Ed Brown ost custom - That means Brown actions and smiths begin with are built one at a time on Savanna Rifle Mfactory bolt-actions computer numeric controlled that they rework according to machining centers to customer their philosophies. For world- order with each rifle personal- class shooter and custom gun- ly built and tested by Ed or one smith Ed Brown, that was of his two sons. The result is the unacceptable as he could not Ed Brown Model 702 control the quality of mass- that Brown offers as the basic produced factory actions. For building block for five models. that reason, Brown set out to The NRA Technical Staff manufacture his own bolt- recently received an Ed Brown action that combines leading- Savanna model in .300 Win. edge manufacturing tech- Mag. for test and evaluation. niques and proven features The Brown Savanna rifle is 1 with old-world craftsmanship. a classically styled, 7 ⁄2-lb. SHOOTING RESULTS Ed Brown elected to manufac- .300 Win. Mag. Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average ture his own rifle actions, combining (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) old world craftsmanship with modern manu- Federal P300WT4 3125 Avg. 3,150 24.5 0.85 1.06 0.92 facturing techniques. They are offered in short 150-gr. TBBC 27 Sd or long lengths with right- or left-hand operation. 8202 2923 Avg. 3,131 25.9 0.61 1.08 0.84 165-gr. BTSPIL 20 Sd sporter intended for 26" stainless or carbon steel Winchester X30WM2 2861 Avg. 3,272 28.1 0.47 0.96 0.70 big game hunting at depending on caliber and options 180-gr. PP 22 Sd long ranges. Avail- selected. The rifle is not intend- Average Extreme Spread: 0.82 able in either left- or ed as a showcase of artwork or as Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 26" barrel. Range temperature: 75° F. right-hand operation a display case queen. For those Humidity: 21% Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a and long- or short- reasons, the Savanna rifle fea- sandbag. Abbreviations: BTSPIL (boattail spire-point Interlock), PP (Power Point), action lengths, bar- tures a no-nonsense checkered, Sd (standard deviation), TBBC (Trophy Bonded Bear Claw). rels are either 24" or fiberglass-reinforced, pillar-

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 safety 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.

80 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 SAVANNA RIFLE

MANUFACTURER: Ed bedded, synthetic stock, all- Brown Custom, Inc. (Dept. AR), P.O. Box 492, steel construction and matte steel bolt has a welded-on han- Perry, MO 63462; black finish. dle and spiral flutes to reduce (573) 565-3261; But where it counts, the Ed weight, distribute lubrication When handed an Ed www.edbrown.com Brown Savanna rifle allows and enhance cleaning. An easy Brown Savanna rifle for the CALIBER: .257 Ackley Imp., absolutely no compromises. to operate, push button bolt stop first time, one particularly .25-’06 Rem., .270 Win., To assure the accuracy needed is located on the left rear side of notices its excellent balance .280 Rem., .280 Ackley the receiver, and there is a three- Imp., 7 mm Rem. Mag., for long-range hunting, only and refined handling. What 7 mm STW, .30-’06 Sprg., hand-lapped, match-quality position safety lever on the right that means is the Savanna can .300 Win. Mag. (tested),. barrels with deeply counter- rear of the bolt shroud. be carried comfortably for 300 WSM, .300 Rem. Ultra long periods without Mag., .300 Wby. Mag. and fatigue and comes to the .338 Win. Mag. Additional shoulder effortlessly. calibers, including short- actions, available. Experienced hunters ACTION TYPE: proprietary will fully appreciate design turn-bolt, center- both those features, and fire repeater with two novice hunters will soon front, opposed locking come to the same con- lugs on bolt, long- or clusion. Operation short-length, left- or right- proved straightforward hand, three-position The Savanna rifle uses a fiberglass-reinforced synthetic stock with alu- safety, internal ejector, and smooth. In particu- external extractor minum pillar bedding, socket-head action screws, quick-detachable lar, the bolt operates and RECEIVER: heat-treated, sling swivel studs and a rubber recoil pad. glides smoothly without CNC-machined binding, the bolt release carbon steel sunk muzzle crowns and The 1.360" diameter button operates easily and the FINISH: matte black 1 benchrest-quality chambers receiver itself is machined magazine floorplate releases OVERALL LENGTH: 46 ⁄2" BARREL: match-grade, are used—No. 3 contour in from heat-treated, carbon steel on demand. hand-lapped, carbon standard calibers and No. 4 with a solid rear bridge, round Styling of the Ed Brown steel, 24" or 26" (tested) contour in magnum calibers. bottom and 0.300" thick, Savanna rifle can be described RIFLING: conventional, Socket-head action screws collar-type, front recoil lug. as purposeful and practical, eight-groove 1:10" RH hold the precision-bedded Sidewalls of the front receiver and we came to appreciate the twist action securely in the synthet- ring are approximately 0.185" styling in its own right. MAGAZINE: internal, double-column with ic stock against aluminum thick. There is a 0.115"- However, the purposeful, hinged floorplate pillars. Blued steel quick- diameter gas-relief hole drilled practical approach may not WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 8 ozs. detachable (QD) sling swivel into the right side of the front appeal to everyone—especial- SIGHTS: none, steel two- studs are standard equipment receiver ring to allow high- ly a buyer seeking bragging piece scope bases as is a 1"-thick rubber recoil pressure gases to escape in the rights on a showcase queen. installed pad. Talley steel scope mount unlikely event of a ruptured For the experienced hunter, TRIGGER: adjustable, two- stage, 2 lbs. pull. bases are installed and secured cartridge case head. All however, the styling appears STOCK: sporter-style fiber- by heavy duty 8-40 screws. Savanna rifles have an internal just right. glass synthetic with Brown’s Model 702 action magazine as standard. Savanna On a rifle such as this, the cheekpiece, 18 l.p.i. is a classic Mauser-type turn- rifles in the new .300 WSM buyer expects superior work- checkering on pistol grip bolt repeater with a short 90 caliber will have a detachable manship, fit, finish and accura- and fore-end, 1" black degree bolt throw and dual, box magazine option. cy. After all, that is what the and rubber recoil pad; precision bedded with opposed front locking lugs The adjustable trigger is Savanna rifle is all about. In our aluminum pillars: length offering plenty of contact area. held to the lower rear of the opinion, workmanship, fit and 5 of pull, 13 ⁄8"; drop at heel, The bolt locks directly to the action with two pins. On mod- finish are fully commensurate 1 1 2 ⁄4"; drop at comb, 2 ⁄4" action, which is a stressed part. els with an internal magazine, with the asking price. SUGGESTED RETAIL An M16-type, non-rotating the floorplate is hinged at the We fired nearly 200 rounds PRICE: $2,800 extractor is used along with an front and released by pressing of ammunition of various internal ejector. The 0.700" a small button in front of the brands through the Savanna diameter, hand-fitted, carbon machined steel trigger guard. rifle without malfunction.

Diameter of the Brown receiver is 1.360" (l.), which is large enough to accept large mag- num cartridges such as the .338 Lapua Mag. and .460 Wby. Mag. Brown’s new proprietary rifle action uses a carbon steel bolt (r.) with dual, opposed front locking lugs, an M16- type external extractor and an internal ejector. Note the helical flutes on the bolt body that reduce weight and increase stiffness.

81 Accuracy proved excellent colder months of the year Unlike some competitors, your ammunition is capable of, and perceived recoil was mod- when hunters wear heavy Ed Brown does not guarantee which is more than acceptable erate thanks in part to the clothing, which can make accuracy. The reason is, of for most types of hunting. rifle’s excellent balance. In rifles with 14"-plus pull course, that the Savanna rifle is Ed Brown’s Savanna rifle will particular, we like the some- lengths unwieldy. A minor capable of substantially greater be appreciated by experienced 5 what shorter than normal 13 ⁄8" detail perhaps, but indicative accuracy (1/2 m.o.a.) than most hunters willing to pay for a reli- length of pull on the Savanna. of the thorough attention to hunting ammunition can deliv- able, high-quality, precision tool Why? Because typically, rifles detail given to this rifle’s er. However, the Savanna rifle for hunting at long ranges in all such as this are used in the design by Ed Brown. will deliver all the accuracy weather conditions.

Marlin Model 336SS

The Marlin Model 336 rifle has a solid reputation for reliability and durabil- ity. Now that it is available in stainless steel, it will be able to maintain those attributes despite neglect or a harsh environment.

For accuracy testing, or more than 100 regarding reliability, we equipped the years, Marlin’s power and durability, Marlin with a Leupold Flever-action rifles though we have drifted Vari-X 3-9X Compact have been enjoyed by in aesthetics from utili- scope in Weaver-style generations of shooters. tarian to sometimes rings. The combination Early in the Marlin lever whimsical. proved complementary gun’s history, shooters Marlin has just raised yielding good accuracy wanted a rifle that would the bar in its commit- with most loads. help them survive. Such ment to durability with rifles had to be utterly the introduction of its reliable, at least ade- Model 336 in stainless quately powerful and steel. While hardly a thoroughly durable. As “new” rifle—the design our use of rifles has arguably dates to evolved away from sus- 1893—the use of stain- tenance and more less steel marks a new toward sport, we’ve seen direction for Marlin in the no less of a commitment center-fire rifle market. from manufacturers Stainless steel is not rust-

82 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 of any kind with the SHOOTING RESULTS test gun, and accura- MARLIN 336SS cy was on par with MANUFACTURER: Marlin .30-30 Win. Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average the Marlin Model Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) Firearms Co. (Dept. AR), 336ER rifle in .356 100 Kenna Drive, P.O. Federal 3030B 2204 Avg. 1,834 10.5 1.45 2.52 2.07 Win. caliber we test- Box 248, North Haven, 170-gr. SPH-S 11 Sd ed in 1984 (October CT 06473-0905; (203) Remington R30301 2309 Avg. 1,776 9.4 1.63 3.35 2.65 1984, p. 58). As a 239-5621; www.marlin- 150-gr. C-LSP 29 Sd rifle intended for firearms.com CALIBER: .30-30 Win. PMC C3030SFA 2204 Avg. 1,618 8.8 2.75 4.51 3.57 medium-size game ACTION TYPE: lever- 150-gr. SF 24 Sd such as deer or bear action, center-fire rifle 1 Average Extreme Spread: 2.76 at woods ranges, the OVERALL LENGTH: 38 ⁄2" 3 BARREL: 20" Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 20" barrel. Range temperature: 2 ⁄4" group average is 77° F. Humidity: 86% Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. acceptable. RIFLING: Micro-Groove from a sandbag. Abbreviations: C-LSP (Core-Lokt soft-point), SPH-S (soft-point Both Federal- 1:10" RH-twist Hi-Shok), Sd (standard deviation), SF (Starfire). WEIGHT: 7 lbs. and Remington- MAGAZINE: six-round brand ammunition tubular magazine proof, nor is it corrosion-proof, good because stainless sights shot well, but the accuracy SIGHTS: semi-buckhorn but it does lend some degree of would be annoyingly reflective, exception was PMC-brand .30- rear adjustable for security to those of us who don’t especially in bright sunshine. 30 Starfire, which, frankly, windage and elevation, always clean our guns after each Marlin’s first gun with a stunk. That’s a shame because ramp front with Wide- Scan hood and brass use or who hunt in extreme cli- solid top was the Model 1889, the Starfire uses an all-copper bead on steel blade matic conditions. and from it evolved—through a bullet much like the Barnes X- TRIGGER: single-stage, 1 Some of the hallmarks of the series of successive models Bullet, which has a proven ter- 4 ⁄2 lbs. pull Model 336 design that bear including the Models 1893 and minal ballistics track record. At STOCK: American walnut: 1 repeating are its full-length, 36—the Model 336. A by- first, we assumed there was length of pull, 13 ⁄2"; drop 1 at heel, 2 ⁄4"; drop at tubular magazine, real walnut product of the solid top receiver some incompatibility between 1 comb, 1 ⁄2" stock with cut checkering and is side ejection—a great bene- the bullet and the bore, causing ACCESSORIES: hammer round bolt that theoretically fit to the many who buck tradi- the soft copper to not be stabi- spur, safety lock makes the receiver stronger than tion and mount a scope on the lized by the shallow “Micro- SUGGESTED RETAIL the square bolt of earlier Marlin Model 336SS. Groove” rifling. We managed to PRICE: $608 rifle designs. There are also the For testing, we chose to buck recover more than a half-dozen familiar barrel bands and pistol and equipped the Marlin with a bullets from the backstop and grip with black cap, as well as Leupold 3-9X Compact scope in examined the rifling marks that well for us with all-cop- the relatively modern cross-bolt Weaver-style rings. That combi- under a dissection microscope per bullets. hammer-drop safety that when nation was rather complemen- but found nothing that would Marlin’s newest rifle, then, engaged stops the hammer from tary, and increased the overall suggest inadequate purchase by combines the nostalgic tradition striking the firing pin. weight to only around 8 lbs. the lands. There was also no of a lever-action gun with the The are the only Accuracy testing results are sum- keyholeing, so the result is that “modern” material stainless blued steel external parts we marized in the accompanying the load simply didn’t shoot steel. That combination forms a could find on the test rifle. That’s table. Function firing was with well in that gun. The only way rifle that over the test of time has several different type we could get it to group was to proven itself in reliability, dura- partial boxes of .30-30 fire five shots then clean the bore bility and accuracy, and can now Win. ammunition the with a strong copper solvent maintain those attributes Technical Staff had before firing the next group. despite neglect from time- remaining in its ammu- As with cast lead bullets, crunched modern man—or nition locker. There Marlin’s Micro-Groove nearly anything Mother were no malfunctions rifling didn’t seem to work Nature can dish out.

The round bolt of the Model 336 (l.) theoretically makes the receiver stronger than the square bolt of earlier Marlin designs, as some believe the steel is weakened less by boring a round hole than cutting a square one. Externally, the only visible steel parts that are not stainless are the sights (r.). The rear is an adjustable semi-buckhorn while the front is a hooded ramp with brass bead.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 83 Interstate Arms Model 97 Shotgun

mericans have a the breech block is free to was in such good condition. long history of move to the rear on tracks It is important to note though Aappreciation for the machined into the receiver that despite very similar repeating shotgun, and the in a straight line. The carri- appearances, parts are not Winchester Model 1897 is er continues to move down- necessarily interchangeable one of the earliest and most ward where it picks up a between an original and this popular examples. From its fresh shell from the five- latest Model 97. Looking a introduction in 1897, the shot tubular magazine. On great deal like a “riot” or Model 1897 Winchester was the closing stroke, the carri- “brush” model, the Model 97 an immediate success and er motion is reversed and it features a 20" barrel with a was manufactured until lifts upward, lining up the fixed cylinder bore choke 1957 with approximately fresh shell with the chamber and brass front bead. The 1,024,700 made. But the gun into which it is pushed by Model 97 is chambered 3 is not merely relegated to the the bolt. strictly for 12-ga., 2 ⁄4" shells. forgotten corners of history. Tastes change, percep- Unlike the original that The growth of Cowboy tions alter—and now the was offered in both take- Action shooting has made Model 1897 is once again a down and solid-frame guns from that era very pop- marketable product thanks models, the Model 97 is ular recently with many to the popularity of Cowboy strictly a non-takedown shooters looking for either Action shooting. Although design. It features a hard- originals or, more often, this shotgun would likely be wood stock, with a walnut quality reproductions for prohibitively expensive for version in the works, and a use in the competitions. a U.S. company to manu- nicely polished blue finish The Model 1897 is sim- facture today, Interstate ply a slide-action repeating Arms has stepped into the Unlike contemporary shotgun. Its two primary void left by high labor costs designs, the Model 97 has moving action elements are in America with its Chinese- parts sticking out all over the breech block and the made Model 97, a reason- when the action is open large, heavy, machined car- ably priced imported alter- (above r.). Although the rier. The first motion of the native for modern shooters. hammer was well-fitted action slide arm moves the Made by Norinco of and shaped, its checkering carrier downward. The China, the Model 97 turned was too smooth for our breech block is locked out to be a surprisingly faith- tastes (middle r.). Note the against an abutment in the ful copy of the original, with dual extractors on the bolt heavy carrier and once the some who saw it at first ask- (r.), which encourage carrier moves downward, ing how that “Winchester” positive extraction. 84 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 on metal parts. Wood to metal fair comparison as the original the right fit was acceptable with reason- had probably been racked side of the ably good fit and only a little bit thousands of times. Racking receiver and of proudness. The only part that the slide on the Model 97 back then manually oper- was fitted roughly was the rear and forth proved gritty-feeling ate the fore-end as with of the trigger group to the under- with some points that took any slide action. The gun is side of the pistol grip. There, the added effort to overcome, but now loaded with the hammer at and the wood was above the metal. The the gun will likely smooth out full cock. Be sure to release the problem reme- finish on the metal parts is even, as it is used. trigger after each shot as, like died. It sent us a second with the only evidence of rough Functioning of the Model the original, the Model 97 does gun from the current produc- machining being on and around 97 is the same as an original not have a disconnector and tion batch and it performed the trigger group and the bolt Winchester. It has an exposed, will fire when the action is without a hitch with several and carrier in the receiver. Also, external hammer with half- closed if the trigger is kept brands of shells. As compared the action is not as smooth as an cock and full-cock settings. depressed. to the earlier production model, original Winchester that we had The owner’s manual warns During our shooting tests, this gun was much smoother on hand, but that may not be a that, although the gun is we discovered that the Model and easier to use and did not 97, like the original require as much force in work- Winchester, can be ing the action. a bit “balky.” We Considering the nature of pattern tested the the gun and its price, the Model gun with Federal 97 should be quite popular with No. 6 lead Field the Cowboy Action shooting Loads with the crowd. Taking into considera- result shown in the tion the “quirky” design nature accompanying of the original, the Model 97 table, and function proved to be a good low-cost fired it with a alternative to an original variety of other Winchester. Also, with the brands of shells. details of the design appearing We discovered to be worked out, the new pro- that it is necessary duction models should be a The Model 97 features shell release buttons (above l., arrows) that are to smartly work the solid deal for the Cowboy pressed together to release shells from the magazine. Also, a slide-action action back and Action shooter looking for a release button (above r,. arrow) is located on the right of the receiver. It forth during firing gun to use that will not break allows the user to retract the slide and empty the chamber. to ensure that prop- the bank. er extraction and designed to not fire while in feeding is performed. Early on, MODEL 97 the half-cock position, it we experienced several failures should not be carried that way to extract and feed with several MODEL 97 MANUFACTURER: unless one is about to fire and types of shells, but discovered AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS Norinco, Factory No. 976 has the muzzle pointed in a that proper functioning can be AT 40 YDS. Shan-Dong First safe direction. The gun should achieved through the combina- Machinery Factory, be carried with the hammer tion of brisk “shucking” and the Beijing, China 12 12 IMPORTER: Interstate down on an empty chamber. use of high-quality ammunition. Arms Corp. (Dept. AR), The Norinco features a Also, whether using handloads 6G Dunham Road, slide-action release button on or factory ammunition, consis- 10 11 Billerica, MA 01821; the right side of the receiver, tent shell length is an important (800) 243-3006 allowing the user to empty the concern with this gun. We dis- 3 18 16 GAUGE: 12, 2 ⁄4" chamber if the situation war- covered that the outside of the ACTION TYPE: slide action, repeating shotgun rants. Also, the Model 97 fea- magazine tube of this gun 13 12 FINISH: blued steel tures a shell release mecha- should be oiled where the action OVERALL LENGTH: 39" nism. It allows the user to press slide contacts it to smooth up BARREL LENGTH: 20" two buttons placed on each the movement of the action. Cylinder Choke CHOKE: fixed, cylinder side of the receiver to release During our test, and the vio- = Point of Hold WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 1 oz. the shells from the magazine. lent working of the action, the Interstate Arms Model 97 MAGAZINE CAPACITY: five 3 1 SIGHTS: brass bead front Although we could get these to action slide sleeve screw cap 12-ga., 2 ⁄4"—1 ⁄4 oz. TRIGGER: single-stage, work, they were inconsistent separated from the slide action No. 6 copper-plated lead 3 7 ⁄4-lbs. pull and difficult to employ. causing the fore-end to sepa- Average Pellet count: 287 STOCK: hardwood with Loading is accomplished rate from the slide action. It Measured Velocity @ 3'—1221 f.p.s. walnut stain (walnut by having the fore-end fully appears that the fore-end’s Remaining Energy Per planned): length of pull, 3 5 forward with the gun turned length may have precluded the Pellet @ 40 yds.: 1 ft.-lb. 13 ⁄4"; drop at heel, 2 ⁄8"; 3 over so you can see the maga- cap from fully seating and that drop at comb, 1 ⁄4" ACCESSORIES: instruction zine follower. Push shells the threads were too shallow. Total Hits 104 (36%) manual directly into the magazine tube Interstate Arms informed us 21.2" Inner Circle 55 (19%) SUGGESTED RETAIL until they are captured by the that was a problem in the early 30" Outer Ring 49 (17%) PRICE: $349 shell latch. To chamber a run of guns and assured us that round, press the bolt release on the factory has been informed

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 85 Redfield 3-9x 42 mm Illuminator Scope

Having built a decades-old reputation for quality, Redfield’s sudden closure in 1999 caught many by surprise. Back on the market again, the new Redfield looks as though it will continue that tradition.

or decades, Redfield long before Redfield was resur- ditional Golden Five enjoyed a reputation for rected—this time as part of Star series of scopes F“accuracy and consis- sporting goods conglomerate and the economical tency of adjustments” with Blount, Inc. Tracker line. In all, respect to its various lines of Now, with the backing of a there are currently hunting and target scopes. parent company whose hold- 25 different scopes While that reputation contin- ings include such names as offered in gloss, ued, the company didn’t, and its RCBS and Federal Cartridge, matte, blue or silver sudden closure in late 1999 Redfield is back on dealers’ finishes. caught many off guard. ABO shelves. Initial offerings include To help kick off USA, Inc. in Miami, Fla., con- the Widefield line of scopes that the return of Red- tinued to honor the Redfield have a field of view claimed to field, Blount hosted warranty , but the optics icon all be 30 percent greater than con- a seminar held over but disappeared from the mar- ventional scopes. There is also a cold December ket. With such a recognizable the Illuminator line that weekend at Federal and respected name, it wasn’t Redfield calls its “best,” the tra- Cartridge Co. in Anoka, Minn., to refamiliarize the Turrets are finger-adjustable with 1/4" outdoor press with clicks and waterproof covers. Adjustment the old name and to range is 62 m.o.a. vertical and 59 m.o.a. introduce the new horizontal. product line. That seminar allowed us to put the of that test. Another scope had new Redfield products through been left buried in sand an array of torture tests that overnight, presumably to test if would make inferior optical the sand would penetrate the products fail. tube or controls. There was First in the series of tests some slight grittiness to the involved packing a scope in a power adjustment ring, but the box of snow and leaving it out- turret drums and lenses side overnight where the tem- remained unaffected. perature was hopelessly stuck Next, a heated scope was several degrees below zero. The placed into a tank of cold water, next morning, that scope was the theory being that the con- The view seen through the scope looks like a television since the chiseled out of the snow and traction caused by the rapid ocular bell is shaped like one. Field of view is 31'x24' at 100 yds. brought inside to warm up. cooling of the scope would suck when the scope is set at 3X—12'x10' when set at 9X. There was no fogging as a result moisture into it if the seals

86 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 and shock-proof one-piece the adjustment turrets are fin- aluminum unit made in Japan to ger-adjustable with 1/4" clicks Redfield’s specifications. The and waterproof covers. optics are fully coated to control Adjustment range is 62 m.o.a. flare and reduce light reflection vertical and 59 m.o.a. horizon- loss, and the ocular bell is oval tal. Weight is 14.9 ozs., length is 5 like a television screen. Eye 12 ⁄8" and the adjustment saddle 1 1 relief ranges from 3 ⁄4" to 3 ⁄8" is centrally located. depending on power setting. Being thoroughly satisfied The objective bell is round and with the testing done on the the exit pupil ranges from 13 Redfield products at the semi- mm to 4.6 mm depending on nar, we opted not to put this power setting. Like the ocular scope through the same rigors bell, the view as seen through with the exception of the one the Redfield Illuminator is test the seminar scope failed. While preparing to freeze the scope in a block of ice, bubbles began to leak from the objective indicating a leak. We gave Redfield the benefit of the doubt that the scope had suffered dam- age at the hands of airline bag- gage handlers and requested a One scope was heated and replacement. The replacement placed in cold water (above). scope didn’t leak, and was Contraction was not able to frozen in a block of ice as draw moisture into it. Another planned. When thawed in warm was frozen and thawed in warm water, no leaks were apparent so water (r.)—it fogged. We repeat- that scope passed the test. ed the test at NRA with another Given the severity of the scope—it didn’t fog. physical tests the new Redfield scopes passed, it would appear failed. They didn’t. Yet another that Blount has made the neces- scope was left overnight sealed sary commitment to offer a qual- in a chamber that simulates long- ity and rugged product. Optically, term environmental exposure by the Redfields compare favorably using heat and humidity. That to their peers by offering bright, scope remained clear, too. clear images. To the new Redfield Blount Research Director Bruce test fixture were several high- shaped like a television screen product line, then, we say, “wel- Warren bounced several scopes end, name brand scopes from and images are bright and crisp. come back.” Contact: Redfield from shoulder height off a hard Redfield’s competitors. In opti- Field of view is 31'x24' at 100 Division of Blount (Dept. AR), rubber pad with no ill-effects, cal comparison, the Redfield yds. when on 3X and 12'x10' at 201 Plantation Oak Drive, while another scope that had appeared to be of equal quality 100 yds. on 9X. The power Thomasville, GA 31792; phone: been frozen in a block of ice was to scopes costing considerably adjustment ring has a protrud- (800) 285-0689; placed in a warm water bath to more money. ing lug for easy grasping, and www.redfieldoptics.com. thaw. That scope had its seals There was no detectable fail as evidenced by the mois- image distortion over the range ture collected against the inside of magnification, nor was there of the objective lens. Last of the any noticeable change in image extreme tests subjected a scope color or tone. The last test dur- to 1,000 Gs axial and 500 Gs ing the seminar had us “shoot transverse force for 1,000 the square,” which is a test for cycles. That test was intended to adjustment repeatability. The see if the scope could stand up object is to fire a group from to severe and repeated recoil, 100 yds. into the center of a tar- which it did. get, and while maintaining that Less physically extreme aiming point, make scope tests were performed to check adjustments to move consecu- optical quality and adjustment tive groups around the target repeatability. Optical quality paper to form the corners of a was tested with a collimator fix- square. Again, the Redfield ture that used a series of incre- passed the test. mentally reduced lines that We left the seminar with a could be viewed through all new Redfield Illuminator parts of the scope lens. Any dis- 3-9X42 mm scope with duplex Optical quality was tested with a collimator fixture. The tortion attributable to the lens reticle for our own test and eval- Redfields compared favorably with several other high-end, would have been evident. At that uation. It’s a sealed, water-, fog- name-brand scopes in clarity and resolution.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • August 2001 87