TM 2020 Personal defense issue Wilson Combat EDC X9S 4 The best of several worlds; sub-compact size, single- accuracy, double- stack capacity and superb ergonomics. 12 Dave Bahde 14 Ultimate .30-cal. Truck Guns 12 7 compact heavy-hitters to stow before you go, including: • IWI Galil ACE .308 Win. • SIG Canbrake .300 BLK • CZ Bren 2 MS Pistol 7.62x39mm • Springfield SOCOM 16 .308 Win. • POF Revolution DI Pistol .308 Win. • Robinson Armament XCR-M SBR .308 Win. 32 • Wilson Combat Protector Pistol .300 HAM’R 36 OT Staff Truck Gun Accessories 36 8 of our top picks in retention, storage, illumination, suppression, ammo and concealment accessories for your everyday truck gun. Chris Mudgett Taurus 692 Tracker 46 Taurus’ .357-Mag./.38 Spl./9mm multi-caliber revolver has a ton of performance to back up its versatility. Bill Battles Mossberg Retrograde Shotguns 54 Two classic-looking 12-gauge scattergun’s, but with modern performance. Bill Battles 40 Gun & Gear Giveaway contest 1 64 Enter to win an IWI Zion-15 Carbine, Riton X3 TACTIX 1-8x optic and an Elevated Silence Evolution Suppressor worth $2,600. gun & gear giveaway OT Staff contest 1 Gun & Gear Giveaway contest 2 66 Enter to win an Auto Ordnance Liberty 1911, Elite Survival holster/range bag combo and PepperBall non-lethal LifeLite Launcher worth $1,700. OT Staff 64 On Our Cover: 66 IWI’s Galil Ace .308 Win Pistol wearing a SureFire M600DF Scout Light Pro, Blue Force Gear Padded gun & gear Vickers Sling, Magpul giveaway D50 Drum, Midwest contest 2 Industries Pistol Length Handguard and Yankee Hill Machine Resonator K suppressor. Photo by Ben Battles. 2 ontargetmagazine.com EDITOR Ben Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

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

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On Target is a trademark of Phoenix Publishing, Inc. Entire contents copyright ©2020 by Phoenix Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 ontargetmagazine.com 5 >>The best of several worlds; sub-compact size, single-action accuracy, double-stack capacity and superb ergonomics<<

dave bahde steve woods & dave bahde

6 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 7 >> Wilson Combat EDC X9S Specifications ilson Combat’s EDC X9 is custom, quality versions—are Caliber: 9mm W arguably one of the best con- not for everyone, but everyone Barrel Length: 3.25 Inches cealed carry firearms on the market that’s tested or used an EDC OAL: 6.75 inches today. Purpose built for every day X9 comments on how well Width: 1.25 Inches carry, it incorporates decades of it fits their hands, its accura- Weight: 25.2 Ounces experience building and using pistols cy, lack of recoil and ease of Capacity: 10+1 (15+1 available) from Bill Wilson and the engineers carry. With the EDC X9 line, MSRP : $2,695. at Wilson Combat. Single Wilson took all of the features action pistols—especially single-action 1911 shooters love and tested in most every condition prior appreciate and incorporated them to and since its introduction a couple into a high-capacity 9mm platform. years ago. The EDC X9 remains model with all the features carry Designed to be carried for a life- incredibly popular, and the recent users have come to enjoy, but with time, it has been introduction of the EDC X9L 5-inch greater capacity and a longer sight thoroughly provided a duty or competition radius. It was only a matter of time before Wilson went in the opposite direction and introduced a sub-com- pact model, and the EDC X9S seen 1—The new optimized-for-con- a 3.25” barrel, including frame cealment “S” model represents before you—the smallest of the line rails enhanced for reliability. the chopped-down variant in the to date—is everything you’ve come Sub-compacts are often designed EDC X9 line, fitted with a 3.25- to expect from Wilson Combat. for ease of carry with operation inch stainless-steel barrel in place being a secondary consideration; of the 4-inch of the standard Wilson Combat EDC X9S this pistol was built for ease of and the 5-inch of the longslide Sub-compact 9mm concealment with nothing sacrificed “L” model. The bushingless, The EDC X9S is not just a short in function or reliability. The slide crowned barrel gets the same fluting treatment as the others to help X9. It maintains the same basic maintains the same basic shape, with ensure reliable running and that dirt, grime or fouling features but the frame, grip, and slide no front serrations and the same 1 has a place to go should things start to get dirty. are all purpose built to function with hand-fit, bushingless barrel using a

8 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 9 >> Wilson Combat EDC X9S 1—The X-TAC serration treatment continues onto the front and rear strap as well as the pistol’s 1 integral gripping panels on the aluminum frame— the latter of which creates an ultra-thin, conceal- ment-friendly-width dimension to the frame to drastical- ly reduce printing. The ultra-crisp 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 pound trigger gets a medium length serrated/ventilated lightweight pad.

2—The outward dimensions of the Concealment Proof slide stop, single-sided thumb safety and -release button are all optimized for snag-free deep concealment. The sighting system consists of a bright-red fiber-optic front and drift-ad- justable, ledged U-notch rear, with serrations run- ning along the top of the slide to reduce glare. Signature X-TAC cocking serrations are a rear-only treatment on the S model, as is the machined chamfer on the front of the slide.

2

flush cut reverse the X9S, what was missing was crown. The front the recoil. Shooting Hornady’s sight is fiber optic, the 135-gr. +P, it was downright rear is a non-adjust- comfortable. Same for Barnes able carry style using a 115-gr. TAC-XPD, two of ledge for unconventional my favorite carry loads. reloads. Its stainless barrel You notice a difference is enhanced for solid lock- compared to the X9 and up and reliable operation, and X9L, but not as much includes fluting to disperse dirt and as one might think. grime to help keep the pistol running Control was simply not in adverse conditions. The pistol’s an issue, nor was accuracy. large external extractor ensures proper My best group at 15 yards from a ejection. The frame uses a flatter grip rest was clustered at about an inch shape for against-the-body comfort total using the Hornady 115-gr. given its short length, and the signa- FTX. Nothing was outside 1.5 ture X-TAC checkering treatment inches at that range. My guess is it remains along the front strap and slide, but an optional railed dust cover will hold that at 25 yards, but I’m mainspring housing, along with a high works with compact lights and lasers not sure I could. Using the hood cut trigger guard. Standard magazines with one notch locking them in place. of a car and a bag as a rest I rang hold 10 rounds and fit flush to the The trigger is medium length, and the 6-inch plate 10 for 10 shots at frame, however, 15-round X9 maga- measured 3.6 pounds pull weight over 25 yards . . . all you’ll ever need for zines and an extended flush-to-frame 10 strokes. The magazine and slide practical application. baseplate when an extra payload is release are slightly extended. Operation was what I’ve come to in order. Each pistol will ship with expect from a Wilson Combat hand- one 10 and one 15-round magazine. Range Time gun: flawless. Everything ejected Cuts in the side of the grip allow you Small pistols and I don’t get along properly in a nice little pile. There to grab the magazine from the sides. all that well given the size of my hands. were no failures to extract, eject, or The hammer is Wilson’s Conceal- Most grips leave my little finger sitting go into battery with both FMJ and ment Bullet Proof model, while the under the grip, not ideal for control. self-defense ammunition. Practice single side thumb safety is standard. A Hotter loads can be a real handful. ammo was downright pleasant to standard dust cover is matched to the While the grip was this way for me on shoot, and I could easily take this

10 ontargetmagazine.com 11 >> Wilson Combat EDC X9S 2

3—Part of what you’re paying for when you invest in a Wilson Combat firearm is a high level of downrange precision, and in this department, the smallest member of the EDC X9 family did not disappoint.

2—Capacity of the flush-fit EDC X9S magazines is 10 rounds, and the extended magazine with the ex- tended flush-to-frame baseplate, 15 rounds. Both are included with the EDC X9S and both are top-quality Mec-Gar made.

Performance Velocity Group Size

1—Reliability from the Barnes 115 grain TAC-XPD 1,115 f.p.s. 1.25 inches 3-inch barreled EDC X9S Speer Gold Dot 124 Grain 1,025 f.p.s. 1.40 inches was flawless during testing—a trait that’s held true to Sig Sauer V-Crown 115 grain 1,100 f.p.s. 1.35 inches every EDC X9 that we’ve tested to date. Recoil is minimal and remarkably controlable, even with +P ammunition, thanks in no small part to ergonomics that are as good as some Hornady 115 Grain FTX 1,050 f.p.s. 1.00 inch 1 full-size pistols. The EDC X9S is available either with a light rail (shown) or without. 3

through a training class if needed. For custom-fit holsters, Wilson carries their favorite action pistol disciplines no shortage of those folks out there. any small pistol you’re unable to get as is attention to detail. Function Reloads were typical of these short a complete line of top-shelf leather and given its magazine compatibility, Demand is very high for everything a full firing grip on. Wilson Com- is as flawless as a 3-inch semi-auto pistols, with the need to watch that and Kydex offerings on their website. it would be especially useful if your Wilson Combat makes, and this pis- bat has done an outstanding job of gets, and ergonomics are as good as dangling little finger to ensure mag- Concealment with the shorter grip standard carry is an X9 or X9L. tol will be no exception. Those who keeping this pistol reliable with what some full-size pistols. Concealment azines dropped free. Certainly not as was advantageous and even wearing typically spend $2,000 or more on a can oftentimes be less-than-reliable is excellent and recoil is minimal and fast or smooth as the larger versions of only a T-shirt it did not print in my Thoughts 1911 or custom pistol will also love dimensions. Even testing one-handed remarkably controllable, even with the X9, but for a sub-compact it was normal 3:00 o’clock or appendix carry If you are looking for an inexpensive, the EDC X9 line, as you get all the from odd positions did not result in +P ammunition. Accuracy is solid not bad. Capacity at ten rounds seems positions. The spare magazine easily plastic, ten-round carry pistol, this, plusses of a 1911 without the grip failures to eject or short stroking the whether shooting rapid fire, up close to be the norm in small pistols, but fits in a pocket, which just leaves for certain, is not it. Wilson Combat safety or limited single-stack-maga- slide like it would have with many or properly aimed at 25 yards. In a being able to use the 15-rounders is a less to grab during a reload. Another pistols are costly, at least compared to zine capacity. Those already carrying other sub-compact pistols. You nutshell, the EDC X9S offers the best bonus. Carrying the larger 15-round place it felt right at home was in my many mainstream mass-production a full-size X9 will love the S model— expect a pistol of this cost to work no of several worlds; subcompact size, capacity for a spare is probably best. Hill People Gear Recon Kit chest rig, handguns. Retail is $2,695, which is same feel, trigger and overall ergo- matter the size and this one does. single-action accuracy, double-stack Concealed carry is where sub-com- which is my preferred carry system just south of the sticker price of its nomics in a noticeably smaller size. capacity and superb ergonomics in a pacts shine, and the EDC X9S shines! on longer hikes—especially where larger siblings. The X9S is going to Baseplates for the larger magazines Bottom Line modern self-defense pistol. If that’s Most range work was done using a pack is being worn. It fit perfectly appeal to those who want the best were not yet available during my Wilson Combat’s EDC X9S is what you are looking for then you re- my Galco holster designed for a SIG with two spare magazines. The EDC of the best in concealed-carry pistols testing. For those with large hands everything I’ve come to expect from ally need to give this one a close look. P229, and the pistol also fit in a cou- X9S is great pistol for those who enjoy and are willing and able to spend that these may be the ticket, otherwise this model line, and from Wilson Contact Wilson Combat; Tel.: (870) ple of generic leather IWB holsters. the BUG (Back Up Gun) divisions of kind of dough, and there are certainly expect the same issues that come with Combat in general. Quality is superb, 545-3618; Web: wilsoncombat.com 12 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 13 Robinson Armament XCR-M SBR .308 Win. Wilson Combat Protector Pistol .300 HAM’R SIG Sauer MCX Canebrake Pistol .300 BLK POF Revolution DI Pistol .308 Win. IWI Galil ACE M1A CZ Bren M2s Pistol .308 Win. SOCOM 16 .308 Win. Pistol 7.62x39mm

on Target staff ben battles

1414 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 15 sig sauer mcxA SHORTER .300 blk canebreak pistol LVA W hen SIG Sauer’s, 5.5-inch barreled, .300 Blackout supersonic .300 BLK load, unsuppressed. Wchambered, MCX Rattler hit the scene in late 2015, The Rattler and Canebrake model both share it redefined what a short-barreled could be. Quite the same short, 5.5-inch, 1:5-inch twist barrel. You literally, nothing else came close. barely get a single twist in the stump of a barrel. A Whispered rumors circulated about the project, the short tube has little effect on the level of accuracy a curtains it was conceived behind, who was using it, and platform is capable of attaining. Instead it is the loss for what purpose. The fire was fueled thanks to a few of velocity that is the issue. details that had leaked out about the Low Visibility In 2012, Barnes Ammunition released the ulti- Assault Weapon (LVAW) project that SIG had worked mate supersonic .300 Blackout load called the TTSX, on with the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) or Tipped Triple Shock. This black polymer tipped, to produce an MP5SD replacement, based loosely on the legacy MCX platform. With other US elements and Specifications: allied counter terror units quickly taking notice, and benefitting from the testing the platform had undergone Type: Piston operated, semi-automatic by JSOC, they too jumped on the MCX bandwagon. So Caliber: .300 BLK much so that most, if not all, allied CT units now have Barrel: 5.5 in., 1:5 in. twist the platform in their inventory. Overall Length: 29.25 in. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. Brace: PCB, side-folding Grip: SIG Sauer Finish: Elite Cerakote, E190 Flat Dark Earth Capacity: 20, 30 rds. Muzzle Device: Training suppressor The extensive joint testing Trigger: SIG Matchlite Duo of the MCX by SIG Sauer engineers and Sights: None JSOC led to improvements to the plat- MSRP: $2,897 form, most of which made their way into the current commercially available MCX Virtus line, the version the Rattler and 110-grain all-copper projectile has been dubbed the newer Canebrake—the magic bullet, quickly becoming the standard by which latter of which being the all others are judged. What makes it so special? With- subject of this review— out going too deep into projectile composition, Barnes’ are based on. Rumor has published data states the round will reliably expand in it the previously shortest soft tissue down to 1,400 feet per second (fps). Many MCX barrel, at 6.75 inches, claim that number is actually closer to 1,300 fps. SO- was not quite short enough for COM-entrusted manufacturer—Black Hills Ammuni- a certain customer, who required a compact .300 Blackout tion—loads their round. chambered Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) to be short If you’re like us, now know- enough to fit inside of a specific BMW model’s glove box. ing the background of the Rattler, Fast-forward many months and this ultra-compact version of you may be wondering why the the MCX was nearing completion. Unlike the LVAW, which was de- veloped to be suppressed full-time, just like the gun it was replacing, the all-new Rattler was at the opposite end of the spectrum, created to be the shortest rifle caliber PDW possible, firing a specific

1. Fully ambidextrous controls, a two-stage SIG Matchlite Duo trigger, new folding PCB, a SIG compact handgrip and a 30-round Mag- pul .300 BLK PMAG round out the back end/receiver components and controls. Finish is Cerakote E190 flat dark earth. 1. 16 ontargetmagazine.com 17 1. Unlike the original Rattler from which this model was 1. derived, the Canebrake was designed to be suppressed from the get-go. From the factory, the 5.5-inch barrel is wearing a larger SD suppressor-compatible M-LOK handguard and non-function- al “training suppressor”, which is easily replaced with the real deal SIG SRD762 suppressor (pictured right).

Canebrake model exists and certainly why it is greater than any would wear a suppressor. As we know, the 5.5-inch barrel has Rattler was not designed to be suppressed, the right to be. At fifty but instead to be the shortest rifle caliber yards—using SIG’s own non-magnify- platform possible, firing Black Hills’ super- ing ROMEO4S red-dot sight—the sonic 110-grain TTSX ammunition. above-mentioned Black Hills 110-gr. The answer is a simple one: SIG has TTSX load drilled a 0.35-inch 5-shot given the commercial market what it has group. Representing the best-per- asked for—the shortest suppresser-ready forming subsonic load, SIG Sauer’s MCX available. The Canebrake is a 220-Grain Elite FMJ printed a 0.75- 2. At the heart of Rattler with an FDE paint job that comes inch spread at the same distance. Other the piston-drive Canebrake is this complete with a suppressor-compatible loads came in right around an inch. dual-captured recoil spring/bolt-carrier handguard, thread-on training suppressor Our suppressed preference in the MCX group assembly, which is not only largely (easily replaced by a functioning one), platform remains the 6.75-inch barrel that responsible for the high level of reliability unique Matchlite Duo trigger and a new JSOC’s LVAW is based upon. But, and durability, but also the ability to run folding PCB. When shot unsuppressed, if you absolutely, must have the sans a buffer tube and be fitted with a the Canebrake—just like the Rattler—is shortest suppressed rifle on the side-folding pistol brace. a joy to shoot. Recoil is soft, the gun is market, accept no substi- quick-handling, compact and very accurate. tutes. The Canbrake When a suppressor is threaded on, the ex- is your huckleberry. cess gas can become uncomfortable during See it at your nearest 2. prolonged shooting sessions, but it is quiet dealer, or for more information, when utilizing subsonic loads. contact SIG Sauer; Tel.: (603) 610-3000; From the bench, downrange precision Web: www.sigsauer.com—Chris Mudgett

3. 3. As evidenced by this 0.35-inch five-shot group at 50 yards Using Black Hills’ 110-gr. TTSX load, the Canebrake has impressive downrange-precision potential —especially taking into account its truncated barrel. Reliability was 100-per- cent through- Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy out testing. Black Hills 110-Grain TTSX 1,925 f.p.s. 0.35 Inches SIG Sauer 120-Grain HT 1,840 f.p.s. 1.20 Inches SIG Sauer 125-Grain V-Crown 1,730 f.p.s. 0.90 Inches 4. Aguila 150-grain FMJ 1,635 f.p.s. 1.40 Inches Hornady 208-Grain AMAX 884 f.p.s. 1.10 Inches SIG Sauer 220-Grain Elite FMJ 861 f.p.s. 0.75 Inches

4. The recoil impulse from the Canebrake is soft, and like its close cousin the Rattler, the gun is compact and quick-handling. With a SIG SRD762 suppressor attached, excess gas can become uncomfortable during prolonged shooting sessions, but it is very quiet when utilizing subsonic loads. 18 ontargetmagazine.com 19 2. The 12.5-inch fluted barrel is topped with a 3-prong flash hider and shrouded by an M-LOK compatible 11.5-inch forend. Poking out the front of the handguard it the 9-po- sition adjustment knob of the Dictator gas block. Finish can be had in either black or burnt-bronze Cerakote (shown). 2. were as consistent as any AR, and even block down a few notches the 12-inch 600-yard steel bolt hold open and it ran great. rang pretty easily. Precision in- lever in the trigger guard lets you hold the bolt Increased recoil, strument? Nope, but it will get open without coming out of the pocket. more gas in most work done out to 500 yards Dead Air Silencers’ Nomad suppressor is one your effectively, especially with fast 125-gr. of the few models specifically designed for short face, but Nosler or 125-gr. TMK ammunition. .308s and it was a great match. I turned the gas no blast and it is at least fighting quiet. Even with the Bottom Line suppressor attached, it’s handy inside the “Truck Gun” has a variety of connota- 3. truck. Using the flash hider it’s still less tions these days, but this POF sits squarely punishing than a brake and even handier. in the middle, especially since it can be Accuracy at 50 yards using a Bushnell suppressed. It could be that “one” rifle that 1-5x XTR 2 was excellent, with the best-of- fits in a safe, tight spot in the truck that will test group fired with Hornady 155-gr. Amer- either defend or feed the family at reasonable ican Gunner being around an inch. Rapid distances,. Loaded with light and fast 110- to POF fire up close, all stayed inside a fist diameter 125-gr. ammunition, it’s pretty soft and fast out to 25 yards with ease, tighter with some to shoot. Above all it is very light weight, Specifications: effort. There were no failures to fire, but one of the lightest tested. For some that is brass ejection was a tad forward suppressed, priority one, and if so, this one needs to be Revolution Caliber/Gauge: .308 Win/7.62 x 51mm perfect without, but it never missed a first look if you are in the market for a Barrel: 12.5 inch a beat. Hits out to 400 yards mouse gun that shoots with a lion’s roar! OA Length: 32 inches extended, 29 inches collapsed For more information contact POF USA; .308 win. 3. At 50 yards, the Revolution Pistol was able to Telephone: (877) 561-9572; Website: pistol Weight: 6.31 pounds The mouse gun that shoots with a lion’s roar keep 5 shots in a one-inch cluster using Horna- pof-usa.com—Dave Bahde Sights: Flat Top Rail dy’s 155-gr. American Gunner ammunition. Stocks/Grips: SB3A Pistol Brace/MFT pistol grip he ability to field a compact semi- Patriot Ordnance automatic rifle without paying the Action: Semi-Auto/Direct Gas Impingement/Adj. Gas Block 4. The .308 Win Revolution’s bolt carrier T Factory (POF) government and waiting a year is a game Finish: Black Anodized group is an impressive piece of hardware, featuring a roller cam 4. changer. Having used SBRs for a couple de- POF’s Revolution pin for reduced friction a dovetailed screwed and staked on ie not Capacity: Accepts Standard SR25 pattern magazines , , - ( : cades, they have always had advantages, but Direct Impingement coming off) stainless-steel gas key and a chrome-plated extractor and firing Price: $2,639.99 most were just not worth the hassle. The AR .308 pistol is built on pin. Charging handle is POFs large and ambidextrous Tomahawk model. pistol has changed all that and it gets better what amounts to an every year with many in big boy calibers, AR-15 chassis; essen- including the venerable .308 Winchester. tially an AR-10 without the AR-10 weight. single point carry. It ships in a hard case 5. with one Magpul 20-round magazine and While not for everyone, for some it remains Very light at 6.31 pounds, it uses a 12.5 5. At only 6.3-lbs., the caliber and platform of choice. As the inch barrel, Dictator adjustable gas block, retails for $2,639.99. the evolution industry makes them lighter and more reli- fully ambidextrous Gen 4 Lower, heat sink .308 R able, .308 Win. ARs have grown in popular- barrel nut, and drop-in, single-stage trigger. Range Time Pistol weighs less than a good percentage of ity, and Patriot Ordnance Factory’s (POF) It comes with POF’s 3-port or This pistol is light . . . very light. Even Revolution pistol is a fantastic example and a pronged flash hider. The bolt carrier group in .308 Win., it weighs less than my first 5.56mm carbine’s yet re- an excellent go-to “truck gun”. is strong—far beyond Mil Spec—light, and duty carbine in 5.56mm. Trijicon’s MRO mains very controllable designed to work in adverse conditions. kept it that way, and was perfect for use in under recoil. The POF Revolution pistols ship with an SBA3 and around the truck. Short .308s tend to ran flawlessly through- 5-position adjustable pistol brace, M-LOK be recoil intensive, especially with a flash out testing—both sup- compatible handguard ready for a QD sling hider, but not so much with this rifle. pressed and not. recepticle on either side, or one centered for You know it’s not a .223, but it’s not that bad—very controllable on doubles using Hornady 155-gr. American Gunner. Con- trols are easy to get to and the Revolution’s

1. Controls include a 4.5-lb. POF drop- Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy in trigger held in with KNS Anti-Walk 1. pins, an ambidextrous bolt catch paddle, Hornady 155-gr. American Gunner 2,480 f.p.s. 1.00 inches safety selector and magazine release, and Black Hills 178 ELDX 2,425 f.p.s. 1.55 inches a convenient bolt-hold-open button within Federal 168 Grain Match 2,500 f.p.s. 1.40 inches the integral trigger guard. Pistol brace is Corbon 125 Grain TMK 2,740 f.p.s. 1.64 inches the SB Tactical SBA3 and handgrip is a Nosler 125 Grain BT 2,770 f.p.s. 1.25 inches Mission First Tactical Engage model.

20 ontargetmagazine.com 21 cz usa bren 2 Ms the next generation 7.62x39 pistol of the Bren family he first rule of a gunfight is “bring a gun.” front of the trigger guard, and ambidextrous AR- T The second rule of a gunfight is “bring enough style bolt release and ambidextrous 2-position safety, gun.” I learned Rule 2 from a 1,000-pound, the latter two found in standard AR locations. The 4-legged killer, but armed citizens are more likely stippled, hollow pistol grip has a hinged floor plate to encounter the 2-legged variety. I can assure you for storing extra batteries, etc. Two 30-round mag- that if you wind up in a gunfight with an armed azines are supplied: AR-15 magazines for the .223 aggressor, CZ USA’s new Bren 2 Ms 7.62x39mm variant; factory (non-AK) polymer magazines for the will—without question—be enough gun. 7.62x39. Both models will accept all three barrels The brand-new Bren 2 Ms ($1,799) is available lengths and their respective forends. chambered in 5.56 NATO Other features include a full-length Picatinny with 8-, 11- or 14-inch top rail, fully adjustable, metal flip-up open sights, barrels, or the slightly more powerful Specifications:

Caliber/Gauge: 7.62x39mm Barrel: 11- inches OA Length: 25.8 inches (without brace) Weight: 5.86-pounds Sights: folding adjustable 7.62x39mm with Stocks/Grips: ar-compatible/stippled polymer 9-, 11- or 14-inch barrels. Action: semi-Automatic / Long Stroke Piston Our choice for this .30 Caliber Finish: black Coated Truck Gun roundup was the 11-inch Capacity: 30 barreled 7.62x39mm model. This latest generation of the Price: $1,799.00 CZ Bren makes first landfall in the U.S. in pistol form. Whereas the ambidextrous front and rear loop-type sling attach- 805 Bren was designed to the specific ments, port and starboard QD sling swivel recepticles requirements of the Czech at the rear of the upper, a superb single-stage trigger military, the Bren 2 with with 3/8ths inch of designed-in take-up at an 8 Ms was designed on oz. pull weight, followed by a crisp, surprise break at a clean sheet of pa- an average total pull weight of 3.5 lbs. A 3-position per. The changes are adjustable gas block insures reliability with any bullet almost too numerous weight or brand of ammo. The cold hammer-forged to list, but foremost barrel includes a threaded muzzle with 3-prong 1. among them is a huge weight loss. Built on an flash hider, but it can be fitted with an optional aluminum receiver with a carbon fiber-rein- muzzle brake or suppressor. forced polymer lower, the 2 Ms weighs only 5.6 The 2 Ms comes with a flush rear plate with pounds empty with magazine. drilled and Gone is the 805’s reciprocating charging handle, replaced by one that stays put in the forward posi- tion when fired. It’s swappable from side to side and does double duty as a forward assist. The 2 Ms adds a super-handy bolt release release nestled into the

1. The 7.62x39 Bren 2 Ms Pistol is available with either a 9, 11 (tested) or 14-inch cold-hammer forged barrel wear- ing a 3-prong flash hider. The short aluminum forend has M-LOK compatible accessory-mounting slots at 3, 6 and 9 O’clock. Flip-up iron sights are standard.

22 ontargetmagazine.com 23 1. Contributing 1. to the light weight (5.86-lb for the model tested) of the next-generation Bren is a trimmed down aluminum upper receiver and a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer lower. Controls are fully ambidextrous and the non-reciprocating charging handle is swappable side to side. An on target at a rapid pace. From AR-15 buffer-tube compatible rear plate the 50-yard bench and using an opens the door to any AR-compatible arm EOTECH EXPS3 holographic weapon sight the Bren 2 Ms also brace; we used SB Tactical’s SBA2 brace. proved it was capable of very-good stock (if you feel precision, with a best 5-shot group tapped for an AR-style buffer tube and like going through the measuring 1.29 inches using Hornady’s 123- any AR arm brace. Prefer an SBR? A ATF form 1 registration gr. SST, brass cased Black load. The other carbine buffer tube and stock can be in- rigamarole of course). two loads—both steel cased—produced best stalled, or the rear plate can be removed and For such a lightweight groups of under two inches. Reliability was replaced with a factory folding/adjustable platform, the 7.62x39mm Bren 2 100-percent throughout testing. Ms Pistol has a remark- I’ve got the truck, but it needs a gun. I was Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy ably-soft recoil impulse, so impressed with the design, ergonomics, making the gun not only performance and accuracy of the 2 Ms that Hornady 123-gr. Black 2,239 f.p.s. 1.29 Inches a blast to shoot, but easy I’m about to write a check to CZ so it can be Wolf 123-gr. FMJ 2,180 f.p.s. 1.76 Inches to put rounds accurately mine. Contact CZ-USA; Tel.: (800) 955- Tula 124-gr. HP 2,165 f.p.s. 1.94 Inches 4486; Web: www.cz-usa.com 2. —Bill Battles 2. The Bren 2 Ms operates on a short-stroke gas piston design, with a long recoil spring assembly located in the upper receiver to negate the need for a buffer tube. 3. 50-yard precision — espe- 3. cially with Hornady’s brass cased Black load — was pretty stellar, with the best 5-shot group measuring near an inch center-to-center. Steel-cased ammo also per- formed well, and given the near-dirt-cheap price of that stuff, will go a long way toward cost of ownership.

4. For a sub-6-lb. 7.62x39mm, the recoil impulse from the Bren 2 Ms is surprisingly docile. Reliability was 100-percent throughout testing, and unlike platforms that use standard AK 4. mags, the Bren’s proprietary mag will hold the bolt open on the last round.

24 ontargetmagazine.com 25 2. Covering the stainless-steel, match-grade, 1:15” twist 11.3-inch barrel is a Wilson Combat M-LOK compatible forend. Black Armor-Tuff finish can be found on all major metal components. Shown is Wilson Combat’s all-new QUELL suppressor and mount in place of the pistol’s standard Q-Comp flash hider/muzzle brake…stand by for in-depth coverage on this suppressor in a later issue. 2. group with the 110-gr. sonal protection, it performs as Controlled Chaos was advertised. Using 125-gr. bullets right at 0.50 inch. or less you get near .308 Win. little back pressure and no effect on operation Accuracy is just short of precision ballistics out to 300 yards without in this caliber, so no adjustable gas block was AR standards with most every- required. Using a Law Tactical folder added thing Wilson Combat makes. some weight, but it fit in normal bags, packs Groups with the and is perfect for a truck gun. 110-gr. Con- Accuracy at 50 yards is impressive, and trolled Chaos at not much different at 100 yards. The best 300 yards were 2 inches even. Both the 125-gr. TNT and HP 3. grouped under 3 inches. This and other 300 HAM’R loads tor Pistol uses an 11.3-inch barrel and Gear tested have all held 1 MOA or Head Works Tailhook 2 brace. The barrel less out to 400 yards with ev- is stainless steel and moderately contoured erything but the hard cast loads. the drawbacks . . . not sure you could with a 1:15” twist rate and carbine length All ammunition is precision-manufactured by do better for a truck gun. gas system. Threaded at 5/8” x 24 TPI at Wilson Combat and is very reasonably priced. the muzzle, it comes with a Wilson Combat Recoil is noticeably more than a 300 Bottom Line Q-Comp. Receivers are Wilson Combat BLK or 556mm, but far less than a typical Wilson Combat provides a complete line Wilson combat .308 Win. Blast using a flash hider is similar lightweight billet using their 9.5” M-LOK of ammunition at prices comparable to similar compatible rail. The trigger is a 2-stage TTU to a 300 BLK, but suppressed there is none. calibers. They also provide extensive reloading .300 HAM’R PROTECTOR pistol Velocity with the 110-gr. Controlled Chaos information and all the components needed to (Tactical Trigger Unit) measuring 4 pounds DOES IT GET ANY BETTER? Wilson Combat in total pull weight. The bolt carrier group is 2,400 f.p.s. with superb expansion and roll your own. If you want a “battlefield pickup” 300 HAM’R Pistol features a premium Wilson Combat Nick- about perfect penetration. Designed for per- this is probably not it, but when it ne of the issues argued with short- Using the AR-15 platform, Wilson Combat el-Boron coated bolt carrier. It ships with comes to effectiveness for bullet weight in a light, Obarreled .308 Win. (7.62x51mm) pistols originally designed this caliber as the “perfect one D&H .300 BLK 20-round magazine in 3. Our test gun printed this half-inch, 5-shot handy, accurate and 100% reliable .30-caliber or carbines is the lack of ballistic efficiency. ranch rifle”—one rifle that can deal with pred- a Wilson Combat custom nylon case. group at 50 yards using Wilson Combat’s carbine, it just does not get any better. Contact Experts have been arguing this ever since ators, harvest game 110-gr. Controlled Chaos load, and Wilson Combat; Tel.: (800) 955-4856; Web: www.wilsoncombat.com the .223 (5.56mm) was adopted. Not sure I and protect livestock Specifications: easily stayed under one-inch perfor- — Dave Bahde would want to be on the business end of ei- from as far away as mance with the other two loads tested. ther, but most .308 ammunition makes .30 300 yards. Typical Caliber/Gauge: .300 HAM’R caliber holes with no expansion from short 5.56mm or 300 BLK Barrel: 11.3-inch, 1:15” twist 4. The .300 HAM’R Protector uses a premium Wilson Combat barrels. Most are loud with bone jarring does okay on unwant- 4. OA Length: 34 inches extended Nickle-Boron coated, Carpenter 158 steel bolt carrier group blast, noticeable recoil and significant flash. ed predators out to that features a one piece gas ring and chrome silicon extractor and Suppressors remain mostly unworkable 100 yards, farther for Weight: 6.0 pounds (bare rifle) - ejector springs for reliable function and long term durability with few even capable. A couple decades of small varmints, but Sights: Flat Top Rail - . innovation has mitigated some of the draw- neither is suited to Stocks/Grips: Wilson Combat Grip/Gear Head Works Pistol Brace backs; they work better, but blast, flame hunting big game, or Action: , Direct Impingement 5. and recoil still remain issues. Yet, the desire legal in some cases. for an accurate .30-caliber, effective to AR-10s are great, but Finish: Hard Anodized 300+ yards without the blast and recoil that heavy, expensive and Capacity: Same as AR-15 magazines (300 BLK preferred) 5. Recoil with the .300 HAM’R is noticeably more than a can be suppressed remains, less than ideal inside Price: $2,650. 300 BLK and one of the best 100 yards. You need or 556mm, but far less than a typ- solutions to date is something in the ical .308 Win. We found the 300 HAM’R middle, and Bill Wilson has, very effectively, Range Time the combination of ammo from Wilson met that need with the 300 HAM’R. At 6 pounds including the brace, the 300 and gun capable of 1-MOA Combat. Chambered in .300 HAM’R in a variety HAM’R is lightweight and handy. Adding precision or less out to 400 of configurations, Wilson Combat’s Protec- a Trijicon MRO kept it that way, and the yards, with near .308 Win. Ballistics Suppressed Armament Systems K9S suppressor out to 300 yards. Our test gun ran adds 5 inches and 12.6 ounces. There is very flawlessly with a variety of in-house Wilson Combat loads. 1. Out back you’ll find a Tailhook Mod 2 adjustable pistol brace, BCM hand- 1. grip with Wilson’s signature starburst texturing. Controls consist of a Wilson Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy Combat M2 two-stage TTU trigger Wilson Combat 110-gr. CC 2,400 f.p.s. 0.50 inch in an oversized trigger guard and a Wilson Combat 125-gr. TNT 2,350 f.p.s. 0.68 inch mil-spec bolt catch and safety lever. One Wilson Combat 125-gr. HP 2,350 f.p.s. 0.75 inch 20-round D&H magazine is included.

26 ontargetmagazine.com 27 IWI GALIL ACE THE HONEY BADGER .308 WIN. pistol OF TRUCK GUNS ruck guns have a variety of different meanings Industries) it is closely based on the Valmet Rk 62, which T these days. One is a simple, light weight yet strong, is itself an improved version of the Soviet AK-47. Most reliable and dependable rifle (or pistol) that will work original Galils are chambered for either the 5.56 NATO in any condition. The ability to run any ammunition or 7.62 NATO cartridges, and are in use with military and is critical if it’s a weapon of last resort to first hunting police forces in over 25 countries. Designed by the Israelis opportunity. Reliable operation with the ammunition at for desert warfare, it takes the AK and Valmet systems to a hand, no matter the quality, condition or construction whole new level. Its latest civilian version, the ACE, is the is essential. Accuracy is important, but it’s a working best yet. Utilizing a chrome-lined, cold-hammer-forged gun, not a precision instrument. You want that work 11.8-inch barrel made from Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, horse, the gun that runs hot, cold, dirty, dusty, dry, it’s designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Improve- wet, covered in snow, mud, muck—all the conditions ments to the gas tube make it more rigid, more accurate of real life. There are a few out there capable of enduring all such conditions, and one of the Specifications: best is IWI’s Galil ACE in 7.62 x 51 NATO. Using an AK based operating system, it is the Caliber/Gauge: .308 Win / 7.62 x 51mm NATO epitome of “trustworthy” in any condition. Barrel: 11.8 inches Around since the late 1960s, modern touches OA Length: 31.6 inches extended to the Galil platform make it undeniably better, Weight: 6.5 pounds Sights: Flat Top Rail /Protected F&R (rear removable) Stocks/Grips: SB Tactical Pistol Brace / Galil grip. Action: Semi-Automatic / Long Stroke Piston Finish: Black Coated Capacity: Accepts Standard SR25 pattern magazines. Price: $2,049.99

and in pistol form, it may very well be and more likely to maintain zero with optics. Front and the ultimate in a compact “be there when rear sights are protected from damage and include tritium you need it” truck gun. for low light operations. The top cover uses an integrated rail that does not shift, and locks solidly into place. the trig- IWI USA Galil ACE .308 (pistol) ger is a modified, 2-stage design from the sniper version of IWI’s Galil is a proven having the same platform. The handguard has Picatinny rails that seen combat in the worst conditions possi- can be exposed or covered with plastic panels. An efficient ble. Designed by Israel Galil muzzle brake tames recoil with little blast at the shooter. and Yaacov Lior in the late Equipped with an SBS Tactical brace it locks solidly in 1960s, and produced by place in the open position, folds for compact carry and can Israel Military Industries be fired from either position. An ambidextrous magazine (now called Israel Weapon release, safety and left-side charging handle pro-

1. The milled upper receiver 1. combined with a lower made of polymer keep the platform strong and rigid without unnecessary weight. The Galil Ace has one of the nicest side-folding braces we’ve seen; easy to fold, easy to deploy and it locks solidly into place. Safety and mag-release controls are ambidex- trous, and ingeniously, the travel of the reciprocating charging handle is sealed from the elements from a pivoting cover plate. Optic is Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro.

28 ontargetmagaz 29 1. The 7.62x51 NATO Galil Pistol is equipped with an 11.8-inch ham- mer-forged/chrome-lined barrel, which helps keep the platform light (6.5 lbs.) and maneuverable. One of our favorite upgrades to the Galil Ace platform is the sleek, M-LOK compatible Midwest Industries Handguard (shown mounted) to replace the short, factory Picatinny-railed handguard.

vide ease of use. Compatibility with any SR25 VCOG was excellent, with the best-of-test style magazine keeps it’s versatile. The gun ships group coming from Corbon 125-gr. with one 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine MPR measuring a tad over an and retails for $2,049.00. inch. Rapid fire up close it stacks them, mostly Range Time due to the long 1. At 6.5 pounds including the brace, the ACE stroke piston is light. Simple was the name of the day, so design. Recoil is Bottom Line through much of testing it was run naked; no minimal, and the trigger is pretty fast once you If your world consists of threats dots, optics, or much of anything. I’ve put get used to it. It’s kind of stiff, but better than or meals inside 300 yards this will for certain thousands of rounds through the rifle version, most AK triggers or mill spec AR versions. get it done. Light and rugged, it’s an absolute so I expected it to run, and it did. Everything Brass ejection is impressive, sending steel cases work horse in .308 Winchester. It will run from proven modern ammunition to crusty a few feet at around 2:00 o’clock, exactly what anything—milsurp, steel case, dirty, wet or old steel case from years ago, and it does so you expect from a Galil. Hits out to 400 yards dusty—not something a .308 AR will generally spitting brass into the next county. Testing on silhouette steel were doable, 500 was reach- do. Accuracy is a vast improvement over earlier several brakes over the years the IWI factory able with the VCOG, but it’s no designs, but it’s mostly a 1.5- to 2.0-MOA pis- version is hard to beat. Striking a nice com- precision rifle. It will do most tol at 100 yards. If you need a gun that’s neither promise, it tames recoil with little blast at the anything necessary out to 300 picky about what it eats, nor the conditions in shooter. The ability to shoot with the brace yards even with the irons, which it eats it, the Galil ACE .308 pistol folded is huge when working inside tight and get the job done at is just about perfect! Contact IWI; spaces, and makes this pistol incredibly handy 500 with an optic, but Tel.: (717) 695-2081; Web: in and around the truck. beyond that there are much iwi.us—Dave Bahde Accuracy at 50 yards using a Trijicon better tools. 2. 3. 2. Much like the original Galil, looking at the bolt/long- stroke gas piston design, it’s clearly evident that the Galil Ace platform drew inspiration from the legendary AK47, and as such, is as reliable as a sledgehammer in challeng- ing muddy, sandy, snowy and fouled (etc., etc., etc.) conditions. 3. From the bench, the 7.62x51 Galil Ace gave its best performance 4. The Galil with Corbon’s 125-gr. TMK load with a 5-shot group measuring Ace ran ev- 1.20 inches. The gun’s two-stage trigger proved an asset here. erything from proven modern ammunition to aged ‘n 4. crusty steel case from years ago without a single failure, and it did so spitting brass into the next county. While loud, the four- port muzzle brake does do an excellent job of taming felt recoil and muzzle rise.

Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy

Hornady 155-gr. American Gunner 2,462 f.p.s. 1.40 Inches Black Hills 178-gr. ELDX 2,418 f.p.s. 1.70 Inches Federal 168-gr. Match 2,495 f.p.s. 1.55 Inches Corbon 125-gr. TMK 2,700 f.p.s. 1.20 Inches Nosler 125-gr. BT 2,740 f.p.s. 1.30 inches 30 ontargetmagazine.com 31 2. The test gun was wearing a 12-inch barrel and three port muzzle device but other XCR-M options include 9.5, 14.7 and 16-inch barrel lengths, other muzzle device options and in FDE and olive-drab-green finishes. The monolithic forend is Keymod compatible.

gas block has multiple adjustments and worked a short stroke piston rifle, but not quite great with Dead Air Silencers’ Nomad suppres- as bad as direct-impingement gun. 2. sor. These guns eject like an AK, at about 2:00 and authoritatively. Bottom Line I could live without the A2 grip, Robinson Arms XCR-M remains one but the bolt release under the of my favorite big remains fully capable of firing. The muzzle trigger guard is fantastic. Very fast on magazine brake is efficient, and coupled with the changes and workable on either side. weight, it shoots like a 5.56mm with a flash Accuracy at 50 yards using the hider. Blast is minimal at the shooter, but Burris XTR2 1-5 was a tad over typically oppressive for everyone else. The an inch with 4 of 5 rounds clustered 3. using Nosler 125-grain bore , and their XCR-L in 5.56mm Ballistic Tip. Long range performance was with a short barrel is always close at acceptable using the Burris out to 500 yards. hand. The ergonomics on these guns are Hits on the silhouette steel at 600 yards were excellent save the A2 grip. Nice trigger, doable, but a bit more magnification would solid feel, low recoil, and built-like-a-tank is carbine-length, the competition extends to have made it easier. Like most short-barreled construction make it a fantastic rifle to the end of the barrel just in front of the muzzle .308s, the XCR-M Mini is a solid 300-yard stake your life on. With one of the best folding device. Using a single tool, swapping barrels is rifle, workable out to 500 yards in a pinch. stocks on a production rifle, it’s strong and it robinson armament simple. It takes less than a minute and can be Dead Air Silencers’ Nomad suppressor is at locks solidly in place with plenty of adjustment. done in the field. Lower receivers are ambidex- least fighting quiet, If you can’t have an SBR you can get this in trous and ergonomic with a folding stock that’s maybe more and stays pistol form, and their Tail Hook 2 pistol brace

wi n. mostly metal. Adjustable for LOP and cheek short enough for close is one of the best ever used. Either way it fits height, it locks solidly into place. The trigger is work. When suppressed, the big bore truck gun task nicely. Contact Robinson Armament Co 308 two-stage; light and crisp enough for accuracy, excess gas is more than .; Tel.: (801) 355- - . robinsonarmament.com yet maintaining duty-level capability. The gas 0401; Web: xcrsomething differemnt, but in asbr good way system is an AK style using a long stroke piston —Dave Bahde and left side charging handle. Each rifle ships 3. Our best 5-shot/50-yard performance came with the Listen to the pundits and the SBR is be highly advantageous. Run a short barrel with metal flip up sights front and rear, along Nosler 125-grain Ballistic Tip and measured just over an inch. Oon the endangered list. With the advent for your truck gun, or home defense, throw with a single 20 round magazine. of the rifle caliber AR pistol, interest has in a long barrel for Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy 4. certainly waned, but not for all. Given the range and that stock Specifications: pistol’s existence is based on an interpretation, with a cheek weld for Hornady 155-gr.American Gunner 2,475 f.p.s. 1.35 inches much like the bump stocks were, it’s anything hunting duty. Caliber/Gauge: .308 Win/7.62 x 51mm Black Hills 178-gr. ELDX 2,405 f.p.s. 1.60 inches 4. Operating on an AK-style but written in stone. For all the hassle that Barrel: 9.5 inches Federal 168-gr. Match 2,470 f.p.s. 1.50 inches gas/recoil system and bolt design, comes with the SBR it’s permanence can be a Robinson Arms OA Length: 27.5 inches Corbon 125-gr. TMK 2,712 f.p.s. 1.30 inches the .308 Win, XCR-M remains extremely bonus, especially given the volatility of politics XCR-M reliable under dirty conditions. these days. There is also something to be said .308 Win SBR Weight: 8.7 pounds Nosler 125-gr. BT 2,755 f.p.s. 1.25 inches for being able to use a real stock, one that is The XCR has been Sights: Flat Top Rail/Flip up Irons stable, solid, and interchangeable. Add the around quite a while Action: Semi-Automatic/Long Stroke AK-style Piston System versatility of a switch barrel rifle like the Rob- and the latest version 5. At 8.7-lbs., the XCR-M remains the heaviest of the truck guns tested here, Finish: Multiple Colors including Custom Cerakote inson Arms XCR-M and it may has turned into one but very well balanced with the 12-inch barrel, and coupled with the facto- of my favorite rifles. Capacity: Accepts Standard SR25 magazines in .308 ry muzzle brake, the recoil impulse can be compared to a 5.56 gun wearing a Having used Price: $2,495 flash hider. Reliability was 100-percent, both suppressed and unsuppressed. both the big bore and .223, they are reliable, solid, accurate and versatile. XCR-M Range Time versions are .308 based and are At 8.7 pounds the XCR-M Mini with the available with various hand guard 12” barrel is the heaviest of the truck guns lengths. Mini and micro versions tested. Having tested a 16” version extensive- are designed for short barrels ly, it remains well balanced, this short barrel starting at 9.5”—the mini more so. Using the muzzle brake, its 29.5- covers the gas block, the mi- inch length makes it perfect for close quarters cro leaves it exposed. Standard work, folded it shaves off another 6 inches and

1. The side-folding buttstock locks solidly into place and is adjust- able for both length of pull and cheek weld height. Outside of the non-reciprocating left-side charging handle, controls are fully ambidextrous. A light and crisp two-stage trigger and metal 1. flip-up iron sights are standard equipment. 5. 32 ontargetmagazine.com 33 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY .308 WIN. THE SHORTY M1A

SOCOMell-balanced, handy and modern are all rise16 is mitigated, helping the rifle remain flat and on Wfitting descriptors of Springfield Armory’s SO- target for fast follow-up shots. As should be expected, COM 16, a rejuvenated model based on the famed the short, compensated barrel does produce some sharp M14 battle rifle. In an age dominated by molded acoustics, so we always recommend you store ear pro polymers conjoined with lightweight alloys prevalent with this M1A. in today arms, there is something alluring about the The SOCOM 16 features a forward scout-style classic rifle lines this shorty M1A presents. Picatinny mount, ideally suited for either a long eye For many, the chopped, compensated barrel paired relief scout scope, or a red dot optic. Our preference is with an elongated, detachable 20-round box magazine jutting out of the traditional appearing, full-length Specifications: composite stock is enough to create a bit of cognitive dissonance for those observing it for the first time. “A Type: Gas operated, rotating bolt classic rifle shouldn’t look like that … but I like it,” Cartridge: .308 WIN can often be heard exclaimed by those unfamiliar. Capacity: 10 To say that Springfield Armory hit the sweet spot Barrel: 16.25 inches, 1:11 twist with the creation of the SOCOM 16 over a decade and a half ago would be an understatement. The rifle Overall length: 37.25 in. does it all, and for more of the traditionalist – or those Weight: 8 lbs., 13 oz. calling a ban state home – it represents everything a Stock: Composite good in a general-purpose truck gun. Length of Pull: 13.75 in. Chambered in the hard-hitting Finish: Black phosphate 7.62 NATO cartridge, the M1A certainly doesn’t lack in the bal- Trigger: Springfield’s Two-Stage listics category, especially given so Sights: Adjustable iron peep; XS Sight tritium front many of today’s .308WIN rounds MSRP: $1,987 are optimized for shorter barrels. With detachable, steel-box magazines ranging in capacity from 5, the latter, and we’ve had no problems dislodging steel 10, 20 and 25 rounds, along with 50-round drum plates from well over 300 yards with this rifle wearing a magazine’s, there are plenty of pills available on tap, red-dot optic. Should you prefer to mount a low power should the circumstances call for it – imperative variable optic, several good aftermarket rail options ex- for a rifle destined for truck gun duty. ist. Our favorite remains Vltor’s CASV-14 rail system. The heavy round may get it done down- The SOCOM comes from the factory with range, yet from the shooters perspective, recoil high-quality iron sights built for rough use. An enlarged, is surprisingly soft. Credit goes to a combination ghost ring aperture rear sight aligned with an XS Sights of factors; most notably though, is the multi-port Tritium insert front not only allows a high-level of brake. Not only is felt recoil reduced, but muzzle precision during daylight hours, but quick acquisi- tion during reduced lighting conditions. A factory two-stage trigger greatly increases the precision 1.

1. One of the aspects of the M1A/M14 breed of rifles that many appreciate today is its traditional, streamlined and simplistic riflestock — this one being polymer in construction. Springfield ships the SOCOM 16 with one 10-round magazine but new and surplus 20-rounders (shown) are readily available.

34 ontargetmagaz 35 1. With its 16.25- 1. inch carbon-steel barrel, the SOCOM 16 remains the most compact, truck- gun-suitable model in the M1A lineup. An XS Tritium-post front this is a truck gun centric article, and sight and scout type icatinny op - P - the results are what you can expect edly sparking conversation. tic mount are standard equipment. from a similarly set-up platform. With that The design continues to be palatable to said, snap shooting a fist-sized target zone at the traditionalists, millennials and virtually capability of this platform. We always want distance is what we’re looking for, and this every generational demographic in-between. to know exactly when the rifle is going to combo delivers. We were able to squeak out Learning the platform is chambered in fire, especially afield, and this trigger allows a 1.3-inch five shot group at 50-yards using the heavy hitting 7.62 NATO cartridge for that. The first stage offers a smooth, Black Hills’ 175-gr. BTHP, while Horna- doesn’t seem to hurt either. On our wish moderate pull before hitting a distinct wall dy’s 178-gr. BTHP was off by a tenth of an list, however, is a 6.5 Creedmoor cham- – just prior to a light, crisp break, making inch, delivering a 1.4-inch five shot group. bered variant, which just might prove to be this rifle easy to shoot well on demand. Overall, very respectable performance with the pinnacle of the SOCOM 16. Contact Accuracy testing was conducted using an a red dot sight, tested during the dead of a Springfield Armory; Tel.: (800) 680-6866; Aimpoint Micro T2 red dot sight. While New England winter. E-mail: [email protected]; a red dot optic is our preferred sighting While we arguably live in an AR-15 Web: www.springfield-armory.com system for use in the field, and as this plat- dominated world, slipping a time-tested, yet — Chris Mudgett form’s role as a roadshow gun, it isn’t nec- modernized M1A out of the scabbard will essarily conducive to discovering the true certainly pique the interest 3. At the heart of the .308 Winchester mechanical accuracy of the platform. Alas, of passerby’s, undoubt- chambered M1A is an ultra-reli- able, long-stroke piston drive 2. Our M1A SOCOM 16 gave us its best 50-yard/5-shot operation that traces its performance with Black Hills 175-gr. BTHP load, producing roots back to the this group measuring 1.30-inches. Using only a red-dot sight, .30-06 Springfield we are more than happy with this level of performance. chambered 4. The multi-port muzzle brake does a capable job of controlling muzzle rise and felt recoil but is both loud and concussive. As we’ve come to expect with the SOCOM 16—a rifle that we’ve tested multiple times over the years—reliability was 100-percent, even with old, crappy, third-world-country surplus ammo that doesn’t seem to want to run in anything else. 3. 2.

Performance: Velocity 50-yard Accuracy

Hornady 168-gr. ELD-M 2,522 f.p.s. 2.0 Inches Black Hills 175-gr. BTHP 2,327 f.p.s. 1.30 Inches Hornady 178-gr. BTHP 2,312 f.p.s. 1.40 Inches 4. 36 ontargetmagazine.com 37 chris mudgett ben battles

SureFire M600DF Yankee Hill Machine Scout Light Resonator K Many years ago, SureFire earned our trust For most folks, remembering to bring or as the top manufacturer of forward thinking, don hearing protection prior to deploying a robust, weather-proof light systems specifically truck gun is often an afterthought — one that designed to withstand the constant punishment of typically rings as a reminder after the first shot being mounted to a firearm. It has been said that is fired. We recommend storing ear pro with selection is a never-ending process, and SureFire your firearm or wrapped around the passenger continues to lead the pack in our opinion. seat headrest so it’s not forgotten. SureFire recently released new PRO versions If you’re forgetful or just simply value your of its proven Scout Light line; our favorite is the hearing, suppressing your truck gun makes a M600DF PRO ($299) boasting 1,500 lumens of lot of sense. That said, if you’re not yet using ultra-white light. The DF stands for Dual Fuel, an in-cab security system like one offered by allowing the light to run on a pair of CR123A Tuffy Security Products, leaving NFA-con- lithium batteries, or an 18650 rechargeable bat- trolled items unattended in your vehicle tery, which comes with a truck charger. should be avoided altogether. If that’s the case What sets the new PRO apart from its predeces- a quick-connect suppressor, such as YHM’s sors is the way it mounts to your rifle. In the recent Resonator K is for you. years, fixed offset or inline mounts were developed, What we love about the Resonator K becoming the preferred method of mounting a ($589) is that the blast chamber is threaded light to the forend of your AR-15. These methods for the popular 1-3/8”-24 thread, making it would tuck the light closer into the rail, reducing its compatible with many of today’s mounting overall profile, but at an added cost. options. The updated endcap design greatly The new PRO features a new Low-Profile reduces flash and the suppressor can be used Mount (LPM) that allows the light body to rotate on rifle calibers ranging from .17HMR all the and roll inboard or outboard, fitting snuggly way up to 300 RUM. beneath other accessories, significantly reducing Not only is the Resonator lightweight, qui- the profile of the light. LPMs are compatible with et and affordable, it utilizes a tubeless design M-Lok and Picatinny rail sections. While Scout housing 17-4 stainless steel baffles and a 718 Lights are most commonly mounted on AR-15/ Inconel blast baffle, both of which have been M4 style pistols and rifles, the LPM opens the heat treated, increasing longevity and shrug- doors to effectively mount a white light onto ging off years of rigorous, full-auto abuse. The other platforms such as lever guns, bolt guns and QD version is barely there, weighing only 12.4 bull pups, in the most contour hugging, signature ounces and stretching a hair over 5.5-inches reducing profile possible. Contact SureFire; Tel.: in length. Contact Yankee Hill Machine; Tel.: (800) 828-8809; web: www.surefire.com (877) 892-6533; web: www.yhm.net

3838 ontargetmagazine.com 39 Lucid Optics Snap Rack Best known for its value-priced scopes and red dot sights, Lucid Optics has developed an ingenious method of securing a rifle or shotgun behind your vehicles seatback. The Snap Rack is a simple, effective design that utilizes a polymer hook that captures your long or muzzle device, pulling it tight against the seatback. The opening of the hook is designed to face in the direction the gun will be removed. A thumb hold is molded into the hook, allowing for single-hand removal. As an example, the Snap Rack would be placed on one of the passenger-side headrest rods that secures the headrest to the seat back utilizing the included hook, bracket, strip of high-grade elastic and a couple of screws. Installation is non-permanent, is adjustable and no modifications are necessary. The hook would be positioned facing the driver. Your long gun would sit on its recoil pad, barrel pointed up, following the contour of the seatback. Simply snap the hook around your barrel and your rifle is pulled taught around the seat back until needed. To deploy, simply grasp the barrel with your right hand and utilize your thumb to unsnap the hook and pull the rifle into the driver’s compartment. Easy day and nothing is faster and more secure, in our experience. The best part? MSRP is just $14.99. Contact Lucid Optics; Tel.: (307) 463-2633; web: www.lucidoptics.com

BFG Vickers VCAS Two-Point Adjustable Padded Sling Every truck gun needs to have three accessory items: a sling, a white light and an optic with an illuminated reticle – in that order. A sling is to a rifle, what a holster is to a pistol, you should have one. We are huge fans of quick-adjust two- point slings, and our preferred model nowadays is made by Blue Force Gear, specifically its VCAS padded model. Co-developed with US Army Delta Force assaulter, Larry Vicker’s (ret.) the Vickers Combat Application Sling (VCAS) offers a quick adjustment pull tab allowing the users to quickly change the length of the sling without creating any loose ends to snag or hang up. Numerous variations of this sling are available, padded and unpadded, metal or acetal hardware, different width webbing – all in proven patterns and trending camouflage patterns. Blue Force Gear also offers a custom sling builder allowing you to fully customize not only color and pattern combinations, but a multitude of sling attachments as well, sure to be compatible with any platform. The VCAS (from $49) is one of the most trusted slings by armed professionals and is the issued sling to US Marines. Con- tact Blue Force Gear; Tel.: (877) 430- 2583; web: www.blueforcegear.com

4040 ontargetmagazine.com 41 Tuffy Security Products Under Rear Seat Lockbox Most of us are outdoorsmen that spend a significant amount of time in our vehicles, hauling around firearms and expensive accessories to support our activities. Typically, a truck is the means to an end; it gets us to where we want to go. It’s then parked and left unattended for long periods of time, along with our costly possessions. It’s a prime target for thieves that can break into a car Magpul D-50 faster than you can use your key. Drum magazines of the 1990s do not It’s smart to hide, or better yet, take have a stellar reputation – loading, valuables with you before locking up feeding, weight, longevity and of course and heading out. It’s intelligent, how- durability, all suffered. We blame the ’94 ever, to take things a step further and AWB that curtailed almost all innovation secure these valuables inside a lock- within this segment. box that’s been bolted down within Fast-forward a couple of decades and the cab and hidden from view. Magpul – the polymer experts –weighed Tuffy Security Products in and created their version of a drum manufactures the Under Seat magazine, compatible with SR25/ Lockbox ($400) designed to fit DPMS .308 AR-10-type platforms. beneath the rear bench of most Known as the D-50 ($149.99), this pick-up trucks. The 16-gauge 50-round rotary magazine, essentially steel lockbox offers 4,500 cubic combines two of Magpuls standard inches of storage (2,740 if you capacity, 25-round .308 mags into have a factory subwoofer). The a single, lightweight, reliable drum. contents of which are easily ac- Say good-bye to mag couplers, spare cessed by simply lifting the base magazines and pouches for your of the rear bench up, exposing truck gun. Insert a D-50 and you a pair of keyed locks. Instal- should have enough big pills to lation is relatively easy using tackle nearly any scenario short of factory hardware and does the zombie apocalypse. not require drilling. Once The D-50 is intelligently installed the lockbox tucks designed with stainless steel neatly below the rear bench, internals and a ratcheting load- unnoticed by window-peep- ing lever that removes spring ers. The box easily accepts tension, allowing the D-50 to full-length rifles and be effortlessly reloaded by hand shotguns, spotting scopes, and quickly disassembled with and other awkwardly a flat-head screw driver. The shaped items. No truck length of the D-50 is very – no problem. Tuffy also manageable and allows for offers a security console comfortable magazine-sup- insert that will transform ported prone shooting and is your center console into even fully compatible with a hidden mini-safe, and longer-than-SAMMI-spec if you happen to own a match grade ammunition Jeep Wrangler, Tuffy up to 2.830-inches in OAL, makes some incredible such as M118LR. We security options for tested ours in a SIG Sauer your rig. Contact 716 G2 DMR chambered Tuffy Security in 6.5 Creedmoor and it Products; Tel.: (800) cycled flawlessly. Contact 348-8339; web: Magpul Industries; Tel.: tuffyproducts.com (877) 462-4785; web: www.magpul.com

4242 ontargetmagazine.com 43 Elite Survival Systems Covert Operations Rifle Backpack The Covert Operations Rifle Backpack ($229) represents just what its name implies. It is a normal looking backpack that is designed to carry a rifle or AR pistol, and support equipment. The backpack portion of this system is what separates it from other transport bags. It actually carries like a normal backpack, one that can be carried for long periods of time and with a surprising level of comfort. The removable waist strap features a pair of zippered pockets on each wing, just like many of today’s mountaineering packs. These pockets will fit a small rangefinder, energy gel/bars, pocket scope or even a couple of spare pistol magazines. The lockable main compartment is loop Velcro lined allowing the attachment of hook-backed pouches or other accessories for complete interior customization. The backpack comes with a pair of adjustable tie downs and a muzzle sleeve to secure a long gun. The compartment is designed to house either a disassembled carbine for secure storage or an assembled AR pistol for fast access. The sides and bottom are completely padded, ensuring your firearm remains protected. The middle compartment’s rear panel is fully lined with MOLLE compatible PALS webbing, which also happens to be covered in loop Velcro, ready to accept hook-backed pouches or a combination of the two. The front compartment is an administrative-style pocket with a variety of slot pockets and compartments designed to organize keys, cellphones, business cards or other sundries. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable-to-car- ry discreet pack designed to accommodate such a wide variety of platforms. Contact Elite Survival Systems; Tel.: (866) 340-2778; web: elitesurvival.com

Black Hills 110-Grain TTSX .300 Blackout In 2012, Barnes Ammunition developed the ultimate supersonic .300 Blackout load called the TTSX, or Tipped-Triple Shock. This black polymer tipped, 110-grain all-copper projectile has been dubbed the magic bullet by many, quickly becoming the stan- dard by which all others are judged. What makes it so special? Without going too deep into projectile composition, Barnes’ published data states the round will reliably expand in soft tissue down to 1,400 feet per second (fps). Many claim that number is actually closer to 1,300fps. So why does that matter? Perfor- mance-wise it is so far ahead of the .300BLK pack, that SOCOM-entrusted manufacturer – Black Hills Ammunition – loads the round. We were able to get our hands on some of Black Hills commercially loaded rounds for testing, which averaged 1,925f.p.s. out of our 5.5-inch barreled Canebrake at about 500 feet above sea level. Looking further down our ballistic table, that nets us 1,472fps at 200 yards, 1,380f.p.s. at 250 yards and 1,297f.p.s. at 300 yards, which is simply astounding out of a barrel that short, and from a gun designed for use in tight quarters and short-range engagements. The round immediately expands upon impact and retains nearly 100% of its weight, penetrating to desired depths of 18-plus inches. It performs well through tough barriers, such as car doors and wind- shields, making it very suitable for law enforcement use. This is, without question, the best available choice for short-range personal defense .300BLK loads. Contact Black Hills Ammunition; Tel.: (605) 348- 5150; Web: www.black-hills.com

44 44 ontargetmagazine.com 45 bill battles ben battles

4646 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 47 1

>>3-caliber versatility, outstanding downrange- precision and more value than a happy-hour cocktail<<

aurus (originally Forjas Taurus) facility and corporate headquarters. Thas been toiling away in Brazil since Now, many Taurus models will be built 1941 producing firearms. In 1982 they in this country. Kudos to Taurus USA! —The Taurus Tracker 692 ships with two cylin- 1 set up Taurus USA, based in Miami, Few would argue that early Taurus ders; one for .357 Magnum/.38 Special, and the Florida, to better address the U.S. Mar- handguns were third-tier products, but other for 9mm. Swapping cylinders requires swinging ket. Most recently, Taurus USA relocat- since their ISO 9001 certification in the cylinder open, depressing the frame-mounted ed to Bainbridge, Georgia and built a 1999—a huge accomplishment for any release button, pulling the cylinder free and replacing it with the other…all told, a 5-second proposition. new 200,000 square foot manufacturing manufacturer—the quality of their prod-

48 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 49 1 1—In order to load and retain the rimless 9mm cartridge, the 692 Tracker uses moon clips that the cartridges simply snap into. Five moon clips are included and capacity is 7-rounds in either cylinder.

the prepper crowd, the ability to run three different calibers in one gun will be very appealing. Designed for reliable everyday ber 692 comes with two cylinders: carry with its ported, full-shroud, one for .357 Magnum/.38 Special 3-inch barrel (four ports on each +P and another for 9mm Luger. side), the DA/SA Model 692 fea- Cylinder change involves the push tures unfluted, seven round cylin- ucts has improved of a button on the right side of ders in both calibers, windage and vastly. A prime example of the the frame, pulling out the cylinder elevation adjustable square-notch company’s reinvention is their and crane, and inserting the other rear sight, bright orange ramp 2019 Editors’ Choice Award win- cylinder with the button depressed. front sight, spurred hammer and ning G3 auto-pistol. Their revolv- It’s dirt simple and takes only Taurus’s excellent, high traction, ers have also come a very long way. seconds to accomplish. The rimless recoil-absorbing Ribber one-piece Has Taurus USA attained the 9mm ammo requires the use of grip that is comfortable to shoot same reputation for refinement moon clips (five included), which and undoubtably aids in precision in the revolver segment as Smith are easy to load and drop into the fire. The ported barrel does a great & Wesson? Dedicated Smith & cylinder with just a bit of Wesson revolver guys would have a cartridge alignment. Re- SPECIFICATIONS: stroke at the mere suggestion, but moving live rounds or fired I can assure you that the subject of cases from the extracted Caliber: .357 Mag./.38 Spl./9mm this review—the new Taurus 692 moon clip is, however, a bit Barrel Length: 3.0-inches Dual-Caliber revolver—is perhaps more of a chore, especially OAL: 8.14-inches the best revolver Taurus has ever with the first two or three Width: 1.50-inches produced. And, at $639.45, it’s cases to be removed, but Weight: 25.2-ounces priced at a fraction of equivalent it’s not rocket science and Capacity: 7 Smith & Wesson revolvers. with the more experience Finish: Matte Black The 7-shot Taurus Dual-Cali- you gain the easier it is. For MSrp $639.45 5050 ontargetmagazine.com 51 weighs 35.00 oz. empty and mea- pecially light, measuring an average before the break, and no creep or mounted cylinder removal button. sures 8.14 inches L x 1.50 inches W pull weight of about five pounds, stacking through the pull. The trigger guard is average size. A x 5.66 inches H. with a slight but palpable bit of Controls consist of a spurred transfer bar safety permits carrying job of managing recoil The DA/SA trigger system take-up before the break. The dou- and knurled hammer, a wide, a live round under the uncocked for quicker target re-acquisition. The permits single-action, first-shot fire ble-action trigger pull exceeded the round-faced trigger that fell hammer without risk of unintend- entire gun is finished in flat matte when the hammer is cocked, or 12-pound limit of our digital strain directly over the distal phalanx of ed discharge if the hammer is im- black, which gives it an “all business” double-action fire with the hammer gauge, but not by much. We’d es- my trigger finger for maximum pacted or the gun is dropped. No appearance and prevents reflection or uncocked for subsequent shots. timate it at about 13 pounds, with leverage, a left-side mounted external manual safety is included. glare during daylight use. The 692 Single-action trigger pull is not es- a slight let-off in pull weight just cylinder latch and a right-side The barrel porting is worthy of

1—Sights consist of a black, elevation and windage-adjustable rear and pinned bright-orange front ramp. Barrel porting consists of a row of four ports on either side of the muzzle which, thankfully, are angled away from the front sight to avoid painting it black with powder burns. The wide-spur of the serrated hammer came in hand for testing in cold weather with gloved hands.

1 5252 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 53 2—Not only were the sights spot-on perfect out of the box —and point-of-aim/ 1 point-of-impact remarkably consistent between all three cartridges tested — 25-yard/5-shot groups were downright impressive for a 3-inch barreled revolver.

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a multi-caliber revolver, as ideally you don’t want to go messing with sight adjustments or remem- additional com- ber your hold-overs/unders to ment. The four ports on each side compensate for the varying point of the front sight are recessed into of impact downrange. Not only the barrel and angled about 20 were the sights spot-on perfect out degrees away from vertical to min- of the box, .357 Mag and 9mm imize front sight gas fouling. They point-of-impact and group sizes were very effective at minimiz- were nearly indistinguishable, ing perceived recoil and with .38 Spl. printing a bit lower muzzle rise with all than the other two, and with a bit larger group sizes on average. Talking downrange precision, our best 5-shot/25-yard groups and the loads that produced them in the three compatible cartridg- es are as follows: .357 Mag.; Hornady 125-gr. FTX Critical ammo tested, but were especially Defense at 1.50-inches; Black 1—Thanks to effective with full-house .357 Hills 100-gr. HoneyBadger +P the barrel port- Magnum loads. We found that at 2.25-inches; SIG Sauer 115- ing and cushy, gas fouling of the front sight was gr. FMJ Elite Performance at recoil-absorbing absolutely minimal. 1.33-inches. Performance from grips, even hot Between the grips and the other loads for each cartridge .357 Magnum muzzle porting, the Taurus Model were not far off. We consider this loads were 692 Dual Caliber was a pleasure is a damn good showing for any fun to shoot. to shoot in all chamberings, and handgun, let alone from a 3-inch Loaded with proved to be reliable, accurate and barreled revolver! 9mm, you could remarkably consistent on paper. If caliber versatility in a reli- spend an entire Now, when I say “remarkably con- able, solid revolver platform is day shooting sistent”, I mean — between .357 important to you then this 692 the 692 at the Mag, .38 Spl. and 9mm — the is a great option — especially range — both difference in point-of-aim to point- with the limited lifetime warran- from a comfort of-impact between the three cham- ty. See it at your local gun shop, and monetary berings at 25-yards was nearly zero. or for more information contact standpoint. Zilch. Nada. In our minds, this was Taurus USA; Tel.: (800) 327- potentially the biggest drawback to 3776; Web: taurususa.com 54 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 55 Mossberg Retrograde Shotguns

Some things never go out of style

BILL BATTLES BEN BATTLES

56 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 57 Mo. 500 Retrograde 12-ga. MSRP: $519 Chamber: 3-inch Barrel Length: 18.5 inches Choke: Cylinder Bore Metal Finish: Blued >>> Mossberg’s “Retrograde” pump-acton, 12-gauge shotguns are designed to invoke the Furniture: Walnut look of yesteryear, with walnut buttstocks and rounded, circumferentially grooved Capacity: 5+1 walnut forearms. Despite their oldies look, however, both the Model 500 Retrograde ($519) Weight: 6.75 lbs. and the Model 590A1 Retrograde ($930) are thoroughly modern designs with Mossberg’s legendary reputation for quality and no-questions-asked reliability.<<< Model 500 Retrograde

Mo. 590A1 Retrograde 12-ga. MSRP: $930 Model 500 Retrograde rubber recoil pad behind a 1/4-inch black plastic Chamber: 3 inch The less fancy of the two, the Model 500 spacer, a fixed length of pull of 13.87 inches, a Barrel Length: 20 inches Retrograde is fitted with an 18.5-inch, standard wall receiver top which is drilled and tapped for optics Choke: Cylinder Bore thickness barrel with fixed cylinder bore choke and mounting, front and rear sling swivel studs, top tang Metal Finish: Parkerized Furniture: Walnut a 3-inch chamber. It has a brass bead front sight and mounted, serrated safety selector, double action bars no rear sight. Other features include a dark-stained for smooth, bind-free cycling and 6+1 round capac- Capacity: 8+1 Model 590A1 Retrograde Weight: 7-lbs. walnut buttstock with flawless machine checkering ity with standard 2.75-inch shotshells (5+1 round on both sides of the pistol grip, a thick, ventilated capacity with 3-inch shells) and all other standard

58 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 59 1 Model 590A1 Retrograde Model 500 mechanical and de- The 590A1 Retrograde is sign features. a very serious, “trench-gun” All metal components are looking defensive shotgun by blued, empty weight is 6.75 comparison and a definite step pounds and overall length is 39.5 up in features and functionality inches. This is the no-frills Ret- from the Model 500 Retrograde. rograde, designed with nostalgic The Model 590A1 platform looks but brutal and simplistic in its numerous configurations effectiveness in mind. While they has become the duty shotgun have their place and generally of choice for military and law suit their purpose very well, in enforcement agencies world- today’s world of black-polymer wide—being the only pump-ac- clad, tactical-gadget-strewn scat- tion shotgun to pass Mil-Spec terguns, this model will represent 3443E—so you know it will a breath of fresh air for many. hold up to the home-defense

1—At the heart of the retro theme are attractive and decently-figured, dark stained walnut forends and buttstocks. standard-thickness, 18.5-inch barrel Both buttstocks are equipped with old-time looking brown ventilated recoil pads and machine-cut checkered pistol and 5-round capacity tube. Both guns grips, and both would look right at home riding in the Starsky and Hutch ’76 Torino. nail the nostalgic look and feel with- 2—The 590A1 Retrograde (top) features a parkerized, heavy-walled, heat-shield-equipped 20-inch barrel and 8-round out sacrificing modern-day reliability magazine tube. The 500 Retrograde is more of a no-frills model, with a price that’s reflective; this one gets a blued finish, and performance.

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1—The large, serrated top-mounted safety is one aspect of the Mossberg platform we’ve always appreciated due to quickness and ease of use, and both the 500 and 590A1 are so equipped. While both are drilled and tapped for an optics base, the 590A1 is equipped with an adjustable and protected ghost-ring rear sight. The trigger guard of the 500 is polymer while 590A1’s is steel.

needs of the average consumer… 2 no matter how hairy things get. The 590A1 Retrograde includes all the standard Model 590A1 mechanical and design features, including double action bars for smooth cycling, dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, an- ti-jam shell elevator and sliding, serrated safety at the top rear of the receiver. It is fitted with a 20- inch, heavy-walled, cylinder-bore barrel with 3-inch chamber and ramp-mounted, orange blade front sight, a windage and ele- vation adjustable ghost ring rear sight with raised protective ears, metal trigger guard, a ventilated 2—While the 500 gets the ubiquitous gold-bead front sight — which is heat shield above the barrel, lon- adequate for most shotgunning needs — the 590A1 is equipped with a very ger extended magazine tube with effective ramp-mounted, orange blade front sight, which is particularly useful for precision and dialing in shot placement when launching slugs downrange. 8+1 round capacity using 2.75- inch shells (7+1 round capacity 62 ontargetmagazine.com 63 checkered pistol-grip buttstock Defense 00 Buckshot, with the 3 for a positive grip, and has a 500 producing a slightly-high 3—Using Hornady’s 1/4-inch thick black plastic spac- 4-3/4” pellet spread, and the 2-3/4-inch with 3-inch shells) and a bay- er ahead of a ventilated 1-inch 590A1 6-1/2 inches. Where the Critical onet lug mounted five inches be- rubber recoil pad. The forearm non-adjustable bead front sight Defense 00 hind the muzzle. All metal parts is deeply ribbed for excellent on the 500 means point-of-aim/ Buckshot, are Parkerized for the ultimate grip traction. Sling swivel studs point-of-impact is what it is, both guns shot very in corrosion protection. are provided at the rear of the the fully adjustable sights on close to The top of the receiver is buttstock and on the front of the 590A1 will allow fine tun- point-of-aim drilled and tapped for optics the magazine tube cap. Length ing — particularly important at 15-yards, mounting, and the slide release of pull is 13.87 inches, overall when sending slugs downrange. with cyl- inder-bore lever is in the bottom of the length is 41.0 inches and empty Both guns, as we’ve come to ex- barrels of receiver on the left side just be- weight is 7.0 pounds. All in all, pect from Mossberg pump-ac- the 590A1 hind the trigger guard. The steel an excellent and reliable choice tions, fed, fired and ejected and 500 trigger blade and trigger mecha- for a home defense shotgun. without a single malfunction. laying down nism are standard 590 fare, which Not having rifled slugs on Felt recoil was a tad stouter on 6-1/2 and 4-3/4-inch is to say they are perfectly usable hand, we limited testing exclu- the 500—a direct consequence spreads re- but not great. The trigger exhibits sively to buckshot—the fodder of its lower overall weight spectively. about 1/4 inch of take up, but no we expect most end users to (while the specs list the guns as perceptible creep or stacking, and keep these guns stoked with within a quarter-pound of each pared to the 590A1; both guns new 2020 F-150—without these handsome scatterguns at breaks cleanly at an average pull anyway. At 15 yards, both guns other, the difference felt consid- were still very much in their sacrificing drivability or point-A your nearest firearms retailer, or weight of just under 7 pounds. grouped well and shot to pret- erably greater than that)—but break-in periods, however. to point-B effectiveness—then for more information contact The the dark walnut furniture ty much to point-of-aim using slide operation was also a bit So, if you’d rather drive a you are likely a Retrograde O.F. Mossberg & Sons; Tel.: (800) includes a very nicely machine Hornady’s 2-3/4-inch Critical smoother with the 500 com- 1970 Ford F-100 than a brand customer. Get a closer look at 363-3555; Web: .mossberg.com

1 2

pect all moving parts to find their “happy spots” during 1 AND 2—As we’ve come to expect from Mossberg’s 500/590 the break-in process and for both guns to loosen up pump-actions, both guns fed, fired and ejected without a single and smooth out in operation. As far as felt recoil, malfunction. The 500’s action operated with less effort than the the lighter Mo. 500 gave a bit more push. 590A1’s, but given a couple hundred more racks of the slide, we’d ex- 64 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 65 iwi usa elevated silence riton optics

IWI Zion-15 5.56x45/.223 Rem. Carbine ($899) #1 www.iwi.us The prize package in this issue’s first Gun & gear Giveaway is... • IWI Zion-15 5.56x45/.223 Rem. Carbine • Elevated Silence Evolution multi-caliber suppressor Riton X3 TACTIX (.17 HMR to .300 Win. Mag.) 1-8x24mm riflescope • Riton X3 TACTIX 1-8x24mm riflescope ($499.99) www.ritonoptics.com with a combined retail value of nearly $2,600

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enter for free at... 68 ontargetmagazine.com www.ONTARGETMAGAZINE.COMontargetmagazine.com 69 70 ontargetmagazine.com 71 72 73 74 75 76