The 300 Blackout cartridge was created in response to a 2009 U.S. Special Operation Command’s request. SOCOM units were steadily involved in CQB operations in Iraq and Afghanistan where compact firearms were at a premium. Short-barreled 5.56mm M4 carbines were not cutting it. Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) was given certain parameters to satisfy by the military procurement request — primary on this list was a .30 caliber cartridge that would be as quiet as a suppressed 9mm Heckler & Koch MP5-SD submachine gun while offering increased lethality, all out of an AR-style platform with a 9-inch barrel, using AR15 magazines. On top of this, the cartridge was to offer more power than the 7.62×39 from said short barrel. Both supersonic and subsonic factory ammunition that would work dependably with or without a suppressor was another key specification that sets the 300 AAC Blackout (300 Blk) apart from other AR compatible cartridge attempts. AAC was successful after making tweaks to the then existing 300 Whisper round creating the January 2011 SAAMI approved 300 Blk. From the onset, the M4/M16 platform was the primary vehicle to launch 300 Blk rounds. Designers kept this in mind during load development so as to ensure mechanical reliability while requiring minimal changes in the weapon to chamber the 300 Blk   — basically just the barrel needed to be changed.

The 300 Blk’s raison d’être is as a CQB weapon typified by tight quarters and operational use indoors. Sounds like the ideal basis for a personal defense weapon. What distinguishes the 300 Blk is its ability to access standard, hard hitting supersonic rounds superior to 5.56mm while maintaining the trump card of subsonic ammunition if the end user desires. The 300 Blk cartridge has emerged as one of the most successful alternate AR chamberings. The ability to access either supersonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the 300 Blk user; especially considering the special attention paid to its compatibility with the AR platform.

The 300 Blk chambering has grown beyond AR type weapons. Numerous manufacturers are offering bolt action and single shot rifles in 300 Blk. Anecdotal information compares 300 Blk 115-125 grain ammunition as offering superior ballistics over the 7.62x39mm AK and totally eclipses 5.56mm both in ballistics and terminal punch, as well. Our focus will be on subsonic use.

Tactically it is not hard to visualize what roles a suppressed 300 Blk stocked with subsonic rounds would fill. Anything from sentry removal, canine or two-legged, disabling lights and security cameras. CQB operations indoors also come to mind when communications between team members is a priority, especially during nighttime operations. If an enemy is not aware you are present, even when already being engaged you have a real tactical advantage. Subsonic rounds are downright spooky in their arrival when combined with use of a suppressor.

However, for most of us, we must see past operations equipped with night vision and zombie apocalypse scenarios in our thinking. Being able to maintain discretion is an important aspect to be considered in numerous situations. For example, how best to acquire food discretely and efficiently is too often pushed to the back of the bus in gun literature. A normal sounding rifle shot is sure to attract what could be unwanted attention. Personal defense where you must maintain situational awareness, i.e. hearing or being able to communicate with loved ones, also comes to mind. Here the terminal penetration of 300 Blk subsonic loads (similar to a 45 ACP pistol) compared to supersonic rifle loads through various mediums is not such a huge disadvantage.

Initial 300 Blk subsonic loads took advantage of the plethora of heavy .30 caliber bullets available for use; however, most were match-type bullets. The heavier .30 caliber bullets are comparatively long which created concerns for what twist rate best were best suited to stabilize the round, especially with short barrels that typify 300 Blk-chambered weapons. While 1:7-inch or faster (depending on barrel length) was found acceptable, terminal performance with the match rounds were lackluster resembling FMJ punch-through characteristics. How to get 300 Blk ammunition to expand AND penetrate with terminal effect became the next goal. Multiple manufacturers have responded to this challenge. We are going to focus on two of the larger ammunition producers to see what they came up with. Hornady and SIG SAUER each offer subsonic 300 Blk ammunition offering superior terminal performance while maximizing noise reduction when combined with suppressor.

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

Let’s remember, subsonic 300 Blk loads resembles a pistol round’s ballistic performance. For comparison’s sake, a 230 grain 45 ACP generates 461 ft/lbs of energy. The Hornady 190-grain Sub-X makes 465 ft/lbs. All things being equal a high-SD bullet penetrates better than a low-SD bullet. (BC is a measurement of how well a bullet moves thru the air.) Superior ballistic coefficients (.437 for the 190 grain Sub-X versus .188 for a 45 ACP) 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. The SIG Sauer 205 grain Tipped Hunting benefits from these same qualities.

SIG’s relationship with our military forces is well known. Elite units often reach out directly to SIG for support. When subsonic bullet performance proved lacking SIG got the call. The SIG 205-grain Tipped Hunting ammunition was the result. Conversations with SIG, as well as an article from Tom Beckstrand provided insight into the SIG load. Remember our 300 Blk subsonic to handgun analogy? SIG turned to their proven V-Crown pistol bullet design as a starting point. A polymer tip was added to properly start expansion at sub-1000fps velocities. Something handguns often have to deal with.

One thing that immediately attracts your attention with the SIG round is the bullet profile. While .30 caliber as it emerges from the case mouth, the SIG 205 grain tipped bullet has shoulder that’s similar to a cartridge case that steps its diameter down. Why not keep the .30 caliber diameter farther out the ogive? The answer lies with 5.56mm AR magazines. A .30 caliber bullet ogive that extends too far out from a case neck causes issues with a typical 5.56mm AR magazine. Heavy grain 300 Blk loads can come into contact with a magazine’s interior supporting ribs that run along the inside of a magazine. Magazine side ribs can push the bullet noses towards the centerline of the magazine instead of keeping them parallel along the sides of the magazine, especially long heavy grain subsonic bullets. This can cause the rounds to sit at an angle once loaded making it problematic for the feed lips to provide reliable feeding. Thus, SIG designed a subsonic load with terminal ballistic qualities that also provides peace of mind when feeding from a 30-round magazine when cycling full-auto.

Range Time

After all this bullet background, it’s time to fire some. A SIG MCX Rattler Canebrake was chosen for range time. The MCX Canebrake is a military grade weapon in the hands of our elite operators along with British and other allies that civilians can easily obtain thanks to its pistol brace eliminating the need for an ATF tax stamp– sans full auto capability. Like the 300 Blk, the MCX series was driven by a tier one DOD unit request that sought to increase accuracy, modularity and durability over the legacy of the AR15/M16 system. Furthermore, the light weight, compact weapon was intended to be operated suppressed from its conception. A SIG SRD762 suppressor was placed under the MCX Rattler Canebrake’s oversized SD handguard.

What sets the SIG Canebrake apart, even from its larger Virtus brethren, is the compact size made possible via the 5.5-inch barrel with 1:5 twist. The 29.25-inch, 6.5-pound Rattler Canebrake is chambered in 300 Blk; an obvious decision considering the intent to suppress. A free-floating oversized M-LOK handguard is paired with a Canebrake-specific MCX compact upper matched with a side-folding, pivoting arm brace. SIG created the MCX Canebrake as the ideal choice for operators needing maximum firepower in a quiet discrete package.

With magazines loaded with Hornady 190-grain Sub-X and SIG 205-grain Tipped Hunting rounds, the suppressed SIG MCX Canebrake was taken to the Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) for sighting in before heading to the facility’s MOUT village and Hesco shoot house. The focus was making sure reliability was maintained. Engagement distances were kept within 100 yards – with most targets placed between 25 and 50 yards. Trajectory was surprisingly flat out to 50 yards. 100-yard bullet strikes were approximately 7-inches low with the 50-yard zero.

300BLK recoil impulse is similar to a 5.56mm when using standard supersonic loads. The SIG SRD762 suppressor not only serves reduces muzzle blast/signature, but also minimizes recoil impulse even further. Subsonic loads are even tamer. The Hornady or SIG Sauer subsonic loads had no issue cycling in the MCX Canebrake—a credit to SIG’s gas adjustable piston design. It never fails to impress when suppressed subsonic rounds sent downrange, especially in an aggressive manner. The rounds slapping steel, cardboard targets, berm or Hesco shoot house background could be heard distinctly over any blast at the firing point. Close range front windshield glass penetration was evaluated. The heavy 300 Blk slugs had no problem punching through. Hornady and SIG bullets were recovered from the berm. Though not a scientific as ballistic gelatin, which has results posted on the internet courtesy of Hornady and SIG, the recovered bullets exhibited the expected expansion while not losing jacket integrity thus ensuring deep penetration. Impressions of the subsonic 300 Blk fired from the suppressed SIG MCX exceeded expectations. Lack of recoil and muzzle blast allowed complete focus on the target during evaluation scenarios. It was like running and gunning with a .22 caliber rimfire weapon. It was almost surreal to handle a weapon like the SIG MCX without requiring hearing protection. What else can be said.

With “black rifles” dominating the gun media of late it is easy to forget that other firearm types exist. My initial interest in firearms was hunting rifles typified by bolt-action rifles. Let’s continue to pull on this idea thread. What comes to mind if “bolt-action rifle” is mentioned? I would venture to say an image of a 26-inch heavy profile barrel in a stout stock appears in readers’ thoughts. .308Win/7.62 NATO is the standard chambering with the caveat that cartridges are only getting larger to provide extended range and punch. Where are we going with this? Other bolt-action rifle types exist. Sometimes exploring something different broadens your horizons. Our analysis will not be based on the military or law enforcement logistical chain; rather think more along the lines of a company satisfying a changing sporting market due to a hunting regulation change. 

Ruger as a company has proven to be versatile and adaptable. A diverse product catalogue supports this. When Michigan and other Midwestern states began amending hunting regulations to allow for straight-walled rifle cartridges with overall lengths of 1.16 inches to 1.80 inches in lieu of shotgun or muzzle loading only, manufacturers quickly answered consumer calls. The original intent was for big bore revolver cartridges such as .44Mag, .454 Casull and .500 S&W to be taken afield in rifle packages. Ruger decided that a cartridge designed to increase AR-15 potency would make a good candidate for this new role. Enter the .450 Bushmaster chambered in the bolt-action Ruger American® Rifle Ranch. 

The .450 Bushmaster 

The urge to expand AR-15-type rifles beyond .22-caliber “poodle shooters,” while maintaining ergonomics, has led to interesting cartridge creations. The .450 Bushmaster is an excellent example of this. The .450 Bushmaster was designed by the Hornady Manufacturing Company for Bushmaster Firearms when the latter wanted a .45 caliber cartridge that would work through the AR-15 action. The Bushmaster is based on a shortened .284 Winchester case. It is a rimless, straight-wall case with a rebated .473-inch diameter rim and a .500-inch-diameter head. The case is 1.70 inches long. It uses .452-inch-diameter bullets, as used in .45-caliber handguns, NOT .458-inch-diameter rifle bullets. The loaded overall cartridge length is 2.250 inches, and the case takes small rifle primers. 

Typical bullet weights range from 250 grain up to 300 grain. Hornady and Remington make several loads available for users. Buffalo Bore does offer a potent 360-grain hardcast .450 Bushmaster option along with multiple other bullet weights/types. Not a surprise to anyone familiar with Buffalo Bore’s innovative ammunition offerings. 

The .450 Bushmaster was specifically designed to generate stopping power at short to moderate ranges out of the AR. Two-hundred fifty- to 300-grain .450 Bushmaster loads pushing 2,200 feet per second with a 175-yard zero will give a relatively flat trajectory out to 200 yards; the 175-yard zero will have the bullet offset about 2 inches high at 50 yards, +3 inches at 100 yards and dropping -3 inches at 200 yards. The .450 Bushmaster’s heavy, large-diameter bullets and moderate velocities make it well-suited for use in multiple arenas not just urban/CQB environments as initially designed. .450 Bushmaster chamberings are expanding into sporting roles with bolt-action rifles coming on board to supplement AR types. The .450 Bushmaster’s terminal ballistics and large projectile have equal effect on engine block or large hog, assailants with body armor or penetrating the front chest of a bear. Automotive body panels are passed through as easy as a deer cavity. 

The .450 Bushmaster in the bolt-action Ruger American Rifle Ranch gives hunters .45-70 Government performance in a compact 36-inch, sub-6-pound rifle. The 16.12-inch cold hammer forged barrel is free-floated with muzzle brake affixed via 11/16-24 thread pattern. The muzzle brake is secured by an adjustable barrel nut in place of a crush washer. The steel receiver is topped with a factory-installed, 5-inch aluminum optics rail compatible with Picatinny-type scope mounting systems. This simplifies optic mounting and even allows for red dot use if the user desires. The single-piece, three-lug bolt cycles smoothly and features a full diameter bolt body, dual cocking cams and a round knob bolt handle. The bolt handle’s 70-degree throw keeps it clear of the optic. A three-round detachable box magazine feeds the stubby .450 Bushmaster into the chamber. A tang-mounted safety completes the action. 

Ruger uses a lightweight Flat Dark Earth synthetic stock featuring its patent-pending Power Bedding integral bedding block system, which gets the most of accuracy potential. A Ruger Marksman adjustable single-stage trigger set at 4 pounds further assists in the accuracy equation. The trigger is the interface between shooter and rifle in terms of producing accurate shot placement. Yes, the shooting position and way the rifle is mounted is important; however, the trigger press has the last word in terms of sending a round down range. The goal is to minimize shooter input/energy at the time the shot is taken. 

Good marksmanship in the field starts with confidence. Confidence is built through firing a rifle that is not overly punishing and is inherently accurate as demonstrated from the bench. Each of us has different standards and tolerances with this. A rifle that shoots well off the bench offers the shooter no excuses or alibis when serious practice includes field shooting positions or shooting in the woods. The Ruger American Rifle Ranch .450 Bushmaster with a Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm optic produced consistent 1.50-inch or better groups at 100 yards. Hard to ask for more than this from a compact economical bolt-action with a 1-6x power scope on board. 

Testing

The Ruger American Rifle Ranch with its portability is intended for stalk or still hunting forays. This translates into fluid off-hand shots at game and not off rests or bipods—if lucky, the hunter will be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of off-hand shooting This was simulated during a T&E at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) by setting up clay pi-geons at various ranges and then assuming sit-ting, kneeling or standing shooting positions. Another twist is to have a companion pick the target and shooting position and the shooter to engage as designated as quickly as possible. Further field testing consisted of EVTC’s Jungle Walk Range. The ability to move through its varied terrain and engage randomly placed deer targets hidden within cover suited the Ruger American Rifle Ranch .450 Bushmaster evaluation perfectly. Ranges involved were 35 to 150 yards with multiple shots fired at most of the targets. The emphasis was on accurate shot placement and working the Ruger American’s bolt without removing the rifle from the shoulder. The low 1x setting on the Burris RT-6 allowed for a wide field of view and quick target assessment/engagement. A quick crank of the magnification knob allowed for easy targeting of longer range targets. The Ruger stock and recoil pad combined with muzzle brake tamed recoil to manageable levels even with the stout Buffalo Bore rounds. The Ruger American Rifle Ranch proved to “hang” well and was very manageable in getting into and out of field shooting positions. While not empirical data, the muzzle brake on the Ruger American tames felt recoil into about the 28/20-gauge shotgun realm for reference sake. This encourages more range time, equating to increased proficiency. 

For Use Anywhere 

The Ruger American Rifle Ranch .450 Bushmaster’s appeal is not confined to only the newly opened areas of Michigan and other Midwestern states. In steep, thick terrain, i.e., Appalachian Mountains or southern swamps, game needs to be anchored quickly. A wounded animal will inevitably head downhill or the toward the most inconvenient direction, often causing a lot of extra work to extract it once recovered. The quick-handling, heavy-hitting Ruger American Rifle Ranch chambered in .450 Bushmaster is ideal for this environment, too. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Ruger 

ruger.com 

Buffalo Bore Ammunition 

buffalobore.com 

Burris Optics 

burrisoptics.com 

Hornady Manufacturing 

hornady.com 

Remington Ammunition 

remington.com/ammunition 

SIG SAUER 

sigsauer.com 

Echo Valley Training Center 

echovalleytraining.com 

The popularity of the M1A when initially introduced in 1974 was a pleasant surprise for Springfield Armory—no relation to the government arsenal in Massachusetts. Looking back, it seems pre-ordained the M1A would be a success; it is hard to argue against a high-capacity .30-caliber weapon that traces its roots to the “Greatest Generation” who won WWII. Remember the M16/ AR-15 platform was suffering from a reputation of unreliability stemming from its teething problem due to ammunition changes made in Vietnam. Springfield Armory had shown the accuracy potential of the M1A with it National Match and Super Match rifles introduced in the mid-1970s. It did not take a large leap of imagination to realize that the M1As offered the same features that are craved for in a tactical weapon by either police or security-conscious citizens. Numerous Springfield Armory M1A models exist as a result of this; the M1A™ SOCOM 16 was introduced in 2004. 

The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 was ahead of its time considering the number of AR-10 patterns chambered in 7.62NATO that have been introduced since 2004. The combination of the M1A SOCOM 16’s handling with the increased power represented in the 7.62NATO cartridge is the key to its appeal. This is speaking in terms of the lethality and effective range, while still allowing for multiple rounds sent quickly downrange if needed in a close-range melee. While the 5.56mm round is often chided in terms of lethality, the 7.62NATO does not suffer from this reputation. Reports from Afghanistan and Iraq exposed the 5.56mm’s poor performance in putting an adversary down quickly with minimal rounds fired at longer distance, especially with the shortened M4 barrel.

The Details

The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 weighs approximately 8.8 pounds and measures 37.25 inches. A black composite stock provides shooter interface with the weapon. An enlarged ghost ring aperture rear sight and XS Tritium Insert in the front post give you the quick target acquisition. The specially engineered 16.25-inch barrel is mated to a tuned gas system with a proprietary muzzle brake balancing portability/handling, while maintaining 7.62NATO ballistics and terminal performance. The M1A SOCOM 16 features a forward Scout-style Picatinny mount for red dot or intermediate eye relief optic mounting. Users will need to make sure to mount as low to the barrel as possible to maintain proper cheek weld. 

The M1A SOCOM 16 proved so adept with its aperture iron sights and mounted red dots the author decided to up the ante in the form of a Leupold VX-R 1.5-5x33mm Illuminated Scout scope. The variable magnification power range and FireDot Duplex Reticle is ideal for use in this Scout scope application. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper’s Scout rifle has a legion of devotees keeping the Scout torch burning bright, and rightfully so. What is not to like about a rifle whose concept is centered on versatility and real-world application? Everyone is dubious of something that promises to do several tasks well. The underlying concern is that compromises involved with making something adaptable invariably leads to compromises in performance. The Scout rifle concept refutes this assumption. 

A quick review of Cooper’s Scout rifle tenants are in order. “A general purpose rifle … conveniently portable, individually operated firearm, capable of striking a single decisive blow, on a live target … at any distance at which the operator can shoot with the precision necessary to place a shot in a vital area of the target.” Cooper specified dimensions of an overall length of 39 inches and a weight of 6.6 pounds with the now signature intermediate eye relief, low-powered scope mounted in front of the action; maximizing peripheral vision for situational awareness. The rifle also must have provision for efficient reloading, thus offering a modicum of firepower. Finally, the rifle’s chambering must be powerful enough to anchor large quarry while still lending itself to other criteria, such as capacity and size of rifle—the .308Win has come to be accepted as the most natural cartridge. 

There seems to be an assumption that Scout rifles need to be bolt-action in nature. Time to generate some thought. Challenging accepted notions is always the best way to do this. The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 exceeds Cooper’s weight requirements but excels in terms of firepower and efficient reloading thanks to detachable 20-round magazines. As with most good ideas, the SOCOM 16 Scout concept is simple and builds on previous ideas advocated with other firearm types, such as bolt- and lever-action rifles. 

Some will scoff at the M1A SOCOM 16 being used as a Scout rifle. “Scout” purists will find fault in the trigger, not being able to load a single round of ammunition, sling options (i.e., not Ching Sling), and point out it is overweight, and so on. Do not be dogmatic. The Scout-scope-equipped SOCOM 16 is valid and should not be dismissed until fully assessed for what it offers in terms of capabilities. Its anticipated role must be taken into account with 20 rounds of .308Win, not easily discounted. 

The Leupold VX-R scope offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence more accurately and at greater distances as compared to open sights or red dots. As many “maturing” shooters can attest, the single focus plane with the reticle is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The Leupold VX-R optic gathers light in dim light, the crosshair is hard to beat for aiming point, and the magnification aids in accuracy and finding lanes of fire when firing in dense areas. The Leupold is superior to iron sights and allows for reliable target recognition. The Bindon Concept of keeping both eyes open and having the reticle appear to float in front of the rifle works with the forward-mounted Scout scope with the FireDot. The bright/crisp FireDot reticle dot immediately draws your eye to the center on the target, making target acquisition quick and simple, especially at close range; thus offering the best of both worlds of red dot and magnified optics.

Ammo 

Federal American Eagle 150-grain FMJ, SIG SAUER 150-grain FMJ, 150-grain HT, 165-grain CET and 168-grain Match, Black Hills 168-grain Match and PMC 150-grain FMJ loads all produced acceptable accuracy. In fact, no ammunition, including full metal jacket surplus ammunition, generated greater than 2.25-inch accuracy levels at 100 yards. The Leupold VX-R with 5x allowed for better exploration of accuracy than iron sights or red dots. The handiness gained from the short barrel outweighs the velocity lost in my opinion. The M1A SOCOM 16’s barrel produced 2,510 fps with 168 grain bullets when tested over a Caldwell Precision Ballistic Chronograph. Velocity is important, especially for extended ranges, but the 7.62NATO round does not rely on hyper velocity to be effective. 

Range Tests

The Springfield M1A SOCOM 16 with the Leupold VX-R 1.5-5x33mm Illuminated Scout scope was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). The Scout-scope-equipped SOCOM 16 showed its true promise by performing not only within the 100-yard EVTC bays firing from barricades and engaging multiple targets, but also back at the prepared firing position line. Steel silhouette targets were situated randomly from 50 to 320 yards. While 300 yards are considered the far side of most fire fights, it is confidence-inspiring to connect at that distance upon command. The SOCOM 16/Leupold VX-R combo made short work of striking various targets in quick fashion. The M1A SOCOM 16 proved just as efficient against fluid-drained automobiles located in EVTC’s 360 Range with steel popper targets located inside the cab; some of the scenarios involved firing through the front windshield.

Other range tests consisted of completing multiple runs on EVTC’s “Jungle Walk” range. Several ISPC-style man targets and steel silhouettes were engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target, and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. Testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 handled as well as any rifle tested. This includes AR- and AK-type rifles.

Anecdotally, a casual observer can easily tell a steel target smacked with 7.62NATO versus 5.56mm at any distance. Much is made of the increased number of 5.56mm rounds that can be carried compared to 7.62NATO. While this line of thinking is appreciated, in this author’s opinion, unless one is on an extended patrol or mission that is not easily re-supplied, the extra power and lethality of the 7.62NATO over the 5.56mm trump this. For law enforcement or civilians, this consideration is really a moot point to start with considering mission profiles involved. As with most weapon system comparisons the pros/cons can be debated forever. Individual users will make the decision of what best suits their needs. 

All Business

Springfield Armory’s understanding and appreciation of the M14/M1A as a fighting rifle translate into the M1A SOCOM 16 accentuating these characteristics with no desire to make it into anything else. The forward-mounted optic rail is a nod to the advantages offered by optic mounting without succumbing to the urge to hang items that are not necessary on the forend, ruining its handling. All business with no wasted effort sums up the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16. The Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 with Leupold VX-R optic will take care of most any imaginable engagements from 0 to 600 yards involving two- or four-legged adversaries/quarry. The SOCOM 16 configured as a Scout rifle is hard to argue against in terms of utility for LE or security-conscious civilians. 

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper’s shadow will always be present for any rifle utilizing Scout setup. Yes, there are more accepted Scout forms than the Springfield Armory M1A-SOCOM-16-based version. Anyone using the SOCOM 16/Leupold VX-R combo will consider himself well-armed and ready to handle any situation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Springfield Armory

springfield-armory.com

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com

Leupold

leupold.com

SIG SAUER 

sigsauer.com

Echo Valley Training Center

echovalleytraining.com

We all enjoy a day at the range honing skills or partaking in a training course. After all, shooting skills are perishable if not maintained. The best way to do this is productive practice and/or training. Loading aids with promises of sparing your hands/thumbs have surely tempted many, especially as higher capacity magazines have become the norm and round-count expenditures grow. This author admits trying multiple brands with limited success either due to marketing hype not being met, cost, size prohibiting easy transport, set-up issues at the range, or a particular tool not being accommodating to different magazine styles within a certain model (i.e., metal/polymer construction or manufacturing quirks).

The latest and most promising loading aid the author uses currently is from MagPump (magpump.com). MagPump started off with an AR-15 loader and quickly expanded to the AK-47 and then the bane of all shooters—high capacity 9mm magazines. Initial reports from range days at the last couple SHOT Shows, notorious for frenzied high-round expenditure, generated high expectations. The success of MagPump loaders rely on certain key design aspects shared between all MagPump loaders. Once you have experienced one MagPump loader, seamless transition to the other models can be expected.

Loading Is Easy

First off is the top hopper loading method that does not require users to orientate or line up cartridges in a specific direction. The MagPump AR loader hopper can accommodate 90 rounds and the AK loader 65 rounds, each layered in to maximize space. For the 9mm loader simply dump in a box of desired ammunition or scoop a handful from a bucket or ammunition can. The capacity of the 9mm hopper is 50 rounds. MagPump’s better “mousetrap” approach takes care of getting ammunition in proper orientation for placement in your magazine after it funnels down from the hopper. How? This author cannot really answer that, but after thousands of rounds loaded into AR, AK and 9mm magazines, none have been backwards.

Another advantage is the portability and simplicity of getting the MagPump loaders in action. The top hopper can be removed for ease of transport. All of the loaders arrive in a sturdy box with foam lining cut out for secure placement. The hoppers are connected to the bases via stainless retaining pins. There is no need to fasten the MagPump loader base down—simply hold in place with the hand not operating the loading lever found on the side of the loader. A mounting plate is available if the user desires this option. Magazine retainers hold inserted magazines in place. Once a magazine is inserted properly, an audible and tactile click is created. At this point, lifting and lowering the handle loads a round into the magazine. It is that simple.

The standard MagPump loader is made from polymer and priced at MSRP $149.99. Elite models feature an Aluminum billet base and metal loading handle. MSRP for this model is $399.99. No matter which MagPump model, loading time is decreased 50% with hand fatigue reduced drastically, especially if loading magazines in a high-round count course or shooting session. 30 rounds in 30 seconds is the standard set forth by MagPump. The author’s own experience supports this with all three models.

Testing

The new 9mm MagPump was tested with GLOCK magazines. After all, we live in a GLOCK world. With that said, both GLOCK and Magpul brand 9mm magazines fit and load fine. The different retainers with the 9mm MagPump eliminate concern of certain magazines not being compatible. The 9mm loader arrives with GLOCK, SIG, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Ruger and CZ double-column magazine retainers. More retainers enabling different handgun type use are available separately including Beretta, Walther, HK and Hudson. A single-stack GLOCK 43 retainer is also available.

A good habit is to arrive at the range with a couple dozen GLOCK magazines loaded and ready to go, especially if attending a training class. This is to maximize time. Having a head down loading magazines is not productive with many insightful anecdotes possibly missed from classmates or instructor staff. This time the author decided to show up with only three or four magazines total with bulk ammunition ready to be loaded to better evaluate the MagPump 9mm loader.

The 9mm MagPump had no trouble keeping up with magazine loading demands while balanced on the back of a utility vehicle or designated loading table area. Once a rhythm was established, the 50-round hopper quickly disappeared into magazines. After a few tries, one gets a feel for making sure rounds are slipping down the chute from the hopper to be loaded. A little shake or manipulation of lever is all that is required to keep rounds shuttling along once the user gets orientated. An integral built-in safety prevents rounds from loading when magazines reach the full mark.

The AR and AK MagPumps were just as easy to use. The MagPump AR loader is 50 rounds will fit into the MagPump 9mm hopper.
compatible with MIL-SPEC AR-15 magazines and can load .223 Remington/5.56mm and .300 Blackout rounds. I dug up four different AR-15 style magazines—polymer and metal—for verification purposes; all snapped into place and loaded without issue. Rounds are laid in the hopper tray parallel to the magazine snapped into place below in the MagPump base unit.

The AK-47 loader is just as compatible with different magazine types. Here again metal and polymer magazines were tested. With the MagPump AK-47 loader, the magazines are rocked into place similar to how they are inserted into an AK-47 rifle. One discovered nuance with the AK-47 loader is that a 30-round magazine hung below the MagPump base. This needs to be taken into account when setting up the user’s loading area.

The three MagPump loaders produce the promised results in loading magazines efficiently. No one wants to practice loading magazines. Shooters want to be on the firing line. Shooting luminaries such as Kyle Lamb and Doug Koenig vouch for the MagPump products for these very reasons … more time shooting and less time loading magazines. Shooters contemplating serious trigger time should consider trying the MagPump loaders. The time saved from loading magazines with the MagPump loaders will get put to good use on the firing line.

The trend towards urbanization of conflict with non-state actors growing in preponderance is hard to argue against based on current patterns. Similarly the increasing occurrence of random entities making war on civilian populations is also increasing. It only makes sense to tailor a rifle to meet this. Remember law enforcement (LE) and military are not the only lens to view discussions of tactics and weaponry. The proverbial boat anchor, 17-pound, precision rifle fitted out will not be a friend if one is scoot-ing around urban settings. The same can be said if moving around in a rural setting scouting or patrolling. Just too damn heavy. Yes, it can hit a gnat at 500 yards; however, more pressing things such as survival and carrying basic subsistence items have to be taken into account. More emphasis on portability and versatility will pay dividends. Sometimes going against the grain provides food for thought. Let’s discuss a counterintuitive approach gaining momentum in certain communities that we will label “compact sniper rifle.”

Our analysis will not be based on the military or law enforcement logistical chain; rather, think more along the lines of guerrilla operations or even survival/end-of-the-world scenarios. Let us define the goal of the discrete sniper rifle as capable of accurate fire out to 300 plus yards standard velocity loads with the ability to utilize subsonic ammunition. Obviously, choice of suitable caliber is just as important as the rifle, if not more so. The same can be said of choosing a suppressor.

This is where the .300 Blackout (.300BLK) comes into the story. The .300BLK was introduced in response to a US special operation military forces request. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity .300BLK 115-125 grain ammunition as exceeding the ballistics of the 7.62x39mm and eclipses 5.56mm both in ballistics and terminal punch. At 300 yards, the .300BLK has approximately 17 percent more energy than the 7.62x39mm thanks to superior ballistic coefficient bullets.

One interesting twist with the .300BLK is the ability to choose factory loaded subsonic cartridges; perfect for use with a sound suppressor. The ability to access a plethora of either super-sonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the .300BLK user. Compact, lightweight bolt-action rifles with threaded barrels are ideal candidates for use by irregular personas. Why bolt action? A bolt-action .300BLK rifle is capable of “Hollywood” quiet performance with a suppressor mounted using subsonic ammunition.

I will issue a caveat that a .308Win/7.62NATO bolt action could still be considered for our described role if configured properly in terms of compactness/weight. While subsonic .308Win ammunition is not as widely available as .300BLK, it is out there from COR®BON, Engel Ballistic Research, Inc. (EBR), Lapua and other manufacturers. A compact .308Win would offer more ballistic “oomph”/range than a .300BLK while still allowing for subsonic, if the situation required. This is sort of a role reversal compared to the .300BLK.

Urban conflict produces a need for rifles with shorter barrels and streamlined stocks for non-typical positional shooting. Weight of the rifle is critical as users are required to carry their rifles for extended periods of time. A way of proofing this is to attend any sort of MOUT assault course with a classic 15-plus pound sniper rifle sporting a 26-inch barrel. Never mind navigating walls and windows— just pounding down the street or up multiple stair cases to get set up in a hasty firing position will make my point. Further proof will be taking quick off-hand shots braced on a doorway or window opening. Classic sniper operations do not fit this mode. However, the type of tactical scenario alluded to at the beginning of this article is anything but typical and more a “regular guy” experience than pure sniper role.

The CZ 527 American SR and CZ 557 UCS

Practical examples of gear will better illustrate concept points. .300BLK is no longer confined to ARs. Most major manufacturers chamber a bolt action in the caliber. I turned to CZ-USA for an example in the form of the CZ 527 American Synthetic SR (Suppressor-Ready). As a nod to the .308Win option, the CZ 557 Urban Counter-Sniper (UCS) was chosen. CZ-USA, based in Kansas City, is the importer of CZ rifles. CZ’s company history dates back to the mid-1930s. CZ is based in the Czech Republic. In 1991, it was one of the first Eastern European corporations to emerge from the post-Soviet era to compete in the West. CZ is one of the world’s largest firearms manufacturers, employing over 2,000 people and selling its wares in over 60 countries. CZ products include handguns, shotguns, sporting rifles, suppressors and military weapons.

The CZ 527 SR has a classic sporter appearance taking full advantage of the CZ micro-Mauser action to create a lightweight great handling rifle. Truly a shortened profile, the CZ 527’s Mauser action is only 6 inches long and saves at least 1 pound over a standard Mauser bolt action. Positive functioning was never an issue. CZ has fitted the 527 SR with a 16.5-inch, hammer-forged barrel with threaded muzzle. CZ barrels are of excellent quality as evident by enclosed test group consistency and ease of cleaning. The barrel is free-floated. Sling swivels are standard feature with the CZ 527. The CZ 527 American SR features an American-style synthetic pattern stock, a sporter profile ham-mer-forged barrel, a set trigger and a threaded muzzle. The CZ 527 SR rifle is fed from a detachable 5-round magazine. Credit must be given to CZ for coming up with this for the American market; CZ was one of the first to offer .300BLK in a bolt-action-rifle format let alone with a 5 / 8×24 threaded barrel ready to accommodate mounting a suppressor.

What role is the CZ 527 SR intended to satisfy? As with most things related to firearms, the answer depends on the individual situation. Factors such as mindset, personal preference, skill level, training, need to fulfill multiple roles and even legal requirements all come into play regarding rifle selection. The CZ 527 SR, with its Mauser action, is definitely at home in a hunting role. The CZ decision to offer a suppressor-ready, bolt-action .300BLK opens up multiple use considerations. The CZ 527 SR and .300BLK were made for each other.

The last entry for our purposes is the CZ 557 Urban Counter-Sniper (UCS). Compared to the CZ 527 SR, the CZ 557 UCS more closely resembles a bolt-action sniper rifle. Built on the CZ 557 action rifle platform, the rifle is design-built for precision shooting within 400 yards. This allowed for a 16-inch barrel to minimize footprint. Velocity drop-off compared to a 20-inch barrel is approximately 150 fps. The CZ 557 is fed from a detachable, 10-round box magazine. CZ uses an oversized bolt handle for better control of operation even when under pressure and wearing gloves. The Manners stock is designed with ruggedness, stability, accuracy and ergonomics in mind. Stiffness-to-weight ratio is an important Manners consideration. The outer shells are made with 35% aircraft grade carbon fiber and 65% fiberglass in multiple layers. Unloaded, the CZ 557 weighs about 8.5 pounds without a scope. The weight should not be a turn off as it seems less due to its compact size while still somehow maintaining balance. The top of the receiver has a Picatinny-type rail for the easy addition of glass.

Suppression

The ability to suppress is an important aspect of the compact sniper rifle concept. While the sonic crack of a standard supersonic bullet is noticeable, the use of a suppressor combined with a proper firing position will mask the firing position. Subsonic rounds are downright spooky in their arrival. Yes, range is limited, but when discretion is necessary nothing can rival a subsonic bullet with a quality suppressor out of a bolt-action rifle. It does not take a drastic imagination to visualize what roles a rifle fitted with a suppressor would fill. Anything from sentry removal (canine or other), light fixture neutralization and stealthy operations in general come to mind. Another benefit of suppressors is serving as one of the most efficient flash hiders available. Suppressors from SIG SAUER and CZ-USA were mated up to the CZ 527 SR and CZ 557 UCS.

The SIG SAUER SRD762-QD suppressor was mounted via a Taper-Lok mounting system. SIG SAUER created the Taper-Lok Fast-Attach System to enable quick and simple installation of a muzzle adapter device while eliminating the need for shims. The SIG SAUER design optimizes alignment, improving accuracy and greatly reducing point-of-impact (POI) shift, even after multiple install/removal cycles. The Taper-Lok system allows users to access a variety of muzzle brakes and flash hiders for their rifles; all the while enabling SIG rifle suppressors to attach when needed.

CZ-USA’s entry into the suppressor market for this review is the Ti Reflex. It is direct thread and offers a reflex chamber option if a barrel profile allows. To shave ounces, each Titanium baffle is turned down on a lathe until it possesses just the right amount of material to withstand the pressures of full-auto use. The swirled shape of the internal baffle structure is reflected in its exterior, and each baffle is welded to the next until the stack exhibits a very unique silhouette. Not only does this eliminate extra material that would simply add weight, it also increases surface area for heat dissipation.

Handling and Performance

The CZ 527 SR and 557 UCS were tested from the bench for accuracy and around barricades and other obstacles to get a better appreciation of handling and performance. As expected, the CZ 557 UCS held the edge for innate accuracy with half-inch groups at 100 yards—not untypical. The CZ 527 SR was the easier handling package with its 3-pound lighter weight. This could have been minimized, but the Trijicon AccuPower 4.5–30×56 on the 557 UCS could not be resisted. Suppressors were mounted for the majority of use. Steel targets were smacked with ease out to 300 yards using field expedient rests. While by no means rivaling a semiautomatic for fire power, the detachable magazines were handy to recharge the CZ rifles after the last round. As expected from a bolt action, no malfunctions were experienced. The safeties made no audible noise when manipulating it; an important consideration for hunting or defense. Recoil was not a factor with nearly 150 rounds fired each with no issues experienced or detriment to accuracy experienced.

The advantage of a portable rifle should not be casually dismissed considering carrying the weapon would be constant compared to actual use or other tasks being required afield. A review focused only on range performance too easily misses this point. Ancillary items can assist. The Eberlestock X31 LoDrag II pack serves as an excellent example of this. Eberlestock strives to design a pack so items are easy to find as well as making them easy to attach to the outside of it. There’s no digging and wrestling with your pack to free an item—it’s quick at hand.

Eberlestock founder, Glen Eberlestock, learned via biathlon experience that if you carry your weapon on your back, you’re much more agile and effective than if it’s stuck in your hands or on a shoulder sling all of the time; there’s simply no better way to move about in an organized fashion. By having the pack carry the rifle, your hands are free for all of the things you need them for when you are traversing terrain. Furthermore, Eberlestock makes it so that you can get your weapons out of the pack without having to unstrap everything that you’re wearing. Most importantly the pack must be comfortable considering all the time spent with it out in the field. The X31 has all these characteristics.

The X31 LoDrag II is the latest evolution of the Eberlestock LoDrag series. The X31 incorporates a tactical weapon-sized scab bard. It has a unique contour shape that tapers at both the top and the bottom, giving the pack an excellent close-to-the-body ride. The packs are fully compressible with pairs of side-mounted compression straps that draw the load upward to optimally position the pack’s contents over the wearer’s center of gravity. The X31 LoDrag II has two new generously sized, form-follow-ing pockets on the exterior of the upper and lower front flaps. MOLLE-10 lightweight webbing is used, to which you can attach conventional 25mm MOLLE accessories.

A weaker force can take advantage of urban sniping as it can be devastating not only materially but also against morale. The price in terms of equipment is modest, especially if the cost-to-effectiveness ratio is considered. Sup-pressed bolt-action rifles are not just for urban settings or personal defense. The lack of noise is a huge plus on many levels. An obnoxious rifle shot could ruin many endeavors where discretion is the better part of valor. Being able to maintain “stealthiness” is an important aspect of tactics, hunting and/or survival. A typical rifle shot is sure to attract what could be unwanted attention both by two- and four-legged entities.
The CZ 527 SR and CZ 557 UCS are rifles that can serve in multiple roles albeit sport, hunting, survival and/or defense. The suppressibility (I think that is a word. Either way readers get the idea!) of the CZ rifles makes them ideal for urban or rural environment sniping. 50 yards out, fire-suppressed with subsonic loads are nearly undetectable. A mounted suppressor not only limits noise but eliminates muzzle blast signature so as not to give away position. With the ability to attract users from a variety of backgrounds, the CZ 527 American Suppres-sor-Ready and CZ 557 Urban Counter-Sniper merit serious consideration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

cz-usa.com

sigsauer.com

trijicon.com

eberlestock.com

There’s a reason why iconic firearms hold a special place in our psyche. The Hi Power is just such a firearm. This is because the Hi Power heralded a transition in form and function from the handguns that preceded it. The Hi Power set the standard that descendent designs strove to match or improve on. The Hi Power pedigree is unmatchable considering John Browning’s involvement in the project. Many pundits will claim the Hi Power was Browning’s refinement to his legendary 1911.

When word spread that Springfield Armory was offering its own rendition of the Hi Power in the form of the SA-35, many wondered what market sector they were going after. It didn’t seem natural to offer a high-end customized version of the Hi Power. This niche was already filled by companies specializing in perfecting the Hi Power. Springfield Armory decided to take advantage of its manufacturing experience and offer an improved Hi Power with its SA-35 model with a price well below $1,000 — brilliant. A similar pattern of behavior is evident with Springfield Armory AR rifles that have knocked the AR market on its ear as well as with Springfield Armory 1911s, M1As, and polymer framed XDs and Hellcats. So why not do the same with the Hi Power. After all, Browning discontinued Hi Power production in early 2018.

Classic is another word for the Hi Power—though Springfield Armory literature insists in not using this term. This is because its SA-35 offers more than just curio and relic-like qualities. The Springfield Armory SA-35 takes advantage of forging technology for strength and durability in the frame and slide along with barrel. Tweaks have been made in ergonomics, extended the thumb safety lever, along with modern sights with tactical ledge-type rear sight and a white dot front sight, improved feed ramp design, and an increased capacity, 15-round magazine. The much complained-about magazine disconnect from the original Hi Power design was abandoned in the SA-35, enabling both a magazine that drops free and an improved factory-tuned trigger. An integral, beveled magazine well speeds reloads and a recontoured exposed hammer prevents hammer bite during slide cycling. A matte blue finish and checkered walnut grips complete the steel and wood aesthetic, so familiar to the Hi Power design.

The Hi Power was the original Wonder Nine, existing well before the 1980s when the term first became popular. The original Hi Power can be thought of as the blending of American and European handgun design concepts. It took someone of Browning’s stature to pull this feat off and have it accepted on both sides of the Atlantic. The Browning Hi Power was conceived in response to a 1921 French military requirement for a new service pistol. The French requirement called for the pistol to have a capacity of at least 10 rounds, a magazine disconnect device, an external hammer, a positive safety, and easy disassembly and re-assembly. The 9mm cartridge was seen as the natural selection based on WWI experiences. With Colt holding the patents to Browning’s 1911 design, Browning had to create a different pistol so as not to infringe on the original 1911 patents. Colt wasn’t interested in pursuing the potential French contract, so Browning turned to Fabrique Nationale (FN) with his initial two prototypes. FN was interested and submitted one of Browning’s prototypes to the 1922 French pistol trials. Based on French trials, Browning prepared two more prototypes and submitted them to the French Army in 1923. Browning died November 1926, but was awarded a patent for the Hi Power base design posthumously in 1927.

After Browning’s death, the Hi Power design was taken over by FN designer and Browning’s friend Dieudonné Saive. With no market interest for a new service handgun in the late 1920s, Saive was able to continually refine Browning’s design. By 1928, many of Browning’s previous patents for the 1911 were expiring. The Browning Hi Power version featured the removable barrel bushing and take down sequence of the 1911. By 1931, the Browning-Saive Hi Power design incorporated a 13-round magazine, a curved rear grip strap, and a barrel bushing that was integral to the slide versus a removable barrel bushing.

The Hi Power, like many other Browning designs, operates on the short-recoil principle, where the barrel and slide initially recoil together until the barrel is unlocked from the slide by a cam arrangement. Unlike Browning’s earlier 1911 pistol, the Hi Power barrel is not moved vertically by a toggling link, but instead by a hardened bar which crosses the frame under the barrel and contacts a slot under the chamber, at the rearmost part of the barrel. The barrel and slide recoil together for a short distance but, as the bar and slot engage, the chamber and the rear of the barrel are drawn downward and stopped. By 1934, the Hi-Power design was complete and ready to be produced. The Hi Power was first adopted by Belgium for military service in 1935 as the Browning P-35. Ironically, France decided not to adopt the Hi Power.

The Hi Power is one of those rare weapons that served on both sides’ militaries in WWII. In 1954, the British military adopted the Hi Power as its first standard semi-automatic pistol. 50 more armies also adopted it after WWII. Interestingly, the Hi Power was also the choice of such elite units as the British SAS, SBS, and Royal Marines. The FBI HRT and various intelligence agency direct action units utilized the Hi Power until the late 1980s. Impressive, indeed, that after more than 60 years since its introduction, the Hi Power was still the go to sidearm for elite LE and military operators.

While the upside of the Hi Power such as capacity, reliability and ergonomics obviously outweighed its negatives, especially compared to contemporary designs, the Hi Power had features that could be improved upon. The trigger pull, especially heavy for a single action, minimalist sights, weak internal extractor and slide/hammer bite of a shooters hand come to mind. Various Hi Power upgrades and cloned models over the years have addressed these issues. Custom gunsmiths also created a cottage industry of offering services to improve upon base Hi Power models. Browning’s (Belgium-based FN is the parent company of Browning) decision to discontinue Hi Power production in 2018 opened the door for a company like Springfield Armory to offers its SA-35 Hi Power version.

One immediate concern any time a double stack magazine is used is how it effects grip and trigger manipulation. Browning and Saive made sure the Hi Power frame did not sacrifice ergonomics in the quest for capacity. Even average size hands have no issue working the trigger or other controls on the Hi Power. Still today, the Hi Power grip feels smaller in the hand compared to other double stack designs. This is attributed to the way that the top of the grip reduces inward near the slide, thus moving the hand closer to the trigger and shortening the trigger reach.

The SA-35 tale of the tape is a barrel length of 4.7 inches with an overall length of 7.8 inches. Slide width is .9 inches, 1.4 inches at the controls and weight is 31.5 ounces. The Springfield Armory SA-35 represents portability, capacity, reliability, controllability and lethality comparable to more current designs, including polymer striker fired handguns. No one can argue against the Hi Power being an instinctive handling weapon. The trigger and grip size and angle cause it to be one of the most accurate handguns in most arsenals. Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special purpose military/LE teams use it? It’s accurate and conducive to precise shot placement. Springfield Armory’s SA-35 maintains these characteristics.

The Hi Power’s trigger mechanism has an arrangement of springs and levers that limit what can be done to it in terms of improving it. A magazine disconnect safety further compounds the problem. The single action trigger on the Hi Power will never be confused with the trigger found on the 1911. Springfield Armory’s tuning of the Hi Power trigger produces a 4.5 pound break; removal of the magazine disconnect safety was a no brainer, as well.

The SA-35 was evaluated using Black Hills Ammunition, Speer, Hornady, and Federal/American Eagle premium ammunition. 9mm loads fired ranged from 115- to 147- grain with both hollow points and FMJ bullet types tested. Early production Hi Powers were designed to function with FMJ bullets. This changed as time passed and JHP bullets became more common with Hi Powers receiving throated chambers and polished feed ramps. The SA-35 is well done in this area with a straight polished feed ramp. Approximately 350 rounds were fired while compiling this article. An ammunition can with assortment of steel, aluminum, and brass cased 9mm loads that were consolidated from partially used boxes was purposely used in conjunction with the brands listed previously.

The SA-35 was tested at the range first by verifying sight zero and then firing multiple round bursts at various steel man-size targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist. Reports of weak extraction were borne out during my tests with one stoppage for every two magazines fired was typical. Tiger McKee has produced an excellent summary of the issue tracing it back to a shorter than typical Hi Power extractor spring. Knowing Springfield Armory, they will take care of any issues. Not every review is reporting this issue, which is good news.

Further testing consisted of strings of fire against steel plate racks and popper targets at 7, 15, and 25 yards. The sights were zeroed out of the box for 25 yards using the classic 6 o’clock hold. The thin SA-35 front sight and Tactical Rack rear sight proved advantageous for both accurate and rapid shot placement. The benefits of the SA-35’s tuned single action trigger proved evident during range evaluation. Groups fired from standing or kneeling positions were impressive with bullets unerringly hitting their mark. The tapered double-column magazine is easy to fit into the magazine well with Springfield Armory further improving this by beveling the grip bottom. The magazine is vigorously ejected when the mag-catch is depressed. Bench testing could not be resisted after witnessing the unsupported accuracy results. 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards were not unusual.

The natural pointability of the Springfield Armory SA-35 was confirmed along with speed getting it into action. The extended thumb safety was positive and easy to manipulate. Drills included working around vehicles and CQB activities typified by experiences encountered in shoot house environments. The slight beavertail frame settles the weapon naturally into your hand and provides a point of reference when drawing the pistol. No hammer or slide bite was experienced, even when drawing quickly from the Galco Avenger belt and Summer Comfort IWB holsters that were used on the range. The double column grip tapering up to the thin slide sits the SA-35 in your hand in such a way that eliminates any front-heavy sensation that some handguns exhibit. Successful handgun designs constantly evolve. Based on the above, the SA-35 is still a valid choice for real world use.

EDITOR’S NOTE: SIG Sauer recently issued a safety recall for some CROSS rifles. See sigsauer.com/crossrecall for more details.

“Why?” That was the initial thought when reading about SIG Sauer’s introduction of the CROSS bolt-action rifle at the 2020 SHOT Show. This was SIG’s reentry into the bolt-action market. Significantly, the CROSS is not intended for the tactical/sniper role—hunting is its realm. Tom Taylor, SIG’s Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, answers the “why” for the CROSS:

“Stagnant” is not a word that applies to SIG, with its innovative products in multiple classes of weapons—handgun, submachine gun, assault rifle, precision, belt fed machine gun and now bolt action. SIG designed the CROSS bolt-action to not only offer performance with current cartridge designs, such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win, but also with their highly anticipated high-pressure ammunition starting with the .277 Fury. The CROSS’ action is incredibly rigid but also light, thanks to its one-piece receiver eliminating the need for bedding and action screws. The CROSS one-piece receiver interacts directly with trigger, bolt, AICS magazine and barrel mounting—think AR, but without upper and lower distinctions. This is a change from typical bolt-action methods that serves to minimize many of the accuracy-robbing causes associated with bolt actions while also contributing to ruggedness afield. The CROSS in .308 Win with 16-inch barrel weighs a mere 6.5 pounds.

With any precision rifle, the trigger is a crucial part of the equation. SIG created a fully-housed, two-stage match trigger with a range of adjustment between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds with no creep. The urge to change or tinker with your trigger will not be present with the CROSS.The other noteworthy feature of the CROSS, both in terms of aesthetics and performance enhancement is the fully-adjustable folding stock. Comb height, pad height, pad cant (screws on the pad assembly go 7 degrees either way), a reversible comb and length of pull are all easily adjustable and locked in place. This allows a user to “fit” the CROSS like no other production rifle. Its adjustability mimics what is possible only with a custom stock. This should not be discounted in importance.  

For this evaluation, the author kept it a “SIG party” in terms of rifle, ammunition, optic and suppressor. A SIG SIERRA3BDX 4.5-14x44mm riflescope was mounted on the CROSS. Arrangements were made to use a SIG SRD762-QD suppressor—it was as simple as installing an optional SIG Taper-Lok muzzle device adapter. The heart of SIG’s Taper-Lok system is a tapered and threaded barrel. Taper-Lok compatible muzzle devices thread on with concentricity assured by the matching tapered shoulder on the muzzle device. The Cross includes a thread protector along with a tapered washer that serves as an adapter for use with non-tapered muzzle devices.

SIG Elite Hunter 165 grain and 150 grain Elite Copper HT ammunition was used with the CROSS. SIG Elite 168 grain Match was also tested to establish a baseline for accuracy. No ammunition tested produced greater than 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards. The CROSS feeds from standard AICS-pattern magazines with a Magpul 5-rounder arriving with the rifle. It has a proprietary sled follower for optimized single-round loading through the ejection port. The single-stack profile of the AICS lends itself to a thinner overall width for the CROSS and stiffer action due to less material needing to be removed from the bottom of the receiver. 

The focus of this article is a return to the hunting style symbolized by the bolt-action CROSS chambered in .308 Win. (The CROSS is also available in 6.5 Creedmoor and SIG’s .277 Fury.) Instead of focusing on long-range hunting scenarios, let’s operate under the assumption that “closer is better” when taking an animal. This puts the onus on scouting and choosing the best ambush position, or stealthily creeping through the woods in search of your desired prey. Of course, if a 300+ yard shot is the only option, having the ability to successfully place the round where needed is an asset.

The CROSS is tailor-made for pursuing game in rugged/steep terrain. Its high degree of accuracy is also conducive to hunting from stands or ground blinds with shots across wide, clear-cut clearings, yet it still provides svelte handling for spot/stalk techniques. Most do not realize that even with the relatively short ranges involved in thick-timber hunting, pinpoint accuracy is crucial to finding the shooting lane. The CROSS is easily carried in the hand, ready to go when quarry is spotted.  

Secured in a hunting pack is another option allowing for hands-free movement with the CROSS. The Eberlestock X31 LoDrag II pack serves as an excellent example. Eberlestock strives to design a pack so items are easy to find. They also make it easy to attach things to the outside of the pack. There’s no digging and wrestling with your pack to free an item—it’s quick at hand. It’s a great combination. By having the pack carry the rifle, your hands are free for all of the things you need them for when you are traversing terrain. The X31 incorporates a tactical weapon-sized scabbard. It has a unique contour shape that tapers at both the top and the bottom, giving the pack an excellent close-to-the-body ride. The packs are fully compressible with pairs of side-mounted compression straps that draw the load upward to optimally position the pack’s contents over the wearer’s center-of-gravity. The X31 LoDrag II has two generously-sized, form-following pockets on the exterior of the upper and lower front flaps. MOLLE-10 lightweight webbing is used, to which you can attach conventional 25mm MOLLE accessories.

Numerous positive qualities of the CROSS quickly became apparent upon use.  The author has always been a fan of using detachable magazines for safely/efficiently loading/unloading a rifle. Every time in/out of transportation, in/out of blind, which happens multiple times a day, requires weapon manipulation that the detachable magazine simplifies. The AR-like safety found on the CROSS is natural to manipulate, considering the CROSS’s pistol grip profile. Our blinds were situated with expected shots in the 100- to 225-yard range. The CROSS’ MOA accuracy instilled confidence it would do its job.  

The CROSS’s pistol grip gives it superior overall carry qualities, with one-handed carry more feasible as well. The natural ergonomic attributes of the CROSS are conducive to quick, well-placed shots when an animal presents itself. This stems from the custom fitting made possible by the SIG stock. Not a lot of time was spent at the bench on Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) 100-yard range. There are more indicative evaluations for a hunting rifle than merely firing from a bench at a 100-yard target. The CROSS’ adjustable buttstock allows for a good cheek weld that aids in handling recoil by preventing a “slap” of the face that is more typical of the jaw welds found on a lot of rifles when scopes are used. The CROSS proved potent on the Jungle Walk range at EVTC with targets placed at 30 yards out to 220 yards. The ability to move through its varied terrain and engage randomly-placed targets hidden within cover suited the CROSS perfectly. The emphasis was on accurate shot placement and how the CROSS’s smooth bolt facilitated follow-up shots. The 6.5 pound, 16-inch barreled CROSS is easy to handle with little time needed to find the reticle when the rifle is brought up to the shoulder.

The CROSS is well suited for still hunting forays. This translates into fluid off-hand shots at game and not off rests or bipods. If lucky, the hunter will be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of offhand. Range T&E simulated this by setting up clay pigeons at various ranges and then assuming sitting, kneeling or standing positions. Another twist is to have a companion pick the target and shooting position for the shooter to engage as quickly as possible. Follow up shots were encouraged to get a sense of the CROSS’ potential. The detachable magazine feature simplifies reloading via a spare magazine. While not empirically quantifiable, the CROSS proved to “hang” well and was very manageable in getting into and out of field shooting positions.

The CROSS is equally at home for long-range engagement. Other range drills consisted of shooting steel targets out to 550 yards on Echo Valley Training Center’s Known Distance Range. The key point with the CROSS is it has out-of-the-box performance without the owner having to resort to a trip to an armorer or gunsmith for tuning. The CROSS takes a back seat to no rifle in terms of precision, repeatable accuracy, ergonomics and reliability. A rifle which weighs 6.5 pounds, uses a detachable magazine, is chambered in a hard-hitting caliber and is capable of 1.5 MOA or less cannot be ignored.

SPECIFICATIONS: SIG SAUER CROSS

• CALIBER:  .308 Win
• BARREL: 16-inch stainless steel, 1:10RH twist
• OA LENGTH: 36.5 inches
• WEIGHT: 6.5 pounds
• ACTION: Bolt
• CAPACITY: Detachable AICS, Magpul 5-round magazine with proprietary follower included with rifle
• PRICE:  MSRP $1,799 USD
• URL: sigsauer.com

Any mention of Christensen Arms inevitably brings forth an association with their precision bolt actions. Various models of Christensen weapons have been introduced since Dr. Roland Christensen saw a way to apply his aerospace experience to firearms. He developed and marketed a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel that has significant advantages over solid steel barrels in both weight and heat dissipation. He used his doctorate in mechanical engineering to look at how to apply carbon fiber to the benefit of shooters. Not resting on previous success, the company now builds a full range of firearms: tactical & precision rifles, 1911 pistols, rimfires and AR style rifles.   

The adage “if you want it done right, do it yourself” might be the unofficial motto for Christensen Arms. The same Christensen Arms quality and attention to detail, which enabled the company to provide highly-accurate, rugged and reliable bolt-action rifles, were turned toward the AR platform. This article will feature the Christensen Arms’ take on the AR platform, as embodied by the CA5five6 AR. 

Christensen continuously evolves with various models offered. For example, the CA5five6 has AR siblings in the form of the CA-15 G2, CA-10 G2 and CA-10 DMR. Christensen listened to market feedback about how cost was the main reason new users would hesitate with these earlier introductions. They concluded both customers and the company would benefit if more users became familiar with their products via a less-expensive rifle. The CA5five6 series was the solution. Christensen responded with forged upper and lower receivers, along with different furniture with the CA5five6. The handguard was changed from the CA15 G2’s free-floated, full aerograde carbon fiber handguard to hybrid aluminum handguard with carbon fiber inserts. All of this served to reduce price point while maintaining the carbon-wrapped barrel to deliver the Christensen Arms experience.   

The CA5five6 is not a stripped-down base offering. It features a 16-inch 416R stainless steel 1:8 twist aerograde carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel with .223 Wylde match chamber, ½×28 threaded muzzle wearing a stainless steel 3-prong flash hider, forged upper and lower receivers, black nitride finish bolt carrier group, M-LOK®-compatible 15-inch hybrid aluminum/carbon fiber handguard, Trigger Tech® single-stage trigger and Mission First Tactical (MFT®) Minimalist buttstock. A mid-length direct impingement gas system was chosen. The CA5five6 is backed by Christensen’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Three color options are available: Hard Black Anodized, Tungsten Cerakote, Burnt Bronze Cerakote. 

An overarching theme with the Christensen CA5five6 is using weight efficiency to maximize overall efficiency. The carbon-wrapped barrel is a key component for this. The CA5five6 tested herein weighs in at 6.3 pounds. The hybrid handguard design not only minimizes weight, but maintains weapon balance, especially when combined with the carbon-wrapped barrel. The handguard is textured, allowing for positive grip anywhere along its length. QD sling mounts are placed out on the forend. A single-stage Trigger Tech trigger group rides in the lower receiver, featuring a 3.5-pound pull weight. 

A quick word about the CA5five6’s .223 Wylde chambering is in order. The .223 Wylde was designed as a match chambering for semi-automatic rifles. It will accommodate both .223 Remington and 5.56mm ammunition. It is relieved in the case body to aid in extraction and features a shorter throat for improved accuracy. As many know, the 5.56mm is not synonymous with the .223 Remington chambering. Generally, it is acceptable to fire .223 Remington in a 5.56mm, but not the other way around. The .223 Wylde was meant to give a slightly tighter body spec than 5.56mm, but a bit looser than .223 Remington, while retaining a longer leade/throat. In effect, the .223 Wylde is a hybrid, splitting the difference between the 5.56mm and .223 Remington while extending benefits in terms of accuracy and reliability. 

The CA5five6 was tested with a Riton Optics X5 Tactix 1-6×24mm optic. The X5 Tactix features daylight bright illumination and capped, zero resettable turrets. The X5 Tactix 1-6×24 illuminated, first focal plane (FFP) TF-1 reticle allows for quick, accurate ranging based on target size inside the unique diamond shaped reticle and spaced hash marks, as well as the ability to utilize bullet drop compensation (BDC).  

Combat experiences since 9/11 served as the catalyst for new optic types such as the Riton X5 Tactix compared to non-magnified red dot or fixed powered magnified optics. The X5 Tactix offers a 1x illuminated reticle setting for quick target acquisition at close range with both eyes open. A quick turn of the knob to 6x enables longer-precision shots. The ability to access 6x while still being able to use an illuminated dot at 1x is a force multiplier. This optic is loaded with high-end features, such as 30mm aircraft grade aluminum tube with high transmittance glass for outstanding light transmission and clarity, as well as an integrated removable throw lever, ½ MOA windage/elevation adjustment, fast focus eyepiece and six levels of red illumination with on/off space between each setting. The X5 Tactix is assembled in an EP-level clean room and is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof (tested up to 1200 Gs).

T&E with the CA5five6 rifle with Riton X5 Tactix optic produced consistent hits out to 500 yards on steel targets placed downrange at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). With budgets constantly under pressure, the CA5five6 with a Riton X5 Tactix 1-6x24mm optic could be the answer to fulfilling a multitude of roles: DMR, general-purpose patrol rifle and CQB/entry weapon. This is a positive reflection on how the Riton X5 Tactix positively influences the user/weapon equation. The Christensen CA5five6 displayed a high degree of accuracy, living up to Christensen’s sub-MOA promise. Ammunition used was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition 69 Grain Match and 55 Grain FMJ, Hornady® 55 Grain TAP and SIG SAUER 77 Grain Elite OTM. 

The 5.56mm/.223 round’s flat trajectory aids in making center mass hits out to 300 yards without having to compensate excessively for bullet drop. Range evaluations consisted of functionality tests consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion once sights were verified. Magpul and Brownells AR-15 magazines were primarily used in testing the CA5five6, with other magazines types utilized to verify the Christensen Arms rifle was not particular about what feeds it. Once the CA5five6 proved functionally reliable, it was then put through its paces on different rifle courses that were set up for a pending law enforcement competition to be held at the Echo Valley Training Center facility. The CA5five6 handled as expected from a lightweight AR carbine. Total rounds fired was near 500 over several range visits.

The CA5five6 is not marketed as the least expensive AR option, though Christensen has done a great job in lowering the price point with it. All CA5five6 design features are intended for maximizing effectiveness during a fight or realistic training on the range. The key component in a fighting rifle is reliability. No matter how accurate or powerful chambering a rifle is, if it does not work 100% of the time it is a liability.

The 16-inch-barreled Christensen AR showed its versatility by performing within EVTC 100-yard bays, Jungle Walk firing from barricades and engaging targets, but also back at the prepared firing position line with targets placed out to 370 yards. Numerous drills were run involving magazine changes and moving between barricades simulating cover. Several of the more dynamic drills experienced during the T&E showed the CA5five6 at its best, with unrelenting reliability even when scorching hot after multiple magazines fired consecutively. 

The Christensen Arms CA5five6’s theme is evident. No one is advocating going retro and breaking out retired M16A1s for use. Christensen Arms is more than willing to utilize AR improvements as long as items contribute to effectiveness. However, the need for full-length quad rails adding weight and unbalancing the AR is resisted. Doubters are urged to attend a course with a rifle weighing 10 plus pounds, laden with accessories, and compare it to a rifle configured like the CA5five6. I guarantee which rifle allows its user to perform more dynamically, especially around cover, moving or unorthodox firing position drills. The ability to mount infrared laser designators, night vision devices or other sorts of hardware is not something most of us require. The CA5five6 balances performance with handling.

As with any personal weapon, and selection of a rifle is as personal as it gets, individual preferences and prejudices will decide interest level in the Christensen Arms CA5five6. There is a plethora of AR-style rifles vying for consumer attention from individuals, departments or other entities. The Christensen Arms CA5five6 is worthy of consideration based on the attention to detail and quality of materials used in its manufacture. The cliché of “buy right the first time” comes to mind, with the CA5five6 being a good example.

WEBSITES OF INTEREST

Christensen Arms

christensenarms.com

Riton Optics

ritonoptics.com

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com

Hornady

hornady.com

SIG SAUER

sigsauer.com

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N5 (May 2021)

What does the statement “high capacity 9MM handgun” conjure up?  For sure, models coming to mind are the striker fired polymer ones. The steel framed Browning Hi-Power, or CZ75 variant may also sneak in there along with some double/single-action models like Beretta, or Smith&Wesson, especially if you were born before 1970. Few would think to name a 1911 Pistol derivative considering the high capacity 9MM caveat. Staccato 2011 is actively working on changing this with their C2 DPO Tactical offering. 

 Staccato 2011 can trace their corporate beginnings back to the 1980s as a supplier of high-end 1911 components. They then transitioned into offering exceptional 1911/2011 pistols under the STI moniker. One thing is certain, Staccato has been at the forefront of modernizing the 1911 into forms not previously conceived. While competitive shooting was the initial drive for this, the recent transition into the tactical realm is thanks to new leadership featuring strong military and law enforcement backgrounds.

The Staccato C2 DPO Tactical features the 2011  frame at its core. This patented frame that arrived in 1994 via STI, is a modular two-piece design consisting of a 4140 steel subframe mated to polymer grip. Housed within the  frame are the slide rails, fire control group, thumb and grip safeties, slide stop, and railed dust cover.

The 2011 polymer grip is contoured to maintain 1911 characteristics while also accommodating high capacity, double-stack magazines. Staccato decided to keep the 17-degree grip angle that the 1911 is renowned for. However, there is only a .25-inch difference in circumference, along with minor increases in width and front-to-back measurements on a 2011 frame compared to a 1911. The 2011 frame does not require a gargantuan paw to feel at home shooting. Its grips are made of a proprietary glass-filled polymer with side panels featuring a raised pattern design for texture. The same raised grip pattern is found on the front strap, as well as the flat mainspring housing. A nuance of the polymer grip construction is its relatively thin front strap and sidewalls, allowing for measurements comparable to a typical single stack 1911 with twice the round capacity.

The C2’s trigger pull is factory set for a nominal weight of 4 to 5 pounds. Other performance-enhancing features include an oversized, ambidextrous thumb safety, a high-grip beavertail safety with a palm pad, and an extended ejector. With a is CNC machined and heat treated 4140 steel slide featuring angled front and rear slide serrations, the pistol’s overall weight is 25.7 ounces. All its metal components have a DLC finish.

Lights, lasers, and other accessories are only getting more popular and accepted on a handgun; especially ones that offer carbine-like capacity such as C2 DPO. Did I mention the 2011 9MM platform accommodates 16, 17, 20, or 26 round magazines? Staccato offers numerous types of holsters that reflect C2 DPO Tactical versatility—IWB, belt and duty rigs. All of which are readily available from Staccato’s website.

The name change from STI to Staccato signifies a new mission for the organization. Staccato has decided to focus on the tactical arena based on experience garnered with previous STI Tactical models. This all came together when in 2018 US Marshal service chose the 2011 Staccato 9MM for its elite SOG unit. Long Beach SWAT was another early convert to the Staccato 2011 9MM platform. 

High round count testing protocols with these agencies gave invaluable feedback to Staccato in terms of production methods, material upgrades for certain high wear parts, recoil system, and most importantly the 2^nd Generation magazine. The 2^nd Generation double stack magazine is a redesign of the original STI magazine set to precise and consistent measurements at the feed lips and throughout the length of the tube, both front-to-back, and side-to-side. This translates into more consistent reliability and performance. In addition, features such as witness holes, and the polished interior/exterior of the mag body further enhance the quality of these magazines. The “ribs” on the 9MM magazine run down both sides of its body.

Staccato 2011 handguns are meant to function out of the box. The days of needing to “tune” STI competition weapons are over. Staccato assumes its weapons will be used in life-or-death situations; their production is guided by this. The Staccato C2 DPO Tactical is a valid choice for real-world use, and not merely a competition weapon attempting crossover appeal. Over 250 law enforcement agencies have approved the Staccato for use by its personnel. The C2 DPO Tactical featured in this article is a close rendition of the US Marshal SOG weapon, the 2011 Staccato-P, featuring the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red dot. Staccato’s collaboration with Dawson’s Precision Optic System allows the mounting of multiple red dot sights while maintaining the use of iron sights.  A Commander-length slide was chosen based on testing protocol results, along with maximizing carry options for the end user.

The Staccato C2 DPO Tactical shot SIG SAUER, Wilson Combat, Black Hills, Hornady, and Federal/American Eagle ammunition for this article. Approximately 550 rounds of 9MM ranging from 115 to 147 grain were fired, with both hollow points and FMJ bullet types tested. A .50cal can with an assortment of steel and brass case 9MM loads consolidated from partially used boxes was purposely used to determine load sensitivity. No issues were encountered.

It was decided to evaluate the C2 DPO Tactical working in/around vehicles, breaching facades, door entries, and other CQB activities. The natural point-ability of the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical was confirmed along with speed getting it into action. Recoil is minimized by Staccato’s Recoil Master spring assembly. This dual spring system is designed to last ten times longer than a typical single recoil spring and allow for the bulk of kinetic energy to be expended in the process of loading a new round from the magazine. The slide comes forward more gently and with a fraction of the force typical of a standard 12–18-pound single spring. This reduces the slide slamming forward and creating muzzle dip. The dual springs of the Recoil Master assembly dampen recoil, and more importantly muzzle flip, allowing the shooter to re-acquire aim when firing multiple shot strings. The C2 DPO’s slide seemed to reciprocate on ball bearings, moving smoothly with the sights tracking efficiently in between shots fired.

One of the most basic weapon concepts that has remained constant, or stagnant, depending on point of view, are handgun sights. Yes, modern open sights are more refined, but the basic form is the same—align the front post within the rear notch. This is now undergoing a change with the advent of installing red dot sights in lieu of the traditional iron open sights for everyday personal defense weapons, law enforcement, and military weapons.

Competition handguns have sported enhanced sights, albeit red dots or magnified optics, for decades now. Debate rages over equipment derived from competition for use in the tactical world.  I think we can all accept that professional competition shooters are the highest skilled “pistoleers” in the world—after all that is what they do for a living: expend time and money on improving skill levels that most just cannot imagine. Reports of Tier 1 Special Operation units having world class competition shooters train them in running a handgun more efficiently and ruthlessly in CQB environments ends the argument in my opinion.  The number of red dot handguns appearing in the hands of elite unit personnel further confirms the soundness of the red dot handgun approach.

A concern based on handling other red dot equipped handguns was being able to find the DeltaPoint Pro’s dot just as quickly as traditional iron sights, especially in quick/fast close-range affairs. The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro mounted to the Dawson Precision Optic System allows for co-witnessing of iron sights with the Leupold red dot. Point shooting with the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical is still very possible using the window on the DeltaPoint as a ghost ring – albeit a large ghost ring – if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. Users of the Staccato fitted with Leupold DeltaPoint Pro find that they no longer have to switch focus from the target to the sights. They can now do as nature intends for them to do–focus on the threat. Moreover, because the indexing of a red dot is far easier than front and rear sight alignment, they find they can take accurate shots beyond what was considered feasible. Hitting steel silhouette at 100 yards on the first shot is very possible with the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical, as well as running CQB drills at times that were considered impossible to achieve before. All simply because the red dot concept uses the eyes in a more natural manner.

CrossBreed Holsters proved an excellent resource for the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical. The CrossBreed SuperTuck IWB and DropSlide OWB proved their worth over months of constant carry with the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical. At times the Staccato seemed to disappear on your hip due to Crossbreed comfort.  This is impressive considering the 30 plus ounce weight of a fully loaded C2 DPO Tactical.

What is it about the 100+-year-old 1911 design that keeps it so adored and desired by so many shooters for personal defense, tactical shooting, or competition? Surely more modern designs featuring higher capacity and new materials have eclipsed it. Don’t bet on it! Especially thanks to what Staccato is offering in the form of the C2 DPO Tactical. One thing is certain—Staccato is at the forefront of modernizing and adapting the 1911 into the forms not previously conceived.

A sidearm is an extremely personal weapon, albeit for duty or daily personal defense carry. A weapon like the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical is analogous to a medieval knight’s broadsword, or a samurai’s katana in terms of pride. They are intended to always be on your person, both due to their lethality, as well as warrior talisman. This type of weapon is intended to work when the world goes to hell. Just as with a sword, it takes lifelong training to achieve and maintain proficiency with a handgun. While more expensive than the typical polymer weapon, the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical is a top-of-the-line weapon intended to perform at a higher level than the standard handgun. The prevalence of polymer, striker fired weapons getting upgraded via aftermarket slides, triggers, springs, grip customization, etc., makes the cost of Staccato C2 DPO Tactical not so daunting.

With the C2 DPO Tactical you will feel as if you have reached the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, reliability, and efficiency in the 1911 genre. While you cannot purchase proficiency, the Staccato C2 DPO Tactical certainly feels like a worthy enhancement to existing skill.  You perform better with it in your hand versus other types of weapons. There is no better compliment than this.

SITES OF INTEREST

Staccato

Staccato2011.com

CrossBreed Holsters

CrossBreedholsters.com

Leupold

Leupold.com

Specifications: Staccato C2 DPO Tactical

• Caliber: 9MM
• Barrel: 3.9 inches
• OA Length: 7.5 inches
• Weight: 25.7ounces (empty)
• Grips: Polymer
• Sights: Dawson Precision Optic system/Leupold DeltaPoint Pro with co-witnessing iron sights
• Action: Single Action
• Finish: DLC-Black
• Capacity: 16+1 (Three magazines arrive with Staccato C2 DPO C)
• MSRP: $2,299 (Dawson Precision Optic plate and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro not included)

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N5 (May 2021)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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