Many casually dismiss shotguns as no longer viable; either being smoothbore relics associated with WWI trenches or police cruiser icons that have been surpassed by the plethora of “black” rifles now on the market. The shotgun’s utility should not be doubted or held in disdain once its role is understood and applied correctly.

Whatever the label, i.e., combat/tactical/self defense, shotguns can be had in various forms ranging from double barrel, pump action, semi-automatic and, for good measure, even lever action. The Suarez Stakeout takes this a step further. Suarez labels its Stakeout as a modern “battle axe” meant to be deployed at close range by users capable of wielding its power.

The Stakeout features a textured, bird’s head pistol grip and 14-inch barrel. Do not stop reading this article by assuming it involves an exotic NFA Class 3 weapon. The Suarez Stakeout is able to be purchased with basic paperwork associated with most any other over-the-counter firearm purchase. A review of the Gun Control Act of 1968 that defines what a short-barrel shotgun consists of is the key. A shotgun that is manufactured from the start with a pistol grip and maintains an overall length greater than 26 inches is considered a firearm and not an NFA-regulated short-barrel shotgun; even with the 14-inch barrel.

The inherent flexibility of a shotgun, especially the pump action, to digest a variety of cartridge types such as birdshot, slug, buckshot, non-lethal, low recoil, breaching, etc., is its greatest attribute. The Suarez Stakeout tested herein is based on the Remington 870 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun. For sure, the Stakeout exudes an all-business air.

Research into the Stakeout concept shows its inception being a similar pattern shotgun used by the US Marshal Witness Protection teams. Other anecdotes mention various law enforcement units specializing in stake-out surveillance turning to the close-range firepower potential of the compact shotgun. High-value prisoner transport teams have also made use of shotguns similar to the Stakeout’s design.

Suarez International has taken the basic Remington 870 pistol grip shotgun and turned it into a specialized close-quarter battle weapon. No one can be all knowing in every facet of a subject as broad as personal defense. One of the places I look to for keeping me informed and grounded is Suarez International (SI). SI contains different operating entities ranging from a training division, a tactical gear store, as well as custom firearm manufacturing. No matter the personal opinion of Suarez, one can be sure that any ideas presented by Gabe Suarez and then backed up with products are well thought out and proofed during numerous training cycles and personal application in the field under the most rigorous conditions. Suarez International is offering its own take on the pistol grip shotgun with its Stakeout model. Gabe has his own LE experience deploying a shotgun similar to the Stakeout. He has taken this experience and applied improvements to his company’s offering.

The SI Stakeout is customized with features such as a ported 14-inch barrel that is also polished; this allows for both recoil reduction and increased predictability of pattern. The Stakeout’s bolt and dual operating rods are tuned, polished and coated in Aqua Terra Plus Teflon Nickel finish. The trigger group is tuned for a crisp break with new springs added. The SI Stakeout’s receiver loading port and ejection ports are de-horned, opened and polished for better ergonomics. A steel extractor is installed for increased durability/reliability. A textured forend and bird’s head pistol grip is standard; with an optional textured Magpul forend and “Stakeout Strap” available as well. A Suarez extended safety is installed to improve manipulation. Heavy duty stainless magazine tube spring is installed along with a one-plus tube magazine extension. A green fiber optic front sight is installed. A grey rust-resistant finish is applied along with a magazine tube sling mount bracket to round off the Suarez custom touches.

We depend on subject matter experts for recommendations and guidance. This approach assists in getting us up to speed as quickly as possible when it comes to increasing skill sets. My testing of the SI Stakeout was based on Suarez’s well done videos and articles discussing best practices with the pistol grip shotgun. Why not take advantage of the initial developmental experimentation?

Firing from the hip is not the best way to deploy the Stakeout effectively. Bringing the SI Stakeout eye level, while keeping it out in front away from your face, produced the best on target results. Recoil was managed by maintaining forward pressure on the forend in conjunction with pulling rearward on the bird’s head pistol grip. Gabe describes it as trying to stretch the shotgun apart. Recoil with the 12-gauge Stakeout is stout, and anyone telling you any differently should be scrutinized. Proper technique is important as well as taking advantage of the growing amount of low recoil shotgun rounds becoming available. As Gabe puts in one of his excellent Blog posts, “… this (Stakeout) is not the weapon for the frail … it takes some physical power to wield this.”

The receiver of the Stakeout is made of steel with the bolt locking into a steel barrel extension. The extra weight from the steel receiver is appreciated versus competitors who use aluminum receivers. There is something re-assuring about the power of a shotgun for any close-range engagement, which is what most civilians and LE personnel face. In terms of personal defense, buckshot loads predominate. Yes, other loads exist, but frankly not relative to the role envisioned with the Stakeout. There are various types of buckshot, but we will confine our discussion to #00 buckshot generally loaded with 8-9 .33 caliber pellets weighing 54 grains each. (As a side note, many advocate the use of #7.5 or #8 birdshot in a shotgun for use in a home to limit any chance of over penetration. A column of birdshot at close range such as across a room is lethal due to not having time to disperse.)

The Suarez Stakeout was tested with Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil #00 and Federal Premium Low Recoil FliteControl #00 buckshot (9 #00 pellets). The Federal Premium buckshot load utilizes a special wad for tighter buckshot patterns—thus longer effective range. Based on prior experiences with numerous buckshot loads over the years, specialized buckshot loads, such as the Federal Premium FliteControl, are a primary choice. However, the role of the Stakeout as a close-range blunderbuss could justify the use of “normal” patterning buckshot represented by the Hornady American Gunner loads; just make sure to stick with reduced recoil loads. The newer buckshot loads with specialized wads could maintain too tight a pattern, limiting its greatest attribute of lead dispersion at distances most associated with practical Stakeout deployment. Users will have to determine what bests suits their needs.

Supplementing the buckshot for testing with the SI Stakeout is the innovative Winchester PDX 1 12ga loading combining a 1-ounce slug and three #00 pellets. The Winchester PDX 1 load harkens back to the “buck-n-ball” loads used by our forefathers against the British in the Revolutionary War and each other during the American Civil War. The Winchester PDX 1 12ga loads stretch preconceived 12ga lethality notions even further with their combination of slug and buckshot. Range testing of the Winchester PDX 1 raised eyebrows with its performance combining the best of both worlds for the combat shotgun—single projectile performance and 10-inch buckshot pattern spread out to 20 yards with one of the holes being made by the 1-ounce slug! If only one load is possible for use in a combat shotgun, the Winchester PDX 1 may very well be it.

The Stakeout is a close-range hammer and was treated as such for this review. The Stakeout was evaluated via drills involving moving between barricades; think emerging from a bedroom into a hallway. Another niche role the pistol grip shotgun found in the law enforcement arena is as CQB force multiplier, especially in/around vehicles. Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) range cars were utilized simulating responding to bad breath distance ambush.

The Stakeout’s 5+1 capacity could be augmented by a Mesa Tactical four-shell carrier on the receiver. Frankly, the role for which the Stakeout is envisioned will not require more than this capacity. If a user requires more rounds, discrete carry in pockets is suggested.

Initial hesitancy/concern about recoil management was allayed thanks to proper firing technique as outlined by Suarez International and low recoil buckshot rounds. A rhythm was discovered to make the most of natural recoil impulse to rack the slide ejecting spent hull, load fresh shell and bring Stakeout back up to line of sight. Suarez has done numerous videos explaining, and better yet, showing what I am talking about.

This Suarez Stakeout’s simplicity/reliability and raw power exemplify why the 12-gauge pump action continues to attract users. If range is point blank, the near ¾-inch diameter bore is devastating. Buckshot natural dispersion as it travels downrange creates a firepower “cone.” A 6-inch diameter pattern at 10 yards translates into a one square foot area of terminal ballistic destruction. Eight or nine .33 caliber pellets smashing into a target is a fight stopper. The Suarez Stakeout is a specialized weapon created for close-range firepower superiority.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Suarez International www.suarezinternational.com
Echo Valley Training Center www.echovalleytraining.com
Federal Cartridge Company www.federalpremium.com
Hornady Mfg. www.hornady.com
Winchester Ammunition www.winchester.com

By Todd Burgreen

Why did Kel-Tec introduce a 30-round capacity .22Magnum (.22WMR), 4.3-inch barreled, polymer semi-automatic handgun into the market? Is it for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting, or dare we say just for fun? The PMR-30 seems counter-intuitive, especially when compared against other semi-automatic pistol “understudy” types most often chambered in 22LR that are modeled after a centerfire “big brother.” The “understudy” 22LR handguns offer similar feel and balance while being chambered in 22LR versus 9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP, etc. These types of 22LR handguns are ever increasing in popularity. This is based on facilitating more economical practice/training and making sure the fundamentals of trigger control, sight alignment, grip and all the other marksmanship tenants are followed without the interference of muzzle blast and recoil; all the while maintaining similar feel and operating controls of their full-power “big brothers.”

The Kel-Tec PMR-30 stands alone and defies easy categorization. It rejects being labeled as only an “understudy.” It is easy for the Kel-Tec PMR-30 to separate itself from the competition with its .22WMR chambering and ultra-high capacity alone. However, additional PMR-30 features further add credence to its uniqueness in terms of design and construction. The PMR-30 does not pose as an understudy since controls, grip angle and other intangibles of feel do not mimic any other handgun out there. Do not take this to mean it has no value as an introductory handgun. While the PMR-30’s muzzle blast will surprise with a signature more typical of a centerfire cartridge, recoil is minimal and thus manageable by all shooters. Though popular as a manually operated rifle and revolver round, few manufacturers have attempted to build a semi-auto rifle or handgun in .22WMR. This stems from various reasons such as .22WMR cartridge length standards, the case rim specifications and variations in pressure levels of different brands of .22WMR ammunition. However, Kel-Tec decided to tackle these issues in creating the PMR-30.

Some History

Initially founded in 1991 as a machine shop, Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. started manufacturing firearms in 1995. Kel-Tec prides itself on specializing in innovative rifle and handgun designs for law enforcement personnel and security-conscience citizens. Along these same lines Kel-Tec has succeeded in creating an interesting twist with many firearm designs with its out-of-the-box thinking. A brief look at their website will show the bullpup KSG 12-gauge shotgun and RFB semi-auto 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, the compact foldable Sub-2000 pistol caliber carbine and SU-16 5.56 rifle. Kel-Tec’s fresh approach to firearm design always generates interest. The PMR-30 .22WMR handgun falls squarely into this mold.

Design

Kel-Tec engineers turned to magazine design and a hybrid action combining blowback and locked breech features in an effort to tame the .22WMR chambering. The magazine is oft described as pie-shaped with the tapered end toward the bullet end of the cartridge and rim toward the wider area. Kel-Tec describes proper procedures for loading the PMR-30 magazine to help in reliable operation of the PMR-30. The requirements are not onerous with the case inserted into a segment of the magazine lips before being pushed to the rear of the magazine. After every five or so rounds are loaded the magazine is to be tapped on something solid such as a palm, leg, table, etc., to help seat the rims into the magazine without getting out of orientation sequence. The magazine loading method is straightforward and does not take any more time to complete than random jamming of rounds into a magazine. Indeed, it makes one wonder how people load magazines in any different fashion. Loading directions were purposely ignored to test the effect on the PMR-30’s reliability. It was determined that a malfunction was likely if the simple magazine loading directions were not followed—thus, best to adhere to the Kel-Tec directions.

Kel-Tec engineers continued adapting the PMR-30 to the .22WMR past the magazine design. The PMR-30 operates via a hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. One of the potential issues with .22WMR semi-automatic pistols is the wide range of pressures generated by factory ammunition. Kel-Tec designed a new action that automatically and seamlessly adjusts between locked-breech and blowback operation, depending upon the pressure generated by the particular cartridge that is being fired. In simple terms, the barrel is allowed to float forward and backward a small amount in the frame. This is very similar to any design using a variation of Browning’s tilting barrel, short recoil design; however, the Kel-Tec PMR-30 has no mechanical locking system. The method of operation is determined when the cartridge case forms to the chamber during firing. If the pressure generated in the cartridge is high enough, friction will cause the case to “stick” to the chamber walls, and the barrel will recoil with the slide until pressure drops—just like a typical locked-breech firearm. If the pressure is lower, the barrel stays virtually still, and the slide recoils like a blowback firearm. This innovative system does not require chamber-friction reducing methods like fluting or porting as seen in other .22WMR autoloaders. It allows the PMR-30 to fire a wide variety of ammunition without sacrificing reliability.

The PMR-30 follows a similar pattern to other Kel-Tec designs using glass-reinforced nylon (Zytel) and an aluminum frame in its construction with only the barrel and portion of the slide being steel. The PMR-30’s action incorporates a recoil buffer and dual opposing extractors for reliability when combined with the hybrid operating action described above. The Zytel material facilitates lower manufacturing costs as well lighter weight for the full-size frame found on the PMR-30. As for specifics, the PMR-30 is a semi-automatic, single-action pistol with an internal hammer/striker. A 4.3-inch barrel is used. Overall length is 7.9 inches, and the height is 5.8 inches. The empty weight is only 13.6 ounces. A loaded magazine weighs a mere six ounces. This means that a fully loaded PMR-30 weighs less than 1.5 pounds. Kel-Tec has installed fixed fiber optic front and rear sights onto the pistol. The front sight is adjustable for windage only. The front color is yellow/green, and the rear is orange/red. PMR-30 controls are minimal—trigger, ambidextrous safety and slide lock lever. The dust cover features an integrated Picatinny style rail for attaching lights or other accessories an end user may desire. In front of the rear sight one will find four screws indicating that Kel-Tec has tapped and threaded the slide to accommodate one of the many miniature red dot sights hitting the market. Bases are available from Kel-Tec depending on what type of red dot a user may choose. The magazine release is a European-style heel release at the base of the grip. Each pistol ships with two magazines and padded plastic case. As expected the magazines, considering the use of Zytel in the handgun frame, are constructed of high-strength polymer.

Testing at the Range

The PMR-30 was tested with a myriad of ammunition from Hornady, Winchester and Federal such as Hornady 22WMR 30gr. V-MAX and 45gr. FTX Critical Defense; Federal JHP and FMJ; and Winchester FMJ and 45gr. PDX1 Defender JHP. Kel-Tec ships the PMR-30 with recommendations and more importantly a list of ammunition that they council against—mostly non-U.S.-made .22WMR. Range time exhibited all positives in terms of performance and reliability. The trigger pull was a pleasant surprise in terms of minimal creep and weight required to initiate cartridge ignition. RCBS gauge averaged just under 4 pounds after averaging 10 pull tests.

Unequivocally, it can be reported that no issues were encountered during evaluation of the Kel-Tec PMR-30. Why such a strong statement? This is based on various reports of problems encountered in the PMR-30 that were uncovered during research of this article. This is not meant as refutation of these reports only that this PMR-30 performed without issue. In all fairness, Kel-Tec themselves admit to product evolution in the PMR-30. For example, the barrel’s twist rate was altered from 1:16 to 1:11 based on feedback from customers related to key holing issues. Another complaint often heard is that the PMR-30 is not being produced and sent to retail shelves fast enough since its 2010 SHOT Show introduction. Frankly, this is outside the preview of this article.

With a 30-round magazine it did not take long to send large quantities of rounds downrange during this evaluation, with many willing volunteers stuffing magazines and running the PMR-30’s trigger. One interesting nuance discovered with the PMR-30 was that the slide could not be “sling-shot” forward during reloads once the slide locked rearward after the last round was fired. The slide release lever had to be used. This is not a big deal, just worth noting. Another anecdote is the surprisingly loud blast and muzzle flash that the PMR-30 emits. This is based on the .22WMR being primarily chambered in rifle-length barrels and thus the use of slower burning powders that do not get consumed in the PMR-30’s 4.3-inch barrel. Quite truthfully, this made firing the PMR-30 more like the experience of firing a centerfire defensive handgun without the associated recoil. Plate racks and other targets strewn around Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) were engaged repeatedly as were more traditional paper targets in an effort to get the full sense of the PMR-30’s capabilities.

PMR-30’s Role

As with many new products the PMR-30 was initially touted as filling a role it was never intended to do. The PMR-30 was labeled as the “poor man’s” 5.7x28mm handgun in reference to the FN FNH introduction of its Five-seveN handgun. The PMR-30’s high capacity and chambering in the .22WMR versus 22LR was behind this misleading statement. The two weapons share similar aesthetic lines, dimensions and are light weight. This is where any similarity ends as the .22WMR does not compete with the 5.7×28 in terms of velocity achieved in either a handgun or rifle and was never intended to when it was designed. The PMR-30 chronoed loads across an RCBS Chronograph in the 1200-1400fps range depending on bullet weights being fired.

Accuracy with the rimfire PMR-30 was more than acceptable and probably superior to what most users are capable of when being fired from any non-bench position which is the reasond’etre of the PMR-30 to begin with. It is no problem keeping rounds in the “A” zone of the IPSC targets back to 25 yards and very possible further out as long as users pay heed to sight alignment and trigger control resisting the temptation to blast rounds downrange knowing 30 .22WMR rounds were sitting in the magazine awaiting release.

Ammunition

In terms of ammunition, it was a surprise to find a number of .22WMR loads directed towards the personal defense realm. Both Hornady and Winchester offer prime examples of this in the form of Hornady’s 45gr FTX Critical Defense and Winchester’s 45gr PDX1 loads.

Conclusion

As questioned at the beginning of the article: is the PMR-30 a candidate for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting or dare we say just for fun? Users will have to decide what roles the PMR-30 will fill in their collection. It can be stated that the evaluated PMR-30 performed without issue, and its high capacity in a surprisingly light-weight package is extremely attractive in whatever role it is destined for.

“All Business with No Wasted Effort”

Rifle Dynamics’ Interest in the AK

Las Vegas-based Rifle Dynamics (RD) is one of the premier AK gunsmiths in the U.S. Jim Fuller’s Rifle Dynamics is one of the few truly qualified companies that can improve the AK platform beyond its out-of-the-box potential without impacting its “hell and back” reliability, simplicity and ruggedness. Jim has always been impressed and attracted to most Soviet-Block weapons; even though many in the U.S. discounted Soviet arms as inferior tools of the enemy. This led him to intensifying his study of the AK system of operation beginning in the early 1990s. Jim believes the AK is the most dependable fighting rifle ever produced. While it may not be as inherently accurate as other rifles, the AK is still plenty accurate for the job it was designed to do as a combat arm. Rifle Dynamics is an 07FFL/SOT manufacturer which allows for work on machine guns, suppressors, SBRs and SBSs combined with being considered a dealer as well.

The true hallmark of the AK-series of rifles gaining acceptance in the U.S. is the rise of gunsmiths, ammunition manufacturers and aftermarket accessories starting to cater to its clientele. Based on this, Fuller decided to introduce a Rifle Dynamics AK signature line that encompasses many upgrades and modifications over “factory” standard AKs. With so many customers inquiring about Jim’s opinion for a solid, no “frills” AK fighting rifle, he decided to invest in making this type of AK available to customers without having to experience the wait associated with custom projects. These production RD AKs will benefit from years of experience gained from doing improvements on customer-provided rifles and custom orders.

Jim Fuller explains, “We (RD) are doing different production rifles that are basically the same except caliber (7.62×39 and 5.45×39) and stock configurations. All RD models will have our custom front end with Bolten Gas block. The muzzle device will be a Battle Comp AKBC on the 7.62 guns and Battle Comp 2.0 on the 5.45 guns. TAPCO G2 triggers will be used as standard fire control. A Fuller designed rear sight is included as well as a U.S. Palm AK Battle grip. The RD AK production AKs will have an UltiMAK upper rail installed.” Jim goes on with, “There won’t be any other options since these are production rifles. The quality will be what you would expect from one of our (RD) custom builds, but we have to limit options in order to produce them in a timely manner.” The current RD production AKs will be labeled RD700 for 7.62×39 rifles and RD500 for 5.45×39—simple enough.

The RD702 AK

The particular Rifle Dynamics rifle tested is the RD702. The RD702 AK is chambered in 7.62×39 and utilizes the RD AK/M-4 stock adapter to affix a Magpul CTR rear stock. The RD702 AK benefits from a custom front end consisting of a Bolten gas block offered through Venom Tactical. Aesthetically, the RD702 gets your attention immediately with its 14.5-inch barrel with pinned PWS FSC flash hider. Rifle Dynamics is proud of its custom front end work featuring the Bolton Gas Block; this sets apart RD AKs from others. The RD modification removes almost 1 pound off the front of the rifle, moving the center of gravity about 4 inches closer to the body making the RD702 feel very light and more importantly the fastest handling non-SBR-length AK on the market. The RD front end work is complimented by adding an UltiMAK gas tube scope rail. The UltiMAK provides a solid mount point for whatever forward mounted optic you prefer.

The Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK features a Fuller Modified Rear Sight unit. Jim reports this is one of his most popular AK modifications in terms of customer feedback. Over the years many have complained about the iron sights on the AK; the Fuller Rear Sight improves this tremendously. The Fuller Sight has the notch widened and corners radiused to a spec that was given to Jim by an Optometrist for maximum efficiency in centering the front post in the rear notch. Both windage and elevation adjustments are made on the front sight. Jim ships the rifle with a long front post expecting elevation adjustment to be fine tuned by filing down the sight and windage adjustments made by turning the front post to whichever side is necessary. The finish on the RD702 AK tested is Norrell’s Moly Resin gray applied over fresh Parkerizing. Rifle Dynamics has found this to be the best finish for a rifle that will take a lot of abuse, heat and lack of cleaning. Jim reports the finish has proven itself many times over in the worst conditions.

There is a tremendous amount of fitting that goes into the Rifle Dynamics’ RD702. Even though a “production” rifle, the RD702 benefits from RD quality control via internal reliability checks, fire control group polished and light planing on the bolt/carrier group and guide rails, combined with exterior surfaces being dehorned where users touch them. Jim takes great pride in the amount of fitting that goes into everything Rifle Dynamics produces. Most owners will not even notice the Rifle Dynamic attention to detail but can take comfort that everything possible has been done to make a Rifle Dynamics’ AK the best fighting rifle available. Even without firing a live round the Rifle Dynamics AK superiority over a standard AK can be detected in the smoothness of the action, trigger pull, quality of re-finish and overall weapon feel. Rifle Dynamics is well-versed in the nuances of the AK platform and can educate even the most diehard AK connoisseur. The RD702 7.62×39 reviewed in this article will retail at $2200.

Evaluation

After a quick verification of 25-yard sight zero, range evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession at various steel man targets and vehicles that dot Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) where I do my testing. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it: if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. I made sure different types of AK-47 magazines were used to verify compatibility with the RD702 AK. Metal and polymer 30-round magazines of various manufacturers performed fine with no issues inserting, removing or feeding the rifle. The U.S. Palm AK-30 polymer-style magazines were the primary magazine used after initial magazine trials. The U.S.-made AK-30 magazine is molded so that disassembly is not possible or warranted. The AK-30 magazines were complimented by the AK Attack Rack. The AK Attack Rack is a low-profile, secure platform for 4-AK magazines and 4-pistol magazines. The AK Attack Rack chest rig can be worn over hard or soft body armor and is built to military specifications out of 500d Cordura nylon for durability and minimal weight.

A more comprehensive 100-yard sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established. After first using the Fuller modified rear sight found on the RD702, I decided to mount a Trijicon MRO. Many will be more than satisfied with the Fuller rear sight and eschew mounting anything on the rifle choosing a more traditionalist route. I found the UltiMAK rail too tempting and favor the advantages associated with red dot sights. Red dot sights offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. Age may be catching up to me as the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights.

The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a sealed miniature reflex sight intended for use on rifles, carbines and shotguns to provide fast target acquisition. The large aperture and tapered light path maximize the viewing area and allow for better situational awareness and fast target engagement—especially from non-standard shooting positions. Combine all this with the ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings and the fully sealed, waterproof, hard-anodized forged 7075-T6 housing, and you have the ultimate mini reflex sight on the market. The MRO’s 2MOA red dot offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards on man-sized targets; yards due to the red dot not obscuring the target due to the dot not being that large.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK such as Hornady, Wolf and Red Army Standard. All of the loads produced approximate 3-inch groups at 100 yards. In all fairness, a magnified optic would have probably produced better accuracy results in lieu of the open sights, especially with the Hornady SST loads. Gilt edge accuracy is not the goal with any Rifle Dynamics’ AK; it is a fighting rifle measured by a different set of parameters.

Other range tests consisted of completing several runs on EVTC’s “Jungle Walk” range. Several ISPC-style man targets and steel silhouettes were engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target, and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. I find testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK handled as well as any rifle I have tested. There is a fundamental reason why AK versions proliferate around the world and now are spreading across the land of its Cold War nemesis. This is due to the AK’s well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability.

Rifle Dynamics’ understanding and appreciation of the AK as a fighting rifle translates into the RD702 accentuating these characteristics with no urge to make it into anything else. The UltiMAK rail is a nod to the advantages offered by a red dot optic or by possibly mounting a tactical light without succumbing to the urge to hang items that are not necessary on the forend, ruining handling. The Fuller rear sight is another subtle refinement intended to upgrade the AK platform without hindering its design intent. The honing, polishing and fitting of internals such as trigger mechanism and bolt carrier are done to compliment smoothness of operation, not reduce tolerances to a point that compromises reliability out in the real world. All business with no wasted effort—that sums up the Rifle Dynamics RD702 AK.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Echo Valley Training Center
echovalleytraining.com
Hornady Mfg. Inc.
hornady.com
Rifle Dynamics
rifledynamics.com
Wolf Ammunition
wolfammo.com

A manufacturer that is developing into a noteworthy force in the US for all firearm categories, albeit sporting, competition, tactical or personal defense, is Sturm, Ruger & Co. This epiphany was caused by the recent introductions of AR style rifles, a .300 Blackout Mini 14 and most recently the bolt action Precision Rifle. This bolt action is unlike any other offered by Ruger. The Precision Rifle is Ruger’s take on creating a highly accurate long range bolt action detachable magazine rifle; all the while keeping it affordable.

The Ruger Precision Rifle will surely be considered by any department or individual pondering a precision bolt action tactical rifle; its reasonable price will only reinforce this. It is available from the factory in various calibers, .308Win (tested herein), 6.5 Creedmore, and .243Win. The Precision Rifle arrives with many notable features including fully adjustable folding rear stock, threaded muzzle, Picatinny rail running along the upper receiver out to the end of the forend, and Ruger’s adjustable Marksman trigger. One thing that distinguishes the Precision Rifle, functionally and aesthetically is the ability to accept multiple types of detachable magazines. Ruger has devised a patented Multi-Magazine Interface (MMI), allowing them to greatly increase magazine compatibility beyond only one type. The Ruger Precision Rifle can use DPMS, M110, SR25, PMAG, AICS and some types of M14 magazines. Two 10-round Magpul PMags arrive with the Ruger Precision Rifle.

The Precision Rifle evaluated herein is chambered .308Win with 6.5 Creedmore and .243Win available. Many are already salivating at the thought of a long action version chambered in .300WinMag or even .338Lapua appearing in the future. The Precision Rifle is centered on a modified Ruger All American bolt action. Overall length is 38.25 to 41.75 inches with the 20 inch hammer forged 4140 chrome-moly steel free-floated medium profile barrel (.75 inches at muzzle) featuring 5R 1:10RH rifling. According to research for this article 5R rifling places a land opposite each of the barrel’s grooves, resulting in less aggressive upset and distortion of the bullet as it engages the rifling, thereby aiding in accuracy. The 5R rifling also features less sharp edged lands than those present in conventional-style rifling, reducing powder fouling and jacket failures. The company further optimized the Precision Rifle’s accuracy by utilizing the tightest possible chamber while also taking extra care to ensure a centralized chamber and minimal headspace. The muzzle is 5/8×24 threaded. A Ruger provided thread protector can be removed to make room for installing other muzzle devices. The Precision Rifle weighs in at 9.7 pounds when empty.

The Precision Rifle’s lower magazine well is machined from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum Type III hard coat anodized for maximum durability. The upper receiver and bolt are CNC-machined from pre-hardened 4140 chrome-moly steel. The upper receiver has an integral 20 MOA Picatinny rail secured with four, #8-40 screws for increased long range elevation capabilities. The three lug full diameter All American bolt has a 70 degree throw along with dual cocking cams. A bolt disassembly tool is stored in the bolt shroud. The bottom bolt lug is ideal for stripping rounds from the detachable magazines. Ruger decided to go with an oversized threaded on bolt handle for easier rapid working of the action; after all you have a high capacity magazine worth of ammunition available. If a user so chooses, a different bolt handle can be installed.

Ruger has chosen a different path from typical bedded stocks or even the chassis systems that seem to be gaining in popularity. The Precision Rifle utilizes a linear in-line recoil path to maximize accuracy potential by directing unwanted movement and vibration straight back into the buttstock. This minimizes impact on barrel harmonics when the rifle is fired; the key here is consistency during the firing impulse. The stock is threaded into the rear of the receiver in effect becoming a part of it.

The AR influence is hard to escape for any rifle nowadays-even bolt actions. Any AR style stock can be used over the buffer tube like projection if a user feels the MSR stock is not to their liking for some reason. The Precision Rifle’s barrel can be easily changed using techniques and tools common with AR15 rifles. Ruger is using a 15 inch free floated Samson Evolution KeyMod AR handguard. As with the buttstock most AR style forends can be used if a user wants to retrofit with one. The same can be said of the AR style pistol grip and fire selector switch.

The 1:10 twist hammer forged barrel gets the most out of the various wide ranging .308Win loads on the market i.e. 147 grain to 175 grain. The Precision Rifle’s relatively light weight, compared to other precision rifles on the market, gives improved portability and above average handling characteristics for a precision tactical bolt action rifle. Many tactical rifles, while accurate, resemble boat anchors when it comes to handling due to weight and stock configuration; not the Ruger Precision Rifle.

One has to be impressed with Ruger’s design work in getting the Precision Rifle to accept and feed via popular detachable magazines. Reliability is something that can not be compromised. The oversize bolt and smooth passage of the bolt in the raceway allows for minimal disturbance of the rifle when the bolt is worked. The Precision Rifle’s oversized bolt handle and detachable magazine are features that lend themselves to performing in a tactical environment and serve to maximize the Ruger’s potential.

Many will wonder what is the purpose or niche for the Ruger Precision Rifle. Why not just use a tuned semi-automatic AR in lieu of the bolt action Precision Rifle? The answer lies with individual or department preference for a bolt action. This could be based on cost, public perceptions, or myriad of other reasons. Ruger has designed a rifle that is rock solid with characteristics making it conducive to accurate shooting from a variety of positions. The forend handles bipods or sandbags with equal aplomb. The Ruger Precision Rifle is not exclusively designed for shooting from the supported prone or bench position. The stock allows for offhand and other types of supported fire if needed. Think hood/trunk of a squad car or other field expedient positions. The ergonomics of the adjustable length of pull Ruger MSR buttstock allows for a comfortable, repeatable cheekweld. This is combined with a Magpul AR pistol grip making hand placement conducive to pulling the Ruger Marksman trigger smoothly to the rear.

The first requirement of a tactical rifle is precise accuracy. A Leupold Mark IV 3.5-10x50MM scope with mil dot reticle was mounted on the one piece Picatinny rail above the Precision Rifle’s receiver via Leupold Mk IV rings. It has the typical great Leupold reliability, clarity, and image quality with a near perfect variable power range for a precision .308Win rifle. Importantly, Ruger provides the Precision Rifle with an integral Picatinny rail to that optics can be mated right up to the action for a solid zero maintaining connection between rifle and optic. Champion tripod front rest and sandbags were used to support the Ruger Precision Rifle during bench testing phase of evaluation in conjunction with bipod.

Various .308Win loadings from Black Hills Ammunition, Federal, Winchester, and Hornady provided the basis of accuracy tests. The Black Hills Match loads tested consisted of 168 grain Match bullets. The Federal chambering was the venerable 168 grain Match load that still serves as the benchmark for performance. 168 grain TAP from Hornady along with Winchester 168 grain Match was also used. The Precision Rifle’s 20 inch barrel produced velocity in the low 2600 feet per second (fps) range with the 168 grain loads. The Precision Rifle’s 20 inch barrel maximizes portability and handling while maintaining .308Win ballistics and terminal performance. As to be expected with quality ammunition, velocity figures within the different loads deviated very little from round to round as witnessed shooting over a RCBS AmmoMaster chronograph. The Precision Rifle produced MOA or smaller groups with several different ammunition brands—an important logistic consideration. The accuracy figures are based on firing five five-round groups and averaging group sizes.

Steel targets were smacked with ease out to 320 yards using field expedient rests at Echo Valley Training Center’s Range #1 stepped berm system. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for pure fire power, the detachable magazines were handy to recharge the Precision Rifle after the last empty case was flipped out on the ground. The Precision Rifle’s action was “slick” and smooth as it emerged from the box. The Magpul magazines that arrived with the Ruger Precision were used as well as the recently introduced Brownells’ AR 308 20-round magazine. The Precision’s bolt would function over the Magpul follower when the magazine was empty; however not with the Brownells due to follower configuration. This is not a criticism of either magazines or rifle. Just an observation so that different user’s can explore on other magazines they choose to use. This does not impact use of the rifle as laying cartridges in the raceway to single feed rounds did not work no matter magazine used. It is required to first click the rounds under the magazine’s feed lips for chambering properly.

The Ruger Marksman trigger is a huge part of the phenomenal accuracy to cost ratio factor derived from the Precision Rifle. The Marksman trigger is just as important to accuracy as the Ruger bolt action and quality barrel. A rifle’s trigger is the interface between shooter and rifle and must be right or accuracy will suffer. From the box it measured just below 4 pound pull weight. Ruger Marksman trigger is externally adjustable with a pull weight range of 2.25 to 5.0 pounds. Conveniently, Ruger has stowed the trigger adjustment tool in the bolt shroud with the previously mentioned bolt disassembly tool. This allows the Marksman trigger to be adjusted by the user without having to resort to an armorer. Without going into minutia, the Marksman distinctive “trigger blade” release lever in front of the trigger proper is the secret to maintaining minimal trigger weight, without creep, while keeping the system safe. The “trigger blade” must be activated (i.e. moved rearward into the trigger) before the sear will move firing the cartridge. A sudden drop or impact will not do this, even if the safety is off. The Marksman trigger’s contribution to precise accuracy can not be overemphasized.

In an effort to demonstrate the Ruger Precision Rifle’s flexibility in use, a Yankee Hill Machine Phantom flash suppressor was threaded on. The YHM Phantom flash hider allows for easy mounting of the YHM 7.62 Phantom suppressor. YHM’s Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor is a .30caliber suppressor utilizing Mike White’s Sound Technology Inc.’s patented baffle design. The Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor is manufactured from Chrome-Moly steel and features a matte black Parkerized finish. Its overall length is 8.5 inches with a diameter of 1.6 inches and weighs 25ounces. Hand tightening is all that is needed with the Phantom Flash Hider to hold the suppressor firmly in place. Conversely the suppressor can easily be removed via hand pressure when no longer needed. The Phantom Flash Hider supports the suppressor in two places helping to ensure bore alignment. A patented gas seal keeps the Phantom Flash Hider threads clean so the suppressor will not bind when removed from a weapon no matter how many rounds are fired.

Some time ago Engel Ballistic Research (EBR) subsonic ammunition was discovered as a primary source of quality sub-sonic ammunition due to the variety of calibers and loadings offered. Another reliable source for .308Win sub-sonic loads is Corbon. The Ruger Precision Rifle combined with YHM suppressor and Engel Ballistic Research or Corbon sub-sonic .308Win loads is eerily efficient out to 100 yards. Furthermore tactical modification of the Precision Rifle into a lowlight/dark role is satisfied by mounting an American Technologies Network ATN PS22 Night Vision device in front of the Leupold scope. This multiuse ability keeps day scope constantly zeroed, yet allows for quick adaptation night use. The PS 22 is attached or detached with no impact on the day optic’s point of aim and parallax is not an issue. Another benefit of the PS 22 is that a scope’s reticle does not need to be illuminated or IR compatible for it to be visible when using the PS 22. This differs from NV products that mount to the rear of the scope. These kinds of uses are outside the realm that most user’s require from a weapon.

The ability to adjust the Ruger MSR stock in a myriad of ways further supports its accuracy potential. Length of pull (LOP), check riser height, even cant of the buttpad is adjustable to user preference. The ability to fold and lock the Ruger MSR stock eases transport. An Eberlestock G2 pack proved a natural companion to the Precision Rifle during T&E. The G2’s combination of being a top loader pack and accessible front panel means that the main compartment is hassle free to access. There’s no digging and wrestling with your pack to free an item–its quick at hand. It’s a great combination. If you carry your weapon on your back, you’re much more agile and effective than if it’s stuck in your hands or on a shoulder sling all of the time; simply no better way to move about in an organized fashion. By having the pack carry the rifle, your hands are free for all of the things you need them for when you are traversing terrain. Further more, Eberlestock makes it so that you can get your weapons off the pack without having to un-strap everything that you’re wearing. Most importantly the pack must be comfortable considering all the time spent with it out in the field. The Gunslinger II (G2) has all these characteristics. It’s a mid-sized pack with a full-width scabbard to better accommodate weapons with larger cross-sections or bulky optics; weapons up to 60 inches long can be accommodated. Eberlestock’s “Control Clips” at the top of the G2’s Backscabbard compartment are used to segregate the scabbard and also to securely hold a rifle. The Control Clips are also used to hold the top cover onto the scabbard locking your gun into the pack. The G2 offers 2,700 cubic inches of space measuring 22 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. The G2 can be generalized as a Three-Day pack in terms of what it can carry afield. The G2 is waterproof with the 1000d Cordura Nylon material polyurethane coated.

Even though a bolt action and imminently qualified to serve a precision tactical weapon, the Ruger Precision Rifle should not be pigeon holed into solely a sniper rifle role. There many jurisdictions and/or private users that will appreciate its non-assault rifle bolt action persona while maintaining its high capacity capability. Misconstrued prejudices may arise when it comes to Ruger Precision Rifle stemming from elitist sentiments based on price. Some individuals, not to mention industry competitors, will want you to believe that the moderately priced Precision Rifle, $1399 MSRP, must somehow be deficient when compared to rifles costing two to three times more. The Ruger Precision Rifle takes a back seat to no rifle in terms of repeatable accuracy, ergonomics, reliability, trigger, and capacity.

SITES OF INTEREST

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc
www.ruger.com

Black Hills Ammunition
www.black-hills.com

Winchester Ammunition
www.winchester.com

ATK/Federal Cartridge Company
www.federalpremium.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Leupold & Stevens Inc
www.leupold.com

HornadyMfg.Inc
www.hornady.com

Daniel Defense’s thought process was to create a lightweight, simple to operate AR rifle similar to Eugene Stoner’s original concept. This counter-intuitive approach involved simplifying it away from current trends. AR designs consisting of heavy barrels and bloated full-length four-sided Picatinny rails adorned with lights, lasers, vertical forward grips and other accessories were abandoned in favor of simple contemporary components of the highest quality put together by qualified personnel one at a time ensuring maximum quality control.

It is no secret that the AR is not only the best selling civilian and law enforcement rifle in the U.S., but also gaining popularity around the world with the U.S. equipping/training so many armed entities. This has caused many manufacturers to jump on the AR bandwagon in recent years by offering their versions. The Daniel Defense’s operating philosophy is captured in its motto of “Lighter, Stronger, Better…” This is also how Daniel Defense strives to separate themselves from the rest of the AR field. The DD M4 V1 LW typifies this by weighing in at 6.8 pounds while still featuring a full length Daniel Defense DDM4 quad rail. This is outstanding considering a rail is present as well as other features that are typically avoided in other builder’s efforts when attempting a lightweight AR. A slim 16 inch 1:7 twist hammer forged barrel is affixed with a Daniel Defense flash hider. Length of the rifle is 36 inches with stock extended and 32.5 inches collapsed. The Daniel Defense upper and lower receivers are forged from 7075 aluminum upper and then hardcoat anodized. A single-stage trigger is standard with M4 feed ramps machined into the receiver and the barrel extension. A Magpul MOE adjustable buttstock is fitted to the V1 LW. The mil-spec upper and lower receivers are combined with a 5.56mm chamber and direct gas impingement operating system. The gas system of the DD M4 V1 LW is carbine length.

If you want it done right, do it yourself. This might be the unofficial motto for all Daniel Defense endeavors since arriving on the AR scene. The Daniel Defense DD M4 V1 LW model evaluated herein is an embodiment of this statement. Since Daniel Defense’s start in 2000, the size of the company has doubled and sometimes tripled every year. As the company stands currently, it has over 100 employees and is located in a 38,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Black Creek, GA with another recently opened site across the river in South Carolina. Marty Daniel decided in 2000 that the AR market was ripe for someone to introduce quality aftermarket accessories such as sling adaptor, railed forends, etc. This is probably hard to fathom for the current 2013 situation where there are a plethora of AR products available. It was only a small concept leap before Daniel Defense was making complete AR rifles starting in early 2009.

Marty Daniel has given clear perspective on how he wants to run his business. During a tour of the Black Creek facility, Marty explained the importance of customer service in the Daniel Defense mindset. This customer service philosophy is reinforced by their pride in their product reflected by producing much of their ARs in-house. They are not an AR parts assembler who then stamps their name on a weapon made from someone else’s components. In fact, Daniel Defense is a major supplier of OEM parts and accessories for many of the AR brands on the market. (It was interesting to see what items were shipping out from Daniel Defense to other brands – though a gentleman’s agreement prohibits detailing.) This in-house production allows Daniel Defense a high degree of quality control and frees them up from over reliance of suppliers. They make their own barrels, upper receivers, lower receivers, receiver extensions, bolt carriers, bolts, carrier keys, gas tubes, etc. Every bolt is proofed and magnetic-particle inspected to guarantee reliable performance. Daniel Defense even goes so far as to produce their own lower parts kits composed of the trigger assembly and a bunch of tiny parts and pins. When a company is willing to produce their own pins for their rifles, it’s a safe bet that they’re obsessed with turning out a quality rifle. Daniel Defense has invested heavily into production capability such as CNC machinery, robotics, and hammer forging barrel production. A walk around the Black Creek facility makes this obvious while keeping in mind what the 90,000+sf South Carolina plant must represent in terms of capital investment from Daniel’s corporate leadership.

A key component to the Daniel Defense AR reputation for accuracy is the Chrome Moly Vanadium steel cold-hammer forged barrel produced in house. The barrel is mil-spec phosphate coated. It is worth exploring Daniel Defense barrel production as a vehicle to explore what sets their rifles apart from others in the market. The majority of ARs sold feature button-rifled barrels. Button rifled barrels can be some of the most accurate barrels made or some of the most economical barrels made depending on specific methods utilized in production. The AR market is very competitive currently with multiple brands competing for consumer dollars; thus price point is extremely important with accuracy and durability taking a secondary position with some makes/models. Compared to button rifled barrels, the cold hammer forged method used by Daniel Defense is difficult and expensive to manufacture with the resultant benefit of durability and longevity. As witnessed on the Black Creek factory floor, a hammer-forged barrel starts its life as a short steel blank with a hole drilled down its center. The blank is threaded over a piece of hardened steel mandrel that is the exact dimensions of the rifle’s bore. Big hammers then pound the blank onto and around the mandrel until the barrel is 16 inches long (or whatever is specified) and has the appropriate contour. The process makes for a very dense barrel that is ideally suited to a high round count carbine. The machinery doing this work has been installed on vibration dampening flooring and isolation springs so as not to impact other delicate machinery surrounding it. Daniel Defense technicians follow detailed proprietary quality control methods with each barrel produced.

To wring the most out of the M4 V1 LW, multiple optics were used in testing. A Leupold Mk4 3.5-10x was employed to ascertain the true accuracy potential. The optics most typically intended to be left on the V1 LW after accuracy testing would be a non-magnified type. The V1 LW was tested with Trijicon’s red dot optic the SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight). The 3.75 inch long Trijicon SRS features 1.75 MOA adjustable intensity red dot. The 28 mm aperture combined with 38 mm objective lens with only minimal housing between the two translates into the SRS providing a relatively large field of view as well as serving to eliminate the tube effect sometimes encountered with red dot optics. The SRS uses a solar panel to supplement the AA battery when in sunlight providing 3 years of run time. The Trijicon SRS weighs 15 ounces including battery and mount. The ability to control the SRS dot intensity is an important asset related to the SRS allowing the user to tailor brightness to user preference. The Trijicon SRS offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to iron sights, while at the same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to the single focus plane is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The 5.56/.223’s flat trajectory aids in making center mass hits out to 300 yards without having to compensate excessively for bullet drop.

Ammunition tested with the DD M4 V1 LW was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition loads, multiple Hornady TAP loads and Winchester 55gr FMJ. The V1 LW kept all loads tested under 2 inches at 100 yards with Black Hills 69gr Match producing MOA groups out to 200 yards. This accuracy level justifies considering mounting a magnified optic such as the Trijicon ACOG or Leupold’s adjustable power Mk 4 CQ/T depending on intended mission. Overall, the accuracy level was more than acceptable considering the barrel’s profile. Accuracy test protocol consisted of three five-shot groups with each ammunition type. Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures ranged from 2,700 feet per second to 2,950 feet per second over Shooting Chrony chronograph. Most bulk range firing utilized the Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ load.

The V1 LW was tested with a variety of magazines including the 3rd Generation Magpul PMAG AR-15 magazine. The next generation PMAG 30 GEN M3 Window is a 30-round 5.56mm polymer magazine for AR-15/M4 compatible weapons that feature transparent windows to allow rapid visual identification of approximate number of rounds remaining. The Magpul GEN M3 PMAG incorporates new material technology and manufacturing processes for enhanced strength, durability, and reliability to exceed rigorous military performance specifications. Magpul introduced the 3rd Gen AR-15 magazine with modified internal and external geometry permitting operation with a wide range of non Colt spec platforms such as the HK 416, M27 IAR, British SA 80, and FN SCAR MK 16/16S. A redesigned bolt catch notch in the rear of the magazine provides increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop on the spine helps ensure the magazine will not over-insert on compatible weapons.

The Daniel Defense M4 V1 LW was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). The V1 LW rifle showed its true promise by performing not only within the multiple 100 yard bays at EVTC firing from barricades and engaging targets, but also back at the prepared firing position line with targets placed out to 300 yards. Numerous drills were run involving magazine changes and moving between barricades simulating cover. A Mayflower Research & Consulting LLC LE/Active shooter chest rig carried four magazines during range evaluations. Steel silhouettes were situated randomly from 20 yards to 110 yards on EVTC Range #2. The Daniel Defense V1 LW and Trijicon SRS red dot made short work of striking various targets in quick fashion.

The V1 LW was purposely neglected in terms of cleaning over the course of the range evaluation. Cleaning methods for the Daniel Defense rifle will be familiar to anyone with a modicum of experience with the AR-15. Timing worked out to allow me to utilize the V1 LW in a 3-day Graham Combat course further pushing the V1 LW in terms of performance. The svelte V1 LW was much appreciated for its handling around vehicles and barricades during training scenarios. Several of the more dynamic drills experienced during the T&E showed the Daniel Defense M4 V1 LW at its best; unrelenting reliability even when scorching hot after multiple magazines fired consecutively. Combining range T&E and the Graham Combat course, the Daniel Defense V1 LW had 1,600 rounds fired through it for this evaluation. A High Speed Gear patrol belt equipped with their TACO magazine pouches was used to support the M4 V1 LW for both range T&E and Graham Combat course. Nothing is as personal as gear for holding magazines and other items at locations that become instinctual after countless training evolutions. Several common themes became apparent during the Graham Combat course. The importance of having an ergonomic rifle in terms of mounting to the shoulder quickly while maintaining sight picture became apparent when running and gunning quickly. Another point was a quick handling rifle able to react to dynamic unexpected situations and put rounds downrange accurately and rapidly. The Daniel Defense V1 LW delivered very well in these two aspects while at the same time providing solid reliability and a high degree of accuracy.

There are a plethora of AR style rifles vying for consumer attention albeit individuals, departments, or other entities. The Daniel Defense M4 V1 LW is worthy of consideration considering the attention to detail and quality of materials used in its manufacture. The cliché of “buy right the first time” comes to mind with the DD M4 V1 LW being a good example.

Sites of Interest

Daniel Defense
101 Warfighter Way
Black Creek, GA 31308
www.danieldefense.com
(866) 554-4867

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
www.trijicon.com
(248) 960-7700

Black Hills Ammunition
PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 348-5150
www.black-hills.com

Winchester Ammunition
427 N. Shamrock St
East Alton, IL 62024
www.winchester.com

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
14400 NW Greenbrier Pkwy
Beaverton, OR 97006
(800) LEUPOLD
www.leupold.com

Hornady Mfg., Inc.
3625 Old Potash Hwy
Grand Island, NE 68802
800-338-3220
www.hornady.com

To the casual eye, the rifle being reviewed will appear to be another Kalashnikov AK. More discerning readers will identify it as an AK74 chambered in the 5.45×39 versus the more wide spread Soviet/Russian 7.62×39 load due to the magazine profile. A yet smaller percentage of readers will identify the rifle as a Jim Fuller Rifle Dynamics’ customized AK74. Built from a Bulgarian AK74 parts kit that included a chrome-lined barrel, the RD AK74 arrived with an AK74 style flash hider/muzzle brake installed on the muzzle via 24mm threads. A NoDak Spud receiver is combined with KVar furniture that includes a double-shielded forend handguard. A G2 trigger group is installed in conjunction with the polishing of the trigger surfaces and a Fuller modified rear sight is utilized. The RD AK74 features a Norrells Moly Resin Gray finish over Parkerizing that Rifle Dynamics has found to be the best finish for a rifle that will take a lot of abuse, heat and lack of cleaning. Jim reports the finish has proven itself many times over under the worst conditions. This rifle may appear as a basic AK74, but it benefits greatly from Rifle Dynamics’ treatment.

As it arrived from Rifle Dynamics, the RD AK74 represented a return to a more traditional AK form compared to a rifle equipped with rails and such – though this was altered with addition of a Midwest Industries/US Palm front handguard and folding wire stock. There is a tremendous amount of fitting that goes into the RD AK74. It receives an internal reliability check with a light honing of the bolt/carrier group and guide rails. All exterior surfaces where users touch are dehorned. Most owners will not even notice the Rifle Dynamic attention to detail, but can take comfort that everything possible has been done to make it the best fighting rifle available. Even without firing a live round the Rifle Dynamics AK superiority over a standard AK could be detected in the smoothness of the action, trigger pull, quality of re-finish and overall weapon feel. Rifle Dynamics is well versed in the nuances of the AK platform and can educate even the most diehard AK connoisseur.

The simplicity and reliability of most Soviet-bloc weapons has always impressed Jim Fuller. This led him to studying the AK system of operation beginning in the early 1990s. Jim believes the AK is the most dependable fighting rifle ever produced. Rifle Dynamics is a 07 FFL/SOT manufacturer, which allows for work on machine guns, suppressors, SBRs and SBSs combined with being considered a dealer as well. Jim is more concerned with form following function as all weapons are fighting utensils with work reflecting this mindset. Jim’s shop offers custom work on ARs, Saiga, PSL rifles, as well as MACs, along with other typical work found in custom shops involving revolvers, 1911s, stock work, and other tasks. Rifle Dynamics is also involved in providing dynamic firearms training along with armorer courses and has a large selection of belt-fed and select-fire Com-bloc weapons to facilitate orientation demonstrations bringing personnel up to speed on operational use of these weapons.

Rifle Dynamics offers a wide range of services and upgrade packages for customer owned AKs without having to resort to custom builds from parts kits. One example of these improvements is the Fuller Modified Rear Sight unit. Jim reports this is one of his most popular AK modifications in terms of customer feedback. Over the years many have complained about the iron sights on the AK: the Fuller Rear Sight improves this tremendously. The Fuller Sight has the rear notch widened and corners radiused to a spec that was given to Jim by an optometrist for maximum efficiency in centering the front post in the rear notch. Both windage and elevation adjustments are made on the front sight. Many will be more than satisfied with the Fuller sight and eschew mounting anything on the RD AK74 choosing a more traditionalist route.

Importantly, the RD AK74 features the same great handling characteristics and reliability the AK family is renowned for. The Kalashnikov gas-operated piston-rod system is the heart of its reliability. The RD AK74 weighs 7.5 lbs and measures 37 inches long with its 16.5-inch barrel. With the wire stock folded, the rifle measures 29 inches in length. The original intent was not to replace the standard stock with a wire folding stock model due to previous experiences with wire stocks. However, the simplicity of doing this with the RD AK74, considering no special adaptors are needed to accomplish this combined with handling a friend’s AK74 at the range, forced a reassessment. The minimal recoil impulse of the 5.45×39 combined with an effective muzzle brake makes shooting the RD AK74 accurately and without discomfort with the wire stock very possible. Steel MGM man targets were routinely struck at 200-250 yards with rounds sent down range rapidly. This exhibits both the ergonomics of the rifle and overall accuracy of the RD AK74 /5.45x 39 combination.

For testing, both the 60gr and 70gr Wolf Ammunition was used as well as the relatively new Hornady 5.45×39 60gr VMax. Additionally, some surplus 52gr 5.45×39 ammunition was accessed. This is loaded with the 7N6 “poison pill” bullet that first gained notoriety in the Soviet-Afghan War. Basically, the Russian designers constructed the 52gr FMJ with an air cavity behind the tip of the bullet. This causes the bullet nose to deform when penetrating a target causing it to tumble that is devastating when striking flesh. One downside typical to most surplus ammunition is that it utilizes corrosive primers. Something the Russians and other ex-Soviet bloc states insist on using due to concerns with cold weather ignition and long-term storage capabilities offered by corrosive primers. The Wolf 70gr load produced approximately 2,600fps and the Wolf 60gr nudged 2,900fps when fired through the RD AK 74 with the 52gr surplus ammunition clocking in at 3,000fps.

As alluded to earlier in the article, it was decided to change out the RD AK74 Kvar forend furniture. This was an attempt to increase accuracy and effective range of the RD AK74 by enabling the mounting of a red dot optic. The US Palm and Midwest Industries collaborative AK Tri-Rail was installed. Installation of this rail is quick and does not require a trip to the gunsmith. Easy to follow instructions and all of the necessary hardware to mount this rail system is included. Since the Tri-Rail doesn’t mount directly to the gas tube, your optic is spared exposure to a large amount of heat, thus extending the life of your optic. Another benefit of the US Palm/Midwest Industries Tri-Rail is that it allows for better ventilation around the rifle’s barrel, thus cooling it down faster after long strings of fire. As expected from a US Palm/Midwest collaboration, the Tri-Rail was well made and did not move once installed on the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail was considered essential for getting the most out of the RD AK74; without the Tri-Rail it would have been impossible to proceed with mounting a red dot optic to enhance the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail enables a lower 1/3 co-witness option for a number of optics coveted by AK users. The specific optic needs are decided before ordering a Tri-Rail due to the top cover being made per individual optic base design. Current options are Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint T1/H1, Vortex Sparc, Burris Fastfire, and Leupold Delta Point.

It was decided to mount a Trijicon RMR on the US Palm/Midwest Tri-rail. The RMR sight is a proven commodity able to withstand the recoil and heat generated by repeatedly long strings of fire. The RMR only weighs several ounces; thus adding little in weight to the Rifle Dynamics AK74 preserving its natural handling. Due to engineered co-witnessing, the RMR sat low enough on the Tri-Rail that no adjustment of cheekweld was required to pick up the RMR’s amber 7 MOA dot. The beauty of the Trijicon RMR sight is that it does not require batteries to generate the aiming dot because of the dual use of fluorescent fiber optics and tritium lamp. The lack of reliance on batteries appealed to this author as matching the RD AK74’s rugged nature. The mounted Trijicon RMR did not disappoint in range tests proving more than capable of withstanding the RD AK74’s recoil and heat generated from firing multiple magazines during Team Tactics exercises. The RMR’s dot aided in acquiring a fast aiming point at CQB ranges. The 7 MOA dot in the Trijicon RMR proved more than capable of hammering steel man targets out to 200 yards reliably. For reference sake, a military silhouette target measures almost 17 MOA at 100 meters. It was found that a 50 yard zero with the Trijicon RMR fit the needs best when mounted on the RD AK74. The red dot sight offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. Age may be catching up to us as the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights, especially at speed.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). Echo Valley Training Center hosts numerous well known training entities every year along with DoD personnel, Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Manufacturers are also finding their way there to take advantage of what the facility offers. Echo Valley Training Center has multiple 100 yard enclosed bermed bays capable of handling numerous students conducting “square” range drills or more dynamic/fluid types of training utilizing the barricades, building facades, and doorways constructed for this purpose. In conjunction with the individual training bays, EVTC features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards. EVTC is further enhanced by the existence of prepared firing positions. This allows for more realistic prone and “dug-in” trench-style firing points. These firing positions and target arrangements are ideal for all types of training scenarios with most types of weapon systems including assault and precision rifles, not to mention belt fed weapons, and ultimately team exercises for team members to train coordinated fire sequences.

Range evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession. A 100 yard open sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established and rifle sights shot on paper at 25 yards. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it: if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. The Rifle Dynamics AK74 functioned fine leaving the handguards smoking. Accuracy with the Wolf Ammunition 60gr and 70gr loads hovered in the 3-inch range at 100 yards. The surplus Bulgarian mirrored this performance. The Hornady VMax produced 2-inch groups. This is probably more indicative of my deteriorating eye sight than actual accuracy potential of the RD AK74. Other range tests consisted of completing several runs at a carbine course set-up at EVTC. Several ISPC-style man targets are engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. The various stages consisted of three different styles of barricade with one including coming through an operable door frame. Time was stopped by engaging two steel man-targets placed approximately 125 yards downrange. I find testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The RD AK74 turned in times that were on par with any of the different rifles and competition times previously tested at the range.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 exhibited all of the positive Kalashnikov characteristics combined with the lethal Russian .22 caliber service round – the 5.45×39. Arms aficionados will find and appreciate Rifle Dynamics’ attention to detail. The RD AK74 proved desirable due to its reliability, accuracy, ammunition costs, and controllability during rapid strings of fire. It is strongly suggest anyone interested in a 5.45×39 chambered AK, whatever their reasoning, to contact Rifle Dynamics about your needs.

SITES OF INTEREST:

Rifle Dynamics
(702) 860-7774
www.rifledynamics.com

Midwest Industries, Inc.
828 Philip Drive, Suite 2
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 896-6780
www.midwestindustriesinc.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

US Palm/SGCUSA
14860 N. Northsight Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 222-4369
www.uspalm.com

LWRCI is a recognized industry leader in the development and manufacturing of short-stroke piston operating ARs. LWRCI’s entire reason d’être is the short-stroke piston and the improvement it offers over the original gas impingement design – especially when incorporated into short barrel platforms. It is no secret that the AR is not only the best selling civilian and law enforcement rifle in the U.S., but also gaining popularity around the world with the U.S. equipping/training so many armed entities. This has caused many manufacturers to jump on the AR bandwagon in recent years by offering their versions. 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. Whether or not piston-driven ARs are superior to their gas impingement brethren often generates heated discussion. One thing that is not debatable is the number of manufacturers rushing to create piston-driven ARs even if traditional AR models already exist in their production line-up.

LWRCI offers numerous models ranging from LE/military-only select-fire versions, various barrel lengths/profiles ranging from 7-inch barrel UCIW model to 18-inch barrel M6A3 DMR. Other unique models include the M6A4 IAW that fires from a closed bolt on semiautomatic then goes to open bolt function on automatic fire and then ultimately the 7.62×51/308Win REPR. The REPR is quickly finding favor in U.S. law enforcement and military special operation communities. Another LWRCI model, and the one focused on in this article, is the PSD – Personal Security Detail. The PSD is one of LWRCI’s smallest, dimensionally speaking, contributions to the AR field. A LWRCI PSD upper was obtained for testing in lieu of a complete rifle. The flexibility of the AR platform is hard to beat considering one moment an 8-inch barrel PSD upper is fitted to NFA registered lower – if a civilian or LE – and the next an 18-inch heavy barrel DMR upper is installed if mission dictates it. This does not even get into the myriad of calibers that are coming on line for the AR ranging from 5.7 to .50 Beowolf with many stops in between.

LWRCI literature clearly lays out the thought process behind the development of the PSD. The 8-inch barrel PSD 5.56mm is designed for CQB and personal security detail (PSD) operations. It is best to view the 8-inch barreled PSD through the lens of a PDW or SMG weapon versus a rifle. The 8-inch barrel produces approximately 2,400-2,500 fps velocities when firing 50gr-62gr 5.56mm loadings. The PSD is also available in 6.8 SPC chambering; in fact it was the original chambering in the PSD product line. However, the decision was made to also chamber the PSD in 5.56mm based improvements in the 5.56mm cartridge in terms of bullets and powders. This re-evaluation is based on 5.56mm performance being greater than any pistol caliber combined with the compact dimensions of the LWRCI PSD rivaling a SMG. It only made sense from a business standpoint considering the vast number of individuals, departments, agencies, and units intimately familiar with the 5.56mm round and existing number of magazines/ammunition already in the supply chain.

The PSD utilizes LWRCI’s patented self-regulating, short-stroke gas piston operating system, ensuring reliability in the harshest theaters of operation. LWRCI literature points to several industry leading technological innovations incorporated in the PSD. LWRCI has sought to engineer a complete solution to the deficits found in the direct impingement AR family of rifles and carbines and was an early innovator in the AR gas-piston surge. The principal improvement comes from eliminating the venting of hot, carbon-laden gases into the receiver and bolt carrier group. This reduces the cleaning requirements associated with direct gas impingement ARs. It also means the bolt carrier group and associated springs are not subjected to the searing heat of the tapped gasses; this being one of the major causes of small parts failure. The LWRCI PSD utilizes cold hammer forged barrels made out of 41V45 steel alloy and treated with NiCorr surface conversion technology. NiCorr surface conversion has proved more lubricious, harder wearing, more heat and corrosion resistant than the hard chrome-lining normally used in a service rifles’ bore. LWRCI advertises its barrels as being able to handle 20,000 rounds before replacement, as compared to 6,000-10,000 rounds with standard chrome lined barrels. The bolt carrier of the PSD is coated with a proprietary nickel coating that nearly eliminates corrosion while providing greatly increased lubricity. This coating provides permanent lubrication to the moving parts and is similar to that being used by the U.S. Army Research Lab and USSOCOM to extend the service life of their weapons systems.

The PSD’s ARM-R forend’s top rail is easily removable and reinstalled without effecting zero of any sights or target designators. Cleaning methods for the LWRCI are familiar to anyone with experience with the AR-15 with the operating rod mechanism easily accessed thanks to ARM-R design. The ARM-R rail allows for mission specific configuration with lights, lasers, target designators, and other items. As benefiting a rifle in the PSD’s price range and intended LE and military audience, the PSD comes standard with folding BUIS open sights that proved able to co-witness with a variety of optics mounted on the PSD. The PSD upper installed on a lower weighs slightly over 6 pounds and has an overall length of 24.5 inches with LMT SOPMOD stock collapsed and approximately 28 inches extended. The LMT SOPMOD is a favored stock type and the type affixed to lower mated with LWRCI PSD upper for a large portion of this T&E. The PSD’s 8-inch barrel features 1:7 twist and comes with an A2 style flash hider. The 8-inch barrel maximizes portability and handling while maintaining a ballistics and terminal performance superior to any pistol caliber carbine or SMG.

The key with the LWRCI PSD is having an 8-inch barreled AR that works at the same reliability level as longer barrel ARs. This is where the LWRCI short-stroke piston comes into play. Instinctually, piston driven ARs appeal too many by the very fact that hot gases and powder residue is not dumped into the action as in the original direct impingement (DI) design. Hands on experience of LWRCI bolt carrier being handled soon after long strings of fire and merely wiped down compared to their DI cousins reinforces this. The ability of the gas piston ARs to operate with barrel lengths below the generally accepted 14-inch barrel threshold of DI ARs reliability adds further legitimacy to the piston ARs. Do not take this as lampooning of the gas impingement ARs. The DI rifles are more robust than most give them credit for and sub-14 inch barreled rifles are possible with attention to detail by the manufacturer in terms of gas port sizes and timing of the ejection process.

LWRCI utilizes a piston design made up of three components. A piston cup fits over the gas plug located at the front of the PSD handguard with an intermediate rod placed between the piston cup and operating rod that acts on the bolt carrier group. The LWRCI push-rod system is self cleaning in that any excess gas is vented out of the handguard just behind the gas block. The gas cup has grooves that act as scrapers as the action is worked to prevent carbon build up in the gas cup. The rear of the gas-piston rod is what smacks against the bolt assembly’s integral strike plate operating the action. LWRCI’s pioneering work with the AR piston system has led to the use of an integral strike plate in lieu of a staked version. This is based on concerns of metal fatigue and not wanting to take the chance of a staked strike plate failing. Along these same lines the LWRCI’s bolt body features radial grooves that serve multiple functions; such as anti-tilt for the bolt assembly along with providing a certain amount of built-in tolerance against any debris that may find its way into the LWRCI’s action and buffer tube area. LWRCI’s short-stroke piston use of a “tappet” system to impart force to the piston driving the bolt carrier to the rear minimizes heat build up not only in the weapon’s action, but also along the weapon’s forend due to gas being confined to the gas plug/piston cup located behind the gas block; thus preventing hot gas from transmitting down the length of a gas tube ala direct impingement or long-stroke operating method.

C.R. Newlin, Echo Valley Training Center owner, generously allowed access to his select-fire AR lower for testing with the LWRCI PSD upper supplementing a registered semi-only lower already on hand. Range testing commenced with functionality test consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion once sight zeros were verified. Any fighting rifle must be reliable to be worthy of further consideration. The importance of quality magazines can not be overstated in terms of impacting a weapon’s reliability. The majority of malfunctions in a select fire, or even semi-auto rifle, can be traced to a faulty magazine. Brownells’ AR magazines are primarily used for most T&Es for this reason, though random magazines are mixed into testing at times. The LWRCI’s short-stroke gas piston operating rod system proved its worth in keeping the bolt carrier group cooler and cleaner compared to direct impingement AR rifles. While not trying to be unrealistic or overly harsh, the LWRCI PSD was exposed to multiple magazine dumps at various times of the T&E. The method was not mindless ammunition wasting, but rather wanting to confirm beyond a doubt that the PSD delivered as advertised under the most extreme circumstances of operational functioning. It was quickly noticed how little heat was transmitted not only to the PSD’s action, but also into the PSD’s quad rail forend with shooters able to grip the weapon without resorting to gloves or installing a vertical forward grip. Anyone with experience with AKs or direct impingement ARs know how fast forends can heat up with only a few magazines worth fire.

It was decided to take full advantage of the PSD’s flattop upper by accessing multiple optics for use during testing. A Trijicon RX30 Reflex was mounted on the PSD with it sharing time with a Leupold Prismatic. A Hi-Lux/Leatherwood Optics CMR 14×24 was also employed to ascertain the PSD’s accuracy potential via 4x magnification capability. The CMR scope was designed for when a shooting situation gets up close and personal. The CMR (Close Medium Range) has 1x-4x magnification based on a compact 30 mm tube. The relatively short 30 mm tube scope does not add a lot of weight to the rifle, and thanks to the large diameter of the scope tube, it lets in a lot of light for a bright target image. Hi-Lux/Leatherwood literature points out, “…an extremely practical circular reticle that aids in quick target acquisition by drawing the attention of the shooter’s eye to the center of the scope. Along these same lines, to insure that the target is fully visible, the reticle has only a horizontal crosshair, with a partial vertical lower crosshair. The upper half of this reticle leaves the scope clean and uncluttered. Plus, the lower crosshair features short bar aiming points calibrated for standard .223 and .308 service ammo, which are very precise out to 600 meters. The center dot and the small circle of the reticle are available with either green or red illumination.” It was discovered that the PSD’s rear flip-up sight had to be removed to provide clearance for the CMR to mount properly, which would be a negative for many considering the PSD’s likely CQB role in the field.

The optic types intended to be left on the LWRCI PSD after accuracy testing would be the Trijicon RX30 Reflex or Leupold Prismatic; though some may be inclined to leave the Hi-Lux/Leatherwood CMR mounted. The Trijicon RX30 and Leupold Prismatic sight offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to, a single focus plane is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The 5.56/.223’s flat trajectory aids in making hits out to 250 yards without having to compensate excessively for bullet drop even with the short 8-inch barrel.

A 150 yard zero provides for +2 inches at 100 yards, -5 inch at 200 yards, and -13 inches at 250yds.

The PSD was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). EVTC is fast becoming a major provider of training on the East Coast with multiple organizations conducting courses onsite. The private facility has multiple 100 yard bermed enclosed bays capable of handling numerous students conducting “square” range drills or more dynamic/fluid types of training. In conjunction with the individual training bays, Echo Valley Training Center features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel MGM targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards.

Ammunition tested with the PSD was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ and 50gr TSX, Winchester Ammunition 55gr FMJ and Federal Premium Law Enforcement 55gr Triple Shok and 62gr Bonded SP loads. Loads evaluated chronographed between 2,400-2,500 fps; which was a pleasant surprise considering the short PSD barrel. The PSD kept all loads tested at 1 inch or better at 50 yards with the Federal Premium 55gr Triple Shok and Black Hills 50gr TSX producing near MOA groups out to 200yds. Overall, the accuracy level was more than acceptable considering the barrel’s profile. Most bulk range firing utilized the Winchester and Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ. Ammunition such as the Black Hills 50gr TSX and Federal 55gr Triple Shok and 62gr Bonded loads elevate 5.56mm terminal ballistic performance and barrier penetration across the board; especially in short barreled rifles such as the PSD.

AR ergonomics are hard to beat even on a full size AR with the compact PSD even handier and easier to wield in tight quarters. Drills moving around barricades and training evolutions involving firing and evacuating from vehicles clearly bore this out. A short barrel rifle like the LWRCI PSD is what individuals will choose to work with in such an environment where the trade off in size is worth any loss in bullet performance due to reduced velocity. Prior training experiences with Suarez International, Tactical Response, and Storm Mountain assisted in providing a baseline foundation of what qualities are desirable in a fighting rifle along with proofing ancillary gear such as BlackHawk chest rig for carrying magazines and BlackHawk single-point sling in case the PSD needs to be slung freeing up use of both hands. The PSD’s performance is superior to any SMG and it does not take a backseat to full-size rifles in the sub-200 yard arena, which is what was what the PSD was designed for by LWRCI.

Sites of Interest

LWRC International, LLC

Cambridge, MD. 21613
Phone: (410) 901-1348
www.lwrci.com

Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics

3135 Kashiwa St
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 257-8142
www.hi-luxoptic.com

Black Hills Ammunition

PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: (605) 348-5150
www.black-hills.com

Leupold & Stevens Inc

14400 NW Greenbrier Pkwy
Beaverton, OR 97006
Phone: (800) LEUPOLD
www.leupold.com

Echo Valley Training Center

251 C Prosperity Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.

49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: (248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

ATK/Federal Cartridge Company

900 Ehlen Drive
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: (800) 322-2342
www.federalpremium.com

Winchester Ammunition

427 N. Shamrock St
East Alton, IL 62024
www.winchester.com

Lewis Machine & Tool, Inc

1305 11th W
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: (309) 732-9527
www.lewismachine.net

It is a safe bet that everyone reading this magazine has been drawn by some inexorable force into considering a weapon that made no sense when one’s “needs” are analyzed empirically. Often times these firearms are sentimental favorites based on an affiliation with an original model not readily accessed. A recent phenomenon along these lines is represented by the Century International Arms semiautomatic AES-10B patterned after a Romanian version of the RPK light machine gun. The AK series of weapons are experiencing a renaissance/resurgence in popularity in the U.S. The AK’s association as the “enemy’s” weapon seems not to deter its growing popularity in the U.S. This stems from many factors: rugged reliability, price point, reasonably priced ammunition, an appreciation of 7.62×39 terminal ballistics, and the ever increasing quality and quantity of after-market parts.

The affinity toward AK platforms for many started with the affordable Romanian manufactured AKs arriving in the early 1990s, before the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban went into effect. While not aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic, or as inherently accurate as an AR, for many the AK was quickly turned into a “go to hell” rifle. A “go to hell” label translates into what rifle you would reach for when the world goes in the pot and you rush into your safe room looking for a rifle and pre-loaded magazines. The AK serves this role for many based on reliability no matter what field conditions it finds itself in. Smoking hand guards on an AK means it is only getting warmed up. Of course, this is an over simplification in the same vein that ARs are indeed more reliable than most give them credit for and AKs are more accurate.

The Century AES-10B RPK weighs approximately 12 pounds empty and the 23-inch 1:10 twist barrel lends to an overall length of 42 inches with wire stock unfolded and 34.25 inches folded. The wire folding stock is a unique AES-10B feature compared to most RPKs affixed with wooden stocks. The AES-10B’s wire stock comes with the added benefit that the rear trunnion is already configured to accommodate standard AK rear stocks. This is useful if an owner wants to switch out the rear stock to better suit their individual preferences unlike other semiautomatic RPK clones on the market. Most RPK clones are limited in this area fitted with either a “clubfoot” RPD-style stock or oversized AK wood stocks associated with Yugoslavian M72 versions of the RPK with no easy means available to switch out stocks unless the rear trunnion is modified. The AES-10B’s heavy barrel measures approximately 3/4 inches in diameter and is U.S. made sans chrome-lining. The U.S. made barrel contributes to the magical number of needed U.S. parts to pass BATF muster. The M14:1 LH threaded muzzle comes equipped with a slanted muzzle brake. The AES-10B RPK features an integral bipod that folds underneath the barrel until deployed. Research and observation indicates that the stamped receiver is reinforced and enlarged around the front trunnion connection to the barrel.

The RPK configured AES-10B differs from the typical AK/AKM in a number of design improvements intended to facilitate its role as a light machine gun. The barrel is lengthened and thickened to not only increase muzzle velocity, but also allow for increased heat capacity during extended fire sessions. Along these same lines the barrel is mated to a reinforced receiver housing reflective of its sustained fire role. 40-round stick and 75-round drum magazines were developed with the RPK to improve its combat rate of fire. The RPK was outfitted with folding bipod to stabilize it during deployment assisting a squad or platoon in advancing towards its objective or defending from an attack. The RPK rear sight is outfitted with sliding windage mechanism to improve fire accuracy and ease of adjustability. The original RPKs featured a rear stock identical to the Degtyarev RPD 44 machine gun. The interchangeability of parts between the RPK and AK/AKM is high including magazines.

As with most weapons adapted to suit a role beyond its original design intent the RPK has some drawbacks. The combination of firing from a closed bolt and fixed barrel translates into an operator having to use good fire discipline or the RPK will overheat and fail. Optimal sustained fire is around 80 rounds per minute. If overused, chambered rounds could “cook off;” not to mention barrel damage. The fixed barrel combined with inability to fire via belt fed ammunition cause many to question its utility as light machine gun. Comparisons to the U.S. BAR are common, though not necessarily accurate considering cartridges fired and different operating design ala closed bolt for RPK compared to open bolt for BAR. The RPK design commenced in the late 1950s and finalized by the Red Army in 1961, but did not enter wide-spread service until 1964. Each infantry squad was issued one RPK along with a 75-round drum magazine. The RPK continues in service in numerous post-Soviet countries and allies to this day with hundreds of thousands produced. The Kalashnikov’s gas piston operating system’s greatest benefit is reliability in more diverse environments due to reduced sensitivity to dirt and grime, not to mention the more powerful leverage it applies to the bolt compared to direct gas. Another key component is looser tolerances in the moving parts, giving it more latitude to function when dirty from field conditions or not cleaning after firing numerous rounds.

Century literature details an interesting story behind the AES-10B RPKs – though perhaps apocryphal. These rifles are the semiautomatic only version of the Romanian RPKs issued to elite paratrooper forces during the Communist Ceausescu Regime. The extremely rare AES-10B variant currently being offered is built using a small cache of rifles found in a sealed building in the Transylvanian factory town of Cugir. These were apparently to be issued for a planned massive troop build-up on the Romanian/Hungarian border when tensions flared between the two Warsaw Pact member states. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and a crisis was averted. The rifles are identified by featuring a side folding stock, integral carry handle and bipod.

The Century AES-10B RPK was enjoyable to shoot at the range and amazingly effective in supplying firepower downrange. While not surprised at the lack of sub-MOA accuracy, it was very possible to hit man sized Mike Gibson Manufacturing (MGM) precision rifle targets placed at 200 and 300 yards. The prone position utilizing the integral bipod was predominately used for the evaluation; though standing and kneeling off hand positions were experimented with no problem even with 75-round drum magazines inserted. Fortunately, Echo Valley Training Center has installed two permanent “foxholes” created by turning large diameter concrete culvert pipes end wise into the ground complete with firing step in the bottom. Echo Valley Training Center features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards. The protected firing positions were perfect for evaluating the AES-10B RPK in its intended fire support role. While certainly not comparable to a belt-fed switch barrel machine gun, a relatively large volume of fire was possible, especially when used with a high capacity 75-round drum with attention paid not to exceed 60 rounds per minute for any extended fire sessions. Two 40-round magazines come with AES-10B and standard 30-round AK magazines work fine as well.

The semiautomatic AES-10B firing the 7.62×39 cartridge is very controllable with its extra weight over the standard AK. In comparison to the RPK’s big brother, the PKM chambered in 7.62x54R, the RPK is a pleasure to shoot. The PKM medium machine gun is a handful compared to the semiautomatic RPK firing the intermediate 7.62×39. The wire folding stock did not prove problematic in terms of comfort or proper aiming with the AES-10B. Original thoughts of replacing the folding wire stock were shelved. At ranges under 400 yards one would not be considered terribly under-gunned with the AES-10B RPK semiautomatic. The car placed 200 yards away could not withstand the AES-10B fire. Rounds penetrated sheet metal, seats, or anything else in its path as the 7.62×39 easily passed through the car; only the wheel rims and engine block provided a modicum amount of resistance.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the Century AES-10B such as Hornady, Wolf, Barnaul, Egyptian and Yugoslavian surplus. Barnaul Silver Bear zinc-plated and Wolf Ammunition steel cased 122gr and 124gr loads hovered in the 3 inch range at 100 yards with surplus Egyptian and Yugoslavian 7.62×39 producing similar groups. I found this acceptable considering my eyes and the non-target style battle sights that are found on the AES-10B. Unlike typical AK sights, the AES-10B’s rear sight was windage adjustable. The sights were right on out of the box. The G2 trigger was typically smooth and with reasonable pull weight measuring slightly over 5 lbs. The notorious AK trigger “slap” was present, but not all that distracting or painful if shooting gloves were used. No malfunctions were encountered in over 900 rounds fired during three range sessions while compiling this article. Interestingly, both the Egyptian and Yugoslavian surplus ammunition feature brass cases. One downside to the surplus ammunition is that it does utilize corrosive primers. Something the Russians and other ex-Soviet bloc states insisted on using due to concerns with cold weather ignition and long-term storage capabilities offered by corrosive primers. However, stocking up on it cannot be resisted considering that it can be still found at .25 cents a round or lower. Corrosive ammunition is not the destroyer of rifles many will lead you to believe as long as proper cleaning methods are followed to remove elements left over from the primer residue.

The long anticipated Hornady 123gr SST bullets mated to steel cases are starting to arrive on dealers’ shelves and were tested with the AES-10B. Seems that the original Hornady 7.62×39 loads that featured the V-Max bullet is being replaced with the SST bullet which represents a more controlled expansion with its bullet construction in lieu of the more varmint style V-Max construction. The SST loads delivered with accuracy in the 2 inch range at 100 yards. In all fairness, a magnified optic would have probably produced better accuracy results in lieu of the open sights, especially with the Hornady loads. The Century AES-10B comes equipped with a side rail scope base permitting the install of optics if desired and just not Com-bloc varieties with the advent of Picatinny-style side mounts. The thought of mounting a red dot or low magnification scope was toyed with ala what is being seen overseas on our troops M240/M249 weapons. The accuracy levels exhibited by the Hornady 123gr load added emphasis to this thought process, but was ultimately not employed. Gilt edge accuracy is not the goal with the AES-10B; it is a fighting rifle measured by a different set of parameters. Individuals will have to decide for themselves if the AES10B is worthy of a red dot or magnified optic.

Some will be attracted to the Century International Arms AES-1OB for its proven potential as a weapon, while others will find it the closest opportunity they will have to own a working replica of a historical firearm. It is very possible to state that the Century AES-10B was an enjoyable rifle to shoot and handle at the range. The AES-10B is an interesting piece of firearm development history that can still perform on the range.

SOURCES

Century International Arms
430 South Congress Ave. Suite 1
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(800) 527-1252
www.centuryarms.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Hornady Mfg. Inc.
3625 Old Potash Hwy
Grand Island, NE 68802
(800) 338-3220
www.hornady.com

Wolf Ammunition
PO Box 757
Placentia, CA 92871
(888) 757-9653
www.wolfammo.com

Firearm evolution is a slow tedious matter at times with breakthroughs and improvements coming in bits and pieces influenced by a multitude of factors such as manufacturing techniques, metallurgy, cartridge improvements, technology, market forces and countless other factors as experienced in individual countries and cultures. The firearm development path covers centuries of time. One of the most basic concepts that has remained constant, or stagnant depending on point of view, are handgun sights. The earliest muzzle loading pistols feature sights that we can recognize today in the form of a front post and some sort of rear notch that it is aligned with. Modern open sights are more refined, but the basic form is the same – align front post within rear notch. This is now undergoing a change with the advent of installing red dot sights (RDS) in lieu of the traditional iron open sights for everyday personal defense weapons, law enforcement and military weapons. Competition handguns have sported enhanced sights, albeit red dots or magnified optics, for decades now; however a subtle movement is underway to incorporate red dots into everyday concealed carry or personal defense handguns. The previously applied red dots were big and ungainly affairs with complex, often times, custom mounts utilized for a “gaming” application and less than hardy for everyday carry. This is not the case with the current RDS offerings coming on line.

The ever rising groundswell of RDS on handguns is evident with multiple manufacturers offering options of mounting RDS to the frames of their semiautomatic handguns. Most of these examples are large and put one in mind of an offensive handgun more than an inside-the-waistband concealed carry weapon. Other offerings are custom in nature in terms of configuration and cost. An emerging leader driving the concept both in theory and application producing red dot sights for defensive handguns is the Technical Services Division (TSD) of One Source Tactical. Gabe Suarez is both the owner of One Source Tactical and Suarez International a worldwide training organization. Mr. Suarez is a controversial figure within certain circles for various reasons; some of which are his “out of the box” thinking when it comes to personal defense methods and tools that best serve this mindset. No matter preconceived opinions, one can be sure that any ideas presented by Mr. Suarez and then backed up with products are well thought out and proofed during numerous training cycles and personal application in the field under the most rigorous conditions. TSD’s Advanced Combat Glock slide is an excellent example of this.

While models such as Smith&Wesson M&P and Springfield XD are offered via TSD, the starting point for TSD’s development of the red dot handgun began with the Glock – and for good reason. Many consider Glock the standard which fighting pistols are held based on capacity, weight/firepower ratio, ruggedness, and reliability. Glock handguns enjoy a reputation second to none. After exploding on the scene in the early 1980s with the Glock 17, Glock pistols quickly evolved into the benchmark for personal defense handguns. One Source Tactical literature is quick to point out that they were not the first to conceive the red dot mounted handgun. As alluded to earlier, competition circles have been using red dot sights on their handguns for a decade. Those rigs however use very large optics and as such, they were unsuitable for daily carry. One of the first credible accounts of actual use of a “mini” red dot sight on a defensive pistol is Kelly McCann, who used a RDS on his well worn and traveled Glock 19 pistol.

TSD and Suarez International first began work on the Advanced Combat Glock concept when seeking an answer to questions posed by many of their students as to how best to enhance what was for many their primary method of defense – the handgun. The obvious answer was training and practice. Suarez International will never be confused with advocating gear as a substitute for skill ingrained by training and practice. However, Gabe felt gear enhancement could assist in the quest. Proficiency with a handgun is one of the most perishable weapon skills and is impacted as we get older due to changes in our vision causing difficulty seeing iron sights and the target at the same time, or difficulty transitioning focus between sights and target. The solution arrived at was the same as most had already opted for with their rifles: add a red dot sight to your AK or M4 and your shooting skill generally improves in terms of accuracy, speed, and proficiency engaging moving targets. While a little more challenging due to size restrictions, this is what Suarez’s TSD decided on as the best course of action with handguns. What TSD finally arrived at with trial and error in product development not only assisted their students but enhanced the basic ability of the personal defense handgun platform as a whole.

When looking for a viable red dot sight, TSD examined several available optics. They wanted something with a bright, clearly defined dot that was visible in the greatest variety of lighting conditions. Another consideration was reasonable battery life and waterproof enough to be submerged in a bucket of water. No dials, adjustments, or on-off switches were another must as the possibility of the unit becoming mis-adjusted or turned off during holster carry was totally unacceptable. An RDS with a minimal footprint to fit as many different types of slides as possible was another desired feature so as not to confine the concept to a Glock-only idea. TSD obtained various samples for testing; while all of them share similar characteristics, all were found lacking except for one: the Trijicon RMR. Reflective of the real world input through their training division sister company; TSD desired a viable back up sighting system with the Trijicon RMR, because as tough as the RMR is, anything man-made can fail. After experimenting with various systems from dot and bars cut into the RMR unit, TSD opted for the simplest, yet most sound solution. The iron sights were left exactly where they were and just made taller as represented by available suppressor sights to use over the Trijicon RMR unit.

Users of the TSD Advanced Combat Glock find that they no longer have to switch focus from target to sights and invariably eliminate the “front sight focus” so difficult for older shooters. They can now do as nature intends for them to do, focus on the threat. Moreover, because the indexing of a small red dot is far easier and sharper than the same task with three pieces of steel, they find they can take shots beyond what was considered possible with iron sights. Hitting steel at 100 yards on the first shot is very possible with the TSD modified RDS Glock, as well as running CQB drills at times that were considered impossible to achieve before – all simply because the concept uses the eyes in a more normal manner.

What sets apart the Suarez TSD effort with the RDS Advanced Combat Glock is the amount of product development, field trials, and cross over support it receives from its sister companies. For example, One Source Tactical already stocks real world carry applicable holsters along with literature and training for the Advanced Combat Glock. This is far different compared to other manufacturer’s more limited experimentation with the concept. TSD offers various packages to further cater to customer needs and budgets. One package includes a Lone Wolf Glock Slide milled to accept a Trijicon RMR of choice. The RMR is secured with two machine screws directly into the slide providing for RMR remaining solid through thousands of rounds and return to zero should you ever need to remove your sight. The kit includes all the slide parts (except barrel and recoil spring unit) and finished in a matte black moly finish. Another option is to send your Glock slide (any model) and TSD will cut a dovetail for the Trijicon RMR sight, or other red dot sight of your choice.

Range testing of the TSD Advanced Combat Glock took place at Echo Valley Training Center. Two main T&E priorities were the focus and to make sure that Glock reliability was not compromised and the Trijicon RMR as installed by TSD proved a worthy addition by increasing capability beyond what was expected from a normal iron sighted Glock. Of first concern was being able to find the Trijicon RMR dot just as quickly as what is expected with the traditional iron sight front post. Suarez’s TSD orientation of the suppressor style rear iron sights behind the RMR acts as both back-up sights and quickly orientates the shooter’s eye to RMR dot stationed above the front post. This uses existing skill sets of acquiring sights by placing the dot visually on top of the front sight requiring zero learning curve and matches same sight system most already have on their M4 or AK set up with co-witnessed sights (RDS between the irons). A little time on the range with the Suarez TSD modified Glock exploits that existing skill set to put the dot on target without any delay. Lastly, yet another advantage of the TSD decision to retain elevated irons around the RMR is that it provides instant verification of zero and if not there instant back up in the event the dot is out.

It was determined that the Trijicon RMR red dot sight assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly. The RMR red dot sight offered the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at same time providing adequate accuracy out to at least hundred yards due to the red dot superimposing an aim point on the target while not totally obscuring the target due to the dot not being that large. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to, the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The RMR sight withstood the recoil and heat generated by repeatedly long strings of fire. The RMR only weighs several ounces, which aids its ability to withstand the inertial forces experienced as the slide operates. The dual illumination model RMR was chosen so that there was reliance on batteries.

Range testing purposely included several types of holsters so as to determine if the TSD Advanced Combat Glock was worthy of being considered for daily concealed carry duties; not to mention reinforcing if the RMR dot was easily picked up as the Glock was extended at speed engaging either paper or steel targets. Standard belt, inside the waistband, and thigh holsters from Comp-Tac Victory Gear, BlackHawk, DeSantis, and Galco had no problems accommodating the RDS Glock. Other drills consisted of various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move. Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating the Glock with RDS installed and making sure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after the Glock was reloaded and back engaging targets. A standard 4th generation Glock 17 was used as a control to help better quantify if the RDS Advanced Combat Glock offered an advantage over standard iron sights. It was quickly determined that the RDS Glock has great potential in terms of accuracy, speed, and extending effective engagement distances. Perhaps counter-intuitively, CQB distances were more of a concern with how the TSD Advanced Combat Glock would perform. 5 yards and closer is the true realm of the defensive handgun for any practitioner of concealed carry.

As stated at the beginning of the article the use of the TSD RDS Glock as an everyday carry handgun is what sets it apart from other similar endeavors incorporating red dots on pistols. Point shooting with the TSD Glock is still very possible via using the RMR window as a ghost ring – albeit large ghost ring – if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. The RMR came into its own for precise fire at any range desired with placing the dot on the target and applying correct trigger control. Groups with the TSD Advanced Combat Glock were markedly smaller than the control G17 at all distances with the ability to hit steel man popper targets at 50 yards with amazing efficiency and even out to 100 yards with regularity. Speed drills involving plate racks and dueling trees were run with times more similar to a pistol caliber carbine than a handgun. The advantage offered by use of red dot sights in the competition environment is well known. The ability to place the RMR dot on the plate and not having to align front and rear irons proved much more adept at moving rapidly from plate to plate. Another subtle advantage of the Advanced Combat Glock concept is it allows for easy incorporation of a suppressor to the threaded Lone Wolf barrel if so inclined while maintaining the same sight picture.

Overall, it does indeed seem that the Advanced Combat Glock is a valid tool offering real world application and is beyond merely being considered a concept. Most practitioners of concealed carry employ handguns for 95% of their defensive needs with long arms such as shotguns and rifles not as readily accessible. The Suarez TSD Glock extends the effective range of the handgun beyond what most are capable with iron sights. As with most things involving weapons, especially ones that are pushing the envelope past “safe” norms such as the Advanced Combat Glock from One Source Tactical’s TSD shop, it will be individual bias and needs that determine if the Advanced Combat Glock is worthy of consideration.

SITES OF INTEREST

Suarez International USA, Inc.
One Source Tactical/Technical Services Division
1616 Iron Springs Road
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 776-4492
www.suarezinternationalstore.com

Glock
6000 Highlands Pkwy
Smyrna, GA 30082
(770) 432-1202
www.glock.com

Lone Wolf Distributing
57 Shepard Road
PO Box 3549
Oldtown, ID 83822
(208) 437-0612
www.lonewolfdist.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

The combat shotgun has been around for centuries dating well back to muzzle loading era. Early shotguns pressed into a martial role probably served dual roles as a close range weapon and sporting piece for fowl and other fleeting game. This was later specialized with the Dutch blunderbuss with short 14 inch or so barrel with signature flared muzzle to ease in loading of powder and shot; not to increase shot spread as commonly associated with the flared bulbous muzzle design. The shotgun’s association with guerrilla warfare, or as more recently referred to asymmetrical warfare, is long standing. The shotgun’s popularity is derived from the ability to hit targets at moderate ranges better than any other weapon with its cone of firepower. The multiple projectiles it can send downrange with a single trigger pull translates into popularity with any population who may rely on it for bagging game to supplement the family diet or contest a better armed opponent. It is only natural that a shotgun be resorted to during man made times of strife, especially since it may be the only weapon possessed/allowed with the more expensive rifles and handguns a luxury not afforded. Our own military history shows the proclivity of mounted forces dating back to the American Revolution and stretching through the Civil War to rely on the devastating close range effectiveness of the shotgun. The advent of hulled ammunition made out of paper, brass, or plastic contributed to the rise of the repeating shotgun for law enforcement and military use with the advent of the Winchester 1897 replacing the double barreled variety.

The shotgun is a victim of its own reputation at times. Proponents speaking from what can be only labeled as ignorance would have you believe the shotgun is automatic death no matter the range with the weapon only needing pointing in the general direction of its intended target. Along these same lines the mere sound of a pump action’s slide being worked will send adversaries scurrying away. On the other side, detractors will label the shotgun as an outdated weapon that does nothing well easily supplanted by handguns, rifles, or SMG; the shotgun is only viable within 25 yards and has no ability to influence tactical situation beyond. The truth is somewhere in between as evident by the staying power of the shotgun on the battlefield, law enforcement patrol cruiser, and civilian go-to-weapon. Its relevance has not waned for centuries.

The Mossberg 930 SPX is all business with its matte black finish aluminum receiver, steel barrel/chamber and dull black synthetic stock. The 930 SPX is a gas operated semiautomatic shotgun with a barrel length of 18.5 inches with cylinder bore choke utilized with no provisions to alter via screw in choke systems. The 18.5 inch barrel allows for the tube magazine running under its length to hold 7 rounds of 2 3/4 inch shells plus one in the chamber for a total capacity of eight. It can fire either 2 3/4 or 3-inch 12 gauge loads. The 930 SPX’s capacity is reduced by one if loaded with 3-inch shells. The Mossberg 930 SPX weighs 7.5 pounds and has length of pull of 14 inches including a thick recoil pad to assist in taming recoil, which the gas-operated action aids in as well. The 930 SPX’s overall length is 39 inches. The 930 SPX has a tang mounted safety that is ambidextrous thanks to its central location. The only critique leveled against the 930 SPX is the lack of forward sling mount necessitating the use of an aftermarket design that fits between the magazine tube and barrel. A sling is a must for tactical shotgun use in case one has to transition to handgun or need to use both hands while still securing the shotgun on one’s person.

The operating standard for the tactical shotgun has been pump-action fed by a magazine tube located under the barrel since John Browning showed the way with the Model 1897. There have been lever and bolt actions as well, but these did not impinge on the pump action’s popularity based on reliability, ruggedness, able to handle multitude of ammunition types, and ergonomics. While the semiautomatic has showed its capability afield for hunting, few have shown the “hell and back” reliability necessary to gain the confidence of users in a life/death situation. This has slowly been changing as evident by the Benelli M1014 adoption by the U.S. Marines. The recent introduction of the Mossberg 930 SPX is a nod in the direction of greater acceptance of semiautomatic shotguns in a tactical role.

One of the Mossberg 930 SPX’s greatest assets is the LPA “ghost ring” sights. The front sight features an M16 style post with red fiber optic insert well protected by steel wings. The rear sight is a ghost ring type and fully adjustable in terms of windage and elevation. It too is well protected from abuse with protective wings on either side. The rear sight is mounted to a Picatinny rail running the length of the receiver. The rear sight is capable of moving along the rail per individual preference, used in conjunction with a red dot of some type, or removed entirely in lieu of a red dot. The front sight is welded onto the barrel and sits about 1 inch above the barrel to mate with the rear ghost ring mounted on the Picatinny rail. The LPA sights allow a user to take full advantage of the wide range of 12 gauge ammunition available. Slugs can be placed on target out to 100 yards and buckshot or other shot sizes are well accommodated for accurate quick placement at close range with the ghost ring style sights.

In terms of combat or personal defense, shotguns fire two primary types of shells: slugs or buckshot. There are various types of each, but we will confine our discussion of use with the Mossberg 930 SPX to 1 ounce (437gr) “Foster” type slugs and #00 buckshot generally loaded with 8-9 .33caliber pellets weighing 54gr. each. (As a side note, many advocate the use of #7.5 or #8 birdshot in a shotgun for use in a home to limit any chance of over penetration. A column of birdshot at close range such as across a room is lethal due to not having time to disperse.) Due to this ability to handle different styles of projectiles, shotgun effectiveness is broken down into zones. Zone A is from the muzzle to 7 yards, Zone B from 7 yards to 20 yards, and Zone C is 20 yards and beyond. This method of analysis is used to detail the pattern spread and thus effectiveness of buckshot and various ranges before considering switching to slugs. This is where the pros and cons of shotgun use become apparent.

The 930 SPX was tested with Hornady TAP and Sellier & Bellot #00 buckshot along with Federal and Winchester 1-ounce slugs. Both slug loads were designed for hunting, but work fine in any role including defense. Generally, buckshot loads have a velocity between 1,400-1,600 fps giving a muzzle energy over 2,000 ft/lbs to its multiple projectiles. The 930 SPX’s cylinder bore barrel generated a spread of 6-10 inches at 10 yards with the two buckshot loads. This indicates that a shotgun must be aimed to ensure accurate shot placement in Zone A. The buckshot spread increases to 12-16inches out to Zone B’s outer limit of 20 yards with the Hornady TAP loading being on the tighter side of the average. Freshly painted steel man targets were arranged at 10 yards with paper “no shoot” targets placed on either side during range time at Echo Valley Training Center located just out of Winchester, VA. The Hornady TAP loads repeatedly kept all pellets on the steel not impacting the paper targets. In no way is this advocating this as a valid practice in the real world; just a way to measure effectiveness of the 12 gauge in the form of the Mossberg 930 SPX. The Hornady TAP FPD #00 buckshot load is the epitome of the new age tactical buckshot taking advantage of advances in wad technology to keep patterns tighter and thus extend effective range of #00 buckshot. The use of eight #00 buck pellets in lieu of the normal nine #00 pellets is a reflection of Hornady’s endeavor to keep buckshot from spreading widely apart as is buckshot norm.

Many would comment that past Zone B’s 20 yards one should resort to slugs. Testing with the Mossberg 930 SPX indicated otherwise. Each shotgun, even from same manufacturer, should be individually patterned to determine specific characteristics. The Mossberg 930 SPX with the Hornady TAP 12 gauge #00 was able to place four of its eight pellets on IPSC style silhouette targets out to 45yards. Yes, half of the 8 .33 caliber pellets missed, but each one that struck had the force equivalent to .32 ACP or .380 ACP striking. Slugs performed in the 3 inch range at 50 yards in the Mossberg 930 SPX with the LPA sights proving their worth. Steel man sized targets were hit regularly at 100 yards with a certain amount of satisfaction derived witnessing the 1 ounce Federal and Winchester slugs rocking the target back on its base. Slugs leave the muzzle between 1,300-1,600 fps depending on particular manufacturer producing over 2,500 ft/lbs of energy and offer a ballistic track of +3 inches at 50 yards to give a 100 yard zero.

The 930 SPX gas operated action is simple, effective, and reliable. Near 400 rounds of various loads were fired in this T&E, including light birdshot, without issue. In layman terms, the bolt group rides on a “sled” that is acted upon by the gas tapped from firing from two ports and transferred back via an operating piston under the barrel. The two pistons push the bolt carrier or “sled” operating the action. Mossberg uses a self regulating system with no gas seal ring as found on other manufacturer gas operated actions. This system allows for use of most any ammunition type including low brass shells. Though simple, pay attention to disassembly details and directions as there are crucial items in terms of linkage and springs in the bolt group that once asunder may lead to having to get a professional to assist with putting back together.

Range time consisted of the patterning described above along with other exercises trying to get a better appreciation of how the 930 SPX tactical shotgun handles and performs. The relatively limited capacity of shotguns, 7+1 with the 930 SPX, compared to high capacity magazine fed rifles is often listed as major detriment of choosing a shotgun over another weapon type. One of the most crucial things to learn when choosing a shotgun for defense is how to keep it from running empty of ammunition. BlackHawk bandoleer and forearm shell holder are two of the more successful ways found. There are other items such as slings and side saddle mounts that keep extra ammunition on the shotgun; these affect the handling of the shotgun by weighing it down. Drills involving moving between barricades engaging shoot and no-shoot targets were handled without issue. The key is to keep up a pace of reloading based on number of shots fired. In other words, shoot two reload two before moving from cover. Another drill used was based on engaging several shorter range targets out to 30 yards before having to engage a designated target placed 90 yards away. This necessitated a switch from buckshot to slug before engaging.

The 930 SPX’s ghost ring sights come into their own during this type of work and enhance the capabilities of the 930 SPX compared to a shotgun equipped only with a gold bead on the barrel. The LPA ghost ring gives nothing up in terms of CQB ranges with the front sight as easy to place on target as a bead and ultimately proved better at accurate placement of fire. A great test for any shotgun, especially one to be used in a quick reacting CQB setting, is shooting clay targets. This also verifies reliability with ammunition with less recoil impulse than slugs or buckshot and helps get more rounds fired to verify operating soundness. Low brass #8 shot was used with no issue. The ghost ring sight proved to be no problem at all with the rear sight disappearing naturally as eye focused on the flying clay target and front sight leading it. The brass shells were a welcome relief in terms of recoil. Yes, the 930 SPX is semiautomatic and has a generous recoil pad, but it still is a 12 gauge and anyone telling you any different should be scrutinized. Recoil was not prohibitive and one gets used to it, but do not start using a shotgun after a day of firing an AR or AK as it is significantly more.

There is something re-assuring about the power of a shotgun for any close range engagement, which is what most civilians and LE face. It is not hard to imagine why the 12 gauge is found and remains in favor for close range engagements, which is typical for civilians, law enforcement or military in urban or other close range environments. Yes, a shotgun can be viewed as limited in terms of range, but this is not necessarily a liability for civilians, LE and certain missions in the military where range is not an issue with a premium put on CQB stopping power. British studies of the 1960 Borneo conflict and recent Joint Service Combat Shotgun Program associated with the decision making process to adopt the Benelli M1014 show that, “the probability of hitting a man-sized target with a shotgun was superior to that of all other weapons.” This is referring to buckshot loads with its large number of projectiles sent downrange possible of inflicting damage as far away as 75 yards. The British study compiled after battle statistics proving the shotgun the most effective short range weapon with a hit probability 45% greater than a SMG and 100% compared to an assault rifle. Yes, the smaller buckshot pellets are comparable to a small caliber handgun in wounding potential, but multiple projectiles increase the likelihood of more hits.

Conversations with Suarez International instructor Jack Rumbaugh proved insightful as what qualities are most sought after with a shotgun. Jack trains hundreds of students a year in all manners of personal defense, including a Fighting Shotgun course. Suarez’s founder and CEO Gabe Suarez has authored one of the best books covering the effective use of a shotgun as a fighting weapon. When queried on the subject of tactical shotguns, Jack stated the most important quality is reliability and simple manual of arms for anyone to master quickly. The pump shotgun is the established shotgun action, but shotguns like the Mossberg 930 SPX has proven it has what it takes to rival this. Jack states that recent classes are running a 60%-to40% ratio of pump actions to semis. This is a significant increase from just a few years back when it was 90% pump. This reflects growing confidence in the semi-auto shotgun typified by the Mossberg 930 SPX and an appreciation of its reliability and slightly faster firing rate and reduction in felt recoil. Jack further elaborated that the shotgun is a devastating simple weapon to wield against an adversary from civilian perspective. Most if not all students are capable of getting solid hits at distances out to 30 yards with buckshot and hit man size targets at 100 yards with slugs. This is the prototypical range for most hostile engagements. He feels the multitude of choices in weapons at reasonable prices compared to other weapon platforms and variety of ammunition, including low recoil buckshot and slugs, further draw people to it for use. The Mossberg 930 SPX is a great example of this utility with a MSRP around $600 with the added benefit of upgraded sights and proven operating action afield and more recently in the tactical arena.

SITES OF INTEREST

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
7 Grasso Ave
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 230-5300
www.mossberg.com

BlackHawk! Products Group
6160 Commander Pkwy
Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 436-3101
www.blackhawk.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com