Dear SAR,

The 2nd issue of SAR looks great, however an ad in your November classified section reguarding the sale of “Pre-Ban” H&K Socom 12 round magazines annoys me. Other “dealers” around the country have been offering these mags as well. This may be a good subject to address in your reader information pages.

There never was any such animal as pre-ban high capacity (12-rd) OCOM pistol (MK23) magazines! Regardless of what anyone says, these magazines are simply stolen US Government property! The production contract for the MK23 pistol and all the spare mags was not even awarded until June 1995, after the Crime Bill was enacted.

The MK23 contract called for the USG-ordered magazines to be delivered to the USG without the Crime Bill markings, with an exception granted by BATF of course. This is how the more than 20,000 magazines ordered and received to date after May 1996 by the USG in support of the 1,950 MK23’s purchases were delivered.

The 12-round Mark 23 magazines that we order and stock here for general sales with “commercial” Mark 23’s to Law Enforcement and Military customers are marked with the Crime Bill markings as is required by law. The exception was/is only for those weapons delivered to the USG.

There were never any USP45 12-round magazines made intentionally without the Crime Bill markings. While it is possible to insert magazines of the MK23/Mark 23 in the USP45 (not vice versa due to the different floor plates), these magazine are different and should not be interchanged. The feed lips and floor plates are different between the two magazines. Swapping these magazines can reduce the reliability f the weapons when the incorrect magazine is utilized

You may wish to inform your readers that if they buy (or sell) 12-round unmarked magazines for the MK23/Mark 23/0, they are buying/selling stolen US Government property, plain and simple.

If their claim is that these unmarked magazines were produced prior to the Crime Bill and imported through another source beside HK Inc., that’s a lie as well. If their claim is that the magazine housing is UPS45 pre-ban with a MK23/Mark 23 floor plate fitted to it, that’s also untrue. Ask the “dealer” his source for the magazines in question and see what his response is.

While there could be a few (less than 60) prototype, 12-round unmarked SOCOM OHWS Phase I or Phase II magazines floating around, most of these were delivered to the USG with the prototype pistols (except for a handful that we kept here) and were thus purchased by the USG and are thus USG property also. However, the Phase I prototype magazines do not fit in Phase II or production MK23’s/Mark 23’s or USP45’s.

I have inspected one of these so-called pre-ban magazines actually purchased from one of these “dealers”. It is in fact one of the mags we sold to the USG on the contract.

Be advised, that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is aware of this issue and have an ongoing investigation into the loss of this controlled, USG property. Buyer/Seller beware!

Jim Schatz
HK, Inc.

Thank you for the facts on these magazines Jim. Hopefully you have helped keep some of our readers out of unwanted trouble.

Ed

Dear SAR,

I am reading your Small Arms Review Vol 1, No 1 which came in the mail today, and like it very much. You asked for suggestions as to future content of the magazine. I was reminded of the various issues of Life Magazine during the early 1940’s during World War II (A long, long time age) which had in almost every issue one or more articles dedicated to explaining some sort of military small arms of both the Allies and the Axis nations. I was absolutely fascinated by these articles at the time, and wish that I had put them aside to look at in the years since then. I think your current readers would also be fascinated by reprints of these articles (as would I), perhaps one to an issue of Small Arms Review. That is to say, if the current publishers of Life Magazine could be persuaded to allow them to be reprinted.

Thomas J. Horton
Sun City, AZ

Dear SAR,

I am so thankful that you have picked up were Machine Gun News has left off. I like the street address of 223 Sugar Hill Road. I Like 223, but I am writing with regards to page 36 of Vol. 1 No. 2 In the photo number 11, would that be a XM177 or the XM177E1 model and not the E-2 model? Help me out on this one. Thanks

Jeff Hooper

Number 11 is correct for either model. Later models had the collar added, as illustrated in number 12, but still shared the same moderator. The extension at the front was a Flash Hider.

Ed

At presstime, the first session of the 105th Congress ended without resolution to the problem of the U.S. State Department denying import permits for such U.S. origin firearms as M1 Carbines, eagerly sought by collectors. In the closing days, Representative Allan Mollohan (D-WV), ranking member of the Commerce, State and Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, was said by pro-gun lobbyists to have worked tirelessly to insert language into the final bill requiring the State Department to stop impeding lawful imports of US
origin firearms.

Unfortunately, a workable agreement was not reached, although the final bill does direct the State Department to report to Congress regarding their non-approval of firearm import permits. Gun owners should call the office of Congressman Mollohan (202) 225-4172 to let him know they appreciate his efforts on their behalf.

In mid-November, President Clinton issued a directive prohibiting the possible importation of more than 1 million Uzi and other foreign-made semi-automatically loading foreign made rifles. The president directed the Treasury Department and its Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms to immediately bar the imports which had been altered to conform to the import requirements set by regulations adopted by President Bush in 1989 and Clinton’s own criteria established in the 1994 Crime Law.

“Now that we’ve banned them in America,” Clinton told a reception of donors to the Democratic National Committee (making reference to the 1989 and 1994 federal gun bans, “you’ve got all these foreign gun manufacturers who are trying to modify their ‘assault weapons’ to get them in under the ‘sporting’ definition.”

Although the federal government’s own crime statistics compiled by the Department of Justice and FBI show that long guns, and military style rifles (carbines in particular) are rarely used in killings, the President declared to applause, “I’m not going to let people overseas turn our streets into battle zones where gangs are armed like they were guerilla warriors halfway around the world if I can stop it.”

In his directive, Clinton ordered a 120-day suspension of import permits while Treasury officials review current policy. He directed Treasury to determine, “whether (the guns) can be permanently blocked from our borders and banned from our streets.”

There has been a recent surge in import permit applications for the modified military style rifles. During 1997, importers have obtained permits to bring in nearly 600,000 such guns, Clinton said, and applications are pending for an additional 1 million. Only about 20,000 of the 600,000 have actually entered the U.S. thus far.

“We didn’t fight as hard as we have…only to let a few gun manufacturers sidestep our laws and undermine our progress,” Clinton concluded in an apparent reference to his ultimate goal of banning U.S. civilian firearms ownership altogether.

In other international news, 28 nations of the Americas have signed a unique Convention, allegedly to fight traffic in illegal weapons spawned in the hemisphere by the illegal narcotic trade. The convention was said to be the first of its kind, and commits its signatories to mark guns when they are sold and to require export and import licenses so the firearms can be traced. It also seeks to toughen border controls as well as to expedite the reporting of smuggled guns and the sharing of information needed to trace them, such as serial numbers.

Terms of the convention are similar to recommendations recently made by anti-gun representatives from Canada and elsewhere at the United Nations, as a way of curtailing the total global arms trade to civilians. Great concern has been expressed by the American firearms industry that the legal world trade in firearms can be severely curtailed under the guise of “crime control.”

“If we can work together, we can put the black market in weapons out of business,” President Clinton said at the signing ceremony at the Organization of American States. “Our hemisphere is setting a new standard for the world.” Mexico’s President Ernesto Zedillo, who proposed the convention in 1996, said it was a step forward in the war on drug trafficking and organized crime. Mexico, a country which essentially bans ownership of firearms to all but the economically elite, has complained that drug traffickers get most of their arms from the U.S.

“Countries should not permit guns to leave, enter or transit their territory unless they are marked and have licenses,” said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Legal Affairs, Tim Winer. He added the U.S. was not the only source of illegal arms in the hemisphere. “China makes enough weapons to flood the world market,” he noted. U.S. law enforcement officials recently said the Russian mafia has become an important source of arms for Colombian drug traffickers, offering to supply them with helicopters, missiles, and even a submarine.

Reuters reports Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA) will introduce legislation to impeach President Clinton. The impeachment inquiry would begin in the House Judiciary Committee. “When you have a pattern of abuse of office, the remedy needs to go to the top,” Barr, a former federal prosecutor, was quoted as saying.

Sturm, Ruger’s Earnings Off

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE-RGR), producer of the Ruger MP-9 machine pistol and a host of other firearms, reports third quarter net sales of $47.2 million compared to $48 million in the third quarter of 1996. Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 1997 totaled $4.8 million or 18 cents per share versus $5.7 million or 21 cents per share in the comparable quarter of 1996.

For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, net sales were $156.8 million and net income was $20.2 million or 75 cents per share. For the corresponding period in 1996, net sales were $179.5 million and net income was $28.4 million or $1.06 per share. Net income per share reflects a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend declared on July 24, 1996.

Commenting on the quarter, chairman William B. Ruger said the results reflect improvement in the investment casting segment, as net sales for that area in the quarter increased by 28% over the third quarter of 1996. “Our forecasts include growth in both the types of applications for our titanium investment castings, as well as their usage within the golf industry.” Sturm, Ruger produces titanium golf club heads for Callaway Golf, its major client.

“The improved castings performance, however, was more than offset by weakness in demand within the firearms segment. In an effort to improve performance, the company continues to develop and introduce new firearms, products and product enhancements, such
as the new Ruger 77/44 bolt action rifle and the Ruger 77/50 muzzleloader,” Ruger noted.

The gunmaker’s unaudited, condensed, consolidated statements of income show that, for the three months ended September 30, 1997, firearms sales totalled $27,704,000, representing 58.7% of sales. During the same three months in 1996, firearms sales came to $32,814,000 or 68.3% of sales. For the nine months ending September 30, 1997, firearms sales added up to $110,628,000 or 70.6%, while during the same period in 1996, gun sales amounted to $120,481,000 or 67.1% of sales.

Blount Buys Federal

Blount International, Inc. (NYSE:BLT.A & BLT.B) has completed its acquisition of Federal Cartridge Company from Pentair, Inc. (NYSE:PNR). The transaction was structured as an all-cash acquisition for approximately $112 million.

John M. Panettiere, Blount’s president and CEO stated, “Federal is one of the premier companies in the shooting sports industry, and we are extremely excited about adding Federal to the Blount organization. We believe that the acquisition of Federal, coupled with Blount’s Sporting Equipment Group, will provide us with tremendous growth opportunities worldwide.

“This acquisition will more than double the size of our shooting sports business, creating one of the largest sporting equipment groups, with anticipated annual sales exceeding $300 million in 1998. We also expect the transaction to be accretive to our 1998 earnings,” Panettiere added.

Federal is an industry leader in the manufacture of shotshell, rimfire, and centerfire rifle and pistol ammunition. Headquartered in Montgomery, AL, Blount International, Inc. is a diversified international industrial company, operating in three principal business segments – outdoor products, industrial and power equipment, and sporting equipment. Blount manufactures and distributes products in more than 135 countries around the world.

News for Emma Gees

Residents of Fairfax County, Virginia can now get their machine gun purchase forms approved by the Fairfax County Sheriff who has begun signing the forms under a court directive, according to the Northern Virginia Citizens Defense League. So the time may be right for residents of the county to get that full-auto they have always wanted, as residents of the “Birthplace of the Bill of Rights.”

Police in America’s second largest city (Los Angeles) have been given Army surplus M-16 full-auto rifles, California Governor Pete Wilson said recently. About 600 of the rifles have been supplied to police officers in the wake of a shootout with bank robbers earlier this year which was shown live on television. Officers responding to a Bank of America robbery last February 28 were confronted with two men wearing full-length body armor. Finding their 9mm service handguns “inadequate,” the officers obtained heavier, more accurate armament from a local gun shop.

The rifles, donated by the Defense Department to the LAPD through the California Counter-Drug Procurement Program, will be issued to sergeants in the field. Los Angeles has been dubbed the “Bank Robbery Capital of the World” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Defensive Pistol Match

The Smith & Wesson (S&W) International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Winter Nationals will take place February 25 – March 1, 1998. The twelve-stage, 200-plus round event will be held at the new S&W National Firearms Training Center (NFTC) in Springfield, Massachusetts, and be limited to 150 competitors.

“The National Firearms Training Center allows us to design stages unlike those seen at most matches,” says Tom Gordon, S&W Performance Center master gunsmith and match course designer. “We have the ability to offer low-light scenarios on multiple ranges,
something you don’t get to do with outdoor matches, and we have a 100-yard indoor range offerings lots of possibilities. The match will be interesting and challenging.”

S&W will offer tours of its manufacturing plant during the week and host a cocktail party at the nearby Springfield Armory, which was founded by George Washington. To receive an informational package and match registration information call 1-800-331-0852, extension 293.

Beretta USA says its long-awaited and potent new subcompact Mini Cougar has been released for immediate shipment to dealers. The pistol’s design specifically addresses the evolving needs of those seeking personal and professional protection. The new product is a smaller version of Beretta’s popular 8000 Cougar Series of 9mm and .40 S&W caliber semi-auto pistols. It is streamlined and ultra-compact, while being shorter in the grip and more than two ounces lighter than its larger, compact frame brother.

Beretta plans to introduce a full-sized frame Cougar chambered in .45 ACP at the 1998 SHOT Show.

Industry rumours are circulating to the effect that one or more of the major ammunition manufacturers are developing new types of .22 Winchester Magnum rimfire (WMR) ammunition a pecifically designed to perform in short-barreled handguns. Present offerings in this caliber do not achieve much in the way of ballistic advantage when fired in short-barreled arms, other than producing a great deal of muzzle blast and a sizable dent in the shooter’s pocketbook, due to the .22WMR cartridges’ much greater cost over standard .22 Long Rifle ammo.

WA, CA Bans Shot Down

The terribly oppressive and potentially ruinous firearms industry proposition I-676 in Washington State was resoundingly defeated by the people on election day in November. Computer mogul Bill Gates, working in concert with Sarah Brady’s Handgun Control, Inc.,
had spent large sums from his personal fortune to get the initiative on the ballot, and to trick a populance weary of crime into voting for what was billed as a “gun safety” measure, but to no avail.

Initiative 676 was designed to make handgun ownership as difficult and legally risky as possible, and would have created a firearm-owners registration list. A $25 licensing fee would have been required from anyone who owned, possessed or controlled a handgun, and required gunowners’ spouses to take a minimum eight-hour “safety” course (at a cost of about $100), if they could not pass an alternative test. Failure to include a trigger lock when a gun was transferred or loaned, or failure to notify the state of even temporary transfers within three days, would have become a criminal offense.

Polls conducted in mid-October indicated a two-to-one public sentiment in favor of the measure’s passage. Pro-gun groups, such as the National Rifle Association and the Citizen’s Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, were said to have had to spend over $3.5 million to defeat the initiative. The usually anti-gun Spokane Spokesman-Review blasted I-676 on Constitutional grounds, calling the initiative’s supporters, “fascists in tassel loafers.” Most of Washington’s law enforcement, rank-and file officers were against the measure as well.

In California, a much publicized attempt by the antis’ to get a state-wide bill banning small pocket pistols (Senate Bill 500) signed into law, backfired when Governor Pete Wilson declined to sign the measure which had been passed by the state’s legislature.

“SB 500 is a bill that purports to protect gun users from shoddy guns,” Wilson wrote when returning the bill to the state Senate. “But the vast majority of the proponents of SB 500 who have urged me to sign it have done so because of their passionate hope and belief that it will instead protect potential victims against whom the proscribed guns might otherwise be used. Common snese dictates that the besy way to prevent gun crimes is by first removing from society the criminals who use guns in the commission of a crime.

“Not only does SB 500 fail to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. It will deprive law-abiding, legitimate gun users of the needed protection of handguns – the same handguns used by thousands of peace officers as regular service and back-up guns,” Wilson continued.

“In short, SB 500 seeks to achieve gun control in the guise of consumer protection of gun users. But rather than protect either gun owners as consumers or the public as potential victims, SB 500 is far more likely to deprive those who must defend themselves against crime of an important means of doing so.

“I will not support a measure that fails the basic test of protecting the innocent. Ultimately, the real test applied by the bill is whether or not the weapon is readily concealable. If so, it is adjudged by SB 500 to be “non-sporting” and is therefore prohibited,” Wilson explained.

“By this definition and test, all handguns-except, ironically, the largest and deadliest are included in the ban. The clear if unstated premise of this test is that handguns that are concealable can have no sporting purpose and therefore no valid purpose. This flawed logic ignores reality: it ignores the obvious fact that millions of law-abiding Californias (including a growing number of women) have felt the need to own concealable weapons, not for sport, but to protect themselves, their families, and their property. As much as I deplore the necessity, I cannot in good conscience deny them that protection if they choose it,” Wilson concluded.

The name has changed since the June 1997 show, but the ADPA Small Arms Symposium is still one of the top military shows around. The best and the brightest in the industry get together with the end users and buyers, and spend three or four days together talking shop. This year the Symposium was held in Reno, with a nice live fire range up in the desert. SAR was there, and it was our first official visit introducing the magazine. (Lots of helpful hints and offers to “open the doors” for us to test the newest innovations, as well as best wishes with the new magazine.)

The American Defense Preparedness Association has been fostering an atmosphere of education and excellence since 1919. This non-profit membership association was formed in the interest of supporting a strong national defense, from the industrial base so necessary to that objective.

The seminars are worth the admission- each one is prepared by a member of the association, and for three days the papers and projections are delivered to a large room filled with everyone from Generals to Industry leaders to private individuals who are members.

While the seminars were going on, the trade show was in the adjacent room. Giants of the arms industry such as Bofors and Olin were set up next to relative newcomers who had interesting products to show. A short list would include; AAI, Armalite, Barrett, Beretta, Bushmaster, Colt, FNMI, Gemtech, HK USA, Hughes, Knight’s, SSK, Trijicon, Otis, G.G. & G., and Nico.

The live fire demo is something that the industry looks forward to each year. There is a common denominator in that everyone wants to look their best, and some pretty impressive demonstrations occurred this year. It’s hard to single out a particular group, but the crowd seemed very appreciative of Knight’s and Gemini Technologies’ demos, and the Mossberg/ IMI team ran a “clockwork demo”. HK had it’s usual impressive demonstration. J.D. Jones provided some entertainment when in the middle of his demo of his newest suppressed system, a balloon broke loose from another demonstrator’s display and blew across the range… to the cheers and goading on of the crowd, JD tracked and engaged the rogue balloon, and effectively terminated it.

The newest products in the small arms industry were showcased here, and SAR hopes to bring you individual stories over the coming year. We have arranged testing with many of the manufacturers, and will bring you the stories as we get them.

ADPA has joined forces with the National Security Industrial Association (NSIA) to form up the NDIA. Joining the NDIA costs $75 per year for an individual. For more information contact:

NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association)
2111 Wilson Blvd Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201-3061

Website: http//:www.ndia.org
Tel: 703-522-1820
Fax: 703-522-1885

In our last segment we were getting you ready for your first law enforcement (LE) demonstration. We reviewed the different types of rifles, subguns and shotguns you should have. In addition to these firearms, depending on State regulations, you may want to bring along an integrally suppressed Ruger 77/22 or 10/22 and a Ruger Mark II .22 pistol. These weapons are finding favor with departments all over the country. I prefer the bolt action 77/22 in my demonstration because of the reduced sound level over a semi auto. Both pistols and rifles come in either stainless or blue finish. You may choose a semi auto, bolt action or both if you like. Supressed weapons will give you a sales advantage over other local gun dealers by offering firearms that most departments can’t get from their regular FFL firearm channels. Today there are seemingly hundreds of Suppressor makers all claiming to be the best. Many of them are very good. Many of them are not. The choice is up to you.

Over the past three years I have been replacing my suppresser samples with new guns from Sound Technology of Pelham, Alabama, (205 664 5860). Mark White of Sound Technology is definitely one of the top makers of high quality suppressers today. His workmanship is flawless and his suppressers are very quiet. His trigger and bolt work on The Ruger 10/22 is something that should also be mentioned. He fine-tunes the standard Ruger trigger till it feels like a fine match target trigger. The refinished semi auto bolt and trigger works with every type of ammo I have tried, including “Jam-omatic” Russian steel case low power 22’s. This stuff even jams in bolt and pump action rifles. Mark will also do custom work in any caliber and for any gun you need. I suggest that you explore the manufacturers out there, and choose one whose product line covers your needs.

Additional items that you might want to consider for your demonstration would be; night vision sniper riflescopes and high quality spotting scopes. Both of these items will be discussed at length in future issues of SAR.

Well, you’re ready to go and your bags are packed. Let’s review a few things first. All the guns should be clean and dry of any oil or lubricants. You should have no ammunition loaded in any of the magazines or loaded in any of the firearms. If you are planning a live fire demonstration, keep all of the ammunition in a separate locked box away from your weapons. You should be dressed properly. Do not wear cammo, army boots or T-shirts with inflammatory or political logos such as “Airborne death from above” or “let’s kill them all and let God sort them out”. Most chiefs of police and sheriffs do not find this funny. It’s stupid things like that, which will kill your sale before you even start. Look and act like a professional. You should have a copy of your Federal Firearms License (FFL), as well as a copy of your Special Tax Stamp. That’s the receipt for payment of the Special Occupational Tax also called your Class III license, although it is really not a license at all.

I would also suggest that you set up a small loose-leaf binder and keep your FFL and Class III paperwork in clear 8 1/2 X 11-inch plastic sleeves. The binder and plastic sleeves can be purchased at any stationary store. The plastic sleeves will protect your important documents and it looks much more professional. The last thing you want to do is have to reach into your pocket and drag out a crumpled and torn piece of paper trying to explain to a chief of police that this is your Class III Machine Gun License.

You can also use the binder to hold catalog pages as well as any promotional material that you can get from your wholesalers and manufacturers. Most wholesalers get lots of promotional material from the manufacturers and would be very happy to send you some of it if you ask for it. When you call, specify that you are only interested in LE firearm literature.

You can also call the manufacturer directly. Their customer service departments can send out specialized literature to you, especially when you tell them that you are a Class III firearms dealer and you want to promote their products at LE demonstrations at your own expense. Ruger, Colt, Remington, and H&K all have specific LE catalogs of their products.

A properly designed business card is also very important and can help make your sale easier. It can also kill a sale before you even have a chance to open your mouth and say a single word. Keep the card plain and simple. It should state that you are a federally licensed law enforcement firearms dealer and that you are a Class III licensee. Do not list paintball guns, knives, archery, hunting clothes, boots, taxidermy, Army-Navy surplus or ammunition sales on your business card. If you do sell these items, print up separate cards for that. Do not confuse the issue here. You are here to sell and buy machine guns and specialized weaponry. Your card has to stand out and show that you are unique in the firearms sales area. Do not have a business card printed that will make you look foolish and unprofessional. Leave the paintball stuff for your local toyshop. It has no place in LE sales other than in the training context. If training is in your line, that is alright.

Before you leave to meet with any LE agency, I would strongly suggest that you call the department and confirm your appointment with the individual involved. Law enforcement, being what it is, often has emergency situations that take precedence over unimportant things like gun demonstrations. A phone call to the department can often save you a lot of time and a needless trip. There is nothing worse then driving 40 miles each way and having to drag 80 pounds of equipment up two flights of stairs to find out that you have been waiting for one hour for someone who will not be able to show up. A phone call to the department before you leave will be appreciated and also shows courtesy if the department’s officers have to have The appointment changed.

Well, you’re on your way. You spoke to the lieutenant and he and four other officers are ready to meet with you. Let’s go over in detail what you will need to say and do. First, always remember that traveling with any firearm, especially machine guns, always entails some degree of risk. The possibilities of legal complications and entanglements are always present. The last thing you need is the hassle of trying to explain to some rookie that the only reason you were speeding was that you were late for your appointment to sell machine guns to some police department in the next town. Try to keep a low profile when traveling with weapons. If you drive a car, keep the guns locked in cases and put them in the trunk. If you drive a truck or van, keep them covered with a tarpaulin or other type of cover. Do not drive around with any uncased firearms. If you usually carry a rifle or shotgun in the rear window rack of your vehicle, remove it.

Do not speed. Do not do anything to cause you to be stopped by the police. If you are stopped, all the paperwork in the world will not help you if the officer you are dealing with wants to bust you for carrying machine guns. If you are stopped, do not mention guns unless you are directly asked. If the issue escalates and you feel that it is getting out of hand, show one of your business cards and politely ask that the officer call the department that you have your appointment set up with to confirm your story. Better yet, DON’T get stopped.

When you first arrive at the department, find a place to park that is convenient. Often all the spaces near the main building are reserved for police business. You’re being there for a demonstration does not qualify as police business and you may have to park far away from the main entrance. You will often have to carry all of your equipment a great distance. It is truly amazing how heavy two rifles, two shotguns, and two machine guns can get when you have to carry them for several hundred yards or several city blocks. Just think of it as a good work out. When you get to the department, you will often be entering a lobby or entrance hall greeted by the desk officer of the day. Be polite and explain that you have an appointment. Ask for him or her by name. You will usually not be allowed to go into the department itself until your contact comes to greet you. If the desk officer or other department personnel ask you about the gun cases, just say that you are a law enforcement firearms dealer and that you have an appointment to demonstrate new weapons. Do not discuss which firearms you are carrying. Do not begin a dissertation on the advantages of an original 1918 Browning Bar over an FN FAL. Don’t waste your time. Be polite and be seated. You may have to wait a while until your appointment is contacted and comes to get you. When you meet your contact for the first time, whether it’s the Sheriff, Chief of police, or tactical team department head, put your arm out for a handshake. State your name clearly, smile, and hand him your business card.

If you carry a concealed loaded sidearm for protection while you travel, it is very important to let the department know that you are carrying a loaded gun before you go inside. Many departments do not permit loaded guns within the inner confines of a police agency, especially if the department also contains a jail or prisoner holding area. If it does have a prison area, you will be required to check your loaded sidearm at the door. This is very critical. Do not screw up here. Do not go into a police department with a concealed loaded firearm without letting the department know. Bringing a loaded gun into a jail is a felony. The dire consequence of the mere possibility of your loaded gun getting into the hands of a confined felon is beyond comprehension. Let them know that you have a gun on you. In most cases it will be O.K. In others it will not. Ask first, don’t be sorry later.

Once your initial introductions are over, you will usually be escorted into a meeting room, office or range area depending on the size of the department. As you are introduced to all those present remember to smile, shake hands, and give each one your business card. Place your gun cases on the table and open them up. You should control the discussion regarding your firearms. Do not get into any political discussions. Do not talk about gun control. Remember the reason that you are there. You are there to get the department to give you all their old machine guns. Do not get into any discussions other than about guns. Remember it is up to you to control and direct the discussion. Begin by explaining that as a federally licensed machine gun dealer, you can get the department any type of firearm that they can possibly want. Don’t try to show off what you know about guns. Just answer the questions when asked and let the conversation develop naturally.

I always take out the MP5 first. When you pick the gun up, be sure not to point it at anyone. The bolt should always be open. Even though you know it is unloaded, look down the bore before handing it to anyone. Always hand the gun to the highest ranking officer in the room first.

Before you hand out the gun, put in the empty magazine and leave the bolt locked open. As the firearm is being inspected and passed around, speak clearly and distinctly. Explain the different trigger variations available, caliber options and barrel and stock configurations as well as the weight, length, and firepower capacity of the weapon. This is where all the homework, reading and studying the technical manuals pay off. You have to show them that you are an expert without making it sound as if you’re showing off. When the gun comes back to you, place it back into the case. If during the show and tell, someone closed the bolt, dropped the slide, or racked the gun closed, OPEN it before you put it back in the case.

As you see, I am stressing the extreme safe handling of all the firearms. Even with no ammunition present, we are checking the chamber of every gun. Make this a regular habit. Treat each and every gun as if it was loaded at all times. Also remember, a live fire demonstration offers even more risks. If you do give a live fire demo, be sure that you supply the ammo. A recent incident in a large metropolitan police department gives ample evidence of both of these problems. Knowing where the ammo comes from and what ammo you are using is very important.

A department was trying out new Glock .40 caliber handguns for their transition from older 9 mm semi autos. One of the patrolmen handling a new Glock was practicing at the range. He took a handful of loose ammo out of his range bag and proceeded to load the .40 caliber magazine. After loading the magazine, he placed it into the Glock, dropped the slide, took aim at his target, and proceeded to fire the gun. At first nothing happened. He racked the slide again, took aim, and proceeded to fire: KABOOM. The gun exploded. The new Glock was torn to bits.

The slide and barrel were burst open and the gun frame split halfway through to the front of the trigger guard. Luckily, the officer was unhurt. A full departmental investigation was established. They had to find the cause of this catastrophic destruction of a new firearm. Glock Inc. immediately got involved in the investigation. They did this because of the possible damage to their fine reputation, as well as the consequences of this type of incident happening again. Glock offered the department all the help they could give. After about one year of testing and metallurgic analysis by both Glock and the department, a final conclusion was established as to the cause of this incident. It seems that the officer, upon initially loading the .40 caliber magazine with a handful of loose ammo, had inadvertently placed a live 9mm round as the last round in the magazine. When the officer racked the slide, the 9 mm round was driven up into the .40 caliber chamber and jammed half way up the barrel. When he first pulled the trigger, nothing happened. He racked the slide a second time and put a fresh .40 caliber round into the chamber. When he pulled the trigger this time, the round went off. The bullet met an explosive obstruction while traveling up into the barrel. Even Glocks can not withstand that kind of abuse. Glock was exonerated and the department made a large purchase of new .40 caliber Glocks. The officer involved in the original incident now inspects his ammo and always checks the chamber of his guns. You should do the same.

I usually take out the Sniper rifles next. The bolt should be open. Look down the bore and hand the firearm to the highest-ranking officer first. I prefer showing only one gun at a time. If you have more than one gun being shown and questions are being asked, it may become very confusing for both you and the department. Always remember KISS (keep it simple stupid) and you will not have a problem during the demonstration. Continue passing out the next gun as the other guns are returned to you. When all the rifles have been examined and returned to you, take out the shotguns and proceed as with the other firearms. When you are done and no further questions are forthcoming, shut and close the cases. Also, at this time most of the other officers present will excuse themselves and go back to their duty assignments. They have nothing further to offer, as the decision process is not up to them.

You will probably be left with your original contact, whether it’s the Chief of police, Sheriff or assigned officer. It is at this point in the demonstration that the subject of the department’s obsolete, unused firearms should be brought up. Ask what type of firearms the department currently uses. Ask what firearms do they have in storage and say, “I showed you my guns, how about showing me your guns?” This is not meant as a joke, although it usually does get a chuckle or two. By asking directly to be shown the departments’ guns, in every one of my demonstrations, I have been successful in getting to see them. It will work for you too.

In our next installment we will go over the type of weapons that you may find and what to do and say to encourage the department to part with their old Thompsons, Reisings, M16’s, S&W 76’s, etc, etc.

Send your questions or comments to:

Hal Lewis care of SAR, or you can e- mail him at: birchwoodmanor@cyburban.com

Many times he is found hanging out on the Tom Bower’s Machine Gun Discussion Board at: http://www.subguns.com

SADW is a monthly electronic publication from Nick Steadman Features. Nick, intrepid world traveling reporter for much of the arms industry, files this 40,000 to 50,000 word report once a month to his loyal subscribers. Those lucky ones pay a mere $50 (US) £32.50 (UK) per year for the privilege of getting the hot tips and insights from one of the industry’s insiders. Nick’s unique perspective is globally based, as is his wit. Each issue is full of insight and information for those with an interest in Small Arms, as well as his observations on world travel.

CHINESE 5.8mm CARTRIDGE IDENTIFIED?

Thanks to reader Peter Labbett, the British cartridge expert, we can now hazard details of what the 5.8mm ammunition for the new Chinese bullpup rifle (see earlier issues) possibly looks like. Labbett says that he saw an ‘authenticated’ Chinese 5.8x42mm cartridge case in the USA a few years ago, though no bullet. The case was laquered steel and Berdan-primed with twin flash-holes. Headstamp was 71 (the factory) and the date 1982.

Dimensions were as follows:-

Head & rim diameter – 10.43mm
Case diameter at shoulder – 9.53mm
Length, base to shoulder – 34mm
Neck length, above shoulder – 4mm
Neck diameter, external – 6.87mm

The actual length of the case measured was 41.93mm.

When compared to the 7.62x39mm case, it emerges that the 5.8x42mm is smaller; for example the 7.62 has a head/rim diameter of 11.35mm and a shoulder diameter of 10.05mm. Labbett also suggests the 5.8mm dimensions imply rather less case taper than with the 7.62x39mm, though this is not readily apparent from a superficial examination of the Chinese bullpup’s magazine. Clearly, the 1982 date is very early, and we cannot rule out the possibility the 5.8mm round used in the new bullpup is not identical, though Labbett points out that ammunition development cycles are often very long. He also says there is ‘no doubt’ the Chinese started work on a small-calibre project soon after the Russian 5.45x39mm was revealed. Labbett has a 5.45mm case with a 1973 headstamp. Given that we know China has been experimenting for a good many years with several different test calibres, of which the 5.8mm is the only one to emerge outside their research organisations, it is a fair stab (absent any other input) that the 5.8x42mm is probably the cartridge adopted for the new rifle and Light Support Weapon. More later, as soon as we see confirmatory cartridge literature.

As an aside, we feel there is inevitably an element of ‘angels dancing on pinheads’ with this project; we have now had 4.85mm (UK SA80 experimental), 4.7mm (caseless G-11), 5.56mm NATO, 5.7x22mm (GIAT PDW), 5.7x28mm (FN P-90), 6mm (Russian experimental) and finally 5.8mm Chinese, with sundry others in-between. It seems doubtful at best whether the PLA actually needs a new small-calibre cartridge, in particular (bearing in mind the recent Sino-Russian rapprochement) something other than the perfectly adequate 5.45x39mm. And the cost of re-equipment would be mind-blowing; introduction of the UK SA80 cost at least $750m, for a relatively small inventory. Short of some new threat appearing which can only be tackled with a specific new small arms system (not an issue), we still don’t know why they’re bothering, other than to impress us with their technical sophistication.

.50 RIFLES – US NAVY DOING IT THE HARD WAY

Rather than simply placing an order for new rifles to replace its existing .50 M88s, we understand the US Navy is buying McBros receivers & McMillan stocks and mating these with bought-in barrels from various sources, capped off with Navy-made muzzle brakes. In short, the Navy is building its own weapons, using these assorted components. But this is surely a job which should have been awarded entirely to industry?

STEYR 5.56mm USR RIFLE

Steyr-Mannlicher may just be the luckiest company trading into the USA, since it appears to have got 3,000 of its latest USR ‘sporter’ rifles into America just before the latest hoo-ha about thumbhole-stocked ‘sanction-busters’ developed (see Legislation section). Readers may remember that Steyr’s earlier plans to sell the 9mm SPP semi-auto version of its TMP machine pistol into the US were seriously stymied by changes to American assault weapon legislation. The ‘new’ Steyr rifle, first reported on the Internet in late Oct 97 at http://www.subguns.com, incorporates various design changes to meet existing BATF criteria, including a new grey stock with an integrally-moulded loop behind the pistol grip, constituting a ‘legal thumbhole’. Naturally the USR is semi-automatic only; it also has the new AUG-A2 receiver with detachable optical sight.

Barrels, which are 20” long, are technically non-removable and have no flash hiders or bayonet fittings, but we understand from elsewhere that the remnants of the barrel release mechanism still exist and that barrels could therefore be removed using simple tools. Special ten-shot magazines are supplied, to meet US capacity restrictions. Gas systems reportedly cannot be adjusted, and the ergonomics of the cocking handle have been enhanced. The reported retail tag is $2,295, and Steyr’s US importer, GSI, is apparently selling only through two selected American distributors. The Western Firearms Co in Grapevine, Texas (Tel +1(817)481-6616, E-mail: firearm@flash.net) says it has stocks of the USR ready for immediate shipping.

In our view the original AUG is just fine as it is, and any divergence from the military configuration is essentially redundant; however the visual changes evident in the USR are not very major, and as US civil market ‘sporters’ go, this is not a bad-looking item. The same cannot be said of some other brands. But no 5.56mm rifle is worth $2,295.

FN HERSTAL SOLD FOR A FRANC

Defense News reported at the end of Nov 97 that GIAT had finally disposed of its 92% interest in the FN Herstal empire to the Wallonia government in Belgium for a token one French franc. However, Wallonia will have to fork out Bfrs 2.5Bn by way of investment – and also finance FN redundancies. Exactly how this will work out remains to be seen; all the decisions being taken are purely political, and would only seem to be deferring the evil hour when FN folds completely, as we’re convinced it will. No doubt Colt is biding its time for another bite at the cherry.

ISRAELI DELIVERIES TO SLOVENIA

Defense News reported in mid-Nov 97 that the first consignment of Israeli weapons had been sent to Slovenia under a secret 1995 bilateral deal. Diplomatic sources said the deliveries included communications, artillery, mortars and ammunition.

REAL-LIFE PHASER?

The Scottish Daily Mail reported the invention of what it said worked something like the phaser, beloved of Star Trek fans. It is described as a ‘non-lethal immobiliser’ for military & police.

According to the report, A pulsed electrical current travels down a channel of ionised air created by an ultraviolet beam, which has a range of 100 yards. The effects can be tuned to produce anything from muscle contractions to a heart attack. Live long & prosper (maybe!).

ILLEGAL PEN GUNS APPEAR IN UK

There were two incidents in Nov 97 involving .22 calibre pen guns. In the first, reported in The Times, a Ukrainian sailor was fined £500 for possession of one of these weapons after he apparently tried to barter it for a TV set in Falmouth, Cornwall. In the second incident, covered by The Times & others, a similar device, thought to be of Russian origin, was found (with a quantity of drugs) in Strangeways jail, Manchester, by security staff who searched a locker where a visitor had left his personal belongings. The device aroused the suspicion of staff, who had it X-rayed. According to the Manchester Evening News, the gun had a removable tip concealing a .22 chamber, and was fired by a spring-loaded plunger. The paper said the weapon had ‘alarmed police firearms experts who discovered it could kill after they put it through ballistics tests’. Did they really expect it wouldn’t?

IRA AGAIN RECEIVING WEAPONS FROM USA

A report in The Observer in mid-Nov 97 said that .45 MAC10 and 9mm Uzi SMGs have been supplied to the Continuity Army Council (CAC), a breakaway IRA group, by the same US source that helped equip Republican units with Armalite rifles back in the 1970s. Incidentally, the newspaper described the MAC10 as a ‘rifle’ and upped the alarmist quotient by saying that the Uzi ‘can kill at up to 300 yards’. We’ll let the MAC10 error pass; however, having used a scope-equipped MP5 SMG at 300 metres in Sweden while visiting Carl Gustaf AB, we must take issue with the second point. Yes, the theoretical danger area for 9mm ammunition is quite large (about 1500-1800 yards, we recall), but while 200 yards is well within the capability of any 9mm SMG, 300 metres definitely ain’t, without an immensely liberal dose of Kentucky Elevation, extensive prayer and a lot of luck.

ODD BELTED 7.62mm NATO

we saw in the USA recently some belted (disintegrating link) 7.62mm NATO ‘surplus’ ammunition, apparently supplied from Israel, that was a real bag of beans. The loaded cartridges had obviously been pickle-cleaned, and the belts were an eclectic mix of ball, tracer and AP of various different makes and ages (we spotted 1950s-1970s) and in no particular sequence in the belts. We’re perfectly prepared to accept it all probably goes ‘bang’, but we hope it’s ridiculously cheap all the same, since one stuck bullet in a MAG 58 could ruin your day. If you’re buying 7.62mm belted and this mixed bag is not what you expect, check before spending.

WD-40 RUMOURS DISPELLED

An item on the Cybershooters mailing list suggested the lubricant and water-repellant WD-40 might possibly be associated with stress fractures in firearms. We put this point to the manufacturer in San Diego, and it is categorically denied. The WD-40 compay says the product has never been known to have any adverse effect on metals. WD-40 is of course quite widely used by shooters.

MAC10/11 SMG MANUFACTURING PACKAGE STILL BEING OFFERED

Ballistica Maximus Corporation in Florida is still offering the complete tooling, drawings and technical package for production of the Military Armament Corp MAC 10 and MAC 11, SMGs, (originally Ingram). The offer says the package cost was originally $6m, but it is now for sale at $850,000. It is claimed the guns could be made in Third World countries for as little as $5 apiece, which we must say sounds rather low, bearing in mind the likely cost of materials. Anyone getting excited at the prospect of becoming the new ‘Mr Subgun’ should note the sale will require US government approval. The package has been on the market since at least April 95.

(Ballistica Maximus Corp, 3130 W. Lambright Street, Suite 413, Tampa, FL 33614, USA, Tel +1(813)935-0900, Fax +1(813)935-0806, E-mail: RPLMkII@aol.com)

NEW STEYR AUG FIRING PIN KIT

GSI Inc in the USA has issued a notification that Steyr-Mannlicher has modified the firing pin kit for all versions of the AUG rifle and is now supplying just one kit (Steyr part number: 1200040600, GSI part number: AUG 04.24A). This kit comprises a new pin, pin spring, lock spring and a longer lock sleeve. GSI cautions that all the new parts in the kit must be used when replacing the old firing pin components, which should then be ‘discarded’. The reason given for the move is ‘interchangeability’ – the new kit is believed to have been developed as a result of US Customs experience with the AUG.

Apparently early semi-automatic AUGs exported to the US threw up slamfire problems with thin commercial primers, and this blip was rectified by use of a lighter firing pin. Then US Customs bought selective-fire AUGs and reportedly experienced light strikes with military primers as well as slamfires with commercial ammunition. The new pin kit has apparently been developed to eliminate all these glitches. However, there is nothing so far to suggest that users who are quite content with the functioning of their AUGs ‘as is’ need to rush out and replace any parts.

KALASHNIKOV IN SOUTH AFRICA

Several South African sources referred to Mikhail Kalashnikov’s visit there, his first, not least to attend the South African Big Shot Show, a trip the Pretoria News says was hosted by Suburban Guns, local importers of Russian hunting and target weapons. The News said Suburban’s eminent guest was also going to do some hunting during his trip. In recent years various companies have organised trips for Kalashnikov to the US SHOT Show and other events. He has also visited with Bill Ruger Sr, boss of Sturm Ruger & Co, in Arizona, where the two apparently took an immediate liking to each other.

INSIGHTFUL GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

In a recent speech to a Lisbon conference, General John Sheehan (USMC), NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT), made these thought-provoking points:

“If we could at this time shrink the earth’s population to a village of precisely 100 with all existing human ratios remaining the same, there would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere (North and South America), and 8 Africans. Seventy would be non-White, 70 would be non-Christian, 30 Christian. Fifty percent of the entire world wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people. Seventy would be unable to read; 50 would suffer from malnutrition, and 80 would live in sub-standard housing. Only one would have a college education.”

MARINES WON’T TAKE OICW

US sources confirmed what we’d already understood was likely – the USMC is unhappy with the idea of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon as currently proposed, and apparently now has no plan to adopt it. Price, complexity and dubious tactical justification are just three reasons cited. This is a significant piece of news, since it logically makes it that much harder for the army to justify its adoption either. In the middle are some who feel that – rather than scale the OICW on a one for one basis as a straight M16 rifle replacement, there could perhaps be one of two of the new systems in a squad to provide ‘smart’ HE fire support. We would not disagree with this, except that the requirement could probably be met equally well by a semi-automatic grenade-launcher such as the ten-shot Knox/Alliant 30mm or the 40mm pump-action multi-shot from the US Naval Ordnance Station, Louisville (NOSL), both already developed, rather than going to the trouble of reinventing the wheel.

It goes almost without saying that an HE/bullet-firing combination weapon such as the OICW is the hardest way to go, and, in common with most dual-purpose systems, is quite likely to prove less than ideal in either of its main roles. Don’t forget, we’ve pretty much been here before – with the three-shot semi-automatic grenade launcher incorporated into the Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW), another project that took as long to expire as a Wagnerian hero – but croaked eventually, just the same. Its logical successor is the M16 with M203 launcher, another compromise.

ARMED CRIME UP DESPITE OZ SURRENDERS

A piece in the Herald Sun (Australia) revealed that armed robbery in New South Wales increased by over 13% while the government’s gun buyback scheme was under way. For some inexplicable reason, NSW’s gun-toting crooks obviously decided not to participate in the buyback, which has evidently not been quite what one could term a public safety enhancement. Are politicians (and the public) congenitally dense, or what?

Special Warfare: Special Weapons, The Arms and Equipment of the UDT and SEALS, from 1943 to the present,

by Kevin Dockery.
The Emperor’s Press
5744 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, Illinois 60634
(773) 777-7307
ISBN 1-883476-00-3
$29.95 suggested retail.
Review by Chuck Madurski

The U.S. Navy SEALS, and the UDT’s before them, captured the imagination of people because of the unconventional nature of their business and the success they have enjoyed. The guts and the glamour of these men have been well documented (and twisted) in myriad books and movies. However, the readers of this magazine are probably more interested in the wide variety of tools and weaponry employed by the SEALs and UDT’s while working and training. Up until now there has not been any decent reference material to cover this need. Special Warfare: Special Weapons (Specwar / Specweps to you Navspeak lovers) is an important and long needed reference book for those interested in the tools used, (and sometimes rejected) by the world’s most elite fighting men. The first of a planned series of four volumes, volume one covers the individual weapons used by the UDT and SEAL teams from their inception to the present.

This is the first modern subject book from The Emperor’s Press, a small publishing house previously known for its historical books, concentrating mostly on the Napoleonic era. They have certainly put their best foot forward with this edition. The premium features begin with the cover itself which is gold leaf imprinted. This is one book that looks good without it’s dust jacket- but don’t lose it either! While the over-leaves have loads of information on the author, the back features a rare COLOR photograph of early SEAL weapons on display. Notable in the photo is the Model 01 select-fire AR-15 with green furniture, fully curved 30 round magazine, first model 2-ring scope mount, and the rarely seen Colt AR-15 carbine (Model 05).

Far from being his first book, the author, Kevin Dockery initially established his connection with the Naval Special Warfare community with “SEALS in Action”. This was quickly followed by three more successful books: “Point Man” with Chief Watson, “Hunters and Shooters” which was mostly his effort and earlier this year, “Walking Point” again with Watson. In this time, Kevin has forged a unique relationship with the SPECWAR community built on respect, not only for the accomplishments of these warriors, but for researching and writing the truth, ignoring the RUMINT typical in this environment, and most importantly, knowing what lines not to cross. This has allowed him unprecedented access to records, interviews and institutions for research and photography. Research is what a book like this is all about.

Kevin has not let the reader down, either. Here you will find intimate details and minutiae not normally seen in books that cover as much ground as this one does. From the simply named “folding demolition knife” to the previously rumored but unknown H&K P-11 underwater pistol, he has done his homework well. And he has done all of this without compromising anyone, or any classified data.

Kevin’s eye for detail is also important behind the camera. He took most of the weapons photographs in the book himself, and being a long-time enthusiast, he knew the importance of good detail and proper views. Over 700 photographs were originally prepared for the book but time and costs narrowed the number down to the best 200+ you see here. Just as vital, the captions are a change from the usual “this is a gun” type too often seen. Instead you are treated to exquisite descriptions and detail. Case in point, the previously mentioned back cover photo is reprinted in black and white inside the book and has an over 200 word description itself. The captions and photos alone are worth the price of
the book.

The book is presented in chronological order and according to the weapon’s relative effective range or destructiveness, with knives as the first subject. From the everyday to the esoteric, little if anything has been missed. Information is even included on how many manufacturers (usually falsely) manage to advertise their products as “SEAL issue”. The book flows smoothly through handguns and smgs on through to finish with rifles and grenades. Suppressed arms are nicely covered in the sections dealing with the base weapons. Of special interest is the information on underwater capable weapons.

Much more than just a gaggle of facts and numbers, the information is presented in the narrative style so effectively used in “Walking Point”. Additionally, the text is liberally interspersed with anecdotal accounts and quotes from official sources, including Team history. This book is full of the kind of information you win bar bets with.

If you think something is missing because the famed Stoner 63 system is not included, there is nothing to worry about. In order to give that subject the space it is due, it was decided to include that info in the machinegun chapter intended for the second book in the series. This will be the most extensive coverage of the Stoner 5.56’s yet (single subject books excluded). I can hear some now:”yeah, right, when?!”. Well, it is just about done, with the third and fourth books well into the planning stage. Some of the other interesting stuff to look out for will be the section on 40mm grenades and their delivery systems. This will be the most complete information on the subject in one place to date. Also, all subsequent volumes will feature addendums updating the information in the previous books as materials are declassified. Seems like there is plenty to look forward to.

Other than a couple of minor typographical errors, nothing keeps me from giving this book my highest recommendation. As a matter of fact, I paid retail for my already dog-eared copy. I believe Special Warfare: Special Weapons will become an indispensable part of any Special Warfare or weapons enthusiast’s library.

Trio of Gun Books Offer

Valuable Reading
Reviewed by Robert Hausman

Krause Publications (700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990) has recently released three gun book titles of interest to all firearms aficionados.

First off, the 1998 Edition of Gun Digest, the most widely read and best selling gun book in the world, contains a variety of new, informative articles as well as specifications and current retail prices for thousands of firearms. Now in its 52nd annual edition and running 544 pages, the first half consists of articles dealing with a broad range of historical, technical and informational firearms subjects. There are details on the famous Hornet rifles of the Springfield Armory, Mauser’s World War I anti-tank rifle, the shot that changed the course of the Revolutionary War, the mystique of killing power, and the evolution of the holster in the United States.

Gun Digest’s second half, consists of a catalog of all firearms, scope mounts, and ammunition currently manufactured in or imported to the US, complete with detailed specifications and up-to-date retail prices. Also featured is a comprehensive bibliography of current arms books, complete with brief descriptions and prices; a listing of periodical publications; and a directory of arms associations in America and abroad.

Topping off the Gun Digest package is a complete directory of manufacturers of firearms related products, listed alphabetically and providing addresses, phone and FAX numbers, all cross-referenced by product type or specialty.

ABC’s of Reloading

Firearms enthusiasts interested in obtaining information on the latest and safest techniques available for customizing ammunition need look no further than the new edition of The ABC’s of Reloading, 6th Edition. Spanning 288 pages, it offers step-by-step instructions for proper and accurate reloading in chapters including such topics as basic safety and common mistakes, necessary equipment and components, cartridge case types and dynamics, primers, powders, and bullets. Other chapters walk the reader through the basics for novices and advanced procedures for seasoned veteran handloaders. Hundreds of up-close, detailed photographs allow readers to see in detail the proper equipment,procedures, and results.

Handloader’s Digest

Over the past 30 years, the number of handloaders has risen from tens of thousands to over 6 million, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, as more and more shooters discover they can enjoy their hobby and save money to boot. And Handloader’s Digest has filled their needs through 17 editions.

This latest book has its front half filled with features such as “Wildcatting the 9.3,” “What’s New on the Loading Bench,” and “.308 Winchester-Still First Rate With Cast Bullets.” The back half of the 480-page book contains one of the most complete reloading catalogs ever produced with loading presses, dies, components, bullet molds, swaging tools, and accessories, all with current prices and intelligently organized.

There is a special section on new products and alphabetical listings by manufacturer of all currently available related handloading tools. Also included is a reference section covering powder burn rates, measured case powder densities, and SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute) industry cartridge specifications. Data for producing over 350 selected handloads is presented with detailed ballistics. As if all of the foregoing is not enough, The Handloader’s Marketplace section contains an exhaustive Directory of the Handloading Trade, and a handloader’s book directory, as well as listings of reloading organizations and periodicals.

All considered, the three volumes would make a worthy addition to any shooter’s bookshelf.

Gatling Style Designs: Past & Present

From the Robert Bruce Collectiion
Credit: Robert Bruce. Copyright 1998 (ROBERT BRUCE PHOTOGRAPHY).

Editor’s Note: Robert regrets that he cannot handle individual requests for photographs. However, publishers, documentary film makers, etc. are encouraged to contact him for information on use of archive images in his extensive collection. Send a stamped self-addressed envelope and details on intended use to ROBERT BRUCE PHOTOGRAPHY, PO Box 482 SAR, Sandston, VA 23150 USA.

I first met Rich Pugsley at Knob Creek Range in 1989. Kenny Sumner had recently built the pole barn, but hadn’t added the extensions that are present now. In the middle of the barn, I caught a glimpse of deep blue steel, the rich hue of hickory and ash, and everywhere the glimmer of polished brass. I knew that I beheld the work of a dedicated craftsman. I went to investigate. Rich Pugsley introduced himself. Rich then showed me around the 1874 45-70 Gatling gun on full combat chassis that the had just built. Beside it rested a half scale 9mm Gatling on a naval mount. The 9mm gun sported a proportioned 9 mm Accles drum. Beside the Navy Gatling rested two 9mm Accles drum cases built of fine wood with authentic strapping.

Rich then told me the story of how his guns came to be. He reached under his display table and came up with an Accles drum in 45-70. Rich then hauled out his photograph album. It held numerous pictures of the Gatling gun company that he had just bought. Rich stated that he had to bet his money and his skilled hands that he could succeed. Rich didn’t blink. He bought the company and moved to Nebraska. In the freedom of that western state, Rich Pugsley still operates The Thunder Valley Gatling Gun Company, a Class 2 manufacturer and maker of Richard Gatling’s guns. Rich did so for two reasons. First, he remained confident that he would succeed. Second, and more importantly, he passionately wanted to recreate the guns of Dr. Richard Gatling. For his craftsmanship and knowledge, and for these two reasons, Rich Pugsley is my kind of gunman.

The Doctor Operates

Richard Jordan Gatling came to earth in 1818. Before he left this earth in 1903, Mr. Gatling had invented agricultural machinery, become a medical doctor, and invented the gun that bears his name. Herein we concern ourselves with the latter two of Dr. Gatling’s accomplishments. Richard Gatling entered the medical profession in the belief that he could help relieve human suffering. He brought this heartfelt belief to the invention of his gun. He perceived that he could build a gun so terrible that men would know of it and never again go to war. He did invent and build the gun that bears his name. He produced it for many years. As the reader knows, mankind accepted Richard Gatling’s gun but ignored his lofty perception.

After some hits and misses, Richard Gatling patented his gun in 1862. Though available at that point, the Gatling gun saw very limited use in the War Between The States. In the post war Navy, and in the adventuresome west, the Gatling gun came into its own. Rich Pugsley builds a full-sized replica of the 1874 model Gatling gun in 45-70. This gun employs the standard rifle cartridge of the day. In combat, the Army used the gun as a field piece. Each gun carried a complement of eighteen men. Additionally, each gun carried both a limber and a caisson.

In 1876 General George Armstrong Custer made one of his worst career moves. He failed to take his Gatling guns. George Custer thought that the Gatling guns might slow him down. Among other quarry, The General hunted the Souix and Cheyenne on The Greasy Grass. Unfortunately, on June 25, 1876, he found them. Though the resulting mortal combat may have been Custer’s last one, it wasn’t much of a “ stand.”

At the end of production, Dr. Gatling produced some electric powered models. Early on, he had searched for a substitute for hand cranking. In the fullness of time, the doctor devised a system of simple pulleys and wheels that drove the firing mechanism. These guns actually worked very well. Lack of reliable and available electric power proved their downfall. Battery technology struggled in its infancy. Few battlefields possessed convenient hook-ups for drop cords. As we fast forward more than a century, electricity presents no problem. This brings us to the craftsman Rich Pugsley and his thoroughly intriguing gun. Elsewhere in this issue, our writers will explain the technical marvels of the mini gun. The following tells of unique example. Rich Pugsley built what may be the most interesting “A ticket” ride at the Spring Knob Creek Shoot.

Mr. Pugsley’s Gun

As a Class 2 professional, Rich Pugsley felt naturally drawn to the mini gun. He wanted to build the end all of the Gatling gun while giving a nod to the genius of Dr. Gatling. Nothing could be more natural than a mini gun mounted on an authentic Gatling field chassis. Mr. Pugsley knew that the 1874 mount would need some modification to accommodate the modern gun. Rich stated that he spent a lot of chair time on this project. He laid out certain requirements for the gun, then thought long and hard about how best to achieve them. Rich wanted non-binding traverse, and a low center of gravity. He also wanted two-handed gunner control, and easy serviceability. Finally, Rich Pugsley wanted to give a nod to history. Rich concluded that the chassis held the key to all five goals.

The chassis yoke presented him with an interesting challenge. This yoke determined the scale of the whole gun. On Dr. Gatling’s original chassis, the yoke held the gun with a box flanked on each side. These boxes, called ‘egg crates’, held stick magazines for the Gatling gun. Rich knew that he would mount the mini batteries and feeder in the boxes. He also knew that the steel braced yoke would traverse with the gun, thereby keeping the batteries and feeder aligned with the weapon. He determined the width of the yoke by establishing the size of the battery box. Rich went to Sears, where he measured two deep cycle marine batteries. He then added sufficient space for the electrical connections. These measurements established the dimensions of the battery box. He then fabricated the feeder box as an exact twin. This, coupled with the gun positioning, determined the width of the yoke. From the mini gun scaled yoke, all else followed.

Rich first lowered the center of gravity on the 1874 Gatling chassis. Though similar in appearance to the 1874 model, Rich’s mini gun chassis differs in dimension and slinging. The .308 mini gun’s needs dictated this difference. Rich dropped the center of gravity by re-configuring the 1874 chassis, and underslinging it. This arrangement afforded easy access to the yoke mounted mini gun. He then built a superstructure of hand fabricated, cold rolled steel. and covered the superstructure with hand polished oak. The rich hue and graceful lines of the underslung oak chassis mask the massive steel structure that nestles inside it. Rich then added a brass Gatling gun seat for the gunner. He sand cast all six parts for the seat. Rich then assembled and finished the six brass pieces into a single unit.

There is a fascinating story to the carriage. The dishing and outward cocking of the wheels was part of an 18th Century suspension system. The wheels mount solidly to the axles, and must flex slightly during travel. A rut or wide ditch would shatter wheels that stood perfectly straight. These wheels give slightly under high stress or heavy loads. On impact they flex and cushion the blows to the axles and hubs. The well-crafted wheels feature a one-piece steel rim around the wood filly, joined by a single weld. Their black patina sets off the beautifully crafted oak and hickory wheels.

Rich Pugsley takes no credit for the wheels. Instead, he turned to craftsmen who have fabricated circular works of art since the 18th Century. Rich generously gives both credit and praise to the Amish craftsmen at the Holmes Wheel Company in Holmesville, Ohio. Two men with the same last name have crafted wheels for him. One of these men built the huge wheels for Rich’s two inch Hotchkiss revolving cannon. Those who viewed this mammoth gun at the Spring 97 Knob Creek Shoot will verify that its scale deceives. Seen at a distance, the graceful lines of this behemoth belie its 3000 pound weight. The other man crafted the wheels for the Gatling mini. As the reader may view in the photographs, the Gatling mini’s wheels offer the same gentle lines. These wheels stand in sturdy tribute to the followers of Jacob Amman. Their fine lines give silent testament to the generational craftsmanship and abiding faith of the Amish people.

The Remembered Past

Until the very end of World War I, guns of rapid fire served as adjuncts to artillery. On first viewing the Gatling mini, I thought of two men from history that should have fired such a gun. I first thought of John Pelham, cannoneer of the Army of Northern Virginia. At Malvern Hill, Confederate units attacked massed Union guns before the arrival of sufficient artillery. John Pelham committed his Tredegars to the fray. Outgunned fifteen to one, he dueled the Union artillery until incoming fire disabled all of his guns. Among those on Pelham’s side of the field was Henry Burroughs Holliday, father of “Doc”, Holiday.

At Fredericksburg, John Pelham disobeyed orders and hauled his guns to a completely exposed position on Marie’s Ridge. From there, The Great Cannoneer poured fire into the advancing Union lines. Excellent shooting by Union artillerists disabled several of Pelham’s guns, but could not dissuade him. Only when he ran out of ammunition did Pelham pull back to the lines of Thomas Jackson. The Foot Cavalry of The Blue Eyed Killer cheered the daring young Pelham. Among those who cheered The Gallant Pelham was this writer’s great, great grandfather, John Adams Burroughs.

Another who cheered would become, during his long lifetime, one of Georgia’s most beloved and respected Confederate Veterans —William H. ‘Bill’ Yopp, a Black Confederate of the 14th GA. Bill Yopp now sleeps forever amongst his fellow Cavaliers in the Confederate Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia. Holliday, Burroughs, and Yopp would survive the war. They, like Pelham, gave their all to valiantly defend the Valley of The Daughter of the Stars. Unlike them, the Gallant Pelham would fall mortally wounded near The Daughter’s outstretched arms — March 17, 1863. Readers who have not studied Bob Lee’s boy cannoneer should know that others have, including Erwin Rommel. The “turned down” 88s in North Africa came from John Pelham.

I then thought of another brave soldier under Confederate command some three years before our current millennium. At the outbreak of the Spanish American War, President William McKinley called upon the unrepentant cavalryman “Fighting Joe Wheeler”. General Wheeler donned a blue uniform and did his duty. Theodore Roosevelt volunteered to serve under Leonard Wood in Wheeler’s Command. Teachers in the government schools label Theodore Roosevelt as a blue blood New Yorker from Sagamore Hill. As usual, that is only half true.

The other half of Roosevelt’s blue blood flows from Bulloch Hall in Roswell, Georgia. Margaret Mitchell would later use Bulloch Hall and TR’s mother Mitti Bulloch as inspiration in part for Tara and Scarlet. A contemporary described the President’s mother thusly,’beautiful as she was spirited and courageous’. TR’s beloved ‘Uncle Jimmy’ was none other than James Bulloch, London head of Confederate Secret Service. Jimmy Bulloch built the sloop of war C.S.S. Alabama under the noses of Union spies. He then smuggled her out of Liverpool. Bulloch’s younger brother Irvine served on Alabama’s decks. Another uncle made General at age twenty-six, with the Army of Northern Virginia. When Leonard Wood moved up in Cuba, Major General Wheeler made a fateful decision. General Wheeler handed the reins of the Rough Riders to Col. Roosevelt. Joe Wheeler did so because he knew Teddy Roosevelt to be a fighter and a leader of men. The Major General also knew from whence he came.

The Regular Army sent four 30-40 Krag chambered Gatling guns to 5th Army Corps in Tampa, Florida to aid the invasion of Cuba. These guns formed a battery under the direction of Lt. John Henry Parker, West Point Class of 1888. After landing, the Rough Riders and the black troopers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry set out to free the port of Santiago. John Parker muscled his guns over the same rough roads traveled by the dismounted cavalry units. John Parker’s Gatlings slowed down no one. Parker threw his Gatlings into the fray at both Kettle and San Juan Hills. At the Battle of San Juan Hill, his Gatlings raked the block house that overlooked the Americans and Santiago Bay.

So impressive was Parker’s covering fire during the foot charge up San Juan Hill that, throughout the rest of his life, he carried the name ‘Gatling Parker’. So dreaded were the black soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry that the Spaniards called them ‘Shadow Yankees’. Their bravery under fire helped swing the tide of battle. Joe Wheeler found the black soldiers’ heroism completely unsurprising, having commanded an integrated unit during the War Between the States. After his service in Cuba, John Parker wrote two books on machine gun tactics, considered far ahead of their time. John Milius and Tom Berenger captured most of the above, and more, in their brilliant film ‘Rough Riders’-now available on video from Turner Network Television.

Had Gatling Parker a Rich Pugsley gun, Spanish buttons would have pinned themselves even closer to the ground. Perhaps Bucky O’Neil would have seen Prescott, Arizona once again. Perhaps he and others would have rejoiced in the new millennium. One finds history filled with what if and what was. That explains in part why we reach back to enhance the things of today. When Rich Pugsley built his gun, he reached back to our honored past. The finishing touches, as well as the carriage, come from history. These touches complement his mini gun that comes from the present.

The Finishing Touches

Rich Pugsley added a pair of angled M-16 pistol grips to the mini gun. These grips provide the gunner with two-hand control. These angled grips suggest the grips on the Jap 92 heavy machine gun. Rich then added the linnet to the tail piece. On an 1874 Gatling, the linnet attaches to the gun’s limber. Rich then added the windage pole socket. In the latter half of the 19th Century, gunners like Gatling Parker planted a pole in the socket. With a hefty lift, they could quickly shift the firing position of the gun.

With all work done from the gun barrels down, Rich still wanted something extra to finish the Gatling mini. For his final touch, Mr. Pugsley consulted with Mr. Paul Reed of Navy Arms. From Mr. Reed, Rich secured a reproduction brass tube telescopic sight. Mr. Reed selected a sight featured on the Navy Arms distance rifles used in Cowboy Action Shooting. With the Navy Arms scope, Rich Pugsley’s Gatling mini became complete. This finished gun now stands as yet another example of the old style craftsmanship still practiced at the Thunder Valley Gatling Gun Company.

Dorothy, You’re Not In Kansas

he preceding tells of an intriguing gun, as interesting to view as it is to fire. In other magazines an article such as this would have slammed shut two sentences ago. Many readers probably abandon hope that they may ever view or touch such a gun. Despair not. Always remember that you are reading the Small Arms Review. Within these pages we try to provide the cure for what ails you. The following may offer just the medicine that you need.

Rich Pugsley vows to return to the Knob Creek Range. Mr. Pugsley and his gun will be counted present for the April ’98 Show and Shoot. At that shoot, as he did at the last one, Rich Pugsley will sell rides on the Gatling mini. For you, the reader, we offer simple instructions. Pack your ear and eye protection and head for Kentucky. Arrive at the Knob Creek Range on April 17 — 19, 1998. Belly up to the orange fence and watch the excitement. If you wish to sit on the brass seat and drive the Gatling mini, Mr. Pugsley will oblige you. Rich will seat you on the past and hand you the triggers of tomorrow. Bring a friend and a video camera to capture the moment. You should know that this “A ticket” will not be cheap. That being said, this writer remains confident that Rich Pugsley and the Gatling mini will give you one hell of ride.

Plaudits to Don Thomas for additional research. Kudos to Bulloch Hall, Harvard University, and Turner Network Television for their able assistance. The writer from Georgia sends thanks to the drummer from Texas, Gary Busey, for his portrayl of Joe Wheeler. Special thanks to my grandmother Kate Burroughs Cartledge (1888 — 1993) and her grandfather John Burroughs (1823 — 1911) of Burroughs Plantation, Madison County, Georgia from whom some of the above came.

Sources:

Rich Pugsley
Thunder Valley
Gatling Gun Co.
P.O. Box 97
Palmyra, NE 68418
402-828-4275

‘Rough Riders’ video
by Turner Network Television
1050 Techwood DR
Atlanta, GA 30318
1-800-523-0823

‘Mornings on Horseback’
TR book by David McCullough
Bulloch Hall
180 Bulloch AVE
Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-1731

‘The Gallant Pelham’
David Brady
Columbus Armory
1104 Broadway
Columbus, GA 31901
706-327-1424

Forgotten Confederates
Black Soldiers in Grey
by Kelly Barrow
P.O. Box 1314
Thomaston, GA 30286
706-648-4698

Paul Reed
Navy Arms Company
689 Bergen Blvd
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
201-945-2500

An early morning rain to clear out the air, perfect summertime temperatures, and wide open spaces on the Utah/Idaho border – it doesn’t get much better than this for a great shooting experience. My last “business” trip to Utah incorporated a day dedicated to some-long range target shooting, north of the Great Salt Lake near Golden Spike National Historic Site. About 50 miles from this location, my friend Dave introduced me to long range target shooting the Utah way. I was very much spoiled by the fresh air and wide open spaces. Dave was shooting his custom AR-15 flat top, with a custom Hart heavy barrel. Primarily a prairie dog gun, he uses it alongside his bolt gun on his varmint hunting excursions. Sighting our guns in at 400 yards, Dave shot a 3.25 inch 5-shot group with his Remington 700 VSSF. His AR-15 was also shooting very well – around 4 to 5 inches. My 20” heavy barreled Savage .223 was turning out 4 to 5 inch groups at the same distance while shooting Black Hills soft point reloads. Not too bad for shooting off the hood of a truck. After moving out to 500 yards, the wind picked up and our accuracy went to hell, but we still had fun picking off some gallon-sized paint cans.

With today’s manufacturing technologies, competition triggers, and continued improvements in ammunition, one would think a good quality semi-auto should be capable of producing groups more in line with many of the bolt guns available on the market. I wanted to find out on my own what type of accuracy one could expect from a competition AR-15 using off-the-shelf ammunition. I also wanted to know if a utilitarian M-16 carbine with a suppressor could even come close to the semi in the accuracy department. Obviously, better accuracy should be obtainable from the semi-auto. Most full-auto shooters I know do not concern themselves with super-accurate bullet deliveries. The full auto carbine used for our tests had never really been evaluated for base line accuracy with a scope, so we had no idea how it would perform.

The M-16 carbine, we used incorporated a Bushmaster/Sendra registered lower receiver in the M-4, 14.5 inch barrel configuration. The excellent Gemtech Spec-Op .223 suppressor was mounted to the barrel for sound suppression. This rifle has had several thousand rounds fired through it, mostly with the selector set on full auto. It has been a most reliable and utilitarian firearm, but would it compete at all with Bushmasters V Match AR-15 in the accuracy department?

Rifle Basics:

The V Match is Bushmaster’s top-of-the-line match/competition rifle. It comes with a flat top upper receiver, for low scope mounting. The upper is mated with a premium, heavy, hard chrome-lined barrel, which is available in various lengths. A round aluminum handguard provides the freefloating barrel with excellent accuracy potential. The aluminum handguard provides an excellent attachment point for a bipod. A 1 in 9 inch twist rate was selected to stabilize a wide range of bullet weights. With the 1 in 9 inch, everything from the standard 55gr to the heavier 70gr bullets can be used (although high pwer competitors are now going to a 1 in 7 inch twist and 80 grain bullets for 1,000 yard matches-ed). The fluted barrel option can be special ordered for a slight additional charge. The V Match has a storage area in the buttstock where ballistics tables and elevation range cards can be stashed and retrieved for field use. Obviously, the carbine with it’s telescoping buttstock did not have a storage compartment.

The V Match comes without iron sights, and is thus dedicated to scoped shooting. The safe/fire control were easily identified. They are marked on both sides of the receiver, so the shooter can tell what position the selector is in from either side of the rifle. Overall, we were pleased with the workmanship and appearance of the rifle. The installation of the competition trigger on the V Match is recommended for extracting optimum accuracy. We opted to have Bushmaster install the two-stage trigger for us, and pre-set the 2nd stage to 1 lb. letoff. The 1st stage travels about 1/8 of an inch and takes about 3-1/2 lbs. of pull. At the 2nd stage, there was a measured 1-1/2lb. letoff to drop the hammer. With a little practice and familiarity with the trigger, we were off and running. If required, there is a set-screw adjustment in the top of the spring plunger on the safety selector. This can be adjusted to fit the shooter’s desire. Installation and adjustment instructions came with our gun, but we were glad we had the factory install this trigger system. The two-stage trigger is one of the biggest aids to accuracy ever invented.

The M-4 carbine had been set up to utilize Gemtech’s Specop II suppressor. The Specop utilizes a two-point mounting system, and weighs 2.5 pounds. Degree of suppression is factory rated at approximately 35 dB, but varies with barrel length. It is constructed of 304 stainless steel. Gemtech recommends that only full metal jacketed bullets be used with their suppressor, due to potential jacket separation inside the suppressor. The use of any bullet other than FMJ types voids the warranty. For the purpose of our testing, we took the chance of using hollow point, soft point, and ballistic tip ammo. We encountered no functioning problems. To be safe, we would recommend using only FMJ ammunition. This kind of performance speaks well for Gemtech’s products – able to perform under conditions not originally designed for. The only other options that had been added to this firearm were a Hogue pistol grip, and a rubber buttplate for the telescoping stock. Trigger pull has always left something to be desired, but was adequate for the intended use of the rifle.

Tasco’s Super Sniper 20X-42mm scope (SS20X42) was selected for use on both rifles. This is one of Tasco’s top-line scopes, which is vigorously competing with Leupold’s M4 series for the tactical/law enforcement optics market. It is rated for operating conditions from -50 F to +130 F, and altitudes up to 30,000 feet. All lenses are multi-coated for maximum light transmission. The large, external, 1/4 minute click windage and elevation adjustments can be easily operated, even when wearing heavy gloves in extreme cold. The 30mm tube is stronger, and provides about 30% more cross sectional area than the 1 inch tubes, and utilizes a Mil-dot reticle pattern. The Mil-dot is now the standard reticle pattern with all branches of the U.S. armed forces. It is very handy for judging yardage, and in correcting for bullet drop and wind drift. One of the advantages of the large target knobs is that the shooter can mark (or write down) the elevation adjustment settings for specific ranges. Thus the elevation adjustment knob can be rotated for a specific distances such as 100, 200, 300, etc. yards. Eye relief on the SS20X42 is 3.5 inches. The field of view at 100 yards is 6.2 feet. Weight is about 26 ounces. A 10X Super Sniper scope is also available. At about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a comparable Leupold tactical/law enforcement scope, the Tasco offers a lower cost alternative. It will definitely give individuals and law enforcement agencies a quality product for the money. Mounts and rings were provided by B-Square.

On Chrome Lined Barrels:

I have to rely on the folks who are in the business of manufacturing, repairing, and modifying these types of firearms to inform both myself and the shooting community as to what the latest and greatest is concerning barrels. Bushmaster barrels made from 4150 ordinance grade steel and are chrome-lined, which is advertised to increase barrel life. From reading various sources, it has been pretty much concluded that the chrome plating process must be precisely controlled in order to get the plating thickness uniform. Some manufacturers claim that chrome-lining builds in some inherent inaccuracy potential due to inconsistencies in the diameter of the bore. I do not know if this is true or not, but chrome-lining is the choice of the U.S. Military services in their M-16 rifles, and in most foreign countries as well. Chrome is corrosion resistant and takes wear much better under conditions of heat and stress. It dramatically extends barrel life.

Bushmaster performs quality checks through every stage of the barrel manufacturing process. This includes a 100% check of bore and groove size and a visual inspection with a borescope. Barrels are also gauged for straightness. Some recent competition wins took place this year with Bushmaster rifles. The Gold Medal in the Expert Class Team Service Match at Camp Perry, and the Colt Cup at Ft. Devens, Mass. speak for themselves. One advantage of chrome lining is easier break-in requirements. There has been much agreement related to the need for extensive cleaning during the break-in of a rifle barrel. Bushmaster cleaning recommendations are fairly simple fire a couple of hundred rounds to “polish out” the chrome lining. They do not recommend excessive cleaning with solvents or brushing as that will prolong the time (and number of rounds required) to achieve final polishing of the barrel.

I usually only clean my guns when they either malfunction due to being dirty, or when groups start to suffer. So in my case, I believe a chrome-lined barrel is the way to go for me. I’m sure many a barrel has been prematurely worn or damaged from careless use of cleaning rods. Bushmaster claims that their barrels will not require much scrubbing until many thousands of rounds have been fired, and/or groups start to suffer. The M-4 barrel has had approximately 8000 rounds fired through it, mostly on full auto, and has never been cleaned. The only exception is the habit of spraying oil down the chamber/barrel area after full-auto runs. After all these rounds and lack of maintenance, our tests showed that this barrel is still capable of producing less than 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards using a good scope. I’m a believer in chrome-lined barrels.

In the future, advances in metallurgy R&D may produce improvements. The military is always interested in improving the state-of-the-art when it comes to gun barrels. Currently, a cooperative research and development (CRADA) effort is underway by the U.S. Air Force to study ceramic layered barrel inserts to produce better gun barrels. Various materials are being investigated, as well as manufacturing processes, to further improve the state-of-the-art. The goal is to fabricate longer lasting rifled gun barrels. The Navy’s PHALANX Close-In Weapons System (CAWS) is used for protection against anti-ship cruise missiles. Muzzle velocities are 5000 feet per second with barrel bore surface temperatures reaching 2700 F and the surface chromium plating 3300 F. Although advanced materials development is ongoing to improve gun barrel technology, chrome-lining remains the standard for the military. Various projects have been ongoing to test candidate materials for service in high-performance barrels. To maintain tactical advantage, the weapon system must be able to fire farther, faster, and put more rounds on target.

Testing Methodology:

The testing of these rifles was conducted in three major sessions, using 13 different ammunition brands/loads. Using off-the-shelf Federal, Hornandy, Black Hills, Winchester, and Georgia Arms ammunition, we ran the guns through their paces. Session one was conducted on a 100 yard range with each gun. Session two and three were conducted on the same range after break-in of the V Match. We set out to test not only the accuracy of the rifles, but also their ability to hold accuracy when hot from rapid firing. The theory being that bore diameters expand with higher barrel temperatures, thus increasing group dispersions.

My basic procedure for determining the intrinsic accuracy of a rifle system includes shooting 5-shot, not 3-shot averages. I’ve seen too many gun articles use the 3-shot method to help improve their overall numbers. A 5-shot grouping obviously helps measure the rifles ability to hold a grouping better than the 3-shot method. I measure a grouping by determining the distance between centers of the two bullet holes that are the most widely separated, using a digital caliper and a Neil Jones/Custom Products target measuring fixture. I personally measure each group to get more consistent results, and then round-off to the nearest hundredth of an inch.

Session One – After firing about 10 rounds to set our scope, our first string of shots through the V Match produced a 5 shot average of 1.37” using the 13 different factory loadings. We were obtaining some 3-shot averages of less than an inch out of the new gun, so we knew the rifle had potential. Best overall V Match groupings were obtained from the brands in Fig 1. The M-4 carbine was also tested for baseline accuracy. Using the same 13 brands of ammunition, the M-4 produced a 5-shot average of 1.75 inches. One interesting characteristic encountered while using the M-4 and the Gemtech suppressor was the change in impact points from the different ammunition brands. Although all the brands grouped well, the impact points varied by as much as a foot at 100 yards! No tumbling of bullets was encountered, but it stresses the point to settle down to one load for optimum accuracy when using this suppressor. Again, I would recommend settling down with FMJ ammo as suggested by Gemtech. The best groupings were obtained from the brands in fig. 2.

As mentioned earlier, Bushmaster recommends firing around 200 rounds through their guns to “polish-out” the chrome-lining in the barrel. After the first string of shots was accomplished, we placed the V Match upper assembly on the M-16 lower, and shot two hundred rounds of 55gr. full metal jacket through the gun on both semi and full-auto. The gun ran smoothly and without a hiccup during the auto bursts, confirming that chamber and barrel specs were adequate for this type of functioning. Barrel rise was a little more than the M-4 on full-auto, which was probably due to the lack of a muzzle brake. At 25 yards, second round shots were positioned up and to the right about 12” from the first round impact. We allowed the upper to completely cool down, and each brand of ammunition was again tested for accuracy at 100 yards with the following results:

Session Two – Session Two produced 5 shot averages of 1.29” using the same 13 brands of ammo. The best groups were obtained in fig. 3.

The 200 break-in rounds did have a slight impact on the V Match accuracy. Overall, our groups were about 6% smaller than our initial runs. The Federal Premium and Georgia Arms ammo performance was starting to get our attention, producing .67”, .94”, and .98” inch groups.

Wanting to know how heat buildup would affect the accuracy of the rifle, several groups of 100 rounds were fired using a variety of ammunition. Using a Beta C-MAG, groups of 50 rounds were fired at 100 yards using M193 ammo. One 50 round group measured 2.5 inches at this distance, and produced one ragged hole which measured 1.2 inches across. This type of testing can really be the definitive confidence level builder in the gun’s performance. Heat buildup was no problem while firing at a fairly rapid rate up to around 150 rounds. Once we had fired 200 rounds without stopping, the barrel and handguards did become uncomfortably hot to the touch. The rifle seemed to shoot tight groups even when warmed up to this level. Heat buildup generated during this test seemed to have some, but minimal effect on accuracy.

Session Three – We shot approximately 500 rounds through the V Match before returning to the range for final testing to see if things had improved. No cleaning of the barrel had been done during the entire time we had the gun in our possession. The following table summarizes our results. Session three produced 5-shot averages of 1.23”. For an improvement of about 10% over initial runs using the same 13 brands of ammo. We also retested the M-4 carbine with the two previous best performing ammo brands, to provide some averaging data. The data on the best groups obtained is in fig. 4.

Conclusions

With the right ammunition, the V Match rifle is easily capable of producing sub-MOA accuracy. It definitely outperforms it’s M-4 cousin in the accuracy department. Using Federal Premium ammo, the V Match averaged 5-shot groups of 0.91 inches for all three testing sessions. Georgia Arms 55gr Ballistic Tips averaged 0.96 inch groups. The M-4 did perform admirably, producing a best average grouping of 1.33 inches with Georgia Arms 55gr Ballistic Tips. Black Hills Match ammo produced 1.65 inch groups. Those versed in handloading could expect even better results if they were willing to experiment with various loadings. Obviously the M-4 was not designed as a precision shooting instrument, however, its performance was impressive out to 100 yards.

I believe in figuring the accuracy per dollar figure when evaluating a particular firearm. The M-4 was purchased new in 1991, and cost $1895 at the time, not including the $200 NFA tax. The XM15 V Match and the XM15 M-4 carbine manufactured by QPC/BFI clearly demonstrate that their off-the-shelf rifles are capable of producing excellent shooting performance. Both guns have proven that they are capable of accurate bullet delivery. The M-4 can now go back to being utilized as a full-auto blaster whose main purpose is to bust rocks at the local range, and an occasional jungle walk competition. In the case of the V Match rifle, I’ll be taking one with me on my next business trip to Utah. I need to pay another visit those paint cans I left out in the desert, from 500 yards out.

Sources

Bushmaster Firearms/Quality Parts Co.
999 Roosevelt Trail
Windham, ME 04062
1-800-998-SWAT

Tasco
7600 NW 26th Street
Miami, FL 33122-1494
305-591-3670

Federal Cartridge Company
900 Ehlen Drive
Anoka, MN 55303
6112-323-2300

Georgia Arms
PO Box 238
15 Industrial Court
Villa Rica, GA 30180
1-800-624-6861

Black Hills Ammunition
PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709-3090
605-348-5150

Harris Engineering, Inc.
Barlow, KY 42024

B-Square
PO Box 11281
Ft. Worth, TX 76110
1-800-433-2909
Gemtech
P.O, Box 3538
Boise, ID 83703
(208)939-7222 Phone
(208)938-8704 Fax

Hogue Grips
P.O. Box 1138
Paso Robles, CA 93447
1-800-GET-GRIP

The 1997 NFA Subgun Championship match was held the weekend of October 25 & 26 at the Chattanooga rifle Club range in Ooltewa, TN. A look at the first two photos will tell you a lot about the weekend. It rained and rained. Then it rained some more. In spite of the rain we had a good time.

The rain pretty well prevented the evaluation of a new NFA rule change designed to level the playing field among competitors. This year there was to be a penalty for a competitor shooting the match in multiple classes. The idea is that, on your second or third time through the course you will have learned how to better shoot the course based on your earlier runs. Accordingly for an individual’s second run there was to be a percentage time penalty. For third and subsequent runs a slightly higher percentage penalty existed. But with the rain, only a handful of shooters got the opportunity to run the course more than once. There wasn’t a chance to see how well the controversial new rule worked.

The match was hosted by Bill and Cindy Ownbey. They did a tremendous amount of work in preparation for the match.. Overall Top Gun for the shoot was Malcolm Davis with a Colt 9mm SMG. Top Female Shooter was Linda Oleszko shooting a S&W 76. Top Senior “OF” Competitor was Ron Cagle using an MP5. The top shooters in each category follow:

Open Class
1st, Malcolm Davis – Colt SMG
2nd, Tom Carpenter – MP5
3rd, Jim Weaver – MAC11

Modern Class
1st, Paul Winters – Colt SMG
2nd, Scott Jens – UZI
3rd, David Dumaime – MP5

Classic Class
1st, Brad Wyrick – MP40
2nd, Mario Lozi -Swedish K
3rd, Tom Shields -Swedish K

Rapid Fire Class
1st, Wyatt Magnum-M11
2nd, Phillip Horn-Thompson
3rd, Matt Bright -MAC11

For those of you who are politically & socially correct there were at least five women shooters at the match. So when I describe a shooter as “he”, you should interpret my remarks accordingly.

The total course consisted of three stages. Stage one was There’s a Whole Lot of Shooting Goin’ On – a conventional course with seven shooting positions laid out in a horizontal line, and a total of 38 targets, primarily steel. Starting on command from a seated position, the shooter stands, loads and proceeds to a vertical barricade where he engages 5 steel targets. He then moves to position two, where from a kneeling position, he engages 3 pepper poppers, which activate 1 turning and 2 swinging IPSIC style targets. Of course there are no-shoots strategically placed. Then the shooter proceeds to position three, where he carefully lays on his belly and engages 7 steel plates through a hole in the barricade 14” above the ground. Now up and move right to position four where, while standing, you engage 2 metal targets and a popper that activates a trap door. For a fraction of a second, 2 metal plates appear through the trap door. Then they go away. Everything but the plates is a no-shoot. There were a few skilled shooters who got both targets. I was not among that group. Onto position five. While sitting, a mandatory mag change. This is fun on the rain soaked ground. At least in the prone position there was a pad. Now engage 5 steel targets hiding among no shoots. Move on to the tunnel. Upon entering the tunnel (approx. 5 ft. vertical clearance – jockeys, dwarfs and other short people have a real advantage here) you must engage 6 steel targets while continuously moving. No mag changes are allowed in the tunnel. A lot of good shooters got penalties by hesitating for a fraction of a second when they fired. The RO’s were tough but fair on this. Out of the tunnel – move to the last position and point shoot 2 IPSIC targets then a mandatory mag change and engage the stop plate. You’re done. Malcolm Davis aced this stage with a total score of 97.25. The rest of us were far behind.

Stage two was A Stroll in the Park. If it hadn’t been for the rain making the ground (read mud) too treacherous to be safe, this stage would have been no stroll in the park at all. In the end, (for safety) each shooter walked from position to position with the clock stopped. This was the stage for quick, accurate shooters. The stage started from the Rhodesian ready, where you engage 5 steel targets. Now walk 40 yards, and from the shooters weak side, engage 6 steel plates and 1 IPSIC around the barricade. Avoid the no shoots. Walk back to the left and down hill to position 3 – another barricade. From the strong side engage 2 IPSIC targets, avoiding the no choose from) and engage 4 steel targets. Move to position 5, the bridge. While walking on the bridge and without hesitation engage 5 steel targets. Then move to the final position and engage 4 steel targets and the stop plate. People had much less trouble firing on the move here than in the tunnel. Malcolm had the lowest score here too but Tom Carpenter was within a second of his time.

Stage three was, Tarzan where are you? You know, those jungle walks with real jungle complete with the monsoon rains dripping down on you from the trees. This was it. You start from the Rhodesian ready then open a window in the barricade to engage 7 steel targets. You know the RO’s were right. Once you started firing, you didn’t notice the window laying on the top of your head. There were some no-shoots here. Move to position two and engage 5 steel and 3 IPSIC targets. The black steel targets in the dark bush were very hard to see. It helps if you remember how many there were to be shot. Move to position three and around the barricade engage 5 steel targets. Unload. Jump the creek and go up the trail to position 4. Reload and engage 7 steel targets. Proceed to the last position, the command center. Outside the door change magazines. Now throw open the door, rush inside and engage 10 steel targets, then the stop plate while avoiding the no shoots. Sound simple? It wasn’t. Malcolm had the best total score for this stage, by at least 10 seconds.

Despite the rain the competitors enjoyed the challenge, the course, the comraderie, and of course the freedom to engage in this sport. How did I do? You know, there are those of use who make the top half of any group possible. See you at the NFA Nationals next year.