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2018 Personal Defense Issue

Nighthawk Custom Double Stack GRP 6 Nighthawk adds a line of hand-crafted, high-capacity double-stack options to its fullsize 9mm government model 1911’s for 2018. We take the least-expensive GRP 6 variation for a test drive. Guy Coursey 14 IWI Galil ACE 5.56mm Pistol 14 Equipped with a side-folding pistol brace, this modern- day Galil is an ultra-compact, ultra-reliable weapon system that embodies the rugged-reliability of an AK, only with features that rival an AR. Dave Bahde Luth-AR MBA-3 Carbine Stock 26 Taking a different approach entirely, Luth-AR offers a fully-adjustable carbine buttstock without the fully-adjustable weight penalty. Dave Bahde POF’s piston-drive 7.62mm Revolution 30 In a revolutionary feat in packaging, Patriot Ordnance Factory has engineered an AR-platform rifle chambered 38 in 7.62x51mm NATO that’s no larger or heavier than its 5.56mm counterpart. Here’s your cake. And yes, you can eat it too. Guy Coursey Walther PPQ Q4 TAC 9mm Pistol 38 Building on the growing polymer-frame PPQ lineup— the pistols equipped with quite possibly the best striker-fired trigger in the world—we test the new Q4 TAC RDS/suppressor ready version. Dave Bahde New-for-2018 Defensive Gear & Accessories 46 We put our ears to the ground and here’s what we came up with for top-picks in new defensive gear, components, optics and ammunition for 2018. OT Staff 46 SureFire SOCOM RC2 Suppressor 50 Through advanced manufacturing techniques, the SOCOM 2 series of QD sound suppressors is less expensive than the original contract- winning SOCOM line, without a penalty in performance. Dave Bahde Rock River Arms QMC Carbine 56 RRA’s Quick Mag Change LAR-15—a well-equipped, soft-shooting, precise and extremely-reliable AR carbine. Need more reasons to consider buying one? Read on! Guy Coursey 48 Nikon Black Force1000 1-4x24mm Scope 64 The best value yet in a sub-$400, low-power-variable 56 riflescope for your carbine? Frank Melloni Gun Giveaway Contest 66 Log onto On Target’s website (ontargetmagazine.com) to enter to win a Walther PPS M2 pistol, 500-rounds of Black Hill’s 100-gr. HoneyBadger ammo and an Elite Survival LOADOUT Range Bag. OT Staff On Our Cover: Nighthawk’s new 9mm GRP Double Stack 1911, sitting next to the On Target Editors’-Choice-Award winning Nov-X 9mm ammunition. Photo by Ben Battles. 3 EDITOR Ben Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Mackenzie Battles [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF ONLINE CONTENT Charles Anderson [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING Editors Massad Ayoob, David Bahde, Guy Coursey, Frank Melloni, Tatiana Whitlock, Wayne Van Zwoll, Mike Dickerson, Bill Battles 2xtreme

advertising sales Byers Media, LLC Tel.: (989) 826-3296 Fax.: (989) 826-6926

Ken Byers [email protected]

Autumn Ifland [email protected]

Neil Henry [email protected]

CIRCULATION Angela Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

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On Target is a trademark of Phoenix Publishing, Inc. Entire contents copyright ©2018 by Phoenix Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

4 5 Nighthawk adds a high-performance big-block option to its custom 9mm 1911’s

For those who know and appreciate 1911s, the name Nighthawk Custom is both familiar and much respected. This is because Nighthawk makes some of the best—maybe the best—and most aesthetically pleasing 1911s on the planet, in addi- tion to customized Browning Hi-Powers, Remington 870 shotguns, revolvers and knives. One of their latest offerings is a custom dou- ble-stack 1911 in 9mm, which is now a $650 upgrade-option on all of Nighthawk’s current-production government model 9mm single stack pistols. For competitive shooters, or those who just want more rounds onboard your 1911-style auto for defensive purposes, this sort of pistol fits a definite niche in the Nighthawk lineup. For our testing I received a Nighthawk GRP (Global Response Pistol), which handily lived up to the Nighthawk Custom reputation for in fit, finish, form and function. Before examining the pistol in question, it is important to under- stand just what “custom” means in this case. Imagine a conclave of very serious, dedicated artisans making katanas in a small village of feudal Japan, then take that concept about 500 years forward to the United States with 1911 handguns, and you will sort of get the idea. Each Nighthawk Custom firearm is

guy coursey ben battles

6 7 NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM GRP RECON personally hand-built by an ex- power racing engine, is truly a functional work of pert gunsmith at their facility in art. Beyond just being salivatingly pleasant to gaze Berryville, Arkansas. In this case, upon, each of the 46 different Nighthawk Custom hand-built actually means built pistols are well-known for superior handling, ac- by hand, and “an expert” actually curacy, and Glock-like reliability. On the very rare means one of Nighthawks talented occasion when one of their firearms breaks or has a ‘smiths builds the gun from start to problem, Nighthawk Custom will repair it for free. finish, eliminating potential inconsis- Not surprisingly, the price for handguns of this sort tencies of various parts being fitted by is substantial, ranging from just below $3,000 to various hands. Every part is custom made just under $8,000 for the most expensive model. or hand fitted to the firearm, with the The price alone may cause average Earth-people initials of that particular ‘smith placed on to stop reading right here, or encourage others to each and every gun he makes. The result, continue on more out of curiosity as to what sorts like a meticulously blueprinted, high-horse- of pistols rich oil magnates or Arab sheiks may buy along with their Ferraris and yachts. These are more than just expensive toys, “safe queen’s” or showpieces, however. These guns are built to run hard and do work, so read on. The Nighthawk Custom GRP frame is made

TOP left: The single piece grip reduces the overall circum- ference, making this high-ca- pacity 1911noticeably slimmer than others with traditional removable grip panels. The texture dimples wrap 360-de- grees around the frame and give a solid non-slip hold. The squared-off, high-cut trigger guard helps position your strong hand as high up on the pistol as is possible for in- creased control under recoil.

BOTTOM left: A serrated, single-sided thumb safe- ty, smooth slide-stop and smooth, extended magazine release round out the con- trols. The standard equip- ment Heine Ledge Straight Eight night sights are fitted with one Trijicon Tritium vile per— the rear of which is ide- ally shaped for gaining trac- tion on nearly anything for single-handed slide racking. 88 9 RIGHT: “One gun, one gunsmith”; this is one of the aspects that sets Nighthawk apart from other boutique 1911 manufacturers. Each part of the final product is me- ticulously hand-fitted to each other, with the initials of that particular ‘smith placed on each and every gun he makes. The effort and expertise that that is sweated into each final product effectively makes these pistols functional works of art, and the pride in workmanship extends to the owner in the form of pride in ownership.

from 7075 aluminum, with a distinctive high-cut, square trigger guard. On the forward end there is a Recon Rail for pistol lights or other accessories, while aft there is a one-piece, wrap-around grip that encompasses the sides and front. This grip is cut with MSH hexagonal dimples that are texture and profile matched along with a flat mainspring housing at the rear for a very positive, 360-degree gripping surface. Along with this grip feature, the mag well is widely flared while hard- ly increasing the dimensions of the base of the grip, reducing the potential of the pistol printing when carrying concealed. Combined with the high-cut trigger guard, the Nighthawk speed-bump-equipped beavertail safety was designed to push the grip of the firing hand as high up as humanly possible, ABOVE: A high-cut beavertail grip safety— aiding in recoil control and ease of manipulation of the thumb forcing your firing hand closer to the bore safety. A smooth-sided slide release and extended magazine axis—and flat mainspring housing both release round out the controls—all of which functioned NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM work toward controlling recoil, muzzle with the high level of precision and tension that meticulous rise and enhancing overall grip feel. hand-fitting lends. The pistol ships with two 17-round STI GRP RECON

10 11 RIGHT: The standard Recon Rail dust cover gives the option of hanging your favorite NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM white light/laser illu- minator. The GRP model is the least expensive GRP RECON option in the lineup, but gives up nothing in fit, function or per- formance to the other more-highly adorned or aesthetically complex Nighthawk offerings. LEFT: After two years of fine tuning, Night- hawk has added a line of double-stack models worthy of carrying the name. For an extra $650, all of Nighthawk’s current Government model Fullsize government model 1911’s chambered in 9mm 1911s can be had in 9mm are generally very-soft-shooting pistol’s, and the GRP Double-Stack seemed even more so. the new double-stack, Between the ultra-quick shot-recovery time 7075-aluminum frame, and the pistol’s phenomenal trigger, dou- and each will ship ble-taps were fast and precise. with two 17-round stainless-steel STI magazines. The widely flared magwell only slightly increases the grip circumference at its base, offering both speed and conceal- ability.

stainless-steel magazines that accept most aftermarket base ble play between the fit of the two. It’s almost as if they’re shoots as good as it looks. During my first range session, I pads (increased capacity, 21 and 26-round magazines are also one piece. Even so, the slide racks easily as if riding on ball put several magazines through the GRP just to get a feel for available through STI.) The pistol is equipped with a perfectly bearings—a true testament to the hand-fitting going on at it, and quickly blasted a hole about the size of a silver dollar tuned single thumb safety and expertly fitted, traditional bush- Nighthawk. through the forehead of an innocent IDPA target from ing-equipped, match-grade Nighthawk 5-inch stainless-steel The flat-faced trigger on my GRP had virtually no take- 10 yards. Satisfied but out of time, I had to wait a bit to barrel. The slide is emblazoned with the letters “GRP” on the up and minimal over travel, breaking crisply at exactly 3.5 conduct accuracy testing. When I did so, I found the GRP right side, and the Nighthawk Custom logo on the left. It pounds every time I gauged it. It is the most consistent pistol capable of shooting consistent 2- to 2.5-inch groups from is also equipped with Tritium Heinie Straight-8 ledge night trigger I have ever encountered . . . ever. All together, the 25 yards from a rest, firing on standard Mk 1, Mod 0 paper sights, which are some of the best out there, both for gaining a GRP weighs in at a beefy 39.6 oz, or nearly 2.5 pounds. In plates with a one-inch black center. Most groups from the quick, clear sight picture and for running the slide off a belt or a world where more svelte polymer-framed pistols domi- six types of ammo I fed it were in the 2-inch range on or other surface in extremis if necessary. Both slide and frame are nate, this is not your average 9mm. The GRP is sort of a just below center, with a few called flyers on me. My best treated to an attractive and durable black nitride coating. And broadsword instead of a katana, but it feels smaller than group was a tight 1.25 inches using Federal 115-grain JHP. speaking of slide and frame, there’s absolutely zero percepti- it looks and handles more nimbly than one would expect. Honestly, that group was probably more of a fluke, as I am The upside—especially with its 9mm chambering—is that not nearly that good, but clearly the GRP is. Reliability wise, perceived recoil and muzzle rise are exceedingly controlla- the GRP fed everything I gave it, including cheap Tula 115- LEFT: All of the trick parts, wow-factor aesthetic cues ble. One-handed strong or weak side firing? Easy, with very gr. steel-case stuff. In any event, whether for competition, and creative marketing are essentially as useless as a quick shot recovery. The whole package comes in a very self-defense or just showing off, the Nighthawk Custom wooden frying pan if the gun does not reliably and pre- stylish green/gold Nighthawk Custom soft pistol case with GRP is a pistol any 1911 aficionado would be crazy-happy cisely perform its downrange duties. Not surprisingly, two magazines and some other goodies. to own. Check out the new high-capacity, double-stack the GRP Double-Stack exhibited the performance we’ve As great as it looks and feels, no one is going to spend a offerings at your dealer, or for more information visit come to expect from Nighthawk. Bottom line, you get few house payments on a gun that doesn’t shoot well. No Nighthawk Custom, Tel.: (870) 423-4867; E-mail: info@ what you pay for with these guns. worries, though, because as expected the Nighthawk GRP nighthawkcustom.com; Web: www.nighthawkcustom.com 12 13 iwi

galil5.56 ace pistol Mud, sand, snow, rain, hot or sub-freezing . . . this one doesn’t care.

One of the first Galil’s I used as an entry weapon was an SAR (5.56mm) with a 13-inch barrel. It was the most reliable, short-barreled carbine I ever used. Given the spotty record for short M16s at the time, it was a nice change. Accuracy was typical of military rifles, three inches or so at 100 yards, but man did it run, and it ejected brass into the next county. It was a tad heavy, but handy, and it ran in the worst possible conditions: mud, snow, rain, below zero, hot, dirty you name it. Later replaced by a Micro-Galil using an 8.3-inch barrel, nothing really changed other than it was lighter, shorter and louder. Long before suppressors were common, all the short 5.56mm rifles were brutal during shoot-house train- ing. It was the price you paid back then, and still do today for the most part, but as a dedicated entry or CQB rifle it was excellent. So, when IWI USA introduced the Galil ACE 556 NATO pistol with a stabilizing brace it was of great interest to me. Using the same 8.3-inch barrel, it was like coming home to one of the most enjoyable times of my police career. IWI offers this weapon in two configurations, both are pistols. You can get it with no brace, or the SB Tactical-designed stabilizing brace. As a Title II man- ufacturer, I have been slow to “embrace the brace”. Long a fan of short barreled rifles, I still prefer a stock. It remains the best way to accurately deploy a weapon like this. But, given the ATF’s letters allow- ing you to “unintendedly” shoulder one without go- ing to prison they are growing on me. If you travel, or live in a state where SBRs are prohibited they are nice. Wind through the maze of concealed carry laws nationwide and it can also be legally carried within reach with a magazine inserted where rifles cannot in many places. Galil’s ACE operating system really lends itself to this, since it will accept a folding stock and can be fired folded, repeatedly if needed. Recoil is minimal with the long stroke piston system, and it has the proven reliability of the Galil rifles. Galil ACE rifles start with a milled steel receiver with a polymer lower section that accepts any AR15/ M16 style magazine. A reciprocating charging handle Dave Bahde ben battles & Dave Bahde sits on the left, with a dust cover protecting the inner 14 15 iwi LEFT: Attachment of the top receiver cover is rock-solid, allowing repeatable precision when using an optic mounted to the full-length galil5.56 ace pistol Picatinny rail. The rear dual-aperture sight is adjustable for windage, and the front post sight for elevation. Both have Tritium inserts.

Extending the length of the receiver is a two piece Picatinny rail. It locks into a front rail section allowing you to remove the dust cover for cleaning. Protected front and rear sights sit on the rail and gas piston housing. Both have Tritium inserts; the rear is removable and adjustable for wind, the front for elevation. A handy little tool to accomplish all three workings from dirt and debris. The two-stage is included. The handguard is polymer with re- trigger sits in an extended trigger guard for use movable covers that provide rails on both sides and with gloves. The magazine release is ambidextrous used and folds to the right. The safety the bottom. The barrel is a cold hammer forged, and located similarly to a typical AR. The bolt lever is located on the left side next to chrome lined at a 1:7 twist rate, made from CrMoV is designed to hold open on the last round, but the pistol grip and is accessible with steel. The gas system is long-stroke piston, a sort of there is no bolt release . . . much like the Garand, your strong hand thumb. The right side cross between the AK47 and Valmet RK-62. The M1A and AK rifles you pull back on the charging is more AK-like and can be operated with your trigger gas tube is dovetailed to the receiver adds rigidity handle to release on a fresh magazine. SB Tacti- finger like a standard AK rifle. Lefties can adapt to the and increases accuracy. A standard A2-style flash cal’s patented and ATF approved pistol brace is safety, but its less than friendly. hider caps the barrel.

16 17 iwi

galil5.56 ace pistol

above: The reciprocating charging han- dle rides back and forth over a pivoting cover that keeps dirt and debris out of the action. The ambi safety is manipulated by your strong-hand thumb on the left side. Magazine release is also ambidextrous. IWI ships the pistol with one Magpul PMAG Gen 3 Window 30-round magazine.

right: The milled upper receiver combined with a lower receiver made of modern polymer work toward keeping the plat- form strong and rigid without unneces- sary weight. The right-side safety lever is operated by the trigger finger, much like an AK. Trigger is two-stage and left nothing to gripe about.

Add Ons Trijicon’s RMR (www.trijicon.com) is one of the hider/muzzle brake was swapped out to facilitate the most time tested and rugged mini red-dot sights you use of an RC-2 5.56mm SOCOM suppressor. This new can get. Their RMR Type 2 using an adjustable LED Warcomp has closed tines that eliminate any pinging was attached using an American Defense (americande- while providing some control for muzzle rise. NG2’s fensemanufacturing.com) RMR mini-mount. Given MAXFLO 3D suppressor was also used, and ended the low sight offset it does not co-witness, but you can up an all but permanent attachment. One of my Blue see and use the front sight if needed. Adjustable, with Force Vickers slings was modified for use as a single/du- the ability to change batteries without removal, it is al-point sling using HK-style sling clips. Magpul’s RSA about perfect for a close quarters weapon. (Rail Sling Attachment) was attached to the top rail Surefire’s (www.surfire.com) latest Warcomp flash when a dual-point configuration was desired.

18 19 The Galil ACE pistol can be had with or without the right-side- folding SB Tactical pistol brace. iwi Lock-up in the extended position is rock-solid. The storage-equipped polymer handgrip and enlarged trigger guard are galil5.56 ace pistol integral to the lower receiver.

Range Testing below: The 5.56mm Galil ACE pistol (also avail- Since this pistol will go back to the manufacturer, it was able in 7.62x39mm and 7.62x51 NATO) is equipped left as a pistol and tested as much as possible without shoul- with a cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined, 1:7” twist 8.3-inch barrel, topped with and A2 dering the stock. It was an interesting exercise seeing how birdcage-type flash hider. The polymer hand- it could be stabilized without shouldering it. Not that you guard features removable rail covers and cannot shoulder it if needed in a fight, but it was instructive Picatinny rail sections at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. to try different methods; resting it on the cheek, pressing against my forearm, lodg- ing it in and against my bicep and using stationary objects to stabilize the pistol. All of the testing was done within close proximity of my vehicle, or in the shoot house since that is where it would most likely get used. Accuracy testing was done at 50 yards, the range the RDS was zeroed at. Even though it’s a rifle caliber, it’s a pistol, and as such is really designed for 100 yards and closer, more across the room or street than anything else. It is more than lethal out to 300 yards, but that’s not its design purpose. Best accuracy came from the Black Hills 55-grain TSX at just under an inch, although all ammo was about the 20 21 iwi galil5.56 ace pistol

Field stripping the Galil is much like an AK, albeit with a little more effort due to the tighter tolerances.

same, just at or under an inch or so using the RDS. cealment or storage. There was minimal change to the At my age, precision with an RDS is less than like- zero at 50 yards with the RC-2, maybe an inch or less. ly, so my guess is it will shoot tighter with a scope. Barnes’ 55-grain TSX bullet is one of the most often It’s really Handy used in a short 5.56mm, and the Black Hill’s load is Unsuppressed and folded, the Galil ACE 556 SB fit in excellent and remains in the 2,400 f.p.s. range out of several of my less than tactical packs and bags. Out of this short barrel. the bag it slides into nooks and crannys of the FJ making SureFire’s new Warcomp proved to be an excellent it easily accessible. Working it inside the truck was pretty muzzle device. Nowhere near as loud as a brake, it was easy, especially since you can fight as needed with it about the same as a standard flash hider with some folded. I could reach the trigger folded, but the right-side muzzle rise control. If my attempt to video the flash is magazine release was an issue, although maybe not for any indication, it is excellent; after several attempts in those with smaller fingers. Since there is a left-side release normal conditions (not at night) even a frame-by frame it can be run that way. Brace length is well thought out, did not pick up much of anything. Whether you attach about right if you need to get it on the cheek, or if it un- a suppressor or not this is an excellent flash hider with intentionally slides into the shoulder, your nose is safe. moderate recoil reduction. Attaching the SOCOM RC-2, it worked well, al- Final Thoughts though a bit harsh. As is often the case on AK-47 gas With just a bit of thought, staying within its defined systems, recoil is increased and debris is often thrown design parameters as a pistol, it is very usable in the at the shooter due to the blow back. The RC-2 real world. I’m not sure, given my current FFL, that I worked great, was pretty quiet (as quiet as these short would not turn this into an SBR and add a stock, but barrels get) and remains pretty compact, offering the I’d give it some thought. Configured this way it is well ability to run with or without the suppressor for con- suited to most any close-quarters use, whether in the 22 23 Below: 50-yard precision using the Trijicon RMR was iwi as good as anyone behind the trigger could hope for. Black Hills’ 5.56mm 55-gr. TSX provided the best results, shown here, but all ammo proved capable galil5.56 ace pistol of an inch or less at this distance. home, car, traveling, or for work, remaining legal where an SBR may not be. Using an 8.3” barrel, the terminal ballistics with the correct ammunition are solid and you can reach out farther if needed. It ran everything including my “box ‘o steel”, assorted steel cased 5.56mm ac- cumulated over the years. It is very controllable, compact and as accurate as most any 5.56mm weapons this short. If you are an AR guy, the left side charging will take some getting used to, but all my AKs are configured the same. With a bit of work its very fast, and its well suited to harsh conditions with a large knob. After a while its very intuitive. If you are making the jump to a 5.56mm pistol then this would be a good one to take a hard look at. Check it out at your nearest dealer, or contact IWI US, Tel.: (717) 695-2081; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.iwi.us

below: With the SB Tactical brace folded, the Galil Ace remains an ultra-compact and handy weapon for CQB work. Outside of not being able to reach the right-side safety lever, the pistol is fully functioning in this state. Reliability was 100-percent throughout testing.

2424 25 luth-armba-3 carbine stock Full adjustability without the fully-adjustable weight penalty

Over the last few years carbines have shed weight where possible. Forged receivers and hand- guards are as strong the originals and half the weight. Barrels, components and accessories are all lighter. Stocks are no exception and can add con- After securing the stock in your preffered buf- siderable weight, especially if you want adjustabil- fer-tube position, a fully-adjustable buttplate lets ity. Adjustable stocks can be very heavy, requiring you dial in a precision length-of-pull adjustment. a compromise when used for optics. Luth-AR has A curved, adjustable cheekpiece gives one-inch of taken a different approach, offering what may be the vertical travel to dial in your perfect line-of-sight best of both worlds. for the host optic/rifle combination. The MBA-3 is compatible with both Mil-Spec or Commercial 6-po- Randy Luth, the owner of Luth-AR is a long sition-adjustable AR buffer tubes. A Picatinny-rail time competitor and AR builder. As the founder section on the bottom allows attachment of a mo- nopod for long-range-precision shooting stability. Dave Bahde Dave Bahde 26 27 and previous owner of DPMS rifles, he has decades of experience with carbines. Luth-AR stocks are among the luth-armba-3 carbine stock lightest available. Using AR buffer tubes for attachment they work on many rifles. When outfitting my 3-gun AR, and competition AK the MBA-3 ($208.90 to $209.90 in black or FDE for the AR-15 platform with commercial or Mil-Spec buffer tube; $237.90 to $238.90 with same Weighing in at a mere 18.5-ounces but still ul- specs for the AR-10 platform) seemed the choice. Adjust- tra-durable, the Luth AR MBA-3 Carbine Stock is an excellent option for those not want- able for length of pull it adds an inch of cheek rest height ing to pay a weight penalty but still needing accommodating optics use. Weighing in at a mere 18.5 a full range of adjustment. Buffer-tube ounces it keeps my rifles handy, yet solid. Easy to install, mounted, they can be fit to any standard it’s easy to adjust on the fly, providing weight savings AR-pattern rifle, or any other platform without sacrificing usability. that a buffer tube can be adapted to. Initially installed on my Primary Weapons 16-inch carbine, it was used as a test platform for suppressors and muzzle devices. Numerous demonstrations and a few classes subjected it to quite a bit of abuse. When it came time to have Joe Firearms build my ideal self-defense/com- petition AK74, it was the perfect choice. Optimized to be fast, light, and user friendly the Luth-AR MBA-3 installed easily allowing me to use an red-dot, optic or iron sights without changing stocks. Light, it keeps this carbine com- fortable and handy. Removing the but pad kept the length of pull short. It has seen use with several red-dot sights, an EOTech 1-6X optic, even Leupold’s D-EVO side mount- ed optic. If you want an AR stock that remains strong and light without compromising features, contact Luth-AR, Tel.: (763)-263-0166; Web: www.luth-ar.com

28 29 POFA revolutionary R featevolutio in “packaging” of the 7.62x51 NATO roundn

It’s tough to find a firearm that’s truly of science I know relatively little about despite the best revolutionary these days. The current market in AR-15 efforts of some good schools to educate me, along with and AR-10 type rifles has given us literally hundreds of a fair amount of time around firearms. However, even I offerings with direct-impingement, short-stroke and long intuitively understand that bigger bullets typically demand stroke gas piston operating systems, in a dizzying variety bigger guns to fire them. A cursory comparison of the 7.62 of configurations. This is not a bad thing. Still—though NATO battle rifle round versus the 5.56 NATO carbine various parts certainly have evolved—the AR hasn’t really round demonstrates why this is so: a much larger bullet been revolutionary compared with other rifle systems since (typically three times heavier), carried in a much bigger the 1960s. Outside of the obvious non-AR outliers, such case, fired at considerably higher pressures than its smaller as the Tavor and the extremely capable FN SCAR system, counterpart. Therefore, bigger rounds require bigger, more ARs retain several things in common regardless of caliber robust chambers, bolts, bolt-carrier groups and other parts or manufacturer, including many internal parts and to deal with the higher pressures, mechanical issues and trigger systems. One thing ARs generally do not the heavier recoil that comes with them. These facts, like vary from, regardless of caliber, is their overall gravity, are tough things to get around. size and weight. This is due to something For the last 10 years or so many have been trying in called physics, which is a type earnest to get a .30 caliber round into a standard AR-sized

guy coursey ben battles

3030 31 Below: The flip side of the lower features an en- hanced bolt catch, ambi magazine-release button and safety selector. The magwell is heavily flared POF Revolution in an effort to expedite reloads. Not shown are the receiver tension screws, which insure tight up- per-to-lower receiver fit.

Above: The breadth of features on the Gen4 lower-receiver are due an article’s worth of commentary on their own. Starting from the package in valiant attempts to get a harder This is because Patri- bottom, a POF 4.5-lb. drop in sin- hitting AR without giving up too many ot Ordnance Factory gle-stage trigger is held in place of its more desirable qualities. In nearly (POF) has managed to with KNS Anti-Walk Pins. Dropping all cases this meant creating new carbine put a full-sized 7.62x51 down into the integral trigger guard, placed just forward of rounds, notably the 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel and .300 NATO rifle round the trigger is a convenient, ambi Blackout, that would fit into a typical AR magazine while into an AR-15 sized package, without bolt-hold-open button, designed functioning reliably in an AR of normal dimensions. Most sacrificing anything one would expect from a standard AR. to be depressed by the trigger of these efforts have been successful, but they are still filling It’s both intriguing and revolutionary, so read on. finger. Above that is an ambi bolt- something of a niche for special operators, LEO SWAT Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF), has been producing catch button and safety selector. teams and those law-abiding citizens who just want to use some of the higher quality, more innovative ARs out there Amazing-looking, CNC-machined ARs for better terminal performance. That is, until now. for well over 10 years, in both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO, aesthetics round out the rest.

32 33 POF Revolution Right: POF’s free floating monolithic Edge handguard interfaces with the upper re- ceiver’s reinforced backbone and keeps the weight of handguard-mounted accessories from leveraging the barrel. The 14.5-inch handguard is also M-LOCK compatible and Pi- catinny-rail and QD sling-mount equipped. Ex- tending just past the handguard is a fluted, nitride heat-treated chrome-moly 16.5-inch barrel, topped with an effective Triple-Port compensator. Poking out of the front of the handguard is the 5-position adjustment knob on the POF piston-drive gas system.

MFT EPG16V2 15-degree pistol grip. The upper is POF’s distinctive lightweight Modular Railed Receiver (MRR), which features a free-floating monolithic handguard that slides over the receiver itself. rest of the MRR. The upper receiver supports a 16.5 inch, This gives the Revolution a slightly odd humpback look 1:10 twist nitride treated barrel, topped with POF’s three (in a good way) like someone cut a small chunk out of the port muzzle brake, and POF’s ambidextrous Tomahawk upper just forward of the castle nut. The octagonal-shaped charging handle. Finally, the trigger is POF’s single-stage, MRR has a Picatinny rail along the top covering the upper, drop-in 4.5-lb model. This is arguably the best drop-in along with shorter sections permanently located at 12 and trigger out there for the price, with minimal takeup and a 6 o’clock forward. Magpul MLOK slots, QD points at 3 very clean break at the advertised weight. Overall, the Rev- and 9 o’clock, and cooling slots high and low complete the olution is aesthetically a very attractive rifle, and though

below right: Helping contribute to the Revolution’s light, 7.3-pound overall weight is a 6-ounce MFT Bat- tlelink Minimalist adjustable buttstock riding on a POF Anti-Tilt buffer tube, designed to prevent bolt-car- rier tilt. Rear QD sling mounts can be found under the stock and in the aluminum receiver end plate. A heavi- ly textured and steeply angled MFT Engage Version 2 pistol grip is also standard equipment.

above: The overall size of the 7.62x51mm NATO-chambered Revolution’s receivers are arguably one of its most intriguing attributes. POF was ingeniously able to keep the package-size of the Revolution in line with 5.56mm/.223 Rem chambered AR-15 rifles, essentially changing the status quo size of .30-cal. ARs along with 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 Win. Mag. These absorbs higher pressures, and include the Renegade, P415, and P308 Edge rifles in both provides extended support for short stroke gas piston and direct-impingement operating the 5-position, short stroke gas systems. In keeping with POFs overarching patriotic theme, piston. The significant com- the appropriately named Revolution takes the very many monality of standard AR parts factory custom features of these outstanding platforms and are shared with the Renegade, combines them into something new. The heart of the sys- the Revolution’s older brother. tem is built around two main parts—the bolt carrier group Like the Renegade, the Revo- and an enhanced barrel nut. The Revolution’s bolt-carrier lution has a one-piece, Gen- 4 group is virtually the same size as that found in a 5.56 AR- milled lower receiver with 15. For those used to the beefy, oversized versions found ambi-safety, ambi-bolt release, in every other AR-10 type platform, this seems very count- oversize magwell flare and even er-intuitive. Secret metallurgical magic makes the minimal KNS anti-rotation pins. The size possible. The whole thing is coated in nickel phosphate, magwell, which of necessity is with the bolt chrome plated, and the cam pin being POF’s larger than a standard AR to NP3 roller model which improves reliability while not dam- accommodate the longer 7.62 above left: The huge, patented 3-inch-long heat-sink barrel nut, visible through the handguard slots, offers aging the upper. Next, the barrel nut is an elongated 3-inch, NATO round, is the only way to outwardly tell you are numerous strength benefits, as well as heat dissipation at a peak-temperature area. What’s the “e” stand for finned, proprietary model that fully supports the chamber dealing with something other than a true 5.56mm carbine. on the upper receiver? It refers to POF’s E2 dual-extraction technology, which is essentially a series of stra- of the 7.62 NATO barrel while acting as a vastly improved The receiver extension is POF’s 7-position anti-tilt tegically cut grooves in the chamber walls to ease the pressure on the case during extraction—particular- heat sink as compared with a standard AR barrel nut. In ad- model, which in this case supports a Mission First Tacti- ly handy when the gun’s overly dirty, or when shooting some of the crap, 30-year-old surplus ammo that was dition, it provides superior rigidity for the whole platform, cal Battlelink minimalist stock, which complements the manufactured in a middle-eastern dirt-floor-basement by a child wearing sandals. 34 35 POF Revolution it does not come with back-up using 149-gr. Privi Partisan ball iron sights it has just about every ammo. I also had similar problems other feature one would expect with Federal 147-gr. ball, even in a rifle of this quality. It comes after changing mags. This was odd in a POF hard case with a single considering that the Revolution 20-round 7.62NATO/.308 Win. uses POF’s E2 extraction system. Magpul PMAG. I have no explanation for it, other The Revolution is designed to than the gun was brand new, and be both lightweight and MOA the issue seemed to resolve itself accurate. I admit to having been as the round count increased to a bit skeptical on both counts, over 200-plus rounds. Accuracy but happily I was wrong. My meanwhile was very good, with a initial handling of the Revolution few mods. confirmed it is in fact as light I started testing using a Trijicon above: With the AR-15-sized receivers also comes an AR-15-sized bolt-car- as a typical AR-15, weighing in 1-8x AccuPower in a BOBRO rier group. How is this possible you ask? Secret metallurgical magic… at 7.3 pounds. Duly impressed, 34mm quick-release mount, which that’s how. Regardless, it works, and has to run the much higher I then immediately began to is a fine scope/mount combo for pressure 7.62 cartridge with unwavering reliability. The nickel-plated wonder what recoil would be this type of platform. If I were carrier is filled with a chrome-plated bolt, extractor and firing pin. The like, as I have been beaten up by running and gunning, or using the patented roller-cam pin is coated in ROBAR’s super-slippery NP3 coating. more than a few heavier semi-au- Revolution as a DMR, this would to rifles firing 7.62NATO/.308 be a solid choice. But it wasn’t the ammo measured 1.5 to 2.5 inches, with lightweight as an AR-15 while retaining above: Wearing a Trijicon 4-16x50mm Accu- Win. rounds. The first of three best choice to test optimal intrin- the best four usually inside an inch, and the same ergonomics, excellent accura- Power for 100-yard bench testing, the Revo- trips to the range demonstrated sic accuracy, nor was the MFT the heavier rounds preferred. Accuracy cy, and controllability one expects from lution proved capable of meeting POF’s MOA my concern was unfounded. Battlelink stock that came with the testing complete, I put the original stock a 5.56, but who need a full-caliber rifle. accuracy claims. This rifle truly encom- Firing for initial zero at 50 yards rifle. I thus replaced the scope with and scope back on to try some close- Beyond power and versatility, it’s es- passes all performance attributes one from prone, upon unleashing my my Trijicon 4-16x50 AccuPower range movement and transition drills sentially a custom rifle in virtually every may find essential in a .308 battle rifle. first round I momentarily did a in a Larue mount, and put on a normally reserved for a standard AR-15 respect. Quality doesn’t come cheap double-take, stopping briefly to Vltor E-MOD stock that offered carbine. The Revolution handled virtu- however, and with an MSRP north of wonder if I had had a squib. I a better cheek weld. After that, ally as fast and certainly as accurately as a $2,700 it will give some pause, depend- didn’t. The recoil was simply that things got better. Using a bipod 5.56mm carbine. Not many other rifles ing on your mission and the depth of soft, helped in large part by the from prone, my top group covered firing full power cartridges at this weight your wallet. For my part, this is a rifle very effective three-port muzzle 0.9 inches center to center at 100 can make that claim. I’m seriously considering keeping. It’s brake. Most excellent. Pressing yards using Federal 168-gr. HPBT For anyone looking for one rifle that good. For more information, con- on, I did however have a few Gold Medal Match. Average that can cover multiple missions, the tact Patriot Ordnance Factory, Tel.: failures to feed and extract groups from five different types of Revolution could fit the bill. It is as (877) 561-9572); Web: pof-usa.com

One might think that felt recoil might be objectionable when firing a lighter-than-typical, .308-Win-cham- bered AR platform, but that would be far from the truth; the rifle’s 3-port muzzle brake eats recoil and muzzle rise with a very high level of effectiveness, putting you back on tar- get not long after a spent casing clears the ejection port.

below: Trijicon’s versatile new 1-8x28mm AccuPower scope and quick-release BOBRO 34mm flattop mount were used for the majority of testing. POF’s enlarged and ambidextrous, 7075 billet aluminum Tomahawk Charging Handle is standard equipment on the Revolution. 3636 37 walther PPQ Q4 TAC 9MM Superior performance from Walther’s RDS/suppressor-ready PPQ

It is a bit surprising to see how many people consider Walther to be some sort of new kid on the block. Granted, Walther Arms, Inc. was created in 2012 as the U.S. import arm but, they have been building pistols in Germany since 1908, and have been in existence since 1886. Their lineage includes the P38, a pistol many considered for years as one of the most naturally aiming pistols around. Aside from the P38, their PPK may be the most well-known .380 ACP pistols in the world, thanks mostly to some aus- picious product placement in the Bond films. It was also the “go to” backup gun for many during my three decades in law enforcement. That legacy continues with Walther’s new polymer, striker-fired models. It’s not that they are new, just new to a more aggressive marketing strategy. Smith & Wesson started import- ing them in earnest in 1993, bringing them a bit more to the fore on this side of the Atlantic, but its Walther Arms, Inc. that has been spreading the word since 2012. Its working, and Walther has a very strong following here, one of the strongest segments being the ever-growing ranks of PPQ fans.

Walther Q4 Tactical Introduced at SHOT in 2013, the PPQ has become a favorite amongst shooters in the United States. While much of the P99’s heritage remains, the biggest differ- ence in the PPQ is the trigger. Many consider it the best out-of-the-box, striker-fired trigger on the market—in- cluding a senior luminary here at On Target. Since the striker assembly is pre-loaded when the pistol is charged, trigger “pull” is solely due to spring tension from the trigger and disconnector springs. Travel is short by comparison with other striker-fired triggers, with a reset of only 0.10 of an inch. Trigger weight is approximately 5.5 pounds and consistent from shot to shot. Internal safeties include trigger, firing pin, and disconnector, with the external trigger safety as a fourth. Interchange- able grip straps remain, along with an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release. Texturing on the grip is comfortable, and aggressive enough to be useful without tearing your hands up. The 9mm Q4 TAC model is geared toward the tactical market, while taking a few cues from the Q5 Match pistol. It starts with a 4.6 inch barrel thread- Dave Bahde ben battles & Dave Bahde ed at 1/2 by 28 TPI, and employs standard rifling. 38 39 walther PPQ Q4 TAC 9MM

and suppressor ready it, includes a rail for lights or other accessories.

Testing Silencerco’s Omega 9K was used for much of the testing. At 4.7 inches and 7.2 ounc- es it keeps the pistol reasonably well bal- anced. Walther was kind enough to use the Extending from the 4-inch slide, the muzzle standard 1/2 x 28 threading—the American is capped with a thread protector. The front 9mm standard—making suppressor use easy. sight is fiber optic, the rear is an adjustable Using LH threads on most adaptable sup- low-profile sitting on a replaceable plate for pressors works but is a royal pain, especially a red-dot sight (RDS). Plates for an RDS are if things come loose, since you are always supplied to fit the Trijicon RMR, Leupold Delta working against the primary threads. The Point and Dockter Optic mounting patterns. The Omega 9K is incredibly versatile, fitting a slide has front and rear cocking serrations, a loaded number of weapons. Rated for rifle calibers chamber indicator (in the extractor) and is coated I have used it on a couple 300 BLK rifles, in Tenifer for durability. Three magazines are pro- two different PCCs, my Sig Sauer MPX, vided, two 15-round and one 17 rounder, with an extended magazine base plate. Both optics Walther PPQ Q4 TAC Weight: 25 ounces OverALl legnth: 7.8 inches barrel legnth 4.6 inches Frame ppq polymer sights fiber optic front lpa adjustable rear capacity 15+1, 17+1 extended MSRP $749.00

top left:The Q4 TAC comes supplied with three slide plates from the factory for mount- ing the most popular mini red-dot sights, as well an adjustable LPA iron-sight-equipped plate. Testing was com- pleted using Trijicon’s RM06 Type 2 reflex sight with a 3.25 MOA dot. bottom left: Controls are ambidextrous, with the pistol’s elongated/ serrated slide stop being mirrored on the right side, and mag- azine release button capable of being swapped to either side. Front and rear slide serrations are long and deep enough to work well with gloved hands. The PPQ’s strik- er- fired trigger is arguably the best 40 40 in the business. 41 Walther was kind enough to use the walther standard 1/2 x 28 PPQ Q4 TAC 9MM threading—the prevailing, Amer- ican 9mm diame- ter and thread pitch—instead of the left-hand, metric threads found on some manufacturer’s barrels. Shown on the pistol’s Pica- tinny accessory rail is SureFire’s 600-lumen X400 weaponlight/ green laser. along with three other pistols. Just swap out condition. Find out more at www.trijicon.com pistons or thread adapters and go to work. Lighting for proper PID (positive identifi- Check them out at www.silencerco.com cation) was accomplished using Surefire’s new Trijicon’s RMR R06 Type 2 was the RDS of XH35 1,000 Lumen weapon light. Power levels choice for testing. This RDS has seen exten- can be switched between 300 and 1,000 lu- sive use, proving reliable and very rugged. An mens, and a strobe function is available but can adjustable LED is a must to me, and you can be turned off. Designed for use with their Mas- adjust for zero using a dime if needed. Using terFire holsters, it was used, although primarily a 3.25 MOA dot is about perfect for a pistol due to the suppressor. Few holsters exist today while allowing use on most any other platforms. that accommodate a suppressor, especially over Also rated for rifle calibers, Silencerco’s Omega 9K was used for much of the testing. Battery life is four years continuous operation, different pistols, making the MasterFire a pretty With the ability to swap out pistons and thread adapters, this is one versatile can. and it can withstand just about any working simple choice. See it at www.surefire.com

42 43 walther Two new-for-2018 concealed-carry options from PPQ Q4 TAC 9MM Walther are the PPQ SC (sub-compact) and op- tic-equipped PPS M2 RMSC pistols shown here. You can look forward to in-depth feature reviews on these two right around the corner.

It takes a while to get used to the MasterFire holster, as the draw is more forward than up, but the XH35 locked in place nicely. It sits low enough to not interfere with the plate carrier, while keep- ing a shorter suppressor out of the way. Running suppressed through the house was pretty intuitive. Add the RDS and you lose your rear Having used this setup before it, may not be ideal for overall sight. Not a big deal for some, huge for use, but add a suppressor and an RDS and it is pretty slick. others, it is a bit of a controversy these Locking to the light it is not weapon specific. Just about any days if it is a working pistol. You can full sized (4” barrel or longer) will work, with even some still see the front sight and it was possible to use the rear of shorter pistols. Not something I would carry in the elements the RMR as a reference, but it’s not ideal. Big win here for the to be sure, but for specific missions it is pretty solid. Leupold Delta Point, since you can add a rear sight. It worked great, the sight does not protrude past the rear of the slide, and Considerations you get true front and rear sight alignment. Impact is a tad high, Swapping out the iron sights for an RDS plate was really so you need to adjust, but it’s there if you need it. easy. The two screws used to secure plates to the pistol are the same for every plate, a very nice touch. Factory screws for the Bottom Line ABOVE: Like the rest of the PPQ line, the Q4 RDS also worked, again, very nice. The plate locks in place Overall fit is excellent with a solid feel that fits my larger TAC’s slide and barrel are both Tenifer coat- tightly with plenty of support front and back, along with a hands. Texturing is about perfect, allowing for long range days ed for durability and corrosion resistance. substantial dove-tail to prevent any shift in zero if things shoot in comfort while not compromising your grip when wet, sweaty, Breakdown for cleaning is fast and easy. loose. Moving between a Trijicon RMR, Leupold Delta Point bloody or in the elements in general. The slide stop is easy to and the LPA rear sight took a couple minutes. Using no Loc- access with either hand. The magazine release is movable if right: The author found the cross-direction- tite, the RMR never shot loose over close to 1,000 rounds. It’s needed. It’s all there, and the Q4 TAC adds suppression and al texturing on the grip frame works well one of the best systems I’ve ever tested for RDS use. the ability to use an RDS, all popular these days in the pistol for both bare and gloved hands, and with market. This segment is growing, and the Q4 proved to be an the ability to swap out different sized back- excellent example, if you are in the market for a pistol that can straps, overall ergonomics are excellent. be carried if needed, used in competitions, on duty or sup- Each Q4 TAC ships with one flush-fit 15-round magazine and two extended 17-rounders. pressed. Give this this one a really close look! See the Walther PPQ Q4 TAC at your gun shop, or for more information contact Walther Arms, Tel.: (479) 242-8500; Web: www.waltherarms.com Range Since the trigger is a big part of the PPQ’s appeal, let’s start there. Yep, it’s fantastic, plain and simple. PERFORMANCE: Moving to the VP9 a few years back—always the best out of the quiet, with no change in accuracy. Heading out to 50 yards, it Load Velocity 25-yard Accuracy box trigger until now—I must give the PPQ the nod, although put ten rounds into about an eight inch circle, it only opened slightly. Trigger pull is about the same, but the wider and flatter up to 10 or so inches at 100 yards. Using the RDS, the PPQ Q4 Doubletap 1,112 1.20 inches trigger seems to give it a more positive feel. The wall is easy to find TAC is about as accurate as I could ever ask for. 124-grain Colt Match and consistent. On occasions, with my hand out of position on the Function over a broad range of ammunition was unevent- Sig Sauer 1,184 1.35 inches VP9, I will fail to activate the external trigger safety. That never ful—it never malfunctioned. It seemed to favor the hotter 124-grain V-Crown happened with the Q4 Tac. It made for some very solid accuracy 115-grain loads for accuracy, but it ran them all. Double- at 25 yards. My best group came from Doubletap’s Colt Defense tap’s 115-grain Tactical load using the Barnes TAC-XP was Black Hills 1,347 1.50 inches 124-grain Match load. It has proven to be one of the most accurate readably controllable even at 1,300 f.p.s., and was the top 115-grain +P 9mm pistol loads available, and continues to prove itself when accu- performer for accuracy in the tactical loads. Ergonomics of The Q4 TAC proved capable of 1.20-inch, 5-shot Speer 1157 1.55 Inches racy is required. I was able to put 10 of 10 shots on a 6-inch round the PPQ Q4 TAC are excellent, providing a solid connection 25-yard precision with Double Tap’s 124-gr. 124-grain Gold Dot steel plate from offhand using every defensive load tested using the during rapid fire. Grip texture is just right for both bare and Colt Match load, and similar results with oth- Doubletap 1,300 1.25 Inches RMR (unsuppressed). Shooting from both static positions and on gloved hands. Fit to my hand was excellent, one of the best er loads. PPQ’s never seem to disappoint in the 115-grain TAC-XPD the move, it kept everything inside a fist’s diameter out to 15 yards. ever tested. Using a high-grip-to-bore axis makes it easy to stay downrange-precision department. Reliability Moving through the shoot house with the suppressor, it was plenty accurate during rapid fire strings. was 100-percent throughout testing. Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (f.p.s.) by Pro Chrony Digital chronograph. Accuracy in inches for 5-shot groups at 25 yards fired from a rest. 44 45 New For 2018 Real Avid AR-15 Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep 9mm Ammo Master Bench Block The Hydra-Shok bullet has been Federal Premium’s top-performing Priced at $29.95, the new AR- hollowpoint defensive bullet since its introduction 1989. But time moves 15 Master Bench Block from on. The new Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested platform of Real Avid holds all key AR-15 the original Hydra-Shok, with design improvements that better meet parts to quickly and easily tap modern performance measurements. The new bullet features a more DEFENSIVE out thirteen different pins from robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent five different components. deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok bullet and competitor GEAR & ACCESSORIES The block is wrapped in an loads. It penetrates 15-inches in bare ballistics gelatin, the optimal depth by on target staff over-molding that grips to your according to the FBI protocols, which is 50 percent deeper penetration bench to prevent slippage. Plus, Bear & Son Cutlery Lockback Auto Knives than the original Hydra-Shok bullet, and achieves a 70 percent engraved on the ultra-tough Automatic-opening knives are becoming legal in more and more improvement in FBI protocol score. Its iconic center post design Nikon Monarch 3000 Stabilized Rangefinder engineering grade surface are states. As of this writing, the are unconditionally legal in 28 states, has been improved for better, The new Monarch 3000 Stabilized Rangefinder from Nikon ($419.95 clear component labels marked while seven more allow them with some strings attached. Bear & Son more consistent expansion with 5-year warranty) reduces vibrations of the image in the viewfinder with pin punch sizes to make Cutlery offers an impressive array of auto-opening knives, with six of through FBI standard barriers. caused by hand movement (sinusoidal waves) by 80%, making measure- determining what component the new ones we’re focusing on here carrying an old-school, tradi- Hydra-Shok Deep employs a ment to more distant, smaller targets much easier. It will range targets to place where and what tional-looking-folder lockback design. We’re diggin’ it. Three of the consistent, specially formulated from 8 to 3,000 yards distant, although the maximum ranging capabil- pins to use. Simple. On new knives have 5-inch blades—the Rosewood Lockback, India Stag propellant for the ultimate in ity depends on the reflectivity of the target—reflective targets to 3,000 the backside of the block, Lockback and G10 Lockback ($174.99 to $199.99)—and the same repeatable precision, and features yards, trees to 1,100 yards and deer to 1,000 yards. It includes a red to capture pins and keep three models are offered with 3-7/8” blades ($149.99 to $164.99). extremely reliable Federal prim- internal display for easier viewing, automatic brightness adjustment to them from rolling away, They all feature Rosewood, India Stag or G10 composite scales with er. Hydra-Shok Deep is initially fine tune display brightness according to surrounding ambient are four embedded 440 stainless steel, lock-back blades, a stainless steel-pocket clip and available in 135-grain 9mm with light level, a Target Priority Switch System for measuring magnets and, to keep EDM precision locking mechanisms. Like all Bear & Son knives, nickel-plated cases, but look for overlapping targets: the First Target Priority mode your pins from getting lost, a they’re hand-made start to finish in Jacksonville, Alabama by good ‘ol it in other defensive cartridges displays the distance of the closest target, pin storage section is included. boy American knife craftsmen whose duty to country demands that soon. Contact Federal Premium, useful when measuring the distance to a tar- The work surface is made from they produce the best tactical knives in the world. Blade profiles for the Tel.: (763) 323-3862: Website: get in front of an overlapping background, ultra-tough engineering resin with 5-inch vs. 3-7/8-inch knives are slightly different, but the quality and www.federalpremium.com while the Distant Target Priority mode rubberized non-slip outer surface. It measure 7.5 inches performance are equal. The 3-7/8-inch knives feature a lanyard hole in displays the range of the farthest target, long by 5.25 inches wide, and is must-have tool for any the hilt, while the 5-inch models do not. Contact Bear & Son Cutlery, which is useful in wooded areas. It offers AR-15 owner. For more information contact Real Avid, Tel.: (256) 435-2227; Web: www.bearandsoncutlery.com Silent Legion quick (0.3 second) and stable measurement Tel.: (800) 286-0567; Web: www.realavid.com response, includes a 6x monocular with .450 Bushmaster/.458 SOCOM Suppressor multilayer coating for bright, clear images, Silent Legion is a veteran-owned business with a no-compromise and Horizontal Distance Display and attitude in both product and personal integrity. When they give you Actual Distance Display modes for use on Luth-AR Lower Enhancement Kit their word, it’s a guarantee. New for 2018 they are offering a new inclines/declines. Contact Nikon Optics, Tel.: Randy Luth was the founder and owner of DPMS/Panther Arms suppressor that was designed to be used on both .450 Bushmaster and (800) 645-6687; Web: www.nikonUSA.com for 40 years, so to say that Randy Luth knows a thing or three about .458 SOCOM chambered ARs and bolt-guns. Made from Titanium the AR platform would be quite the understatement. Retirement with a black Cerakote finish, the .450/.458 suppressor is designed to didn’t appeal to Randy, so in 2013 he founded Luth-AR, LLC to harness the energy of these LOUD, heavy-hitting rounds, and tame the manufacture innovative new products to enhance the AR-15 plat- noise as well as the recoil. It measures 8.75” L x 1.50” in diameter and TacStar form. One of his newest products is the Luth-AR Lower Enhance- weighs 18.0 oz. Sound reduction is a full 30 decibels. Priced at $1,048, Carbon-Fiber ment Kit. Priced at $49.95, it includes the “Switch” extended AR it can be mounted to muzzles threaded at either 5/8” x 24 TPI or AR Handguards safety selector, designed to switch from safe to fire in a fast and easy 11/16” x 24 TPI with the included Suppressor Retention System (SRS). TacStar, a division of Lyman motion. The sleek design hugs the receiver for snag free operation. Silent legion also offers dozens of other top-quality and top-performing Products, has introduced a new It’s lightweight and steel strong, and easy to replace and install. Also handgun and rifle suppressors for weapons chambered in everything Carbon Fiber AR-15 Hand- included is the “Paddle” oversize bolt catch that allows easy and rapid from .22LR to .338 Lapua Magnum. Silent Legion products are manu- guard with sight rail. Available in bolt manipulation. Perfect for use where high-speed manipulation factured in a state-of-the-art facility that’s ISO 9001 certified, meaning Spring 2018, and priced at $174.98, counts, or when wearing gloves cold weather situations. The third Bushnell AR Optics Riflescopes there is a guaranteed level of manufacturing consistency that is rare they are a rugged, highly functional component (not shown) is the Wide Body Trigger Guard, with raised Nearly everyone owns an AR, and Bushnell has stepped up its game among suppressor makers. Contact Silent Legion, Tel.: (336) 202- and surprisingly affordable addition platform. It is 40% wider than stock AR trigger guards, adding rigid- in the latest iteration of riflescopes designed specifically for the AR 9013; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.silentlegion.com to any AR. Lightweight carbon fiber ity, strength and good looks. Contact Luth-AR, Dept. OT; Tel.: (763) platform with their new AR Optics. There is a scope for every popular offers an unbeatable strength to weight ratio, offering 263-0166; Web: www.luth-ar.com caliber, from 22 LR, to .223/5.56, to .308 and 36.5 Creedmoor. Each durability and toughness. Unlike Handguards made of aluminum and scope has a throw-down power change lever that you can set to two other materials, carbon fiber handguards stay cool to the touch even different heights, making these scopes as customizable as the rifles they with extensive firing. These fully free-floating octagon handguards are designed for. The new lineup of AR Optics riflescopes features are equipped with multiple cooling slots and accessory mounting industry leading clarity with fully multi-coated optics for crisp images points. The mounting points will accept any M-LOK-style mounting in all lighting conditions. Bushnell AR Optics feature BDC reticles that hardware used with accessories such as slings, bi-pods, lights or vertical offer precise elevation holds for specific ammunition, with illuminated grips. Additionally, the handguards are equipped with a forward reticles a for clear sight picture in low-light scenarios. Eleven models mounted Picatinny rail to attach sights. These handguards attach to are initially offered with magnification ranges of 1-4x24mm to 4.5 to the rifle using an innovative aluminum mounting sleeve, which simply 18x40mm, in both first and second focal plane versions, priced from clamps over the existing barrel nut, meaning no special tools are need- $220.45 to $435.95. All of the second focal plane reticles are priced ed for installation. They are available in Carbine (10”), Mid (12”) and in the $200 range. Both 1-inch and 30mm tube diameters are offered, Rifle (15”) lengths to cover any standard gas port location. The barrel along with nine different caliber–specific BDC retiles. Take a hard look nut does not need to be removed for installation. Contact TacStar, at these scopes for your ARs. Contact Bushnell Optics, Tel.: (800) Tel.: (800) 225-9626; Web: www.lymanproducts.com 423-3537; Web: www.bushnell.com 46 47 New For 2018 DEFENSIVE GEAR & ACCESSORIES

Blackhawk! Multi-Point Sling Priced from $39.95 to $79.95, Blackhawk’s new Multi-Point Sling is offered in black or coyote tan in five models: Cushion Stretch Slick, Free End Slick, QD Slick, QD Stretch and Snap Hook Slick. All models provide superior comfort via their ny- lon construction that features a slick edged, wide webbing that disperses the weight of the firearm—ideal for hours of contin- uous wear. A patented rapid adjust slider quickly changes sling length, even on the move. Designed to operate in the most New Black Hills HoneyBadger Loads demanding environments, the rugged, lightweight Multi-Point Black Hills has added two new loads to its super-per- Sling is the perfect blend of comfort, adaptability and speed. forming HoneyBadger line of defensive handgun cartridges, They quickly convert to multiple configurations with only one including a 100-gr. 9mm and a 125.-gr. .44 Special. Both are hand, and their Rapid Adjustment Slider Buckle enables high- loaded with solid copper, non-deforming, non-fragmenting speed rifle transitions. Made in the U.S.A., their bullets with wide, sharp flutes. Think ballistic broadheads all-steel, quick-detach mounting points are built that cut through barriers that cause standard hollow-points to to last a lifetime of hard use. If you are in the fail. When striking the target, HoneyBadger bullets reliably market for an extremely functional sling penetrate to consistent depths, while out performing conven- for your black gun, the Blackhawk! tional hollow-points in depth of penetration and width of the Multi-Point Sling should be high wound cavity. The 100-gr. 9mm HoneyBadger bullet exist the on your list of choices. Contact muzzle at 1,300 f.p.s. and produces a wound cavity over three Blackhawk!, Tel.: (800) inches long and over 15 inches deep. The 125.-gr. .44 Special 379-1732; Website: has a muzzle velocity of 1,275 f.p.s., penetrates over 17 inches blackhawk.com and produces a wound cavity over 2.75 inches in diameter. Also available in the HoneyBadger line is a 60-gr. .380 ACP at 1,150 f.p.s., a .38 Special at 1,275 f.p.s., a 125-gr. 9mm at 1,050 f.p.s., a 160-gr. .44 Mag. at 1,800 f.p.s. and a 135-gr. .45 ACP at 1,325 f.p.s. This stuff will save your bacon! For more information contact Black Hills Ammunition, Tel.: (605) 348-5150; Web: www.black-hills.com Streamlight TLR 7/8 Series Tactical Lights Streamlight has introduced two new weapon lights for 2018: the TLR-7 with 500 Lumen (4,300 candela; 131 meter beam distance) white light illuminator featuring the latest in TRUGLO TFX C4 LED technology for high lumen operation, and the TLR-8 Pro Triti- with the same high-tech white light illuminator plus an inte- um-Fiber- grated 50,000-hour lifetime, 640- to 660-nm visible red laser. Optic Day/ Both provide a minimum of 150 hours continuous operation, Night Sights and include custom TIR optics for a concentrated beam with The majority of defensive optimum peripheral illumination. Left and right side switches gunfights occur at night, so provide ambidextrous operation—quick press for constant on if you want to walk away from operation and press and hold for momentary operation. A dou- the encounter in one piece your ble tap of either switch within carry pistol has to be able to do 1/4 second activates the two things for you: illuminate strobe feature. Both lights your target so you can see it, and are machined from air- illuminate your sights so you can put craft-grade aluminum with them on the target. The first requirement is the job of a white- black anodized finish, and light illuminator attached to your equipment rail that will both are powered by one show you the aggressor, and the second requirement is a set of 3-Volt CR123A lithium night sights so you can hit the aggressor. TRUGLO created battery with a storage life the original TFO day/night Tritium/fiber-optic sight, then of 10 years. They securely fit a made it virtually indestructible with their hermetically-sealed broad range of weapons using TFX sights. Now, they have taken TFX technology to the next the key kit provided, and level with their new TFX Pro Tritium-Fiber-Optic Day/Night their one-handed, snap-on Sights. They feature a contrasting colored front sight ring for and tighten interface keeps faster daylight focus and a quick and accurate U-notch, angled hands away from the rear sight edge for emergency one-hand operation. The bright muzzle when attaching fiber-optic component makes daylight shooting fast and easy, or detaching. Pricing while the Tritium capsules glow with just the right brightness was not available at press at night to see your sights. The combination of a white light time. Contact Streamlight, illuminator and TRUGLO TFX Pro Tritium-Fiber-Optic Day/ Tel.: (800) 523-7488: Web: Night Sights will make you a survivor, day or night. Contact www.streamlight.com TRUGLO, Tel.: (888) 8-TRUGLO: Web: www.truglo.com 48 49 surefire

SOCOM 5.56mm RC2 Suppressor Dependable performance under the harshest of conditions

The term “workhorse” is overused these days, often outside of context. Its original meaning, a horse you could depend on for your liveli- hood, or if even your very life depended on it. Maybe not the prettiest or fastest, but the one you knew would get the job done no matter what. Surefire’s SOCOM series, es- pecially the RC2 in 5.56mm, is a perfect example of this concept. It’s not the lightest, nor is it heavy. Quiet enough for the real world, but not the most-quiet. But, it works, every time, on everything you put it on. Perfect for the war- fighter it was built for. Surefire’s SOCOM Series suppressors defined the sim- ple, reliable, and dependable rifle suppressor for the police or military user. Compact, with minimal weight, they mitigated first round flash, dust signatures, and included fail-safe baffles with strong and rigid quick-detach sys- tems. The SCOCOM 2 Series improved on this, offering less weight, less back pressure, and minimal impact shift with removal and re-attachment. Constructed of high-tempera- ture alloys and stainless steel they are full-auto rated and are continuing to see extensive use Dave Bahde ben battles & Dave Bahde in the field amongst Special

5050 51 At only 6.2-inches in length surefire LEFT: SureFire’s Fast-At- and 1.5-inches in diameter, tach system is quick the SOCOM556 RC2 remains one SOCOM and has proven ex- of the most compact 5.56mm RC2 tremely reliable; simply suppressor options available, line up the notch on BELOW: All of Sure- while still effectively reducing the muzzle device Fire’s previous sound and flash signatures. with the cutout in the SOCOM suppres- With its advanced high-temp- suppressor, push to sor-ready muzzle alloy and stainless-steel fully seat, and rotate devices will still construction, it’s full-auto the Fast-Attach mech- interface with the rated and also possibly the anism clockwise to second-generation most durable 5.56 can produced lock. To detach, push SOCOM suppressors, today. Through advanced pro- the release button and although their duction methods, the SOCOM 2 rotate counter-clock- first-generation series gets a price cut from the wise. SOCOM suppres- suppressor adap- original (and still available) sors have also proven tors will not. Shown contract-winning SOCOM mod- to produce minimal here is the SOCOM els, without a penalty paid in point-of-impact shift compatible, closed- performance. when switching from tine, birdcage-type suppressed to non-sup- SFCT flash hider. pressed, allowing you to reliably count on specifications: your zero in either caliber: 5.56mm (.223) situation. OverALl legnth: 6.2 inches Weight: 17 ounces Mission Units and law enforcement. Designed for 5.56mm diameter 1.5 inches carbines with a 10.5-inch-barrel or longer, they have proven MSRP: $1,099 to be true workhorses on M4/M16-based rifles. Coupled with their Warcomp flash-hider/muzzle brake the RC2 offers substantial versatility. Flash suppression is excellent with moderate recoil mitigation and little muzzle blast at the shooter or anyone close. Attaching the suppressor results in very little impact shift while maintaining reliability. All suppressors shift some, but the Surefire SOCOM RC-2 does so with repeatability. Given practical distances you can pack your rifle unsuppressed, attach when needed and feel confident in your zero—critical in a self-defense or duty rifle. Some of my earliest and most extensive testing of the RC2 was performed on the Daniel Defense MK18. Used extensively in Special Missions Units to this day, it is compact, reliable, and accurate. My upper has been used

RIGHT: The new SureFire Warcomp muzzle de- vice/SOCOM suppressor adaptor—available in both open (shown) and closed tine variants, and in both 5.56 and 7.62—is both an effec- tive flash hider and compensator rolled into one. Like the rest, it’s machined from a heat-treated stain- less-steel that is highly resistant to corrosion and gas erosion. 5252 53 First round flash was nonexistent with the SOCOM556 RC2. Blow- back was present, but not objectionable. Overall, we’ve learned we can count on this suppressor to do its job every time and deliver unwavering, reliable performance. If “battle-proven” and “workhorse” are two attributes you’re look- ing for in a .223/5.56mm suppressor, this is it.

surefire SOCOM RC2

on both Daniel Defense semi-auto- using light-weight, carbon-fiber matic and M16 select-fire lowers over wrapped barrels. Subsequent testing thousands of rounds. Perfect for entry on a couple dozen ARs and other use, it has also been used from rotary carbines has proven this suppressor platforms at various media events is a true workhorse and training. Compact, it meets the Surefire builds some of the most criteria of most SWAT teams and battle-proven and street-tested rifle is used extensively for entry teams suppressors on the market today. and close-quarters use. Mated to Long before they were popular, my Tavor X95 it runs perfectly and Surefire was providing exactly what maintains the short and balanced feel our military, law enforcement of a bull-pup rifle. Using a 16.5-inch and rifle enthusiasts wanted in a barrel, this configuration gets you all quick-detach suppresser suitable the advantages for close-quarters work for use on any carbine. If you are without losing the ballistic efficiency looking for a proven design that the longer barrel offers. Thorough will get the job done when your life testing in light weight and accurized depends on it under the harshest 5.56mm carbines during a Proof Re- conditions, then look no further search media event, the RC2 proved than the Surefire SOCOM RC2 its value out to well beyond 800 me- 5.56mm Suppressor. For more ABOVE: Included in the box with the SOCOM556 RC2 is a heavy duty, ters. EraTh3 rifles set up as designated information, contact Surefire; MOLLE-compatible carry case and cleaning brush. The only visual Telephone: (800) 828-8809: distinction between first-and second-generation SOCOM suppres- marksman rifles were used extensively sors is that the latter has a redesigned, recessed end cap. with solid accuracy and reliability Web: www.surefire.com 54 55 Rock River Arms QMCCarbine Well equipped, soft-shooting, precise and extremely reliable. Need more reasons to consider one? Read on…

In a world where there is currently rifle is built around their proven forged lower no shortage of AR-15 type rifles to choose and top railed A4 upper. The barrel is a mid- from, Rock River Arms always finds a way to length, 16-inch chrome moly HBAR with a 1:9 stand out. In terms of the variety of calibers, twist, which I liked as it tends to stabilize light- barrel lengths, proprietary furniture and er 55-grain rounds a bit better than the more parts their platforms carry, Rock River has common 1:7. The bolt and BCG are standard few equals when it comes to making quality Mil-Spec, as the rifle operates on direct gas. A firearms that each have their own unique related but interesting choice given RRA’s pro- character. One new example is the RRA clivity to utilize proprietary parts is the excellent LAR-15 Quick Magazine Change (QMC) BCM/Vltor Gunfighter ambi-charging handle, rifle. A member of the growing LAR-15 line, which provides improved opportunities to and cousin of the RRA X-1, the QMC shares properly charge the AR under stress from either features of both with a few twists of its own. side. However, the more distinctive parts of the Like most RRA ARs, the heart of the QMC QMC are its distinctive handguard and stock.

56 guy coursey 2extreme & ben battles 57 56 57 Rock River Arms QMCCarbine

removable thanks to its multiple-port configura- carrier under- tion and orientation. The Beast is one neath for a of over a half-dozen proprietary muzzle spare 10 round brakes RRA makes, and all work polymer mag- well. Equally as good is RRA’s Two azine (includ- Stage Trigger, which has a two-pound ed). For those who desire to be ready for take-up, then a crisp 2.5 pound break. TEOTWAWKI, or just want the comfort of While slightly wider and perhaps a tad knowing you have ten more rounds on board less refined in feel than more expensive The handguard is Rock River’s proprietary TRO-STD usual myriad of accessories one to tank up with, this is the stock for you. and well-known competitors, it also free float aluminum model, which is an octagonal, skel- may feel the need to add. The Moving on, the QMC’s barrel is tipped with can be had for about 70 percent of the etal affair with rectangular slots similar to the Magpul TRO rail resembles other popu- RRA’s “Beast” muzzle brake, which I know price at $125, which is very reasonable MOE and topped with a full-length Picatinny rail. lar models now on the market, from previous experience to be very effective for a trigger of this quality. Rounding Three points for separate accessory rails, one long and but is in fact different, being two short, are provided at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock for the slightly wider in diameter and thicker than most oth- ers. Though not quite as light, it is very comfortable and has the added benefit of protecting the operator’s forward hand from heat better than thinner, smaller diameter competitors during rapid fire. Meanwhile, the QMC’s stock is not like many others. Called the RRA MAG CAR stock, it has two QD points for slings fore and aft, as well as a special

LEFT: The standard-equipment RRA Beast muz- zle brake is a gnarly-looking attachment. As evidenced by the lead photo, it does abso- lutely nothing to suppress muzzle-flash, but does attenuate muzzle rise with a high level of effectiveness, and without redirecting gas back toward the shooter.

RIGHT: With two-large, serrated han- dles for ambi manipulation, RRA makes man- ually running the bolt that much easier with a stan- ABOVE: The QMC model wears the familiar Hogue rubber-overmold hand- dard-equip- grip, RRA Star safety selector (which gives a much improved pivot point ment BCM for your thumb), RRA dip-down triggerguard and the excellent RRA Two- Gunfighter Stage Trigger. The rifle ships with one RRA NSP 30-round magazine with charging a round-count window. The majority of testing was completed with a handle. Trijicon MRO optic in a Trijicon co-witness quick-release mount. 58 59 Rock River Arms less than a T1/T2 series Aimpoint, which is probably a reason why we are seeing more and Carbine more of them on many ARs out there. The QMC MRO I was provided came in its miniature Pel- it all out is a Hogue pistol grip, RRA’s Winter ican-style box, with a 1/3 co-witness, thumb- Trigger Guard, and the RRA Star Safety Selector, screw mount, which worked fine and stayed on which has a serrated half-dome on the end to aid the rifle with no issues. in rapid manipulation. Tipping the scales at 7.9 Proceeding to the range, I initially zeroed pounds, the QMC comes in a plastic rifle case at 50 yards from prone, monopoding off the with one 30-round RRA windowed magazine, magazine. Inside 10 rounds I was centered and three accessory rails, and a packet with various shooting five-shot groups the size of a quarter sundry instructions. or less, thanks to the two-stage trigger, muzzle As the QMC rifle comes with no iron sights, brake, and small red dot. I then put the QMC I topped it with a Trijicon Miniature Rugge- through my usual series of drills, where it per- dized Optic (MRO). A die-hard Aimpoint fan, I formed quite well, both in my hands and that have nevertheless come to appreciate the MRO, of two friends who were enjoying the sunny, 80 thanks to its cone-shaped tube, 2 MOA dot, and degree day of gunfire with me. If not as svelte as easy to adjust controls. With the same 50,000 some other more anemic looking ARs now pop- hour battery life, the MRO sells for about $200 ular, it handled fine and absorbed recoil well.

LEFT: The RRA TRO-STD 14.5-inch, free-float- ing handguard is rug- ged and large enough to shield your support hand from barrel heat, without being overly heavy. A full-length Picatinny rail up top is paired with three included, removable Picatinny rail sections—two short and one long. Added accessories for testing include Magpul RVG forward grip, Magpul RSA QD Rail Sling Attach- ment Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Sling, and Samson Man- ufacturing flip-up iron sights.

RIGHT: The QMC is equipped with a six-position RRA Mag Stock, wearing dual-am- bi QD sling attachment points, and 10-round sup- The RRA Mag Stock plemental magazine that proves its value when locks into its integrated gear-carrying capabili- magwell. When not need- ty is reduced, allowing ed, the magwell portion of extra ammo payload to this stock can be removed be attached directly to to reveal a streamlined, the weapon. With a Mag- minimal-bulk profile. pul PMAG D-60 60-round Furniture and magazines drum in the rifle, and a are also available in a des- PMAG-20 20-round mag- ert-tan color on the QMC azine in the buttstock, model. The receiver end we had a total of 80 plate offers additional rounds on tap for this sling loops on either side. particular backcountry excursion. 60 61 Between the Beast muzzle brake and heavier 16-inch barrel, the QMC proved incredibly flat-shoot- ing and easy to stay on target, and made it all that much easier to shoot accurately with its two-stage trigger. As we’ve come to expect from Rock River rifles, reliability was 100-percent throughout testing.

Rock River Arms QMCCarbine

LEFT: On Target’s test rifle gave consistently good perfor- mance at 100 yards.

No malfunctions or hang-ups were encountered while utilizing mainly 55-grain M193, all fed through about a half-dozen different types of magazines, including Magpul, Daniel Defense, stock GI, Lancer and Troy, as well as the RRA magazine that came with the rifle. So far, so good. My second range session with the RRA QMC rifle was conducted for accuracy at 100 yards. Shedding the MRO, I opted instead for a 4-16 power Trijicon Accupoint. A sepa- rate article can be written for this scope alone, but suffice it to say its precise illuminated reticle and uber-clear glass made it the right tool for the job, mounted in my Larue LT- 104. Firing from a rifle rest in prone using a rice-filled sock below the handguard, the QMC nearly lived up to its advertising of 1 MOA accuracy. Consistency was the order of the day with virtually all 5-shot groups at two inches or under, the great majority with four of five shots inside an inch, with some POI changes between different ammo types. Utilizing five different types of ammunition of 55,-60,-62 and 77-grains, the best performance was turned in by Freedom Munitions 55-gr. M193 at 1.25 inches. The sole exception was MFS 62-gr. SP, which came in nearer three inches average, not surprising given the manufacturer and type of round. Muzzle blast through the Beast brake was noticeable, but not excessive as with some other compensators. One curious item of note was the ejection pattern, which at 1 to 2 o’clock for all ammo save the MFS indicated some over-gassing. Given the mid-length gas system I would have thought this would not be so, but perhaps a heavier buffer or other ammunition would mitigate. In any case it had absolutely no impact on function or accuracy. The RRA QMC rifle is a versatile AR that would be right at home for personal defense, three-gun competition, DMR, or TEOTWAWKI. It is not the lightest AR-style rifle out there, but it has a large number of features that will make it desirable for virtually any task you could need such a rifle for, and is capable of both outstanding accuracy and reliability. The RRA QMC retails for $1,400 for the black version, or $50 more for the tan model. Contact Rock River Arms, Tel.: (309) 792-5780; Web: www.rockriverarms.com 62 63 RIGHT: Rubberized Quick-Focus Eye piece and magnifi- cation ring both gave great trac- tion and smooth rotation. The body is con- structed of air- craft-grade alu- minum with a type III hard-anodized finish, which we found very dura- ble during testing.

RIGHT: Capped windage and elevation turret ad- justments are 1/2-MOA with clearly marked increments. 30-mm tube diameter—com- bined with multiple layers of anti-re- flective coating on the lenses—gave a ton of light transmis- sion and a clear sight picture. The illuminat- ed reticle adjust- ment knob gives the choice of 10 brightness settings and will pow- er-down after one hour of non-use.

distance has been estimated, there are BDC circles that will get you on Below: Located in the second focal target out to 400 yards. These subtentions are calibrated for a 55-gr. 5.56 plane, and as the name of the optic’s NATO flying at standard speed. Below that are standard MOA hashes SPEEDFORCE reticle implies, it’s illumi- that will get you out to the practical range of a 5.56 NATO. nated dot/horseshoe design is very fast Nikon For our testing we mounted the BLACK FORCE1000 onto a Fron- to acquire—especially on the optic’s BLACK FORCE1000 1-4x24mm tier Tactical 16-inch 5.56 upper using Nikon’s new 1-piece M-Series true 1x power setting. Built in BDC The best value yet in a low-power, variable optic? 30mm mount ($79.99) and zeroed for 100 yards. The 30mm tube circles and MOA subten- gave us a massive adjustment range, with a total of 868 clicks. Adjust- sions allow accurate ments are in 1/2 MOA for both windage and elevation, making it very targeting at inter- For decades optics giant Nikon has delivered on amazing fast to dial in your clicks and start shooting, or dial in come-up on the mediate ranges. hunting optics. With the rise of the shooting sports, and particularly the fly. Once we were dialed in all that was required to reset the knobs to modern sporting rifle, Nikon now brings us the BLACK line. This new zero was to lift them up and turn them. The spring tension snaps them line of optics is geared toward the competitive and recreational shooter, back down into place and you are ready to rock. Shortly after we set not just the sportsman. We just happened to be lucky enough to snag a up a mock 3-gun stage and commenced fire, we found the subtentions BLACK FORCE1000 1-4x24mm ($399.99) to put through its paces. to be accurate for hold-over at 4x as stated in the manual. Transitions Read on to see how it did. were smooth and target acquisition was very fast. The 1x setting was a Unpacking the new glass, my first observation was its weight. At only true 1x and it ran just like a holographic optic. I enjoyed the extra plus 16.4 ounces it barely changed the feel of our test rifle. Shoulder a rifle signs on each side of the center dot; I felt that it made it easier to track bearing this lightweight optic and you’ll immediately take notice of the the reticle. The Y axis also served to help ensure that the rifle was level next attention grabber, the SPEEDFORCE reticle, Nikon’s newest for the awkward shooting positions that are the norm in 3-gun. Overall illuminated reticle sporting a 2-MOA main dot. The user has the choice I was very fond of my work with Nikon’s new optic. It held zero, even of 10 intensity levels with an off position between each one, making it through aggressive barrel dumps and overall rough service. easy to not only turn on and off, but also return to your preferred setting The tube coating was also surprisingly resilient to the abuse it took without looking and with just one click. Aiding the central red dot are being staged out on tables covered with a film of sand. The reticle was two flanking “+” symbols that are spaced approximately 12 MOA apart. instinctual and the BDC was built with just one round in mind. It was Covering all three are two “horseshoes”. This configuration is designed very accurate. Take a look through one at your local dealer, or contact Above: As a testement to this optic’s durability, On Target recently put it through the specifically for competition targets, such as IPSC and IDPA cardboard, Nikon Optics, Tel.: (800) 645-6687; Web: www.nikonUSA.com as well as steel pepper poppers. At 4x magnification the inner horseshoe ringer atop a CMMG Anvil chambered in the abusive .458 SOCOM cartidge. After over 300 rounds, the Nikon will “frame” the outer edges of a standard IPSC or IDPA target. This is was showing zero signs of succumbing to the recoil energy, and held a perfect zero throughout. If you very helpful for range estimation in use with rapid holdover. Once target frank melloni ben battles ever do have a problem, however, the Nikon No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy has you covered. 64 65

GUN & Gear GIVEAWAY contest The prizes in this issue’s Gun Giveaway Contest are a Walther PPS M2 9mm pistol, a 500-round case of Black Hills 100- gr. HoneyBadger ammunition and an Elite Survival LOADOUT Range Bag, with a combined retail value of $1,351.95!

Black Hills 9mm HoneyBadger Ammunition Black Hills has added a new 100-gr. 9mm load to its super-performance HoneyBad- ger line of defensive handgun cartridges, and the winner of this contest will receive 500 rounds of it ($29.00/box of 20, or $725 total value). The new 100-gr. 9mm is loaded with solid copper, non-deforming, non-fragmenting bullets with wide, sharp flutes that cut through barriers that cause standard hollow-points to fail. Running at 1,300 f.p.s., and producing 375 ft. lbs. of muzzle energy, the 100-gr. 9mm Honey- Badger bullet creates a wound cavity over three inches in diameter and more than 15 inches deep. The spiral flutes propel tissue to all sides at high velocity as the bullet spins, which accounts for the consistently wide and immediately debilitating wound channel. Black Hills now offers Honey Badger ammo in ten loadings for nine different calibers. Contact Black Hills Ammunition, Tel.: (605) 348-5150; Web: www.black-hills.com

Walther PPS M2 Pistol It’s our opinion that Walther’s excellent-performing PPS M2 Elite Survival LOADOUT Range Bag ($469) should be near the top Made from 1,050 Denier nylon, with closed-cell foam padding, of your list for a concealed-carry handgun. Chambered in 9mm only, with a 3.18-inch, the new LOADOUT Range Bag from Elite Survival ($159.95) polygonal-rifled barrel, everything you’re looking for in a compact carry gun. The slim is offered in black or coyote tan. It’s 17” L x 11” H x 10” W and profile (1-inch), push button magazine release, smooth trigger pull and Walther signa- futures laser-cut MOLLE slots on front and end pockets, remov- ture ergonomics deliver the features you want housed in a frame that fits just about any- able side pocket for four AR mags, mag pouch for eight pistol one. The combination of a capacity of up to 8+1 rounds, compact dimensions (6.3” L x mags, removable dump pouch that attaches to belt and MOLLE 4.4” H x 1.0” W), light weight (21.1 oz.), outstanding accuracy, excellent trigger (0.2” trav- Check out On Target’s platform, large main compartment that holds at least four el), visible and tactile red cocking indicator and industry-leading ergonomics are what in-depth coverage of the handguns guns plus accessories, pull-out pistol pouch with make it such a highly desirable pistol for concealed-carry duty. It features three automat- Walther PPS M2 by scan- padded divider that holds at least two handguns, inte- ic safeties, front and rear slide serrations, sculpted and textured grip frame, low-profile. ning this QR code with your rior handgun compartments on each end, padded 3-dot sights with dovetailed, adjustable rear and Walther’s corrosion-resistant Tenifer smart phone, or by visiting finish. Contact Walther Arms, Tel.: (479) 242-8500; Web: www.waltherarms.com lid that opens fully down the back and doubles as ontargetmagazine.com. a gun mat and a host of other innovative and useful features. Contact Elite Survival Systems, Tel.: (866) 340-2778; Web: www.elitesurvival.com

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