’s most recent .44-40 revolvers are these
engraved ones from U.S. Firearms Company.
action Model No. 3 in this caliber, at
this late date I cannot remember how
they were caliber stamped.
Back in the late 1800s ammunition
companies often rated the
power of their loads by how many
1" thick white pine boards the bullets
would penetrate. A few years ago I
decided to try duplicating that with
a baffle box holding 7/8" white pine
planks. A 250-grain .45 Colt bullet
powered by 35 grains of Swiss FFFg
black powder penetrated 11 planks
and lodged in the 12th. A 200-grain
.44 WCF bullet over 38 grains of
Swiss FFFg made it through nine
planks and stuck in the 10th. A fact
worth mentioning was the .45 Colt
bullet was Lyman 454190, which was
more pointed than flatnose. The .44
WCF bullet was cast in RCBS mould
44-200FN which has a rather wide
flatnose. That likely slowed the .44
bullet a bit.
That RCBS .44 bullet design is my
all-time favorite for handloading .44
Duke tested many old West handgun cartridges by firing their black powder handloads into this baffle
box (above). Only the .45 Colt beat the .44-40.
WCF whether the ammunition will
be fired in revolvers or lever guns and
whether smokeless propellants or
black powder will propel them. For
many years my favored smokeless
powder charge for COLT FRON-
TIER SIX-SHOOTERS was 6.8
grains of Winchester 231 or Hodgdon
HP38. Depending on exact
barrel length and barrel/cylinder gap
that load hit about 775 to 875 fps.
Since the advent of IMR’s Trail Boss
powder I’ve used it almost exclusively
for this round with a charge
of 6.5 grains. Velocity may average
about 50 fps less, again depending on
exact handgun being fired.
I’ve also loaded thousands of .44
WCFs with black powder relying on
the same RCBS bullet over 33 grains
of either Goex FFg or FFFg. From
a 7-1/2" barrel those granulations of
black powder gave about 850 to 950 fps
respectively. The FFFg load is a real
boomer!
Going back over my life-long
records shows that I’ve owned about
30 revolvers chambered for this fine
old cartridge with eight remaining
with me at this time. Two of those are
engraved U.S. Firearms’ single actions
with 4-3/4" and 5-1/2" barrels and the
rest are various generations and barrel
lengths of COLT FRONTIER SIX-
SHOOTERS. Being so well stocked I
doubt if it will ever be necessary to own
another.
Some shooters hesitate to dive into
.44 WCF handgun shooting because
they have heard it’s a hard cartridge for
which to handload. There can be some
stumbling blocks in vintage revolvers
but .44 WCFs are essentially trouble
free in modern made ones. I’m glad
that troublesome rumor didn’t put me
off because .44 WCF revolvers have
given me countless hours of shooting
pleasure.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 21

The .223
Remington
One of America’s more accurate
and easy-to-load for cartridges.
John Barsness
The .223 Remington appeared in
1964 as the civilian version of the
5.56mm NATO. The 5.56mm
itself was essentially a compromise
between the .222 Remington (1950)
and .222 Remington Magnum (1958)
for use in the US military’s new M16
rifle.
The cases of the .223 and 5.56 are
essentially identical, but the chamber
throat of 5.56 rifles is longer, and
the pressures of military ammo are
usually higher as well. Consequently
it’s generally considered safe to fire
commercial .223 ammo in 5.56mm
chambers, but not the reverse. Also,
5.56 rifles generally have faster rifling
twists, and some (though not all) military
cases are heavier than commercial
brass. Military primers also have
heavier cups, to withstand higher
pressure and the slam of automatic
fire, especially in a hot rifle.
Twist
Until recently, the barrels on just
about all commercial rifles had rifling
twists of 1-turn-in-12" (1:12"), the
same as the original M16 adopted by
the US military. This stabilizes leadcored
spitzers up to about 60 grains,
and since most hunters used 40- to
55-grain bullets in the .223, the twist
worked fine—and still does, when
handloading conventional varmint
bullets.
The military eventually increased
bullet weights in some 5.56mm ammunition
to increase effectiveness in various
combat situations. In a few M16
variations the twist rate was changed
to 1:7", capable of stabilizing leadcored
spitzers up to 80+ grains in
weight.
At the same time more American
hunters wanted to use longer bullets,
both for varmint shooting at longer
ranges and for hunting smaller big
game such as deer and feral pigs.
Some longer bullets had conventional
lead cores, while others were longer
due to using “non-toxic” materials,
for the entire bullet or just the cores.
Five Test Rifles
The data listed was fired in five
different rifles, three bolt actions with
.223 chambers and two AR-15s with
5.56 chambers. Barrel lengths varied
from 16" to 26", providing a general
idea of how length affected muzzle
velocity. Several newer powders were
tested in the newest pair of the rifles,
a Thompson/Center Icon .223 with
a heavy 22" barrel and a 1:12" twist,
and one of the brand-new Nosler/
The rifles used in testing recent powders were
a Nosler/Noveske Varmageddon AR-15 and a
Thompson/Center Icon Precision Hunter.
The .223 is normally very accurate, especially in
heavy-barreled varmint rifles, and the AR-15 is
now just as accurate as many bolt actions.
Noveske Varmageddon AR-15s with
a 5.56 chamber in an 18" match barrel
with a 1:8" twist. I hadn’t tried any
handloads in the Nosler rifle, but it
averaged about .6" for five shots at
100 yards with Nosler Varmageddon
ammo. It turned out to be tough to
match that with handloads!
The .223 is remarkably easy to
handload, and usually very accurate.
Until a decade ago, almost all the
varmint shooters I knew used Hodgdon
H335 ball powder, because it
metered very precisely (handy when
loading lots of ammo) and resulted
in fine accuracy and top velocities.
However, it also burned somewhat
dirty, back then considered a
necessary evil of ball powders, due
to coatings that resisted burning just
enough to slow burn rate. (In extruded
powders, granule size is also used to
slow burn rate, a technique obviously
not applicable to ball powder.)
As a result, it was considered mandatory
to give bores at least a cursory
field cleaning after 50 or 75 rounds,
and to really scrub them each evening
after the day’s shooting was done, the
reason many older PD shooters associate
the smell of Hoppe’s No. 9 and
freshly opened Budweiser.
In the early 1990s, Hodgdon ran
out of the original military-surplus
powder they sold as H335, and
replaced it with newly made powder.
If you still have a bunch of the older
powder, it will probably result in
slower velocities. I used to use 28.0
grains of old H335 with 50-grain
bullets, but the new powder reached
the same velocity with 2 grains less
powder.
Clean Burning
Several of today’s ball powders
burn cleaner. A dozen years ago, I was
invited on a prairie dog shoot in eastern
Montana with a company called
22
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Ramshot, a new division of Western
Powders, a long-time powder distributor
in Miles City. They said they’d
have plenty of .223 ammo to shoot;
so I brought one, and after the first 50
rounds got out my cleaning rod. “Uh,
John, I don’t think you’ll find that
necessary,” one of the Ramshot people
said.
I was a little startled but then looked
down the muzzle. I could a light sheen
of copper on the lands, instead of the
all-black of powder fouling. I kept
shooting, checking the bore once in
a while, and never saw any difference.
Ramshot TAC turned out to be very
clean burning, and also contains a
de-coppering agent, typical of many
military powders used in automatic
weapons. It’s made in Belgium, where
it was developed for military use in
automatic weapons, including those
chambered for the 5.56mm NATO.
A supply went home with me, and
I discovered TAC produced about the
same velocities and accuracy as the
newly produced H335 with the same
powder charges, but with quite a bit
less powder fouling. In fact in one .223,
the heavy-barreled Remington 700
my wife Eileen shoots on burrowing
rodents, 500 rounds can be fired without
any deterioration in accuracy, and
afterward a few solvent-soaked patches
clean the bore down to bare metal.
TAC doesn’t work quite that way in
every rifle, but definitely reduces both
powder and copper fouling. Powder
fouling itself is abrasive, and with a lot
of powder fouling even a de-coppering
agent can only do so much good. I’ve
probably fired more .223 ammo loaded
with 50-grain Nosler Ballistic Tips
bullets 26.0 grains of TAC in various
.223’s than all other loads combined
over the past decade, and a few years
The .223 Remington is an
easy-to-reload for cartridge
and has proven quite accurate
over the years in both
bolt and self-loading rifles.
ago discovered a major bullet company
uses that exact combination for their
accuracy testing.
Over the next decade quite a few
shooters started using TAC, and more
recently Hodgdon introduced CFE
.223, also a clean-burning ball powder
with a de-coppering agent. (CFE
stands for Copper Fouling Eraser.) It
also works very well. In fact the world
is suddenly becoming crowded with
new and improved powders for the
DeSantis
Didn’t Invent
Concealment,
We Just
Perfected It!
MSRP
$ 38
38
99
Style 070
FOREIGN
ENEMIES
and traitors
The Greater Depression and Civil War 2
THE
INTIMIDATOR
REDUX
• Combat grip
• Trigger guard detent
• Forward cant/Zero cant/Cross draw
• Highly detail molded hybrid
®
800-GUNHIDE 631-841-6300
Dept #GM13
www.desantisholster.com
431 Bayview Avenue,
Amityville, NY 11701
The third novel of the Enemies trilogy
MATTHEW BRACKEN
Author of Enemies Foreign And Domestic,
Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista,
and Castigo Cay
Signed books for $22 Steelcutter Publishing
each, S&H incl.
P.O. Box 65673
Specify titles
Orange Park
ordered.
FL 32065
Available at Amazon and on Kindle.
www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com
24
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

.223 Remington Handloaded Ammo Performance
BullET pOWDER Charge Velocity ACCURACy
(brand, style, weight) (brand) (grains) (fps) (inches)
Rifle: Remington 700, 26" heavy barrel, 1:12" twist
Nosler 40 Ballistic Tip TAC 28.5 3,872 .63
Nosler 50 Ballistic Tip H335 26.0 3,351 .59
Nosler 50 Ballistic Tip TAC 26.0 3,476 .26
Rifle: Remington 788, 24" E.R. Shaw sporter barrel, 1:9" twist
Nosler 50 Ballistic Tip TAC 26.0 3,364 .68
Barnes 53 Triple Shock
Nosler 60 Partition
Varget
tAC
25.0
23.5
3,057
3,007
.89
1.05
Hornady 68 BTHP Varget 25.0 2,940 .59
Rifle: Bushmaster AR-15, 16" light barrel, 1:9" twist
Nosler 40 Ballistic Tip TAC 28.0 3,518 .62
Nosler 50 Ballistic Tip TAC 26.0 3,157 .93
Hornady 68 BTHP Varget 25.0 2,753 .74
Rifle: Thompson/Center Icon, 22" heavy fluted barrel, 1:12" twist
Nosler 40 Varmageddon cfe223 29.0 3,492 .73
Nosler 40 Ballistic Tip Benchmark 28.0 3,778 .65
Calhoon 42 HP
Nosler 50 Ballistic Tip
Benchmark 28.0
TAC 26.0
3,707
3,294
.76
.60
Sierra 50 BlitzKing cfe223 28.5 3,540 .62
Speer 50 TNT Varmint 26.0 3,202 .73
Nosler 60 Partition tAC 24.5 3,173 1.30
Nosler/Noveske AR-15, 18" medium barrel, 1:8" twist
Sierra 40 BlitzKing cfe223 29.0 3,253 .94
Speer 50 TNT Green CFE223 28.5 3,252 1.10
Barnes 53 Triple Shock
Hornady 68 BTHP
CFE223
cfe223
28.0
25.8
3,313
2,868
1.31
.56
Berger 70 VLD
Berger 80 VLD
AR-Comp
Varget
23.0
25.0
2,775
2,759
.56
1.01
.223, including Alliant’s AR-Comp
and Varmint. Today’s cleaner-burning
powders also cut down on the cleaning
interval necessary for AR-15 actions.
Some of older powders also work
very well, of course. Varget has long
been a favorite among shooters using
68- to 75-grain bullets in faster-twist
barrels, and Benchmark produces very
high muzzle velocities with 40-grain
bullets, for those who prefer warp
speeds.
If using military brass you should
weigh a few and compare their weight
to civilian cases. I don’t use much military
brass, since over the past 30 years
my collection of commercial cases
has grown to where it’s measured in
pounds, not rounds, but have weighed
enough mil-surp stuff to know there’s
some overlap with commercial stuff.
Complete with spent primers my
Black Hills brass averaged 97.7 grains,
Federal 99.2 grains, Nosler 94.6,
Remington 94.2 and Winchester 95.7.
I usually use CCI small rifle primers
when loading .223 ammo, either BR-4
benchrest or standard 400s, and have
never had a problem in several ARs.
If you do, CCI also offers their No.
41 military primer, with a thicker cup
to prevent primer piercing and slamfires.
CCI BR-4s were used in Nosler/
Noveske and Thompson/Center
testing.
The .223 Remington is the mostreloaded
centerfire rifle case in the
United States, and not just because it’s
economical. The cartridge works for
everything from varmint shooting to
paper punching to light big game, and
is usually extremely accurate.
Manufacturers:
Alliant Powder
P.O. Box 6
Radford, VA 24143
(800) 276-9337
www.gunsmagazine.com/alliant-powder
Barnes Bullets
38 N. Frontage Rd., Mona, UT 84645
(435) 856-1000
www.gunsmagazine.com/barnes-bullets
Berger Bullets
4275 N. Palm St., Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 447-5456
www.gunsmagazine.com/berger-bullets
Hodgdon Powder Company
6231 Robinson, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202
(913) 362-9455
www.gunsmagazine.com/hodgdon
Hornady Mfg. Co.
3625 W. Old Potash Hwy.
Grand Island, NE 68803
(800) 338-3220
www.gunsmagazine.com/hornady
James Calhoon Manufacturing
4343 U.S. Hwy. 87, Havre, MT 59501
(406) 395-4079
www.gunsmagazine.com/james-calhoon
Nosler, Inc.
P.O. Box 671, Bend, OR 97709
(800) 285-3701
www.gunsmagazine.com/nosler
Ramshot
Western Powders
P.O. Box 158, Miles City, MT 59301
(800) 497-1007
www.gunsmagazine.com/
western-powders-inc
Sierra Bullets
1400 W. Henry St., Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-6300
www.gunsmagazine.com/sierra-bullets
Speer Ammo
2299 Snake River Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501
(800) 627-3640
www.gunsmagazine.com/speer-ammo
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 25

The Holster
Wardrobe
Guys need more ball caps,
gals need more shoes, and
handguns need more holsters.
Massad Ayoob
Being on the road a lot gives me a
good sense of how few holsters
you can get away with when
you’re wearing handguns every day.
Airlines have weight limits, and suitcases
have finite space. Let’s take a
moment to see if what works for me
might work for you.
I’m writing this in the American
West, where a sixgun just seems natural…
and besides, I was shooting Stock
Service Revolver division at the Washington
State IDPA Championships
(came in second, darn it). The gun is
a substantial one, a 4" S&W 686 .357
Magnum expertly tuned by Bob Lloyd.
Like many practical shooting sports,
IDPA requires strong-side hip carry,
and that’s where I’m accustomed to
packing my primary sidearm anyway.
A Safariland Model 568 scabbard
worked well at the match, and
proved handy on the training range. It
carries the gun comfortably outside the
waistband. I had the optional paddle
attached: handy for when the holster
has to often come off the belt and then
go back on. For concealment, though,
I prefer something inside the waistband
(IWB). A Ted Blocker Model 12 IWB
is with me, its snap-on belt attachment
loop giving me the same on-and-off
convenience as the paddle-style OWB.
When the holster is going to be on
all day, I use another IWB, the Mitch
Rosen ARG (originally Ayoob Rear
Guard, now American Rear Guard).
Its permanent belt loop is behind the
body of the gun, locking it forward to
prevent “printing” under the sport and
suit coats I’ve had to wear on part of
this trip. When I’ve had to teach without
jacket but also without gun visible, the
ARG has kept the big service revolver
out of sight beneath an un-tucked polo
shirt that’s one size larger than what I’d
normally wear tucked in.
A shoulder rig (above) is ideal for a night of
pouring rain. This one, by Bianchi, carries Mas’
4" S&W 686. Mas draws the same 686 (below)
from a Safariland OWB holster at 2012 Washington
State IDPA Championships.
Some holsters can be more multifunctional
than others. Last year,
carrying this same revolver in Arizona,
I wore it in a Galco Yaqui Slide. Carrying
the gun outside the belt, this skeletonized
rig holds it tight enough to the
body for good concealment, yet is fast
enough to compete with. Last year
and the year before, the Galco and
the S&W won me the Stock Service
Revolver Division Championships at
the South Mountain IDPA match in
Phoenix, Ariz. Draw was as fast as
with a dedicated speed holster.
Orthopedic Holsters
Having occasionally sustained injuries
on the road that got in the way of
my usual carrying and shooting techniques,
I try to have fallbacks in the
suitcase. I tore out a shoulder once at
the rotator cuff and deltoid, and for
some time lost the range of movement
needed for a straight hip draw. The arm
could come forward, though, making
crossdraw possible. My crossdraw rig
for the trip was a neutral cant horsehide
scabbard by Derry Gallagher. If
my dominant arm or hand became
compromised—like when I busted my
trigger finger on another trip some 30
years ago—a “cavalry draw” done lefthanded
with the holster butt forward
on my left hip will do in a pinch for
carry, though it won’t be allowed in
most competition.
Darn it again, I didn’t have a
concealable left-handed L-frame
holster around when I packed for the
trip. I usually have a “mirror image”
holster for the guns I regularly travel
with: Bianchi and High Noon southpaw
scabbards for the 1911s, port side
Don Hume belt slide and Bianchi Pistol
Pocket IWB for K-frame Smith revolvers,
and a southpaw Aker Flatsider for
the Glocks. In the latter brand, Glock’s
own super-cheap plastic Sport Combat
holster is an excellent buy for a concealable,
ambidextrous holster. The same is
true of Glock’s magazine pouches.
A shoulder holster can also come
in handy. Reaching through the front
of a heavy winter coat can make it the
most accessible option in really cold or
torrentially wet weather. It also takes
the weight off the hips if you develop
a lumbar spine problem or a pelvic
ailment. Shoulder rigs (or cross draw)
tend to work well if you end up in a
wheelchair for a while, too. Bianchi and
Galco make the shoulder rigs I most
often wear.
Another handy thing to have along
is an elastic bellyband holster; Gould
& Goodrich makes a very nice one. It’s
ambidextrous if necessary, and allows
you to hide even a substantial revolver
under a tucked-in shirt with no outer
garment. They’re slow to reholster, but
they sure do pack easily in a suitcase.
A DeSantis 2X2X2 cartridge carrier
rides inconspicuously on my belt, and a
Bianchi Speed Strip in a cargo pocket,
with a Safariland Comp III speedloader
in the cell phone pocket of my
26
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

ARG holster by Mitch Rosen conceals the big
686 inside the waistband of an average-size guy.
cargo pants. For decades, a 6-shot
revolver and two spare reloads were
considered enough for a cop to guard
society. It doesn’t leave me insecure
carrying this “load-out” for personal
self-defense today. Spare auto mags,
of course, are even easier to carry and
faster to deploy.
This relatively small array of
holsters covers a broad spectrum of
needs. It works for the traveler living
out of a suitcase, or the new shooter
working with a limited holster budget.
Even a few different carry options
greatly extend the versatility of the
handgun.
Bianchi & Safariland
3120 E. Mission Blvd., Ontario, CA 91761
(800) 347-1200
www.gunsmagazine.com/bianchiintl
Ted Blocker Holsters
9438 S.W. Tigard St., Tigard, OR 97223
(800) 650-9742
www.gunsmagazine.com/ted-blocker-holsters
DeSantis Holster & Leather Goods
431 Bayview Ave., Amityville, NY 11701
(800) 424-1236
www.gunsmagazine.com/desantisholster
Derry Gallagher Holsters
P.O. Box 720536 , McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 686-5109
derryg@dgmaker.vt.com
www.gunsmagazine.com/derrry-gallagher
Galco Gunleather
2019 W. Quail Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027
(800) 874-2526
www.gunsmagazine.com/galco
Glock Inc.
6000 Highlands Pkwy., Smyrna, GA 30082
(770) 432-1202
www.gunsmagazine.com/glock
Mitch Rosen
540 No. Commercial St.
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 647-2971
www.gunsmagazine.com/mitch-rosen
Gould & Goodrich
709 E. McNeil St.
Lillington, NC 27546
(800) 277-0732
www.gunsmagazine.com/gould-and-goodrich
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 27

Let’s Look Inside
Case Sizing Part II
Glen Zediker
Last time, we talked about resizing
a spent cartridge case for
best reuse in an AR-type firearm.
The focus was on the outside of
the case. This time we’ll talk about
the inside, the case neck area. Options
matter more than you might imagine.
Before talking options, the first step is
understanding the essence.
There are two diameters on a case
neck, both matter. Inside diameter
and outside diameter. On firing, the
case neck will expand to fit the limits
of that area in the rifle chamber. For
safety’s sake, most factory chamber
neck areas are fairly generous in size
(compared to what we might get away
with in a custom chamber and consistent
brass). That is done to accommodate
a wider variety of cartridge
case specifications. Not all case neck
walls are the same thickness, so not all
neck diameters will be the same. There
has to be room for the case neck to
expand to release the bullet. If there’s
not, then pressures can escalate.
In resizing, the case neck gets its
outside squeezed down and then its
inside gets opened back up.
Most conventional sizing dies are
going to take the fired neck outside
diameter down a significant amount.
These dies incorporate an expanding
appliance, usually called a sizing
button (some, me too, call it an
“expander”) that comes back through
the case neck when the case is withdrawn
from the die.
This is affixed to the
decapping rod. The
button diameter determines
the inside case
neck diameter, and
also then the outside
neck diameter.
It’s inside diameter
that’s important.
Inside diameter
determines case neck
constriction, which
some call case neck
“tension,” and that
matters a whole lot.
It matters to safety and accuracy.
It’s the difference in diameters of the
bullet and the inside case neck. For a
semi-auto it should be at least .003".
Less than that and retaining the bullet
against movement prior to firing can
be a question. This movement can be
induced through inertia or impact.
This WW-brand case has .012"-thick neck walls. Double that to get .024". Add that to the bullet
diameter, .224", to get the outside case neck diameter of a loaded round. Of course you can always
just measure a loaded neck, but this progression of attaining numbers shows more. For example,
take that figure, .248", and reduce it until you get the .003" recommended constriction amount.
That means we need a ready-to-load outside diameter of .245", which would be an inside diameter
of .221". If using a neck-bushing die, it would be a .244", or a sizing button diameter of .222", both
account for the .001" spring-back. (Always either add or subtract .001" from any sizing appliance to
arrive at an anticipated net result. Brass isn’t completely pliable, or plastic. It will rebound roughly
this amount after any sizing operation.)
Much more than that (more than
.005" difference) and then the bullet
may get its jacket damaged on seating,
as well as having the bullet become an
unwanted contribution to the sizing
operation. If there is excessive seating
resistance, the case shoulder may get
additional setback.
Some, me included, are concerned
with the amount of down and up in
the sizing operation. No doubt, more
sizing “works” brass and shortens its
life. There are sizing dies that feature
changeable bushings to specify the
amount of outside
case neck sizing. It’s
Exaggerated, of
course, but because
wall thicknesses
vary there literally
can be two different
centers in a case
neck with nonuniformed
walls.
Which influences
depends on whether
the case neck was
last sized inside or
outside. If you don’t
neck-turn cases, it
should be inside.
possible, certainly,
to use this to reduce
the amount the
expander opens up
the neck.
I really don’t
recommend
bushing
dies for semiautos.
One of the
main points against
them is that they
don’t size the full
height of the case
neck. Not sizing the
full neck tube is a contributor to the
influence of the case neck “doughnut”
I talked about in the October 2008
issue. (In case you missed that, this
is narrow elevated ring of brass that
increases constriction by reducing the
inside neck diameter. It’s like rolling
an O-ring down into the case neck,
stopping it right at the case neck, case
shoulder juncture.) As I hope makes
sense, it’s also for this reason I don’t
recommend sizing a case without a
sizing button in place. This is easily
possible with a bushing die. Squeezing
down the outside diameter of the
neck without opening its inside back
up will, I promise, form a doughnut.
The sizing button reopens the neck
inside and helps alleviate the effects
of this condition. It can also influence
accuracy, in a bad way, contrary to the
intentions of following this procedure.
Neck Centers
In effect, there are two centers on a
case neck, one outside and one inside.
The inside matters most because that’s
where the bullet is, and that’s what it
gets seated into. To see how literal this
is, sizing a case with no expanding
appliance, such that only the outside
wall is touched, and then running it
on a concentricity fixture will almost
always show zero to very little runout.
28
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Take the same case and size it using
the expander such that the inside neck
wall is the last thing touched, and
another check with the fixture will
likely then show runout. Expanders
get blamed but the bigger thing is that
it’s only pointed out neck wall thickness
inconsistency.
If case neck walls aren’t uniform
in thickness, then whatever amount
of inconsistency there is displaces
either center. If we want the inside
wall center to be in the center, then
an inside expanding appliance should
be the last sizing tool used on the
case neck. The only case necks that
respond better to no inside sizing are
those on uniformed brass, and specifically
that means they’ve had their
necks outside-turned so their wall
diameters are consistent. When we’re
using cases that exhibit neck wall
thickness differences, however slight,
having something to final-size the
inside of the neck actually produces
a more concentric case neck, from the
bullet’s point of view (literally). Go
with that.
Make life easier on case necks.
Many dies have a sizing button that
can be chucked into a hand drill
(chuck up the decapping stem). It’s
way wise to run it against emery paper
to polish the fool out of the piece
before even its first use. I use 320 grit.
The difference in use, and its effect
on the case neck, is astounding. If
needed, the button can be run on the
emery until it’s the right size (smaller)
to get the bullet grip we want from
the case neck. I’ve encountered a
number of .223 Remington dies that
needed a smaller diameter button to
net the recommended .003" constriction.
And lube the inside of the neck.
Right. Some seem adamant about not
doing this, but case necks ought not to
squeak. I use plain old case lube.
Information in this article was
adapted from The Competitive
AR15: the Ultimate Technical Guide,
published by Zediker Publishing. For
more information, including many
downloads, check www.zedikerpublishing.com
or call (662) 473-6107.
Scope Mount
SEE THRU ... SEE MORE.
MODEL 730
Style# Description
705 Browning
710 Marlin
715 Remington 700
725 Remington 742
730 Remington 7400
740 Ruger 10/22
741 Savage 110
750 Winchester 70
TOP MOUNT RINGS FOR
USE ON STANDARD
IRONSIGHTER,
KWIK-SITE OR
WEAVER BASES.
AVAILABLE IN 4 NEW
HEIGHTS W32, W44, W52 & W64
MODEL 570
GUNSMAGAZINE.COM
Winchester-Western
427 N. Shamrock
East Alton, IL 62024
(618) 258-2000
www.gunsmagazine.com/winchester-western
Forster Products
310 E. Lanark Ave.
Lanark, IL 61046
(815) 493-6360
www.gunsmagazine.com/forster
Sinclair International
2330 Wayne Haven St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(800) 717-8211
www.gunsmagazine.com/sinclair
SEE-THRU MOUNTS FOR
IRONSIGHTER ® OR
WEAVER ® STYLE BASES
P.O. Box 85070
Westland, MI 48185
(734) 326-8731
Fax # (734) 326-3378
E-mail: jbh33136@aol.com
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 29

HOLT BODINSON
Surplus, Classic and
TaCTical FirearmS
What A Rimfire!
GSG/ATI’s Sturmgewehr 44
.22 Long Rifle.
In the spring of 1943, 2,000
Maschinenkarabiner 42s were
delivered to Germany’s beleaguered
troops of Army Group North
on the Russian Front. The impact of
the sudden appearance on the front
line of a 30-round, selective-fire rifle,
later to be named the Sturmgewehr 44
(StG44), had to have been a startling
event to the Russians. To the German
troops, their MKb42s were judged so
superior to their bolt-action Mausers
and MP 40s that Hitler, who had
specifically terminated (or thought
he had!) the development of the rifle,
was forced to embrace it and order
its mass production.
By the end of WWII, Germany
had fielded the most advanced small
arms the world had ever seen. Given
the complex and often strained
relationship between the professional
military and the Fuhrer, the
competing priorities of the various
services and the destruction of
the Third Reich’s production and
supply systems, it’s astonishing that
any of the important advancements
in small arms ever saw the light of
day. The leading models that come
to mind are the MG42 machinegun,
the Fallschirmjaegergewehr
42 (Parachutist rifle) and the Sturmgewehr
42/43/44 series.
We may not have the opportunity
to own any of them, but their history
is interesting, and through the efforts
of German Sport Guns (GSG) and
American Tactical Imports, we now
have a rimfire version of the StG44
that, from all outside appearances,
dimensions and weight, is as close to
the real item as you’ll find. The story
of the original StG44 begins with a
cartridge.
The Beginning
WWI was one of the seminal
moments in military history with
developments like aerial and gas
warfare, the tank and the machine
gun for suppressive and indirect
fire. One of the lessons learned was
that most engagements occurred at
less than 400 yards, generating the
conclusion that you didn’t need a
full-powered rifle cartridge to get the
job done.
The American solution was the
secretly developed Pedersen device
that replaced the bolt in a ’03 Springfield,
transforming the Springfield
into a magazine-fed, 40-shot semiautomatic,
firing a pistol-sized,
The functioning dust cover (above) snaps opens
when the bolt slams home. An ersatz push button
above the safety (below) was the selective fire
control switch on an original StG44.
The StG44 arrives in
an attractive, vintagelooking,
pine chest
made by the Amish.
30
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Remove one pushpin and
the GSG-StG44 disassembles
just like the original.
.30-caliber cartridge sporting an
80-grain bullet at 1,300 fps. Given
the deceptive designation of “Automatic
Pistol, Caliber .30, 1918,”
500,000 Pedersen devices were on
order for a planned mass attack on
the German lines scheduled for the
spring of 1919. The war ended in
the fall of 1918, consequently only
65,000 Pedersen devices were ever
produced.
Pedersen then went on to develop
the more powerful, but very compact,
.276 Pedersen cartridge initially
chambered in the M1 Garand until
Army Chief of Staff, General McArthur,
stepped in and ordered the
.276 out and the .30-06 in, given the
millions of rounds of. 30-06 stockpiled
around the country.
The 400-yard engagement window
was not lost on the Germans who
pursued their own development
of an intermediate-powered, rifle
cartridge. It was the famous ammunition
firm, Polte of Magdeburg,
that designed a reduced-length
8mm cartridge based on the brass
and much of the tooling used for
the production of the standard
7.9x57 round. The 7.9x33 cartridge,
often referred to as the 8mm Kurz,
received its final form in 1941. From
the 16.5" barrel of the Sturmgewehr,
it propelled a 125-grain bullet at
2,100 to 2,200 fps.
On a parallel line of development,
the Army Ordnance Department,
the Heereswaffenamt, contracted
with the Haenel and Walther firms to
design a new rifle for an intermediate
round. One of the specifications
called for using formed sheet metal
wherever possible.
Haenel, under the direction of
Hugo Schmeisser, had 50 prototypes
The GSG-StG44 rimfire magazine is the exact
size of the original 7.92x33 model.
ready by 1942. The Haenel model
was designated MKb42(H) and the
Walther model MKb42(W). Both
models at this point in time carried
the Maschinenkarabiner (MKb)
code. The models were shown to
Hitler. Like McArthur, the Fuhrer
reminded his commanders that they
were sitting on 8 billion rounds of
7.92x57. He insisted on the termination
of the program with the focus to
be on the production of the Walther
G43, MG42, MP40 and sniper
scopes.
In a moment of inspired disobedience,
the Army Ordnance Department
continued the development
of both models, but to confuse the
Fuhrer’s staff and Allied intelligence,
they changed the designations
to Maschinenpistole or MP42
and MP43. It’s the Pedersen story all
over again!
After field tests and exposure
to combat conditions on the Eastern
Front, the Walther model was
dropped and the Haenel model
adopted as the MP43. The performance
of the stamped sheet metal
MP43 was so good that in October
1943, Hitler relented and ordered
the production of 30,000 MP43s
per month with the objective of
rearming every division on the
Eastern Front with it. A year later,
the MP43 was renamed the “Sturmgewehr
44” (literally, the “storm
rifle” akin to “stormtrooper”)
and stamped “StG44.” By 1945,
Schmeisser had refined the model for
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 31

Weighing in at the same 10 pounds as the original,
the StG44 is a comfortable .22 rimfire to
shoot. The ventilated handguard is slim and trim.
The hinged compartment on the butt (above)
originally carried a magazine-loading tool. The
rear sight (below) is fully adjustable for windage
and elevation.
easier production as the StG45, but
production was very limited in 1945.
Accessories designed for the
StG44 included the “Vampir” infrared
night sight, scope sights, cup
grenade launchers and the really wild
“Vorsatz” 30- and 90-degree, curved
barrel extensions with prism sights
that permitted the firer to shoot
around corners or down from the
turret of a tank. Total production
of the StG44 family of assault rifles
is estimated to have been around
440,000 units but surviving records
are incomplete.
The StG44 was a heavy rifle,
weighing in at 10 pounds unloaded
and 11 pounds loaded. With its
sheet metal handguard, it was probably
“hotter than a $2 pistol” after a
couple of magazines were fired full
auto. I suspect it did make a nice
hand warmer on the Eastern Front.
On the other hand, if it weren’t being
fired, it would be a cold komrade
indeed.
Roy Dunlap in his classic book,
Ordnance Went Up Front, greatly
admires the StG44’s advanced design
but reports its sheet metal receiver
was so thin that if the rifle ever fell
over by itself and the receiver was
dented, the StG44 could very well be
put out of commission.
There must be quite a few Sturmgewehrs
still chugging around
because Graf & Sons carry 7.92x33
ammunition currently loaded for
them by Hornady with 125-grain
hollowpoints at $20.99 a box.
With that background, the introduction
of the StG44 semi-automatic
rimfire by German Sport Guns
is simply sensational. It is one, cool
looking clone from its rakish profile
to the wooden chest it comes packed
in—a pine chest, hand-crafted by
the Amish in upstate New York, the
GSG-StG44
MAKER:
German Sport Guns GmbH
www.gunsmagazine.com/
german-sporting-guns
IMPORTER:
American TACTical Imports, Inc.
100 Airpark Dr.
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 328-2212
www.gunsmagazine.com/
american-TACTical-imports
MECHANISM: Blowback, CALIBER: .22
Long Rifle Standard & High-Velocity,
CAPACITY: 25, BARREL LENGTH: 16-1/4",
OVERALL LENGTH: 37", SIGHTS: 0-100
meterS, fully adjustable, tangent
rear; hooded blade front, WEIGHT: 9
pounds, 13 ounces, PRICE: $595
home of the US importer and distributor,
American Tactical Imports.
The detailing of this ersatz Sturmgewehr
is remarkable. First, it’s
a handful, weighing just shy of 10
pounds with an unloaded, polymer
magazine; yet, it is a very well
balanced rifle and feels good in your
hands. The stamped, sheet metal
body of the rifle has the folds, ribs
and ventilation ports of the original.
All the controls and essential
features are in the proper places,
specifically the complete fire control
system and pistol grip, the magazine
and magazine release catch, an automatic
opening dust cover, the fully
adjustable tangent/ barleycorn sights
and the cocking lever. The buttstock
is properly made out of wood and
even features the trapdoor compartment
on top of the heel, which held a
magazine loading device in the original
Sturmgewehr.
The overall length of the GSG
clone is correct at 37" with a 16-1/4"
barrel terminating inside a 1-1/2"
ersatz muzzle nut. The rimfire even
32
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

For plinking purposes, the
StG44 will handle a wide
variety of standard and
high-velocity rounds.
disassembles like the original with the
removal of one pushpin that holds
the stock, receiver and fire control
system together. Once broken down,
the entire breechblock and mainspring
assembly can be removed as a
single unit for cleaning and lubrication
purposes. This simplified disassembly
procedure and ease of maintenance
had to be great assets to the
StG44-toting trooper in the field.
How does the ersatz Sturmgewehr
shoot? The slim, U-shaped handguard
is exceedingly comfortable.
The pistol grip places your hand in
the right position for manipulating
the safety (reversed from the original)
and trigger. The straight stock minimizes
movement at the moment of
discharge. The double-stage trigger is
smooth and releases at +/-6 pounds.
As I’ve mentioned before the weight
distribution and balance of the rifle
between your hands is outstanding.
It’s a fine offhand rifle. The blowback
action is adjusted specifically for
high-speed and high-quality standard
velocity ammunition, and I had no
malfunctions with the brands or the
25-round magazine I tested.
The open sights are a challenge
though. The hooded front blade
is set up as a thin pointed pyramid
while the rear tangent sight features
a wide U-notch. With a sight radius
of 17", I found it somewhat difficult
to work with the thin, pointy, front
blade, which kept blending into and
fading away into the black bulls, so
I changed to paper targets in which
the bull was predominantly white.
The groups improved immediately.
Actually, it would not be hard to
design a clamp-on scope mount that
makes use of the ribs of the receiver.
(GSG: that’s a hint.)
Like the whole rimfire tribe, the
StG44 had a hearty appetite for some
particular .22 Long Rifle loads—
namely, Winchester Power Point and
Remington’s Gold HP. Wolf’s Super
Match was favored as well, but it’s
expensive fare for a plinker. I shot it
just to see how well the StG44 would
handle a low-velocity target round.
It did, without a hiccup.
In the world of ersatz, military,
rimfire clones, it doesn’t get any
more exotic than the GSG/ATI Sturmgewehr
44. Well, maybe that’s an
exaggeration. It sure would be nice
to see a Fallschirmjaegergewehr 42 in
rimfire mode.
The World’s Assault Rifles, by Gary Paul
Johnston and Thomas B. Nelson, hardcover,
1,216 pages, ©2010, Ironside International
Publishers, $69.95, From: A&J Arms
Book Sellers, 2449 N. Orchard Ave.,
Tucson, AZ 85712, (520) 512-1065, www.
ajarmsbooksellers.com
Thompson Target
4804 Sherman Church Ave. S.W.
Canton, OH 44706
(330) 484-6480
www.gunsmagazine.com/
thompson-target
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 33

OUT OF THE BOX
JOHN TAFFIN
The LaserLyte Rear Sight laser works very
well as a standard rear sight in bright light.
LaserLyte’s Rear
Sight Laser
This small, compact unit
combines a fixed rear sight
with an adjustable laser.
John Taffin
The fact that I am even writing
this attests to my willingness to
change even though I normally
dig in both heels and resist dramatically
to anything affecting my preconceived
notions. It was not too many years
ago any “real sixgunner” would look
down his nose at anything so lowly as
a 9mm, let alone a 9mm Glock. I made
much of what little reputation I have
now shooting big-bore, really big-bore
sixguns and reporting about them.
Long before I started writing and over
many decades virtually every writer did
the standard .45 ACP vs. 9mm argument
with the latter always losing. By
the 1980s, that was about to change.
Two things happened and those
two things were Glock and the introduction
of ammunition, which was
certainly well above the standard 9mm
hardball. Many concluded the highquality
9mm loads being offered were
at least on par with the legendary stopping
power of .45 hardball. I accepted
the ammunition long before the Glock
and one of my favorite concealed carry
guns was the Smith & Wesson Model
3913 loaded with 9mm hollowpoints.
It was not high capacity, however it
tucked in behind my belt and stayed
there. It is still always loaded and
always close at hand. Slowly but surely
I began to accept the Glock for what
it was. I mostly look at firearms as not
only useful tools but works of art. The
classic lines of the Colt Single Action,
Ruger Flat-Top, Smith & Wesson’s .44
Magnum and Combat Magnum, and
the 1911 are all highly efficient and—
just as important to me—eye pleasing
and worthy of custom stocks; even
engraving.
It was not until I attended a Glock
Seminar divided between classroom
and actual shooting conditions that I
really appreciated the Glock for what it
was. Over a 3-day period I fired 1,000
rounds of .45 ACP ammunition and
the Glock never hesitated, never failed
to feed, and I never missed a target. My
anti-Glock armor was cracked wide
open. Glocks in .45 ACP, .45 GAP, and
10mm were soon added to my shooting
battery and although they worked
perfectly I normally went with something
smaller for concealed carry. This
past year found me looking through the
Glock Annual where I discovered the
15-shot Model 19C (“C” for compensated)
9mm. To me this looked like
the perfect answer for a high-capacity,
easy-to-carry 9mm with a compensator
making it even easier to control in rapid
fire. It came with excellent sights with
the rear sight in a dovetail and adjustable
for windage.
It shoots extremely well with very
little recoil making follow-up shots, if
necessary, very easy; it was just about
perfect. Only one thing remained
to finish up this highly efficient selfdefense
tool and that was to add laser
sights. Self-defense situations most
often occur in low light making a laser
a most valuable add-on. The answer in
this case is the LaserLyte Rear Sight.
I have several laser-equipped semiautomatics
and double-action revolvers.
For most of them the laser is in
a replacement grip or attaches to the
factory grip, or in one case replaces the
guide rod on a 1911. The LaserLyte is
none of these. It is in fact an extremely
compact replacement rear sight.
The Rear Sight Laser from Laser-
Lyte is designed to fit all Glocks simply
by tapping out the factory rear sight
in its dovetail and replacing it with
the LaserLyte combination rear sight
and laser. The replacement rear sight
is a white outlined square blade, which
matches up perfectly with the factory
front sight and works as well or better
than the original rear sight. On both
sides of the rear sight blade we find two
cylinders approximately 1/4" in diameter
and 3/4" in length. The left cylinder
contains the battery and activation
switch while the right cylinder is the
laser. The latter is adjusted by an elevation
screw on top, and a windage screw
on the side. It is extremely compact and
does not interfere with holstering nor
does it change the grip in any way.
Most lasers have an off/on the
switch which must be turned to the
“on” position and then the laser itself
is activated by hand contact with the
laser grip; the LaserLyte is different.
When the activation button is pressed
The white outlined LaserLyte Rear Sight (above)
mates up nicely with the white-dot front sight
of the Glock 9mm. The gray button on the left is
the activating switch. A top view of the Laser-
Lyte (below) reveals the windage locking screw
as well as laser adjustment screws. Note how
compact the unit is.
34
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

John fired these five shots rapid fire at 10 yards
with the LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser equipped
Glock 19C 9mm.
once a solid red laser light comes on
while twice gives a pulsating feature
and then pushing the button the third
time turns off the unit. To activate the
LaserLyte you simply draw the pistol
from holster or waistband, bring it
up to the normal 2-handed position
where the offhand thumb presses the
activation switch on the left side of the
rear sight. If one hand or arm is out
of commission in an emergency I find
I can use the thumb of my shooting
hand to reach the activation switch by
propping the pistol against my other
arm or any solid surface.
RSL-RTB-GL
Maker: LaserLyte
30 N. Alamos Dr.
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
(928) 649-3201
www.gunsmagazine.com/lASERlyte
COMPATIBILITY: Fits all Glock
pistols, Power Output: Class IIIA,
5mw, LASER moduLE: 650nm, Bat-
TERIES: 4 No. 377, BATTERY LIFE: 5
hours constant on, 10 hours pulse
mode (normal usage), WEIGHT: 1.2
ounces, LENGTH: .85”, WIDTH: 1.05”,
HEIGHT: .35”, PRICE: $153.95
The LaserLyte Rear Sight weighs
just over 1 ounce and uses four very
small 4x377 batteries. In constant
use these batteries will last 5 hours in
regular mode and double that when
using the pulsating mode. The Laser-
Lyte Rear Sight comes with one of the
best sets of easy-to-follow and exceptionally
well illustrated directions
available, as well as batteries, two
Allen wrenches for adjusting the laser
as well as tightening the locking screw
of the rear sight, and a brass punch
to tap in the rear sight without having
to worry about scratching it. The sight
is also available for the Springfield
Armory XD.
Glock
6000 Highlands Pkwy.
Smyrna, GA 30082
(770) 432-1202
www.gunsmagazine.com/glock
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 35

QUESTIONS
and ANSWERS
JEFF JOHN
Got a burning question to ask the editor? Contact him at: E-mail: ed@gunsmagazine.com or postal at: GUNS Q&A,
12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 92128. Due to the volume of mail received, GUNS cannot offer a personal reply.
1911 .38 Special
Q:
In your September issue, I
found John Taffin’s “Campfire
Tales” on Jim Clark quite fascinating;
more especially, converting
the .38 Super to a .38 Special (if my
memory serves me). If I indeed do
have my facts correct, is this conversion
to be performed by an extraordinary
gunsmith or one with reasonably
good talents? In other words, would
it be an expensive or difficult task
to have performed? GUNS is a great
magazine and second to none.
Glenn Siciliano
via e-mail
The market for pistols shooting
the .38 Special flush-mouth
A:
wadcutter bullet has almost vanished,
since super accurate 9mm, .38 Super
and .45 ACP pistols are now possible.
Clark Custom still offers the 1911
PB-38 .38 Special Premium Bullseye
but it is pricey and about twice what the
firm’s .45 ACP Premium Bullseye costs.
Clark will still build one if they can’t
talk you out it, and better options for
less recoil than the .45 are the Premium
Bullseye 1911 in 9mm or .38 Super for
the same price as a .45. In addition, the
5-shot .38 Special magazines are pricey
and difficult to acquire.
Clark Custom Guns, Inc.,
336 Shootout Ln., Princeton, LA 71067
(318) 949-9884
www.gunsmagazine.com/
clark-custom-guns-inc
Clark Custom still builds a 1911 in .38 Special, but
developments in accurizing 9mm Luger, .38 Super
and .45 ACP have progressed so far the 1911 in
.38 Special is now obsolete. Photo: Clark Custom
Fast Twist .22-250
Q:
I’ve noticed several loading
manuals show loads for 70- to
75-grain bullets in the .22-250. Most
rifles in this caliber have a twist rate of
1:14". Will this slow twist stabilize 70-
or 75-grain bullets?
Dan Bastion
via e-mail
No, the 1:14" or 1:12" twist won’t
A: stabilize heavy .223" bullets. Most
.22-250 rifles are meant for varmint
shooting, yet if you look at the ballistics
in the manual, the heavy bullet
load would make a great, mild recoiling
long-range target round if you had
a .22-250 rebarreled with 1:7" or 1:8"
twist barrel. One factory rifle, with a
compromise twist of 1:9", which should
allow you to shoot both varmint weight
and heavier bullets, is available in the
Savage Model 12 VLP DBM.
Savage Arms
100 Springdale Rd.
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-7001
www.gunsmagazine.com/savage-arms
®
See
Us
Online
AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM
36
MSRP: $675
Visit Our Website For
Other Available Models
Hawk Polished
45acp
• Hawk Polished is a commander size 1911
with a high grade polished blue finish on the
sides of the gun. Top and underside of the gun
are in a matte finish, which is a great contrast
to the polished sides
• Novak ® style LoMount rear sight with dovetail
front sight
• Lowered & flared ejection port
• Finger relief cut near trigger
• Front and rear angled serrations
• 3 hole trigger & skeleton hammer
• Double border, double diamond Rosewood
grips with logo
• Government and Officer models also come
in polished finish
Guns available through Zanders, Big Rock
Sports, Hicks and dealer direct.
www.iverjohnsonarms.com
321-636-3377
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

AR Bolt Rifle Meets
Magazines
Mossberg’s Sensational MVP Varminter
Holt Bodinson
There’s an advantage being a family
owned and managed firearms
business. If your financing is in
place, you can turn on a dime,
design and produce some of the most
contemporary, stylistic and appealing
models in the business. Alan Mossberg
and his son, Iver Mossberg, are doing just
that. This year, the company produced its
10-millionth Model 500 Series shotgun,
a feat accomplished 9 years earlier than
Remington’s 10-millionth Model 870. Even
more impressive is the recent rollout
of their hunting and tactical AR
platform—the Mossberg Modern
Rifle—new hunting and tactical lever
actions and three new families of
centerfire bolt-action rifles, including
the striking Mossberg Varmint-
Predator (MVP) line that accepts
standard AR magazines.
A
From muzzle to butt, Mossberg’s MVP
bespeaks of exceptional design, quality and
features normally associated with only custom
guns. The MVP pictured here is a dedicated
varmint rifle. With its benchrest-style stock,
24" medium bull barrel and mounted with
Nikon’s ballistic compensating P-223 scope and
my Limbsaver sling, it weighs in at 9 pounds, 4
ounces. It’s not a walkabout varmint rifle, but it
is the perfect style rifle for prairie dog hunting
or for spotting and potting woodchucks along
country back roads. That’s why I like to team
it up with Caldwell’s lightweight, portable, DeadShot
FieldPod for a deliberate style of shooting in the field.
A) The MVP Varmint buttstock features a straight comb,
radical pistol grip and shadow cheekpieces. The long, deep
pistol grip of the MVP stock positions the shooters hand
perfectly for rapid manipulation of the bolt. B) The LBA
trigger is user-adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds. The instructions
are clear and precise. C) The wide, flat forearm is
stylistically textured to provide a firm, non-slip grip. D)
Mossberg’s MVP bolts are fluted to reduce weight, handle
dirt and deliver smooth cycling. E) Mossberg’s MVP Varmint
fed flawlessly with 10-, 20-, or 30-round magazines.
The button-rifled, medium-weight bull barrel is both fluted
and given an 11-degree target crown. Mossberg lets you
know their LBA adjustable trigger is something very special—and,
yes, it peels off easily (left).
38
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM GAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Two features of the MVP immediately grab your
attention as a hunter. The first is its use of AR-15
magazines. Removable magazines of any type are a
real plus in my experience. They enhance the safety of
a rifle since you can remove all the unfired cartridges,
except the one in the chamber, with a quick, simple
motion of detaching the magazine from the rifle.
Along the same line, your rifle can be kept completely
unloaded until you need it and then readied by slapping
a magazine into the action. In addition, having a
spare, loaded magazine on your person makes reloading
a quick, effortless task.
The MVP comes factory furnished with a
10-round magazine, and depending upon your state’s
game laws, you may want to supplement that with
a 5-round magazine or two. In my mind, fitting the
MVP with standard AR-15 magazines holding 20
to 30 rounds makes the most sense for prairie dog
hunting or for tactical and target shooting purposes.
In use, the MVP action fed flawlessly from 10-, 20-
and 30-round magazines due to the design of the bolt
head which features a hinged lip at the 6 o’clock position
that drops down and pushes the rounds forward
from the magazine lips. Mossberg calls it a “Drop
Push” bolt design, and it’s patent-pending.
Lightning Trigger
The other feature you can’t miss and fail to appreciate,
since there’s a big Mossberg sticker on the forearm
announcing it’s there, is Mossberg’s fully adjustable
trigger. Called the “Lightning Bolt Action Adjustable
Trigger” or “LBA” for short, the new trigger is safely
adjustable in a weight range from 2 to 7 pounds. To
set the desired poundage, you must first separate the
barreled action from the stock, and then all it takes
is to turn a single screw on the front of the trigger
B C
D
E
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 39

Caldwell’s DeadShot FieldPod is
an ideal, portable fieldrest for the
MVP and easily accommodates
even long 30-round AR mags.
housing to make the adjustment. Believe me, a crisp,
2-pound trigger on a factory varmint rifle is a dream
come true.
Following all trigger adjustments, the owner is
advised in the owner’s manual to conduct a thorough
function testing of the safety and the trigger systems
according to series of explicit procedures outlined in
the manual. Indeed, the whole MVP manual is very
thorough, readable and well illustrated.
More than any other feature, its benchrest-style,
pillar-bedded stock defines the MVP Varmint model.
Carved from a gray-black, laminate blank, the design
features a broad, flat, 2" wide forearm that snuggles
down firmly on sand bags, packs, rests and bipods.
The deep pistol grip is texture-checkered and sports a
MVP VARMINT
MAKER: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
7 Grasso Ave., North Haven, CT 06473
(800) 363-3555
www.gunsmagazine.com/mossberg
ACtion TYPE: Bolt-action repeater, CAliBER: 5.56 NATO/.223,
CAPACity: 5- TO 30-round AR magazines, BArrEL TYPE:
Medium weight, fluted, bull barrel, BArrEL LENGTH: 24",
ovERAll LENGTH: 43", WEight: 7-3/4 TO 9-1/4 pounds scoped,
finish: Matte blue, SIGHTS: Weaver-STyle scope bases,
stoCK: Gray-black laminate, benchrest-STyle, PriCE: $668
(rifle only), $695 with facTORy 4-15x50 scope & bipod
P-223 3-9x40mm
Maker: Nikon Sport Optics
1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747
(800) 247-3464
www.gunsmagazine.com/nikon
MagnifiCAtion: 3X-9X, Objective DiAMEter: 40mm, Eye
rElief: 3.6", Internal Adj. Range: 80-MOA elevation & windage
@ 100 yards, Click Value: 1/4 MOA, TuBE DiAMEter: 1",
Weight: 15 ounces, Overall Length: 12.4", rEticles: BDC
600-yard ranging, PriCE: $270.95
DEADSHOT FIELDPOD
Maker: Caldwell Shooting Supplies
5885 W. Van Horn Tavern Rd., Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-9200
www.gunsmagazine.com/caldwell
PriCE: $130
The MVP Varmint or Predator
will produce its best
accuracy with bullets in the
50- and 55-grain range.
Wundhammer palm swell on the right side and somewhat
less on the left. The straight-combed butt has a
shadow cheekpiece on both the right and left sides and
is finished off with a durable rubber, recoil pad. It’s a
handsome stock and perfect for shooting off a rest.
The other varminter quality indicative of the MVP’s
lineage is its fluted, 24" bull barrel with an 11-degree
target crown. Mossberg uses a threaded collar to lock
the barrel in place so headspace is dead on.
How does it shoot? The barrel is button-rifled with
a 1:9" twist which is an ideal compromise for hunting-weight
bullets, and, as such, the barrel performed
in a very consistent manner. The MVP produced its
smallest, 100-yard, 3-shot groups with the Black Hills
52-grain match load (+/-1/2" at 3,096 fps), the second
smallest with Federal’s Premium 55-grain Nosler
Ballistic Tip (+/- 3/4" at 3,180 fps), and third, with
Black Hills tactical 77-grain OTM loading (+/-1" at
2,937 fps). The MVP will simply hammer varmints
with bullets in the 50- to 55-grain range.
The MVP story doesn’t end there. The MVP Varmint
also comes as a factory package with a 4-16x50mm
scope and bipod. In addition, Mossberg offers an MVP
Predator model with a conventional, laminate stock
and either an 18.5" or 20" fluted bull barrel, scoped or
unscoped. The Predator is a walkabout varmint rifle
with a scoped weight of only 8 pounds. In short, there
are five different MVP models from which to choose.
With a retail of $668 or $695 with scope and bipod,
Mossberg’s MVP Varmint is a red-blooded, Americanmade
best buy.
40
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

PRODUCT WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE
FIOCCHI 22-250 REM AND 243 WIN AMMUNITION
Effective September 17, 2012, Fiocchi of America is recalling various lots of 22-250 Rem. and 243 Win. centerfire rifle
ammunition. No other Fiocchi products are included in this recall and only the following items and lot numbers are affected.
The following ammunition products are affected by this recall:
Fiocchi Item Number Caliber Bullet Weight/Type Lot Ending Numbers
22250B 22-250 Rem. 55 Pointed Soft Point 001, 002, 003, 004
22250HVD 22-250 Rem. 55 V Max Polymer Tip 001, 002, 003, 004
243SPB 243 Win. 70 Pointed Soft Point 006, 007, 008
243HSB 243 Win. 95 SST Polymer Tip Boat Tail 004, 005
243SPD 243 Win. 100 Interlock Boat Tail 001, 002, 003, 004
Through extensive evaluation Fiocchi has determined that the above lots of 22-250 and 243 may have been
loaded with multiple bullets that can cause excessive pressure. This ammunition with multiple bullets may cause
firearm damage rendering the firearm inoperable, and subject the shooter or bystanders to a risk of personal
injury when fired.
DO NOT USE THE ABOVE LISTED FIOCCHI 22-250 REM. OR 243 WIN. AMMUNITION
OF SPECIFIED LOT NUMBERS.
The ammunition lot number is black ink stamped inside one of the box end tuck flaps that
you would open to remove the 20-round carrier.
To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the ITEM and LOT NUMBER. If the item number
AND last three digits of the lot number match the above listed products, please return the ammunition to FIOCCHI
of America via United Parcel Service (UPS) or FedEx Ground. Securely pack the ammo in a strong fiberboard box
with packing materials to make it “snug” in the box. You will need an “LQ” label to ship the ammunition. To get the
“LQ” label, visit this web address (http://www.fiocchiusa.com/foa/CMS/images/LQ LABEL 4X4.gif) or you can
call the factory customer service directly at 417-449-1039 or email service@fiocchiusa.com prior to shipping.
Affix the “LQ” label to the package with packing tape ensuring that all sides are adhered to the carton and ship to:
FIOCCHI OF AMERICA, INC.
ATTN: Recall
6930 N. FREMONT RD.
OZARK, MO 65721
Fiocchi will provide replacement product upon receipt of your return. Please include your name, street address,
phone number (required for return shipping), and email address with your return. Ammunition cannot be shipped
to post office boxes.
This notice only applies to above listed Fiocchi 22-250 Rem. and 243 Win. ammunition with the above lot numbers.
Other products or lot numbers are not subject to this recall and should not be returned to Fiocchi.
If you have any questions concerning this ammunition recall, please call customer service directly at
417-449-1039, write to the above address, email service@fiocchiusa.com or visit our website.
www.fiocchiusa.com

Big Green Goes
Mike “DUKE” Venturino Photos: Robbie Barrkman
When I heard Remington was
bringing out a 1911 pistol, I
actually did have this thought,
“Well if any of the modern 1911
manufacturers besides Colt has a legitimate
claim to seeing their name on 1911 pistols it
is Remington.” Now understand this: I’m not
referring to World War II US Model 1911A1s
made by and marked “Remington Rand.” That
was a typewriter company.
The 1911s I’m referring to were those contracted for
by the US Government in 1917 with Remington-UMC,
the arms manufacturer. President Woodrow Wilson had
the United States declare war on Germany in April of
that year, notwithstanding that America’s military forces
were totally unprepared. The US Army possessed no
machine guns, no tanks, no fighter planes, few rifles, and
fewer handguns.
John M. Browning designed his self-loading,
.45-caliber pistol for Colt. That company submitted
it to the US Army’s Ordnance Board for trials.
It was accepted in the spring of 1911 as the US
Model 1911, chambered for the .45 Automatic Colt
Pistol (ACP). Colt was aware they could not produce
42
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

A standard 1911 magazine well (above) is provided for the
7-shot magazine. The aluminum trigger on the black R1
(below) came from the factory with a crisp pull between 4
and 5 pounds.
Standard 1911 controls
are evident
including the more
popular 1911 flat
mainspring housing
rather than the
arched 1911A1. One
other improvement is
the addition of high
profile, 3-dot sights
set into dovetails.
Nice double-diamond
checkered walnut
grips are provided.
1911
Remington’s R1
and R1S pistols.
enough handguns to satisfy demand, so early on they
agreed to license the government-owned Springfield
Armory to also produce them, which happened to
a limited degree. Then with the war emergency of
1917 Springfield Armory’s entire production capability
was consumed in making US Model 1903 rifles.
So a licensing arrangement was again formulated
for Remington-UMC to produce US Model 1911
pistols. However, World War I’s hostilities ceased on
Nov. 11, 1918; much sooner than expected. Therefore
Remington-UMC’s contract for .45 pistols was
cancelled after only 21,677 were produced (Source:
Remington’s own website).
Over nine decades later Remington’s current hierarchy
saw that 1911 pistol popularity was a continuing
phenomenon and decided to enter the market
again. Interestingly, where many current makers of
basic 1911 designs have seen fit to reproduce the US
Model 1911A1 version with its arched mainspring
housing, Remington’s new Model R1 sticks with
the older US Model 1911’s flat mainspring housing.
Remington did concede to modern tastes with a
Model R1S. The “S” stands for stainless steel.
Usually when I hear about the introduction of a new
1911-style pistol I start to feel drowsy. It’s not that I don’t
like 1911s—I own about a half-dozen at this writing. It’s
just that there are so many 1911 clones, copies, and replicas
in today’s marketplace. I couldn’t begin to list them
all. Actually, I’m sure I don’t even know of all of them.
When Editor JJ asked if I’d be interested in trying
the new Remington .45 autos I said sure, so he decided
to double my work and have me shoot both the Model
Duke also shot the Remington 1911 R1 at 25 yards on his steel plate
range (left). No malfunctions occurred during the test, except with a
handload using a .452" bullet in the more tightly chambered R1S.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 43

Big Green
Goes 1911
Remington’s R1
and R1S pistols.
44
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 45

Remington offers a full line of knives in
addition to firearms, such as the Remington
Sportsman Series Insignia edition. With
blades of 440 stainless steel, the Large Clip
Folder has a 3" blade and is 4" long closed.
R1 and R1S. Anyone already familiar with 1911s is
certainly going to feel at home with Remington’s new
pistols. They are just about dead-nuts copies. Here are
some specs. Barrel length is 5" with a left-hand twist rate
of 1:16". Overall length is 8.5", height is 5.5" and weight
is 38.5 ounces. Remington bills the finish on the carbon
steel R1 as “black oxide” instead of bluing. The stainless
R1S version has a brushed instead of polished finish.
Grips on both models are walnut with very nicely done
checkering. Remington advertises out of the box trigger
pulls as 3.5 to 5 pounds. My samples’ triggers were both
between 4 and 5 pounds with no creep.
Duke shot both Remington 1911s (here the R1S stainless steel) from
a solid rest in his shooting house for the 25-yard accuracy trials. The
Remington 1911 R1S delivered this group at 25 yards (below, left)
impacting slightly above point-of-aim. Duke shot both Remington
1911s with these three factory loads (below, middle) plus handloads
with 230-grain FMJs (second from right) and 225-grain cast roundnoses
at far right. The Remington 1911 R1 delivered this fine group
(below, right) at 25 yards impacting lower than point of aim.
Here are a couple of features the new Remingtons
have that were not on original 1911s. One is that you had
better be ready to catch the magazine when its release
button is pressed because it comes popping clear all on
its own. Even better, though, are the modern sights. If
there is anything about original 1911s I find distasteful
is their almost useless sights consisting of a tiny
nub staked onto the slide at the front and a likewise
tiny notch in a dovetailed blade for the rear. Remington
wisely made both front and rear sights dovetailed.
Both are high profile using the 3-dot system for lowlight
conditions.
Here’s something else different with the new
Remington .45s. Upon first taking one of them from its
plastic container I found a barrel-bushing wrench resting
beneath it. Now, of the dozens of various vintage
1911s I’ve fieldstripped none had a bushing so tight it
didn’t easily remove with my fingers. Remington has
tightened up tolerances with their new 1911s in order
to have them deliver good precision without custom
tuning. I quickly found the bushing wrench was necessary
to dismantle the pistol for examination and cleaning.
Otherwise it comes apart just as John M. Browning
intended them to 100 years ago.
For shooting these two .45s I gathered up three
current factory loads and two handloads. The current
factory loads were Black Hills’ with 230-grain jacketed
hollowpoint (JHP) bullet, Winchester’s with
46
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

The R1 and R1S are fieldstripped just like
any 1911 with the exception of a tight bushing,
which requires the use of the supplied
bushing wrench to turn. Remington also provides
a full line of gun care products to keep
your R1 clean and running.
Model 1911 R1 & R1S
Maker: Remington Arms
870 Remington Dr.
P.O. Box 700, Madison, NC 27025
(800) 243-9700
www.gunsmagazine.com/remington-arms
Action tyPE: Locked breech, semi-auto, Caliber:
.45 ACP, CAPACity: 7+1, Barrel length: 5", Overall
length: 8.5", Weight: 38.5 ounces, Finish: SATIn black
OXIde or brushed stainless steel, Sights: Fixed
3-dot, Grips: Double-diamond walnut,
PriCE: $729 (black), $789 (STAInless steel)
230-grain JHP and Remington’s 230-grain JHP
named “Golden Sabre.”
The handloads were those I use commonly in my
World War II vintage M1 Thompson and M3 “grease
gun” submachine guns and also in my US Model 1911
and US Model 1911A1. Both use 5.4 grains of Hodgdon’s
HP38 powder with bullets being 230-grain full
metal jacket (FMJ) by Zero Bullet Company and
225-grain cast roundnoses (RN) by Oregon Trail
Bullet Company. Chronographing all six of these loads
from both Remington .45s would have been redundant
because I’ve clocked them from all my .45s previously.
They all give from 775 to 850 feet per second depending
on the exact gun being fired.
The Remingtons were fired from sandbag rest at 25
yards and groups ran in the 2-1/8" to 3.0" range for
the most part. I admit to not being the best sandbagrest
handgun shooter around so such groups are about
what I expected. There were some interesting turns of
events, however. The Model R1 shot about 1' low at
25 yards, meaning it needs a much shorter front sight.
Out of curiosity I also shot it 1- and 2-handed at steel
targets at ranges from 10 to 30 yards and it likewise
impacted low below my point-of-aim.
The Model R1S hit a couple inches above point of
aim at 25 yards, which means it could use a slightly higher
front sight. Since these guns were loaners I didn’t bother
to attempt sighting them perfectly for the next shooter.
There was one minor glitch worth reporting. All
jacketed bullet factory loads and handloads functioned
perfectly from both pistols to the tune of a couple
hundred rounds fired total. The same was true of my
jacketed bullet handload. The cast bullet handloads
also fired perfectly from the carbon steel R1 but gave
some chambering troubles in the R1S. This was caused
by the .452" diameter of the cast bullets coupled with
the case wall thickness of some brands of brass being
too fat for the R1S chamber. Remington has rightly
seen fit to build these commercial 1911s with closer
tolerances than used in military 1911s in order to make
them accurate. Bullets of .451" are fine, fatter ones may
give troubles.
From what I’ve seen Remington’s R1 and R1S are
perfectly adequate 1911 .45s at a very reasonable price.
It’s good to see such a major name in American armsmaking
on 1911s again.
Black Hills Ammunition
3050 Eglin St., Rapid City, SD 57703
(605) 348-5150
www.gunsmagazine.com/black-hills-ammunition
Hodgdon Powder
6430 Vista Dr., Shawnee, KS 66218
(913) 362-9455
www.gunsmagazine.com/hodgdon
Oregon Trail Bullet Company
P.O. Box 529, Baker City, OR 97814
(800) 811-0548
www.gunsmagazine.com/oregon
Winchester Ammunition
600 Powder Mill Rd., East Alton, IL 62024
(618) 258-2000
www.gunsmagazine.com/winchester-ammunition
Zero Ammunition Co.
P.O. Box 1188, Cullman, AL 35056
(800) 545-9376
www.gunsmagazine.com/zero-ammo
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 47

John’s had a number of High-Tech lay-up stocks on his hunting
rifles, partly because their classic buttstock fits him quite
well—this .300 Winchester Magnum was built by Texas gunsmith
Charlie Sisk. Two-piece wood stocks (below) aren’t as
big a disadvantage on hunting rifles, since the short pieces
can’t warp as much overall as single-piece stocks.
Rifle stock
materials have
evolved over
the last 8
centuries.
John Barsness
comes from Germanic
words meaning stick or
tree trunk. The term first
“Stock”
appeared in the 1500s, not
long after rifled barrels were developed in
central Europe, but firearm handles had
already been around for several hundred
years. The earliest were spears called firelances,
fitted with a tube full of gunpowder
rather than a sharp point, and used primarily
as flame-throwers, though sometimes a
little shrapnel was mixed with the powder.
The earliest bronze “hand-cannons” were
also often mounted on poles, though some
were simply carried in the shooter’s hands.
The developments of the matchlock in the early
1400s made actual stocks possible, since all the shooter
had to do was aim and pull the early form of trigger
called a serpentine. Hardwoods worked best, since they
were better able to withstand the battering of recoil.
Walnut became the wood of choice in Europe, and
then again in America after Europeans moved here,
though other woods were frequently used, especially
48
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

the sugar maple of New England. Inexpensive rifles
often have stocks made of beech or birch, and in
America custom stocks are still often made of maple,
or fruitwoods such as cherry and apple. Other hardwoods
have characteristics useful for specialized rifles.
Mahogany and some varieties of maple are quite light
in weight, so are occasionally used to stock “mountain”
rifles, and mesquite and various African hardwoods are
extremely dense and hard so work well on rifles chambered
for hard-recoiling cartridges. I’ve even seen a
complete ebony stock blank weighing 80 pounds, but
don’t know what it would be good for. (Evidently its
owner, a custom stockmaker, didn’t either, since he’d
had it for a long time.)
Juglans Regia
Walnut, however, remains the king of stock woods,
especially the species called Juglans regia (royal
walnut). Commonly known as European or English
walnut, it was originally found primarily in Asia.
Alexander the Great brought walnuts to Europe from
Persia (modern Iran), the basis for the less frequently
used name Persian walnut.
Today Juglans regia is grown both for nuts and
wood on every continent except Antarctica. Blanks
are advertised as being English, French, Turkish or
New Zealand, depending on where they’re grown, but
they’re all the same species. Most Juglans regia grown
in the United States comes from California, stockmakers
usually referring to it as California English, an
interesting oxymoron.
Around 20 other species of walnut tree grow in various
parts of the world, some also producing good stock
wood, most notably a couple native to North America,
the eastern black walnut Juglans nigra, and the western
black walnut more commonly known as Claro (Juglans
hindsii). Juglans regia, however, is generally considered
the very best all-around wood for stockmaking, since it’s
easier to work precisely, especially compared to Claro.
All three varieties can have spectacular figure,
though Claro is often considered the prettiest, the
primary reason it’s used despite poorer workability.
I’ve made stocks out of all three species, but would
Synthetic
stocks come
in many forms
and colors.
This Benelli
R1 has a
2-piece camo
stock.
prefer not to use Claro again because it can be kind
of mushy, not taking inletting or, especially, checkering
as well as regia or nigra. Really dense eastern black
walnut can be worked as precisely as regia, but is typically
heavier. Most of the walnut found on inexpensive
factory rifles is black walnut grown where there’s
lots of rainfall, resulting in softer, plainer wood. Aside
from sheer demand, highly figured, dense walnut of
any species is more expensive because it takes longer
to grow.
Even the best walnut, however, is still wood, and
wood can warp or even crack when atmospheric moisture
increases or decreases. Proper curing of blanks
reduces this tendency, especially cracking, but doesn’t
completely eliminate warping, the reason for laminated
stocks.
Laminates
Gluing layers of wood together makes the resulting
wood more stable, because the opposing layers
“The development of rifle stock materials from
sticks to synthetics
has come a long way over the past 8 centuries.
What will the next step be?”
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 49

esist warping, and using epoxy as
the glue supposedly waterproofs the
wood. I haven’t found either claim to
be strictly true, having seen more than
one laminated stock warp enough to
require correction, though on average,
laminated stocks are more stable than
plain wood. I also tend to doubt epoxy
is totally waterproof, due to Browning’s
experience with salt-cured walnut
around 40 years ago. At one point they
tried to keep salt from migrating out of
the wood by epoxy-bedding all the inletting,
but actions and barrels still rusted.
Many believe laminated wood is
heavier than plain wood, due to the
glue holding it together. Hmm. Once
I weighed identically contoured 98
Mauser stocks from Boyds’, one of the
largest suppliers of gunstocks in the
US. One was laminated and one very
plain, straight-grained walnut, and they
weighed within an ounce of each other,
perhaps due to some of the laminated
layers being sliced from lighter hardwoods.
(This is common, one reason for
their striped appearance.)
A couple of my rifles have laminated
stocks made by Kilimanjaro’s Stealth process, where
a thin layer of wood is sliced from the middle of the
blank, then reversed and glued between the thick outer
layers. The Stealth stock on my CZ 550 9.3x62 weighs
a mere 26 ounces, even though it’s made from a very
fancy piece of Juglans regia.
Laminated stocks aren’t totally waterproof, but they’re pretty good.
Dave Henderson’s Remington 700 (below) was rained on heavily for
a couple of hours not long before the sky cleared so he could see
and stalk this Quebec caribou. One of the strongest yet lightest synthetics
stocks made comes on New Ultra Light Arms rifles (below,
right), and now on the less-expensive Forbes Rifle as well. John’s
NULA .30-06 rifle stayed sighted-in during a 10-day hunt involving
150 miles of bouncing over tundra in ATVs.
Many companies make injection-molded stocks for 98 Mauser rifles, like the FNactioned
.338 Winchester Magnum. The stock is a Butler Creek.
Kilimanjaro stocks do tend to be more stable than
plain walnut, though they’re still made of wood. In
2011, I hunted in Tanzania for over two weeks, and
the first week of the hunt was very hot and dry. The
stock shrank slightly and the action screws had to be
retightened—and the stock had traveled directly from
a drier part of Montana. During the last several days
of the hunt it started to rain now and then, and the
screws had to be backed off again. Kilimanjaro uses
modern spar varnish as a finish (as do a number of
custom stockmakers), a combination of natural oil
and urethane. Spar varnish certainly slows how fast
walnut takes on atmospheric moisture, but like epoxy
50
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Many shooters believe a stock must be pillar-bedded for the finest accuracy, but
most benchrest rifles don’t have pillars. Instead the action is epoxied to the stock.
Some rifle stocks are even made of metal. The stock
on this Noreen ULR .338 Lapua is mostly steel.
Injection-molded stocks are standard
on AR-15s like this SIG 556.
Synthetic stocks
can be painted
or molded in any
color, even to look
like wood—including
the urethane
foam inside this
lay-up stock.
Very hard wood, like this piece of eastern black
walnut, can be carved very precisely. This one’s
being inletted for a 98 Mauser.
Kilimanjaro’s laminated Stealth stocks (above) have a thin slice
cut from the middle of a beautiful blank. The slice is reversed and
glued inside the outer halves of the blank, leaving the wood’s
natural beauty intact, and giving the stock the stiffness of a laminate.
The slice (below) is barely visible in this rifle’s fore-end.
doesn’t prevent it completely.
Perhaps laminated stocks should be termed waterresistant
rather than waterproof, but they seem to more
effectively dampen the vibrations created when rifles
are fired than other stocks, often resulting in finer accuracy.
This is the opinion of a number of experienced
shooters and gunsmiths, and my personal experience
tends to back it up. Certainly my E.R. Shaw custom
6.5-06 is one of my most accurate big game rifles, and
it came with a Boyds’ stock.
Synthetics
Today, of course, a lot of rifle stocks are made from
synthetic materials. It’s hard for some younger shooters
to imagine the controversy over synthetic stocks when
they first started to become popular in the 1970s and
’80s. Traditionalists sneered, calling them plastic or
“boat hull” stocks. Custom stockmakers were among
the most vicious, probably because they feared losing
customers, since all the early synthetic stocks were also
custom-made.
Eventually many if not most of us accepted
synthetic stocks, even custom stockmakers, who realized
each plastic stock meant another walnut blank
available for their work. If anything, there’s even more
demand for fine handmade walnut stocks today.
Two processes are used in making synthetic stocks:
injection molding, where molten thermoplastic is
injected into a metal mold; and lay-up, where various
kinds of synthetic cloth are layered with epoxy inside a
form. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Remington used injection-molded (IM) stocks on
their Nylon 66 .22 rimfire autoloaders in the 1960s.
Traditionalists hated them, but today Nylon 66s are
collector’s items. Modern injection molding really got
going in the 1980s, when several companies introduced
“drop-in” stocks for more popular and abundant
rifles such as the Remington 700 and 98 Mauser.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 51

®
Handgun Grips • Long Gun Stocks
Holsters• Knives
www.getgrip.com
Call for the location of your nearest dealer and free catalog
HOGUE INC • 1-800-Get-Grip (438-4747)
P.O. BOX 1138 • PASO ROBLES, CA 93447
FOR A FREE CATALOG:
EMAIL CATALOG@
CONNECT WITH US!
The two big problems are making
the stocks stiff but not brittle,
and start-up costs. Some early IM
stocks were prone to cracking in
cold weather; while others were so
floppy shooters started calling them
Tupperware. As recently as a decade
ago I tested a new American rifle
with a Tupperware stock so soft
the fore-end could be twisted from
side-to-side by hand. Theoretically
the rifle’s barrel was free-floated but
just placing the fore-end on a typical
benchrest resulted in contact
between barrel and stock. I could
only get the rifle to shoot reasonably
well by unscrewing the front sling
swivel stud and replacing it with a
longer screw to put upward pressure
on the barrel.
Today, however, most IM stocks
are stiff enough to work quite well,
probably due to the addition of
fibers added to the thermoplastic. In
recent years I’ve tested Remington,
Ruger, Sako, Savage and Winchester
rifles (to name a few brands off the
top of my head) that shot extremely
well with their factory Tupperware.
Back in the late 1980s I visited
the original Butler Creek factory in
Belgrade, Mont., and talked quite a
bit with owner Bill Heckerman about
his IM stocks. Bill said each mold
cost around a quarter of a million
dollars. In the mid-1990s a guy from
one of the major rifle companies
told me each of their IM stocks cost
about $7 each, partly because they
can be cranked out very rapidly, and
partly because they can be made of
recycled plastic. The profit margin is
high—if you can be sure of selling
enough stocks to amortize the cost
of a mold reasonably quickly. (By
the way, I used Butler Creek stocks
extensively on several 98 Mausers
during the 1990s, in fact had one on
my Mark X .375 H&H during my
first safari in South Africa. They
always worked fine, and though that
.375 has a custom walnut stock now,
the original Butler Creek is still available
for nasty hunting conditions.)
The stocks of “black guns” such
as AR-15s are of course made of
injection-molded plastic, and have
become remarkably sophisticated.
The popular Magpul stocks, for
instance, can be quickly adjusted for
length-of-pull and cheek support,
one reason they’re seen on so many
ARs, both factory and “custom.”
Epoxy & Fiberglass
Lay-up (LU) stocks don’t require
the high start-up costs of IM stocks.
Anybody with some time can make a
mold relatively cheaply by wrapping a
pattern stock (usually wood) in epoxy
52
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

This SAUER
303’s 2-piece
walnut stock
is designed
to be easily
removed to
take the rifle
down for traveling.
and fiberglass cloth. After it cures,
the inside of the mold is then used to
make more, identical stocks, though
the exterior can be changed somewhat
by using methods similar to modern
auto-body repair. Various other kinds
of synthetic cloth are often used,
sometimes in combination with fiberglass.
The hollow parts of the stock
are then filled with fiberglass-reinforced
epoxy or urethane foam.
Interestingly, the now common
pillar-bedding originated primarily
with LU stocks, though of course
some military rifles (especially 98
Mausers) also used metal tubes inside
the action-screw holes so the screws
could be tightened firmly even in
wood softened by weather or oil. In
LU stocks, pillars kept the thin outer
shell from collapsing when the action
screws were tightened, and it was eventually
discovered this often resulted in
finer accuracy.
Many of today’s LU stocks,
however, have solid, cured epoxy
in the action-screw areas, able to
support the screws. The excellent
High Tech stocks made by accuracy
gunsmith Mark Bansner use
this method, though Mark tells me
many of his customers insist on
pillar-bedding as well. He’s happy to
oblige, but claims it isn’t necessary.
(I’ve fitted a number of High Tech
stocks to my own rifles and have
yet to install pillars, and every rifle
has shot very well without them.)
Mark also says one of the downsides
of pillar-bedding occurs when
one of the pillars breaks loose from
the stock, something not unheard
of, whereupon accuracy disappears.
High Tech stocks are only made in
one style, basically an American classic,
but fit a lot of shooters (including
me) quite well, and anybody
handy with epoxy bedding material
and paint can fit one pretty easily to
their own rifle.
Strength
The structural integrity of LU
stocks depends on several factors.
One is the cloth used, since carbon
(graphite), fiberglass and Kevlar all
have different characteristics, but
the direction and extent of the cloth
also make a difference. The popular
and excellent McMillan stocks, for
instance, are mostly made with fiberglass
cloth, but their lightweight Edge
stock uses lighter graphite cloth. Standard
McMillan stocks feature solid
fiberglass construction from the rear
of the action through the fore-end,
providing plenty of support to the
barreled action. McMillan makes the
widest variety of LU stocks, offering
something for everybody, including
finishes.
Probably the strongest lightweight
LU stocks I’ve used are on the New
Ultra Light Arms rifles produced by
Melvin Forbes. Many LU stocks use
relatively small pieces of cloth laid in
all directions, but the NULA stock
uses Kevlar and carbon fibers running
the entire length of the stock, including
the barrel channel. The rear of
the action is pillar-bedded, but the
recoil lug area is solid reinforced
epoxy. Even with a full 1" recoil pad
NULA stocks usually weigh around
20 ounces, and exactly the same
stocks are used on the new Forbes
Rifle, a mass-produced version of
the NULA. Unlike High Tech and
McMillan stocks, Melvin’s stocks are
only available on his rifles.
The development of rifle stock
materials from sticks to synthetics
has come a long way over the past
eight centuries. What will the next
step be?
Boyds’ Gunstock Industries, Inc.
25376 403rd Ave.
Mitchell, SD 57301
(605) 996-5011
www.gunsmagazine.com/boyds
Butler Creek Corp.
Bushnell Outdoor Accessories
9200 Cody
Overland Park, KS 66214
(800) 548-0446
www.gunsmagazine.com/butlercreek
High Tech Specialties, Inc.
P.O. Box 839
Adamstown, PA 19501
(717) 484-0405
www.gunsmagazine.com/hightech-spl
Kilimanjaro Rifles
707 Richards St., Ste. 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
(877) 351-4440
www.gunsmagazine.com/kilimanjaro
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Inc.
1638 W. Knudsen Dr., Ste. 101
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(623) 582-9635
www.gunsmagazine.com/
mcmillan-group-international
New Ultra Light Arms
P.O. Box 340
Granville, WV 26534
(304) 292-0600
www.gunsmagazine.com/
new-ultra-light
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 53

Of A
The Sturmtruppen’s
Companion, The Kar 98
JOHN SHEEHAN
Wait… Now! Franz,
Dieter and Karl jerked the
cords in unison, the friction
“Together!…
fuses ignited, smoke
streamed from the wooden handles as they
let fly with the barrage of stick grenades. In
slow motion, the end over end summersault
of explosives scribed an arch over the
intervening section of ground and into the firebay
on the other side of the traverse. Hans,
with bayonet fixed, waited for the blasts, his
hands gripping the stock of his carbine so
tight he left impressions in the wood with his
dirt-filled fingernails.
The blasts reverberated in their ear drums, the sudden
overpressure intensifying their rapidly developing headaches.
With parched mouth, adrenaline pumping, Hans
raced around the intervening stretch of trench, bent
on catching any of the surviving Frenchmen in a blastinduced
stupor before they could regain their wits and
put up any resistance. He rounded the corner into a scene
of carnage. Two men were down, lifeless in the bottom of
the trench below the fire-step, another staggered forward
just in time to catch the blade of the S98/05 square in
the sternum. The man groaned, his eyes bulging out of
their sockets, the sucking sound of the withdrawal of the
blade followed quickly by a scream.
This display from John’s collection (right) depicts a German stormtrooper
circa 1918. Sewn together with a strap and hung over the
neck and shoulders, are two burlap sandbags slung under each
armpit. The bags are full of stick grenades, the primary offensive
weapon of the infantry by late 1916. The Kar 98 was carried slung
over the shoulder during the assault to keep both hands free for
rapid employment of the stick grenades. To help consolidate captured
enemy positions against counterattacks, the Kar 98 provided
defensive firepower alongside the light machineguns employed
in large number by Sturmtruppen formations. A pioneer’s shovel,
encased in a special carrier, was employed to rapidly improve defensive
positions during any lull in the action.
54
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 55

To the right, a French officer with most of his left
arm missing struggled to raise his pistol. Crack! The
report of Dieters’s Kar 98a resounded in his ears as
the Frenchman reeled backward at the impact of
the 154-grain .323" spitzer bullet, falling into the
entrance of a nearby dugout.
“Quickly!” Franz motioned
to Karl, pointing toward the
entrance of the dugout into
which the officer’s body lay
motionless as he reached
into his sack and pulled out
another grenade, instinctively
unscrewing the fuse
cap and unwinding the cord.
Dieter fired another round
through the doorway into
the darkness as Franz jerked
the cord of the stick grenade,
the friction primer lighting
the fuse as he tossed it into
the dugout. The smoking
grenades disappeared down
the stairwell of the shelter,
the blasts initiating another
round of screams. “Come on!
Leave them! On to the next
bay!” Dieter slung his carbine
and reached into his sack
for another stick grenade as
they scrambled into position
for another round of the
Great War’s deadliest game.
“Bombing the traverses” was
their specialty!
The successful development
of Stormtrooper tactics
by General Oskar von Hutier
on the Eastern Front ushered
in the first real breakthrough
in infantry tactics since the
war had settled into stalemate
in the trenches before the end
of 1914. Hutier’s new infiltration
tactics were to push
the Allies to the brink during
the Spring Offensive of 1918.
While the hand grenade had
become the primary offensive
weapon of the infantry
by late 1916, once a position
was captured, it still had to be
held. For this purpose, light
machineguns and rifles were
critical when it came to holding a captured strong
point or section of trench against enemy counterattacks.
With bags of grenades slung under each
armpit, the rifle had become a secondary weapon in
the assault. Rifles and carbines were generally slung
across the back during the rapid advance across
No-Man’s-Land.
German
Nomenclature
A
quick
note in terms of
proper German WWI
nomenclature; I’m sure
some of you have noticed that
I have referred to the carbine
introduced into German service
in 1908 as the “Kar 98” in this
article. This was the correct
terminology as applied by the
Imperial German Army. The oft
repeated Kar 98AZ, “Aufpflanz
und Zusammensetzvorrichtung”
denoting the presence of an
attachment point for a bayonet
along with a stacking hook,
was never applied to the Kar 98
as introduced in 1908. It was
however, applied to one of the
early 98 pattern trials carbines
that did indeed include these
features. Some of you will now
put forth the case for the Kar
98a designation. Once again,
the Kar 98 was only identified
as the “a” model after WWI
with the introduction of the
reworked Gew 98s that became
officially titled the Kar 98b. The
“a” designation was added to
the carbine after WWI in order
to differentiate it from the Kar
98b model, which was not really
a carbine at all!
The standard issue infantry rifle of the German
Army, the Gew 98, was ill suited for this purpose.
Developed at a time when smokeless powder burning
rates relative to bullet design and barrel length
were not fully understood, the great Gew 98 action
was mated to a 29.13" barrel. This was a carryover
from the age of infantry rifles and cavalry carbines,
the former designed to maximize the velocity and
trajectory of the bullet’s potential while the later was
geared toward carry and use while on horseback.
Any soldier whose primary function was anything
other than fighting as infantry were generally issued
carbines, which were considered short-range secondary
weapons.
However, by the time the German ordnance
department began to consider a replacement for the
Gew 88 carbine and the Gew 91 rifle, which was in
reality simply a Gew 88 carbine with a stacking hook
added underneath the muzzle, the landscape had
completely changed. Enter the British No.1 Mk III
Short Magazine Lee Enfield and the US Model 1903
Springfield. As the internal and external ballistics of
small caliber, smokeless powder cartridges loaded
with jacketed lead-core bullets began to be better
understood, the concept of the universal short rifle
had gained a toe hold in the normally conservative
ranks of military ordnance boards.
The slow burning rate of black powder had
dictated the length of the rifle barrels of late 19th
century rifles. To maximize the velocity potential of
any black powder cartridge, the best way to wring
German regulation pattern bayonets (from top to bottom) include the
S98/05 “sawback” bayonet without flashguard, S98/05 bayonet with
flashguard, S98 “sawback” bayonet without flashguard, S98 “pipe
backed” or “quill-backed” bayonet with flashguard, S84/98 “sawback”
bayonet with flashguard, S84/98 “sawback removed” bayonet with
flashguard. This group photo represents the more prolific models
of the myriad bayonets issued to German troops during the Great
War. Examples with flashguards were either upgraded from existing
stocks beginning in September 1915 or manufactured thereafter. Collectors
commonly refer to the S98/05 as the “butcher blade” bayonet
based on the shape of the blade. It was the most widely produced
pattern during WWI.
56
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

The early variation of the Kar 98 (opposite)
is easily identified by its lack of grasping
grooves on the forestock or a bolt disassembly
disc in the buttstock. This 1910 dated
example was produced at the Government
arsenal in Danzig. The bayonet is the S98/05,
the most widely issued bayonet of WWI. The
Kar 98 featured a turned-down bolt handle
and staggered box magazine with the floorplate
flush with the bottom line of the stock,
both features that allowed the Kar 98 to be
withdrawn from a cavalry saddle scabbard
more smoothly. Beginning in 1917, grasping
grooves were added to the forearm of the Kar
98 (above) and a special disc to aid in the disassembly
of the bolt was incorporated in the
buttstock. Accompanying the 1918-dated Erfurt
manufactured carbine is a S98 “pipe-backed”
bayonet. The S98 was generally issued with
the Gew 98, however a small percentage of
surviving examples feature the sheet metal
flashguard on the back of the grips, a sure
sign this bayonet was at one time issued with
the Kar 98. The Kar 98 was designed to replace
the Kar 88 (below, top gun) and Gew 91 (below,
bottom gun), both of which were carbine
versions of the Gew 88 “Commission” rifle,
which was the first small-bore, smokeless cartridge,
repeating rifle adopted by the German
Army. The advantages of the Mauser design,
staggered-box magazine and the patented
“charger” loading system were already proven
superior to the en-bloc clip loading system of
the Mannlicher designs used by both arms.
Both saw extensive use with reserve units during
the Great War.
every last additional foot per second out of any
round was to exert the force of the expanding gas on
the base of the bullet for as long as possible, hence
the extremely long barrels of 19th Century infantry
rifles. However, as any avid handloader can tell
you today, with smokeless propellants and jacketed
bullets the optimum barrel length falls somewhere
between 24" and 26". Both the SMLE and the ’03
Springfield represented leading edge technology in
their day as the dynamics of the capabilities of the
smokeless cartridge began to be understood by firearms
designers.
The German Army had been working on a replacement
carbine since 1898 following on the heels of
the introduction of the Gew 98 infantry rifle. The
early prototypes of the Mauser 98 carbine had been
produced with traditionally short 17.3" barrels. Since
the majority of the new carbines were destined for the
cavalry, who already carried sabers and lances, there
was originally no provision for mounting a bayonet on
the initial prototypes. During the early phase of development,
a separate carbine was envisioned for the artillery
and specialty troops, which, like the Gew 91, incorporated
a stacking hook. All of the early prototypes
featured “spatula”-style bolt handles.
Feedback from field trials conducted in 1903 was
laced with consistent complaints regarding excessive
recoil, muzzleblast and muzzleflash. The short carbine
barrels did not allow for the complete combustion of
the smokeless powder charge as loaded in the standard
infantry cartridge, the 8x57mmS. During the
black powder cartridge era, many countries adopted
identical cartridges for both infantry rifles and
cavalry carbines. While these rounds were dimensionally
identical, the carbine rounds frequently featured
lighter bullet and smaller charges of powder. The
same approach could have been taken with the new
smokeless powder cartridges, however this invariably
would have complicated the supply of ammunition in
the field and increased manufacturing and inventory
costs as well.
The unsuitability of the new carbine presented a
serious problem, and with the adoption of the then
new “S” cartridge in full swing, it was back to the
drawing board. The challenge now was to develop a
new pattern with a long enough barrel to resolve the
problems inherent in the earlier prototypes, but without
sacrificing the handiness desired in a carbine.
Various options were considered and tested including
reducing the length of the buttstock, reducing
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 57

the diameter of the receiver ring by 3mm to help
offset the additional weight gained in lengthening
the barrel and relocating the trigger assembly and
triggerguard one centimeter farther forward than on
the Gew 98 rifle. The “spatula”-type bolt handle was
abandoned and replaced with a bent handled version
with a round knob with checkered flat on the underside
of the knob. While versions both with and without
a bayonet lug were tested, a final compromise
resulting in the addition of both a bayonet stud as
well as a stacking hook on the final version.
A full charger (above) of five rounds of 8x57mmS cartridges are
shown here inserted into the charger guides of the Kar 98. The patented
Mauser charger system was as fast to load as the Mannlicher
en bloc clip. One of the defining differences that saw the Mauser
system rise to prominence was ability to load individual cartridges,
whether filling up or topping off the magazine. Without the en bloc
clip, Mannlicher rifles became slow to load, poor single shots!
After stripping the cartridges into the magazine (above), the Mauser
charger was ejected from the clip guides when the bolt was
closed. Unlike the Mannlicher clip, the charger was not an integral
part of the magazine. Without this feature, the staggered-box magazine
with a floorplate flush with the bottom line of the stock would
not have been possible. Most of the traditional Mauser features are
visible in this photo (below), including the solid receiver bridge,
charger guides, turned down bolt handle, full length guide rib, gas
deflection shield, flag safety and tangent rear sight. The 3-position
flag safety can be seen in the “off” position on the top of the bolt
shroud. The name of the manufacturer was stamped on top of the
receiver ring on all Kar 98s. The government arsenal at Danzig produced
this example in 1910.
The new carbine was gradually perfected and
finally in January of 1908, after 10 years of development,
Kaiser Wilhelm II approved the final pattern
for full-scale production. The final pattern was issued
universally to the cavalry and every other troop type
for whom the carbine was intended to be a secondary
weapon. This included the cavalry, foot artillery,
machinegun units, select rifle units, cyclists, pioneers,
communications units, motor transport units, airship
units and balloonists.
The Final Design
The sealed pattern was 43.3" long, with a 23.62"
barrel. It weighed 9 pounds unloaded without a bayonet.
The stock featured a pistol grip and, in its early pattern,
lacked grasping grooves and a bolt disassembly disc. A
full-length top handguard extended from the front of the
receiver ring to the top barrel band. The Kar 98 featured
a tangent-leaf rear sight with range markings from 300
meters to 2,000 meters. The front sight consists of a
simple post with substantial sight wing protectors flanking
the post on either side. While the Kar 98 was officially
adopted in 1908, due to production conflicts with
the Gew 98 at the government arsenals, it was not widely
issued until 1910.
The Kar 98 action was a slightly smaller version
of its big brother, the Gew 98. Like the full-length
infantry rifle, the Kar 98 had a rear-mounted, turneddown
bolt handle, a closed, solid receiver bridge, and
two forward locking lugs that sealed the action when
the bolt was closed. The carbine featured the Mauser
third safety lug, located just ahead of the bolt handle,
which locked in the bottom of the bolt way beneath the
receiver bridge when the action was closed. The bolt
design incorporates a full-length guide rib contributing
to the smooth action for which the 98 Mausers
are famous. The bolt has two large holes milled in the
bottom of the body, which are designed to help channel
hot gas away from the shooters face in the event of
a blown primer or case head failure. In addition, a gas
shield was added to the bolt shroud to further protect
the shooter by deflecting any residual hot gas not channeled
down into the magazine by the gas escape holes.
A standard Mauser 3-position flag safety was mounted
on top of the bolt shroud. Like the rifle, the Kar 98
action cocked upon opening. The carbine featured a
standard 2-stage trigger with considerable take-up
before the trigger engaged the sear. This feature was
intended to prevent premature firing during the stress
of combat, when a soldier was pumped up on fear and
adrenaline.
The Kar 98 featured charger guides cut into the
forward portion of the solid receiver bridge to accommodate
the patented Mauser charger more commonly
referred to in the US as a “stripper clip.” A deep recess
was cut into the left side of the receiver sidewall to allow
room for the thumb to easily strip the final round from
58
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

The bayonet lug was mounted so far forward on the Kar 98 that the grip panels of the bayonet
were subjected to severe muzzleblast. Sustained fire burned and damaged the grip panels when
the bayonet was mounted on the rifle. Surprisingly, this problem was not discovered until the
outbreak of war in 1914, six years after the Kar 98 was adopted! The problem was resolved with
the addition of a sheet-metal flashguard on all bayonets that were issued with the Kar 98. Also of
note in this photo are the front sight protector wings and the stacking hook.
the charger into the staggered 5-round magazine. With
the advent of the staggered-box magazine, the floorplate
was flush with the bottom line of the stock.
A 20-round detachable extended magazine was introduced
during the war and could be mounted in place
of the standard floorplate. The extended magazine
was loaded with four 5-round chargers in succession.
While providing an improved rate of sustained fire, the
extended magazine was ungainly and very unpopular
with the sturmtruppen since it defeated the purpose of
having a light, handy rifle.
Other accessories were introduced for the carbine
based on the experience gained during the long years
of static siege warfare long the norm on the Western
Front. Action covers were introduced (but never
universally issued) in an attempt to keep mud out of the
action in the deplorable conditions in the trenches. The
pronounced muzzleflash issue had never been completely
resolved in spite of the lengthening of the carbine barrel
to 23.62", and resulted in the introduction of a long flash
suppressor.
While a variety of different bayonets were originally
issued with the Kar 98, eventually the S98/05 became
the most common model encountered during the Great
War. Many collectors commonly refer to this robust
bayonet today as the “butcher blade bayonet.” Surprisingly,
in spite of the years of development and the large
scale issue of Kar 98s beginning in 1910, it was not
discovered until 1914 that the wooden grip panels on
the issue bayonets were damaged by the muzzleblast
and flash of the 8x57mm “S” cartridge. This was not
an issue with the Gew 98 since the bayonet lug on the
rifle was set back far enough from the muzzle to avoid
any issues. However, on the Kar 98, the bayonet lug
was so close to the muzzle that 2-3/4" of the wooden
grip panels extended beyond the muzzle of the carbine.
By September 1915, the War Ministry issued orders to
retrofit all existing bayonets in service with the Kar 98
with a sheetmetal flashguard to protect the grip panels
from the muzzleblast. All new bayonets produced
would include flashguards while existing bayonets were
to be altered by company armorers.
As the war progressed minor modifications were
made to the Kar 98. Beginning in 1917, first grasping
grooves and later bolt disassembly discs were added to
the stocks of both the Gew 98 and the Kar 98. The year
1917 also saw the introduction of kiln-dried stocks made
from beech. All German prewar stocks were produced
from walnut and were aged for an average of three years
to allow the wood to stabilize. Beginning in early 1917,
shortages of walnut, aged or otherwise, necessitated the
use of alternate materials. Beech, birch and elm were
all approved as substitutes for the dwindling supply of
walnut. Birch and elm stocks are rarely encountered
today, however Kar 98s with beech stocks turn up quite
frequently. To increase production, the green stocks were
kiln cured. While beech was a suitable wood if processed
properly, when green and kiln dried it presented problems
in the field. It was heavier than the original walnut
stocks due to the finer grain of the wood. In addition,
beech did not hold up as well under heavy use as did
walnut stocks. Beech was prone to cracking and had a
nasty habit of swelling when wet, with predictably disastrous
effects on accuracy.
To address these problems, it was decided beechstocked
rifles and carbines were to be issued to replacement
and training units behind the lines for at least six
weeks before they were approved for use in the front
line trenches. It was hoped the wood would stabilize
or at least that the worst examples could be weeded
out prior to front line issue! At a time when normal
raw materials were in short supply due to the success
of the Allied blockade, 2-piece stocks spliced together
through the butt were approved for use with both Gew
98s and Kar 98s. Late-war beech stocks are marked
with a large capitol B on the right side of the butt while
stocks produced from elm were similarly marked with
a capitol R.
The Kar 98 had become so popular with the troops
through the course of the war, that by the time of the
Armistice it was estimated that approximately a third of
all of the rifles in the hands of the German field army
were Kar 98s. It’s not surprising that this rugged, durable
short rifle in its evolutionary form became the backbone
of the Wehrmacht in round two of the Great War.
For more views and a more complete description of the
uniform, go to www.gunsmagazine.com and click on Web
Blast.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 59

NO.1 SOURCE
No-Gunsmithing Scope Mounts,
Optics, and Shooting Accessories
NO-GUNSMITHING
SCOPE MOUNTS
• AK-47
• Benelli
• Browning
• Colt
• FN-FAL
• H&K
• IZH
• Marlin
• Mauser
• Prismatic Sights
• Rifle Scopes
• Pistol Scopes
• Tactical Optics
• Airgun Scopes
• Electronic Dot Sights
• Bipods
• Sling Swivels
• Adapters
• Gunsmith Tools
• Airgun Rings
• .22 Rings
• Remington
• Rossi
• Ruger
• Savage Arms
• SKS
• Smith & Wesson
• Springfield
• Winchester
OPTICS
• Illuminator/Laser
• Tri-Rail Scopes
• Reflex Sights
• Magnifiers
• Binoculars
• Spotting Scopes
SHOOTING ACCESSORIES
• Adjustable Rings
• Fore End Grips
• Tactical Flashlights
• Standard Dovetail
Rings
All Sun Optics USA products carry our
Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty
817-783-6001/6433
info@sunopticsusa.com
www.sunopticsusa.com
Everyday
Alternative
Kenny Teague’s KT-8 Utility makes
a great case for everyday carry.
Pat Covert
Despite the incredible number
of folding knives available,
several knifemakers I
know prefer a fixed blade for their
everyday carry—and they make a
substantial case for it. From a selfdefense
standpoint, to access a fixed
blade you simply draw the knife and
it’s ready for action. You don’t have
to orient your hand to the handle
or open the blade, it’s already there.
Secondly, a fixed blade is far less
likely to fail because it has no moving
parts. Finally, because it’s more solid
than a folder, a fixed blade just feels
more secure in the hand.
Arkansas knifemaker Kenny
Teague’s all-purpose KT-8 Utility
knife is the perfect size for an
everyday carry. At 7.5" in overall
length and a scant 4 ounces, it won’t
drag you down. The KT-8’s nicely
sculpted 4" Micarta handle is ample
enough to fill the palm but not so
large it feels like a brick hanging off
your belt. The knife’s deeply ground
3" D2 steel blade is made to slice
Nimble but tough, Kenny Teague’s KT-8
Utility fixed blade is a small knife that
makes for an excellent everyday carry.
KT-8 Utility
Maker: Teague Knives
900 Highway 71 N.E.
Mountainburg, AR 72946
(479) 369-2374
www.gunsmagazine.com/teague
Blade material: D2 steel, Blade
length: 3", Overall length: 7.5",
Weight: 4 ounces, Handle: Brown
Micarta, Carry: Kydex sheath, Price:
$175 (black), $185 (other colors)
whether for skinning game, performing
light chores, or ridding yourself
of an irritant who may be interested
in your wallet.
Teague offers the KT-8 with a handmade
heat-formed Kydex belt sheath
configured for vertical or side mount
carry, your choice. He learned his craft
from Bob Dozier, one of the country’s
most successful knifemakers and
legend for making a heck of a knife
for the money. In Kenny’s case, the
apple didn’t fall far from the tree. The
KT-8 Utility will run you $175 in black
Micarta, well in line for the price of a
handmade knife and especially one you
can count on to be by your side day
after day!
60
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Clint on Home Defense:
“Squirt ’em with
the white foam.”
“Then hit ’em
with the red can.”
Home defense tools come in
many forms. Learn to be
prepared for fire or home
invasion with help from Clint
Smith’s Thunder Ranch DVD
training course.
Three Course
BONUS
Includes:
Concealed
Carry Options
Home
Defense
Vehicle
Defense
Two-disc set only $49.95 — Order Today:
(800) 628-9818 (M-F 8am-3pm PST)
www.americanhandgunner.com/TRvids
_ Issue Previews
_ Latest News in Firearms
_ Online Exclusives
_ Special Offers
_ New Products and More!
facebook.com/americanCOPmagazine
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 61

RIGHTS WATCH
VIEWS, NEWS
& REVIEWS
DAVID CODREA
A New York
State Of Mind
“W
e are not immune to
the national problem
of gun violence,” New
York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
admitted in a press conference following
a shooting incident outside the
Empire State Building in late August,
where police killed an armed man
who had shot a former co-worker.
“An additional nine individuals
were either wounded or grazed during
the exchange,” Police Commissioner
Ray Kelly advised the assembled
media.
What would soon come out: It
was gunfire from NYPD that the
nine bystanders were caught up
in. Neither of the responding officers
had ever fired their guns in the
line of duty before. That’s not to say
Monday morning quarterbacking
their response is fair, but then, neither
is the typical response from the
anti-gunners, which puts the blame
squarely on the “gun lobby.”
It wasn’t long before comparisons
were being made to the shootings
in Aurora, Colo., or to the Sikh
Temple shootings in Wisconsin. The
usual media suspects were calling for
“a national conversation to prevent
gun deaths,” meaning for more citizen
disarmament, and blaming everything
from private sales to expiration of the
federal “assault weapons” ban, even
though the gun used by the murderer
was a .45-caliber handgun.
That, of course, suited the Violence
Policy Center just fine, which issued a
statement condemning the “45-caliber
handgun… offering yet another
example of how the ready availability
of semi-automatic handguns that
can be equipped with high-capacity
ammunition magazines destroy lives
and make everyone less safe.”
Quick to take those talking points
and run with them, The New York
Times couldn’t wait to tell its readers
the “Gun Used by Shooter Is Known
for Its Deadly Power,” and that it “was
the standard sidearm for the American
armed forces for much of the 20th
century,” all the while bemoaning “the
firearm, powerful as it may be, is not
the subject of much of the debate
about gun control.” In an unrelated
but ironic development, the Times’
executive editor publicly disputed an
accusation of liberal bias made by a
retiring subordinate editor.
Perhaps the most hysterical, but
not unexpected, handwringing came
from The Boston Globe’s warning that
“The best-trained police officers can
be in error when actually facing an
enraged gunman. If even these professionals
end up shooting and injuring
bystanders outside the Empire State
Building, how can private citizens be
expected to discern an attacker from
innocent people inside a darkened
theater?”
This of course, makes assumptions
that aren’t borne out. A 2008
study commissioned with the Rand
Corporation concluded, among other
findings, that NYPD training standards
are inadequate, that requalification
standards are minimal, and
that “Recruits should be required to
pass proficiency standards in real life
and scenario-based tests of complex
decision making before they graduate
from the police academy [and]
seasoned officers should be required
to demonstrate their continued proficiency
on the most demanding reallife
scenarios.”
In short, police aren’t the only ones
competent to keep and bear arms, no
matter how much those who would
prefer a Bloomberg-style monopoly
of violence try to put us all in a New
York state of mind.
Visit David Codrea’s online journal
“The War on Guns” at
waronguns.com,
visit DavidCodrea.com to read
his Examiner column.
Due to the importance of this column,
GUNS will begin
posting “Rights Watch”
at www.gunsmagazine.com on the
1st of the month—long before it
appears here.—Editor
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.
com/fmgpubs so you’ll be among
the first to know when “Right’s
Watch” is posted online!
NEWS
Firearms
Industry Jobs
Visit www.nssf.org/jobs for
current employment opportunities
in the shooting, hunting
and outdoor industry. Employers:
Log in to post a job opening.—Courtesy
NSSF
More Firearms Laws
R
emington
Arms has been
making firearms in the
Mohawk Valley town of
Ilion, N.Y., for almost 200 years. It
is one of the few thriving companies
left in what once was a regional
beehive of manufacturing activity
as a recent New York Times article
points out. Gov. Andrew Cuomo
has said he would urge adoption of
additional regulation when lawmakers
return to Albany for the 2013
legislative session. Residents and the
legislators who represent them have
expressed concern that more state
laws regulating firearms, including
microstamping, could drive jobs
and possibly Remington itself out of
New York.—Courtesy NSSF
ATK’s New
Montana Facility
ATK hosted a grand opening
celebration and ribboncutting
ceremony for its
new Manhattan, Mont. BLACK-
HAWK! facility on last August. The
recently built facility will be used to
produce products such as injectionmolded
holsters, buttstocks and
shooting-sport accessories. “The
direct impact BLACKHAWK! has
had on the community of Manhattan
and surrounding areas is tremendous,”
said Montana Gov. Brian
Schweitzer. “The original economic
impact calculated for this project
exceeded $120 million over a 5-year
period.”—Courtesy NSSF
Huge Government
Ammo Purchases
Rumors about the federal
government purchasing large
quantities of ammunition,
possibly for use against the American
populace in case of civil unrest,
have made their inevitable journey
from postings and blogs on various
Internet sites to phone calls to
62
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

conservative talk radio programs
more recently.
Because rumors are usually based
on a kernel of truth that is misconstrued,
exaggerated and then propagated,
let’s be very clear: There is
nothing out of the ordinary going on.
US government procurement
practices are baffling to begin with,
as any federal contractor will tell
you. All of them employ experienced
specialists who spend countless
hours just to do business with
Uncle Sam.
So, when complex purchasing
process is combined with an eyepopping
number of up to 450 million
rounds of .40 caliber to be purchased
over five years by the Department of
Homeland Security for its array of
agencies, added to lesser amounts
sought by smaller agencies with law
enforcement responsibilities, it seems
to some that something nefarious
must be brewing. As NSSF, the trade
association for the firearms and
ammunition industry, we want to get
the facts out.
Our members confirm what we
are seeing is the normal functioning
of the Feds’ procurement apparatus.
When you do the math in the
case of the DHS purchase, even the
maximum purchase would add up
to less than 1,400 rounds per year
for all 65,000 DHS law enforcement
personnel. That doesn’t seem
outrageous considering training and
qualification requirements.
And you don’t just have to take
our word for it. The NRA Institute
for Legislative Action took on this
rumor last September in a well-done
post. To its credit, the office of US
Representative Lynn Westmoreland,
who is well respected for his support
of the Second Amemdment, looked
into the issue and posted helpful
research at www.nraila.org.
“It behooves you to be watchful in
your States as well as in the Federal
Government,” President Andrew
Jackson said in his farewell address.
We agree, but some perspective is
also required. This particular rumor
should be put to rest.—Courtesy
Larry Keane NSSF
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 63

The turret of the Tiger 1 is secured to be moved to Royal Air Force Lakenheath
by members of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Alconbury, England, last July 9,
2012. The Tiger 1, one of six left in the world, will be shipped to the US Army
Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort Benning, Ga., for repair and full restoration.
USAF photo: Airman 1st Class Cory D. Payne
Airmen Relocate
wwii Tank
O
ne
of the most feared and
powerful tanks of its time is
making its way to the United
States courtesy of the 48th Logistics
Readiness Squadron from Royal Air
Force Lakenheath, England.
The squadron is shipping a World
War II-era German Tiger 1 tank from
Royal Air Force Alconbury, England,
to the US Army Armor and Cavalry
Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia,
for repair and full restoration.
The Tiger 1 is a German heavy
tank that was one of the most
advanced weapons during its time.
Armed with an 88mm gun on the
turret and protected by a thick layer
of armor on all sides, the Tiger 1 was
considered a formidable force by the
Allies. Although proven to be effective
in both offensive and defensive
combat, the tank was expensive and
time consuming to build. Production
was limited to little more than 1,300
built between 1942 and 1944.
Due to the relatively low number
built, finding a Tiger 1 in good condition
after more than 60 years is rare.
“There are only six known Tiger 1s
that are still in one piece left in the
world,” said Len Dyer, the director
of the Army Armor and Cavalry
museum. “This particular one was
captured by the British in Tunis,
North Africa, in 1943. She has plenty
of combat action and a few combat
scars that have had repair work done.”
Although the tank is now disassembled
for relocation, the battle
One of the six remaining Tiger 1s, a World War
II era German tank, sits incapacitated. Another
Tiger 1, one of the six, will be shipped to the US
Army Armor and Cavalry Museum at Fort Benning,
Georgia, for repair and full restoration.
(File photo)
scars that have since been patched
can still be seen on several parts of
the tank. The unique task of moving
this battle-hardened tank came
down from the US Army to the 48th
LRS. Specifically, the Secretary of
the Army, John McHugh, sent the
request to Bill Pratt, the 48th LRS
Transportation Management Office
chief of cargo movement.
Although the 48th TMO is
more commonly known for moving
Airmen’s personal property when
changing duty stations, the office
also is in charge of moving important
military property. “Part of
TMO moves personal property and
personal goods, but there is a big part
of TMO that never gets noticed,”
said Pratt. “Everything that comes
in and out of Lakenheath—doesn’t
matter if it’s a boat or bomb—comes
through TMO.”—Airman 1st Class
Cory D. Payne 48th Fighter Wing
Public Affairs
15 Employers
Honored By DoD
E
mployer
Support of the Guard
and Reserve (ESGR), a Department
of Defense agency,
announced the 15 recipients of the
2012 Secretary of Defense Employer
Support Freedom Award. The Freedom
Award is the DoD’s highest
recognition given to employers for
exceptional support of Guard and
Reserve employees. These employers
distinguished themselves from
the 3,236 nominations received from
Guardsmen and Reservists or family
members acting on their behalf.
Freedom Award recipients stand
out by going above and beyond what
the law requires of Guard and Reserve
employers. They go to extraordinary
lengths to support their military
employees through both formal and
informal initiatives. The 2012 recipients
have provided such outstanding
support as special hiring and career
development programs for Guard
and Reserve members; maintaining
an open door policy for deployed
employees’ family members in need
of assistance; and forming internal
veterans’ networks that maintain
contact with deployed colleagues,
organize care package drives, and
advise managers on issues related to
employing members of the military.
A selection board comprised of
senior DoD officials, business leaders
and prior awardees selected the
15 recipients. Since 1996, only 160
employers have received the Freedom
Award. The 2012 honorees
were recognized at the 17th annual
Secretary of Defense Employer
Support Freedom Award Ceremony
in Washington, D.C. last September
20th. For more information
about the Freedom Award and this
year’s recipients, visit www.FreedomAward.mil.—Courtesy
Shapiro, Susan Davis Int.
Victoria
The 2012 Freedom Award Recipients
Basin Electric Power Cooperative,
Bismarck, N.D.
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill.
Citi, New York, N.Y.
Crystal Springs United Methodist Church,
Crystal Springs, Miss.
Delta Air Lines, Atlanta, Ga.
Gary Jet Center, Gary, Ind.
Iostudio, Nashville, Tenn.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety,
Kalamazoo, Mich.
L-3 Communications, New York, N.Y.
Nyemaster Goode, Des Moines, Iowa
Port of Seattle, Seattle, Wash.
Siemens Corporation, Washington, D.C.
Tennessee Valley Authority,
Knoxville, Tenn.
Uniform Color Company, Holland, Mich.
Verizon Wireless, Basking Ridge, N.J.
64
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

KWIK-SITE
has taken Weaver®
style rings to new heights
and new lengths
Our Caps Will NOT
Scratch Your Scope Or Rust
Aussies Mentor
Afghan Artillery School
Students at the Afghanistan
National Army School of Artillery
have prepared for the next
phase of their careers with a live fire
exercise at the Kabul Military Training
Centre range.
The exercise was Afghan planned
and led, while Australian mentors
from Artillery Training Advisory
Team (ATAT) observed the activity.
The live fire exercise was conducted
as part of the Squad Leaders Course,
which runs for 8 weeks, and is the
qualification exercise for the new
junior leaders of the Afghanistan
National Army (ANA) Artillery.
Each member of the course fired
the 122mm D30 howitzer in order to
qualify on the equipment. Qualification
on the D30 is critical to a squad
leader, as he will command a gun
within a battery upon completion of
the course. The live fire also allows
the ANA Forward Observers and
Command Post personnel to hone
their skills in a field environment.
The live fire is the culminating
activity for one of the many ongoing
courses conducted at the school, and
with the next Squad Leader’s course
only days away from commencing,
the tempo of training remains high.
Lance Bombardier Dan Cooke,
the course manager, has been
mentoring the course instructors to
develop, refine and present training
at the School, as well as observing
the conduct of the live fire activities.
“Throughout the conduct of this
course we have observed an improvement
of both the instructors and the
trainees and I’m confident the next
course will be even stronger,” Lance
Bombardier Cooke said.
Since taking on the mentoring
role, the members of ATAT have
recognized a marked improvement
in the capability of their Afghan
counterparts.
Trainee Gunners from the Afghan National Army
(above) fire the Soviet-era 122mm D-30 Howitzer
during a live fire exercise at Kabul Military
Training Centre. The Afghanistan National Army
School of Artillery exercise at the Kabul Military
Training Centre range was Afghan planned
and led, while Australian mentors from Artillery
Training Advisory Team (ATAT) observed the
conduct. Lance Bombardier Dan Cooke (below)
from the Artillery Training Advisory Team Four
at the Kabul Military Training Centre during a
live fire exercise. Note the Lance Bombardier’s
5.56mm F88 Austeyr, an Australian-made version
of the Steyr AUG. Photo: Sergeant Mick
Davis 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit.
Bombardier Tim Dibben, a gun
team mentor with ATAT said that
in their time they had noticed a big
difference in the relationship between
the Commissioned and Non-Commissioned
Officers.
“As the skill level of the Non-
Commissioned Officer has increased,
the Officers are now able to step back
and fulfill command roles instead of
directly supervising the Bridmals.”The
Squad Leader’s Course is the training
ground for the next generation
of junior leaders, with those graduating
from the course now qualified as
junior Non-Commissioned Officers
within the ANA artillery.
At the completion of the course,
graduates will be posted to ANA battalions
or “Kandaks,” and will be serving
in active roles throughout Afghanistan.
—Courtesy ADoD
Leading U.S. Manufacturer
of Scope Mounts Since 1967
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 65

Clint on Vehicle Defense:
“Either Drive
Or Draw
... not BOTH!”
Learn how to defend yourself
from inside the car with help
from Clint Smith’s Thunder
Ranch DVD course.
Three Course
BONUS
Includes:
Concealed
Carry Options
Home
Defense
Vehicle
Defense
Two-disc set only $49.95 — Order Today:
(800) 628-9818 (M-F 8am-3pm PST)
www.americanhandgunner.com/TRvids
USS Constitution Sails
U
SS
Constitution departed
her berth from Charlestown,
Mass., last August 19, to set sail
for the first time since 1997, during an
underway demonstration commemorating
Guerriere Day.
The underway honored the 200th
anniversary of Constitution’s decisive
victory over the HMS Guerriere during
the War of 1812, marking the first time
a United States frigate defeated a Royal
Navy frigate at or nearly equal size.
It’s also the battle in which Constitution
earned her famous nickname “Old
Ironsides.”
“I cannot think of a better way to
honor those who fought in the war
as well as celebrate Constitution’s
successes during the War of 1812
than for the ship to be under sail,”
said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution’s
72nd commanding officer. “The
event also ties our past and present by
having the ship not only crewed by the
outstanding young men and women
who make up her crew, but also the 150
chief petty officer [CPO] selectees who
join us for their Heritage Week.”
More than 150 CPO selectees and
CPO mentor chiefs assisted Constitution’s
crew in setting sails. CPO selectees
participated in Constitution’s annual
CPO Heritage Weeks, a weeklong
training cycle divided by two weeks that
teaches selectees time-honored maritime
evolutions, such as gun drills, line
handling and setting sails. The training
is also designed to instill pride in naval
heritage in the Navy’s senior enlisted
leadership.
“I’m a boatswain’s mate,” said
Chief (Select) Boatswain’s Mate (SW)
Michael Zgoda, assigned to USS
Ingraham (FFG 61). “This is the foundation
of my rate. Being able to learn
from a variety of genuine chiefs and
their different perspectives on leadership
is overwhelming and important
to the chief petty officer transition. I’m
extremely honored to be a part of the
group that can say they sailed the USS
Constitution.”
The ship got underway at 9:57 a.m.
with tugs attached to her sides and
285 people on board, including special
guests. At 10:27 a.m., guest Dr. Phil
Budden, Britain’s Consul General to
New England and Cmdr. Matt Bonner,
Constitution’s 72nd commanding officer,
tossed a wreath into the ocean to
honor and remember Constitution’s
battle with the HMS Guerriere.
When the ship arrived at President
Roads, a body of water of Boston
Harbor, the crew then set three sails
from Constitution’s main, mizzen
and fore masts, and at 12:25 p.m., she
detached from her tugs and sailed west
under her own power for 17 minutes.
She sailed at a maximum speed of 3.1
knots, at an average of two knots over
1,100 yards.
After tugs reattached to Constitution’s
sides, the ship headed to Fort
Independence on Castle Island, where
thousands of spectators waited to
watch Constitution fire a 21-gun salute
toward the fort at 1:14 p.m. Fort Independence
is a state park that served as a
defense post for Boston Harbor at one
time.
Finally, the ship returned to her pier
at 2:05 p.m. and everyone departed
once the brow was safely set and the
ship was clean. Constitution reopened
to the public for tours of the ship’s
history at 4 p.m.
“For me, this underway is representative
of an incredible amount of
work and dedication by not only the
crew, but Maintenance and Repair
Facility, Naval History and Heritage
Command, and all of the partners
coming together to make this happen,”
said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
1st Class (AW/SW) Jason Keith, who
is the longest serving crew member
currently assigned to Constitution.
The world’s oldest commissioned
warship, USS Constitution sailed
west under her own power for 17
minutes last August. She sailed
at a maximum speed of 3.1 knots,
at an average of two knots, for
1,100 yards. (USN photo: Mass
Communication Specialist 1st
Class Andrew Meyers/ Released
66
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Visit one of our three traveling showrooms at a dealer near you and get your
hands on the hottest new products from today’s top manufacturers.
The world’s oldest commissioned warship,
USS Constitution, sailed under her own power
Aug. 19, 2012. This is only the second time in
131 years she traveled without help. The last
time Constitution sailed was 1997. This exercise
commemorates the 200th anniversary of the
Constitution’s victory over the British frigate
Guerriere during the War of 1812. (USN photo:
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Andrew Meyers/ Released
Keith reported to the ship April 13,
2009 and will depart August 31. “I’ve
given tours to thousands of people,
shined brass for hundreds of hours,
and I’ve climbed the rigging to set and
furl these sails over and over again. But
sailing USS Constitution on Aug. 19,
2012 is one of the greatest honors I’ve
had in my naval career, and I’m truly
proud to be a part of this history.”
The last time Constitution sailed
under her own power was July 21, 1997
to honor the ship’s 200th birthday. It
was the first time the ship sailed in 116
years.
“When we sailed the ship, it became
clear it was a different experience you
can’t have in port,” said Lance Beebe,
a crewmember aboard Constitution’s
1997 sail. “The ship comes alive, and
you truly understand what she is all
about.”
Constitution is the world’s oldest
commissioned warship afloat and
welcomes more than 500,000 visitors
per year. She defended the sea-lanes
against threat from 1797 to 1855, much
like the mission of today’s Navy. America’s
Navy: Keeping the sea free for more
than 200 years. For more information,
visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution.—Mass
Communication Specialist
2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS
Constitution Public Affairs
See our 2013 show dates online at www.elitesportsexpress.com
To book the ESE or get your products
on board, call Don at 702-528-6771
CLASSIC OWB (OUTSIDE THE WAISTBAND)
RUGER® LCR®
REINFORCED GUN BELT
1.5” BLACK
SIZE MATTERS
CLASSIC OWB
(OUTSIDE THE WAISTBAND) WITH ASR
S&W 500
CLASSIC IWB
(INSIDE THE WAISTBAND)
S&W® AIRWEIGHT
FOR A CUSTOM FIT HOLSTER
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 67

QUARTERMASTER
FEATURING GUNS ALL-StarS!
The Best &
Brightest
Mini-Blinkers to
Mega-Blasters.
John Connor
About a decade ago, when lithium
batteries and LEDs were
the new wave in illumination
tools, you could squeeze 80 lumens of
light out of two 123A lithium batteries,
and it would run for around an hour
with erratic performance as the batteries
lost power. Today that same size
little tactical light powered by two identical
batteries can deliver 600 lumens
almost twice as long, offering multiple
Designed for law enforcement, the “dual-fuel”
R1 Lawman by SureFire is a rechargeable,
which also runs on standard lithium batteries.
If you need maximum range and power,
Sightmark’s versatile H2000 delivers paintblistering
light.
From 28 to 2,000 lumens, these flashlights
all shine with fine features.
light levels and a strobe function, with
its consistent power assured by a microprocessor
controlled regulator. And the
price? About the same as that 80-lumen
light of yesterday.
Every season brings surprises in
flashlights, and sometimes a gamechanging
leap in technology. Here’s an
array of lights from mini to mighty, to
fit one or more niches in your illumination
needs.
Streamlight
Microstream
I carried an original Streamlight
Microstream clipped to my T-shirt
collar or in a shirt pocket daily for
several years. Although it was my least
expensive light, it was by far the one
I used most—and would least want
to be without. Finally, the pocket clip
broke, but Streamlight must have seen
me coming, because the new C4 model
has an unbreakable clip, with another
advantage too: The clip is a “doublefolded”
design, so you can pocket-clip
the Microstream lens down, or reverseclip
it to a cap brim for an instant
hands-free light. And, C4 technology
has bumped power from 20 to 28
lumens from the single AAA battery
and nearly doubled the runtime.
It’s 3.5" long and only weighs an
ounce, yet it’s O-ring sealed for water
resistance, virtually shockproof and
has an unbreakable polycarbonate
lens. I typically use mine for five to 30
seconds at a time, and at that rate you’ll
get a lot of service out of its 2.25-hour
runtime. Listing at $28, it’s often on sale
for less, making it a best buy in featherweight
lights.
SOG Dark Energy
At just 3.8" long and 3 ounces in
weight, the “Dark Energy” DE-01
flashlight by SOG Knives is a stout,
stubby chunk of hard-anodized,
aggressively checkered aluminum that
puts out an amazing 214 lumens from
a single 123A lithium battery. The tailcap
switch controls momentary and
constant-on, and half-taps will quickly
cycle you through high, at 214 lumens,
low at 40-percent light, and disorienting
strobe mode. Runtime is 80 minutes
on high, and 180 on low, and retail is
a reasonable $105 for this tough little
blinder.
Streamlight
ProTac HL
The latest in Streamlight’s ProTac
series of tactical flashlights is the
ProTac HL, or “High Lumen Output”
model, and it sure delivers on that,
wringing 600 blazing lumens out of
two 123A lithium batteries. All the
usual Streamlight features are there,
like power-regulating C4 technology,
aircraft-quality aluminum construction
with a hard-anodized finish, shock
suppression, waterproofing to IPX7
standard, and an anti-roll facecap, plus
this: The default mode as shipped gives
you momentary or constant-on high
power at 600 lumens, strobe mode, then
low power at 35 lumens, all activated
with rapid taps on the tailcap and pushto-click
for constant-on.
But with their new Ten-Tap programming
built into the switch, you can
program it to change from Hi-Strobe-
Lo to high power only, or low to high.
It’s easy; even I can do it. That’s a lot
The tiny Streamlight Microstream is always
there when you need it.
The Dark Energy DE-01 from SOG Knives produces
214 lumens from a single 123A lithium
battery.
Streamlight’s ProTac HL produces an incredible
600 lumens from two lithium batteries, plus
user-programmability.
68
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

of smarts and a ton of power out of a
5.6-ounce, 5.4" package! Shop around,
because although the HL lists for $130,
it’s often on sale.
SureFire R1 Lawman
Designed for law enforcement,
SureFire’s R1 Lawman carries a
hefty price tag, but it also packs hefty
features in a virtually bombproof
package that’s a versatile, multi-function,
long-term performer. Rechargeable
flashlights save lots of money
on batteries, but owners also run
the risk of running out of juice in a
“juice-free environment.” That’s not a
problem with the dual-fuel Lawman:
it will also run on two disposable or
rechargeable lithium 123A batteries.
With a little planning, you’ll never be
left in the dark.
Charging is as simple as plugging
a pin-type connector into the R1’s
body, and both AC—with international
adaptors—and a DC vehicle
charger are provided. The precision
micro-textured reflector maximizes
the unit’s peak output of 750 lumens
with a piercing spot and wide-beam
combination. There are two control
switches: The tailcap switch activates
the 750-lumen output, with a press for
momentary and twist for constanton,
while the head-mounted switch
lets you cycle from high to 150 lumens
medium and 15 lumens at low power.
A rapid triple-tap on the tailcap activates
a dazzling strobe function. Both
switches are user-programmable so
you can select your own menu of
modes. Runtimes at all light levels are
generous, and power is microprocessor
managed.
The Lawman is 8.1" long and
weighs 10.2 ounces. It is, of course,
Mil-Spec hard anodized and both
O-ring and gasket sealed against dust
and moisture, retailing for $455.
Sightmark Triple
Duty H2000
Two thousand lumens… Yup; you
read that right: 2,000 paint-blistering
lumens that’ll reach deep into that
ravine, across the river or down the
highway. Sightmark’s latest addition
to their Triple Duty (tactical, hunting
and competition) series is the H2000, a
rechargeable unit using three powerful
Cree T-6 LEDs in its oversized reflector.
It features three selectable light
levels of 2,000 lumens on high, 1,150 on
medium and 270 on low power, though
“low” and “270 lumens” don’t seem to
belong in the same phrase. There are
three modes—steady beam, strobe and
SOS, all controlled from the same tailcap
switch, and available in momentary
and constant-on. Strobe and SOS
modes always run at 2,000 lumens.
The two rechargeable lithium
batteries must be removed and
charged in the supplied cradle, and
the light will run at maximum power
for 1 hour on a full charge. The
H2000 is relatively light and agile at
20.5 ounces, and the grip is enhanced
with checkering and knurling. It is
built shock-resistant for use as a
weapon-mounted light, and comes
with a rail mount, a pressure switch,
and three color filters: red for night
varmint hunting and vision preservation,
green for use in heavy foliage,
and blue for illuminating blood trails.
The unit is waterproof, with Type II
Mil-Spec anodizing, and comes with
a limited lifetime warranty. Retail is
only $179.99.
Streamlight Inc.
30 Eagleville Rd., Eagleville, PA 19403
(800) 523-7488
www.gunsmagazine.com/streamlight
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools LLC
6521 212th St. S.W., Lynwood, WA 98036
(888) 405-6433
www.gunsmagazine.com/sog-knives
SureFire LLC
18300 Mount Baldy Cir.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(800) 828-8809
www.gunsmagazine.com/surefire
Sellmark Corporation
2203 Heritage Pkwy., Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 225-0310
www.gunsmagazine.com/sellmark
Brite-
Strike
Jacob Gottfredson
T
actical
gear for police officers
is often of very high quality if
not a bit on the expensive side.
Brite-Strike lights are among them.
The company offers intruder detection
and alarms, protective systems,
helmet lights, observation cameras,
and a plethora of tactical flashlights
to fit every conceivable need.
One of the most useful, small
lights is the BD-198-HLS made in
several configurations. The flashlight
is dubbed the Tactical Blue-Dot to
highlight the blue activation button
at its rear. The flashlight shown in the
photo is the BD-198-HLS-2C, the C
meaning that is has 2, CR-123A Lithium
batteries (included). It sports a
210-lumen high beam, 90-lumen low
beam, and a 210-lumen strobe, each
activated by pressing the blue button
in the rear. It is made from a single
billet of CNC machined high-grade
aerospace aluminum, black anodized,
Clint on Concealed Carry:
“It’s a BIG gun
when I put it on
and it’s a BIG gun
when I pull it out.”
Learn how to choose a gun,
carry concealed and draw
carefully. Get Clint Smith’s
Thunder Ranch DVD course.
Three Course
BONUS
Includes:
Concealed
Carry Options
Home
Defense
Vehicle
Defense
Two-disc set only $49.95 — Order Today:
(800) 628-9818 (M-F 8am-3pm PST)
www.americanhandgunner.com/TRvids
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 69

and the front and rear has crenelated
strike crowns. The light features a clip
as well.
In my late 20s, I had a job that
entailed wandering around Southeast
Asia at night. It was often overcast and
hidden by a 3-canopy jungle. I would
sometimes place my hand in front of
my face and marvel at the fact that I
could not see it. It was often the blackest
black you can image. As the small
team of men moved silently through
it, you could easily wander away from
The Brite-Stike Blue Dot flashlight (left) offers 210
lumens, 210-lumen strobe, and a battery-saving
90 lumens of light. The light is very high quality,
and has crenelated strike crowns top and bottom.
The little APALS come in packs of 10 and can be
worth their weight in gold in a dynamic environment
where identification is paramount.
the others. To avoid such a potentially
dangerous situation, we would pick up
bits of rotting, phosphorescent foliage
from the jungle floor and place it in
the back of our floppy hats. Following
the guy in front of you was made
much easier. I have no idea if that situation
prompted Brite-Strike’s design
of APALS, but they are certainly
advantageous in tactical or even some
civilian venues. They are sold in packs
of 10 and include several colors.
Written on the pack: “The All
Purpose Adhesive Light Strip
(APALS), new from Brite-Strike,
was designed by military operators
searching for a low cost, ultra reliable,
long lasting combat identifier.
APALS enhance your battlefield situational
awareness, giving you the ability
to safely monitor the movement of
friendly forces in a dynamic environment.
Completely submersible and
shockproof, the hermetically sealed
APALS are intended for use in the
worst possible conditions.”
But in my estimation, they would
also suit some needs of the police as
well as civilian hunters, hikers, and
anyone who ventures into environments
where either identification or
observation becomes important. The
little lights attach using an adhesive
The little APALS (All Purpose Adhesive Light
Strip, below) lights come in various colors and
can be seen 1/4-mile away. Runtime is about
35 hours.
surface, and are activated my pressing
a button. One press gives you a
fast strobe, twice a slow strobe, and
three times a constant light. They can
be seen 1/4-mile away and last for 35+
hours. Included as well are two infrared
stripes that can only be seen using
an appropriate light source. These
would be great safety items as well for
kayakers, joggers, bikers, or anyone
who needs to be seen before impending
disaster strikes.
Brite-Strike Technologies Inc.
11 Raffaele Rd.
Camelot Industrial Park
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-8701
www.gunsmagazine.com/brite-strike
BLUE&GRAY
The
A DEFINING Civil TIME IN OUR War
HISTORY
DIxIE’S LEGENDARY
cATALOG offers the
world’s largest selection
of Civil War replica arms
and accessories for
re-enactment enthusiasts
and history
buffs...PLUS a huge
selection of the
latest blackpowder
hunting and sport equipment.
DIxIE’S 2013 catalog is packed
with more than 10,000 items including
blackpowder shooting supplies, antique
gun parts, and accouterments.
PROFESSIONAL SERVIcE
AND ExPERTISE GUARANTEED
2013 cATALOG
STILL ONLY $5.00
VIEW ITEMS AND ORDER ONLINE!
www.dixiegunworks.com
Major credit cards accepted
FOR ORDERS ONLY (800) 238-6785
DIXIE GUN WORKS, INC.
PO Box 130 Dept. 2 Union City, TN 38261
INFO PHONE: (731) 885-0700
FAX: (731) 885-0440
EMAIL: info@dixiegunworks.com
See
Us
Online
AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 71

CLASSIFIED
Classified ads $2.00 per-word insertion. ($1.50 per-word insertion for 3 or more) including name, address
and phone number (20 word minimum). Minimum charge $40.00. BOLD WORDS add $1.00 per word. Copy
and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS
ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment
BY NO LATER THAN THE 1st OF each month. EXAMPLE: Closing for DEC. 2008 issue (on sale NOV. 5th)
is SEPT 1st, 2008. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly.
NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office, city, state and zip code as counted
words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to GUNS MAGAZINE CLASSIFIEDS, 12345 World Trade
Drive, San Diego, California 92128. NOTE: WE NOW HAVE DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS IN BOTH GUNS MAGA-
ZINE AND AMERICAN HANDGUNNER. ASK FOR OUR NEW RATE CARD. (858) 605-0235.
ACCESSORIES
FREE CATALOG! Make your own kydex
gun holster or knife sheath. Over 1200
S&K SCOUT-MOUNT
No Drilling or Tapping!
The absolute best scope mount made for the Chilean
1895. Easy installation without modifications
to your gun. Machined from solid bar stock
& made in the USA. See
www.scopemounts.com
for a list of our other mounts & scopes.
Chilean 1895 Scope Mount
S&K
Scope Mounts
70 Swede Hollow Rd
Sugar Grove, PA 16350
800-578-9862
www.scopemounts.com
items. Visit www.knifekits.com or call
1-877-255-6433 today.
AMMUNITION
Quinetics Corporation! Reloading
supplies. Made in USA.
www.quineticscorp.com
Untitled-2.indd 1
APPAREL
THE BELTMAN makes sturdy, top
quality, DUAL LAYER bull hide
belts (not cow), for dress wear,
concealed carry or competition
from $69.95. HANDMADE in the
USA in three widths and five colors.
Any length! Options include:
Horse, Elephant, Velcro, tapering,
stiffeners, etc. 919-387-1997
www.thebeltman.net
AUCTIONS/SHOWS
BOOKS
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
COLLECTORS
EMBLEMS & INSIGNIA
FOR SALE
TOP QUALITY! Unbelievably great
tasting freeze dried food! GMO free.
Plus emergency supplies! Contact
Independent Consultant Shelf Reliance
at gracewilson.shelfreliance.com
Maxarmory.com movie revolvers,
autos, machine guns, stunguns,
blank ammo, ID’s, bodyarmor, CWP
badges, spy cameras. Catalog $3
MAX PO 970057 Coconut Creek, FL
33097 1-877-332-2343
GUN PARTS
GUNS FOR SALE
GUNSMITHING
GUNSMITHING AT PIEDMONT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Twoyear,
hands-on program; financial
aid available; approved for GI
Bill benefits; P.O. Box 1197, Roxboro,
NC 27573; (336)599-1181;
www.piedmontcc.edu
INSTRUCTION
Former CIA Officer
reveals how to make
$10,800 a month as a
firearms instructor. To
get his special report,
call his free recorded
message today at
801-438-6746. ID#405
KNIVES & SWORDS
LEATHERCRAFT
MILITARIA
MILITARY SURPLUS
MISCELLANEOUS
Try a Real Machine Gun at THE
GUN STORE. Individual Rentals
and Gun Packages available at our
indoor range. Check out
www.thegunstorelasvegas.com
OPTICS
POLICE EQUIPMENT
REAL ESTATE
CUSTOM
CORNER
Straight sided
bits perfectly sized
for straight sided
gun screws!
Gun Kit #5589 is $59
All American made precision
rachet and bit tool kit
860-349-9228
www.chapmanmfg.com
72
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

JASON MOREAU
NEW PRODUCTS
ACC .300 Blackout Reticle Pattern
Browe Inc.
he 4x32 BCO .300 Blackout
Treticle is based on the popular
horseshoe- and dot-style reticle and
provides a bullet drop compensated
(BDC) reticle for both the subsonic
and supersonic ammunition. The
7-MOA horseshoe has a 5-MOA
inner dimension and provides an
illuminated 2-MOA wide ring for quick target acquisition. The
center 1 MOA dot gives the operator that precision shot and can
be zeroed at 100 meters with the supersonic round or 25 meters
with the subsonic round. For long-range precision, the reticle
features a BDC reticle that ranges out to 900 meters for the
supersonic and out to 400 meters for the subsonic. It is available
in four color options including amber, blue, green, or red. For
more info: (800) 407-3150 or www.gunsmagazine.com/browe
1556TICRYO II
Kershaw Knives
he new Kershaw Cryo
TII is significantly larger
than the original Cryo.
With its 3-1/4" blade, this classic Rick Hinderer design was built
for those who demand more from a pocketknife—more size,
more features, and a more streamlined style. The Cryo II is pure
stainless steel with matte grey titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN)
coating. Three times as hard as chrome, TiCN offers excellent
abrasion resistance and reduces friction on moving parts. The
SpeedSafe assisted opening guarantees the Cryo II opens quickly
and easily. Though this is a larger knife, it’s remarkably slim and
rides comfortably deep in the pocket thanks to Kershaw’s deepcarry
clip. For more info: (503) 682-1966 or www.gunsmagazine.
com/kershaw-knives
Expanded Eliminator Scope Line
Burris
he family of Eliminator
Tscopes now includes
three new models:
4X-16X-50mm Eliminator
III, 4X-12X-42mm
Eliminator II and Eliminator 3.5X-10X-40mm. The Eliminator
III is for centerfire rifles, and features enhanced ballistic
programming where the shooter enters not only the amount of
bullet drop at 750 yards, but also the ballistic coefficient (BC) for
his specific cartridge. The new Eliminator II accurately calculates
the distance out to 999 yards at any magnification, and can also
be programmed for any gun and any load. The new Eliminator
3.5X-10X-40mm provides accurate ranging out to 800 yards,
and also can be programmed to work with any gun and any load.
The 3.5X-10X-40mm must be set to 10X magnification when
ranging targets or trophies. For more info: (970) 356-1670 or
www.gunsmagazine.com/burris
Escort Supreme 20 Gauge Left- and
Right-Handed Semi-Auto Shotgun
Legacy Sports International
he Escort Supreme 20 is a semi-auto for upland game or
Tclay bird shooting. With a cycle rate of three shots in .43
seconds using 7/8-ounce loads, this is a super fast shotgun! The
left-handed model is a true lefty, with a left-handed receiver and
action. Features include a 26" nickel chrome moly-lined barrel
that is proofed for steel shot, SMART valve cycling system that
cycles all types of loads, Legacy’s new FAST Loading System,
magazine cut-off for single-round loading and five standard
chokes in F, M, IM, IC and Skeet. It comes with Turkish walnut
stocks finished in high gloss and a raised, ventilated rib with a
fiber optic front sight for quick target acquisition. For more info:
(800) 553-4229 or www.gunsmagazine.com/legacy-sports-int
Ferox
Folding Knife
Maxpedition
he first knife from
TMaxpedition features a
sleek jet-black blade with
optimal point and edge geometries to provide a high degree of
control during precise cutting tasks. Combine an ergonomic
fiber-reinforced nylon handle with a fast-action opening flipper
and you have a trusted quality tool that will perform in any
situation or environment. Available in a plain or serrated edge
and in three different colors—black, green and khaki. For more
info: (310) 768-0098 or www.gunsmagazine.com/maxpedition
LoPro Green Laser
Sightmark
he LoPro Green Laser is
TSightmark’s first low-profile
laser, allowing it to be mounted
in front of a riflescope without
blocking the field of view.
Designed to be mounted on a picatinny or weaver rail, the
LoPro can also be mounted on the side of a quad rail. Featuring
1 MOA click value adjustments, the hand-adjustable windage
and elevation turrets allow the user to zero in the laser dot for
close range shooting. Visibility ranges over 50 yards in the
daytime to over 600 yards at night. It takes one CR123 battery,
which provides 27 hours of continued use, and comes with
Velcro strips so the pressure pad can be mounted anywhere for
convenient activation. For more info: (817) 225-0310 or
www.gunsmagazine.com/sightmark
Accessory
Travel Cases
Negrini/
International Case Co.
egrini has announced full
Ndistribution of their patented
lightweight firearm, bow,
ammunition and accessory travel cases in the US through a
partnership with International Case Co. The patented design
utilizes double-wall construction of thermoformed, high rubber
content ABS and yields the lightest and most durable case
approved for air transport. The benefits of ABS include its high
shock resistance and strength-to-weight ratio, and the lack of
corrosive materials such as water. The inner upholstery utilizes a
special cotton/acrylic fabric that is laminated with technical poly
foam. At present there are four styles of locks/latches for Negrini
cases: the traditional keyed buckle style, the 3-number dial
combination lock system, the push-pull safety latch and the new
International TSA lock system. For more info: (585) 905-3161 or
www.gunsmagazine.com/intl-case-co
74
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

If you would like your product featured in GUNS Magazine’s New Products,
Contact: Jason Moreau (866) 903-1199. For more New Products visit us online at www.gunsmagazine.com
Expanded RX Compact
Digital Laser Line
Leupold
eupold has expanded its RX line of
Lcompact digital laser rangefinders with
four new models: RX-800i, RX-800i TBR,
RX-600i and, designed specifically for archers, RX-FullDraw. At
just over 4" length and weighing 7 ounces or less, each model
fits in a shirt pocket, yet is packed with features that can help
users confirm desired targets, shoot with confidence and boost
their effective range. Each new model has a multicoated lens
system and a new LCD that produces an image up to three
times brighter than competitive rangefinders. Other key features
common to all models include actual 6X magnification (5X for
FullDraw), fast-focus eyepiece with precision clicks and folddown
rubber eyecups that can accommodate users with or
without eyeglasses. For more info: (800) 538-7653 or www.
gunsmagazine.com/leupold-stevens
Zombie Reloader
MEC Shotshell Reloaders
EC Shotshell Reloaders is offering
Ma limited supply of Zombie
reloaders to ensure public safety. MEC
Reloaders have been through many
small Zombie incidents through the
years and to this day we are still on
top. The Zombie Reloader is offered
in 12 and 20 gauges only. You can
customize your zombie load to get the
most bang for your buck while taking
down the walking dead. When you
run out of your pistol and rifle ammo
you can count on MEC to be there. We
expect to see you on the other side; if
not, you probably didn’t buy a MEC.
For more info: (800) 797-4632 or
www.gunsmagazine.com/mec
Game Spy M-80 Black
Moultrie Feeders
ith Black Flash Technology, the
WM-80 Black emits no visible LED
light, providing ultimate concealment in
the woods. This covert mini-cam easily
doubles as a security camera for your
cabin, home or hunting property. The
M-80 Black provides clear, crisp images
both day and night. Even with concealed
LEDs, the 5.0 megapixel camera doesn’t
compromise nighttime range lighting up the field out to 50'.
Plus, the M-80 Black features Moultrie’s new Motion Freeze
blur-reduction technology, greatly reducing the nighttime blur
caused by an infrared flash. Other new features include new
FastFire Continuous Shooting Mode, which will capture up to
three images per second! Plot Stalker Hybrid Mode captures
images at preset intervals, plus images triggered by game!
Fore more info: (800) 653-3334 or www.gunsmagazine.com/
moultriefeeder
Gun Oil
Royal Purple
oyal Purple’s Gun Oil contains a unique, proprietary additive
Rtechnology called Synerlec and a blend of light solvents. The
addition of Synerlec to the synthetic base oil gives the product
the special ability to protect weapons against the metal-to-metal
contact they experience under heavy load and
during the repeated firings of hunting season,
while the built-in solvent lightly cleans firearms so
owners can use one product as opposed to buying
separate cleaners and lubricants. Royal Purple’s
product actually leaves a long-lasting film that
protects metal parts from water and air, thereby
reducing the chances of fouling and improving
performance. The Gun Oil is so effective it works
in a variety of climates and temperatures and will
not thicken in cold weather. For more info: (888)
382-6300 or www.gunsmagazine.com/royalpurple
Stealth Fighter
Crawford Knives
esigned with the fast
Dsleek lines of the Stealth
Fighter Jet in mind, this
utility fighting folder is a
great fit in your hand. The
flipper extension on the
bottom of the blade makes
for a fast, effortless opening.
The reverse curve blade is 3-7/8" long and 5/32" thick, made
of s35v steel. It has an overall length of 5-1/4" closed, and is
fitted with a titanium pocket clip to keep it in place. There are
decorative holes and slots in the blade. The liners are titanium.
Shown with carved micarta handles, great for gripping and
carbon fiber bolsters. Many different handle materials and
several different blade shapes available. Starting at $575.
For more info: (870) 732-2452 or www.gunsmagazine.com/
crawford-knives
Hybrid Tuck
The Holster Store
he Hybrid Tuck is one of the most
Tcomfortable inside-the-waistband
holsters you’ll own. Instead of Kydex
clips (which can break), The Hybrid
Tuck comes with durable metal clips
that will never break. This holster
and all of its components are made
in the United States. The holster
can take up to a week to build. We
offer a lifetime warranty on all of our
products. For more info: (866) 998-7254 or www.gunsmagazine.
com/holster-store
Thin Blue Line
TUFF1
UFF1 announced a partnership
Twith Concerns of Police Survivors,
Inc. (C.O.P.S) to offer the TUFF1
Thin Blue Line to law enforcement
personnel, their families and friends
throughout the US TUFF1 will donate
a $1 of each sale of the Thin Blue Line
to C.O.P.S in support of the families
of fallen officers. TUFF1 provides
the shooter with a more stable grip in any environment that
maintains the unique geometry of each firearm on either front
or rear grips. Backed by a limited-lifetime warranty, TUFF1 gun
grip covers were engineered using an elastomer that is durable,
resistant to chemicals and flexible. The Thin Blue Line has all of
the durability, function and performance of TUFF1 products with
a horizontal, thin, blue line on black. For more info: (888) 998-
8331 or www.gunsmagazine.com/tuff1
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 75

Total
package
value:
$5,375
Custom 1911 Pistol
Maker: Volkmann Precision
11160 S. Deer Creek Rd.
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 884-8654
www.gunsmagazine.com/
volkmann-custom-guns-inc
Action type: Locked breech, semiauto,
Caliber: .45 ACP, Finish:
2-tone, Sights: BaTTlehook set,
GriPS: Wicked Grips exotic iron
wood panels, Value: $4,295
WIN!
FOR WEB LINKS, GO TO WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM/PRODUCT-INDEX
Volkmann Custom 1911,
Andrews Wilson 1 Holster And More!
Luke Volkmann handcrafted
this custom 1911 for just one
of you lucky readers! Luke is
a 1-man shop and produces
a limited quantity of 1911s annually.
This 2-tone signature series pistol is
protected with a coating of ion bond
on the slide and hard chrome on the
frame and lower parts. The pistol is
constructed of all match parts. It has
the Volkmann Battlehook sight set,
25-LPI checkering on the frame, and
the forged slide features flattened,
angled serrations. The match-quality
barrel has Volkmann’s Perfection
Crown, and is fit to his heavy-duty
monogram bushing-and-plug set. A
set of exotic iron wood grip panels
from Wicked Grips tops off the build.
Carry your new 1911 in the
Andrews Wilson 1 Holster (Wrapid
Deployment). This holster has the
slick pebbly surface of ray skin, with
the accent of the disks of bone where
the larger spines have been ground off.
What gun prize package is complete
without a knife to go with it? Win
the Grayman Suenami 7, featuring a
stout and compact blade ideal for law
enforcement, or as a military backup.
It features a black GunKote finish and
1095 high carbon steel. Each knife
is hand ground by Mike Grayman,
and 100-percent made in the USA. It
comes with a “toothy” working edge,
and slight variations occur, making
each knife unique.
Finally, rounding off the lineup is
TI Survival’s Leviathan LTS (Long
Term Storage) Capsule, which is 12"
long. It has an outside diameter of
2.4", an inside diameter of 2" with
2" thick walls. There are two removable
caps on each end, which are
threaded and features a heat anodized
finish. It will keep anything from
money to matches dry, no matter what
conditions!
Win this package now! Send in
those postcards pronto, or take the
survey and enter online at www.
gunsmagazine.com/giveaway.
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/
fmgpubs and receive a tweet so you’ll be
among the first to know when the Gun of
the Month contest is updated!
76
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Wilson 1
Holster
Maker: Andrews
Custom Leather
22610 N.W. 102 Ave., Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 462-0576
www.gunsmagazine.com/andrews
Value: $450
TO ENTER CONTEST:
PLEASE Use YOUR OWN postcard
(no envelopes, please)
Follow sample card below. Mail postcard to:
GUNS Magazine, GOM JANUARY
P.O. BOX 502795, San Diego, CA 92150-2795.
Entries must be received before FEBRUARY 1, 2013.
Limit one entry per household.
QUESTION OF THE MONTH: How often do you purchase
a holster?
(A) Every time I buy a new pistol.
(B) Only when my old holster is worn out.
(C) Both A & B.
(D) I don’t use/buy holsters.
Leviathan LTS
Capsule
Maker: TI Survival
1801 S.W. 18th Ave.
Miami, FL 33145
(786) 417-4909
www.gunsmagazine.com/
ti-survival
Length: 12", Value: $375
Lockdown Large
Handgun Vault,
Combo Lock
Maker: BaTTenfeld Technologies, Inc.
5885 W. Van Horn Tavern Rd.
Columbia, MO 65203
(877) 509-9160
www.gunsmagazine.com/
baTTenfeld-technologies-inc
Interior dimensions: 1.5" wide
x 6.125" tall x 9.75" long,
Value: $20
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Email Address
CIRCLE ANSWER(S) TO QUESTION OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2012:
(A) (B) (C) (D)
IF I WIN, SHIP MY PRIZE THROUGH:
FFL Dealer
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone # ( )
Store Hours: ___________ ___a.m. thru ______________p.m.
Attention Deployed Military: USE STATESIDE ADDRESS!
INSTANT instant
access!
WINNERS CHOSEN BY RANDOM DRAWING.
Limit one entry per household. To protect the privacy
and security of winners, their names will NOT be made
public.
Contest void where prohibited by law. Winners must
undergo a background check and comply with all other
federal, state and local laws. Taxes and fees will be the responsibility
of the winner. Contest open to U.S. residents
only. Employees and agents of Publishers’ Development
Corp. are not elegible. No purchase necessary. Winners
will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Attention
deployed military: Use stateside address! Giveaway
guns and accessories may have evidence of being
test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Factory warranties
may apply in some cases.
The Gun of the Month package is awarded only to
the entrant drawn and will not be awarded if the firearm
presented is illegal in the jurisdiction of the winner. An
alternate, authorized winner will be selected. No substitutions
or transfers to a third party are allowed.
Suenami 7
Maker: Grayman Knives
P.O. Box 50
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
www.gunsmagazine.com/
grayman-knives
Blade material: 1095 high carbon
steeL, Handle: Black textured
G10, Sheath: Cordura, Value: $255
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 77

When the North
Wind Blows
Put another log on the fire
and a book in your lap….
John Connor
Running his pen over the 2013
schedule, Big Cheese Editor
Jeff John paused—I thought,
dramatically—tapped the paper and
intoned, “So, you’re doing these book
reviews kinda annually, huh?” Ever the
articulate orator, I replied, “Yup.” His
eyebrows arched, signaling, “Something
epic this way comes.”
“So,” sez he, “Why don’tcha do ’em,
like, mid-winter, when people actually
have more time to read books?” Not
wishing to appear less than intellectual,
I tried to look thoughtful, quickly gave
that up, and finally responded with,
“Umm… Duh…” And here we are,
snowbound bibliophiles!
This one’s going to be a little different,
because first, I’m not gonna tell
you what’s in the book. Second, you’ll
have to hunt for it, because it was last
printed in 1948. (Hint: I found copies
available on Amazon and bought two
for $4.95 and $9, one for a gift and one
to keep.)
If you recognize the author’s name,
it is probably as the man whose short
stories became iconic John Ford movies
including Fort Apache, She Wore a
Yellow Ribbon and Rio Grande, and
as co-writer of the screenplay for The
Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. But
there’s a lot more.
Born in New York in 1899, young
James Warner Bellah couldn’t wait for
the US to enter World War I, running
off to enlist in the Canadian Army. He
wound up flying against the Boche as
a pilot in Britain’s Royal Flying Corps.
Fast forward to WWII, James kicks off
as a lieutenant in the infantry, leaps to
the General Staff Corps, then to the
inner circle of Admiral Lord Mountbatten
in Southeast Asia; fights in
Burma with the legendary Orde Wingate
and his Chindits, then serves with no
less than General “Vinegar Joe” Stillwell
and Phillip Cochran, the daring
CO of the 1st Air Commando. James
ended the war as a colonel and one
of the most colorfully and eclectically
experienced officers of any army.
Fourteen novels, innumerable short
stories and articles tell only part of his
tale. Throughout his life, he would take
a world map, blindly stick a pin in it—
and go there, by whatever means. Irregular
Gentleman forms those chronicles,
written by a master wordsmith whose
scene-setting and character depictions
rival the best work of Joseph Conrad.
Find it!
The River War
Gordon of Khartoum. Kitchener
at Omdurman. Dongola, Kordofan,
Darfur and Berber; the confluence of
the Blue Nile and the White, and the
fabled cataracts beyond which lie its
mysterious headwaters, running from
the darkest, most impenetrable jungles
to parched and forbiddingly desolate
deserts. The names, the words alone stir
the imagination and set a vast stage for
death and glory.
The Sudan of the 1880s and ’90s,
impoverished by and ravaged under
brutal Ottoman and Egyptian overlords,
boils up and rises around the
failed and shoeless cleric Muhammad
Ahmad, who declares himself to be
the prophesied Mahdi, the redeemer
of the Islamic world. Hunger and hate
form a powerful fuel, and the hordes of
the sword and spear-wielding Dervish
Army appear unstoppable, killing all in
their path.
If you read Churchill’s Story of the
Malakand Field Force, you know at the
conclusion of the Afghanistan mountain
campaign, young Winston dashed
off to England, having heard of an
Irregular Gentleman, by James Warner Bellah
The River War, by Sir Winston S. Churchill
One Second After, by William R. Forstchen
78
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

operation being mounted against the
Dervishes, and to forge up the Nile. We
find him on horseback in the sands of
the Sudan as a young leftenant of the
21st Lancers, armed with a pen, a notebook,
and a lance, which is anything
but decorative.
From the machinations of major
world powers to the tracking of an
army-issue box of biscuits from Cairo
to the Upper Nile, the depth and
breadth of Churchill’s research and
the dispassionately objective eye with
which he views allies and enemies alike
may astound you. If you want to understand
Darfur and the Sudan today, you
must read this tale of its yesterdays
titled The River War.
On the same day in 2004 that the
9/11 Commission delivered its report
on the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001,
another report, far more important,
was released. It was a masterpiece of
timing, and it worked: the full focus
of the press and the attention of the
world was riveted on the 9/11 Commission’s
glance into the rear-view mirror
of history. Many, if not most members
of Congress and the hierarchy of the
federal government heaved huge sighs
of relief. That other document was the
Report of the Commission to Assess
the Threat to the United States from
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack.
They didn’t want people to read it, and
they haven’t.
Most people have heard of EMP
but few really understand it, or appreciate
the gravity of its threat. It is what
nuclear scientists refer to as a “continent
killer.” It does not require a
sophisticated thermonuclear device or
an advanced intercontinental ballistic
missile delivery system. All it takes
is the detonation of what you might
call a garden-variety atomic bomb in
the upper atmosphere over your target
nation, lobbed skyward by a crude but
sufficiently powerful rocket, and virtually
every electronic device in line-ofsight
from the detonation is permanently,
irrevocably fried.
The more advanced and industrialized
the targeted nation, the more
cataclysmic the effect. Whose society
does that sound like? Power grids
go down, in effect, permanently. All
modern aircraft, locomotives, vehicles
made after the 1960s, generators,
phones and other communications
systems, medical devices, GPS,
everything with microcircuitry or a
microchip dies instantly.
No, your expensive shock suppressor
won’t work. EMP doesn’t pack
the power of lightning, but it achieves
peak power several times faster than
the shock from a lightning bolt, frying
devices before a suppressor’s switch
can close. The only effective shielding
consists of tons of hard earth or yards
of concrete.
EMP is the most cost-effective way
to plunge a modern nation back into
the Dark Ages, but without the skills,
tools or knowledge to survive in that
environment. What would the effect be,
let’s say, on a small mountain community
in North Carolina? One Second
After answers that question. And
while you’re turning the pages, bear
in mind these words from retired Air
Force General Eugene Habiger, former
Commander-in-Chief of the US Strategic
Command: “It is not a matter of
if, it is a matter of when.”
My thanks to the Big Cheese Editor
Jeff John for loaning me his copy of
Irregular Gentleman. Within 20 pages I
knew I’d have to buy copies myself—it’s
that good. Stay warm, friends! Connor
OUT
Editor’s note: John Connor, Garry
James and I have formed the loose
association of “Those Who Read
Bellah” and you can join by finding one
of his books, reading it, and passing it
to a friend. Our goal is to see his work
reprinted and disseminated.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 79

ADVERTISER’S INDEX
The companies listed have
FEATURED advertisements in this issue. Look
to them first when you are ready to make a purchase.
JANUary 2013
ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE
American Handgunner
Subscription ......... 70
American Handgunner
T-Shirts ..............80
American Watch Co. ..... 3
Black Rain Ordnance ... 61
Blade-Tech Industries.. 67
Blue Book
Publications Inc. .....36
Bond Arms ............. 27
Colt
Manufacturing Inc. .... 7
Crimson Trace Corp. ....63
CrossBreed
Holsters LLC........... 9
DeSantis Holster ....... 24
Dixie Gun Works........ 71
El Paso Saddlery Co.....35
Elite Sports Express.... 67
European
American Armory ...... 9
Fiocchi Ammunition . 41, C3
FISST I.H. Enterprises ..35
Fort Knox Security .....29
Graf & Sons ............ 81
Hogue Inc. ............. 52
Impact Steel Targets... 71
Iver Johnson ...........36
Kimber
Manufacturing Inc. ...C4
Kirkpatrick
Leather Company.....29
Kitanica................ 27
Kwik-
Site Co.....25, 29, 33, 65
LaserMax Inc........... 14
Magna-Arm Inc. ........ 27
Mag-Na-Port
International......... 18
Mitchell’s Mausers..... 19
Old Faithful Holsters ... 10
Pearce Grip ............ 79
Savage Arms ........... 17
Sierra Bullets .......... 18
SIG SAUER ............. 15
Smith & Wesson........ 23
Smith & Wesson
Performance Center.. 11
Spartan Blades.........35
Springfield Inc.......13, 37
Steelcutter
Publishing............ 24
STI International Inc. .. 52
Sun Optics USA.........60
SureFire LLC............ C2
Thunder Ranch
Training DVDs ........ 73
80
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

continued from page 82
boyfriends soon disappeared, however
the dogs remained. Both dogs were
little females, Chloe a Pomeranian,
and Molly, a Shih’tzu. Both girls
married and moved away, however
the dogs remained with my daughter
and her husband and all was well.
Then my grandson decided he needed
a dog of his own so he came up with
a little female Pit Bull he named Mia.
Contrary to what you hear about Pit
Bulls, she is a gentle loving dog; must
have something to do with the way
they are raised. Now there are three
dogs under one roof and all is still well.
That was about to change! Thanks to
the recession (which was over) granddaughter
number two and her husband
moved back home bringing with them
two more dogs, Marley, another female
Pit Bull, and Tucker, a male German
shorthair/black lab cross. All being well
had come to an end.
Dust Up
Four of the dogs were fine, however
the smallest one, the nine pound bundle
of black and white fur, Chloe the
Pomeranian, turned out to be a feisty
little troublemaker. I don’t believe she
is afraid of anything smaller than an
elephant, an African elephant at that.
She was constantly stirring up trouble
until my desperate daughter called me
to ask if I would consider taking Chloe.
I had been without dogs for two years
and just didn’t know if I could handle it
as I still missed Red and Wolf so much.
However, Chloe always searched out
my lap whenever I visited my daughter’s
house and she was a very loving
dog, so I said OK. Everything was well
again, almost.
It wasn’t long before my daughter
called again. “Dad we have another
problem. No one is here all day and
Molly is terrified of the three bigger
dogs and spends all her time hiding
in the bedroom. Could you possibly
consider taking Molly also?” My first
thought was could I actually replace
my two manly-man Malamutes with a
couple of girly-girl dogs? When Chloe
and Molly were young they used to
come and visit Red and Wolf and chase
them around the backyard until the big
boys were worn out. That was no problem,
however Molly also liked to chase
the cat. “I’ll consider Molly if I can
teach her to leave the cat alone.” That
took about three days and all was well.
Chloe has turned out to be an excellent
watchdog. She spends the day
in the living room perched upon the
back of the couch and doesn’t miss a
thing. I don’t hear doorbells, I don’t
hear anyone knocking at the door, I
don’t hear anyone close to the house;
Chloe does. Nothing gets by her, and
she is so smart she has a different way
of warning me about everything going
on. When the mailman arrives it is just
a little yip, when someone goes by the
house, the yip becomes a little more
serious, and when someone steps on
the porch the barking begins in earnest.
When Diamond Dot arrives home the
barking is also serious, however it is
easy to discern, as it is a happy barking.
Meanwhile Molly just lays back
and waits for serious barking before
she joins in.
Both dogs, JUST AS Red
and Wolf ALWAys were,
BECOME totally PROTECtive
of Diamond Dot.
While Chloe is on guard in the
front room Molly spends her day with
me. Wherever I am, reading, working,
watching TV, she is right beside
me. It’s almost comical to me to realize
250 pounds of malamutes have
been replaced by a couple of pounds
of fluffy females. At night everything
changes. Both dogs, just as Red
and Wolf always were, become totally
protective of Diamond Dot. As she
sleeps she can hardly move, as there is
one up on the bed on each side of her.
That’s one thing Red and Wolf could
not do; the bed just wasn’t that big!
When I first started shooting back
in the ’50s I never gave a thought
to security. All my guns were hanging
on pegs in my bedroom. When I
married we bought a big old house
and the third floor was my hideaway,
Dot’s also, and my guns were hanging
up there with no concern. That
world is long gone and if one has
firearms security is a big concern. I
use a 4-layered system. First come
the dogs. No one gets near the house
without them letting me know. Then
comes a double alarm system backed
up by safes. Finally, I never leave my
house unoccupied overnight. Someone
is always here. Of all of these
to me, especially due to my hearing,
or rather the lack thereof, the
dogs are the most important. With
their vigilance I always know what’s
going on. Dogs are so important
Federal Premium has just introduced
new minimum penetration handgun
ammunition labeled Guard Dog
Home Defense.
I never would have dreamed these
two little dogs could ever take the
place of Red and Wolf. And they really
haven’t, they’ve just found their own
spot in my heart. Like any dogs all
they ask is a place to stay, something to
eat, and to love and be loved. Actually
that’s what we all need.
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 81

A Dog
Story
Big and small.
John Taffin
Those who are in the know, or at
least pretend to be, told us the
recession ended in June 2009.
They obviously haven’t seen all the
empty storefronts in my town and I
would be willing to bet sight-unseen
yours is in the same situation. Old-line
businesses have disappeared, my two
favorite Mexican restaurants are gone,
and the last one I discovered is about
to go. If the recession is over I certainly
haven’t seen much evidence of it.
On a more personal note there seems
to be a mass migration of kids back
home. Of my five local grandkids, one
has been transferred to a job 300 miles
away, another is off at school, and the
other three, two of which are married,
have moved back home. Economically
speaking it is rough out there and by
moving back home things are much
simpler and they can actually save
money every month instead of going
further in debt. Two of them have large
college bills to pay on top of everything
else
Ḃoth sets of parents who have
received the prodigal children have
plenty of room so that is no problem
but while people get along fine the
affected dogs don’t always do so. This is
a good place to back up and trace what
has transpired. Back in 1995 a long
time wish of mine came true when I
bought two 6-week-old purebred Malamute
puppies, littermates. My grandson,
who was 2 years old at the time,
named them Red and Wolf. As they
grew I soon found it was tough keeping
them from fighting each other and also
keeping them in the yard. They soon
That was then…
grew out of the former state, however
it took a 6' wooden fence with an electrical
wire to keep them in. Without the
wire they simply dug out underneath
the fence.
They grew to be large, wonderful,
beautiful, loving and protective
companions. They were especially
good with the grandkids who were very
young at the time and totally protective
of Diamond Dot, who, if you
are new to these pages, is my wife and
shooting companion of more than 50
years. If she was in a chair reading one
was on each side of her; when she was
at the table one was behind her chair,
… this is now.
the other was under the table. When
she was sick they were beside her bed.
When she had a hip operation she was
worried about coming home, as they
were always so exuberant in their greeting.
Somehow they knew and as she
entered the house, they never jumped
up and were careful not to bump into
her. Whoever said dogs were dumb?
All good things come to an end in
this life. First Wolf died and two years
later Red followed. For the last three
years of his life Red was blind; he had
a little trouble in the house but he knew
where everything was outside. By the
time he passed I was devastated. For
several years I caught myself going to
the sliding door on the deck to let them
in every morning. Every time I pulled
in the driveway I expected them to be
waiting for me at the gate. I didn’t think
I could ever replace them; I couldn’t
even bring myself to think about
getting another dog. But it’s strange
how things happen.
When two of my granddaughters
were in high school they both received
puppies as gifts from boyfriends. The
continued on page 81
82
WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY 2013

Introducing The New Line of Innovative
Ammunition Packaging by FIOCCHI USA.
TRACER SHOTSHELLS, RIMFIRE, CENTERFIRE Pistol, Revolver and Rifle Ammunition
Packaged in StackAble, PackAble, StorAble CANS.
Since 1876
For the Fiocchi dealer near you, Call 417.449.1043 / visit www.fiocchiusa.com

Kimber CDP Pistols.
Unequaled Quality. Unmatched Performance.
Easy to carry and conceal, the Ultra CDP II .45 ACP has a 3-inch barrel and
weighs 25 ounces. It is also offered in 9mm and with Crimson Trace Lasergrips.
CDP pistols have custom features like
low-profile night sights and a Carry Bevel
treatment for smooth, rounded edges that
will not snag clothing or holsters.
An ambidextrous thumb safety promotes
fast operation and 30 lines-per-inch
checkering on the front strap and under
the trigger guard ensures a positive grip.
The Custom CDP II .45 ACP has a 5-inch
barrel and full-length grip, yet weighs just
31 ounces. CDP models take concealed-carry
performance to the extreme.
Built in the Kimber ® Custom Shop, CDP (Custom Defense Package)
pistols combine .45 ACP power and the most important concealed carry
features into a light weight, high-performance package that gives them their
name. The stainless steel slide plus a match grade barrel and trigger ensure
durability and accuracy. Aluminum frames wear the premium KimPro ® II
finish that is self-lubricating and extremely resistant to moisture and salt.
Quality and performance are the true measures of value and Kimber pistols
set the industry standard. Nowhere is this more evident than in a CDP.
Visit the nearest Kimber Master Dealer and see for yourself.
THE CHOICE OF AMERICA’S BEST
kimberamerica.com
(888) 243-4522
Kimber offers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and rifles to meet any need.
©2012, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.