CZ 75B SA CZ 75B SA MANUFACTURER: Ceska Zbrojovka a.s., 68827 Uhersky Brod, IMPORTER: CZ-USA (Dept. AR), 1401 Fairfax Trafficway, Building B, Unit With its steel frame and single--only fire control system, the 119, Kansas City, KS new CZ 75B SA pistol in .40 S&W is certain to appeal to shooters 66115; (913) 321-1811; www.cz-usa.com who prefer single-actions that may be carried cocked-and-locked. : 9 mm Luger uilding on the success prefer a classic, Browning- (+P), 40 S&W (tested) ACTION TYPE: short recoil- of its popular CZ 75- based, M1911-type pistol. operated, semi-automatic Bseries of semi-auto- Available in 9 mm Luger or pistol matic, double-action , .40 S&W caliber, the short CONSTRUCTION: carbon CZ has introduced a new, sin- recoil-operated CZ 75B SA is steel frame and slide gle-action model called the CZ rated for +P ammunition. The 3 OVERALL LENGTH: 8 ⁄16" 75B SA. In the 1970s, the clas- pistol is supplied with two polit- FINISH: matte black 5 sic CZ 75 design earned the ically correct, 10-shot, steel BARREL: 4 ⁄8" RIFLING: six-groove, 1:14" grudging respect of pistol guru magazines and a polymer mag- RH twist Col. —not a fan of azine loading tool. Additional 5 HEIGHT: 5 ⁄16" double-action, semi-automatic standard accessories include a 3 WIDTH: 1 ⁄4" 9 mms—because of its ability metal cleaning brush, slotted WEIGHT EMPTY: 37 ozs. to be carried cocked and locked plastic cleaning rod, padded : 10-round, in M1911 fashion. Now fans of double-column carry case and keyed cable lock. SIGHTS: combat-type, low- the single-action semi-auto A computer-rendered facsimile profile with three white can have all the positive fea- of the factory acceptance target dots; post front, notched tures of the CZ 75 design with- and an illustrated manual come blade rear drift- out the double-action opera- with each pistol. CZ provides a adjustable for windage tion that such handgunners three-year warranty on parts and : single-action deem superfluous. with overtravel adjust- a one-year warranty on surface ment; 3-lbs. pull Built on a compact steel treatments and stocks. 5 STOCKS: two-piece, check- frame with a 4 ⁄8" barrel, the We test-fired an example of ered, black polymer new model is 20 mm shorter the CZ 75B SA in .40 S&W sent ACCESSORIES: padded, and 10 mm lower than the stan- to us by U.S. importer CZ-USA black polymer carry case, dard CZ 75 pistol. Despite its in Kansas City, Kan. Using sev- extra magazine, maga- compact dimensions, the CZ zine loading tool, metal cleaning brush, slotted 75B SA weighs a hefty 37 ozs. The low-profile, three-white- plastic cleaning rod and with an empty magazine. With dot sights on the CZ 75B SA keyed cable lock the pistol’s single-action-only pistol are solid and depend- SUGGESTED RETAIL fire control system and steel able—just the ticket for a PRICE: $467 frame, this new model will defensive pistol. The rear sight appeal to those shooters who is drift-adjustable for windage.

The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” at least since WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even based on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances.They do then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shoot- not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and precautions absolutely nec- ers to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” essary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. also was a traditional marksman’s term for sight adjustment information, Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training require- while judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.” ments, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

58 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 SHOOTING RESULTS .40 S&W Vel.@ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) Black Hills No. BH40JHP 901 Avg. 324 4.6 1.12 3.16 1.90 In similar manner 180-gr. JHP 15 Sd to earlier CZ 75 pis- Federal No.PD40HS4 1124 Avg. 378 4.3 1.97 2.39 2.12 tols, the CZ 75B SA 135-gr. JHP 21 Sd breaks down easily Hornady No. 9132 1129 Avg. 439 5.5 1.56 3.52 2.50 into its major com- 155-gr. JHP 21 Sd ponents for clean- Average Extreme Spread: 2.17 ing and routine

5 maintenance. Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 4 ⁄8" barrel. Range temperature: 66° F. Humidity: 56%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. from a sand- bag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), JHP (jacketed hollow point).

panels available today. Another nice touch we liked was the trig- ger overtravel adjustment screw. However,the shape of the bers on the scale. However, for trigger bow itself proved slight- concealed, all-day carry, the ly flat for some shooters’ tastes. weight becomes much more The ambidextrous manual safe- noticeable. For that reason, the model and the double- ty levers proved easy to reach 27-oz. CZ 75D compact model action CZ 75BD models are and operate, but the slide release with an aluminum alloy frame compared with the slides lever proved too high for shoot- may be a better choice for some removed, they at first appear ers with small hands and short users, although the fire control identical. However, a closer fingers. Left-handed shooters system on that model is double- comparison reveals minor vari- will welcome the magazine action/single-action with a ations in the trigger bar, sear and release button, which may be decocking lever. The CZ 75B disconnector as well as several reversed for southpaws. We SA tested had a pleasantly light other small parts. Essentially, liked the fact that even empty 3-lb. trigger pull spoiled by a the single-action CZ 75B SA magazines readily fell free of long take-up. model lacks the linkage pieces the pistol when the magazine The CZ 75B SA comes used on the double-action BD to release button was pressed. equipped with frame mounted, ambidextrous safety levers, an eral brands of JHP ammunition cock and release the hammer. Where it counts, workman- These consist of the disconnec- ship and quality on the CZ 75B automatic firing pin safety and in various bullet weights, the CZ a safety notch on the hammer. 75B SA lived up to the reputa- tor and sear, which are absent or SA remains above reproach. different according to require- However, fit and finish could The manual safety levers block tion already established by it the trigger when applied, leav- predecessors—functioning was ment. Other differences include stand improvement. Compared a longer trigger bar on the BD to the bad old days of communist ing the hammer in the classic, flawless. We also tested accura- single-action cocked-and- cy with results summarized in model and decocking levers on control when fit and finish did not the double-action BD model count on a firearm, CZ has made locked position. the accompanying table. With We liked the low-profile, most standard loads, bullet replaced by safety levers on the great improvements in this area; single-action CZ 75B SA. however, further improvements three-white-dot sights. No non- impact coincided with point of sense here, just the basics in aim. Perceived recoil proved Everyone who fired this pis- to fit and finish on internal sur- tol gave very high marks to the faces would be welcome. solid and dependable form as is modest partly because of the proper for a defensive pistol. pistol’s 37-oz. weight. comfortable grip panels. CZ Balance and handling of the really deserves credit for CZ 75B SA are excellent. That said, CZ may wish to con- Like all CZ 75 pistols, the sider an adjustable sight option SA model has internal frame designing some of the most Because of that, the pistol does comfortable factory plastic grip not feel heavy despite the num- in addition to the drift- rails and a low bore axis. As we adjustable for windage have mentioned before, rear unit on our test gun. we like these features. As the CZ 75 pistol Internal frame rails help design grows older, it keep dust and dirt out of seems to get better the mechanism while a rather than becoming low bore axis reduces long in the tooth. This is perceived recoil and aids because CZ remains quick recovery for fol- dedicated to constantly low-up shots. meeting consumer When the fire control needs with new models, mechanisms of both the features and options. single-action CZ 75B SA This new model is a per- We especially liked the fect example as it CZ 75B SA’s comfort- extends the appeal of the able, checkered, black CZ 75 to single-action plastic grip panels. aficionados.

59 MERKEL 280 EL MANUFACTURER: Merkel Freres, Strasse 7 October, 10, Suhl, Germany IMPORTER: GSI, Inc. (Dept. AR), 7661 Commerce Lane, P.O. Merkel’s 28-ga. 280 EL is a Box 129, Trussville, AL nimble and lively shotgun. 35173; (205) 655-8299; 1 www.gsifirearms.com Weighing a scant 5 ⁄2 lbs., this is a shotgun we could GAUGE: 28 ACTION TYPE: Self- carry afield or on a clays cocking Anson & Deeley course the entire day. boxlock, side-by-side shotgun RECEIVER: Silver-grayed carbon steel 1 OVERALL LENGTH: 44 ⁄8" BARRELS: cold hammer- forged, 28" 1 WEIGHT: 5 ⁄2 lbs. TRIGGER: double; 5 lbs. pull both triggers STOCK: straight-grip, oil- finished walnut: length of 1 pull, 14 ⁄2" (front trigger), 3 13 ⁄8" (rear); drop at heel, 3 3 2 ⁄4"; drop at comb,1 ⁄8 " ACCESSORIES: fitted lug- gage case SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $4,995

The wood—like with other guns forged steel joined by the demi- in the Merkel’s league—is only bloc system and topped by a a little proud around all metal solid rib with rope pattern edges save for around the trig- grooves along its length. Bluing ger guard and fore-end latch. is deep and even and contrasts nicely with the silver-grayed One such example is the 28-ga. receiver. side-by-side Merkel 280 EL we Typical of Merkel shotguns, recently received for test and the wood is a high grade of very evaluation. dark walnut with ample figure In 2000, this model was a and a low-luster oil finish. special run of 100 guns, and it Hand-cut checkering is in a became a production gun for bordered point pattern of 22 2001. The action is a petite, self- lines per inch and, as this is uni- cocking, Anson & Deeley versally a lost art, the few over- boxlock tastefully appointed runs and flat points we with hunting scenes deeply observed were expected. That engraved on its sides. Well-exe- said, these cosmetic flaws were cuted scroll work embellishes minor enough that most people the bottom of the action, fences, will not even notice them. trigger guard and top latch. Wood-to-metal fit—another Lock-up is by way of an H- lost art—was as good as on any shaped locking block that other shotgun in the Merkel’s engages Purdy-type double league that we’ve seen. The underlumps and is further aug- wood is only a little proud mented by a Greener crossbolt around all metal edges save for top lock. Deviating from the the trigger guard and Deeley- large-frame Merkel side-by-side type latch in the splinter fore- Merkel 280 EL shotguns, the gauge-sized 280 end where it is flush. EL dispenses with the ornamen- Holland & Holland-type tal side clips on the standing ejectors are selective with no breech that is instead squared off. ready means of conversion to Side-By-Side Barrels are cold hammer- extractors, and the tang-mounted safety is automatic. Only double triggers are offered.

he land of the Suhl gun- of the Berlin Wall makers has seen more and the uncertainties of a free T than four centuries of economy—all of which have significant change: Refor- had an impact on shaping that The wood on our mation, Counter-Reformation; area of the world. What has sample was dark walnut and showed ample wars with Austria, and endured throughout the region, figure beneath its low-luster oil finish. The butt Prussia; two World Wars; the however, is the Old World is slightly cast off and toe out, which helped right han- rise of the ; the fall craftsmanship built into guns. ders center the barrels when mounting the gun. 60 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 SHOOTING RESULTS

AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS AT 40 YDS.

10 10 13 11

27 30 21 16

33 29 22 18

17 10 14 9

Modified Improved Cylinder

=Point of Hold Federal P283 7.5—28-ga., 3 1 2 ⁄4"—3/4 oz.—No. 7 ⁄2 Lead Average Pellet count—262 Measured Velocity @3-ft.—1168 f.p.s. Remaining Energy Per Pellet @40 yds.: 1 ft.-lb. Recoil: 14.3 ft.-lbs The action is a petite, self-cocking, Anson & Deeley boxlock Total Hits 166 (63%) Total Hits 124 (47%) tastefully appointed with hunting scenes deeply engraved on 21" Inner Circle 119 (45%) 21" Inner Circle 77 (29%) its sides. The ornamental side clips 30" Outer Ring 47 (18%) 30" Outer Ring 47 (18%) have been dispensed with.

Chokes are marked “vz” Chokes are marked “vz”— verbesserte zylinder, verbesserte zylinder—German German for improved cylin- for improved cylinder, and der, and “1/2”, the German “1/2”, the German designation designation for modified. for modified. Actual choke con- Actual choke constrictions as strictions as measured with a measured by a Galzan barrel Galzan barrel and choke gauge and choke gauge indicated were .006" and .023", or improved cylinder and full improved cylinder and full, choke constrictions, but pat- respectively. We patterned the terns were improved cylinder Merkel with Federal Premium and modified percentages. 1 3/4-oz. No. 7 ⁄2 shotshells with the results shown in the accom- Super-X Long Range with 1 oz. panying tables. Gauged against of No. 8 shot. Typical of the actual pattern percentages, the area, the terrain was difficult to sample 280 EL shot patterns hunt because of the thick tan- representative of improved gles of thorns and steep hill- cylinder and modified chokes as sides. A heavier gun would have the barrels indicated, irrespec- had us frustrated, tired and back tive of the actual measured con- in the truck much earlier. But strictions. There were several thanks in part to the Merkel misfires attributed to light firing being a joy to carry afield, we pin blows caused by not fully managed to stay out the entire closing the top latch. Because afternoon with the svelte small the Merkel action is so tight, the gauge. We also fired several top latch doesn’t snap all the way rounds of sporting clays with it; closed and needs to be pushed the only hitch was the previous- into the fully closed position ly mentioned tight top latch. until the gun is broken in. The Merkel’s 28-ga. 280 EL is a explanation given in Merkel lit- nimble and lively shotgun. 1 erature and on GSI’s website is Weighing a scant 5 ⁄2 lbs., this is that these shotguns are hand-fit- a shotgun we could carry afield ted to extremely tight tolerances all day—and look good doing it, so the action can break-in under too. It comes quickly to the actual shooting conditions. shoulder and solidly to the Time precluded us from shoot- cheek, and the slight amounts of ing the 280 EL until it was fully cast off and toe out center the bar- broken-in, but our experience in rels directly in front of the shoot- the past with Merkel shotguns is ing eye of right-handed shooters. that the break in claims are true. Through eras of change Lock-up on the Merkel Model 280 EL is by way of an H-shaped For function firing, we took global in scale, it’s nice to know locking block (top) that engages Purdy-type double underlumps the Merkel 280 EL on an after- the German gunmakers contin- (above) and is further augmented by a Greener crossbolt top noon ruffed grouse hunt in fair- ue to toil away making guns that lock. Barrels are cold hammer-forged steel, 28" long with fixed ly thick eastern hardwoods. The serve their owners well, and improved cylinder and modified chokes. They are joined by the chosen load was Winchester even outlast governments. demibloc system and topped by a solid rib.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 61 Anschutz 1730 Bolt-Action Rifle

arminting east of the varminting are few and far arrow on the bolt body as a ANSCHUTZ 1730 Mississippi often takes between, but one maker visual reference for the con- on a different flavor MANUFACTURER: J.G. V American shooters may have dition of the safety, which Anschutz GMBH, Jagd- than one sees out West where a overlooked in their search is locks the bolt and firing pin und Sportwaffenfabrik, hunter scouts a ranch of more Anschutz—the world-renowned when engaged. Additional Daimlerstrasse 12, 89097 than a thousand acres from a German manufacturer of small- visual and tactile reference Ulm, Germany truck in search of a dog town bore competition rifles. is provided by a plunger at IMPORTER: AcuSport that may contain hundreds or Although best known for its the rear of the safety shroud (Dept. AR), One Hunter Place, Bellefountaine, OH thousands of prairie dogs. target rifles, Anschutz has cat- that extends rearward when 43311; (800) 543-3150; Consequently, the wise Western aloged a variety of sturdy the striker is cocked. www.acusport.com varminter uses a heavy rifle sporters for some time as well. A spring-loaded lever CALIBER: .22 Hornet suitable for firing from a bench Its 1700 series of sporting rifles on the left receiver wall ACTION TYPE: bolt- and chambered for a cartridge are built around the proven retains the bolt. De- action rifle with energy and accuracy suit- Match 54 target action familiar pressing the grooved RECEIVER: milled steel FINISH: high-polish blue able for hitting small targets at to a generation of smallbore extension at the rear of 1 OVERALL LENGTH: 43 ⁄4" ranges of 200 to 500 yds. rifle shooters and is available in the lever releases the 1 BARREL: 23 ⁄2" stainless Obvious examples include the .22 LR, .22 Hornet and .222 bolt for disassembly. A steel, 0.85" diameter .22-250 Rem., .243 Win or .220 Rem. chamberings. Three projection on its interi- RIFLING: six-groove, 1:14" Swift. Back East, varminters models are currently offered, or engages a recess in RH twist often work a smaller farm on including the European-styled the round bolt body WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 6 ozs. foot with a light rifle stocked for MAGAZINE: five-round, Custom with rollover cheek thereby limiting its single-column detachable shooting from the prone or from piece, rosewood pistol grip cap rearward travel. In steel magazine improvised supports in search and schnabel fore-end. As its contrast, the bolts of SIGHTS: none of a relatively smaller number name implies, the Mannlicher many sporting rifles TRIGGER: adjustable, of pests such as woodchucks. is stocked to the muzzle in tra- are held by the sear 1 single-stage, 2 ⁄2-lbs. pull Because the ranges are general- ditional German hunting fash- when out of battery. STOCK: walnut: length of 1 ly less than 200 yds. and noise ion. Also offered is the Classic, The use of a separate pull 14 ⁄4"; drop at heel 5 3 may be a factor if built-up areas 1 ⁄8"; drop at comb 1 ⁄8" which features a stock profile bolt release such as ACCESSORIES: cable lock are nearby, such as .22 popular among American the 1730’s prevents and manual LR, .22 WMR and .22 Hornet sportsmen. We received a 1730 wear on the sear SUGGESTED RETAIL rule the day. with the Classic stock in .22 and helps ensure PRICE: $1,295 Sporters in these small cal- Hornet for evaluation. consistent shot-to- ibers accurate enough for The non-rotating Match 54 shot trigger pull. bolt has a locking lug in its bolt The extractor is a handle ring that engages a small spring- recess in the left-rear of the loaded hook at receiver. The root of the handle the right front also serves as a locking lug. The of the bolt that safety lever extends from the draws the spent left rear of the bolt and is rotat- case against the ed upward to fire. A red “F” and fixed blade ej- a white “S” stamped into the ector in the safety shroud index against a red bottom of the

The Model 1730 is a varmint rifle that employs the same action as on Anschutz’s Model 54 match rifles. The safety (l.) is on the rear of the rifle’s receiver.

62 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 SHOOTING RESULTS .22 Hornet Vel.@ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) The Model 1730’s Remington 45-gr. JHP 2727 Avg. 800 1.1 0.42 0.72 0.58 bolt face is recessed Express R22H2 21 Sd to provide support Hornady 35-gr.JHP 3198 Avg. 795 1.1 0.58 0.75 0.65 for the rimmed .22 VX Varmint Express No. 8301 29 Sd Hornet case. There Winchester 34-gr JHP 3183 Avg. 765 1.0 0.60 0.79 0.70 is a locking lug on Supreme No. S22H1 26 Sd the left side of the Average Extreme Spread: 0.64 bolt handle ring, Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 23.5" barrel. Range temperature: and the bolt handle 66° F. Humidity: 56%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. also serves as a lug. from a sandbag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), JHP (jacketed hollow point). receiver. The bolt face is of the trigger blade. The blade recessed to provide support to itself is heavily recurved and the rimmed .22 Hornet case. grooved to improve the firer’s A gas-relief hole in the control of the precision match receiver ring above the extractor trigger mechanism. provides a margin of safety in the The 1730’s action is fed from unlikely event of a case head fail- a stamped-steel, single-column ure or pierced primer. A recoil magazine with a capacity of five lug at the front of the blued steel rounds. To allow for easier grasp- cylindrical receiver engages a ing by the shooter, the floor plate recess in the stock. Two large is slightly wider than the maga- slotted machine screws pass zine body and seats just short of through the trigger guard and flush with the stock. A stamped- a mix of target and stock and thread into the bottom steel magazine release catch at sporting features of the Match 54 action. the front of the trigger guard common to varmint The 1730’s action is drilled engages a lump at the rear of the rifles meant to be shot The trigger unit on the Model and tapped for the attachment of magazine and is easily manipu- from the prone or 1730 is adjustable for pull center-fire scope bases and is lated by the trigger finger. from a bench, includ- weight from 2.2. to 4.4. lbs. Our also grooved to accept tip-off Anschutz’s sporter barrels ing a high fluted comb sample rifle’s trigger let-off at a 1 .22 scope mounts. Although the are lapped for smoothness, and with very little drop, a tar- crisp 2 ⁄2 lbs. out of the box. European custom and Mann- the muzzles are carefully get fore-end and a generous licher variants come with crowned and chamfered to the pistol grip. Additionally, a syn- the shooting position, but adjustable iron sights, the same tolerances as their match thetic butt-plate with horizon- almost impossible to flip off Classic is not provided with rifles. The 1730’s 24", round- tal grooves to keeps the rifle with the hand in the same place. metallic sights. contour barrel measures to a from slipping off of the firer’s Some might argue that this is a The 1730’s trigger is medium-weight 0.825" diame- shoulder. Checkering in a 18 good safety feature, and it is adjustable for pull weights from ter and features a recessed crown l.p.i. double-bordered diamond certainly no handicap when 2.2 to 4.4 lbs., and the sample to protect the rifling origin. pattern decorates the fore-end shooting at the range or taking 1 rifle let off at a crisp 2 ⁄2 lbs. Pull The stainless steel barrel is and pistol grip. Our example varmints from a supported weight is adjusted by removing free-floated in an American shows no flattened diamonds, position, but it doesn’t help in the action from the stock and walnut stock of considerable but there are a few over-runs. making the kind of fast shots turning a slotted screw in front figure. The stock’s contour has The Model 1730 was fired that can become available for accuracy, with results shown when stalking small game. The stainless steel barrel in the accompanying table, and Fit and finish are what one (l.) has a round 0.825" function-fired with Winchester, would expect from a rifle in this contour and a recessed Remington and Hornady price range. The bluing is rich, muzzle crown. No sights ammunition. There were no fail- deep and evenly applied, and all are provided on the ures of any kind. We tested the exterior metal surfaces are pol- 1730, but the receiver rifle with a 6X Leupold M8 ished so that no machining (below) is drilled and compact scope in Millet tip-off marks remain from the manu- tapped for center-fire mounts, and this combination facturing process. scope mounts and has certainly would seem a good The 1730 is light and com- grooves cut for tip-off one for Eastern ground hog pact enough for carrying afield mounts as well. hunting. Although the barrel is and balanced properly at the free-floated, we found that, as receiver ring making it ideal for with many wood-stocked rifles, shooting from improvised rests. the 1730 would group best when Needless to say, few varmint supported near the receiver ring. rifles could make these claims. If the bag was placed near the Additionally, there is no stack- fore-end, it impinged on the bar- ing or creep in the trigger; its rel resulting in erratic groups precision brings a unique plea- during the course of out testing. sure to the shooting experience Operation of the bolt was and greatly simplifies accurate smooth and easy in general, but shooting. In sum, the Anschutz the safety lever was inconve- 1730 Classic should find favor nient for any sort of snapshoot- among those looking for a light ing because it is applied when weight, short-range varmint moved down. This makes it gun with Anschutz match rifle easy to apply with the hand in features.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 63 Armscorp USA M14 Rifle

ARMSCORP M14 dopted by the U.S. Army in 1957 as the MANUFACTURER: successor service rifle Armscorp USA, Inc. A (Dept. AR), 4424 John to the U.S. M1 Garand, the M14 Ave., Baltimore, MD was basically an M1 with a 21227; (410) 247-6200; detachable magazine and an www.3wmguns.com/parts improved gas system. The M14 /armscorp was the first U.S. service rifle CALIBER: 7.62x51 mm NATO (.308 Win.) chambered for the then new ACTION TYPE: gas-operat- 7.62x51 mm NATO cartridge. ed, semi-automatic rifle Four manufacturers made RECEIVER: CNC-machined 1,380,358 M14s before produc- investment cast steel tion ended only eight years later FINISH: matte, phosphate 3 in 1964. Although its tenure as OVERALL LENGTH: 44 ⁄8" 5 the standard U.S. Army service BARREL: 22", (25 ⁄16" with compensator) rifle was brief, the M14 soldiers RIFLING: conventional, four- on in U.S. military service as the groove, 1:12" RH twist standard service rifle for the U.S. SIGHTS: blade front, peep Navy and, in M21 modified rear adjustable for form, as a sniper rifle for the U.S. windage and elevation Army. The armed forces of MAGAZINE: detachable, steel, double column, , Taiwan and South Korea 5-, 10- and 20-round have also used the rifle. TRIGGER: two-stage, Despite its short military 1 5 ⁄4 lbs.-pull career, semi-automatic-only STOCK: walnut or synthet- M14 variants, in particular the 3 ic: length of pull, 13 ⁄8"; 1 Springfield M1A, remain drop at heel, 3 ⁄4”; drop at 5 favorites of civilian marksman comb, 2 ⁄8" WEIGHT: 9 lbs., 11 ozs. due to their familiar operation, ACCESSORIES: one 10- or rugged construction, ready one 20-round magazine, availability of parts and moder- sling, manual (scope ate recoil. Another factor is that mount base available at many traditionally inclined extra cost) We found the workmanship, fit and function of the Armscorp SUGGESTED RETAIL shooters prefer a .30-cal. rifle to USA M14 rifle to be good in every respect. The firm combines PRICE: $1,775 (Standard); the more recent .223 Rem.-cal. a new investment cast receiver with quality G.I. parts in its $2,695 (National Match); guns. Indeed, interest in and guns. Armscorp supplies one 20-round magazine and one five- $3,195 (M21) sales of civilian M14-type mod- round magazine with each rifle. Both magazines functioned els have been increasing of late. flawlessly. The short magazine (above) looks surprisingly good.

64 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 SHOOTING RESULTS 7.62x51 mm Vel.@ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) Federal No. GM308M 2590 Avg. 2503 11.9 0.89 1.49 1.24 168-gr. HPBT 19 Sd Armscorp CNC- recoil is moderate, being more Hornady No. 80973 2597 Avg. 2516 12.0 1.04 1.26 1.12 machines receivers of a sudden push rather than a 168-gr. HPBT 18 Sd in-house from bucking jolt. This is due to a Black Hills No. 2546- 2520 Avg. 2467 11.5 1.21 1.45 1.32 investment cast- combination of weight, stock 175-gr. BH308 175 HPBT 17 Sd ings. G.I. parts are design and gas operation. Average Extreme Spread: 1.22 used for the Combined, these attributes remainder of the Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 22" barrel. Range temperature: 63° F. make shooting the M14 well an Humidity: 44%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a rifle, including the easy proposition. The shooter sandbag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), HPBT (hollow point boattail). sights, barrel, gas can concentrate on sight align- system and stock. ment and hold rather than brac- Armscorp USA is a small ing for heavy recoil. At 600 yds., manufacturer of civilian, semi- the M14 competitor yields noth- automatic-only M14-type rifles ing while the average AR-15 located near Baltimore, Md. shooter is scrambling. The company offers several dif- We found that the trigger on ferent models including a our test sample broke crisply at 1 Standard Rifle, National Match 5 ⁄4 lbs. with very little take-up Rifle and M21 Rifle. All have after approximately 1/4" of investment cast steel receivers slack, which is appropriate to a CNC-machined in-house by rifle of this type. Armscorp. Four different types For competition, M14 of receivers are offered: stan- shooters will prefer the 20- dard, match, rear-lugged or Additional 20-round magazines mounted a 3-9x40 mm Weaver round magazine as its base can double-lugged. They differ in can be purchased separately Grand Slam scope. The base be used as a palm rest when the configuration and location from Armscorp as well as from itself weights about 14 ozs. shooting offhand. Highpower of their recoil lugs. G.I. parts a wide variety of other sources. That, together with the added match rules also call for one are used for much of the Operation, assembly and weight of the scope rings and magazine change in 20-shot remainder of the standard rifle disassembly procedures for the scope pushed the all-up weight rapid-fire events, thus including the trigger assembly, Armscorp M14 rifle are identi- of the rifle to well over 12 lbs. requiring two 20-round barrel, sights, magazine and gas cal to military models except We then “fired the square” to magazines. We found the system. The M21 rifle is hand- for those absent parts associat- test the ability of the mount to short five-round magazine built using National Match ed with the selective-fire oper- hold a solid group. As our fifth supplied with the rifle parts, a McMillan fiberglass ation. The rifle can be quickly group was right on top of our handy and easy to insert stock and a heavy stainless and easily disassembled for first, we were able to verify the and remove despite its steel, match-grade Douglas routine cleaning and mainte- solidity of the mount. As the uncommon length. It also barrel. We received an example nance. In the unlikely event of mount holds the scope over the looks surprisingly at home of the Standard Rifle with a a broken part, commonly avail- existing iron sights, an addi- when inserted in the rifle. match-grade receiver for test able surplus G.I. parts should tional pad on the stock’s comb All this CNC-machined and evaluation. serve nicely. was necessary to properly posi- steel, walnut and hand fit- Two things are readily The Armscorp M14 has a tion the shooter’s head. For this ting are not only old tech- apparent upon examining the 0.190" threaded hole with a purpose, we used a well-made, nology, they are expensive Armscorp M14 rifle for the first small notch above it on the velcro-on unit from Blackhawk. by modern standards. This time. The first is the heft of the receiver’s left side flat intended We function tested the is why an Armscorp M14 empty rifle, which weighs 9-lb., for use with most M1A/M14 Armscorp M14 with two differ- standard rifle carries a sug- 11-ozs. The second is the work- scope mounts. This hole/notch ent brands of military 7.62x51 gested retail price of manship, fit and finish of the system serves to quickly and mm M80 Ball and two different $1,775. But modern mili- machined steel receiver and real easily mount an ingenious billet brands of commercial ball tary-style rifles walnut stock. This is truly a rifle steel scope mount base of ammunition in .308 Win. cal- made from made the old fashioned way Armscorp’s design on the rifle. iber. We experienced no mal- exotic alloys with machined steel and wal- To install the mount, the clip functions of any type. After and synthetics nut—no exotic alloys or poly- charger guide is first removed by breaking in the rifle with ball cost as much mer parts here. loosening its set screw and drift- ammunition, we subjected it to or more, and, Those intimately acquainted ing it off the dovetail on the a well-deserved cleaning then besides, the with the Garand and the military receiver. The scope mount has a switched to match-grade .308 Armscorp M14 will feel right at home with matching groove that slides into Win. ammunition with 168-gr. M14 is a clas- the Armscorp M14. The selec- the dovetail and a captive bolt HPBT bullets to test accuracy. sic the likes of tive fire switch and mount have that threads into the hole on the We elected not to use the scope which we do been deleted from the right rear receiver to secure the assembly and mount for the accuracy not see very of the receiver as has the cutout firmly in place. With the mount- tests. The Armscorp M14 deliv- often these on the stock. Due to misguided ing screws treated with Loctite, ered very good accuracy for a days. legislation, the bayonet lug on the mount holds the scope solid- standard rifle. The results of the bottom of the front sight ly over the iron sights, which these tests are summarized in Some reasons M14- assembly has been deleted as remain fully useable. Armscorp the accompanying table. style rifles remain well. Other than those changes, offers the scope mount base as In shooting the Armscorp popular are the the rifle remains essentially as an extra-cost option. We M14 rifle, it quickly becomes familiar oper- issued. Out-of-the-box, it received one with the test rifle. apparent why it is so popular ation, moderate comes with one pre-ban, 20- To test the solidity of the among target shooters. Despite recoil and the round G.I. magazine and one Armscorp system, we installed being chambered for a relative- availability of post-ban, five-round magazine. the base on our test rifle and then ly powerful cartridge, perceived spare parts.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • March 2001 65