Les Baer Custom Ultimate

As any shooter or varmint hunter will Super Varmint tell you, an accurate must be greater than the sum of its parts. For exactly this reason, Baer Custom Ultimate AR are hand-built so that all parts fit precisely right out of the box.

hen Les Baer recent- ly set his sights on W developing a high- quality AR-15-type line of match rifles bearing his name, the quality/performance bar had already been moved to very high levels. An AR with the Baer name must exceed, not just meet, this constantly improving standard. start and not add it on later. Baer ed to manufacture the gas block, In similar manner to began with forged aluminum carrier, bolt and extractor as out- manufacture, Baer found it nec- alloy upper and lower receivers side suppliers could not meet design. Another critical item essary to control the various CNC-machined in-house to the quality standards sought. Baer had to make in-house was rifle manufacturing processes match-grade tolerances so that The gas block is of his own an adjustable, free-floating from the beginning so as to build they fit together precisely and design, and the bolt carrier is handguard and locking ring. To the quality into the rifle from the tightly. In addition, Baer decid- another patented, fluted Baer assure accuracy, Baer added one

SHOOTING RESULTS .223 Rem. Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) Norma No. 223BD 2986 Avg. 1,089 1.8 0.46 0.69 0.61 55-gr. HP 13 Sd PMC No. 223SMA 2895 Avg. 968 1.7 0.46 0.81 0.80 52-gr. HP 27 Sd Federal No. P223K 3066 Avg. 1,086 1.8 0.44 0.73 0.58 52-gr. HP 31 Sd Average Extreme Spread: 0.66 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 20" barrel. Range temperature: 59° F. Humidity: 34%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a sandbag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), HP (hollow point).

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

68 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 SUPER VARMINT

MANUFACTURER: Les Baer Custom, Inc. two-stage , a QMI Gold negligible, which (Dept. AR), 29601 34th Ave., Hillsdale, IL 61257; titanium and a Versa- made follow-up shots (309) 658-2716; Pod detachable bipod. Baer easy. Indeed, the www.lesbaer.com includes an excellent soft case as Baer rifle was a CALIBER: .223 Rem. part of the package with all his delight to fire. By TYPE: gas- rifles. All Baer rifles are equipped spacing our shots at operated, semi-automatic, with a Picatinny rail top on the a measured pace, the center-fire rifle RECEIVER: match-type, upper receiver. A scope and rings rifle could be fired forged aluminum alloy are an extra-cost option. for sustained peri- match-grade upper As any competition shooter ods approaching one and lower or varmint hunter knows, the hour before cooling FINISH: Baer Teflon-S performance of a high-quality became necessary. 5 OVERALL LENGTH: 38 ⁄8" rifle must be greater than the We found accura- BARREL: Baer 0.900"- diameter stainless, cryo- mere sum of its parts. Recog- cy excellent with treated, 18", 20" (tested), nizing this, Baer painstakingly match ammunition in 22" and 24" custom builds each rifle so all the lighter bullet RIFLING: conventional, parts fit precisely. This allows weights as summa- eight-groove 1:12" Baer to guarantee that all Cus- rized in the accompa- RH twist tom Ultimate AR .223 rifles will nying table. Note that : 10-round, detachable, double- shoot five-shot groups of 1/2 our rifle was equip- column AR-15-type m.o.a. or less using company- ped with a standard Les Baer ARs come with integral Picatinny WEIGHT: 10 lbs. specified ammunition. 1:12" rifling twist rails on the tops of their upper receivers SIGHTS: none, Picatinny From an out-of-the-box, rate,making it unsuit- (top) in the “flat-top” style. Baer’s quality rail top, scope and rings first-impression perspective, the ed for bullets much control was obvious as, out-of-the-box, all optional, high standard of fit and finish of over 60 grs. However, the controls including the charging handle TRIGGER: Jewell, two- stage, 2-lbs. pull. the Baer Super Varmint AR .223 faster rifling twist were smooth and operated perfectly. STOCK: black synthetic butt rifle seems obvious and reassur- rates suitable for use and pistol grip: length of ing. There is no need to break-in with heavier bullets are available ship, fit, finish and performance 5 pull 13 ⁄8"; drop at heel, this rifle as it is already broken- from Baer. does not come cheap. A Baer cus- 2"; drop at comb, 2" in. Out of the box, functioning We particularly liked the tomer should expect to pay a pre- ACCESSORIES: one mag- was flawless with all bullet detachable Versa-Pod bipod. mium of 50 to 80 percent for a azine, soft carry case, weights tried except for one It attaches to a handstop at the Custom Ultimate rifle. However, Versa-Pod SUGGESTED RETAIL brand of 40-gr. loads that failed front of the fore-end. The unit is when weighed against the extra PRICE: $1,989 to feed due to low port pressure. solid and easy to fold or cost of accessorizing, fine tuning Whereas some other brands attach/remove. We also liked the and breaking-in a competitive offer initially stiff controls,a reg- Picatinny rail on the top of the rifle, the premium diminishes of his benchrest-quality, 416 imented break-in procedure and upper receiver. That enables the substantially or disappears alto- series stainless steel barrels, endless fine tuning, the Baer shooter to move the scope back gether. Seen in this light, Baer which are hand-lapped to a 3 to offers immediate gratification and forth in order to obtain the Custom Ultimate rifles are well 5 micron finish and cryo-treat- with no fuss. The trigger had zero best eye relief and a comfortable worth the cost. ed. Baer also found it expedient take-up with gradual loading and viewing position. to redesign the pistol grip while a crisp, very predictable let-off. Baer offers two adding extra material under the Bolt and magazine release levers versions of the Super trigger guard corner. All metal worked smoothly, and bolt glide Varmint rifle that dif- parts except the barrel received was notably smooth. fer in the configura- a Teflon-S Bear Coat finish. With an all-up weight of tion of the front hand- Three things were purchased more than 12 lbs. with scope guard—one version from outside suppliers: a Jewell and rings, perceived recoil was has a four-way Pica- tinny rail system and the other a knurled tubular unit, the gen- eral shape of which will be familiar to most competition shooters. We found the latter more useful for varmint hunting as varmint hunters do not need the Pic- atinny rail feature, and it costs approxi- mately $90 extra. In addition to the Super Varmint reviewed Baer upper and lower (top) receivers here, Baer makes mate tighter than those of any similar civilian and mili- rifle we have tested. This is one possible Baer Custom Ultimate rifles are equipped with a precision- tary/law enforce- explanation for the gun’s excellent accu- machined, free-floating handguard and a match-grade stainless ment M4 versions, racy. One of the features we liked was the steel barrel both made in-house by Baer (above l.). Although the and purpose-built Versa-Pod. It attaches to a modified Baer Custom Ultimate rifle is basically an AR-15, Baer manufac- competition rifles. handstop at the front of the rifle’s fore- tures the upper and lower receiver, bolt, carrier (above), extractor, Of course a high end. A lever on the Versa-Pod (above) gas block and barrel in-house to match tolerances. order of workman- allows instant removal of the bipod.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 69 Winchester Super X2 3" Field

ny survey of currently a unique satisfaction. For one Haven at USRAC’s cataloged semi-auto- thing, there is the nostalgia fac- U.S. plant, while the A matic that tor. Hunting recalls an earlier rest of the gun is carry the label “field” model will and simpler, if not always easi- made at Fabrique produce a collection dominated er, way of life. For some, plas- Nationale in Bel- by guns whose space-age finish- tic guns can cloud their window gium, and, as with 1 es and synthetic stocks are as to the past. Another factor that the X2 3 ⁄2" Magnum, hardy as they are dull. While there is very real, yet hard to define, Browning Gold is a lot to be said for the durabil- is the idea that some hunters can shotguns and the Hi ity of these modern finishes and be trusted with attractively fin- Power pistol, assem- materials, people don’t always ished firearms afield. They have bly is performed in want what is most practical. the habits and discipline of the Portugal. For many hunters, carrying old school. They will clean their The gas-operated afield a made from guns and oil them. They will not 3" Field handles 1 blued steel and walnut provides leave them in a truck overnight. shells from 1 ⁄8-oz., 3 For those who long for the 2 ⁄4" target loads to appearance and feel of walnut, the heaviest 3" mag- X2 3" FIELD there are plenty of older guns nums without any around, but because they were need for adjustment, AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS AT 40 YDS. made when lead ruled the day, and the self-regulat- few could handle today’s steel ing gas system is shot loads. identical in operation 1 19 18 With the introduction of its to that of the 3 ⁄2" new Super X2 Magnum 3" Field, Magnum. Gas is bled 19 20 U.S. Repeating Arms Co.—the off from two ports in makers of Winchester rifles and the barrel and press- 16 14 shotguns—clearly recognizes es rearward on the the demand for a new semi- two-piece piston The Super X2 3" Field has a two-piece 10 11 automatic shotgun with classic assembly. The alu- lines and walnut stocks that will minum piston, which bolt (top) identical in design to the earlier 1 shoot modern ammunition. It is has 16 holes around 3 ⁄2" Magnum save for the fact it is pol- Improved Cylinder Choke right at home with grandpa’s its circumference in ished steel. The Field accepts Browning/ = Point of Hold guns, yet it will outperform them. two rows, travels USRAC Invector Plus choke tubes. Winchester Supreme What sets the Super X2 Field rearward and passes Double-X Magnum 3" Magnum apart—aside from its energy on to a polymer buffer a pressure-relief valve. The gas 3 1 12-ga., 2 ⁄4"—1 ⁄2 oz. the length of the —is that contains the operating rod, from hotter loads compresses a No. 6 copper-plated lead that it is a classically styled gun which consists of a single steel heavy coil spring inside the pis- Average Pellet count: 280 with a high-polish blue barrel, pin on the buffer’s left rear. The ton, which then vents the excess Measured Velocity @ 3'—1389 f.p.s. and a high-gloss walnut stock rod impinges on the left front of out the holes around the pis- Remaining Energy Per and fore-end. Unlike the Super the bolt carrier, moving the bolt ton’s circumference. The gas is 1 Pellet @ 40 yds.: 1 ft.-lb. X2 3 ⁄2" Magnums, the steel bolt, and carrier to the rear to extract vented up through two relief bolt head, bolt handle, bolt the spent shell. cuts in the top of the fore-end Total Hits 127 (45%) release and cartridge carrier are Light loads simply push the that run along the sides of the 21.2" Inner Circle 69 (25%) polished and left in the white. piston to the rear while heavier barrel. A coil return spring sur- 1 30" Outer Ring 58 (20%) Like the Super X2 3 ⁄2", the loads activate an internal valve rounds the polished magazine Field’s barrel is made in New in the piston that acts much like tube and pushes the buffer and

70 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 grooved along its top to reduce glare and rises to a height of X2 3" FIELD 1 3/8" above the barrel 3 ⁄4" from MANUFACTURER: the front of the receiver to lie Fabrique Nationale flat against the top of the barrel Herstal SA, Parc at the muzzle. The rib is dove- Industriel des Hauts tailed at the front, contact weld- Sarts, 3e Ave., 4040 ed at each of the 12 posts and Herstal, fixed by an Allen screw at the IMPORTER: U.S. Repeating Arms Co. (Dept. AR), rearmost post. The 0.375"-wide 275 Winchester Ave., The 3" Field employs a two-piece piston assembly. Light loads rib is topped by a 0.127" white Morgan, UT 84050; simply push the piston to the rear, while gases from heavier loads plastic bead mounted 0.62" (801) 876-2711; compress a spring inside the piston, which then vents the excess. back from the muzzle. www.winchester-guns.com The Super X2 is backbored MECHANISM TYPE: gas- then the piston back into posi- cartridge stop on the lower right like most guns in the Browning operated semi-automatic shotgun tion after firing. of the inside of the receiver just line and accepts Browning’s GAUGE: 12, 3" The Super X2 3" Field’s forward of the bolt release Invector Plus choke tubes. Full, OVERALL LENGTH: 47" 3 receiver measures 8 ⁄8" long— allows shells in the magazine to modified and improved cylin- BARREL LENGTH: 26" 1 as opposed to the 3 ⁄2" Mag- be removed without the need to der tubes are supplied along (tested), 28" 5 num’s 8 ⁄8"—and is made of cycle them through the action. with a spanner. Additionally, a WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 14 ozs. MAGAZINE CAPACITY: matte-finished 7075T6 alu- The polished, white steel bolt wide range of other tubes are 3 four 2 ⁄4", three 3" minum. The receiver contour is release is a button on the receiv- available. The backbored barrel TRIGGER: single-stage, stepped down at its rear to allow er’s right below the front of the measures 26" long. Magazine 5-lbs. pull 3 for a thin wrist on the stock. The action port. Depressing it drops capacity is four 2 ⁄4"-length STOCK: American walnut: 1 bolt head travels on a carrier that the release’s tail out of engage- shells or three 3". A plug that length of pull, 14 ⁄4"; drop at 3 moves on rails inside either side ment with the bolt allowing the reduces the magazine capacity heel, 2"; drop at comb, 1 ⁄4" of the receiver. When fully bolt to travel forward. to two rounds complies with ACCESSORIES: full, modi- fied and improved cylin- closed, the top rear of the bolt Our sample was equipped federal waterfowl regulations. der Invector Plus choke locks up into a recess cut into with an American walnut stock The Super X2 3" Field was tubes, tube wrench, mag- the top of the steel barrel exten- and fore-end with a medium pattern-tested with Winchester azine plug sion. There is a single hook brown, reddish tone and slight Supreme High Velocity field SUGGESTED RETAIL extractor on the right side of the figure. The fore-end is hand fill- loads with copper-plated lead PRICE: $799 bolt. The recoil spring is in a ing and is actually wider than the shot. Pattern quality was better 1 tube in the buttstock, and a link synthetic stock of the 3 ⁄2" than average, and results are pinned to the bottom rear of the Magnum. The pistol grip itself shown in the accompanying clays on alternating afternoons. carrier compresses it during has a wide radius and, although table. Functioning was tested Some semi-automatics can be recoil, after which the assembly it is a full pistol grip design with with a variety of field and target balky in cold weather, but the travels forward again under a cap, it handled more like a loads down to 1 oz. The Super 3" Field did not balk with spring tension to close the semi-pistol grip because of its X2 cycled everything as light as Winchester Supreme High 1 action. The gun’s ejector is on more open design. The machine- 1 ⁄8 oz., but its behavior with 1 oz. Velocity Steel loads despite the the inside of the receiver’s left cut checkering on the fore-end loads was unpredictable, some frigid late-January tempera- side and is in the form of a and pistol grip are quite fine for worked fine while others failed tures. Although a relatively round, stationary button. a mass -produced gun, measur- to cycle consistently. heavy semi-automatic would The trigger guard assem- ing 18 lines-per-inch. The stock Winchester bills the Super likely not be one’s first choice bly—retained by two pins— is tipped with a 1"-thick, black X2 3" Field as an all-around when hunting upland birds, the contains the fire control parts, rubber recoil pad bearing the gun, and one of our staffers had Super-X2’s uncommonly thin including the hammer, trigger, Winchester name. It proved the chance to try it on a hunt in wrist gives the gun a precision sear and disconnector, as well effective in dampening per- northern Mississippi. Late sea- and controllability that aided as the shell carrier, which is ceived recoil. son ducks were hunted in the success in bringing down quail powered by a coil spring. The The Super X2’s vent rib is mornings from blinds and and busting clay birds. safety is a round, Winchester- 1/8" thick, longitudinally flooded timber and quail and While there are many shot- style button at the rear of the guns lively enough for fast tar- trigger guard. It blocks both the gets and others sturdy and reli- trigger and the hammer when in able enough for waterfowl, the the “on” position, and it is Super X2 3" Field stands out as engaged by pressing it from left one that is ready to handle both to right. When in the “off” posi- jobs. Those in search of a ver- tion” a red annular ring is visi- satile gun with a traditional ble. The button can be reversed appeal of a walnut stock would for southpaws, and the proce- be well advised to take a look dure for that is detailed in the at the new Super X2. owner’s manual. Loading is by depressing the The Super X2 3" Field’s trig- cartridge carrier and loading ger guard assembly holds the shells into the tubular magazine fire-control parts, and the pol- under the barrel in the conven- ished steel cartridge carrier is tional manner. Depressing the part of that assembly.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 71 Beretta Giugiaro Design helped style the 9000S—Beretta’s first polymer-framed pis- tol—to look modern and Model with ergonomics in mind. A soft layer of polymer is over- molded onto the grip frame for a more secure grip. 9000S

or the longest time, top of the slide, the 9000S has The 9000S is a Beretta appeared con- dual lugs at the bottom sides of conventional dou- 1. Ftent with the continuing its block that engage corre- ble/single-action success of its established lines sponding notches in the bottom pistol that offers of semi-automatic . The of the slide. That locking three modes of many variants of the Model arrangement permits the 9000S carry. First is with 92/96 series of tilting-block to retain Beretta’s traditional the hammer de- pistols and tip-up barrel guns open-top slide design. cocked on a loaded were and continue to be popu- Also new for Beretta is its round and the man- lar models. But, frankly, leap into the realm of polymer ual, frame-mounted they’re getting long in the frames. The 9000S pistol has a safety off for a long, tooth. The 92/96 models date to frame of fiberglass-reinforced heavy, double-action 1976 and the tip-ups are found “techno-polymer” (a term first shot. Each con- in catalogs from the 1950s. Beretta also uses to describe the secutive shot has a 2. In the late 1990s, we saw trigger guard material of the light, single-action Beretta introduce fresh designs Urika shotgun) with steel alloy pull. The next mode beginning with the Model 8000 rail modules. Unlike other also has the hammer Cougar; a semi-automatic pis- Beretta pistols that have inter- de-cocked, but with tol with a rotating-barrel lock- nal slide rails and external frame the ambidextrous ing system. That system is rails, the 9000S is just the oppo- thumb safety en- strong and allows chamberings site. It uses a system styled after gaged. With that that include 9 mm Parabellum the SIG SP47/8 that has the mode, shooters must (9x19 mm), .40 S&W, .45 ACP internal frame rails overlapping external slide rails. There are three and the hot-stepping .357 SIG. ways to safely carry The most recent semi-auto- Combining the open-top the Beretta Model matic pistol design from Beretta slide with the rail arrangement 9000S pistol. First is is the stylish Model 9000S. It and the locking design results in de-cocked on a 3. uses neither the tilting block of a rather wide slide for a semi- loaded round with the Model 92, nor the rotating automatic carry gun—nearly the manual safety 1 barrel of the Cougar for its 9 mm 1 ⁄4" at its widest point. Add in off (1.), second is or .40 S&W chamberings. the additional width from the de-cocked but with Instead, the 9000S has a tilting ambidextrous safety levers, and the manual safety 5 barrel with a block that engages the 9000S is 1 ⁄8" wide. To put on (2.), last is the slide. Unlike a that into perspective, we mea- “cocked-and- design, which has a block sured a five-shot, .357 Mag. locked” like a con- 5 around the chamber end of the that was 1 ⁄16" across the ventional single- barrel that tilts up to engage the diameter of its cylinder. action pistol (3.).

72 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 SHOOTING RESULTS .40 S&W Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) Federal PD40HS4 1048 Avg. 329 4.7 2.52 3.56 3.08 135-gr. H-S 17 Sd Hornady 9136 875 Avg. 306 5.6 2.82 4.04 3.48 of ergonomics— point bullet loads. There were no 180-gr. XTP 10 Sd though we do credit malfunctions of any kind. The Winchester X40SW 1088 Avg. 408 6.4 2.02 4.41 3.10 the firm with coming differences in grip comfort 155-gr. ST 26 Sd up with some excel- noted above were exaggerated Average Extreme Spread: 3.22 lent aesthetic touches in the presence of recoil.

1 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 3 ⁄2" barrel. Range temperature: on the 9000S. With Shooters with long, skinny fin- 66° F. Humidity: 56%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. the test gun, shooters gers easily controlled the 9000S from a Marcyln Rest. Abbreviations: H-S (Hydra-Shok), Sd (standard with long,narrow fin- while those with thicker digits deviation), ST (Silvertip), XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) gers could get a good, had their fingers crowded comfortable grip on against the bottom of the trigger the gun, but those guard—painfully when the gun with smaller hands or recoiled—and those shorter- thick fingers re- fingered shooters had some dif- marked they had ficulty firing fast follow-up shots. “more grip than ... When fired using either grip hand.” All remarked extending accessory though, all that the grip was too shooters here—including those short for a comfort- with short, thick fingers— able hold—an issue found the Beretta 9000S more already addressed by controllable and pleasant to Beretta via two dif- shoot. Beretta might want to ferent accessories. consider offering as a standard First is a magazine accessory the auto-extending Beretta is using more “techno-polymer” components in its arms. The Model floorplate with a fin- finger rest floorplate on one of 9000S frame marks Beretta’s first use of the material as a major compo- ger rest that extends the two magazines that come nent. Unlike other Beretta pistols that have internal slide rails and external automatically when standard with the gun. frame rails, the Model 9000S is just the opposite. the pistol is gripped. Beretta’s new Model 9000S, Everyone here liked then, marks a couple of signif- first manually disengage the that accessory. The other grip icant advancements for the BERETTA 9000S thumb safety,then the 9000S will extension is a spacer collar that world’s oldest company. First is fire as described above. The last fits around high-capacity and 10- the use of polymer for the MANUFACTURER: mode is more typical of a single- Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro round Model 92/96 magazines. frame, the other is the new lock- Beretta S.p.A., Via Pietro action pistol—hammer cocked It fills the gap between the mag- ing system. As with other com- Beretta, 18-25063 and the safety on—requiring azine well and the floor plate, panies, we expect to see Beretta Gardone Val Trompia shooters to flick the thumb safe- allowing those magazines to be incorporate more polymer (Brecia) Italy ty lever down to the off position used in the 9000S. With the col- components into its arms to IMPORTER: Beretta USA to fire all shots with a light, sin- lar, a raised finger groove is take advantage of its corrosion- (Dept. AR), 17601 Beretta gle-action pull of the trigger. The formed at its junction with the resistant quality and to save Drive, Accokeek, MD thumb safety also functions as magazine well that some here both cost and weight. 20607; (301) 283-2191; the de-cocker by pushing it up www.berettausa.com felt forced their little finger too As for the new lock-up CALIBER: 9x19 mm, past safe until the hammer low- far down the grip. Two 10-round design, like the Model 92 and .40 S&W (tested), ers safely to half cock. magazines come standard with Cougar designs that came ACTION TYPE: short- Beretta also offers an each 9000S, and law enforce- before, the Model 9000S pis- recoil-operated, semi- optional “D” model that is ment officers can obtain 12- tol could prove to be a platform automatic pistol double-action-only for a round units for 9x19 mm-cham- for an entire new line of CONSTRUCTION: polymer heavy, double-action pull for bered guns. Beretta . frame, steel alloy slide all shots. That model has a FINISH: Bruniton We fired the 3 spurless hammer and no exter- OVERALL LENGTH:6⁄4" Beretta 9000S BARREL: blued, chrome- nal safety levers. for accuracy with 1 lined, 3 ⁄2" Sights are equipped with the results shown RIFLING: conventional, three white dots. The rear sight in the accompa- six-groove, 1:16" RH twist unit is plastic, dovetailed into nying table. As 5 WIDTH: 1 ⁄8" the slide and has a square 3 standard Ran- HEIGHT: 4 ⁄4" notch. The front sight is alu- som Rest adap- WEIGHT EMPTY: 27 ozs. minum with an angled-back, MAGAZINE: double-column, ters were not 10-round capacity flat-front face to reduce the available at the SIGHTS: three white dot, chances of snagging. time of testing, rear drift-adjustable for Overmolded onto the poly- we opted to use a windage mer grip frame is a layer of soft Marclyn Hand- TRIGGER: double-action: polymer that has raised gripping gun Rest, which 3 10 ⁄4-lbs. pull double- nodules and a slight humpback we find works action, 6-lbs. pull similar to an arched mainspring single-action well with small, ACCESSORIES: plastic housing on a M1911 pistol. The compact pistols. carry case, one extra award-winning design firm Function firing A new tilting-barrel lock-up system has the magazine, two cleaning Giugiaro Design styled the was with a vari- barrel locking directly to the slide. Unlike a brushes, cable lock 9000S to have a very modern ety of ammuni- Glock, which has a block around the cham- SUGGESTED RETAIL appearance and ergonomic tion including ber to lock into the top of the slide, the PRICE: $551 shape. That said,some here ques- jacketed hollow- Beretta 9000S has lugs on the sides of its tioned Giugiaro’s interpretation point and flat- block to lock into the bottom of the slide. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 73 Barrett Model 99 “Big Shot” Rifle

BARRETT 99

MANUFACTURER: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. (Dept. AR), P.O. Box 1077, Murfreesboro, TN 37133; (615) 896-2938; www.barrettrifles.com CALIBER: .50 BMG n the past two decades, there ered costs substantially. And it is The Barrett Model 99 is a ACTION TYPE: single-shot, has been a growth in inter- that entry-level shooter market simple and rugged single-shot bolt-action rifle est in the .50 BMG round. Barrett hopes to tap with its bolt-action. The receiver, trigger RECEIVER: heat-treated I aluminum extrusion The question is, why has that Model 99 “Big Shot” rifle. As group housing and bolt guide are FINISH: steel components interest developed? A major opposed to Barrett’s other held together by cotter pins, are Parkerized and alu- reason would probably be the rifles, the Model 99 follows a making for easy disassembly. Its minum parts are hard high ballistic coefficient (BC) more “minimalist” philoso- hexagonal cross-section receiv- anodized either black or of .50 BMG bullets. Simply phy based on pure perfor- er is produced from a precision silver put, the higher the ballistic mance, intended to offer the aluminum extrusion that is heat OVERALL LENGTH: 50.4" BARREL: 29", 33" (tested) coefficient of a given bullet, the “most accurate .50 caliber in treated after forming. RIFLING: eight-groove, less it will drop or be deflected production.” The bolt locks directly into 1:15" RH twist by wind. The massive recesses machined WEIGHT: 25 lbs. diameter of the .50 BMG into a barrel exten- TRIGGER: single-stage, 1 gives it a ballistic coeffi- sion. Multiple lock- 3 ⁄2-lbs. pull cient of 1.0 or more, and ing lugs are formed SIGHTS: no metallic sights; integral M1913 makes it well suited for from a modified but- Picatinny scope mount- shooting at distances of tress thread. That ing rail and adjustable 1,000 yds. or farther. form is quite effective scope rings As the interest in the for locking lugs since STOCK: integral aluminum: 1 .50 BMG has grown, mak- it not only controls the length of pull 16 ⁄2"; drop ers of such rifles have low- high pressure gener- at heel, 1/4"; drop at comb, 0" ated during firing, but ACCESSORIES: cleaning also works as a screw kit, manual and during locking and adjustable scope rings unlocking the bolt. SUGGESTED RETAIL That means the last PRICE: $3,100 forward motion of the

The bolt locks directly into a barrel extension rather than the receiver (l.). That allows Barrett to use an aluminum receiv- er. The locking lugs are a modified buttress thread. The muzzle brake (r.) is effective at countering much of the perceived recoil from the .50 BMG.

74 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 The trigger housing group has a trigger bar that transfers the action of the trigger back to the sear behind the bolt.

scope rings that With the ultra-rigid mount, the allow the scope to Barrett turned out some impres- be set at an angle sive results. rather than parallel Out of the five, five-shot to the barrel. With groups, the gun averaged 3.33" at the scope adjusted 300 yds.—or roughly one minute As part of the test, we took the higher in the rear, of angle (m.o.a.). The best group Model 99 to the Quantico, Va., the operator is sure was 2.59" which equals less than Marine Corps Base where it to have the maxi- 1 m.o.a. at 100 yds. Obviously, was fired in the Marines’ mum utility of ele- the rifle has great potential for Universal Return to Battery vation adjustment accuracy. Both Heishman and Fixture for accuracy at 300 at all useable Riddle stated they were yds. The rifle was also func- ranges. The rings impressed with the accuracy of tion-fired from the bench. are adjustable up to the rifle and the cartridge. Other 1 1 ⁄2 degrees and are shooters at the facility noted that bolt prior to final locking and backward to the right and left of made of steel, measuring 1.25" the rifle was surprisingly con- the first rearward motion of the the shooter. Although quite front to back. trollable and easy to fire accu- bolt on unlocking are made effective, care must be taken to The test rifle came from rately and comfortably. with the mechanical advantage verify your surroundings when Barrett fitted with the optional It should be pointed out that of the bolt handle. That results firing, as bystanders could be Model 32 10x42 mm scope. It care must be taken when firing in better primary extraction to affected by the vented blast. In features a 32 mm diameter such a powerful cartridge. break the fired case loose from addition to the recoil-reducing tube, level indicator, Ballistic Always be sure of your back- the chamber. muzzle brake, the Barrett Drop Compensator and a red- stop and what is beyond, and The bolt is designed with a Model 99 features a very effec- illuminated mil-dot reticle that you are firing at a range that recessed face and features a tive recoil pad. It is 1" thick, with 11 brightness settings and can handle the .50 BMG. sturdy claw extractor and a made of Sorbothane and pos- adjustments of 100 1/4-minute The single-shot Barrett plunger ejector. The bolt handle sesses a great deal of recoil- clicks up and 30 down. Barrett Model 99 rifle produced out- is tear-drop shaped and welded softening “give.” recommended that we use .50 standing performance, espe- to the bolt body. Also, it is swept The safety lever is positioned BMG match ammunition from cially considering that it is an away from the receiver body to on the left side of the trigger Arizona Ammunition, Inc., entry-level .50 BMG rifle. prevent it from striking the assembly group and is reminis- which features 750-gr. Horn- Offering the shooter a match- shooter’s hand during firing. cent of the M16/AR-15 type- ady A-Max bullets and neck- grade rifle well below match- turned cases. grade level cost, the Model 99 A .50 BMG rifle can’t be fired is an excellent way to get into safely everywhere, so for testing the exciting sport of .50 BMG we made arrangements with shooting. S/Sgt. Heishman and The Model 99 is Gy/Sgt.-9 Riddle to simple and straight- fire the gun at the Test forward. Parts and and Evaluation design complexity Facility at the Quan- are kept to a mini- tico, Va., Marine mum, with the Corps Base. The focus instead being Model 99 was placed on pure accuracy. in their Universal Return to Battery fix- The Model 99’s 33" unflut- rotating safety lever. The Model ture and fired for ed match-grade barrel is 4150 99 also has an M60-type bipod accuracy at 300 yds. steel and has eight-groove fitted. That gives the shooter a The fixture was 1:15"-RH twist cut rifling. It is convenient means to rest the developed by the press-fit into the receiver and is rifle while firing prone. To allow Marines for their own The Barrett Model 32 scope was mounted free-floated for maximum for the use of optical sights use and is not avail- on the firm’s standard scope rings, which accuracy. Its diameter is 1.275" (obviously a necessity on this able for purchase. mate to an integral M1913 Picatinny rail. with a slight taper and features type of ), an heavy wall construction for M1913 Picatinny maximum stiffness. At the end rail is machined as SHOOTING RESULTS of the barrel is a dual-chamber, an integral compo- arrowhead-type muzzle brake nent of the receiver. .50 BMG Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average designed to lessen perceived It is essentially a Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) recoil. It features baffles that modified Weaver- Arizona Ammunition 2588 Avg. 11,153 92.6 2.59 4.33 3.33 are angled back toward the type rail with even- 750-gr. Hornady A-Max 12 Sd shooter at 45 degrees. It must ly spaced lugs. Also, Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 33" barrel. Range temperature: 75° F. Humidity: 21%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 300 yds. be stressed that the muzzle the Model 99 fea- from a Universal Return to Battery fixture. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation). brake is designed to vent gases tures adjustable

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001 75 Majestic Arms

Majestic Arms has taken MA2000 up the challenge of cus- tomizing and accessorizing the AR-7 survival rifle into Takedown Rifle what it calls the MA2000.

rom 1959 to 1973, The action is hand-tuned and ammunition. Optional Armalite in Costa Mesa, the ejection port relieved and at extra cost is a Tasco FCalif., manufactured a lowered to improve ejection 1.75-5X 20 mm vari- unique, semi-automatic sur- reliability. Next, the bolt is re- able scope. vival rifle in .22 Long Rifle cal- machined and a new, larger, After firing 250 iber called the AR-7. Now, the knurled cocking handle rounds of high-velocity Brooklyn, N.Y., firearms maker installed that allows the bolt to ammunition of mixed Henry Repeating Arms Co. pro- be easily removed. brands, functioning of duces the proven favorite as its The original stock is replaced the MA2000 proved U.S. Survival Rifle. A clever with an aluminum wire unit hav- very reliable. We also design such as the AR-7 practi- ing an oil-finished walnut pistol found the rifle had a dis- cally begs to be customized and grip, buttplate and fore-end. In tinct preference for lead accessorized. Majestic Arms keeping with the original sur- round-nose ammuni- has taken up the challenge with vival rifle concept, a detach- tion. Attempts to fire its new MA2000. able, black nylon bag with three brands of hollow Majestic begins by replacing Velcro closures fits over the point ammunition result- the original barrel with a new wire frame of the buttstock. ed in poor functioning 1 17 ⁄2"-long, 1/2" diameter button- Two magazines, a seven-piece and poor accuracy. rifled, steel barrel having an 11 cleaning kit and a bottle of The changes that degree target crown. The rifling Break-Free are standard with Majestic made to the is nine-groove with a 1:16" right- the 4-lb. MA2000. action enhanced func- hand twist. Next, high visibility, Also part of the MA2000 tional reliability and red fiber-optic front and rear iron package is a padded, black access for cleaning. The A detachable, black nylon bag fits over sights are mounted. A Weaver- nylon carry case. When taken accessories were con- the wire frame buttstock to hold acces- style scope base rail and set of down, the rifle fits neatly inside sidered especially well sories (top). The ejection port is see-through 1" diameter scope the compact case with room left thought out and execu- relieved and lowered to improve relia- rings are also part of the package. for a scope and several boxes of ted. A particularly well- bility and the trigger tuned as part of liked fea- Majestic Arm’s customization process. ture were SHOOTING RESULTS the high-visibility, rather well. The accessories are fiber-optic sights. well thought out and of excel- .22 Long Rifle Vel. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average While the Ma- lent quality. Accuracy remains Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (inches) (inches) (inches) jestic MA2000 is not acceptable for a rifle of this CCI Mini-Mag 1135 Avg 114 0.1 1.51 2.45 1.83 a target rifle, accura- type, but Majestic Arms may No. 0030 40-gr. LRN 12 Sd cy with high-velocity want to make the scope bases Federal Lightning 1173 Avg. 122 0.1 2.00 3.56 2.65 ammunition proved and rings optional and reduce No. 510 40-gr. LRN 18 Sd acceptable for a rifle the suggested retail price PMC Zapper No. 22C 1151 Avg. 118 0.1 1.12 1.93 1.18 of this type. Certainly accordingly. 40-gr. LRN 17 Sd accuracy was more Available from: Majestic Average Extreme Spread: 1.89 than enough to hit Arms, Ltd. (Dept. AR), 101A

1 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 17 ⁄2" barrel. Range temperature: small game at ranges Ellis St., Staten Island, NY 59 F°. Humidity: 34%. Accuracy for five consecutive, 10-shot groups at 50 yds. from out to 50 yds. 10307; (718) 356-6765; a sandbag. Abbreviations: LRN (lead round-nose), Sd (standard deviation). In summary, the www.majesticarms.com.Sug- MA2000 comes off gested retail price: $459.

76 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • June 2001