TECHNICAL DOPE BAG SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

.357 MAG . VEL . @ 12' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

SPEER NO. 23920 1137 AVG . 359 2.01 2.52 2.20 125-GR . GD JHP 44 SD

REMINGTON 1327 AVG . 489 1.47 2.22 1.74 NO. R355S1 18 SD 125-GR . JHP

.38 SPL . VEL . @ 12' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

WINCHESTER 1057 AVG . 392 1.75 2.61 2.04 158-GR . JSP 19 SD

NOTES : ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE , FIVE -SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS . FIRED FROM A RANSOM REST . VELOCITIES MEASURED WITH AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH WITH SCREENS PLACED 12 FT . FROM THE MUZZLE . ALTITUDE OF TEST SITE APPROXIMATELY 5,200 Maiello FT . ABOVE SEA LEVEL . TEMPERATURE : 75° F. ABBREVIATIONS : GD (GOLD DOT ), JHP (JACK - 0 ETED HOLLOW POINT ), JSP (JACKETED SOFT POINT ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ). McClellan 0 Carter 0 Gilbert

0 SMITH & WESSON NIGHT GUARD Sheetz

0 .357 MAG. REVOLVER ince 1935, Smith & Wesson six different variants in the Night CCW permit holders has driven has made dozens of dif- Guard series of personal-defense the development of compact, light-

Keefe ferent .357 Mag. revolvers. revolvers. There are three large weight handguns of many types. As

0 S They have been available with N-frames in .44 Mag., .45 ACP full-size, short-barreled magnum ve-, six-, seven- and eight- and .45 Colt; two L-frames in .44 revolvers go, the 386 Night Guard round-capacity cylinders and four Spl. and .357 Mag.; and a smaller is about as light and compact as it cut on the topstrap. It is better for different frame sizes. Obviously, K-frame in .38 Spl. All the Night gets. Indeed, this was the develop- concealed carry by virtue of its there has been plenty of variety, Guards are light revolvers with 2½" ment goal of the Night Guard line. rounded edges and corners, and so a new version might seem barrels and a dull black nish. Model 386s have some special its big U-notch and plain black redundant. The new Model 386 The Model 386 weighs 24.5 ozs. features that make them particu- face match up beautifully with the Night Guard in .357 Mag., how- and is more than 7½" long. It is larly well suited for the discreet XS Sight Systems Big Dot tritium ever, offers a unique combination light, but strong enough to handle personal-defense role. The Night front sight. Sight picture is quick of features and is therefore a fresh seven rounds of .357 Mag., as S&W Guard variation of the light L-frame to acquire and is quite prominent choice for those in the market for uses an alloy of scandium and has a topstrap cut to accept S&W’s against varied backgrounds and in a defensive revolver. In S&W’s aluminum to build the frame, yoke familiar click-adjustable rear sight, different light conditions. It is not complex numbering system, the and barrel shroud. The barrel and which has been used on revolvers the best for precise shooting, but “3” indicates a lightweight gun cylinder are stainless steel. On since the immediate post-war era. then this is not a bullseye gun. and the “86” is the model, with the most of S&W’s lightweight revolv- As there is relatively little need To help alleviate the discomfort “Night Guard” indicating a feature ers, the use of a two-piece barrel— for adjustable sights on a gun of ring the gun, S&W equipped and nish option. a lightweight alloy shroud and intended for close-range shoot- it with round-butt Pachmayr grips This is a revolver built on a steel tube—permits an economical ing, S&W uses a rear sight made that cover the backstrap. This medium-large L-frame, which was part with all the durability of more by Cylinder & Slide of Fremont, provides a generous handful of

File Name:______Proof Number______developed speci cally to handle traditional materials. The recent Neb. It is a xed unit with a con- slightly compressible rubber the .357 Mag. cartridge. It is one of interest in concealable rearms for tour that ts the standard S&W surrounding a pound and a half

86 SEPTEMBER 2009 WWW .AMERICANRIFLEMAN .ORG AR Proof

R909_DB.indd 86 7/17/09 11:43:46 AM SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.) S&W NIGHT GUARD

.357 MAG . VEL . @ 12' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES MANUFACTURER : SMITH & WESSON , CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE (DEPT . AR) 2100 ROOSEVELT AVE ., SPRINGFIELD MA 01104; SPEER NO. 23920 1137 AVG . 359 2.01 2.52 2.20 (800) 331-0852; 125-GR . GD JHP 44 SD WWW .SMITH -WESSON .COM REMINGTON 1327 AVG . 489 1.47 2.22 1.74 CALIBER : .357 MAG . (.38 SPL .) NO. R355S1 18 SD TYPE : DOUBLE -ACTION / 125-GR . JHP SINGLE -ACTION CENTER -FIRE REVOLVER FRAME : SCANDIUM /ALUMINUM ALLOY .38 SPL . VEL . @ 12' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES BARREL : 2½" CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE RIFLING : FIVE -GROOVE ; 1:18¾" RH TWIST CYLINDER CAPACITY : SEVEN WINCHESTER 1057 AVG . 392 1.75 2.61 2.04 SIGHTS : XS SIGHT SYSTEMS BIG DOT 158-GR . JSP 19 SD FRONT , C&S FIXED U-NOTCH REAR NOTES : ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE , FIVE -SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS . FIRED TRIGGER PULL : DOUBLE -ACTION , 10 LBS .; FROM A RANSOM REST . VELOCITIES MEASURED WITH AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH SINGLE -ACTION , 3 LBS . 5 WITH SCREENS PLACED 12 FT . FROM THE MUZZLE . ALTITUDE OF TEST SITE APPROXIMATELY 5,200 OVERALL LENGTH : 7 ⁄8" FT . ABOVE SEA LEVEL . TEMPERATURE : 75° F. ABBREVIATIONS : GD (GOLD DOT ), JHP (JACK - WIDTH : 1.56" ETED HOLLOW POINT ), JSP (JACKETED SOFT POINT ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ). HEIGHT : 5½" WEIGHT : 24.5 OZS . ACCESSORIES : HARD CASE , MANUAL , LOCK SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE : $1,011

Features of the Night Guard include light weight and compact power. The rounded edges of the fi xed rear sight (below l.) are well-suited for concealed carry, and the stainless steel cylinder (below r.) can handle seven rounds of .357 Mag.

CCW permit holders has driven the development of compact, light- of lightweight magnum revolver. the equation and produced groups weight handguns of many types. As With many loads the recoil is consistent with other .38s and full-size, short-barreled magnum bearable. But when heavy bullet .357s in the S&W line. Groups from revolvers go, the 386 Night Guard or high-velocity magnum loads the sample Night Guard revolver is about as light and compact as it cut on the topstrap. It is better for are used, the recoil is severe. hovered around the 2" mark. gets. Indeed, this was the develop- concealed carry by virtue of its Combined with a rather violent It is clear that this particular ment goal of the Night Guard line. rounded edges and corners, and muzzle  ash, this makes the 386 a .357 Mag. is intended to be car- Model 386s have some special its big U-notch and plain black somewhat intimidating revolver to ried, as there is no other rationale features that make them particu- face match up beautifully with the shoot. Fortunately, the 386 is like in taking the necessary steps to larly well suited for the discreet XS Sight Systems Big Dot tritium most .357 Magnums in that it han- lower the weight to the pound- personal-defense role. The Night front sight. Sight picture is quick dles .38 Spl. as well. Somewhere and-a-half point. If a shooter really Guard variation of the light L-frame to acquire and is quite prominent in the wide range of .38 Spl. and intends to carry the gun, the light has a topstrap cut to accept S&W’s against varied backgrounds and in .357 Mag. ammunition available, weight is perfectly justi ed. But familiar click-adjustable rear sight, different light conditions. It is not the handgunner should be able to if the gun is intended for general which has been used on revolvers the best for precise shooting, but nd practice loads he or she can shooting, an all-steel revolver since the immediate post-war era. then this is not a bullseye gun. live with, leaving the hard-kicking would be a better choice. As there is relatively little need To help alleviate the discomfort magnums for real-world use. The Night Guard revolvers are for adjustable sights on a gun of ring the gun, S&W equipped Our accuracy evaluation fol- great choices for carry. The line intended for close-range shoot- it with round-butt Pachmayr grips lowed the American Ri eman pro- includes a .41 Mag. version for the ing, S&W uses a rear sight made that cover the backstrap. This tocol of ve consecutive, ve-shot legions of .41 fans. As it stands, by Cylinder & Slide of Fremont, provides a generous handful of groups at 25 yds. Firing with the the .357 Mag. red for this report Neb. It is a xed unit with a con- slightly compressible rubber revolver mounted in a Ransom Rest is a ne carrying gun for personal tour that ts the standard S&W surrounding a pound and a half took the recoil dif culties out of defense and eld use.

SEPTEMBER 2009 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN 87

R909_DB.indd 87 7/17/09 11:44:03 AM DOPE BAG SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

6.8X43 MM SPC VEL . @ 15' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

BARRETT 115-GR . 2545 AVG . 1,654 1.29 1.98 1.62 SMK BTHP 23 SD

HORNADY NO. 8146 2660 AVG . 1,729 1.47 1.83 1.64 110-GR . BTHP 29 SD

REMINGTON 2416 AVG . 1,491 1.08 2.10 1.47 NO. R68R2 20 SD 115-GR . BTHP

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.58

MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FROM A 16" BARREL . RANGE TEMPERATURE : 88° F. HUMIDITY: 67%. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE , FIVE -SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS . FROM A SANDBAG . ABBREVIATIONS : BTHP (BOAT TAIL HOLLOW POINT ), SMK (SIERRA MATCH - KING ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ).

The REC7’s bolt carrier group (r.) features a reinforced piston strike face, and the chrome-plated bolt is free of gas rings. BARRETT REC7 6.8X43 MM SPC he M4-pattern is Although the 6.8 SPC-chambered features customizable strips of rail 17-4 stainless steel rod that weighs inarguably today’s stan- M468 was well-received, the that can be positioned at the loca- 3.5 ozs. and is 12¼" long. Total T dard. For some, however, its ri e employed the same direct tion of the user’s preference. The forward and rearward movement of 5.56x45 mm NATO chambering and gas-impingement system as the upper rail of the fore-end aligns with the piston is approximately 1". direct gas-impingement system of M4. The result was a system that the REC7’s upper receiver to form a The gas system and fore-end are operation are points of contention. jetted hot gases directly into the contiguous along the of mid-length dimensions, rather Barrett Firearms Mfg., a company ri e’s receiver, leading to poten- ri e’s top. This strip of rail also aligns than the shorter standard carbine well-known for its fresh perspective tial stoppages if regular main- with a separate Picatinny rail on top length, with the ri e’s gas block on rearm designs, is offering an tenance and cleaning protocols of the REC7’s gas block. located roughly 9½" forward of the M4-style variant named the REC7 that were overlooked. Although the 6.8 SPC cartridge front face of the upper receiver. This strives to address these concerns. To enhance potential mechani- was designed to be used in stan- is 2" farther than that of a standard- The semi-automatic REC7, whose cal reliability, Barrett incorporated dard AR lowers, conventional AR length carbine gas system. designation stands for “reliability- a short-stroke, piston-driven magazines are unsuitable. As a The gas block is a proprietary enhanced carbine,” not only cham- system that offers the potential for result, Barrett developed a rug- Barrett design that allows users bers a larger cartridge than the cleaner and cooler operation than ged proprietary magazine for its to remove the gas piston easily M4 but also features a redesigned one with direct gas-impingement. 6.8 SPC ri es that differs in both for cleaning by simply rotating system of gas-piston operation. The REC7 features forged 7075 dimensions and materials from that a spring-mounted plunger 180 The carbine is chambered for the aluminum upper and lower receiv- of a standard AR-pattern magazine. degrees. Once rotated, the ri e’s 6.8x43 mm SPC (Special Purpose ers that are hard-coat anodized a Manufactured from steel and fea- gas regulator, piston and piston Cartridge), a round that propels a deep black. The upper receiver turing a steel follower, the REC7’s return spring can be pulled for- 115-gr. projectile at roughly 2500 is a  at-top con guration with 30-round magazine is about 1" lon- ward and through the gas block. f.p.s. from the muzzle. The overall an integral strip of Picatinny rail. ger overall and weighs 5 ozs. more Adapting the AR design to work length of the cartridge is nearly the The chrome-lined barrel is 16" than a standard AR magazine. with a piston also necessitated same as that of a 5.56x45 mm NATO, long and is tted with an A2-style The REC7’s most signi cant modi cations to the bolt carrier so it is compatible with a standard- birdcage muzzle brake. A standard new element, its gas system, is a assembly, speci cally where it size lower receiver. A2-style pistol grip and collapsible short-stroke gas piston designed interfaces with the rear of the pis- Interestingly, the REC7 is Bar- buttstock round out the package. in-house by Barrett. It rides above ton rod. Rather than having a stan- rett’s second AR-pattern ri e The free- oated aluminum fore- the barrel and is housed inside dard gas key on its bolt carrier that chambered for this cartridge, end is the excellent A.R.M.S. SIR the REC7’s A.R.M.S. fore-end. The cups the open rear face of a gas with its rst being the M468. (for Selective Integrated Rail) that spring-loaded piston is a one-piece tube, the top of the REC7’s 8620

The one-piece piston and gas regulator (l.) are easily extracted and cleaned by virtue of Barrett’s proprietary design. The stainless steel rod shifts 1" 88 SEPTEMBER 2009 WWW .AMERICANRIFLEMAN .ORG rearward and forward during operation.

R909_DB.indd 88 7/17/09 11:44:20 AM SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.) BARRETT REC7

6.8X43 MM SPC VEL . @ 15' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES MANUFACTURER : BARRETT FIREARMS CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE MFG . (DEPT . AR), P.O. BOX 1077, MURFREESBORO , TN 37133; BARRETT 115-GR . 2545 AVG . 1,654 1.29 1.98 1.62 (615) 896-2938; SMK BTHP 23 SD WWW .BARRETTRIFLES .COM HORNADY NO. 8146 2660 AVG . 1,729 1.47 1.83 1.64 CALIBER : 6.8X43 MM SPC 110-GR . BTHP 29 SD ACTION TYPE : GAS -PISTON -OPERATED , SEMI -AUTOMATIC CENTER -FIRE REMINGTON 2416 AVG . 1,491 1.08 2.10 1.47 RECEIVER : 7075 FORGED ALUMINUM UPPER NO. R68R2 20 SD AND LOWER 115-GR . BTHP BARREL : 16", CHROME -LINED RIFLING : FOUR -GROOVE ; 1:10" RH TWIST AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.58 MAGAZINE : DETACHABLE BOX , MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FROM A 16" BARREL . RANGE TEMPERATURE : 30-ROUND CAPACITY 88° F. HUMIDITY: 67%. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE , FIVE -SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS . SIGHTS : NONE SUPPLIED , FROM A SANDBAG . ABBREVIATIONS : BTHP (BOAT TAIL HOLLOW POINT ), SMK (SIERRA MATCH - PICATINNY -RAIL EQUIPPED KING ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ). TRIGGER PULL : SINGLE -STAGE , 6 LBS ., 8 OZS . STOCK : M4-STYLE COLLAPSING SYNTHETIC : The REC7’s bolt carrier group (r.) LENGTH OF PULL , 14¼"; DROP AT HEEL , features a reinforced piston strike 1½"; DROP AT COMB , 1½" face, and the chrome-plated bolt is OVERALL LENGTH : 32¾" (COLLAPSED ), free of gas rings. 36½" (FULLY EXTENDED ) WEIGHT : 7 LBS ., 8 OZS . ACCESSORIES : FRONT SIGHT ASSEMBLY TOOL , OPERATOR ’S MANUAL SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE : $2,399

features customizable strips of rail 17-4 stainless steel rod that weighs that can be positioned at the loca- 3.5 ozs. and is 12¼" long. Total tion of the user’s preference. The forward and rearward movement of upper rail of the fore-end aligns with the piston is approximately 1". the REC7’s upper receiver to form a The gas system and fore-end are contiguous Picatinny rail along the of mid-length dimensions, rather ri e’s top. This strip of rail also aligns than the shorter standard carbine with a separate Picatinny rail on top length, with the ri e’s gas block steel bolt carrier assembly fea- For testing, we  tted the ri e with of the REC7’s gas block. located roughly 9½" forward of the tures an integral piston strike face. a Leupold 1-3X 14 mm Mark 4 CQ/T Although the 6.8 SPC cartridge front face of the upper receiver. This This reinforced part is impacted and  red a selection of loads from was designed to be used in stan- is 2" farther than that of a standard- by the piston’s rearward 1" of Remington, Hornady and Barrett. dard AR lowers, conventional AR length carbine gas system. thrust during cycling, causing the Through the course of a few hun- magazines are unsuitable. As a The gas block is a proprietary action to open and the bolt carrier dred rounds, the ri e performed result, Barrett developed a rug- Barrett design that allows users assembly to cycle rearward. The without a single malfunction. ged proprietary magazine for its to remove the gas piston easily bolt of the REC7 is chrome-plated The single-stage trigger of the ri e 6.8 SPC ri es that differs in both for cleaning by simply rotating and free of gas rings. was somewhat heavy and gritty with a dimensions and materials from that a spring-mounted plunger 180 The REC7 received for testing 6-lb., 8-oz. break. Accuracy was quite of a standard AR-pattern magazine. degrees. Once rotated, the ri e’s was visually impressive with evenly good with all three types of ammuni- Manufactured from steel and fea- gas regulator, piston and piston applied black anodizing on the tion. After  ring, a quick  eldstripping turing a steel follower, the REC7’s return spring can be pulled for- upper and lower receivers and a revealed an astoundingly clean ri e, 30-round magazine is about 1" lon- ward and through the gas block. matching manganese phosphated with the bolt carrier assembly clear of ger overall and weighs 5 ozs. more Adapting the AR design to work  nish on the steel parts. All controls fouling and the piston fouled only at its than a standard AR magazine. with a piston also necessitated functioned positively and smoothly. muzzle end. The REC7’s most signi cant modi cations to the bolt carrier Anyone familiar with the operation The REC7 does an excellent new element, its gas system, is a assembly, speci cally where it of a conventional AR would be right job of addressing the two primary short-stroke gas piston designed interfaces with the rear of the pis- at home with the REC7, although complaints aimed at the M4-style in-house by Barrett. It rides above ton rod. Rather than having a stan- its somewhat heavy weight of 7 carbine, all in a well-made and the barrel and is housed inside dard gas key on its bolt carrier that lbs., 8 ozs., can be a bit noticeable highly capable package that contin- the REC7’s A.R.M.S. fore-end. The cups the open rear face of a gas compared to a 5.56x45 mm carbine ues Barrett’s tradition of innovative spring-loaded piston is a one-piece tube, the top of the REC7’s 8620 with no piston system.  rearm design.

The one-piece piston and gas regulator (l.) are easily extracted and cleaned by virtue of Barrett’s proprietary design. The stainless steel rod shifts 1" rearward and forward during operation. SEPTEMBER 2009 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN 89

R909_DB.indd 89 7/20/09 5:22:43 PM DOPE BAG

The Condor Outback’s inertia system requires the bottom barrel to fi re fi rst, and extractors (top) pull shells approximately 1/4" from the chambers. STOEGER CONDOR OUTBACK The rifl e-style fi xed-blade front sight (above) is unusual for .

toeger has a well-deserved Even more unique than the has used an over-under. To open The buttstock and fore-end reputation for offering afford- length of the Outback’s barrels is the action, the blued steel top lever are American walnut with a satin S ably priced, high-quality its sighting system. Rather than is moved to the right. An ambi- nish. The stock set on the sample imported rearms to U.S. shooters. Its employing a more common bead dextrous automatic safety button received for testing exhibited line of Condor over-under shotguns sight, the Outback features a set on the tang is engaged when the attractive grain and an evenly made in Brazil by E.R. Amantino of ri e-style sights. These include action is opened. It is important applied nish. The checkering is no exception. One of the more a xed-blade front sight and a to note that the Outback does not on the fore-end and buttstock is unique variants offered is the Condor U-notch rear sight. A grooved sight- have a barrel selector, and the bot- laser-engraved and features a Outback. The Outback is available in ing plane is located just behind the tom barrel always res rst. border. Although there were no either 12 or 20 gauge in two con gu- rear sight. As is common on over-under overruns, many of the points of the rations—blued steel with an Ameri- As with all Condor-series shotguns, the Outback sports a sin- checkering were  attened. The can walnut stock set, or nickel-plated shotguns, the Outback is a simple, gle trigger. Rather than a mechani- wood-to-metal t of the Outback steel with a black- nished hardwood robust, no-frills over-under . cal trigger, the Outback features was reasonably good, and a gener- stock set. The former in 12 gauge is The Outback is built on the Con- an inertia system that requires ous 1"-thick recoil pad capped the evaluated here. dor’s hammerless boxlock action recoil from the bottom barrel ring buttstock. Based on the tried-and-true machined from a steel casting. to reset the trigger to re the top. To further enhance the  ex- Condor series, the Outback’s most Rather than an expensive automatic- The t and nish of the Condor ibility of the Outback, both barrels noticeable characteristic is the short ejector system, the Outback features Outback are quite good consider- employ interchangeable choke 20" length of its barrels. Whereas simple extractors that push both ing its price. The bluing on the tubes. Improved-cylinder and short barrels are quite common red and un red shells out approxi- barrels is evenly applied and deep. modi ed chokes are installed at on slide-action shotguns and even mately 1/4" as the action is opened. A matching blue nish is also on the the factory, although a full range a good number of side-by-sides, The controls of the Outback are receiver, which sports plain sides of both extended and  ush- tting short-barreled over-under shotguns simple and straightforward and and no etched scenes. The mono- chokes are available. are few and far between. should be familiar to anyone who bloc is jeweled on its sides. Although the Outback would be equally suited as either a defen- sive shotgun or a general varmint gun, its con guration makes it ide- ally suited as a general-purpose The Condor Outback’s compact design fi ts ideally as a camp- camping shotgun, as it is small and ing shotgun, and its ease of disassembly simplifi es cleaning compact and can be taken down and maintenance. into its primary components—

90 SEPTEMBER 2009 WWW .AMERICANRIFLEMAN .ORG

R909_DB.indd 90 7/17/09 11:44:47 AM CONDOR OUTBACK SHOOTING RESULTS

MANUFACTURER : ER AMANTINO , RUA AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS @ 40 YDS. FIORINDO DALLA COLETA , 140, BAIRRO CENTRO , VERANÓPOLIS , RS, BRAZIL , 95330-000; WWW .ERAMANTINO .COM .BR 20 16 IMPORTER : STOEGER INDUSTRIES (DEPT . AR), 17603 INDIAN HEAD HIGHWAY , ACCOKEEK , MD 20607; 26 27 (800) 264-4962; WWW .STOEGERINDUSTRIES .COM 25 22 GAUGE : 12, 3" (TESTED ), 20, 3" ACTION TYPE : BREAK -ACTION , OVER -UNDER SHOTGUN 19 17 RECEIVER : BLUE , BOXLOCK BARREL : 20" CHOKES : INTERCHANGEABLE , IMPROVED MODIFIED CHOKE CYLINDER AND MODIFIED INCLUDED TUBE TRIGGER PULL : BOTTOM BARREL , 5 LBS ., 4 OZS .; TOP BARREL , 4 LBS ., 8 OZS . STOCK : AMERICAN WALNUT : LENGTH OF 17 16 PULL , 14½"; DROP AT HEEL , 2½"; DROP AT COMB , 1½" OVERALL LENGTH : 36" 17 22 WEIGHT : 7 LBS . ACCESSORIES : TWO CHOKE TUBES , 14 15 CHOKE TUBE KEY SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE : $369 11 11

The Condor Outback’s inertia system requires the bottom barrel to fi re IMPROVED CYLINDER fi rst, and extractors (top) pull shells approximately 1/4" from the chambers. CHOKE TUBE The rifl e-style fi xed-blade front sight (above) is unusual for shotguns. = POINT OF HOLD FEDERAL PREMIUM MAG -SHOK NO. PFC157 4 12 GA ., 3"—1¾ OZS .—NO. 4 SHOT has used an over-under. To open The buttstock and fore-end barrels and fore-end, receiver AVERAGE PELLET COUNT : 259 the action, the blued steel top lever are American walnut with a satin and stock—quickly and easily. We is moved to the right. An ambi- nish. The stock set on the sample noted during disassembly that the TOTAL HITS (TOP BARREL ) 172 (66%) 21" INNER CIRCLE 100 (38%) dextrous automatic safety button received for testing exhibited fore-end employed a rolling cam 30" OUTER RING 72 (28%) on the tang is engaged when the attractive grain and an evenly latch release that was somewhat action is opened. It is important applied nish. The checkering dif cult to engage while simultane- TOTAL HITS (BOTTOM BARREL ) 123 (47%) to note that the Outback does not on the fore-end and buttstock is ously pulling down on the wood to 21" INNER CIRCLE 68 (26%) 30" OUTER RING 55 (21%) have a barrel selector, and the bot- laser-engraved and features a release it. tom barrel always res rst. border. Although there were no Although the selection of load- As is common on over-under overruns, many of the points of the ings suited to this general-purpose tendency toward a thickening pat- shotguns, the Outback sports a sin- checkering were  attened. The shotgun is extremely broad, we tern in the center. gle trigger. Rather than a mechani- wood-to-metal t of the Outback chose to pattern both barrels with In terms of function, the cal trigger, the Outback features was reasonably good, and a gener- 3" Federal Mag-Shok No. 4 shot Outback performed flawlessly. an inertia system that requires ous 1"-thick recoil pad capped the turkey loads. In the course of pat- All controls operated smoothly recoil from the bottom barrel ring buttstock. terning both barrels, we discov- and reliably, and the extrac- to reset the trigger to re the top. To further enhance the  ex- ered that the light 7-lb. weight of tors worked perfectly with both The t and nish of the Condor ibility of the Outback, both barrels the shotgun, which would make fired and unfired shells. The Outback are quite good consider- employ interchangeable choke it such a pleasure to carry a eld, light weight and handy size of ing its price. The bluing on the tubes. Improved-cylinder and also made it a tad unpleasant to the Outback made it surpris- barrels is evenly applied and deep. modi ed chokes are installed at re with the 3" loads. ingly adept at breaking clays— A matching blue nish is also on the the factory, although a full range Patterning both barrels although a conscious effort had receiver, which sports plain sides of both extended and  ush- tting revealed a slightly low and to the to be made to ignore the sights. and no etched scenes. The mono- chokes are available. right point of hold for the bottom There were no malfunctions dur- bloc is jeweled on its sides. Although the Outback would be improved cylinder barrel and a ing the testing. equally suited as either a defen- slightly high and left point of hold Considering its simple opera- sive shotgun or a general varmint for the upper modi ed barrel tion, handy size, good quality and gun, its con guration makes it ide- relative to its ri e-style sights. extremely reasonable price, the ally suited as a general-purpose Both barrels provided reasonably Stoeger Condor Outback offers camping shotgun, as it is small and dense and evenly spaced pat- stack-barrel enthusiasts an uncon- compact and can be taken down terns, although the barrel with the ventional but highly capable over- into its primary components— modi ed choke showed a general under shotgun.

SEPTEMBER 2009 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN 91

R909_DB.indd 91 7/17/09 11:44:56 AM DOPE BAG SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.)

.22 LR VEL . @ 15' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

CCI NO. 0050 1527 AVG . 166 1.06 2.03 1.58 STINGER 32-GR . GLHP 24 SD

WIN . NO. X22LR 1110 AVG . 110 1.62 2.25 1.93 SUPER X HV 23 SD 40-GR . LRN

FEDERAL NO. AM22 1144 AVG . 116 1.56 2.45 1.89 AUTO -MATCH 30 SD 40-GR . LRN

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.80

MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FROM A 16" BARREL . RANGE TEMPERATURE : 70° F. HUMIDITY: 57%. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE , 10-SHOT GROUPS AT 50 YDS . FROM A SHOOTING REST . ABBREVIATIONS : GLHP (GILDED LEAD HOLLOW POINT ), HV (HIGH VELOCITY ), LRN (LEAD ROUND -NOSE ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ).

The Colt .22’s profi le (r.) is similar to that of the AR-15. The magazine follower can be pulled down by its extension for loading (l.), and the adjust- able bolt screw lies just below COLT TACTICAL .22 the charging handle (far r.).

apitalizing on the growing The main spring is positioned in Spring tension holds it down until not set for .22 LR ammunition; one popularity for tactical-style the upper part of the slide hous- the magazine follower extension may, however, still use the knobs to Csemi-automatic ri es and ing just behind the slide. The rear pushes it upward after the last shot adjust the sights and zero the ri e. the recent increase in  rearm and of the spring is held in place by is  red, thereby holding the slide The front sight post is also adjust- ammunition prices, Carl Walther an adjustable screw, which can be rearward. able for elevation. Germany, through a license agree- turned with the provided Allen The controls are similar to those We had concerns with the trig- ment with New Colt Holding Corp., wrench to increase or decrease of the AR in appearance, but less ger pull. Take up equaled about has introduced four Colt Tactical bolt speed for a particular ammu- so in function. The plastic safety 1/8", and creep and overtravel Rim re semi-automatic ri es in .22 nition. It is accessible by disengag- selector lever rotates an unusual together also occurred within LR and is importing them through ing the takedown pin and pivoting 180 degrees to engage the internal about 1/8", despite its single-stage Umarex USA. the upper receiver forward, pre- safety. The lever is on the left side design. A good sight picture, how- At  rst glance, the four ri es look senting itself just below the rear of the lower receiver just above ever, can be maintained during like standard .223 Rem./5.56x45 mm of the non-reciprocating charging the pistol grip and extends to the rapid  re. NATO AR-15s. Walther took great handle. Walther recommends that right side as a safety indicator. The Given the questionable per- care in creating accurate replicas the user refrain from disassem- magazine release is on the right formance of the variety of .22 for aesthetic appeal. The ri es bling the  rearm beyond this point, side of the lower receiver above magazines for semi-automatics are available in 16" and 21" barrel as the slide is not readily extract- the trigger guard by the magazine introduced through the years, lengths with or without full-length able like the AR-15 bolt carrier well. Although the bolt stop paddle we wanted to make sure that we Picatinny quad-railing. group. Cleaning requirements can is on the top left side of the lower thoroughly examined the .22 Tacti- Umarex USA shipped the Colt be met at this stage of disassembly. receiver by the magazine well cal’s feeding ef ciency. We  red .22 Tactical M4, which features a The .22 Tactical Colt M4 uses and the forward assist plunger is a variety of loads for function and 16.2" barrel and at-top receiver straight blowback operation rather located under the charging handle, accuracy tests. with removable carry handle, for than direct gas-impingement neither serves any purpose Initial function tests results review. Both the upper and lower found in most standard AR-15s. beyond aesthetic appeal. aluminum receivers are die cast The spring-loaded internal The carrying handle features a The American Rifl eman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend and later CNC-machined, and the extractor is on the right side of the rear sight identical to that of typi- Whelen fi rst titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the fi ring line. “Sight dope” also was a die cast zinc alloy slide housing and breechblock face, and the external cal AR-15s: two-position short- and traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction trigger housing hold all internal ejector is a pin  xed to the slide normal-range rear aperture; right- was called “doping the wind.” moving parts. The barrel sleeve is housing. The internal slide catch is side windage knob; and an eleva- WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information CNC-machined from high-strength a 1½" lever hinged to the left of the tion knob. Because this is a replica, based on the limited experience of individuals under specifi c conditions and circumstances. They do aluminum, and is later anodized. front underside of the slide housing. the markings on the knobs are not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely neces- sary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, 92 SEPTEMBER 2009 WWW .AMERICANRIFLEMAN .ORG procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

R909_DB.indd 92 7/23/09 4:02:12 PM SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.) COLT .22 TACTICAL RIMFIRE

.22 LR VEL . @ 15' ENERGY GROUP SIZE IN INCHES MANUFACTURER : CARL WALTHER GER - CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT .-LBS .) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE MANY , POSTFACH 2740, D-59717 ARNSBERG , GERMANY ; CCI NO. 0050 1527 AVG . 166 1.06 2.03 1.58 WWW .CARL -WALTHER .DE STINGER 32-GR . GLHP 24 SD IMPORTER : UMAREX USA INC . (DEPT . WIN . NO. X22LR 1110 AVG . 110 1.62 2.25 1.93 AR), 6007 S 29TH ST., FORT SMITH , SUPER X HV 23 SD AR 72908; (479) 646-4210; 40-GR . LRN WWW .COLT 22RIMFIRE .COM CALIBER : .22 LR FEDERAL NO. AM22 1144 AVG . 116 1.56 2.45 1.89 ACTION TYPE : SEMI -AUTOMATIC , AUTO -MATCH 30 SD RIMFIRE RIFLE 40-GR . LRN RECEIVER : ALUMINUM BARREL : 16.2" AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.80 3 RIFLING : SIX -GROOVE , 1:13 ⁄4" RH TWIST MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FROM A 16" BARREL . RANGE TEMPERATURE : MAGAZINE : 30-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX 70° F. HUMIDITY: 57%. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE , 10-SHOT GROUPS AT 50 YDS . FROM SIGHTS : DETACHABLE CARRY HANDLE IRON A SHOOTING REST . ABBREVIATIONS : GLHP (GILDED LEAD HOLLOW POINT ), HV (HIGH VELOCITY ), SIGHTS , PICATINNY RAIL FOR ATTACHMENTS LRN (LEAD ROUND -NOSE ), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ). TRIGGER : SINGLE -STAGE , 6 LBS ., 9 OZS . 7 STOCK : LENGTH OF PULL , 13 ⁄8" (EXTENDED ); DROP AT HEEL , 1½"; DROP AT COMB , 1½" OVERALL LENGTH : 31"—34" WEIGHT : 6 LBS . ACCESSORIES : WRENCH , ALLEN WRENCHES , OWNER ’S MANUAL SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE : $599 The Colt .22’s profi le (r.) is similar to that of the AR-15. The magazine follower can be pulled down by its extension for loading (l.), and the adjust- able bolt screw lies just below the charging handle (far r.).

Spring tension holds it down until not set for .22 LR ammunition; one proved favorable with Federal the magazine follower extension may, however, still use the knobs to AutoMatch. We made adjust- pushes it upward after the last shot adjust the sights and zero the ri e. ments to the bolt screw after a is red, thereby holding the slide The front sight post is also adjust- single stoppage with Remington rearward. able for elevation. HV, and subsequent adjustments The controls are similar to those We had concerns with the trig- were made after more stoppages of the AR in appearance, but less ger pull. Take up equaled about with Winchester HV Super-X. We so in function. The plastic safety 1/8", and creep and overtravel contacted engineers at Walther to selector lever rotates an unusual together also occurred within discuss the problem. 180 degrees to engage the internal about 1/8", despite its single-stage Walther engineers informed us position, stoppages were mini- safety. The lever is on the left side design. A good sight picture, how- that certain ammunition brands mal. During a weekend excur- of the lower receiver just above ever, can be maintained during might cause problems, but also sion, a Ri eman staff member and the pistol grip and extends to the rapid re. that the ri e should not have his family red in excess of 450 right side as a safety indicator. The Given the questionable per- had the number of stoppages rounds with standard, high-veloc- magazine release is on the right formance of the variety of .22 we encountered. Although there ity and hyper-velocity ammunition side of the lower receiver above magazines for semi-automatics was signi cant residue buildup, it with only two stoppages. Subse- the trigger guard by the magazine introduced through the years, appears that adjusting the screw quent accuracy tests, the results of well. Although the bolt stop paddle we wanted to make sure that we is generally unnecessary. It should which can be found in the accom- is on the top left side of the lower thoroughly examined the .22 Tacti- only be adjusted if constant and panying table, totaled 150 rounds receiver by the magazine well cal’s feeding ef ciency. We red continual stoppages occur with with no stoppages. and the forward assist plunger is a variety of loads for function and higher-velocity ammunition. The Colt .22 Tactical Rim re is located under the charging handle, accuracy tests. After cleaning the ri e and a good ri e for the young shooter neither serves any purpose Initial function tests results returning the screw to its original interested in getting involved with beyond aesthetic appeal. tactical-style rearms, as well as The carrying handle features a The American Rifl eman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend the older, cost-conscious plinker, rear sight identical to that of typi- Whelen fi rst titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used and anyone else who just likes by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the fi ring line. “Sight dope” also was a shooting rapid- re .22s. It’s fun to cal AR-15s: two-position short- and traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction normal-range rear aperture; right- was called “doping the wind.” shoot, and as one of the young men side windage knob; and an eleva- who went on the weekend excur- WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information tion knob. Because this is a replica, based on the limited experience of individuals under specifi c conditions and circumstances. They do sion attested, “This is the most the markings on the knobs are not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely neces- awesome thing I’ve ever done!” sary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity. SEPTEMBER 2009 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN 93

R909_DB.indd 93 7/17/09 11:45:16 AM