Specifications:

Overall Length: 15in
Top Rail Length: 14in
Height: 2in
Weight: 11.85 oz/0.74lbs (w/barrel nut: 14.9 oz/0.93 lb)
Material: 6061 – T6 aluminum extrusion
Finish: Hard coat anodize

Varmint .224 on a Lyman field stand for accuracy testing.

The .224 Valkyrie Varmint Rifle

The Windham Weaponry Varmint rifle in .224 was designed to bring long-range accuracy without the usual concomitants of excessive weight, obnoxious blast, heavy recoil or drastically expensive ammunition. The recently developed Federal Ammunition cartridge, .224 Valkyrie, is based on 6.8SPC case necked down to .224”, the same caliber as .223 Remington. This approach allows fractionally greater powder capacity than .223 while lengthening the neck for secure seating of long, low-drag bullets. Whereas .223 Remington cannot accept bullets heavier than 77 grains without running out of internal volume for powder or increasing overall length past the magazine dimensions, .224 may be loaded with aerodynamic 90 grainers for better downrange energy retention. With the heavy 90gr, .224 Valkyrie reaches the same velocity as .223 does with lighter 75gr bullet typical of .223 match rounds. If pushing the same 75 grains out, .224 reaches 3000fps, about 200fps faster than the corresponding .223 load. The 60gr Varmint load meant for short and intermediate range use reaches impressive 3300fps, plenty to ensure a rather flat trajectory though at the cost of greater wind drift further downrange.

The potential for accuracy with this new cartridge calls for a good rifle to realize it, and Windham Weaponry .224 Varmint is just such a weapon. Having made AR-15 rifles for 45 years, Windham created a competent launch platform. Mounting a heavy fluted, threaded 22-inch stainless 1:7 twist barrel, it comes with Luth-AR adjustable stock to provide correct eye placement for large 1000-yard optics. Other than the magazine, the bolt and the barrel, .224 rifles share all other components with the regular .223 AR-15, making for excellent parts availability. Meant for supported precision shooting, this rifle ships with a 5-round magazine fitting almost flush with the bottom of the magazine well. 25-round 6.8SPC magazines also fit, giving this rifle a possible social use. The threaded barrel is thick enough to support sustained fire without overheating. Looking quite solid, at 8.7 pounds this rifle isn’t as heavy as expected. Some of the weight savings come from the use of a slimline M-LOK forend.

The vast difference in the bullets’ ballistic coefficient—roughly 0.37 (75gr match) versus 0.56 (90gr)—has a considerable impact on the long-range results. At 1000 yards, .223 is subsonic and rather prone to wind drift, while .224 is supersonic and will remain so out to 1300 yards. It suffers about a third less wind deflection, making hits vastly more probable. Actual terminal ballistics are also improved, more than a modest increase in muzzle energy would suggest: at 1000 yards, the 90-grainer retains two and a half times as much kinetic energy, about even with 45ACP at the muzzle. This new cartridge achieves these feats without excessive muzzle flash or blast, and with the same 55,000psi maximum chamber pressure as .223 Remington. Compared to its direct competitor, .22 Nosler, .224 can use slightly heavier bullets but launches them a little slower: external ballistics end up very similar. Unlike .22 Nosler, .224 does not use a rebated rim to stay with the same bolt as .223 Remington, so it may have a slight edge in the reliability of extraction. .224 also wins in the cost of factory ammunition, with the very accurate American Eagle brand selling for less than $12 per box versus $22 for the least expensive Nosler load.

This rifle held a couple of surprises. The large diameter of the barrel behind the gas block left insufficient clearance for the Magpul M-LOK bipod rear tab. Windham’s own M-LOK accessories use shorter screws and thinner tabs, so this went unnoticed at the design stage but frustrated my effort to install a bipod. This issue has since been addressed. That same small forend diameter made hand-holding this rifle in sitting or supported standing positions rather more practical. The single-stage trigger felt unexpectedly heavy for 5.5 pounds, most likely due to the entire effort coming due in a single motion. A lighter spring is available for a 4.5-pound pull, but a two-stage design would seem more appropriate for a precision rifle. Zeroing for 100 yards took only six rounds. For actual long-range use, I planned to re-zero for 200 yards, incidentally creating a 50-yard close zero. Firing the rifle was very comfortable thanks to minimal felt recoil and mild muzzle blast with no visible flash. At the range, friends who tried my .224 immediately wanted to shoot it more; it’s a very pleasant and fun firearm to use. Despite intensive shooting with stops only to replenish the five-round magazine, at no time did I get a mirage over the barrel, so the pace of 10-15 rounds per minute may be sustained almost indefinitely—a good feature for a gun meant for reducing rodent colonies.

Accuracy was reasonable, though I would look to handloading and a trigger upgrade to really make this rifle shine. A sub-$100 LaRue trigger would make all the difference in bringing the bullet holes closer together. The least expensive 75gr American Eagle load grouped the best, averaging around 1.3MOA. 60gr Nosler ballistic tip Varmint, more of a medium-range choice, was next up at 1.4MOA. The high BC 90gr Sierra MatchKing had the greatest dispersion at 1.5MOA, though it remains the best choice for long-range shooting with the least wind drift of the group center. With the chambering as new as this, working up loads specific to the individual rifle would give a definite advantage. A tighter barrel twist would help the longer match bullet’s stability, though likely at the cost of compatibility with the lighter Varmint projectiles.

By Chris A. Choat

Glock Releases Single Stack 9mm

Glock, Inc. has just announced the release of the new Glock single stack slimline 9mm pistol, the Glock 43. The G43 is the most highly desired and anticipated pistol release in Glock’s history. Designed to be the answer to everyday concealed carry needs, the G43 is ultra-concealable, accurate, and comfortable for all shooters regardless of hand size. The G43 sets a new standard for concealed carry pistols. A true slimline pistol, the frame width of the G43 is just over one inch and the slide width measures only 0.87 inch. The overall length is 6.26 inches. For those who have smaller hands, the trigger distance is only 2.6 inches, making it ideal for functionality. The single stack magazine holds 6 rounds and is the perfect concealed carry pistol for both duty and civilian use. The G43 is engineered to the same superior standards as all Glock pistols and the reliability instills confidence for all lifestyles. For more information please go to www.Glock.us.

Caldwell Introduces the AK-47 Mag Charger and Ammo Boxes

Caldwell now brings the same revolutionizing ammo loading process of the AR-15 Mag Charger to the AK platform by introducing the new AK (7.62×39) Mag Charger that is designed to hold 50-rounds from any common 50-round ammo box. Simply align the bullet tips with holes in the Mag Charger and dump them in. Specially designed indexing tabs align all the rounds in the loader at the same time. No need to handle each round. Then insert your AK magazine into Mag Charger, operate the plunger back and forth and with each stroke 5 rounds are loaded until the magazine is full. Now you can load 50 rounds into two AK magazines in less than 15 seconds. Made from a highly durable polycarbonate, the loader is compatible with all 7.62×39 ammo. The loader allows the user to load AK magazines in just seconds and is compatible with all AK platform mags. The loader loads 5 rounds per “stroke” with an auto advance feature. Caldwell also introduces their new Mag Charger Ammo Boxes. The Mag Charger Ammo Box is optimized to drop ammo into the AR-15 and AK-47 Mag Chargers. The AR ammo box will hold 50 rounds of .223, 5.56 and .204. The AK ammo box will hold 50 rounds of 7.62×39. The durable polymer design is proven to be extremely tough and great for long term storage. The lid can easily be removed for use when loading. They are available in 5 Pack. For more information go to
www.BTIbrands.com.

HIVIZ Announces New LITEWAVE Series Sights for Ruger10/22

HIVIZ Shooting Systems is excited to introduce another addition to their new fiber optic LITEWAVE rifle sight line — now for the Ruger 10/22. Like all HI-VIZ LITEWAVE sights, the new Ruger 10/22 front sight features a state of the art exoskeleton frame made of carbon steel allowing an unprecedented amount of light to enter their uniquely interchangeable LitePipes. All LITEWAVE designs not only offer an even brighter sight picture giving shooters faster target acquisition in a variety of light conditions whether on the range or out on the field, but also provide even more extreme durability than prior HIVIZ sights with a streamlined design for easy target acquisition of your favorite #1 plinker rifle. LITEWAVE for the Ruger 10/22 also offers the unique versatility of the interchangeable LitePipe system for the front and rear sight, giving shooters a variety of color choices for all shooting conditions. The unique design and patented locking feature of the LitePipe system effectively secures any color or size of sight in place providing shooters the ultimate combination of durability and visual lighting flexibility for their rifle. For the rear foldable sight, the HIVIZ 10/22 features simple elevation adjustments with the ability to interchange the color of the LitePipe as well like all LITEWAVE designs. The new LITEWAVE sight for the Ruger 10/22 and many others are available today at HIVIZ retailers or check them out at www.HIVIZSights.com. Retail price is just $48.95.

Luth-AR Introduces Their New MBA-1 Modular Buttstock Assembly

Luth-AR has just introduced their new MBA-1 Modular Buttstock Assembly. The new buttstock is fully adjustable for cheek rest height and length of pull adding up to one inch of cheek rest height and 1 and 1/16th inch length of pull. The cheek can also be adjusted forward or rearward. The MBA-1 is approximately half the weight of competitor’s adjustable stocks weighing in at just 1.26 pounds. The new stock is easy to replace and quick to install fitting all .223 and most .308 AR style stocks. Made from super strong glass-filled nylon, the stock is almost indestructible. All adjustments are made by loosening metal thumbscrews with no parts to lose or tools needed. The stock also has a non-slip rubber buttpad for positive shoulder positioning. The stock features sling swivel sockets and Grovetec heavy duty push button sling swivels are available as an option. The stock is perfect for your SASS rifle. For more information on the web go to www.luth-ar.com.

Breakthrough IntroducesNew Revolutionary Cleaning Products

Breakthrough Clean is proud to announce its two new products: Battle Born Oil and Battle Born Grease. Along with its revolutionary, made in the USA Breakthrough Military-Grade Solvent, Breakthrough Clean is ushering in a new era of technology, where cleaning your firearm is now faster and safer than ever. Breakthrough’s state-of-the-art distillation process provides superior firearm cleaning products that are environmentally friendly, non-toxic and virtually odorless. Currently Breakthrough is approved, qualified, and utilized daily by the largest user of firearm cleaning technology in the USA – The U.S. Department of Defense. Now, it’s available to you. Breakthrough Military-Grade Solvent is a non-water based distilled petroleum solvent that through their proprietary distillation process has had all carcinogens and hazardous waste materials virtually wiped out of the formula. Breakthrough Military-Grade Solvent has no odor, is non-staining, removes all fouling, while completely evaporating, leaving absolutely no residue behind. It’s truly pH neutral, which means it’s safe on your firearm’s wood, plastics, polymers, Cerakote and/or hydro-printing. Unlike traditional firearm cleaning solvents, Breakthrough Military-Grade Solvent has a flashpoint of 150° F and is therefore considered non-flammable. Breakthrough Military-Grade Solvent cleans efficiently, dramatically reducing the duration of cleaning while using less product. Battle Born Oil is a blend of the finest synthetic oils available and treated with the most effective extreme pressure, corrosion inhibitors, anti-oxidant, anti-foam, and anti-wear additives. This unique combination provides maximum firearm lubrication and protection in extreme environmental conditions and is a bio-degradable multi-service lubricant and protectant for extended service under high and low temperatures conditions (from -90°F to 417°F). Battle Born Grease represents some of the most advanced lubricant technology. It is a versatile, premium quality, synthetic grease fortified with Sub-Micron size PTFE blended completely with pure synthetic base oils, additives, and shear stable thickeners to provide maximum firearm protection in extremely high and low temperatures (from -75°F to 510°F). Learn more at: www.breakthroughclean.com.

American Built Arms Introduces Mission Critical Kit

American Built Arms Company (A*B Arms), a veteran-owned, Type 07 U.S. manufacturer of firearms and firearms parts and accessories to the civilian, law enforcement and defense industry, has launched the A*B Arms Mission Critical Kit (MCK). The A*B Arms Mission Critical Kit is a collection of critical replacement parts for you and your AR-15/M4 that are there to serve you in your time of need. The MCK is manufactured for military and law enforcement, as well as civilian firearms enthusiasts. The MCK will make sure you have what you need, when you need it. The Mission Critical Kit includes the following items:

1) One A*B Arms Complete Nickel Boron Coated Bolt Assembly
2) One A*B Arms Firing Pin
3) One Firing Pin Retaining Pin
4) One A*B Arms Extractor
5) One Extractor Axle
6) Six Gas Rings
7) One Bolt Assembly Instruction Card
8) Two UV Resistant Black Gear Bands
9) One A*B Arms Latex Barrel Cover
10) One 5.56 Broken Shell Extractor
11) Two vials of 3ml Breakthrough Battle Born High-Purity Oil
12) Two Latex-Free Adhesive Bandages and Alcohol Prep Pad – Great for those annoying cuts when you’re out in the thick of it.
13) One Tactical Black, Ballistic Nylon Case with Multiple Gear Pockets: This 5×3.5×1-inch compact zippered pouch is an EDC style kit that’s small enough to fit into your pocket or gun bag.

For more information or to order go to www.abarms.com.