By Robert Bruce

(Editor’s Note: With fielding of replacements for all of its aging 9mm Beretta M9 pistols in favor of new .40 caliber SIG P229s, the United States Coast Guard has become the first branch of the US Armed Forces to not only retire the Department of Defense’s standard issue handgun, but also the marginally effective NATO standard round it fires. We dispatched Military Affairs Editor Robert Bruce to get the story of how this momentous decision was reached, what steps were taken to make the best choices, how the transition was progressing, and what users were saying about their hot new pistol. – Robert G. Segel)

“The M9 9mm Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) has served the Coast Guard well for nearly two decades, but the need for a replacement handgun was apparent from both an operational and maintainability standpoint.”Commandant’s ALCOAST Message, 7 October 2005

When the critical need arises to draw and shoot a pistol, there are many reasons why most special operations types don’t carry M9s filled with 9mm hardball. These same reasons are also cited by others in line-of-fire roles whose primary duties don’t facilitate carrying the now-ubiquitous M4 carbine, or who need a reliable and hard-hitting backup.

The United States Coast Guard, the smallest branch of the US Armed Forces with some 47,000 active and reserve personnel, was liberated from the Department of Transportation after 9/11 and is now a star component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where law enforcement is deadly serious.

In addition to such traditional duties as search and rescue, and marine safety, the Coast Guard is charged with the gargantuan mission of securing our nation’s ports and waterways against terrorist threats. It also operates far offshore in drug interdiction and with sister services in foreign waters worldwide.

All of these duties have involved “Coasties” with holstered M9 pistols and more than a bit of grief has arisen from aging guns and puny ammo.

Worn-out Berettas were the main problem cited in relevant official USCG announcements along the way. In particular, an “ALCOAST” Commandant’s message on 5 Nov 04 specified “…increased frame failure rates, unreliability issues and that 75 percent have far exceeded their predicted 5,000 round service life (CG fires an average 500 9mm rounds annually, the majority of PDWs have been in service for approx. 16 years, well beyond their predicted service life).”

So, why not buy a bunch of new M9s?

A careful reading of some other CG documentation acknowledges what many in the field have been saying for years. While a politically sensitive issue, there is an unarguable need for more stopping power than that inherent in NATO standard full metal jacket “hardball” 9mm ammunition.

Thus, the Coast Guard was an energetic participant in a big shootout conducted by DHS over several weeks in 2004 on behalf of its enforcement agencies including Immigration, Customs, Border Protection, and Sky Marshals. Six manufacturers, Beretta included, submitted 46 models and more than 2.9 million rounds of various calibers were pumped through 690 guns.

The test regimen was impressive for its relevance to mechanical, environmental and human factors. In addition to strict accuracy and function testing, requirements included repeated four foot drops on concrete, shooting with a plugged barrel, plus environmental torture in 200 degree heat, minus 30 degree cold, windblown sand, and salt water immersion. 22 experienced Coast Guard shooters also personally evaluated each candidate weapon for handling and firing characteristics.

Beretta Overboard!

When the vapors of nitrocellulose combustion cleared, the Coast Guard chose the P229R-DAK in .40 S&W caliber from SIGARMS. In August, 2004, The Exeter, New Hampshire, firm got a 4.2 million dollar contract for an initial order of 12,000 pistols, commencing delivery soon afterward at the rate of more than 1,000 per month.

Pistols and other small arms from the Swiss/German team SIG SAUER have earned a well deserved reputation for reliability, accuracy, durability, and user enthusiasm. SIGARMS, its American operation, offering designs resulting from long service in various forms and calibers with elite military units and law enforcement worldwide, enjoys much recent success in mega contracts with US government agencies on the cutting edge of homeland security and the Global War on Terror.

Transition Plan

Lt. (JG) John Strasburg, USCG Office of Counterterrorism and Special Missions states, “On October 7th, 2005, the Coast Guard officially launched its transition to another handgun – the .40 caliber SIGARMS P229R-DAK pistol. The effort, spearheaded by Coast Guard Headquarters, took nearly two years and thousands of man hours. The need for a replacement to the venerable M9 9mm Beretta was identified in late 2003; the M9 had served the Coast Guard well as the standard service arm since 1986, but wear and tear through the years and the Coast Guard’s requirement for a larger caliber drove the change.”

A comprehensive transition plan was developed at the same time, with the goal of ensuring that units and users would experience no degradation in mission effectiveness during changeover. Much more than just swapping out pistols and ammo, moving to the new Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) comes with a catalog of components running the full range from bore brushes to boarding parties.

SAR contacted USCG headquarters to get the straight scoop and soon got a call back from the right guy with the right stuff. Although too modest to say it himself, Lieutenant (JG) John Strasburg has been a driving force behind the landmark transition program, now well underway as of this writing in Spring 2006. A former enlisted Gunners Mate, with plenty of experience in operations afloat and ashore, this young officer seems particularly well qualified to oversee the program’s complex and interlocking pieces.

According to Strasburg, “Headquarters bought the pistols, magazines and three new types of ammunition, Ball, Jacketed Hollow Point and Frangible, each to support specific missions.” These were stockpiled at central locations to support the second phase when designated units would requisition these and begin implementing training and qualification. While this was going on, he said, a lot of experienced Coasties were hard at work charting the course.

Strasburg arranged a meeting at the Coast Guard’s TCY (Training Center Yorktown, Virginia) so we could sit down with him and senior enlisted representatives of the Engineering and Weapons Branch; key players in the transition.

“TCY has the expertise we needed to turn SIG’s operator, technical and training materials into something like the DoD manuals for the other small arms we use,” Strasburg said. “Staff and Instructors of the Gunner’s Mate ‘A’ School, Small Arms Instructor School, course writers and others were able to give us a really good product.”

Soon after the contract to SIGARMS was awarded, TCY started getting a supply of pistols, ammunition, manuals and maintenance items. These facilitated both study and hands-on evaluation with the goal of practical modifications to things that had long been institutionalized in supporting the M9.

Nearly everything needed attention. The changeover required some new administrative procedures, storage and issue of three types of new ammo, modifications to weapon security racks, changes in manuals for operators and armorers, reworking basic and advanced range qualification programs.

And it wasn’t merely rewriting civilian into military-speak, according to Master Chief Gunner’s Mate Dana Brooks of Training, Engineering and Weapons. “All that’s a joint effort from the GM ‘A’ School instructors, SAI school instructors, and headquarters. We would draft one and send it around for review, to delete or add anything; courses of fire, instruction, weapons, maintenance, and repair.” This round-robin continued, Strasburg added, until all hands approved of the finished product.

Training the Trainers

Yorktown’s Weapons School takes pride in not only providing entry-level “A” qualification for Gunner’s Mates, but several “C” programs as well for more salty Coasties. In addition to in-depth training on the formidable MK38 25mm Machine Gun and MK75 76mm Gun Weapon System, it is also where Small Arms Instructors learn their demanding craft.

Chief Gunner’s Mate Ronald Scoggin, who heads up the Small Arms Instructor School, had also participated in the morning’s round table discussion. It fell to him to explain how his operation contributed to the P229 transition.

The demanding four week SAI School has a reputation for being one of the hardest and most rigorous in the Coast Guard, Scoggin told us, an assertion strongly seconded in a later discussion with Gunner’s Mate First Class John Kelly, an International Training Division staffer, going through the course.

“It’s intense, but it has to be,” Kelly said. “Once a petty officer graduates and goes out into the fleet it means that he has the school’s seal of approval – total trust and confidence that we won’t deviate from anything we’ve learned here.”

Scoggin, a 19 year veteran of Marine Corps and Coast Guard service, heads up a team of similarly seasoned professionals with plenty of trigger time on boarding parties and other maritime law enforcement missions. They have the expertise and the judgment that headquarters was looking for to smoothly integrate the new SIG pistol.

As things worked through, Scoggin said, the SIG wasn’t all that different from the old M9. “Seems a little shorter and bulkier but carrying procedures are the same. The way it’s taken into service in boardings is the same. Even the basic course is the same as that of the M9. But the Practical Pistol Course, because of the magazine capacity – 12 rounds vs. 15 – now we have a couple more magazine changes.”

On the other hand, he noted some important differences. “The SIG’s DAO – double action only – takes some getting used to. Before they even go up and try a qualification course we give our students a box of 50 rounds and tell ‘em to get used to the weapon’s trigger squeeze, handling and function.”

Also the illuminated sights for night fire. “The first time I ever saw it was last class with the night fire. A reservist – a police officer in civilian life – qualified with a perfect score at night. A perfect 50. He said that because the way the (SIG’s) night sights illuminated he was right on target. He was tickled to death and that target’s now in our hall of fame.”

We joined the current SAI class on the range nearby, an austere but well designed multi-weapon facility with concrete floor and heavy wooden beams supporting a translucent roof for natural light. Open on three sides, we were particularly thankful for the luck of a sunny day with temperatures in the mid 50s – highly unusual for coastal Virginia in the dead of winter.

The fifteen students were beginning Week 3 by shooting the Practical Pistol Course with the new P229. One was acting as the designated Instructor, demonstrating his mastery of range commands and procedures that must be recalled exactly and given verbatim from memory.

Other students were demonstrating different firing positions and timed drills which included fast and slow shots at various distances from strong and weak hands with and without support. Magazine changes abound, reinforcing necessary muscle memory for instinctive action.

Interestingly, we noted a couple of “alibis” arising from function difficulties with the pistols and the ammunition. Observed stoppages included failure to feed, stovepipe, and one round needing two trigger strokes to ignite it. This was later explained by Scoggin as a natural consequence of brand new weapons needing more break-in time before they work well with the CG’s new environmentally friendly practice ammo, a big plus on ranges to minimize problems with high lead levels.

The Winchester Ranger Frangible SF is pushing a 135 grain no-lead composite bullet at 1,170 fps, and is a cartridge with less recoil impulse than duty issue ball and JHP. The solution, Scoggin says, is to “First run 100 rounds of hardball through each new gun, something we didn’t have a chance to do with some of these. “

Recent SAI grads, along with others who have attended Transition Train-the-Trainer Conferences, have gone back to their areas and units to conduct the ongoing pistol changeover, eliminating the need for outside contract personnel and reinforcing the “Team Coast Guard” concept of operations.

Sector Delaware Bay

The next step in SAR’s inquiry was to check in with some of the personnel who had recently completed transition training and were regularly carrying the new SIG on duty. Sector Delaware Bay, headquartered in Philadelphia, was identified as the CG’s first major user under Phase 2 of the Commandant’s plan.

We were initially puzzled to learn that headquarters directives specify that the “large cutters and tactical units will receive the handgun last.” It didn’t seem right to us that tip-of-the-spear Coasties would have to wait, until it was explained that DoD facilities won’t allow the .40 cal. commercially procured ammo on naval vessels or installations until it undergoes the type classification process. Score another one for the bureaucrats who aren’t willing, even in wartime, to make a common-sense adjustment in the rules.

Less clear was the current prohibition against tactical lights of any kind on the pistols, even for those who would buy their own. The weapon has a MIL STD 1913 rail on the front end of the frame, just begging to be geared up with any combination of laser, IR and visible illuminators in the DoD supply system or otherwise available. Headquarters directives charge units with the responsibility for buying suitable holsters, but caution that those allowing carry with attached tac lights are a no-go.

We invited official CG comment and what was forthcoming fits the big picture. “The Coast Guard will not authorize attachments … until applicable Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) are developed and incorporated into the training (documents).”

Headquarters put us in contact with Lieutenant (JG) Marvin Kimmel, who recently assumed command of SDB’s Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security Division. He told us that some of his Gunner’s Mates were on the 5th District team that implemented the Sector’s transition. Kimmel and his Coasties, along with other units, went through qualification conducted at the CG’s Pomona, NJ, facility over a period of twelve days in December 2005.

First came several hours of classroom instruction to familiarize students with the weapon, its handling, loading and unloading, stripping, cleaning and reassembly. This was followed by unscored practice firing with two full magazines, helping shooters get used to the feel of the pistol, sight alignment, double action only trigger, and recoil. Then record fire to validate those newly qualified to turn in their old Berettas and begin carrying SIGs in the line of duty.

Kimmel says things went very smoothly for the most part. “The GMs handled the whole thing with no need for outside contract instructors. Classroom and range activities proceeded well but there might be some issues with the (frangible) ammo.”

Indigestion

Since the “new pistol shooting frangible ammo” situation had caught our eye at TCY, this flagged a question for further investigation. Was this, we asked, caused by the pistol or the cartridge?

Careful to note a relatively small number of misfires and other stoppages during his unit’s transition firing, Kimmel said the GMs believed these were more a frangible ammo factor than the weapon. No problems with Ball and JHP were reported.

It is instructive at this point to take a close look at a portion of an official transition program message issued by headquarters, addressing a “subtle” drop in qualification rates for a test sample of individuals with the new pistol: “This was attributed to a number of reasons including handgun break in, double action trigger, frangible ammo quality. The slides in the new handgun are tight and, combined with the light projectile weight of the frangible ammo, created a number of jams for shooters. Additionally, the .40 caliber handgun’s double action trigger is significantly different to that of the 9mm handgun.”

Headquarters provided a very practical set of steps in the same message to deal with what seasoned observers recognize as all but inevitable when everything is brand new. First, each pistol will have to be fired with 100 rounds before issue for training or operational use. Then, rookie shooters on the Basic Pistol Marksmanship Course will use only ball or JHP ammo. Finally, those graduating BPMC will get frangible to fire the Practical Pistol Course, starting with 24 unscored rounds for familiarization.

SAR spoke with knowledgeable representatives of SIG, Winchester and the CG. The new pistols work great with the duty ammo they were designed to shoot and the frangible training ammo’s specially formulated non-toxic primers are sometimes a bit harder to light up. Particularly in fanny-freezing cold like SDB Coasties had on the transition range. No big deal.

Expert Opinion

Kimmel agreed to solicit comments from PWCSD Gunner’s Mates Irby and Wood, experienced handgunners with a few years in the job, along with some others under his command. Some selected responses:

SAR: Any specific advantages of the new round and pistol over the M9?

• More accurate, more durable, less malfunctions.
• I like the stability of the weapon. The old M9 was unstable. If you would shake the weapon it would rattle. The new round is more conducive to our job. If one was to discharge a 9mm ball round from the M9 then it had a high probability of ricochet. The new hollow point has less of a chance of passing completely through a person and ricocheting off of a steel bulkhead.
• The new PDW has several advantages over the M9 including increased stopping power. But the main advantage, in my opinion, is the compact design of the weapon despite its larger character and the more consistent trigger pull when compared to the M9.
• Despite its increase in caliber, the new PDW has a slight increase in recoil that does not interfere with target acquisition or the ability to remain on target. I find the new PDW to have very good accuracy which is comparable to the M9.
• The .40 cal hollow point round has much more stopping power. No one is going to keep going after a direct hit from that round, whereas a 9mm may take two or three rounds to take down a subject – especially if the subject is using a narcotic.

SAR: Like or dislike the SIG’s handling compared with the M9 (weight, balance, grip size and angle, etc.)?

• I found the SIG’s handling to be new, not better or worse, just a variation to get used to for the new PDW.
• As an SAI, I feel the SIG is 100 times better than the M9 in every aspect.
• The weight and balance of the new weapon is nicer. It feels more secure in one’s hand. The grip size has been a plus for personnel with smaller hands. Personnel with larger hands don’t tend to have much of a problem with it either.

In a follow-up telephone interview, Kimmel took a bit of exception to the last comment. “I have to remind myself that my big meaty hand sometimes interferes with inserting a new magazine. Also, my long index finger makes it hard to pull straight back on the trigger. If I’m not careful I’ll tweak it to the side. This wasn’t a problem with the Beretta.”

SAR: Anything else that needs to be said?

• Better weapon all around. Better looking weapon. We definitely look like we have newer technology than 1980s. Officer presence is increased in my opinion, in that a newer, more advanced weapon helps us to be viewed as advanced federal officers….

Parting Shot

As the transition program expands throughout the Coast Guard, postings on numerous internet bulletin boards frequented by GMs and other Coasties are noting a percentage of failures to qualify with the new weapon on the first go-round. Typical entries cite the DAK trigger and the pistol’s more energetically recoiling round. But all of this was put into perspective by one salty old GM who had been around for the transition from .45 M1911 to M9: “Takes practice.”

“Semper Paratus” Always Ready

The US Coast Guard is a military, multi-mission, maritime service and one of the nation’s five Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests – in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.

SAR’s experience with Strasburg, Scoggin, Kimmel and other Coast Guard professionals inspires great confidence in the smallest of the US Armed Forces. While urging the best of America’s young men and women to enlist for any of the CG’s many ratings (telephone (877) NOW-USCG or log on to www.gocoastguard.com), we at SAR are naturally inclined toward that of Gunner’s Mate. Check out the Weapons School at TCY for apprentice level and advanced training opportunities at their website www.uscg.mil/tcyorktown/tew/gm.shtm.

Homeland Security Pistol

SIGARMS’ great line of handguns and other weaponry may be explored in depth at www.sigarms.com. One particularly interesting product is the limited-edition .40 S&W caliber “P229 HSP.” It’s just like the ones now in use by the Coast Guard, complete with barcode on the slide, Picatinny rail, DAK trigger, NITRON finished slide, and SIGLITE night sights. Only 1,000 were made and they’re going fast!

As seen in the accompanying comparison table, the Coast Guard’s interesting choice of SIG’s stubby P229 with double-action only and midpower cartridge departs from predecessors in some noteworthy ways.

Although both weapons feature an alloy frame with steel slide and barrel, the SIG is lighter and more compact for faster handling and a better hold for those with smaller hands. The DAK trigger, developed for use by law enforcement, allows safe carry with a round in the chamber and instant firing with a stroke of the trigger finger. No fumbling for the safety lever and consistent 6.5 pound pull for every shot. The SIG’s low-profile hammer won’t snag on life vests and other gear. Tritium-illuminated SIGLITE night sights feature prominent white dots that glow brightly in low light. The .40 caliber round boasts significantly more knockdown and incapacitation.

SIGARMS Introduces Their New SIG 556 Rifle

No other semi-automatic rifle has captured the imagination of the shooting public like the SIG 550 series rifle. For years this legendary Swiss made rifle has been restricted to law enforcement and military sales where it has continuously built on its reputation for outstanding performance, accuracy and durability. Now, SIGARMS has announced that the time has come for a U.S. made version and introduces the new SIG 556. The SIG 556 features the same high-performance two position adjustable gas piston operating rod system engineered by SIG’s sister company Swiss Arms and marries it to a trigger housing that not only cuts the rifle’s weight by a pound but is designed to accept standard AR magazines. Originally developed to work under the extreme situational pressures and environmental conditions of the Swiss Army on Alpine duty, the new SIG 556 delivers when it counts regardless of ammunition type and variances in gas pressure or case material. The SIG 556 features a 16-inch military grade cold hammer forged barrel with a twist rate of 1 in 9 inches. The barrel is locked to the steel receiver through a unique system that allows the user to easily change out the barrel. The forearm housing the gas operating system is a vented non-slip polymer featuring the SIG TriRail design with three integrated Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. There is a forward mount for right or left side sling attachment. The flip up front combat sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The Picatinny rail equipped receiver is made of high strength carbon steel with a durable wear-resistant Nitron X rifle finish. The trigger housing is made from a heat treated aircraft grade aluminum alloy with a hard-coat anodized finish designed to survive extreme conditions. The rifle comes equipped with a smooth two-stage trigger. The SIG 556 also features an ambidextrous safety and is designed to accept standard AR magazines. A rugged 30-round polymer magazine is supplied with each rifle. Spare battery compartments are provided in the ergonomically designed pistol grip as well as the rubber padded watertight adjustable butt stock. The buttstock also offers sling attachment points. In addition to the standard model SIG 556, SIGARMS will also offer a SIG 556 L featuring a longer forearm but also equipped with the 16-inch barrel. The 556 L will be ideal for upgrading to the 20-inch barrel for more precision oriented shooting. The third model planned for 2006 is the SIG 556 SWAT. The SWAT model will feature the same compact design of the standard SIG 556 with 16-inch barrel but will feature a flat top Picatinny railed receiver and a tactical quad rail. These three rifles are the first of several new SIG 556 models that are currently in development at SIGARMS. The new U.S. made SIG 556 will begin to ship in late summer of 2006. For more information please contact SIGARMS, Inc., Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 772-9082.

New M16 A2 Stock from Keng’s Firearms Specialty

A new stock for the M16 A2 is now available from Keng’s Firearms Specialty, Inc. The stock has a sealed compartment for storing a loaded back-up 20-round magazine for use in emergency situations. The 20-round magazine is accessed by pulling down a lever on the buttplate and then rotating the buttplate counter-clockwise. The magazine is then released by pushing a standard M16 magazine release bottom located in the left side of the stock itself. There is a hidden spring in the compartment that helps “push” the magazine out of the recess. The stock’s length-of-pull is the same as that of a standard A2 buttstock and the new stock also has an opaque window through which the magazine can be seen. The inside of the compartment is bright yellow and, if there is no magazine inside the compartment, will serve to remind the shooter to put a loaded 20-round magazine back in place. The new stock is made from 30% glass-fiber reinforced material for added strength and durability. Availability will be late summer. For more information please contact Keng’s Firearms Specialty, Inc., Dept. SAR, 875 Wharton Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30336. Phone: (404) 691-7611. Fax: (404) 505-8445. They can be found on the web at www.versapod.com.

New Colors and Templates from Lauer Custom Weaponry

Lauer Custom Weaponry, long known for their excellent DuraCoat products, have now introduced several new colors as well as new peel & stick templates to help refinish weapons of all types. One of the striking new colors and templates is called the Diamond Plate. The finished product makes the weapon look as if it is made of aluminum tread brite; the same color as a tool box that you would see in the back of a truck. The new “color” gives the host weapon a true 3-D look, as if the Diamond Plate material was actually formed in a weapon. The new Diamond Plate design is actually three different designs that are put on in layers with the help of Lauer’s Peel & Spray templates. Lauer now also has colors and templates available for the new Army Digital Camo as well as Black Oxide, Titanium and even colors that makes your weapon look as though is it the offspring of a Bengal Tiger. Their DuraCoat coatings can be applied with an airbrush, can be baked or not, and give outstanding results with minimal expense and expertise. Lauer even has complete kits which include paint colors, templates, airbrush and an instructional DVD. For more information please contact them at Lauer Custom Weaponry, 3601 129th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Phone: (715) 723-6861. Fax: (715) 723-2950. You can also view the colors on actual weapons at www.lauerweaponry.com.

New Spec-Ops Sniper Rifle Stock from Knoxx Industries

Knoxx Industries, LLC have just released their new Spec-Ops Sniper Rifle Stock. This stock adds to a list of other remarkable recoil-reducing stocks from this California company. This new stock is based on their tried and true Spec-Ops recoil reducing mechanism that tames recoil dramatically. The design and development of their Spec-Ops shotgun stocks have led the way for this new line of rifle stocks. The new stocks have a dramatic look and feature a new billet aluminum CNC-milled forearm. With a fully floated barrel and high tolerance machining, accuracy with these new stocks is said to be nothing short of fabulous. The first stocks will be available for the Remington 700 short and long actions and they will be adding Winchester, Weatherby/Howa 1500, Savage and Mauser stocks as quickly as they can be digitized and programmed into their milling machines. The new Spec-Ops Sniper stock makes a .308 feel like you’re shooing a .22 long rifle and a .375 H&H Magnum feels like a .22-250. An added feature of the new stocks is that the length of pull can be adjusted to fit anyone. For more information on these innovative new stocks, please contact Knoxx Industries, LLC, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 2848, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Phone: (805) 227-4099. Fax: (805) 238-2069. Their website is www.knoxx.com.

ArmaLite AR-18/180 Extended Scope Mount from StormWerkz

StormWerkz has now added an extended version of its popular AR-18/180 scope mount to their line of firearm upgrades. The StormWerkz brand scope mount for ArmaLite AR-18 and AR-180 rifles utilize the military standard M1913 Picatinny rail. Both Weaver and Picatinny rings and adapters will fit this mount. The mount fits all AR-18 and AR-180 rifles, carbines and machine guns regardless of date of manufacture. The mount body is completely CNC machined from 6061 T6511 aluminum bar-stock and then anodized matte black. All of the sub-components are stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. For more on this new scope mount as well as other accessories for the AR-18/180 and Daewoo line of rifles, please contact StormWerkz, Dept. SAR, 408 15th Ave. East, Superior, WI 54880. Phone: (218) 349-6175. They can be found on the web at www.stormwerkz.com.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives now recognizes that certain firearm barrels can be used to assemble both importable and non-importable firearms.

Form 6 applications to import firearm barrels that can be used to assemble either an importable or a non-importable firearm will now be approved by the ATF. However, ATF will continue to deny applications to import barrels, frames and receivers of non-importable firearms.

The change in position, which was announced by way of a November 22, 2005 open letter to industry signed by Audrey Stucko, Deputy Assistant Director (Enforcement Programs and Services) at ATF’s Imports Branch, brings an end to a point of contention which was loudly voiced by importers at last July’s annual Importers Conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by ATF. Attendance at this meeting was limited to licensed importers.

ATF has now publicly stated that it believes that such “dual use” barrels would be eligible for importation into the United States under section 925(d)(3) for commercial purposes, provided prospective importers of such barrels make representations indicating that neither the importer, nor subsequent purchasers of the barrels, will use the barrels to assemble non-importable firearms.

Importers of such barrels will have to provide “sufficient information,” e.g., specific model designation(s) of the firearm(s) that the barrels will be used to assemble, in the “Specific Purpose of Importation” section of the ATF Form 6 that would enable ATF personnel to establish that the barrels sought for importation are being imported for assembly into importable firearms.

If the dual use barrels are being imported for resale to third parties, the importer must state in the “Specific Purpose of Importation” section of the ATF Form 6 that purchasers have been or will be advised that the barrels may only be used for assembly into certain importable models and must list the specific models for which the barrels will be sold. Inclusion of a model not known to be sporting may require the submission of a sample for evaluation to determine if importation of the barrels will be approved.

Background

The issue of the non-importability of certain barrels first arose by way of a July 13, 2005 open letter to industry from ATF which advised that the provisions of 18 U.S.C. section 925(d)(3) established the standards for the importation of firearms and ammunition into the United States. In particular, ATF advised section 925(d)(3) provides that the Attorney General shall authorize a firearm to be imported if it meets several conditions: (1) it is not defined as a firearm under the National Firearms Act; (2) it is generally recognized to be particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; and (3) it is not a surplus military firearm. However, the subsection further provides that “in any case where the Attorney General has not authorized the importation of the firearm pursuant to this paragraph, it shall be unlawful to import any frame, receiver, or barrel of such firearm which would be prohibited if assembled.”

Importers were further advised that ATF had determined that the language of section 925(d)(3) permits no exceptions that would allow the frames, receivers, or barrels for otherwise non-importable firearms to be imported into the United States. As a result, ATF would no longer approve ATF Form 6 import permit applications for importation of any frames, receivers, or barrels for firearms that would be prohibited from importation if assembled. No exceptions to the statutory language, for example for the repair or replacement of existing firearms, were permitted.

A Mixed Blessing

The industry has requested ATF to adopt its former position on the issue of the importation of parts for non-importable firearms since at least the time of the annual Importers Conference last summer. The dual use barrel issue was raised at that time and Ms. Stucko and other ATF personnel present at that meeting promised the industry that they would look into the matter.

Importers expressed disappointment at ATF’s apparent now final decision on the question of whether it would allow the importation of barrels, frames and receivers for otherwise un-importable firearms for the purposes of “repair or replacement” of existing firearms already in the U.S. This former stance (prior to July 2005) was widely known as the “Buckles Doctrine”, as it was the position of the Bureau under its former director, Bradley Buckles.

ATF relented on the matter (somewhat) by way of an August 12, 2005 dated Open Letter to importers in which ATF announced it had decided to extend the time period for importers to act upon previously approved import permits. ATF said the extended period would allow time for importers who had entered into binding contracts in reliance upon approved permits to bring their shipments into the U.S. for entry into commerce.

However, the F.A.I.R. Trade Group, the professional importers’ organization, has continually held that the Buckles Doctrine was a restriction on the trade of goods that could be legally used to assemble lawful firearms and thus contrary to the intent of Congress in regard to the import regulations.

Many believe that ATF’s stance in the matter is an attempt to end the marketing of machine gun kits, as the barrel ban severely affects the importation of barrels for these kits. Without the barrels, the kits become virtually unmarketable, unless the manufacture of barrels is taken up by a U.S. based firm. Such a move, however, would greatly increase the cost of the kits.

There have been allegations that ATF engaged in a “secret” decision making process before making its parts ban decision. Approved permits for the affected parts were allegedly being delayed since January 2005. This caused a situation where businesses were continuing to make purchases of the soon to be affected goods overseas with no idea that ATF planned to deny their import permits.

In a letter to ATF written last July objecting to the move, F.A.I.R.’s president Charles Steen wrote that direct questions to both examiners and to ATF management regarding the perception that permits related to the § 925(d)(3) policy were not being processed were met with either a complete denial of any policy to delay processing of these permits or assertions of ignorance-leaving the industry unaware of pending action.

ATF’s latest stance is not the end of the matter, however, as the industry continues to work for a legislative solution through the F.A.I.R. Trade Group.

Dealer Enters Guilty Plea in Parts Kit Case

During the second week of trial in federal court, the defendant entered a plea of guilty to committing mail fraud involving the illegal transfer of machine guns and giving a false statement to an ATF agent.

United States Attorney Jonathan S. Gasser, stated that Ernest Wrenn, age 56, of North Augusta, South Carolina, has pled guilty in federal court in Columbia, SC to one count of mail fraud involving the illegal transfer of machineguns, a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1341; and one count of knowingly making a materially false statement to a federal law enforcement agent regarding a matter within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of ATF. U.S. District Judge Margaret B. Seymour accepted the plea.

Evidence presented during the trial, which started on November 7, 2005, established that on June 20, 2002 ATF Special Agent Baldwin visited Wrenn, owner of Poor Man’s Gun and Pawn Shop, at 614 Atomic Road, North Augusta, S.C., in order to pick up Maxim machine gun kits which had previously been deemed illegal by the ATF Firearms Technology Branch. At that time, the defendant provided Special Agent Baldwin with a written statement in which he falsely represented the number of items from the Maxim machine gun kits that were still in his possession.

On June 28, 2002 a federal search warrant was executed at Poor Man’s Gun & Pawn and the defendant admitted that he was in fact still in possession of the illegal Maxim machine gun parts Special Agent Baldwin had requested. ATF agents said they found two fully assembled Maxim machine guns in the defendant’s possession.

On January 29, 2004, based on new information, ATF agents executed a second search warrant at Poor Man’s Gun & Pawn. The evidence obtained during the second search confirmed that the defendant had engaged in a scheme to defraud customers of their money by falsely representing that the machine gun kits sold by the defendant were approved by ATF. During the first week of trial, the Government called about 15 witnesses from 14 states to testify about their business transactions with the defendant. The witnesses testified that they spent anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 on the defendant’s products on the basis of the defendant’s representations that his products were legal to possess.

Gasser stated the maximum penalty Wrenn can receive as to the mail fraud count is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for twenty years. The maximum penalty for the false statement count is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Brazilians Vote ‘No’ to Gun Ban

Two thirds of Brazil’s voters have rejected a national referendum held October 23, 2005, which would have banned the sales of most firearms and ammunition in the country.

Campaigners for gun control in Brazil and around the world expressed surprise and disappointment at the result of the referendum in which 64% of the 122 million voters said ‘No’ to banning the sale of firearms and ammunition.

“The financial and marketing power of the gun lobby and the gun industry in Brazil won in the end,” said Rebecca Peters, Director of the International Action Network on Small Arms, a major international organization working for gun control world-wide. “We are disappointed at this lost opportunity to take a dramatic stand against gun violence, but we know the country’s strict new guns laws (implemented in 2003) will continue to help save lives.”

In the 3 weeks leading up to the referendum vote, Brazil’s election law required that each side be allocated equal air-time to promote their arguments. The pro-gun lobby used that period to run a professional television educational campaign.

The referendum was one of the measures contained in a national gun law introduced in December 2003, aimed at the poor that generally made it illegal to carry guns, imposed tighter restrictions for obtaining a gun, and stiffened penalties for using or owning guns illegally. In 2004, 3,200 fewer people died from gunshot wounds, a drop of 8% and the first decrease in 13 years.

The Brazilian referendum is believed to be the first time any country has put its national gun laws to a popular vote. Brazil has the highest number of gun deaths in the world, around 38,000 a year – or more than 100 every day. This is a higher rate than in many conflict zones. It is also the second largest producer of guns in the hemisphere.

Surveys done a month before the vote had shown most people favored the ban but more recent polls swung the other way. Groups favoring the ban accused local arms manufacturers of funding a big gun rights campaign and manipulating fears. The international pro-ban proponents had hoped a successful ‘Yes’ vote would influence gun laws in other developing countries.

If the ban had passed, most sales of guns and ammunition would have been halted, although public safety officers, private security firms, judges and sport clubs would still have been able to buy them.

The number of firearms shops fell over 80 percent to about 250 in Latin America’s largest country from some 1,500 after the new law was enacted in late 2003. It calls for psychological exams, shooting and gun-handling tests, and high registration fees that must be paid periodically. Gun owners are limited to buying only 50 cartridges annually. Gun prices and fees are already prohibitive for most people in Brazil, where the average monthly wage is about $400. In addition to the cost of the gun, buyers have to pay $300 more for registration, exams and a shooting course. These requirements remain in effect, though the near total ban proposed in the referendum was defeated.

In the state of Rio Grande do Sul – home to Taurus and Rossi, Brazil’s two largest firearms manufacturers – the ban was rejected by a ratio of more than four to one.

Violence is rampant throughout Brazil, from the cities to the Amazon jungle. Drug gangs control Rio’s slums – one area is named the “Gaza Strip” because of the frequent clashes. Juvenile delinquents are often dealt with by hired hitmen called “justiceiros” and in the vast interior, land disputes and other scores are settled by hired gunmen known as “pistoleiros.”

It’s estimated there are over 17 million firearms in Brazil, nearly 60% of them illegal. Civilians hold about 4 million registered firearms.

Fiocchi/FN Partner for 5.7x28mm Ammo

Herstal, Belgium-based FN Herstal and Lecco, Italy-based Fiocchi Munizioni S.P.A. have officially signed a cooperative agreement for the manufacturing of 5.7x28mm ammunition by Fiocchi in the United States. The 5.7x28mm ammunition developed and designed by FN Herstal will be marketed under the FN brand name.

The agreement has been expanded to include the U.S. market. Fiocchi of America has begun loading SS196 SR and SS197 SR cartridges in its Ozark, Mo. manufacturing facility. The FN-designed cartridges will be sold in the U.S. by FNH USA, LLC through its distribution network.

“This agreement allows us to keep pace with consumer demand for the popular 5.7×28 mm cartridge as well as the Five seveN USG handguns and the new and upcoming PS 90 semi-automatic carbine,” said Rick DeMilt, Director of Commercial and Law Enforcement Sales and Marketing for FNH USA. “Having a U.S. supplier is a significant advantage.” Founded in 1876 by Giulio Fiocchi, Fiocchi Munizioni S.P.A. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of small caliber ammunition.

Crimson Trace Partners with SIGARMS

Crimson Trace Corporation has entered into a co-branding bundle with SIGARMS, makers of SIG SAUER pistols. Lasergrip-equipped SIG pistols will be available on models P220 Classic Full Size, P229R Classic Compact Size, and P226R Classic Full Size, and will bear the SIG SAUER logo.

The all-black Lasergrips complement the tactical appearance of SIG SAUER pistols, and the Lasergrips will be pre-sighted at the factory, making the package ready to shoot right out of the box. According to Sig Sauer, the packages are available now through its network of “SIGnificant” dealers.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters, The International Firearms Trade which covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business which covers the domestic market. He also offers FFL-mailing lists to firms interested in direct marketing efforts to the industry. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

GEMTECH T.E.R.I.S.

Gemtech is proud to introduce their new TERIS (Tactical Eye Relief Interface System). The TERIS is a flip-out sight-blocking device that attaches to your scope. The TERIS offers several features that benefits most all shooters. It allows shooting with both eyes open, helps eliminate eyestrain and facial muscle contractions, adds more light to shooters vision and stops crossover from having both eyes open too long. Ballistic data cards can also be attached to the device so that the shooter can keep target acquisition while checking ballistic tables. The TERIS clamps to the scope with a non-marring clamp and folds out of the way while remaining on the scope. Data cards are also available from Gemtech. The TERIS is available for most Leupold and similar size scopes. For more information or to place an order, contact Gemtech, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3538, Boise, ID 83703. Phone: 1-208-939-7222. Contact them on the web at www.gem-tech.com.

NEW VARMINT PAKS FROM NOSLER

Nosler, Inc., manufacturer of high quality rifle and handgun bullets, has announced the availability of large quantity packages for some of its most popular Ballistic Tipr Varmint offerings. The new Nosler 250 quantity Varmint Paks are available for the .22 caliber 40 grain and .22 caliber 55 grain Ballistic Tipr Varmint bullets and are aimed at the varminter who counts his trigger pulls in the hundreds and thousands. These quantity packs represent a substantial savings as well. The bullets feature ultra-thin, tapered jackets and pure lead cores for violent expansion across the entire spectrum of velocities and ranges. The Nosler Varmint Paks look like larger versions of the 100 count black and gold boxes currently available for all Ballistic Tipr Varmint bullets. For a 1998 Nosler Bullets for Sportsmen catalog featuring their entire line of bullets, contact them at Nosler, inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 671, Bend, Oregon. Phone: 1-800-285-3701. On the web at
www.nosler.com.

PEARCE GRIP ENHANCERS FOR GLOCKS

Pearce Grip, Inc., has just introduced their new grip accessories for the Glock series of handguns. The Grip Enhancers with Mag-Track replaces the factory magazine floor plate and provides extra gripping surface without increasing the over-all length of the grip. This is accomplished by lengthening the floor plate and filling the semi-circular recess in the lower forward portion of the grip. These “Grip Enhancers” also provide for easier manual magazine extraction and minimize the possibility of debris entering the magazine well. They also incorporate an identification magazine feature called Mag-Track consisting of a series of five circular recesses that allow the user to mark each magazine for tracking purposes. These Grip Enhancers are available for Models 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24. Pearce Grip also makes a complete line of grips for other handguns. For more information contact Pearce Grip, Inc., Dept. SAR , P.O. Box 187, Bothell, WA 98041. Phone: 1-800-390-9420. Fax: 1-425-488-7102. On the web at www.pearcegrip.com.

T’SOB AR-15/M-16 SCOPE MOUNT FROM SSK INDUSTRIES

A new AR-15/M-16 sighting system is now available from SSK Industries. The new mount called the T’SOB is mounted to the top of the AR receiver and places the optical red dot sight in line with the guns’ iron sights. To achieve this the carrying handle must be cut and part of it removed. The guns’ iron sights can still be used by looking through the red dot scope. The shooter is instantly ready for action either way. Mounts are available for typical red dot sights, C-More sight, HOLO and the Aimpoint Mil Comp Q.D.. SSK Industries will chop your carrying handle and install the T’SOB for $125.00 plus $10.00 for shipping and insurance. SSK also offers the 30mm Ultra-Dot sight to go along with their new mount. For more information contact SSK Industries, Dept. SAR, 590 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43953. Phone: 1-740-264-0176. Fax: 1-740-264-2257.

SIGARMS sig pro SP2340

SIGARMS has added a new line of polymer pistols to the world-renowned SIG/SAUER semi-automatic family of handguns. Breaking new ground in polymer technology has allowed the famous SIG/SAUER reputation for quality and engineering to continue on in this lightweight, low maintenance pistol. These newly designed polymers form the frame of this advanced pistol design, which also incorporates an integral accessory rail to meet shooters’ specific needs. One main feature of the new sig pro is the integral fire control unit that incorporates the hammer, sear and trigger in one modular piece. Now, conversion from SA/DA to DAO is simply a matter of exchanging the integral fire control unit. The new sig pro offers shooters a one-piece stainless steel slide that has maximum corrosion resistance while making the pistol truly handsome in its blackened stainless finish. Two sets of grips are included with the new pistols; the first is a composite grip that provides a firm, non-slip hold, while the second offers shooters a little more comfort and fit, thanks to a softer rubberized compound. The gun comes equipped with standard low profile, high contrast, combat-type sights, a blade front and notched rear. SIGLITEr night sights are available as an option for those who want the best for low light conditions. Available calibers for 1998 are limited to .357 SIG and .40 S&W. For more information contact; SIG Arms, Inc., Dept. SAR, Corporate Park, Exeter, NH 03833.=20 Phone: 1-603-772-2302. Fax: 1-603-772-1481.