Hearing protection is of paramount importance, since lost hearing cannot be recovered. Typical gunfire measures 150 to 160 decibels, with 140 decibels being the commonly accepted threshold for hearing damage. Cost-effective and readily available foam earplugs provide some attenuation, but that alone may be insufficient (Ylikoski et al., 1995). In addition, environmental factors such as an overhead awning or a barricade can cause reverberations and amplify noise to unsafe levels.

Impetus

The author experienced the amplification effect during a sporting event, when he fired through a tube with his 7.62x51mm rifle and head inside. Despite having tightly fitting foam earplugs, one shot dazed the author and caused temporary deafness in one ear. Other shooters with 5.56x45mm rifles also reported discomfort and disorientation, despite having their heads outside the tube.

This experience prompted the author to seek more robust hearing protection. “Doubling up” with foam plugs and a passive headset helped dramatically, but it also blocked conversations and range commands. MSA Supreme Pro-X electronic hearing protection overcame this by reproducing conversations while providing a passive noise reduction rating (NRR) of 18 decibels (Wonderling, 2015). This article examines both its passive noise protection and active ambient sound reproduction characteristics.

Fit

The MSA Supreme Pro-X is an ear cup design available with both headband and neckband options. The headband version places the band vertically over the head. Although one can wear baseball caps under the ear cups, this arrangement is incompatible with wide-brimmed hats. The neckband option places the main headband behind the skull and features an overhead net as an added measure to keep the ear cups in place. However, the cups still limit how tightly a hat can be worn, therefore chin straps may be necessary. The neckband option is also compatible with some helmets. The thin ear cups did not prevent the author from shouldering his rifles.

Ear cups come with standard foam cushions that can be upgraded to gel seals. Gel seals provide superior comfort and soundproofing, especially for bespectacled users. In addition, MSA offers a hygiene kit that replaces both the seal and the acoustic absorbent. Part number 10061294 replaces the standard foam cushions, while part number 10082377 replaces the gel seals. The head- or neckband cushion and overhead net can be removed for washing.

Electronic Controls

Three buttons on the left ear cup control the electronic sound reproduction. Tapping the middle power button turns on the electronics, while holding it turns them off with a long “beep.” If no buttons are pressed for four hours, the electronics emit a warning tone and automatically shut off. Pressing any button resets the four-hour timer. The “+” and “-” buttons control volume, with sound reproduction capped at 82 decibels to prevent hearing damage. The two highest volume settings amplify environmental sounds. A 3.5mm audio input jack is located at the rear of the left ear cup for use with radios, mobile phones, MP3 players or other devices.

Two forward-facing microphones, one on each ear cup, collect ambient noise for sound reproduction. Pro-X utilizes AAA batteries loaded in the right ear cup via a water-resistant cover.

Audio

The Supreme Pro-X works very well in conjunction with foam earplugs. At high volume settings, one can easily hear conversations and range commands through foam earplugs with little discernible delay. This allows for clear communication while maintaining a high degree of protection. It should be mentioned that, when a firearm is discharged 5 meters away under an awning, the Pro-X will reproduce the gunshot echo. This is notable even at the lowest volume setting. While a nuisance for range use, this serves as a testament to the sensitivity of the microphones.

The dual microphones offer credible stereo sound. One can easily discern direction from high off-boresight sources. The author felt oscillations in directionality with a source directly ahead reproduced at the highest volume setting. This effect is not noticeable when used in conjunction with foam earplugs.

The audio quality of the reproduced sound may not rival that of studio recordings, but it is quite good for everyday use. Voices are reproduced faithfully, so that different speakers can be identified by voice. When listening to the Trauermarsch of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, the author noted a “scratchy” treble and the removal of bass elements, whether the music was electronically reproduced or played directly through the audio jack. However, this quibble is inconsequential given the primary role of the Pro-X for hearing protection.

Noise Reduction

MSA Pro-X is certified to an NRR of 18 decibels for the headband version and 19 decibels for the neckband version (Wonderling, 2015). This is comparable to foam earplugs (Ylikoski et al., 1995).

The author performed some rudimentary qualitative comparisons. Against the high-pitch noise of an electric leaf blower, the Pro-X seems as effective as foam earplugs, while “doubling up” provides further noticeable—but not significantly greater—attenuation. Against high-pressure gunshots, as achieved with .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition or a short-barrelled 5.56x45mm rifle, the author also felt that the thin ear cup design of the Pro-X did not attenuate as well as deep cup designs. Nonetheless, the Pro-X with foam earplug combination seemed to deliver markedly superior attenuation while facilitating a high degree of situational awareness.

The following plot shows attenuation with respect to frequency from the user manual.

Conclusion

MSA Pro-X offers an excellent combination of hearing protection and situational awareness. Environmental sound reproduction faithfully reconstructs the human voice and provides a good sense of source direction, even when used in conjunction with foam earplugs. The passive hearing protection provides an NRR of 18 decibels and combines with foam earplugs to give superior protection. The Pro-X is an excellent investment to protect hearing, especially for the author who enjoys his Shostakovich as much as his rifles.

References

Wonderling, J. (2015, July 6). “MSA Declaration of Conformity in Accordance with ANSI/ISEA 125-2014 IAC-09-014-ANSI-Z04_r1.” Cranberry Township, PA: MSA. Retrieved from http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/IAC-09-014-Z04-ANSI_CAL_r1

Ylikoski, M., Pekkarinen, J.O., Starck, J.P., Pääkkönen, R.J., & Ylikoski, J.S. (1995). “Physical characteristics of gunfire impulse noise and its attenuation by hearing protectors.” Scandinavian Audiology, 24(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.3109?/01050399509042203

“Entry level” Submachine Gun Presents Many Versions to Choose From

The MAC submachine guns are considered by many as an inexpensive “entry level” choice. However, inexpensive is hardly a word that can be used to describe any transferable machine gun today.

MACs, because of their high cyclic rate, are thought of as bullet hoses that are able to consume large quantities of ammunition in a very short period of time. Being a spray and pray type of submachine gun, the diminutive weapons are often viewed as merely a novelty item. Unfortunately, the novelty of quickly expending hundreds of rounds of ammunition wears off quickly. The time spent loading the magazines can also become wearying. However, there are a few folks that find dumping a magazine from a fast-cycling MAC an exhilarating experience.
Various devices and components for reducing the MAC’s cyclic rate have been conceived since MACs hit the market in the 1970s. The most successful have been those of Lage Manufacturing LLC. Not only have Lage products made the MACs more ergonomic and tamed their cyclic rate, they have also made MACs very popular.

Lage’s MAC products have been covered in previous SAR articles. This piece is to review what is available to those interested in adding a MAC to their collection.

In addition to the original MACs made in Powder Springs and Marietta, Georgia, there have been several other companies that have manufactured the basic design since the original Military Armament Corporation went bankrupt in 1976.

The MAC submachine guns are usually identified by the address or addresses marked on their lower receivers:

Military Armament Corp Powder Springs, GA
Military Armament Corp Marietta, GA
Military Armament Corp Powder Springs / RPB Industries Inc., Atlanta, GA (double stamp)
Military Armament Corp Marietta, GA / RPB Industries Inc., Atlanta, GA (double stamp)
RPB Industries Inc., Atlanta, GA
Military Armament Corp, Stephenville, Texas
SWD Incorporated, Atlanta, GA
Military Armament Corp, Stephenville, Texas / SWD Incorporated, Atlanta, GA
Jersey Arms Works Inc., Westmont, NJ
When shopping for a MAC, there are several caliber choices.

The .45 Caliber Model 10

The MAC in .45 caliber has several features that would make this variant an attractive choice. The .45 caliber MAC was designed by the Military Armament Corporation to use surplus 30-round GI M3 submachine gun “grease gun” magazines, which were plentiful and inexpensive. However, it was designed to accept only M3 magazines that had been modified at the MAC factory. The .45 caliber MAC submachine gun has several advantages over its 9mm counterpart. If a suppressor is used, 230-grain .45 caliber ammunition is inherently subsonic, so no special ammunition is needed to prevent the “crack” generated when supersonic ammo exceeds the speed of sound. According to MAC literature, the minimum cyclic rate is 950 rounds per minute. Its weight with a loaded 30-round magazine is 8.4 pounds.

The .45 caliber MAC, because of its large magazine well, can be easily converted to fire 9mm ammunition if desired. Conversion kits are available, consisting of a magazine well adapter and a 9mm upper receiver and bolt that is easily installed or removed. The 9mm magazines are the same as those used for the 9mm Model 10. However, a MAC submachine gun converted to 9mm may not always be 100 percent reliable.

As mentioned above, the .45 MAC uses plentiful and relatively inexpensive surplus M3 magazines. An aftermarket magazine catch, which allows both MAC-modified and unmodified M3 magazines to be utilized, is available commercially.

The Downside

Caliber .45 ammunition is more expensive than 9mm and makes the loaded MAC slightly heavier. In full-auto fire, the .45 is slightly harder to control than the 9mm model. The double-stack, single-feed magazines are hard to load to capacity by hand, a magazine loader makes the task much easier. The factory-supplied loader is an original M3 GI issue with a MAC logo engraved on it.

The 9mm Model 10

Also manufactured was the MAC 10 in 9mm. As with the .45 caliber model, existing magazines were chosen instead of designing a new one. The 32-round magazine was that originally made for the Walther MPL submachine gun and, as with the .45 M3 magazine, was modified to fit. The Walther/MAC magazines are easy to load because of their double-stack, double-feed design. The 9mm ammunition is generally less expensive than the .45 caliber. The 9mm MAC is slightly easier to manage during full-automatic operation. According to MAC literature, the cyclic rate of the 9mm is the same as that of the .45 caliber model, a minimum of 950 rounds per minute. A loaded 9mm MAC is approximately three-quarters of a pound lighter than its .45 caliber counterpart; its weight with a loaded 32-round magazine is 7.62 pounds.

The Downside

The 9mm Walther magazines are expensive. There are a number of aftermarket magazines; some work in certain guns, some do not. For the best reliability, the Walther magazines are recommended.

If you use a suppressor with a 9mm MAC, subsonic 9mm ammunition is needed to prevent the sonic “crack.”

The 9mm MAC cannot be converted to .45, as the magazine well is too small. To remove the problem of the expensive 9mm magazines, some owners have opted to have their MAC submachine guns converted to use less expensive magazines.

UZI Magazine Conversions

To address the shortage and expense of original Walther magazines for the 9mm Model 10, the UZI magazine well conversion was conceived. The conversion offered the M10?/9mm owner the ability to use the plentiful and inexpensive double-stack, double-feed UZI magazines that are available in 20-, 25- and 32-round configurations. The downside of the conversion is that it requires the original magazine well to be cut off, the UZI well to be welded onto the receiver and a refinish to be performed.

The Grease Gun Magazine Conversion

Another option for owners of Ingram M10?/9mm submachine guns to address the magazine shortage/expense problem is to convert their weapons to .45 caliber with an M3 “grease gun” magazine well conversion. To complete the conversion, a .45 caliber upper receiver and bolt assembly are needed. This conversion permanently converts a 9mm Model 10 to a .45 caliber configuration that uses inexpensive “grease gun” magazines.

The downside to either conversion is the possibility of the weapon losing any future collector appeal.

After MAC declared bankruptcy, RPB began manufacturing Model 10 and Model 11 submachine guns and associated accessories. RPB subcontracted their magazine work out to Component Metal Products during this period, who produced 40- and 10-round magazines for the .45 caliber Model 10 and M11 magazines.

The M11 .380 Caliber MAC

Gordon Ingram developed another variation of his basic design, which was even more compact than the original Model 10. The new .380 caliber submachine gun was chronologically designated the Ingram Model 11 or simply the M11. Weighing in at 4.62 pounds with a loaded 32-round magazine, the new Model 11 was nearly half the weight of the loaded .45 caliber Model 10. The M11 has a very fast cyclic rate of 1,200 to 1,600 rounds per minute.

Early Model 11 .380 caliber submachine guns manufactured at the Military Armament Corporation plant were marked “9MM AUTO.” After a brief period, a letter “K” suffix was added to designate it as “Kurz” or “short.” Still, the “9MM” markings caused confusion. To finally address the caliber confusion situation, subsequent production M11s were marked “.380 CAL,” and many of the unsold guns were remarked.

Like the Model 10, there are several variations of the Model 11. The primary differences include the size of the magazine well and the magazines. Powder Springs, Marietta and RPB M11s and RPB M11A1 submachine guns have small magazine wells for steel magazines. The SWD M11A1s have a larger magazine well designed for the Zytel plastic magazines used in SWD’s M11/NINE.

Model 11/.380 Magazines

The original .380 caliber Ingram Model 11 manufactured by the Military Armament Corporation used double-stack, single-feed steel magazines. The followers of original magazines were also made of steel. Most of the original magazines were marked on the front edge of the magazine body with the Cobray snake logo, with the word “MAC” on top and a number underneath. The M11/.380 magazines were made in 16- and 32-round configurations and have a blue finish. Like most single-feed designs, the M11/.380 magazines are difficult to load without a loading tool. A magazine loader was available that was a scaled-down version of the .45 caliber M3 grease gun magazine loader. Original MAC-era magazines for the M11/.380 can be difficult to locate and are expensive.

Most of the M11/.380 magazines manufactured during the RPB/SWD era were made by subcontractor Component Metal Products. The CMP magazines were marked with only a Cobray snake logo or a stylized CMP logo. The magazines were made in 16- and 32-round configurations.

Other aftermarket magazines have been manufactured, but their quality and reliability vary, particularly when considered for use in a submachine gun. Recently manufactured aftermarket magazines often have cartridge followers made of plastic. Because not many Model 11 submachine guns were manufactured, there are fewer magazine options than for the Model 10.

The SWD M11/NINE

The M11/NINE was a basic MAC design manufactured by SWD during the 1980s. The 9mm SWD M11/NINE has often been incorrectly referred to as a MAC 11. This is technically incorrect, because MAC (Military Armament Corporation) never produced them. The M11/NINE has become one of the most popular “MAC-type” submachine guns, due to its small size and huge array of aftermarket upgrades.

One of the drawbacks of the M11/NINE (and the SWD .380 caliber M11A1) is its problematic “space age” Zytel magazines. However, that problem has been resolved by some excellent aftermarket magazines, such as the Shockwave ZMAG.

RECOMMENDED READING

THE MAC MAN: Gordon B. Ingram and His Submachine Guns
Chipotle Publishing, LLC
www.smallarmsreview.com

What is a thread-locking compound, and what is its purpose? Thread-locking compounds are designed to prevent threaded fasteners from becoming loose when exposed to vibration and other counter-torquing forces that cause the screw or nut to back away from its tightened seat. Ultimately, this circumstance results in mechanical failure if thread-locking measures are not taken. This is a common phenomenon seen in all engines/motors, mechanical devices of all purposes and—yes, that’s right—firearms. While thread-locking compounds are employed in firearms for many purposes, the most common is to lock the screws used in rail and scope mounts.

Numerous thread-locking compounds are available online and from gun, automotive and hardware stores. In general, thread-locking compounds are adhesive-based, cure anaerobically and only work on metal threaded surfaces. The majority are formulated for specific ranges of temperature and pressure.

Most thread-locking compounds require the application surfaces to be near perfectly clean in order to achieve adequate surface bonding for proper thread-locking performance. They are additionally formulated for permanent performance where a screw, bolt or nut will likely never need loosening, and for semi-permanent performance where a screw, bolt or nut will probably need to be unfastened for maintenance or loosened for readjustment. In either case, when disassembled, residual thread-locking compound must be entirely removed from the metal surfaces where it was previously applied, prior to any reapplication in the reassembly process. Those of us who have experienced this disassembly, cleaning and reapplication process can affirm that the process is somewhat meticulous and absolutely time-consuming.

Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate, manufactured in the USA by ND Industries, with headquarters in Clawson, MI, entirely resolves the above issues. VC-3 utilizes a special blend of acrylic resins to prevent fasteners from loosening—even under extreme vibration. VC-3 is a powerful locking and sealing coating for threaded fasteners that works on the principle of “friction through viscosity.” Working much like a nylon insert self-locking aircraft nut, VC-3 holds parts in place even during extreme vibration, and it also resists gas and liquid leakage by acting as a seal between mated threads.

Designed for use on any external and internal threads of virtually any material or finish, VC-3 is not an adhesive or an anaerobic. Unlike traditional liquid lockers that cure to form a hard bond, VC-3 is a blend of resins designed to remain flexible and absorb vibration. This unique difference makes fasteners coated with VC-3 truly adjustable, removable and reusable.

Pre-cleaning of parts is not required except for wiping off any visible oil, grease or dirt for optimal performance. VC-3 dries to the touch within seconds of application and coated parts are ready for assembly in just a few minutes. Additionally, parts coated in VC-3 require no cleaning or removal of previous VC-3 material. VC-3 can be reapplied directly over the previously coated surfaces, and the new will bond to the old.

The features of Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate are numerous. For example, parts coated with VC-3 have an indefinite shelf life and can be stored indefinitely before use. This means you can prepare fasteners in advance so they are ready to use any time. VC-3 works on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, most platings, wood and plastic screws, creating a reliable, powerful thread lock and seal. It won’t harden like traditional threadlockers.

Additionally, VC-3 uniquely offers multiple reuses because it remains a thick, resilient, taffy-like “viscous resin.” Its cold flow properties actually minimize galling or stripping of soft threads during reuse. Using steady pressure and standard hand tools, parts coated with VC-3 can easily be adjusted, removed and reused.

Compared to anaerobic adhesive threadlockers, VC-3 is a low-cost highly versatile alternative. It works on fasteners of any shape or size, from tiny eyeglass screws to large construction bolts. It works with all internal or external threads under virtually all environmental extremes. Unlike anaerobic threadlockers, VC-3 threaded parts can be air dried and then installed into an underwater mating part in both fresh and salt water. VC-3 won’t deteriorate or change in viscosity with prolonged submergence. This unique attribute alone puts VC-3 head and shoulders above other thread-locking compounds.

In the past few years, the resurgence of interest in takedown style 10/22 rifles was at its peak since Ruger introduced their long-awaited version in March 28, 2012. It was not Ruger who first came up with the idea of converting their best-selling .22 carbine to a takedown style gun; it was Ram-Line who first mass-produced in limited quantity a takedown kit back in the 1980s, about the same time their classic aerospace polymer folding stock hit the market.

The big difference between the vintage Ram-Line kit and the Ruger version is in the overall set-up. The Ram-Line takedown kit consisted of their folding stock and 16-inch Ultralight polymer-lined steel-lined barrel (the very first of its kind that became an inspiration to many ultra-light, steel-lined bull barrels we see in the market today). Completing this set-up was a replacement oversized polymer barrel “V” block with thumb-operated retaining screws and a large knurled thumb-operated takedown screw that would allow a no-tool assembly and disassembly of the action from the stock. When fully assembled, the complete gun is very light and can be fired quite easily like a pistol with one hand, with a 50-round double stack magazine, another Ram-Line innovation. Complementing the Ram-Line takedown kit was a light gym style bag with multiple internal pockets to accommodate the action, barrel, the V block unit and spare magazines. This vintage takedown kit was created by Ram-Line basically to compete with the then very popular Charter Arm’s AR-7 Explorer survival carbine utilizing the same basic multi-sub component assembly and disassembly procedure but with a different approach on the in-storage system.

Ruger, on the other hand, took the procedure one step further and truly revolutionized it by developing a quick detach barrel system mated to the separate forearm allowing a two-piece sub group for a more compact storage during transport. While the factory takedown model accomplished its main purpose in normal scenarios where the user has time to take it out from its case or storage and was able to snap the two halves together to deal with a situation, there may also be a time when seconds mean life or death wherein a fully assembled gun takes the edge. Naturally, a fixed stocked 10/22 is not the answer when what is required is a very compact rifle that is easy to carry and store without the bulk and weight of a full-size rifle but still meets the legal overall minimum length of 26 inches. This specification is perfectly legal in Canada for a non-restricted .22 caliber firearm assuming the barrel is not cut down but a regular production barrel. Dlask Arms in Canada had at one time marketed a limited number of non-restricted short-barreled DAR-22 (their 10/22 clones) using Dlask 8-inch heavy barrels and custom Barracuda style laminated stocks. Although the handiness of the DAR SBR can be appreciated here, it proved to be bulky and heavy as a practical Mini-Scout rifle but not suited as an effective multi-function survival tool. In the US, this weapon size may fall under the short-barreled rifle (SBR) category and requires special license and fee from the BATF.

While a folding stock 10/22 with a light 16-inch barrel may fill the bill in most cases, it is still heavy and cumbersome, and the stock needs to be deployed in order to make a quick accurate shot placement. A light ultra-compact 10/22 with a wooden fixed stock and a good set of iron sights with optional rail for mounting optic is the perfect candidate for this requirement. The overall design features of the MSG are the culmination of a classy vintage scout rifle but with the advantages of a modern tactical arm in its simplest form. It’s attractive, very compact, user friendly and effective for the role it is designed for. The perfect harmony of wood and steel in the classic tradition makes this gun truly adorable to handle and to shoot and less offensive to those who despise the so-called evil black guns and their derivatives. This is where the 10/22 takedown challenger project takes its inspiration not only as an experimental interlude for the advance tinkerer but rather as an evolutionary offspring for future 10/22 siblings in its purest form.

Creating the MSG required a bit of work most particularly with the factory wooden stock. Both the forearm and the buttstock required shortening and streamlining to trim as much weight as possible while improving its ergonomics in a slim-line format. To give the remodeled gun a nice touch, the original plastic butt plate was replaced with a surplus M1 .30 Carbine part. The 10/22 barrel band was retained to maintain the integrity of the assembly of the original design. To further complement its military-style heritage and to protect the operator from the exposed hot barrel above the forearm, the polymer MFT AK-47 upper handguard was utilized. The bottom section of this part was trimmed down to lower the height to line its top rail with the rail of the NDS-26 rear sight. The handguard is secured into position by a standard black #8X1 trim screw available from hardware stores. The NDS railed rear sight with matching front sight offers the best sight picture for the 10/22 and was the ideal choice here with the additional advantage of being able to accommodate varieties of red dots and rifle scopes. The NDS rear sight is mounted over the receiver making it higher than the factory sight. While the standard factory stock cheek rest is compatible when using the NDS iron sight, some higher mounted optics may no longer offer a comfortable aiming position. The CAA adjustable cheek piece is found to be the right accessory here; it is light, well-made, simple to adjust and easy to install, requiring only four small self-threading screws to mount it at the right side of the buttstock. The CAA adjustable cheekpiece and MFT AK-47 upper handguard complements the wooden stock perfectly keeping the overall format quite attractive, handy and streamlined.

Used in this set-up is the Dlask SR-22, 12.5 inches trimmed to the factory’s original standard barrel specs to fit the barrel channel in the stock and to further shave more weight from the semi-tapered 0.750 O.D. barrel to keep the gun as light as possible. The front end was turned to 0.610-0.611 O.D. to fit the matching rear sight (NDS-44). The Dlask barrel comes complete with 1/2 X 28 TPI to take any AR-15 muzzle devices which makes this set-up even more versatile especially when using hot, high-velocity ammunitions for defensive application in combination with ultra-high-capacity magazines such as the Black Dog 50-round and GSG 110-round drum magazines. To keep the minimum overall legal length of the gun to 26 inches measured from the end of the butt to the tip of the barrel (not muzzle device), complete with a muzzle device such as the DoubleStar adjustable comp and the NEAG flash hider with helical slots, three small funnel shape vent holes were drilled perfectly in line with the DS and NEAG slot at the top of the barrel pass the threaded section. This arrangement not only proved practical but very effective in muzzle control compensating its lightened barrel, producing excellent groups averaging 1 to 1 ½-inch groups at 50 and 75 yards with hot CCI HV .22 rounds to include Mini Mags, Stingers and Velocitors. Overall, the custom Mini-Scout Gun proved every bit a remarkable companion that can be effectively employed as a life saver with the right ammunition and accessories, be it in urban or wilderness environments.

SOURCES

www.ruger-firearms.com
www.dlaskarms.com
www.nodakspud.com
www.missionfirsttactical.com
www.doublestarcorp.com
www.northeasternarms.com
www.armsmounts.com
www.hi-luxoptics.com

MAGPUL
Hunter American Stock—Ruger American Short Action

Magpul is releasing the Hunter American stock made from reinforced polymer and an anodized aluminum bedding block with steel recoil lugs. The Magpul Hunter American stock offers users a cost-effective replacement featuring a fully adjustable length of pull, comb height and enhanced ergonomics. Compatible with Ruger American Short Action rifles, this stock requires no bedding and is a true “drop-in” solution for the end user.

FEATURES

• Compatible with Ruger American short action rifles*
• Bolt Action Magazine Well—Hunter American & PMAG 5 7.62 AC included for reliable detachable box magazine compatibility without any need for custom inletting
• Reinforced polymer construction with Type III Hard anodized, machine finished cast aluminum bedding block
• High strength steel recoil lugs
• Compatible with barrel profiles up to medium palma
• Fully adjustable length of pull
• Optional 0.00-in, 0.50-in and 0.75-in cheek risers available to adjust cheek weld (stock comes pre-fitted with 0.25-in riser)
• M-LOK compatible for additional accessories

*NOTE: PMAG 5 7.62 AC magazine is for the .308 Winchester and similar-sized cartridges. Rifles that use smaller or larger cartridge cases will require the customer to separately purchase an AICS pattern compatible magazine of their choice. magpul.com

GEMTECH
5.56 Suppressed Bolt Carrier

The GEMTECH Suppressed Bolt Carrier is a drop-in replacement and will allow the shooter to choose between suppressed (S) and unsuppressed (U) settings without any permanent modifications to the firearm. No longer will you need to change gas blocks, buffers or any other components. Not only that, but with the GEMTECH Suppressed Bolt Carrier, there is a reduction in carrier speed and less felt recoil, bringing the cyclic rate of the suppressed rifle down to unsuppressed levels. gemtech.com

TUFFY SECURITY PRODUCTS
Model 257 Professional Grade Heavy Duty Truck Bed Security Drawers

Tuffy Security Products offers four Model 257 professional grade Heavy Duty Truck Bed Security Drawers perfect for securing valuable tactical gear. Tuffy’s Model 257 Heavy Duty Truck Bed Security Drawers have easy-to-install, heavy duty steel mounting hardware to attach to the pickup’s bed floor, and the drawer assembly can be removed by loosening the mounting hardware.

These security drawers feature superior engineering and are made in the U.S. from 16-gauge steel, with ¼-inch thick (6.35mm) steel latch components and tough structural top-cross supports for exceptional durability. Each drawer can hold up to 400lbs (181.4kg) and ride on slides with precision ground stainless-steel sealed roller bearings to evenly distribute weight for smooth, reliable operation. Designed for outdoor use, the drawers close tightly into the enclosure opening, using premium weather seals to combat moisture and dust intrusion.
Using tab-loc welded construction, plus a pick-resistant, 10-tumbler double-bitted lock, combined with Tuffy Security Products’ patented Pry-Guard II locking system, the Model 257 security drawers withstand severe duty use, while deterring theft.

The Model 257 Heavy Duty Truck Bed Security Drawers fit full-size Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge/RAM, Ford and Toyota pickups, plus the Navistar International CXT, and are offered in six sizes for short, standard and long beds. tuffyproducts.com

STREAMLIGHT
Ultra-Light and Low Profile TLR-7 and TLR-8

Streamlight Inc. added two new low profile models to its extensive line of TLR rail-mounted tactical lights, the TLR-7 and the TLR-8, which also features an integrated red aiming laser. Extraordinarily lightweight, the new lights are among the smallest rail-mounted lights in the TLR line; each delivers 500 lumens for a variety of tactical uses.

Securely fitting to a broad range of weapons, the new TLR lights feature a one-handed, snap on and tighten interface that keeps hands away from gun muzzles when attaching or detaching them. The lights also include a safe off feature, locking them so they cannot be turned on accidentally. A key kit is included to securely fit each light to the broadest array of hand guns of any light on the market.

The TLR-7 offers two lighting modes, LED-Only or LED strobe, each with a run time of 1.5 hours. The TLR-8 also offers a 640-660nm red laser that increases the user’s ability to focus on a target. The light can be deployed in Laser-Only mode to keep the gun on target; in LED-Only mode to provide bright, focused light; or in dual mode using both light sources. Run times are 1.5 hours in LED-Only, LED and Laser, and strobe modes and 18 hours in Laser-Only mode. The new models feature an IPX7-rated design, making them waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. streamlight.com

SPYDERCO
Delica 4 Lightweight Knife

Cleaning and adjusting just got easier with Spyderco’s fine-tuned Delica 4 model’s screw construction. The fiberglass reinforced nylon handles come molded with Bi-Directional Texturing for preferred traction and improved ergonomics. Inside the handle dual skeletonized stainless steel liners make the knife stronger without adding weight and make an anchor for all external and internal components to attach through adding sturdiness and rigidity.

Their VG-10 blades are flat saber-ground with a stronger tip and larger 13mm opening hole. Added to the blade’s spine is slip resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left- or right-handed clip. spyderco.com

GERBER
Center-Drive Multi-Tool

Gerber’s new multi-tool offers uncompromising performance through revolutionary design. The innovative center-axis driver opens to align like a real screw driver, yielding maximum torque and rotation. No productivity is sacrificed with the addition of a 30% longer outboard blade and one-thumb opening sliding jaws. Full size, real tools—the multi-tool just got a reality check. gerbergear.com

NIGHTFORCE OPTICS
FC-MOA, FC-MIL and FC-DM Reticles

Nightforce Optics, leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics and related products including riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories announces the introduction of three, innovative first focal plane reticles optimized for low-power variable riflescopes. The FC-MOA and FC-MIL reticles are featured on the newly released Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 riflescope, while the FC-DM outfits the newest addition to the ATACR family of riflescopes, the ATACR 1-8×24 F1. nightforceoptics.com

FC-MOA and FC-MIL Reticles

• First focal plane reticle
• Elevation and windage markings are valid at every magnification setting, providing precise hold and reference points
• At low power, the bright daylight center dot and segmented circle are visible under the harshest light, allowing fast, accurate shots
• At higher magnification, the clean 1 Minute of Angle (MOA) markings of the FC-MOA and .5 and 1 Mil-Radian markings of the FC-MIL reticle provide easy hold points for moving targets, wind and elevation hold-offs or for reference
• Bold, pointed lines at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock help draw the eye to the center at any magnification
• Available in the Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 riflescope
• FC-DM Reticle
• First focal plane reticle
• The 10 Mil-Radian grid allows for precise holds within the reticle
• At low power, the daylight bright center dot and segmented circle are visible under the brightest of conditions, allowing for fast and accurate target acquisition
• The clean .5 and 1 Mil-radian (Mil) markings provide easy hold points for moving targets, wind and elevation hold-offs or for reference markings
• Reference dots are spaced every 1 Mil down to 10 Mils, allowing for hold-offs and shot corrections
• For more precise engagements and use at longer ranges, the additional features of the reticle provide fast and easy elevation and windage holds
• Available in the Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 riflescope

MAGPUL
Magpul Pro 700

The Magpul Pro 700 Rifle Chassis is an uncompromising, full featured precision rifle chassis for short action Remington 700 actions and other Remington 700 footprint actions. The Pro 700 combines innovative engineering, precision machining, Mil-Spec quality finishes and an extensive list of purposeful design features with complete adjustability to provide demanding end users with the most comprehensive available precision rifle platform solution for true out of the box performance.
Based on a full billet aluminum skeleton and clad in Magpul polymer for environmental comfort, noise mitigation and ergonomics, the Pro 700 is also fully ambidextrous. Capable of fitting both right- and left-handed actions with the simple swap of a bolt-cutout plate, and with a reversible cheek riser and reversible hinge on the folding version, “lefties” haven’t been “left out.” magpul.com

FEATURES

• Type III hard-anodized machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum V-bedding block, body, adjustment knobs and forend with high strength injection molded polymer body covers
• Ambidextrous bedding block can be changed by swapping the QD sling swivel plate and bolt cut out plate for left or right hand actions using a 1/8-in hex wrench
• Folding stock with push-button activated durable steel hinge with Melonite finish is reversible for left or right folding capability with the use of a 5/32-in hex wrench. A fixed stock adapter is available for a non-folding stock solution
• Folding stock is also designed to avoid interference with the bolt handle when folded and is compatible with a large variety of aftermarket bolt knobs and handles
• Optional inline mount for clip-on night vision and thermal imaging devices
• Overall LOP adjustment range is 13.25in–15.125in
• Butt pad height can be adjusted up 1.33in and down .90in and is adjustable left or right 5 degrees

The following is a list of recommended Long-Range Precision Rifle training courses offered around the country. While the list doesn’t encompass all long-range precision rifle courses, the Small Arms Review staff hopes you find these suggestions useful.

1 | ACCURACY 1st

$350 per person per day
accuracy1st.com
CANADIAN, TX

Accuracy 1st has worked with Marine Corps and SOF snipers. Training is structured to fit the needs of the client. There are two facilities—one in the panhandle of Texas and the other in the SE corner of Utah. Owner Todd Hodnett chose these two facilities for specific reasons. The Utah facility offers one of the few true high-angle shooting ranges in the nation. The Texas facility (300,000 acres) offers excellent training in a high wind environment with terrain features; wind is the primary reason we miss at long range. It also features a 1000-meter, 360-degree range on one of its six ranges. Instructors are a SME for the Horus reticle. Military courses offered include: Basic Sniper; Advanced Sniper; High Angle; Instructor Classes; Designated Marksmen; and Ballistic software training. Civilian classes are also offered.

The Introductory Long-Range 1 is a 2-day class designed for the true beginner who needs to get up to speed with all the long-range lingo and methods. Students will spend 8 hours in the classroom and 10 hours on the range learning proper fundamentals and techniques that allow the shooter more success on the range. Learn how easy it can be and not in an intimidating environment. This course is fun for everyone and very educational.

OBJECTIVES

• Learn all aspects of long-range shooting
• How to select calibers
• Reticle choices
• Understand scope manipulation, what happens when a turret is turned
• How to mount a scope
• Mils, minute of accuracy (MOA), Ballistic, BDC
• Ballistic engine explanation
• Safety
• Shooting fundamentals
• Zeroing

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Rifle and scope or borrow one from Accuracy 1st
• 150-200 rounds of ammo
• Eye and ear protection
• Sunscreen and proper clothing for hours of outside
• Note pad and pen

2 | BARRETT

$1,500
barrett.net
MURFREESBORO, TN

Barrett Firearms Precision Rifle training is a commemorative teaching method using lessons learned from marksmen and snipers throughout history. Students are expected to have a high level of basic firearms knowledge, long-range marksmanship skills and abilities to make long-range precision rifle shots.

The Precision Long-Range Course provides students with additional instruction in areas Barrett assesses as crucial to students’ weapons serviceability, long-term maintenance and success as precision marksmen. When students complete this program, Barrett assures they will have a chance to make those incredible shots in history using the newfound knowledge they’ve gained in the course. Tuition includes world class range facilities / range fees, lodging, three meals each class day and exceptional instruction. Class begins at 8:00 a.m. and generally lasts until 5:30 p.m. (If planning to travel home by air on the last day, be prepared to stay in class until 5:30 p.m.)

OBJECTIVES

• Range safety
• Weapons familiarization
• Care and cleaning
• Rifle set up / zeroing
• Scope theory
• Fundamentals of marksmanship
• Supported / unsupported / alternate positional shooting
• Data collection
• Effectively adjusting for wind
• Mil-relation uses / hold-over techniques
• Ammunition / ballistics
• Spotting scope techniques
• Team communication / shooter-spotter dialogue
• Live fire on unknown-distance range

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Rifle capable of 1 MOA / 1000-yard capability / with sling (Rental rifles and ammunition are available during the course for an additional fee and can be reserved during the registration process. Ammunition is included with the rental. Rental rifle fee depends on caliber; ammunition fee depends on caliber.)
• 250 rounds of ammunition (ammunition is available for purchase when students register)
• Tactical scope with a ranging reticle (e.g., mil-dot, TMR, Horus)
• Spotting scope w/ tripod (1 per team)
• Notebook and pencil / pen
• Calculator / phone
• Cleaning equipment (solid rod, solvent, patches, lubricant)
• Hearing and eye protection
• Drinking water
• Weather-appropriate clothing including rain gear (instructors shoot rain, shine, cold or hot)

3 | CROSSWIND PRECISION

$750
crosswindprecision.com
FRUITA, CO

Long-Range Precision 1 is a 3-day course that provides in-depth training in the fundamental skills needed to successfully shoot at distances up to 1500 yards. This course walks students step-by-step through each skill, explaining both the art and science to ensure that students understand how to achieve optimal shooting accuracy and deal with adversities commonly found in the field or at matches. A team of experienced instructors are on hand to answer questions and train students to understand the mechanics of their rifles and how to properly engage with the environment in which they are shooting. This detailed process provides a solid foundation of core skills that students can continue to expand on. With plenty of range time there are challenging shooting drills. While the Long-Range Precision 1 class is only moderately physically demanding, students will move around on rough terrain and haul gear over short distances. The most physically challenging aspects of the experience tend to come from the weather, so be prepared for Colorado’s rapidly changing conditions. This course begins at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Students should have a basic understanding of firearms safety.

For those looking for sniper-specific training, Crosswind Precision offers a SniperCraft course. SniperCraft expands on the LRP1 curriculum with additional practical, real-world fieldcraft and sniper skills.

OBJECTIVES

• The principals of accuracy and fundamentals of marksmanship
• Shot group analysis
• Rifle set-up and maintenance
• Understanding and applying ballistics
• Range estimation and field sketching
• How to modify DOPE for varying environmental conditions
• How to balance speed and accuracy
• How to use a ballistic computer

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• High power bolt action rifle (6mm–30 cal) or accurized semi-auto, sling and bipod. 5.56 SPR-style rifle is acceptable. Rental guns are available for an additional charge.
• Quality tactical scope with mildot or range estimation reticle and externally adjustable turrets (e.g., Nightforce ATCAR or NXS, Athlon, Vortex, Leupold Mk4, Nikon Tactical, Swarovski, Zeiss, SWFA, etc.)
• Scope must have externally adjustable turrets in order to participate in this class
• Bring owner’s manual
• Minimum 50 rounds of match-grade ammunition per day. (77 gr strongly recommended for 5.56 SPRs)
• Cleaning kit
• Rugged, comfortable clothing, suitable for all weather conditions— Crosswind Precision shoots in any and all weather
• Small “go bag” or ruck sack that will be with students at all times. Bag should have binoculars, water, snacks, elbow pads, knee pads and ammo for the task.
• A shooting or exercise mat; anything that can be rolled up and moved with students
• Ear and eye protection, sunscreen and a brimmed hat (like a boonie)
• Lunch, snack food and water
• A small calculator
• Note-taking material, including notepad, pencil and Sharpie
• Optional items: iPad or smartphone; belt magazine carriers; rifle cover (shemagh or towel); range finder; Camelback

4 | FRONT SIGHT

$2,000
frontsight.com
PAHRUMP, NV

Front Sight offers a 4-Day Precision Rifle course for those students who want to learn the skills required to make first-round hits out to and beyond 750 yards. Prerequisite classes include: Distinguished Graduate in the 4-Day Practical Rifle or 2-Day Rifle Skill Builder course AND attendance in the 1-Day Precision Rifle Fundamentals course OR have previously attended Precision Rifle. Students will NOT be able to take the course with two or more different types of ammunition. There are various age restrictions with this course.

OBJECTIVES

• Live-fire exercises designed to master the skills learned in the classroom during the Precision Rifle Fundamentals course
• Be able to make first round hits on targets out to 750+ yards, including cold bore shots
• Marksmanship, position shooting, range and wind estimation, reading mirage, hold-over estimation, dialing proper scope adjustments
• The use of data books and ballistics tables and calculators

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Rifle (6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WinMag, .308 / 7.62mm, .338 Lapua or similar caliber) capable of consistently shooting LESS than 1-inch groups at 100 yards (sub-MOA)—Larger bore calibers such as .375 CheyTac, .408 CheyTac, .416 Barrett and .50 BMG and other similar calibers are not allowed
• Rifle must have mounted optics with finger-adjustable windage and elevation knobs with definite “clicks” (.25 MOA or .1 MilRad is a sufficiently fine adjustment range; students do not need any finer adjustment) and lens covers
• Bipod or pack to act as a front rest
• A small sandbag for use under the stock is recommended, but not required
• A height adjustable cheek piece, either integral to the stock or field expedient and a piece of closed cell foam—knee pad foam, section of pool “noodle”—that can be used to build up cheek piece if needed
• Match grade ammunition with the same lot number, manufacturer, bullet weight, etc.
• No armor piercing, steel jacketed, bi-metal, steel core, tracer or incendiary bullets
• Hand loads are acceptable for this class ONLY
• Eye protection
• Electronic hearing protection
• Rifle cleaning kit containing lubrication, solvents, coated cleaning rod, bore guide, toothbrush, nylon brushes, jags, patches, or VFG plugs, oil or grease, BoreSnake, etc.
• Rifle maintenance kit—All torx and / or allen head wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., specific to student’s gun, mount, rings and scope; Torque wrench is recommended for the appropriate ring, base and rifle screws
• Optics cleaning kit containing lens brush, lens paper and lens cleaning solution or “lens pen”
• Pens, pencil, notebook
• Databook
• MilDot Master or similar
• Ballistic calculator, such as Ballistic AE (Apple) or Applied Ballistics (Apple or Android)
• Rifle carrier / shooting mat combo—recommended
• All the manuals for student’s rifle, scope, etc.
• 250 rounds of Match Ammunition

5 | GUNSITE ACADEMY

$2,250
gunsite.com
PAULDEN, AZ

Gunsite Academy’s Precision Rifle 7 7-day class covers all the techniques, tactics and procedures used by the sniper to get first-round hits on man-size targets out to 1000 yards.

Zeroing, data recording, ballistics and wind reading, observation and reporting methods, spotter / sniper communications, camouflage and movement techniques, moving targets and more are covered in detail.

Due to the amount of information in this course, it runs from Sunday through Saturday, which allows travel days on each end.

No bi-metal ammo can be used on steel. To check ammo, place a magnet against the bullet and if it sticks, the jacket or the core has steel in it and will damage steel targets.

OBJECTIVE

• Students will work in sniper / observer pairs and engage more than 40 unknown distance targets from 12 different firing locations, allowing students to become truly competent in the art of “one shot, one hit.”

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Serviceable rifle in .243, .308, .30-06, .270 (call about any other caliber questions)
• Ammo management gun / belt carriers
• Ear protection (rifle compatible)
• 600 rounds Match Ammo

6 | JACKSON HOLE SHOOTING EXPERIENCE

$900 – $89,000
shootinjh.com
JACKSON HOLE, WY

Jackson Hole Shooting Experience aims to help shooters improve their skills with premium private instruction, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. Long-range precision rifle instructors can be hired with a 4-hour minimum in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Included in the Jackson Hole session can be several scoped .22 and .223 rifles, scoped long-range rifles in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem Mag and a 300WM. Classes range from 4 hours to a customized, turnkey 1-week experience that includes transportation and 5-Star lodging. Senior Lead instructors include Shepard Humphries and Scott Austin. Students may use their own firearms, safety equipment and ammunition, or the company’s. Staff provides cold water, snacks, range fees, targets, range setup and cleanup as well as private instruction. Experiences can be arranged in many western states.  When instructors help plan students’ customized training, they can hone in on equipment needs. This firm caters to successful executives who seek the “best of the best” for their clients and families. This company does not manufacture or sell firearms or accessories; it prides itself on being objective and focusing on instruction. 

OBJECTIVES

• Provide a supervised, safe and encouraging environment for individuals, families and small corporate groups.
• Experiences are available that focus on experiential learning, with a focus on friends honing skills while plinking at a mile, or the focus can be on learning complex details.
• Private, professional instructors help shooters improve their skills whether students are beginner, intermediate or advanced.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Some guests do not bring any equipment and use the company’s gear and equipment. All experiences and training are customized and private.
• Long-range rifle capable of 1 MOA or smaller groups and ability to stay supersonic beyond 1,200 yards, or use the company’s loaners
• Optional extreme long-range gun for shots 1,200 to 2,500+ yards, or use loaners
• Firearms must have quality glass capable of large adjustments, or use loaners
• Ammunition, or use ours
• Bipod, shooting sticks, rear squeeze bags and other gear to build positions
• Comfortable shooting clothing; Wyoming weather changes rapidly
• Weather-prepper clothing, i.e., rain gear, wool underwear, gloves, etc.
• Sunglasses and clear shooting glasses or use loaners
• Electronic hearing protection or use loaners
• Quality range-finder capable of up to 2,000 yard reads or use loaners
• Kestrel wind reader or use loaners
• Ballistics program or DOPE sheet, and/or develop this with our friendly, fun and patient tutelage 

7 | K&M PRECISION RIFLE TRAINING

$650
kmprecisionrifletraining.com
FINGER, TN

K&M offers a variety of precision rifle courses, from basic to competitive to advanced. Information for the basic course is provided here.

The basic course is a 2-day course designed for the novice marksman, but it is highly encouraged and recommended for those who have had little or no formal training to attend. A fast-paced course, it will begin with firearms safety and rapidly transition into equipment comprehension, fundamentals of marksmanship, basic ballistics, wind reading, range estimation, mover targets and target engagements to 1000 yards. This course will use the entire K&M Shooting Complex, fully taking advantage of the 12-plus ranges onsite. Students who complete the course will have a basic proficiency in firearm safety, marksmanship fundamentals, a combined knowledge of their personal capabilities with their equipment and systematic training methods for future progression.

Class sizes are limited to maintain a proper instructor to student ratio. A K&M student course material / data entry book is included with each course. Custom GA Precision rifles with Kahles 6-24x56i scopes (w / K&M’s / Shannon’s SKMR 3 reticles) are available for rental. Quantities are limited, so please purchase when registering. A sling, rear bag and bipod are included in house gun rental. Match ammunition is also available for purchase when renting a house gun. Bunk House accommodations are included at no additional cost to provide an enhanced learning experience.

OBJECTIVES

• Safety
• Equipment selection and care
• Building position, basic fundamentals of marksmanship, trigger control, recoil management
• Introduction to wind reading
• Employing the milliradian reticule for range estimation
• Understanding MOA and milliradian adjustments
• Introduction to internal and external ballistics
• Introduction to positional shooting–prone, kneeling, sitting
• Data gathering out to 1000 yards
• Engagement of moving targets
• All classes start at 8 a.m. CST

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• 308, 6.5mm, 6mm or similar caliber precision rifle capable of 1 MOA
• Match ammunition (minimum 100-125 rounds per day)
• Quality scope with adjustable turrets and MIL or MOA reticle
• Bipod
• Sling
• Rear bag
• Cleaning kit
• Pen, pencil, highlighter
• Rifle data book or notebook
• Calculator
• Eye and ear protection
• Comfortable yet durable clothing (pants and long sleeved shirt recommended)
• Durable footwear
• Water
• Food / Lunch to snack on throughout the day
• Backpack
• Shooting mat (if desired)
• Sunscreen / bug repellent

8 | MAGPUL CORE

$750
magpulcore.com
ROCK CASTLE, KY

The Long-Range Precision 1 is a 3-day course for those looking for an in-depth introduction to the basics of long-range shooting. This course debunks all the myths by focusing on both the science and the art of the discipline. By taking a systematic approach to the fundamentals of marksmanship and the mechanics of student equipment, shooters will build a solid foundation of core skills that they can continue to expand on. Students will be able to gauge their progression every day through purpose-built shooting drills that reinforce key topics. The course is helpful to those new to long-range shooting and to those looking for a refresher. There are no prerequisites, but students will be expected to possess a basic understanding of firearms safety and a willingness to learn.

OBJECTIVES

• Rifle manipulation and maintenance
• Optic manipulation (focus / parallax adjustment, zeroing)
• The fundamentals of marksmanship
• Basic internal ballistics
• External ballistics and ballistic software
• How to estimate and read wind
• Range acquisition, estimation and angular units of measure
• Known distance and unknown distance shooting
• Introduction to unconventional shooting positions
• Introduction to stress shooting

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• A rifle that is capable of at least printing a 1 Minute of Angle (1 inch) group at 100 meters / yards
• 400 rounds of Match Ammunition (See the ammunition and reloading policy page for details.) 
• A magnified optic that has exposed target style turrets, a range-finding reticle, and is mounted to the rifle with quality equipment—Instructions on the optics’ reticle and mechanics are beneficial, as well as the proper tools associated with adjusting the optic
• Bipod (preferably with the ability to adjust and lock the left / right cant of the rifle)
• Rear shooting support, also known as a “rear bag”
• A rifle sling with the ability to mount the sling to the rifle
• Backpack or bag to carry range equipment
• Note taking material, to include fine-point colored Sharpie permanent markers
• Appropriate clothing for the weather—Magpul Core shoots in any and all weather conditions
• Hydrating device along with plenty of water
• Lunch for all training days

9 | RIFLES ONLY

$1,800
riflesonly.com
a. KINGSVILLE, TX
b. FORT COLLINS, CO

Rifles Only offers various courses. Their signature course is the Precision Rifle I & II Combo course, which is good for any level of shooter. This course focuses on safety, fundamentals of marksmanship, recoil management, positional shooting, movers, trajectory and wind compensation, use and difference between cover and concealment, care of the precision rifle and optics and more.

For the advanced marksman, there is the High Angle Precision Rifle Training course offered in Colorado. This course spans 4 days, with 400-round count and is open to civilians, military, law enforcement and private security contractors. Students will spend the majority of the time angle-long-distance shooting. This class will be heavy on fundamentals, positional, platform building and alternate positions. This course takes place on three mountain ranches west of Fort Collins, Colorado.

OBJECTIVES

• Alternate position shooting
• Alternate support
• Fundamentals of marksmanship
• Gear selection
• Milliradian system for range estimation
• Safety
• Sling use
• Target detection
• Trajectory & wind compensation

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Precision rifle capable of 1 MOA (no larger than .30 caliber)
• 308 rifle or other short action caliber capable of 1 MOA (recommended)
• Ammunition
• Bipod
• Calculator and 2 small spiral notebooks or one rifle data book / pen, pencil, highlighter
• Cleaning equipment for all firearms
• Easily adjustable scope
• Eye and ear protection
• Hat or ball cap
• Leather or nylon precision rifle sling (not a carry strap)
• Long sleeved shirts and long pants
• Rear bag
• Rucksack or backpack to carry all gear
• Scope
• Leather or Nylon precision rifle sling

10 | STEVE REICHERT TRAINING

COST AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
stevereicherttraining.com

This Precision Rifle Course is an intense 2-day course that focuses on the skills required to become proficient at engaging distant targets under field conditions. Basic rifle marksmanship fundamentals are the core of the course. Very little time will be spent in the prone position. Students will be on their feet 10+ hours a day. Be prepared both physically and mentally.

OBJECTIVES

• Learn basic rifle marksmanship fundamentals

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Scoped rifle (bolt or semi) capable of 1 MOA
• 400 rounds of Match Grade ammo
• Data book
• Eye and hearing protection
• Tripod
• Handheld flashlight
• Sling
• Cleaning equipment
• Sunblock
• Ball cap
• Appropriate clothing for the weather
• Multi-tool
• Spotting scope
• Shooting mat
• Bipod or small rest
• Backpack to carry all daily gear in
• Scope cover or caps
• Snacks as required and a means of hydration
• 1st aid kit
• PDA or Smartphone with ballistic software 

11 | SURGEON RIFLES

$1,250
surgeonrifles.com
PHOENIX, AZ

The Precision Course is an intermediate training course and builds upon the foundation from the basic training course. Students will learn advanced wind reading, while engaging targets at long range. Day 1 is spent refreshing the basics and fine-tuning the students’ fundamentals. Classroom curriculum covers using hold-offs, advanced wind reading, use of ballistic computers and wind reading devices. Students learn quick formulas to convert wind readings into wind holds and increase their likelihood of 1st-round hits at longer distances. Day 2 is spent learning and testing lessons learned on wind reading. Students will spend hours reading wind and testing formulas while engaging targets at long range with a focus on mastering wind reading. By the end of Day 2, students should be able to read wind direction and have a working knowledge of identifiers that dictate wind speed and how to convert that for appropriate use and consistent hits. Day 2 has a night fire phase, which demonstrates the use of night vision optics lasers, infrared flood systems and thermals. Students will engage targets out to 800 yards in total darkness. Day 3 covers field shooting, alternate shooting techniques and extreme long-range shooting. Instructors will work with students to ensure they maximize the effective range of their rifle systems. Completion of the 2-day marksmanship course is a prerequisite for this course. Courses may be taken consecutively as one 5-day course.

Onsite lodging is available for $50/day. This facility is at the range where the training courses are conducted. This housing is “bunk house style” and will be shared rooms. Provisions should be brought to the facility if using this option.

OBJECTIVES

• Ranging and engaging targets
• Alternate shooting positions
• Multiple target engagements
• Thermal device shooting
• Advanced wind reading
• Sniper / observer team training
• Speed formulas and application
• Hold-off / hold-overs / hold-unders
• Use of ballistic computers
• Night vision shooting

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Modern bolt-action precision rifles chambered .337 and below
• A list of other required items will be provided once students register for the course.

12 | THUNDER RANCH

$1,500
thunderranchinc.com
LAKEVIEW, OR

Thunder Ranch offers a Precision Rifle course (Texas in 2018) that extends the range from 100-1000 yards in the field. This course will extend students’ will to 1000 yards with primary focus inside of Danger Close distance (0-300). The primary focus is from the prone position, but drills will include field condition application from modified positions. This course is also beneficial for hunters to get data on their rifle at extended distances.

OBJECTIVES

• Students will see the true capability of their rifle and scope combination
• Students will be introduced to team spotting and giving corrections and calls for their partner
• Students will gain knowledge from exposure to shooting in cross winds and dialing scope corrections / DOPE

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Good scopes mounted to a strong action advisable
• Nominal 400 rounds
• No Magnums

Manufacturers Show Off Their Latest & Greatest in Las Vegas

FOREWARD

A good number of manufacturers offered a brace-equipped pistol version of their rifles at this year’s SHOT Show held January 23–26 in Las Vegas. Having the Hearing Protection Act waiting in the wings, there were a number of suppressors and related products, with the LMT suppressor being an interesting new design. Also prominent were the number of 1-x variable magnification scopes from various manufacturers.

NIGHTFORCE

Nightforce introduced two 1-8x scopes with daylight-bright illumination and true 1x: ATACR and NX8 1-8 x 24 F1. The NX8 has a wider field of view (FOV) than ATACR (35.3m vs. 32.0m) at 100m, while both have the same 4.4m FOV at 8x. In reciprocal, the ATACR has a larger 11.3mm exit pupil at 1x in contrast to the 7.9mm of the NX8. Indeed, the author found the ATACR easier to mount during brief handling at the show.

The ATACR has a 34mm tube and weighs more at 21 ounces in comparison to the NX8 with 30mm tube and 17 ounces. ATACR features capped turrets while the NX8 utilizes exposed turrets. Optically, the ATACR utilizes ED glass while the NX8 shares the same elements as the NXS line. The illumination utilizes diffractive grid technology and is powered by a CR2032 battery that lasts about 130 hours. As of writing, the ATACR is on schedule to ship early spring.

DOUBLESTAR

In addition to their staple line-up of AR-15 parts, upper receivers and complete firearms, DoubleStar introduced the Strongarm pistol brace that fits an AR-15 buffer tube and retails under $100. The arm loop is ambidextrous, and the provided sling stud can be mounted on either side.

LEWIS MACHINE & TOOL

LMT is releasing a short, 7-inch barrel, 40mm grenade launcher with an option for a pistol-grip-only for breeching. This allows users to keep their rifles as light as possible. Its breech is long enough to accommodate the largest of 40mm ammunition.

In addition, the partnership with Laurence Livermore Laboratory bore fruit in the form of an innovative flow-through suppressor. Screwed into standard threads, the muzzle design compresses gases exiting the bore to form a “virtual baffle.” This redirects most of the gases around a longer alternate path to prevent them from “chasing” the projectile. This continuous flow of gases reduces back pressure so that cyclic rate remains constant. Company representatives quoted that this design rapidly vents back to ambient pressure, greatly reducing heat transfer from gas to suppressor body. As such, this design is machine-gun rated and is expected to last the lifetime of a barrel. As part of the testing, LMT subjected the suppressor to a continuous 1,000-round belt from a MK48 with no problems. Lastly, LMT representatives indicated the large exit diameter is designed to mitigate muzzle flash. LMT’s suppressors range from a mere 8 ounces (titanium Confined Space Weapon integral suppressor) to 34 ounces (for 7.62 belt-fed machine guns). Dimensions range from 1.5 to 2.1 inches in diameter and 6.5 to 8.6 inches in length. Most of the suppressors are an over-the-barrel design which minimizes the added length when mounted.

SAMSON

Samson is bringing pistol products to market for the first time in 2018, offering the Pocket Comp, Compact Magwell and Carry Contour +1 Magazine Extension for the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield. Pocket Comp, machined from 7075 aluminium, blends with the slide profile to reduce felt recoil. It threads onto a ½ x 28-inch threaded barrel, and the set screws are tightened against a muzzle adaptor to prevent damaging the threads. It functions with the factory recoil spring. While 124gr or heavier projectiles are recommended, 115gr ammunition may work depending on environmental condition and load specification. The patent-pending Compact Magwell requires no gunsmith to install and allows a full firing grip on the M&P9 Shield. It also allows the expended magazine to drop free without shifting one’s grip. Lastly, the Carry Contour Magazine Extension adds one more round to the factory 7- and 8-round magazines while utilizing factory magazine springs. The leading edge forms a finger grove to give additional purchase during one-handed reloads or malfunction clearance.

GEMTECH

Gemtech is bringing back the wipe-based pistol caliber Aurora with a new design. Measuring only 3.4 inches long, 1.125 inches wide and weighing 3.5 ounces, the suppressor features 13.5mm x 1 left-hand threads on one end, with ½ x 28 inch threads on the other end to accommodate many different pistols. The light weight obviates the need for a Nielson device. The polyurethane wipes are optimized for a service life of 30 to 40 rounds of FMJ only, after which the package must be sent back to the manufacturer to “repack” the wipes. The small, light-weight and cost-effective suppressor allows one to protect hearing on a nightstand or duty firearm.

The company is also releasing a rifle caliber Trek II with the same baffles designed to reduce backpressure. This suppressor features an improved mounting surface to reduce weight by roughly 1 ounce while including a pre-drilled hole for permanent attachment to barrel. This relieves the need for an SBR tax stamp if the combination measures over 16 inches long. The Trek II also utilizes a new weldless design that is serviceable at the factory while retaining the iconic Gemtech front cap with 3/8-inch drive socket.

HECKLER & KOCH

In addition to offering new colors for VP9 frames and Crimson Trace modules for both VP9 and VP9SK, HK continues to expand their US manufacturing spaces and staff in Georgia. The company is expected to begin US manufacture of MR556 rifles and HK45 pistols. Continuing the long-standing relationship between HK and B&T, the two companies partnered to launch an HK line of suppressors for the American market. Lastly, HK joined Hogue in releasing a family of knives: 3.25-inch partially serrated Exemplar Folder, 3.375-inch Hadron Automatic and 3.75-inch Karma Response Tool with glass breaker and strap cutter in addition to the partially serrated edge.

FIGHTLITE

For 2018, FightLite offers compact models of their SCR rifle and MCR belt-fed machine gun in both 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout. The new Raider pistol is a compact pistol version of the SCR, while the MCR Micro has a shortened barrel. Aside from the shortened gas system and handguard, the Micro shares parts with the full-sized MCR. The company has also indicated that an MCR belt hold pawl is in prototype stages.

SCHMIDT & BENDER

Following up on the 1-8 x 24 CC scope, the 1-8 x 24 CC Dual model features an illuminated first focal plane reticle and a daylight-bright dot in the second focal plane. The version for use with Bundeswehr G28 Patrol rifles has a BDC elevation turret and extra 0.2 mil adjustments at either ends of the travel for CQB use. Customers can also opt for turrets with no over-travel and marked in mils only. The scope also features “more tactile clicks” where the “click” takes more effort every 1 mil and at zero windage for low light use.

The aforementioned diffractive grid technology replaces the split-beam prism for FlashDot illumination. The illumination passes through a grid and forms constructive and destructive interference patterns in order to achieve peak amplitude at the eye. This technology is currently featured in the 1-8 x 24 CC Dual, Polar Second Focal Plane reticles and LR reticles.
In the veins of incremental improvement, S&B now offers a magnification throw lever that is compatible with some current scopes and all new models. Future PM models and current 3-20 x 50 Ultra Short plus 5-25 x 56 High Power scopes feature a locking windage turret with a protruding nub to indicate dialing left. The nub is retracted when dialing right. Also on display is a 3-21 x 50 prototype for hunting and competition use with both First and Second Focal Plane options as well as locking turrets.

AIMPOINT

The recently released CompM5 continues to be in the spotlight. The sight has the same 2MOA dot and overall size of the Micro T-2 but utilizes an AAA battery mounted in the same fashion as the CompM4, as well as changing body material to 7075 aluminium. The original Micro T-1 was made of 6061 Aluminium with a 6-in-lb torque spec; the steel screw could strip the threads if misused. The Micro T-2 incorporated a steel Heli-Coil thread insert in the 6061 body to give roughly three repair attempts if the 12-in-lb torque specification were exceeded. The CompM5 changed materials to 7075 Aluminium to maintain the 12-in-lb specification without the need for a Heli-Coil. In addition to the new product, Aimpoint is releasing a limited-run of Micro T-2 sights in Flat Dark Earth.

VORTEX OPTICS

1-6 x 24 Razor Gen II-E reduced weight by about ¼ pound while maintaining the same durability and optical performance of its successful older brother. Different material and lightening cuts in the turret assembly gave the weight savings. Vortex is adding 4-24 x 50 and 3-18 x 44 variants to the Strike Eagle entry-level scope line-up. The new Crossfire Red Dot sight is very reasonably priced and includes a skeletonized mount with two height options. Lastly, Vortex is expanding their target observation portfolio with the Viper HD spotting scopes and Kaibab HD binoculars.

TRIJICON

Released earlier, company representatives indicated that the RMR Type 2 continues to be a strong seller. Optimizing for pistol use, Trijicon strengthened the electronics and battery contact in the Type 2 to sate the fast-growing demand of optics-equipped pistols. In addition, the new 4-16 x 50mm Accupoint bolstered the portfolio of tube scopes with dual fibre optic / tritium illumination.

SIG SAUER

The trend of releasing rifles in pistol form continues with the SIG MCX Rattler, which has a 16-inch overall length when folded and is available in both 5.56 NATO and 300 Blackout. The low profile design features a shaved shell deflector and the more vertically angled pistol grip. The two-position gas regulator can handle suppressor back pressure while the upper can be installed on a standard AR-15 lower with the assistance of a conversion kit.

SIG also debuted the P365 micro-compact pistol featuring a 10+1 capacity and standard night sights. The pistol ships with one flush and one extended magazine, along with modular grips. In addition, a commercial version of the M17 is anticipated for release in the second quarter of 2018.

PATRIOT ORDNANCE FACTORY

Following up the success of their Revolution rifles, POF is releasing the G series Gentlemen’s Slide for Glock 17, 19 and 34 with cutouts to fit the Trijicon RMR. A Glock 43 slide without RMR cutout is soon to be released. Made of 17-4 billet stainless steel and H900 heat treated, it is finished in nitride for protection and durability.

SPYDERCO

Spyderco debuted several new edged tools for 2018. The Warrior Hawk features a faceted front, a spike and a pry tip. It is made of D2 tool steel with a G10 handle. The US-made Shaman folder utilizes a thick CPM S30V blade with a plain or serrated edge option and secures with Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock. The 2.5-inch blade Lil’ Native, employing either a back or Compression Lock, was developed with urban-friendly carry in mind. Lastly, the Sliverax flipper folder has an S30V blade and a carbon fiber / G10 laminate handle.

COMBINED SYSTEMS

The less-lethal-focused company offers grenade launchers and four munitions: aerosol, chemical, impact and flashbang. While the company is best known for its flashbang, it also has the highest injury potential from overpressure and heat in close proximity. The company takes safety seriously and requires customer agencies to have staffs that were trained within the past four years before selling flashbangs. In 2018, Combined System is looking to expand their breeching portfolio, to potentially include 40mm in addition to current 12ga munitions.

KNS PRECISION

Adapting to the increasingly common use of suppressors and red dot sights on pistols, KNS partnered with Dead Air Armaments to develop the Switch Sight. When flipped down to standard height, it remains compatible with standard holsters while completely clearing red dot sight (e.g., Trijicon RMR) view windows. When rotated 90 degrees to increase height, it clears the top of most suppressors while acting as a backup-sight for red dots. This product is currently in prototype phase.

The adjustable AK piston system on display is already in production. Two versions (one or two vent holes) allow users to fine tune for 5.45 x 39mm or 7.62 x 39mm rifles with a rotating sleeve to control gas venting. It is noteworthy that the KNS piston does not require the difficult process of changing gas block. Company representatives indicated that the adjustable piston slows down the rate of fire to achieve better control and reduces “piston pop” to decrease noise by 5 to 8dB when used in conjunction with a suppressor.

TEAM WENDY

Team Wendy is debuting a lower profile EXFIL Ballistic SL helmet that is rated to NIJ Level IIIA. The helmet is lighter by 15% and sports a new rail mount with 1913 rails forward for light, camera, etc. The new EXFIL Ballistic Visor (featuring lens made by ESS, part of Oakley) and Ear Covers (compatible with in-ear communication and hearing protection) guard against fragments and are ready for sale along with the helmet in March.

OHIO ORDNANCE

New from Ohio Ordnance in 2018 is the M249 drop-in Select-Fire trigger group. It follows the same vane as their patented M240 Select-Fire trigger group while boasting multiple patents itself. Also new is the OOW240 Patrol that reduces weight from 28 pounds to under 21 pounds with lightened parts, dimpled short barrel and M4 collapsible buttstock. The bipod was moved from the gas block to an underside rail that can accommodate a foregrip and other equipment. Lastly, the HCAR is being made available as a pistol as well.

AERO PRECISION

Launched at the show is the new R1 Rail. The company representative also mentioned that a serviceable, 30-caliber suppressor to be fully made of titanium is in the prototype stage. While the direct thread version is anticipated first, the end goal is to develop a QD mount compatible with the VG6 line of muzzle brakes.

DANIEL DEFENSE

Adding upon the previously released MK18 pistol, the 10.3-inch barrelled DDM4V7 is now available in pistol form chambered in either 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout. Equipped with the SB Tactical SOB brace, users can also choose to add a Law Tactical adaptor for a 20.75-inch folded length.

Building upon its Aimpoint Micro mount, Daniel Defense is introducing a 30mm single-ring mount for the likes of Aimpoint Comp M3 and PRO as well as a cantilever mount made from 6061 Aluminium for 30mm and 1-inch scopes. The bottom half of the ring is integral to the mount with torque specifications engraved to remind users.

LEUPOLD

Two Mark 5 HD scopes are new for 2018: 3.6-18 x 44mm and 5-25 x 56mm using 35mm tubes. The series feature a three-revolution elevation turret with 10 mils per revolution, along with physical indicators to prevent users from “being lost in the dial.” In the first revolution, the zero lock protrudes while the pin is flush. The second revolution retracts the zero lock while the pin is still flush. The third revolution keeps the zero lock retracted while protruding the pin. When running the elevation dial across the zero stop, the lock automatically secures the turret at “0.” An extra 1 mil adjustment is included below the zero stop to accommodate point-of-impact shift from suppressor or clip-on night vision. The throw lever gives quick and smooth zoom adjustments and is placed to avoid blocking the rifle bolt handle at maximum magnification.

The new VX Freedom series provide entry level 1-inch scopes, with the 2-7x and 3-9x models being rimfire-specific. Also of note is the new rubber armoured RX2800. The 2800-yard-capable range finder continuously ranges as long as the button is held down.

KINETICS RESEARCH GROUP

Against the backdrop of $1000USD precision rifle chassis, KRG is offering the $350, 2.9-pound Bravo Chassis for short- and long-action Remington 700 as well as Tikka T3. Although the price and specifications differ slightly amongst versions, all feature tool-less adjustable check piece and ship with three spacers for length of pull fitment. The bottom of the stock can be smooth or hooked (for rear bag) by undoing a screw to remove a cover. For bedding, the chassis utilizes an aluminium backbone that runs to the tip of the forend. For feeding, it utilizes the ubiquitous Accuracy International magazines. For now, the chassis is only available for right-handed rifles.

FN AMERICA

Newly available to US law enforcement and military, the SCAR SC is a select-fire 5.56 x 45mm subcompact carbine with non-reciprocating charging handle and telescoping buttstock. Sporting a 7.5-inch barrel, the overall length can be collapsed to 21.1 inches. In addition to the PDW type stock, other options available through FN Herstal for international customers include a helmet version meant to accommodate face shields as well as a standard SCAR stock. FN representative indicated there are no current plans for a commercial semi-auto version or additional stock options for the US market at this time.

On the commercial side, FN is offering an AR pistol version of their popular FN15 chambered in 5.56 x 45mm and 300 Blackout, with a brace available as an accessory for a one-stop-shop. The company is also offering California- and Maryland-compliant versions of the FN15. Lastly, there is a limited run of dual tone FDE & Black for pistols, FN15 Tactical II and M249S.

QUANTICO TACTICAL

The newly available Hunter Data Board builds on the Sniper Data Board (already in operational use) with the addition of a bubble level in the mounting arm. Attaching to the top Picatinny rail of a rifle, it reduces rifle cant and folds out to provide quick Data on Previous Engagement (DOPE) reference while maintaining cheek weld. The company representative described this product as “by snipers, for snipers;” inspiration stemmed from a target escaping while the sniper changed body position to reference his sleeve mounted DOPE card. With the Hunter/Sniper Data Board, the card is inserted into a water resistant holder which velcros to a 6061 Aluminium assembly. This US-made product provides a ready reference while increasing awareness. The Sniper Data Board can be retrofitted with the Hunter arm. The Hunter/Sniper Data Board will be available soon through Quantico Tactical’s extensive GSA Schedule.

GORILLA AMMO

The company offers ammunition with a polymer body and metallic case head to achieve 30% weight reduction in 5.56 x 45mm, 7.62 x 51mm and other popular calibers. The company representative related the enhanced accuracy and reduced chamber temperature. As the polymer case does not transfer as much heat to the chamber walls, the heat is expelled with the gases instead.

BERETTA

Beretta acquired Victrix Armaments and is now offering the 50BMG Corvus as a new addition to their precision rifle line. The rifles are made in-house in Italy with barrels sourced from Benchmark in the US and coated with PVD so as to not require oil. Although the rifles are fixed caliber (e.g., no swap kits to go from 7.62 x 51mm to 6.5 Creedmore), the Victrix line-up covers a variety of calibers such as short-action 7.62 x 51mm, long-action 338 Lapua Magnum, 408 Cheytac and the venerable 50BMG.

MEOPTA

The storied Czech optics manufacturer debuted a new line of tactical red dot and magnified sights. MeoRED T Mini has a more square shaped lens while the T2 Mini has a tube body similar to the Aimpoint T2. The T2 offers three reticles: single dot, two dots for hold-over and a circle-dot reticle. Scheduled for release in May, the MeoRED T is a tube type, full-size, red dot sight utilizing a AA battery for a minimum 2000hr run time at medium brightness. All red dot sights can be paired with the new MeoMag 3x Magnifier for versatility.

The MeoACE 3 x 20mm scope features an etched Ballistic Drop Compensating reticle culminating in a AA-illuminated chevron. The right half of the stadia is calibrated for 5.56 x 45mm and 180gr 7.62 x 51mm, while the left half is calibrated for 7.62 x 39mm.

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT COMPANY

Two new QDC suppressors are offered: CS and PRS with the former designed for carbines and the latter for precision rifles. Both are designed to reduce back pressure and are expected to ship in the second quarter. A company representative remarked upon their effects in reducing group sizes.

Of interest to “clone” builders, KAC will offer “The Vault” line this year where a rotating selection of legacy accessories is reissued. Four free float RAS AR-15 handguards are slated for 2018: Carbine, Too Long, Mid-Length and MRE. One run is scheduled for the end of first quarter with another in the third quarter. Additionally, KAC is also reissuing the XM9 snap-on wipe based suppressor.

Aliens: In Space, no one can hear you scream

That was the tag line of the first “Aliens” movie, “Alien.” The plot is about a crew of space travelers who are hunted on their own ship by a strange extraterrestrial creature. The atmosphere in the movie is intense and dark. When you are looking around the ship, it is full of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is also realistic, the crew not being super geniuses like in “Star Trek,” but regular men and women just doing their jobs, working in an advanced spaceship.

In the sequel, “Aliens”, a survivor from the first movie joins in a rescue mission to save a colony from an army of aliens. The survivor is joined by a unit of Marines armed to the teeth with some advanced weapons. Still, they find themselves over their heads against a terrifying enemy. Unlike the last movie, there is a semi “action movie” theme mixed in with the horror.

In the movie, the Marines carry M41A Pulse rifles that are a combination of a .45 Caliber M1 Thompson and a Remington 870 12 gauge pump shotgun with a Franchi SPAS-12 shotgun exterior put on it, meant to look like a grenade launcher. The rest is movie magic and plastic. Another weapon used by the Marines is the M56 Smart Gun, a firearm that looks ridiculous if you are a soldier walking down a narrow corridor. It’s too big and cumbersome and needs special sighting systems on the helmet to work. Other weapons are pistols and a few shotguns that do not have any movie magic on them.

The Remington Model 870 was first produced in 1950 and is still in production today. There are a number of variants, including the Mark 1. They are made for the military, police and citizens alike. They are possibly the most popular shotgun in the world, having sold between six to eleven million firearms. The barrel length varies between 20 inches to 30 inches, and they can be bought to use 12-, 16- or 20-gauge cartridge; the tubular magazines on the guns hold between 4 to 10 rounds.

The M1A1 Thompson was the second part of the M41A Pulse rifle. It is an upgraded version of the M1 Thompson and was widely used on both the European and Pacific Fronts of World War II. It fired .45 ACP from either a 20-round or a 30 round stick magazine. It was not designed to use the famous drum magazines that its parent the M1928 had used, but that was a small loss, both because of weight and it was difficult to keep the drum clean. Another difference is that the buttstock on the M1A1 is permanently attached to the gun and cannot be removed like with earlier models.

The other real firearms in the movie include an Ithaca 37, which is used to shoot an alien trying to enter through a door. Heckler & Koch VP70s and Smith & Wesson 39s are used by the Marines as pistols. And something I did not notice the first time I watched the movie is when they are in the armory you can clearly see firearms without any movie magic on them. They include M16A1s, L85A1s and Lewis Guns. I didn’t notice this until I started researching the film.

I don’t really enjoy horror movies, but “Alien” and its sequel “Aliens” are really well done Sci-Fi films. The Xenomorphs are terrifying and are well designed, especially the Queen alien. All the actors were good at their roles, especially the character of Ellen Ripley played by Sigourney Weaver. The atmosphere of both movies is dark and suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you like horror and suspense, these movies are certainly for you.

ATF Compliance Inspections of DOD Contractors*

On October 20, 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) posted on its website a document titled, “Department of Defense Contractor Inspections: ATF Inspection Process.” This document (the “Contractor Inspection Guidelines”) describes a procedure for ATF field divisions to conduct warrantless compliance inspections of contractors who are licensed under federal law to engage in the business of manufacturing, importing or dealing in firearms or explosives. It is important that Department of Defense (DOD) contractors who are federal firearms or explosives licensees carefully review this process with legal counsel and consider the potential consequences. The full document is available on ATF’s website at: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/department-defense-contractor-inspections-atf-inspection-process-firearms/download (last visited February 5, 2018).

I. ATF’s Authority to Inspect Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees

It is important we review the Contractor Inspection Guidelines in the context of ATF’s authority to conduct warrantless inspections. ATF implements the inspection programs for federal firearms licensees (“FFLs”) and federal explosives licensees (“FELs”) through Industry Operations, which is the regulatory enforcement section under the Office of Field Operations. The Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Industry Operations at ATF headquarters is responsible for directing and coordinating both the FEL and FFL compliance inspection programs. The DAD of Industry Operations reports to the Assistant Director for Field Operations. The FFL and FEL compliance inspections are conducted by Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) at the respective ATF field division. IOIs do not have legal authority to arrest individuals, they do not carry firearms nor do they conduct criminal or undercover investigations.

A. ATF Warrantless Inspections of Federal Firearms Licensees

In Small Arms Review, Vol. 19, No. 10, p. 16 (Dec. 2015), “Legally Armed” examined ATF’s inspection authority under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), 18 U.S.C. §923(g)(1)(A). For review, the following are the critical points of ATF’s statutory ability to conduct warrantless inspections of FFLs:

1. Congress authorizes ATF to inspect federally licensed manufacturers, importers, dealers and collectors of firearms without reasonable cause or warrant in limited circumstances:

• In the course of a reasonable inquiry during the course of a criminal investigation of a person or persons other than the licensee;
• When the inspection may be required for determining the disposition of one or more particular firearm in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation; or
• For ensuring compliance with the GCA recordkeeping requirements, either (a) at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation that is traced to the licensee, or (b) not more than once during any 12-month period (also known as the annual compliance inspection).

2. The scope of an ATF warrantless inspection is not unlimited. Under the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA), 100 Stat. 449 (May 19, 1986), warrantless compliance inspections of FFLs must be limited to the following:

• Business hours: The GCA requires compliance inspections be conducted during the licensee’s business hours. Although not defined in the statute, “business hours” is generally interpreted as the hours of operation indicated on the Form 7 Application for Federal Firearms License.
• Inspection at Place of Business: ATF may conduct warrantless compliance inspections only at the business premises identified on the Form 7 license application as well as places of storage. If a licensed premises is only a part of a larger building, ATF may inspect only the licensed part. If a licensee conducts business temporarily at a gun show or other similar event in the same state, ATF may inspect the records and firearms inventory located at the gun show or other temporary location.
• Inspection of Required Records and Inventory: ATF’s authority to conduct warrantless inspections under the GCA is limited to examining records required by ATF’s regulations and firearms and ammunition stored at the licensed premises or a separate storage facility. The required records include:
• Record of acquisitions and dispositions;
• Form 4473 Firearms Transaction Record;
• Form 6 Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Defense Articles;
• Form 6A Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War;
• ATF Form 3310.11 Federal Firearms Licensee Firearms Inventory Theft/Loss Report;
• ATF Form 3310.4 Report of Multiple Handgun Sale;
• ATF Form 5300.11 Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report;
• ATF Form 3310.6 Interstate Firearms Shipment Theft/Loss Report; and
• Marking variances.

3. If the licensee is a Special (Occupational) Taxpayer, ATF will also inspect records required under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including registration and transfer forms and Special Tax Registration and Returns. Like the GCA, the NFA grants ATF the authority to enter a licensed premises and places of storage during business hours to examine records required to be kept under the NFA. However, NFA compliance inspections are not subject to the same frequency limitations as GCA inspections, and ATF is authorized to conduct warrantless NFA inspections as often as necessary. That said, such compliance inspections are limited to those records required under ATF regulations in 27 C.F.R. Pt. 479.

For more information on the limitations on ATF’s compliance inspections under the GCA, please refer to the Legally Armed article “Compliance Inspections Under the Gun Control Act–Know ATF’s Limitations and Boundaries” that appeared in Small Arms Review, Vol. 19, No. 10 at p. 16 (Dec. 2015).

B. ATF Warrantless Inspections of Federal Firearms Licensees

Under the Safe Explosives Act (SEA), Title XI, Subtitle C of Pub. L. 107-296, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Nov. 5, 2002), ATF is required to inspect without a warrant every FEL explosives storage magazine at least once every three (3) years, which ATF generally schedules up to 12 months prior to a license or permit expiration date. These compliance inspections include verification of SEA-required storage and all other aspects of a full inspection.

SEA inspections are not limited to one annual compliance inspection, as is the case under the GCA, but the SEA compliance inspection will cover magazines (construction, maintenance and compliance with Tables of Distances) and review of the inventory and comparison to records required under ATF’s regulations at 27 C.F.R. Pt. 555 (explosives).

II. ATF’s Defense Contractor Inspection Process

ATF presented the October 18, 2017, Contractor Inspection Guidelines as a “discussion of ATF’s compliance inspection process… intended to help Federal firearms or explosives licensees who are DOD contractors prepare for and participate in an ATF compliance inspection, and it should help minimize any intrusion and on-site complications during such inspections.” The guidelines are broken into five parts ranging from the pre-inspection preparation stage to the closing conference with ATF and outline the documents and information ATF IOIs should have access to during a warrantless compliance inspection.

A. Relationship of the ATF Inspection of DOD Contractors to DCMA

Many of the documents and information points ATF seeks to review during an inspection (listed below) are directly related to DOD contracts and performance thereunder, activities that fall under the purview of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). DCMA is a component of DOD authorized to work directly with DOD suppliers to help ensure that DOD, Federal and allied government supplies and services are delivered on time, at projected cost and meet all performance requirements. Among other responsibilities, DCMA “monitors DOD contractors’ performance and management systems to ensure that cost, product performance and delivery schedules are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the DOD contracts a company is fulfilling.”

ATF has indicated that it does not anticipate conducting joint inspections with DCMA, as certain areas subject to DCMA inspection may not be subject to ATF inspection.

B. The Major Inspection Team

For large volume manufacturers, ATF has advised that the inspection team likely will be the Major Inspection Team (MIT). ATF launched the MIT program in 2016 with the goal of yielding faster inspections of large-volume manufacturers, importers and dealers with less disruption to the industry member. For inspections of DOD contractors, the MITs will be made up of inspectors with 10 or more years of experience.

C. Pre-Inspection

ATF has indicated that its policy is to give a standard 30-day advance notice for compliance inspections of DOD contractors. The agency has explained that it recognizes the importance of negotiating the start date of the inspection with the industry member to allow for knowledgeable contractor personnel to be on-site and available to participate in the inspection activities.

According to the Contractor Inspection Guidelines, licensees should provide the following documents to the IOI for review during the pre-inspection period:

1. Licensee business operations, including products and current licenses and permits;
2. Copies of U.S. Government contracts (both primary and secondary contractor information);
3. Any issued variances;
4. Any other documents relating to the licensee’s operations;
5. Name and contact information of the DCMA point of contact (quality assurance representative or administrative contracting officer), if any;
6. DOD security protocols and procedures, including requirements for safety training and access to the facility.

According to ATF, the information gathered during the pre-inspection stage will enable the IOIs to determine the scope of the inspection. ATF has noted it will likely consult with DCMA as well as examine the requested documents to aid in determining what items should be included in the inspection and what items fall outside the inspection, such as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) or items of classified status. In addition, ATF will refer to any related government contract to validate any variances, exceptions and recordkeeping.

D. Opening Conference

During the opening conference, the IOIs will come to the licensee’s business during business hours, or at an agreed upon time, and will review the following:

1. Corporate structure and list of responsible persons and employee possessors;
2. All Federal Firearms Licenses (FFL) and Explosive licenses/permits (FEL), Special (Occupational) Tax stamps (SOT) and any other licenses or permits;
3. Terms of the DOD contract the licensee services;
4. Any variances held;
5. Specifics on business operations including: (1) information on U.S. Government sales; (2) direct commercial sales (including to foreign governments); (3) manufacturing and/or importing activities; (4) subcontractors; and (5) shipping procedures;
6. Facility tour, including location of records and storage facilities;
7. Plat plan and table of distances (if FEL);
8. Other supplemental records, including: (i) DOD magazine information; (ii) DODIC numbers; (iii) safety data cards; (iv) State Department Directorate of Defense Trade Controls registration information; (v) purchase orders; (vi) shipping documents; (vii) bills of lading; (viii) invoice shipping documents; (ix) DD250 – Material Inspection and Receiving Reports; (x) documentation that Certified Statements of Use were provided to suppliers; and (xi) “other records.”

E. Records/Inventory/Storage Review

This portion of the Contractor Inspection Guidelines is broken into firearms and explosives and outlines the types of records and information the IOI will review for each.

For Firearms:

1. Acquisition and Disposition records;
2. The annual NFA exemption letter, if manufacturing for the U.S. Government;
3. Physical inventory inspection, part of which will distinguish between DOD exempt products/storage and commercial products;
4. Documentation to confirm items exempt under Title 27, CFR Parts 478.141 and 555.141;
5. Applicable variances for residual completed munitions that are not part of U.S. Government contracts and are not marked, registered or stored properly;
6. Importer Forms 6 and 6A;
7. NFA Forms 2, 3, 5, and 9.

For non-exempt explosives:

1. Acquisition and Disposition records;
2. Physical inventory inspection;
3. Inspection of explosive storage magazines and process buildings;
4. Verification of commercial markings and markings pertaining to a DOD contract;
5. Applicable variances for residual completed munitions that are not part of U.S. Government contracts and are not marked, registered or stored properly.

For inspections that include off-site storage of firearms, ATF has explained its policy is to inspect the licensed premises and the storage facility at the same time. If the off-site storage is located in a different state, then the ATF field divisions will coordinate to facilitate a concurrent review of records and inventory.

For FEL inspections, whether ATF will be able to coordinate inspection of off-site storage will depend on the staffing capabilities of the field division. In 2017, the number of IOIs throughout the entire country was approximately 790, but ATF expects to add more in 2018.

III. Do ATF’s Contractor Inspection Guidelines Exceed Its Warrantless Inspection Authority?

ATF does not have the authority during a warrantless compliance inspection to review records not required under its regulations in 27 C.F.R. Pt. 478, 479 or 555. A review of the Contractor Inspection Guidelines reveals that ATF includes documents and information that are well outside the scope of any of its regulations. However, ATF has explained that these types of inspections are voluntary and, as noted above, the reasons for ATF’s examination of certain records and information not required under its regulations may be for understanding the scope of the underlying government contract(s) and verifying any variances, claimed registration exemptions and the ability to distinguish between inventory made for the government from inventory manufactured for commercial sale. It is up to the contractor to work with corporate counsel to determine the best course of action if asked by ATF to produce additional documentation.

IV. Best Practices for a Contractor Inspection

Manufacturers should be able to readily distinguish between government product and civilian product on-site and in inventory, including product that has been “delivered on-site” to government customers. Contractors should segregate government-owned or government-furnished inventory, clearly mark such product and not record such inventory in the company’s bound book. During the inspection, ATF will seek confirmation of legal possession of inventory identified as government-owned or GFE and may request review of shipping documents to confirm that inventory has been delivered to the government, even though it is still on-site. Having a clear process for identifying and distinguishing product will be a key factor in having a smooth inspection.

All records that ATF is entitled to inspect should be kept in a designated area to allow convenient and ready inspection by IOIs. Records not subject to a warrantless ATF inspection should be kept in a separate location that is accessible only to authorized personnel. Inspections can have significant consequences, and any demands by an IOI to inspect records that are not within ATF’s warrantless inspection authority should be brought immediately to the attention of corporate counsel to determine the appropriate next steps. In determining whether to comply with requests from ATF for documents that are not within the scope of ATF’s inspection authority during a warrantless compliance inspection, licensees and SOTs should consult with qualified legal counsel.

ATF compliance inspections can have consequences. When IOIs discover violations during an FFL or FEL inspection, they can issue a Report of Violations, which describes each violation and the required corrective action by the FFL or FEL. More serious violations, such as lost firearms, inventory discrepancies, failure to record acquisitions or dispositions, require the IOIs to recommend an administrative action. Administrative actions range from warning letters, warning conferences, temporary suspension and revocations or denials of license renewals. If an IOI finds suspected criminal violations, he or she may refer the case to the criminal enforcement section.

The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice or as legal opinion. You should not rely or act on any information contained in this article without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Receipt of this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johanna Reeves is the founding partner of the Washington, D.C. law firm Reeves & Dola, LLP (www.reevesdola.com). For 15 years she has dedicated her law practice to advising and representing U.S. companies on compliance matters arising under the federal firearms laws and U.S. export controls. Since 2011, Johanna also has served as Executive Director for the F.A.I.R. (FireArms Import/Export Roundtable) Trade Group (http://fairtradegroup.org). In 2016, Johanna was appointed by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs to serve on the 2016-18 Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG). Johanna can be reached at 202-683-4200 or at jreeves@reevesdola.com.

What We Have Done for You

Apologies are offered in advance to anyone who winds up having a certain Janet Jackson song playing on an internal record player for the rest of the day. We have just wrapped up our annual participation in the industry gathering known as the National Shooting Sports Foundation SHOT Show in Las Vegas. NFATCA has been an exhibitor at this event for many years, and it is always great to reconnect with 60,000+ firearms enthusiasts. Most everyone who stopped by had one question: What have you done for me lately?

Fortunately, we had prepared an easel for assisting in answering this very question. And while some may have had issue with the route we have taken, nobody argued with the information that we had on the bold sign on the easel that detailed our previous accomplishments and our future agenda:

• Plain English NFA Handbook—DONE
• Eliminate CLEO Approval—DONE
• Another Amnesty Registration
• Repeal the Hughes Amendment
• Remove Suppressors from NFA
• Remove Short-Barreled Weapons from NFA
• Roll Back ITAR, eliminate or reduce

We made it perfectly clear that our efforts were measured in long-term diligence. As we approach our 15th year, we know that there is no such thing as a flash in the pan or a quick hit. Eliminating the CLEO approval process took a decade. “Watching grass grow is exciting. This is like watching dry paint fade.” That quip got chuckles (and quotes in national media). But the clear message was unambiguous. We have listened to our community, and we have made it crystal clear where we stand. Our agenda is exactly what our community has stated that it wants. And we have asked for assistance in funding our efforts. To our surprise, many folks at SHOT Show opened up their wallets on the spot. 2018 SHOT saw one of the largest influx of new members and membership renewals in many years.

Of particular note is the reaction to the NFATCA advocating for the repeal of the Hughes Amendment. The amendment was part of a larger act called the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) interpreted the Hughes Amendment as a prohibition on the civilian ownership of any fully automatic firearm manufactured after May 19, 1986. Hughes created the transferable, pre-May and post-May classes of machine guns and is the foundation for the ever-increasing prices for those transferable machine guns. Many folks fell back on the inaccurate assumption that the NFATCA was a good old boys club, intent on “protecting the value of their collections.” We took the opportunity to dutifully explain that truly collectible weapons would not lose their value and that eliminating Hughes would give everyone the opportunity to own more NFA weapons at more reasonable prices—something that would allow dealers to make more money because they were selling MANY more weapons! Yes, common guns would take a value hit. The so-called good old boys are simply not invested in those common guns. An authentic M1917 Browning belt-fed is always going to be worth much more than a reproduction. With Janet Jackson’s tune playing in our heads, we then asked for financial support to get the job done.

People seemed to understand that we are establishing expectations that are measured in the long term and that we are determined to stick around for the long fight to make sure that our goals will be achieved. We have engaged top-shelf counsel in our efforts. Our board is actively searching for new voices to augment our leadership. And we still need your help in fighting the good fight. Is it time for you to renew? Have you, for some reason, put off your renewal? Would you like to increase the level of your support? Would you like to join our effort? Our agenda is your agenda, and it is time to step up. Head over to www.nfatca.org and click on the Join Now! link on the left. We never left the fight, and we are in it for the long haul.