Beretta Shotguns Have Always Been Par- Ticularly Appealing

On The Cover: Accuracy International AWP By Barry Dueck

Photo by Ichiro Nagata

MAY 2002 Vol. 48, Number 05-569 40 FEATURES Workingman's Defensive Folders 20 BY R.K. CAMPBELL A sharp edge in the pocket beats a custom 1911 in the safe. Flying With Firearms Today 27 BY DAN PETERSON Yes, the atmosphere has changed, but the author says you can still travel with your guns. Through The Looking Glass 30 BY HOLT BODINSON This valuable shooter's tool will change the way you look at your firearms. 40 Sentimental Favorites 34 BY JOHN TAFFIN A good knife can be more than a mere working tool. The Philadelphia Pistol Reborn 20 36 BY BILL BALL Gunsmith Jack Brooks recreates the gentleman's pistol. Accuracy International's AWP 40 BY BARRY DUECK Start from a clean sheet to design a superior precision rifle, and this is what you get. Cutting Edge Cowboy 46 BY PAT COVERT A close look at the custom blades of Rob Simonich. Ed Brown's Ozark 702 49 BY DAVE ANDERSON A built-to-order rifle for those who demand the finest. DEPARTMENTS Beretta's Onyx And Whitewing 8Crossfire Letters to GUNS 52 BY DAVE ANDERSON Don't you deserve a superb quality and affordable over/under? 10 Rifleman Dave Anderson Remington Model Eight 36 BY TIMOTHY CASE This rifle was sleek and exciting when 14 Quartermaster Jim Gardner 56 introduced nine decades ago — it still is. 18 Handloader Charles E. Petty Rock River Arms Tactical Carbine 60 BY CHARLES E. PETTY A slick M4-type carbine from a 26 Shotgunner Holt Bodinson company known for quality.

66 Handguns Massad Ayoob Daisy's 717 Air Pistol 64 BY J.I. GALAN A bargain trainer that performs way out of 76 New Products relation to its cost. The Hunter's Guide To Ballistics 78 Guns Classifieds 67 BY DAVID FORTIER Book review. 80 Advertiser Index Gun Of The Month 82 Campfire Tales John Taffin NEW DEPARTMENT 68 Win a beautiful Model 945 from the S&W Performance Center. GUNS Magazine (ISSN 1044-6257) is published monthly by Publishers’ Development Corporation, 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego, CA and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year (12) issues $19.95. Single monthly copies, $3.95. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. SUBSCRIPTION PROB- LEMS: For immediate action write GUNS Magazine, Attention: Circulation Dept., 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108 or call (619) 297-8032. CONTRIBUTORS submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. PAYMENT will be made at rates current at time of publication and will cover reproduction in any or all GUNS Magazine editions. ADVERTISING RATES furnished on request. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine in any manner, without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Title to this publication passes to subscriber only on delivery to his address. The opinions and recommendations expressed by individual authors within this magazine are not necessarily those of Publishers’ Development Corporation. POST- MASTER: Send address changes to GUNS Magazine®, ATTN: Circulation Dept., 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108. Copyright © 2002 by Publishers’ Development Corporation.

THE FINEST IN THE FIREARMS FIELD SINCE 1955

FOUNDING PUBLISHER George E. von Rosen (1915-2000) PUBLISHER Thomas von Rosen

EDITOR Jim Gardner [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Joseph R. Novelozo ART ASSISTANT Richard Stahlhut ASSISTANT EDITOR Edward Carlson ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Linda Peterson [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ichiro Nagata SENIOR FIELD EDITOR Cameron Hopkins SHOOTING EDITOR Dave Anderson HANDGUN EDITOR Massad Ayoob SHOTGUN & HUNTING EDITOR Holt Bodinson AIRGUNS EDITOR J.I. Galan HANDLOADING EDITOR Charles E. Petty PRECISION SHOOTING EDITOR David Fortier FIELD EDITORS Sam Fadala, Roy Huntington SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Tom Turpin

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MAGAZINE

PRINTING SERVICES: Quebecor World FILM PRODUCTION: Web-Tech, Inc. GENERAL COUNSEL: Steele N. Gillaspey PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A. WARNING: Firearms are dangerous and if used improperly may cause serious injury or death. Due to the inherent variables in the reloading of ammunition, be sure to verify any published loads with manufacturer’s data. Products mentioned or advertised may not be legal in all states or jurisdictions. Obey all firearms laws. Always consult a professional gunsmith when modifying any firearm. Be a safe shooter!

6 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

LETTERS TO GUNS

LETTER OF THE MONTH Three Decades With The .25-20 WCF I Want My "MTG" It is wonderful for someone to notice I noticed the article in your March issue such an underestimated cartridge as the .25- regarding Gary Reeder Custom Guns. I 20. I have for 32 years enjoyed an octagonal found this particular article to be interesting, barreled Marlin model 1894 lever rifle to but more importantly, I’m glad that “Meet take jack rabbits, javelina, other numerous The Gunsmith” seems to be developing into varmints, and small game (where legal). a semi-regular feature. Cast bullets had to replace the 86 grain GUNS sister publication American lead bullet factory loads and I have had the Handgunner has always been very good use of one box of 60 grain hollow points about showcasing the efforts of America’s (factory loads). premier custom pistolsmiths, which is one As my grandfather’s farmhand the rifle reason that I have read it regularly since I served to defend cattle from coyotes and saw the first issue appear on my local news- feral coydogs in N.E. Texas years ago, and stand in the late ’70s. currently alternates with my .22 Hornet and Please continue to run these features and .22 WMR on ranch duty in NW Louisiana. be certain to give us a look at those gun- I wish some gun makers, (Marlin, smiths that do custom long gun work as Winchester, N.E.F. or others) would at least well. I may not be able to afford some of offer the .25-20 as a custom caliber, so that these beautiful works of art, but I enjoy see- my daughter and grandson could enjoy a ing them none the less. future of using this pleasant, accurate and Jonathan Carter mild cartridge for plinking, livestock protec- Atlanta, Ga. tion, and hunting. Carnie R. Burcham GUNS MAGAZINE MARCH 2002 Via e-mail Teach A Man To Fish... Good Job, But... Jacob Gottfredson’s article in the March Remembering Bruce Nelson issue of GUNS is the type of article that I Your March issue was the best I’ve seen like to see. It did not tell me to buy a “brand in some time. You addressed a wide range of I read, with great interest, “Today’s x” spotting scope, but instead it gave me the subjects, from sporting to military, and I Concealment Holsters — Better Than Ever” necessary information to do my own shop- noticed some contributions from authors by Massad Ayoob in the February 2002 issue ping and to make an intelligent decision. whose work I’ve enjoyed in other publica- of GUNS. Of particular interest, the paragraph Quality sporting equipment seems to be tions. Let me also say that although I do pertaining to Bruce Nelson’s Summer Special. more expensive than ever, and you do us a enjoy handguns and semiauto rifles, it was a Nelson and I were hired on the same day, good service by telling us not only which pleasant change of pace to see a more sport- August 1, 1969, at the Fillmore Police particular piece of gear is a good choice but ing oriented firearm featured on the cover. Department in Ventura County, Calif. also why. I must take you to task though for the Shortly thereafter, Nelson began producing I’m a working man, and I don’t mind caption in Massad Ayoob’s column on some fine gun leather. The FPD had just spending good money on my shooting and page 64. The pistols shown appear to be begun using the .45 Colt pistol, thus becom- hunting gear. But I need to make the right model P90s, not P97s, as you incorrectly ing the second department in California to choice the first time, because I sure can’t labeled them. do so, following El Monte’s lead. afford to buy the same thing twice. Harper Stuart I still have and use one of the seven orig- On a similar topic, how about some do- Bozeman, Mont. inal Summer Special’s, as well as a muzzle it-yourself type articles? forward duty holster, a crossdraw, thumb Jonathan Schmidt Yes, the caption is incorrect. The fault break, off-duty holster and a magazine Via e-mail however is mine, not Ayoob’s. I do apologize pouch — all stamped with Nelson’s logo — for the error. -Editor CLL: Combat Leather Limited. Fine gun leather and a lasting legacy to Bruce Nelson. Gary E. Mills Winnemucca, Nev.

GUNS MAGAZINE™ welcomes letters to the editor for “Crossfire.” Send your letters to: CROSSFIRE, GUNS Magazine, 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108. Email: [email protected]

8 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

RIFLEMAN BY DAVE ANDERSON

deer-sized game that is enough to result in Thinking About Accuracy missed, or worse yet, wounded and lost game. on a big game animal is not difficult. For the I’m not suggesting every hunter needs a The Average Shooter majority of hunters, consistent 300 yard hits rifle capable of half-minute accuracy. The Somewhere I read that most hunters don’t are beyond their capability. difference between a rifle that can only keep need magnum calibers since they can’t make its shots in an 8-inch circle and one that can consistent hits beyond 300 yards anyway. keep its shots in a 2-inch circle is significant. This must be a different group of hunters than Accurate Rifles — Who With a rifle capable of keeping all its shots the ones I see. On deer and antelope size Needs Them? (not on average, but every time) within a 2- game I’d say the majority of hunters can’t One of the oddest theories about shoot- inch circle at 100 yards, Shooter B, with his make consistent hits much beyond 100 yards. ing is that a poor shot doesn’t need an accu- 8-inch arc of movement should be able to hit If that sounds unduly pessimistic I can rate rifle since he lacks the skill to make a 10-inch circle every time. That’s a big only say it is based on observation of typical use of the rifle’s potential. Some say he improvement over the previous 16-inch hunters, not the relatively small number who may in fact be better off with an inaccurate diameter sure-hit circle. With a 1-inch rifle are shooting enthusiasts. For a few years in rifle, since the dispersion of the rifle may his sure-hit area is reduced to 9 inches, still the ’70’s I lived in a city of about 200,000 occasionally compensate for poor aim. worthwhile but not as significant an people. A wildlife club to which I belonged Actually the poor shot needs an accurate improvement. Hunting rifles that will put all had an excellent range a few miles out of rifle more than the good shot. their shots inside a 1-inch circle at 100 yards town. For much of the year it was virtually Consider this example: Shooter A has a are a bit less common than many believe. my private range. At that time I had the rifle that most of us would consider inaccu- The point is that an accurate rifle, properly ambition to try every caliber I could obtain. rate. It will barely keep its shots in an 8- sighted in, will help every shooter, regardless I’d buy a rifle in a new caliber along with inch circle at 100 yards (meaning every of skill level, make the most of the skill he has. dies and components, test all sorts of loads, shot strikes within 4 inches of point of maybe shoot some varmints or big game, aim). However Shooter A is theoretically a then trade it on something else. perfect marksman. He can release the shot Shooting Ability — An Weekdays, when I got a day off work, I with absolute consistency every time, with Easy Self-Test had the range to myself. On weekends there the sights exactly centered. He fires 100 The road to improved shooting starts would occasionally be a couple of other shots; all 100 strike somewhere within an with an honest self-evaluation. Let’s try a enthusiasts. Starting in late August, as the 8-inch circle. hypothetical situation. The circumstances early moose and elk seasons approached, until Shooter B is not nearly as accomplished are: You take your favorite hunting rifle November and deer season, hunters began a shot. He can just barely keep the sights from its case. This is the first time the rifle showing up to sight in their rifles. Many could somewhere within an 8-inch circle at 100 has been out of the case today — it’s in not shoot tight enough groups yards. His rifle, however, is whatever condition it would normally be at from the bench to be confident theoretically perfect. It is the start of a day’s hunting. about making sight adjust- capable of delivering every You have one cartridge. The target is a ments. Very few ever put up a shot to the exact point paper plate, 10 inches in diameter. There’s not target on the 200 yard frames, where the sights were when a benchrest or vehicle hood in sight over which none on the 300 yard frames. the shot was released. He to take a rest, and grass and brush preclude the Almost never was a shot fired too fires a hundred shots, prone position. Other than that, you can use from any position except the all of which fall within an any position you want; offhand, kneeling, sit- bench rests. 8-inch circle. ting, using a sling or shooting sticks for sup- No disrespect is intended. Suppose Shooter B had port. You commence with rifle at “port arms,” These hunters did care the inaccurate rifle. There loaded with safety on. The bet is this: If you enough to pay their member- would be occasional lucky miss the plate, you give me your rifle and ship dues and at least try to shots when his sight picture scope. If you hit, I give you the cash equiva- check their sights and get in a would be at, say, the very lent. You have 10 seconds from the start signal little practice. Friends I left edge of the 8 inch target to get in position and break the shot. hunted with at the time were but the random dispersion The question is: What is the maximum typical. They were good of the shot would be to the range at which you consider the bet a mortal hunters and good sportsmen right, resulting in a center lock; the maximum range at which you are who used hunting methods hit. There would be just as totally confident of taking my money? (stands, stalking, or drives) many occasions in which Whatever that maximum range is, that’s about that resulted in close range the sight picture would be the maximum range at which you should be shots. Seldom did they wound at the left edge of the target shooting at an unwounded game animal from and lose game. They just and the random dispersion that position. I bet it’s a lot less than 300 yards. weren’t interested in devoting of the shot would send the The ability to shoot tiny groups from a the time and effort needed to bullet further left, missing benchrest is certainly one test of shooting become really good riflemen. completely. The 8 inch abil- ability. But before you take to the field, you Maybe there isn’t any ity of the shooter added to must make an honest assessment of your such thing as an “average” the 8 inch dispersion of the ability to hit a given target, on demand and shooter. For rifle enthusiasts rifle means that any given under time and psychological pressure. It’s who practice regularly, who shot could fall anywhere the responsible thing to do. shoot varmints or targets at inside a 16-inch diameter $ long range, a 300 yard shot circle. Even at 100 yards on

10 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

BY JIM GARDNER

Waller Captain’s Bag

oy have I got a shooting bag for you! You are probably already familiar with W. Waller & Son. This outfit Bmakes a nice variety of really superb quality shooting bags, pistol and rifle cases, etc. One of Waller’s most interesting products is its Mariner Bag. This looks like a generic fanny pack, yet it will not only keep your enclosed pistol dry, It will actually float with 5 pounds of weight inside. Great for canoeists and other boaters! New from Waller is the Captain’s Bag. Of course I see this as the shooting bag to beat all shooting bags, but it would make a great carry-on for air travel. This bag has a lot going for it. First, it is built hell-for-stout, with best quality YKK zippers, 1,000 denier-coated ballistic nylon, and mil-spec hardware on the shoulder strap. The bag is padded with closed cell foam, which not only protects your gear, but also helps the bag to keep its shape. Measuring roughly 25x13x11 inches, this is one generously dimensioned bag! What’s that you say, you don’t need a bag this Velcro to allow you to optimize it for your needs. This is a well large? Well, that brings up the neatest feature of the Captain’s thought out and solidly built piece of kit that should last for a lifetime. Bag. On each end is a removable padded pocket/compartment, Retail price of the Waller Captain’s Bag is $249. with a sewn-on carrying handle. These quickly zip on or off, and measure roughly 11x10x4 inches. It’s a neat system. FOR MORE INFORMATION: In addition to the removable pockets, you have a large front W. Waller & Son pocket with organizing compartments inside, a large inside mesh [800] 874-2247 pocket, and a nicely designed interior organizer that makes use of www.wallerandson.com

14 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE BY JIM GARDNER Wolverine Grand At 10 inches tall, these boots give the Slam Boots kind of solid ankle support that is very olverine has been making comforting in rough country. great boots since 1883. Speed laces make them fast to WI’ve worn Wolverine get on in the morning and man work boots for years, and have are they comfortable! Just like found them to be very comfort- my favorite Wolverine work able and darn hard to wear out. boots, these have a replaceable I recently tried out a pair of comfort foot bed. After you have Wolverine Grand Slam boots. worn them for a year and they These boots have every conceiv- have compressed a bit, just able feature you could want in a order a pair of replacements, hunting boot. They feature 1,000-gram and your boots will feel like new. Thinsulate lining, making them ever so My only complaint is that the boot- much more comfortable on those cold late- laces were not long enough, but I’m sure season hunts. A Gore-Tex liner and careful that this oversight has been cor- gusset design make them waterproof to a depth of rected already. These Grand Slam about 8 inches. The outer cordura panels carry the pop- boots should serve you well. ular Advantage Timber camouflage pattern. The lug soles are March down to your local retailer of the self-cleaning type. These also have the new “supprescent” and try on a pair. The Wolverine technology from W.L. Gore, which helps minimize the release of Website will help you locate a dealer near you. human scent. Some of my hunting buddies would probably say that this feature is particularly appreciated in my case. I really like these Gore-Tex lined boots for summer trout fish- FOR MORE INFORMATION: ing. In the small mountain streams that I regularly fish, I can get by Wolverine Boots And Shoes with these waterproof boots and not have to put up with the bother [888] 927-9675 or discomfort of wearing hip boots or waders. www.wolverinebootsandshoes.com

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WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 15 BY JIM GARDNER

Remington Bullet Knife

like knives. I’ve seldom met an outdoorsman, shooter, hunter or fisherman that doesn’t have an Iaffinity for a nice knife. I have a drawer full of custom knives, homemade knives and “tactical” knives. But sometimes all I want to use is a good ol’ pocket knife. You know the type. It’s like the one that Grandad always kept in the pocket of his bib over- alls. There was nothing fancy about it. No locking blades or designer features. Just a couple of good sharp blades. Remington has just announced the latest in its series of bullet knives, The Apprentice. This knife is a beauty. It features celluloid “tortoise shell” scales and gleaming german-silver bolsters with the Remington bullet inlaid in the left hand scale. A trapper style knife, it features two blades, both hinged at the same point. One is a clip point, the other a neat spey blade. The blades are stainless steel, so These Remington bullet knives are limited editions. The they will still look good when you pass this on to your grandkids. Apprentice will be replaced by a different model next year. So don’t The knife measures a little over 4 inches closed, and rides smoothly hesitate. Order one of these while you can. It really is a very nicely in your pocket. made knife and a pleasant nostalgic link to simpler days. I really like the spey blade, as it offers a long straight edge for doing really important tasks: things like showing the little neighbor FOR MORE INFORMATION: boy how to peel an orange in one long slice, or whittling a sharp Remington Arms Co. point on an old stick. Hey, you never know when you may need a [800] 243-9700 sharp stick. www.remington.com 100% American Made. With American Parts, Labor and Service Under The Blue Dome in Hartford, CT, U.S.A. Suggested Retail: $505! R Every Cowboy . . . O D E . . . goes to a Rodeo! Single Action Army Revolver O 4 3/4” x 5 1/2” Barrel, 45 Colt, Hard Rubber Grips -Real Bone Case Hardening- U.S. FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. -No Fake Firing Pin - 55 Van Dyke Ave., Dept. AH Hartford, CT USA, 06106 -No Phony Safety - Tel. 1-877-227-6901 Fax 860-724-6809 -No Fake Markings - www.usfirearms.com

16 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE At a moment like this, LASERGRIPS are the best option you’ve got.

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WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 17 HANDLOADER BY CHARLES E. PETTY

use with MRP such as the .270, .30-’06 and Handloading the 7mm and .30 belted magnums. Data for many of these is on the Norma Website. Norma Powders But the real kick came from another direction altogether. Paging through the Speer book, I chanced upon some data for the 6mm PPC using both Norma 200 and 201. These are the fastest of the rifle powders and the charges shown for N201 with Speer’s 75-grain hollowpoint were interesting. Now the 6 PPC is one of my all- time favorites, and when I feel the need to shoot tiny groups, the PPC goes to the range. I typically use 66- or 68-grain bullets from Berger or Fowler, so I loaded some of the 66-grain Fowler bullets with 26.0 (starting) and 28.0 (maximum) charges of N201 and loaded 15 rounds of each. My rifle routinely shoots groups that measure a little under .250 inch, depending on how well the shooter is doing that day. The N201 loads, however, averaged .155 inch and .152 inch, respectively. We must not leap to too many conclusions based on this very small sample, but you can rest ’m sure that there is a whole generation found plenty in the 11th Edition Speer assured that more experimentation is com- of handloaders who know nothing of Reloading Manual. Just out of curiosity, I ing soon. Norma powders. It’s probably been at also opened up the Quick Load internal There are a total of seven Norma rifle Ileast 20 years since they were readily ballistics program and found that the powders in the catalog right now: N200, available in this country, and back then they Norma powders are in its library. This is N201, N202, N203B, N204, MRP and cost considerably more than similar domes- an extremely useful program as it provides MRP-2. Other offerings from Norma tic powders. I can’t even recall ever having estimates of velocity and pressure for a include brass and bullets. We’ve been able to used them. wide range of standard, European and get some of Norma’s excellent brass all But I also remember shooters who loved wildcat cartridges. It is important to along, but the number of calibers available them and who complained bitterly when understand that the results are an estimate will be more extensive. Of special interest they couldn’t find their favorite number any- and not a substitute for pressure-tested are the European rimmed calibers and cases more. One of them was a friend from the data, but with due care the information can like the 7.65 Argentine and 7.7mm Jap. Most gunclub who helped me learn the basics of be used for finding a starting point for standard cases are available, too, all the way loading. He was a big user of the 7x61 load workups. So that’s what I did. from .220 Swift to .470 Nitro Express. There Sharpe and Hart cartridge loaded with I’ve spent quite a bit of time lately are also component bullets in both hunting Norma MRP powder. He scoured shops and working with the .300 Remington Ultra and target designs from .22 caliber up to gun shows and bought all he could find Mag, and since it is in the Quick Load 9.3mm (.364 inch). when he learned that it would not be avail- library, it was easy to try the cartridge with $ able anymore. That was a long time ago, and Norma MRP. I calculated some loads using the availability of Norma powders has been 150-grain and 180-grain bullets. This is spotty ever since. one of the few times that the computer Of course, the passage of so much time failed to come close to actual results and FOR MORE INFORMATION: means that shooters have found other the velocities I recorded were 200 fps Norma Precision Load favorites and we also have many more slower than those predicted. The conclu- P.O. Box 549 choices than before. This means that, for all sion is that MRP is too fast for the huge Tualatin, OR 97062 practical purposes, Norma powders are new .300 UM case. www.norma.com to today’s reloader. Of course they aren’t, for The next endeavor was much more fruit- there have been no changes in the propel- ful. I am quite fond of the .280 Remington, Nostalgia Enterprises lants and the cans are even the same color. so some loads were calculated for it with (NECO) Quick This time, pricing will be competitive with 150-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets. This 536-C Stone Rd. other powders on the market. time the computer and chronograph agreed Benecia, CA 94510 You have to go back a couple of edi- quite nicely. A load safely within predicted phone: (707) 747-0897 tions to find data for Norma powders in limits happily duplicated the factory veloc- www.neconos.com any of the loading manuals, so when I ity with a very low velocity spread. Speer learned that they would be available in the #11 had data for MRP with its 145-grain bul- U.S. — and at a competitive price — I let, and, once more, agreement between the started looking for data and guns to try it published velocities and mine was very with. Norma has quite a bit of data at its good. This suggests a whole family of car- Website (www.norma.com), and I also tridges that might be excellent candidates for

18 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

Two good knives showing very different blade profiles. Note the deep belly of the Sypderco Peter Herbst model, top, and the straighter edge of the Gerber Spectre, bottom. One or the other may be better suited to some particular task.

A rugged trio from Benchmade. Top, model 720 with Realtree finish; middle, the bargain priced Griptilian and bottom, the Mel Pardue designed model 722.

20 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE Gerber’s full-sized Applegate folder and the trim Applegate Covert. Both are rugged and durable.

ost shooters and hunters appreciate a good more easily accomplished with a curved blade. Thrusting or blade just as much as they enjoy the sophis- piercing, which I do on a daily basis on synthetic materials, is tication of a fine firearm. One reason that best accomplished with a drop point. Control is good and you well-crafted knives appeal to us is that they know where the tip is. For fine, close work the drop point Mcan be an item of daily use. This isn’t the excels. I have to admit a fondness and respect for the tanto case with our firearms as we seldom get to use them as type point. For most uses, it cuts like nobody’s business. The much as we would like. There’s another good reason to exact style of blade is the subject of learned discussion. make carrying a good knife a habit. A glance at your Consider the mission beforehand to avoid disappointment. I morning paper will remind you that there is a predatory ele- recently used a saber-grind knife with secondary grind to slice ment loose in our society. And despite the fact that a through corn stalks. Probably not ideal, a straight or convex growing number of states permit concealed carry of curved edge with a narrow point is a better choice for most firearms by properly licensed citizens, there are many who farm work. do not enjoy this option. While no thinking man wants to fight for his life with a knife, the ready presence of a sharp- edged companion can be comforting. Serrated And Plain Edges Gratefully, we may carry a good blade with us for the bal- It was Spyderco that introduced and popularized the ser- ance of our lifetime and never be called upon to employ it rated cutting edge for utility knives. The serrated edge excels against anything more threatening than a cardboard box. for many types of work, and will continue cutting reasonably Despite these odds, any good scout knows the value of being well even without regular maintenance. The points of the prepared, and it only makes sense to select a folding knife for serrations concentrate force while the little daily carry with the capacity for defensive use in mind. In this report we look at affordable but durable folders, the working man’s pick if you will. I don’t own a high-end custom made folder, all of my folders are production grade. I don’t view knives as a throwaway tool but as an investment. That investment, however, need not break the bank. For normal cutting cores almost any good folding knife will do. If your needs include heavier work such as cutting kindling, heavy rope or if you may need to perform a rescue which involves cutting seat- belts, more steel is needed. Remember though that high quality folders perform out of relation to their size. You don’t need to have the giant versions used by drugstore cowboys. Let’s talk about a few important factors of design and construction, and then I’ll share with you a few of my favorite knives.

Blade Shape Blade shape should be considered. The blade’s cross section is important and makes a subtle difference in how well suited the blade is for various tasks. Flat ground, hollow (concave) ground and saber (convex) ground blades can all be found. The Spyderco Ayoob knife (top) actual blade edge is normally gently curved but and Kershaw Black Out are in some designs is nearly straight. Varieties favorites of the author. abound, but most of us desire a shape suited for draw cutting. This is drawing the blade from choil to point. As a rule, the most common cutting tasks such as opening boxes and cutting carpet are

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 21 concave sections between these points offer pivot point where your fingers naturally rest. more cutting surface. Most serrations are cut The Benchmade Axis lock shares that same at right angles to the center axis of the blade benefit, but also allows for wear, and may be and may be found to be right handed. retracted to take all pressure off of the blade Serrated blades are less likely to skip across so that it can be easily and quickly flipped slick jacket material in a defensive situation open or closed. Some defensive folders such yet do not trap fibers. I like the half-serrated as the Gerber Applegate Covert feature both blade best, while admitting they can be diffi- a primary and a secondary locking system. cult to sharpen. The plain-edged section of the blade is best for some chores, but you have the aggressive cutting ability of the ser- Other Considerations rated section if needed. The Spyderco “Tri- Folders are pocket knives by definition, Angle” sharpener solves the problem of but few are carried loose in the pocket. Most sharpening serrated edges. ride on some form of handle-mounted pocket clip or may be carried in a belt sheath. Again it was Spyderco that brought pocket clips Blade Length into general use — a handy feature. The belt As for length, most folders will have 2.5- clip should have a balance of retention and to 3.75-inch blades, about perfect for comfort. Take care in considering your form everyday use. Don’t underestimate the capa- of dress. Some pocket clip designs work bility of these modestly sized blades. During better with top opening or jeans pockets than the test period when using these knives, I with side opening trouser pockets. had the occasion to wrap the axle of my Few folders sport nail nicks these days, truck thoroughly with vines. I had Gerber’s but most incorporate some form of assisted Applegate Covert folder in my back pocket. opening. A thumb hole or a thumb stud, even The half-serrated edge cut this problem to a roundel on top of the blade are used. The pieces in no time. Unexpected heavy cutting opening stud should never extend above the chores are one reason that I prefer serrations handle for safety and security. The opening on some part of the blade. device should allow a natural motion. Some I have tested a great many folders and designs such as Kershaw’s aptly named most have a blade that is a matter of com- Whirlwind use the Ken Onion designed promise, but which works well. I am seeing assisted blade opening system. This knife is sharper knives than ever from the factory, a as fast as an automatic in practiced hands. good thing. Dull knives stub and stop action, Benchmade uses a combination of geometry allowing the hand to run forward and catch and opening devices to aid rapid manipula- the blade. Sharp knives are safer. tion. The Gerber Spectre opens with a flick of the wrist. None of the knives included in this report were anything but rapid opening. Blade Locking Systems Having discussed these important fea- Recently, my neighbor Johnny Brown tures, let’s look at some of the more popular warned me not to use my folding knife hard designs... because it might close on my hand. I assured him that today’s folders are better than ever. He was right — a sharp edge must be Benchmade Knives respected — but I am fortunate to own The 550 “Griptilian” is among the more folders which can be trusted to do difficult affordable Benchmade knives, but a solid work. A lot of good engineering has gone choice and a rugged performer. The blade is into modern blade locking systems. What longer than average at 3.45-inches, with an you and I once thought of as pocket knives excellent blade to handle ratio. The name of have evolved and improved tremendously in this knife comes from the NORYL handle, recent years. Some blade locks offer the which combines strength and good “gripa- ruggedness of a simple hasp while others are bility.” I spent more time using this folder only slightly less sophisticated than a Swiss than the others. I was rewarded with solid watch. Premature wear, inconsistent lock performance. My Griptilian has a smooth pressure, lock shift and other problems have but upswept blade. I like it very much. I been dealt with. Safe, reliable blade locks often pick one knife among several samples count for a lot. This is what makes a folding to use extensively. This was the one. knife possible and desirable. The makers tell My favorite Benchmade model based on us that folders will never fail if properly looks is not very far behind in utility. The 722 used, that is, for draw cutting. The pressure series is offered in several versions. My per- against the blade will prevent failure. That is sonal choice is the black coated, half serrated true as far as it goes, but when working, we edge. Some folks feel that the man with a half may abuse the knife to an extent. And in a serrated edge can’t make up his mind, but I defense situation anything can happen. like the versatility of this blade very much. I There are a number of good lock designs, do use both plain and serrated blades often but three of the most common are the lock- and the effectiveness of a serrated edge is back, the liner lock, and Benchmade’s Axis unquestioned. I like a tanto point much more lock. The lock-back is familiar to everyone, in a defensive knife, and while this is a although this satisfactory design has been working man’s knife as well it can be counted largely supplanted by the liner lock. The on to cut more efficiently with the reinforced liner lock is strong, easy to use, and has the point. This is a Mel Pardue design. advantage of being located near the blade’s Benchmade now offers several of its WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM continued on page 63 MAY 2002 23

SHOT GUNNER BY HOLT BODINSON Black’s 2002 Wing & Clay

f I had to choose one shotgun reference shot was supplied by Daisy, and book that could be considered indispen- Winchester had a brief relationship with sable, it would have to be Black’s Wing Bismuth. Remington has now added Hevi- I& Clay. It is the virtual yellow pages of Shot to its Premier line of waterfowl, all the shotgun sports, and because it is turkey and upland game loads. updated annually, it’s always current. Hevi-Shot, a proprietary alloy of tung- Within the 2002 edition’s 576 pages are sten-nickel and iron made by ENVIRON- excellent articles on subjects ranging from Metal, is 7 percent heavier than lead and shotgun fitting to the cost and acreage 49 percent heavier than steel. The shot requirements of each of the popular shotgun itself is rather irregular in shape and size, games from ZZ Bird to but it produces unusu- Olympic Trap. ally dense patterns cou- But the guts of pled with excellent Wing & Clay are the downrange velocity and detailed listings and energy. Since Hevi-Shot Heavier than lead descriptions of is about as hard as steel, and capable of shooting schools; ENVIRON-Metal recom- regional clinics; trap, mends the use of steel- generating dense skeet and sporting approved barrels and patterns, Hevi- clays clubs, courses, chokes only, and no Shot will be loaded hunting and shooting chokes tighter than modi- by Remington in its Premier waterfowl, preserves and outfitters fied. turkey and upland game lines. arranged by state; pur- The nontoxic shot race veyors, manufactures just keeps getting more crimps available for the 12 gauge alone — and importers of shot- interesting all the time. It plus, the working pressures of a shotshell are guns, ammunition, seems to be sorting out much more narrowly defined than those of reloading supplies, into three different price metallic cartridges. apparel and acces- points. At the least expen- As a result, developing the right combi- sories; specialized gun- sive end is the slightly nation of components while using modern smiths and irregular shaped and sized pressure measuring equipment is a long and gunsmithing services; steel shot produced by the arduous task. We can be thankful that com- dog trainers and dog Black’s 2002 Wing & Clay hand- water atomization panies such as Lyman, Hodgdon and breeders. There is even book is the encyclopedia of the process. Winchester’s Ballistic Products are willing to do it. a section on gun club shotgun sports. “Xpert” line of steel shot The ironclad rule in shotshell reloading is supplies and awards. If is a good example. In the not to change components without reliable you can think of it, Wing & Clay has it. middle slot is traditional polished and test data. Lyman offers an interesting example The best news is that the 2002 edition is graded steel shot, and at the upper end are of primer switching in its 4th Edition already in print and is available at a reason- the boutique quality shot types like Hevi- Shotshell Reloading Handbook. Considering able $14.95 plus $4.50 S&H via Priority Shot. The price differential between the low that 11,500 psi is considered a maximum 3 Mail. and high ends is dramatic, and it will be pressure for the 2 ⁄4-inch, 12-gauge case, take 1 intriguing to see how the market sorts itself a look below at the results when loading a 1 ⁄8- Remington Teams-Up out over time. ounce target load with no other changes in With Hevi-Shot Look for Remington’s new Hevi-Shot components other than the primer. loads at your dealers. $ One of the more interesting develop- ments in the ammunition manufacturing business has been the widespread adoption Component Mixing FOR MORE INFORMATION: of outside sourced projectiles. For example, Handloading shotshells is a much more Black’s Wing & Clay in its rifle lines, Remington already loads complicated business than loading rifle or [732] 224-8700 Nosler, Hornady and Swift bullets. In the pistol ammunition. Consider the variety of shotgun arena, until recently almost all steel cases, wads, primers, powders, shot, and Remington [800] 243-9700 PRIMER VELOCITY PRESSURE www.remington.com CCI 209 1,159 fps 9,000 psi Hevi-Shot/Environ-Metal Rem. 209P 1,207 fps 10,700 psi www.environ-metal.com Win. 209 1,202 fps 11,300 psi Fed. 209A 1,218 fps 12,400 psi Lyman Products [800] 22-Lyman Mixing components? Don’t do it. www.lymanproducts.com

26 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE looking forward to working out a bit on the skeet fields to get accustomed to the new gun. My performance a few weeks earlier in the dove fields proved that a little practice wouldn’t hurt, to say the least. When the dust had settled after the attacks, though, the thought occurred to me: Is taking a gun on the airlines a good idea right now? I could get a free loaner at the skeet field. That would be easier and less hassle, so maybe I should just forget the idea of bringing mine along, and.... But wait. Isn’t this America? The land of the free? And isn’t our right to keep and bear arms, openly and proudly, one of our most Despite tightened security, you can still travel important freedoms? And aren’t our freedoms, and the strength resulting from them, what the by air with your firearms. Knowledge of the terrorists hate about us? And don’t they want to scare us into giving up our freedoms? right procedures is the ticket to success. It didn’t take long for me to decide to go ahead and take my shotgun along. As things turned out, checking the gun turned out to be BY DAN PETERSON no problem at all. If you want to do the same, the rules are pretty simple. Here’s how to do it. hree weeks after the September 11 attacks, I had occasion to fly out of Hanging Around With A 12-Gauge Washington D.C.’s Dulles But there I was, waiting in line for over Rules For Checking Your Guns TInternational Airport. Yep, that’s an hour at the Continental ticket counter, Because the rules are based on federal the airport from which American Flight 77 with my new side-by-side 12-gauge shotgun law, they’re similar for most of the airlines, was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. in hand (unloaded, cased and locked, of though some add a few twists of their own. I was trying to make a 6:20 a.m. flight, and course). My intention was to check it The rules that follow are for domestic flights the scene at Dulles at 4:30 in the morning through as part of my baggage, which was only. Taking a firearm into another country was already a mess. perfectly legal. Still, I wondered if any of the has its own set of rules and problems, and Hundreds of people wearily fidgeted in security personnel or National Guardsmen may even be prohibited. line to go through security. Because of hastily with their M-16s would be sufficiently Let’s start with the obvious. It’s a federal improvised measures after the attack, security curious to ask me why I had a gun in the air- felony to try to take any type of firearm past personnel were confiscating tweezers, clip- port. Nobody did. the airport security checkpoint or onto a pers, nail files, disposable razors — anything For months I had been planning this commercial airplane. You knew that already. that could conceivably be used as a weapon. Texas business trip, which also happened to It’s also against the law to have a loaded gun include an afternoon of skeet shooting. I was in your checked baggage. But you weren’t going to do that anyway, right? Right. The basic requirements to check an unloaded gun under federal law are remarkably few. First, you must “declare” to the airline before checking the baggage that the firearm is unloaded. At the ticket counter check-in, simply tell the airline ticket agent that you would like to declare a firearm as part of your checked baggage. Generally, the airline personnel will then escort you to a more private area. You open the case, show them that the gun is unloaded, and sign a written declaration that the firearm is unloaded. This declaration (often a little tag on a string) is attached to the trigger guard of the gun, you relock the case, and keep the key on your person. The gun case then goes onto the plane like other checked bags. Second, under federal law the firearm must be “carried in a container the [airline] considers appropriate for air transportation.” Third, any firearm “other than a shotgun, rifle, or other firearm normally fired from the shoulder position” (that is, a handgun) must be in locked baggage and “only the passenger checking the baggage retains the key or combination.” Finally, the baggage must be carried in an area, other than the flight crew compartment, that is inaccessible to passen- gers. The airline, of course, attends to that.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 27 tion that can be checked as baggage. Some Airline Policies Vary airlines require the firearm and ammunition I looked at the websites of 10 airlines to to be in separate containers, but the policies see what their policies were regarding of other airlines expressly permit the ammo firearms in checked baggage. The 10 air- and gun to be in the same case. lines were American, America West, There are also some requirements that are Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, peculiar to a particular airline. TWA will not Southwest, TWA, United and USAirways. permit firearms or ammunition in checked There are some differences, so check with baggage if you are connecting to a flight that your airline before you fly. Given the atten- is operated by another carrier. Incendiary and tion being focused on airline security, the explosive ammunition are generally prohib- rules also could change between the time I ited, but Frontier considers “hollowpoints” to am writing these words and when you are be incendiary or explosive ammunition. reading them. It’s important to know the Again, check with the airline for its specific specifics for your airline. requirements and limitations. Even though federal law requires only that handguns be in locked containers, some (but not all) of the airlines have policies that A Few Tips state that all firearms, including long guns, Show up plenty early if you intend to must be in locked containers. American and check a firearm. You should go to the ticket Southwest, for example, require locks only counter to check your baggage rather than on handgun containers. Continental, trying to use curbside check-in. Frontier and TWA, on the other hand, Do not attempt to pass through the secu- require that all firearms be in locked con- rity checkpoint, even though sometimes bags tainers. I’d lock ’em up regardless of (NOT containing firearms) can be checked at whether the airline requires it. the gate. Anything past security is considered Some of airlines require the container to a “sterile area,” and it is against the law to try be hard sided, rather than the type of soft to bring a firearm past that point. sided case that typically closes with a zipper. When declaring your firearm at the ticket Some will sell you an inexpensive case or counter, you might want to give some cardboard shipping box for shipping your advance thought to your choice of words. It’s guns as checked baggage. Given the known probably not a great idea to start off by saying propensities of baggage handlers, a hard “I have a gun!” After you present your ticket, sided case is definitely the way to go. you might do better to say something like, “As part of my checked baggage, I’d like to Rules For Ammo declare a firearm.” Everybody’s jumpy. Remember to put a name tag on your gun Policies also vary regarding ammunition. case. We’re all in the habit of doing that for Generally, ammunition is limited to 11 our luggage, but few of us walk around with pounds per passenger. Southwest, though, name tags on our rifle or pistol cases. It’s a also has a limitation on the specific number good idea to put your name, address and of rounds of shotgun, rifle or pistol ammuni- phone number inside the case as well.

28 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE Style N87

Retail Price $28.00+ S&H

The DeSantis Stealth holster holds your weapon comfortably out of sight until you need it. • Inside-waistband clip • Padded-ballistic nylon • Sturdy power-coated spring-clip for safety • Spare magazine pouch, standard for autoloader models • Available for most concealed firearms DeSantis Gunhide Please visit your authorized Dept. GM52 DeSantis dealer today Depending on the value of your gun, you 149 Denton Ave.,New Hyde Park, NY 11040 or send $5.00 for may want to make sure it is insured. Airlines 800 GUNHIDE our full-color catalog. have limits on the liabilities they will assume for lost luggage, and a valuable firearm could exceed those limits. Sad to www.desantisholster.com say, but I have also heard stories of “lost” firearms that probably ended up in the hands of airline baggage handlers. On my Texas trip, one of my fellow shooters told me about a hunting trip that he had taken, and how the airline had “lost” his $5,000 shotgun that simply failed to turn up when he reached his destination.

Exercise Your Rights In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, I haven’t yet heard of any proposals to limit the ability to travel on airlines with your guns as checked baggage. But the rules — either federal regulations or airline policies — could change at any time. That means two things. First, check the airline rules right up to the time you travel and abide by them carefully. Then don’t be shy. Exercise your rights as an American citizen to move about freely with your guns. Second, if any restrictions are proposed to prevent law-abiding citizens from taking their guns with them when traveling by air, we should fight them. We can’t allow terrorists to deprive us of our civil liberties. The terrorists deliberately murdered more than 3,500 of our citizens. If anyone has to lose their civil liberties, let it be the people who carried out and sponsored these atrocities. It won’t be us, because we won’t let it happen.

Dan Peterson is a practicing attorney in Washington, D.C. The views expressed are his own, not those of his law firm. $

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 29 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Gradient Lens Corp.’s affordable Hawkeye© borescope is a fascinating and useful tool — but like Alice, your life may never be the same after you peer through this looking glass. By Holt Bodinson

ooking down bores and chambers, into locking lug recesses, inside loading dies and brass cases, isn’t Is It A Bargain? for the faint-of-heart. You often discover things A pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .243 you wished you never knew about. But using a Win recently hit my dealer’s used gun rack. The metal and LHawkeye© borescope quickly becomes addictive. wood were in great shape, and looking down the 6mm bore And using it when buying used guns or analyzing mechanical with my naked eye, the rifling appeared to be clean and problems can save you the original cost of the borescope crisp. I happen to like both the caliber and the model, and I many times over. (Just imagine approaching a table at a gun decided to make an offer. But before doing so, I asked for show with a borescope tucked under your arm.) the opportunity to examine the bore with the Hawkeye. Glad Let me give you a few examples from my own experi- I did. What appeared to be a decent bore turned out to be an ences of using the Hawkeye borescope. eroded one from the throat to the muzzle. We’re talking about that cracking, alligator skin-type condition that is often seen in the first few inches of the bore forward from the throat, but rarely all the way to the muzzle. The .243 was totally shot out. I passed on the piece and pity the fellow who ended up with it. After cleaning another .243 — a Ruger 77 with a pristine barrel — I checked my work with the Hawkeye borescope. Looking down the barrel, everything looked clean until I hit the mid-point. There, for a distance of about 2 inches, were lumps of copper jacket material still adhering to the lands. I couldn’t feel any constriction at that point with a patch or brush. With the naked eye, I certainly couldn’t see the fouling. Yet, there it was, bathed in a brilliant copper light through the lens of the Hawkeye. A few passes with Sweets 7.62 sol- vent and it was gone.

Mystery Solved I was puzzled by the lack of accuracy shown by a No. 1 Mk III Enfield that had been factory reconditioned at the Ishapore Armory in India. The piece looked absolutely brand new, yet it wouldn’t group as well as an original 1918 BSA. Out came the borescope. Throat erosion from the spaghetti- like strands of cordite powder has to be seen to be believed. It takes the form of a many-pointed star or a series of little mountains and valleys in the throat area.

30 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE The right-angle attachment is an absolute necessity with some firearms.

Both Enfields exhibited throat erosion, but the barrel of the rebuilt rifle exhibited an erosion pattern extending from the throat to mid-bore whereas the erosion of the 1918 BSA bore was largely restricted to the throat itself. Puzzle solved. Without a This view of an AR- borescope, I would still be assuming that the 15 gas port shows barrel of the rebuilt Enfield had to be in better erosion and clumps overall condition than that of a 1918 antique. of bullet jacket I have a .308 Win across-the-course match rifle material buildup. sporting a premium-grade stainless-steel match barrel. It’s been a fantastically accurate target rifle and the current barrel has seen in the vicinity of 2,500 rounds down its tube, many in rapid-fire events. Borescopes make it possible to monitor bore wear, and I was curious. What I discovered with the Hawkeye was not a great deal of wear, but a very visible machining chatter mark about mid-bore. Given the quality of the barrel, it really did puzzle me. This might have well been one of those times The Hawkeye makes it pos- when “ignorance is bliss.” That chatter mark has not sible to really see the con- affected accuracy or accumulated fouling or had any dition of a rifle bore. other effect on the performance of the gun, yet psycho- Notice the advanced ero- logically, I now wish it weren’t there. sion and copper fouling And revolver barrel throats!!! Don’t even look — or buildup in the bore of this you’ll be picking up the phone and ordering a throat well-used rifle. reamer kit from Brownells within the hour. The same goes for the reamer marks in modern revolver cylinders. I’ve even used the borescope to look for and locate burrs in the The forcing cone of a revolver is hammer slot of a frame. a notorious spot for problems. In shotguns, the Hawkeye borescope really One look at this rough specimen gives you a bird’s eye view of how well you’re shows why fouling tends to doing in removing plastic and lead fouling accumulate here. from the chamber, forcing cone and choke. It also permits you to see how well any factory aftermarket choke tube mates with the interior surface of a bore and whether or not the tube is flush with its threaded seat when fully tightened. You can study the length and degree of finish of forcing cones and the design of fixed chokes.

Holt found the Hawkeye borescope to be a remarkable diagnostic tool.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 31 When cleaning, the borescope permits you to objectively evaluate results as you test various chemicals, brushes, abrasives and cleaning protocols. Did I say the use of a borescope is “addictive?” Once you own one, you’ll be poking and probing into every firearm in your collection, discovering new uses every day as you do so.

Designed For Industry The Hawkeye Precision Borescope is the creation of the Gradient Lens Corp., located in one of the optical capitals of the world, Rochester, N.Y. The Hawkeye Borescope is just one of a sophisticated family of optical examination instruments produced by the company that are used in industry to check the quality of everything from fuel injector nozzles to interior welds. The Hawkeye borescope consists of three units: the borescope with attached eyepiece; a right angle mirror tube that slips over the borescope and rotates 360 degrees; and a Mini-Maglite light source that screws into a fitting at the eyepiece and serves as the handle. In use, the Mini-Maglite is screwed into the borescope; the right angle mirror tube is slipped over the borescope shaft; the light is turned on, and you’re ready to take a look. The borescope can also be used without the rotating mirror tube, providing forward image viewing and is useful for examining the internal flashhole of a case, for example. What is unique about the Hawkeye unit is the lens system. The makers have been able to eliminate the cost of grinding, polishing, coating and centering numerous micro-lenses normally associated with this type of instrument by substituting a series of short, optical glass rods or “gradient index lenses” that relay the optical image from the objective lens to the eyepiece lens. The resulting images are bright, color correct and very sharp. In fact, the depth-of-field of the Hawkeye extends from 1mm to infinity. Gradient Lens Corp. offers two models of the Hawkeye. There is the original model that features a fully adjustable focus with all the components packaged in a lockable custom metal carrying case. Normally selling for $760, Gradient is currently offering a $60 discount bringing the price down to $700.

The Big News The real bargain is the new “Limited Edition” Hawkeye selling for $495. This model is exactly the same as the more expensive original except for the focus adjustment of the eyepiece, and the metal carrying case. In the original model, focus is adjusted by turning the eyepiece with nothing more than your fingers. In the “Limited Edition” borescope, the focus is factory set and I found it perfect for viewing; however, the eyepiece can

32 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE readily be re-focused by loosening three small hex set screws and moving the eyepiece in or out. Frankly, given the extended field of view offered by the Hawkeye, the need for changing the focus should be minimal. For example, when viewing the large interior of a shotgun bore, I find that positioning the lens tube against one wall of the barrel provides a crisp image of the opposite wall. The only other part of this optical system that is nice to have, but not essen- tial, is the snap-on, right-angle eyepiece, which is offered as an accessory. When you’re dealing with a bolt-action rifle with a high Monte Carlo stock, it’s difficult to position your eye behind the eyepiece as the lens is fully inserted. The simple solu- tion I found for most bolt-actions is to lay the rifle on its side when using the Hawkeye. The right-angle eyepiece sells for $275 and is offered for a reduced price of $195 if purchased with the more expensive model. If you’re working primarily with modern stocked rifles, I would strongly recommend the purchase of this one accessory. The borescope of the Slim model is 17 inches long and approximately .165 inch in diameter. The addition of the rotating mirror tube increases the probe diameter to .188 inch so it will work in any bore size from .22 through the shotgun gauges. In use, because of its 17-inch length, the lens tube is inserted from both the breech and the muzzle to view the entire barrel. Of course, in the case of most lever-action rifles and autoloaders, you’re limited to viewing from the muzzle unless some degree of disassembly is possible. Autoloading and pump shotguns pose no problem since their barrels are easily detached. For the professional gunsmith or barrel maker, Gradient Lens also offers Hawkeye compatible accessories such as video cameras and monitors, digital cameras, and high- intensity light sources. The Hawkeye Borescope is a remarkable exploratory and diagnostic tool for the firearm owner. Its optical quality is superb, and its use is simple and straightforward. From a cost point of view, the Hawkeye is no more expensive than a quality pair of binoculars or a rifle scope; plus, it can save the owner many times its original cost when evaluating potential purchases over the years. And, yes, it’s addictive. $

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Gradient Lens Corporation [800] 536-0790 www.gradientlens.com

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 33 Custom knife by M. Sanders wears handles of mesquite wood to mate with custom Ruger grips of the same material.

Charles Able stocked this custom .45 Colt with ebony and then built a companion knife also stocked in ebony wood.

34 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE A good knife can be more than a tool. It can be a lasting expression of your sentiments and a legacy for the future.

had been scouting an area looking for a good coming out. I stopped to chat about things in gen- place to position a tree stand. I had set out eral, and then he said, “Oh, by the way, I found a bait and was trying to lure a Spring black knife along the trail and it has a fellow’s name on bear. Since I was traveling lightly, I had it.” He pulled it out, and said, “Do you know this I slipped both my sixgun holster and the sheath guy, John Taffin?” I of course was doubly elated in for my folding knife on my belt. When I got back that I not only had my knife back, but I also found to the pickup, I removed my sixgun and holster, an honest man! I also learned a most valuable placing them on the seat, and left my knife on my lesson in addition to paying more attention to what belt... or so I thought. When I got home, the knife I’m doing, and that is to have my name engraved was gone. This was no ordinary knife. It was a spe- on the blades of knives that have great sentimental cial gift from a special friend who had my name value. There is very little expense involved as a engraved on the blade. local shop charges only $10 for a setup fee, and Three days later I was hiking in the same area. then $5 for each blade that is inscribed. While traveling down the trail, I met another fellow continued on page 75 This Cold Steel Trailmaster bowie is a fine knife, but engraved with the title of Taffin's popular GUNS magazine column, it also becomes a treasured memento. Left: A Harley-riding man of the cloth presented Taffin with this Buck custom bowie.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 35 THE PHILADELPHIA PISTOL: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC REBORN! Jack Brooks is a gunmaker in the truest sense of the word. The author gives us a close look at the process that led to the creation of this stun- Story And Photos By Bill Ball or hundreds of years, firearms In Britain and Europe, flintlock rifles depended upon fiery sparks from and pistols won battles, settled disputes, the forced impact of flint upon and protected individuals. In America, sol- steel. Reliable, effective and diers, sailors, settlers and savages provided Faffordable, the flintlock easily ready hands for flint-fired pistols and replaced matchlock and wheel-lock tech- rifles, mostly of European origin. The very nologies as the premier ignition source (in best firearms bore marks of London pre-percussion-cap times) for muzzle- makers and became highly prized posses- loading firearms. sions of their colonial owners.

Colorado gun maker Jack Brooks displays his matched pair of .45 caliber smooth- bore flintlock pistols, following in the traditions of the classic Philadelphia (circa 1820) style.

Fine Gunmaking In Early America With the swelling of national pride (and anti-English sentiment) after the Revolutionary War, a golden age of flintlock gunmaking flourished in North America. Some of the very best American craftsmen practiced the gunmaking trade in regions around Philadelphia, notably Jacob Kunz and Tobias Grubb. These American gunmakers perfected the skills to approach the fit, finish, function and performance of their London-based competitors’ guns. Colorado gunmaker Jack Brooks provided perspective on the accomplishments of these golden-age American gunmakers: “London guns of this period brought together the work of many skilled craftsmen, largely trained as apprentices by the old masters of London or Birmingham. Some specialized in lock or barrel making, taking advantage of centuries of experience with the malleability and durability of various

36 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE Using the hand tools shown in the lower left, Colorado gun maker Jack Brooks inletted and engraved these Philadelphia pistols.

irons and steels, and the knowledgeable Many folks prepared for the troubles of the excellence of London-made locks. Many application of progressively finer files and day with a pair of pistols. The Philadelphia Philadelphia pistols used imported locks. burnishing tools. Their locks and barrels gunmakers’ efforts proved successful, and a Bearing the names of American companies became fitting surfaces for color case hard- handsomely styled firearm was added to the or importers such as Rogers Brothers or C. ening and browned finishes. Others inletted roll of classic American firearms. Bird, these locks appear identical in form smoke blackened metal to ancient, air-dried Typically measuring about 9 inches long and decoration to English locks that carried blanks, and chiseled away superfluous wood and weighing 32 ounces, the Philadelphia “London Warranted” markings. The frizzen to reveal the beguiling curves and contours pistol’s smooth-bore .45-caliber barrel spring used a roller wheel; the cock was of a properly fitted gun. Their stocks became sported an elegant octagon-to-round profile single-throated with a stylized “S” shape. showcases for the checkering, finishes and and a fire blued finish. The highest-grade These locks featured a round pan and a flat mounts of a London ‘best’ gun. The very pistols — stocked to the muzzle in curly red lock plate suitable for engraving. Parallel remarkable accomplishment of American Maplewood with a violin red finish — used horizontal serrated lines that suggested floral gunmakers of the period lies in the fact that sterling silver for the trigger guard, butt cap, vine engraving embellished the tail of the single individuals developed and perfected ramrod thimble and nose cap. Decorative lock plate, and also the cock. Combined with the skills to do all the steps which were done silver inlays also formed the barrel wedge the slender barrel profile, the lock’s trim size by many specialists in Britain.” escutcheons and thumb pieces. Tasteful and shape defined the pistol’s fine balance Beginning about 1815, a distinctive style engraving highlighted these silver mounts and feel. of pistol emerged as Philadelphia gunmakers and inlays, as well as the case-hardened Over time, these classic Philadelphia pis- began to cater to wealthy, cosmopolitan lock. Yellow brass mounts and plainer fin- tols found themselves displaced by the tech- clients with highly decorated pairs of pistols. ishes characterized lesser-grade pistols in nology of percussion-cap ignition, Sam Before Sam Colt’s repeaters changed the the Philadelphia style. Colt’s repeating pistols and, later, self-con- nature of pistols forever, doubling your fire- Anti-English sentiment notwithstanding, tained cartridge firearms. Manufacture power meant doubling the number of pistols. many American gunmakers recognized the ceased around 1830, and for a long while,

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 37 An elegant view of the violin red finish, case hardened locks and silver mounts and inlays on the classic Philadelphia pistols. These pistols are easily the peers of works by such noted original makers as Jacob Kunz and Tobias Grubb.

this classic firearm went dormant. rative transition between octagonal and round each mold. When removed from the mold, Dormancy ended in February 2001 when surfaces. Fine-toothed files shaped tangs on the wax parts exactly duplicated the orig- gunmaker and artisan Jack Brooks reintro- both barrels, one stroke at a time. Unblued, inal lock parts. A commercial foundry duced the Philadelphia pistol to lovers of fine each .45-caliber, 9-inch barrel miked .815 at coated these wax parts with high tempera- firearms. The nimble fingers, sharp chisels the breech and .667 at the muzzle. ture compound to create another mold, and fine files of this skilled craftsman pro- Air dried for a quarter century, the hard, melted out the wax to open a cavity, and duced — just as Jacob Kunz might have fin- highly figured curly maple responded to poured molten steel into the mold cavity. ished in 1815 — an exquisite pair of pistols Brooks’ saws, taking the classic profile of Once the steel cooled and the mold shell for a gentleperson of refined taste. the Philadelphia pistol. Sharp chisels and was opened, the parts of two authentic bits gave crisp lines to the exterior; precise locks lay on the bench. cuts to lock plates, barrel channel and Brooks filed each part to shape, marked The Work Commences mounts; and straight ramrod holes. both locks as “London Warranted,” and fin- Notwithstanding the familiar “lock, stock ished them with color case hardening. and barrel” phrase, the construction of a Viewing the finished locks, even Jacob flintlock pistol reverses that sequence. No Modern Lock Would Do Kunz wouldn’t be able to tell they were Flintlock gunmakers, then and now, plan and Authentic pistols demand authentic crafted in 2001, not 1815. Long before inter- execute their artistry first on the barrel, then locks. Brooks’ collection of antique gun changeable parts, assembly lines and mass the stock, the lock, and finally the finishing parts contained an original lock of appro- production tolerances, gunmakers created details. Everything fits around the barrel. priate style, shape and size. Using the “lost Philadelphia pistols with files. As a result, Beginning with a pair of John Getz octagon wax” process employed by fine jewelers, the locks on these pistols are closely iden- barrels, Brooks turned the front half of each Brooks created rubber molds of the original tical to one another, but not interchangeable, barrel round and carefully hand-filed the deco- lock parts and then injected hot wax inside and such is the nature of authentic hand-

38 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE crafted flintlock pistols. Recreated Philadelphia pistols of the highest grade were mounted in sterling silver, reflecting high standards of shaping, polishing and inletting. With a silversmith’s eye, Brooks cut and shaped thick sterling- silver sheets into trigger guards, butt caps, nose caps, ramrod thimbles and decorative inlays, making two of each part. The study of original Philadelphia pistols gave insight into the precise shape for each silver part. Engraving on these original pistols provided a standard for Brooks’ gravers; engraving this pair of Philadelphia pistols required several full days of exacting handwork. Engraving covers the barrel tangs, lock bolts and tang screws, which were treated to a Above: (top to bottom) Seen from the top, the fire blued barrel is engraved in authentic style color case hardened finish, along with the with the original style maker’s mark: “J S Brooks Philad.” In the classic Philadelphia pistol breech plug. style, the highest grade guns wore engraved sterling silver mounts for the nose cap, ramrod Finished authentically with fire blueing, thimbles, trigger guard and butt cap. The silver oval on top of the grip provides an engraving the barrels display the slightly mottled surface for the owner’s initials. The scrapes on the frizzen indicate the lock has been sparked, effects of high temperatures on polished though not fired. Flawless basket-weave checkering on the grip provides for a firm hold. continued on page 72 WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 39 The radical chassis-bedding system accounts for the AWP's impressive accuracy and stability. Unlike conventional designs, the stock of the AWP is incidental to the rigidity of the system.

40 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE Unconventional is a good description of both the appearance and performance of this precision rifle from the U.K. BYB ARRY DUECK PHOTOS BY ICHIRO NAGATA hree hundred yards down range, the target International AWP was designed from the outset for one seems to dance a little through the heat purpose only — to culminate in a production rifle that mirage. The groups should be good, and the would raise the standard of long range performance to a view through the Leupold 10 power scope new and higher level. Tlooked promising, but you are never sure Originally designed for the British military in the until you crunch across the gravel and inspect the target early 1980s and designated the L96A1, the rifle was at arms length. The paper doesn't lie, and a quick meas- upgraded in the late ’80s to enhance reliability in arctic urement shows that the last five rounds have clustered weather conditions. This newly modified rifle received 1 into well under 1 ⁄4-inches. An honest sub-half MOA designation as the Arctic Warfare (AW). Don’t let the rifle? OK — I'm impressed. AW designation fool you into thinking that the rifle is The Accuracy International AWP is one of very few only suitable for arctic use. The rifle performs as rifles designed from the get-go to be a sniper rifle. admirably in hot, humid climates as it does in the icy Other rifles that purport to be “sniper-specific” cold. With over 40 nations issuing the AW, many rifles designs, such as the HK-PSG-1 and the Steyr SSG, are see tropical service. in fact simply accurized versions of existing models. In The late Malcolm Cooper, a British gold medal contrast, every component of the Accuracy Olympic shooter, founded Accuracy International and

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 41 YACCURACY ONAL’SINTERNATIONAL’S AWP

42 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 43 Mated with the superb Leupold Mark 4 M3 scope, the AWP is a phenomenally capable rifle.

44 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE The stocks of many precision rifles are ill designed this rifle that dominates the free suited to the occasional necessity of offhand world’s sniper rifle market. Cooper broke shooting. The AWP showed no such fault. tradition by creating a different and completely new design.

The Secret Of Its Success Many innovations and refinements that are commonly seen on today’s state-of-the- art sniper rifles were first seen on the AI. However, the most radical element of the British gunmaker's design lies hidden under the synthetic stock. Upon removing a series of small hex screws, the two halves of the plastic stock shell fall away from the rifle and expose the heart of this unique system, a rugged chassis to which the barreled action is solidly affixed. Tubular aluminum welded to a machined aluminum block incorporates the magazine well and houses the trigger assembly. This block is the sole contact point for the action. Four hex bolts, one at each corner, rigidly attach the action to this block. There can be no concern of wandering zero due to bedding shift or stock warpage. The synthetic stock panels are available in a non-reflective black or green finish. The thumbhole stock design may seem a little foreign to American shooters, but it improves control by placing the shooting The bipod is quick hand at a very natural angle. The stock offers detachable, easily four sling attach points, two on each side. adjusted, and offered The AWP features a detachable magazine. good stability. The capacity in .308 is ten rounds. A detachable magazine has a lot of merit for a rifle of this type. An obvious advantage is the ability GROUP to reload more quickly, but a more useful ben- LOAD VELOCITY AVERAGE MOA 1 2 3 4 5 efit is the ability to quickly substitute special BlackHills 168 gr. BTHP 2652 fps 3.43" 2.54" 2.75" 1.93" 2.11" 2.55" .81 MOA purpose ammunition for the standard load. BlackHills 175 gr. BTHP 2625 fps 1.74" 1.27" 1.41" 1.64" 1.13" 1.44" .46 MOA Hornady 110 gr. TAP 3176 fps 1.58" 1.44" 1.63" 1.80" 2.65" 1.82" .58 MOA Designed For Reliability Hornady 155 gr. AMAX 2812 fps 2.02" 1.28" 2.38" 2.48" 2.98" 2.23" .71 MOA The AW is built to military requirements, Hornady 168 gr. AMAX 2708 fps 3.58" 1.23" 1.14" 1.95" 1.72" 1.92" .61 MOA meaning that the rifle can operate reliably at Federal 168 gr. BTHP 2652 fps 2.81" 2.92" 2.87" 3.12" 2.23" 2.79" .88 MOA -40 F in addition to passing stringent NATO Note: Accuracy results reflect five, testing which requires the rifle to fire 25,000 five-shot groups fired from the prone position at 300 yards. Velocity is the instrumental average of rounds before failure. To meet these require- 10 shots measured with a CED Millennium Chronograph. ments, a great deal of careful thought went MOA denotes minute of angle, which is 1.047" per 100 yards. into the design of the action. The bolt body continued on page 73

The thumbhole-type stock incorporates adjustments for length of pull and comb height.

MAY 2002 WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM 45 y all accounts, he looks like a cowboy. Rob Simonich is a tall, lanky native Montanan who’s feet sprout out of pointed-toed boots and who’s eyes peer out from under a wide-brimmed western hat. A generous chunk of his 43 years have been spent as a ranch hand, truck driver, wildcatter and Bgold miner. Much to his liking — along with the fact that a person’s body can only take so much of a beating — that’s all yesteryear. Today, he’s a high demand custom knifemaker whose wares are booked up by serious knife customers years in advance.

The Cetan is one slick knife, combining modern styling with good old-fashioned utility. CUTTING EDGE From the wilds of Montana, the exotic blades of Rob Simonich have prompted the world to beat a path to his door. COWBOY! Story By Pat Covert Photos By Herb Wohlmuth

Both of these CCF-7 models feature Rob’s new camo-to-steel technique, a joint effort between the knifemaker and Bodycote. Both of these CCF-7 models feature Rob’s new camo-to-steel technique, a joint effort between the knifemaker and Bodycote.

46 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE Simonich makes some of the finest thinking he just might make his own replace- ranch hands who admired his work. About hunting and tactical knives you’d ever want ment rather than spend the three days wages this same time, he met a couple of seasoned to lay your hands on. His interest in knives it would take to buy a new one. knifemaking artisans — Eldon Peterson and goes all the way back to his childhood. He Pete Forthover of Whitefish, Mont. Amazed remembers intently watching his granddad by their high level of craftsmanship, the sharpening an old Barlow. He remembers Crude Beginnings meetings served as a gauge to where he was putting nails on a railroad track so the train The transition from cowboy to cutlery on the food chain and a realization that there could forge them into flat blades that he artisan didn’t come easy. His first efforts was much work to be done. Inspired to take could sharpen into some semblance of a cut- were poor, but Simonich kept plugging his knives to a new level of beauty and func- ting implement. Later in life, he remembers away. By the early 1980s, the budding knife- tionally, Simonich dug in, reading books on losing his beloved Ruana hunting knife maker was not only making competent cut- the how-tos of knifemaking, and laboring during a day of fast and furious calf roping, ters for himself, but filling orders for fellow tirelessly to turn working knives into works of art. The year 1986 found Simonich making knives full time for a couple of years while healing up from a ranch accident. Rob’s experiences doing the hard work of the world gave him more than adequate insight into what a knife should do. Refinement was the only missing ingredient. His designs over the past 17 years evolved from tadpoles to frogs, then from lizards into the sleek and polished dragons they are today. In June 1999, he took the leap to full-time maker and hasn’t looked back. His patterns are well thought out, melding the ration- ality of purpose with a sense of utter class. Just as important, the knifemaker has achieved the level of craftsmanship in his knives that serious users and astute collec- tors demand of the best customs. Simonich is just as hard on himself as the people who use his knives are on their blades. Despite the fact that the demand for his knives far exceeds his ability to satisfy delivery, he still works diligently at improving his craft. Indeed, he estimates that an average of four out of five new designs he creates end up in the trash bin due to some small peccadillo he can’t bring himself to live with.

Multifarious Fare This knifemaker’s talents reach far and wide. Although Simonich makes an occasional folding knife, the overwhelming majority of his works are fixed blades. He makes a variety of hunting knives, from small hunters to larger camp knives. The materials he incorporates into his knives range from the most base level tool steels and handle fittings to some of the most state-of-the-art known to man. Rob’s most popular model is the Pikuni, a small fixed-blade knife (7 inches overall with a 3-inch blade) that can serve a myriad of functions from dressing a deer to dressing down an opponent, ahem... should the occasion arise. In other words, this versatile knife is a crossover cutter — just at home as a hunting knife or self-defense tool. The Pikuni blade is of the clip point variety, common on both hunters and fighters. The knife has a cur- vaceous handle with front and rear guards built into the full tang blade steel. In a collab- oration with Simonich, the popular Pikuni has recently been added to REKAT’s (Round Eye Knife and Tool) line of production knives. The Pikuni is Simonich’s best seller. Here, one in woven carbon fiber, another with an interesting handle of black G-10 with blue inlay. All come with a multi-carry sheath.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 47 Another popular model in the Simonich stable is the Cetan model. Unquestionably this writer’s favorite, the 7-inch Cetan is perfectly sized for virtually all camp chores. The Cetan model, like the Pikuni, is of full tang construction but this knife has more the profile of a hunting knife. The Cetan’s balance is exceptional, and the 3-inch drop point blade can cut rope and skin with the best of them. On the tactical side he supplies everything from spartan fighters and neck knives to the most demanding combat grade Spec Ops threshers. His CCF-7 (Covert Camo Fighter, 7 inches) is one 1 wicked piece of hardware. At 12 ⁄2 inches overall with a 7-inch clip point blade, this knife is right at home in camp and survival modes, but also ready for defensive action. Always looking for new ways to make his knives more distinctive, Rob offers the CCF-7 in a special Boron Carbide Camo finish he recently developed in conjunction with Darrell Lewis of Bodycote, a company that spe- cializes in state-of-the-art protective coatings. A similar model, the RCK- continued on page 70

Left: If one had to carry a knife to a gun fight, 1 Simonich’s tanto pointed 12 ⁄2-inch RCK-7 would make for an excellent choice. Below: For those on a budget, R.E.K.A.T. has just released a production version of Simonich’s popular Pikuni model. Camillus Cutlery also offers bargain priced Simonich designs.

48 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE BY DAVE ANDERSON

A Look At d Brown has long been a highly respected name among enthusiasts of the classic 1911 autopistol. He Ewas one of the pioneers of practical pistol shooting competition in the late ’70s Ed Browns 702 and was considered one of the top shooters, good enough to make the coveted top 16 shootoff at the Bianchi Cup. Starting as a small one man custom shop, his 1911 business has grown to include a huge selection of high quality custom 1911 parts and full house 1911 OZARK RIFLE pistols. A member of the American Pistolsmith Guild, Brown was named Pistolsmith of the Year by the Guild in 1991. Having taken the 1911 business about as far as possible, Ed Brown has decided to apply his experience to riflemaking. A superb hunting rifle built for a Brown’s goal is to serve a niche market, the discriminating and influential group of lifetime of dependable service rifleman who want the ultimate in consistency and reliability.

Why A Custom Class Rifle? Most current standard production rifles provide excellent value for the money. Improvements in scopes, bullets, barrels and synthetic stocks over the past couple of decades have made adequate accuracy and reliability available at prices that (relative to current incomes) are bargains. In the late 1930s, a Winchester M70 could be purchased for around $65. That sounds cheap, but remember that at the same time, a university professor earned about $200 a month. Shooters of the day who tried those Model 70s were astounded when they sometimes shot groups of around 1 MOA with carefully prepared handloads. With current model 70s or other quality 1 bolt actions, we expect accuracy of 1 to 1 ⁄2 MOA with handloads, and we often achieve that with factory ammunition. And while prices have increased by 10 times or more, wages are 25 or 30 times higher. Major manufacturers produce rifles as precisely as they can and within a price structure that allows competitve marketing. The saying in automobile racing is: Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go? For rifles, it’s: Accuracy costs money, how much accuracy do you want? At the margin, costs escalate fast. It’s quite easy with today’s components to build a rifle that will consistently group into 2 MOA. Getting down to 1 MOA costs more, and getting down to an honest and repeatable 1/2 MOA costs a whole lot more. There are a lot of people who hunt big game with rifles. The majority of hunters have no interest in paying two or three times as much as a factory rifle for marginal improvements. It’s not that the big outfits can’t do it. Remington and Winchester could build rifles capable of consistent 1/2 MOA accuracy with match ammunition any time they wanted to. The reason they don’t is that prices would have to triple or quadruple in order to provide a level of performance that

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 49 The McMillan stock is pillar-bedded.

Ed Brown actions feature a bul- letproof Sako-style extractor and plunger ejector.

to very tight tolerances. There is no concern about action warping as would result if the receiver were machined and then heat- treated. Both short action and long action versions are produced. Starting with this solid foundation, Ed Brown rifles are built to true custom stan- Ozark action: the fluted bolt body, dards. The receivers are trued to ensure Winchester-type safety, Talley QD scope everything is square and concentric, the bolts mounts and superb Shilen trigger. are hand lapped to fit the receiver raceways, and bolt lugs are lapped to ensure they bear evenly. The bolts are spirally fluted, which most shooters don’t need. It would be like an reduces weight and helps ensure smooth bolt automobile company making all its prod- From A Clean Slate operation. Match grade, hand lapped barrels ucts, from sedans to pickups to minivans, Brown rifles are built for these high-per- are fitted square to the action, precision- capable of cruising at 150 mph. formance enthusiasts. Instead of starting with chambered and hand crowned. A Shilen But just as there are drivers willing to a standard action and spending hours blue- match trigger is fitted and tuned. pay four or five times as much for a high printing it, Brown took another tack. He uses The barreled action is then carefully performance car, there are shooters willing his experience in metal work — gained over bedded into a top-quality synthetic stock. On to pay the cost to get high performance many years of making precision 1911 parts the Ozark, the stock is the highly respected rifles. There are quite a few gunsmiths — and applies it to building an action that is McMillan. A blind magazine (no floorplate) building rifles for these shooters. These gun- right from the start. The Ed Brown 702 action is standard on the Ozark, which is built on the smiths usually start with a good-quality is a combination of proven design features. short 702 action. commercial action. They square and true the Like the Remington 700, it has a cylindrical All Brown actions have a precision- action to precise tolerances, true up the receiver, a two-lug bolt with recessed bolt ground receiver bridge so that the scope bases receiver and barrel threads, fit match-grade face, and plunger ejection. Extraction is by an on bridge and receiver ring are properly barrels square and concentric with the M16 hook-style extractor, and the safety is a aligned. The actions are drilled and tapped to action, lap locking lugs so they bear evenly, three-position wing type similar to that of the accept 8-40 screws rather than the more fit and adjust a match grade trigger, and Winchester M70. common and smaller 6-48 size. Brown installs carefully hand-bed the barreled action into a What sets the 702 action apart is how it is the scope-mounting system at the shop and quality synthetic stock. The Remington 700 made. Instead of using investment casting or prefers to mount the scope as well. Dave action is a popular choice for these rifles machining soft steel and then heat treating, Talley’s machined steel rings and bases are because it is widely available, rigid, concen- Brown starts with a piece of high quality used and recommended by Brown. Customers tric, and well made of good steel. When the heat-treated bar stock. Machining this tough can send in the scope of their choice, or work is properly done, the result is truly hardened steel is more time-consuming and Brown can supply several top-line brands impressive performance. difficult, but it allows parts to be machined such as Kahles, Leupold and Swarovski.

50 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE The Ozark rifle I had the opportunity to which is built on a controlled-round feed work with is in 7mm-08 Rem. caliber fitted action supplied by Dakota Arms. There’s What Can Stop with a Kahles 3-9X scope in Talley rings and also a single shot in .50 BMG. bases. Barrel length is 21 inches, and overall These are not inexpensive rifles, and it’s Rust Before It weight with scope and mounting system is fair to ask if it’s really necessary to spend this 3 Starts? This Can! about 7 ⁄4 pounds. Everything about it signals much on a hunting rifle. Frankly, for many rock-solid precision. The bolt glides in its hunters the answer is no. Standard factory ▼ Just spray it on and block out rust. raceway effortlessly yet with virtually no rifles for the most part provide adequate accu- Protect your firearms investment play. The tuned Shilen trigger breaks cleanly racy and reliability for most hunting situations. with our advanced formula anti- and without overtravel at 40 ounces. The rifle Most of us really don’t hunt in conditions that oxidation agent. Rust Prevent balances and handles beautifully. From field- push the equipment to its limits any more than blocks corrosion and displaces shooting positions, it doesn’t feel muzzle we push our automobiles to the limit. moisture without that heavy oil light or muzzle heavy — it just feels right. But there are advantages. If you buy a residue to stain your gun cases. standard rifle, there’s a good chance you’ll • Engineered to preserve all Putting It To The Test get adequate accuracy, maybe even excellent gun metals accuracy. With the Ed Brown rifle, there is • Protects against fingerprints Benchresting the rifle provided no sur- no question. The rifle will be exceptionally and body acid corrosion prises. Accuracy is not some occult art. Use accurate. It will be reliable and durable. If it • Prevents pitting in tough quality components properly fitted and the isn’t, it doesn’t leave the shop. salt air rifle will shoot up to the capabilities of the Sometimes to appreciate a quality • Ultra thin film penetrates ammunition and shooter. I’d have been product you have to either use it hard or use for protection astonished if this rifle didn’t shoot well. The if for a long time. I’ll give you a personal ammunition on hand was Winchester 140- example: 25 years ago I got seriously inter- grain Power Points and Ballistic Silvertips. ested in photography. I had a couple of Also great for your boat, A series of five three-shot groups with the pretty good 35mm cameras, but I noticed home and workshop Power Points averaged just over an inch, that the pros mostly used Nikon or Canon while the Ballistic Silvertips punched neat equipment. I couldn’t understand why these triangles averaging about 3/4 inch. Keep in brands were so much more expensive — mind that this is with standard factory they didn’t look or feel much different. 15050 Berkshire Industrial Parkway Middlefield, OH 44062 USA hunting ammunition. Carefully tailored Still, figuring that the pros must know Phone: 440-834-8888 Fax: 440-834-3388 handloads would certainly tighten these something, I invested over a couple of years respectable groups even further. In retro- in a pair of professional Nikon bodies, motor 100% Money-Back Guarantee We guarantee our products will out-perform the competition, if spect, it might have been better to request a drives, and a case full of lenses. Initially, I not satisfied, you will receive a full refund of the purchase price. .308 for testing since it allows the use of the could not detect much of a difference. But as www.shooters-choice.com outstanding match ammunition available. I the years went by, I began to notice little like the 7mm-08 round, however, and feel it things. After thousands of changes, every is an excellent combination with this com- lens locked into place with the same preci- pact, handy rifle. sion. The cameras were unaffected by tem- What impresses me more is the consis- perature extremes. Even in dusty, hot tency of the Ozark. It was taken to the range conditions the motors kept on quietly, effi- several times over a period of several weeks, ciently clicking off the frames. shot both from the bench and from various It took 25 years of regular use for me to field positions. Not once did point-of-impact see the very real difference in performance change. The scope adjustments might as from this superior quality equipment. well have been glued in place; there was That’s the same sort of superior perform- never a need to touch them. Consistency is ance that you pay for in an Ed Brown rifle. more important to me than pure accuracy, Accuracy. Durability. Reliability. Equipment and a rifle that provides both is a joy and that will, as the saying goes, take a licking treasure indeed. and keep on ticking. Hunters who have the The only criticism I can make of the rifle is good fortune to travel around the world — that the last round from the magazine takes hunting in remote countries in tough condi- noticeably more effort to feed than the first tions and extreme weather — quickly come three rounds. I’m sure the difference wouldn’t to appreciate such quality. For us regular be noticed in hunting situations in which the folks, it may be that 25 or 30 deer seasons bolt is worked hard and fast, but at the bench, pass before we fully appreciate a rifle that working the bolt more slowly, the difference holds its zero, works every time, and keeps in feel of the last round was apparent. This is on punching out those neat, tiny groups right being nit-picky to be sure, but high-perform- where they should be. The cost will be long- ance products are held to a higher standard. forgotten, but the hunting memo- Currently, the Ozark lists at $2,500, ries and trophies will remain. $ which includes the Talley rings and bases and mounting of the customer’s scope. Many options are available, including different stock lengths, different barrel lengths FOR MORE INFORMATION: and contours, stainless-steel barrels, steel Ed Brown Products, Inc. hinged floorplate, iron sights and Jewell [573] 565-3261 triggers. Other models include the Savanna, www.edbrown.com which uses the long action; the Denali, a trim, light mountain rifle; tactical rifles for Kahles Optics law-enforcement and military use; a single www.kahlesoptik.com shot varmint model; and the Bushveld 76,

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 51 Beretta Whitewing (left) and Onyx models offer superb craftsmanship and durability at a reasonable price.

52 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE By Dave Anderson eretta is the oldest gunmaking firm in the world and, in fact, one of the oldest manufacturers of any product. The firm dates its beginning to 1526 when BBartolomeo Beretta sold 185 arquebus barrels to the Arsenal of Venice. Sixteen generations and 475 years later, the company is still owned and controlled by the Beretta family, currently Ugo Beretta and his sons Pietro and Franco. In 475 years a company can learn a thing or two about making shotguns. In all those centuries, the Beretta name has been synony- mous with quality. Beretta was the first of a number of great names that gave Italian-made shotguns an enviable international reputation, predating even some of the famous British names. In 1617, when British arms-making was in its infancy, an English sportsman named Edward Davies wrote, “he that loves the safetie of his own person” would be well advised to buy his guns abroad, preferably in Italy. By then Beretta had already been making guns for over 90 years. Beretta shotguns have always been particularly appealing. In fact, more Beretta over/under shotguns (over 1.4 million) have been manufactured than any other over/under make. The top-line DT10 Trident Competition models are built with every imaginable feature for competition at the highest levels. A shooting friend has one of the sporting clays models that is simply a phenomenal performer, as indeed it should be at a cost of over $9,000. Some of the fancier field models such as the S687 EL Gold Pigeon and EELL Diamond Pigeon are enough to tempt a far-gone connoisseur of fine shotguns to sell his favorite bird dog.

Not Just For The Jet-Set Ironically, the success of these top-line Above: The Whitewing features a coin-finished receiver with engraved upland birds. models has to some extent resulted in more Below: The Onyx model Beretta shows a tasteful, clean receiver. typical hunters overlooking Beretta over/unders when selecting a field shotgun. There seems to be a perception that these over/unders are limited to either serious competitors or the wealthy. Actually, Beretta makes a pair of over/unders that provide the outstanding performance for which the name is famous, at a price the average hunter can realistically afford. The Whitewing model currently lists at $1,295 and the S686 Onyx at $1,583. These are suggested retail prices, but I’ve seen both offered for sale at gunshops and in gun trading papers for considerably less. Mechanically, these models provide the same strength, reliability and durability as the more expensive engraved models. The box- lock receivers are machined from solid-steel forgings. Conical locking lugs are located at the back of the mono-block, providing a strong lock up. The locking lugs are designed to “wear-in” to maintain a tight lock-up over the firing of thousands of rounds. continued on page 54

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 53 BERETTA SHOTGUNS replace the trigger unit with a mechanical continued from page 53 version. In practice I found the standard trigger to be completely reliable. Trigger This tight fit can be maintained indefi- pulls on several models examined were quite nitely. The opening lever is normally offset a clean and crisp — better, in fact, than some bit to the right. When parts wear is such that rifles I’ve tested recently. The hammers are the lever is centered, it’s time to replace the powered by durable coil springs. The selec- hinge pins and locking lugs. Beretta cur- tive ejectors also proved reliable. Unfired rently charges less than $200 for the job, rounds were raised for easy extraction while which essentially gives the shooter a new fired cases were positively ejected. gun. Frankly this is of only passing concern to most shooters. Typically it takes 70,000 to 75,000 rounds before these parts need A Field Test replacing. Some competitive shooters shoot I had the opportunity to hunt pheasants this many rounds in a few years. For the with both models at the Oakwood Sporting average hunter who might shoot 20 boxes of Resort near Sigourney, Iowa. Ammunition ammunition annually, we’re talking 140 to used was the Federal “Pheasants Forever” 150 years of service before the inexpensive load. This load is listed at 1,400 fps, and update is required. when I had the opportunity to chronograph it Beretta barrels are cold hammer-forged later, it checked out very close to that, aver- of high-grade steel. Because of the quality of aging 1,355 fps from an Onyx 28-inch barrel. the steel and the forging process, Beretta Federal donates a portion of the sales of this barrels can be thinner and therefore lighter ammunition to Pheasants Forever to improve than some competitive brands. Barrels are pheasant habitat. These loads were very laser-fused to the mono-block and will never effective. A couple of my hunting partners separate. Chrome-lined barrels and cham- used handsome little 20-gauge Beretta Onyx bers make cleaning easy and help prevent models with Federal ammunition and ham- plastic buildup and corrosion. mered pheasants at surprisingly long ranges. Both 12-gauge and 20-gauge models are Even with these rather heavy loads, available with either 26-inch or 28-inch bar- recoil with both models was quite tolerable. rels with 3-inch chambers and are approved The low profile receiver seems to help direct for steel shot. Additional options available recoil straight back, especially with the on the Onyx model include 30-inch barrels lower barrel, reducing muzzle jump and 1 and 3 ⁄2-inch chambers. The Whitewing and making for a faster second shot. Forcing Onyx use Beretta’s interchangeable cones are longer and more gently tapered Mobilchoke tubes and come with improved than industry standards, which helps reduce cylinder, modified, and full choke tubes. recoil and improve patterns. The moderate weight made the shotguns pleasant to carry, while the stock design and excellent balance Performance Worthy Of The Name made them easy to handle and shoot. The low-profile receiver and light barrels The receiver of the Whitewing carries a make both the Whitewing and Onyx light, polished steel finish that is set off by some well-balanced, fast-handling shotguns. tasteful photo-engraved bird scenes. A sim- Balance point is right on the hinge pin. In 12 ilar model with a dark-finished receiver, ten- gauge, the Onyx weighs approximately 6 tatively dubbed the Blackwing, should be pounds, 13 ounces (depending on wood den- available soon. Receivers on the S686 Onyx sity and barrel length). The Whitewing is a models have a polished deep blue finish to couple of ounces less due to the open barrels. match the barrels with the signature “P. The elegant little 20-gauge models are even Beretta” in gold. Triggers on both models lighter: 6 pounds, 3 ounces for the Onyx; 5 are gold plated. Overall, the degree of fit and pounds, 12 ounces for the Whitewing. finish is excellent; an example of the care Stocks and forearms are made of a good with which they are made is the slotted grade of walnut, nicely shaped, checkered screw beneath the receiver that is properly Career Training in and finished. Cast-off for right-handed aligned with the barrels and secured with a shooters is standard; stocks with cast-off for smaller screw. left-handed shooters are available on special Both Berettas are fine shotguns and out- GUNSMITHING order. Stock dimensions are: drop at comb, standing values. They offer the quality, dura- Earn an Associate (Occupational) 1.4 inches; drop at heel, 2.2 inches; length of bility and performance of one of the most Degree in 14 Months pull, 14.5 inches. On most models I saw, the respected names in fine firearms. They are • 1500 Hands-on Shop Hours • wood grain was tight and straight, though built for a lifetime of hard use in the field or • Financial Aid to those who qualify • not fancy. However, some Onyx models did in competition, and they can be shown and • Approved for Veterans Education • have very attractive wood grain. Extra cost displayed with pride. “Not a Home-Study course.” options for the Onyx include a high-gloss finish and fancier grain patterns that Beretta $ Colorado School of Trades calls X-Tra wood. 1575 Hoyt St. GM, Lakewood, CO 80215 Manual safeties on both models are auto- FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1-800-234-4594 In Colorado 303-233-4697 www.schooloftrades.com matic, with the barrel selector switch incor- Beretta USA porated in the safety. The standard single [301] 283-2191 Training Gunsmiths Since 1947 trigger is the inertia type; that is, the recoil of www.berettausa.com Farrier Courses available the first shot sets the trigger for the second barrel. For an additional charge, Beretta can

54 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

Hallmark of Innovation: The Remington Model Eight Old fashioned doesn’t necessarily mean obsolete. The sleek Remington Model 8 is still fit for the game trails.

By Timothy Case

picture tells a thou- sand-word story in an instant. The hunter is dressed in classic A1930’s fashion: brimmed hat, heavy wool vest, cartridge belt and knee-high laced logger boots. He walks a narrow mountain ledge. A sheer rock face rises at his left shoulder, a bottomless drop at his right. From around a curve in the ledge trail, the head and shoulders of a massive grizzly appears. The hunter’s stance communi- cates that he is in the midst of a split- second, fight-or-flight decision. And yet before the decision is made, his reflexes take over and the Remington Model 8 autoloader comes to his shoulder. As often happens, an initial minor purchase initiates a secondary major purchase. The $129 basic Ruger 10/22 was a prime example. Of course the gun later required a carbon-fiber barrel, a synthetic target stock, a bipod, a variable scope — you get the point. So it was with the $12 reproduction tin sign advertising the Remington Model 8 autoloading rifle. I liked the picture, the price was inconsequential, and it now hangs above my workbench. The problem was that every time I looked up from some fix-it job, much careful use. In my mind... the perfect October 16, 1900. Browning promptly sold I imagined myself walking the deep northern gun. A little haggling, and $210 later the the patent to Remington, which started pro- forests, dressed in those clothes, carrying gun was on its way home. ducing the rifle in 1906. that rifle. I did suffer a brief period of buyer’s Remington introduced the Model 8 remorse when they told me at WalMart that during a time when the company was the .30 Remington cartridge for which my offering few new centerfire models. The gun The Die Is Cast new prize was chambered was no longer saw a production run of 30 years in which Of course, once the fixation developed, available. A little net surfing, however, pro- over 80,000 of the autoloaders where pro- there was no turning back. The gun assumed duced cartridges at $20 per box, a die set at duced. Most had 22-inch barrels with plain first place on my mental “next gun” list. At $51.50, and a bag of 100 unfired brass for open sights. Although no variations of the that point, it was inevitable that sooner or $30 — everything I need to fill up that car- gun were offered, five different grades were later, I would find... the perfect Model 8. tridge belt. produced ranging from the plainest Standard I found the perfect Model 8 on the last grade to the most deluxe Premier Grade. day, at the last table of our small-town gun Mid grades included the Special, Peerless show. The blueing was well-worn across A Cutting Edge Rifle and Expert grades. Quality of wood and the magazine and receiver (the rifle’s nat- The Model 8 was one of the earliest degree of checkering and engraving mainly ural balance point for a one-handed carry), American semiauto rifles. John Browning’s differentiated these grades. it had murky old varnish and a few minor patent application was filed June 6, 1900, The gun was produced in four calibers: scratches in the wood — an untold story of and U.S. Patent #659,786 was granted on the Remington .25, .30, .32 and .35. This

56 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE family of cartridges was designed to compete directly with Winchester, except in rim- less form. The .25 Rem. was the alternative to .25-35 WCF; likewise, the .30 Rem. com- peted for the .30-30 market; and the .32 Remington went head-to-head with the .32 Win Special. The big brother of the family, the well known .35 Remington, was designed as a ballistic equivalent to the .33 Winchester. This cartridge found its own niche in the market and is the only cartridge from the series still produced by the major ammunition companies. The Model 8’s demise was more a function of timing than anything else. The gun entered a market dominated by a host of .30-30 lever guns, including the indomitable Winchester Model 94. The Model 8’s design had some distinct advantages, namely speed of fire and that its box magazine allowed for the use of spitzer bullets. However, the then 12-year-old Model 94 juggernaut was at full steam and eventually proved more dominant. I can only speculate what might have been had not the Model 94 been introduced only a few years prior to the Model 8.

Technical Overview The Model 8 is recoil-operated with a rotating bolt and double-locking lugs. The gun fires from a fixed 5-shot magazine and is equipped with a bolt hold-open that engages after the last shot is fired. The autoloading action was made more revolutionary by the incorporation of a barrel that was shrouded in a full-length jacket. When the gun is fired, the barrel moves backward inside the shroud. This arrangement is largely believed to be the first effective recoil reduction system. Designed in a day when travel by train was common, the 8-pound, 41-inch carbine was built on a take-down design for ease of transport and cleaning. Take down is accomplished by removing the forearm to access an integral barrel wrench. Once loosed, the wrench releases the barrel. As the barrel, including chamber and the open sights, remain in one piece, this feature does not negatively affect accuracy. With its semiautomatic action, shrouded barrel, streamlined magazine/trigger guard unit and Kalashnikov-looking safety, the Model 8 was as much on the cutting edge at the turn of the century as Remington’s electronic rifles are today. At the time of its 1906 inception, the Model 8’s clean and modern look was unspoiled by excessive external controls: slide handle, slide release, safety and trigger — that’s it.

An Old Soldier Speaks While the first four rounds fired from the Model 8 produced a two-inch group at 50 yards, subsequent groups tightened to 1 1 ⁄2 inches. When tested at 200 yards, the limiting factor was clearly my eyes and the iron sights, not the inherent accuracy of the

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 57 LaPrade Glock® Accessories gun. Nevertheless, at this range the gun was able to put every shot in the vital area of a Glock® Replacement Mag Bodies deer silhouette. These are second generation drop-free mag bodies with a steel liner Shooting .30-caliber 170-grain factory and a plastic body like Glock® mags and our extended mags below. loads, velocities clocked out in the 1,900 fps These mag bodies are packed in a clear sealed bag with a copy range. While the ballistic tables list speeds of the ATF letter allowing replacement mag bodies to be sold. of up to 2,111 fps for 170-grain loads and When ordering specify 15 or 17 round 9mm bodies or 13 or 15 over 2,300 for the lighter 110-grain loads, round .40 S&W bodies (do not provide model numbers). Fax the pressures associated with those speeds after March 1st for availability of 10 mm and 45s. are risky in an early 1900’s gun. Given that this was a first-generation Extended magazines for Glock 9mm, 357, and .40 caliber also fits KelTek Arms items that use Glock magazines. semiautomatic, I had held some doubts regarding reliability and went to the range Preban magazines for Glocks have become more expensive than Glock® Connector expecting some missfeeds. However, La Prade’s grandfathered 33 round 9mm, 29 round .40 caliber, during the range test, the Model 8 func- and 29 round .357 Sig magazines for Glocks. These magazines tioned flawlessly. The action cycled the are the only after market magazine for Glocks made identical to a Glock magazine. They have the inner seal with a polymer exte- full five rounds from each magazine rior and are drop free. These magazines are ideal for any place 3 1/2 lb trigger pull connector without a single jam — a tribute to John you may need extra capacity like in a business, home or on the $25.00 or 2 for $35.00 Browning’s design genius. seat of a car (where legal) when not carrying the pistol on your The Model 8 performed as well for me body. All items shipped upon receipt of M.O. or certified check. Replace you 5 lb’r with during the range test as it did for “Big Bill” Glock 33 Rd. 9 mm magazine ...... $90.00 the 3 1/2 lb Competition Hillis many years earlier. Hillis’ exploits Glock 29 rd. 40 cal. or .357 cal. magazine...... $100.00 Connector are reported in Peterson’s The Remington Historical Treasury of American Guns LaPrade Route 10, Box 240A-1GM, Tazewell, TN 37879 Fax: (423) 733-2073 (Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1966). “Experienced hunters knew that sometimes the availability of quick shots could NEW MILITARY BAYONETS AND SCABBARDS! mean the difference between life and Authenticate your military rifles with a bayonet and scabbard! Patterned after the death to a hunter. Take, for instance, the originals, these new, high quality sets are made to military specifications by Eickhorn, adventure of ‘Big Bill’ Hillis of Alaska. the leading European defense contractors One day Bill and a companion named for bayonets & cutlery in Solingen, Germany. King went bear hunting on Kodiak Island. They were inching their way along a narrow ledge on a sheer cliff when they suddenly found a family of five bears right in their path. 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It other military accessories from our vast inventory by contacting Numrich Gun Parts Corporation today! was a tight situation in every sense of the word, but Bill was equal to it. With four Mail: 226 Williams Lane P.O. Box 299, West Hurley, New York 12491 Phone: 845-679-2417 • Toll-Free Fax: 877- GUNPART • Web: e-GunParts.com quick shots he killed all four of the remaining bears before they could reach him. It was tremendous shooting, but if Kershaw Scallion KS-1620 Bill hadn’t had a rifle as fast and as powerful as the Remington autoloader, he could not possibly have done it.” $32.00 Plus S&H My own adventures with the Model 8 may lack the adventure of Hillis’, but I have found it a delightful rifle to take to the field. Tracking Columbia Blacktails along dark forest trails has has given me plenty of time Speed-Safe torsion bar ---3 1/4” closed 420 high carbon stainless blade --Polyamide handles to enjoy the Remington and to savor the nos- Removable pocket clip--ambidextrous index finger opening system Retail....$49.95 talgic atmosphere that it brings to a hunt. Your price...$35.45 Special...$32.00 S&H...$7.99 652 Pg. Catalog with over 100 brands $8.00 Yes, that $12 tin sign turned out to be an Free to first time buyers --Normark Pocket Sharpener (NK-4) Offer Void After 4/30/01 expensive purchase — and I couldn't be happier. $ Groves Edge, Inc. 3760 E. 350 S. Bringhurst, IN 46913 1-800-248-2181 58 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE

ROCK RIVER ARMS LE TACTICAL CARBINE Long known for its superb 1911 pistols, Rock River Arms furnishes AR-15 rifles of equal quality. By Charles E. Petty Photos By Bob Maddox

ithin the last couple of years we’ve begun Earlier critics of the M-16 griped about size and han- to see a move away from submachine dling difficulties, but the M-4 design addresses those issues guns chambered for pistol cartridges in with a shorter 16-inch barrel and collapsible stock. Civilian the law-enforcement and special opera- models can’t have the latter, nor the evil bayonet lug, but for Wtions communities to a compact version of tactical applications, the collapsible stock has benefits that the M-16 (or AR-15), commonly called an M-4. may not be obvious at first. We tend to think of folding or This really reflects a major attitude change on the part of collapsible stocks as a means to facilitate hiding a gun. But administrators in law-enforcement and military special- for someone fully decked out with gear and bulky body operations units. There had been objections to the .223, armor, a conventional stock is really much too long, and the which were largely based on the presumption that the ball adjustments available with the collapsible stock make it ammunition commonly used would penetrate too much and possible to get the length of pull to a comfortable level. pose a risk outside the immediate area. Experience has shown that is not usually the case, and within law-enforcement tactical units, the need to be able to defeat body armor Rock River's LE Tactical CAR has become an important consideration. In the drug war, the Those of us who admire really nice Government Model enemy can afford stuff that is every bit as good as that used by law-enforcement agencies.

VELOCITY AND ACCURACY LOAD VELOCITY 1 2 3 AVG. Black Hills 55 gr. softpoint 2983 1.02 1.13 0.59 0.91 Black Hills 68 gr. match 2654 0.77 1.19 1.29 1.08 Federal 55 gr. Tactical 2887 1.37 1.41 0.93 1.24 Remington 55 gr. fmj 2838 1.06 1.66 1.61 1.44 Winchester 53 gr. match 3004 0.70 1.12 0.85 0.89 Average 1.11 Accuracy results are five-shot groups at 50 yards from benchrest. Velocity is the instrumental average of 10 shots at 15 feet, measured with a PACT Professional chronograph. This sight rail from Rock River incorporates the M16-A2 type rear sight, and still allows for optical sight use.

60 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE pistols will know Rock River Arms for its simply out- Petty found the Rock River M-4 carbine to be accurate, standing competition and carry pistols, but its catalog now reliable and fast handling. also carries a line of AR-15 type rifles and carbines that is complete and varied. Rock River has everything from match rifles suitable for service rifle competition to the full race Have It Your Way jobs with scopes and multiple accessories. The gun we have One of the neat things about these guns is the array of here is the law-enforcement version of its M4 called the LE accessories available. The Aimpoint Comp M2 is the Tactical CAR. There is also a civilian model that does not sight of choice for the military these days and was used have the collapsible stock and bayonet lug. for much of my testing, but the iron sights were used too It is the basic flat-top design we’ve grown used to with a as well as a new Meprolight MEPOR 21 reflex sight that Picatinny rail machined on top of the receiver. The remov- requires no batteries. A fiber optic arrangement provides able “Tac Handle” is standard equipment. It isn’t exactly an aiming dot in daylight and is illuminated by tritium at like the conventional carrying handle on standard models, night. I have also used the new Leupold CQ/T with very but it does have the adjustable rear iron sight and an abbre- satisfying results. Also added was a Surefire Model viated rail. M500AB Tactical Light that replaces the standard hand-

Need to turn darkness into daylight? The SureFire M500AB The novel muzzle break was highly effective. Millennium light is up to the task.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 61 guard. It has a pressure switch that lets you light up the world. A Tactical Rapid Assault Sling from Tactical Ordnance and Equipment Co. completed the package. With it, the rifle carried comfortably across the chest but came up on the target almost instantly.

A Trigger Of Note Testing of the Rock River rifle took place over several months and was really a process of adding one accessory after the other until the complete package was ready. Initial testing was done using iron sights. The very first shot was almost an oops because I’m used to the tonnage, bumps, grinds and creeps typical of most AR triggers, but this one is a beautifully crisp two stage that later 3 was measured at 4 ⁄4 pounds. Shooting this one is a joy. Shooting the rifle just as it came was unremarkable and what one would expect 300 yards away. Putting the dot at 12:00 on of a tactical course of fire that might be with one exception. Rock River has a new the plate resulted in 100-percent hits — called IPSC with a carbine. Fast shots at muzzle brake that is extremely efficient. announced a fraction of a second later by a multiple targets are really attributes of the There is considerably less muzzle flip than is resounding thwack — as long as I did my part shooter rather than the gun, but this equip- seen on a standard rifle. Given the semiauto- and paid attention to the wind. ment is definitely not going to handicap matic function of the rifle, it was not as dra- The next addition was a Surefire the skilled tactician. matic as it might be on an M-16 set to rock M500AB tactical light. This unit replaces My experience with AR-15 and M-16 and roll, but it's good just the same. the standard short handguard of the M4 style rifles goes back to the earliest days. I didn’t The rifle was shot with generic ball and adds a light module with a 2.5-inch lens like either the gun or cartridge very much ammunition from several sources. An early on the right side. There is a pressure switch back then, but the system has evolved and feed failure was traced to one of my old GI easily operated by the fingers of the support has only gotten better. It really is combat magazines, and once it was removed from hand and also a constant-on switch on the proven now. And bullseye rifle shooters the test, reliability has been 100 percent opposite side of the handguard. The back of have fallen in love with it, too. In service with a good variety of hollowpoint and the lamp housing also has a disable switch rifle matches — where it has to shoot out to softpoint ammo. that turns the unit completely off to avoid 600 yards — reports of outstanding accuracy The next step was the addition of the accidental use, which kills batteries fast. It are commonplace. Heavy bullets from 68 to Aimpoint CompML2 (there is also a comes with two lamps, one with 125 lumens 77 grains have turned the .223 into a long- CompM2 that is designed for use with output (one hour battery life) while the other range tack driver, and all manner of gun- nightvision equipment). The Tac Handle offers 225 lumens (20 minutes of life). smith wizardry has changed Vietnam’s “toy” was removed and the Aimpoint mounted Working with a light arrangement such as rifle into something worthy of great respect. directly to the rail. It took only a few this really makes the rifle an anytime rounds to establish a rock solid zero at 50 weapon. Even without the Aimpoint, the $ yards. Most training courses do not engage reflected light from the Surefire provides targets beyond that range so the majority of more than enough illumination to see the our testing was done there or much closer. iron sights for proper alignment. FOR MORE INFORMATION: I’m a longtime fan of Aimpoint sights and The final accessory is a sling. For the M4 Rock River Arms my old AR-15 wears the older CompM these are different, too. We tend to think of [309] 792-5780 sight. One complaint leveled at electronic slings as something for carrying the rifle www.rockriverarms.com sights in general is battery life and the over your shoulder, but the new tactical latest Aimpoint addresses that in heroic slings carry the carbine slung diagonally Aimpoint Inc. fashion. Aimpoint calls it CET, which across your chest. When properly adjusted, [703] 749-2320 stands for circuit efficiency technology. all you have to do is push forward on the www.aimpoint.com CET has a minimum battery life of 1,000 pistol grip and the gun seems to pop right up hours continuous use. A military buddy in good alignment. You can also swing it Sure-Fire LLC reports that this is not an exaggeration and around to ride across your back. There are [800] 828-8809 he has nothing but praise for the sight. several arrangements. I’ve used slings from www.surefire.com Obviously I can’t go 1,000 hours, so I just Bushmaster and Tac-Ord with good results. left it on for a week. No problem. My old TAC-ORD (sling) one would have died three or four times in [208] 288-1450 that period. This is a real advancement. Fast And Efficient www.tac-ord.com I don’t usually have very high accuracy Even though we’re expected to provide expectations for a rifle like this, and the tables of accuracy and velocity — and Bushmaster (sling) Aimpoint is not intended for benchrest they’re here — it’s just as important to [800] 998-SWAT shooting, but it was no trouble to shoot groups shoot a gun like this a lot as it is likely to www.bushmaster.com of an inch or so at 50 yards with a variety of be used in the real world. To me that appropriate ammunition. I’m sure we’d get meant snap shooting drills that empha- Meprolight smaller groups if we put a high-power scope sized rapid target acquisition and place- (exclusively imported by Kimber) on it, but that isn’t how the gun would be used ment of single and double tap rounds very [800] 880-2418 anyhow. Out of curiosity though I popped a precisely at variable ranges from as much www.kimberamerica.com few rounds at a 12-inch diameter steel plate as 50 yards. I also did a modified version

62 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE DEFENSIVE FOLDERS continued from page 23 Camillus excellent Axis lock knives with a Realtree Darrel Ralph is a well-known designer Hardwoods pattern handle for fans of this and custom maker. He has collaborated on popular design. Slyness of ensemble now several folders with Camillus, an old-line, crosses over to your folder. For what it is respected maker. My first one, marked 1 of worth, this pattern does show less wear in 500, is pure Ralph. It features a blade with a hard use. The model 720 with 154CM stain- very slight bevel of an efficient shape. The less Bowie-style blade and Realtree pattern body of the knife is slotted aluminum for handle is a fine outdoorsman’s knife. lightness and firmness of grip. This is a light, handy, easy carrying knife well named as the Kershaw EDC or Every Day Carry. I like it very much. Moving to the Kershaw line, I found a number of interesting, attractive and afford- Spyderco able designs. Many feature the Ken Onion Spyderco offers many varieties of assisted-opening feature mentioned earlier. folders, some of them designed by top My Random Task model is still going strong makers. However, my favorite is designed after years of use, but I understand it is by Massad Ayoob, no stranger to GUNS being replaced in the line. The line changes readers. It is rugged, and tough enough to often in the top end cutlery business, with stand being hammered into a wooden porch T&E ongoing and production changed prac- rail. I have used it more than any other tically overnight. Among my favorites are folder, period. The slightly upswept blade the Blackout and the Whirlwind. The profile is unusual but aids in several defen- Blackout is practically black except for the sive techniques which we will not be leading edge of the blade and the silver naughty enough to discuss. Suffice to say, it makers markings emblazoned on the blade. works and cuts like nobody’s business. I This is a very attractive knife, with more eventually broke the point under heavy use than a little style. One warning — leave the — that is when neighbor Brown admon- supplied edge protector on the knife when ished my technique — but by rights should practicing opening. It is very fast, and care have long since destroyed an ordinary knife! should be taken not to get behind the blade. Another folder which I bonded with is The Whirlwind is more colorful, but for the Peter Herbst. This German designer all intents and purposes these liner lock poured his heart into this one. It is elegant, folders serve the same purpose. The top of something that cannot be planned. Elegance the blade is serrated for easy thumb align- happens. Yet, it is pure Spyderco in the ment and the steel spring liner is very sturdy. details. I like this folder very much. It is Perhaps the most appealing knife in the charming, but efficient and inexpensive Kershaw line is one of the smallest of the Ken enough to be carried by a working man, Onion series. The Scallion 61620 ST is albeit a discerning one. among the best small knives I have used. I Each of these folders performed well in like big knives, but I admit the Scallion han- varying test programs. Naturally, the larger dled every chore encountered in the average knives are more suited for heavy use, while day. The stubby blade is half serrated and the lightest are fine for office use. We could very sharp. When open, the little hump on the not cover every design from each maker, blade serves as a finger guard. When closed, that would be a daunting proposition! I hope it can assist in opening, complimenting the we have covered enough to give you an idea thumb stud. The Scallion has a unique safety of which folder is just right for you. lock which ensures the knife will not open in $ the pocket. This is a high-tech knife with more than a little conversation value. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Benchmade Knife Co. Gerber [800] 800-7427 Gerber’s Applegate Fairbairn knives are www.benchmade.com well known and designed as defensive folders. They work well, incorporating a Camillus Cutlery Co. special safety or interlock which locks the [315] 672-8111 blade both top and bottom. This interlock is www.camillusknives.com applied on the small folder after the blade is open as an added measure of safety. I used Gerber Legendary Blades the big Gerber, the largest folder tested, [503] 639-6161 extensively in a salvage operation for www.gerberblades.com weeks. I would not hesitate to put this combat folder to hard use in any job. The Kershaw Knives Spectre is Gerber’s new entry into the black [800] 325-2891 knife field. It features G10 scale handles and www.kershawknives.com a black phosphate-finished blade. It is of shaving sharpness, handles well, and seems Spyderco durable. Gerber folders have a long standing [800] 525-7770 reputation for quality and durability. www.spyderco.com

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 63 Cocking effort is very modest. An entire afternoon of practice won't strain your mus- The 717 is an easy cles or your budget. loading single shot. By J.I. Galan rue bargains are becoming increasingly hard to find nowa- overall length of 13.5 inches and 2.25-pound heft clearly indicate that days. This is particularly true when it comes to target-grade this is a full-size pistol. Ditto for this pistol’s 9.6-inch rifled steel barrel. air pistols. As most of us pneumo enthusiasts know only In keeping with the 717’s target orientation, the rear sight is fully Ttoo well, the vast majority of world-class 10-meter target adjustable via micrometer-click screws. Up front, there is a sizable pistols carry price tags hefty enough to feed an blade mounted atop a grooved ramp. The sight radius is a suitably average four-member family for nearly a lengthy 12.75 inches. month. Combining a cast alloy grip frame and molded receiver construction, The Model 717 is a full sized adult air pistol. A Real Value It’s not absolutely necessary, however, to mortgage mama and the kids. Thanks to a terrific bargain-priced air pistol produced by Daisy, you can now enjoy the pleasures of 10-meter paper punching with a target-style air pistol. For those of you who associate the name Daisy with youth-grade BB guns, let me point out that this justly famous American company has been producing superb adult-grade pellet guns — both air pistols and air rifles — for several decades. In the realm of air pistols, perhaps one of Daisy’s least recognized bargains is the .177 caliber Power Line Model 717. As a matter of fact, the Daisy 717 can be considered a definite “sleeper” among air pistols in general, given its relative obscurity compared to other air pistols in its class. For openers, the Daisy 717 has the overall styling of a dedicated 10- meter target air pistol. Its DAISY'S OUTSTANDING VALUE THE MODEL717 This great air pistol will develop your shooting skill but won’t break the family budget.

64 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE the Daisy 717 sports a target-style grip with molded-plastic checkered Retracting the bolt handle also allows one pellet to be placed in the panels. The left panel has a generous thumb rest that truly makes this pistol feed track. Closing the bolt then feeds the pellet to the breech and feel like a dedicated 10-meter competition model. readies the gun for firing. Tests quickly revealed just what a sharp performer the Daisy 717 really is. Firing from a pistol rest at 10 meters using Beeman H&N Simple, Reliable One-Stroke Power Match pellets, the 717 printed five-shot groups averaging 5/16 inch The Daisy 717 incorporates a single-pump pneumatic power plant across. While that level of accuracy is not sufficient to win formal that is actuated by a sturdy pump lever located along the left side of 10-meter events against top world-class air pistols, it is nevertheless the gun. This pumping lever pivots up at the front of the receiver tube, adequate for serious practice, especially in the hands of new just below the muzzle, and demands a pumping effort of just under 18 shooters on a tight budget taking their first steps in the world of 10- pounds, something that anyone over the age of 10 can handle. A single meter pistol competition. The chronograph revealed that the muzzle pump compresses enough air to launch a standard .177 caliber lead velocity produced by the sample test hovered around 365 fps. This pellet at a muzzle velocity of approximately 385 fps, according to the figure is slightly lower than the muzzle velocity given in the owner’s manufacturer. Incidentally, one significant advantage of the single- manual and about 5 fps higher than the mv figure shown on the lid pump pneumatic power plant employed in this pistol is its basically of the box. Go figure! recoilless operation — a huge plus in any gun, but particularly helpful At any rate, the mv obtained was quite sufficient for a general- in a target-class pistol. purpose air pistol that will most likely be used for backyard target Although not adjustable, the two-stage trigger of the Model 717 on practice and recreational plinking activities. Mind you, the levels of test for this article averaged a let-off pressure of just under 4 pounds accuracy and power produced by the Model 717 are also adequate and was, in addition, creditably crisp and positive. The wide, serrated for dispatching small rodents at distances of up to 20 feet or so with trigger blade also contributes its fair share to the overall smoothness of a well-placed pellet. Given this pistol’s superb balance and comfort- this trigger system. Because this air pistol is marketed as a general-pur- able muzzle heaviness, most shooters will be pleasantly surprised at pose sporting pistol, the manufacturer has given it a manually operated their increased level of shooting prowess. crossbolt safety located in the forward area of the grip frame, just ahead With its incredibly affordable suggested retail price of $71.95, of the trigger. the Daisy Model 717 is a huge bargain in these days of rapidly shrinking dollar values. $ Simple To Use Cocking the pistol is accomplished by retracting the bolt handle on the right side of the receiver. In fact, this pistol can be pumped FOR MORE INFORMATION : only after it is cocked. Attempting to pump Daisy Outdoor Products the pistol while the action is uncocked won’t [800] 713-2479 store any pressurized air in the gun. www.daisy.com

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 65 HANDGUNS BY MASSAD AYOOB

AYOOB ON HANDGUNS He cleared it and shot Spites in the shoulder. Spites dropped his revolver before he could Lessons From The Past: fire and fled; Hardin let him go and escaped Three Reasons To Carry Backup in another direction.

o some, notorious Old West gun- filled his holsters with smooth-working .44- When Your Primary Gun is Empty fighter John Wesley Hardin was a caliber pistols.” He would never be found At the edge of the Kansas Border and the psychopathic murderer and racist. without a second gun again, at least not for Indian Territory, Hardin bet $20 in what TTo others, Hardin was a genuine reasons of mere comfort. seemed to be an amiable pistol match with a American hero. Whether Hardin was a ter- traveling trader. The latter went first. As rorist or a freedom fighter was a question Hardin took his turn, firing all five shots in that dogged him throughout his lifetime. When You Must Arm a Companion his strong-side .44, his opponent surrepti- Now, almost 150 years after his birth, histo- In Abilene during a tense truce with tiously reloaded. After firing a winning rians continue to debate the issue. Was he a Marshal “Wild Bill” Hickok, who called score, Hardin holstered his empty revolver, murderer and a racist, or a genuine Hardin “Little Arkansaw,” Hardin managed but his opponent accused him of cheating American hero? Even if Hardin wasn’t a to spring longtime sidekick Manning and went for his own reloaded gun. “Wes “good guy,” the good guys and gals can Clements out of jail. Clements had swept out his left-hand revolver and always learn something about gunfight sur- no gun or money, and enemies cocked it in the man’s face,” narrates vival from a man who was involved in so were after him. Nordyke, who tells us that Hardin many shootouts. Few would debate that Wes “Wes gave him money then took only his winnings, “I never killed anyone who didn’t need and one of his guns, disarmed his disgruntled killing” Hardin filled more graves than any leaving ‘Little opponent, and rode off of his contemporaries. Estimates of his body Arkansaw’ a one-gun leaving him unharmed. count range from 27 to almost 50, but fig- man,” Nordyke tells On the night of ures cited by most researchers are either 40 us. Later that night, August 19, 1895, or 41. Hardin’s hotel Hardin was shot in the Practice! Hardin constantly practiced room was invaded back of the head and live-fire when he could, and dry-fire when by a knife- killed by Constable he couldn’t. Compete and hone your skills! wielding John Selman at the Hardin biographer Lewis Nordyke implies assassin. Hardin Acme Saloon in El that Hardin did so at every opportunity, needed every Paso. “Two pistols though on an informal basis. Finally, If you round in his gun were found on the need to carry one gun, you’re better off to to kill his rugged body,” wrote Nordyke. carry two. Hardin lived this rule for most of attacker and didn’t It is believed that his life and, according to Nordyke, regretted have time to reload the revolvers Hardin it when he didn’t. Let’s examine his experi- his only remaining was carrying at the end ences in that regard. percussion revolver, were twin double-action so rather than stay and Colt Thunderers in .41 fight, he fled in only his Colt, worn in a leather hol- When the First Gun Fails skivvy shorts. Bluffing ster-vest of his own design. In John Wesley Hardin: Texas Gunman, with his empty gun, he soon Many times in his life — more Nordyke tells of a fight between Hardin and acquired a horse, loaded guns, and than there is room to recount here — a Mexican trail boss on the Newton Prairie trousers and continued his escape from he’d had reason to be glad of having two in Kansas. “For the sake of comfort, Wes Abilene. Had Hardin not had a second guns on his person, and reason to be sorry was carrying only one pistol,” says Nordyke, revolver after lending the first to his best when he didn’t. It was a lesson he carried when his adversary rode at him armed and friend, he might have been stabbed to death to the final moment of his life. waving a revolver. “Wes spurred his horse in his bed by the assassin. His death teaches us another lesson, one into zigzagging movement. The Mexican taught just as emphatically by Hickok on his fired and missed. Wes swept out his pistol. last day. “When you know you are feared The firing mechanism failed and he realized When A Second Gun is More and hated and there are people who want to he had no weapon. By some strange coinci- Accessible kill you, don’t be in a barroom with your dence, the Mexican’s gun also failed. The I can’t condone Hardin shooting a back to the door!” But that’s a topic two men fell off their horses and charged lawman, but the way he defeated a state for another time. $ together like two infuriated bulls.” policeman named Spites in Hemphill, Texas, During the subsequent fistfight, Hardin is a learning point for cops and law-abiding was shot at twice by his opponent’s men and armed citizens. Spites was about to arrest was unable to defend himself until his own Hardin and was already drawing his gun; REFERENCES party rode up and took the others at gun- even Hardin wasn’t fast enough to outdraw a Nordyke, Lewis point. When the fisticuffs ended in a draw, fast man when starting this far behind the John Wesley Hardin: Texas Gunman and the parties separated without bloodshed, curve with his cap n’ ball Colt .44. But Castle Books, 1957 Nordyke writes that immediately thereafter apparently, Hardin already had his left hand Edison, NJ “Wes buckled on his two-gun trappings and on his backup gun, a derringer, in a pocket.

66 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE The Hunter's Guide To Ballistics:

Practical Advice on how to Choose Guns and Loads, and Use Them Efficiently

By Wayne van Zwoll, The Lyons Press, Guilford, CT. 2001 ISBN# 1-58574-575-5, 280 pages, well illustrated, $29.95 By David Fortier

still remember having the chance to gets into propellants and projectiles, both yes- While a target shooter is merely inter- study ballistics while a teenager in terday’s and today’s. With the foundation thus ested in putting a bullet into a specific spot, high school. Being an avid shooter, I laid, he then starts to get into the nitty gritty. the hunter’s needs are much more thought it was going to be a great Making hits at long range takes more than demanding. He must do more than simply Iopportunity to learn some useful infor- simply aligning one’s crosshairs and place his shot well. He also needs to hit his mation and improve my long-range shooting squeezing the trigger. There are a host of quarry with a projectile that offers the skills. However, only a few minutes into the small, seemingly insignificant, factors to take optimum amount of penetration and expan- first class I realized my mistake. Instead of a into account before your finger ever goes sion. Plus it needs to come from a cartridge friendly course on shooting I had stumbled into the trigger guard. The distance to your with enough thump to get the job done. So into the math class from hell! there are chapters covering car- Looking back today I can laugh tridge selection and knockdown about it, but I’m sure some of you power. In addition, there are out there know what I mean. chapters covering different For hunters looking to improve groups of cartridges such as small their knowledge of and ability bores, large bores, the magnums, with firearms, Wayne van Zwoll and an entire chapter devoted to has written a useful work that will just the .30-’06. Throughout these take the pain out of the learning pages, van Zwoll covers every- process. The Hunter’s Guide To thing from Lazzeroni’s latest Ballistics is a truly useful work to scorchers to older well-proven those going afield in search of big performers like my old favorite game. Written in a simple and easy — the .303 British. to understand manner, this volume In addition to rifles, van Zwoll will be of interest to both the also covers, though to a limited novice and seasoned rifleman extent, hunting big game with alike. In 280 pages van Zwoll shotguns. He makes clear the takes you from pre-gunpowder importance of patterning buck- days to the present and shows that shot and its extremely short range you don’t need a degree in physics on deer-sized game. In two sepa- to predict how a bullet will behave rate chapters he covers shotgun in flight. slugs, which includes Fosters, I’ve always felt the best place Brennekes, and sabot-type slugs. to start is the beginning, and that’s All in all, this is a very well exactly what van Zwoll does. done and useful reference work Going back to the age before gun- for the serious hunter. The powder, he takes the reader from information is well written, the bow to the earliest crude there are plenty of charts, a firearms. Then step by step useful glossary, and comprehen- through the major developmental sive ballistic tables. The piece is stages of firearms from well illustrated with, for the matchlock, wheellock, flintlock, most part, well done photog- percussion, and finally to breach- raphy that goes along nicely loading weapons. As a large proportion of target and wind of course come to mind, but with the text. If I was going to nit-pick, all hunters use either bolt action or lever action there’s much more. A change in temperature I could say is that I found some very minor rifles, their development, primarily that of of 20 or more degrees can have a noticeable errors in some of van Zwoll’s historical the Winchester lever guns and the Mauser effect on your point-of-impact. What about information. But they in no way detract 98, is covered. shooting at steep angles, such as up or down from this well done work. The hunter, or Next van Zwoll covers ammunition. He hill? How much should you lead a moving anyone simply interested in knowing a first explains the often confusing manner in target (such as that caribou that decides not to little more about how bullets behave, will which rifle cartridges are named (what’s the stand still)? What about mirage? Van Zwoll find this book a worthwhile 70 in .45-70 for? The ’06 in .30-’06? Or the does a good job of covering all the points rel- addition to any library. $ 57 in 7.92x57?). Then, chapter by chapter, he ative to a hunter’s needs.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 67 You Can Win This S&W Performance Center

ccurate and exotic may be the best description of this Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 945. Carefully crafted from stainless-steel with select blued carbon steel accents, the Model 945 is designed to perform to a higher standard. The slide and frame Arails are extremely long, very carefully fitted and exhibit a beautiful, glass-like smoothness. The barrel is of the finest quality, perfectly fitted and makes use of the novel Briley rotating bushing for accuracy that will last for thousands upon thousands of rounds. Of course the front and back straps of the frame are crisply checkered, but the most exotic feature to be seen at first glance are the dragon scale slide serrations fore and aft. The 945 draws upon the very best of S&W’s decades of design experience, but also bows to the popularity of the single action 1911 design. The trigger is light and crisp to make the most of the pistol’s intrinsic accuracy. The grip safety is a well contoured beavertail for shooting comfort and the thumb safety is on the frame — right where an experienced shooter prefers. Adjustable target sights will permit you to easily zero your Model 945 for your pre- ferred load. Complete with two eight-round magazines and a locking hard case, the M945 comes out of the box ready to be the best shooting pistol on the firing line. After that, it’s up to you. To see more exquisite designs from the S&W Performance Center, log onto the Website: www.smith-wesson.com or call [800] 331-0852

68 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE TO ENTER CONTEST: Use A postcard (no Name envelopes, please) and follow sample. Send to GUNS Address Magazine, GOM MAY 2002, P.O. BOX 639033, San Diego, CA 92163-9033. Entries must be received before JUNE 1, 2002. City, State, Zip Limit one entry per household. CIRCLE ANSWERS TO QUESTION OF THE MONTH: QUESTION OF THE MONTH: (A) (B) (C) (D) My Annual Household Income Is: IF I WIN, SHIP MY GUN THROUGH: (A) Under $30,000 FFL Dealer Address (B) $31,000 to $40,000 (C) $41,000 to $50,000 City, State, Zip (D) Over $50,000 Phone # ( ) Store Hours: ______a.m. thru ______p.m.

QUESTION FOR INFORMATION ONLY; ANSWERS HAVE NO BEARING ON YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. WINNERS CHOSEN BY RANDOM DRAWING. To protect the privacy and security of winners, their names will NOT be made public. Contest void where prohibited by law. Winners must undergo a background check and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Employees and agents of Publishers’ Development Corp. not elegible. No purchase necessary. Winners will be notified by CERTIFIED MAIL on official letterhead.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 69 CUTTING EDGE continued from page 48 7 (Raven Combat Knife, 7 inches) sports a tanto style blade for those who may like to take a meaner dog to the fight. All Simonich knives can be ordered to fit the budget and appetite — from a box lunch brawler to a seven-course stunner. Kydex or ballistic nylon sheaths are standard, but Rob can deliver a leather sheath on request.

A Mettle For Metal Simonich is one of a handful of custom knifemakers that are using new and exciting metals in the fabrication of their knives. His favorite blade material is not steel at all but an alloy called “Talonite,”: a new, space-age metal that contains cobalt instead of iron in its make-up. According to sources familiar with Talonite and a similar alloy, Stellite, these new metals are totally resistant to rust and will retain their surface qualities over hundreds of years of exposure to corrosive elements such as salt water. They are also said to have edge holding capabilities many times greater than even the best stainless steels on the market today. Rob is said to be the first custom knifemaker to use Talonite, and noted U.S. cutlery manufacturer Camillus Cutlery has taken the lead in this technology by collabo- rating with Simonich on a fixed-blade hunting knife design. Aptly dubbed the Talon, Camillus offers the knife in two sizes. These amazing cutting edge alloys are not cheap — adding in most instances $100 to the price of a knife — but they do have extraordinary properties and can be expected to become more affordable in the future. Simonich is also experimenting with combining Talonite with Titanium through a process called “diffusion bonding” to create a light-weight, non-magnetic, near corrosion-proof metal laminate. Those on a budget need not fear. Rob is just as comfortable working with more mod- erately priced steels. His base Pikuni model with D-2 steel and G-10 ( a tough, fiberglass composite) handles sells for a very reasonable $200. Prices will vary upward from there depending on choice of metal and handle materials. The bottom line? Rob Simonich makes sturdy, well-designed knives that are broad in their utility and strong on looks. These are the traits that have created a demand for Simonich’s knives, and his penchant for experimentation with future edge metal alloys and advanced bonding techniques just may add fuel to an already well-lit fire. For more information, contact the knifemaker at the address below. $

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Simonich Custom Knives [406] 933-9151 email: [email protected] www.simonichknives.com

GUNS MAGAZINE

PHILIDELPHIA PISTOL continued from page 39

steel. After studying traditional 18th-century metal-finishing techniques, Brooks developed this approach: “Temperatures used in fire blueing are much higher than traditional temper blueing, and, of course, no chemicals are used. To prepare for fire blueing, the bores are packed with charcoal so barrel interiors stay scale-free. In a long fire trench, I heat the barrels in a burned-down (oxygen- starved) fire for about a half hour and polish them with a burning board. The charcoal on the board abrades the scale as the exterior surface colors change from brightly polished to dull grey at about 1,300 degrees. After carefully extracting the barrels from the fire trench, I cool them naturally in the air. Following a rubdown with linseed oil, an authentic fire blue finish remains on the barrel.” The highly figured curly maple stocks turned a golden-honey color after Brooks stained the bare wood with diluted nitric acid. Violin varnish tinted with red dye and diligent application of the French polishing technique brought the maple stocks to a deep red sheen, contrasting with the fire blued barrels and silver mounts. Flawless basket weave checkering on the grip follows the patterns that Messrs. Kunz and Grubb selected for their finest pistols. Rosewood ramrods slip snugly into the engraved silver thimbles. For the double- ended ramrods, one end is threaded for cleaning attachments and the other end shaped concave for loading a patched round lead ball over 30 grains of FFFg powder.

First Firing Will Await The New Owner Frizzens on both pistols show the scrapes of flint on steel, as both have been sparked, but not fired. Bespeaking elegance and decoration, this pair of Philadelphia pistols is both authentic and functional. Were it possible, a time traveler returning to Philadelphia circa 1815 with these pistols could hold high his head in any well- armed company. After a respite of almost two centuries, the slim and elegant Philadelphia pistols, true to their predeces- CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT BADGE sors, recapture the artistry and precision of EXERCISE YOUR 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS! the golden-age of flintlocks. Information on these Philadelphia pistols You’re licensed to carry a firearm for personal protection. and other authentic flintlock firearms is You’re a responsible citizen who refuses to be a victim. available from Jack Brooks, 800 W. Oxford, You live in an increasingly violent world and you are pre- Englewood, Colorado 80110. For readers pared to defend yourself, your home, your business and interested in learning the techniques and tips your loved ones. You deserve to own the Concealed of fine flintlock gunmaking, Brooks also Weapons Permit badge. Crafted from heavy gold plate teaches seminars for beginners and experts. with red, white and blue enamel, this stunning badge Telephone him at [303] 789-4029 for details. sends a serious messsage. Just $29.95 + $4 postage and insurance. Calif. residents, add sales tax. $ http://www.bairdco.com THE L.L. BAIRD COMPANY, Dept. G502, 1270 West Markham, Perris, CA 92571 24 Hour Hotline Order by phone 909-943-4180, Fax 909-943-8491 909-943-6769

72 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE ACCURACY INT'L continued from page 45 1913: First production automobile is partially covered with shallow fluting to 1969: Man walks on the moon allow space for any debris — ice, mud or dirt — to accumulate without binding or 2002: SOG introduces first BG-42 jamming the bolt in the action. A relief groove cut in the back of the barrel allows production knife under $100. the bolt to close even with crud sandwiched between the bolt face and the barrel. Another departure from the norm is the bolt locking lugs. Three locking lugs that protrude a mere 1/16 inch from the bolt body appear diminutive to those accustomed to the larger, two lug Mauser style. Cooper, by applying modern metallurgy and engineering, was able to design a shallow lugged, streamlined bolt without sacrificing strength. The extractor is large and sturdy, and the bolt features a plunger ejector. The The X-42 AutoClip has an exotic, three position safety is positioned on the bolt BG-42 steel blade, dual thumb stud, shroud and worked crisply and positively Zytel handle, and the only adjustable tension, throughout the test. locking pocket clip in the world. Mini X-42 AC: $59.95 Full-size X-42 AC: $69.95 The Barrel — Heart Of The Rifle Available with straight or serrated blades Barrels are interchangeable at the unit and Titanium Nitride finishes. armorer level. Tolerences of the reciever and barrel are held so closely that no intricate lathe work requiring a true gunsmith is necessary as is the case with most sniper rifles. Replacement barrels come from the factory fully headspaced and ready to install. In barrel maker terminology, the AI has 6521 212th ST. SW Lynnwood, WA 98036 a Palma-style barrel. For comparison, the 1-888-SOG-BEST www.sogknives.com barrel of the U.S. Army’s M24 sniper rifle measures 1.2-inches in diameter near the action with a straight taper to .93 inch at the muzzle. The barrel on our test sample AW police model (AWP) measures 1.2- Quality Firearm Accessories inches near the action, then the diameter Send $2.00 for your Color Catalog. quickly reduces to 1.0-inch. The remaining SHOP ONLINE: AJAXGRIPS.com AJAXSHOOTERSUPPLY.com GRIPS ANDCLIPS.COM barrel has little taper, with the muzzle diameter at .9 inch, giving the AI a much COLUMBIA FOBUS KNIFE lighter barrel weight. RIVER & TOOL I consulted with Mike Rock, a PhD met- allurgist and owner of Rock Creek Barrels, SHOTGUN ACCESSORIES as to how barrel taper and weight affect accuracy. Rock explained that when using a Palma taper as on the AI, the barrel weight can be reduced without sacrificing accuracy. Rock put it like this: “I can take a 1.2 inch LASERGRIPS™ untapered barrel that shoots knots and GUN CARE HANDGUN MAGAZINES reduce the diameter with a Palma taper PRODUCTS down to a half inch at the muzzle and that barrel will still shoot! I take that same barrel HOGUE® and reduce the diameter with a straight taper GRIPS • MAGAZINES • FLASHLIGHTS • KNIVES • NIGHTVISION • SEAL TEAM WATCHES to a half inch at the muzzle and the barrel RADIOS • SIGHTS • SAFETY DEVICES • PARTS • CLEANING EQUIPMENT may or may not shoot tight groups.” HEARING PROTECTION AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Our test rifle came equipped with a 24 AJAX • P.O. BOX 560129 • DALLAS, TEXAS 75356 • 800-527-7537 • FAX 214-630-4942 inch stainless barrel manufactured in AI’s American facility, featuring a 5R rifling profile and 1:12 twist. The term 5R rifling means the barrel has five lands and grooves with the leading angle of the lands cut at a Symbol of honest, competent, 110-degree angle. This Russian design, quality workmanship hence the “R,” causes less bullet deforma- tion as the projectile is swaged into the "LOOK FOR IT!" rifling. The barrel is finished with a non- Member list $2.00 glare teflon coating and features a recessed 1449 Blue Crest Ln. target crown at the muzzle.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 73 IRKPATRIC K LEATHER COMPANY K Dedicated Bipod In theory, to engage a target at 700 Manufacturing Quality Leather Since 1968 yards, the shooter dials the turret to seven, The AI bipod is of the highest quality adjusts for wind, and fires. In a perfect “Marshall” and mounts via a quick detachable fitting, world, the round hits the target. In the real $340.00 integral with the forend. This system has 5 world, the sniper must compensate for all plus $8.00s&h degrees of left and right cant built into the the effects of temperature, elevation and mount, resulting in enough movement so angle that Murphy’s Law throws his way. that the rifle can be supported in a level This is why in between the numbers on the firing position on uneven surfaces. I feel BDC, the M3 has 1 MOA click adjust- that a tension adjustment firming up the ments that allow the shooter to set the left/right cant would increase stability of the scope quickly for any range or environ- rifle when firing. The bipod itself has a ten- mental condition. Windage is accom- NOW ON THE sion-adjustable ball joint, which allows plished through 1/2 MOA adjustments on INTERNET tracking of moving targets without move- the right turret. ment of the bipod feet. Complete weight of the AW system The legs of the bipod are spring loaded without bipod is listed at 14.3 pounds. and positively lock into each height adjust- With bipod, optics and magazine, our 3 ment notch. The skid-type feet of the bipod system tips the scale at 15 ⁄4 pounds, not out “Santa Fe” worked well on the various surfaces we fired of line when compared to other sniper $245.00 on, although they would play hell on a paint rifles on the market. plus $8.00s&h job for those who like to shoot over the hood Options are available in abundance for of their truck. The AI bipod retails for $300. the AW. Special barrel lengths, backup iron A mounting point for the Harris bipod is also sights and a muzzle brake are some of the For catalog present on the stock. more common choices. A caveat is that send $5.00 to: P.O. Box 677GM All those who fired the AWP commented most options must be ordered with the ini- Laredo, Tx 78042 or call us at 1(800) 451-9394 on the smooth operation of the bolt. The tial purchase of the rifle, as factory modifi- three lug design makes it necessary to move cations are needed for the components to www.KIRKPATRICKLEATHER.com the bolt handle a mere 60 degrees to unlock interface as a system.

S & K SCOPE MOUNTS • S & K SCOPE MOUNTS • S & K SCOPE MOUNTS the action. Combine this short movement Overall, Accuracy International builds Home of the Insta-Mounts (for Military Types) with the feeling that the bolt wants to move one of the finest sniper rifles in the world. Presents: SKulptured Bases itself through the loading cycle, and you The ease of maintaining the system once in Smooth Kontoured Rings PROJECTIONLESS MOUNTS RING PATENT #5,533,267 have a very fast cycling bolt gun. Apply service has been proven, with the rifles per- slight upward pressure on the closed bolt forming admirably in service around the Send For Brochure: S & K SCOPE MOUNTS handle and, Pop! The bolt is open and has globe. The retail price of the AWP with RD 2 BOX 72E SUGAR GROVE, PA 16350 sprung rearward. Working the bolt through scope base, one magazine, one 20mm and Tel: 800-578-9862 or 814-489-3091 the rest of the loading cycle is effortless. The one 40mm butt spacer is $4,410. When Fax: 814-489-5466 Website: cartridge feeds from the magazine with the looking at the price, remember nothing was www.scopemounts.com lightest of resistance, barely noticeable as taken for granted with this rifle. It was Easy Installation TRY THEM! the bolt handle is slid forward during the designed from a clean sheet of paper to be the lightest the strongest WEIGH THEM! feeding cycle. Then as easily as the bolt the most accurate and rugged precision rifle The Best! Guaranteed USE THEM! opens, it cams closed. The process is in the world. A look at the accuracy table remarkably smooth and extremely quick. will show you that this goal has All Steel, Fully Machined, Windage Mounts Two-stage triggers are not the norm on been met. Yup — I'm impressed. American made bolt actions, but Cooper $ was unconcerned with what the other guys were building. The first stage was set at 1 pound. with a generous amount of travel before reaching the second stage at which FOR MORE INFORMATION: another 1 pound of pressure crisply drops Accuracy International the sear. Weight of the first and second North America, Inc stages is adjustable without disassembly of [865] 482-0330 the rifle, via hex screws located to the front www.accuracyinternational.org of the trigger. Leupold & Stevens [503] 526-5195 World Standard Glass www.leupold.com We fit an American glass on this English rifle, choosing the excellent and Black Hills Ammunition well proven Leupold Mark 4 M3 scope in [605] 348-5150 10X with a mil-dot reticle. Leupold www.black-hills.com designed this scope around the needs of the U.S. Army for their M24 Sniper Weapons Federal Cartridge Company System. Wall thickness of the scope tube is [800] 322-2342 60 percent thicker, at .100 inch, than www.federalcartridge.com Leupold’s hunting models. Elevation adjustment is accomplished through a Hornady Mfg. bullet drop compensator (BDC). Less than [308] 382-1390 one revolution of the elevation knob www.hornady.com allows the shooter to adjust from 100 to 1,000 yards. The ranges are printed on the side of the turret.

74 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE FAVORITES Other Favorites continued from page 35 Cold Steel has long been known for supplying excellent quality knives that Lasting Connection come sharp and stay sharp. Three special There is another, perhaps even more Cold Steel knives have been presented to important, reason for placing my name on me by another member of The Shootists. the knives that I value highly. My grandfa- Two of these are the heavy-duty Bowie- ther was killed shortly before my father was style Trailmasters, one with stag handles; born. My father was also killed 9 months the other with the secure-gripping serrated after I was born. This means I have very rubber. These are heavy-duty knives with little connection to the past, and nothing of a great connection to the past. The third any value that belonged to either one of Cold Steel knife is its latest offering, a them. I don’t want this to happen with my custom hunting knife, the Pendleton grandsons, and all of the knives are Hunter. Highly practical, this knife has a engraved with my name and will eventually hard rubber handle, a 3-inch blade, and a belong to them. built-in thumb protector at the base of the The above-mentioned knife that was handle. This knife comes with an equally lost and then found has a most special highly practical and well-thought-out meaning for me as it was a gift from the knife sheath designed by Lynn Thompson man who is most responsible for my being of Cold Steel. It’s obvious that a lot of a writer. That man is J.D. Jones, who thought went into this design. The sheath believed in me and encouraged me when is of a high impact plastic, form fitted to no one else outside of my own family the blade with a locking tab that fits into a would. The knife is an Al Mar folding lock slot on the handle. There is also a snap back which is inscribed “HHI 076 OF 300 strap at the top of the handle. The sheath is JOHN TAFFIN HHI 076.” As an early adjustable for height, and the belt loop is member of Handgun Hunters International, held together by both a safety snap and I began writing for the club paper and Velcro. I should never, never have a became good friends with J.D.. I cherish problem losing this knife! his friendship and the HHI knife. My final sentimental custom knife also came from a very special friend who is a circuit-riding preacher and who happens to A Surprise Gift travel on a Harley-Davidson. The knife One of the great joys of being a gun- from “Preacher” is a Buck Custom Bowie writer is to be able to “discover” great knife that matches the drawing and dimen- craftsmen, and that joy is even more com- sions of what I believe at least to be the plete when that craftsman becomes a close original Bowie knife. If it isn’t, it should friend. Such is the case of gripmaker have been. This knife has a 10-inch blade, Charles Able. Many years ago I sent coffin-style handle, and a very heavy brass Charles an Abilene sixgun that had been hand guard — a perfect example of what a converted to .45 Colt by John Linebaugh, fighting knife should have been in the early to be stocked with ebony. When the 1800s. It is appropriately now inscribed package came back it was heavier than it “JOHN TAFFIN TAFFIN TESTS.” Other should have been, and upon opening it I special knives are also marked with my found a companion hunting knife com- name, as well as “THE SHOOTISTS,” pletely made by Charles Able with a “THE SIXGUNNER” and “CAMPFIRE matching ebony handle and a custom TALES,” all of which are very important to sheath. This is a very sturdy and heavy 4- me. My wish is that someday my grandkids, inch bladed knife with an indentation both great grandkids, and even great-great grand- on the handle and the blade for placing the kids, will look back proudly and say, “That thumb while cutting with it. An excellent was my grandpa!” design, and a knife that will last me forever. Knives — like sixguns, leather, dogs and Perhaps someday one of my grandchildren trucks — are highly personal. We all have will pass it on to one of their grandchildren. our different ideas about what we prefer. Another knife that mates up with a spe- Knives can cost many hundreds of dollars; cial sixgun was presented to me by a fellow even more than a good sixgun. I have no Shootist who knew that I had a custom doubt that custom high-dollar knives are Ruger with stocks crafted from mesquite. well worth the asking price. The value of my Chuck Smith commissioned M. Sanders of sentimental custom knives is not how much Louisiana to fashion a lightweight hunting they are worth dollar wise, but rather who knife with a 3-inch long, very slim handle. they came from and where they will Sanders is obviously a master craftsman and eventually go. has fashioned a special knife for me that can $ be carried on the pants belt with relatively little felt weight. This knife also features a special spot on the handle for placing the thumb when gutting an animal. This also came with a very secure and high-riding sheath, and is another cherished knife that will last for generations.

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 75 New Varmint Rifle Replacement Mag Bodies New Muzzleloading From Marlin For Glock Pistols Propellant Marlin introduces the new Model LaPrade has added replacement maga- From Hodgdon Powder 17VS bolt-action repeating varmint zine bodies to its line of quality after Hodgdon Powder’s new Triple Seven rifle, chambered for Hornaday’s .17 market Glock accessories. These second- sulfur-free muzzleloading propellant elimi- Magnum Rimfire cartridge. The 17VS generation, drop-free mag bodies feature a nates the offensive odor and maintenance delivers an impressive muzzle velocity steel liner and a plastic problems associated with conventional of 2,500 fps. Key features include a body. powders. Cleaning a muzzleloading rifle is seven-shot clip-fed capacity, stain- Accommodates 15 as easy as running a water- less steel receiver and heavy 22-inch and 17-rounds for soaked patch down the barrel, barrel with one-inch scope rings. 9mm Glocks and followed by three or four dry The gray-black laminated Monte 13 and 14 rounds patches. Contact Hodgdon Carlo stock maintains stability in for .40 S&W. Powder, P.O. Box 2932, foul weather and challenging ter- Contact LaPrade, Shawnee Mission, KS rain. Contact Marlin Firearms, P.O. Box 240-A- 66201, telephone: [913] 100 Kenna Dr., P.O. Box 248, 1G, Tazewell, TN 362-9455, FAX: [913] North Haven, CT 06473-0905, 37879, FAX: [423] 362-1307, e-mail: telephone: [203] 239-5621, FAX: 733-2073. [email protected], [203] 234-7991, Website: Website: www.marlinfirearms.com www.hodgdon.com Winchester Snap Caps From Galazan Two-Gun Security Box Galazan introduces Winchester snap .375 Ballistic Tip From Dual-Safe caps in both distinctive gold and nickel From Nosler The Dual-Safe Security Box holds two plate finishes. They are machined from Nosler’s .375 Ballistic Tip is designed handguns and offers instant access even in solid brass stock with soft leaded brass for hunters of elk, bear and other medium total darkness. The push-button dual primers and are available in 12, 16, 20 and to large game who desire a flat shooting locking mechanism activates in 1.5 sec- 28 gauge and .410 bore. The Winchester option. The .375 Ballistic Tip is constructed onds. It is constructed from sturdy and logo and gauge are stamped on each cap. with a tough tapered jacket, a safari green attractive 12- and 14-gauge steel for Contact Carol Torneo at Galazan, P.O. Box polycarbonate tip and has a ballistic coeffi- dependability and long life. Contact Jeff 1692, New Britain, CT 06051-1692, tele- cient of .473 and a sectional density of .264 Fisher at Dual-Safe, Inc., 1670 S, Hanover phone: [800] 225-6581, FAX: [860] 832- to deliver controlled expansion and reliable St., Pottstown, PA 19465, telephone: [610] 8707, e-mail: [email protected]. penetration, even at the lower velocities of 323-1615, FAX: [610] longer ranges. Contact 326-6115, Website: Nosler, 107 SW www.dualsafe.com Columbia, Bend, OR 97709, telephone: [800] 285-3701, FAX: [541] 388-4667, Website: www.nosler.com

Threat Response Rifle From Weatherby Weatherby’s new Threat Response Rifle (TRR) is designed for maximum Mauser Action Rifles walnut stocks with distinctive Monte Carlo comb cheek pieces. The rifles accuracy in life-threatening situations. From Charles Daly The TRR, which is based on K.B.I., Inc. is importing a new line of are chambered in most popular calibers, from .22 Hornet to .458 Win Weatherby’s popular Mark V action, is Charles Daly Mauser action hunting rifles available in three versions: The stan- from Zastava Firearms of Yugoslavia. The Mag. Contact K.B.I., Inc., P.O. Box 6625, Harrisburg, PA 17112, tele- dard model for non-magnum cartridges Field Grade models feature barreled actions (.223 Rem. & .308 Win.) with a 22- in matte blue and matte stainless steel fitted phone: [717] 540-8518, FAX: [717] 540-8567, e-mail: inch barrel; the TRR Magnum with with Butler creek synthetic stocks. Superior 26-inch cold hammer-forged barrel grade and Mini-Mausers feature polished [email protected], Website: www.charlesdaly.com and the TRR Magnum Custom blued barreled actions and select polished with fully-adjustable stock. Contact Weatherby, 3100 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422-2544, telephone: [805] 466-1767, FAX: [805] 466- 2527Website: www.weatherby.com

76 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE CG Millennium Rifle Action and a unique patent-pending bedding From Sinclair International system. Bolt faces available for .308, .223 Sinclair International is the exclusive and PPC case head diameters. Contact importer of the new CG Millennium Rifle Sinclair Inter’al, 2330 Wayne Haven St., Ft. Action, manufactured by H&H Enterprises Wayne, IN 46803, telephone: [260] 493- of Hastings, New Zealand. The four-lug 1858, FAX: [260] 493-2530, e-mail: sup- design is specifically intended for long [email protected], Website: range shooters and 1000-yard benchrest www.sinclairintl.com shooters. The action comes with a two- stage trigger

New Access Folder made of glass-reinforced engineering From Buck Knives thermoplastic for lightweight rugged reli- The new Access lock back folder from ability. Contact Buck Knives, P.O. Box Buck Knives is available in two models, 1267, El Cajon, CA 92022, telephone: one with a 3-inch stainless steel blade and a [800] 326-2825, FAX: [619] 562-1632, e- pocket clip and the other with a blade mail: [email protected], 1 measuring 2 ⁄4 inches. The Access features a Website: www.buckknives.com sweeping hilt design and a contoured handle

New Denali Rifle and .280 calibers. A near duplicate of the Features include: Dave Talley scope From Ed Brown famous M40A2 Marine sniper rifle, the mounts utilizing heavy duty 8-40 screws The lightweight Model 702 Denali rifle Denali’s important features include a fully and an Ed Brown Custom short repeater from Ed Brown is designed for mountain glass bedded McMillan fiberglass sporter action with a steel trigger guard and floor hunting and is most stock with cheek piece, checkering plate. A three-position safety securely locks effective using .270 and recoil pad. the bolt closed. Contact Ed Brown Products, P.O. Box 482, Perry, MO 63462, telephone: [573] 565-3261, FAX: [573] 565-2791, Website: www.edbrown.com

Merkel Stalking Rifle From GSI engraved hunting GSI is importing the new choice scenes. Available calibers are: .243 Win., Merkel lightweight Model K1 of three .270 Win., 7x57R, .308 Win., 30 -06, 7mm single-shot stalking rifle from trigger weights (2.2, Rem. Mag, .300Win. Mag and 9.3x74R. Germany. The K1 features a break- 2.4 and 2.6 lbs.) and an integrated, Contact GSI, Inc., 7661 Commerce Ln., open design utilizing the patented quick detachable one-inch 30mm optic Trussville, AL 35173, telephone: [205] Franz Jager action and a mount. The Standard model has simple 655-8299, FAX: [205] 655-7078, Website: cocking/uncocking slide, which provides a border engraving, the Premium has light www.gsifirearms.com simple and positive safety. There is a Arabesque scroll and the Jagd has fine

New Mauser 98 Stock trigger pull, From Advanced Technology ergonomic forearm Advanced Technology’s new glass- grip, rubber butt pad filled nylon rifle stock has a built-in and sling swivel scope mount, which fits large ring, 7mm studs. Contact Jeana or 8mm Mauser 98s with a standard bolt. Walter at Advanced The stock features a built-in, Weaver- Technology, 102 style scope mount for multiple posi- Fieldview Dr., [859] 873-9877, FAX: [859] 873-6229, tioning of rifle scopes, comfortable Ste.400, Versailles, KY 40383, telephone: Website: www.atigunsstocks.com

WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 77 Classified ads $1.00 per-word insertion. ($.80 per-word insertion for 3 or more) including name, MAY 2002 address and phone number (20 word minimum). Minimum charge $20.00. BOLD WORDS add PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office, city, state and zip code $.65 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to GUNS MAGAZINE CLASSI- NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED FIEDS, 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92108. NOTE: WE NOW ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 1st HAVE DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS IN BOTH GUNS MAGAZINE AND AMERICAN HAND- OF each month. EXAMPLE: Closing for DEC. 2001 issue (on sale NOV. 5th) is SEPT 1st, 2001. GUNNER. ASK FOR OUR NEW RATE CARD. (619) 297-6655. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly. NO

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Concealment Products. Fanny packs, holsters, gun purses. Free catalog. 1-800-944-7717. www.kgproducts.com TEXAS GUNSLINGER A FULL RANGE OF GUN ACCESSORIES, CLIPS, GRIPS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, STRIPPER CLIPS, LASER SIGHTS, MILITARY MANUALS, CHOKE 2” TUBES. WWW.GUNSUPPLYDEPOT.COM Security Products, Inc., Gun Safes. www.factorydirectsafes.com. 800-386-2380. CLIPS, GRIPS, LASERS, HOLSTERS, BOOKS & VIDEOS. Two Great Websites: www.gunaccessories.com & www.booktrail.com. AMMUNITION THE RINGO 100% ONLY American MODEL madeBH225-2 indi- BH225 $229.95 vidually$199.95 hand-crafted made from Each rig is AMMUNITION the finest custom vegetable made, fully tanned lined and leather available Black Hill in Natural Leather Russet, CORBIN fashion their Dark holsters after Chestnut those worn in the late 1800’s and Black Send $3 for color brochure RUDY LOZANO 3” Black Hills Leather 410 West Aurora, Laredo, TX 78041 Tel: 956-712-9434 Fax: 956-712-8330 “Big Suger” SASS #5589, Founder Website: wwwblackhillsleather.com

78 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE LET THE GOVERNMENT PAY for your new or BOOKS INSTRUCTION existing home. Hundreds of programs available. (www.usgovernmentinformation.com). Free www.gunbooksales.com INSTRUCTION recorded message: (707)448-3210. (8JR4) Espionage Unlimited: Your one stop shop for sur- BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES veillance, privacy, new ID and identity, covert weapons, investigations and more! LET THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE your small GLOBAL INVESTIGATION www.espionage-store.com 802-864-0951. business. Grants/loans to $2,200,000.00. CONCEALED WEAPONS License Identification (www.usgovernmentinformation.com). Free Badge. Finest quality, made to order with your recorded message: (707)448-0270. (JR4) 1” License Number; name optional. Catalog with or without CD Rom supplement - Free. Seven Seas, FIREWORKS 824 Symphony Isles Blvd., Dept. 38, Apollo Beach, Learn how to repair guns! Florida 33572. Phone 813-645-2621, Fax 813-641- Home study course. Work with 1721. [email protected]; FIREWORKS CHEMICALS !!! POTASSIUM PER- handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Send http://www.seven-seas-shields.com CHLORATE, POTASSIUM CHLORATE, or call 24 hours a day. Free literature: 800-223-4542 FOR SALE over 1500 specimens for Taxidermy! NITRATES, ALUMINUM, MAGNESIUM, TITANIUM Name ______Age ______POWDERS. COLOR PRODUCERS, 100’s of chem- Address______Phone( ______)______Deer, bear, wolf, cougar, fisher, otter, etc. Also icals, WATERPROOF FUSE, PAPER City/State______Zip ______antlers, horns, bear rugs, moose heads, antler The School of Gunsmithing, Dept. GGF475, PCDI chandeliers, furs, etc. Wholesale Catalog $1.00. TUBING/MAKE ROCKETS, SMOKE GRENADES, 430 Technology Parkway, Norcross, Georgia 30092 North Country Taxidermy, Box 188G, Keene, NY NOISE MAKERS ETC./ HOW-TO BOOKS, 12942. www.northcountrytaxidermy.com VIDEOS, ROCKET MOTOR KITS! LAB ACIDS, www.adirondackreflections.com SOLVENTS, GLASSWARE, “GREAT PRICES” BULK DISCOUNTS. CATALOG $3.00: PYROTEK, P.O. BOX 300, SWEET VALLEY, PA 18656. OPTICS (570)256-3087. WWW.PYROTEK.ORG

FOR SALE INSTRUCTION BLACKIE COLLINS TOTERS- Best quality blue jeans designed to “tote” hand guns. Also has separate knife pocket. www.blackiecollins.com, 1-866-455-1327. Cars from $500! Police impounds and reposses- sions. For listings: 800-319-3323 ext. C587. PI AGENCY US NIGHT VISION - High quality night vision at the GUNS FOR SALE most competitive pricing. Night Vision Goggles, 3” Monoculars, Night Vision Weapon Sights, Camera Adaptable Night Vision. We carry all major brands NEW/USED FIREARMS, IMPERIAL SIZING DIE and manufacturer our own exclusive line. CALL WAX, SEND $1.00 FOR LIST OR SEE WEBSITE FOR YOUR FREE CATALOG 1-800-500-4020. www.jcunard.com. J. CUNARD & COMPANY, P.O. Visit us on the web at www.usnightvision.com. US BOX 755G, NEWARK, OH 43058-0755, EMAIL Night Vision Company, 5122 Bolsa Avenue, Suite [email protected]. 740-345-6646. #103, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. 714-901-2626. Fax 714-899-4485. ANTIQUE/COLLECTIBLE GUNS. “Dispatch” illustrated mail order catalog $5, subscription $35. We buy collections. Consignment, auction, appraisal. POLICE EQUIPMENT Old Town Station Ltd, POB 14040, Lenexa, KS 66285. Jim Supica, President. (913)492-3000. LAW BADGES and patches. Send $2.00 for list or #GPC $8.00 for 12 monthly lists. BPEC Department Non-resident Nevada Concealed Firearm Be A G3000, BOX 7240, Sunnymead, California 92552- Permits. Valid in several states, Check our web- 7240. site for information on permits and machineguns Gun Repair for sale. www.thegunstorelasvegas.com. Visiting REAL ESTATE Las Vegas? Try a machinegun in our indoor Professional range. THE GUN STORE Las Vegas, Nevada 100% Guaranteed! GOVERNMENT LAND now available for claim (702) 454-1110. Fast and Easy (including agricultural). Up to 160 acres/person. (www.usgovernmentinformation.com). Free At Home Video Instruction recorded message: (707) 448-1887. (4JR4) GUNSMITHING Learn to repair and customize Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles and Shotguns. VIDEOS Quality Handgun Porting. Auto Specialist. For Free Information Call! HyperPort. Call (877) EDM-PORT or www.edmport.com for free information packet. 800-797-0867 www.americangunsmith.com AGI American Gunsmithing Institute ENGRAVEENGRAVE INSTRUCTION as a hobby or business SCHOOL GUNSMITHING …it’s never been easier! Request FREE information: 1” 1-800-835-3519 Source #53056 MISCELLANEOUS

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80 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE CAMPFIRE TALES continued from page 82 day he received it, he called me and said, “You’se was right!” and I knew exactly what he meant. As he was shooting his .22, an old VW van with graffiti all over the sides pulled in and as he said: “Two punks got out. I knew they was punks. They looked like punks, they dressed like punks, they acted like punks. They was punks. And they had a young girl with them that should have been home with her mama.” The boys proceeded to set up a target at seven yards and “miss it with every shot.” Pretty soon one of the boys walked over to Jack, looked down at the .454 and said, “Hey Pops, what is that?” “Why son, that is a .454 Casull.” “Say Pops, is that any more powerful than a .45 Automatic?” With that, Jack says he muttered a very quick Lord forgive me for what I’m about to do. “Son, it is a little more powerful. Would you like to shoot it?” “Say Pops, I believe I would.” With that, Jack loaded five rounds of full house .454 factory ammunition and handed him the gun. “Now son, cock the hammer, hold on tight, and squeeeeeeeze the trigger.” The young boy did as he was instructed, fired one round, and got that awful look on his face that so often happens to one who fires his first round from a really big-bore sixgun. “Son, there are four more rounds in the gun. Go ahead and shoot ’em.” “Pops, I don’t believe I will.” “Taffin, I picked up the Casull, fired the next four rounds, and not only put them all in the 10-ring, they was touching each other. Best shootin’ I ever did.” As the young boy went back to his friend, Jack heard the second boy say: “The trouble with you is that’s a man’s gun, and you ain’t no man!” Sometimes things turn out just the way they are supposed to. Jack taught me some very important life lessons: You should never lose your sense of humor. You can always look up even when lying flat on your back. And, above all, he taught me how a man dies with dignity. $ CYLINDER & SLIDE, INC. www.cylinder-slide.com

A True Custom Shop FEATURED PRODUCT C&S specialises in customising Colt, Ruger, Smith & Wesson revolvers, ® Walther, Beretta, Sig, Glock, 1911 and Hi-Power semi-autos to YOUR DUNK-IT specifications. The fast, Cylinder & Slide Web Site easy way The C&S website offers complete information on all custom work, photos to clean and lubricate and specifications on complete guns, a technical information section as your guns. well as all our handguns/products with a secure shopping cart. Cylinder & Slide Catalog 3/4 gal. - $34.95 1 3/4 Gal. - $52.95 (Pictured) Not on-line yet, our fully illustrated catalog is full of technical information 4-gal. size - $99.95 and all the high quality C&S parts and accessories is still available. Order Freight Free in Continental US the C&S catalog for only $4.00 by calling 800-448-1713. P.O. Box 937GA Fremont, NE 68026 -- www.cylinder-slide.com Ph: 402-721-4277 • Fax: 402-721-0263 • ORDER LINE: 1-800-448-1713 WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2002 81 BY JOHN TAFFIN

’ve learned a great deal from readers over the years. Some of you have shared your pet loads with me, which have proven to be excellent. Others of you have Iturned me on to products that I eventually wrote about. And a few of you have even become very special friends. Big Jack was one of these. BIG About 15 years ago, Jack was traveling through Colorado Springs and called Deacon Deason of Bearhug Grips. They met for the first time, and Deac put Jack in touch with me. We talked over the phone several times and I knew immediately this was a man I liked. We quickly became friends, and that summer Jack invited my wife and I to come down to Georgia. We had a won- Jack derful time, but I never forgave him for luring me to the South in July. The weather was unbearable for this boy from the Northwest. After that, Big Jack came West every summer with a load of guns and ammunition for a week of shooting. My phone bills were astronomical during this time. Jack’s wife was dying of cancer and we talked several times a week. Six months later his mother died. When I went to visit him down in Georgia just before Christmas, I should have realized what was going on — but I didn’t. When he picked me up at the airport, I saw that the back of his Bronco was filled with unopened mail. We even picked up mail on the way to his house, and most of that was tossed unopened into the back seat. The lock on the front door of his house was broken, and he hadn’t bothered to fix it. I excused it all with the thought that he had lost both wife and mother this same year. Most of the lights in the house were burnt out, the refrigerator was mostly empty, and the sink and kitchen were full of dirty dishes. Again I excused it with the same reasoning. We went hunting, and I noticed that he could hardly get up the one step into his deer blind. “He’s just tired,” I thought. Three months later he was in the hospital, and now he was dying of cancer. We continued to talk each week. He never lost his sense of humor. A long-awaited custom .41 Magnum had arrived just before he went into the hospital. Jack loved the .41 Magnum, and pity the poor writer who ever said aught against it! “Taffin, I got two worries. First, I will probably never get out of this bed and be able to shoot my new .41. But my greater worry is I will make it out of here and that gun won’t shoot worth a hoot!” Jack died shortly thereafter, and I was honored to be a pallbearer at his funeral. I slipped some loaded .41 ammunition into his suit pocket just before they closed the lid. I wanted him properly prepared for the hereafter. As he was dying, Jack wanted to leave me a sixgun, and he gave me a choice of his “Stroh .41,” his Freedom Arms .454 Casull or his Sadowski-tuned Python. Fred Sadowski is long gone, and I could always get the first two guns. You can bet that Sawdowski Python is among my most prized possessions. One of the last times Jack was able to stand and shoot was when he was all by himself at his beloved Savanna Rifle & Pistol Club. That day he had his K-22 and the .454 Casull that I was finally able to convince him to buy. The continued on page 81

82 MAY 2002 GUNS MAGAZINE