The Kentucky rifles took this to the extreme, and soon the American frontiersmen using them shot out a place in history with them. During the American Revolution, Daniel Boone shot the renegade slave Pompey at extreme long range during the siege of Boonesboro. Pompey climbed a tree at what should have been safely out of range of return fire and had begun a harassing fire campaign aiming at the general interior of Fort Boonesboro. Eventually, one of those bullets was liable to hit someone. So, Daniel Boone took him out with one carefully aimed long-range shot. The British soon learned that anyone within 200 yards of a frontier rifleman was an easy target, while the British troopers’ Brown Bess musket was, at best, a 100-yard weapon and many were so badly bored that a hit at even that short range was considered lucky.

In the War of 1812, at the battle of New Orleans, one frontiersman systematically picked off the British officers who thought they were out of range thereby destroying the British command and control of their troops. This resulted in them being unable to call their men back when the musket, rifle, and cannon fire from General Jackson’s defensive line began decimating the attacking British formations. By the time they were able to recall their Redcoats, the battle had become a massacre with huge British losses and the Chalmette Battlefield was red with the blood of the dead British.

TRAINING

Why is this history important? Because the same truths hold true today. First, the frontiersmen practiced shooting offhand. Skill at this takes practice and it requires training the muscles to hold steady. I don’t care how strong you are, your muscles are not going to hold that rifle steady naturally. I have a scoped 12-pound rifle that I hold on a mark without firing every day until the rifle gets shaky. I do this several times a day. Even though I have used dumbbells up to 110 pounds for decades, I still have to do this if I am going to get maximum accuracy. It is an old tradition dating back to before the days of the Kentucky rifle that, sadly, seems to have been forgotten in modern times.

These days, far too many hunters sight in their rifle from a rest and then strike out hunting. I have nothing against shooting from a rest. I just wish I had a rest to shoot from when I need one. In my long life, I have never been able find the time or a place to rest a rifle for an important shot. Other folks may have, but perhaps I am just unlucky that way… So, I practice shooting offhand and, preferably, at moving targets because that is the way I always end up shooting in the field. A lot of shots are not taken or if taken they are missed because men do not practice shooting offhand sufficiently, if at all.

Remember, there are only 3 ways to learn to shoot. Shooting, shooting, and more shooting. The need for practice is why I tell people to hunt with common calibers like 308 Winchester and 30-06 which are relatively inexpensive and readily available instead of the latest super expensive magnums. Unless you are very wealthy, you will not be able to practice enough with the expensive ammo to get any benefit out of whatever slight performance advantage it may offer. The difference between an exhibition shooter’s skill and the average shooter’s skill is the mountains of ammunition the exhibition shooter goes through in practice. The average person won’t shoot that much ammo for that long, even if he has the money to do it.

Offhand shooting also requires RECENT practice for best results. Some people think they can hang their gun up at the end of the hunting season and not shoot it again until next hunting season with no loss of ability. Only if that ability is low, my friends, and going hunting with low level shooting skills is inhumane to the game.

RIFLES

With some rare exceptions like the U.S. M1 carbine it is difficult to get the best results with a light rifle. This is taken to the extreme if you are tired. In the old days of African hunting when you had to feed your safari with what you shot it was not uncommon to have to run after your game before shooting it on the Veldt. This is why the older rifles made for African use were often made heavier than they needed to be for recoil mitigation. You just can’t hold a light rifle still when you are sweating and out of breath in Africa’s infernal heat. 10 or 11 pounds is about as light as you can afford to go in that situation, and 12 to 15 pounds is much steadier.

A long barrel like a Kentucky rifle has leverage to give the effect of more weight without weighing more. I have been able to put the first two shots fired offhand in one inch at 100 yards with both a mint, previously unfired, M1873 Trapdoor Springfield 45-70 and a long barreled, unaltered, 6.5 Swedish M96 Mauser with a slightly rough bore. In both cases the long barrel was a major factor in holding the gun steady enough.

After the first two shots, the groups widen with each succeeding shot as almost imperceptible fatigue sets in. I, for one, have no hesitation about hunting with a long-barreled, full-stocked rifle no matter how antiquated. Beauty is as beauty does, and all I care about is results. Why should I care about the latest styles and fads when I am out in the woods trying to put meat on the table? I want results. I want my dinner. I can’t get those results with the latest bolt action magnum sporting rifles, so I don’t hunt with them.

Whatever you shoot at or with if you are serious about bringing home the bacon, you should practice shooting offhand like Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett did. In their day no one was considered a competent shot unless he could shoot offhand accurately. That still holds true.

With “black rifles” dominating the gun media, it’s easy to forget that other types of rifles exist. It’s nice to have the opportunity to remind you that there are rifles that offer real world usefulness beyond the AR. My own initial interest in firearms began with bolt-action hunting rifles.

Ruger American Ranch

This article is inspired by the rifles carried by the guides and cowboys I spent time with out in Wyoming or down in Texas for multiple hunts over the years. I was fortunate to have been part of a select group to first hunt with the Ruger American Generation II (RA Gen2) Standard back in October 2023. We used the bolt action American Standard Gen2 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor chasing after scimitar oryx down in Texas. The outfitter and guides all were excited when they were briefed at the time on the upcoming release of the shorter-barreled “Ranch” model. This experience left no doubt about wanting to try the compact Ruger American Generation II (RA Gen2) Ranch as soon as it became available. An American Gen2 Ranch chambered in 300 AAC Blackout (300 Blk) was used for this evaluation. Several other calibers are available.

The Ruger American Gen2 is unrecognizable from its Gen1 predecessor. A new stock features a Monte Carlo-esq contoured, raised cheekpiece. Length-of-pull and comb height is adjustable. The ergonomics of the stock allow for a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld combined with hand and finger placement conducive to pulling the 3- to 4-pound Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. Ruger designed the Gen2 stock so a section can be removed, and the length-of-pull reduced to 12 inches. This is ideal for smaller statured hunters.

As detailed in a previous article in SAR covering the American Standard Gen2, the American Gen2 Ranch also uses Ruger’s patented “Power Bedding” integral bedding block system. It secures the receiver and free-floats the cold-hammer-forged barrel for improved accuracy. The 16-inch spiral-fluted cold-hammer-forged barrel will raise eyebrows with its aesthetics. The well done Cerakote finish is easy on the eyes and provides superior, easy to maintain finish. Suppressors and muzzle brakes are gaining popularity. The barrel is threaded and arrives wearing a radial muzzle brake.

The Ruger Marksman trigger features a distinctive release lever on the trigger shoe. This is the secret to maintaining minimal, creep-free trigger weight while keeping the system safe. The release lever must be activated (by pulling the trigger) before the sear will move and fire the cartridge.

The RA Gen2’s steel receiver is topped with a factory-installed optics rail compatible with Picatinny-type scope mounting systems. This simplifies optic mounting. The single-piece, three-lug bolt cycles smoothly and features a full diameter bolt body, dual cocking cams and an oversized bolt knob that can be unscrewed and replaced by the end user. The bolt’s 70-degree throw keeps it clear of a mounted optic. Ruger has improved the finish on the bolt action for a smoother feel during manipulation. Tighter overall tolerances (including chamber) boosts accuracy potential. A 10-round, detachable Magpul P-MAG magazine feeds rounds into the chamber.

A tang-mounted safety completes the action. The RA Gen2’s safety has three positions—forward (for fire), middle (where the bolt can still move), and rear (locks the bolt down). This is an important detail that Ruger listened to their customer base about and changed from the Ruger American Standard Gen1. If you have ever been afield in thick terrain or jostled around on an ATV, you know a bolt can be inadvertently opened, dropping round out and/or collecting debris in the action. This can pose a problem when the rifle needs to be deployed in quickly.

MISSION DRIVES THE GEAR

This is where 300 Blk comes into the story. The decision to go with a RA Gen2 Ranch chambered in 300 Blk may surprise some. 300 Blk is more associated with AR platforms. However, a better mixture of classic bolt with utilitarian cartridge would be hard to come by. 300 Blk was, essentially, a rebadging of J.D. Jones’ 300 Whisper cartridge that was introduced in a SAMMI-accepted package for use by U.S. Special Operation Command. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity 300 Blk 115- to 125-grain ammunition as exceeding the ballistic performance of the 7.62×39 mm and eclipses 5.56 NATO both in ballistic and terminal performance. At 300 yards, 300 Blk has approximately 17 percent more energy than 7.62×39 mm thanks to its higher ballistic coefficient (BC), more aerodynamically shaped bullets.

One interesting twist with the 300 Blk is the ability to choose factory loaded subsonic cartridges for optimal use with a sound suppressor. The ability to access a plethora of either supersonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the 300 Blk user. A 300 Blk bolt action with a suppressor firing subsonic ammunition creates a combination capable of “Hollywood quiet” performance.

Mounting a suppressor for everyday use is growing more popular. I’m pleasantly surprised by the number of suppressors witnessed when I’m out hunting now. An Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor was chosen for use with the RA Gen2 Ranch. The Lahar-30 features a laser welded combination of 17-4 stainless steel blast chamber and secondary baffles with an Inconel blast baffle to provide increased performance under hard use. The Lahar-30 has no minimum barrel length restrictions and is full-auto rated. It is rated for calibers up to 300 Win Mag and weighs 15.4 ounces.

The compact RA Gen2 Ranch wearing an Aero Precision Lahar-30 suppressor is a true utility rifle riding horseback in a scabbard, secured to an ATV gunrack, or resting on a truck seat. Having a separate magazine with subsonic rounds is a good option to have. A close range shot of 50 yards and in can be taken without disturbing domesticated animals or alerting the animal being targeted, which is especially beneficial if more than one target is present.

SCOPING UP

I decided to use an optic basic with the RA Gen2 Ranch. I mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x. My plan for the rifle was two-fold. First, was to use it according to its “Ranch” moniker at a piece of property in West Virginia. When on a 4-wheeler, ATV, and walk-about, it’s always nice to have a rifle brought along.

Second, was to turn the RA Gen2 Ranch into a better fitting hunting rifle for one of my daughters-in-law. Ruger has equipped the RA Gen2 Ranch with a removable section of buttstock. I took advantage of it to better fit her smaller stature. By reducing the length-of-pull to around 12-inches, she can manage the rifle much better, including finding quarry in the Leupold scope more easily by not have to crane her neck awkwardly.

AMMUNITION VARIETY

Various ammunition was tested with the RA Gen2 Ranch including Hornady supersonic 125-grain HP and 110-grain GMX, subsonic 208-grain AMAX and 190-grain Sub-X, SIG SAUER Elite 120-grain HT, Black Hills Ammunition 110-grain TTSX and 220-grain OTM, and Federal Fusion 150-grain SP to name a few. Most of the range time, albeit bench or more dynamic use, included use with the Aero Precision Lahar suppressor.

I want to highlight Hornady’s Sub-X 300 Blk load. The unique load consists of a 190-grain bullet designed specifically to perform at subsonic velocities. A cannelure groove is present for a positive case crimp. The Sub-X bullet combines a lead core surrounded by a grooved metal jacket and tipped with the company’s patented “Flex Tip” insert. Long grooves scored into the Sub-X metal jacket combined with a flat base create conditions for reliable expansion. The Flex Tip insert placed in front of hollow point cavity kicks expansion off when striking a target. The Flex Tip also prevents material from clogging a hollow point, which sometimes prevents expansion. Hornady made sure the performance of the new load meets or exceeds the FBI requirements for terminal ballistic performance. Additionally, a low flash signature makes the ammo ideal for both suppressed and unsuppressed firearms when used in low-light environments.

Let’s point out the ballistic performance of subsonic 300 Blk loads resembles that of a pistol round. For comparison’s sake, a 230-grain 45 ACP generates 461 ft/lbs. of energy. The Hornady 190-grain Sub-X, 465 ft/lbs. All things being equal, a high sectional density (SD) bullet penetrates better than a low SD. BC is a measurement of how efficiently a bullet moves thru the air. Superior ballistic coefficients (.437 190-grain (300 Blk) bullet versus a .188 (45 ACP) bullet) and sectional densities (SD .286 versus .162) help the Hornady 190-grain Sub-X maintain energy and penetration characteristics further downrange than a typical pistol bullet. However, the use case for subsonic 300 Blk loads should be carefully considered since the round’s terminal effect isn’t as great as that of a typical supersonic rifle round.

BOOM TIME, QUIETLY

The RA Gen2 Ranch was tested from the bench for accuracy and around barricades and other obstacles to get a better appreciation of its handling and performance. The Lahar-30 suppressor was mounted for most of the testing. Steel targets were smacked with ease out to 150 yards using field expedient rests. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for fire power, the detachable ten-round magazines were handy to recharge the rifle after the last round. As expected from a bolt-action, no malfunctions were experienced. One note here is that when the last round was ejected, the bolt will not close on the empty magazine. The safety made no audible noise during manipulation, an important consideration for hunting or defensive use.

The Aero Precision Lahar suppressor was directly threaded to the Ruger barrel and weighs 15.4 ounces. This translates into minimal interference with the rifle’s handling characteristics while still offering a six-baffle design that drops the decibel level down to approximately 135dB. Recoil was not a factor, especially with the suppressor mounted, which was especially appreciated when set up for use by one of my daughters-in-law.

PERFORMANCE

I chose a 150-yard zero after considering the caliber and the rifle’s role. Roughly speaking, a 150-yard zero with 110- to 125-grain 300 Blk loads shoot pretty flat out to 200 yards, dropping only 4.5 inches. Three-round groups at 100 yards were in the 1.25- to 1.5-inch range. Group size remained consistent with or without the Aero Precision suppressor. Shifts in point of impact were minimal, as well, which adds to the convenience of running the rifle with and without the suppressor.

Field testing consisted of Echo Valley Training Center’s Jungle Walk range. The ability to move through its varied terrain and engage randomly placed deer, coyote, and raccoon targets hidden within cover suited my RA Gen2 Ranch 300 Blk evaluation perfectly. Ranges involved were 35 to 150 yards with multiple shots fired at most of the targets. The emphasis was on working the Ruger American’s bolt without removing the rifle from my shoulder.

I also loaded magazines with Hornady 190-grain Sub-X. The focus was making sure reliability was maintained and how far I could push the velocity-challenged subsonic rounds. Engagement distances were kept 100 yard and in, mostly with targets placed between 25 and 75 yards. The round’s trajectory was surprisingly flat out to 50 yards. 100-yard bullet strikes were approximately 7-inches low with the 50-yard, subsonic zero.

THE WALKBACK

The 300 Blk in the bolt action Ruger American Generation II Ranch offers .30 caliber performance in a compact, 6-pound rifle. The RA Gen2 Ranch is a solid working companion worthy of its “Ranch” designation. No need for a super-magnum rifle with a mega-zoom scope and hyper-complicated reticle. I find it hard to believe that anyone using the RA Gen2 Ranch 300 Blk is ever under-gunned when hunting deer-size game or pressed into other duties. I believe the Ruger American Generation II Ranch will find a niche among ranchers and outdoorsmen that will appreciate the rifle for its efficiency.

SPECIFICATIONS

SIG Sauer continues to do things their way. It’s hard to argue against this considering their extended run of success. At this point, we should accept it as the norm. With personal defense, law enforcement, and military-focused products such a central part of their business model, the bolt action Cross introduction in 2020 many surprised a lot of people. The reason for this was because the Cross was not tactical in nature. Rather the Cross was a blend of a hunting rifle with a tactical precision rifle. The result is a light, handy, and extremely versatile rifle.

To date, the Cross line up has added three different models to the original—each emphasizing different parts of the original design, i.e. lighter in weight for hunters or more emphasis on accuracy for PRS-style shooting activities. This is the SIG way… listening to feedback from consumers in order to continue honing weapon capabilities. The latest SIG Cross is yet a different beast from the initial offering. The Cross Magnum is a long action variant chambered in the powerhouse 300 Win Mag cartridge. You can bet different calibers are in the works taking advantage of the new action length…including 300 PRC and 338 Lapua Magnum variants.

SIG Sauer has chosen to go a different path with the Cross Magnum when compared to competitor’s heavyweight chassis rifles. The key here is the monolithic Cross receiver. The receiver is entirely independent, with the folding buttstock attaching to its rear and the barrel assembly to its front. The Cross Magnum offers enhanced cartridge performance while maintaining key characteristics of accuracy and relative light weight with handy ergonomics.

THIS IS THE WAY

SIG is known for its innovative approaches in weapon design. Much of this stems from SIG’s background of responding to military solicitation, especially from SOCOM forces. The desirable characteristics for a precision bolt-action rifle are cold bore zero retention, accuracy, extended effective range, reliability, and handling. One overarching theme with the Cross Magnum is keeping weight down to maximize efficiency. You carry a rifle far more than you shoot it. No matter the role envisioned, competition, hunting, or even tactical (though not marketed as such, SIG’s law enforcement sales department tells me it has received inquiries about the SIG Cross Magnum) there can be no compromise in terms of consistent accuracy.

The Cross’s action is incredibly rigid, yet light, thanks to its one-piece minimalist receiver. This contrasts with more typical methods of setting the receiver and barrel into a separate stock or chassis. The Cross eliminates need for bedding, action screws, and other means of conjoining the components. The Cross one-piece receiver interacts directly with trigger, bolt, AICS magazine, and barrel; think of it like an AR-style receiver without upper and lower distinctions. This is a change from typical bolt-action construction methods and serves to minimize many of the accuracy-robbing factors associated with typical bolt-actions. The Cross more resembles an AR than a traditional bolt-action rifle in terms of control layout and grip. Following this AR theme, a barrel extension and nut are used to secure the barrel to the action. This makes barrel changes simple.

The SIG Cross in 300 Win Mag with 24-inch barrel weighs in at 8.9 pounds. Many will raise an eyebrow at this considering it seems too light for comfort considering the recoil associated with 300 Win Mag. Along these same lines, the monolithic aluminum receiver will cause skepticism. Don’t forget, the first Cross was designed to deal with high pressure 277 Fury ammunition. The Cross receiver is machined, not cast. The Cross receiver is more in line with the barrel instead of sitting under the barrel, thus minimizing barrel whip and other harmonics that could cause inaccuracy. The Cross design offers a rock-solid backbone conducive to long-range shooting. It features tightly toleranced rifling dimensions, minimum headspace, and trued chamber. A full-diameter bolt body makes the Cross Magnum smooth to operate.

The stainless-steel, medium contour 24-inch 1:9-inch twist 5R rifled, free-floated barrel is surrounded by full-length ARCA-railed handguard. An impressively effective radial muzzle brake is screwed to the threaded muzzle. This statement stems from the surprised looks on the faces of shooters after firing the first round. Usually, grand claims of recoil reduction are ignored as recoil sensitivity is often a subjective matter. However, SIG’s claim of a 45-percent reduction in recoil may actually be understated. The match trigger is another pleasant experience with slight two-stage take-up and a three-pound break. The PRS-style grip and-right side thumb safety rest is another revelation for those unfamiliar with this set up.

The Cross bolt is a 3-lug hunk of metal within the aluminum receiver. Three locking lugs give it a 60-degree handle lift—one of the shortest on the market. Scopes can be mounted low due to the minimal bolt lift. The short throw, combined with smooth operation, makes for one slick bolt action. Quick bolt manipulation translates into rapid follow up shots. The locking lugs being the same diameter as the bolt body means there’s no raceway needed, as compared to Mauser-style lugs that protrude outside the bolt’s diameter. This makes the Cross very strong since there is no need to remove material from the receiver to create a raceway. Rigidity is a must for consistent accuracy. SIG designed the Cross action to harness current and future cartridges.

Interestingly, the rear interfacing surfaces of the bolt lugs are angled and tapered, not square as is the more traditional approach. This is to facilitate locking the bolt into place like an artillery breech when turned into place. The bolt head is pinned into the bolt body, with just a bit of play to enable the locking lugs to find equal bearing when closed. A stout extractor is dovetailed into the rightmost lug. It reliably removes fired cases from the chamber. The ejector is a spring-loaded plunger throwing brass clear of the receiver.

The 5R rifling used in the Cross barrel was developed by Barrett “Boots” Obermeyer. 5R is different from conventional rifling by changing the shape and configuration of the lands and grooves. 5R rifling uses five lands and grooves versus the more common four or six land and groove profile. This puts lands opposite of grooves on the facing side of the barrel face, with another tweak being the transition from the top of the land to the groove is sloped. 5R rifling reduces projectile deformation as the bullet passes through the bore when fired. The benefit is that a more uniform flying projectile equates to increased accuracy. 5R rifling is easier to clean and less prone to accuracy-robbing fouling, as well. All of this is not abstract theory as 5R rifling has developed a dedicated target shooting following that swears by it.

The Cross Magnum’s flat, ARCA-railed forend handles bipods or sandbags with equal aplomb. However, it is not exclusively designed for shooting from the prone or bench. The Cross Magnum is great for offhand and other types of supported fire. Clay pigeons were not safe at 130 yards offhand, and when placed in a Kopfjager tripod, 300 yards was still in the danger zone for those dastardly orange circles. This is what makes the Cross line of rifles so attractive to both the backcountry hunter and the precision rifle shooting competitor.

The ergonomics and adjustability of the Cross Magnum stock allow for a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld that, combined with optimal hand placement, enables the shooter to pull the match-grade flat-faced trigger straight to the rear for maximum accuracy when breaking the shot. The Cross’s skeletal aluminum buttstock provides adjustment for comb height, length-of-pull, and butt pad height. The forward angled PRS-style grip and right-side thumb rest safety also come into play here. The Cross Magnum uses detachable AICS-style 6-round detachable magazines.

SIG PARTY

A SIG Tango6 3-18×44 optic was mounted to the Cross Magnum using a one-piece SIG scope base. A SIG SLH 7.62 NATO suppressor was chosen for use with the Cross Magnum. A SIG SLH QD muzzle brake device was installed on the barrel, replacing the radial brake for certain parts of our review. The ability to wield a suppressed Cross rifle is a valued option.

Options for 300 Win Mag ammunition are plentiful. Examples of ammunition used for testing the Cross Magnum consisted of SIG Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped 180-grain, SIG Sauer Elite Copper Hunting 165-grain, Black Hills Ammunition 190-grain Match, Federal Premium 180-grain Accubond, and Hornady 180-grain SST Superformance and 178-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter loadings. The thought process is simple; if these loads do not produce accuracy, nothing will. None of these loads disappointed, all providing minute-of-angle accuracy with three-round groups; a great compliment to both the ammunition and the Cross Magnum rifle. The logistical advantage of a rifle that is not ammunition-sensitive cannot be overemphasized.

PERFORMANCE

After bench work establishing innate accuracy, the Cross Magnum was taken to the field for further testing. This consisted of shooting prone from a bipod and an Eberlestock pack at clay pigeons more than 300 yards away. As mentioned, a Kopfjager tripod was also used. The Cross Magnum’s bolt was worked, and targets acquired as quickly as possible. We verified that single-feed operation was possible by laying a loose round into the action on top of the empty magazine and had no issue chambering the cartridge. The Cross Magnum’s radial brake combined with the adjustable stock and slick bolt with short lift proved potent. The SIG SLH suppressor also proved an enhancement for taming recoil and blast signature.

FIELD TESTING

Other testing consisted of shooting steel silhouette targets out to 600 yards at Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC’s) known distance range. The Cross Magnum’s accuracy, combined with clear, powerful SIG optics, enabled first-round center-mass hits that quickly transitioned to head shots on stationary targets. Importantly, no malfunctions of any kind were experienced, even during rapid operation of the bolt and reloads. This is crucial. The operational reliability of even a simple bolt-action rifle should never be taken for granted. I have witnessed various loading, chambering, and ejection malfunctions over the years. Another important thing to test is how reliably the rifle ejects a loaded round. This important attribute is often overlooked, but it’s an essential operation if there is ever an ammunition problem. A cold bore shot was taken at every opportunity during our many visits to the range. The shot always landed where intended. Nothing instills more confidence in a weapon system—rifle, ammunition, optics, and marksman—than the ability to place the first shot exactly as aimed.

The EVTC Jungle Walk Range was used to get a sense of the Cross Magnum’s handling characteristics. Targets were set up randomly along the meandering 575-yard path. A shooter must move down the path until their partner points out a paper or steel target. Often, unconventional, braced field positions were assumed, using a fallen tree or tree limb for support, especially if targets were over 200 yards away. While not a quantifiable trait, the Cross Magnum hangs and balances well from various shooting positions and was easy to get into and out of various field shooting positions. The Cross Magnum’s stock design allows for a good cheek weld that aids in handling recoil by preventing a slap of the face.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Cross Magnum proved easy to handle and point with no frantic searching for targets required when the rifle was brought up to the shoulder. The ability to move through varied terrain and engage randomly placed targets hidden within cover suited the Cross Magnum perfectly. If lucky, the hunter will be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of a pure offhand shooting position. A rifle weighing less than 9 pounds, chambered in a hard-hitting caliber, and capable of sub-MOA accuracy cannot be ignored by any hunter whether they spot and stalk, still hunt, or choose to hunt safari-style or from a blind. The Cross Magnum can handle it all.

SPECIFICATIONS

SIG SAUER Releases CROSS Magnum Bolt-Action Rifle

“The development of the CROSS Magnum pushes the boundaries of innovation for a bolt-action platform and delivers on precision, power, and performance” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Starting with the receiver design, the CROSS Magnum allows for easy barrel changes while keeping your scope and pic-rail mounted, adds a new folding hinge for easier, intuitive folding, better stock-retention and a stronger lock-up, includes a full-length ARCA and M-LOK rail for maximum tripod and bipod usability and adjustment in the field, while the integrated radial compensator design reduces the felt recoil of the magnum caliber by forty-five percent. The CROSS Magnum is feature-rich, performance built, and ready for the hunt.”

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag with a 24 inch user-changeable 5R barrel, aluminum coyote anodized frame, and a two-stage match trigger. The rifle features the new magnum action receiver with a free-floating handguard, a full-length M-LOK and ARCA rail handguard, forward angle PRS style grip and right thumb rest safety, a folding adjustable precision stock and ships with a 6-round AICS magazine.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Caliber: 300 Win Mag
• Overall Length: 45.2 in
• Overall Height: 7.25 in
• Overall Width: 3.25 in
• Barrel Length: 24 in
• Barrel Twist: 1:9
• Weight with Magazine: 8.9 lb.

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is now shipping and available at retailers.

Bellator is designed with the modularity of the AR platform. It uses drop in AR trigger, selector, take-down pin, grip and magazine release. It has a user changeable barrel system, bolt and magazine well. The bolt is designed with a forward located left hand handle and right hand eject. To convert from 338 Lapua Mag to 300 Norma Mag is simply done by changing out the barrel. These 2 calibers use same bolt and 10 rd box magazine. Conversion from 338 Lapua Mag size to .308 size is done by changing out the barrel, bolt and magazine well. When converted to .308/6.5Creedmoor it uses standard AR10 metal or Magpul Pmags. Rifle comes with a folding fully adjustable stock or non-folding fully adjustable Magpul PRS stock.

Available in Hard Coat Anodized Black or FDE finish, all versions come in custom cut high density foam hard-case with wheels. Button rifled barrels are made from 416SS and come in the following lengths: 338 Lapua Mag and .308 in 24-inch length, 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor in 26-inch length. MSRP: $5000 for non-folding stock and $5600 for folding stock models.

Rifles are in full production at the time of this announcement and in-stock ready to ship.

About 21st-Tec

21st-Tec has been designing and manufacturing patented weapon systems for other companies for 20 years in US commercial market and export contracts. 21st-Tec uses only US raw material to manufacture our rifles in our modern CNC factory. All our products are 100% made in the USA. At 21st-Tec we have a passion for designing new products with outside the box thinking.

Learn more at: 21st-tec.com

Dealer/Distributor inquiries email: sales@21st-tec.com

International inquiries email: export@21st-tec.com

SIG Sauer is at it again. The company is recognized as an industry leader in the development and manufacturing of rifles, submachine guns, belt-fed machine guns, handguns, optics, suppressors, ammunition, and more. This leads us to SIG’s latest rifle offering—the MCX SPEAR LT. The MCX is a new approach to the carbine platform that blends caliber adaptability with feature configurability without sacrificing reliability.

One thing immediately came to mind when the MCX SPEAR LT was introduced. How could the SPEAR LT be worthy of supplanting the original 2015 MCX and its 2017 MCX Virtus successor? SIG took a raft of grief from the public for releasing the upgraded MCX Virtus with some consumers crying foul over their perceived role as platform beta testers. So, SIG releasing a third generation of the MCX is bound to irritate past generation MCX owners.

In the end, though, SIG can’t be expected to stop developing the platform when faced with advances in technology and materials, as well as lucrative procurement opportunities that would drive the development of any platform forward.

In the end, SIG is willing to endure the criticism it might face for advancing the MCX platform with another generational release that further improves the carbine’s ability to adapt to a wider range of missions, as the SPEAR LT does.

According to SIG, the original MCX spawned from a SOCOM request to develop a 7-pound, compact multi-caliber adaptable rifle that would be predominantly operated suppressed. The same military input has driven all three MCX generations. All of the MCX-series improvements were driven by additional tier one DOD unit contract requests that sought to increase accuracy, modularity, and durability. The public is fortunate to benefit with MCX civilian models made available.

Inevitable Evolution

“The MCX SPEAR LT is an evolution of the MCX VIRTUS,” says SIG Sauer’s Media Relations Manager Michael Marotte, “brought about through competition in U.S. Special Forces and allied special forces weapons contracts.”

Addressing the differences between MCX Virtus and MCX SPEAR LT, Marotte says, “Externally the biggest difference is the handguard, we went lighter and slimmer and thus more ergonomic. Doing this typically sacrifices the rigidity needed for laser aiming modules, however we have maintained the rigidity by adding two retention screws that attach the handguard directly to the upper receiver.”

He says the second large difference is the addition of an ambidextrous bolt-catch and bolt-release on the right side of the firearm. Push up to lock the bolt to the rear or down to release it.

The folding stock and modularity are big indicators that the MCX is not another AR platform. The MCX bolt carrier group is different than an AR’s. The initial user’s request to use a folding stock in lieu of a typical AR buffer tube setup required a new bolt carrier design. SIG installed dual recoil springs above the bolt carrier group. Due to the recoil spring placement, the charging handle sits slightly higher on the MCX receiver compared to an AR. Not only did the dual recoil springs enable the use of a folding stock, but it provides other benefits in terms of a smoother and softer recoil impulse, elimination of buffer tube wear associated with AR piston driven rifles, and an increase in overall reliability and durability. The intent to operate almost exclusively suppressed and to accommodate various calibers using different barrel lengths (including sub-10-inch barrels) meant the MCX would use a self-regulating, short-stroke operating system.

Generations

SIG’s designers needed to meet a 50,000-round-count endurance criteria for the upper receiver to satisfy the initial solicitation that brought the MCX to life. The MCX Virtus takes this even further with a 20,000-round endurance requirement that excludes replacing normal wear and tear components during the endurance test. This should allay any concerns about its durability in terms of wear and “loosening” up with use. The MCX SPEAR LT follows this path.

Obviously, quality materials are a must along with a full understanding of high wear parts on the rifle. SIG has designed the MCX with certain key components upgraded from aluminum to steel; these parts are also easily replaceable. For example, the cam path and feed ramp inserts. The charging handle latches move over steel pins as opposed to aluminum pins. MCX barrels are hammer forged and receive a nitride treatment for increased barrel life.

The original MCX to MCX Virtus improvements consisted of a tapered lug bolt group, a two-stage SIG Matchlite Duo trigger, thicker receivers and barrels (the reason why MCX and MCX Virtus barrels and bolt groups are not interchangeable), M-Lok handguard and modified gas port locations. The MCX SPEAR LT ups the ante even further over the MCX Virtus. SIG’s Marotte points out that with the SPEAR LT, “the bolt carrier group has had a minor redesign, moving the firing pin safety latch from the 12 o’clock position in the recoil assembly to a 9 o’clock position on the carrier. This reduces the energy needed to defeat the latch, allowing for the use of aftermarket AR triggers. It also improves performance and reliability with surplus, hard primer 7.62×39 ammo.”

The SPEAR LT has a lightened and recontoured handguard with attachment screws for additional rigidity. Barrel manufacturing focused on maintaining accuracy, even with the SPEAR LT’s slimmer profile barrel. About a pound was shaved off the MCX SPEAR LT compared to MCX Virtus. Other features of the MCX SPEAR LT include an ambidextrous bolt catch and bolt release on its lower receiver. The MCX SPEAR LT is fully ambidextrous—selector switch, charging handle, bolt, and magazine release. A lever on the right side of the receiver above the magazine release acts as a supplemental bolt catch and bolt release.

The MCX SPEAR LT features coyote anodized finish, including minimalist stock with button release for maximum compact foldability. The return to AR15-style trigger compatibility will be well received. The MCX SPEAR LT brings the long-anticipated addition of the 7.62×39 caliber to the MCX family.

Modularity

The rifle’s caliber, barrel length, forend, and buttstock are all easily interchangeable. Anecdotal stories are shared by SIG representatives of how the SIG MCX would be submitted for certain military solicitations with all associated gear arriving in one hard case. We’re talking about different calibers, barrel lengths, handguards, optics, and suppressors—all made by SIG, by the way. We’re told that in these situations, competitors would be wheeling in multiple cases of gear and setting up multiple upper receiver configurations to meet the desired trial parameters instead of just switching out specific components as needed.

The SIG MCX SPEAR LT can be viewed as a fresh design in a market dominated by the AK and the AR. The SIG MCX represents a new age of rifle modularity. Caliber change between 5.56mm and 300AAC is a simple matter. The fact that the 5.56mm and 300AAC share the same magazine and bolt group is the foundation for their close compatibility. Removing the forend exposes two captive T27 Torx bolts. Loosening these allows the barrel and gas piston to be removed. The new barrel and gas piston is then installed with the two T27 Torx bolts tightened to 60-inch pounds. The whole process is as simple as reading it. Caliber changes between 5.56mm/300AAC and 7.62×39 require a bolt change and the barrel kits will come with the bolt.

Ancillary Support

A SIG SLH 7.62 suppressor was chosen for use with the MCX SPEAR LT. SIG’s SLX/SLH QD muzzle device arrives pre-installed on the MCX SPEAR LT. The SLH uses SIG’s new clutch-LOK QD mounting system. SIG has put as much thought into the SLH 762 suppressor as the SPEAR LT. Not only is hearing protection addressed with the SLH, but so is th4 management of toxic fumes associated with back blast. MIT computing power was purchased to come up with a monolithic baffle design to keep fumes out of the operator’s face. Traditional CNC machining could not cope with the intricate metal work needed to comply with the blueprint, so 3D printing and DMLS manufacturing methods are used. The SLH remained mounted on the SPEAR LT for the majority of our evaluation.

The SIG theme was continued with a SIG Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6x24mm optic. The MSR LPVO offers a 1x illuminated reticle setting for quick target acquisition at close range with both eyes open. A quick turn of the eyepiece to 6x enables longer precision shots. The optic is loaded with high end features such as an adjustable illuminated BDC6 MOA reticle, and low dispersion, high transmittance glass for outstanding light transmission and clarity.

The MCX SPEAR LT handguard’s M-LOK capability allows mounting Crimson Trace’s recently introduced RIG (Rapid Illumination Grip). The RIG combines the ergonomic advantage of an angled foregrip with a 500-peak-lumen weapon light into one sleek, effective device. As a side note, the RIG is ideal for braced pistols requiring a light. The angled foregrip is not considered a vertical foregrip which is a big no-no on braced pistols due to Federal regulations.

Ammunition tested with the SIG MCX SPEAR LT was a combination of multiple 5.56mm/223Rem loads from SIG, Black Hills, and Hornady. No load tested produced greater than 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards. Our top performer, SIG’s Elite 77 grain Match punched three rounds into a 0.5-.75-inch groups. Pretty impressive considering the 1-6x optic mounted and the idea that the MCX SPEAR LT is a fighting rifle, not a match target rifle affair, making this performance even more impressive.

PERFORMANCE

RANGE EVALUATION

The minimalist nature of the SIG folding stock caused some initial skepticism related to the rifle’s ergonomics and effectiveness. This was quickly forgotten once the shooting started. The folding stock proved rock solid and provided a solid cheek weld for use with optics; kudos to the SIG design team for this. The MCX SPEAR LT lived up to the task of being an ergonomic, well handling rifle. Drills moving around barricades and training evolutions involving firing and evacuating from vehicles clearly bore this out. The handy MCX is what individuals will choose to work with in such environments. Over 500 rounds were fired for this T&E. The piston driven MCX proved utterly reliable with only minimal effort given to wipe down bolt carrier group and lubricate sporadically.

The SIG short-stroke gas piston operating rod system proved its worth, keeping the bolt carrier group cooler and cleaner compared to direct impingement rifles, even with the SIG SLH suppressor mounted. While not trying to be unrealistic or overly harsh, the SIG MCX was exposed to a high volume of fire typical of team tactics bounding drills. The method was employed to confirm that, beyond a doubt, the SIG MCX delivered as advertised under the most adverse operational conditions, including with a suppressor mounted. A Magpul PMAG D-60 drum magazine was used during portions of our evaluation. This allowed the MCX SPEAR LT to shine when faced with a harsh, no-breaks firing schedule. We appreciated how well the MCX SPEAR LT forend shielded the shooter’s off-hand from the heat coming off the barrel. The Crimson Trace RIG also held up well under the semi-abusive environment.

With the SIG MCX SPEAR LT, SIG finds itself in an advantageous position by being a total system provider — weapons, optics, suppressors, ammunition, and other accessories. At the beginning of this article, I openly questioned if the new, third generation MCX SPEAR LT was really necessary. The real shame would have been if the improvements represented in the MCX SPEAR LT had been withheld. Performance is the quickest way to appeal to the shooting public…the MCX SPEAR LT will have no problem proving its worth.

SPECIFICATIONS

While tramping the aisles of the 1998 SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas this year, I came across a very nice looking AK style hunting rifle. The metal finish was almost “pretty” and it had very nice looking walnut furniture. I was at the ZDF Import/Export Inc. booth and upon closer inspection I discovered, lo and behold, the gun was chambered in .308! Welllll, there was something new and different at the SHOT SHOW. After a verbal rundown of the gun from the guys at ZDF and some quick photos, I arranged for a test and evaluation as soon as the rifles were ready to be shipped. A few months later I received a call from ZDF President Alex Robinson telling me the rifles were indeed ready to ship and that I should have mine in a few days. Several days later the U.P.S. truck delivered one of the first VEPR .308 rifles to my door.

A little background is in order here. The VEPR .308 Hunter is an AK style rifle manufactured in Russia by the Vyatskie Polyany Machine Building. The word “VEPR” is a type of Russian wild bore. The VEPR .308 rifle was designed from the magazine up as a hunting rifle, not a so-called assault rifle that was glossed over to look like a hunting rifle. It was also designed with accuracy in mind, but more on that later. In fact, the VEPR is even legal for Russian civilians to own. There is no full-auto version of this gun. The VEPR was the only one of the 59 rifles on the temporary import ban list that was not affected by the permanent import ban. Unless the powers that be (read that Clinton, by executive order) change their minds, the VEPR can still be obtained.

As I said before, the rifle is a nice looking gun. While it still shows its Avtomat Kalashnikova lineage, the fit and finish is nothing like your typical AK. All metal surfaces in the gun have a satin black oxide finish. It is non-reflecting but still exhibits a slight gloss. The rifles wooden forearm and thumbhole buttstock are made from Turkish Walnut. The wood does not have a lot of figure but is still a lot nicer looking that other AK type furniture. The monte-carlo style buttstock sports a medium density black rubber recoil pad. Wood to metal fit is very well done. Both the forearm and the pistol grip feature hand-cut checkering. The bottom of the grip sports a black grip cap. Sling swivels are installed front and rear. A black leather sling is included as part of the package. While on the subject of looks, one thing you notice when you first look at this rifle is the lack of visible spot welds. ZDF worked closely with the Russian manufacturer to assure that the rifle looks top notch and doesn’t show weld or machine marks. While the rifle does utilize a stamped steel receiver, the finish is nice enough that it resembles a milled receiver. Overall the gun sort of reminds me of the M-76 sniper rifle except it has a thumbhole buttstock.

The gun’s sights consist of an adjustable front post that is protected by ears typical of most AK style sights. It is set into a post that is pinned to the barrel about 1/2 inch back from the muzzle. The rather broad post is adjustable for elevation by screwing it up or down. the post rides in a cylinder that can be punch drifted side to side for windage. The rear sight is the same one that is found on most of the RPK’s. It is not only elevation adjustable but can also be adjusted for windage. The only difference is that the RPK sight is adjustable to 1000 meters and the VEPR only has markings out to 300 meters. Both windage and elevation adjustments on the rear sight can be done without tools and lock in place after they are set. Surprisingly, I found that the open sights work pretty well at distances out to about 150 yards.

The VEPR also features a scope mount rail that is riveted to the left side of the receiver. The milled rail mates very nicely to the scope mount that is included with the rifle. The mount is quick detachable by means of a throw lever that actuates a cam that locks the mount to the rifle’s rail. Rings are included with the mount and are 26mm with 1 inch inserts for U.S. scopes. In my tests I found that the mount held zero after being removed and re-attached.

Internally the rifles parts resemble your standard AK parts but will not interchange. This requirement was per ATF regulations. Internal springs are all the braided kind including the bolt’s recoil spring. The VEPR operates in the standard AK fashion, it is gas operated and magazine fed. Gas is bled from a port in the barrel into a gas tube positioned above the barrel. The gas impinges in a piston connected to the guns bolt carrier driving it rearward. As it moves to the rear the bolt rotates and unlocks from the barrel extension. The bolt then continues rearward extracting the spent shell casing. The bolts recoil spring slows the bolt and then returns to battery picking up a loaded round on the way.

As said before, the rifle is magazine fed. The magazines were made especially for this gun and will not interchange with other guns. Also the rifle will not accept magazines from other guns. This was also a specification of the ATF regulations allowing the rifle into the country. The magazines used in the VEPR are made from a fiberglass reinforced composite. They are black and their finish texture and color matches the rifle. They have removable floorplates to allow disassembly and cleaning. The magazines are available in either 5-round or 10-round capacities. One of each size is included with each gun. The magazine release is standard AK and magazines are inserted and removed in the same way.

As the rifle was designed for hunting and improved accuracy, I headed to the range with great expectations. I took along an assortment of hunting loads as well as some military ammo and some match loadings. On my first range visit I fired the gun using the open sights as I didn’t have a scope mounted and bore sighted and it was late in the day. Firing from the excellent Midway Deluxe Front Rest I started with some Winchester 180 grain Silvertips. Firing a five shot string produced a “group” of about 10 inches on the target. Needless to say, I was not impressed with this. But, the broad front sight post covered about half of the target at 100 yards. More five shot strings produced about equal results. I knew that a scope was in order. A few days later with a Leupold 3X9 Vari-X II mounted to the rifle I again headed for the range. The VEPR features a hammered forged chrome-lined barrel. I figured this alone should make the gun shoot well. This time with the scope mounted and a clear view of my target I again repeated the five shot groups.

The scope helped but I still wasn’t getting any groups to brag about. I then switched to some 175 grain Sierra Boat Tail Hollow point Match reloads. This load will produce 5-shot one hole, 100 yard groups out of my Remington PSS Police bolt action rifle. Shots with this load yielded groups in the 3 inch range. I also tried some of the excellent 168 grain BTHP Match loaded by Lex Bush at Rafter Seven Ammunition Company. This too produced groups similar to the Sierra loads. I realized that this is not a bolt-action heavy barrel match rifle but I still thought that it should shoot better than that.

Then the light came on. It seemed that the loads with the lighter bullets were producing tighter groups. Digging through my ammo I found some Norinco 147 grain FMJ. Yes, the copper washed stuff that you used to buy for about $5.00 a box. More targets were hung and more shots fired. Groups shrank to 1.89 inches for 5 shots. I later fired my best group with this same ammo. It measured .950 center to center for 5 shots. Not bad for an AK style gun. A call to ZDF confirmed that the twist rate in the ZEPR’s barrel was 1 in 12 instead of 1 in 10 as are most of the barrels in U.S. made .308’s. This is the only thing that I can come up with as to why the VEPR shoots the lighter 147 grain military loading far better that it shoots the heavier Match ammo.

The VEPR is a pleasant shooting rifle. Recoil is stiff but not unpleasant. This can be attributed to its 8.5 lb. weight, good recoil pad and stock design. The trigger is like most military triggers. It has a long take-up but breaks clean and crisp with hardly any overtravel. Trigger pull on my test rifle broke right at 4 lbs. The gun is typical of the AK design in that function is absolutely flawless. In all my testing, which included several hundred rounds of various types of ammo, it fed, ejected and otherwise functioned without a hitch. Ejection is positive with empty cases being thrown forward and to the right about 10 feet. The guns 23.5 inch barrel produced velocities of 2503 with the match ammo. The VEPR comes in two versions; the rifle with a 23.5 inch barrel and a carbine with 20.5 inch tube.

The VEPR is no tack-driving rifle, but it was not designed to be. It was designed to be a very reliable, durable hunting rifle. To this end it fills all requirements. Its accuracy is good enough for most hunting applications and you would be hard pressed to find a semi-auto .308 with the reliability of this rifle. The gun is not cheap. It will retail for around the $850.00 mark. But when you take into consideration that the rifle comes complete with 2-magazines, scope mount, sling and cleaning kit, it’s a bargain. Not to mention it looks great and it may be the last of this type of gun to come to our shores. Try one, I think you’ll be pleased.

Imported exclusively by:

ZDF Import/Export, Inc.
2975 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
Phone: 1-801-485-1012
Fax: 1-801-484-4383

Rafter Seven Ammunition Company
Lex Bush
62 South Highway 23
Dighton, KS 67839
Phone: 1-316-397-2519
Fax: 1-316-397-2559