GW - May 2016

SAVAGE ARMS STEVENS
RELIABILITY, VALUE
WALTHERS
FAST-HANDLING
.22 RIMFIRE HK G36
TRAIN & DEFEND
AMMO
ENHANCE YOUR
ROCK ISLANDS
TAC ULTRA
SKILLS ON A FS HC PISTOL
BUDGET
GUN
CLEANING
101
DEEP
CONCEALMENT
NAAS SIDEWINDER
UPGRADED
Smith & Wessons Ported Shield
MAY 2016 VOLUME 57, NO.5 $4.99 U.S.
DISPLAY UNTIL 5/3/16 www.gunworld.com
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CONTENTS May 2016
Cover Story
14 Super Shield
The engineers at Smith & Wesson deserve a huge pat
on the back. Wait until you see how they upgraded
their Performance Center Ported M&P 9 Shield.
By Mike Dickerson
14
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4 GUN WORLD | MAY 2016 | www.gunworld.com

Features Columns
22 Long and Lethal 6 Up Front
Find out why the .338 Lapua Magnum is in high 8 New Products
demand on the modern battlefield. By Tim Stetzer
By Leroy Thompson
40 Todays Hunter
30 Ultra-Impressive By Brad Fitzpatrick
Affordability and performance are topnotch on
Armscors TAC Ultra FS HC pistol. 76 Handguns
By Dave Workman
By Dave Workman
80 Reload
48 Elusive No More By James E. House
Whats cool and hot and goes for $599?
The Walther HK G36. 86 Gunsmithing
By Tim Stetzer By Steve Sieberts
98 Back Page
58 The Triple Nickel
If youre a hunter, the Stevens Model 555 shotgun
from Savage Arms should be music to your ears.
By Phillip Massaro
68 Pocket-Sized Punch
NAAs Sidewinder revolver threw our reviewer
for one giant loopand he dug every second of it.
By Steve Barlow
94 Winchesters Train & Defend Ammo

Enhance your trainingand save money. Thats as
close to perfect as it gets.
By Tim Stetzer
www.gunworld.com | MAY 2016 | GUN WORLD 5

UP FRONT
May 2016
Volume 57 Number 5
EDITORIAL
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John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave Spaulding, Tim Stetzer, Tom Tabor,
Leroy Thompson, Martin Topper, Dave Workman
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That's why discriminating shooters whose jobs, professional success or personal safety depend on super accurate, super
dependable firearms are willing to stake their lives and their livelihoods on Les Baer Custom 1911 pistols.
From cops, tactical operators and military special ops guys to firearms trainers and serious competitors, they know that Les Baer
1911s have been delivering superior performance and unquestioned reliability for more than a quarter-century. More than thirty
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Models include:
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NEW PRODUCTS
Follow-Up
SHOT
TACTICALWALLS RFID MODELS need your guns, though, the RFID reader will open the vault and allow you rapid access to your
Gone are the days of leaning home defense guns in a corner or stashing them in an rearms (long guns and pistols), as well as spare ammunition. You can program one key or
unlocked drawer. TacticalWalls is ofering a new line of products that allow you to easily stage fob to all the TacticalWalls in your home, and you can order as many additional keys and fobs
rearms around the home without drawing attention to your guns. Better yet, the new RFID as you need.
(radio frequency identication) models ofer quick access to those who possess an RFID card
or fob and restrict access for those who dont. MSRP: $395 and up
The stylish mirrors and shelves look good in the home (unlike some other vaults that are Contact: TacticalWalls.com
about as subtle as a hide-a-key rock in your yard) and will go unnoticed by visitors. When you

A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE BEST NEW PRODUCTS
FROM THE 2016 SHOOTING, HUNTING AND OUTDOOR TRADE
SHOW IN LAS VEGAS
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
T
he bulk of the press regarding the annual SHOT must-haves for shooters and hunters.
Show in Las Vegas centers around new firearms, With so much floor space and so many new items, its impossible
and over the course of the next 12 months, to cover all the new gear, gadgets and gizmos that are designed to
Gun World readers will be offered in-depth make life easier and make you a better shooter. However, heres a
examinations and field tests of these new guns. list of eight items that caught our eyeproducts that would make
But SHOT isnt just about guns; there are a number of great presents for the shooter on your gift list even
other companies offering up innovative new products that are if that shooter is you.
ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY DOZIER ARROW KNIFE

Bob Dozier is a name familiar to knife acionados; over his 50-plus-year career, Dozier
has developed some of the most practical, functional and stylish folders that are perfect for
everyday use, whether youre cutting strings from hay bales or dressing a deer.
For 2016, Dozier has combined eforts with Ontario Knife Company to launch his new OKC
Dozier Arrow folding knife, which features a 3.63-inch AUS-8 steel spear point blade with a
56-58 HRC hardness rating, G-10 handles with Doziers arrow design and textured gripping
surface and a steel liner lock. This folding tactical knife is lightweight and durable, and it works
well for a variety of diferent tasks.
MSRP $78.95$81.50
Contact: OntarioKnife.com
BROWNING BLACK OUT reposition the great

6V HEAD LAMP for early-morning d. The body
Browning is a name most often associated of this light is made o luminum, which
with rearms, but the company has expanded to adds little bulk yet ofers urable exterior for
include a wide selection of knives, safes, clothing years of reliable service. Black Out head lamps run
and lights. For 2016, this company is launching the for three hours on high mode, 48 on low and use
compact Black Out head lamp, which ofers 365 two CR123A lithium batteries.
lumens for an efective range of up to 165 yards The best part? The strap design is so
and features an LED bulb that never requires comfortable that youll forget youre wearing
replacement. this light until you need it.
There are four brightness modes and a strobe
setting, and the Silent Tilt Hinge allows you to MSRP: $99.99
Contact: Browning.com

NEW PRODUCTS
LACROSSE injected into a mold around a neoprene core,

AEROHEAD SPORT improving comfort and durability. The Brush Tuf
Hunters understand the value of wearing tall exterior stands up to thorns and briars, and the
rubber boots in the eld; theyre warm, waterproof upper features a jersey liner that wicks moisture.
and dont hold scent. However, there was always a If you get too hot, you can simply roll the uppers
big problem with rubber boots: They were bulky down like sleevesa great feature for hunters who
and heavy ... that is, until 2016. walk a lot. And you can walk a lot in these boots
LaCrosse remedied the big boot problem with and still be comfortable.
the introduction of the Aerohead Sport, a light- Waterproof, lightweight, comfortable and
weight, contoured design that ofers everything you durable whats not to love?
love about rubber bootsminus the bulk.
One of the secrets behind this boots design is MSRP: $169.99$179.99
LaCrosses AeroForm technology. Polyurethane is Contact: LacrosseFootwear.com
OTIS I-MOD
Otis is famous for its extensive line of cleaning products, but for 2016,
this company is ofering an innovative, new cleaning system known as the
I-MOD.
Originally designed with soldiers in mind, the I-MOD is a great product
for any hunter or shooter. This compact, easy-to-carry eld kit ofers the same
muzzle-to-breech cleaning abilities as other OTIS kits, but with some
important extras.
There are Memory Flex cables with slotted tips, caliber-specic bronze
bore brushes, chamber brushes, ripcords and a double-ended AP brush for
cleaning hard-to-reach areas. In addition, a segmented rod is included
a rst for OTIS.
The whole package ts into a durable nylon pouch with a heavy-duty
zipper, and the kit will easily t into your pack or on your belt. The I-MOD is
available for 5.56 and 7.62 ries and 9mm, .40- and .45-caliber handguns.
In addition, there are four combo kits available (5.56, 7.62; and 9mm, .40
or .45), so you can have all the gear you need to clean your rie and pistol in
one easy-to-carry system. Your last excuse for having dirty guns is gone.
MSRP: $69.99$79.99
Contact: OtisTec.com

A decade since it was first introduced,
the Taurus Judge still rules. Today, its
available in more than a dozen models.
Capable of chambering both .45 Colt
and .410 shotshell, its the original
five-shot game changer.
Fiber optic front sights
Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy
Decisive stopping power
Superior choice for home and personal defense
Free One-Year NRA Membership with purchase of Taurus firearm
TaurusUSA.com
NEW PRODUCTS
THERMACELL HEATED
PROFLEX HEAVY DUTY INSOLES
There are smart phones, smart cars and even smart homes ... but a
smart insole?
ThermaCELL has launched a new, long-lasting smart insole: the ProFLEX
Heavy Duty. Bluetooth operation allows you to view battery life with your iPhone
or Android device and set the desired temperature setting. If you forget your
phone, theres a manual mode, and you can control each boot individually.
The battery, which is covered in Poron (an anti-microbial that absorbs
shock), charges via a USB cable and will return to 80 percent charge in 80
minutes. In addition, theres no need to remove the liner to retrieve the
battery for charging.
These insoles are highly water resistant to protect the electronics and will
heat your boots up to 27 degrees above their insulation rating. Sizes range
from womens 4.5 to mens 14.
So much for cold feet next winter.
MSRP: $199.95 for the insoles

$59.99 for Extended ProFLEX Battery Pack
Contact: Heat.ThermaCell.com
WILEY X REALTREE XTRA SAFETY GLASSES

Shooters have learned to love Wiley Xs glasses, not only because theyre stylish and comfortable to wear but also
because they meet or exceed MIL-PRF 32432(GL) ballistic standards and ANSI high-velocity and mass-impact standards.
Translation: These are serious safety glasses. Theyre great for boating, shing, biking, shooting and hunting
especially the new Rebel and Valor Realtree Xtra models.
The Rebel features smoke-green lenses; the Valor model, which ofers the ability to swap lenses to improve shooting
in any light conditions, comes with standard smoke-gray.
Whereas many other safety glasses of this caliber are heavy and clunky, Wiley X gave the Rebel and Valor sleek,
stylish, lightweight designs. GW
MSRP: Realtree Valor $75

Realtree Rebel $130
Contact: WileyX.com

RUGER AR-556
D I R E C T I M P I N G E M E N T, M O D E R N S P O R T I N G R I F L E
Flattop Upper Receiver Features a

Forward Assist, Dust Cover and
Brass Deflector
16.10'', Medium Contour, Cold

Hammer-Forged Barrel with
Ruger Flash Suppressor
and 1:8'' Twist **
Post Front Sight and Ruger Rapid

Deploy Folding Rear Sight Milled Gas Block
100%
Has Multiple
Attachment
Ergonomic Pistol Points Including
Grip Features an a QD Socket and
Extended Trigger Bayonet Lug,**
R f r li
The Ruger AR -556 is a semi-automatic, M4-style, direct impingement Modern Sporting Rifle that offers consumers
an affordable, American-made rifle with the rugged reliability they have come to expect from Ruger. Extensively tested during
its development, the AR-556 is constructed from top-quality components, including forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and
lower receivers and a cold hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel barrel with M4 feed ramp cuts. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the
AR-556s carbine-length, flattop, M4 design is fully configured with a Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, milled F-height gas
block with post front sight, forward assist, dust cover, brass deflector, telescoping six-position or fixed stock, improved trigger-reach
grip and enlarged trigger guard. Standardized M4/AR components are utilized throughout, so the AR-556 can be customized easily.
* Some rifles may not be available in all states and locales due to laws limiting magazine capacity and feature-based restrictions. Please check with your local law enforcement agency prior to purchasing this firearm
to verify that it may legally be purchased and/or possessed in your particular state and locale.
** State compliant model 8502 is offered with a fixed stock, heavy contour barrel, no bayonet lug or flash suppressor and includes one, 10-round magazine.
Join Ruger and help us raise $4,000,000 for the NRA.

RUGER .COM/2MILLION
2016 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 012716
Super
Capacity with the
standard magazine in place
is 7+1. The gun comes with
an extended eight-round
magazine.
Shield
WITH ITS UPGRADES, THE
SMITH & WESSON PORTED SHIELD
HAS GONE FROM GOOD TO GREAT
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIKE DICKERSON
HEN THE SMITH & WESSON for guns without it. S&W swiftly produced a slick version of
W M&P Shield pistol was first

introduced in early 2012, it met
with instant success and was
popularly proclaimed to be a
nearly perfect gun for concealed carry.
Straddling that ill-defined line between compact and
subcompact pistols, the original single-stack 9mm gun hit
the pistol with no external safety, and the gun moved even
closer to that nearly perfect concealed-carry gun definition.
There was still one tiny fly in the ointment, however: the
guns trigger. It wasnt the worst striker-fired pistol trigger
out there, by a long shot, but a few other manufacturers
were beginning to produce pistols with triggers that were
simply better. In fact, many owners lined up to purchase
the sweet spot for concealability with its .95-inch width aftermarket trigger improvement kits and install them in
and a solid reputation for reliability. their guns.
Not everyone was convinced, however; many people Had they known what Smith & Wessons famous
including meobjected to the pistols tiny external thumb Performance Center had in store for the Shield, they might
safety. That was something of a deal-killer for me at the have waited. The pistol has now been given the Performance
time, because I was long accustomed to carrying single-stack, Center treatment and a significant upgrade in performance.
striker-fired pistols with no external safety. In its newest incarnation as the S&W Performance Center
It didnt take Smith & Wesson long to figure out that M&P Ported Shield, a good concealed-carry gun just got a
while some people liked the safety, there was a ready market lot better.

IN MY VIEW, THE NEW TRIGGER, ALONE, MAKES THIS
NEW SHIELD WORTH THE MONEY ITS THAT GOOD.
STAYING ON TARGET Another obvious changewhich gives the the mass of the slide and allow the gun to
A couple of changes to the Shield are model its namecomprises the three ellipti- move back into battery slightly fasteragain,
immediately obvious when you pick up the cal ports on each side of the forward portion helping shooters stay on target and deliver
gun. For starters, the standard white three- of the slide. Four of the ports are there to faster follow-up shots.
dot sights have been replaced with a HI VIZ lighten the slide, but the two forward-most By now, you might have detected a trend
green fiber-optic front sight and red fiber- ports align with matching, upward-facing with this pistol. Every modification to this
optic rear sight. These allow for fast target ports on either side of the barrel just behind gun has been designed to help shooters stay
acquisition under all but very dim or dark the muzzle. on target and deliver accurate, fast follow-up
lighting conditions and help you get back on What that does for the shooter, says the shots. While thats a plus in target shooting,
target faster for follow-up shots. These sights Performance Centers Tony Miele, is to keep it takes on a whole new significance in, say,
are designed so that the rods are encapsu- muzzle flip to a minimum and keep you an active-shooter scenario.
lated inside a skeletonized metal cage, afford- on target. In testing, it was immediately obvious
ing a good measure of protection to the rods. The additional ports, he explains, reduce that the porting worked as advertised. There

A takedown lever, combined with a sear-deactivation lever, makes
takedown simple and you dont have to pull the trigger.
The author says it is a cinch to take down and

clean the Shield.
was a noticeable reduction in muzzle flip.

That, combined with the fast-acquisition fiber-
optic sights and short trigger reset, allowed me
to empty magazines with a speed that made my
wallet cringe.
Of course, some will question whether the
muzzle flash from the porting treatment
adversely impacts night vision. When shooting
the gun, there is some noticeable muzzle flash
in low light, but its partially directed outward
in a V-shaped pattern. I did not find it any
Note the elliptical ports on the slide. There are three per side for a
more distracting than muzzle flash from a total of six. Four serve to reduce weight, while the forward-most
nonported barrel. two align with ports in the barrel.

The author says the ergonomics on the upgraded Shield are good. The
grip has an 18-degree angle, and the surface is stippled for a firm grip.
EVERY MODIFICATION TO THIS GUN HAS BEEN DESIGNED

TO HELP SHOOTERS STAY ON TARGET AND DELIVER
ACCURATE, FAST FOLLOW-UP SHOTS.
Ah! some will say, but what about the But theres one other change that unques- your trigger and a smoother transition of the
possibility of burning yourself with the hot tionably makes the Ported Shield superior trigger bar over the striker plunger, which
gasses escaping from the ports? I dont know to the base modeland to a lot of other gives you a smoother trigger pull.
about you, but Im rather attached to various similar-sized pistols out thereand that is Thanks to its hinged-trigger design,
parts of my body, and I dont make a habit of the trigger. theres still a slight amount of grittiness to
firing guns with any part of my aging-but- the trigger, but it is, indeed, smoother. It
mostly-intact anatomy immediately adjacent TRIGGERING CHANGE also breaks more crisply. The reset is shorter
to the muzzle of a pistol. The original Shield had a trigger that was and much more distinct. You can hear it and
Of course, the relative merits of barrel perfectly serviceable but still a little mushy, a feel it.
porting, slide lightening and fiber-optic little gritty and a little heavy. The reset S&W states that the trigger pull on both
sights can be, and likely will be, debated wasnt all that distinct or all that short. the original Shield and Ported Shield should
with this pistol. I, for example, would proba- Thats all changed with the Performance be about 6.5 pounds. Most Shield pistols Ive
bly still change the sights to night sights, Center Ported Shields trigger. previously handled had trigger pulls that
because I tend to carry often at night and Weve given it a Performance Center sear were actually closer to 7 pounds, but the
have a strong preference for night sights for and a Performance Center plunger, says Performance Center trigger on my test gun
that reason. Miele. That gives you a quicker reset on beat that handily with a trigger that

broke consistently at 5 pounds, 10 ounces, as THREE HOLSTER OPTIONS
measured over my Lyman trigger gauge. Put the name, Smith & Wesson, on a pistol, and you can rest assured there will be no shortage of good
In my view, the new trigger, alone, makes accessories and holsters from which to choose. I didnt have time to test many for this review, but Galco was
kind enough to send me three holsters for a test drive. The Ported Shield carried well in each of them.
this new Shield worth the money its 1.
that good. I really liked the Stinger belt holsterworn OWB behind the strong-side hip with a forward cantfor
Of course, the pistol still has all the other its minimalist approach. This saddle leather holster has a single, tunnel-style belt loop, takes up little
things going for it that made the original space but provides both security and a fast draw.
Shield so popular. Heres a quick review of 2.
The steer hide Combat Master, another OWB belt holster, is a little more substantial. It features two
the basics: belt loops, has deep molding for good retention and a forward cant for a swift draw.
Dimensionally, the Ported Shield is iden- 3.
tical to the regular Shield. Its overall length For greater concealability, the popular Kingtuk IWB holster combines a leather shield/backing with a
is 6.1 inches, height is 4.6 inches, width is a Kydex holster pocket. Its adjustable for carry height and angle. With this holster, you have a choice of
slim .95 inches and the barrel length is 3.1 metal belt clips or nylon C-hooks, which provide a lower profile on the belt and even greater concealability.
inches.
The pistol manages to feel substantial in rules still apply when holstering any Some new guns wont run reliably unless
the hand, yet it remains very concealable, handgun.) theyre dripping with lube, but the Ported
and it carries comfortably. Everythings fairly The Shield is a cinch to take down and Shield is not one of them. I fully expected
well rounded and smooth. Theres not much clean. You simply drop the magazine, lock the gun to run without issue, and it did not
to snag upon drawing or digging into skin. the slide back, ensure the chamber is empty let me down. In the course of firing several
Weight is a trim 18.2 ounces (slightly lighter and lower the sear-deactivation lever com- hundred rounds of mixed law enforcement
than the 19 ounces of the original). The sight mon to all M&P pistols. You can then rotate and self-defense ammo, I did not experience
radius is 5.3 inches, which is pretty decent the takedown lever 90 degrees clockwise and a single failure to feed, fire or eject. Thats
for a gun of this size. pull the slide off the frame. The sear-deacti- zero, zilch, nothing. The gun ran flawlessly.
The slide and barrel are made of stainless vation lever saves you from having to pull It does take considerable force to rack the
steel and are coated with a durable, black, the trigger to take the pistol apart. Simply slide all the way back, so this should be
corrosion-resistant finish. The slide has the inserting a magazine pushes the deactivation taken into account by those with weak hand
customary M&P wave-pattern serrations. lever back into place. strength. Magazines were easy to insert and
As shipped from the factory, the 9mm ejected positively.
Shield comes with a seven-round magazine ACCURATE AND RELIABLE Velocities out of the 3.1-inch barrel were
and an eight-round extended magazine (the I tested the Ported Shield as it arrived, about what I would expect. The hottest load
40 S&W pistol ships with six- and seven- without any cleaning or added lubrication. tested was Hornadys Critical Defense
round magazines). I dont have large hands
and can just barely squeeze three fingers
onto the grip with my pinky finger partially The S&W Performance
Center has upgraded
covering the bottom lip of a standard the Ported Shield
magazines polymer base. Those with larger with HI VIZ fiber-
hands will likely prefer the extended maga- optic sights for quick
target acquisition.
zine. Youll give up a bit of concealability,
but the difference in grip length is under
an inch.
The Shields polymer frame has a com-
fortable, 18-degree grip angle. The grip has a
stippled surface fore and aft for better pur-
chase in wet weather. Both the slide stop and
magazine release button are within easy
reach of the thumb. As noted, you can pur-
chase the original Shield with or without an
external safety, but the Ported Shield is, at
present, only available with the safety. This
is not, as I once believed, such a bad thing,
and Ill have more about that in a moment.
Happily, the gun does not have a maga-
zine disconnect safety, which means it can
fire with the magazine removed. It does
employ a nearly idiot-proof trigger safety.
(Note that I said nearly; common-sense

In testing, the author
found that the new Ported
Shield wasnt finicky about
ammo. It shot several law
enforcement and self-
defense loads accurately
and never malfunctioned.
IN THE COURSE OF FIRING SEVERAL HUNDRED ROUNDS I DID

NOT EXPERIENCE A SINGLE FAILURE TO FEED, FIRE OR EJECT.
THATS ZERO, ZILCH, NOTHING.
PERFORMANCE DATA
Smith & Wesson Ported Shield Pistol, 9 mm
Load Avg. Muzzle Avg. 25-Yard Best 25-Yard Group

Velocity (fps) Group (inches) group (inches)
Federal Tactical HST 930.7 3.17 2.81

147-grain JHP
Hornady Critical Defense 1,101 3.04 2.79

115-grain FTX
Hornady American 1,016 3.30 2.92

Gunner 115-grain XTP
Winchester PDX1 899.4 3.26 2.88
147-grain Bonded JHP
Note: Velocities measured with a Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 chronograph. All groups measured as best five of eight shots.

115-grain load, which came in at 1,101 tells part of the story. QUALITY
fpsonly 39 fps below its factory-advertised Consider the Federal HST load, for With an MSRP only $70 higher than
muzzle velocity of 1,140 fps. example. Average group size was 3.12 the standard Shield, this is a tough pistol
Hornadys American Gunner 115-grain inches, but within each group, there were to pass up. (I suspect this particular test gun
load was slightly behind, at 1,016 fps. In several cases when the best three rounds might never find its way back to Smith &
the two tested loads with heavier 147-grain were only 1.2 to 1.8 inches apart, hinting at Wesson.) GW
bullets, Federals HST load clocked in at the guns true accuracy potential.
930 fps, while Winchesters PDX1 load Any gun that performs this well tends CONTACT
averaged 899 fps. to win me over, and Ive even gotten over
I would normally test a pistol of this my old objection to the small external
Competitive Edge Dynamics
size for accuracy at 15 yards or so, but the safety. The safety is quite positive in the cedhk.com
gun shot so well for me that I decided to sense that it takes a fair amount of pres-
see what it could do at 25 yards. Because sure to move it. I found it easy to sweep Federal Ammunition
FederalPremium.com
my eyes dont allow me to shoot pistols the safety down and off with the knuckle
from the bench as well as I used toand to of my thumb, but it was more difficult to Galco Gunleather
allow for flyersI shot eight-shot groups move to the on position, making it less GalcoGuLleather.com
and measured the best five shots from each likely to be engaged unintentionally. Hornady Ammunition
group. The results were a pleasant surprise. If you do choose to use the safety, it Hornady.com
The thing that really stood out in test- really comes down to practice and muscle
Nagels Gun Shop
ing was the consistency of this pistol. Aver- memory, just as it does when carrying a NagelsGuns.net
age groups from all four rounds tested 1911 cocked and locked. Im confident I
were right at or a little more than 3 could safely carry this pistol with the Smith & Wesson
Smith-Wesson.com
inches. The gun didnt show a dramatic safety off. However, given this guns
preference for one round over another. lighter trigger pull, many users will Winchester Ammunition
Best groups from each load were all like the addition of the safety as an added Winchester.com
slightly fewer than 3 inches, but that only measure of protection.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Smith & Wesson Ported Shield
Pistol 9mm Luger
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action: Striker fired
Super
Barrel: 3.1-inch stainless
Frame: Black polymer
Slide: Stainless, black 68 HRc coating
Capacity: Seven and eight rounds
Sights: HI VIZ fiber optic
Shield
Length: 6.1 inches
Width: 0.95 inch
Weight: 18.2 ounces
MSRP: $519

Long
and
Lethal

THE .338 LAPUA CARTRIDGE WAS DESIGNED
SPECIFICALLY FOR MILITARY SNIPING USE, AND RIFLES
CHAMBERED FOR IT ARE REPLACING OTHER MODELS
FOR MOST MISSIONS
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY LEROY THOMPSON
LTHOUGH THE DEVELOPMENT of Because it is able to reach out to 1,500 meters or farther
A what would become the .338 Lapua Magnum

cartridge began in 1983, it was really the
21st-century War on Terror that made the
round todays premier sniping rifle cartridge.
The .338 Lapua Magnum had one other distinct advantage:
Unlike sniping rounds originally developed for other purposes,
and is chambered in rifles that are lighter and have less
recoil than the long-range .50 Browning Machine Gun
(BMG) anti-material rifles, the .338 Lapua sniping rifle
has replaced the 7.62x51mm, .300 Winchester Magnum
and .50 BMG sniping rifles for most missions.
Still, the 7.62x51mm sniping rifle remains in wide use
the .338 Lapua was always intended for military sniping use. for law enforcement and battlefield sniping between 600
The round (as currently used) resulted from cooperation and 800 meters. And, for use against vehicles, electronics,
between sniping rifle manufacturers SAKO and Accuracy Inter- missile launchers, etc., the .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle
national (AI) and the Finnish Lapua ammunition company. remains in use, as well.
A British sniper from the

Royal Anglian Regiment
uses his scope to scan for a
target with his L115A1 .338
LM rifle. (Photo: UK MOD)

The Brugger & Thomet APR
is a fine .338 LM rifle that is
produced in Switzerland.
(Photo: Brugger & Thomet)
However, the distances at which shots substantial shooting. as military snipers, yet I can consistently
are often taken in Afghanistan have made While researching a book Ive been writ- shot MOA or even a little better with
.338 sniping rifleswhich are light enough ing on the .338 Lapua Magnum sniping most of the .338 LM sniping rifles Ive shot.
to be carried by an infantryman yet have the rifle, I had the opportunity to shoot quite a Better still, that level of accuracy holds at
range to engage Taliban at extreme ranges few rounds through many of the premier longer ranges.
the choice for special operations and other rifles in this caliber. The standard twist for Another aid to the .338LM is that most
infantry snipers. Currently, the longest the .338 LM is 1 in 10, which works espe- ammunition for this caliber is carefully
sniper kill was at 2,475 meters by Sergeant cially well with 250-grain bullets but also loaded for accuracy, because it is expen-
Craig Harrison, a British sniper in handles heavier bullets up to 300-grain sive and not intended for casual shooting.
Afghanistan, using a .338 Lapua Mangum fairly well. Ive shot mostly Black Hills, Cor-Bon,
rifle. He tells his story in the recently Depending on the rifle, barrel life for Hornady and Lapua .338 LM ammunition
released book, The Longest Kill. .338 barrels is normally between 3,000 and and found that all of these are capable of
Other long kills were with .50 BMG 5,000 rounds. That is a lot of rounds for a excellent groups.
rifles used in the anti-personnel role. No- rifle this powerful. Ive read that the Finns, In addition to the right ammunition,
tably, the second longest .338 Lapua kill was who are fairly finicky about rifle shooting, there are other requirements to create an ef-
by SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, author of American replace their military TRG-42 .338 LM fective .338 LM sniping rifle. The first, obvi-
Sniper, at 1,920 meters in Sadr City, Iraq. barrels at 4,000 rounds. For comparison ously, is a good long-range telescopic sight. I
with another popular sniping rifle caliber, normally use scopes from Leupold, Night
AMMO ADVANTAGES a .338 LM barrel will usually hold its Force or IOR Valdada with .338 LM sniping
An advantage of the .338 sniping rifle groups for about twice as many rounds as rifles. Among others, Zeiss and Schmidt &
that is often neglected is that barrels in this a .300 Win Mag barrel. Bender produce high-quality scopes for the
caliber hold up well to a substantial amount Speaking of holding groups, the .338 LM .338 LM sniping rifle. I prefer a variable-
of shooting; and to be a good sniper requires is extremely accurate. I do not shoot as well power scope that tops out in the 18X to 24X

The compact Barrett
MRAD .338 LM rifle.
(Photo: Rock Island
Auction Gallery)
DEPENDING ON THE RIFLE,

BARREL LIFE FOR .338 BARRELS
IS NORMALLY BETWEEN 3,000
AND 5,000 ROUNDS.
range to give a sharp image past 1,000 meters. the use of folding stocks. long-barreled version.
A ballistic computer, such as the Barrett For example, the SAKO TRG-42 in .338 An even more widely used .338 LM snip-
BORS, is also extremely important for long- LM offers a 27.2-inch barrel but is also avail- ing rifle is the Accuracy International AWM
range shooting. A muzzle brake is a necessity able with a 20-inch barrel and a folding (Arctic Warfare Magnum). The Arctic War-
on the .338 LM rifle to help counter recoil. stock. With the 27.2-inch barrel and the fold- fare name hints that the rifle was designed
The weight of the typical .338 LM, as well as ing stock available for the rifle, it is 49.75 to function in extremely cold warfare. Ironi-
a well-designed stock and recoil pad, help inches overall with the stock deployed and cally, the AWM became more famous for use
deal with recoil, as well. 40.25 inches overall with stock folded. These in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Although I have worn a ballistic vest to lengths are with the muzzle brake installed. The AWM is also a good-sized rifle: 48.4
cushion my shoulder when firing more than With the 20-inch barrel, the TRG-42 inches overall with a 26-inch barrel. It
50 rounds of .338 LM in one sitting, for most is only 42.25-inches. The weight of the weighs 15.1 pounds unloaded and without a
shooting, I do not, and have not, found TRG-42 with a 27.2-inch barrel is 11.75 scope. Instead of a 1-in-10 twist, the AWM
recoil especially punishing. Because of the pounds; with a 20-inch barrel, 11.2 pounds. has a 1-in-11 twist. Due to some limitations
weight of the typical .338 LM and to lend These weights are with the rifle unloaded in .338 LM cartridge length inherent in the
stability when shooting, a good bipod is also and without a scope. AWM, Accuracy International developed the
a necessity. The weight will approach 15 pounds with AX338 Long-Range Rifle, at least partially at
an appropriate high-powered scope and a the behest of US SOCOM.
INCREASED PORTABILITY fully loaded magazine. With the folding
Still, although it is more portable than stock and 20-inch barrel, the TRG 42 is SEVERAL TOP RIFLES
most .50 BMG rifles, the .338 LM sniping much more portable, but it also loses muz- There are, of course, other .338 LM snip-
rifle remains a relatively long and heavy zle velocity and, hence, range with the ing rifles that have seen military use. The
weapon. Some manufacturers have helped shorter barrel. As a result, most military Blaser TAC-2 has seen service with 10 or so
make their models more portable through snipers employing the TRG-42 use the countries, split among military, police and

A sniper from the Swiss AA10 SF unit firing a SAKO TRG-42 .338 LM rifle. Note that the Swiss mountain scape lends itself well to the use of the
.338 LM sniping rifle. (Photo: Arme Suisse)
paramilitary counterterror units. Some .338 LM rifles discussed above. sniping rifles used in hostage situations, but
appealing features are incorporated into the The French PGM .338 is only used by a there are tactical situations on the battlefield
TAC-2, including a straight pull bolt that few countries but enjoys a good reputation. when taking out multiple targets quickly is
allows fast follow-up shots. I have not fired the PGM, but I have talked also a good thing!
I was at SIG Sauer a few years ago with with French snipers whose opinions I The Remington MSR (Modular Sniper
some other writers for demonstrations of var- respect, and they speak highly of the PGM. Rifle), developed to USSOCOM Precision
ious weapons, including the TAC-2 (SIG It uses a rigid aluminum chassis (as Sniper Rifle bid specs, is an excellent rifle;
Sauer distributes it in the United States). We does the Accuracy International AWM) nevertheless, at this point, only SOCOM and
had a contest for a group at 100 yards among and, as with other .338 LM sniping rifles, Colombian special forces have adopted it.
the gun writers. I didnt win, but I was the barrel is free floated and fluted. Both I shot a suppressed version of the MSR
impressed with how fast I got my shots off. fixed and folding stock versions of the when it was in development and was quite
Undoing two hex bolts allows the TAC-2 PGM are available. impressed. Because it was intended to replace
to quickly be broken into two parts for ease One advantage of the PGM .338 is that it various sniping rifles used by U.S. personnel,
of transport. Reassembly is advertised to take uses a 10-round magazine. This allows twice the MSR has removable bolt heads that are
30 seconds. That seems doablewith prac- the rapid follow-up shots with most .338 LM matched to different calibers. Barrels and bolt
ticealthough I was closer to a minute the rifles, in response to the spotters observations. heads can be changed quickly to reconfigure
couple of times I tried it. Weight and overall To be honest, rapid follow-up shots are nor- the rifle for 7.62x51mm NATO, .300 Winchester
length of the Blaser are similar to the other mally more important with 7.62x51mm Magnum or .338 LM.

The ability to fold the stock, as on this SAGO TRG-42, makes the .338 sniper rifle easier to transport to the shooting position by
lessening overall length.
Barrels are free floated in the tubular marketed, the 98B is a bolt action. However, ops personnel. The MRAD with a 24.8 inch
handguard. Rather than the 250-grain bullet some features of the 98B still harken to the barrel was submitted for the PSR trials with
often used in .338 LM sniping rifles, the Stoner-designed AR rifles. The 98B has SOCOM that was won by the Remington
MSR is optimized for the 300-grain .338 LM hinged aluminum upper and lower receivers, MSR. However, Yamam, Israels CT unit
round. It is also intended that the MSR will with a pistol grip and safety similar to those that is part of the border police, has adopted
shoot AP (armor-piercing) ammo accurately on AR rifles. the MRAD.
to 1,500 meters. The PSM is normally One innovative feature of the 98B is its Steyrs SSG 08 in .338 LM remains a
equipped with either a Schmidt & Bender two glass-filled polymer bolt guides, which special favorite. Since the introduction of
5-25x56 PMil or Leupold Mk 4 scope. All the allow smoother bolt operation, as well as the original Steyr SSG 69 sniping rifle
shooting Ive done with the PSM was done helping to seal the action against dirt. For more than 45 years ago, this rifle has devel-
with a Leupold scope, which worked great. strength, the bolt head uses nine locking oped a legendary reputation for accuracy
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing gained lugs. Its skeletonized buttstock allows adjust- and has become one of the most widely
wide military acceptance for its .50-BMG cal- ment to fit the shooter; this is also a feature used 7.62x51mm NATO sniping rifles in
iber anti-materiel rifles. Barrett also has pro- on many of the other .338 LM sniping rifles. the world.
duced a high-quality .338 Lapua sniping rifle The Barrett MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive The SSG 08 is chambered in magnum
in the Model 98 Bravo. Design), which incorporates a folding, calibers such as the .300 Win Mag and
Initially, the M98 was designed as a semi- adjustable stock and barrels of 20, 24.5 and .338 LM and incorporates a folding stock
auto .338 LM sniping rifle but, as actually 27 inches, is especially well suited to special with an adjustable cheek piece and butt

The SAKO TRG-42
.338 LM sniping rifle is
one of the most widely
used in the world.
THE ABILITY OF THE .338 LM RIFLE TO REACH OUT TO A

MILE OR FARTHER TO ELIMINATE AN ENEMY HAS MADE IT
A FAVORED WEAPON
plate. The combination of a bipod and In testing the AR30A1, I found I had barrelonce again de rigueur with the best
rear monopod/spike enhances accuracy trouble getting better than 1-MOA groups, .338 LM sniping rifles.
and stability. primarily because I could not adjust the A few countries have adopted the APR,
In .338 LM, the SSG 08s detachable box check weld properly to use a low-mounted but so far, mostly the 7.62x51mm NATO
magazine holds six rounds. With its stock scope. Mounting the scope with different version. I have a standing invitation to shoot
extended, overall length is 50.4 inches, 27.2 rings should solve this problem. the .338 LM version the next time Im in
inches of which is the barrel with muzzle Another noteworthy .338 LM sniping rifle Switzerland, and I will definitely do so.
brake. Unloaded weight is 13.5 pounds. is the Brugger & Thomet APR (Advanced Finally, for someone wanting a less-
Based on my testing of the SSG 08 .338 LM, Precision Rifle). I have not shot it, but my expensive .338 LM tactical rifle (which
it is well balanced, allowing it to be experience with every B&T product I have means $1,000 to $3,000 less than most other
carried easily. tried has been excellent. .338 LMs), there are more than a few.
As with other .338 LM rifles, a strong The APR is actually an improved version Savage offers the 110BA. I have not
shooter can shoot off hand, but it is still of the French PGM. It is intended to com- shot this rifle, so I cant comment on ac-
quite difficult. It is far more effective to pete against the PGM, SAKO TRG-42 and curacy. McMillan makes the TAC-338,
shoot prone using the bipod. As is to be AI AWM for the military market. Based on which reportedly is quite good. Given
expected, the Steyr .338 LM consistently discussions with those who have fired the McMillans reputation for its .50 BMG
gives groups of MOA or better. APR, performance is equivalent to the other anti-materiel rifles, I would be surprised
Armalites AR30A1 is another quality high-quality .338 LM rifles. if it were not an excellent rifle. This is
.338 LM sniping rifle. It uses an upper and As on the AI and some other rifles, the one on my list to shoot, but I have not
lower receiver V-block bedding system to APR uses a lower chassis to which other tried it yet.
enhance accuracy. An adjustable cheek components are affixed. Pull for the APRs Other rifle makers have produced .338
piece and adjustable buttstock allow the two-stage trigger is between 3 and 5 pounds. sniping rifles, in some cases, on a custom
rifle to be tailored to the shooter. The APR incorporates a free-floating, fluted basis. Nevertheless, enough of these have

A Swiss sniper team with
the SAKO TRG-42 .338 LM
locks onto a target. (Photo:
Arme Suisse)
been discussed in this article to give an

indication of the popularity of what is
admittedly a niche cartridge, along with the
rifles chambered for it.
The ability of the .338 LM rifle to reach
out to a mile or farther to eliminate an
enemy has made it a favored weapon during
the War on Terror.
Although the .338 LM cartridge is not
really suited to short-range sniping, if needed,
it can take out an enemy at ranges of a few
hundred yards.
But most importantly, it offers the option
of functioning in the countersniper role over
a long distance, often through cover, or of
eliminating a high-value enemy target where
that target might feel he is safe. As a result,
it is not only a deadly selective killer, it is
also a psychological weapon.
The .338 LM sniping rifle is extremely
valuable on the modern battlefield, where
A five-shot group at 300 yards with the Barrett 98 Bravo and Black
counterterror and counterinsurgency operations Hills 250-grain ammunition. Note the raindrops. Also note the
seem very likely to continue. GW AR-type safety and comfortable pistol grip.

ULTRA
Impressive
ARMSCORS TAC ULTRA FS
HC PISTOL, WHICH SHOOTS
9MM AND .22TCM, IS AN
AFFORDABLE TOP
PERFORMER
Rock Island has

a winner with the
TCM TAC Ultra
FS HC pistol.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE WORKMAN
P
ERHAPS IMPRESSED is the wrong word to
use after hitting the range a couple of times
with the Rock Island TCM TAC Ultra FS HC
semiauto pistol.
Awestruck might be the more applicable term,
especially after running several strings of .22 TCM ammunition
through this 3-pound handgun. That cartridge, based on the
5.56x45mm NATO round, launches a 40-grain JHP at more than
2,000 fps.
Take my word for this: Anything on the receiving end of this
warp-speed pill is going to feel the hurt.
The muzzle flash could broil a burger, and this round is a
remarkably flat shooter that makes it ideal for predators and small
game. Up close for personal defense, youre going to get someones
undivided attention.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, lets take a close look at
the pistol. After all, without the gun, that cartridge makes a nice
conversation piece on someones desk or coffee table. To make this
round the rocket it is, you need a launch platform.

The author calls the TCM TAC a
rugged and versatile handgun.
FIRST UP the double-stack magazine, ambidextrous extractor, full-length recoil spring guide rod
The Rock Island TCM TAC Ultra is a thumb safety, wide cocking serrations front and what must be a match-grade bushing.
real piece of work. The package comes with and rear, an adjustable LPA MPS1-type rear The skeleton trigger has an overtravel adjust-
both a 9mm barrel and one chambered for sight and a fiber-optic front that is dovetailed ment screw, but out of the box, this baby
the .22 TCM. Each barrel has its own recoil into the slide. Taken as a whole, this is a broke at about 4 pounds. The pistol is 1.41
spring, but everything else is a one size fits handsome package that has the kinds of bells inches at its widest point, 8.5 inches high
allaffair. The magazines handle both car- and whistles todays handgunner demands. overall and stands 5.5 inches high.
tridges interchangeably, with a capacity of The frame features an accessory rail,
17 rounds. which is almost mandatory these days. Its PERFORMANCE TIME
The pistol is crafted from 4140 Ordnance got a beavertail grip safety with a memory It only takes a moment or two to swap out
steel with a Parkerized finish and G10 grips. bump, flat checkered mainspring housing, the barrels and recoil springs. With the
Its got a wide grip frame to accommodate lowered and flared ejection port, interior 9mm barrel installed, I went to work with a

Rock Island equips this pistol with an adjustable LPA MPS1-type rear sight, and it has two
white dots to aid in proper alignment.
The pistol has a skeleton trigger and an overtravel screw.
variety of ammunition, including with six lands and grooves on a

124-grain FMJs from Armscor, along 1:16-inch twist, and it gets everything CHANGING GEARS
with 124-grain JHPs from SIG out of every round fired. With my As noted earlier, swapping out the barrels is a snap for
anybody familiar with field-stripping a Model 1911. One must
Sauer and Black Hills and 124-grain Chrony Alpha chronograph set be careful to use the correct recoil spring, however, because the
FMJs from Federal. In addition, I 20 inches ahead of the muzzle, the springs for 9mm and the .22 TCM are different.
had some 115-grain JHPs from Cor Armscor ammunition averaged 1,061 fps, Similarly, you will notice right away that the barrels are
different. The 9mm tube is a typical round shape from breech
Bon, so this pistol had plenty of while the SIG ammo clocked an to muzzle. Nothing to see here; move along.
opportunities to give me a bad time. average of 1,183 fps. The Black Hills However, the .22 TCM barrel is narrowed from the cham-
Nevertheless, it digested every round loads averaged 1,237 fps, and when I ber forward until about a half-inch back from the muzzle. It
expands out to match the bushing, so it has the visible ap-
without a hiccup. Empties are stoked the gun with the Cor Bon pearance of a cone. Im certain there is some reason for this
ejected wide and to the right rear. 115-grainers, they roared across the probably to reduce weight a bitbut this is one accurate barrel.
The 5-inch, 9mm barrel is cut screens at 1,393 fps average.

The pistol strips down like any
model that is based on the 1911
platform. There are separate
recoil springs for each barrel.

THAT TRANSLATES
TO QUICK SIGHT
REACQUISITION
FOR FOLLOW-UP
SHOTS ...
One thing that must be noted is that the weight

of this pistol produced what I consider minimal felt
recoil with all these loads. Sure, you can tell the
pistol has gone bang! with each shot, but it
would be inaccurate to consider this recoil punish-
ing by any standard. That translates to quick sight
reacquisition for follow-up shots and, in a defensive
situation, by the time those
17 rounds are gone, you will have solved what-
ever problem you were facing.
I took on this evaluation for a chance to run a
gun chambered for the .22 TCM, which, admit-
tedly, intrigued me. After all, having been around
handguns for decades, shooting one more 9mm
didnt really get my juices flowing. But when I
found out that this is a package deal, the salivating
began in earnest. The Armscor ammunition put
This wide-framed pistol
features a beavertail the 40-grain JHPs over the chronograph at an av-
grip safety with memory erage of 2,069 fps.
bump and a flat
mainspring housing.
GREAT CHALLENGES
What does it feel like shooting a handgun that
boots out a tiny projectile that literally warps out of
The front sight is a fiber- the muzzle like a fire-snorter? Great! Recoil is sur-
optic model that really prisingly comfortable, and it would have been aw-
brightens up, even in lower
light. It is dovetailed so it fully easy to just shoot this pistol endlessly with
can be drifted for windage. that ammunitionthat is, if Id had an unlimited
supply of cartridges and no self-control.
Once I had the feel for this .22 TCM setup and
had managed to punch a bunch of holes through
the X-ring of a Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-See tar-
get, I turned my attention to something a little
more challenging: Somebody had left several golf-
ball-sized round targets pressed into the sand of the
25-yard berm, so I went to work.
I had to take a low, 6 oclock hold, but once I
had the sight picture down pat, I began hitting
those little spheres with a fair amount of consis-
tency. Misses were so close as to be negligible had I
been banging away at a coyote or even a rabbit or
woodchuck.
Then, I started splintering some chunks of or-
ange clay targets. When you can hit something that

The author found the Rock Island
pistol in .22 TCM to be accurate
right out of the box.
LOADING UP WITH .22 TCM AMMUNITION IS GOING

TO RESULT IN A BAD DREAM FOR ANYTHING FROM
A MOUNTAIN LION DOWNWARD.

The TCM TAC Ultra is a package combo, with barrels
The magazines are interchangeable to the calibers, because both cases fit well. chambered for both the 9mm and .22 TCM cartridges.
small at 12 or 25 yards with any consistency, Armscor has a herd of winners. lion downward.
its a cinch the pistol exceeds the skills of Frankly, this combo makes a lot of te a package; for less than a
an average handgunner. It certainly boosted for any number of reasons. The T t two guns in one. And they
my ego! Ultra is a versatile and rugge
For someone living in
A WINNER ment in which ther
CONTACT
This is just one of nine combo models go after a preda
Armscor USA and Rock
from Rock Island, and if theyre all as reli- cal flashligh
Island Armory
able and accurate as my test model, it would ing up (775) 537-1444
be no stretch of credibility to suggest that to Armscor.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Armscor
Model: Rock Island TCM TAC Ultra FS HC
Caliber: .22 TCM/9mm
Action: Semiauto
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel: 5 inches
Slide and frame: 4140 steel
Finish: Parkerized
Grips: G10
Overall length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 3.0 pounds (empty)
MSRP: $960
ULTRA
Impressive
TODAYS HUNTER
Beating predators at
their own game takes
practice and patience,
but the rewards make
it worth the efort.
of In Pursuit
40
PREDATORS
GUN WORLD | MAY 2016 | www.gunworld.com
The new A17 from Savage is chambered
for the 17 HMR cartridge and is one of
many excellent rifle choices to pursue
varmints. (Photo: Mike Dickerson)
EACH YEAR, MORE AND MORE HUNTERS EXTEND THEIR

SEASON WHILE HELPING TO PRESERVE WILD GAME
POPULATIONS BY CHASING BOBCATS, COYOTES AND FOX
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
T
HE WEST TEXAS SUN Scott propped his rifle across his knee. I vanishing almost as quickly as it had
was setting low over the did the same, and he pressed the button on appeared.
mesquite trees when Scott the FOXPRO call. I was so busy pouting about the missed
and I got into position to I knew that if we were going to have any opportunity that I didnt see a second fox
start calling. Long shadows success on this hunt, things would have to crest the ridge opposite us, perhaps 100
stretched across the rocky plains. We happen quickly. We had no lights and yards away, and come spilling down into
used those shadows to conceal ourselves perhaps 30 minutes of light remaining. But the valley. Scott didnt miss his chance.
from the eyes of any predators that I neednt have worried: Sometimes, things One shot from his Ruger .17 HMR dropped
might be coming to our calls as we happen very slowly while predator hunting, the predator at a range of 30 yards.
settled down against a backdrop of and sometimes, they happen very, very fast. Not all predator hunts are as action
catclaw and mesquite, careful not to get The first wail from the call was still packed as our evening hunt in Texas, where
hooked or stabbed by an errant branch. ringing fresh in my ears when a gray fox we had two foxes come in and one on the
The real mission of our trip to Texas had broke cover to my right. It crossed in front ground within a minute of starting the call.
been to find a whitetail buck, but I had of me so quickly that I wasnt prepared; he Ive spent a lot more time sitting on the
been fortunate and tagged out early. The was galloping at a range of perhaps 10 yards cold ground, day and night, and been
fading daylight offered us a narrow window in front of me while I sat dumbfounded. rewarded with nothing but a cold backside.
of time in which to squeeze in a predator The fox must have been right under us Still, the pursuit of predators is unlike any
hunt, so we ditched our big rifles in favor when we started calling. It caught wind of a other hunt: Youre matching wits with some
of lighter guns. Just as last light was fading, setup and doubled back behind a bush, of the great hunters of the animal world.
Taking the time to scout will make you a better predator hunter. Look for tracks, sign and kills; however, most importantly, decide where you can
set up to call without being detected.

TODAYS HUNTER
Coyotes are the most prevalent predators, and expanded seasons and no bag limits on coyotes make them a great species to target when you
arent chasing big game.
WHY HUNT PREDATORS? West and has only recently started populating The best way to protect them? Hunt
There are some very important ecological states in the East and Northeast. This adapt- predators.
reasons to spend time chasing foxes, coyotes able animal has even been found in Central In addition to protecting wildlife
and bobcats. For starters, these animals take a Park in New York City. In addition to coyotes, populations, hunting predators also extends
major toll on some wildlife species. Predators bobcats also kill deer fawns, wild turkeys your hunting season. While most hunters
thrive in a variety of habitats, urban, subur- (especially hens on nests), game birds and are wrapping up their big- and small-game
ban and rural, and they take a toll on other small game. Foxes, too, target small-game hunting season in January or February in
wildlife and domestic stock. An article pub- species such as rabbit, squirrels and quail. anticipation of turkey season (which is still
lished recently in the Journal of Wildlife Manage- Predation on species such as whitetail deer is months away), predator hunters are taking
ment suggested that coyotes took the highest significant but not detrimental, but other advantage of the late-winter and early-spring
number of fawns in the Southeast. game animalsspecifically quailhave more- months to get out into the woods. Aside
The coyote is a native of the American fragile populations that require more protection. from simply extending your hunting season,

4 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL
PREDATOR HUNTING
1. Use a call.
2. Use a visual attractant.
3. Camouflage yourself, as well as
your gear and gun.
4. Scout the area.
Bobcats are wary and hard to hunt, and they are among the most patient of all predators when coming to a call. Still, with the right setup and
some patience, youll find your cat.
predator hunting will make you a better to the field, but electronic calls offer a variety call to the conditions.
hunter. Wary coyotes, foxes and bobcats of sounds and remote volume- and call- In more-open country, I would give a
will test your skills and will elude you if control capabilities. When I started hunting, shrill series of loud, rapid squeals to catch
you make any mistakes. As one coyote- I began with two simple mouth calls on a the ear of predators at long range. In dense
calling friend told me, All the dumb ones lanyard: a rabbit squeal and a mouse cover (where, like the fox mentioned in the
are dead, Brad. squeaker, two of the most effective calls for opening, the predator might be on you so
a wide variety of predators. I could control fast that you dont have much time to
EFFECTIVE HUNTING the volume level and, to some degree, respond) or when hunting call-shy predators,
METHODS direction, and having a mouth call allowed I could slow down the cadence and drop the
The bulk of predator hunters use calls, me to adjust cadence as needed. An electronic volume. In addition, mouth calls are cheap
either mouth calls or electronics. Mouth caller typically has one call frequency and and easy to carry.
calls are less expensive and easier to transport tempo, but I could instantly adjust my mouth Todays e-callers are highly sophisticated,

TODAYS HUNTER
with topnotch speakers that provide the
clearest sound with no static. One of the
great advantages of a remote call is that the
predator wont be drawn directly toward
your position, instead focusing on the area
where the speakers are emitting the noise.
If youre still and well camouflaged, theres
a good chance the predator wont focus on
you but will pay attention to the sounds
coming from the speakers instead.
YOURE
MATCHING WITS
WITH SOME OF
THE GREAT
HUNTERS OF THE
ANIMAL WORLD.
In addition to calling, I sometimes use a

visual attractant to draw in predators. For
years, that was a thin piece of tanned rabbit
fur suspended from a stick with light fish-
ing line. If there were any type of wind at
all, the patch of rabbit fur would pitch and
roll, offering foxes, bobcats and coyotes
something to visualize as they made their
approach and activating their natural preda-
tory instincts. Additionally, I wrapped my
speakers and call box in this faux fur,
giving my electronics a more natural look.
Predatory species have exceptionally
good senses, and most of the great predators
hunters Ive met from Texas to Montana
are very serious about concealment. That
means camouflaging yourself, your gear
and your gun; more importantly, it means
using the natural terrain to help hide you
from the eyes of approaching predators.
The best setups offer concealment to the
caller and a relatively good view of the
surrounding area. They also protect the
hunter from the noses of cats, foxes and
coyotes that are coming to investigate the
setup before committing. Learning to iden-
tify the proper place to set up takes time
and experience, and its probably the great-
This gray fox came in quickly to the gun. You might expect to have to wait for a wary predator est hurdle to becoming a highly successful
to slip into view, but that isnt always the case. This fox came within a minute of the first call. predator hunter.

Have a favorite turkey gun? It will double efectively as a moderate-range (40 to 70 yards, depending upon your load and choke) predator gun.
At long range, pelt damage is minimal. This shotgun has an optic, which is a good choice for hunting predatorsas long as it ofers a wide eld
of view.
As with any big-game hunting, scout- mission, I spotted perhaps 100 coyotes; ARE EASTERN COYOTES PART WOLF?
ing is key. I look for areas where preda- many of those were stationed very close Its long been known that eastern and western coy-
tor sign is plentiful while simultaneously to heifers with new calves. otes difer in many ways, particularly in their hunting
evaluating the surrounding areas and When the chopper flew over a cow habits and sizes. As wolf populations declined in the
looking for a setup location. My favorite with a new calf, almost invariably there eastern United States and Canada, opportunistic coy-
coyote setup is positioned atop a small was a coyote hiding in cover nearby. So otes moved in. But, thanks to DNA evidence, scientists
hill on which a group of fallen locust livestock neednt be dead to attract coy- have nally gured out what locals have believed for
trees provides cover, along with a stand otes. Of course, many bobcats, coyotes years: Eastern coyotes are actually part wolf.
of cottonwoods and willows along a river and foxes are taken by chance each year, These coyote-wolf hybrids, known as coywolves,
exist from the far northeastern United States south to
course about 200 yards away that holds and more are taken with hounds. Never-
the Carolinas, according to genetic sampling in scat.
plenty of dogs. The wind is in my favor, theless, baiting and calling remain the
The first wolf-coyote hybrid in the eastern United
and approaching from upwind is usually two most common methods. States was identified in 1919, but it is only recently
easy (depending upon wind conditions). that scientists have learned how prevalent wolf genes
The dogs cant circle to catch my scent PREDATOR GUNS really are in eastern coyote populations. According to
without coming out in the open, and all There are many great predator guns, collected evidence, coyotes in the eastern United
I need is for the coyote to come to the and these include handguns, shotguns States average 25 percent wolf DNA. In addition, a
edge of the willows and give a cursory and rifles. Revolvers chambered in hot high percentage of the coyotes tested have at least
look in my direction. rounds such as the .17 HMR will work some domestic dog blood.
There are other predator hunting for predators up close, and hunting with What does this all mean? For starters, its a fascinat-
methods that work, too. Baiting works in handguns adds a new layer of challenge ing evolution of two predator species over a short period
of time. But there are behavioral diferences as well: The
some cases, particularly for coyotes. and excitement.
wolf is a forest hunter, and the coyote is more prone to
Although I havent done it myself, I do Shotguns work well, too, and you
hunting in open country. That means the eastern coywolf
know several hunters who have shot coy- dont need anything especially fancy might be better adapted to hunting in forests than their
otes off the carcasses of dead livestock when it comes to scatterguns. Turkey western cousins, and for that reason, they are more likely
and game. Additionally, while flying over guns, whether pumps, semiautos, doubles to be found in hardwood stands and target, on average,
the west Texas brush country in a heli- or even single shots, work quite well, larger prey than their western relatives.
copter during a feral pig eradication because these guns are typically covered

TODAYS HUNTER
Staying out of sight is critical, so make sure you are covered in camo and that you have some cover behind you to break up your outline.
The author is shown here hunting coyotes in Montana with Mossbergs excellent new MVP LC rifle.
in camp and have barrels short enough to target guns. Walking guns weigh less and are Rugers new Hawkeye Predator,
remain maneuverable in thick cover have a smaller scope, as well as a lighter Thompson/Centers Venture Predator and
somewhere between 21 and 24 inches. Most barrel contour that allows you to cover miles. Brownings X-Bolt Predator Hunter (notice
turkey guns come with extra-full choke Target guns are typically heavier, with large, a theme?). On the AR side, check out
tubes, too, and that extends the effective beavertail forends, heavy barrels and large Remingtons R25 GII and Smith &
range of your scattergun out to 40 yards or scopes with high magnification. These guns Wessons excellent M&P 15 PC. There are
more. are great for serious long-range shooting, but also a number of great options for dedicated
Rifles are the most common choice for they arent so great for all-day walks through long-range guns, including Weatherbys
predator hunters, and I break those rifles scrubby country. H-BAR RC Vanguard and Mossbergs slick,
down into two categorieswalking guns and Some of the best walking bolt guns available new MVP LC (Light Chassis) rifle. GW

AboutTime.
Its
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a 17 HMR that actually works.
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Oversized Bolt Handle
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Elusive
NoMore
WALTHERS .22 RIMFIRE HK G36 IS FAST HANDLING AND
FEATURES HIGH-TECH LOOKS

The Walther HK G36 is a license-built rimfire
version of the famed Heckler & Koch service
rifle. Its handling characteristics and fire con-
trols are the same as its 5.56mm namesake.
STORY BY TIM STETZER PHOTOS BY JIM HOLMAN
I
F YOURE INTO MILITARY- love (and money) to do so. For the rest of us,
ISSUE small arms, you probably if youve always liked the original style of the
already know that a civilian rifle and are curious about its handling proper-
version of the German military- ties, the new .22LR version of the HK G36
issue 5.56mm HK G36 rifle is from Walther might be just the thing for you.
an elusive design for U.S. shooters. I first encountered the Walther version of
HK only released a highly modified ban- the G36 at the SHOT Show and was quite smit-
compliant version, the SL8, for a brief period of ten with it. I have handled, but not fired, the
time. It featured a fixed-thumbhole stock and a military G36, and the Walther is the spitting
proprietary, 10-round magazine. There are some image of it. I arranged to get a sample in hand
innovative folks whove converted those rifles and later spent a number of months wringing
back into their military trim, but its a labor of out the design.

FIRST LOOK .22LR rifle. Like the original, it features magazines and longer 30s are also available.
The Walther G36 is a licensed design ambidextrous fire controls and a unique, The Walther HK G36 comes with a lifetime
from HK. And who better to make a rimfire ambidextrous charging handle located under warranty and carries an MSRP of $599. Spare
version of the famous battle rifle than the carry handle of the rifle. The G36 comes mags of any capacity run $35 each.
another German company with rimfire with adjustable iron sights and a Picatinny Sling mounting points on the Walther
experience, such as Walther? rail along the carry handle. consist of a number of small eyelets located
Walther makes a whole series of licensed The stock is not adjustable for length but at the end of the forearm, on the left side of
rimfires in the HK and Colt linesfrom does fold to the right side to make the rifle the rear of the receiver and near the rear of
1911s and M4s to MP5s and HK 416s. The more compact for transport and storage. The the stock. The eyelets can be a bit frustrating
Walther HK G36 is a blowback design G36 can be fired with the stock in the folded when it comes to mounting a conventional
encased in a largely polymer body, just like position. The overall length is 37.8 inches, sling, but theyve become fairly common on
its 5.56mm brethren, and that keeps its but folding the stock knocks 10 inches off of newer FN, HK and SIG designs.
weight down to a modest 5.1 pounds. that. The detachable magazine looks like a To add a sling, youd either need to run a
It uses an 18.1-inch-long barrel capped by 30-round 5.56 mag but actually holds 20 split- or D-ring through the holes. An easier
a flash hider, which is mostly cosmetic on a rounds of .22LR. However, shorter, 10-round and quieter solution is to use one of the new
Blue Force Gear Molded Universal Wire
Loop (UWL) slings or U loop attachments
for the sling of your choice.
The iron sights on the Walther G36 are a
pretty basic affair and consist of a hooded,
fixed plastic blade front and an adjustable,
two-aperture, flip-up peep rear. Both aper-
tures on the rear sight are rather large and
present more of a ghost ring sight picture
than a precise peep. The smaller aperture is
The Walther G36 uses
a fully enclosed fixed marked 100/200, and the larger one is
front sight blade. marked an optimistic 300.
The L-shaped sight flips easily. If you
arent careful, when you slip it to the
100/200 setting, it can be pushed too far
and end up tilted at an angle, with the peep
unusable. On a combat rifle, this would
be a major issue; on a .22 plinker, its just
a little annoying.
The sights are not removable from the
carry handle and leave you with a 9.5-inch
Picatinny rail between them. This is plenty
of room to mount a red-dot sight. With my
Hi-Luz Micro-Max B sight and its low
mount, I was able to obtain a 1/3 co-witness
with the iron sights. The problem with
mounting a conventional scope is that you
need very high rings to ensure that the bell
of the scope will clear the front and rear
sights. For this reason, for my T&E, I
decided to shoot the G36 using the iron
sights with which the rifle ships.
RANGE TIME
I had the G36 out a number of times with
a variety of shooters over the months that I
had it. Everyone who handled it was very

impressed with the styling and details, and testing, with a mix of round nose, hollow inexpensive plinking ammo.
most didnt initially realize it was a rimfire point and lead and copper-washed bullets. Handling of the G36 is dynamic.
until they took a closer look. The factory 20-round magazine was easy to Walthers website lists the weight as 6.74
The G36 looks good on the range and load, thanks to the thumb tabs that allow pounds, but the manual lists it as 5.1 pounds,
stands out from the typical array of AKs and you to take pressure off the magazine spring. which seems about right. It feels light and
ARs you see. And, lets face it: Much of the A slot in the mag allows you to visually nimble to me, much like an M1 carbine,
reason for getting a military clone in .22 is inspect how many rounds remain. which is also a touch more than 5 pounds.
pure style, unless youre using it as a training Reliability was excellent, with not a single Its fast to shoulder and point and a pleasure
understudy for a full-caliber version. stoppage in more than 500 rounds. Thats to shoot all afternoon.
I used a half-dozen different .22LR loads great for any firearmespecially for a The controls are easy to work, although
from Winchester, CCI and Remington in my rimfire with a mix of loads, including some they are a little different from an AR-15, if
The Walthers side-folding stock is closed The G36 stock folds to the right
by depressing a large button on the left side of the rifle.
side of the stock.
The Walther G36 uses a fierce-looking flash

hider just like its 5.56mm big brother. On the
rimfire version, its primarily cosmetic but helps
keep the lines of the parent rifle.

The Walther G36 uses the classic HK-style fire controls, with their distinctive red and white bullet markers that indicatesafeand fire.
thats what youre used to. The magazine with either hand. The safety is pretty conven- sight-in and groupings at 25 yards, because
release is located on the left side of the tional and has the classic HK-style markings: that seemed more appropriate for a recreational
weapon on the forward portion of the mag A red bullet indicates fire, and a white, .22 rifle.
well. It worked best for me by reloading with crossed-out bullet indicates the safe posi- Frankly, Im surprised I got such good
my left hand and activating it with my tion. The safety is ambidextrous and easy to groupings with the G36; its not that the rifle
thumb as I removed the magazine. operate with either hand. wont shoot. It does and does so quite well,
The charging handle flips to either the While the Walther sights are marked but the large aperture made it a chore to
right or left side, so it works equally well 100/200 (presumably in meters), I did my keep a consistent sight picture. If youre

THE G36 LOOKS GOOD ON THE RANGE
AND STANDS OUT FROM THE TYPICAL
ARRAY OF AKS AND ARS
The Walther HK G36 has sleek, modern styling
thats sure to stand out from the crowd at your
local gun club.
really looking for repeatable precision with

the G36, you need to round up some high
rings for a magnified optic or drop a red
dot on it.
Once I had the work of chronographing
and bench resting the G36 done on my first
trip to the range, I used the G36 for what
its really intended: plinking. The large-
aperture open sight worked just fine shooting
steel plates and empty tin cans. In fact, it
was great being able to get a flash sight pic-
ture during rapid-fire transition drills on the
steel plate racks at my local club. The G36
was a terror on steel, and my hits were only The Walther HK G36 ships with a 20-round detachable magazine.
slowed down by the fact that I only had one

RELIABILITY WAS
EXCELLENT, WITH NOT
A SINGLE STOPPAGE
IN MORE THAN 500
ROUNDS.

magazine for the rifle, so I just two), and maybe a little youve been missing. Its also
had to pause frequently and cowboy action shooting all an incredibly fun plinker in its
reload. I think Id feel comfort- rolled into one but using easy- own right. Its high-tech looks,
able with the irons out to about to-shoot, affordable rimfire fast handling and reliable
50 yards; out farther, Id want firearms. Its intended as an mechanism make it a rifle the
something more precise. introduction to competitive whole family can enjoy while
I believe the Walther HK shooting thats suitable for new shooting steel plates out on the
G36 would be a great rifle for a shooters and families. Its also range or tin cans in the back-
casual rimfire competition shoot a great excuse to use your .22 yard (that is, if you live in an
such as the NSSF Rimfire collection for more than just area where you can still do
Challenge. If you arent familiar punching paper. that). GW
with the Rimfire Challenge, its
a dynamic shooting competition WRAP-UP
involving the use of .22LR pis- If youve ever lusted after
tols and rifles with varied an HK G36 but were thwarted CONTACT
courses of fire on steel targets. by the lack of a civilian variant, Walther Arms, Inc.
Think a mix of Steel Challenge, the Walther rimfire version is (479) 242-8500
WaltherArms.com
3-gun (although in this case, a great option to see what
SPECIFICATIONS
Make and model: Walther HK G36
Caliber: .22LR
Operation: Blowback
Barrel length: 18.1 inches
Capacity: 20 rounds
Overall length: 37.8 inches
Front sight: Fixed blade
Elusive
Rear sight: Adjustable for windage and
elevation
Safety: Ambidextrous external safety
NoMore
Weight (without mag): 5.1 pounds
MSRP: $599
A pair of threaded holes is provided on the

underside of the G36 forend, presumably
for the attachment of a lower rail.
ACCURACY RESULTS
Load Accuracy Average Velocity
CCI Mini-Mag 40-grain RN 9/16 inch 1,206 fps

Remington HV 40-grain HP inch 1,163 fps
Winchester Wildcat 40-grain RN inch 1,200 fps
Winchester M-22 40-grain RB 1 inch 1,168 fps
Winchester Super X 37-grain HP 1 inch 1,259 fps
Winchester Super X 40-grain RN 1 inch 1,281 fps
Note: All shots were fired at 25 yards from a sandbag rest using iron sights. The ambient temperature was 55 degrees (F).
Group size was the best of five-shot groups fired.

Model SW1911 Custom

.45 ACP
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pistols are

the best choice when it comes to competition.
Each custom pistol is Performance Center
Tuned and Inspected. Make your next
Model SW1911 Custom choice a #Performance Center

.45 ACP SW1911.
Doug Koenig
15 Time Bianchi Cup Champion
Member of Team Smith & Wesson
www.smith-wesson.com/pc #PerformanceCenter
The Triple
Nickel
THE STEVENS MODEL 555 SHOTGUN
SCORES HIGH ON RELIABILITY AND VALUE

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PHILLIP MASSARO
I
thought I had died and gone to heaven.
I was at the SHOT Show, where all the new toys
are displayed for us gun writers. I wrangled an invite to
Industry Day at the Range, where you actually get to
shoot all the new stuff. Once I adjusted to the Vegas
desert conditions, I started to try out some new guns.
I ended up at the trap line, where all the different companies have
their shotguns available, and dozens of throwers were sending clay
birds in all directions. I had tried a couple of different shotguns with
some prestigious names engraved on them, but I wasnt breaking many
birds at all. Actually, it was rather embarrassing, because I was
shooting next to some competition shooters, and those guys dont miss.
The dainty 28-gauges and .410s, which I love for upland birds and
rabbits, just didnt fit well; as a result, I did my best to sneak away
unnoticed.
I wandered down the line. Then, I spotted the Savage/Stevens
booth. There was no one else there; just the rep and me. I thought,
Okay, this is redemption time, even if just for me.

Whats new this year? Crushed another pair. This miraculous great blend of a petite, gentlemanly shotgun
Well, Phil, weve got a new shotgun, the pattern continued for 20 birds. Once again, I with just a bit more than a .410 will offer.
over/under Model 555, made in Turkey. Its did the side-to-side look; but this time, I was Many shooters describe a 28-gauge as
a great gun for the price. Wanna give it hoping one of my colleagues had seen this. maintaining a shot column very similar to
whirl? Needless to say, I quickly became a fan of a 12-gauge but on a miniature scale. I like
I did the side-to-side glance thing that we the Model 555. a 28, because it contains enough shot to
all do when we want to make sure no ones effectively kill partridge, chukar and rab-
looking. I was in the clear. I grabbed the 28 LIKES bit without blowing them to smithereens
20-gauge and a box of shells. When Savage Arms announced the and threatening your dental work at the
Pull! release of the 555 in 28-gaugeof which I am dinner table.
Dusted the pair of birds. a huge fanI jumped at the opportunity to test I also like the way a 28-gauge carries; it
Pull! it. To me, a 28-gauge shotgun represents a is a well-balanced gun, usually built on a

A close look at the ejectors
The author says the

28-gauge represents
a blend of a petite,
gentlemanly shotgun
with more than the
.410 ofers.
The aluminum alloy receiver uses a steel insert

to give rigidity to the action.
scaled-down frame, as opposed to the stuff. With the action brokenas I prefer to
smaller-barrels-on-a-regular-receiver guns carry it on bird hunts until the pointing dog One Wrinkle
The only issue with the Stevens 555
weve all seen. Where we hunt, especially for locks upthe 555 balances right at the hinge (which traditional double-barrel shotgun
rabbits and partridge, the honeysuckle vines pin. The lightweight alloy receiver is strong enthusiasts might wrinkle their noses at) is its
and multiflora rose bushes make for difficult enough to ensure a solid lockup and tight single trigger. I dont mind a single trigger on a
double barrel; fumbling for the rear trigger
walking, and a cumbersome shotgun soon tolerances on the face but is light enough to never really came naturally to me.
becomes an issue. This Stevens shotgun does provide a sweet balance to the gun. While I know many great shots who
not fit that description. The 26-inch barrels balance things out insist on a pair of triggers, I grew up shooting
a Fox Model B-SE .410 side-by-side, so Im very
perfectly; as a matter of fact, many of my comfortable with the single-trigger setup. The
FIRST LOOK friends who own shotguns that come with trigger on the 555 broke nicely for both barrels,
Weighing in at 5 pounds, the Model 555 much heftier price tags have commented allowing for accurate shots.
carries like a dream, even in the thickest how nicely the Stevens 555 swings.

Some of the "harvest"
the 555 yielded
IN ACTION
Next stop: upland birds.
My pal and neighbor, Dave deMoulpied,
has a Drahthaar named Magnus, and he is
one of the best pointers Ive ever had the
pleasure to hunt over. A quick exchange of
text messages had us outside Daves house in
10 minutes, dressed for hunting and ready to
roll. When Magnus saw the guns, his stump
of a tail started wagging like a humming-
birds wings; even at 8 years old, theres no
quit in this dog.
We worked the familiar patches of thick
woods that ruffed grouse usually love.
Despite Magnus incredible snout, there was
The author used Federal 28-gauge No. 6 shot. only one flush, and that bird dove too low to
get a shot.
While there werent any shots fired, the
Shotgun fit, much like rifle fit, is an the 555 comes up to my shoulder quickly and 555 carried like a dream, no matter how
extremely important part of success. But efficiently and points without any adjustment. thick things got. Had that bird stayed high
unlike a rifle, in which careful aim is taken I took the 555 out for a walk in the thick and offered a shot, I might be able to com-
in the steadiest, rock-solid manner possible stuff behind my dads house, which doubles ment about how the gun did ... but hey,
and often taking several seconds in order to as our office, to see if I could play the role of thats hunting.
allow for the slowing of heart rate and calm- both hunter and dog. It wasnt long before I
ing of nerves, a shotgun is more often than approached a familiar rabbit haunt, and I
not used to hit flying or running targets. saw the little, white tail bobbing through
Rabbits run quickly, zigzagging through the the brush. THE AUTHORS STEVENS LIKES
briars; partridge can flush at what seems like The 555 came to shoulder like lightning, and
light speed. In situations such as these, a the top barrel swung across the bunnys head. In Well balanced
quick-pointing, sweet-swinging gun sure a second, ounce of Federal No. 7 steel shot Smooth sighting plane
makes life easier. was discharged. (The rest is best described as Good length of pull
The vent rib and fine gold bead make for culinary heaven: My wife, Suzie, cooked the
Stock has the right amount of drop
a smooth sighting plane and, combined with rabbit in the crockpot with some red wine and
the proper drop at the comb (at least for me), vegetables and served this over linguini.)

Dillo recision
Dill ecisions
X 650
STANDAR EATURES:
ce a - - s c m -
This view provides a close look at the
ush-mounted screw-in chokes.
So, I gave it the next best test I could:

smashing clay birds.
CLAYS
As I mentioned before, Im not the best
wing shot, so skeet shooting is a source of
stress and apprehension. However, Ive found
my gun.
We assembled at our favorite backyard
range at the home of Marty Groppi to wage
war on flying orange clay. Marty has long
been a proponent of 28-gauge shotguns, and
he was very excited to try the Stevens 555.
Donnie Le Frogg Thorne was running
the thrower, so we could mimic some sport-
ing clays shotssome up high, some low and
straight out, and some bouncing along the
ground. I had a couple of boxes of Federal
No. 9 shot target loads and even more boxes
of its No. 6 shot game loads to better
reproduce a hunting situation.
I set the 555 up with a cylinder choke in If you're a hunter looking for an afordable 28-gauge
stack-barrel bird/rabbit gun, there may be no better
the top barrel and a modified in the lower; I value than the Stevens 555, says the author.
like that setup for close flushing birds for
the first shot. Then, a bit of a tighter choke
for the second, and usually, farther shot.

That setup worked perfectly for the
clay birds. Whether high or low, fast or
slow, the 555 did exactly what I asked. I LIKE A 28, BECAUSE IT CONTAINS
The few birds that made it through ENOUGH SHOT TO EFFECTIVELY KILL
unscathed were the result of my shooting
skills, not the shotgun. PARTRIDGE WITHOUT BLOWING THEM
The 555s stock has the perfect TO SMITHEREENS AND THREATENING
amount of drop for my stature, and the
length of pull fits me as if it were custom YOUR DENTAL WORK
made. The Federal No. 9 shot made up
for a few marginal shots, taking those
chips out of the clay bird, which (thank-
fully) counts as a hit. However, while
No. 9 shot is perfectly acceptable for
clays, I wanted to replicate a hunting sit-
uation, because the birds decided to
vacation during our hunting expeditions.
No. 6 is a rather universal shot size,
especially in the smaller shotguns. What
they give up in pattern density they
make up for in striking energy and sus-
tained velocity. Ive used No. 6s in my
.410s for a long timeto very good
effectand I figured that using 6s on
clay birds would best represent a hunting
scenario, whether for rabbits or birds.
*Round-barrel models only .38/.357 MAG. .44 MAG. .45 COLT .454 CASULL*
HARD WORK REAPS GREAT REWARDS.

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HARD AND LOOKS GREAT DOING SO. 20" AND 24"
OCTAGON-BARREL MODELS AVAILABLE IN BLUE,
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ROUND-BARREL MODELS ARE FINISHED IN BLUE OR
STAINLESS. PICK ONE UP AT YOUR ROSSI DEALER
TODAY AND GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT.
SAFETY NOTE: Always wear ear and eye

protection when shooting irearms.
(Images shown are for marketing purposes only and
are not intended as safe irearm handling examples.)

The author reported that the gun came up to his shoulder
quickly and pointed without any adjustments.
Im glad to report that there was no hand-

icap whatsoever with the larger shot size and
thinner pattern density. Even out to 30 or 35
yards, I was successfully breaking birds with
both chokes.
Because the Stevens 555s tang safety doubles
as a barrel selector, I could choose which choke
I wanted for the clays bouncing along the
ground, and both worked just fine.
When we venture north to the Adirondacks
for snowshoe rabbits, we traditionally
grabbed the 12-gauge scatterguns as a result
of the speed of those bunnies, the distance of
the shots (sometimes, out past 40 yards) and
the dense cover they inhabit. However, this
year, I believe my trusty old Model 1100 will
be staying home, and the Stevens will make Heres a look at the latch assembly
under the model 555 forend.
the trek.
While I wouldnt go so far as to say that
the 28-gauge stack barrel would make a good hunting scene? about many guns. It gives many of the fea-
duck, goose or turkey gun, I think I would No, no it isnt. tures of higher-priced doubles (maybe some
take it out for pheasants and the like. Is it an entry-level beginners gunone of you might prefer ejectors over just extrac-
youd purchase only for its affordability but tors, but extractors are just fine by me) but in
GOOD VALUE having to trade the features youd really like a package costing less than $700.
Where does the Stevens 555 fit into the in order to save a couple hundred dollars? The aluminum alloy receiver uses a steel
scheme of things? Is it a handbuilt shotgun No, its not that gun, either. insert to give rigidity to the action. At just 1
with exhibition-grade walnut, 34 lpi checkering To be honest, I feel the Stevens 555 is ounce more than 5 pounds, the 555 is any-
and a masters touch on the engraved actually underpriced, and I dont say that thing but cumbersome. Even with 26-inch

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Stevens Model 555
Action: Box lock, over/under
Gauge: 28 gauge
Stock: Checkered Turkish walnut
Finish: Matte black receiver, matte blue barrels
The Triple
Nickel
Barrel: 26-inch steel, top and mid-vent rib
Sights: Gold front bead
Overall length: 42 inches
Weight (empty): 5 pounds, 1 ounce
Safety: Tang mounted, forward to fire
MSRP: $692
"WEIGHING IN AT 5 POUNDS, THE

MODEL 555 CARRIES LIKE A DREAM,
EVEN IN THE THICKEST STUFF."
chrome-lined barrels, the weight stays All in all, I did not experience a single
between your hands, and the mid-rib malfunction in any aspect while shooting
between barrels keeps things cool. the Stevens 555. Turkish guns have come a
The wood is Turkish walnut, which is very long way in recent years, and I hope
nothing to drool over but nice enough to that trend continues.
be carried proudly. The wood-to-metal fit For a hunter looking for an affordable
is better than on most guns at this price 28-gauge stack-barrel bird/rabbit gun, it
point. Five screw-in chokes are included would be difficult to find a better value.
with the gun in a nice, little plastic Because of the type and amount of shot-
carrying case, along with a multi-gauge gunning I do, the Stevens 555 will make a
choke wrench. welcome addition to my gun cabinet. I
The chokes are notched on the muzzle think we will make many great memories
end, from one to five notches, representing together. GW
full, improved-modified, modified, improved-
cylinder and cylinder. I like the versatility
the array of chokes lends to this gun. A CONTACT
nicely built latch is flush-mounted under (413) 642-4260
the center of the forend and works flaw- Savage Arms.com
lessly for disassembling the gun.

Punch
NAAS SIDEWINDER IS A HIGH-QUALITY,
Pocket-Sized
RELIABLE REVOLVER THAT CONCEALS WELL

AND WOULD MAKE A GOOD SURVIVAL OPTION

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
I
NEEDED SOME CONVINCING. When I first picked up the North
American Arms Sidewinder, my first thought was, Its cute, but
whatwould a person realistically be able to do with it?
Understand my perspective. I started my law enforcement career
carrying a 4-inch S&W .357 revolver every day before my agency switched
over to full-sized Glock pistols. Ive always lived in an area where summers are short,
so concealing a larger handgun under a jacket or bulky sweater most times of the
year has never been a problem.
I spend a lot of time wandering the woods, where concealability isnt an issue.
When hunting, the brush is thick, the terrain is rough, and shooting distances are
usually short. For defense and for hunting, I like big, heavy bullets that make big
holes. So, when I set out to review this North American Arms (NAA) mini revolver,
I had some prejudices to overcome.

The only thing you have to do
to change between the .22LR
and .22WMR cylinders is to
remove the single screw at
the front of the frame.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS constructed of stainless steel with attractive and a second chambered for .22 WMR
On handling the NAA Sidewinder, I had rosewood grips. So, in this instance, small (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). Swapping
to admit that this palm-sized rimfire revolver does not mean cheap. cylinders proved to be as simple as removing
was well made. It was made in the United The people at NAA were kind enough to the screw at the front of the frame that
StatesProvo, Utah, to be exact. include a set of laser grips for testing, as secures the cylinder crane.
It is a solid, little firearm. Tolerances well. This particular model came with two Sights consist of a cutout in the top strap
are tight; fit and finish are excellent. It is five-shot cylindersone for .22 Long Rifle for a rear sight and a small, stainless-steel

This basketweave leather belt holster offers another option for carrying the Sidewinder,
especially if you prefer quicker access to the gun or need to free up pocket space.
The rosewood grips are attractive on this little gun, but the author would
probably opt for the plastic laser grips for everyday carry.
post. Despite this rudimentary setup, the trigger on this Sidewinder breaks cleanly at it around the geometry of the earlier guns,
Sidewinder seems to point very naturally. about 4 pounds. NAA had to accomplish it by having the
When thrusting the revolver outward with cylinder swing out to the right side of the
either a one- or two-handed hold, the front QUICKER RELOADS frame instead of the left.
post quickly aligns itself with the aiming What separates the Sidewinder from ear- With the original revolvers (which are
point without the need to fish around for it. lier NAA revolvers is that it features a still available and very popular), reloading
NAA revolvers are all single action. The swingout cylinder, although when engineering means removing the cylinder base pin,

The NAA Sidewinder model the author tested came with two five-shot cylinders: one for .22LR and the other for .22 WMR.
taking out the cylinder, punching out the This makes the Sidewinder much quicker cylinder between the chambers. When the
empty casings with the base pin, loading and easier to reload, although to be honest, pistol is carried, the hammer should be low-
fresh cartridges and then reassembling the I dont think the tactical mission of either ered into one of these notches. That way,
handgun. gun involves fast reloads and sustained even with a full cylinder, the firing pin
With the Sidewinder, you move the ham- gun battles. cant contact a cartridge in the event of an
mer to the half-cock position and pull out inadvertent blow to the hammer.
the ejector rod slightly, which frees the SAFEFULLY LOADED With the Sidewinder, lowering the ham-
cylinder. Pushing the ejector rod in toward The firing pin is fixed to the hammer, mer safely into one of those notches does not
the cylinder then ejects all spent casings at and there is no transfer bar safety built into involve any guesswork. Pulling the hammer
once, as with any revolver with a swing-out the Sidewinder. Nevertheless, all NAA back just beyond the half-cock notch allows
cylinder. revolvers feature notches in the rear of the you to rotate the cylinder. You align narrow

IT IS A SOLID, LITTLE FIREARM.
TOLERANCES ARE TIGHT; FIT
AND FINISH ARE EXCELLENT.
NAAs folding holster grip is shown on this .22 Magnum model. It is also available for the
Sidewinder at a suggested price of $38. (Photo courtesy of North American Arms)
and wide notches on the cylinder with of .22LR and a limited amount of .22 CARRYING THE SIDEWINDER
similar notches on the recoil shield. Magnum ammo (such are the times, but The folks at NAA provided a leather bas-
By squeezing the trigger while carefully dont get me started on ammo shortages). I ketweave belt holster for the test, along with a
couple of pocket holsters. The belt holster cer-
controlling and lowering the hammer, the was amazed. For a gun with rudimentary tainly makes the Sidewinder more quickly acces-
firing pin is positioned safely between cham- sights and a 1-inch barrel, it was surpris- sible, but I figure most people will want to carry
bers and locks the cylinder. Cocking the ingly easy to get hits. At the bench, I was this gun in a pocket. The two-pocket holsters
are made by DeSantis. One is suede leather, the
hammer automatically rotates the cylinder able to get 1- to 2-inch groups at 15 yards, other nylon. Each had a pouch for extra ammo
into position for firing. which I felt were the limits of my ability in the tab section of the holster, which was
with this small gun. designed to aid in keeping the gun oriented in
the proper position while in your pocket.
SHOOTING THE SIDEWINDER Shooting off hand at 10 yardsstill
I fired the Sidewinder with an assortment beyond the average distance of most

As to what a person could realistically do
with it, Im starting to form a positive opin-
ion. I know about the recommendations to
carry a defensive arm thats large enough to
shoot well and thats chambered for an
effective cartridge. Ive often given that
advice myself.
But lets face it: In the real world, there
are times a large handgun just isnt practical
to carry. The NAA Sidewinder is a gun you
can have with you all the time, no excuses,
wherever its legal.
It could find a role as a backup gun, too,
especially for the many police officers who,
with all the other gear they have to carry,
usually opt not to carry a backup gun at all.
I still love guns that shoot big, heavy
bullets; that hasnt changed. What has
changed is my opinion of NAAs mini
Although it is not the authors rst choice in a small-game hunting arm, the Sidewinder is
accurate enough at short ranges to be efective in an emergency situation. revolvers. For those traveling light, cant
handle recoil, are dressed for the heat of
summer or who need a deep-concealment
gun or a small backup, the NAA Sidewinder
defensive shootingsI was able to get the LASER GRIP A PLUS make sense.
majority of my shots into an area I could While I was pleased at how well the Now that I know I can hit with it at
cover with my fist; and often, a five-shot Sidewinder pointed naturally, the Laserlyte reasonable distances, A Sidewinder might
cylinder-full could be covered by a golf ball. grips only enhanced my ability to get on tar- find its way into my go-everywhere
Theres not much to hold onto with get quickly and make accurate hits. The laser survival kit. GW
this revolver. Still, recoil was not unpleas- is activated by a push button at the front of
ant, even while shooting the WMR loads. the grips when you take a natural grip on
It was easy to fire, recover and cock the the gun. It was easily adjusted for windage
Sidewinder with one hand while main- and elevation with the provided tool.
taining control over this tiny handgun. CONTACTS
With a two-handed hold, cocking the gun PRACTICALLY SPEAKING North American Arms
with the thumb of the supporting hand Getting back to where I started with this NorthamericanArms.com
proved even quicker and more sure. In story, I am now convinced that the NAA
Sidewinder is a high-quality, well-made DeSantis Gunhide
other words, I did not find the single- DeSantisHolster.com
action-only mechanism to be a drawback firearm that shoots much better than I first
in firing multiple follow-up shots. expected.
SHOOTING RESULTS
Load Avg. Velocity Avg. Groups Smallest Group
Federal 36-grain HP, .22LR 743 fps 2.0 inches 1.5 inches
Remington 36-grain HP, .22LR 762 fps 2.25 inches 1.25 inches
(Golden Bullet)
CCI Mini Mag 40-grain HP, .22LR 871 fps 2.25 inches 1.5 inches
CCI Maxi Mag 40-grain HP, .22WMR 904 fps 2.5 inches 1.75 inches
Note: Five-shot groups at 15 yards. Velocity measured by a Chrony chronograph 15 feet from the muzzle.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Sidewinder/1.5-inch barrel (tested)
Punch
Pocket-Sized
Caliber: .22 Magnum/Long Rifle Rimfire
(with included Long Rifle conversion cylinder)
Cylinder capacity: Five
Length: 5 inches
Height: 2 inches
Width: 1 1/16 inches
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Barrel length: 1.5 inches
(Also available with 2.5- or 4-inch barrel)
Sights: Stainless-steel post
MSRP: $445 (with both cylinders)
.22 PISTOLA LIFESAVER?

Aside from the debate over whether
a .22 handgun should be considered for a
defensive gun, there are other situations
in which they can be put to good use.
Heres one example.
Years ago, while hunting in a remote
area, one member of our party became
lost. The foolish circumstances of how he
got into that predicament are best left
for another time. It was dark when he
fired his final rifle round to signal for
help. It sounded as if he was still quite
far away.
Besides my hunting rifle, I was car-
rying a .22 pocket pistol and a good
quantity of ammo, mostly because it was
so small and easily carried for just in
case situations.
Just in case turned out to be the
firing of many signal shots at regular
intervals. Short-barreled .22s can be
quite loud. The lost hunter followed the
sounds of the shots back to safety.

HANDGUNS
Paper or
Plastic?
AS TARGETS, BROWN BAGS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY
FINE-TUNE A NEWBIES SKILLS
STORY BY DAVE WORKMAN
aw enforcement professionals
L frequently counsel the citizens

in their jurisdictions to arm
themselves simply because
they cant be everywhere. There
is no guarantee that police will be handy to
stop a mass shooting or some other kind of
terror or gang threat. Indeed, it is far more likely
that they wont be there. So, until they arrive, youre
on your own.
With more and more peopleespecially women
arming-up, as it were, theyre asking gun-owning friends
to teach them. In many states, firearms safety and training
courses are a requirement for getting a concealed-carry
permit or license.
People might want to learn to shoot, but lets be honest:
Some of them are pretty sheepish about learning to shoot
... people. So, the trick is to teach them to shoot something
else. Throughout my years of experience as a firearms New shooters might be a bit apprehensive
about shooting at a human silhouette
instructor, a couple of common items have come in handy
target, but there is a way around that.
time and again: brown paper grocery bags and playing cards. (Photo: Thinkstock)

HANDGUNS
" GET THEM TO

PUT THEIR
SHOTS INTO A
REASONABLE
SIZE AREA THAT
LETS THEM
LEARN HOW TO
TIGHTEN THEIR
GROUPS INTO
AN AREA THAT
WOULD
DISABLE AN
ATTACKER
The author, a long-time firearms instructor, learned years ago to turn the silhouette target
around and tape a folded brown paper grocery bag to the targets back side. Here, the author
shows how the brown bag corresponds to a torso.
FUN WITH TARGETS .22 SHOULD BE NUMBER 1: THE BEST GUN FOR A BEGINNER
Regardless of what kind of gun a new handgun owner might already have acquired, the best way
Grocery bags make great targets for to start them off is with a .22-caliber pistol. There may be no better model for this than the Ruger
beginners for a couple of reasons. semiauto, MK I or II. I have a vintage Ruger Standard pistol (the model that became the MK I), and it
First, unlike targets, they dont have is a workhorse.
Ive never encountered one of these pistols that wasnt accurate, and they are simple to use, with
circles narrowing down to a bulls-eye center a good trigger squeeze. Anyone who learns to shoot with one of these will be able to work upward
that too many beginners miss, thus eroding with virtually any semiauto pistol.
their confidence rather than building it. If youve got a .22-caliber revolver, better still. New shooters can work through any flinch prob-
lems much easier with a rimfire, and the revolver allows them to learn both single- and double-
And, if one takes a moment to measure, action shooting.
when these bags are folded, theyre just about Always be sure to provide eye and ear protection. I keep a couple of pairs of clear range glasses,
the same size as the area of a human torso as well as foam earplugs, in my truck, so theyre always handy. You can also purchase a pair of basic
adjustable ear phones to keep around for added hearing protection.
that encompasses the vital organs. Once the new shooter has gotten the basics and even managed to produce some tight groups
The idea when teaching beginners is to after understanding proper sight alignment, you can graduate to something bigger. My preference is
get them to put their shots into a reasonable to kick them upstairs to a .38 Special, using moderate loads. Ive got a vintage Colt Diamondback with
a 4-inch barrel and adjustable sights.
size area. This lets them learn how to tighten All you need to do is make the new shooter feel comfortable. After that, its just a matter of get-
their groups into an area that would disable ting them used to their own gun, if theyve bought one. If not, offer to take the new shooter to a
an attacker if they were shooting at one. And indoor range, where they might be able to rent a few different handguns to see what they like and
what fits their needs.
they wont even realize it.

One way to challenge a new handgunnerwithout them even realizing whyis to tape a playing card to the center of the paper bag. The author
prefers using the ace of spades.
What Ive found to be truly eye opening is sharpening anyones skill and, if a beginning Thats pretty good for the first time out of
to simply turn around a Birchwood Casey shooter can plug these at 10 to 15 yards, they the gate or a similar remark.
cardboard human silhouette and tape the will be hooked. Just because a new shooter isnt as good
brown bag to the back side of the target. with a handgun as you might be is no reason
Once the shooting is done, you surprise the CONFIDENCE-BUILDERS to criticize. Only a real jerk tells a new
new shooter by flipping the target over and Many indoor ranges have generic bulls- shooter that theyre inept. Youre trying to
showing them how their hits would have eye targets available, and they are terrific for encourage, not discourage, them. If you have
counted if they were defending themselves teaching new shooters. Start with the targets pals who engage in that sort of behavior,
in an emergency. up close; say 7 to 10 yards away. Gradually dont take them along during your lesson
To make things even more educational drift the targets out to greater distances. with a new shooter. GW
and fun at the same time, tape or glue a Being able to hit the target builds confi-
playing card to the middle of the paper bag. dence, so make it easy for the beginner to do
Thats not a bulls-eye; its just a fun target. just that. Confidence is a great building block
THE BENEFITS OF A BROWN BAG
Try the ace of spades, the face cards or the for proficiency. It builds condence for novice shooters.
jokers. The new shooter isnt trying to punch It also doesnt hurt to offer a compliment It is the size of a torso.
holes in an X-ring; instead, they are aiming to a novice now and thensomething like,
at that joker in the middle of the card.
Here, again, youre playing vision
games with the newbie, because, as it
SSK
turns out, a playing card is just about the CUSTOMS: Revolvers, single
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rather easy. back and enjoy our website. No
Next, have them plink at tin soup cans boring guns allowed.
or aluminum soda cans. Once they can
hit a full-sized soda can repeatedly, turn SSKINDUSTRIES.COM
them loose on smaller juice cans or mini
740-264 0176
soda cans. These are great targets for

RELOAD
Loads,
Velocity
and Accuracy
SCIENCE DISPELS THE PERFORMANCE MYTHS
BETWEEN PLATED AND JACKETED HANDGUN BULLETS
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JAMES E. HOUSE
I
n the early days of cartridge-firing lead bullets. It was inevitable that someone would
handguns, bullets were made of lead. design handgun bullets with lead coresbut covered
Pressures produced by black powder with a thin, copper plating instead of a real jacket
were low, and bullet velocities were made of the alloy of copper and zinc (known as
subsonic by a large margin. gilding metal). Thus, handgun bullets vary from
When autoloading handguns chambered for naked lead to copper-plated lead to a lead core
9mm Luger and .45 Auto came along, velocities with a tough outer jacket.
were higher, and the challenge of moving cartridges Like other shooters, I read a lot of material, some
from the magazine into the chamber arose. In an of which is related to the performance of plated
autoloader, that is a slam-bang operation. Still, bullets. As I have studied the subject, it has become
many target shooters used lead bullets with good apparent that there are three areas of concern: The
success. first has to do with preparing loads with plated
To prevent leading of handgun barrels and feed- bullets when most reloading data published by bul-
ing issues, ammunition companies solved the prob- let manufacturers deals with other types of bullets.
lem by utilizing jacketed bullets, which have lead The second issue has to do with velocities
cores surrounded by a tough copper jacket. produced with plated and jacketed bullets when
Handgun bullets available now are simply awesome, other loading parameters are the same.
and they perform wonderfully. The third has to do with the accuracy of plated bul-
Today, except for a few revolver calibers, one lets, especially when fired in autoloading handguns.
must search for handgun ammunition loaded with Where uncertainty exists, myths arise.

RELOAD
The bullet pairs used in this project are (left to right, with the plated bullet first): 185-grain Rainer and 185-grain Nosler, 200-grain Berry and
200-grain Hornady XTP, and 230-grain HSM and Speer Gold Dot.
TACKLING THE MYTHS These have been casual observations dur- Competition Electronics ProChrono chrono-
For example, I recently read one report ing load testing. Having just read a report on graph. The 200- and 230-grain loads were
stating that most plated bullets will not con- plated bullets, I thought it prudent to con- fired in a Kimber Custom II. The table (page
sistently hit a target a foot square at 50 feet. duct a more extensive comparison of plated 84) shows the load characteristics and the
The reason was purportedly that the thin and jacketed bullets. results obtained.
plating did not resist deformation when it Plated and jacketed bullets were selected The data in the table reveals some inter-
strikes the feed ramp in an autoloader. I for the .45 Auto in three weights: 185, 200 esting facts. First, with the same load, weight
have shot so many five-shot groups measur- and 230 grains. Three different manufactur- of bullet and, as nearly as possible, the same
ing 2.5-3.0 inches at 25 yards with plated ers were represented for each type of bullet. overall length, there is a negligible difference
bullets of different brands and calibers that I Cartridges were prepared as pairs, with all in the velocity for plated or jacketed bullets.
know that is a myth. Tests I have performed parameters kept identical except for the type In most all cases, the average velocity was
with jacketed and plated bullets of the same of bullet. slightly higher with the plated bullets, but
caliber and weight with the same loads have Velocities for the 185-grain loads were the difference is within the standard devia-
shown that there is not a great deal of differ- measured at 10 feet from the muzzle of a tions. The 230-grain HSM plated bullet gave
ence in velocity. Colt Gold Cup National Match using a higher velocity than did the 230-grain Speer

WITH THE SAME LOAD, WEIGHT OF
BULLET AND, AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE,
THE SAME OVERALL LENGTH,
THERE IS A NEGLIGIBLE DIFFERENCE
IN THE VELOCITY FOR PLATED OR
JACKETED BULLETS.
Fred Eichler
host of Predator Nation
In order to remove as much of the

human element as possible, the
Kimber Custom II was fired fully
supported. It had no trouble giving
excellent accuracy with plated bullets.
Gold Dot, but that is simply a result of LAR-15 FRED EICHLER SERIES
it having to be seated deeper to feed PREDATOR 2 FE1515GMG
with RRA Operator CAR Stock
through the tight chamber of the Kimber. MSRP: $1750*
Second, if there is any significant dif-
ference in accuracy, it is going to take a
machine rest or a better shooter than I
am to discern it. The reason for showing
group sizes that include the best four
shots is to eliminate the effect of that
jerked trigger or slip of the gun on the rest.
Shooting was conducted with the for-
ward end of the pistol resting on a
leather bag and the hand supported on a
small bag. Therefore, most human effects
were eliminated, but eyes that are close
to 80 years old still give rise to issues.
It is interesting to note that in all
cases but two, the best four shots gave a
cluster measuring less than 2 inches.
That is as good as I can shoot. There is
no discernable difference in accuracy
between plated and jacketed bullets.
As the testing was underway, loaded
cartridges fed from the magazine into
the chamber were removed and the

RELOAD
noses closely examined. There was no

more than a scratch and no nose defor-
mation with any of the three brands of
plated bullets. If poor accuracy is ob-
tained with plated bullets, it is highly un-
likely that deformation caused by the feed
ramp is responsible.
FACT VS. OPINION

So, opinions aside, the facts show that
velocities are not much different for
plated or jacketed bullets when the same
load is used. Difference in accuracy for
the two types of bullets with the same
loads is slight. Noses of plated bullets are
not significantly deformed as the car-
tridges are moved from the magazine to
the chamber during firing.
Expansion and performance of plated
bullets have not been evaluated, but that
will be the subject of a future study. I
have used a lot of plated bullets of several
brands with complete satisfactionand
will continue to do so. GW
Of the pistol powders available, these five were selected for load testing.
LOADING DATA AND RESULTS OBTAINED WITH PLATED AND JACKETED BULLETS IN .45 AUTO
Bullet Case O.L., inches Powder Grain, Vel. Group, inches
185-grain Rainier HP Speer 1.218 Titegroup 5.5 942 3.19/0.79

185-grain Nosler HP Speer 1.219 Titegroup 5.5 928 3.16/2.82
185-grain Rainier HP Speer 1.218 Win. 231 6.0 925 2.59/2.27
185-grain Nosler HP Speer 1.219 Win. 231 6.0 917 3.54/1.22
200-grain Berry HP Speer 1.216 CFE Pistol 6.8 939 2.06/1.63
200-grain Hornady XTP Speer 1.219 CFE Pistol 6.8 916 2.09/0.79
200-grain Berry HP Speer 1.216 IMR 4756 7.4 944 2.57/1.35
200-grain Hornady XTP Speer 1.219 IMR 4756 7.4 970 1.93/1.70
230-grain HSM HP Hornady 1.195 IMR 4756 6.9 842 1.93/1.82
230-grain Speer Gold Dot Hornady 1.224 IMR 4756 6.9 842 1.60/1.06
230-grain HSM HP Hornady 1.195 Unique 6.0 866 1.97/1.19
230-grain Speer Gold Dot Hornady 1.224 Unique 6.0 824 2.07/1.87
Note: Velocities are shown as the average for five shots. Group size is for five shots/best four shots at 25 yards.
These loads were safe and reliable in the authors handguns, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for their preparation and use by others or for
typographical errors.

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GUNSMITHING
The authors Bullseye .45 ACP needs

regular cleaning after each match in
order to maintain peak accuracy.

Cleaning
101
MAINTAINING YOUR FIREARM HAS
SEVERAL BENEFITS, AND IT CAN BE
DONE IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVE SIEBERTS
B
y covering cleaning, I have thrown you a change-up
in this column. Why am I hitting on this topic in a
gunsmithing column? The reasons are plentiful.
If a firearm is dirty, it poses several problems for a gunsmith,
because its much more difficult to diagnose a malfunctioning
firearm thats dirty than one that has been cleaned after being shot at the
range. Failures to feed could be caused by caked-up carbon under the
extractor in your pet 1911. However, if the gun isnt clean, it could also be
due to a worn-out part.
How do you know which it is? Its also much more difficult to perform a
visual inspection for worn or possibly broken parts if a firearm is really dirty.
With rifles, especially precision rifles, cleaning is even more critical,
because a drop-off in accuracy is tied to a buildup of powder and/or copper
fouling in the barrel. If a rifles groups are starting to open up, is it because
the barrel is shot out or because the throat is washed out? Or is the barrel
still serviceable and just in need of a good cleaning?
So, now you know why were covering cleaning. In this installment, we will
go over some of the basics for handguns, rifles and shotguns.

GUNSMITHING
The revolvers ratchet pads

and cylinder charge holes
need to be cleaned so they
will function properly.
HANDGUNS lands and grooves than a button-rifled or solvents on wood, although the wood has a
Starting with handguns, the semiauto is hammer-forged barrel. Broach-cut barrels protective finish, will generally lead to the
probably the gun that most needs a good that are not hand lapped and are then used stocks becoming saturated with solvent.
cleaning and maintenance. But having with lead bullets will cause the lead to build And heres where the fun begins.
said that, I have a Glock I never clean, and up faster. I know that just as there are many differ-
it keeps on tickingalthough I dont To clean a semiauto, the critical areas are ent cleaning products, there are just as many
recommend that. the breech face, barrel, slide and frame rails. opinions on those products, so Ill keep them
If you mostly shoot jacketed ammo Start by field-stripping the pistol; the proce- generic. You can plug in your favorite product,
through your semi, it will require less clean- dures for doing this will vary depending on and Ill focus on discussing good procedures.
ing, all things being equal, than if you shoot your pistol. Generally, you will just need to The semiauto cleaning regime starts with
lead bullets, because the lead will keep remove the slide from the frame and the bar- cleaning the bore, and this takes a good
building up in the bore. In addition, your rel from the slide. cleaning solvent and a bronze bore brush.
cleaning ritual will depend on how your If your pistol has wood stocks, I recom- Do not use steel or plastic brushes.
barrel is manufactured. mend removing those, as well, but its not I start by pushing a wet cotton patch
Broach-cut barrels are rougher in the necessary. Its just that getting harsh through the bore and then scrubbing with a

The feed ramp on all semiauto
pistols needs to be cleaned for
proper functioning. This is a
critical area for all semiautos.
brush. I brush about 10 strokes and run firearms specific and also cleans and leaves no
another wet patch through. I generally run residue (for example, Gun Scrubber). You can
one stroke through the barrel for each five to also use a good solvent such as paint thinner
10 rounds I have shot. Run a wet patch after in a coffee can, as I do; its inexpensive, and it
each five to 10 rounds. Once the patches come works. It does not evaporate like brake cleaner,
out clean, patch out the barrel to dry it. however, so youll need to have an air com-
Next, take the slide and apply the cleaning pressor, which I highly recommend for clean-
solvent to all parts. I use a good-quality brake ing firearmsno matter what type of solvent
cleaner, but you can also use something that is you use. Good ones meant for the garage are
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TAKE THE TIME
Firearms cleaning is like flossing your
teeth; its something that you know has to
be done, but nobody really wants to take
the time to do it,correctly or not.
Cleaning your firearms will go a long
waytoward making them last longer, per-
form better and give you much more en-
joyment over the years. The up side to
cleaning your firearms is that you will gain
a better understanding about how they
function and, more importantly, how they
malfunction.
Additionally, if or when the gun mal-
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GUNSMITHING
A custom hand-fitted gun might need more cleaning and

maintenance than a service-type pistol. Here, the feed
ramp area needs to be cleaned of powder fouling for top
reliability.
WITH OIL, LESS IS MORE, AND TOO MUCH OIL IS ACTUALLY

WORSE THAN NOT ENOUGH.
not that expensive (my Craftsman cost about cleaning brush to clean under and around bore with a bronze brushusing one stroke
$120 and is useful for other tasks, as well). the extractor star. for each shot firedand run a new wet patch
I then scrub around the breech face and Oil the contact areas lightly. Remember for every five shots. Always use a bore guide
under the extractor. I use a GI two-headed that with oil, less is more, and too much oil and a plastic-coated rod anytime you are
cleaning brush for this. I also use it to wipe is actually worse than not enough. cleaning a rifle with a match grade barrel or
any carbon residue off the frame rails. a rifle for which you care about accuracy.
Now that the barrel, slide and frame are RIFLES
clean, apply one drop of lubricating oil to the Depending on the type of rifle, cleaning
contact areas of the pistol: the slide, frame it can be much more involved. Precision CLEANING IN THE FIELD
Its one thing to have all the parts and
rails and where the barrel locks up to the bolt-action rifles with a match grade barrel pieces to do a good job in the shop, but
slide and frame. require extreme care to avoid damaging the what do you do in the field when the barrel
Reassemble the pistol and cycle the gun barrel and preserve the accuracy. The gets jammed in the mud?
The pull cord cleaning approach
to distribute the oil. With revolvers, remove procedures are similar to other types of actually goes back decades, but it has been
the stocks, and use the brake cleaner to blow firearms. updated with modern materials. The con-
out the residue in the trigger mechanism. There are two ways (chemically and cept is simple: Drop a cord down the barrel,
and pull a brush and patch through.
Use the bronze brushes and cleaning solvent mechanically) to clean a precision rifle. If Its a great way to carry a full cleaning
to clean the chambers and the barrel. Then, using the chemical approach, wet the bore kit in the field.
patch out until dry. Follow this with the GI with a good powder solvent, brush out the

breechface accumulates
e a bit of powder fouling and
s fragments from the car-
e case, so make sure you use
GI toothbrush with solvent to
n the breechface and under
xtractor hook for smoother
ng and proper functioning.
er cleaning of the breechface
overboard. This is avai able from Bro ne s. is important for revolvers, as well.
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Shooters Choice Powder Solvent is for removing powder
fouling, and Sweets Copper Solvent removes copper. The
shooter should use a neutral solvent in between these two
products; otherwise, a chemical reaction could take place in
the barrel and can etch the bore. www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine

GUNSMITHING
The Glock, after eld stripping, needs to be

cleaned like any other pistol. The gun needs
very little oil to function properly.
MAKE SURE THE SCOPE COVERS ARE

ON, BECAUSE THE CLEANING SOLVENTS
WILL EAT THE COATING APPLIED TO
THE GLASS LENSES.
Powder solvents only clean powder fouling,

but with rifles, there is also copper fouling.
Therefore, I usually run a patch through with
a neutral solvent to clean out the powder sol-
vent and follow this with a good copper
remover on a patch. For obvious reasons, do
not use a copper solvent with a bronze brush.
I then clean off the bolt face. If I have
time, I remove the firing pin assembly and
blow that off with a brake cleaner or a good
solvent and compressed air.
I apply a little bit of lubricating oil on the
contact surfaces, as well as a tiny bit of lug
grease on the locking lugs. Cycle the bolt a
few times, and youre done. (Note: Make sure Loop jags are ne for shotguns but should
the scope covers are on, because the cleaning never be used for ries or handguns. You do
not want to drag dirty patches back through
solvents can eat the coating applied to the the bore, because its very hard on the riing.
glass lenses.) Let them drop of the end of the barrel when
you push them through.
SHOTGUNS
Shotguns are fairly easy to clean. One of
the best tools for cleaning the bore is the lightly oil the hammer and sear areas. If you
THE BENEFITS OF CLEANING
Tico Tool, because it will clean out the bore have removed the trigger group, you proba- 1. Cleaning keeps the gun functioning.
of the barrel with just a few swipes. The bly have also removed the bolt. I usually 2. It extends the life of the parts by
beauty of this tool is that the dirtier it gets, clean the breech face and under the extractor. reducing wear.
3. It also helps with troubleshooting and
the better and faster it cleans. If the gun has removable choke tubes, for diagnosing issues.
Remove the trigger group and blow out remove those and clean the threads, lightly
with brake cleaner or other solvent. Then, oil and reinstall. GW

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Winchesters
TRAIN
&DEFEND
AMMO
A PERFECT TRAINING AND CARRY
PAIRING AT A PRACTICAL PRICE
TEXT BY TIM STETZER PHOTOS BY JIM HOLMAN
T
RAINING IS IMPORTANT, but training with the actual
gear you use for duty or for personal protection is even more
important. Sub-caliber practice, laser trainers and airsoft all
have their place, but at the end of the day, you really need to
get out there with your carry gun and shoot it. Optimally, that
will be with the load you intend on carrying in it so you know its reliable
and where it hits with that load, as well.
Generally, the problem is that quality self-defense rounds are expensive, and
most of us cant afford to put hundreds of rounds downrange with them in a
practice session. So, we end up substituting cheaper practice ammo that doesnt
perform the same as our duty rounds. They might recoil less, probably dont hit to
the same point of aim and generally dont give you the same experience as your
defense load of choice.
Winchester is among those manufacturers that have recognized the problem.
Its solution to it is the Train & Defend line of ammunition.
The author acquired a variety of 9mm

defense pistols and a carbine to test the
Winchester Train & Defend ammo. They
were (clockwise from top) a Kel-Tec
SUB-2000 Carbine, Smith & Wesson
M&P Shield, CZ Scorpion EVO3 S1 and a
Beretta M9A1 pistol. Barrel lengths
varied from 3 to 16 inches.

TRAIN & DEFEND VELOCITY RESULTS
WEAPON 147-GRAIN FMJ TRAIN LOAD 147-GRAIN JHP DEFEND LOAD
S&W M&P Shield, 3.1-inch barrel 868 fps 905 fps

Beretta M9A1, 5-inch barrel 944 fps 947 fps
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1, 7.72-inch barrel 1,042 fps 1,037 fps
Kel-Tec SUB-2000, 16-inch barrel 1,053 fps 1,098 fps
COMMON DEFENSE CALIBERS with putting accurate rounds on target then fill your carry mags with Defend
Winchester offers the Train & Defend quickly. hollow points. For practice, stock up on the
line in most of the common defense and law You get 50 rounds to a box with the affordable Train loads.
enforcement calibers, including .380 ACP, training loads, and they carry an MSRP of
9mm Luger, .38 Special, .40 S&W and .45 $17 to $25 a box, depending on caliber. TRAIN & DEFEND
ACP. The theory behind Train & Defend is Defense loads come 20 rounds to a box, and ON THE RANGE
that you match up a practice round with a they run $16 to $23, again, depending on I picked up a quantity of the 9mm Train
carry round of similar weight and velocity so caliber. & Defend loads for testing and decided to
they handle the same. The training rounds The process is simple: Do your sight-in see what they would do out of a variety of
are full metal jacket (FMJ), and the defense and practice with the Train loads, run a few guns. The 9mm load is a 147-grain bullet
loads are jacket hollow points (JHP). Both mags of Defend through your gun to make listed at 950 feet per second (fps) and 205
loads are designed to have less recoil to help sure it feeds in your particular weapon, and foot pounds of muzzle energy. To see what

the load would do in an array of defense which round was which when I was behind
THE ROUNDS guns, I rounded up a compact S&W M&P the trigger of the gun and shooting.
ARE ACCURATE, Shield, Beretta M9A1 service pistol,
CZ Scorpion EVO3 S1 and a Kel-Tec CONCLUSIONS
EASY TO SUB-2000 carbine. Based upon my use of the Train &
SHOOT AND What I found was that the Train & Defend round, Id say that Winchester has
Defend ammo was very manageable, even hit its mark for a complementary product
MIRROR EACH in the compact Shield, and that it did, line designed to take you from the training
range to the street. The rounds are accu-
OTHER indeed, hit to the same point of aim with
both loads. Velocity was pretty much on the rate, easy to shoot and mirror each other in
money with the 5-inch Beretta, with a felt recoil, point of impact and accuracy.
slight drop in the shorter, 3-inch-barreled Reliability was 100 percent with both loads
Shield and some gain in the 8-inch through all four weapons tested, as well.
Scorpion and 16-inch Kel-Tecwhich is With a reasonable price for training
to be expected. loads and a competitive cost for defense
Interestingly enough, there wasnt much loads, Winchester has come up with a
velocity gain between the Scorpion and the concept well worth looking at if you
SUB-2000. While there was some minor shoot any of the calibers in the Train
deviation in velocity between the Train & & Defend line. GW
Defend loads, it wasnt enough to see any
discernible difference in point of impact
when shooting. Generally speaking, the
ammunition was very consistent, and the
FMJ training loads and JHP carry loads
CONTACT
performed equally. In fact, without looking
Winchester Ammunition
at the loaded magazine, I couldnt tell Winchester.com
AD INDEX
Advertiser Page
Black Hills Ammunition 55 Rock River Arms 83
Colt 2 Rossi 65
Winchesters 9mm Defend load Davidson's 3 Savage Arms 47, 85

uses a nickel case and 147-grain
jacketed hollow point bullets.
Dillon Precision 63 Secure Medical 89
Jantz Supply 38-39 Smith & Wesson 57
Les Baer Custom,Inc. 7 SSK Industries 79
Major Surplus & Survival 99 Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. 13, 100
Redding Reloading Equipment 75 Taurus International 11

The Winchester 9mm 147-grain jacketed
hollow point is designed for maximum Rio Grande Custom Grips 67 TruGlo 93
expansion and stopping power.

BACK PAGES
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SERVICE.
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94 Winchesters Train & Defend Ammo

www.gunworld.com | MAY 2016 | GUN WORLD 5

Spiro Demetriadi Publisher

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The author says it is a cinch to take down and

was a noticeable reduction in muzzle flip.

www.gunworld.com | MAY 2016 | GUN WORLD 17

EVERY MODIFICATION TO THIS GUN HAS BEEN DESIGNED

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IN THE COURSE OF FIRING SEVERAL HUNDRED ROUNDS I DID

Load Avg. Muzzle Avg. 25-Yard Best 25-Yard Group

Federal Tactical HST 930.7 3.17 2.81

Hornady Critical Defense 1,101 3.04 2.79

Hornady American 1,016 3.30 2.92

20 GUN WORLD | MAY 2016 | www.gunworld.com

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A what would become the .338 Lapua Magnum

A British sniper from the

www.gunworld.com | MAY 2016 | GUN WORLD 23