Canadian September/October 2016 Firearms Journal

MARCH/APRIL 2018

Fully Committed On All Fronts Canada’s National Firearms Association

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COLUMNS 46 32 ONE GUN'S STORY SHOT SHOW: 4 The Full Circle Cooey HANDLOADING PRODUCTS ON THE COVER MIKE KELLY THOMAS C. TABOR 2018 SHOT Show 50 38 5 TEAM NFA NANUK FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK The Quiet Eye – MAKING THE CASE SHOT Show & More MATT NEUMANN KEN BAILEY AL VOTH 52 42 6 LEGAL CORNER DOPPLER FOR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Goodbye Amnesty, THE MASSES Accomplishments Leading Hello Grace Period LabRadar Review To The Next Election GUY LAVERGNE DEAN ROXBY SHELDON CLARE 49 8 54 NFA BOOK SHELF MATADOR ARMS’ VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FURY GRIP The Re-Registration Cycle Daisy Air Rifl es And BB Guns WALLY FONG BLAIR HAGEN BILL RANTZ 9 FEATURES POINT BLANK Canadian September/October 2016 Anti-gun Sentiment Firearms Journal Driven By Emotion 14 MARCH/APRIL 2018 CHRIS MCGARRY SHOT SHOW: TRENDS & FORECASTS 10 AL VOTH POLITICS & GUNS 20 Violent Crime, Guns & Gun Owners SHOT SHOW: SPORTING BRUCE GOLD ARMS & AMMUNITION LOWELL STRAUSS 12 PRESERVING OUR 26

FIREARMS HERITAGE SHOT SHOW: BLACK GUNS Fully Committed On All Fronts CAnAdA’s nAtIonAL FIReARMs AssoCIAtIon

PM 40009473 The Gun That Won The West? & HANDGUNS Return undeliverable to: Canadian Firearms Journal, GARY K. KANGAS DEAN ROXBY P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4

MISSION STATEMENT Canada’s National Firearms Association exists to promote, support and protect all safe fi rearms activities, including the right of self defense, fi rearms education for all Canadians, freedom and justice for Canada’s fi rearms community and to advocate for legislative change to ensure the right of all Canadians to own and use fi rearms is protected. The contents of the Canadian Firearms Journal are copyrighted and may be reproduced only when written permission is obtained from the publisher.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 On The Cover 2018 SHOT Show

CFJ writer Lowell Strauss grabbed this photo at the Thundershot booth during the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. As you can tell by the prominent maple leaves, this is a Canadian company (Gryphon Energetics) marketing to the world. They claim their reactive target is the most powerful one available and were showing some impressive results created by a third-party researcher to substantiate their claims. They even make a product that works with rimfi res.

Canadian Firearms Journal

The Of cial Magazine of

Editor Al Voth [email protected] General Manager [email protected] Ginger Fournier 780-439-1394 Accounts/Membership [email protected] General Information [email protected] Legal Inquiries [email protected]

National Executive National President 1-877-818-0393 Sheldon Clare [email protected] EVP, Communications 1-877-818-0393 Blair Hagen [email protected] Treasurer 1-877-818-0393 PM 40009473 Bill Rantz [email protected] Return undeliverable to: Secretary 1-877-818-0393 Canadian Firearms Journal, P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4 Jerrold Lundgard [email protected] PRINTED IN CANADA

4 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 From The Editor’s Desk Al Voth

SHOT Show & More

yself and several other CFJ writ- common on cabs and buses were also In the following pages, you’ll find M ers are back from the 2018 SHOT missing. I didn’t see any bump-fire reports on what’s new and interesting (Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade) stocks on display at the show either, but for Canadian hunters and shooters. But Show in Las Vegas and frantically trying then again, I wasn’t looking for them. these are just first looks, and you can to get our reports to you in time for our What I was looking for was Canadians, expect to see in-depth reviews on many printing deadline. This was the 40th and there was no shortage of them, on of these items in the coming year. The anniversary of the show, and it was as both sides of the booths. By my count, shooting sports are so broad that it’s large and well attended as ever. It re- there were more Canadian booths than difficult to cover all the segments of it, mains the largest trade show of its type ever. And that tells me we have some but we’re giving it a try here. If there is in the world, so it leaves a big footprint great innovators who are making a sig- something in particular you’d like to see on the industry and on the city of Vegas. nificant mark in the firearms industry. I us review, please drop me an e-mail and As expected, segments of social media found Canadian entrepreneurs display- we’ll work at fitting it into the schedule. went crazy about how insensitive it was ing rifle chassis systems, exploding Of course, you’ll find all the usual to have a “gun show” in Las Vegas after targets, game cameras, flashlights, rifle political commentary here, as well. the mass shooting that occurred there actions, camouflage clothing, game- We’ll have much more once the Liberals in October of last year. But these people harvesting equipment, distribution ser- drop their promised firearm legislation never miss an opportunity to dance on vices, triggers, chronographs, precision on us. The fact it keeps getting delayed the graves of victims and they didn’t rifles, gun parts, bullets and more. I also suggests they are nervous about what miss this one. I did notice the show’s encountered more non-Canadian firms it contains. I think they’ve come to real- presence was toned down, in that there than ever, who were looking for ways to ize that Canada’s firearm owners have were no “Welcome SHOT Show At- market their products into Canada. It’s long memories and will hold them to tendees” signs at the airport this year. all encouraging news for gun owners in account for bad legislation. Whenever it And the gun-themed advertisements this country. happens, we’ll keep you informed.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 5 President’s Message Sheldon Clare

Accomplishments Leading To The Next Election irst, I want to thank you very much are perfectly justified in owning firearms consultative-status-with-the-un/ F for responding so generously to our and ammunition for many purposes. If The NFA sponsors Olympic athletes recent request for support. Your donations we weren’t there, the only message that https://nfa.ca/teo-sanchez-and-matthew- and promotion of NFA membership will would be heard is that of the anti-gun hudec-join-team-nfa/ be a big help in allowing us to carry the crusaders. Being proactive there and in The NFA has submitted petitions to parlia- fight for our rights forward. Court cases, Ottawa is serving our cause well. ment on behalf of gun owners lobbying and advocacy all cost time and Some out there believe that it is suf- https://nfa.ca/nfa-submits-petitions-to-par- money – your support makes it all pos- ficient to do the government’s job and liament/ sible. And it’s not just about firearms, we promote the existing firearms control have also provided significant expertise in regime by educating the public about the The NFA challenges mandatory minimum having the federal Explosives Acts modified rules. That is simply the wrong approach. sentences for gun licence infractions and to better serve the rights of firearms own- Our goal is to dismantle the wasteful, wins at the Supreme Court ers who handload and store large quanti- inefficient and ineffective federal firearms https://nfa.ca/nfa-wins-again-at-supreme- ties of ammunition for their personal use. control program. No matter how well court-of-canada/ Second, Mr. Trudeau’s plans for more intentioned, promoting licensing and The NFA intervenes and allows the gun control last December were delayed other gun control nonsense merely serves Supreme Court to deny Quebec access to because you contacted your MPs and told our opponents’ interests and damages the federal gun registry records them no more bad laws. The rural Liberals firearms community. https://nfa.ca/supreme-court-of-canada- are nervous about the prospect of more We are continuing our domestic actions denies-quebecs-demand-for-the-long-gun- gun control affecting their electability in in the courts by helping people through registry-records/ the next election, and you did that. Bar- the tortuous Canadian firearms control The NFA intervenes in firearms cases at ring unforeseen circumstances, the next system, asserting our rights by supporting the Supreme Court level (this time on federal election will be held Oct. 21, 2019. selected court actions, and especially by behalf of airgun owners) That, my friends, is just over a year away, challenging foolish nonsense such as pro- https://nfa.ca/supreme-court-of-canada-rules- during which time we need to get some vincial registration systems. Our Quebec that-air-guns-are-firearms/ work done. What we need to do is to get Challenge is a classic NFA effort to fight involved with local political party Electoral for the rights of Canadians at a macro The NFA sponsors Canada's National District Associations (EDA), and make level. The NFA is doing the heavy lifting Pistol Team sure the candidates, whether incumbent for the Canadian firearms community. As https://nfa.ca/nfa-sponsors-national-pistol- or new and regardless of party affiliation, recorded on our website and presented team/ get the message on gun rights. This is the on our social media, some of our major The NFA offers interpretation of pending main job of every NFA member moving accomplishments over the past 36 months firearms law and analysis of value forward to Election 2019. include: https://nfa.ca/firearms-law-reform-proposals- We cannot be complacent in this effort. Court challenges to the Quebec provincial welcome-but-offer-no-lasting-solutions/ Even those who should be expected to gun registry The NFA advocates on behalf of shooters support firearms rights need to know https://nfa.ca/nfa-appeals-court-decision-on- and gun clubs that the NFA is present in their riding quebec-firearms-registry/ https://nfa.ca/nfa-protects-quebec-range- association. We have high expectations NFA attends U.N. Arms Trade Treaty meet- users-from-excessive-rules/ that the opposition has learned from the ing to report on Canadian government last election that voters from the firearms The NFA represents and speaks on behalf goals community cannot be taken for granted. of gun owners to all political parties https://nfa.ca/canadian-un-official/ We have specific goals and we will not be https://nfa.ca/nfa-strong-at-cpc-convention/ NFA achieves court victory for conditions ignored or pacified. Please keep up the The NFA publishes Canada's premier placed on gun licenses pressure. It makes a huge difference. firearms magazine While the current administration in the https://nfa.ca/the-nfa-achieves-an-important- US has been a net gain for firearms own- court-victory-for-canadian-gun-owners/ https://nfa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ ers on the international front, the UN’s Support for the High River flood inquiry CFJ-MAY-JUNE-2017-DIGITAL.pdf civil disarmament agenda continues. Am- https://nfa.ca/media-release-poll-shows-half- As you can see, we are not sitting idle. munition is increasingly under scrutiny on of-high-river-residents-want-judicial-inquiry/ We are actually doing significant work to the international scene, and our vigilance The NFA achieves Non-Government Or- there is critical. Our efforts at the UN protect and advocate for our rights. Please ganization status with the United Nations encourage others to join the NFA so that are making a difference in educating the https://nfa.ca/nfa-achieves-ecosoc-special- global community that ordinary people they too can be part of the winning team.

6 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Message du Président Sheldon Clare NFA achieves court victory for conditions placed on gun licenses https://nfa.ca/fr/the-nfa-achieves-an-impor- tant-court-victory-for-canadian-gun-owners/ Ce que nous avons accompli Support for the High River flood inquiry https://nfa.ca/fr/media-release-poll-shows- en prévision des prochaines élections half-of-high-river-residents-want-judicial- inquiry/ n premier lieu je tiens à vous re- sur le plan international, l’ONU continu The NFA achieves Non-Government Orga- mercier chaleureusement pour vos quand même son programme de désarme- nization status with the United Nations Econtributions généreuses suite à notre ment civil. Les munitions sont de plus en https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-achieves-ecosoc-special- campagne de financement. Vos dons et plus dans leur mire et notre vigilance à consultative-status-with-the-un/ votre promotion de l’ACAF pour agrandir ce sujet doit être sans faille. Grâce à notre The NFA sponsors Olympic athletes notre Association nous aiderons beaucoup présence devant l’ONU nous réussissons à https://nfa.ca/fr/teo-sanchez-and-matthew- dans la lutte pour continuer de protéger nos démontrer à la communauté internationale hudec-join-team-nfa/ droits. Les poursuites et le lobbying coutent que des gens bien ordinaires sont parfaite- The NFA has submitted petitions to parlia- du temps et de l’argent, grâce à vous ment justifiés de posséder des armes et ment on behalf of gun owners nous pourrons continuer. Et ce n’est pas munitions à des fins légitimes. Si nous https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-submits-petitions-to- seulement en matière d’armes à feu - nous n’étions pas là, le seul message qui y serait parliament/ avons fournis une quantité significative véhiculé c’est celui des militants anti-armes. d’expertises pour réussir à faire modifier Prendre ces initiatives là-bas et à Ottawa The NFA challenges mandatory minimum la Loi sur les explosifs. Ceci a protégé les aident notre cause. sentences for gun licence infractions and tireurs qui rechargent leurs munitions et Ceux qui croient que de faire le travail wins at the Supreme Court qui entreposent une grande quantité de du Gouvernement en faisant la promotion https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-wins-again-at-supreme- munitions pour leur usage personnel. et l’éducation à propos du régime actuel court-of-canada/ Deuxièmement, malgré le fait que M. du contrôle des armes se trompent. Notre The NFA intervenes and allows the Trudeau voulait instaurer de nouvelles objectif est plutôt de démanteler le pro- Supreme Court to deny Quebec access to lois sur le contrôle des armes à feu en gramme Fédéral de contrôle des armes qui federal gun registry records décembre, vous avez réussis à retarder depuis sa création n’a fait preuve que de https://nfa.ca/fr/supreme-court-of-canada- cela en contactant vos députés leur de- gaspillage et d’inefficacité. Peu importe les denies-quebecs-demand-for-the-long-gun- mandant de ne pas nous infliger d’autres bonnes intentions, promouvoir le système registry-records/ mauvaises lois. Les Libéraux des régions de permis et autres imbécilités de contrôle The NFA intervenes in firearms cases at rurales sont nerveux car une augmenta- des armes aide seulement nos adversaires the Supreme Court level (this time on tion du contrôle des armes pourra affecter et fait du mal à notre communauté. behalf of airgun owners) leurs chances de réélection - c’est grâce à Nous continuons nos poursuites devant https://nfa.ca/fr/supreme-court-of-canada- vous ça! Les élections Fédérales devraient les tribunaux Canadiens pour aider les gens rules-that-air-guns-are-firearms/ avoir lieu le 21 octobre 2019 à moins qu’il à se retrouver dans le système tortueux des n’y aient des circonstances imprévues. Ça lois sur le contrôle des armes et pour proté- The NFA sponsors Canada's National mes amis, c’est dans seulement un peu ger nos droits par des poursuites spéci- Pistol Team plus d’un an et nous avons du travail a fiques, en particulier en nous attaquant aux https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-sponsors-national-pistol- faire. Nous devons nous impliquer dans mesures ridicules et insensées telles que les team/ notre comité de circonscription électorale systèmes d’enregistrements Provinciaux. The NFA offers interpretation of pending et nous assurer que le candidat, qu’il soit Notre poursuite contre le Gouvernement firearms law and analysis of value ancien ou nouveau, peu importe de quel du Québec en est un exemple. Elle démon- https://nfa.ca/fr/firearms-law-reform- Parti, comprenne l’enjeu des droits envers tre l’implication de l’ACAF pour protéger proposals-welcome-but-offer-no-lasting- les armes à feu. Ceci est le travail princi- les droits de tous les Canadiens. L’ACAF est solutions/ pal de tous les membres de l’ACAF d’ici à l’association qui fait les plus grands efforts The NFA advocates on behalf of shooters l’élection de 2019. de lobbying pour notre communauté. Les and gun clubs Nous ne pouvons pas nous asseoir sur voici, tels que documentés sur notre site https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-protects-quebec-range- nos lauriers. Même les députés favorables web et présentés sur nos médias sociaux. users-from-excessive-rules/ à notre cause doivent savoir que l’ACAF Les réussites majeures suivantes se sont est bien présente dans leur comité de réalisées depuis les 36 derniers mois: The NFA represents and speaks on behalf circonscription. Nous nous attendons que of gun owners to all political parties https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-strong-at-cpc-convention/ l’opposition ait appris lors de la dernière Court challenges to the Quebec provincial élection que la communauté intéressée gun registry Comme vous pouvez le constater nous par les armes à feu ne peut pas être prise https://nfa.ca/fr/nfa-appeals-court-decision- ne sommes pas oisifs. Nous faisons du pour acquis. Nos buts sont bien précis et ne on-quebec-firearms-registry/ peuvent pas être ignorés. SVP maintenez la travail concret pour promouvoir notre cause NFA attends U.N. Arms Trade Treaty meet- pression - cela fonctionne. et protéger nos droits. SVP encouragez ing to report on Canadian government Quoique l’administration américaine d’autres personnes à joindre nos rangs goals actuelle aide les propriétaires d’armes à feu pour qu’ils puissent eux aussi faire parti de https://nfa.ca/fr/canadian-un-official/ l’équipe gagnante. March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 7 Vice President’s Message Blair Hagen

The Re-Registration Cycle t time of writing, we are still waiting The Progressive Conservative govern- law enforcement agency in Surrey, do A for the threatened Liberal gun con- ment’s Bill C-17 in 1991 created new something about it. trol promises to be imposed. These may classes of restricted and prohibited fire- RCMP brass made a case to Surrey take the form of an increased punitive arms, requiring their registration in order council that scofflaws who had failed to regulatory and enforcement environment for owners to lawfully possess them. The re-register their handguns 20 years ago for firearms owners and businesses, with majority of firearms subject to these new were still in possession of them, and that increased regulation and red tape, or they registration requirements were never they were unlawfully transferring them may be worse. One thing is certain: none registered. Then, in 1995, before these to the criminal element. Never mind the of the Liberal promises on guns will have registration requirements were fully fact that they still had records of these old any effect on real criminals. implemented, another piece of draconian registrations. The more things change, the more they gun control legislation was imposed by This begs the question, when is a reg- stay the same. While the idea of a nation- the Liberal government: the infamous Bill istration not a registration? Apparently al universal firearms registration system, C-68, with its mandatory licensing and when the government says it isn't. Some such as we saw between 2002 and 2012, universal registration. had allowed their firearms licenses to may currently be moribund, Canadians As part of Bill C-68, the federal govern- expire, or had never applied for one. All can learn some sobering lessons from the ment demanded that all previously regis- are made up offences manufactured by fascination with firearms registration and tered restricted and prohibited firearms gun control legislation. Using the sketchy regulation by bureaucrats and politicians. be re-registered concurrently with all information from the old RCMP registra- It seems with the coming of every new non-restricted firearms in the new univer- tion system, door-to-door searches were generation, we must relearn the hard sal firearms registry. This was the firearms affected trying to locate these firearms truths that were learned by previous control bureaucracy's chance not only to and their owners. Naturally, in the ensu- generations of Canadians through the register every rifle and shotgun in Canada, ing 20 years, many had moved or died. sacrifice of rights, freedoms and property. but to also re-register every restricted and But some had not and were faced with The Canadian government has peri- prohibited firearm in a "state-of-the-art" National Weapons Enforcement Sup- odically demanded re-registration of computer database that would clean up port Teams (NWEST) and Emergency handguns in the past, as registries have the previously existing mess. Response Teams (ERT) on their doorsteps always been incomplete, riddled with er- Many Canadians already holding regis- demanding to know where a certain rors and of dubious value. Few Canadians trations did not understand this require- firearm was. Owners were intimidated, understood how they worked and few ment. Why would you need to re-register guns were confiscated, and for what? For understood the requirements for holding a gun that was already registered? That paperwork crimes and sins of omission. a registration for a restricted firearm. wasn't logical. Logic had nothing to do Confusion over the convoluted and of- Not to mention they have always been with it. The politics of gun control did. fensive federal legislative gun control as- laughed at by the criminal element. Many Canadians completely misunder- saults against Canadians. That Canadians Historically, re-registration was to have stood or missed altogether the legisla- who complied with the laws of the day taken place every five years, but was tive demands of government, and those can be so flagrantly scapegoated for the abandoned when no practical way of governments made little effort to make purposes of politicians is unforgivable. doing so was developed and because law plain-language explanations of their Recent decisions by the firearms program enforcement resources were required in demands. prohibiting Ruger 10/22 magazines that far more important areas. Over the years, Public information campaigns were turned thousands of Canadians into many handguns and restricted firearms sparse and limited, and why not? These criminals overnight are unforgivable. have been registered with incorrect infor- were reverse onus laws. The onus was on Rather than an instrument of public mation. Owners moved, died or immi- Canadians to traverse these deliberately safety, the firearms control system is a bi- grated to other countries without inform- torturous and confusing laws, not for zarre, passive aggressive and ideological ing the registry, and many handguns that government and bureaucracy to make it kleptocracy. How can federal law and the became part of estates through the deaths easy for them. Why did government and Criminal Code of Canada be respected of their owners simply disappeared into bureaucracy do this? They knew that with the way it was intended, when it is so the hands of heirs without the required reverse onus, and guilty-until-proven- clear that those legislating and interpret- transfer process. Thousands of guns sim- innocent gun control laws, they had ing law have so little regard for the rights ply disappeared. The old RCMP restricted Canadians hostage to their agendas. and property of Canadians. It can't, and it firearm registry was an unmitigated di- In early 2016, the city of Surrey, BC, was isn't. This situation will not improve when saster that was not used for any practical undergoing a gang violence crisis, so city the Liberal government makes it's move purposes of public safety. leaders demanded that the RCMP, the against guns. That is the real tragedy. 8 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Point Blank Chris McGarry

Anti-gun Sentiment Driven By Emotion

wasn’t completely against private firearms ownership, scary “black guns” (namely the AR-15) have no place in a civilized society. He then went on to explain how such an “assault rifle” can fire 60 rounds per minute. Again, the views of these individuals have been thoroughly shaped by the antigun messages (also known as lies) they receive from mainstream media outlets. But when you ask these folks why they despise civilian firearms ownership, more often than not, they are unable to give constructive, concrete reasons why people should not be allowed to own guns. When people are highly emotional, they have trouble thinking clearly. The vast majority of bad gun control legislation passed in Canada, the US, Australia and the United Kingdom over the past four decades has not been based on scientific facts, but rather the frenzied emotions that have occurred following tragic mass shootings. But the silver lining in all this craziness is the reality that our message is slowly breaking through the liberal Anti-gun protesters madness that has clouded private gather in Connecticut. firearms ownership since the 1970s. Gun ownership is only increasing – es, we run into these folks every fact we must not overlook: outside of dare I say exponentially – in Canada, Y so often. Average, hardworking groups such as the Coalition for Gun just as it is in the US, Australia and Canadians who drink the proverbial Control, many in our society who other nations. Tens of thousands of leftist Kool Aid as it pertains to the evils fear and loathe firearms – especially current firearms owners were once of law-abiding firearms ownership. those in the hands of their fellow law- antis, but something as simple as a trip And it can have the effect of banging abiding Canadians – are not driven by to a shooting range converted them. one’s head against the archetypal any particular agenda, but purely by This means many of those people wall when trying to reason with emotion. suffering from an unfounded emotional them. For decades, these individuals You’ll find this whenever trying to fear of firearms can be cured. For those have been thoroughly brainwashed debate gun rights with a person who who can’t, we needn’t waste further by the mantra emanating from left- has been indoctrinated to believe time and energy on them. leaning governments, the media, firearms in the hands of those other It’s truly sad, but there are those

Hill Hollywood, public education systems than government agents are something people in Canada who believe that a and academia. It would appear that that needs to be abolished. I see it more government control is the answer attempting to talk some sense into regularly at family get-togethers and to all of society’s ills. Perhaps these these antis is a waste of time. parties where I am outnumbered by people should read a history book, Those of us who are on the front lines virtue of my political views regarding more specifically one about the 20th n Press, Jessic n Press,

a of the gun rights movement frequently the benefits of private firearms century’s most ruthless dictators (Hitler, become frustrated with the nonsensical ownership. A few months ago, I had Stalin and Mao) and then accept an rhetoric spouted by anti-gunners – and a conversation with a gentleman who invitation from a firearm-owning friend Americ rightly so. But there is an important stated unequivocally that while he to spend an afternoon at the range.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 9 Politics & Guns Bruce Gold Violent Crime, Guns & Gun Owners

Victims of violent crime are often the same people committing the crimes, or people who associate with them.

ur current firearms law is a explicit when he said, “Canada will be Guns & gangs O strange mix of assumptions and one of the first unarmed countries in Guns are only involved in two per cent intents. The official rational, that it the world,” and “disarming the Cana- of violent crime in Canada (firearms “provides support to law enforce- dian public is part of the new humani- crime statistics are intentionally inflated ment, and promotes firearms safety,” is tarian social agenda.” Let us explore by including crimes where a firearm was pursued with administrative micro- this strange mix of crime fighting and present during the offence and was not management of every aspect of gun social engineering. used in any manner). And only about ownership and use. However, the law’s one per cent of injuries from all that drafters based their work on the thor- The who of violent crime violent crime are due to firearms. These oughly discredited idea that inanimate A century of criminology research has numbers make it clear that firearm vio- objects – in this case guns – control provided a very clear picture of violent lence is rare amongst the general public. human behaviour, and the equally criminals. This small, easily identified Gangs, however, are a different story discredited idea that the average Ca- subgroup of the population has a num- with much higher rates of violence. nadian is so lacking in common sense ber of characteristics: Despite endless efforts to blame crime and self-discipline that they must be • 80 to 90 per cent have previous on society’s imperfections, or on “root closely micromanaged by the authori- convictions; causes,” gangs are primarily economic ties at all times. This anti-gun bias was • An extensive history of violence and organizations. Their main activities clearly stated by Allan Rock, Minister impulsive aggression; are street-level drug sales, dominating of Justice, when he said that he “came • 16 per cent of men and 14 per cent of their economic territory and enforcing to Ottawa with the firm belief that women have gang connections; criminal authority. Not surprisingly, the only people in this country who • 24 per cent of men have serious mental most gang violence is committed against should have guns are police officers health problems; other gang members in business and and soldiers.” Liberal Foreign Affairs • A general prevalence of low turf fights. In Canada, street gangs are ISTOCK Minister Lloyd Axworthy was just as intelligence. also used by more sophisticated crime

1 0 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 organizations as an untraceable way cohol use is also a factor. Binge drinking effectively ends any Firearms Program to project violence and intimidation. on a regular basis led to twice the rate interest in these people, since they are In 2012, 75 per cent of gang homicides of victimization. Clearly, behaviour can now without guns. The actual number involved a firearm. When compared to place people at risk. of firearms owners involved in violent firearms being used in only 21 per cent The takeaway point to all this is that crime is so small it barely amounts to a of non-gang homicides, it becomes clear most violent crime takes place within rounding error. that firearms are the weapon of choice a small subset of the population, and if for gangs. we are serious about addressing it, the Logic & posturing Some street gangs are primarily politi- common-sense approach is to focus our Our twisted gun laws are neither fish cal, pursuing ideological or religious limited resources where the problem is. nor fowl, with an empty promise of goals with criminal activities. This use of safety through administrative micro- organized violence for political ends is a Gun owners & the law management, regulatory churn and common pattern in the third world and Canada’s gun control laws focus relent- an underlying agenda of disarmament is becoming more prominent in Canada lessly on the law-abiding engaged in through a death of a thousand cuts. This due to our mass immigration policy harmless recreational pursuits. The Rube Goldberg machine is a breathtak- being focused on immigrants from third dishonesty of the law stems from the gap ingly inefficient method for addressing world countries. Despite the official between the intent of the authors and violent crime. adoption of the “all cultures are equal” their PR justification. Proponents of the The ban-and-confiscate motive behind nostrum, we find that some cultures in current system often claim that confisca- the law is dysfunctional, since it merely our multicultural mosaic are more prone tion is not happening and is not on the distorts and complicates the law without to gang activity than others. Ethnic gang agenda. This lie rests on the hope that actually accomplishing its aim. In both distribution follows ethnic settlement the public is too slow witted to recognize instances, it is a classic example of politi- patterns. British Columbia had the high- that the prohibited category of firearms cal cowardice and double speak. Even est proportion of Asian members (37 per is intended as a slow-motion method of more unfortunately, it all too clearly cent), Saskatchewan had the highest rep- confiscation affecting half of all hand- reflects the Liberal Party’s approach to resentation of First Nations members (96 guns in Canada. This confiscation – with- governance. We have a government that per cent), and Ontario had the greatest out compensation – will be complete thinks budgets balance themselves and percentage of East Indian members (21 when the last prohibited licence holders then happily predicts billions in deficit per cent). Ontario also reported a high leave the system. At no time has anyone out to 2050. So, reality challenged are our proportion of African-Canadian mem- produced any convincing evidence that betters, that even the culture of Canada bers (36 per cent), as did Quebec (51 these now-prohibited guns were more itself, as defined by four centuries of per cent). A 2004 national police survey dangerous or used more frequently in French, British and Aboriginal interac- found the following distribution: crime. Claiming that they were more tion, is up for grabs. dangerous because they were “more This odd mixture of political coward- Gang composition nationally by ethnicity concealable” is a shaky claim of “might ice, invented realities and PR bubbles Caucasian 18 per cent be, could be,” not evidence of actual use. does not promise well for gun owners or African-Canadian 25 per cent The completely benighted approach of anyone else. The underlying lesson from Asian 12 per cent good guns, bad guns shifts attention all this is that irrespective of what policy First Nations 22 per cent away from actual crime onto inanimate one wants to promote, a firm grounding Latino/Hispanic 6 per cent objects. in reality, not ideology, is the only effec- East Indian 14 per cent Another example of the underlying tive basis for policy. irrationality of the law is the treatment The types of firearms used by gangs of antiques. A firearm made before also varies, from high-quality pistols 1898 might be an antique, requiring no in Vancouver to sawed-off shotguns in licence or registration; but the same gun, Saskatchewan. The number of firearms with identical features, made after that References and amount of ammunition required by date needs both. Where, exactly, is the Profile of an Offender.Correctional criminals is miniscule in relationship crime control in that? Services Canada. Jan 2010 to what is easily available. Guns can be What the system does excel in is ad- sourced through theft, or more com- ministrative churn. For example, records The Nature of Canadian Urban monly through smuggling. As a rule, were laboriously kept on 2,076,840 Gangs and Their Use of Firearms: A they are difficult to trace, as the majority individual licence holders in 2016 Review of the Literature and Police are unregistered. and the Canadian Firearms Program Survey. Department of Justice Victims of violent crime are often the churned out 406,592 licenses to sup- Canada, June 7, 2006 same people committing the crimes, or port the program in the same year. This people who associate with them. The massive paper chase was directed at the Firearms and Violent Crime greatest risk factor for victimization is, law-abiding, with tiny percentages of in Canada, 2012. Adam Cotter, not surprisingly, drug use. Canadian rejections or cancellations. Misconduct, Canadian Centre for Justice studies have established that users of such as court-ordered prohibitions, Statistics cannabis were 6.8 times more likely, and domestic violence, drug offences, or vio- 2016 Commissioner of Firearms users of other drugs were 9.5 times more lent behaviour, when found, generates Report. RCMP, 2017 likely, to become victims of violence. Al- a notice to the police for follow-up and

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 1 1 Preserving Our Firearms Heritage Gary K. Kangas The Gun That Won The West?

Top: C.G. Bonehill, Birmingham, 1850s 13-gauge percussion shotgun; middle: William Watson, London, 1870s, 12-gauge, two-and-a-half-inch cartridge gun; bottom: Contemporary, inexpensive 12-gauge shotgun.

he gun that won the west” has a would require an entire article. large dog-lock patterns of the era, and "T great ring to it. The phrase conjures ranged from .50 to .75 calibre. The Dutch up graphic images of cowboys, First Na- The reality trade guns were of lighter .50 to .60 cali- tions and cavalry having great adven- Historically, if there is a universal bres, but remained heavy with club-like tures and conflicts in black and white, firearm of early and modern Canada, it stocks. The French common musket was and sometimes in Technicolour. How- is a smooth bore, or in modern terms, developed by the 1690s and became the ever, “the gun that won the west” is one a shotgun, that can be employed with firearm of choice for the French colonies of those grand myths concocted for ad- shot or a solid projectile. The association and as a trade item for First Nations. In vertising. After all, the dashing cowboy begins with Samuel De Champlain in the early 1700s, it became the Fusil de with his Colt single-action on his hip 1603 with the introduction to Canada of Chasse, a long, slender, elegant smooth- and a Winchester 1873 in hand is a great the Arquebus, a large, heavy smooth- bore of .50 to .60 calibre, the favoured visual. Movies like Winchester 73 and bore with matchlock ignition and fired gun for hunting and defence for both Colt 45, combined with all the westerns from a support. The early French set- French settlers and First Nations in of the 1940s and ‘50s, promoted this epic tlers used it for hunting and defence. New France. fiction. The reality is, this slogan was The First Nations people were in awe By 1627, the Seigneurial system was dreamed up for a Winchester advertise- of it, but did not rush to adopt the new well established in New France, with ment by Winchester employee Edwind technology as it was not readily adapt- 80 per cent of the population living in Pugsley in 1919. able to their environment. a rural setting governed by this sys- The romantic idea of the Colt single- Through the late 1600s, firearms tech- tem. The Habitants were issued with a action and Winchester 73 winning nology advanced rapidly from match- musket, powder and balls, and in 1669 the west is pure fantasy, because the locks, wheellocks and other ignition King Louis the Fourteenth decreed cowboy imagery of these guns as a devices to the flintlock, which would that all men aged 16 to 60 years must standard cowboy kit is wrong! Cow- reign for 200 years. By the 1630s, French, do mandatory military service in each boys, frontiersmen and First Nations of Dutch and English traders began to parish’s militia. In 1684, Governor De the late 19th century carried such a vast import heavy, large-calibre trade guns Laybarre of New France received 500 assortment of firearms that just the list to the colonies. These guns were of the smoothbore Fusils and 200 smoothbore

1 2 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Two North-West guns and a chief’s grade gun contrasted with two stocks (inset) of the Fusil de Chasse style.

pistols. The militiamen were and First Nations adopted ordered to have and main- the North-West gun as the tain in their homes a Fusil, working gun for gathering powder and ammunition. food and for protection. The The Huron and Algonquin invention of the percussion allies were also armed with cap made priming much Fusils. Approximately 6,000 easier, but flint guns were of these guns were shipped easier to maintain. Flints, to Canada between 1729 and powder and lead were easily 1741. Between 1700 and 1734, obtained from any trader or there were a number of finer frontier settler. As the Ca- guns shipped for the First nadian frontier urbanized, Nations chiefs. percussion caps and fixed In 1670, the Hudson’s ammunition became easier Bay Company was issued to obtain. Still, in the remot- its Royal Charter and the est parts of rural Canada, competition for Canada became intense. The British had raised financing and percussion cap, muzzleloading shotguns The race was on by both the French expanded their military, and the Brown remained the choice until the early part and English to arm everyone in frontier Bess was effectively used by them to of the 20th century. Canada. As the web of Hudson’s Bay conquer North America. After 1763, the As the latter part of the 19th century forts spread throughout Canada and the French were forced to yield Canada and unfolded, the proliferation of the shot- northwest United States, the rivalry be- all the Louisiana territory to the English. gun grew. Various makers, both offshore tween Britain and France became a mili- During this era, the Hudson’s Bay and domestic, made shotguns in every tary quest. The English controlled the Company, in concert with British grade – from bargain-priced single eastern seaboard of the United States, gunmakers, were developing what was shots, to highly prized double barrels. the French controlled what is now On- to emerge as the English trade gun, or From then to this date, every farm, trap- tario and Quebec, plus the Maritimes. what became known as the North-West pers cabin, vacation cabin in the woods, The French also controlled the Louisiana gun. But another trading company, ranch house, hunting camp and even territory, all the way up the Mississippi the Northwest Company of Montreal, some urban homes house a shotgun of Valley to the Great Lakes. In 1754, the was formed in 1784. The Hudson’s Bay some type. French made incursions into the Ohio Company, spurred on by the North- The smoothbore has faithfully served Valley and the conflict for who would west Company, began to import these Canadians for over 400 years. It is used control North America began. inexpensive, no-frills trade guns, and extensively in clay target games, as well From 1754 to 1756, the British and both companies imported thousands of as in the field for upland game bird the French began open warfare on the them. They would become the standard hunting, waterfowling and, with slugs, frontier. The French were well equipped firearm of the Canadian west. for big game. Even for defence of home and were supported by well-armed and Yes, cartridge guns were carried or hunting camp, the smoothbore is well-formed alliances of First Nations. by inhabitants of the west; however, often preferred. There’s no doubt, the The French Fusil proved its mettle. In cartridges were expensive and hard to smoothbore firearm is a pillar in Can- 1756, the British turned the tide and find at the trading posts and forts of the ada’s firearm heritage and an integral the Seven Years War in Europe began. Canadian frontier. European settlers component of our Canadian story.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 1 3 These are Brownell’s branded rifles, aimed at the growing interest in retro military firearms.

1 4 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Trends & Forecasts By Al Voth

he SHOT Show acts as the yearly Smaller consolidation stories include companies don’t see it that way, and T kick-off for everyone involved in one in the firearm maintenance world, are voting with their feet. The latest the firearms industry. But only people with Otis Technology purchasing Shoot- example being Weatherby, which held in that industry are allowed to attend. er’s Choice. Both brands are familiar an event at SHOT to announce they are The public is not invited and the orga- to Canadian shooters and I’m told the leaving California and moving their nizers go to some lengths to ensure the Shooter’s Choice line will continue, but entire operation to Wyoming. And they credentials of everyone there. Consider- expect some tweaking, repackaging are just the latest to make that move. ing the magnitude of the event, that’s a and a new look overall. And for those, Mesa Tactical did it recently, moving major chore. There are lots of statistics like me, who love electrically heated to Nevada, while Apex Tactical figured to explain how big it is; for example, clothing, Heat Factory has purchased Arizona was the place to build their there are 2,000 exhibitors spread along the ThermaCell line of heated gear. In new 50,000-square-foot facility and put 20 kilometres of aisles. However, the this category, they are best known for California and its political oppression in statistic which is the most informative their heated insoles, but you can expect their rear-view mirror. A few years ago, tells us that if you wanted to visit every to see the line expand to gloves, muffs Magpul did it to Colorado when that booth at the show, you’d only have 22 and other items. Company principles state passed some sweeping anti-gun seconds to spend at each one. assured me the quality we’ve come to legislation. They packed up their huge But it’s not necessary to visit every expect from ThermaCell will continue manufacturing and distribution facility, booth to capture the trends that are and even be improved upon. and all the jobs that went with it, and evident at the show. Simply walking At the other end of the consolidation split it between Texas and Wyoming. by them and seeing what’s on display spectrum is the loss of Wholesale Sports The list goes on. provides a good indication of that. as a major retail and online seller, And why is this important? Because However, to go beyond trends and look especially in western Canada. Manage- it can happen here. Canada is in the at forecasts requires talking to people in ment decided to get out of the hunting/ process of building a great firearms- the industry, and getting them to open fishing/shooting business and did an related industry, but government can up about what’s going on and what they orderly shutdown in December. So, the effectively ham-string it with oppres- see in the future. buyers from that firm weren’t prowling sive legislation. When the burden gets the SHOT Show floor. However, I did to be too much, companies move. And Industry consolidation see the owners of smaller gun shops it seems that governments don’t care, Big companies buying little compa- looking busy and telling me they were because the US model suggests they nies has been a continuing trend for a hoping to fill some of the gap left by the would rather pass ineffective, feel-good number of years. And there’s no sign absence of Wholesale Sports. legislation that kills jobs, rather than it’s letting up. Of course, the biggest tackle real issues. consolidation news this past year was Industry movement Bass Pro’s purchase of Cabela’s. What It’s also worth noting the number of Precision rifles effect that will have on Cabela’s Canada firearm industries in the US which have I’ve been around long enough to see a remains to be seen. But sources tell recently relocated in response to the number of shooting sports come and go, me we’ll start by seeing some Bass Pro changing political climate in their home and the current growth sport seems to house brands, like Red Head, showing states. We Canadians tend to think of be the action-oriented version of preci- up in Cabela’s stores. all of the US as being gun-friendly, but sion rifle shooting. It’s a great sport

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 1 5 Remington’s 700 PCR rifle addresses the growing interest in practical precision rifle shooting.

which has real potential for improv- and a chassis system with lots of rail or from manufacturers as this one. ing a shooter’s practical rifle skills. My M-Lok attachment points. These are far Remington’s version was introduced fondest wish is to see the sport create a too heavy and cumbersome to be useful at the show and is an excellent example division for practical hunting rifles, in for most hunting applications, but that’s of the breed. Based on the 700 action, order to attract more “everyday” fire- not their role. These are competition it’s called the 700 PCR (Precision Chas- arms owners, and that might happen guns, designed to shoot accurately at sis Rifle). It’s available in 260 Rem, 6.5 yet. But it wasn’t in evidence at SHOT, long distances. In this category, there Creedmoor and 308 Win. The 24-inch where almost every manufacturer was were offerings from Ruger, Remington, barrel has 5R rifling and a sub-MOA displaying some kind of tricked-out, Ritter & Stark, Savage, Christensen guarantee, with a confirmation target bolt-action rifle suitable for this sport. Arms, Kimber, Tikka, Sako, Bergara and in every box. The buttstock and pistol Typically, they feature a detachable more. I don’t recall when a rifle shoot- grip are Magpul, while the detachable magazine, a fully adjustable buttstock ing sport generated as much interest magazine is AI compatible. Canadian

Aimpoint’s training system uses virtual reality goggles and is called GAIM.

1 6 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 retail should hover around $1,500. a number of items with their brand on know that small, personal cameras are it and are now waiting for the money to almost extinct, having been killed off Optics roll in. I hate to rain on anyone’s parade, by the smart phones we now carry. So, As you’d expect, there were a good but I’ll forecast that in a few years most what do the firms that used to sell boat- number of new optical products of these guys won’t be around and the loads of small cameras replace them introduced at the SHOT Show. They people who bought their products will with? Fujifilm seems to have picked included new riflescopes, binoculars, have foggy paperweights. You’ve been riflescopes, as they were displaying a spotting scopes and rangefinders from warned. fairly complete line at SHOT. Go figure. established names like Leupold, Nikon, The trend toward rangefinders with Leica and Vortex. But a noticeable trend longer and better performance con- Training systems was the number of small start-up firms tinues, as well. Leica and Nikon both A positive trend I see continuing is the marketing a new line of optics. On the displayed tiny rangefinders that fit in number of training systems being pro- lower floor, which houses the smaller your pocket and claim to hit 3,000 yards. moted at SHOT. The simplest of these booths, it seemed that every fifth booth I’m not sure why I’d need a rangefinder include devices like the Mantis X, which was a small optical company. A quick with that capability, but I guess it’s is a tiny box that mounts on your gun stop to look at some of these offerings there if you need it. The Nikon offer- and tracks dry firing skills. The most rapidly brings the conclusion that they ing is unique in that it features optical sophisticated are large, commercial are all made off-shore, likely in the image stabilization. And that, I think, installations with movie screens that same factory. is a big deal, as it will make it much you shoot at with special laser-firing Obviously, more than one entrepre- easier to hold the unit steady enough to guns. Many of these products are aimed neur has noticed the success of some range distant targets. I run Nikon cam- at the concealed carry market in the optical companies and is hoping to rep- eras with this feature and it’s a game US, and those that can run simulated licate it with their own line. They con- changer for photography. scenarios would certainly be valuable to tract with an Asian factory to produce And speaking of photography, we all gun owners with the “carry” option.

Nikon is adding optical image stabilization to a laser rangefinder, for 3000-yard performance.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 1 7 With the collapse of the small camera market, Fujifilm has moved into riflescopes.

The Mantis X is a tiny box that mounts on your gun and tracks dry firing skills.

1 8 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 All of these systems are fun three rifles are retros. There’s to use and if you want to drop a 308 Win calibre reproduc- some dollars on one of them, tion of the AR-10, and 5.56mm it’s probably hard to go wrong. reproductions of the M16A1, A standout this year was at the the AR-15 (1960s variation Aimpoint booth, where they complete with green furni- were displaying a virtual real- ture), the XM16E1 and the ity system. It required the typi- XM177E2. Prices run from cal VR headset and a special $1,300 to $1,700 US. rifle. You could run a number of different scenarios (I chose The forecast the hog shooting one) and it Forecasting the future in was a fun game. This was just a terms of the US situation is demo unit, and they wouldn’t fairly easy, as long as Trump talk release date or price, but can hold the White House. claimed they were targeting If so, there won’t be any of the individual consumer. If the hoarding we saw in the they can build this unit so that Obama years. But once the a shooter can use a personal Democrats are back in power, gun and the lead and follow you can expect it to start all through required to down a over again. This suggests that flying duck is accurate, this has the smart Canadian will stock huge potential. If not, it’s just up over the next few years. a fun game, which isn’t a bad The dollar is trending upward thing either. as I write this, so it might be time to consider working Retro towards laying in a prudent The interest in mid-20th centu- stock of ammunition and ry military firearms continues reloading components. When unabated at SHOT. On range these items are available at day, Winchester introduced a decent prices, doing so is new line of period-correct am- never a bad idea for Canadian SHOT Show is the world's munition in 30-06 Sprg, 30 M1, shooters. Doubly so right now, largest annual show 45 ACP and 12 gauge, for those as NAFTA still hasn’t been set- for firearms industry professionals. with correspondingly correct tled and we could face border firearms. Even the packaging disruptions if things go badly has a retro look. Colt is offering in those negotiations. a reproduction of the M16A1, The Canadian situation is a with triangular handguards, little more difficult to fore- three-prong flash hider and US cast, particularly because the Government property mark- Liberals haven’t bestowed their ings. Price is a princely $2,500 latest round of gun control US. legislation on us yet, making There must be something it anyone’s guess as to what to this trend because even will happen in the next few Brownell’s, the gunsmith’s months. But they are saying it best friend, has jumped on will be legislation not regula- the wagon. And they don’t tion, so that means it has to make business mistakes. have three readings in the They held a news conference House of Commons, go to the at SHOT to introduce a line Senate for approval and be of rifles with the Brownell’s signed off by the Governor brand on them. While that’s General. That’s not a fast pro- a first for them, the other cess and it should give us time noteworthy part is that all to react.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 1 9 The Momentum is Franchi’s fi rst rifl e. LOWELL STRAUSS LOWELL

2 0 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 SPORTING ARMS & AMMUNITION BY LOWELL STRAUSS

n Jan. 21, I  ew to Las Vegas for Mauser builds some of the € nest erby magnums, as well as four tradi- O my sixth SHOT Show. Over this ri es in the industry, but sticker shock tional cartridges. Magnum calibres time, I’ve seen many changes to what prevents most of us from owning one. have 26-inch hammer-forged  uted we typically call sporting guns. Some That’s about to change. Priced at $700 barrels (except for 240 Wby Mag) while are now so sleek, modern and synthet- US, Mauser has nicknamed the M 18 all other chamberings use 24-inch bar- ic, they don’t bear much resemblance “The People’s Ri e,” putting Mauser rels. All ri es include a muzzle brake, to the classic wood and steel hunting quality in an affordable package. It’s which adds two inches to the overall € rearms I grew up with. While cele- currently con€ gured in seven calibres: barrel length. The action and barrel are brating it’s 40th anniversary, the SHOT 6.5 Creedmoor, 243 Win, 308 Win, 270 € nished in Cerakote’s Flat Dark Earth, Show still held pleasant surprises. Win, 30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem Mag and which seamlessly matches the brown And at this milestone, it’s refreshing to 300 Win Mag. The € t and € nish are the of the stock’s camou age. MSRP is see the industry embrace new tech- € ne quality you would expect from $1,090 US. nologies, yet honour our hunting and Mauser. It includes a detachable box Barrett, a familiar name in the shooting heritage with the release of a magazine, which mates perfectly with defense industry, has set its sights on few classic € rearms. the action through its synthetic stock. hunters with an ultralight Fieldcraft Now I’ll need to make room in the gun line of ri es. The Fieldcraft is a bolt- CENTREFIRE RIFLES safe for a new Mauser hunting ri e. action ri e with a carbon € bre stock. There is interesting news from Franchi, Walnut stocks are scarce these days, A  uted bolt and slim barrel contour the Italian shotgun maker. The com- so it’s always exciting to see a company shave additional weight from this pany is building its € rst hunting ri e, release a new model sporting a beauti- already light gun. It comes in bar- the Momentum, at a price point that ful wooden stock. Winchester Repeat- rel lengths from 18 to 24 inches, and will turn heads. The Momentum is ing Arms introduced the XPR Sporter weighs from € ve to € ve-and-three- a synthetic-stock bolt-action with a for 2018. It features a Grade 1 walnut quarter pounds, depending on calibre. three-lug  uted bolt (giving it a 60-de- stock with 18 LPI laser-cut checkering Ten different chamberings from 22-250 gree bolt throw), a hammer-forged, on the pistol grip and forend, matte Rem to 30-06 Sprg are available. The free- oating barrel (22- to 24-inches, blued receiver, free- oating barrel and list even includes 6.5x55 Swede, an depending on calibre) and an adjust- MOA trigger system. It is chambered interesting choice! The Fieldcraft is the able trigger. Chamberings include six for one of 12 popular cartridges rang- hardcore mountain hunter’s dream popular cartridges ranging from 243 ing from 243 Win to 325 WSM. A big gun. Loaded with premium features, Win to 300 Win Mag. Unique features game ri e with classic styling at an af- these ri es have an MSRP around include recessed sling swivels and a fordable price, with MSRP at $600 US. $1,800 US. checkered hand recess near the butt The € rst thing you’ll notice about plate for shooting off a bench. The Mo- the Weatherby Vanguard First Lite RIMFIRE RIFLES mentum is available in both threaded big game ri e is its modern € nish. A Let’s start the rim€ re ri e highlights and non-threaded muzzles, and as a Monte Carlo design stock with right- with a beautifully crafted ri e from combo with a Burris Full€ eld II 3-9x40 side palm swell and textured forearm Steyr Arms. The Zephyr II is a rede- scope. It’s backed by a seven-year war- grip are covered in First Lite Fusion signed rim€ re ri e tracing its roots ranty. MSRP is $609 for the ri e and camou age. The ri e is chambered in back to the original Zephyr ri e, which $729 for the ri e/scope combo. eight calibres, four of which are Weath- was produced from 1955 through

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 2 1 1971. A traditional European walnut drivers. So, I was thrilled to hear that of trigger found in Tikka center€ res, stock with € sh-scale-pattern checker- Tikka, a company known for high- a 10-round magazine, stainless-steel ing sets this ri e apart. The Zephyr II quality craftsmanship and accurate bolt, two-position safety and a stock has a distinctive Steyr Mannlicher but- center€ re ri es, designed a rim€ re ri e that can be lengthened with spacers to ter knife bolt handle, tang safety and – the T1x MTR (Multi Task Rim€ re). grow with young shooters. The T1x is detachable € ve-round box magazine, One of its unique features is that the available in 22 LR and 17 HMR. MSRP plus a threaded muzzle. It sports a stock can be interchanged with its big is $499 US. hammer-forged 19.7-inch barrel cham- brother, the T3x center€ re ri e. The Rounding out the rim€ re section is bered in either 17 HMR, 22 LR or 22 action, shape, bedding surfaces and a ri e as far from traditional as you WMR. At only 5.8 pounds, the Zephyr inlay footprint are identical, meaning can get – the Ruger Precision Rim€ re. II should be a great € eld ri e. MSRP is that aftermarket stocks designed for Chambered in 22 LR, the ri e uses a $995 US. the T3x can be used with the T1x MTR. one-piece chassis with a fully adjust- LOWELL STRAUSS LOWELL I love rim€ re ri es, especially tack Other features include the same type able stock to wring top accuracy out

2 2 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 choke tubes. These sweet classics are made for Savage by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company and styled after the original A.H. Fox shotguns. The MSRP of the A Grade shotgun is $4,999 US. Both Remington and Mossberg released detachable-magazine- fed pump-action shotguns this year. I had a chance to shoot the Mossberg on the range and it functioned well. Frankly, I didn’t see any bird-hunting applications where a detachable-magazine- fed shotgun would outperform a tubular magazine. Its sole purpose is for fast reloads, and on a 3-gun course that’s great. So why am I including them in my discussion of sporting guns? Because Rem- ington’s 870 DM Predator, clearly made for hunting, caught my eye as both a deer and varmint- hunting option. And yes, detach- able magazines would be perfect for a target-rich environment, or anytime you need to swap maga- zines to change types of ammu- nition. To avoid detection, the SurShot semi-thumbhole stock, forend and barrel are dipped in Kryptek Highlander camouflage. It includes Trulock predator/tur- key and hog chokes, which should work equally well on coyotes. The 870 DM family of shotguns use either three- or six-round box magazines. MSRP is $799 US. The Browning Citori CXS over- and-under shotgun is a crossover The Mauser M18 is an affordable centerfi re rifl e gun, meaning it is suitable for both priced at $699 US. hunting and clay shooting. Like all Citori shotguns, the € t and € nish on the CXS guns are impeccable. The stock and forearm are gloss- of a rim€ re cartridge. This ri e was SHOTGUNS € nish Grade II American walnut designed as a training gun with simi- SHOT Show’s shotguns lead off with and feature a Schnabel-style forend. lar ergonomics to its big brother, the the rebirth of an American classic, the The gun is chambered for 12-gauge, Ruger Precision Ri e. Given its out- Fox A Grade shotgun. These box-lock three-inch shells and is supplied standing accuracy, this ri e would be side-by-sides have double triggers and with three Invector-Plus Midas a deadly option in a gopher-infested an automatic safety. Fox shotguns fea- Grade choke tubes. An adjustable pasture. The ri e has a Picatinny rail ture checkered, straight-grip, American comb model allows the shooter to for mounting an optic and features a black walnut stocks, splinter forends customize the € t of the stock to his free- oating handguard, surround- and bone and charcoal case-colour or her needs. Choose from three- ing an 18-inch, hammer-forged target € nished receivers. They are chambered barrel lengths of either 28, 30 or barrel. As a bonus, it utilizes detach- in 12 and 20 gauge, with either a 26- 32 inches. MSRP is $2,140 US or able 10/22-style magazines. MSRP is or 28-inch barrel. One nice upgrade models with an adjustable comb for $529 US. from the original is interchangeable $2,540 US.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 2 3 24 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 The new Tikka T1x MTR is chambered in .17 HMR and .22 LR.

AIR GUNS & ACCESSORIES for their hard-hitting, clean- The Umarex Hammer boasts burning shotshells, it’s exciting the title of most powerful pro- to see several new loads for duction airgun on the planet. A 2018. Kent added € ve shotshell .50-calibre air ri e that launch- loads to their Elite clay target es a 550-grain lead slug at 760 line, including Target, Pro Tar- feet per second, it generates a get, Steel Target, Low Recoil/ whopping 705 foot-pounds of Training and Bio-Fiber. On the energy at the muzzle. Using waterfowl side, Kent Bismuth, a lighter 250-grain slug, the a shot with 25 per cent greater velocity exceeds 1,000 feet per density than steel, is now more second. The ri e’s forend ac- affordable and packaged in cepts M-LOK accessories. The 25-round boxes. Kent Bismuth Umarex Hammer is equipped is available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 with an AR Magpul grip, quick- gauge. Kent also released three disconnect Foster € ttings to € ll different dove loads to match the onboard air cylinder, an your hunting conditions. externally visible air pressure For hunting small game, I’ve The Ruger Precision gauge, a button-ri ed 29.5-inch always bought 22 LR ammunition Rimfi re is a modern sporting rifl e chambered .50-calibre barrel and 8.5-inch- with deep hollow points for max- in .22 LR es of Picatinny rail. Three full- imum effect. CCI’s new Mini- power shots are possible from Mag Segmented Hollow Point is its 24-cubic-inch tank. At the a bullet engineered to split into range, the Hammer smacked three equal-size parts on impact, the steel target with author- creating three distinct wound ity. Now if we could only hunt channels that quickly take down big game with these guns in small game and varmints. If you Canada! MSRP is $800 US. prefer the 17 HMR, perhaps the Pre-Charged Pneumatic 17 HMR VNT is more to your lik- (PCP) airguns are fun to shoot, ing. At 2,650 feet per second, this but air-hungry guns like the 17-grain, polymer-tipped bullet Umarex Hammer need to will have devastating terminal be topped up regularly for effects on varmints. optimum performance. Well, This spring, the turkeys are in there’s good news from Cros- trouble if you’re using Federal’s man Corporation: They intro- new Heavyweight Tungsten Su- duced a portable compressor, per Shot turkey loads. Tungsten is the Benjamin Traveler, to € ll so dense that No. 9 shot has the PCP guns within minutes at same penetration as No. 5 lead. home or in the € eld. The com- Payloads with up to 900 pellets pressor can be used to € ll up are so dense a  y would have to a 0.6-litre (36.6 cubic inches) trouble getting through. These air tank to a maximum of 4,500 heavyweight champs are avail- psi. It can be run off any 12-volt able in 12 and 20 gauge, and .410 The Remington 870 car or ATV battery or plugged loads. Cost is from $6 to $10 US DM Predator is one into a home outlet. An in-line per shell, depending on gauge. of several models of € lter prevents dirt or moisture As always, SHOT Show had detachable-magazine shotguns introduced by from entering the air reservoir. so many new and improved Remington this year. MSRP is $649 US. products that I can only scratch the surface in this limited AMMUNITION space. Watch the pages of Kent Cartridge is a familiar the CFJ in coming issues for name to many Canadian wing in-depth coverage of these and clay shooters. Known products and more.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 2 5 2 6 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 BLACK GUNS & HANDGUNS BY DEAN ROXBY

hether you call them black ri es, subsided. Bricks of .22 rim‰ re no longer W tactical guns or modern sport- sell for $100 US, reloading powder is ing ri es (MSR), there is no denying back in stock and AR-15-type ri e sales they are a large segment of annual gun have slumped by around two thirds. sales. And if they are of interest to you, With a huge drop in sales comes a price the 2018 SHOT Show had plenty. It’s drop, as well. Canadians didn’t get easy to see why the AR-15 is referred to caught up in a buying frenzy, but we as “America’s gun.” AR-15 clones were certainly experienced shortages, as US everywhere. With most US ‰ rearms companies tried to ful‰ ll their domestic companies now producing an AR-15 market ‰ rst. Now, with prices dropping variant, a list of who does not make a and items back in stock, US gun busi- version would be shorter. While the nesses are talking about a softer retail patents have long since expired, the market. name AR-15 is trademarked, so each new maker will coin their own name. RIFLES The same situation is also happening Several FRT decisions came down with the AR-15’s older brother, the AR- shortly before SHOT, so I was able 10 design, which is now enjoying a solid to discuss the Canadian market with resurgence. some vendors. I was curious to know if It’s a simple fact: US politics affects manufacturers are now looking to sell Canadian shooters. Currently, the US is into Canada. The feeling I got was that experiencing the “Trump Effect.” Spe- the smaller manufacturers are able to ci‰ cally, during the run up to the No- change direction more easily and have vember 2016 federal election, it seemed noticed the Canadian market. Certainly that Hillary and the Democrats would Kel-Tec and Robinson Armament have surely win. And with that, sweeping been bene‰ ting from us for years. In gun bans would just as certainly follow. fact, Kel-Tec has just received notice The preceding eight years of Democrat that their RDB ri e has been issued presidency led to the highest sales of a non-restricted FRT number by the guns and accessories ever. The gun in- RCMP. Kel-Tec announced the RDB dustry and the gun-buying public were (Ri e, Downward eject, Bullpup) at the preparing for more panic buying. Then, 2016 SHOT Show. In late September one Tuesday evening, it all changed… 2017, the RCMP granted it non-restrict- With a gun-friendly president in the ed status, subject to barrel length. The IWI-USA Tavor TS-12 bullpup 12 gauge. White House, the panic immediately ‰ rst batch will probably be on the

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 2 7 500 Auto Max cartridge from Big Horn Armory, of Wyoming. This is a rimless version of the mighty S&W 500 Magnum round.

2 8 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 shelves about the time this issue reaches you. In October 2017, not long after the Kel-Tec RDB approval, the M+M Industries M10X was also approved as non-restricted. Unfortunately, the initial release of the M10X didn’t go quite as smoothly as hoped, some- thing about three separate import- ers attempting to release the same item. Drama aside, the ri e itself seems well thought out and well constructed. I spoke with M+M president Mike Meier about the Canadian market and model. He said the Canadian version will have an upgraded trig- ger group that is not yet available to US customers. This seemed odd, so I asked why. The simple answer is that the Canadian importer asked for and committed to the upgrade, The RCMP has granted Kel-Tec’s RDB rifl e while no US dealer has done so non-restricted status, yet. Now the American gun-buying subject to barrel public is starting to notice! “Hey, length, and then it why don’t we get that?” The M10X is should be on dealer’s imported by North Sylva, and sold shelves soon. through their dealer network. Also getting a non-restricted FRT late in 2017 was the M17S-C bullpup ri e from K&M Arms. The K&M M17 is currently chambered in 223 Wylde (allows both 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition to be used safely), and a 308 version is awaiting RCMP classi‰ cation. The M17 is imported and sold by I Run Guns. The long-awaited Desert Tech MDR (Micro Dynamic Ri e) is get- ting closer to reality. A representa- tive told me that they have been shipping MDR ri es in the US since August. He also said they have sub- mitted a sample to the RCMP, and await an answer. I saw a new design last year from a new company, Skeli Advanced Firearm Technology. The Skeli X11 is a slick-looking ri e that features a quick-change barrel system. It is still in prototype form. In fact, the demo units they had at SHOT were 3D rapid prototype printed versions. They were actual functioning, ‰ re- able guns with a steel receiver, but the folding stock was 3D printed. AR-10 style rifl e They hope to be in production chambered in 500 within a year. They are very aware of Auto Max, from Big the Canadian market, and have been Horn Armory. in talks regarding us. No names at

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 2 9 FK Brno Field Pistol, and the 7.5mm FK rounds.

Desert Tech has submitted their MDR rifl e to the RCMP, and when approved, will be available in Canada.

3 0 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 this point, though. When I mentioned Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM and the 50 At the Girsan booth, I came across that I am doing a report for CFJ, sales Beowulf rounds appear for the AR-10 the Adler BP-12, and at the Husan director Taylor Melcher said the X11 is platform. Now you can add the 45-70 Arms booth was the MKA 1920. Both available in any colour except black, a Auto and the 500 Auto Max to the list. of these are also 12-gauge bullpups variation on the old Henry Ford line. The 500 Auto Max (it was ‰ rst called from Turkey, yet they seem to all be The X11 is a gas-operated, short-stroke the Auto Mag, since renamed to Max) unrelated. O'Dell Engineering of system. If you know your way around is actually the mighty 500 S&W Mag Ontario is hoping to bring all three of an SKS or an FN-FAL, this will be easy with an extractor groove in place of these to Canada. They have recently to strip and reassemble. the rim. This rimless design allows it to submitted samples to the RCMP. Now IWI-USA released their new Tavor 7 feed from a box magazine. Load data we wait. in 308 Winchester for the SHOT Show. is simply 500 S&W data. It is from Big IWI-USA managed to keep the new It is basically a scaled-up version of Horn Armory of Cody, WY. A similar Tavor TS-12 shotgun a secret up until the 5.56mm NATO Tavor. I tried to round from Phoenix Weaponry is the a few days prior to SHOT. It is also con‰ rm if it has been submitted for an 45-70 Auto. First revealed in December a bullpup design, but does not use FRT yet, but could not by press time. I 2017, this is simply the classic 45-70 a typical detachable box magazine. see no reason it wouldn’t be approved, Govt. with the rim machined off and Instead, it uses three tube magazines though. a groove added. For both of these, built as one unit. Each tube holds ‰ ve Another ri e I have been watching, reloading is done with the parent case rounds for a total of 15, plus one in the the Masterpiece Arms MPAR 556, has reloading dies, but with a 308 Win chamber, for a total max capacity of 16. now been discontinued. It is likely that shell holder. It is still unclear whether the RCMP the MPAR is a victim of the Trump Ef- Unfortunately for Canadians, the will regard this as one 15-round maga- fect mentioned earlier. I asked several AR-15 is a range-only ri e, so these zine, or three ‰ ve-rounders. Either vendors about this speci‰ cally, and high-powered rounds are wasted on way, it is a bit of a bulky thing. got a variety of answers ranging from, paper. Hopefully the creators of these “No effect,” to “It’s brutal.” The vendor rounds offer them as “open source,” HANDGUNS claiming no loss of sales said that US allowing others to chamber ri es to I have to admit I don’t follow the buyers looking for something other the same specs. This would be good handgun market nearly as closely as I than another AR clone will still pay the for the long-term survivability of the do ri es, but one pistol that stood out price for something different. How- design, and good for Canadians that to me is the FK Brno Field Pistol from ever, another manufacturer said that wish to re-barrel a non-restricted ri e the Czech Republic. It is chambered sales of AR-style ri es are off by 60 to for hunting big game. in the all-new 7.5mm FK round. This 70 per cent, and that a starter ri e can bottlenecked round is a real screamer now be bought for $450 US. SHOTGUNS for a pistol cartridge. It pushes a The arms industry in Turkey is growing 95-grain bullet at over 2,000 feet per CARTRIDGES by leaps and bounds. For several years, second. I didn’t get to ‰ re it, but I did Several new ri e cartridges were Turkey has been producing 12-gauge examine it. The gun feels wonder- featured at SHOT 2018. From Federal, shotguns that look very much like an fully smooth when the slide is cycled we have the 224 Valkyrie. The Valkyrie overgrown AR-15. There are several by hand, but quality always comes at case has a larger-diameter body than versions available in Canada already. a price. It will be about $7,000 US, or the 223 Rem., allowing for increased They look more or less the same, with more. It is imported by International powder capacity. It is based on the 6.8 small differences, different names, and Firearms Corp. SPC case, necked down to .22 calibre. presumably different corporate own- Another notable handgun at SHOT Last year, Nosler introduced a similar ership. Now Turkey seems set to intro- 2018 was the return of the 44 Auto round, the 22 Nosler. Both cartridges duce 12-gauge bullpup shotguns. I saw Mag pistol (AMP). The 44 AMP may be push heavier, longer .22-calibre bullets three different Turkish bullpups, and best known as featured in the fourth faster than the standard 223 Reming- there may have been more I missed. Dirty Harry movie, Sudden Impact. The ton round, resulting in much less wind From Derya comes two related mod- original production was from 1971 to drift at long range. els, the Derya N-100 and N-200. The 1982. After being out of production for The AR-15 was once called a “mouse N-100 has a polymer lower, while the 35 years, the Auto Mag pistol is back! gun” due to the small 223 Remington N-200 has an aluminum lower. I did Excel Industries and Auto Mag Ltd. round it was ‰ rst chambered in. No not get a chance to take either apart, are now re-introducing this classic longer is this the situation. A recent so I may be a bit off when I refer to the pistol in very limited numbers. trend is the introduction of large-bore lower receiver. The two versions look a Of course, there was lots more, but cartridges for this platform. In the fair bit different from each other, but I this does give you some of the high- last few years, we have seen the 450 was told the internals are the same. lights.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 1 HANDLOADING PRODUCTS BY THOMAS C. TABOR

any of us who prefer to reload available. The following are a few of setting accuracy, in most cases they are M our own ammunition began these great new additions that I found not generally recommended for hunting doing so based on the promise it particularly noteworthy. purposes. would save us money. But while the Now available for the  rst time as a cost-saving aspect of stuf ng your own BETTER BULLETS handloading component are the famed shells certainly has merit, that is only Berger has been making handload- Trophy Bonded Tip bullets from Federal a small part of the bene ts associated ing bullets for many decades and the Premium. These bullets are of a bonded with handloading. Whether your area of company's new line of hunting-style boat-tail construction and come with a interest lies in casually punching holes bullets have developed a strong follow- solid copper shank and a polymer tip. in paper, bringing down your favourite ing throughout the world. Berger's new They are sold in boxes of 50 bullets and game animal or bird, or participating in Classic Hunter Series was developed in are currently available in two weight competitive shooting events, reloading an effort to merge the desirable traits choices in three calibres: .270 calibre, your own ammunition has the ability inherent within the company’s target 130 and 140 grains; 7mm, 140 and 150 to improve your success, expand your bullet designs with the characteristics grains; and .30 calibre, 165 and 180 shooting enjoyment and reward you in hunters are looking for. In the past, grains. ways that over-the-counter ammunition the Berger Classic Hunter bullets were simply cannot match. available in a few choices ranging from METALLIC RELOADING DIES I personally got into handloading 6mm up to and including .30 calibre, Redding is one of the most progres- nearly  ve decades ago, and before long but that line has now been expanded sive die manufacturers in the business I was reloading nearly all of my am- to include a new 135-grain 6.5mm, a today, and as such they are constantly munition. Over the years, my inventory 140-grain .270 calibre and a 150-grain adding new die sets to their already of equipment increased in an effort to 7mm bullet. Berger has also expanded expansive line. Most recently, they have make my handloading more ef cient their line of Elite Hunter bullets with added the 22 Nosler to their National and the ammunition I produced more three new choices to select from: Match Die Set, joining the 204 Ruger, accurate. And those trends and objec- 140-grain 6.5mm, 175-grain 7mm and 223 Rem., 243 Win., 260 Rem., 7mm/08, tives continue to this day. 180-grain .30 calibre. 308 Win., 30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Each year, the manufacturers of han- Sierra has also added 10 new choices Grendel, 6.8 SPC and 300 BLK. In ad- dloading products and supplies, along to their popular Tipped MatchKing bul- dition, they are offering die sets for with other related shooting  elds, get let line, including: two new .224 diam- the new 33 Nosler cartridge, including together at the annual SHOT Show as eters in 69-grain and 77-grain, one new standard full length, standard neck and a way of showing off those items and 6mm 95-grain, a new 6.5mm 130-grain, deluxe sets. to make sales to retail and wholesale a new 7mm 160-grain and  ve new buyers. I attend that show every year .30 calibres – 125, 155, 168, 175 and 196 METALLIC RELOADING PRESSES in anxious anticipation of seeing what grains. While the MatchKing line of bul- Many handloaders prefer the simplic- new and creative items will be made lets is recognized for their  ne record- ity inherent in a basic single-stage

3 2 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Sierra’s new bullet additions include a diverse collection of calibres, designs and weights.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 3 Now available for the fi rst time, Federal Premium is offering their Trophy Bonded Tip bullets as a handloading component.

Hornady's Case Neck Turn Tool was designed for use on a wide variety of case lengths and comes with mandrels in .22, 6mm, 6.5mm and .308 calibres. More mandrels are available separately.

3 4 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Lyman's new Turret Press holds up to eight dies, either two complete sets of four dies or four two-die sets.

press design and Lyman has several they claim is totally reliable and looks a stand-alone product or is available in new presses to choose from. The Brass dead simple to use. By pushing the a kit that includes virtually everything Smith C-Frame design is offered as an priming arm forward at the bottom of you might need to get started reloading introductory press and has the capabil- the ram, the user will experience a tight, your own ammunition. ity of handloading cartridges up to 3.7 precise and smooth operation. And for inches (94 millimetres) in length. This is added safety, it features a heavy steel CASE PREPARATION a compact press that utilizes a minimal shield surrounding the primer tube. Hornady's new Case Neck Turn Tool amount of bench space. And lastly, Lyman's Brass Smith was designed for use on a wide variety The Brass Smith Victory, which the 8-Station Turret Press comes with a of case lengths and allows the user to company has characterised as being heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret. use a drill to make neck turning faster the "Workhorse for the Reloading The unique feature of being able to and easier, while providing superior Bench," comes in a heavy-duty cast iron hold eight dies, either two complete consistency and surface  nish. An O-style frame with a one-inch-diameter sets of four dies or four two-die sets, is adjustment knob enables the user to ram. These features, coupled with its a unique and convenient characteristic choose detents from .0005-inch adjust- compound linkage, lead Lyman to claim of this press. Its primer feed is also of ment increments, or it can be used it is one of the most rugged and rigid straight-line construction, with primer without the detent feature. With each presses on the market today. It has a tubes for either large or small-size tool, there are four mandrels included large,  ve-inch opening in order to load primers. It can be operated easily by in the popular calibres of .22, 6mm, the largest of the magnum cartridges. either right or left-handed users and 6.5mm and .308. Additional mandrels Unlike many competitive presses, the comes with a durable powder coat are available to purchase separately, Lyman Victory Press features a newly  nish in Lyman's trademark orange which cover a broad spectrum of designed straight-line primer feed that colour. This press is available either as choices from .17 all the way up to and

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 5 including the big .375 calibre. DIE STORAGE charges are thrown outside of that One of the problems associated with If you handload several different range, the consistency of those charges the new era of ultrasonic wet clean- cartridges, storage of your reloading suffers. Redding believes that having a ing of cartridge cases is the fact that dies and ease of access to those dies powder measure designed and engi- the brass must be thoroughly dried can become a problem. Redding has neered to a speci c range of weights before it can be reloaded. Lyman has addressed those concerns in a conve- provides better overall consistency. The addressed those concerns with their nient way with their new storage rack. new Competition PR-50 comes with a new Cyclone Case Dryer. This dryer This is a tiered display design allowing "sweet spot" measuring range of 35 to comes with a capacity for drying up for up to three levels of die storage, 75 grains of most powders. It also comes to 1,000 .223 cases or up to 2,000 9mm each of which can be used to store equipped with a precision ground cases at a single time. A timer is built in multiple dies. An assortment of spac- drum, a honed metering chamber and that can be set for up to three hours of ers is included which allows the dies a unique hemispherical micrometer drying time, and the trays have recessed to be stored upright with no possibil- adjustable plunger, which virtually handles for easy loading and unloading. ity of damage to the decapping rods eliminates powder voids caused when While designed primarily for drying and ensuring all die adjustments are using long grain powders. cartridge cases, the Lyman Cyclone can preserved. The Hornady Vibratory Powder be used equally well for drying gun Trickler takes powder handling to a new parts. POWDER HANDLING level of accuracy and ef ciency. Power RCBS's new Brass Boss makes Redding Reloading Equipment has to the trickler is provided by two AAA processing your cartridge cases more introduced their fourth in a series of batteries and features settings to trickle ef cient and easier. This is a powered Weight Range Speci c Measurers. all kinds of powder effectively via speed unit consisting of six stations and six Called the Competition PR-50, this tool settings of high, low and variable. It variable speeds. This unit has the capac- is dedicated to the precision shoot- features a LED screen and comes with ity for inside VLD chamfering, deburr- ing market and to speci c cartridges. a removable weighted base for extra ing the outside of the case necks, primer For many years, manufacturers have stability. pocket cleaning (large and small), mili- designed their powder measures in Those are my choices for the most tary crimp removal (large and small), a do-it-all design, even though many noteworthy handloading products at brushes in four diameters for cleaning people believe the greatest measuring SHOT. If you’re a serious handloader, case necks and the Brass Boss even precision and repeatability is found I’m betting there’s something in this list comes with a tub of dry neck lubricant. within a tool's sweet spot. And when you just can’t live without.

Redding is one of the most progressive die manufacturers in the business and has now added the 22 Nosler to their National Match Die Set as well as offering die sets for the new 33 Nosler cartridge.

3 6 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 NFA Half Page 2018.qxp_Canada NFA Ad 12/4/17 12:57 PM Page 1 WhichWhich “Dillon”“Dillon” isis RightRight forfor You?You?

Square Deal “B” RL 550C XL 650 Super 1050 illon’s Square Deal “B” was ore RL 550s have been sold illon’s XL 650 resulted from he Super 1050 is Dillon’s Ddesigned to produce large Mthan any other progressive Dseveral years of listening to our Tcommercial grade loading amounts of ammunition in the least machine in the world, and for good customers expressing their fondest machine, featuring a frame and possible time for just a little bit of reason: The RL 550C’s versatility is wishes. We took every good idea we crank assembly that provides money. At 300 to 400 rounds per almost unlimited. It will load over and our customers ever had, tested increased stroke to accommodate hour, you can produce enough ammo 160 different rifle and pistol calibers. them extensively, and then long rifle cartridges, yet the handle for several pistol matches or practice incorporated them all into the stroke is at a minimum, meaning sessions in just a few hours. design of the XL 650. less work for the operator. www.dillonprecision.com • Call 800-762-3845 for a FREE catalog, ask for stock # O29-14690

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 7 3 8 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Nanuk – Making The Case By Ken Bailey

uild a better mousetrap, and the Canadian company making gun cases, "B world will beat a path to your but also because the quality of those door,” essayist, philosopher and poet cases was so clearly evident at first Ralph Waldo Emerson is reputed to have inspection. said in the late 1800s. This well-known adage paraphrases what he actually said, Manufacturing but the message was clear: society has a All Nanuk cases are manufactured at thirst for quality products and services, Plasticase’s plant in Terrebonne. At the and will respond when improvements heart of their cases is a proprietary- are made to what’s currently available. engineered plastic resin called NK-7 that Nanuk, a brand of cases made by they developed in conjunction with their Canadian manufacturer Plasticase, is suppliers. It will withstand high-pres- counting on Emerson’s observation sure impact and cold-weather abuse, being as true today as it was a century- both necessary attributes for shooters and-a-half ago. They believe they’ve and hunters who travel and want the built a better gun case, and are making highest level of protection for their fire- the shooting community aware in hopes arms. The waterproofing seal is designed they’ll beat a path to the company’s to resist deformation and fatigue, and doorstep in the Montreal suburb of Ter- all cases carry an international protec- rebonne. tion rating of IP67. The first number Plasticase has been in the business of (6) indicates that dust will not enter in making plastic carrying cases since their sufficient quantity to interfere with the inception in 1984, but it was only 10 years operation of the equipment; the second ago that their Nanuk brand was born. number (7) means that ingress of water For some 30 years, the gold standard in in harmful quantity is not possible when plastic, waterproof, virtually indestructi- the enclosure is immersed in up to one ble gun cases was Pelican Products. Their metre of water under defined conditions brand and products were recognized of pressure and time. worldwide, they captured huge shares One of the common complaints of the of both government and public business Pelican case was their latches and that and, as there was no real competition in they can be difficult to open. So, Nanuk the marketplace, their product changed addressed this by developing what they little over time. That lack of development call their PowerClaw latching system. was the crack that Plasticase needed. This latch system makes opening a Na- They recognized there was room for im- nuk case a simple, reliable and depend- provement in this market segment, and able affair, as is closing them. Every long Nanuk was their better mousetrap. case has integrated TSA-approved key I was introduced to Nanuk when, by locks in the latches. For those situations chance, I shared a taxi one morning from where padlocks are preferred, lock holes my Las Vegas hotel to the 2017 SHOT are provided – two on the small cases, Show. My cabmate was Frank Vitiello, four in the long cases. Other features of VP of sales and marketing for Nanuk. these design-rich cases include soft-grip We struck up a conversation and Frank handles that spring back into place once invited me to check out his booth dur- released and, in the case of the long ing the show. I did, and what I learned cases, the inclusion of stainless steel no- surprised me. Not only because I hadn’t fail axles which ensure the polyurethane been previously aware of an established wheels turn freely and consistently.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 3 9 There are also clips for attaching a shoul- der strap built into every case. Inside each Nanuk case is a bed of high-density polyethylene that is remov- able and washable. I’ve never thought to wash the foam of my gun cases, but it’s comforting to know that with a Nanuk case, at least, I could do it. Both pre- designed and customizable foam inserts are offered. “We’re very proud of the cases we of- fer,” said Frank. “We’ve made every effort to respond to the needs of our customers in terms of the features they’re seeking, and when they have suggestions for improvement, we listen. As one example, it was in response to customer requests that we reinforced our padlock eyelets with steel inserts.” Tired of the standard black colour of similarly-styled gun cases on the mar- ket? Nanuk offers six different colours, depending upon the model. It’s been said that the measure of qual- ity for a product is revealed in the war- ranty a company offers. It says it all, then, that Nanuk offers a lifetime warranty on its cases although, as Frank reports, they have next to no cases come back because of manufacturing defects or case failures. Quality control is a priority for Nanuk, and the process includes three stages: during the injection-molding process, PowerClaw latches are one of the after a 24-hour cooling period, and upon differentiating benefits offered in final assembly of each case. Nanuk cases. Long cases include TSA-approved locks in addition to padlock eyelets. Products Nanuk’s gun cases are part of their broader Extreme Duty line-up of cases, which are designed to house a broad array of gear requiring the greatest level of protection – most often that’s pho- tographic, computer, drone and other similar delicate equipment. A number, however, have been designed specifically with firearms protection in mind. Several of the firearms cases are described as being “plug and play,” designed for specific models. As one example, the new-to-market 909 Glock Pistol Case is engineered to perfectly hold most Glock pistols, along with two magazines. The 909 Classic Pistol Case is pre-cut to accommodate many other popular handguns, including the venerable 1911, again with space for two magazines. Of course, you can always customize the foam to protect, transport and store virtually any handgun. The 925 4-Up Pistol case holds four Nanuk cases are handguns and 10 magazines; the 935 built of a proprietary 6-Up accommodates six pistols and 10 resin developed with magazines, with the option to customize suppliers and molded on site. the case to hold fewer guns and make

4 0 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Nanuk cases are marketed to law enforcement, military and public users alike.

room for shooting accessories, such as “and that’s our target audience. Our layer. It appears to be working, slowly hearing protection. value proposition is simple: sleekness of but surely, as they seek to build a wider The 990 AR is engineered to fit a stan- design with a full range of value-added audience; their products are currently dard 36-inch AR-15, along with space features. We consider this a professional sold in 52 countries worldwide. for up to eight magazines. This case product that competes on performance, “We’re a well-kept secret to some also holds a pistol and four handgun not price, though we have managed to extent,” Frank noted. “But we’re continu- single or double-stack magazines. With keep our price-point competitive.” ally reaching out to the law enforcement, a 44-inch interior length, the 990 can also When asked how a Canadian-made military, tactical and sporting markets. be customized to accommodate many product can compete on pricing with Word of mouth has been key. We know other rifles and is ideal for break-down those made off-shore, Frank was quick to we have a premium product that we shotguns. respond. stand behind 100 per cent. Through our “It’s really not that difficult. Injection careful design, we’ve brought a new Where to from here? machines cost the same all over the level of class and a non-military look The company has plans to expand its world. And once you factor in the extra to a product category that desperately offerings to the shooting fraternity. Ac- costs associated with off-shore produc- needed change, while concurrently im- cording to Frank, they plan to introduce tion, including import taxes, transporta- proving quality. We’ve managed to make 10 new models over the next two years. tion costs, currency exchange fees and gun cases sexy! Now it’s simply a case of These will mostly be larger products, he more, it may actually be more economi- building our market share.” advised, including firearm trunks and cal to manufacture in Canada.” It appears that Nanuk has indeed built cases designed to accommodate longer Nanuk currently distributes through a a better mousetrap. Whether the world rifles. They’re also considering a case dealer-direct model, choosing to increase will beat a path to their door remains to specifically for archery gear. profit margins for dealers rather than be seen, but even a beaten path evolves “The best use the best,” Frank said, absorb the costs of a middle distribution one footstep at a time.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 4 1 Doppler For The Masses LabRadar review By Dean Roxby

n the March/April 2017 issue of example of the Doppler effect. pointed towards the target downrange, I CFJ, I discussed several different armed and you are ready to fire. chronograph technologies available The basics The unit is triggered by a firearm’s for determining a bullet’s velocity. The first thing I noticed as I unpacked muzzle blast, so you will need to posi- That article was an overview of various this unit is that it’s solid. Moulded from tion it about one foot to the side of your technologies, rather than an in-depth thick plastic, there is a solid, robust feel muzzle. But don’t worry that other review. It was not practical to do a to the instrument. Very likely, this is due shooters on the line will trigger the unit thorough test of each type and brand, to Infinition’s background in manufac- when they shoot. That doesn’t happen. as attempting to do so would require turing for the military. For airguns, there is an optional mi- more pages than the editor will give me. A detailed, 24-page manual is includ- crophone available. I don’t yet have this However, the LabRadar unit really does ed, and while the unit is simple to use accessory, but may purchase it soon. deserve a second, more detailed look. It once your settings are chosen, I strongly Speaking of airguns, with Canadian is that good. recommend you read the manual first. firearms law being what it is, it is vital I had the good fortune to speak with You will need to get familiar with the that air gunners know whether their the engineer behind the intriguing various buttons, and then choose your airguns exceed 500 feet per second LabRadar chronograph during the 2017 preferences. These include velocity (152.4 metres per second) or not. For ar- SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Guy Des- units (feet per second, yards per second, chery, set the Trigger Source parameter biens, the president of Infinition Inc., miles per hour, metres per second or to Doppler. The radar signal reflected the maker of the LabRadar unit, was kilometres per hour), distance units, off the rear of the arrow acts as the trig- able to explain some of the features weight units, ranging distance, bullet ger in this setting. to me. Marketed under the LabRadar weight, etc. Although we Canadians are It transmits in the K-band, similar brand name, it is made and assembled supposed to be fully metric now, almost to a police speed trap radar. There are here in Canada by Infinition Inc. of all the web forums, reloading manuals 12 different channels (24.080 to 24.168 Trois Rivieres, Que. Infinition has over and gun magazines (this one excepted!) GHz, in eight MHz steps.) This is so that 20 years of experience with ballistic are from the US, so we are conditioned if there are other units in use at your instrumentation radar systems for mili- to think in feet per second and grains range, you can avoid crosstalk interfer- tary users, and now this same proven weight. It is nice to have the metric ence issues. Doppler radar technology is available to option, though. The same manual can As the bullet enters the area of micro- us mere civilians. also be downloaded from the website, wave radar signal transmission, some of The term Doppler radar refers to the http://mylabradar.com/. the radar waves are reflected back from Doppler effect, which in turn is named the base of the bullet. As the bullet is after Austrian physicist Christian Dop- Set up moving, the frequency of the reflected pler. It refers to the change in frequency The real beauty of the LabRadar unit signal is changed slightly. This allows of a constant signal or wave when it is its ease of set up. Once you have the LabRadar to compute the velocity. is reflected from a moving object. The entered all your parameters into the Interestingly, it can do this over various change in tone of a siren or train whistle unit, it is simply mounted to a tripod, distances. In fact, you can select five dif- as it passes by a listener is a common positioned along side your firearm, ferent distances from which to receive

4 2 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 4 3 Available accessories include a microphone, USB cable, rechargeable power pack, bench stand, ball head mount and a carry bag.

data. Impressive! The first time I took it These distances are for the civilian pistol and rifle. Note that if you are in out, I found myself grinning and think- model, of course. As might be expected, the wrong velocity range, it will not ing, “This is cool!” the power output and range are far record the velocity. I missed that detail less than the military units. One model at first. Fortunately, there is sufficient Capabilities shown on the Infinition website claims overlap between the three ranges to The effective range is dependent on the to be able to track a 5.56mm bullet up deal with ammunition that straddles bullet diameter, bullet base shape (boat- to 1,000 metres. But the power on this the crossover point. Perhaps future ver- tail versus flat base) and power setting. commercial civilian LabRadar version is sions will do away with the need to pre- The website suggests that .177 pellets can limited by government regulations. In- select the appropriate velocity range. If be tracked to about 30 yards, a .30-calibre cidentally, units for sale in Canada, US, so, then perhaps they could increase the bullet to around 100 yards and a 9mm or Australia and New Zealand are set to a maximum velocity beyond 3,900 feet per larger slug to about 130 yards. I was able higher power that units sold in the EU. second, as well. to get 110 yards with a 458 Win Mag dur- The velocity range is 65 to 3,900 feet The data collected is recorded either ing my testing, so the numbers seem legit. per second, in three ranges: archery, on an SD card or in the built-in memory.

4 4 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 By entering the bullet weight, this unit will also give you power factor and kinetic energy.

The SD card allows you to transfer your cal shadow sensor chronograph. As I microphone trigger mentioned earlier, a data to a home computer later. A USB noted in my previous article, the optical base plate for tabletop use and a canvas cord is included for the same purpose. shadow type can be prone to errors due carry bag. The instrument is covered by This allows you to create Excel spread- to misalignment, and changing light con- a one-year warranty against defects in sheets for various loads and guns. It also ditions. They also require the bullet pass materials and workmanship. provides high, low, extreme spread and over a fairly small zone to be recorded. Simple set up, no need for diffuser standard deviation data. By entering The LabRadar is not concerned with any screens or auxiliary lights, a large shoot- the bullet weight, it will give you power of these issues. ing window and some great additional factor and kinetic energy, also. This is far The unit is powered by 6 AA batteries, software data make this a winner. Be more that just a chronograph! In fact, the or an external rechargeable power pack forewarned though, this technology advertising on the website and at their (not supplied). I did notice that it chews comes at a price. The US price is $559.95, booth at SHOT proudly proclaims that through batteries, so bring extras, or get or from Canada’s Hirsch Precision at this is not a chronograph at all. Well, of the power pack. Other accessories avail- $750 for the basic unit. The accessories course it is… What it is not is an opti- able for purchase include the airgun are priced individually.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 4 5 One Gun’s Story Mike Kelly

The Full Circle Cooey am continually amazed by the emo- The Cooey shotgun has I tion an inanimate object can elicit. seen a lot of miles over Sometimes the mere sight of an old the years. ball glove, religious icon or childhood toy gives people pause or causes them to stir. They recall pleasant times, past exploits, or perhaps memories of loved ones who have since passed. I can re- late; I feel this same emotional response when I handle an old Cooey shotgun given to me as a boy. It was the summer of 1981 and my father, with a young family, started working in the coal mines. But much to his dismay, the mines shut down in late summer and the miners went on strike. It was a dirty strike, with both sides becoming entrenched as the cold North Atlantic winter loomed. This was a bad year to be a coal miner on Cape Breton Island.

First look Early that fall, my uncle Bernie, a police chief in the next town, sent word that he would like to see me. So, the next day I peddled my bike up to visit. My uncle produced a worn but mechani- cally sound, break-action, single-shot 12-gauge Cooey shotgun. It was a beauty! The 30-inch barrel gave it great balance, it was light, the action was tight and ironically the serial number ended with the time I had to be at school, “…845.” He asked if I thought, with my several days of hunting experience, if it would be a good gun for him to use during the upcoming hunting season. I felt it would be the perfect all-around gun and told him so. In fact, I went so far as to tell him I had been saving up for almost a year to get Dad to buy me just such a gun. Even as a boy I knew with the strike on, it was going to be a lean winter, and Mom would appreciate the extra meat it could help procure. A deer in the deep freeze would be a great help to the family. My uncle told me he was not inter- ested in selling such a fine piece, but asked if I was interested in refinishing

4 6 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 the stock. He knew I had done some re- finishing for family and asked if I would refinish the gun for him. I agreed to do it, as my uncle had always been good to me. The next weekend I got to working on the gun and decided I would try a finishing technique I had read about at the library. I made some very unique stain for the stock and I tinted the finish with dyes used to tint paint. The results, I thought, were exceptionally beautiful, although others I showed the stock to didn’t seem as thrilled about the colour as I was. The next week, with hunting season around the corner, the gun was ready, so Dad drove me up to uncle Bernie’s to give him his gun. He didn’t seem as ecstatic about the stock colour as I was, but felt the finish was well done and would protect the wood. He then asked me another favour: if I would take the gun out a few times with my Dad and test fire it. He gave me a bunch of bird- shot, buckshot and four boxes of slugs. He didn’t have to coax me too hard to get me to shoot all his shells! On the eve of small game season, and with deer season two weeks away, I once again delivered my uncle Bernie his refinished shotgun, complete with test patterns and targets. Turned out the gun was a real shooter! I could keep all my slugs on paper plates out to 100 yards. And boy, was that choke tight. Aiming at the tips of the ears of a rabbit would result in head shots I was sure, putting few pellets into the meat. He truly lucked out with this gun, I thought. But when I delivered it back to him, he didn’t accept it, saying he was busy at work and had no time that fall to hunt. He asked if I would mind keeping the gun and take it out hunting with my Dad. I was speechless. It was exactly what I wanted. I used that old Cooey for years and shot a lot of game with it. It came with This old shotgun is still helping to teach young hunters the me to university, and on my travels basics of firearm handling and thereafter. I bought other shotguns, marksmanship. but for reliability and portability this was the shotgun I reached for. The gun served me well. and near him there was a young man ask his opinion on the matter. In short Passing it on of modest means snaring rabbits to order, the young man found himself in Shortly after I returned home to Cape augment the family income. He felt, possession of an old Cooey 12-gauge Breton as an adult, a distant cousin especially since coyotes were becoming shotgun with a very unique stock. approached me, asking if I knew where an issue, the young man should have a Years later, I was in a work meeting he could get a used shotgun. The cousin shotgun with him on the trail. I went to and at the end of the meeting, the lady lived in a remote part of the island visit my uncle Bernie, since retired, to sitting across the table recognized my

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 4 7 Full circle I called most of the gun shops in Atlantic Canada, with little luck. Some had cheap clones, but I wanted the quality of those now-obsolete Coo- eys. My friend, Peter, kept telling me about a kayak shop in Catalone, Cape Breton, that sold guns, so one day the two of us ended up there after work. The owner, Nick, said he had a Cooey in the back room, but said it was beat up and the stock was ugly. Somebody who didn’t know what they were doing apparently tried to refinish it long ago. When he produced the gun, I could feel tears welling up in eyes. I turned the gun over to read the serial number, and it ended with the time I had to be at school. It was the very same gun my uncle Bernie, who passed last winter, had given me all those years ago. The strong colour of the stock had faded to a more passive hue, and there were a few extra dents and scratches I didn’t recog- nize, but there was no doubt. I bought it on the spot. The older I get, the more I appreci- ate simple things like what my uncle did for me. He didn’t just hand me something I wanted, he made me work for it. That’s a sometimes-forgotten necessity in our consumeristic society. He also persuaded me to help a family member, and altruism is welcome in any family. Finally, he encouraged my outdoor pursuits and provided me with the tools to actively participate in the hunting sports. Uncle Bernie, I believe, had his priorities aligned correctly, and we should be following his lead. If we want a nation of independent youth that work toward achieving goals and are confident with firearms and the The author’s son, Nathan, outdoors, it is our job as adults to work left, and his cousin, towards that end. Ben, spent some time Next spring, my son will be old shooting clays after a day snowboarding. enough to take his hunter safety course and come fall will be hunting alongside me, and perhaps Peter and his son, name. When I asked how, she told me old Cooey and told her I would buy it if David. He will be using an old, beat-up a story of how her husband received a her husband was interested in selling 12-gauge his Dad found somewhere Cooey shotgun from a man in his local it. I was looking for a shotgun for my cheap. He asked to cut the stock down area. The man, my distant cousin, said growing boy to shoot and I felt the old and put a pad on it, so him and his he had contacted my family and it was single-shot Cooey, with reduced power friends, with their parents’ permission given to him for the young man to use loads, would be perfect. Also, the gun and under my instruction, could shoot years before. Her husband was very had sentimental value for me. She did it comfortably. I’m also going to get my appreciative that someone he didn’t some inquiring and learned it had been son to refinish that ugly stock for me, even know helped him out. I told her given to another family, to help out in and maybe pattern the gun. I’m sure the story of how the gun came into my the same manner, and unfortunately its next hunting season, over a campfire on possession years before, by someone whereabouts were now unknown. So, I the trail, I will tell him the true story of helping me out. started the quest for a quality, long- that beat-up old shotgun and I hope he After my son was born, I met the lady barreled Cooey, like the one given to me will pass the story on to his children in again by chance. I asked her about the by my uncle all those years ago. the same manner.

4 8 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Matador Arms’ Fury Grip By Wally Fong

olan and Anika Scott tell me they has kicked up a lot of interest is their outside in cold weather and have to wear N work on the philosophy of build- skeletonized aluminum grip for the AR gloves, this may change where you index ing the best product at the best price platform. Called the Cage Fat Grip, it’s your fingers. point. Nothing fancy, just hard work, an elegantly designed replacement for At first glance, you may think the great ideas, and thinking first about the traditional A2 pistol grip. It has a triangular, oval and bracket shapes cut what the customer wants and is willing distinct design and beefy palm swell into the grip are just a cool visual, but to pay for. That, in a nutshell, is what that guarantees a good purchase on the they do have a purpose. First, it cuts they say the essence of Matador Arms grip every time. the weight of the grip down to three is about. But not wanting to sit on their hands, ounces. That is actually 0.5 ounces While Matador Arms has only been the folks at Matador Arms went back lighter than the Cage grip, which is on the Canadian gun scene for a few to the drawing board and, based on surprising because the Fury grip looks years, they have made a name for the feedback from their customer base, meatier than the Cage. Second point, themselves, especially around the SKS crafted a worthy follow up to the Cage and this may not apply to everyone, I platform. If you are an SKS enthusiast grip. This spawned their sophomore ef- find my finger tips index onto the cut with an upgrade on your rifle, there’s fort in the pistol grip game, the Fury. outs in the grip. This gives me a posi- a good chance that part was made by Based on user feedback of the Cage tive and repeatable feel every time. Matador Arms. The success of their grip, Nolan went on to refine the design And it's a good feeling – like putting Sabertooth SKS chassis and accompa- to include a slightly shallower cant angle on a pair of well-worn leather gloves, it nying accessories have garnered a loyal with a more rounded grip, while reduc- fits perfectly every time. following for their products. ing the overall palm swell size. While the The Fury grip comes in black or bare Never one to rest on their laurels, Cage had distinct finger grooves on the brushed aluminum. I'm hoping for en s Nolan and Anika have diversified their front of the grip, the Fury just has one for more colours in the near future, but for rnt

A offerings to cover a wide variety of the middle finger. This allows for a little now those two will do just fine. firearms, including the Ruger 10/22, more wiggle room for finger placement, Matador Arms is based out of Calgary, Glock, Kriss Vector, AR and 7.62-calibre which may not be as apparent with Alta., and you can check out more of their Shaun Shaun platforms. One of their accessories that bare hands, but if you're using the grip products at www.matadorarms.com.

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 4 9 Team NFA By Matt Neumann The Quiet Eye

Quiet eye is a visual phenomenon explaining gaze behaviour in aiming sports immediately before a shot is taken.

ake a second to acknowledge your out to be professional basketball play- As we develop as shooters, physical T favourite athlete or role model ers, but I’m willing to bet if you’re read- movements become a subconscious from the past or present. Now consider ing this you are interested in becoming reaction as natural as taking a breath of that no elite athlete or successful hu- a better shooter! air. When we are developing a foreign man got to the top without putting in I have spent the last 18 years “inter- skill for the first time, our brains are serious work. Not one. Even a star like ested” in becoming a better shooter. conscious and actively working through LeBron James played basketball every If I’m not busy tuning my craft, I am the process. When nerve pathways are day for 10 years before he became the typically occupied with coaching the efficient, we don’t have to make a con- youngest player to win the NBA Rookie craft to young athletes. I work with ages scious decision to squeeze the trigger of the Year Award at age 20. ranging from 10 to 16 years in Canada’s because we’ve trained it thousands of Elite athlete’s stories always start with largest biathlon program, the Foothills times and know the movement inside he or she taking two hours each morn- Nordic Ski Club. There are few more and out. A firm grip on the specific ing before school to shoot free throws, rewarding jobs than teaching Canada’s shooting fundamentals relevant to each or spending an hour each day dry firing up-and-comers and watching them discipline is required for this concept to their rifle at a black dot on the wall grow from rugrats into elite shooters. be most effective. As we progress, the before bed, or washing dishes on Satur- The concept I am eager to introduce areas for improvement gradually de- day night to pay for a training camp or to you assumes you have passed the crease until one day we are left scratch- race weekend. Now, not all of us are cut rugrat stage in shooting experience. ing our heads wondering what to do

5 0 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 Trap shooting is a perfect example of an aiming sport that requires processing pertinent information before successfully intercepting the clay. next. “Quiet eye” is a trait that separates ing pertinent information before suc- a competition, an elite shooter would the elite performers from the sub-elite cessfully intercepting the clay. In trap’s process the trajectory information of performers and proper implementation various forms, increased processing the clay earlier and could therefore may just be the “a-ha moment” to help time (QE) allows for maximum cogni- afford a longer duration than his or you get there! tive recognition, allowing our brains her sub-elite competitors. An earlier Quiet eye (QE) is a visual phenom- to take in more information, which onset and prolonged duration of QE enon explaining gaze behaviour in aim- in turn optimizes the opportunity to would also be present when compar- ing sports immediately before a shot accomplish the task (hitting the clay). ing an individual’s successful shots is taken. The concept was originally All this information is acknowledged with unsuccessful misses, regardless of proposed right in my backyard at the on a subconscious level in a small ability. The onset of QE is relative, but University of Calgary by professor Joan amount of time. Trap shooting requires if comparing elite to sub-elite per- Vickers (1996). Vickers’ observations on unique orienting and visual control formers, we’d see both groups would QE originated from studying elite golf- skills due to the nature of the target still be operating within the confines ers while putting, and the concept has being projected away from the shooter. of a single second. Elite shooters since become paramount to other aim- Consequently, the shooter is under would demonstrate a better anticipa- ing sports. For context, Vickers defined a time restraint, as the probability of tion before the release of the clay and QE as the final fixation on a location interception decreases as the target size would be capable of attending to the that is within three degrees of visual decreases. most critical cues to execute the correct angle for a minimum 0.1 seconds. The What is our brain processing in the movement sooner. quiet eye label is self-explanatory in QE period? Each shooting sport has The result of Vickers’ study is relevant that it refers to reduced eye movement, unique challenges, but all aiming when applied to all aiming sports, and however significant subconscious activ- sports require a successful QE gaze as a result, all shooting disciplines. ity contributes to its proper execution. period to consistently execute. Next time you’re on the range, consider During Vickers’ study, she observed Remember, elite shooters have a your own quiet eye and what informa- that elite performers execute more relative prolonged QE period to ensure tion you believe to be important. If your efficient and steady gaze behaviours maximum processing time. In trap discipline is time pressured (biathlon, compared to sub-elite performers. It is shooting, this means setting the final skeet, trap, hunting), successful QE will worth noting that this aiming fixation movement parameters, target recogni- revolve around subconsciously process- was also prolonged when executed by tion, processing wind or environmental ing significant information in a small, the experts. Through this study, Vickers factors, trajectory, smooth direction restricted window of time. Remember, was able to successfully identify the QE tracking, observing speed of clay subconscious behaviour can be trained as a common trait distinguishing elite compared to gun barrel, target fixation and modified; it just requires doing performers from the sub-elite. and eye stabilization before executing some tough and precise training. As my Trap shooting is a perfect example of the appropriate response. If we were first shooting coach told me, “Perfect an aiming sport that requires process- to observe several hundred shots over practice makes perfect.”

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 5 1 Legal Corner Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

Goodbye Amnesty, Hello Grace Period from prosecution for illegal possession of a firearm. During the six-month grace period, the licence holder may not acquire additional firearms or even ammunition. He may not even transport restricted firearms, because the amendments clearly state that authorizations attached to the licence as “conditions” thereto are not similarly extended. First and foremost, that includes the Authorization to Transport that is attached to your firearms licence as a condition. Although this remains to be confirmed, a gun owner who would transport restricted For the time being, keeping that firearms firearms during the grace period could licence in effect is the only thing that arguably be prosecuted under either stands between being a law-abiding gun s. 93 (Possession at an Unauthorized owner, and becoming a criminal in the Place), or s. 94 of the Criminal Code eyes of the Canadian legal system. (Unauthorized Possession in Motor Vehicle). n recent weeks, there have been continuing possession of non-restricted There are significant differences I two important legislative changes firearms, by individuals whose PAL was between the former amnesty regime, affecting gun owners that have gone once valid, but had expired at some and the current grace period. largely unnoticed. Yet, it is important point in time after Jan. 1, 2004. Further, Understanding those differences is that you be aware of these changes, if it only applied to those who had taken key to staying on the right side of the you want to stay on the right side of the steps to renew their licence. law. Here is an overview of the key law. The underlying amnesty period differences: Both changes have to do with the expired on Dec. 31, 2017. Hence, any possibility that you may be prosecuted person whose licence (PAL) has expired 1. Unlike the amnesty, the grace period for remaining in possession of firearms and who remains in possession of has a limited duration, which is six after your licence has expired. Let me firearms after Dec. 31, 2017, is liable to months. Beyond those six months, remind you that in Canada, possession be criminally prosecuted, unless they the gun owner whose licence is of a firearm without a valid licence fall within the new grace period. expired becomes fair game for (or registration certificate, whenever criminal prosecution; applicable) is a criminal infraction. The grace period 2. The grace period applies to the Licenses have a finite duration. They are In June 2015, the Harper government continuing possession of all types valid for five years and expire on the passed Bill C-42, also known as the of firearms, whether non-restricted, licence holder’s birthday. If you never Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act. restricted or prohibited; paid attention to the expiry date of your One of the key aspects of Bill C-42 3. The grace period applies irrespective licence, now is a good time to do so. was the creation of a six-month grace of whether the gun owner has period, following the expiry of a gun commenced the process of The end of the amnesty licence. Unbeknownst to most people, renewing his/her firearms licence; The first such legislative change has to the underlying amendments to the 4. The grace period ends as soon as the do with the so-called licence amnesty Firearms Act had not yet come into six-month period has expired; that had been in effect, in one form or effect. The amendments creating the another, for the past several years. In so-called grace period have finally been Arguably, the fact that a renewal essence, several years ago, and more or put into effect as of Nov. 30, 2017. The application is pending does not, per less annually since then, the Canadian exact reason or justification for the two- se, extend the grace period until the government had passed a decree that and-a-half-year delay is unknown. new licence is issued. It is unclear, exempted gun owners whose licence This grace period extends the validity at this time, whether the Canadian had expired from criminal prosecution. of all gun licenses by six months, but Firearms Program will continue its istock This measure only applied to only insofar as it grants immunity existing practice not to crack down on

5 2 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 individuals whose licence is expired, would be available: either a transfer to judge at a later date. but have a pending licence application. a person with the required licence, or As you may fathom, none of these The latter practice may have been putting the firearms in storage with an things are good. Further, should you be a direct result of the now defunct outfit duly licensed to do so under the charged with and convicted of illegal amnesty regime. Hence, it will be Firearms Act. If restricted firearms or possession of a firearm, the court may important (and prudent) for gun owners prohibited firearms are involved, the decide to issue a discretionary firearms who wish to remain in possession of latter option may be tricky, since the prohibition order, under s. 110 of the their firearms to file an application to existing Authorization to Transport is Criminal Code. Further, your firearms renew as soon as they realize that their no longer valid. In such an event, the will be confiscated and ordered firearms licence may have expired; or individual concerned will have to apply destroyed, under s. 491 of the Criminal better yet, before it does! for an Authorization to Transport with Code. The status of individuals whose the provincial chief firearms officer, in licence expired prior to Nov. 30, 2017, order to take the restricted/prohibited Words of wisdom but less than six months ago, is unclear. firearms to the licensed storage The best advice I can give you is to They may or may not be saved by the facility. Keep in mind that no such pay attention to the expiry date of grace period. One thing is for sure: after authorization can be issued once the your firearms licence and apply for Dec. 31, 2017, they may no longer be grace period has expired. its renewal with time to spare. Do not saved by the amnesty. At that point (once the grace period is wait for a reminder from the Canadian over), you will either receive notification Firearms Program, because none may What happens when the grace period ends that your registration certificates are be received. Do not count on the grace There will undoubtedly be revoked, or the local cops may decide period either, because it is a less-than- circumstances where the grace period to pay you a visit and leave with some perfect safeguard. For the time being, will expire before the licence is of your precious belongings. They may keeping that firearms licence in effect renewed. A person for whom the grace also offer you a ride to the station in is the only thing that stands between period is about to expire would be well their cruiser, as well as room and board being a law-abiding gun owner, and advised not to remain in possession for the night; or they might just leave becoming a criminal in the eyes of the of firearms. At that point, two options you with a written invitation to see a Canadian legal system. RightWingNation.ca Nathaniel Milljour, Milljour, Nathaniel

March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 5 3 NFA Book Shelf Bill Rantz

placed near the picture. Locating a Daisy Air Rifl es And BB Guns speci c model of BB gun or accessory is easily accomplished using the index. Daisy not only provided items for their customers to enjoy, but also, just as importantly, encouraged the safe handling and use of rearms through shooter education programs they of- fered. Daisy also introduced unique models, such as the 2299 Quick Skill, which was initially used as a training tool by the army to develop instinctive shooting skills. After reading DAISY Air Ri es and BB Guns, one will no doubt re­ ect on their own experiences with Daisy products. Memories of the BB ri­ e they cherished in their early years will be recalled, along with the many hours spent shooting with Dad, brothers and friends. Those moments generated our love of rearms of all types. Over the years, we gradu- ated to more expensive and powerful rearms, but never forgot that Daisy. Author Neal Punchard describes himself as a lifelong Daisy enthusiast, shooter and collector. He indicates that he may author another book on the items produced by Daisy after the rst 100 years. An interesting inclusion would be Daisy BB ri­ es and accesso- he cover of DAISY Air Ri es and Company. Its evolution from the Plym- ries produced in Preston, Ont. T BB Guns will catch the eye of all outh Iron Windmill Company to the DAISY Air Ri es and BB Guns is highly boys, regardless of their age. After all, a highly successful manufacturer of Daisy recommended, as it will provide hours wood-stocked Daisy Red Ryder carbine merchandise was guided by shrewd of enjoyment for all rearm enthusiasts. complete with saddle ring and leather businessmen. Sports gures, American Current list price is $35 USD, but it can thong is the most recognizable BB ri­ e heroes and comic-strip characters such be located for less online. Check rst of the 1940 to 1960 era. Memories of as Red Ryder were used effectively with your local book retailer. long ago will be rekindled in those of us to market Daisy products, from water who are now grandfathers, and curios- pistols to BB ri­ es. The product line Daisy Air Ri es ity aroused in the youngest generation. was continuously improved and many Title: DAISY Air Ri es and BB Guns features distinct variations were produced to and BB Guns ri­ es, pistols, scopes, advertising and capitalize on current American idols, Author: Neal Punchard accessories offered by Daisy from 1888 including Buzz Barton and Buck Rogers. to 1987. Initial browsing at the more “Daisy” became one of America’s most Photography: Ben Saltzman than 300 high-quality colour photo- recognized brand names, synonymous Publisher: MBI Publishing graphs is a virtual tour of the author’s with BB guns. Company 2002, current edition – lifelong collection. Settling down to DAISY Air Ri es and BB Guns is divided Crestline 2013 read this book is an educational and into ve chapters, each beginning with thoroughly enjoyable experience. While a brief introduction. These divisions are: ISBN: 978-0-7858-2992-8 never intended to be a collector’s ency- BB Ri es, BB Pistols, Toy Guns, Literature Pages: 156 clopedia, the reader will be fascinated & Manuals, Accessories. Each chapter by the variety of Daisy products shown. shares 100 years of Daisy products in Size: Hard cover with dust jacket, The book begins with an informative studio-quality photographs. The unique 10.5 by 10.5 inches introduction outlining the corporate features and history of each item shown Illustrations: Colour history of the Daisy Manufacturing are described in concise paragraphs

5 4 w w w . n f a . c a March/April 2018 2018 AGM

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March/April 2018 w w w . n f a . c a 5 5