dope bag data & comment Finnlight Rifleman Senior Executive Editor Brian C. Sheetz took this 5x5 elk (l.) with a Sako 75 Finnlight in 7 mm Rem. Designed as a lightweight mountain , the Finnlight’s super-light Mag. while hunting with Big synthetic features soft rubber over-molding at the grip and Canyon Outfitters in Utah. fore-end. Further weight saving features include a fluted barrel and four different The Sako’s integral scope- receiver sizes, scaled for specific families. mounting dovetails and its

injection-molded synthetic 1 stock help keep its weight to Weighing a scant 6 ⁄2 try. We found a 7 mm Rem. form of a fine 5x5 bull. But trigger creep and broke 1 lbs., the new Sako Finnlight Mag. version an easygoing form follows function, and if crisply at each setting. 6 ⁄2 lbs. overall. Shown below are the company’s Optilock has all of the right features companion on a strenu- a rifle isn’t accurate, quick On the question of bases and rings holding a one would look for in a rifle ously vertical Utah elk hunt and dependable, light quickness the new Sako Weaver Grand Slam scope. for severely rugged coun- that brought success in the weight and ruggedness 75 Finnlight also received count for nothing. high marks. Both the bolt SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.) In a practical sense, and the bearing surfaces having an accurate rifle inside the receiver are .270 Win. Vel. @ 15’ Energy Group Size In Inches Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) Smallest Largest Average doesn’t necessarily mean highly polished, allowing that it can be shot accu- the bolt to slide effortlessly. Hornady No. 8056 2820 Avg. 2,473 1.33 2.19 1.71 140-gr. BTSP 22 Sd rately in the field; for The three-lug bolt head most shooters the trigger requires only a short 70 Federal 2800 Avg. 2,613 1.02 1.94 1.46 makes a big difference. degree lift for disengage- SKG No. P270C 18 Sd 150-gr. Sierra BTSP Fortunately, the Finnlight ment, which, when com- comes with a trigger that bined with the slick action, Winchester No. 2878 Avg. 2,391 1.14 1.69 1.47 SBST270 130-gr. BST 19 Sd is easily adjusted from make for impressively fast 4 lbs. down to a very follow-up shots. 7 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 20 ⁄8” barrel. light 2 lbs. with an Allen Dependability is marked Range temperature: 81° F. Humidity: 50%. Accuracy for five wrench through the maga- by not only flawless func- consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a sandbag rest. zine well. Additionally, tioning, but by design Abbreviations: BST (Ballistic Silvertip), BTSP (boattail spire point), SAKO 75 FINNLIGHT SGK (Sierra Game King), SD (standard deviation). the Finnlight tested (in functions that enhance MANUFACTURER: Sako .270 Win.) showed no dependability. The flush- Ltd., Riihimaki, fit five-round detachable IMPORTER: U.S.A. magazine makes for quick Corp., 17601 Beretta Drive, Accokeek, MD and dependable loading 20607; (301) 283-2191; and unloading. Scope bases www.berettausa.com machined into the top of the ako have four different action lengths which the manufacturer CALIBER: .270 Win. (test- receiver provide for sure always had a reputa- to specifically accommodate claims is nearly unbreak- ed); 26 others from and solid scope mounting. .22-250 Rem. through S tion for high quality the various families of car- able. Like the Finnlight’s .375 H&H Mag. The two-position safety with of both workmanship and tridges from the Winchester stainless steel action, it ACTION TYPE: bolt-action dual cocking indicators accuracy. Now that Sako Short Magnums up to the has the distinct advantage center-fire rifle at the rear of the bolt is a has joined the Beretta .375 H&H Mag. of being impervious to Receiver: 400 series rock-solid system, and after stainless steel family, new variations on With the length-specific all conceivable weather 7 firing over 200 test rounds BARREL: 20 ⁄8” fluted stain- some of its tried and true actions no more steel, and conditions that might be less steel of various makes of ammu- bolt-action hunting rifles therefore weight, is incor- found in any type of hunt- RIFLING: four-groove, nition through the Finnlight, are beginning to appear. porated than necessary. As ing. In place of checker- 1:10” RH twist we experienced no mal- MAGAZINE: five-round One of the newest and a final weight-saving con- ing, the synthetic stock detachable box Three locking lugs (above r.) functions of any kind. most interesting of these is sideration, the Finnlight’s sports soft rubber over- SIGHTS: none, drilled and are used to lock the action The Sako 75 Finnlight the Sako Model 75 Finnlight. stainless steel action is molding on the pistol grip tapped for scope on the Finnlight 75, which is a tough, accurate, go 7 TRIGGER: single-stage, Designed as a mountain fitted with a 20 ⁄8” fluted and fore-end to provide a allows for a short 70 degree anywhere hunting rifle that adjustable 2- to 4-lb. pull rifle, the Model 75 action stainless steel barrel. sure grip. The stock’s pro- 1 lift for disengagement. A is light enough to pack into OVERALL LENGTH: 43 ⁄2” 1 hook extractor is mounted (May 1997, p. 44) was an The biggest weight sav- file is of the Monte Carlo WEIGHT: 6 ⁄2 lbs. the most rugged hunting excellent choice on which to ings, however, comes from style with its familiar con- SUGGESTED RETAIL in the bolt, while the ejector country. However, there is build a lightweight hunting the Finnlight’s injection- tours and ends with a solid PRICE: $1,311 is a blade style mounted in a price to pay. Weighing in the receiver. The five-round, 1 rifle. The Model 75 comes in molded synthetic stock, rubber recoil pad. at only 6 ⁄2 lbs, even in .270 quick-detachable magazine (above) is a flush fit when Win., the Finnlight has a The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” at least since WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information fully inserted. rather punishing kick when 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, based on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They fired off the bench. On the In front of the two-position safety is a bolt handle release it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters do not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely other hand, very few Dall’s to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” also necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. button (arrow) that allows the bolt to be cycled while the was a traditional marksman’s term for sight adjustment information, while Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training require- safety lever remains in the safe position. sheep are ever shot at judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.” ments, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity. from a bench. 74 A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 75 August 2004 August 2004 dope bag data & comment SHOOTING RESULTS has always suffered in Sights. These low-profile 9 mm Luger Vel. @ 15’ Energy Group Size In Inches Charles comparison to that of the units feature a shallow “V” Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) Smallest Largest Average M1911; it’s rough and, for a instead of a typical rear Federal No. P9HS1 1095 Avg. 330 1.88 5.63 3.80 single-action, heavy. Also, notch. That combines with 124-gr. Hydra-Shok JHP 18 Sd the sights were either of a a large front dot to make Hornady No. 9025 1146 Avg. 336 2.75 4.38 3.55 Daly HP crude, fixed variety or the the fastest iron pistol sights 115-gr. XTP JHP 14 Sd overly elaborate “Capitan” we’ve tested. Winchester No. S9 868 Avg. 246 2.00 5.13 3.78 adjustable style calibrated The thumb safety has 147-gr. SXT JHP 12 Sd to a ludicrous 500 meters. a comfortable and rela- Average Extreme Spread 3.71

The thumb safety was too tively generous paddle. 5 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 4 ⁄8” barrel. small and its operation too It is easy to manipulate Range temperature: 81° F. Humidity 50%. Accuracy for five indistinct for surety. The and adequately distinct in consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. fired from a Ransom highly polished blued mod- operation. It is, however, Rest. Abbreviations: JHP (jacketed hollow-point), SXT (Supreme els were very handsome, not ambidextrous and will Expansion Technology), XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance). but the gleam was a tactical give southpaws trouble. liability. Finally, the con- The all-steel HP’s fin- but could have been much the magazine inserted. ventional hammer found ish is a low lustre matte better. It was gritty and This is a controversial on many Hi Powers had a blue, which is sufficiently heavy with a 7-lb, 11-oz. pull feature that some shoot- tendency to bite the web of handsome while still being weight. While that weight ers like and others do not, the shooting hand. tactically sound. The blue- is acceptable, it should be claiming such a device While most of these ing and overall fit and fin- remembered that many cur- is tactically unsound and problems can be rectified ish are quite good—better rent double-action-only pis- also adversely affects trig- by time, money and a good than expected for a low- tols have a pull weight equal ger pull. However, every gunsmith, Charles Daly cost service pistol of this to or less than that. While Hi Power shooter enjoys intends its HP to be a pana- type. While some may not their trigger strokes are the availability of low- cea for these ills and, to a like it, wooden stocks have much longer, they are also cost, high-capacity 13- large extent, it is. been eschewed in favor of usually smoother. Hi Power round magazines. Those CHARLES DALY HP The HP has a well- rubber units. These grip triggers are problem- old magazines will fit and MANUFACTURER: Charles throated barrel and well- panels are tapered along atic due to John Browning’s function in the HP. Daly (Dept. AR), P.O. polished feed ramp that, their edges for a slimmer, attempt to by-pass his own While it is not quite per- Box 6625 Harrisburg, PA ith the introduc- 17112; (866) 325-9486; in our testing, handled more comfortable fit than brilliance. He was trying to fect, the HP is a significant tion of its HP www.charlesdaly.com all bullet profiles. We wood and provide a more avoid infringing on his own and welcome addition to CALIBER: 9 mm Luger pistol, Charles tried flat-points as well positive grip. patent designs when he cre- the numerous Hi Power- W ACTION TYPE: recoil- as hollow-points of three The HP uses the ated the necessarily com- pattern offered over Daly appears to have torn operated semi- a page out of the Kimber automatic pistol ­different weights and ­rounded, rowel hammer. plex Hi Power mechanism. the years. It’s sharp-look- playbook. The play starts CONSTRUCTION: carbon designs, and even mixed We liked this in that it The Charles Daly’s frame ing, capacious, comfort- with a vastly popular steel all within the same maga- reduces considerably the and slide are crafted in the able and reliable, all at The Hi Power pattern FINISH: blued zine. We fired the pistol tendency for hammer bite, 7 U.S., while the other parts a very attractive price. military pistol pattern de- OVERALL LENGTH: 7 ⁄8” remains a competitive 3 while holding it at the hip, but still offers greater mass are imported. The pistol is Those seeking an afford- signed (at least in part) by WIDTH: 1 ⁄8” design after seven decades. The HP 3 sideways, upside down (and, theoretically, greater then assembled in America. able, full-size, medium- John Browning. The pistol, HEIGHT: 5 ⁄8” incorporates a host of much needed 5 which has been adopted BARREL: 4 ⁄8” and with a limp wrist, and reliability) than a bobbed Two other factors that bore personal protection “tweaks” but retains the design’s virtues. RIFLING: six-groove, 1:16” by both law enforcement it never once misfired. conventional hammer. It is should be considered pistol should take a look at RH twist The sights are the cur- also easy to cock. regarding the HP are the Hi Power-pattern HP. and armed civilians, has WEIGHT EMPTY: 35 ozs. a few sore points that are The original Hi Power, ­column MAGAZINE: double- rent state-of-the art in iron The trigger remains the the magazine safety and The design has withstood usually addressed by gun- which owes its design at magazine column, 10-round, tactical models—the XS one problem area. Ours was magazine availability. The the sternest test of all—the detachable box Sight Systems Express just “okay” for duty use, pistol will not fire without test of time. smiths and aftermarket least as much to Belgian allowed it to initially domi- SIGHTS: fixed; single white sources to make the pistol Dieudonné Saive as to John nate competitors in terms dot front, shallow “V” more suitable for non-mili- Browning, was a brilliant of firepower and then to with vertical white tary applications. handgun much ahead of its remain competitive with line rear TRIGGER: single-action- The goal is to standard- time as demonstrated by them as new high-capac- only, 7-lb., 11-oz. pull ize these modifications, its continued production ity pistols emerged, the Hi STOCKS: overmolded introduce them into the at a time when most of its Power had some niggling checkered rubber production cycle and pro- original contemporaries design elements of which ACCESSORIES: lockable are but historical relics, non-military gunowners plastic case, lock duce an American-made, SUGGESTED RETAIL factory-built pistol that is the M1911 notwithstand- were not enamored. One PRICE: $549 user-friendly and ready to ing. Most significantly, the was feed reliability. The Hi go right out of the box. And pistol could hold 13 rounds Power was intended as a that pistol must be afford- of ammunition while main- military pistol to be used in other than military ball able. In the case of Kimber, taining ergonomics that compliance with the Hague ammunition. The average XS sights (above, l.) are a welcome addition, though we’d easy manipulation, while the rowel hammer reduces bite. The the pattern was the M1911. weren’t just tolerable, accords. As such, there was hollow-point round would prefer the tritium version. The cost, though, would substantially trigger (r.) is gritty and heavy, however, the improved ex- In Charles Daly’s case, it is but excellent. originally no need to have cause the pistol to choke. raise the HP’s price. The thumb safety (center) is well sized for tended slide release lever above it is a nice added feature. the Hi Power. While the double- it function with anything The single-action trigger 76 A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 77 August 2004 August 2004 dope bag data & comment

Taurus Model 63 SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.) .22 LR Vel. @ 15’ Energy Group Size In Inches The Taurus 63’s fixed tubular Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) Smallest Largest Average magazine is housed in the stock. The follower can be Federal No. 711 1105 108 1.57 3.32 2.45 removed through a hole in 40-gr. Solid 44 Sd the buttplate and rounds CCI No. 00031 1285 147 2.18 3.83 3.04 may be loaded through a 40-gr. HP 16 Sd port in the side of the stock. Winchester No. WW22LR 1189 126 1.81 3.12 2.66 Wildcat 22 40-gr. Solid 16 Sd Average Extreme Spread: 2.71

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 23” barrel. Range temperature: 81° F. Humidity: 50%. Accuracy for five con- secutive, 10-shot groups at 50 yds. from a sandbag. Abbreviations: HP (hollow point) Sd (standard deviation).

Like the original Winchester, Taurus’ replica is a take-down model. Turning TAURUS 63 out the knurled knob at the rear of the Safety features include a cross-bolt safety button at the rear of the trigger guard MANUFACTURER: Forjas receiver allows the rifle to separate for and the Taurus Security System lock on the bolt. Turning out the lock with the Taurus S.S.; Av. So transport or cleaning. supplied key locks the bolt closed and prevents movement of the firing pin. aurus of Brazil that have been faithfully vertical position with the Forte, 511-Cx, Postal 44, makes a number of replicated on the Taurus butt pointed toward the CEP 91, 360-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil T rimfire rifles, and Model 63, including the ground, but since rounds IMPORTER: Taurus Int’l the latest in its line is the charging plunger on the can remain in the receiver, , 16175 N.W. semi-automatic Taurus fore-end. the action should also 49th Ave., Miami, FL Model 63 in .22 Long Rifle. Depressing the plunger be cycled a few times to 33014; (800) 327-3776; www.taurususa.com The new gun is a replica and giving it a quarter turn ensure the gun is clear. CALIBER: .22 LR of the original Winchester locks the action open for Operation of the Taurus ACTION TYPE: blowback- 63 that was once a com- safety inspection or rudi- 63 remains direct blow- operated semi- mon sight in boardwalk mentary cleaning. Also, back. There is a single automatic RECEIVER: blued carbon and carnival shooting the rifle’s fixed magazine extractor on the right side steel galleries. The handy is housed in the stock and of the bolt and a fixed ejec- BARREL: 23” round con- The internal mechanism of the Taurus 63 oper- Although the front sight post is fixed, the rear blade is step-adjustable for little semi-auto possessed cartridges may be loaded tor on the receiver wall. tour blued carbon steel ates in the same manner as the original. elevation and drift-adjustable for windage. sleek lines and boasted through a port in the right Like the original gun, RIFLING: 12-groove, 1:16” excellent workmanship, side. Alternately, the tubular the Taurus 63 is a take- RH twist the steel buttplate in keep- point for a more precise target loads because 63 is a bit heavier than MAGAZINE: fixed tube but its high cost kept sales follower can be completely down model. Turning out in stock, 10-round ing with the spirit of the rear aperture. of their lower velocity, most modern rimfire semi- sluggish until production withdrawn to allow rounds the large knurled and slot- capacity original gun. The trigger blade is but the Taurus Model 63 automatics, but guns finally ceased in 1958. to be inserted through a ted knob at the rear of the SIGHTS: fixed front post; Safety features include curved with a smooth face. chambered, fired and made of wood and steel The Winchester 63 was hole in the butt. Loaded to receiver allows the gun rear blade step-adjust- a cross-bolt safety button The trigger of our test gun ejected these lower- will always weigh more able for elevation, itself a refinement of its first capacity, the magazine will to be separated into two drift-adjustable for at the rear of the trigger broke at 4 lbs., 11 ozs. velocity target rounds than those of aluminum semi-automatic rimfire rifle, accommodate a maximum compact subassemblies for windage guard as well as the Taurus with minimal take-up and without any trouble. and polymer, and that the Model 1903. Because of 10 rounds. cleaning, ease of transport TRIGGER: single-stage, Security System. Turning overtravel. For accuracy The bluing of our extra weight provides the 1903 was developed Because the magazine or storage. 4-lb., 11-oz. pull out the lock in the side of and velocity testing we sample gun was rich and stability when shooting STOCK: walnut-finished after John Browning parted cannot be removed and The barrel measures hardwood, length of the bolt with the supplied selected a mix of target ­evenly applied, but some- offhand. 5 ways with Winchester, the inspected, unloading 23” in length, and its pull, 13 ⁄8”; drop at heel, key locks it closed and and hunting loads. Results what darker than the origi- Guns like the Model 63 1 gun had to be designed requires extra caution. The sporting contour gently 2 ⁄4”; drop at comb, 1” prevents movement of the are shown in the nals we have examined. offer a unique mix of pride without making use of user first should lock the tapers toward the muzzle. OVERALL LENGTH: 39” firing pin. accompanying table. Although the buttplate in ownership and shoot- WEIGHT: 6 lbs., 13 ozs. The receiver has Rimfire semi-automat- stands a bit proud above ing fun. Those looking for Browning’s patents. As a bolt open and then remove The stock and fore-end ACCESSORIES: Taurus result, Winchester designer the follower from the stock. are made from hardwood security system key no provision for scope ics usually work best the heel of the stock, wood a traditional .22 caliber Thomas C. Johnson incor- Cartridges remaining in stained in a walnut hue. SUGGESTED RETAIL mounts, but—in addition with high-velocity loads to metal fit is otherwise rimfire rifle for hunting or porated some unique fea- the magazine should slide The wood-to-metal fit was PRICE: $295 to the iron sights—the tang and often have trouble quite good. Weighing in at plinking would do well to tures to the original gun out if the rifle is held in a good, and Taurus retained provides a ready mounting cycling more accurate 6 lbs., 13 ozs., the Model take a look at this one. 78 A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 79 August 2004 August 2004 dope bag data & comment Springfield M1A Rader Trigger

pringfield, Inc., Match Rifle S Supervisor Dale Rader brought a half-dozen years’ experience as a U.S. Navy armorer to the design of the patent-pend- ing, adjustable M1A trig- ger assembly that bears his name. Rader, who oversees the building of all M1As from the National Match level on up, says he designed the trigger unit “for tactical purposes.” It is, therefore, standard equipment on Springfield’s top-of-the-line M25 White Feather rifle. It also is available separately as an upgrade for owners 1 3 of other M1A models and factory’s stated 1 ⁄2- to 4 ⁄4-lb. could find applications in range. We did note, highpower competition as however, that as the pull a dual-duty match rifle/ weight was adjusted down- service rifle trigger when ward, the trigger did not 1 adjusted at or above 4 ⁄2 return to its at-rest position lbs. pull for the latter. as positively as we might According to have liked. That was to be Springfield, the Rader expected as the plunger 1 Trigger adjusts from 1 ⁄2 lbs. and spring that act directly 3 to 4 ⁄4 lbs. pull. In compari- on the trigger’s tail to con- son, the company specifies trol its release weight also 5 to 6 lbs. for Standard M1A provide the tension to return 1 trigger pulls, 4 ⁄2 lbs. for Adjustments to the Rader it. We also noted that care Loaded Standard rifle trig- Trigger (above) require must be taken to securely 1 gers and a “crisp” 4 ⁄2 lbs. only a 5/64” Allen wrench tighten the locknut. for National Match triggers. for the set screw and an The trigger retains the The assembly begins 11/32” end wrench for two-stage “feel” of its mili- with an investment-cast, the lock nut. One of two tary counterpart, but with standard G.I.-type trigger tiny springs that power a much crisper let-off from group housing that is modi- the sear (arrow) is barely the second stage aided by visible. fied by the welding on of a its lighter release weight. rectangular cross-section We found the Rader unit stanchion at its rear. The and bushing to exert con- Springfield recom- did allow far more precise stanchion houses a spring- stant tension on the sear. mends that customers ret- control of the trigger. loaded plunger that presses The three additional rofitting the trigger unit to The Rader Trigger rep- downward on the tail of springs are key to the Rader glass-bedded rifles return resents an easily installed the trigger bow to provide Trigger’s adjustability. the guns to the factory for accuracy upgrade for users differing pull weights by They isolate the various proper installation. of M1As who can appreciate means of a set screw and parts’ functions, allowing We measured the Rader the advantages bestowed hexagonal locking nut the sear to safely function Trigger’s pull weights by a light trigger pull. accessible only with the trig- regardless of the selected with the unit mounted in a Available from: ger group out of the stock. trigger pull setting. Loaded Standard M1A using Springfield, Inc. (Dept. AR), In addition, two tiny The entire unit is fin- a Lyman Electronic Trigger 420 W. Main St., Geneseo, springs protrude from ished in black Armory Pull Gauge and averaging IL 61254; (309) 944-5631; blind holes in a lug behind Coat, Springfield’s pro- several sets of 10 pulls each. www.springfieldarmory. where the trigger pivots on prietary moly-based, non- Our sample was found to com. Suggested retail a design-specific pivot pin reflective metal treatment. be in accordance with the price: $319. 80 A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N August 2004