• Aldo Uberti Russian in .44 Russian
• Bersa Firestorm in .22 LR, .32 ACP & .380 ACP
• Kimber Eclipse Target II in .45 ACP, .38 Super & 9mm
• Nowin MFG Thoroughbred Carry in 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W & 9×23
• Para Ordnance Para Carry C6.45 LDA & Para Companion C7.45LDA in 9mm, .40 & .45 ACP
• Republic Arms SA RAP 401 in 9mm & .40 S&W
• Rock Island Armory Government, Commander and Officers Model in .45 ACP, .38 Super & 9mm.
• STI International Competitor in .38 Super and VIP in 9mm, .38 Super, .357 SIG and .40 S&W
• Springfield Armory XD-9 in 9mm
• Steyr S-9 in 9mm
• Walther P22 in .22 LR and P99-QA in 9mm & .40

The U. S. Marine Corps recently finished testing two arms – the M4 Carbine and the M16A4 rifle as a replacement for the current M16A2. The shorter M4, now standard issue for U.S. Army infantry troops, is considered the front-runner. Colt’s Manufacturing is a major supplier of the M4 to the U.S. military.

SIGARMS has announced a recall of all Blaser R93 rifles sold in the U.S. after discovering that incorrect pins were used in some trigger assemblies. While specs call for stainless steel pins, some non-stainless pins were inadvertently used in some rifles. If the non-stainless pins corrode from exposure to moisture, the rifle could accidentally discharge once the firing pin has been cocked (in the off-safe position).

SIGARMS, INC. has added two staff members to its law enforcement and military sales division. Al Barr, a former captain of the USMC and a 24-year FBI veteran, is named SIG’s regional manager for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Dana Owen, a 27-year veteran of the old Massachusetts Metropolitan Police and the Massachusetts State Police, is named inside sales manager for the Eastern U.S. and regional manager for all of Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Missing Arms

Unable to account for the whereabouts of all firearms in its records, SIG Arms, Inc. has sent a letter to current and former employees, which offered amnesty, for the return of firearms “improperly removed” from its premises, according to The Manchester Union- Leader.

The letter, signed by company chairman and CEO, Herbert Rudolf, stated the amnesty was the result of an inventory audit. “Unfortunately, our investigation has revealed that a number of firearms have been improperly removed from the company’s facilities without proper documentation or the company’s authorization. If SIG Arms receives any firearm under this amnesty program, then the company’s investigation will cease as to that firearm,” he wrote. The letter does not state how many firearms are missing.

Robert Joyce, SIG Arms’ attorney, said part of the issue could be that serial numbers were put on firearm frames and recorded in the company’s records, but that the frames might have later been destroyed for quality control reasons, without a deletion made in the records. “And understanding human nature, there is always the possibility that some of the firearms were improperly taken from the premises,” Joyce added. “SIG Arms is investigating.”

The FBI, INS and other federal agencies have recently reported some 775 missing or stolen guns, some of which were subsequently used in crimes, notes AP. Four hundred laptop computers are also missing, an audit by the Justice Dept.’s Office of Inspector General has found.

Most of the missing guns (750) had belonged to the FBI. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agents lost 212 guns. “The FBI showed serious deficiencies in management in keeping track of weapons and laptops,” said Inspector General Glenn A. Fine. The Bureau of Prisons, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Marshals Service each had fewer than 16 guns missing.

Company Financials

Increased net sales and income for the second quarter are reported by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Second quarter net sales of $39.8 million were achieved compared to $37.7 million in the second quarter of 2001. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 totaled $2.9 million or 11 cents per share versus $1.8 million or 7 cents per share in the comparable quarter of 2001.

For 2002’s first six months, net sales were $88.2 million and net income $7.4 million, or 28 cents per share. For the same period in 2001, net sales were $81.5 million and net income was $5.9 million or 22 cents per share.

Chairman William B. Ruger, Jr. said, “Firearms shipments increased 17% in the second quarter, the fourth consecutive quarter of firearm sales growth.” Commenting on the investment castings business, Ruger remarked, “Our castings sales decreased 22% from the second quarter of 2001 and 25% from the first half of 2001. However, the 11% increase in castings sales from the first quarter of 2002 is one indication that progress is being made to revive this segment which is currently under-performing.”

The second quarter showed continued progress on the litigation front, noted Stephen L. Sanetti, vice chairman, senior executive vp and general counsel. Philadelphia did not attempt to further appeal the dismissal of its municipal lawsuit, which brought the matter to a long-awaited end. Several “absolute liability” individual plaintiffs’ cases were dismissed in New York, the highest court in Maryland rejected a request for rehearing its dismissal of the Halliday case, and the similar Price case was dismissed. Unfortunately, the dismissal of the Cincinnati municipal lawsuit, which had been sustained on appeal, was reversed by the Ohio Supreme Court on June 12, by a 4 – 3 vote on straight ideological lines and sent back to the trial court for more proceedings.

Erle G. Blanchard, vice chairman, president & COO, honored the memory of the company’s founder, William B. Ruger, “On July 6, 2002, the company, the industry and the country lost a passionate champion and visionary with the passing of Bill Ruger. Our employees are determined to continue the tradition of hard work and excellence that Ruger exemplified during his active life with the company. The continued success of this company, its products, and the preservation of the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms will be his legacy.”

A spike in ammunition sales enabled Remington Arms Co. to triple its profit to $4.3 million in the second quarter, compared to a profit of $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2001. Second quarter 2002 sales were $95.3 million, versus $86.7 million last year. For 2002’s first six months, sales totaled $191.7 million, some $14.4 million more than the comparable period in 2001. Net earnings for 2002’s first half was $9.7 million, versus $5.1 million a year earlier.

Ammunition sales were the driving force behind the second quarter’s improved results as the sales of $34.5 million were about 18.2% higher than the $29.2 million recorded a year earlier. Ammo sales during 2002’s first half came to $67.1 million, a gain of $10.4 million over the same period a year earlier. While sales were strong in virtually all categories, center rifle cartridges and the new HeviShot line were especially so.

Firearms sales came to $48.6 million during the second quarter, up 3.6% from the year before. The $1.7 million increase was attributed to higher sales of shotguns and rimfire rifles, along with stronger pricing of center fire rifles. For the first six months, firearms sales totaled $100.5 million, a $3.7 million gain over the same period in 2001. Much of this increase was attributed to stronger sales of center fire rile models 700, 710 and the M24.

Sales of accessories, fishing line and other items, were up $1.6 million during the quarter, a gain of 15% over the comparable period a year earlier. During the first six months of 2002, these categories generated $24.1 million in sales, a rise of $300,000 from a year earlier. Gun parts, targets and gun safes led the gain.

Rising ammunition sales also helped ATK record a 32% gain in sales during its first fiscal quarter. Sales totaled $520 million, up 32% from the $395 million recorded a year earlier. Revenues from the ammunition and other businesses bought last December from Blount International fueled the increase.

The ammunition group sales of $157 million were nearly double last year’s $79 million. The company won a $92 million contract to produce small arms ammunition for the U.S. Army during the quarter. Earnings before taxes, depreciation, interest and amortization for the first fiscal quarter were $84.2 million, versus $65.2 million a year earlier. Per share earnings were $2.14 in the quarter, compared to $1.96 in the same quarter last year.

The Winchester Ammunition division of Olin Corp. posted a strong second quarter, with sales of $65 million and operating income of $2.9 million. A year earlier, sales were $62.4 million and operating income $2.3 million.

For 2002’s first six months, Winchester had $126.8 million in sales, up $8.8 million from the $118 million it recorded a year ago. Operating income for 2002’s first half was $6.3 million, nearly quadruple the $1.6 million made last year.

Michaels of Oregon is consolidating all manufacturing operations into a new 100,000-sq.-ft. facility in Meridian, Idaho. The firm’s Boise, Idaho operation is also moving to Meridian as is the Butler Creek unit. The Hoppe’s division in Coatesville, Pennsylvania is relocating to Meridian as well.

Firearms Training Systems, Inc. says it has resumed trading its common stock securities on OTC under the symbol FATS. The firm has received an additional contract award from the Australian Defense Forces for two additional Weapons Training Simulation Systems. The contract’s value is $1.2 million (U.S.). CEO Ron Mohling commented, “This recent award shall bring to a total of 12 Weapons Training Simulation Systems facilities within ADF. A further twelve Indirect Forward Observer trainers used for artillery training are also in operation.

Davidson’s, the firearms distributor, has pledged a gift of $100,000 to establish the Davidson’s Law Enforcement Endowment of the NRA Foundation. The gift will be used to help permanently fund the NRA’s National Police Shooting Championships, conducted as part of NRA’s Law Enforcement Training Program for police agencies.

Federal Cartridge Co., an 800-employee firm, is 80-years old and since being acquired by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in December 2001, the brand has enjoyed renewed vigor. “Having a successful parent company like ATK certainly helps in many aspects,” says Ron Petty, vp/ sales & marketing for the ATK Ammunition and Related Products group. “The acquisition has provided resources to go head-to-head against key competitors, and provided an opportunity to distinguish and leverage each of the Federal brands. Dealers and consumers will be seeing a lot more from Federal and the other brands this fall,” Petty promised.

Bushmaster Firearms raised $738 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation by running a DCM rifle raffle at the national matches at Camp Perry. Richard Dalton of Ohio held the winning ticket. The idea for the promotion came about from a call from Clariza Kern, a competitive high power rifle shooter who was recently diagnosed with metastic breast cancer. As a result of her condition, Kern found the hefty recoil of her .308 M1 rifle becoming unbearable. Kern felt that a .223 Bushmaster rifle, with its recoil absorbing gas operating system, would be the key to allow her to continue her competitive shooting. Bushmaster loaned her a rifle for use at the matches while raffle tickets for the rifle were sold during the event, with all proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Newport, Kentucky Police Dept. has become the first to use Accu-Counter, a new technology that records the time, date and number of shots fired from an officer’s handgun. “When it comes down to a situation where an officer has to use his firearm in the line of duty, this documents how many rounds are fired and what time frame they’re fired in,” said police chief Tom Fromme. Accu-Counter operates via a microchip that provides an indestructible, tamper-proof record of the gun’s activity. Information is downloaded from the gun after use by sweeping a scanner across a screwhead-sized window on the gun’s grip. Currently, the only other reported user of Accu-Counter is the U.S. military.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. Visit www.FirearmsGroup.com. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

Harry Scarlett and Robert Blankenship, of Spencer Gun Company in Portland, TN, do remarkable work on Browning .50 caliber machine guns. Recently, Robert was returning a World War II Hi-Standard to me and brought along one of his experiments. I want to be clear in this brief article. This is not intended to be instruction, nor encouragement for anyone to do the experimental research Robert Blankenship is pursuing. That caveat noted, Robert told me he was bringing a Winchester Model 71 and a Chinese Dragunov re-worked to handle a smokeless powder version of the .50-110 cartridge. When he told me this, I figured I misinterpreted something he was saying and thought I’d wait until he arrived to see what he was really talking about.

Shooting a smokeless version of the old .50-110 buffalo hunters’ cartridge in a Winchester Model 71 is outlandish. Shooting it in a Chinese Dragunov sniper rifle is extreme. Needless to say, the recoil would be stout if it wasn’t for an extraordinary muzzle break Robert designed and installed on both rifles. Yevgeniy Dragunov would be impressed!

Spencer Rifle Company
145 CB&L Lane
Portland, TN 37148
Phone: 615-325-3551

Developing a grenade launcher was not a new idea for Ronnie Barrett, CEO of Barrett. Some years ago, when he saw the Russian AGS-17, he realized that the cartridge could be fired in a weapon similar in size to the .50 caliber M82A1 rifle. Unfortunately, there was no 30mm ammunition available for use in developing a rifle and so the project languished until recently, when the ammunition for the OCSW program proved to be an almost ideal size for such a rifle. Meantime, United States special operations elements were seeking an improved method to defeat lightly armored targets, such as light vehicles, communications facilities, crew served weapons and aircraft on the ground. This type of operation is typically conducted using a .50 caliber rifle similar to Barrett’s M82A1, but an explosive warhead would have vastly improved terminal ballistics, hence the need for what came to be called a “payload rifle.”

The 25x59Bmm OCSW round was chosen not only for its size, but because it represents the best tradeoff between lethality and the ability to be launched from a man-fired weapon, as opposed to a ground or vehicle mounted system like the OCSW itself. The 25x59Bmm cartridge is intended primarily to be an antipersonnel round in the OCSW, but in the “payload rifle,” its primary use is as an antimaterial round. In this role, it is virtually an ideal cartridge because its time of flight and trajectory to 2,000 meters is only marginally less than the .50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) round, while the 25mm round suffers no degradation of terminal effects, unlike the .50 BMG round which depends upon kinetic energy for its terminal effects.

There has been some debate regarding the terminal effectiveness of both the 20mm Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) rounds and the 25mm OCSW projectile, and it is not our purpose here to enter into the debate. Suffice it to say that with the latest developments in fuze miniaturization, there should be sufficient explosive/payload volume in the 25mm projectile for it to be more than adequate for its intended use in the Payload Rifle.

The requirement was passed to Barrett, who rather than designing a totally new rifle, began working on a conversion unit to fit the lower receiver of the company’s M82A1 with little or no modification. This was not as simple as it may sound. The recoil impulse of the 25x59Bmm round is significantly higher than the .50 Browning cartridge, necessitating either that there be internal changes to the M82’s lower receiver, or that the 25mm upper receiver itself somehow be redesigned to handle the added recoil.

The first question that may be asked is just what advantages a 25mm Payload Rifle offers over the current M82A1 chambered for the potent .50 BMG cartridge. This cartridge has been the premier round for antimaterial rifles worldwide and at first blush, it would seem that the proposed 25mm Payload Rifle offers little improvement over the existing weapon. This, of course, is far from reality. The 25mm round provides a lightweight system that can be carried by a single individual. The 25mm round also will carry a high explosive or shaped charge warhead, while the venerable .50 BMG is essentially limited to kinetic energy projectiles. While the 25mm has no greater range than the .50 BMG cartridge, it delivers a much more effective projectile to the target. Thus, it offers a significant improvement in lethality to the user without resort to a crew-served system like the Objective Crew Served Weapon. The Payload Rifle’s fire control is straightforward and consists of a MIL-STD-1913 rail mount. The current prototype is fitted with a proprietary Barrett 32mm diameter telescopic sight, but virtually any optic can be fitted, including night vision devices. Barrett’s 25mm Payload Rifle does not have the sophisticated fire control and is not intended for use with the programmable types of ammunition for the OCSW. This is intentional, to speed development and reduce costs.

Barrett decided to make as few changes as possible to the M82A1’s lower receiver and incorporate as much of the new weapon’s recoil management system as possible in the conversion unit itself. This was achieved in part by designing a new, more effective muzzle brake. This new brake is so effective in reducing recoil that the short recoil operated M82A1 rifle will not function properly with it installed. Since it is more effective than Barrett’s current brake, however, the new brake will probably be incorporated into Barrett’s bolt-action rifles. The new muzzle brake, however, is only part of the story. The bolt speed of any semiautomatic or automatic weapon is a critical element, as it affects every component of the recoil management system. Bolt speed of the M82A1 rifle is 250 inch/seconds and the M82A1’s recoil spring is designed to accommodate that velocity. Hence, the Payload Rifle’s bolt velocity had to be held to M82A1 levels. At the same time, bolt velocity affects extraction and ejection in several ways. Without entering into excessive technical detail, if velocity is too fast, extraction may be too sudden and case head separation may result. Barrett’s solution to the second aspect of recoil was two extra barrel return springs and two hydraulic buffers in the conversion unit. These impart motion into the receiver as soon as the barrel begins to move to the rear. The buffers reduce the bolt velocity to an acceptable level, although carrier velocity is still slightly higher than that of the M82A1. The barrel’s motion is also reduced to ensure a smooth extraction.

The Payload Rifle’s magazine body is carried over from the M82A1, with a front spacer to accommodate the shorter 25mm grenade cartridge. There is, of course, a new magazine spring and follower specifically for the new round. In theory, at least, existing M82A1 magazines could be modified using kits consisting of spacer, spring and follower.

Barrett’s Payload Rifle retains the short recoil operation of the M82A1. The lower receiver must be modified slightly to accommodate the 25mm upper, but the M82A1 upper receiver can be reinstalled after the modification, which can be carried out by depot level maintenance organizations. Thus, any military force that has a Barrett M82A1 can convert to the Payload Rifle by simply purchasing an upper receiver and magazines. The 25mm rifle will, of course, be available as a complete system in addition to a conversion unit.

The weapon, however, is only a part of the overall system, and at the moment the only ammunition available for the 25mm payload rifle is target practice (TP) ammunition. We have already discussed some aspects of the 25x59Bmm cartridge that the rifle fires, but the lack of an explosive projectile limits the utility of the payload rifle. Indeed, the solid 25mm projectile’s ballistics are actually inferior to those of the .50 caliber projectiles fired from current antimaterial rifles. OCSW ammunition is planned to be a remotely settable “smart” airbursting munition with point detonating (PD) backup, along with a shaped charge round. While the shaped charge round would have some utility in the payload rifle, a high explosive PD round would also be highly desirable. Moreover, the OCSW explosive ammunition is not due to enter production for several years. For purposes of Barrett’s payload Rifle, a simple point detonating (PD) fuze is all that is required for the high explosive variant along with a point initiating base detonating (PIBD) fuze for the shaped charge round. This round should cost significantly less than the “smart” 25mm rounds under development for the US Army’s OCSW. Barrett is currently exploring development and production of such rounds with an independent ammunition design and development corporation. If negotiations are successful and the design meets military specifications, the Barrett Payload Rifle could be in the hands of military forces within two years.

Shooting the Barrett Payload Rifle using TP ammunition was essentially uneventful. Since the TP round is ballistically matched to the HE cartridge, shooting TP is a close approximation of the actual service rounds. We fired the rifle at Barrett’s facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and at 100 yards; it was accurate to approximately 1 1/2 minute of angle. Recoil was, in a word, stout, but we did not find it excessive or unpleasant. In terms of felt recoil, the Payload Rifle approximated that of a 12-gauge 3.5-inch magnum shotgun. This is an admittedly subjective assessment. The author is over six feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighs some 200 pounds (91kg), which helps attenuate felt recoil. We fired the Payload Rifle from the prone position using Barrett’s standard bipod. The bipod mount also helps attenuate felt recoil, as does firing from the prone position. After firing five rounds, we experienced no perceptible aftereffects. The rifle did not leave bruises on our shoulder, but this is attributable as much to individual training as it is to the rifle’s recoil management. Despite this, the US Army states that the payload rifle’s recoil currently exceeds established limits. That said, the Army’s standards measure only the peak recoil impulse, not recoil as a function of time, which is a major component of felt recoil. Regardless, the excess recoil is not an insoluble problem and can be reduced by careful design.

All in all, Barrett’s Payload Rifle is a notable response to a priority military requirement. The design was consummated and a operational prototype manufactured in only two months, a tribute to Barrett’s responsiveness and ingenuity. The rifle itself is essentially finished and lacks only HE ammunition to be ready for fielding. Once the ammunition is developed for this innovative rifle, it will add a significant new capability to special operations and infantry forces. Moreover, for those armies that already use the Barrett M82A1, the Payload Rifle modular upgrade offers an inexpensive alternative to costly new systems.

Barrett 25x59Bmm Payload Rifle Specifications

Operation: Short Recoil

Magazine capacity: 4 rounds

Weight: 30.5 lbs

Length: 45.9 inches

Barrel length: 17.5 inches

Max Effective Range: 2,000 meters

In 1996, Congress established the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety as a non-profit private corporation. The U.S. Army’s Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) was replaced with the new Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) with the mission to instruct the citizens of the United States in marksmanship. The highest priority of this program is the training of junior shooters. The CMP program is offered through 1,500 affiliated clubs with adult membership of over 380,000 and junior membership of 68,000. These affiliates include traditional shooting clubs and state shooting associations, plus over 2,00 JROTC local school programs, 3,000 county extension agents (4-H) and over 300 Boy Scout Councils.

Through these sport shooting programs and dedicated volunteer coaches and instructors, thousands of young men and women are learning the skills and discipline of marksmanship as well as the responsibilities of gun ownership and citizenship. The enabling CMP legislation authorizes the sale of surplus .22 rimfire and .30-caliber rifles, ammunition, repair parts and supplies to members of affiliated clubs and organizations sponsoring shooting instructional programs. The proceeds from every purchase are used to support the operation of the CMP and build an endowment to fund youth programs in perpetuity.

The Headquarters of the Civilian Marksmanship Program is located at Port Clinton, Ohio. This office is contiguous to the historic Camp Perry Firing ranges, which are still home of the CMP National Matches. The National Matches are conducted through a partnership of the CMP and the National Rifle Association. The U.S. Army Reserve and the Ohio National Guard provide support for the National Match Program. All support of the competitive rifle program, affiliated club services, sales of firearms, ammunition and parts and coordination of the junior and adult safety and marksmanship programs is based at Port Clinton. CMP at Anniston is the receiving and processing site for material, parts, ammunition and firearms drawn down from the U.S. Army. CMP at Anniston serves as the distribution center for processed orders from CMP Headquarters.

Recently I and several others traveled to Anniston, Alabama to the Anniston Army Depot to visit the Civilian Marksmanship Program. We were the guests of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CMP, Mr. Charles W. Maddox, and Mr. Orest Michaels, Chief Operating Officer for CMP.

We were first given an extensive a tour of the then-on-base facility for storage, processing, and shipping firearms and materials. Following our introduction to the CMP-South staff, we were allowed to examine the variety of firearms available to the membership as well as a substantial number of rare, and often one-of-a-kind, items that are auctioned on the CMP website, www.odcmp.com. We were also introduced to the armorers and watched them preparing M1s for sale. Many full-time staff are retired military and/or Civil Service. This staff is augmented by a limited volunteer program, which was suspended at the time of our visit because of 9-11 security constraints. Everyone we met was professional, knowledgeable, committed to their work and believes strongly in the mission of the CMP.

Mr. Maddox and Mr. Michaels briefed us on the history of the CMP and presented an exciting vision for the future of their programs. We learned that the on-base operations were being transferred to a new secure facility off base in the city of Anniston and that there were a ‘few’ 1903 and 03-A3 Springfield rifles that were being delivered and unloaded there. We were invited to visit the new warehouse and offices after lunch.

The new CMP-South office and warehouse facility was a modern, light industrial building in excellent condition. No work had been started to renovate the offices and the building was empty with one substantial exception. There were over 2,000 crates of 1903/03-A3 rifles being unloaded and stacked. In a small room, Michael J. Parker, from Oak Park, Virginia, was removing rifles in a random sampling of these containers and checking their manufacturer, serial number, barrel dates, stock type, and stock markings and cartouches. Parker’s objective was to survey the overall condition of the rifles to establish a range of values and how they could best be used in the CMP program.

All the 1903 rifles had been arsenal reworked and many appeared to be in very good to excellent condition considering their age and use. The rifles were low and high serial numbered Springfield and Rock Island arsenal rifles, post-World-War-I Springfield and Rock Island ‘03’s, Remington ‘03’s and Remington and Smith Corona 03-A3s. Stock types varied from early finger groove, pre and post-World-War-II C Stocks, ‘scant’ or S type semi-pistol grip stocks and Remington straight stocks. Barrel dates for the low numbered guns were as early as 1910. Many of the 03’s had been re-barreled with World-War-II Remington or Sedgley barrels. Most interesting were the large number of 1903 Mark I rifles with the left side of the receiver milled for the ejection port of the “Automatic Pistol .30 Model 1918,” also known as the Pederson device. We felt privileged watching history being pulled from these old crates. Here were the guns that served those who fought for freedom in World War I and World War II. Now, they were going to serve again, teaching generations to come of the sacrifices made for freedom in the past. The sheer number and variety of these guns made an unbelievable impression on each of us. We headed back home with the resolve to return and do some volunteer work at the first opportunity.

Volunteering to work with the CMP-South became possible in mid April. We found that the new CMP-South facility at 1401 Commerce Blvd. was fully operational and a beehive of activity. The transfer of the day-to-day operation from Anniston Army Depot had been completed. The armorers were busy inspecting and preparing .30 M1 Garands for shipment. Other full time staff was busy preparing firearms and ammunition for shipping. The warehouse operation was a fine example of military precision. Security was excellent and the material handling process showed that an experienced and very capable management team was in charge.

The original rifles we observed in October had been sorted by maker, low or high serial numbers, type of stock and model and placed in large boxes for further processing. Some of us were tasked to place correct straight handled bolts in low number 03 Springfield’s. The receivers of low number guns don’t meet safety standards because of some having improper heat-treating, and are sold as collectables only, with the tips of the firing pins ground off. We spent our time demilling firing pins, replacing bolts and checking the headspace with “field” and “go” gages. Others had the more desirable job of sorting post-World-War-I 03’s.

At the end of the second day, we had a chance to sit and talk shop with Mr.Orest Michaels and Joe Malinowski, Sales Representatives, and Mark Johnson, Business Development Officer. We learned that these ‘03’s represent the last known large stock of this service rifle. Their release to the CMP shows the confidence that the U.S. Army has in the program. The business-like approach that we observed in the CMP program did not just happen. The Board of Directors and the CMP staff are committed to make this program work successfully as a cost effective business.

How can an individual purchase a rifle from the CMP? You must be a member of an affiliated club, have a qualifying shooting certificate or have served in the military, and show proof of citizenship and qualifications to purchase and possess a firearm. “The Small Arms Review”, Vol. 5 No.9, has an excellent article on the John C. Garand Rifle Match, which will qualify a shooter for CMP purchase eligibility. Order forms can be obtained from the CMP at P.O. Box 576, Port Clinton, OH 43452, 419-635-2141 or at www.odcmp.com. The web site contains everything that you need to know purchasing a rifle. Every active shooting club should consider affiliation with the CMP to promote junior shooting programs and be eligible for member benefits.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program and its people are a strong voice for responsible private ownership of firearms in our country. The program and its volunteer instructors and coaches are recruiting and training thousands of young shooters each day. The CMP is one positive force working to preserve our right to firearms ownership and encourage the shooting sports. There is no stronger force for the future of firearms ownership and marksmanship than preserving our history and preparing young men and women to take our place as the responsible gun owners of the future.

It has been over 30 years since the M134 ceased being a production offering, and spares and replacement parts have become hard to find. This was part of Mike’s inspiration of course, getting good reliable parts to keep his own guns running. In the course of that quest, Dillon Aero Inc was born, and Dillon gradually began to manufacture all of the parts for the M134 after improving them, and finally set his sights on making complete firearms and systems. His current projects include lightening the entire system even more. Those familiar with the rotary winged aircraft (“Helicopters” to our readers in Jersey) realize that removing even a few pounds can make a tremendous difference in the ability of that craft to fulfill its mission. Every pound you save translates into more ammo or fuel you can carry. With that in mind, we have included the full specs on the M134-D offering from Dillon.

In the photo caption text, we have tried to give a thorough look at Dillon Aero’s innovative solutions to these problems, and the other solutions they arrived at during the course of testing and firing millions of rounds of ammunition.

Military users of the current M134 Minigun should consider either completely upgrading their systems to the M134-D configuration, or replacing their aging systems with the Dillon offering.

SAR’s Technical Specifications for the M134-D Minigun:

Manufacturer:     Dillon Aero, Inc
    8009 E. Dillon’s Way
    Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
    Phone: 480-444-2919
    Fax: 480-948-6616
    Website: www.dillonaero.com
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Overall Length: 80.16 mm – 31.56 inches
Barrel Length: 55.88 cm – 22 inches
Weight, Gun: 15.75 kg – 35 pounds
Weight, Drive Assembly, 28VDC, AC: 3.60 kg – 8 pounds
Weight, feeder/delinker: 4.57 kg – 10.16 pounds
Weight, Gun Control Unit: 1.87 kg – 4.16 pounds
Weight, cables: 1.12 kg – 2.5 pounds
Weight, Battery: 13.61 kg – 30 pounds
Total system weight: (Less battery, ammunition and mount): 27.44 kg – 60.98 pounds
Feed system: metallic disintegrating linked ammunition belt
Number of Barrel grooves: 4
Direction of twist: Right Hand
Rate of twist: 1 turn in 25.4 cm – 1 turn in 10 inches
Firing Modes: full auto only, clutched
Rate of Fire: 3,000 RPM
Method of operation: external, electrically driven
Lock up method: cammed lock up
Acceleration time: 0.5 seconds
Deceleration time: 0.25 seconds
Power requirements: 28 volts DC, AC is available, DC volt requires 40 amps
Barrel life: 250,000 rounds
Reliability: 500,000 MRBF (Mean Rounds Between Failure)
System life: 1,500,000 rounds
Gun life (before rebuild): 1,500,000 rounds
Recoil forces (At 3000 rpm) Average: 90.72 kg – 200 lbs

The Gun

The GAU-8/A has seven barrels. Like all externally powered Gatling guns, its rate of fire is adjustable. However, it generally fires at 4,200 rounds per minute. That works out to only 600 rounds per minute per barrel. At that rate, the barrels have a USAF specified minimum life of 21,000 rounds. The barrels are 86 inches long (not including chamber) and weigh 52 pounds each. They are held to the gun by a quick release mechanism for ease of maintenance. The barrels have right-hand twist rifling with 20 grooves. While the 20mm Vulcan uses gain-twist rifling, the twist rate on the Avenger is constant. Total length of the gun, sans feed mechanism, is 112.83 inches and weighs 661 pounds. The overall length including the linkless feed system is 21 feet. The unloaded weight exceeds 1,800 pounds, while fully loaded weight is nearly 3,500 pounds.

The impressive size and mass pales in comparison to the recoil forces generated by the Avenger. According to the US Navy’s Gun Systems Engineering Center, the GAU-8/A firing at 4,200 rpm has a trunnion reaction (force) of 19,000 pounds! That is 1,000 pounds greater than the combined thrust of the A-10’s two engines a full power. Obviously, bursts are kept relatively short as firing the Avenger is much like slamming on the brakes. This large force also necessitated that the gun be installed on the aircraft’s centerline to avoid having the plane turn off target from recoil forces.

Simply scaling the M61 Vulcan up to 30mm size would have resulted in a much larger and heavier weapon. A clever engineering change to the Avenger’s bolting method led to large dividends in weight savings and in reducing the overall length of the gun. Where the Vulcan bolt locks into the rotor acting as the receiver, the Avenger bolt is a multi-lugged Stoner-type and locks into the barrel extension, similar to the AR-15. Other improvements allowed the gun package to be only slightly larger in diameter than the Vulcan.

Feeding the Avenger

The linkless feed system of the GAU-8/A is based on that of the 20mm Vulcan. Being linkless saves weight and reduces the number of bits and pieces the whole system has to deal with. The cartridges are held in a drum with the projectiles pointed toward the center. A full load consists of 1,100 rounds. This is enough ammunition for about a dozen gun passes before the need to reload. Spent cases are retained in the system and are shuttled back into the drum for unloading when the plane is back at the base. Thus, potential airframe or engine damage from an ejected fired casing is avoided. Unloading the empties and reloading the whole system can be accomplished in about 13 minutes using a ground support piece called the Ammunition Loading System (ALS) that is much like the Avenger’s feed system, although it is trailer mounted.

The drum feed and the gun are powered by a pair of hydraulic motors working together and producing a total of 77 horsepower. That amount of power is required to spool up the seven rotating barrels almost instantaneously and begin the feeding of the ammunition. If one of the motors should fail, the gun is still able to operate but with the rate halved to 2,100 rpm. At the end of every burst, the motors reverse momentarily to decelerate the gun while the feed mechanism clears any live rounds from the barrels to prevent cook-offs.

The Ammo

The 30x173mm ammunition used in the GAU-8/A is available in three common varieties for CAS use, with a few more that are used for anti-missile installations. Unlike the 20mm Vulcan rounds that are electrically primed, the 30x173mm is percussion primed. The main tank killing round, the one that gets nearly all of the (negative) press, is the PGU-14 API(T). This is the depleted uranium (DU) kinetic penetrator round that was so effective at defeating Saddam’s tanks. The DU penetrator is sheathed in an aluminum shell that shatters upon impact, while the penetrator has a high pyrophoric effect. The extreme penetration is due to the high density of the DU, and its relative hardness. Development of the DU shell began in 1972 and was finalized in 1976. The loaded round has an overall length of 11.42 inches, weighs 1.53 pounds and has a muzzle velocity of 3,323 fps. The projectile weighs 0.6 pounds (9.6 ounces). The normal combat load is a 5:1 ratio of PGU-14 API rounds and PGU-13 HEI. The two rounds are ballistically matched, as is the inert PGU-15 TP (target practice) round.

One of the first innovations of 30x173mm ammunition is the light alloy cartridge case which is 60% lighter than the same case would be in steel (5 ounces versus 12.3 ounces). Recall that the normal combat load is 1,100 rounds of ammunition. The weight savings allowed an increase in the ammo load of over 300 rounds or 25% of the total load. Steel case ammunition is used in the Mauser MK30 cannon.

Another important advance pioneered by the 30x173mm round is the successful development of plastic driving bands. Not only do these save some weight, but more importantly, they contribute to long barrel life by reducing wear to one-third that caused by metal driving bands. Furthermore, plastic bands do not tend to foul the barrel as traditional copper bands do. A 40mm version of this round had been developed by simply necking up the case for potential use in Boeing’s Bushmaster II chain gun.

Variations

So successful has been the 30x173mm family of ammunition that several guns have been developed to use this chambering, though they generally use unique projectiles more suitable to their methods of employment. Among these is the Oerlikon KCA that was selected as a back-up in case the Avenger failed. There is also the previously mentioned Mauser MK 30 (Mauser Model F), and Bushmaster II 30mm Chain Gun. Also there was an experimental Rocket Assisted Projectile (RAP) version tested in the 1970’s. To save space, the propellant was wrapped around the penetrator. This round demonstrated penetration at approximately 1,800 yards equivalent to the standard API at 1,200.

An alternate usage for the Avenger is the Dutch Goalkeeper Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Introduced in the mid 1980’s, it is similar to the US Navy’s Phalanx anti-ship missile system. It is in use by the navies of Great Britain, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. In this guise, a special FMPDS (frangible missile-piercing discarding-sabot) projectile is used. Designed by NWM De Kruithoorn, this round uses a tungsten alloy penetrator in a sabot that falls away once the round has left the gun muzzle. The tungsten alloy used is somewhat brittle and is designed to fragment after penetrating the thin sheet metal that usually makes up the front end of anti-ship missiles, thereby destroying the missile.

Gun Pod

The Avenger had a little brother. A four-barreled version designated the GAU-13/A that was designed to be used in the General Electric GPU-5/A Pave Claw pod. Besides the barrel count difference there are a few other attributes that differentiate the GAU-13/A from the GAU-8/A. The helical feed drum only holds 353 rounds and houses the ammunition with the rounds pointed forward instead of towards the drum centerline. This is done to reduce the frontal area of the pod to a minimum. The pod weighs nearly 2,000 pounds loaded and the gun is powered pneumatically fed by a storage bottle. The rate of fire is 2,400 rpm.

During Desert Storm some F-16s from the 174th TFW were deployed to the Gulf, but the fighter/pod combination did not perform close to expectations. Among the reasons were a lack of rigidity in the pod’s mounting when compared to the GAU-8/A in the A-10 and the severe vibration and subsequent handling problems for the F-16s when the gun was fired. Interestingly, in the late 1980’s the Royal Thai Air Force (Kongtap Agard Thai) fitted Pave Claw gun pods to the centerline pylons of some of their Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters.

The Warthog in The Storm

Debriefed Iraqi soldiers stated that the single most feared aircraft was the A-10. Firing Maverick missiles, making cannon runs and generally loitering for extended periods looking for more targets generated no small amount of concern for any enemy personnel in the area. The GAU-8/A was utilized from ground level to altitudes of 10,000 feet and sometimes more, by day and at night. To the pilots shooting the guns, they didn’t know until later the effect the 30mm gun was having for when they shot up a tank it was perforated like Swiss cheese, and it tended to burn inside with no secondary explosions. Until Iraqi tanks could be examined on the ground, these kills were listed as only “possible damage”. The Avenger cannon also proved to be an ideal anti-material gun for those times when a tank just could not be found, some of the other favorite targets being SCUD launchers with or without missiles, and artillery sites.

Whether in its element as a tank killing cannon in the snarling nose of the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) or working as a last line of defense CIWS anti-ship missile gun, the General Electric/General Dynamics GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling Gun has assured its place in history as one of the most important members of the modern Gatling Gun family.

SIGARMS’ SG551 and SG552 are made with emphasis on light weight and reliability. The design makes extensive use of plastic and alloys, while maintaining the rugged durability for which SIG manufactured firearms have always been noted. The folding stock is of plastic material and has an optional cheekrest for use with optical sights that necessitate a raised cheek weld for proper eye relief. Magazines are available in 5-, 20- and 30-round capacities. The magazines are of translucent plastic with built in clips and studs on each side to allow magazines to be locked together for quick reloads. Clipping more than three magazines together is not recommended. The “clip and stud” method of fastening magazines together is extremely simple and more positive than any “add on” mechanism. Clips are on one side of the magazine and studs on the other. To fasten two magazines together, magazines are held at 90 degrees, the top stud from one magazine snapped down into the top vertical clip of the other and then the magazines rotated to seat the stud into the lower horizontal clip. Once fastened together, magazines do not move or rattle. Magazines pivot into place in the magazine-well by hooking the magazine’s forward lip into the magazine-well and simply pulling to the rear. Although we had never before operated a SG551 or 552, we never had a misfeed with these magazines; insertion is much easier than either an AK or M14. Even with two or three magazines clipped together, changes were quick and simple.

The carbines we tested had a number of options. Both had optical sights. The SWAT Carbine was equipped with a Leupold CQT 1-3x variable, while the Commando subcarbine mounted a Trijicon ACOG Reflex II sight. Leupold’s CQT gives the user the benefit of both a 1x CQB sight with low power magnification for longer range work. The Trijicon ACOG Reflex II is one of the best available reflex sights, requires no batteries and is in widespread use by military and police forces. Both carbines also had Surefire WeaponLights(tm) Installed. The SWAT carbine was equipped with Surefire’s M500A which has a high intensity xenon light as an integral component of the handguard, while the Commando had a Surefire M952 Universal Tactical Light mounted on the front handguard. These lights offer superior brightness, beam focus and rugged reliability.

Both carbines had four fire control options: “Safe,” “1” (semiautomatic); “3” (three-round burst) and “20” (full auto). In the “3” mode, the burst selector resets, so that a burst is obtained each time the trigger is pulled, rather than an unpredictable number of rounds between one and three, like some burst control mechanisms. The SG551 is available in semiautomatic only for those agencies that do not desire a select-fire carbine, while the SG552 is available only in select-fire. If a department or organization wishes to block the full-auto function, limiting the carbine to burst fire, an integral block that prevents the selector from being placed into the full-auto position can be rotated and locked into place. The ambidextrous selector switch is large and easily manipulated by gloved hands. Also, the positioning of the selector is such that the natural downward movement of the thumb takes it from “safe” to semiautomatic. Pressing the switch forward a “click” selects “burst” and finally full-auto. The engagement of the selector at each point is positive and not subject to inadvertent movement from one position to another. As mentioned, the three-round burst resets to fire a full three rounds with each pull of the trigger.

The sights consist of a rear diopter rotating drum with markings from “1” through “4” equating to 100 through 400 meters. The 100-meter battlesight is a square notch with tritium dots on either side for night use. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a square post protected by a ring and has a folding tritium-illuminated night sight that remains in the “down” position until it is needed. The carbines tested, however, were equipped with optical sights and we did not require the use of the “iron sights.” That said, the open sights are standard for the Swiss military and since we have used such sights in the past, we expect that they are as good as, or better than, the “backup iron sights” used by some other manufacturers.

Fit and finish of these rifles is of the legendary SIGARMS quality. Although these are in essence military assault rifles in the true sense of the term, they exude quality throughout. There were no visible machining marks and the finish was an even matte green – grey. The polymer grip, stock and handguard mated to the metal components almost perfectly. The care that went into the manufacture of these carbines was obvious.

The carbines are gas-operated using a system similar to that of the Kalashnikov (AK). The SG551 and SG552, however, each use a slightly different system. The SG551 incorporates an operating rod that is retained in the bolt carrier by the operating handle, thus making the two essentially a single unit. The recoil spring surrounds the operating rod inside the gas tube. Thus, while the SG551 system is similar to the Kalashnikov, it is not identical. The SG552, on the other hand, is virtually identical to the AK system. All gas system components are made of stainless steel for ease of cleaning and longevity. The SG552’s bolt carrier and operating rod are integral, with the operating spring contained inside the operating rod and impinging against the rear of the receiver. This necessitates slightly different disassembly procedures for the two carbines.

The SG551 is disassembled for cleaning by first pressing the charging handle retaining clip and removing the charging handle. This frees the operating rod for removal. The gas regulator is twisted and removed to allow withdrawal of the operating rod, which is under slight spring pressure. The gas cylinder can then be twisted a quarter turn and removed. The rear receiver retaining pin is removed, freeing the rear of the upper receiver, which is then pivoted upward similar to the AR-15. If it desired, the front pin can be removed to completely separate the upper and lower receivers. This pin also retains the handguards. Once the pin is withdrawn, the bolt, bolt carrier and handguards can be removed and separated. No further disassembly is required for routine maintenance.

Field stripping the SG552 is slightly different due to its operating system. The bolt carrier and operating rod of the SG552 are unitary like those of the AK. The operator first presses in on a pin at the rear of the lower receiver that frees the upper receiver to be rotated upwards. As the upper receiver is rotated up, the recoil spring is controlled with the thumb and allowed to fully expand. It is then removed. The charging handle is then removed like that of the SG551. The unitary bolt carrier and operating rod can then be withdrawn. Gas valve and tube removal is the same as the SG551.

Optical sights are available for the rifles, but a production MIL-STD-1913 rail was not available at the time of testing, although a MIL-STD-1913 receiver rail should be available by the time this article goes to press. SIGARMS’ system is ingenious and ensures a return to zero when optics are changed, but it is not MIL standard and thus is being redesigned. The existing system consists of a forward receiver stud that engages a receptacle in the removable mount. The mount has a spring-loaded heavy pin that engages a receptacle in the rear sight base. To install optics, the spring loaded stud is pressed back into the sight base, rotated down and then allowed to move forward to engage the receiver stud. Removal is the reverse of installation. During our testing, which involved the use of several types of optical sights, this proved to be a very strong mount and satisfactory system. We changed optics several times and the SIGARMS system always returned to zero. SIGARMS realizes that the MIL-STD-1913 rail is the prevalent system in the United States and thus has designed a rail that is permanently attached to the upper receiver, with a backup rear sight for emergency use.

Shooting the SG551 and SG552 brought some surprises, primarily dealing with the carbines’ accuracy, which was better than we had any right to expect from such short-barreled carbines that are essentially close quarters battle (CQB) guns. (See Table 1 for accuracy results.) Handling was excellent; both carbines balanced and pointed well. Trigger pull weight was approximately 6 pounds and was the same in every fire control option. The trigger is typical “European military” with a relatively long takeup and then a crisp “break” as the sear releases the hammer. The optical sights enhanced accuracy and target acquisition, especially for individuals such as the author, whose middle-aged eyes have difficulty focusing on both front and rear sights and a target. We tested the SWAT Carbine with Leupold’s 1-3x CQT and the Commando with Trijicon’s ACOG Reflex II. SIGARMS’ optional cheekrest was a definite advantage for the author when using the CQT due to the height of the optic mount, which prevented a good cheek weld without the raised cheekrest. Functioning was typical SIGARMS – flawless. Spent cases were ejected very forcefully, which carried them about 10 yards to the right front of the shooter. Muzzle climb on full-auto was notable but manageable due to the light felt recoil inherent in the 5.56x45mm cartridge, the efficient muzzle brake/flash suppressor, and the overall design of both carbines, which places recoil forces low on the stock and in virtually direct alignment with the barrel. These factors also contribute to quick follow-up shots in semiautomatic fire.

In sum, these carbines arguably represent the highest quality weapons of their type. They incorporate excellent ergonomics, and include many features that are to be found in no other firearms. They are surprisingly accurate. From a shooter’s standpoint, these are outstanding firearms. The sole detriment is their price, which is almost twice that of some alternative 5.56mm carbines. There is an old saying, however, that “You get what you pay for.” The price of admission to the SIGARMS SG551 and SG552 is high, but for the department that can afford them and wants the best for their officers, there are few alternatives.

Note: These carbines are 5.56mm caliber, not .223 Remington. Chamber and cartridge dimensions are slightly different for 5.56mm and .223. 5.56mm is slightly longer in the leade, the unrifled portion of the bore just in front of the chamber. In practical terms, 5.56mm firearms will accept .223 ammunition, while guns chambered for .223 may not accept military 5.56mm cartridges.

SIGARMS, Inc.
18 Industrial Dr.
Exeter, NH 03833
Tel: 603-772-2302
www.sigarms.com

Leupold & Stevens, Inc
PO Box 688
Beaverton, OR 97075
Tel: 503-646-9171
www.leupold.com

Trijicon, Inc.
PO Box 930059
Wixom, MI 28393
Tel: 248-960-7700
www.trijicon-inc.com

Surefire
18300 Mt. Baldy Circle
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: 714-545-9444
www.surefire.com

Black Hills Ammunition
PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709-3090
Tel: 605-348-5150
Fax: 605-348-9827
Email: BHAmmo@rapidnet.com

Hornady Manufacturing
PO Box 1848
Grand Island, NE 68803
Tel: 308-382-1390
Fax: 308-382-5761
www.hornady.com

Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services, Inc., is now offering a dedicated .22 LR rimfire rifle. The new rifle is being made to look like and have the features of their very successful Panther rifle. Features of the new .22 LR rimfire rifle include a 16-inch Chrome-moly steel bull barrel with a two-piece aluminum free-float handguard tube. The upper receiver is their flat top Lo-Pro design. The lower receiver is a 4140 investment casting. The Panther .22 LR also features an A-2 buttstock and a steel bolt carrier that is machined from bar stock. It comes with one 10-round magazine, sling and cleaning kit. DPMS if also offering a complete upper barrel assembly for shooters that want to use their own lower. Retail price of this new rifle is just $649.00. For more information contact DPMS, Inc., Dept. SAR, 13983 Industry Ave., Becker, MN 55308. Phone: 1-763-261-5600. Fax: 1-763-261-5599. Their website is www.dpmsinc.com.

SHRIKE 5.56 BELT-FED

Ares Defense System has now released their new Shrike 5.56 Advanced Weapons System™. This new weapons system consists of a belt-fed upper receiver assembly for the AR-15/M-16/M4 family of weapons. This new system requires no modification to the host lower. It maintains the ergonomics and primary magazine-feed of the M-16, while delivering belt-fed capability. The Shrike 5.56™ was invented and designed by Geoffrey A. Herring of Ares Defense Systems in Blacksburg, Virginia. It was originally conceived as a method of adding a compact and ultra-lightweight 5.56mm belt-fed Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) to the rifle squad without subtracting a rifleman. The Shrike has several impressive specifications. It requires no modification to the host lower as long as the lower is Mil-Spec. It is a field installable upgrade that takes only 5 minutes to install. Once installed, it is capable of instant selection between either magazine- or belt-feed without any reconfiguration of weapon components. It uses standard M16 magazines and M249 (SAW) ammunition in M27 disintegrating belts. It features a top-cover design for easy and intuitive loading and modular sub-assemblies that are simple to maintain in the field. No special tools are required for disassembly or maintenance and it also has a quick-change barrel. It is offered in either semi or full-auto versions with either “pre-ban” or “post-ban” barrels. With a weight of just 8 pounds it is the lightest, most compact belt-fed in the world. For more information contact Ares Defense Systems, LLC. Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 10667, Blacksburg, Virginia 24062. Phone: 1-540-639-8633. Fax: 1-540-639-8634. Their website is www.aresdefense.com. Watch for a major piece on the Shrike next month in Small Arms Review.

DETECTEAR SURVEILLANCE TOOL

The new DetectEar™ from Silver Creek Industries is a powerful surveillance and investigative tool that incorporates a 20-inch diameter snap-together parabolic dish combined with the most advanced audio circuitry available. This device allows you to hear conversations with pinpoint accuracy at distances up to 300 yards. The DetectEar™ is also equipped with a three-band equalizer to adjust for specific sound frequencies, recording jack and a communications input jack for outstanding surveillance capabilities. The DetectEar™ can be mounted to a tripod for extended use and also comes with a hard carrying case for discreet and easy transportation. The unit is powered by two AAA batteries that provide 100 hours of use. Other features include adjustable volume control for each ear and an automatic safety shutdown at 95 decibels. Total weight of the DetechEar™ is only 24 ounces. For more information contact Silver Creek Industries, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 1988, 1909 Silver Creek Road, Manitowoc, WI 54221. Phone: 1-920-684-9628. Fax: 1-920-684-6267. Their website is www.silvercreekindustries.com.

NEW BATTLEGRIP™ FROM TANGODOWN

TangoDown LLC has just introduced their new BATTLEGRIP™, a pistol grip designed for M4/M16/AR-15 series rifles with features previously unavailable in a combat-quality grip. Its features start with a superior ergonomic form reminiscent of the Stoner 63 LMG that provides substantial shooter comfort over previous M16 combat grips. Next, BATTLEGRIP™ has the ability to internally store two Aimpoint-type batteries IN ADDITION to two AA or 123 series Lithium batteries all in a water-, dust- and rattle-proof cavity, sealed by an easy-access cover. The batteries contained inside of the indestructible Nylon/glass-filled housing are ready for immediate use and can be removed in a second for installation in night vision, IR and visible laser aimers, Sure Fire-style white light and Aimpoint/Eotech type electronic sights. BATTLEGRIP™ can also provide crucial back up power no matter what the tactical situation due to its Patent Pending cover design. Water and dirt cannot penetrate its multiple seals, yet it can be easily operated by wet gloved hands even in the dark. The cover is permanently attached to the grip to prevent loss. No more fumbling through rucks or BDU pockets for easily lost batteries. For more information contact TangoDown LLC, Dept. SAR, 884 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103. Phone: 1-626-396-9847. Fax: 1-626-396-9848. Their website is www.tangodownllc.com.

BREAKTHROUGH WCP’S (WEAPONS CLEANING PATCHES)

Inland Technology Incorporated has just introduced a very simple yet remarkably good product. Their Breakthrough WCP’s (Weapons Cleaning Patches) are cleaning patches that come in a sealed foil container that looks much like a small MRE package. But the neat thing about these patches is that they are pre-moistened with DoD approved Breakthrough® cleaning solvent. The Breakthrough WCP’s are designed to provide a convenient, more effective way to clean weapons while on the range, during field training exercises or while deployed. They can be carried in rucksacks, pockets and even in weapons cleaning kits. They even come in a re-sealable package. Breakthrough® is a state of the art solvent designed to help users break out of the tangle of regulations regarding emissions, disposal and industrial health hazards. Breakthrough® is a virtually odorless, low toxicity, high purity hydrocarbon solvent. It is also non-carcinogenic. Breakthrough® is used by virtually all branches of our Armed Forces and is also widely used in the aircraft industry. For more on this very handy product contact Inland Technology Incorporated, Dept. SAR, 401 East 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98421. Phone: 1-800-552-3100. Website: www.inlandtech.com.

EXTREME PERFORMANCE LUBRICANTS

Mil-Comm Products Company, Inc., has a new line of extreme performance lubricants. Their TW25B is an extreme performance grease and their MC2500 is an extreme performance oil. The TW25B is a non-toxic, non-flammable grease that is easy to apply and provides maximum performance lubrication under extreme conditions. Originally developed and now widely specified for military use, TW25B has been shown to significantly improve the performance of all types of firearms while extending the time between maintenance intervals. TW25B is a highly effective corrosion inhibitor that will not wash off, burn off or evaporate reducing wear and thus extending part life. MC2500 oil is engineered with the same technology that gives TW25B its superior performance. Unlike other oils, MC2500 will not separate, settle or evaporate. It will also not burn off or freeze in extreme low temperatures. In fact, both products have been tested from -90NF to +450NF. The products are non-toxic, non-ozone depleting, non-flammable and harmless to wood, plastic and rubber. Several Mil-Comm lubrication products are specified by the U.S. military for use on certain weapon systems. For more information contact Mil-Comm Products Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 2 Carlton Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ 07043. Phone: 1-201-935-8561. Fax: 1-201-935-6059. Their website is www.mil-comm.com.