Just a few examples of the .22 caliber firearms available for suppressor use.

By Frank Iannamico

Sound suppressors, also known as “silencers” by ATF and Hollywood or “cans” by enthusiasts, have become extremely popular in recent years. Many manufacturers of rifles and pistols now offer models with factory threaded barrels. There have also been a growing number of companies entering into the suppressor business. The suppressor competition is good news for the end user as the technology will continue to improve.
Modern suppressors are now smaller, lighter and quieter than those produced just a few years ago. The most innovative step forward was the introduction of the wipeless suppressor. During the 1960s there were very few U.S. companies making sound suppressors; one of the best known was Sionics (acronym for Studies In the Operational Negation of Insurgents and Counter-Subversion) operating out of Atlanta, Georgia. The Sionics Company, run by Mitch WerBell, specialized in the manufacture of covert products and their primary product was sound suppressors. Sionics’ customers were the military and governments, both foreign and domestic and offered sound suppressors for a number of military rifles and pistols.
In the late 1960s, Sionics began the manufacture of Gordon Ingram’s Model 10 submachine gun, and the company name was changed to the Military Armament Corporation. The sound suppressors designed and produced for the Model 10 was a two-stage design using metal eyelets in the first stage, right and left spirals and wipes in the second stage. The suppressors were made in .380 caliber, 9mm, and .45 ACP. The MAC suppressors were large and heavy. As the suppressors were used they became progressively louder as the rubber wipes deteriorated and become less efficient. After approximately 200 rounds the wipes had to be replaced.
After The Military Armament Corporation went out of business, the Sionics/MAC suppressor designs continued to be manufactured by RPB and a few years later by SWD. It was at this point in time the suppressors became much more available to the general public, where permitted by law. A number were sold, but they were not especially popular, primarily because of the registration process, and the transfer tax that was usually more than twice the cost of the suppressor.
During the 1980s unregistered suppressor tubes and baffles were offered for sale, but advertised separately. Tubes were available from one company and the internal components from another, often the same company operating under different names. Similar sales were being made at gun shows from separate tables, all perfectly legal at the time. Before long, law enforcement officials were reporting a large number of illegal suppressors being seized. These types of sales strategies are what led to current laws banning the possession of spare suppressor parts.
Today, those in the market for a sound suppressor have a lot of options and many models available for them to consider. The most popular are those designed for .22 caliber rimfire rifles and pistols. This article is to introduce the reader to some of the more popular host firearms for mounting a .22 caliber suppressor.

Ruger 10/22 Rifle

The Ruger semiautomatic .22 caliber rifle introduced in 1964, celebrated its 50th year of production in 2014. The Ruger 10/22 rifle is one of the most popular .22 caliber firearms ever made with more than 6 million sold since its introduction.
The Ruger 10/22 rifle has proven to be a very reliable semiautomatic rifle. Since its introduction there have been several minor changes in its design and construction materials. As delivered from the factory the 10/22 rifle is fed from a 10-round rotary magazine.
The Ruger 10/22 rifle is currently available in seven different models. For those interested in mounting a suppressor, the obvious choice would be the 10/22 Tactical Model 1261 that comes from the factory with a 1/2-28 threaded 16.12-inch long barrel, synthetic stock, extended magazine release, and accessory rail for mounting optical devices. The rifle does not have conventional sights.
If you have an older model of the Ruger 10/22 there is a very large accessory aftermarket for upgrading the rifle. Available accessories include large capacity magazines, target and tactical stocks, threaded barrels and much more. The barrel of the 10/22 can be easily removed to be threaded for a suppressor or replaced with a new threaded one.

Savage Mark II FV-SR Rifle

When firing a suppressed semiautomatic rifle or pistol, sound is generated from several sources: the muzzle of the weapon, the ejection port, the action cycling and the bullet impacting the target. Other than the muzzle report, many of these sounds are not normally heard when firing unsuppressed firearms.
Firing a suppressed bolt-action rifle eliminates the sound generated from the ejection port and the semiautomatic action cycling, until of course the rifle’s bolt-action is cycled by hand after the shot, making a bolt-action rifle the best choice for the ultimate in quiet. A suppressed .22 rimfire caliber bolt-action rifle can be phenomenally stealthy.
The bolt-action Savage Mark II FV-SR has been a very popular choice for mounting a suppressor. The rifle comes from the factory fitted with a 16.5-inch 1/2-28 threaded heavy-profile, free-floating, fluted barrel, oversize bolt handle, Picatinny style optics rail, the adjustable Savage factory AccuTrigger, black synthetic stock and 5 or 10-round detachable magazine. The barrel comes with a knurled thread protector the same diameter as the heavy barrel.
When fitted with a red dot or telescopic sight the Savage Mark II FV-SR can be an accurate rifle.
One problem encountered was with the magazine. The metal body is pressed together and after reloading the magazine a few times the sides spread apart and the cartridges would not stay in the magazine. An internet inquiry revealed this to be a common problem.

Walther P22

The Walther P22 has been an inexpensive and popular .22 caliber pistol for mounting a suppressor. The pistol features a double-action first shot, and single action for subsequent shots. The pistol’s frame is made of polymer with stamped steel internal components; the slide is made from a zinc alloy. The barrel, recoil spring guide, extractor and ejector are made of steel. The magazine is constructed of stainless steel with a polymer follower and bump pad. An interchangeable backstrap allows the grip to be customized to the shooter’s hand. Sights consist of a polymer ramp front sight with a white dot pressed into the slide and a polymer rear sight adjustable for windage with two white dots. Two additional front sights come with the pistol to adjust elevation. The P22 features an ambidextrous magazine release located at the back of the trigger guard. Under the frame is a rail for the mounting accessories, including a factory laser designed specifically for the P22. The P22 is available in several variations as well as quite a few color options.

SIG Mosquito

The .22 caliber SIG Sauer Mosquito is a medium-size, double-action; semiautomatic pistol with an appearance, with the exception of its slide-mounted safety, and operation similar to that of the SIG Sauer P226 model. For the SAR evaluation the Mosquito “Silencer” TB model was tested. The silencer model is a bit of a misleading name. While the pistol does have an extended, threaded barrel, an aftermarket adapter is still required for attaching a suppressor with standard 1/2-28 threads.
The Mosquito’s slide is made of an aluminum-zinc alloy. Mounted on the slide are a blade front sight and adjustable rear, both with yellow-green inserts. The sights are tall enough to be visible with most brands of .22 suppressors on the barrel. The Mosquito has a polymer frame and has an integrated Picatinny rail for a light or accessory. The pistol has a slide-mounted, ambidextrous, manual safety switch located below the rear sight. A second safety feature requires the magazine to be in place before the pistol will fire. For storage or security purposes there an integral, key-operated safety lock located at the base of the grip. Located just forward of the slide catch lever is a decocking lever. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds. The fixed steel barrel is blued with a length of 4.9-inches. The Mosquito is available in several color combinations.
There have been a few reliability problems reported in early manufacture Mosquito pistols, but the problem seems to have been addressed. Three different pistols were tested with only one or two failures to feed using a variety of .22 ammunition brands. There was an ongoing reliability problem with Aguila Subsonic ammunition, but there was flawless reliability with CCI Standard Velocity, which has traditionally been the most popular .22 ammo for suppressor use. The Mosquito comes with two recoil springs, one for high-speed loads and another for standard ammunition. The pistol comes from the factory fitted with the high-speed spring. Also included is a wrench designed to remove the factory thread protector, a set of shorter sights and a safety locking key.
The SIG Mosquito has the look and feel of a center fire pistol. Like some other .22 caliber firearms it can be ammunition sensitive; some trial and error may be required to find ammunition that is compatible with any particular pistol.

Ruger Mark II

The Ruger series of single-action, semiautomatic .22 caliber pistols are very popular and have been in continuous production for over 65 years. Ruger’s first semiautomatic pistol was the Standard, made from 1949 to 1982. The original design was replaced by the new Mark II model in 1982. The MK II featured a slide stop that held the slide open on the last round, and was available in stainless steel. Other MK II variations include the Target models with heavier barrels and adjustable sights, and the 22/45 models, with a polymer frame having the same grip-angle as a 1911 pistol. The MK II was replaced by the Mark III in 2004. The Mark III introduced a number of new safety features: a visible loaded chamber indicator, a magazine disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired with the magazine removed and an internal safety lock that locks the pistol in the “safe” position with a key. Other non-liability features include tapered bolt ears, contoured ejection port, and relocated magazine release.
Unlike many of the newer .22 caliber pistols, the Ruger Mark pistols (except for the polymer frame 22/45 Model) have a steel frame and slide. The magazines also are made of steel have a 10-round capacity.
Due in part to its popularity and many years in production there is a large choice of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Ruger line.
Ruger .22 pistols are available in a large number of configurations and barrel options to include the Standard, Target, Hunter and Competition models. Ruger currently offers their SR-22 and the 22/45 .22 caliber pistols with factory threaded 1/2-28 barrels.

Colt/Walther 1911A1

John Browning’s original 1911 pistol design has been one of the most popular handguns in the U.S. for a long time. Since its introduction, it has become available in many configurations and manufactured by an ever-growing number of companies. The basic 1911 has been offered in a number of popular calibers including the original .45 ACP, .38 Super, 9mm and .22 rimfire. Recently there have been a rather large number of dedicated .22 caliber variants introduced to the market.
Walther/Umarex manufactures a full-size .22 caliber 1911 single-action pistol under license from Colt in Germany. The pistol was designed and manufactured according to the original Colt plans and at a 1:1 scale and accepts many regular 1911 accessories, this alone makes this gun appealing to many.
The Colt/Walther Government 1911A1 is chambered in .22LR with a magazine capacity of 12 rounds. It weighs 2.25 pounds empty, and it has an aluminum slide and a zinc alloy frame. Like the standard 1911, the .22 variant has both manual thumb and grip safeties. The standard 1911 style sights this comes equipped with should be tall enough to be usable with most modern .22 suppressors on the market. Disassembly is similar to a standard 1911. The .22 replica has a M8x.75mm 5.5 inch threaded barrel. While this barrel does not extend past the slide, it has a thread protector that can be removed to expose the metric muzzle threads. This allows the user to attach a readily available 1/2-28 thread adapter for attaching a suppressor.
Many enthusiasts have voiced concern about the use of the zinc alloy used in many of the .22 pistols available today, with visions of the old fragile “pot metal” of old. Unlike .22 caliber pistols designed exclusively for that caliber, when designing a replica of a modern center-fire pistol gun in .22 caliber, the slide must be made from a light-weight alloy material in order for the pistol to function with the low power round. Walther has stated that the material they use is a sophisticated zinc alloy that they selected for its durability, and the company has stated that they do not anticipate any issues with the material.

GSG 1911

The German Sports Guns (GSG) 1911 designed .22 caliber single-action pistol is another copy of the famous 1911A1 pistol. All the controls are pretty much the same as any government issue. The gun weighs 34 ounces, which is just a few ounces lighter than a typical .45 1911, thus it feels like a “real” 1911, except for the stiff grip safety that you must consciously depress. Some of the early production of the GSG 1911 had some reliability issues. However this has been acknowledged by the manufacturer who offers an upgrade package that consists of a new recoil spring and guide rod assembly. The pistol tested had a very sluggish slide that often did not have enough forward velocity to strip a round from the magazine. The problem was easily fixed with the new spring and guide rod factory upgrade.
The GSG 1911 comes with a number of so-called “enhanced” features that used to be only found on custom 1911s including ambidextrous safety, beavertail grip safety, extended trigger with adjustable “commander” style hammer, and extended magazine catch. The pistol slide remains open on an empty magazine, and the magazine release and slide stop function are the same as a 1911. The slide of the GSG-1911 is aluminum and the frame/receiver body of the pistol is a Zinc alloy. The barrel is fixed in position. A fair amount of parts of the GSG 1911 are interchangeable with a standard 1911 pistol.
Takedown for cleaning the GSG 1911 was a little more complicated than a .45 caliber model with an extra screw that has to be removed to disassemble the pistol.

Browning Buck Mark

The Buck Mark pistol is one of the most proven 22 rimfire designs available today. The Buck Mark has been in continuous production since 1985. The Buck Mark replaced both the Browning Challenger and International pistol models.
Over the years the design of the Buck Mark has remained very similar with refinements primarily in aesthetics, grips and available finishes. The Buck Mark pistol is designed with a straight blowback action, the frame is CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. The gun comes equipped with a thumb safety as well as front and rear iron sights. Features for some models include a bull barrel, full length scope rail, wooden comfort grips, and Pachmayr grips. The magazine has a 10-round capacity. There are currently 15 models offered of the Browning Buck Mark pistol. The Browning pistol features a very smooth trigger action, not very common in many .22 caliber pistols today. The Buck Mark is reliable with just about any brand of .22 caliber ammunition currently available.
While a very popular and well regarded design, the Buck Mark pistol performs best when kept clean. Most .22 caliber ammunition is inherently dirty, and firing a pistol with a suppressor expedites the buildup of powder residue and grime. The disassembly and cleaning process is a bit more complicated and involved than most other .22 pistols.
One disadvantage to the currently available Buck Mark pistols is the lack of a factory-threaded barrel option. While threaded replacement barrels are available, it adds additional expense to the basic cost of the pistol.

Beretta Model 71

The Beretta Model 71 is a well built and finished single-action handgun that was produced from 1958 through 1985, with fine workmanship and quality control common on Beretta made firearms. The commercial Model 71 was once imported as the Jaguar. What makes the Beretta Model 71 particularly interesting is that they have served as the “special purpose” weapon of choice for the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency.
The Model 71 is a single-action semiautomatic with an 8-round magazine and fixed sights. The frame is aluminum and the slide is steel. On the left-hand side of the frame, there’s a slide-stop lever and a thumb-operated safety blocks the sear and hammer. On the right-hand side, there is a lever marked “disassembly” which, when moved forward, allows the removal of the slide and barrel assembly from the frame. The magazine release is a large, recessed push button on the lower left side of the grip. The left side of the slide reads: “PIETRO BERETTA, Gardone V.T. Cal. 22 L.R.” The right side: “P B–Made in Italy.” The importer isn’t saying what country the pistols came from, but an instruction manual written in Turkish has been found accompanying one pistol. The left side of the frame carries the original serial number and Italian proof marks which include an Italian production code for the year of manufacture. The production code on the test pistol consists of the letters “AH” inside a square box, indicating that it was produced in 1981.
The Model 71 uses Beretta’s characteristic open frame design with the exposed barrel. There are no plastic or zinc-alloy parts in the Beretta; the only parts not made of steel are the plastic grips, magazine follower and aluminum alloy frame. The Model 71 was the only pistol tested that worked flawlessly with every type of ammo tried, including the seemingly low-powered Aguila brand Super Extra Subsonic. Although the Model 71 tested had a factory threaded barrel, the 1/2-20 threads required an adapter to fit a 1/2-28 thread suppressor. The only problem in shooting the Model 71 is the sights are totally obscured by a suppressor. When a suppressor is on the barrel the pistol becomes a point-and-shoot weapon.

Advantage Arms

Advantage Arms makes .22 caliber conversion kits for Glocks, 1911 pistols, and Springfield Armory XD models. The company also offers threaded barrels for their kits.
Of course there are many more suitable host firearms for mounting a .22 caliber suppressor than those addressed here, however covering all of them is beyond the scope of this article. Nevertheless, having such a wide ranging choice of host weapons and suppressors is good for the shooting community.

This build is based on the AXTS A-DAC lower receiver. Notice the Hera Arms magazine, Tangodown vertical pistol grip with Manta grip sleeve and rail covers, VLTOR MUR-1 upper receiver and Aimpoint Comp4s and 3x magnifier on A.R.M.S. mounts.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

In Part 1, we examined two custom built AR-type rifles that were built from hand selected parts to build rifles that would exceed Mil-Specs and make a truly more reliable and durable rifle. The first was built off of a Mega Arms lower receiver and the second one was built on a new San Tan Tactical lower receiver. The third rifle is built on one of the finest lower receivers in the industry, the AXTS A-DAC fully ambidextrous lower receiver manufactured from an aluminum billet. The fourth rifle is built on the Aero Precision ambidextrous lower receiver with also Aero Precision upper and scope mount. Like the first two, all of the components are hand selected to build the ideal rifle for reliability and longevity plus ease of operation. The parts chosen were based on this author’s opinion of what are the better component and by no means is to be taken as these are the best and all others not. Any AR aficionado will have their own opinion on what feels best and looks best.

The third rifle is built on the AXTS lower receiver. This is a fully ambidextrous lower receiver that has an additional capability not found in any other. The receiver was designed to be as fully ambidextrous as possible. There is a good size bolt release on the right side of the rifle above the magazine release button. On the left side, the ambidextrous magazine release is right below the bolt catch and easily manipulated with the trigger finger of a left handed shooter. The bolt catch on the left side has a large oversized lever making for easy manipulation even with heavy gloves. The unique feature in this rifle is if it were to malfunction, the shooter would drop the magazine via depressing the magazine release button but hold the magazine catch button inward and pull back the charging handle to retract the bolt while never altering your grip. The bolt will lock open to the rear. This saves valuable time clearing a malfunction when you normally would have to switch hands to push in the lower portion of the bolt catch inward with your left thumb, and pull the charging handle to the rear with your right hand. Your firing hand never leaves the pistol grip. As received, this lower receiver came with the Battle Arms Development Ambidextrous Safety System safety lever. The receiver has a very distinctive look to it and is brilliantly machined. The magazine well has a larger bevel to it making insertion of the magazine faster, especially in low level to no light conditions. The front of the magazine well has grooves cut for better grip.

Starting at the stock, the VLTOR Modstock was again selected for its durability and comfort. The receiver extension with its 6-stock positions has numbering of all 5 positions visible through the hole in the top of the stock. The receiver extension end plate is also manufactured by VLTOR. This has a reversible design (SASE-2) that will accept a single point sling. The standard “H” buffer is used. The standard rear takedown pin was used and the front is a proprietary one to this lower receiver, slightly longer. The Magpul MIAD pistol grip was again used due to its comfort. The removable back straps make the grip custom fit to the size of the shooter’s hand. This author has very large hands so the largest insert was used making the grip as comfortable as can be for the grip as well. They have ones that hold batteries, oil bottle and a spare bolt.
The trigger chosen for this build is the High Performance Firearms HPERFIRE. The “service” trigger model 24E offers several improvements over many of the current designs. These include faster restroke, fast and steady reset, very clean hammer release, pretravel is flat and smooth, user-adjustable low trigger weights without screws and a much faster than stock lock up and heavier hammer fall. This was accomplished in two ways. The trigger weight depends on sear friction; HPERFIRE changed the mechanical advantage to reduce the trigger weight. He changed the shape and location of the hammer and trigger sears. They added two over center toggle springs that further reduce friction while slightly increasing the hammer fall energy with the two toggle spring set up, but increasing hammer fall energy over the Mil-Spec hammer/spring. One of the major issues with reduction of trigger weight by reducing the power of the hammer spring is the possibility of misfires due to a light hammer strike on hard primers. The toggle system can prevent this ensuring reliable ignition. All in all, faster, higher hammer energy, faster lock up and a smooth light weight trigger is now possible. This gives the shooter several advantages, which include: an anti-flinch action, constant weight stroke, and single stage trigger that allows the shooter to shoot slow or fast. This trigger with the yellow springs (medium) the trigger broke at the advertised 3 1/2 pounds. This has to be one of the finest trigger groups this author has ever tested.

The upper receiver chosen is the VLTOR MUR-1. The receiver is one of the finest in the industry and quite popular with many high end original equipment manufacturers (OEM). The forward assist chosen is again the extremely high quality Iron Viper steel teardrop forward assist with a checkered pattern on the pad of it. The larger surface area of the forward assist makes it easier to use and the checkering makes for a no slip grip. The forward assist/fired cartridge case deflector is removable. You can have a forward assist/fired cartridge case deflector combination or just a fired cartridge case deflector.

The barrel chosen for this rifle is a 16-inch cold hammer forged barrel manufactured by FN USA and finished off at Spikes Tactical. Hammer forged barrels are known to last longer for accuracy and heavy use. The U.S. military has refused hammer forged barrels for the M16/M4 family of weapons because Rock Island said that hammer forging cannot duplicate the sharp leading edge of the button cut rifling which means decreased accuracy. Where the hammer forged barrels shine is the less sharp edges; without them the barrel lasts longer. The barrel has a chrome plated bore and chamber which is another additional characteristic of a longer lasting and more reliable chamber. The other feature of this barrel chosen as a reliability enhancement was a midlength gas system. The 7-inch carbine gas system has always been known to be less reliable than the 12-inch full rifle gas system. This is primarily due to the closer gas port to the chamber. This virtually doubles the port pressure on the carbine causing higher cycle rate and more importantly speeds up the extraction process. The residual pressures have not fully dropped during extraction, so the extractor has to work that much harder to pull that cartridge case out of the chamber and sometimes will result in a failure to extract. The midlength gas system finds that sweet spot in-between the 12 inch rifle and the 7 inch carbine allowing further dwell time, which allows the cartridge case to be extracted much easier creating a more reliable system. For the front sight, the A.R.M.S. #41-B silhouette sight was used. For an AR-15 aficionado, the classic look of the triangular front sight is desirable. The A.R.M.S. sight folds down out of the way and when needed, with only the lift of a finger, engages the front sight. It has the same appearance as the standard front sight post. It also has a bayonet lug. This particular one was installed by Spikes tactical and it was pinned in place. A.R.M.S. does make bolt-on versions of this front sight. This author does not care for bolt on front sights. After several experiences test firing rifles particularly hard and on automatic fire, it was found that bolted-on front sight bases will migrate forward first causing short stroke and then completely not cycle due to the gas being completely cut off. This does not happen with the pinned on front sight base; it is secure and reliable in all conditions. The VLTOR compensator was used for the muzzle device. This is a very high quality and effective muzzle brake/flash hider.

The trigger chosen for this rifle is the HPERFIRE 24E single stage trigger. The two toggle springs increase hammer spring force. The author found this to be one of the finest triggers he has ever used.

The rail system chosen for this rifle is manufactured by Centurion Arms. Centurion Arms President LaMonte LeClair is an active duty SEAL out of Crane, Indiana so this is a veteran owned business. This company is a good example of someone who designs the kind of gear he, as a Navy SEAL, wants to carry. His experiences throughout his career are benefitting his customers by producing military grade systems. The C4 Midlength (9-inch) (P/N 06099) is an incredible rail that is designed specifically for a midlength barrel. The machining is first rate. What is really nice about this is that it does not require a special barrel nut or tools to install – just a couple Allen keys. This rifle was built with just a barrel nut so the rail was placed around the barrel nut and tightened and then the front two screws were installed and that was it. If you were to have a rifle with the Delta/Slipring on it, you would need to remove that assembly. With this rail system, the barrel is fully free floated increasing accuracy and cooling. It takes all the weight of accessories off of the barrel, which is a big advantage. The vertical pistol grip is from Tangodown. Their heavy duty polymer pistol grip is a fine quality grip that is strong and robust. Lastly, Manta Rail Protectors were put on the exposed 3, 6 and 12 o’clock rails. These are the best rail covers in the industry. They are built out of a proprietary material that withstands incredible temperatures. We had gotten the rail up to 500°F and the grip panels were around 60°F. Also, they were heated with a lighter and did not burn.

The charging handle chosen is the AXTS Raptor charging handle. This new charging handle is ambidextrous and allows the shooter to disengage the charging handle latch from either side of the charging handle. The handles are large enough to actuate even with heavy gloves on.
The bolt carrier group chosen is a completely chrome plated group manufactured by Ron Smith and Smith Enterprises. They have made these carriers for many years. Chrome plated carriers go back to the initial design of the AR-10 by Gene Stoner. Chrome is an extremely durable finish, easy to clean, self lubricious and corrosion resistant. The basic reason for it being replaced with manganese phosphate is cost. Sometimes old is new. Many manufacturers have gone back to chrome carriers including Knights Armament and Lewis Machine and Tool. Smith does not believe in staking the carrier key screws. He believes that if they are properly torqued to 58 inch pounds plus some blue Loctite is plenty to do the job. Staking offers little benefit unless it is going out to the masses whom there may be a concern with taking off the carrier key and not knowing how to put a new one on properly. This particular Smith Enterprises carrier has already had over 1,000 rounds through it without a hitch. Smith claims the key to preventing hydrogen embrittlement is heat treating after the carrier is chrome plated.

The fourth rifle built for this series was build off of an Aero Precision Gen II lower receiver. This is an ambidextrous lower receiver. The right side bolt catch utilizes the PDG ambidextrous bolt release, which the receiver is cut to accept this feature. This lever sits above the magazine catch and is pushed downward to disengage the bolt release and push upward to engage. The receiver came with the Norgon ambidextrous magazine release lever. Moreover, this new generation lower came with the markings for the 45° Battle Arms Development Ambidextrous Safety System lever.

Starting at the stock, the Magpul ACS-L stock was chosen. This triangular shaped stock has two battery compartments and a lock for the latch. There is also another compartment in the rear of the right side of the stock for storage. For the receiver extension, the VLTOR A5 assembly was used. This 7 position receiver extension is longer than a standard carbine designed to convert 20 inch M16A2 and M16A4 rifles with fixed stocks into telescopic stocks. This uses a longer buffer as well. When used on a shorter barrel, this system will slightly decrease cycle rate. This is a good enhancement for any carbine. The receiver extension end plate is also manufactured by VLTOR. This has a reversible design (SASE-2) that will accept a single point sling. The rear takedown pin and the front pivot pin are the Battle Arms Development Enhanced Pin Set. This improved the gripping surface and pull strength without using oversized heads, lower profile and will not obstruct an ambidextrous safety, slightly extended (+0.030 in) over mil-spec pins and has a bullet tip guide to prevent damage to the receiver from a tool slipping off the pin and damaging the receivers. The Magpul MIAD pistol grip was again used due to its comfort. There removable backstraps making the grip custom fit to the size of the shooter’s hand. This author has very large hands so the largest insert was used making the grip as comfortable as can be. They have grip cores that hold batteries, oil bottle and a spare bolt. The Magpul Enhanced trigger guard was used as well.

The trigger chosen for this rifle is the JP Enterprises (JPFCP-1EZ) trigger set. This is a single stage match trigger that comes with two hammer springs. The yellow is for competition and the red for mil-spec harder primers. Also in the kit are oversized anti-walk pins and an adjustable/convertible selector/safety lever. The trigger breaks at 4 3/4 pounds. The trigger is fully adjustable with two screws.
The bolt carrier group chosen for this rifle is the JP Enterprises Full Mass Operating System selective fire bolt carrier. This bolt carrier is manufactured from 416 Stainless Steel and has a roller burnished finish for frictionless operation. When properly lubricated, the bolt carrier group is extremely smooth. The carrier has 100% increased bearing surface for smoother operation and improved alignment and lower wear in the upper receiver. The JP Enhanced Bolt has much greater life expectancy over the standard GI Mil-Spec bolt. The Mil-Spec standards manufactured from Carpenter 158 steel. This material is considered not the best by 2014 standards. JP makes their bolt out of SAE9310 steel, which is an extremely high grade steel and makes for an extremely hard surface with a tough, ductile core resistant to structural failure and life expectance far exceeding Carpenter-158.

The barrel on this rifle is a 16 inch cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel manufactured by Daniel Defense. Daniel Defense manufactures their own hammer forged barrels in-house. These are barrels that are military grade and manufactured to the highest standards. The barrel has been proof tested and then magnetic particle inspected to ensure against stress fractures. The rifling is the NATO 1 turn in 7 inches, which means this barrel will stabilize projectiles from 55 up to 80 grains. This barrel uses the midlength gas system which has been previously explained in detail. The gas block is a Daniel Defense low profile gas block that is pinned in place. This is far more durable than the bolt on front sight bases. Pinned on front sight bases will not migrate forward with heavy use. The flash suppressor chosen for this rifle is the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom Compensator with aggressive end cuts (YHM-28-5C2). This is a very effective and popular compensator whether sold individually or put on by an OEM.

The handguard used on this rifle is the Daniel Defense Omega X 9-inch quad Mil-Std 1913 rail mid-length free floating rail. The Omega X is really a hybrid version of the standard Omega rail. The largest difference is the way it mounts to the rifle. The X version has a smooth transition from the upper receiver to the rail. There are no external bolts. This is a 2 piece rail system that offers a continuous top rail along with 2 quick detachment ports for a sling. The barrel nut is proprietary to the Omega X and is assembled with a provided wrench. The rail stops right behind the front sight base or gas block on the barrel. This particular mid-length model can be used with a low profile gas bock on a 7 inch carbine gas system and will cover the gas block giving a longer handguard for the carbine length gas system operator. The barrel is fully free floated increasing accuracy, better dissipation of heat, as well as protects the barrel from having the weight of the accessories and force of a vertical pistol grip right on it. The rail is manufactured from 6061 T-6 aluminum and finished to Military Specification Type III hard coat anodized. The handguard weighs just 11.7 ounces with a width of 1.90 inches. Attached to the handguard is the Yankee Hill Machine folding vertical pistol grip (YHM-9640), which is covered with a Manta grip sleeve. The rails at 9, 3 and 6 o’clock are protected by Manta rail protectors, which have been previously discussed with the third rifle.

The iron sights on this rifle are a little out of the ordinary but very well thought out and very practical. Most combat rifles today have some sort of an optic on them. Some are unmagnified red dot and holographic sights. Others are 4x combat sights that are adjustable or fixed power and others use more of a long range sniper-type scope. Any magnified optic can cause some degree of difficulty with quick target acquisition at low power at best (under 4x) but when higher power scopes are involved, without proper cheek weld, acquisition is very difficult and the target may be very blurry. The Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight or RTS are front and rear sights (A-2 style) that mount to the front and rear of the top rail of the rifle. They sit at a 45-degree angle so when a close up target appears, with a slight 45 degree angle tilt, the shooter has iron sights to engage. The rear sight has both standard A2 long and short range apertures as well as elevation. With these being angled they do not interfere with the primary optic on the rifle. These were found to be extremely convenient and easy to use.

The optic tested on this rifle is the Bushnell AR Optics Rifle Scope 30mm tube 1-4x 24mm Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle. Bushnell has brought to market an entire line of optics dedicated to the AR platform of rifles, everything from: precision optics, midrange optics, red dot optics and more, and all brought out at very reasonable prices. This particular optic was chosen because the role of this rifle is to be a basic combat rifle intended for close range (under 300 meters) but may be called upon for close quarters as well. For close quarter battle the scope can but put down to 1x and used effectively, but if a target appears at 50 to 300 yards the scope can be adjusted to make it effective out to those distances. The optic does have a drop zone reticle as well for adjustment at known distances. This is a lot of scope for an MSRP of $253.99 and will do all the necessary tasks asked of it. The optic was mounted to an Aero Precision lightweight 30mm scope mount. This mount cantilevers slightly making it the perfect dimensions to mount this optic putting the rear of the scope flush with the rear of the upper receiver. There is no interference with the charging handle.

Through part 1 and part 2, four “Boutique Black Rifles” have been built using numerous manufacturers’ parts throughout the industry. This is a tiny drop in the bucket as to what is all out there. The author’s prejudices did come out with a few products. Everyone has specific products they are die-hard on and I am no exception. However there are many manufacturers that specialize in specific components that will really increase the reliability and longevity of your weapon system. Many of them will make you more comfortable and much faster at manipulation of the rifle. Major reliability enhancements such as hammer forged barrels and midlength gas systems will greatly increase your reliability and longevity. But if precision accuracy is what you want, putting all your bullets through the same hole, a button cut match barrel is what you want. By knowing exactly what you want to do with your rifle, you will be able to pick out the parts that will get you to where you want to be. SAR would like to thank the multitude of manufacturers who supplied the parts to make this two part series possible. As journalists, we cannot properly do our job without all of their support.

Colts intent with the .38 Super was a cartridge capable of penetrating the body armor and automobile sheet metal of the 1920s-30s combined with the preeminent semiautomatic handgun designed for fighting: the 1911.

By Todd Burgreen

The Dan Wesson (DW) Guardian 1911 evaluated herein represents over 100 years of various tweaks in the 1911 developmental path. The DW Guardian is a Commander sized 1911 chambered in .38 Super. It is also available in .45 ACP and 9mm. A word about both the .38 Super and Commander frame is in order. It may surprise many to learn that the .38 Super cartridge has a lineage dating back to the late 1920s and was not that uncommon of a 1911 chambering during the heyday of organized crime and professional criminals fostered by the Depression along with the lawmen assigned to stop them. Colt designed the .38 Super with the full sized Government 1911 platform in mind; Colt’s intent was a cartridge capable of penetrating the body armor and automobile sheet metal of the 1920s-30s combined with the preeminent semiautomatic handgun designed for fighting. The longer case length of the .38 Super (22.86 mm) facilitates its feeding from magazines fitted in a 1911 frame better than the shorter 9mm cartridge. The .38 Super has almost the identical overall length of the .45 ACP – explaining why it works so well in the 1911 platform. The .38 Super was derived from the .38 ACP and shares its dimensions, though loaded to higher pressures for a boost in velocity. The .38 Super was designed to fire a 130 grain bullet at the 1,300 feet per second (fps) threshold while the .38 ACP is in the 1,100 fps range.

From its inception, the 1911 .38 Super attracted savvy aficionados to it; a characteristic that continues to this day. The .38 Super experienced resurgence in the 1970s due to its “discovery” by IPSC competitors with its ability to make “Major” in terms of cartridge classification due to its high velocity and mild recoil especially when combined with a muzzle brake; not to mention its ability to fire reliably from the 1911. The .38 Super combined in a 1911 based Match gun became, and still is, a favorite platform for competitors. This is for a variety of reasons such as flat shooting, tame recoil, and the extra capacity offered by the .38 Super compared to a .45 ACP 1911. These same characteristics are valued in a personal defense handgun as well.

Due to similar case dimensions between the .38 Super and the .38 ACP, in 1974 SAAMI added a +P headstamp to the .38 Super to help distinguish it from the lower powered .38 ACP. A .38 Super fired in a .38 ACP weapon could prove disastrous. The 38 Super is popular in Europe as well as Central and South American due to gun laws limiting access to military caliber such as .45 ACP and 9mm. Here in the U.S. the .38 Super has more of a cult following with limited sales numbers. However, ammunition is still carried by multiple manufacturers with reloading a popular option. The .38 Super’s performance benefits greatly by the increased sophistication of bullets and powders that wring the most out of its capability compared to when it first appeared in 1929. Originally, the .38 Super headspaced off of the cartridges semi-rim and led to early reports of inaccuracy due to stray tolerances in weapon manufacturing impacting accuracy. More modern manufactured .38 Supers headspace off of the case mouth similar to the .45 ACP with accuracy on par with any pistol cartridge. Let’s face it; professional shooters would not have embraced it if it was not accurate.

Background pulled from various sources show the Commander 1911 as designed for ease of carry compared to pure combat effectiveness. Sources state, “The pistol that would eventually be named the Colt Commander was Colt’s Manufacturing Company’s candidate in a U.S. government post-World War II trial to find a lighter replacement for the M1911 Government model pistol that would be issued to Officers. Requirements were issued that the pistol had to be chambered for 9mm Parabellum and could not exceed 7 inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces.” (Yes, that is right: 9mm.) Candidates included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada’s Inglis and Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale and Smith & Wesson’s S&W Model 39. Colt entered a modified version of their M1911 pistol that was chambered for 9mm, had an aluminum alloy frame, a short 4.25-inch barrel, and a 9-round magazine. In 1951, Colt decided to move their Commander service candidate into regular production for the civilian market. It was the first aluminum-framed large frame pistol in major production and the first Colt pistol to be originally chambered in 9mm. The first year’s civilian production included .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings. In 1970, Colt introduced the all-steel Colt Combat Commander. To differentiate between the two models, the original aluminum-framed model was re-named the Lightweight Commander.

The Dan Wesson’s connection to the 1911 is interesting. In 2000, Dan Wesson started working on the development of a 1911 style pistol. Their decision to focus on making quality 1911 handguns surprised many as they were known for their revolvers. The objective for the Dan Wesson 1911 product line was the same as the Dan Wesson revolvers – the most accurate and reliable out of the box weapon on the market with features dictated by listening to feedback from customers. Dan Wesson became part of the CZ group of companies in 2005. CZ is reputed in various sources as the largest firearms producer in the world. Operating under the CZ corporate umbrella gave Dan Wesson the financial backing and corporate resources to once again pursue the quality products Dan Wesson was known for in the 1980s. The Dan Wesson 1911s are “Made in the USA” at Dan Wesson’s Norwich, New York facility.

The Dan Wesson Guardian is equipped with features more likely to be found on full-blown custom 1911s costing much more. This includes an undercut trigger guard facilitating better hand placement. The 25 LPI (lines per inch) stippling pattern on the front strap provides positive grip and recoil management. The Guardian’s bobtail aluminum frame and mainspring housing signify Dan Wesson’s intent for it to be a personal defense concealed carry candidate. The shorter length Commander slide and bobtail grip is conducive to concealed carry and minimizes the chance of printing under a cover garment. The barrel features an integral ramp. The Guardian has dimensions typical of a Commander-style 1911. Thanks to its aluminum frame it weighs in at 28 ounces empty. The Guardian measures nearly 8 inches long from barrel bushing to beavertail safety and 5.5 inches high. The Match grade 4.25 inch barrel provides the optimum mix of sight radius, concealment, weapon balance, and reliability. The DW Guardian uses a plug bushing and spring following Browning’s original design intent. This will warm the heart of many 1911 purists who deride the use of full length guide rods in a 1911 as a solution to a problem that does not exist with the 1911. The stainless steel slide and other parts are coated in a ceramic based duty-coat finish for protection against wear that a concealed carry handgun is subjected to. An Ed Brown tactical thumb safety is utilized with the DW Guardian. It is not an ambidextrous design. A textured slide stop and magazine catch round out the DW Guardian package.

Trijicon tritium night sights compliment the DW Guardian’s intended role as a concealed carry weapon. The front and rear sights contain contrasting color vials for easier orientation when aiming in dark conditions. Furthermore, a white ring on the front post assists in concentrating on the front sight. The sights are designed in a way allowing for fast target acquisition while still allowing for precise shot placement as situation demands or increase in target distance. The Dan Wesson Guardian is a sharp looking pistol exuding understated confidence with “Guardian” inscribed on its side in a low profile script. Aesthetically pleasing, yet functional, dark wood grips contrast nicely with the Guardian’s dark metal components. The DW Guardian is proof positive that a weapon can look good and still function as designed. The DW Guardian typifies why the 1911 is still popular as ever. The 1911’s slim width and classic, svelte ergonomics has it carry and handle like no other. The DW Guardian .38 Super features nine round capacity magazines with two provided with the pistol. These were supplemented by .38 Super magazines from Wilson Combat – a main source of reliable aftermarket magazines for 1911s in most calibers.

The DW Guardian .38 Super 1911 stems from a prior similar DW 1911 model chambered in .45 ACP. Dan Wesson decided it was time to introduce .38 Super and 9mm variants. The intent of this article is not to rehash debate of .45 ACP versus other handgun cartridges. Let’s leave it at modern non-.45 ACP loads have come a long way from FMJ bullets that are the basis of much of the disdain focused on them. .38 Super ammunition selections chosen for this article consisted of Winchester, Federal/American Eagle, Wilson Combat and Corbon. Modern premium .38 Super defensive loads fire 115 grain bullets near 1,450 fps. Chronographing of all loads took place to verify if the .38 Super lives up to its hype as the original .40 S&W/.357 SIG cartridge for semiautomatic handguns: it does with the Corbon loads being the “hottest” as per their reputation. The Corbon 100gr Pow’RBall clocked just over 1,500 fps with the 115 grain JHP at 1,435 fps and 125 grain DPX chronoing 1,320 fps.
The Dan Wesson Guardian is a 1911 that benefits from nearly a century of refinement. While the association between the non-.45 ACP cartridges and the 1911 platform is not a natural one for most, we should not let prejudices block us from exploring what cartridges such as the .38 Super offers. The Dan Wesson Guardian represents portability, reliability, controllability and lethality. These are poster child traits in a personal defense handgun. The 1911 is often labeled as an aficionado’s weapon that continues to attract users with its natural handling, and great trigger. Is the 1911 a prime weapon for all situations or users? No. However, you should not give it a second thought as a carry weapon once it has fully proofed on the range. A 1911 should be trained with to ensure that functions are natural and instinctive if having to deploy in haste; the same as any other personal defense weapon. No one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon as the 1911. The trigger and grip size/angle cause it to be most accurate handgun in most arsenals. Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special purpose military/LE teams use it? It is accurate and conducive to precise shot placement.

The DW Guardian’s ergonomics and handling characteristics are quickly appreciated and make a user understand why the 1911 is a legend. The Dan Wesson Guardian was initially tested by verifying sight zero and then proceeding to fire several magazines rapidly at various steel man targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist. Firing was at a relatively steady pace with different shooters running the Guardian through its paces on plate racks, dueling trees, and other drills. During this, all made comment on the .38 Super Guardian’s surprisingly uncanny accuracy. Despite its lightweight alloy frame, the .38 Super was amazingly tame in the recoil department; showing why it was so favored by modern competitors and professionals on both sides of the law dating back to the 1930s.

Drills started from the holster firing as fast as the front sight was verified on target. It was refreshing to see a 1911-style weapon functioning out of the box without needing a “break in” period. I rarely bench test pistols for accuracy due to reliability and quick engagement of targets being more paramount in a self-defense handgun. However, it could not be resisted with the DW Guardian being advertised as having a match grade barrel combined with producing one jagged hole on paper silhouette targets engaged at 15 yards. The Dan Wesson Guardian did not disappoint regularly producing 2-3 inch groups at 25 yards. This rivals full-size Match 1911s. Nearly 350 .38 Super rounds were fired without a hitch. An assortment of bullet configuration from various ammunition manufactures mentioned above were tested to verify reliability.
The DW Guardian’s 1911 configuration facilitates a user finding accessories in terms of holsters and other gear. This is because holster and accessory manufacturers always make sure to provide customers with 1911 options. Flexibility is the key to effective carry practices with inside-the-waistband (IWB), Yaqui slides, belt slide, side-of-back, and shoulder holsters all a part of a concealed carry practitioners repertoire. Quality holsters, magazine carriers, and gun belts are not to be underestimated in importance for effective carry. A Galco Royal Guard IWB and CDM Double Mag case was used primarily with the DW Guardian. Other holsters from DeSantis, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, and BlackHawk were also employed on a more limited basis. All are comfortable, but the Comp-Tac paddle holster is a viable option if weather and dress allows. The Comp-Tac paddle holster remains secure on the belt and the Guardian is retained with a pressure point around the trigger guard. Its open top design allows quick access. Remember the defender is reacting to an attack and must overcome the reactionary curve. The paddle allows a user flexibility in putting on and taking off the holster without having to “undress.” A fact of life for civilian carry is that there are places you cannot go with your firearm. The on/off ease of the Comp-Tac paddle holster is much appreciated when having to dismount your weapon into a lock box or other means of storage.

The reduced size and weight of the Dan Wesson Guardian is far more beneficial for concealed carry compared to a full sized steel framed 1911. The .38 Super chambering came to be appreciated as well in the 1911 DW Guardian with its 9 + 1 capacity stoked with high velocity premium defensive ammunition. The Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super’s performance combined with 1911 nostalgia is difficult to resist when pondering a concealed carry handgun.

SITES OF INTERESTS

CZ-USA/Dan Wesson
PO Box 171073
Kansas City, KS 66117
(800) 955-4486
www.cz-usa.com

Galco International
2019 West Quail Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(800) 874-2526
www.usgalco.com

Wilson Combat
2234 CR 719
Berryville, AR 72616
(800) 955-4856
www.wilsoncombat.com

RRA LAR 47 utilized field expedient positions at Echo Valley Training Center’s Jungle Walk Lane Range.

By Todd Burgreen

The search for the “perfect” rifle and cartridge combination is the impetus of many gun designers and manufacturers; this search motivated Stoner himself back in the early 1960s. Of late, the most attention seems to be on “improving” the AR platform via developing piston-driven ARs in lieu of Stoner’s original gas-impingement design. Rock River Arms (RRA) has approached the AR from a different angle than just tweaking the AR operating system. One way Rock River Arms seeks to improve the AR platform rests on calibers chambered other than the 5.56mm. Rock River Arms features AR models chambered in 7.62x51mm/.308Win, 9mm, .40 S&W, 6.8 SPC, .458 SOCOM, and most recently 7.62×39.

Rock River Arms (RRA) was founded in 1996 by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson. The Larson brothers combine over 40 years of experience in the firearm business into RRA. Unfortunately, Mark passed away in early 2013. Their initial product focus consisted of custom 1911 pistols before turning their attention to AR style rifles. The attention to detail associated with creating Match-grade 1911s was soon transferred over to AR production methods. RRA’s goal with the AR style rifle is the utmost reliability combined with accuracy; thus wringing the most out of Stoner’s original design. These two objectives are often at odds with each other. The tight tolerances associated with accuracy can hinder reliability if not applied properly. By improving fit and finish, including the use of a forged receiver, RRA sets itself apart from the majority of AR manufacturers in existence today. RRA quality control was quickly rewarded within only a few years of emerging on the AR scene. RRA’s operating methodology was quickly brought to the forefront by winning contracts to provide RRA AR rifles to DEA and FBI law enforcement agencies. This has been followed since with other contracts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement entities.

Slight radius cuts behind where the firing pin rests in the carrier group are one difference with the chromed LAR 47 bolt carrier compared to a Mil Spec AR-15/M16 bolt carrier.

The exponential growth of AR popularity and Rock River Arms’ involvement in this progression is impressive. Rock River Arms definitely has “skin” in the AR game with numerous models and calibers in its product line-up. Our focus for this review is the RRA 7.62×39 LAR 47. Word emerged as early as 2012 about the RRA LAR 47 with product reaching dealer shelves in mid 2014. This delay was surely a result of the AR craze the industry went through during that time frame as well as Mark’s unexpected death.

RRA is an industry leader well known for producing a full line of high quality AR-15 style rifles. The LAR 47 is a hybrid design that combines the versatility and ergonomics of the AR-style platform with the popularity and hard hitting nature of the AK 7.62×39 chambering. Most importantly it accepts steel and select polymer AK47 magazines compared to other ARs chambered in 7.62×39 that take proprietary magazines. The RRA LAR 47 uses forged A4 upper and lower receivers. RRA decided to use the direct impingement (DI) AR operating method in lieu of the piston option with the LAR 47. This is intriguing as RRA features each operating method in its product line up. Some will have concerns with the DI operation and increased fouling in the receiver area magnified when using surplus 7.62×39 ammunition. This is addressed by Rock River Arms by chroming the barrel and bolt carrier group.

Two different model configurations of the LAR 47 are available: CAR A4 and Delta Carbine. This article features the LAR 47 Delta Carbine. The LAR 47 Delta uses a 16 inch chrome-lined HBAR profile barrel with 1:10 RH twist. The LAR 47 Delta Carbine is equipped with many standard RRA components that include an A2 flash hider (5/8×24 threads) and RRA 2-stage trigger group. Other features included are oversized trigger guard and centrally located ambidextrous magazine release. It is equipped with an RRA Delta CAR adjustable stock and Delta pistol grip, along with RRA propriety 2-piece quad rail handguard forend. The LAR 47 Delta Carbine weighs approximately 7.75 pounds with an overall length of 36.5 inches with stock extended. The package from Rock River includes polymer AK47 magazine, hard case, manual and RRA limited life time warranty. RRA lists MSRP for the LAR 47 Delta Carbine as $1,475.

Rock River Arms had to tweak the typical 5.56mm AR upper and lower receivers for the LAR 47. Interestingly, RRA was able to maintain length and width of 5.56mm AR receivers. The lower receiver’s aesthetics is impacted by being engineered to accept the AK magazine. One of the less appreciated aspects of the AK design is how the front of the magazine is hooked into place and kept steady behind a wide feed ramp allowing the bullet a smooth path to the chamber. This is one factor contributing to the AKs reputation for reliability. The LAR 47’s magazine well is angled to facilitate the AK’s magazine hook-and-latch system, i.e., you insert the front of the magazine in first before rocking it back and locking it in place. Rock River took into account the interaction of steel AK magazines with the LAR 47’s aluminum lower receiver by installing a steel crosspin for the magazine to interact with.

The LAR 47’s receivers had to be modified to make room for the wider and longer feed lips of the AK magazine. The same was done for the bolt carrier. The barrel extension feed ramps were tweaked to accommodate the 7.62×39 cartridge in the LAR 47. Rock River Arms dealt with the associated hard primer strike required for surplus 7.62×39 ammunition by using a heavier hammer spring and modifying the bolt carrier group geometry. The LAR 47 utilizes standard AR-15 buffer and spring.

Multiple AK magazines were tried with the LAR 47 including polymer US Palm, Magpul, Tapco, Bulgarian smooth and waffle, IO Inc., and surplus steel magazines. Even drum magazines were tested. Steel AK magazines worked without issue. On the polymer magazine front, only the AK magazine shipped with the LAR 47 functioned properly. The Magpul PMAG 30 AK inserted and removed smoothly, however this proved a false indicator as functioning was not possible due to the bolt group dragging along its feed lips. The other polymer magazines had issues inserting and locking into the LAR 47’s magazine well. Romanian and Chinese 75-round drum magazines were also a no go. The lesson here is to function test any magazine considered for use with the LAR 47. While there is definitely no shortage of steel AK magazines available for purchase, the inability to utilize multiple types of AK magazines will not be well received in many quarters of rifledom.

LAR 47. FIREClean CLP is a possible option for users concerned with direct impingement fouling.

Since typical AK magazines do not have a follower designed to hold the bolt open after the last round is fired, Rock River eliminated the bolt catch mechanism on the LAR 47. This eased design constraints associated with the magazine well area reconfiguration and alleviated the need to intrude into the trigger housing for space; thus enabling the use of Rock River Arms’ excellent two-stage AR trigger. The design approach further extends to the magazine release arrangement decided on by RRA. The angle of the AK magazine availed RRA the opportunity for a much larger trigger guard area. This allowed for a centrally located paddle release at the front of the trigger guard behind the magazine. The magazine release lever is ambidextrous.

It was decided to take full advantage of the RRA LAR 47’s flattop upper receiver by mounting a Trijicon TA 31 3x ACOG with horseshoe/dot reticle calibrated for 7.62×39 trajectory. The mounting of eye relief dependent optics is a weakness for the AK that the LAR 47 solves. A quick release mount was used with the ACOG. The mount is CNC machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and weighs only 2.7 ounces. The Trijicon ACOG offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing accuracy at extended distances. The ACOG is a preferred optic for the U.S. Army and Marines. The Trijicon reticle superimposes an aim point on the target while not totally obscuring the target due to the center dot not being that large. The 7.62×39’s trajectory is conducive to making hits out to 300 yards without having to resort to excessive hold over; 3 inch high at 100 yards produces a 200 yard zero with 15 inches low at 300 yards.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the RRA LAR 47 from Hornady, Wolf and Century’s Red Army Standard. A 50 yard accuracy test was chosen due to the ACOG’s 3x magnification. Wolf and Red Army Standard loads grouped into an inch at 50 yards. The Hornady 123 grain SST loads delivered accuracy in the 5/8 inch range at 50 yards. The RRA LAR 47 combined with quality optic mated to quality ammunition is a prime candidate for use as a general purpose rifle.

Range testing commenced with functionality consisting of dumping multiple magazines at targets arrayed along Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) multi-stepped berm in rapid fashion once the ACOG TA 31’s was zeroed. Iron sights are not part of the RRA LAR 47 package. If so desired, Magpul flip up sights are a solution and easily mountable on the upper rail. No problems were encountered with the Wolf and Red Army Standard 7.62×39 ammunition. While the RRA LAR 47 fired Hornady 123 grain SST the most accurately compared to other loads, the rifle had issues functioning with it. Fired rounds were ejected, but fresh rounds were not picked up and chambered. It can be surmised that the bolt was not cycling back far enough to strip the next round from the magazine. The same magazines were tested with the other ammunition with no issues encountered. After initial functioning test, the LAR 47 was then put through its paces on different courses of fire. Magazine changes, shooting from the non-dominant shoulder and unconventional positions around barricades helped to evaluate the LAR 47. Strings of fire ranged from 15 to 80 rounds with target distances measured in feet out to a couple hundred yards. A major focus with the direct impingement LAR 47 was maintaining reliability after hundreds of rounds fired, including magazine dumps and breaking contact drill scenarios. The Rock River Arms LAR 47 paid several visits to Echo Valley Training Center with several hundred rounds fired. As mentioned earlier in the article, particular attention was paid to fouling and carbon build up and if reliability was compromised. Purposely, the LAR 47 was used as it emerged from the box and not cleaned or lubed for the duration of this review. The only issues encountered with the RRA LAR 47 in terms of reliability centered on AK 47 magazines chosen for use and the Hornady ammunition.

Further evaluation of the LAR 47 was based on training experiences derived from attendance at various training courses such as Pat McNamara, Suarez International, and Tactical Response. Team Tactic exercises involving moving to and from a designated target area using cover while either changing magazines or engaging targets when a partner is reloading are excellent weapon evaluation drills. One gets a good sense of the way a weapon handles along with reliability due to the sum of ammunition expended in short time frames characteristic of these types of drills. The full gamut of rifle manipulations are encompassed in Team Tactics training evolutions – handling around cover while engaging designated targets, accuracy to effectively strike at both distance and CQB ranges, magazine changes, and reliability once a weapon gets heated up.

High Speed Gear (HSG) Sure Grip patrol belt and TACO magazine pouches assisted with keeping steel AK magazines available. Many train and operate with multiple calibers either by choice or necessity. Others are tasked with training different weapon systems as part of their job description. The logistics of maintaining different belt systems or switching magazine pouches on one belt repeatedly is daunting. Imagine having to accommodate AR magazines one day, AK47 magazines the next, AR-10/SR-25 magazines, or AK74 magazines another time and so forth. Just as important in any transition between gear systems is making sure nothing affects magazine draw stroke muscle memory, pistol presentation or obtaining medical equipment. Accessing gear must remain seamless with no hitches caused due to different feel or location of pouches. High Speed Gear’s TACO magazine pouch was developed with this set of circumstances in mind. The HSG TACO magazine pouch eliminates the need for different gear per weapon magazine used and just as importantly keeps your items in familiar instinctual locations.

The Rock River Arms LAR 47 is a rifle that many will be interested in. This is based on the increasing popularity of the 7.62×39, especially when fed via AK47 magazines. Further supporting this is the better quality ammunition coming on line from manufactures combined with ability to securely mount optics on the railed upper receiver facilitating wringing the most out of the cartridge and platform.

SITES OF INTEREST

Rock River Arms
www.rockriverarms.com

Century International Arms
www.centuryarms.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.
www.trijicon.com

The AAI ACR, a modified version of the previous AAI SBR rifle, as it appeared in the ACR field experiment. This rifle fired a 5.56x45mm subcaliber flechette round at 4,600 fps, at a cyclic rate of 1,800 rpm in the three-round burst mode. (U.S. Army)

By R. Blake Stevens

“Reorienting” the SPIW and Adopting the XM16E1

Again, as had been the case in 1964, the most charitable conclusion after the second generation SPIW trials was that neither of the “weapon concepts” was acceptable in its present state. The AAI SPIW was chosen as the better of the two: hardly a choice at all in view of the enforced termination of the Springfield program and the lack of any immediate civilian interest in its continuance.

Early in the fittingly gray month of November, 1966, the Infantry Board formally recommended to the Chief of Staff of the Army that the whole SPIW program be radically pruned back and relegated to the status of an exploratory program at AAI.

On November 7, the Office of the Chief of Staff accordingly directed that the SPIW program be “reoriented” from full-scale engineering development back to exploratory development, becoming in the process just one facet of a broadened, long-term small arms R&D program for the future. The same memorandum announced the formal intention to adopt the Colt XM16E1 rifle as standard for the U.S. Army everywhere but in the European theater.

With the Army having thus come full circle and now solidly behind the M16, the pressing need for the SPIW simply vanished. For the SPIW itself, the collapse of the second generation program marked the end of the lavishly-funded grande époque, the likes of which would never be seen again.

The AAI XM19 Serial Flechette Rifle (SFR)

Nevertheless, development continued at AAI over the next few years, funded largely from within the company. This led to a heady but temporary resurgence of interest in the flechette-firing SPIW.

The Army had seized on the limited but encouraging success of AAI’s 1967 nominal-fee contract modifications, authorizing an additional $500,000 in fiscal 1968 to step up produceability studies on flechette ammunition.

The Army’s new four-phase serial flechette rifle (SFR) contract with AAI became a reality in October, 1968. A field experiment had already been tentatively scheduled for April, 1970, wherein the new SPIW would be compared with the M16A1 under simulated combat conditions.

HQ Army Weapons Command (now called WECOM) publicly confirmed the awarding of the letter contract to AAI on January 21, 1969, “for continued development of the Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) and its associated ammunition.” A scant six months later in June, WECOM announced that the phase-two prototypes, now officially called the “XM19 Rifle, 5.6mm, Primer Activated, Flechette Firing,” were under construction. This first bestowal of an official “XM” number on a SPIW candidate was an important and long-awaited honor: it signified formal recognition that the SPIW had advanced one indispensable step closer to becoming the Army’s next rifle system.

Calling the SPIW to Account

If anything could have saved the SPIW program it was AAI’s improved XM19 rifle and its later, short-lived follow-on, the XM70, which fired from the open bolt. However, to an increasing number of observers, both in and outside the program, the curious and continued determination to ignore the fundamental gulf between the SFR (SPIW) requirements and the real world needed to be addressed. On July 30, 1969, Congressman Richard L. Ottinger of the House of Representatives wrote a formal letter to the Comptroller General of the United States. By this time, some aspects of the Future Rifle Program were already under investigation by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO). An excerpt from Mr. Ottinger’s letter reads as follows:

… I am writing in regard to the Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) currently being developed by the AAI Corporation for the Department of the Army… It is my understanding that after seven years of research and development and the expenditure of some $20 million, the SPIW is still not ready for production and use. I further understand that some five different engineering deficiencies have been identified and that it is anticipated that some additional 12 to 18 months will be necessary to correct these deficiencies.

I would appreciate your advising me as to how much more it will cost to correct the five present deficiencies and whether any additional research and development funds will be spent; why is this weapon being developed in the first place, [and] when will the SPIW be ready for use by our Armed Forces personnel?

The XM19 is Snatched from Near Perfection

Ironically, it appears that by this time the AAI weapon was virtually at the point of perfection, and yet as the XM19 neared this tantalizing goal its detractors gained in voice and power, and the mood of good fortune, which had begun in 1967, began to slip away, never to return.

Withdrawal from Vietnam Pulls the Plug on the SPIW

In the midst of all these acrimonious thrusts and investigations, the 1973 end of the American military presence in Vietnam effectively “pulled the plug” on any urgent, large-scale development plan for a new U.S. individual weapon. Small arms research, development and engineering (RD&E) money dried up abruptly, adding an indisputable air of finality to the last SPIW developments. As stated in the Research, Development and Engineering (RD&E) Laboratory Posture Report for fiscal 1974, prepared by Army Armament Command at Rock Island:

… In December 1973, the decision was made to remove flechette ammunition from immediate consideration within the FRS (Future Rifle Systems) Program because of technical problems which may not be correctable in the time frame of the future rifle…

Summing Up the Failed SPIW Program

The point target portion of the AAI SPIW was designed to fire controlled bursts of 10-grain flechettes at 2,400 rpm, thus taking advantage of the flechette’s minimal recoil to achieve a deadly, ultra-tight mean burst spread. As regards the crucial characteristic of recoil impulse, the 10-grain flechette still reigns supreme, far superior to the M16 on full-automatic fire. As recorded in The Black Rifle, a comparison prepared by the Human Engineering Labs (HEL) at Frankford Arsenal showing the typical recoil impulse of several standard weapons reads as follows:

7.62mm NATO M14: 2.65 lb. sec.
.30 M2 Carbine: 1.18 lb. sec.
5.56mm M16 (w/muzzle brake): 1.16 lb. sec.
AAI SPIW (no muzzle brake): 0.65 lb. sec.
AAI SPIW (w/muzzle brake): 0.39 lb. sec.

For such a light projectile to be lethal, however, a muzzle velocity in the order of 4,800 fps was required. This in turn necessitated a chamber pressure approaching 70,000 psi.

In the frantic attempt to perfect weapons capable of attaining these pressures and velocities, many frontiers of knowledge had to be pushed back, all at the same time. This in turn uncovered a veritable host of new technological problems that could not possibly have been foreseen and which, ironically, were misconstrued as poor engineering. It was the previously unheard-of magnitude of these new problems – heat; erosion; muzzle blast; component overstressing and flechette cartridge complexity – which ultimately proved insurmountable within the overall timing and funding constraints set for the program.

A Brief Reprieve – in the ACR Program

The following is excerpted from the Collector Grade title Black Rifle II, written by Christopher R. Bartocci and published in 2004 as a follow-on to The Black Rifle, which had covered the early history of the M16 up to the time of its publication in 1987.

We begin with an overview of, and rationale for, the Advanced Combat Rifle (ACR) program from Black Rifle II, as follows:

Throughout the last half of the twentieth century, the U.S. Department of Defense initiated several programs aimed at replacing the M16 series rifles altogether with a new design.

When the AR-15/M16 was first adopted during the early 1960s, it was considered merely an interim weapon while development of the futuristic, flechette- and grenade-firing Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) was under way. At that time it was confidently predicted that the SPIW would be classified “Standard A” by June of 1965. Despite a great deal of costly effort, however, the SPIW concept was never perfected.

Twenty years later, during the period 1986 to 1990, the Department of the Army tried again, by funding the Advanced Combat Rifle (ACR) program.

It had been a hard but valuable lesson to learn that, due to the high levels of stress, fatigue and fear experienced during actual combat engagements, soldiers will not shoot as well as they were trained to shoot. The objective of the ACR program was to replace the M16A1, and the then newly-adopted M16A2, with a new rifle, which would increase both hit probability and combat effectiveness by 100%.

Excerpts from a voluminous retrospective prepared by the Army Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal titled ACR Program Summary read as follows:

“The ACR Operational and Organizational Plan (O&O) was approved in January, 1985 [which] caused weapon concepts to be developed under contract and prototype hardware to be produced and evaluated with troops in a field experiment.

“In September 1982 contracts were awarded to AAI Corporation and Heckler & Koch, Inc.
“In 1984 – 1985, industry conferences were held at ARDEC and Fort Benning. Shortly thereafter, contracts were competitively awarded to AAI, ARES, Colt, McDonnell Douglas, and Steyr [calling] for the development and fabrication of the proposed rifle systems for evaluation in government tests. Both the ARES and McDonnell Douglas contracts were terminated before the final ACR field experiment took place, due to “lack of maturity” of their systems.”

The AAI ACR

“AAI was the repository of the equipment necessary to produce the flechettes needed for both their contract and the Steyr-Mannlicher contract. The production of flechettes was a cost, time and quality problem throughout the entire development effort. There is some controversy as to whether the flechette round is inherently less accurate and whether any amount of future development effort would result in equal accuracy to a standard bulleted round. The pace of technology today is such that it is unlikely that further development work on small-caliber flechettes will be funded for rifles.

“The AAI weapon is a 5.56mm modified version of the previously developed Serial Bullet Rifle (SBR) using a reciprocating bolt mechanism.

“The AAI round uses the standard 5.56mm M855 brass case with M41 primer. The projectile is a 10.2 grain sub-caliber flechette. The sabot is a liquid crystal polymeric compound (plastic), which is designed in four segments held together by a neoprene “O” ring at the rearmost point of the sabot segments.”

The Steyr ACR

“The Steyr system was similar to the ARES system in that it fired using a rising chamber mechanism. However the Steyr ACR fired a single flechette from a plastic case using a radial ring primer. Initiation of the ring primer was from the side of the case near the base.

“The Steyr gun is a true open-bolt mechanism in that there is a spent case normally in the chamber in the out-of-battery condition. A live round only enters the chamber after the trigger has been pulled.

An inherent drawback to the Steyr system lies in sabot hazard to friendly troops. This is a safety concern that exists in the AAI system as well.

The Colt ACR

The Colt ACR was essentially a product-improved M16A2, painstakingly modified to meet the criteria of increased hit probability and combat effectiveness. It was fitted with a new hydraulic buffer, a modified pistol grip, a flat-top receiver with an integrated rail, capable of accepting a detachable carrying handle embodying the A2-style adjustable rear iron sight or the ELCAN (Ernst Leitz, Canada) optical sight, plus a heightened sighting rib proposed by the Army HEL (Human Engineering Laboratory) mounted on a semi-beavertail handguard, and a proprietary muzzle brake/compensator designed by Knight’s Armament Co.

Conclusions of the ACR Program -Reaffirming the M16A2

None of the ACR contenders emerged as a replacement for the existing arsenal of conventional rifles. However, the unprecedentedly sophisticated data collection systems developed for the program, which included the ability to not only record hits but to actually measure the amount by which a shot missed the target as well, led to some highly encouraging conclusions regarding the ACR contenders, plus an upwardly revised opinion of both the M16A2 and the soldiers who participated in the program. The following is a further excerpt from the ACR Program Summary:

… The baseline performance of the M16A2 rifle was better than anticipated in terms of hit probability… No rifles showed a n increase in probability of hit over the M16A2 under the stressed conditions of the test.

The feasibility of caseless and lightweight plastic-cased ammunition has more than been demonstrated in this program. Few problems were experienced with the [H&K] caseless rifles in the test. The past technical barriers of cook-off and vulnerability have now been overcome…

The End of the Road (So Far) for the Serial Flechette

A final excerpt from the ARDEC ACR Program Summary reads as follows:

… Many advances in high-performance rifle flechette technology have been made during this effort. New engineering plastics and sabot designs have solved previous launch reliability problems.
Although significant advances were made in reducing flechette round-to-round dispersion, the dispersion of flechettes is still greater than that of bullets. It is unlikely that the round-to-round dispersion will be reduced further, which would likely preclude flechettes from further consideration as single shot rifle projectiles.

[However,] their high cross-sectional energy density and large length-to-diameter ratio make them very effective against all small arms targets. This, together with their flat trajectory and short time of flight, make them attractive for consideration in crew-served and area-fire applications…

FG 42 (type 1). The rifle grenade trials were carried out at Tarnewitz with this early type rifle.

By Michael Heidler

The success of the rifle grenade device for the Karabiner 98k during the first years of World War II resulted in a series of launcher developments for other German weapons. For most new weapon designs the launching of rifle grenades was provided – therefore also for the full automatic paratrooper rifle Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 of the Luftwaffe (Air Force).

To avoid a completely new development, the tried and tested Schießbecher (cup launcher) of the Wehrmacht was chosen. However, the clamp mount of the launcher could not be used because it did not fit the shape of the FG 42’s muzzle so the clamp mount was eliminated and instead an internal thread was cut into the rear end of the launcher. That way it could be screwed onto the muzzle-thread of the barrel. The solution was not perfect, because in combat it would have been unfavorable to remove (and stow somewhere) the flash-hider before screwing on the launcher.

The following section is an excerpt of the preliminary trial report No. 2 Testing of the paratrooper rifle FG 42 (B.Nr. E6/1776/43 geh) of the Luftwaffe proving ground at Tarnewitz from July 2, 1943:

Cup launcher for rifle grenades:

General:
The proving ground Tarnewitz has received two types of launchers for rifle grenades:

Launcher sight 235 m and cup launcher 171 mm length (fig.34)

Launcher sight 250 m and cup launcher 176 mm length (fig.35).

To 1.) The 235 m sight is significantly weaker in its design than the 250 m sight. The sight body can be bent sideways easily, thus making a constant adjustment of the weapon questionable. Due to its short thread the launcher cannot be screwed onto the muzzle far enough for a solid fix (fig.36).

To 2.) The 250 m sight is deemed suitable because of its greater strength. After reworking its mount (model Tarnewitz), the sight can be fixed directly behind the handguard in the same way as the 235 m sight, so that the magazine well is not blocked (fig.37 old model and fig.38 new model). The launcher can be screwed onto the muzzle until it gets hold by the spring-loaded catch of the flash-hider.

Early cup launcher (length 171 mm) and early launcher sight with a scale up to 235 meters. (Tarnewitz report fig. 34)

a) Function:

Trial shooting with the large AT rifle grenade (grosse Gewehr-Panzergranate) did not lead to any objections. The empty propelling cartridge cases were not ejected because the bolt does not move backwards far enough. A comparison shooting with moveable and locked bolts did not show any differences in Vo (velocity) and precision. Slow-motion pictures clearly show that the bolt opens only after the grenade has left the launcher cup. Therefore a locking of the bolt is not necessary. For feeding the cartridges the standard magazine is suitable.

The recoil when launching rifle grenades is quite heavy, so the face of the shooter is in jeopardy by the magazine during flat angle shooting when the butt is placed on his shoulder. For this kind of shooting it is necessary to remove the magazine.

The sight misaligns after every shot because of the weak catch spring. A stronger catch spring is necessary.

About 70% of the propelling cartridge cases ruptured, making a quick reloading of the weapon difficult. The tolerance of the stems of the AT rifle grenades is very different. 10% of the grenades could not be inserted into the launcher cup, while other grenades fit excessively loose.

With messages E6/1369/43 geh. II A1e v. 12.6.43 Wa Prw.1 and GL/C-E6 the complaints concerning sight and ammunition were reported to the Waffenamt.

The reinforced cup launcher (length 176 mm) and the sturdier launcher sight with a scale up to 250 meters. (Tarnewitz report fig. 35)

b) Durability:

One weapon was tested with 1,385 shots of the large AT training rifle grenade. After 70-80 shots the butt of the weapon moved onto the rear of the receiver, so that the metal lining of the butt’s front edge got bent. After 165 shots a small part of the bolt broke away. Other fractures did not occur.

When launching rifle grenades the launcher cup tightens itself very strongly on the muzzle thread of the rifle. The existing light metal spanner contained in the carrying pouch of the rifle grenade launcher set proves too weak for detaching the launcher cup. For use with the FG 42 a sturdier spanner of the same design is necessary.

c) Precision:

The determination of the precision of flat and high angle shots is not yet completed. Due to the different tolerances of the training grenades available on site, no evaluable results could be yet achieved. The precision shots carried out so far with large AT rifle grenades generally performed satisfactorily.

When launching HE rifle grenades in high angle the average point of impact partially exceeds the range adjusted at the sight up to three times. The investigation of this case is being continued in connection with Wa Prw.1.

At the time of the trials, an improved model of the buttstock was in development by Rheinmetall because the trials have shown that the first model made of sheet metal was way too weak for launching rifle grenades. Later weapons got buttstocks made of plywood.

In this context also the bipod attached to the front of the FG 42 was cause for some criticism:

Following a laterally moving target is difficult: the shooter has either to lift the weapon or to change his position. The vertical pivoting range is about 15% smaller as with the middle support, thus making aiming with the rifle grenade sight more difficult

Because of the folding-direction of the bipod, the weapon’s muzzle easily falls into the dirt when getting into position, when shooting and when changing the magazine.

Pressing the shoulder against the buttstock during full automatic fire for achieving a better hit density is impossible. This is also necessary when launching rifle grenades due to the heavy recoil.

Most of these points of criticisms lapsed after a modification of the bipod when its mounting point was moved towards the center section of the rifle.

For close combat fight the FG 42 was equipped with a spike bayonet, stored under the barrel when not in use. It could not be used while the launcher is attached to the muzzle.

Although the proving ground at Tarnewitz came to the conclusion use of the cup launcher is readily possible, and also other trials were carried out, the rifle grenade launcher for the FG 42 has neither been officially introduced nor issued to the troops.

40mm launchers are commonplace for tactical teams.

By R.T. Wyant, M.S.

With the current political climate and increased scrutiny of police departments, there is an expectation that at least one less lethal option be available to moderate use of force scenarios. Since the late 1980s, the 12 gauge beanbag shotgun has been a prevailing extended range less lethal option. This force option was intended to inflict blunt injury, like a baton strike, but from a safer standoff distance. 12 gauge less lethal impact munitions have provided tactical teams and the patrol officer a bridge between batons and firearms with minimal cost and training. With issues of safety, accuracy, effectiveness, and ammunition confusion, some agencies have reconsidered this platform choice as negative outcomes have led to significant settlements. Progressive departments are opting to toss the beanbag and adopt a more accurate, versatile and albeit more expensive 40mm platform to address their less lethal needs. This assessment has been echoed through scientific testing that proves to be helpful when justifying additional costs to a department risk manager.

Evolution of the Beanbag

The initial design of the beanbag consisted of a square Cordura bag filled with #9 lead shot. Dubbed the “ravioli” round as it sat rolled in the shot shell, it didn’t take a physics degree to predict potential problems with a square shaped projectile unrolling as it flew downrange. There were dozens of documented serious injuries including lacerations and broken bones. At least eight fatalities occurred when the square tipped on edge and penetrated the chest cavity. As injuries and deaths occurred, so did changes in design. The next generation of beanbags, called “sock” rounds, hit the market with claims of increased safety and effectiveness. The sock round is typically a lead shot filled Kevlar bag with a tail, which forms a uniform flight profile striking the target with a spherical shape, reducing injury potential. As with the ravioli round, the sock round begins as a cylinder shape and it expands in flight as it travels toward the target. Injuries were reduced as the sock had no sharp edges to penetrate skin. Other types of 12 gauge less lethal ordnance began to emerge with varying degrees of effectiveness versus sock rounds.

Beanbag Troubles

The police slide-action shotgun, such as the Remington 870 with a smoothbore, was the reigning long gun of choice for many years. As shotguns in the patrol setting were gradually phased out by some departments and replaced by patrol rifles, many of these shotguns were assigned to a less lethal role. Personal testing and published research has demonstrated that a rifled bore will increase accuracy and performance of beanbag rounds, but police agencies infrequently endure the extra expense. High-speed video validated that the tail of the “sock” often does not have enough mass to truly stabilize the round and it will regularly fly end over end out of a smooth bore. The unstable round will miss point of aim and occasionally fly wildly. In addition, over load and over powder wads will not always drop off and will fly with the sock downrange, sometimes striking the target. These additional projectiles can cause additional injuries. Furthermore, the standard shotgun can be loaded with either less lethal ammunition or traditional 12 gauge ammunition. A large metropolitan police agency recently reached a significant settlement after a man was shot mistakenly by buckshot from a less lethal shotgun.

The 40mm

As with the 12 gauge, the 40mm offers several types of launchers, including single, double and multi-shot platforms. For the single aggressor, foam or sponge rounds are particularly accurate as the round engages the rifling creating a gyro-stabilized spin, much like a traditional bullet. The wounds inflicted are generally consistent and predictable as they strike the subject. Due to their design, there is no change in shape as it leaves the barrel or as it flies downrange. There are no additional projectiles from wadding to unintentionally strike the target. In addition, a multitude of ordnance is available for the 40mm platform including multiple projectile, chemical irritant, and barricade penetrating rounds for a variety of tactical and crowd control applications.

Energy Density

Much like the difference between the ravioli and the sock beanbag rounds, where and how a round strikes the body can govern the severity of injury. A key advantage of the 40mm over the 12 gauge is that its large size allows dispersion of the impact energy (reduced energy density) over a greater area. Distributing the energy of the round over a larger surface lessens the injury potential (penetration, broken bones) and also excites more nerve endings on the skin for more pain stimulus. More pain stimulus increases the likelihood of compliance.

Considerations

When studying the capabilities and performance of the two platforms, it becomes obvious why some police agencies are choosing to switch from the 12 gauge to the 40mm for their less lethal applications. In addition to increased accuracy, safety and effectiveness, agencies eliminate the risk of ammunition mismatch. There is also the psychological effect of gaining compliance from an unruly individual as an inch and a half sized bore is pointed at him. As with any tool used by police, it should be stated that the 12 gauge platform can be an effective tool if one fully understands its capabilities, limitations and the operators are properly trained. Tactics and training must be heavily considered. Some less lethal deployments have incurred negative results simply because the operator did not fully understand the effects of the round. Subjects have been struck in the head by a second shot as they have bent over reacting to the first shot. From a risk management point of view, the added costs to outfit a department with 40mm could easily offset the liability incurred from an unintended outcome from a less lethal deployment. With either firing platform, the key to a successful less lethal program and limited liability comes with smart deployments and thorough documentation.

(About the Author: R.T. Wyant, M.S. is a supervising forensic scientist for a ballistics crime laboratory in the state of Washington. He has studied less lethal weapons for over a decade has provided scientific analysis, product research, training, and expert witness work for all over the U.S. and abroad. He has also served as a level-one reserve deputy for a major Washington county for 14 years. Recently, he was the principle author of the text: Risk Management of Less Lethal Options.)

The base model of the Mossberg MVP 7.62 Patrol Rifle as it was received for testing. The rifle comes with highly viable rifle sights as well as a Picatinny rail mount for optics. The rifle is also shipped with Mossberg’s own 10-round magazine.

By Chris A. Choat

When Mossberg first introduced their MVP (Mossberg Varmint-Predator) Rifle it was available in .223/5.56. The rifle combined the accuracy of a bolt-action rifle with the ability of being able to use high capacity magazines like a semi-auto using commonly available AR-15 magazines. The MVP rifles were available in both wood and synthetic stocked models. It was a great rifle and sales were brisk

When Mossberg came out with the .223 MVP Patrol Rifle with a threaded muzzle, a vast number of shooters asked the Mossberg team if they were going to come out with a magazine fed 7.62/,308 version. Mossberg has responded with just that and have introduced the MVP Patrol Rifle in 7.62/.308 that has proved to be not only very accurate but is an ideal, fast handling rifle for either a pick-up truck or patrol car.

The rifle received for testing was the base or basic model. The 7.62 MVP Patrol Rifle comes in two models; the first is the basic model like was used in our test and the second model is the same rifle but equipped with a scope and a padded slip-on cheek piece. Both models are available with either a black or tan stock and are shipped with a 10-round Mossberg magazine.

The MVP Patrol 7.62 NATO has a synthetic stock that is textured and has pressed-in checkering on both the grip and forearm. The stock comes with a cushioned recoil pad and has sling swivels mounted both front and rear. The rifle is shipped with sights that include a fully adjustable rear and a front sight that includes a red fiber optic rod that produces a very vivid sight picture even in low light conditions. The rifle also comes with a Picatinny scope rail already mounted. The scoped version of the rifle comes with a 3-9x32mm scope. The gun has a 16.25 inch barrel that has a medium bull profile and is threaded 5/8 x 24. The threads are protected by an A2 style flash hider. The barrel has a 1 in 10 inch right hand twist. The MVP series of rifles all come equipped with Mossberg’s LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) trigger that is user adjustable down to about 2 pounds. The test rifles’ trigger came from the factory with a 2.1 pound trigger pull – very crisp for a factory trigger. The overall finish of the barrel and action is what Mossberg calls a Matte Blue but in reality is a matte black that looks like black Parkerizing. The gun weighs in at a very light 7.5 pounds.

The rifle is fed from a supplied Mossberg 10-round box magazine. The unique thing about the gun is the fact that it will accept both M1A/M14 and LR-306/SR-25 style magazines. This is accomplished by the use of a double magazine catch. When viewed from the bottom the magazine well has a front mounted catch as well as a side mounted catch. So whether the magazine has a front mounted or side mounted notch it will fit the rifle. The magazine catch is located right in front of the magazine well and just off to the right hand side. It is in the perfect position for a right hand shooter’s index finger to release it. Magazines used in the test included the original Mossberg 10-rounder, a DPMS 19-round, the 10-round, 20-round and the new 25-round MagPul P-Mags and the just released Lancer L7 Warfighter 20-round magazine. All magazines fed and functioned without any problems. The Mossberg magazine locked into the mag well the most solid followed by the Lancer. The DPMS mag and the P-Mags fit the mag well a little loose, even rattling a little, but caused no problems with functioning even loaded to capacity.

During the testing most shooting was done from a rest at 100 yards. The MVP proved more than capable of outstanding accuracy. The short 16.25 inch barrel seems to produce groups equal to rifles with much longer barrels as long as the shooter did his part. Groups with a very steady shooter measured right at 1/2 inch with a couple slightly smaller. The MVP’s barrel has a 1 in 10 twist rate and all the ammunition tested in it had bullets in the 168, 175 and 200 grain ranges. All of these loads shot extremely well with none of them being much different in the accuracy department.

As the MVP Patrol 7.62 rifle comes with a threaded barrel, it just begs for a quality suppressor to be added to it. The author has been testing a couple of new suppressors from APD (Asymmetric Product Development) LLC and, at least in this author’s opinion, are the Rolls Royce of suppressors being produced today. Two of these suppressors, one in 5.56 and the other in 7.62 caliber, were received several months ago and have been in test on various rifles since then. In 2007, Asymmetric Product Development, LLC began research and development of a suppressor design that would offer all of the benefits of an efficient device, be able to withstand daily punishment from professional operators and competitive shooters yet would not require rebuilding or even frequent cleaning. These efforts have rendered a product with excellent sound as well as flash suppression and afford the end user a very low maintenance alternative to the more common K baffle designs. Taking a cue from the aerospace industry and applying manufacturing and assembly principles used to keep jet aircraft engines intact under harsh operational conditions allowed APD to develop highly efficient designs. Using additive manufacturing concepts and a proprietary assembly process results in a can made from the highest quality materials with far less waste at a competitive price. All of their suppressors are produced using 17-7 and 304L stainless steels and Inconel 718. APD suppressors are extremely durable and have been torture tested to literally tens of thousands of rounds without cleaning or failure. These are really tough suppressors. As far as this authors knows these are one of the only suppressors that will stand up to continuous full-auto fire from short barreled rifles in either 5.56 or 7.62.

The accuracy testing with the 7.62 suppressor installed proved to be very surprising. There was absolutely no point of impact change with the suppressor installed. The APD suppressor used in this test was their Mark II which is 1.5 inches in diameter and 7.25 inches long. The suppressor has what looks to be a “stippled” texture on its outer surface. Added benefits of the APD suppressors include zero flash signature as well as no first round “pop” as experienced with other suppressors. The suppressor offer a solid monolithic construction and are sub-caliber compatible with minimal efficiency loss. This allows one suppressor to work on multiple caliber firearms. If you are looking for a suppressor with outstanding decibel reduction and superior durability you need look no further than APD.

In conclusion, the Mossberg MVP Patrol Rifle in 7.62 is a handy, lightweight rifle that has the time proven Mossberg name behind it. Our test rifle showed outstanding accuracy with perfect fit and finish. The addition of a factory threaded barrel allows the rifle to be used in dual roles of either a tactical or a hunting rifle as now more and more states are allowing hunting with suppressed rifles. With a retail price of just over $700 this rifle can fit into any tactical team’s budget or can outfit a hunter for less than most other rifles out there. All this and the fact that it accepts readily available magazines make it an all-around winner.

Teresa G. Ficaretta, Esq. & Johanna Reeves, Esq.

Marking Requirements for Licensed Firearms Manufacturers and Licensed Importers

It is essential that persons holding licenses under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) as importers or manufacturers be familiar with marking requirements that apply to firearms they import or manufacture. This article will outline the requirements for marking requirements under the GCA and National Firearms Act (NFA), the process for obtaining a marking variance, and recent guidance on markings issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

GCA Marking Requirements

The GCA marking requirements in Title 18 of the United States Code (USC), Section 923(i) apply only to licensed importers and licensed manufacturers. Section 923(i) requires that licensed importers and licensed manufacturers identify the firearms they import or manufacture with a serial number engraved or cast on the receiver or frame of the weapon and such other information as required by regulation. ATF implementing regulations in Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 478.92 require that the serial number be conspicuously placed on the frame or receiver of the firearm and that it be an “individual serial number.” This means that the manufacturer or importer may not use a particular serial number on any other firearm that he or she manufactures or imports. The regulations also specify a minimum depth and height for the serial number.

ATF regulations in section 478.92 require that additional information be marked on the frame, receiver, or barrel of the firearm including (1) model; (2) caliber or gauge; (3) name of the manufacturer or importer, and if the firearm is imported, name of the foreign manufacturer; (4) city and state of the manufacturer and name of country if the firearm is imported; and (5) for imported firearms, name, city and state of importer. Because a frame or receiver is defined as a “firearm” in the GCA, the regulations make it clear that frames or receivers must be marked in accordance with section 923(i) and implementing regulations.

The regulations set forth a process for importers and manufacturers to request an alternate method or procedure from the marking requirements, commonly known as a “marking variance.” However, ATF has discretion as to whether to grant the variance, and it makes its decision based whether the proposed alternate means of marking is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of the law and regulations.

NFA Marking Requirements

The NFA marking requirements in Title 26 of the U.S. Code Section 5842 require manufacturers, importers, and makers of firearms identify each firearm manufactured, imported, or made by a serial number and such other information as specified in regulations. The NFA applies to machine guns, short barrel shotguns, short barrel rifles, silencers, destructive devices, and other concealable weapons. Regulations in 27 C.F.R. 479.102 impose requirements similar to those in the GCA, including minimum depth and height requirements and additional information. Section 479.102(c) also authorizes marking variances using the same process as that specified in section 478.92(a)(4).

Process for Obtaining a Marking Variance

Marking variances are often obtained when more than one manufacturer is involved in the production of a firearm. To avoid the clutter and confusion of having the names, cities, and states of two or more manufacturers marked on the firearm, one of the manufacturers submits a request to ATF to allow omission of such markings. ATF will generally approve such marking variances if all pertinent information concerning the firearms is submitted with the application.

Within the last year ATF has simplified the process for obtaining a marking variance by creating a form for applicants to use. The form, ATF 3311.4, replaces the letter application outlined in the regulations. The application requires identifying information concerning the licensees involved in the importation and/or manufacture of the firearm and a description of the process for such importation and/or manufacture. The form also requires information about the firearms that are the subject of the marking variance request, including the model, caliber/gauge, name of the manufacturer/importer that will be marked on the firearm, the type of firearm (pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, receiver, frame, etc.), and the serial number ranges for the firearms. This information is essential to ATF for tracing, in the event any of the firearms are diverted, recovered by law enforcement personnel, and submitted to ATF’s National Tracing Center for tracing.

Beginning on September 2, 2014, ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (formerly the Firearms Technology Branch) assumed the responsibility for processing requests for firearms marking variances. ATF advises that current processing time for marking variances is 3 months, so industry members should build this time into their production schedules. Marking variance requests should be submitted to ATF at marking_variances@atf.gov or by faxing them to (304) 616-4301.

Will ATF Use Variances to Waive Marking Requirements?

As a general rule ATF will not use its variance authority to waive marking requirements imposed by the law and regulations. It is unlikely ATF will completely waive the marking requirements of the law, as this renders the firearms untraceable in the event they are diverted from lawful commerce. However, ATF will generally grant reasonable requests to depart from the minimum size requirements, location of markings, and content of the markings when required by a specific government contract.

ATF Rulings on Markings

ATF has issued a number of rulings on the marking requirements of the law within the last few years as outlined below.

ATF Rul. 2009-5

This ruling authorized licensed manufacturers performing manufacturing processes on behalf of another licensed manufacturer to omit their marks of identification on the firearm under certain circumstances. These types of variances, often referred to as “nonmarking variances,” were, prior to issuance of this ruling, the most common type of variance approved by ATF. The requirements for nonmarking variances, as set forth in ATF Rul. 2009-5, are as follows:

(1) A licensed manufacturer receives firearms (complete firearms or frames/receivers) from another licensed manufacturer;
(2) The second manufacturer is performing a manufacturing process on the firearms at the direction of the first manufacturer;
(3) When the second manufacturer receives the firearms they are already marked with all information required by the GCA and NFA;
(4) Prior to alteration of the firearms, the second manufacturer submits to ATF a notice including the following information:
Manufacturer’s name, address, license number, and the name, address and license number of the manufacturer for which the manufacturing process is being performed;
A copy of the licenses held by both manufacturers;
A description of the manufacturing process to be performed by the second manufacturer;
The model, if assigned, of the firearms to be manufactured; and
The serial numbers and caliber/gauge of the firearms.
(5) The second manufacturer must submit the above information to ATF in a manner that results in a tracking number or receipt and maintain copies of its submission as part of its permanent records of manufacture.

Manufacturers who qualify for a nonmarking variance under the ruling are not required to submit a variance request on ATF Form 3311.4.

ATF Rul. 2012-1 and Time Period for Marking Firearms

The marking requirements of the GCA and NFA provide a great deal of detail on the content and placement of firearms markings. Regulations implementing the GCA also make it clear that markings must be placed on imported firearms no later than 15 days after their release from Customs custody. 27 C.F.R. 478.112(d)(2). Conspicuously absent from the GCA regulations is any guidance on when licensed manufacturers must mark domestically manufactured firearms.
NFA regulations require that markings be placed on the firearms no later than close of business the day following their manufacture. This is because ATF Form 2, Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported, must be filed by the manufacturer no later than the close of the next business day following manufacture. 27 C.F.R. 479.103. One of the required data fields on the ATF Form 2 is the serial number of the firearms. In the case of an imported NFA firearms, regulations in 27 C.F.R. 479.112 require that the Form 2 be filed no later than 15 days following the date the firearms was released from Customs custody. Because the Form 2 requires a serial number, imported NFA firearms must be marked within 15 days of their release from Customs custody.
ATF Rul. 2012-1 fills in the gap in GCA regulations by specifying a recommended time period in which manufacturers should mark firearms other than NFA firearms. The ruling holds that it is reasonable for a licensed manufacturer to have seven days following the date of completion (i.e., a firearm complete as to all component parts OR a frame or receiver to be disposed of separately) in which to mark a firearm and record its information in permanent records.
The ruling notes that a manufacturer may require more than 7 days to finish the manufacturing process from beginning to end depending on the nature of the process. For manufacturers who require a longer time period for marking, the ruling recommends that manufacturers maintain records to establish that the timeframe used for marking is reasonable. The ruling notes that such records may be useful to facilitate ATF inspection.
ATF Rul. 2012-1 is useful because it gives manufacturers guidance on what ATF believes is a reasonable timeframe for marking firearms, including frames or receivers. The ruling establishes a “safe harbor” of 7 days but recognizes that a longer timeframe may be appropriate, depending on manufacturing practices. Industry members advise that ATF field personnel use the 7-day timeframe fairly strictly in determining whether a violation of the marking requirements of the GCA has occurred.

ATF Rul. 2013-3

ATF Rul. 2013-3 is very significant, as it allows licensed manufacturers and licensed importers to adopt the markings already placed on firearms by a previous manufacturer without seeking a marking variance from ATF, provided all conditions in the ruling are satisfied. The ruling is also significant in that it states ATF’s position that marking additional information, including the make, model, caliber/gauge, manufacturer/importer name, and place of origin, on the slide of a pistol, rather than the frame, is reasonable and will not hinder effective administration of the regulations. ATF issued many variances authorizing markings on the pistol slide in the past, but the ruling recognized such practice without the need to obtain a variance.

The conditions set forth in ATF Rul. 2013-3 for adoption of markings already placed on a firearm are as follows:

(1) the manufacturer or importer must place on the frame, receiver, barrel, or pistol slide his or her own name, city, and state as specified on his or her FFL;
(2) The serial number adopted must be marked in accordance with 27 C.F.R. 478.92 and 479.102, including no duplication of any other serial number
adopted or placed by the manufacturer or importer;
(3) The manufacturer or importer must not remove, alter, or obliterate the serial number on the firearm, except a licensed importer must add a prefix or suffix to a foreign manufacturer’s serial number as necessary to avoid duplicating any other serial number used by that licensed importer;
(4) The serial number adopted must be comprised of only a combination of Roman letters and Arabic numerals or solely Arabic numerals (i.e., no Cyrillic characters, Greek or Russian letters).
(5) If the caliber or gauge is not marked on the firearm, the manufacturer or importer must mark the frame, receiver, barrel, or pistol slide with the actual caliber/gauge once known.
This ruling is similar to the “non-marking variance” authorized by 2009-5, because it allows a licensed importer or licensed manufacturer to forego placing their own marks of identification on a firearm that already has markings. However, there are several key differences. ATF Rul. 2009-5 applies only to domestically made firearms and not to imported firearms. Also, ATF Rul. 2009-5 requires that a notice be submitted to ATF with information about both manufacturers involved in the production of the firearm and the make, model, and serial numbers of the firearms being manufactured. Because one of the manufacturers involved in the production of the firearm does not place their name, city, and state on the firearm, ATF would not be able to accurately trace the firearms if they were diverted. Adoption of markings allowed under ATF Rul. 2013-3 requires no notice to ATF because the names of all licensees involved in manufacture and/or importation of the firearms will be marked on the firearm. ATF will have all the information it requires to trace any recovered firearms because it will be on the firearm itself.

Conclusion

The firearms marking requirements imposed by the GCA and NFA are complex and subject to change. Violations are punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines, seizure and forfeiture of improperly marked firearms, and license revocation. Licensed manufacturers and licensed importers should monitor ATF’s website to ensure they are up to date on the latest government policies on firearms marking requirements.

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice.

By David Lake

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