It is nice to receive a reality check every so often. What am I talking about? It is often assumed that only the most current weapons offer any real utility albeit sporting, tactical, hunting. I am going to refute this line of thought by highlighting a rifle conceived in the late 1800’s. It is every bit as viable today as the latest polymer/alloy creation. A weapon should be judged by the following criteria: handling, lethality, and firepower; not just by when it was created or how much it costs.

The rifle/cartridge combination I am going to utilize to make my point is the classic Marlin 1894 lever action chambered in 44 Magnum. The lever action is revered on this side of the Atlantic. It symbolizes so much in the American psyche. The lever actions’ use in Hollywood Westerns in the hands of John Wayne, Chuck Connors, and Steve McQueen made it an icon in the minds of the American gun culture. The true levers that “Won the West” were the earlier Models 1866 and 1873; nonetheless, any lever action is an indelible icon of Western mythology through its use in hundreds of motion pictures and television shows. The superb feel generated with the Marlin 1894’s minimal width and light weight (6.4 pounds) combined with near perfect balance and 10+1 capacity in a mildly recoiling package cannot be denied.

Marlin’s corporate history stretches back to the 1870s. Marlin produced arms for the U.S. military during WWI and WWII. More recent history involved becoming part of Remington in 2007. The Remington break up found Marlin being quickly snapped up by Ruger. Marlin rifles are now being made by Ruger at their Mayodan, NC facility. Whereas Winchester is most associated with lever actions, Marlin has been at it since 1881. Significantly, Marlin moved away from top ejection, finding the side ejection method with a solid top frame offered significant advantages in terms of strength, reliability, and, eventually, the ability to effectively mount optics as market advances made this the preferred sighting method.

Still Kicking

The Marlin 1894 Classic combined with 44 Magnum chambering makes for a very appealing, distinctive combination. No need to think that only a high-capacity detachable magazine rifle is the only solution for personal defense, hunting, plinking or a survival situation. It’s hard to fathom that anyone using the 44 Magnum Marlin 1894 is under-gunned or at a marked disadvantage when hunting deer-size game, taking a defensive posture, smacking random targets of opportunity, or pressed into a subsistence situation.

The 1894 will appeal to rifle lovers for its efficiency. There is an obvious love affair between the American gun consumer and the lever action. The lever action is an American icon. Users already familiar with the lever action and will appreciate the performance offered with the 1894 chambered in 44 Magnum. The 1894 lever action is smooth in operation emerging out of the box. A credit to Marlin/Ruger manufacturing techniques; positive functioning was never an issue. Marlin has fitted the handy Model 1894 with a 20.25-inch cold hammer forged barrel and measures 37.75 inches in total length. The 1894 is equipped with sturdy adjustable iron sights—classic “buckhorn” rear ladder style combined with extended front bead—and soft rubber buttpad to soak up recoil. The overall appearance of the 1894 is pleasing thanks to a blending of blued steel with a satin finish and checkered American black walnut buttstock and forend.

The Marlin 1894’s drilled/tapped solid top receiver was quickly taken advantage of by mounting a picatinny scope rail. It was decided to forego a low powered variable optic for handling reasons. After all we live in the age of the red dot. A quality red dot is an immediate performance enhancement over iron sights, especially with a longarm. A compact Meopta MeoSight IV was mounted. A closed emitter tube-style red-dot was considered, but discarded in an effort to minimize the size of the optic as much as possible. Plus, it would be a great test for the Meopta MeoSight IV mounted on a rifle and bouncing around in a UTV, four-wheeler or hiking through rough terrain. The Marlin 1894 benefitted from this optic selection by maintaining its great feel and ergonomics.

The MeoSight IV offers a 3 MOA dot within a 1.2-ounce package with 30,000-hour battery life. The 3 MOA dot certainly simplifies placing rounds on target. MeoSight IV has 120 MOA range of elevation and 120 MOA of windage adjustment. The illumination feature has a manual or automatic mode, and the brightness of the red dot is easily adjustable to five different intensity levels. The sight is powered by a CR1632 3V battery. The sight’s auto-off function preserves battery life by automatically turning the illumination off after four hours of continuous operation if the function button has not been touched. To understand how compact the MeoSight IV is, it mounts on handguns using a Docter adapter plate and comes with a Picatinny rail mount in the box for mounting as shown in our review.

Now A Word from Our Cartridge—The 44 Magnum

Formally introduced in 1956, the 44 Magnum was the result of years of handloading pushing the 44 Special to the max. The 44 Special, as well as other large caliber handgun rounds such as the 45 Colt, were being loaded with heavier bullets and pushed at higher than normal velocities by handloaders for better hunting performance than anything offered by ammunition manufacturers. Elmer Keith, a prominent writer and outdoorsman of the early 20th Century, is integrally linked with the development and introduction of the 44 Magnum. Keith advocated for a “44 Special Magnum” with a 250-grain hard cast bullet at 1200 feet per second. Ammunition companies were afraid of “heavy loaded” 44 Specials blowing older model revolvers apart. The answer was similar to the 38 Special/357 Magnum solution to the same conundrum. Keith asked for a new cartridge 1/10 of an inch longer than the 44 Special to preclude its being used in any old revolvers or any new models chambered in 44 Special versus the higher powered 44 Magnum.

For me, it was a plus that Marlin chose to go with the 44 Magnum as the model 1894’s first chambering. Though it is no longer the king in terms of pure power, the 44 Magnum is the established benchmark for pistol caliber hunting cartridges. Sure the 454 Casull, 500S&W and others surpass it terms of delivered payload, but all pistol calibers pay homage to the 44 Magnum by comparing themselves to it. Manufactures know that hunters and shooters are totally familiar with what the 44 Magnum brings to the table in terms of power. What better way to get across their own cartridges capabilities than by making comparing statements like “xx percent” more power than the 44 Magnum. Over the years, my favorite 44 Magnum loads have evolved into the Black Hills 300-grain JHP and Hornady LEVERevolution 225-grain FTX offerings.

The Black Hills 300-grain JHP never fails to remind of 44 Magnum power on both ends—butt and muzzle. Steel targets are totally gobsmacked when compared to other pistol caliber round effects. The Hornady LEVERevolution applies technology advancements to the 44 Magnum in terms of bullets and propellant. Spitzer-like Hornady FTX bullets offer better ballistics without fear of igniting rounds in the under-barrel tube magazine. New propellant powder composition increases velocity without surpassing accepting pressure standards, thus taking full advantage of the FTX bullet in flight design improvement all the while providing deep, driving, consistent expansion for terminal performance. The Hornady 225-grain FTX rounds are shoved at over 1700 fps from the 20-inch Marlin 1894 barrel.

Hammer Time

The Marlin 1894 Classic was tested initially from the bench for accuracy then evaluation progressed to barricades, fallen trees, and other obstacles to get a better appreciation of its handling and performance. The Marlin’s trigger pull measured 6 pounds and exhibited minimal creep before releasing. I was pleased by the accuracy offered by the Marlin 1894 44 Magnum. The Black Hills Ammunition, Hornady, and Winchester 44 Magnum loads kept most groups under 1.5 inches at 50 yards. This included bullet weights spanning from 200 up to 300 grains. It is valid to state the 1894 44 Magnum augments personal defense or sporting armaments beyond what handguns chambered in 44 Magnum could provide. This comes from its ability to maximize accuracy and terminal performance out of 44 Magnum loads. If a properly constructed bullet from a 44 Magnum souped up thanks to longer rifle barrel placed in the correct location does not do the job, then no cartridge will likely be successful either.

PERFORMANCE

Range evaluation consisted of a regimen made up of engaging multiple steel and paper targets, firing while moving and engaging targets from behind cover. My testing was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center. The Marlin 1894 proved way too accommodating digesting 44 Magnum ammunition rapidly. The layout and availability of various steel target and simulated barricades at Echo Valley Training Center is convenient allowing for full spectrum firearm evaluations. The Marlin 1894/Meopta combo proved more than capable of running steel plate rack targets 50 yards away. In fact, steel targets out to 200 yards away were not safe. The Meopta MeoSight IV allows accurate shooting while maintaining quick and easy target acquisition at close distances. Anecdotally, clay pigeons were routinely shattered at 75 yards.

Chronograph tests showed sizable velocity increase (300-400 fps depending on bullet weight/load) from the Marlin’s longer 20-inch rifle barrel compared to a typical revolver. The Marlin 1894 generated over 1,700 fps across the Caldwell Precision chronograph with 200-grain bullets and 1,400+ with 300-grain loads. Based on this, the 44 Magnum 1894 can be zeroed at 100 yards, creating a trajectory arc of approximately 1.5-inches high at 50 yards and 7-inches low at 150 yards. The 44 Magnum chambering should not dissuade users from the Marlin 1894 because of concerns of subpar performance compared to a “rifle” chambered cartridge and will not if given a rational chance.

It was decided to use Echo Valley Training Center’s “jungle walk” range for further evaluation by placing targets at random locations along meandering river bottom location. Each shooter would move along the “jungle walk” and engage targets as discovered as various ranges using field expedient firing positions. Overall, this proved realistic us of the of the Marlin, and, frankly, rather fun. The distinct sound of chunky 44 Magnum bullets smacking steel is gratifying. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for firepower, the M1894’s 10-round tube magazine was handy to recharge as needed based on firing rate. No malfunctions were experienced with empty brass ejected away matching the vigor with which the lever was worked. The Marlin lever action features a crossbolt safety selector that’s located on the rear of the receiver for extra peace of mind. The safety makes no audible noise when operating it. Recoil was not a factor with over 350 rounds fired during multiple trips to Echo Valley Training Center.

Never Underestimate Nostalgia

It is often assumed that only the most current weapons offer any real use or sporting utility. This is unfortunate in that it encourages people to think that weaponry is a substitute for mindset, training, and proficiency. The original Marlin 1894 at the end of the 19^th Century was the AR/AK equivalent of its day with its pistol caliber chambering and relative high capacity; would it be the optimum choice today­–of course not. However, this does not totally discount it capabilities or lethality. Whatever roles it is considered for, whether it is for hunting, personal defense, or sport, the Marlin 1894 Classic fits the bill.

SPECIFICATIONS

Molon Labe Industries, manufacturers of polymer magazines and accessories for rifle platforms, have announced that it will soon begin manufacturing magazines for the AR rifle platform.

The SCARmag AR / Light 30- and 40-round magazines are made from the same proprietary patent pending polymer as the original SCARmag for the FN SCAR rifle platform. This polymer is virtually indestructible and can withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, conditions and impacts. The SCARmag AR / Light 30- and 40-round magazines have the same Stealth-Tex IR Signature Reduction Technology as the original SCARmag. This STANAG compliant magazine permits operation with all AR-15 / M16 / M4 rifle platforms, as well as a wide range of non-Colt specific platforms, such as the HK 416 and M4556A1, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR MK 16 / 16S and others. The SCARmag AR / Light 30- and 40-round magazines are available for pre-order and are currently pre-production items. The retail price of the new magazines is $30 for the SCARmag AR / Light 30-round magazine and $40 for the SCARmag AR / Light 40-round magazine. More information can be found at Molon Labe Industries, 2840 West Bay Drive #213, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770. Phone: (727) 282-5223. Website: www.molonlabeindustries.com.

KRISS Arms Announces the KRISS Vector in .22 LR

KRISS Arms, the Swiss global leader in firearms innovation, is excited to announce that it will design and manufacture the KRISS Vector in .22 LR. The Vector .22 LR is the ideal platform for users desiring to maintain shooting skills with minimal cost. With the rising price of .45 ACP ammunition, KRISS has developed the Vector .22 LR to be a low-cost alternative to the Vector .45 ACP. The Vector .22 LR retains the same external design and fire controls as the original Vector, but utilizes a special bolt system that reliably feeds and cycles various .22 LR ammunition. The Vector .22 LR will be available in both Carbine and SDP (Special Duty Pistol) configurations and released in the 4th quarter of 2013. You can reach them at KRISS USA, Inc., P.O. Box 8928, Virginia Beach, VA 23450. Phone: (757) 821-1089. Fax: (757) 689-2113. On the web at www.kriss-usa.com.

Coonan Announces New .357 Magnum Compensated Pistol

Coonan, Inc. is proud to announce their new Compensated Pistol to its .357 Magnum Automatic line. With an extended barrel length to 5.7 inches, the Compensated Pistol is ideal for reduced recoil resulting in greater accuracy from a top-of-the-line performer. “The Compensated Pistol is a real pleasure to fire,” says Dave Dietz, Marketing Director for Coonan, Inc. “There is not another pistol on the market like the Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic, and when you combine that with such amazing light-recoil, the Compensated Pistol is truly a shooter-friendly addition to the Coonan family.” With all the standard 1911 features of the traditional Coonan, the Compensated Pistol .357 Magnum Automatic comes with dovetail front and rear sights, solid stainless steal slide and frame, 7 rounds +1 magazine, and finishes out with smooth Black Walnut grips. The Compensated Pistol is 48.8 oz. empty and 52.8 oz. loaded, and has a height of 5.6 inches and width of 1.3 inches. With the increased barrel length, the pistol is 10.5 inches in overall length. For more information you can contact them at Coonan, Inc., 4501 103rd CT NE #120, Blaine, MN 55014. Phone: (763) 786-1720. Fax: (763) 205-2564. On the web at www.coonaninc.com.

SilencerCo/SWR Introduces 7.62 Specwar Suppressor

SilencerCo/SWR is pleased to announce the launch of the 7.62 Specwar suppressor. The Specwar 5.56 and 7.62 are SWR’s workhorse centerfire rifle suppressors. The entire SWR Specwar line of suppressors are intended to be working cans, not safe queens. They fully expect people to use and abuse their Specwar suppressor. The Specwar series of rifle suppressors were designed, redesigned and designed again to meet rigorous expectations, so they don’t fail the end user. The three new innovative features of the Specwar include:

• Active Spring Retention – The Specwar’s patented ASR (Active Spring Retention) locking collar ensures your Specwar will not come loose under a heavy firing schedule, greatly reducing incidents of the largest causes of rifle suppressor damage, baffle and endcap strikes.
• Unique Baffle Alloy – The Specwar’s fully welded, precision TrueBore Wire cut core features their unique new baffle alloy that represents a significant strength increase over current industry standard materials.
• Finally, the new Specwar RS Flash Hider – The Specwar RS flash hider is a rock solid platform for attaching the Specwar. The RS stands for Resonance Suppression, which is a patent pending technology that keeps the flash hider from ringing like a tuning fork. Used independently, the Specwar RS flash hider offers superior flash reduction.

If you are looking for strength, versatility, performance and industry leading support, the Specwar series is the workhorse for you priced at $899 with mount. Contact them at SilencerCo/SWR, 5511 South 6055 West, West Valley, UT 84118. Phone: (801) 417-5384. Fax: (801) 417-5002. On the web at www.swrsuppressors.com.

New First Strike Reflex Sight from Bushnell

Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics for more than 60 years, has introduced a new electronic red dot sight for handguns, rifles and shotguns. The First Strike Reflex is a versatile electronic sight for hunters and shooters alike. Lightweight and compact, this point-and-shoot sight allows marksmen or hunters to quickly acquire targets. With unlimited eye relief, the First Strike Reflex is not only easy to mount on a variety of firearms, it is a highly adaptable sighting system for handguns, turkey guns, modern sporting rifles and tactical firearms as well. The First Strike Reflex features a 5 MOA dot with an automatic brightness adjustment that quickly adjusts to variable light conditions. Fully waterproof and designed to withstand heavy recoil, shooters can count on the First Strike Reflex to be a durable, high-performance electronic sight. The sight features a built-in mounting system that quickly attaches to Weaver-style bases or Picatinny rails. An optional high rise, quick attach mount is also available. The First Strike Reflex is available for a retail price of $219.95. For more information please contact Bushnell Outdoor Products, 9200 Cody Drive, Overland Park, KS 66214. Phone: (913) 752-3400. Fax: (913) 752-3550. Website: www.bushnell.com.

Black Hills Ammunition Announces .308 A-MAX Round

Black Hills has a reputation for long range accuracy and they have now introduced a new .308 round that takes it a step further. The new round is loaded with a 178-grain ballistic tip A-MAX hollow point bullet. With a true ballistic coefficient of .495 this sleek, tipped design bullet delivers all the precision your long range tactical or competition rifle is capable of providing. As a police sniper round, it combines extreme precision with a bullet design that provides quick, reliable expansion and performance with limited penetration (vs. traditional BTHP designs) for increased officer and public safety. The new ammunition will be available in 20-round boxes and will be available by mid-2013. For more information you can contact them at Black Hills Ammunition, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709. Phone: (605) 348-5150. Fax: (605) 348-9827. Website: www.black-hills.com.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL

The Streamlight TLR-1 HL delivers 630 lumens of maximum illumination in a wide beam flood pattern, providing full situational awareness. The new light also offers a strobe that allows for field signaling and target disorientation.

The lightweight, compact light, which also features 12,000 candela peak beam intensity, offers the latest in LED technology, including a shock-proof C4 LED and a special optic that produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination.

The light quickly mounts to most weapons safely and securely, attaching without the need to put your hands in front of the muzzle. It comes with a key kit to fit a broad range of weapons. The strobe feature, which can be disabled, is activated with two or more momentary paddle hits.

Offering 1.25 hours of continuous run time, the light uses two 3-volt, CR123A lithium batteries. The TLR-1 HL weighs 4.18 ounces, and measures 3.39 inches.

The light is fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum and is IPX7 rated for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes. The suggested retail price of the TLR-1 HL is $234. It comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Visit www.streamlight.com or call (800) 523-7488.

Ever since the change over from the 7.62x51mm to the current 5.56x45mm there has been controversy between two fundamental schools of thought on what a military cartridge should be. The United States military can be summed up in one word: tradition. In the 1960s, that tradition clouded the vision that a new dawn of small arms development in both concept, mechanics and ammunition had come. Still entrenched in the “one shot, one kill” mentality, our soldiers were sent into combat in Vietnam with the M14 which many considered to be an inferior weapon to the AK47 assault rifle that the enemy used. The enemy were able to lay controlled large volume of automatic fire on positions which, in a meeting engagement, will win you a fight. Our soldiers were equipped with a heavy recoil rifle that was impossible to control on fully-automatic. The accuracy was of no use because the enemy could not be seen.

With much trepidation, the military adopted the AR-15 rifle destined to become the M16/M16A1. A new age of small caliber high velocity cartridges gave way to providing an individual soldier with firepower he had never had before. The 5.56x45mm cartridge utilizing a .224 diameter 55-grain full metal jacketed bullet proved to be a great asset to the American fighting man with the ability to have a lightweight rifle that was completely controllable on fully-automatic fire and the soldier could carry more than twice the combat load with an M16 than he could with the heavy M14 rifle.

The Third Generation M16A2 and M855 Ball

With the product improvements of the M16A2 the weapon system was enhanced. Due to the heavier 62-grain bullet, 1 turn in 7 inch rifling twist and new fully adjustable rear sight, both penetration and long range accuracy were enhanced. However, the culprit of the future problems with ammunition terminal performance would come from the ammunition, the M855 Ball.

The M855 Ball is a three piece bullet consisting of a copper jacket, lead plug and a steel penetrator core in the tip. This bullet was designed for a machine gun, not a rifle. With the onset of the Global War on Terrorism, terminal deficiencies were found using M855 Ball, particularly in M4 carbines, when striking thin, malnourished, Taliban and Iraqi soldiers. There was a serious inconsistency in at what point the bullet would yaw and splinter. Some lots of ammunition would penetrate only slightly within inches and yaw and splinter. Others would go straight through and never yaw nor splinter. This caused serous knockdown problems particularly with the decreased velocity of 14.5 inch carbine barrel.

A solution put forth by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) was the creation of a new and improved 5.56x45mm cartridge that would increase long range accuracy and terminal performance with consistency. Accuracy is seriously degraded in the M16A2/A4/M4 due to the inherent characteristics of the M855 bullet. The penetrator core degrades accuracy and if not manufactured properly, the center of gravity will be off causing the bullet to become a “flyer.” Additionally, in the area of terminal performance, there was no consistency from lot to lot on what exactly it would do upon hitting a human target.

The answer was the Mk 262 MOD 1 cartridge that SOCOM adopted. This is a Sierra 77-grain open tip match bullet loaded by Black Hills. This is undoubtedly the most effective 5.56x45mm military cartridge in the world manufactured to match grade specifications with combat reliability. The long range accuracy was drastically increased and its terminal performance enhanced. This new projectile works well regardless of the type of target and performs considerably better on human targets in all known distances and conditions. This round is used almost exclusively by SOCOM operators in their M4A1 carbines and Mk12 rifles. This solution satisfied most of the SOCOM operators: except for one.

The 6.8x43mm REM SPC

The 5th Special Forces, particularly MSG Steve Holland, felt that there was still room for improvement. The concept was not original. The U.S. military experimented with the possibility of the 6mm caliber projectile being the ideal compromise of accuracy, range and terminal performance. In the late 1970s the concept was abandoned in favor of the 5.56x45mm battle rifle.

With the assistance of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Holland came up with a concept for a 6mm cartridge that could be fired in the M4 platform. The starting point was the .30 Remington cartridge which is merely a rimless .30-30 Win. round. It was trimmed and resized to accept a 6.8mm projectile. This concept, along with the hand-loaded experimental ammunition and CAD drawings went to Remington Arms. Remington wanted to aid in the Global War on Terrorism so they took on the task of developing the ammunition.

The 6.8mm REM SPC cartridge has been mostly a myth for the last few years due to the fact it has been developed quietly and kept proprietary. No ammunition has been made as of this writing in large quantities due to the fact the ammunition is being perfected before it will be shipped. Remington has reported three small runs of ammunition including ball and match grade ammunition. Hornady has also produced some loads in this new caliber.

The Firearms

Prototype rifles were manufactured by Precision Reflex, Inc. (PRI). Dave Dunlap assembled upper receivers with free floating handguards or A.R.M.S., Inc. SIR systems and the OPSINC silencer and muzzle break. Dunlap also was charged with designing the magazine which is different from the standard 5.56x45mm magazine. Currently, PRI has been the only producer of 6.8x43mm Rem SPC magazines. PRI also produces complete upper receivers chambered in the 6.8x43mm Rem SPC cartridge.

The Barrett M648

At the 2004 SHOT Show, Ronnie Barrett unveiled a new product line: his M648. This company, dedicated to .50 BMG caliber specialized weapons, introduced the first production 6.8x43mm Rem SPC firearm and has taken the lead on this project. While the cartridge is still technically under development (to be more correct would be to say “tweaked”), Barrett has teamed up with Peter Forras to work with Remington to optimize the weapon and cartridge. Forras has spent much time down at Remington working with them to perfect the 6.8x43mm cartridge.

The rifle has been based on the standard M16-platform. Barrett offers the rifle in both commercial and law enforcement/military configurations. The “bells and whistles” are the same for both versions, the only real difference is the use of selective fire, flash suppressors, bayonet lugs and telescopic stock on the law enforcement/military models.

The weapon as offered uses a mid-length gas system developed by Mark Westrom of ArmaLite, Inc. This mid length gas system changes the location of the gas port by placing it further forward than the carbine and slightly behind the rifle. This gives two major advantages: reliability and durability. By putting more distance between the bolt carrier and gas port, lower port pressures are created resulting in the bolt assembly’s velocity being slower. This increases reliability in extraction as well as extending the life of the bolt and some of the trigger components.

The barrel is manufactured by Fred Fedderson. This 1 turn in 10 inch twist barrel is chrome plated and is currently available in 16 inch length only. Barrett has plans on offering 12 and 20 inch barrels in the near future. The commercial version has a muzzle check similar to the one used by ArmaLite, Inc. The law enforcement/military versions use the standard M16-style muzzle break/compensator

The M648 gas block utilizes a folding front sight assembly. This assembly was designed by Barrett. On the law enforcement/military version, there is a threaded collet on the edge of the gas bock to install the silencer.

The Mid-Length SIR System

The A.R.M.S. Inc. SIR (Selective Integrated Rail) system developed by Richard Swan is the solution for many problems associated with military use of this type of weapon system. The SIR system is a free-floating handguard assembly that attaches to the carrying handle by a sleeve that goes on top of the rail (thus protecting it) as well as directly to the barrel nut. This give an extended top rail that runs the entire length of the upper receiver to the front sight assembly. There are four Mil-Std 1913 rails that enable optics, laser, flashlights and whatever other accessories that may be needed for the rifle with no effect on the barrel and its performance.

Free floating a military weapon has many benefits. First would be accuracy. With nothing impeding on the harmonics of the barrel, better uniform accuracy is achieved. Additionally, the barrel remains cooler as there is significantly better air circulation enabling the weapon to fire longer on full automatic fire. Another benefit, particularly with a hot barrel, pulling down on a vertical fore grip will not cause the barrel to bend or droop. The SIR system may also have a M203 grenade launcher attached to it. All the current models of the M648 feature the A.R.M.S. Inc. SIR system as well as the ARMS #40 L emergency flip-up backup sight.

The Bolt

The bolt carrier is standard M16/AR-15. The difference lies in the bolt itself. The bolt was designed by Chris Barrett and is manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT). The bolt uses the trademark dual extractor spring “lobster tail” extractor manufactured by LMT as it is more durable and reliable. The bolt has other similarities to the LMT Enhanced bolt but Barrett made some changes in materials and specifications specifically for the M648. The bolt has a nickel plating on it.

Configurations

The M648 comes as a full weapon with fixed rifle stock as well as selective fire carbine lower receiver with the telescopic buttstock. The system is also sold as an upgrade or a conversion kit which will include the entire upper receiver assembly and magazine. The conversions can be obtained with either selective fire bolt carriers or semiautomatic only. It should be noted that when putting a conversion on a standard selective fire carbine lower receiver, the “H” buffer should be used. This is the buffer with two steel weights and one tungsten. If the standard three steel weight buffer is used the carbine may experience bolt carrier bounce resulting in light strikes on full automatic. This is not an issue with the full length rifle selective fire lower receiver. Semiautomatic guns can use either due to the bolt group will have sufficient time to lock before the next shot is fired. There has been some discussion about Barrett eventually coming out with a piston driven mechanism for this weapon system.

Shooting Impressions

The rifle received for testing was a law enforcement/military upper receiver with a standard semiautomatic only lower receiver. The author’s own Colt M4 full automatic carbine lower was used for full automatic testing. The semi-automatic only lower receiver was equipped with an LMT two-stage match grade trigger. The optics used were the M68 Aim Point Comp II, EOTech holographic sight as well as the standard backup sights. Approximately 700 rounds were fired in total in both semiautomatic for accuracy as well as fully automatic for functionality. The magazine used was a PRI made 28-round steel magazine. The ammunition was manufactured by Remington.

Fully-automatic tests were conducted in close quarter battle conditions. Targets ranged from 5 to 25 meters. The cyclic rate was about the same as the standard M4 carbine and recoil was really not that much more. There was no problem controlling the weapon. The EOTech sight made shooting easier allowing both eyes to remain open increasing speed and accuracy. By adjusting the brightness of the sight, it was useful for both close tactical work as well as short range sniping.

Conclusions

The 6.8mm Rem SPC is without a doubt an improvement over the existing 5.56x45mm for military use. But the question is, how much better? The cartridge unfortunately has a very steep uphill battle ahead of it once the military community gets a hold of it. The weapon itself is not an issue. The M16-based design is well proven. But in order for SOCOM in particular to adopt such a cartridge for use will be a gigantic undertaking. First and foremost it has to be more than better, it will have to be drastically better and offer a large advantage. Second, and perhaps the most critical, will be logistics. The cartridge will be at best used by SOCOM operators and them alone. From a logistical standpoint, adding a new cartridge into inventory, in particular one nobody else in the service uses, can cause serious problems. Once SOCOM operators are deployed they become part of the unit they are assigned and along with that goes their supply. Having non-compatible ammunition can put the operators at risk given they do not have re-supply specific to them.

The Barrett M648 and 6.8x43mm Rem SPC ammunition performed flawlessly and accurately. Barrett has not been too quick to go into production due to the fact they have waited until the development of the rifle and ammunition was completed insuring their customers get a final production weapon and not a semi-prototype. As of this writing, after more than three years of advertising and manufacturing of barrels to fire this new cartridge, the ammunition has yet to be completed and put into full production. This weapon and cartridge will undoubtedly find a following in law enforcement and commercial shooters and competitors. As far as the military use of this weapons system, only time will tell.

Small Arms Review gets an exclusive first look at Colt Defense’s three entries into the United States Special Operations Commands SCAR (Special operation forces Combat Assault Rifle) Program.

In Small Arms Review Vol. 8 No. 10, July 2005, SAR readers got the first in-depth look at the United States Special Operations Command new SCAR (Special operation forces Combat Assault Rifle) that is manufactured by FN Herstal, Belgium and soon to be produced in their Columbia, South Carolina facility. This weapon was but one of many that was tested in the competition. Some never made it through the minimum requirements and were eliminated prior to the first cartridge being fired.

The M4 has been, and remains to this day, the standard issue weapon for SOCOM. Complaints about the M4 surfaced within SOCOM and SOCOM conceded that they were using their M4s beyond the intent of the mil-standard, especially through extensive firing and lack of maintenance. Clearly these carbines were not meant to serve as a light machine gun or to have countless thousands of rounds fired through them without replacement of bolts and barrels. To complicate things further, the configuration of the M4A1 is controlled by the Army and not by SOCOM. This compromised the ability of Colt to make modifications to deal with SOCOM concerns due to the fact that the Army would have to authorize the changes. The Army was happy with the weapons and saw no need for changes. SOCOM clearly needed their own weapon where they were the customer and could modify and improve it at will at their own accord.

Solutions to the issues surrounding the alleged lack of lethality of the 5.56mm round include a heavier 5.56mm round or a new caliber. Whether in the M4A1 or SCAR (both have 14-1/2 inch barrels), the performance of the 5.56mm rounds will be the same. Reports indicate that the MK262 round is a significant improvement in accuracy and lethality over the M855 round, and, if adopted, would be a relatively easy fix and will function the same in either weapon.

As stated in the earlier article, SOCOM wanted an operator-envisioned weapon that would address these concerns. In September of 2003, an Operations Requirement Document was issued and the request was open to any contractor. In November the performance specifications were released by SOCOM. These called for two weapons. The first being the SCAR L (Light), a 5.56x45mm NATO caliber weapon and a SCAR H (Heavy), a 7.62x51mm weapon. Both models would have “future enhanced calibers” which would allow them to be adaptable to calibers such as 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm and possibly the 6.8 SPC, to just name a few.

Three of the finalists were submissions by Colt Defense. Information indicates that these weapons came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the competition. The reason(s) why one was picked over the others is unknown at this point due to SOCOM not publicly discussing other contractors’ weapons. SAR had the opportunity to visit Colt Defense and get a first hand look at their entries. The weapons observed were not museum grade weapons but the actual weapons used in testing. Traces of salt were visible from the salt water testing and the barrels were clearly worn. This in-depth look will be conducted in a two-part series. This first installment is on types A and B, Colt’s traditional direct gas impingement weapons. Part 2 will introduce Colt’s first piston driven weapon, the Type C.

Type A

The Type A SCAR rifle submitted by Colt utilized the traditional M16/M4 direct gas impingement operating system. Although it was pretty clear SOCOM was looking for a piston driven system, the combat proven direct gas system was a viable and reliable system for consideration.

The gas is tapped from the barrel under the front sight base and is bled off into a gas tube that runs back into the upper receiver directly into the bolt carrier. The expansion chamber is located in the rear of the bolt carrier between the rear of the bolt and the front of the inside of the carrier. This creates a hammer-like blow that drives the carrier rearward unlocking the bolt, extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case. The spring loaded buffer is compressed on its rearward movement and then drives the bolt carrier group forward stripping a cartridge off the top of the magazine, feeding, chambering and finally locking the bolt into the barrel extension. This system lightens the weapon due to no heavy gas piston as well as increases the accuracy of the weapon by not impeding on the natural vibrations/harmonics of the barrel during firing. With the addition of a free-floating hand guard, the M16/M4 weapon systems are capable of match grade accuracy.

The Upper Receiver

The Type A rifle utilizes a Colt designed one-piece upper receiver. The Mil-Std 1913 rail runs from the rear of the receiver up to the front sight assembly. Additionally, rails run at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock on the hand guard. The barrel is left free floating to increase accuracy but, more importantly, to aid in cooling of the weapon. Accuracy is greatly improved due to nothing impeding on the barrel’s natural vibrations. During extensive fully automatic firing, the barrel is kept cooler longer and the use of vertical pistol grips and SOPMOD accessories such as optics will not put stress on the barrel causing it to droop or bend under extreme firing conditions. This one piece upper decreases the weight as well from using tradition rail systems such as the ARMS SIR system or the Knight Armament Company RAS systems and is also less bulky. The Colt upper receiver has a removable 6 o’clock rail for the installation of a grenade launcher and cleaning under the front of the upper receiver.

Both upper and lower receivers utilized a Kal-Guard finish in a “flat earth” or coyote brown finish as required in the specifications. The upper receiver utilizes the standard fired cartridge case deflector of the M16A2 and M4 family of weapons as well as the forward assist assembly. Also, the traditional ejection port dust cover is used to prevent unwanted dust and debris from entering the weapon.

The Backup Iron Sight

A universal component for Types A and C is the backup iron sight. This originally came from the M4 detachable carrying handle. The carrying handle is removed leaving only the rear sight. This sight looks similar to the Lewis Machine and Tool backup sight but is leaner and has less bulk. The backup iron sight has both windage and elevation adjustments. The elevation is adjustable from 3 to 600 meters. The flip-up “L” shaped aperture has two sights. One is for 0-200 meters and the other is for longer ranges.

The Folding Front Sight

The folding front sight assembly is mounted to the front sight base. This front sight assembly is universal on the Type A and B. Type C will utilize the same sight but a much different front sight base. The front sight is locked in place with a button on the left hand side. The front sight post is the standard square front sight that is adjustable for elevation only.

The Barrel

As per specification, two barrel lengths were required by SOCOM. The first is the standard 14-1/2 inch barrel and then a 10-1/2 inch CQC (Close Quarter Combat) barrel. Types A, B and C all came in two different barrel lengths. Due to the simplicity and cost, the Colt system changed barrels by simply popping open the rear and front takedown pins, pulling the complete upper receiver off and the replacing it with the other. This change is completed in seconds.

The barrels are both the mil-spec 1 turn in 7 inch twist button-rifled barrels. As per SCAR specs, the barrels all must be proof tested and then magnetic particle inspected for stress fractures and then marked accordingly on the barrel (C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7). Both barrels are heavy barrels all the way through. This was necessary to achieve the sustained fire rates requested by SOCOM and are very similar to the Rock Island designed M4A1 heavy barrel. The flash suppressor, as required by specification, is the Knight’s Armament Company Quick Detach compensator for the silencer. The barrels all have chrome lined bore and chambers. During the development stages, many barrel configurations were considered including stainless steel and hammer forged barrels. The barrels are finished in the same color as the receivers.

Modifications were made to the chamber to deal with the Over-The-Beach requirement. These were modifications that were proposed to the XM4 in the developing stages but not wanted by Rock Island Arsenal.

The Lower Receiver

The lower receiver assembly is the one component that is universal on Types A, B and C. There is no difference. The lower receiver, stock and buffer extension are painted in the required Flat Earth finish.

The chosen stock is manufactured by VLTOR and has two compartments, one on each side of the top of the stock that can hold batteries for optical sights. The standard buffer extension is used which allows four positions for the stock to extend. A sling mount plate is inserted between the buffer extension locking ring and the lower receiver, which allows a sling to be mounted to either the left or right side. The buffer utilized is Colt’s H2 buffer. This buffer contains one steel weight along with two tungsten weights. This was necessary due to the use of heavy barrels. This was a lesson learned when Rock Island Arsenal developed the heavy barrel for SOCOM and implemented the change without trial. The M4A1 carbines began malfunctioning in the field with light strikes caused by bolt carrier bounce. The change in the barrel affected the carbine’s dynamics and the solution was the replacement of one steel weight with one tungsten weight.

One of the most interesting changes to the lower receiver is the newly designed selector lever. Unlike the standard lever in which Safe is at 9 o’clock, Semi at 12 o’clock and Auto at 3 o’clock, the lever has been changed to where the Safe is at 5 o’clock, Semi at 3 o’clock and Auto at 1 o’clock. This was a change based on SOCOM’s requirement for the selector to operate over 90 degrees of travel (as opposed to the Colt standard of 180 degrees). In the end, this change was not liked. The selector lever is ambidextrous as per SOCOM specifications

The fire control selector is not the only ambidextrous part. The magazine release is the patented Norgon ambidextrous magazine release. Ambidextrous controls were required in the specifications. The charging handle in its original design is ambidextrous. The bolt catch remains on the left side only. Additional enhancement was that the hammer/trigger pins are made from stainless steel to increase service life.

The Bolt Carrier Group

The bolt carrier group on Type A and B are the same as the standard M4A1. As per SOCOM specification, the bolts were test fired with a 70,000 psi proof load and then magnetic particle inspected for stress fractures. The carriers are manganese phosphate finished and utilize the heavy extractor spring and buffer.

Type B

The Type B differs from Type A in two major ways. First, it uses a standard M4 upper receiver rather than the newly developed one-piece upper receiver. Second, is the addition of the ARMS, Inc. SIR (Selected Integrated Rail) system. The SIR system used was their #58-MOD.

The SIR system is a free-floating hand guard that attaches both to the barrel nut as well as the rail on top of the upper receiver. In essence, there is a protective sleeve that goes nearly all the way across the rail on the upper receiver. With nothing mounting to the barrel, the barrel is left to free float having the same effect in accuracy and heat control as the one-piece upper of Type A. This system provides a constant full-length rail from the rear of the receiver to the rear of the front sight assembly. Accessory rails may be mounted in various lengths to the left, right and bottom of the SIR system. The bottom grip of the SIR system may be removed for installation of a grenade launcher.

At the rear of the receiver is the ARMS, Inc. #40L back up sight which folds and has both long and short-range apertures. The sight is spring loaded and held closed by a lever. To engage the rear sight, one only need to pull rearward on the lever and the sight pops up and engages and immediately you are looking through the long-range sight. By flipping down the rear aperture, the larger short range aperture is engaged.

Due to the additional weight of the SIR system, the weight is slightly heavier on the Type B weighing in at 7.66 pounds in the carbine variation and 6.48 pounds in the CQC configuration.

Mechanical specifications are the same for Type A and B. The only departure was the use of the SIR system rather than a one-piece upper receiver. The only advantage to Type B is the ability to change out rail systems at will and parts commonality with the M4A1. The same front sight system is used as well as lower receiver and bolt group.

Conclusions

After careful inspection of both models in Colt’s model shop, Colt Product Development Engineer Art Daigle took me down to the engineering test range at Colt. Then he brought out a very large bin of loaded 30-round magazines. More than 500 rounds were fired between both models with no malfunctions of any sort encountered. The guns that were examined were guns that were actually tested by SOCOM during the trials. They were somewhat beat up and the remnants from the salt water testing was present. The rifling was quite worn and the guns were not clean nor was there any lubrication on them, due to Colt’s use of UCT Defense Ultra Chem. The ammunition used was Black Hills commercial 77-grain open tip match bullet; the commercial equivalent to the Mk262 MOD1 ammunition.

Coming up next month in Part 2 of the Colt SCAR program is Type C version. This is Colt’s submission of their own designed piston operated carbine. We will look closely at what might possibly become the next generation M4 carbine.

By Al Paulson

While some silencer owners view sound suppressors as recreational investments, other end-users view silencers as tools for solving problems. The silenced .22 rimfire rifle or pistol is the most popular instrument for both groups, being well suited for such diverse applications as discreet target shooting, stealthy pest control, and the surreptitious destruction of objects (such as taking out a yard light or flattening the tire of a potential getaway vehicle) prior to a law-enforcement raid. When it comes to the stealthy elimination of animals larger than a small dog, however, the .22 rimfire will not deliver adequate terminal ballistics unless the central nervous system (CNS) is hit. Even suppressed .30 caliber rifles deliver poor terminal ballistics when bullets of conventional design are driven at subsonic velocity, unless a CNS shot is taken. That’s because so-called stopping power is best predicted by the size of the permanent wound channel (unless nonelastic tissue like brain or liver is hit). Given adequate penetration, a subsonic bullet of .44 or .45 caliber will cut and crush more tissue, leave a larger permanent wound channel, and generate more rapid blood loss than a subsonic bullet of .22 or .30 caliber. Whether the end-user is a rural homeowner, farmer, rancher, small-town or rural law-enforcement officer tasked with occasional animal control duties, or a full-time animal-control professional, a suppressed carbine of .44 or .45 caliber represents particularly practical and useful technology when it comes to putting down animals as large as deer.

Regrettably, no such weapon has been available commercially until quite recently. The reason was not the lack of appropriate silencer technology, but rather the lack of an appropriate rifle of .44 or .45 caliber.

Admittedly, a practical silenced .45 caliber weapon was developed by the British for commando operations during World War II. Called the De Lisle Silent Carbine, this .45 ACP weapon continued to deliver excellent service in an anti-personnel role during counter-insurgency operations and counter-terrorist missions for several decades following World War II. It was never offered commercially, however. When Marlin introduced the .45 ACP Camp Carbine in 1986, I thought we finally had a suitable platform for a silenced carbine of major pistol caliber. I purchased one of the first Camp Carbines to reach the marketplace and fitted it with an integral silencer. In fact, this was the first sound suppressor I actually built myself. It was very quiet and delivered excellent performance on the packs of feral dogs plaguing our area. Unfortunately, the Camp Carbine was neither robust nor well made. The barrels were of mediocre quality, and the small parts that made up the bolt hold-open device were a constant source of trouble until I finally discarded them entirely. Worst of all, when fired with hot or heavy loads, the carbine’s hammer tended to rotate rearward past contact with the trigger sear, jamming in this rearward position. Pulling the trigger would then have no effect on the hammer, so this malfunction placed the gun out of service until the gun was disassembled and the trigger group was removed. The hammer was then pulled forward until it engaged the trigger sear again, and the gun was reassembled. Despite these frustrations, the Camp Carbine remained the only game in town for the next eleven years, when it came to adding a silencer to a currently produced carbine of major pistol caliber.

The introduction of the .44 Magnum Ruger 77/44 carbine in 1997 finally provided a robust rifle of suitable caliber for both silencing and delivering reliable kills of animals up to the size of deer. Parenthetically, production of the Marlin Camp Carbine ceased two years later. The Ruger provides an ideal base weapon for silencing because the 77/44 works well with .44 Special ammunition, which is subsonic and therefore does not produce a loud ballistic crack. Furthermore, the .44 Special has an excellent track record on deer, feral dogs, and feral hogs. Finally, the design and location of the magazine are compatible with the addition of an integral sound suppressor

John Tibbetts of John’s Guns was one of the first to silence the Ruger 77/44 rifle after its introduction. His Model MCC suppressor is still one of the best. This system features an integral suppressor tube that is 20 inches (50.8 cm) long and just 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) in diameter, producing a suppressed carbine with an overall length of 40.6 inches (103.1 cm). Barrel length is reduced to 16.5 inches (41.9 cm), and the short barrel is stretched under considerable tension to minimize barrel harmonics. The barrel is ported to vent high-pressure combustion gases into the rear of the integral sound suppressor. System weight as shown in the accompanying photograph with an unloaded magazine and a Simmons 4x .22 MAG Scope was 8.1 pounds (3.7 kg). The relatively small diameter of the suppressor enables Tibbetts to inlet the stock for the silencer, and still leave enough wood for using a bipod attached to the forward sling stud. The quality of the inletting for the suppressor is superb, which tends to inspire confidence in the workmanship that remains hidden from view.

The handsomely proportioned suppressor not only looks good on the little 77/44 action, it performs well. When this system was evaluated at the 1999 National Silencer Trials sponsored by The Small Arms Review, the suppressed 77/44 delivered one-hole groups at close range with Black Hills 210 grain .44 Special ammunition (Black Hills Ammunition, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709-3090; phone 605-348-5150; fax 605-348-9827; URL http://www.black-hills.com). Furthermore, this system was quieter with Black Hills .44 Special ammunition than a number mainstream suppressed submachine guns when fired with Black Hills 9x19mm subsonic ammo. A number of industry insiders attending the Silencer Trials placed orders on the spot. That’s quite a testimony to the performance and workmanship of this system.

My own independent testing used a variety of factory .44 Special ammunition plus a real thumper of a handload developed by Tom Denall of T.D. Manufacturing for maximum penetration in large game. Denall’s load features a 300 grain lead flat nose (LFN) bullet in front of 7.5 grains of Unique. This load uses .44 Magnum brass to place the projectile as close as possible to the onset of rifling. This round provides a nominal velocity of 950-969 fps at an altitude of 3,500 feet, providing optimum velocity and maximum penetration for a subsonic round of this caliber. My testing also included the following .44 Special factory ammo: Winchester 240 grain LFN, Winchester 246 grain LRN, and Black Hills 210 grain LFN. The Black Hills round has generally been the most accurate .44 Special round in the Ruger 77/44 in my experience, probably in part because its relatively lightweight projectile works better at subsonic velocity in the Ruger’s 1 in 20 inch rifling twist rate.

Performance

I tested the performance of the suppressed and unsuppressed carbines using the specific equipment and testing protocol advocated at the end of Chapter 5 in the book Silencer History and Performance, Volume 1 (Wideworld, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 2560, Conway, AR 72033; $50 plus $5 s&h, check or MO). Testing was conducted at an atmospheric temperature of 54°F. Ammunition was kept at ambient temperature in a cooler in the shade until needed. Unsuppressed sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured 1 meter to the left of the muzzle using a Brüel and Kjaer Type 2209 Impulse Precision Sound Pressure Meter (set on A weighting and peak hold) with a B&K Type 4136 1/4-inch condenser microphone, while suppressed levels were measured 1 meter to the left of the suppressor. Velocities were measured in feet per second using a P.A.C.T. MKIV timer/chronograph with MKV skyscreens set 24.0 inches apart and the start screen 8.0 feet from the muzzle (P.A.C.T., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 531525, Grand Prairie, TX 75053, 214-641-0049). At least 10 rounds were fired to obtain an average sound signature or muzzle velocity. The suppressed and unsuppressed sound signatures, as well as the net sound reductions, appear in Table 1. Velocity and accuracy data are in Table 2.

Subjectively, the Model MCC suppressed carbine proved a delight to shoot thanks to its light weight and modest size. It’s a lot handier than a De Lisle Silent Carbine. While the Model MCC suppressor does reduce felt recoil, the shooter still experiences a noticeable push, especially with heavier bullets. A law-enforcement officer watching me shoot the suppressed 77/44 asked if he could try it. Seduced by the very soft sound signature into expecting the recoil of a pellet gun, he did not properly seat the buttstock into his shoulder. The officer touched off one of Tom Denall’s 300 grain handloads. The stock accelerated rearward and slammed into his shoulder. A man of few words, his eyes got wide and a big grin slowly spread across his face, as if to say “this is a real gun, even if it doesn’t sound like one.” After that, he seated the buttstock properly into the pocket of his shoulder and found that felt recoil was both manageable and comfortable when shooting quick action drills or shooting prone with a Harris bipod.

Objectively, three performance criteria are important when evaluating the silenced Ruger 77/44: accuracy, projectile velocity, and sound reduction.

In terms of accuracy, unmodified Ruger 77/44 carbines typically deliver 2-3 MOA groups with factory ammunition in my experience. The accuracy data in Table 2 show that the lightweight projectile used in the Black Hills round delivered the same group size in both the suppressed and unsuppressed carbine. When using ammo with bullets of conventional weight for factory .44 Special ammo, suppressed group size averaged just 52-67 percent of unsuppressed group size. Thus, the suppressed carbine is significantly more accurate than the unsuppressed carbine when using conventional .44 Special ammunition. That’s gratifying performance. The big surprise came when using the powerful 300 grain Denall handloads. Suppressed group size averaged just 79 percent of the unsuppressed group size, despite the fact that the barrel’s rate of twist is optimized for much lighter bullets traveling at much greater velocity. That’s good news for anyone requiring maximum penetration in large animals.

In terms of velocity, the ported barrel of the suppressed 77/44 drops projectile velocity by 9-10 percent with factory ammo and by just 4 percent using the 300 grain Denall load. In fact, velocity with the Denall load is virtually perfect when it comes to optimizing subsonic projectile velocity for use in a silenced firearm. My own experience suggests that maximum practicable projectile velocity for subsonic ammunition is 1,000 fps. This velocity should give maximum penetration that can be achieved without the risk of objectionable bullet flight noise over a wide range of temperatures. Using factory ammunition, the relatively modest velocity loss produced by the Model MCC suppressor compares favorably to other integrally suppressed carbines, which may drop projectile velocity by 20-30 percent to achieve good sound suppression. Anyone using the Model MCC carbine on live targets will be grateful that John Tibbetts did not employ more aggressive barrel porting.

Since these tests involve such diverse bullet weights, it would be useful to compare the external ballistics of the 210 grain, 240 grain and 300 grain LFN loads used in this study. Figure 1 compares bullet velocities. Figure 2 compares bullet paths (trajectories). Figure 3 compares bullet momentums, which will correlate in some fashion with penetration. Figure 4 compares bullet drop. Clearly, a working knowledge of a particular round’s trajectory and the ability to accurately estimate (or measure) range will be important for precise shot placement throughout the effective range of the cartridge.

In terms of sound suppression, the Model MCC silenced Ruger 77/44 produced peak sound pressure levels (SPLs) varying from 128-130 decibels using factory ammunition. When using Black Hills fodder, the suppressed 77/44 sounded almost as quiet as an HK MP5SD. That’s impressive performance, especially when considering the large bore and the relatively small diameter of the suppressor. Even using the powerful 300 grain Denall load, the suppressed Ruger’s SPL was just 133 decibels, which sounded very much a suppressed Uzi I recently fired with IMI 158 grain 9x19mm subsonic ammunition. Yet the suppressed 77/44 delivered a 300 grain projectile with 136 percent of the frontal area and 190 percent of the weight of the 9mm projectile, which left the Uzi at comparable velocity to the 300 grain pill from the suppressed Ruger. Guess which round would produce a larger permanent wound channel.

Conclusions

The Model MCC suppressed carbine from John’s Guns provides a compelling mix of performance characteristics. It’s light, handy, and handsome. It delivers significantly better accuracy than an unmodified Ruger 77/44 carbine with most ammunition. It is quiet enough for stealthy shooting in an urban environment. And it provides appropriate terminal ballistics for animals up to the size of deer. This suppressed 77/44 is well suited for solving a diverse array of four-legged problems. Whether that problem is quietly eliminating troublesome deer inside an airport fence, putting down a feral dog nipping at a valuable horse, or killing feral hogs destroying a bean field, the Model MCC suppressed Ruger 77/44 is an accurate and stealthy tool that I can recommend with enthusiasm.

For more information, contact John’s Guns, Dept. SAR, 3010A Hwy. 155 N., Palestine, TX 75801; phone 903-729-8251; fax 903-723-4653.

BLACK HILLS HEAVY BULLET .223 AMMUNITION

In response to requests, Black Hills has introduced a .223 caliber 62-grain Full Metal Jacket loading into its long line of high quality ammunition. The popularity of semi-auto rifles with twist rates of 1/7 to 1/10 inches has resulted in a demand for heavier FMJ bullets specifically designed for these rifles.

The Black Hills 62 grain FMJ is available loaded in virgin brass with the Black Hills headstamp or in the cost efficient remanufactured line which utilizes once fired military specification casings reprocessed with the attention to detail that Black Hills is famous for. Ballistically, both loads are identical at 3150 fps. This ammunition will be available by the time that you read this. For more information contact Black Hills Ammunition, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709. Phone: 1-605-348-5150. Fax: 1-605-348-9827.

As a side note, Black Hills Ammunition has been awarded a contract to provide match ammunition to the US Marine Corps. The contract required .223 (5.56mm) ammunition that would be magazine length and meet the demanding accuracy standards of 5 consecutive groups of 10 shots each at 300 yards with the average group not to exceed 2 inches. This ammunition will be used in competition at ranges up to 600 yards. The ammunition to win the contract used a 73-grain Berger hollow point, molycoated and loaded by Black Hills. This load is custom produced for the Marines and is not a catalog item for Black Hills.

AGUILA .22 SSS (SNIPER SUBSONIC) AMMUNITION

Aguila Ammunition, long known for its high quality line of ammunition, has just introduced two new products that will interest our readers. The first is a new .22 long rifle subsonic round. The new round is called the .22 SSS (Sniper SubSonic). This new subsonic cartridge is loaded with the heaviest .22 rimfire bullet in the world. The bullet is a solid point lead bullet weighing 60 grains. It can be fired in any .22 LR caliber gun that is in good condition. The velocity of the new .22 SSS is 950 fps with 120 ft-lbs of energy. The trajectory of the .22 SSS exhibits a greater drop than that of .22 LR ammunition loaded with 40 grain bullets, but it has a better residual velocity due to the higher inertia generated by its 60 grain bullet. Tests show that it penetrates approximately 24 inches of ballistic gelatin at 200 meters. The new .22 SSS will reliably cycle semiautomatic rifles and pistols. The other new ammo is the .45acp High Power round.

This new round features a high weight (117 grain) hollow point, alloy bullet that is loaded at a velocity of 1450 fps. The bullet is the same size and shape of a 230-grain bullet but is lighter in weight due to the sophisticated alloy that it is made from. It has a very low specific weight. The bullet has very high penetration capabilities in hard surfaces, consistently penetrating a 3/4-inch ballistic polycarbonate plate plus 12 inches of ballistic gelatin. It also transfers all of its energy into soft targets. When shot into ballistic gelatin the .45 ACP High Power bullet breaks up into 3 or 4 sharp fragments with each piece going in a separate direction. The new ammo is loaded in nickel cases and both the bullet and the primer are sealed. For more information on these two new innovative types of ammunition contact Aguila Ammunition distributor, Centurion Ordnance, Inc., Dept. SAR, 11614 Rainbow Ridge, Helotes, Texas 78023. Phone: 1-800-545-1542. Fax: 1-210-695-4603. E-mail to COrdnance@aol.com.

MIDWAY USAr RELOADING PRODUCTS

Midway USAr, “the world’s largest shooting and reloading store”, has now expanded its tremendous line of shooting and reloading supplies to include reloading tool products. Unveiled in the January issue of the Midway USAr monthly catalogs and introduced to the industry at the 1999 SHOT SHOW, the Model 2099 single stage reloading press is a unique addition to the industry. Designed to rigorous quality control standards, the Model 2099 will handle everything from routine loading to radical case forming. Its design features a frame opening with enough clearance for 3” Sharps and Nitro Express cartridges.

Super-sturdy cast heat-treated aluminum alloy construction, a steel press arm and a steel ram, will provide a lifetime of reloading pleasure. The new Model 2099 will retail for $109.99, which includes s&h to the first 48 states. Other new reloading products that are now available will be their “Indispensable” powder measure and their Smarter powder funnel which includes 16 different caliber specific nozzles. For more information on these and all of their excellent products contact Midway USAr, Dept. SAR, 5875 W. Van Horn Tavern Road, Columbia, Missouri 65203. Phone: 1-573-445-6363. Fax: 1-573-445-0863. On the web at midwayusa.com.

LEATHERWOOD SPORTER SCOPE

Most of our readers are familiar with the Leatherwood ART (Adjustable Ranging Telescope). Until now, the ART system scope has been very expensive and confined to one caliber. But now, that has changed. The new Leatherwood SPORTER uses a revolutionary new mechanism that allows the user to ballistically match the scope to the rifle’s specific ammunition by caliber, bullet weight, style and manufacturer. This allows its use on virtually any rifle from .17 Remington to .375 H&H Magnum. And this means that point of aim will equal point of impact, from less than 200 yards out to over 600 yards! The shooter no longer needs to estimate range and adjust for holdover; the scope adjusts trajectory automatically. The Leatherwood Sporter is a high quality 3X9X40mm variable power scope and base which utilizes four rings on the rear of the scope. These rings called the range, power, caliber and trajectory rings are interconnected so that they work together.
Once the scope has been set for caliber and sighted in, the four rings work together so that all the shooter has to do is bracket the target in the scopes’ aiming reticle by changing the magnification ring. The shooter then places the crosshairs on the desired point of impact and fires. For more information on the Leatherwood Sporter scope contact Federal Arms, Dept. SAR, 7928 University Avenue, Fridley, MN 55432. Phone: 1-612-780-8780.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY’S “BUREAU MODEL” PISTOL

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially adopted Springfield Armory’s 1911-A1 pistol specially built in the Springfield Armory Custom Shop. Beating a field of competitors that included some of the most famous gunsmiths and custom shops in America, Springfield Armory won the contract to supply 5,000 customized 1911-A1 pistols to specially trained FBI agents nationwide. The contract is the largest of its kind ever issued by the FBI. The nation’s foremost law enforcement agency intends to issue the Springfield Armory pistols at a rate of 250 guns every six months to its SWAT-trained agents. The FBI issued incredibly stringent accuracy and reliability standards. The pistols endured a 20,000 round torture test and still shot into 1.5 inches at 2 5 yards. Known as the “Bureau Model, the pistol specified by the FBI will also be available in a limited supply to the public (authentic in every detail). Specifications include: match frame and slide, match throated barrel with polished feed ramp and match bushing, tuned and polished ejector, fitted beavertail grip safety, checkered front strap, flat checkered mainspring housing. Other features include Novak combat rear sight with three-dot tritium inserts, fitted S&A mag well, Springfield Custom hammer and sear, carry bevel package on the entire pistol, checkered Coco Bolo grip panels, ambidextrous thumb safety, lowered and flared ejection port, custom fitted Videcki trigger with a tuned 4.5 pound pull, Black finish on the entire pistol, and special Bureau Model markings and serial number. Springfield has also introduced a less expensive civilian series of pistols that are based on the “Bureau Model” called the TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) series. For more information on this new line of pistols contact Springfield Armory at Springfield, Inc., Dept. SAR, 420 West Main Street, Geneseo, IL 61254. Phone: 1-309-944-5631. Fax: 1-309-944-3676.

WIN MAG AMMO FROM BLACK HILLS

This is an entirely new caliber from Black Hills. With the success of their .308 Match loading they have received many requests to introduce a .300 Win Mag loading. This load is their response. Patterned after the Navy’s .300 Win Mag sniper round, this long range accuracy load features Sierra’s 190 grain boat tailed match hollow point bullet traveling at 2950 feet per second. It is also available with the optional moly coating. Many military special operation teams and civilian law enforcement SWAT teams are going to the .300 Win Mag round for their long range rifles. This load will provide an off the shelf match grade round for them as well as for the individual requiring long range precision and power. For more information contact, Black Hills Ammunition, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709-3090. Phone: 1-605-348-5150. Fax: 1-605-348-9827.

STEINER ULTRA COMPACT 8X22 MINI-SCOPE

Steiner has now introduced their uniquely designed 8×22 Mini-Scopes. The new scopes combine precision optics into an ultra compact designed monocular to provide unmatched utility and versatility for any occasion where enhanced vision is needed. The miniature monocular delivers 8 power magnification and bright, super sharp images with precision-ground German optics in a slim-profile design. The mini-scopes light transmission actually exceeds that of many binoculars. The new Mini-Scope weighs only 3 oz. and is less than half the size of a wallet, so it fits easily into a shirt or pants pocket or can be conveniently carried on a lanyard. The scope’s portability makes it a great accessory for anyone on the go. The Mini-Scope is so small that wanna-be spies can fold it in the palm of their hand so that it’s not visible when observing. Steiner is highly regarded among sportsman for making touch-as-nails, yet extremely precise and bright binoculars and scope. The Mini-Scope is no exception. Its rigid, shock-resistant body and the multi-coated lenses deliver clear, bright images, even in low light. The Mini-Scopes are offered in a choice of brushed metal silver finish or a forest green matte finish with a leather carrying case and optional adjustable neck lanyard. Also available is a classy Limited Edition Mini-Scope, in silver, presented in a cherry case with the distinctive Steiner-Germany logo deeply etched on the lid. For more information, about Steiner and its full product line contact Pioneer Research, Dept. SAR, 97 Forest Road, Suite 5, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone: 1-609-866-9191. Fax: 1-609-866-8615. On the web at www.pioneer-research.com.

GLOCK WORKS 3.5 CONNECTOR

Glockworks, a division of Gunworks International, has introduced its latest custom manufactured part for the Glock line of pistols, the Glockworks 3.5 Connector. This new part results in a smoother take-up and lighter trigger break. This is a drop-in part that will noticeably improve the trigger pull of any Glock pistol. It’s a must for the competitive, practical and recreational shooter. The Glockworks 3.5 Connector is heat treated for increased strength, durability and performance. It is available in three finishes which include a Factory Finish which matches the Glock factory finish, the Stainless Steel finish which allows shooters and gunsmiths to polish or tune the connector for custom trigger jobs without losing corrosion resistance and the Stainless Steel with GWI Tuf-Coat finish. This last finish offers the ultimate in superior corrosion resistance and lubricity. The Glockworks 3.5 Connector comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. Glockworks also offers a complete line of firearms, custom services and accessories for the Glock shooting enthusiast. For more information contact Glockworks International, L.L.C., Dept. SAR, 9 Pennywise Lane, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Phone: 1-860-388-4591. Fax: 1-860-388-026. Visit them on the web at www.glockworks.com.