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Gun World - 2015 05 (May)

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)

685 views101 pages

Gun World - 2015 05 (May)

Uploaded by

Seth Calkins

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 101

GW-1505-COVER 3/11/15 3:09 PM Page Us_C1

MAY 2015 VOLUME 56, NO.5 $4.99 U.S.

DISPLAY UNTIL: 5/12/15 www.gunworld.com

74470 03105
Engaged Media Inc.

GW_1505_C2 3/2/15 2:30 AM Page C2

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GW_1505_3 3/2/15 2:31 AM Page 3

FITS

ANY

RUGER

10/22

CHARGER

PISTOL

BX-TRIGGER

Rugged, reliable and safe (meets or exceeds industry

standards for drop testing), this new and improved
Genuine Ruger Factory Accessory comes in a
completely self-contained module and is easy to install.
Do not dry re unless the hammer block is installed or trigger is installed in a Ruger
10/22 rie. See instructions or visit Ruger.com/BX-Trigger.

TRIGGER PULL
6

FORCE (LB.)

STANDARD
10/22 TRIGGER
4

NEW
BX-TRIGGER

0
0

0.025

0.050

0.075

0.100

DISTANCE (IN.)
A light, crisp 2.5-3.0 lb. trigger pull weight
with minimal overtravel and a positive reset.

FIND THIS AND OTHER GREAT GENUINE RUGER FACTORY ACCESSORIES AT: SHOPRUGER.COM

RUGER.COM/BX-TRIGGER

2015 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 022515

GW TOC-4-5-MH-CX-p4.qxp 3/8/15 11:34 PM Page 4

CONTENTS

MAY 2015

FEATURES

12 SHOT Show New

Product Section

24 Running with

the Big Guns

SPECIAL BOLT
ACTION RIFLE
ISSUE
18 Bolt Action

Bonanza

Thompson
Centers Venture
Compact provides
the form, t, feel and
function of a longer gun
in a practical package.
By Mike Dickerson

34 Sweet Savage

A bolt-action bakers
dozen, featuring specs
and highlights of recent
offerings from Browning,
CZ-USA, Kimber,
Mossberg and
others.

The Savage Trophy

Hunter XP offers
hunters a package rie
that is accurate,
dependable, and fully
functional without
breaking the bank.

Compiled by Lee Boyt

By Philip Massaro

44 Variations

on a Theme
Ruger recently
expanded the Gunsite
Scout Rie family tree
to include a half-dozen
new siblings, including
one chambered in
.308 Win.
By John N. Raguso

54 Low Tech,

High Touch
Metallic sights continue
to hold a steady
position in an optics
optional world.
By James E. House

Photo courtesy of RUGER

GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 5, is published monthly, 12 times a year by Engaged Media Inc, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway,
#200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Gun World c/o Engaged Media Inc., VSI, Inc. 905 Kent St., Liberty, MO 64068. Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney
Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW TOC-4-5-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:12 PM Page 5

COLUMNS
6

Up Front
Craig Hodgkins

70 Reload
James E. House

New Products
Tim Stetzer

76 Handguns
Dave Workman

10 Ask the Experts

Gun World Contributors

84 Gunsmithing
Steve Sieberts

64 Todays Hunter
Thomas C. Tabor

96 Back Pages:
Craig Hodgkins

Photo by Mike Dickerson

ON THE COVER:
Photograph by
Terrill Hoffman
Cover design by
Eric Knagg

24
www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW UPFRONT-6-7-MH 3/9/15 9:05 AM Page 6

UP FRONT
ries and one other displayed a pair
of shotguns.
twelve covers, seven depicted peo-

Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins

Associate Editor: Lee Boyt
Managing Editor: Mark Heisser
Senior Creative Director: Eric Knagg
Art Director: Johann Frederick Mendoza

ple using or holding the guns in the

CONTRIBUTORS

Of course, of those same

eld, but thats a different topic for

a different time.
Clearly, ries of all types have

dont we picture them on our maga-

DIRECT MARKETING GROUP

zine covers more often?

John Bartulin
Ryan Lauro

One reason Ive heard is that

gument does make some sense.

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

The format of a magazine is such

that it favors shorter barrels and
more compact items, and since our
editorial schedule usually seeks to
offer at least one review of a handgun, a rie and a shotgun each
month, we usually roll with a handgun on the cover.
caution to the wind with a Bolt Ac-

larly and I hope you do youll

tion Bonanza issue. Not only are

know that Im a bit of a history buff.

we running a photo of a whole

As such, one of my favorite things

batch of bolt action ries on the

to do each month is read through

cover, weve dedicated just about

several back issues of Gun World as

every page in the magazine to

research for the Back Pages col-

them, with the one exception being

umn.

(logically) Dave Workmans regular

One of the things Ive always

noticed in my reading is the relatively high number of rie reviews,
articles and advertisements. And

Handguns column.

seen in an older back issue, and

that is a letter from the editor.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Engaged Media Inc
4635 Mc Ewen Road. Dallas, TX 75244
SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGES,
RENEWALS, MISSING OR DAMAGED COPIES
(800) 764-6278
(239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries
[email protected]
[email protected]
BACK ISSUES: www.engagedmediamags.com
BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS: (239) 280-2380
DEALER SALES: (239) 280-2380
NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR PHOTO
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES
$17.95/1 year, $27.95/2 years. Foreign $33.95/1 year,
$59.95/2 years. Single copy price is $4.99. Please allow
6 to 8 weeks for new subscriptions to begin.

It also struck me the other day

alone, eight of our covers featured

Website: www.GunWorld.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
GunWorldMagazine
Twitter: @gunworldmag

GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 5, is

published monthly, 12 times a year by Engaged Media Inc.,
LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA
92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and
additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Gun World c/o Engaged Media Inc, VSI, Inc.
905 Kent St., Liberty, MO 64068. Return undelivered
Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc.
PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B
GST#855050365RT001 2015 by Engaged Media Inc,
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this
issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

know either way.

that there is one thing Ive never

IN SOCIAL MEDIA:

22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200

Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714) 939-9991
www.gunworld.com
www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine
www.facebook.com/eembybeckett

I hope you enjoy it, but let us

thats just the contents. In 1964

GUN WORLD

OPERATIONS

ARs) photograph better, and the ar-

But this month, were throwing

If you read this magazine regu-

(866) 866-5146 ext. 2746

(866) 866-5146 ext. 2756

Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager

Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

handguns (and, to a lesser extent,

By Craig Hodgkins

ADVERTISING

today (and I believe they do), why

rearms market, and if they still do

Riing
Through

Todd Burgreen, Jerry Catania, Mike Dickerson,

Brad Fitzpatrick, Paul Hantke, James House, Jameson
Parker, D.K. Pridgen, John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave
Spaulding, Tom Tabor, Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson,
Martin Topper, Dave Workman
Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930 [email protected]
Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1982
Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1939
Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffic Coordinator

long comprised a big portion of the

Our March 1963 cover pictured three

ries. Two were customized GI carbines
(left and center) and Universal Firearms
manufactured the other.

MAY 2015 VOLUME 56 NUMBER 5

EDITORIAL

Maybe those guys really were

on to something.

Engaged Media Inc.

Nick Singh: Executive Director
Vikas Malhotra: Vice President
Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial and Art Director
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the
understanding that information presented is from
various sources from which there can be no warranty or
responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
GST #855050365RT001
Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
PITNEY BOWES, INC.
P.O. Box 25542
London, ON N6C 6B2

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_7 3/2/15 2:34 AM Page 7

GW PRODUCTS-8-9-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:15 PM Page 8

NEW PRODUCTS

The Ruger BX-Trigger is a fast and

easy upgrade to your stock 10/22.
It can cut factory trigger pull
weights in half with just a few
minutes of work.

RUGER
BX-Trigger
Text & Photos by Tim Stetzer

a better trigger might be a good

place to start. Fortunately, the upgrade project coincided with Ruger
releasing their new BX-Trigger, so it

A Fast & Aordable Upgrade For Your 10/22

I grew up shooting a Ruger

but after seeing that I decided that

years old, I was sure it could use a

made sense to pick one up and

start with that.
With over 5 million 10/22s

10/22, and I probably put more

bit of a tune up before being put to

made to date, theres certainly a vi-

rounds through that rie than any

work for another generation of the

brant market for upgrade parts. In

other rie or pistol Ive ever owned.

family, so I started giving it the once

fact, there are probably more up-

My dad picked one up back in late

over to see what it needed. New op-

grade and add-on parts for the

1974, and it served me and my

tics are on the list and possibly a

10/22 available than for any other

brother well throughout our youth

new barrel. The nish is quite worn,

rearm. That includes a lot of very

and into our adult lives. When my

although it still shoots well.

good drop-in trigger upgrades. So

father passed away, that 10/22 was

When I put the trigger on my

why would Ruger enter an already

handed down to me, and soon it

trigger gauge, I was honestly

crowded market with their own

will start serving my kids as they

shocked to see that it clocked in at

product? Well, at least a couple of

learn to shoot.

over 8 pounds. I guess I just got

reasons as I see it.

But since the rie is over 40

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

used to it when I was growing up,

First off, although the market is

www.gunworld.com

GW PRODUCTS-8-9-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:15 PM Page 9

Only two tools are needed to swap the older trigger for the new: a drift punch and a
screwdriver.

crowded there are still a LOT of

barreled action upside down on

guns out there, so theres still plenty

your workbench. Once thats done

of market share to go around. Sec-

drift out the two pins that secure

ond, a lot of folks feel safer using

the trigger assembly to the receiver

factory parts on their guns. As youd

and take out the old assembly. Re-

imagine, the BX-Trigger is a Genuine

move the plastic block from the BX-

Ruger Factory Accessory and is

Trigger, drop it in place and pop

guaranteed to meet or exceed in-

your two pins back in. Replace the

dustry drop test standards. Third,

stock and youre done! It only takes

Ruger is offering these kits at an

a couple minutes to swap out the

MSRP of only $89.95, which is less

parts and the only tools you need

than half the price of many other

are a screwdriver and a drift punch.

trigger kits on the market.

Installation of the kit is very

Now, as I mentioned, Ruger advertises the BX-Trigger as providing

easy. Ruger provides the whole

a trigger pull in the 2.5- to 3-pound

lower assembly self-contained and

range. When I tested my trigger

secured by a plastic cover that al-

after installation it was very crisp

lows you to safely dry re the trigger

with a short reset although mine

and test it before you buy. They ad-

came in closer to the 3.5-pound

vertise the trigger kit as providing a

range. Keep in mind, though, that

2.5- to 3-pound trigger pull, a good

my gun started a little heavier than

improvement over current factory

current guns, so perhaps that had

triggers that come in around 6

something to do with it.

pounds. The BX-Trigger also in-

Either way, a quick swap let me

cludes an extended magazine re-

cut the trigger weight down to less

lease, so you get that as an added

than half of what it was and added

upgrade as well.

an extended mag release in the

To swap out the trigger simply

process, all for under $90. Ill take

ip your rie over, remove the barrel

it. And if youve got a stock 10/22

band if you have one on your 10/22,

lying around that youd like to up-

unscrew the stock retention screw

grade, I suggest you take a look at

and pull the stock off, leaving the

the BX-Trigger too! GW

www.gunworld.com

Once installed, the BX-Trigger provides a

lighter, crisper trigger pull as well as an
extended mag release, and all for a much
lower price than most of the competition.

The BX-Trigger comes in a plastic sleeve

that keeps all the parts in place and allows
you to test the trigger safely before you
buy. Simple instructions walk you through
swapping out your old trigger assembly for
the new one.

CONTACT
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Ruger.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW EXPERTS-10-11-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:29 PM Page 10

ASK the
EXPERTS

We do the research so you dont have to.

Thompson ring the select-re

Ruger AC556 upon which the
French AMD is based.

French Mini
Question: After the terrorist
murders in Paris at the Charlie
Hebdo newspaper office and
the kosher grocery store, I saw
military personnel carrying
the bullpup FAMAS rie, but I
also saw many of the police
carrying a blued rie with a
wooden stock that looked like
a Ruger Mini-14. Was that
what it was?

Leroy Thompson Answers:

Produced on license from

You are correct on both counts. The

Ruger, the AMD has a rubber butt

French paras were carrying the

pad, sling cutouts in the stock, and

FAMAS, while some of the French

a cocking handle that is different

police deployed in the area were

from that on Rugers. It is a select

carrying the Mousqueton A.M.D.

re weapon that uses the re

(Armements et Moyens de De-

control system of the Ruger AC556.

fense), the French version of the

In the photos Ive seen, they

Mini-14 used by various French law

appeared to have 20-round

enforcement agencies.

magazines in the carbines.

Victor H., New Orleans, LA

Our May Expert:

Leroy Thompson is an internationally recognized authority on weapons and tactics, and is the author of more than
50 books. His most recent feature on the HK MP5 appeared in our March issue.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_11 3/2/15 2:35 AM Page 11

Dillon Precisions

XL650
STANDARD FEATURES:

www.dillonprecision.com
Too receive
e i e a FREE
REE Catalog,
a alog call
ll 800-762-3845
0 62 45 and
nd askk for
or stock
o k number
umber K91-14690.
9 4690

GW SHOT-12-17-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:36 PM Page 12

Follow-up

SHOT
Text & Photos by Brad Fitzpatrick

New rearms tend to steal the

show at SHOT, but heres a look at
some great new ammo, clothing,
optics and more that need to be
in your sights for 2015

fter the curtain drops on the SHOT Show, we often nd that theres too
much great stuff to cram into one issue. So as a follow-up to last months
product section, heres an additional serving of great new shooting and
hunting products that showed up at SHOT 15.

NIKON MONARCH 5 RIFLE SCOPE

WINCHESTER DEER SEASON

XP AMMUNITION
Winchesters new line of polymer-tipped
hunting rie ammunition, known as Deer Season XP,
uses the companys new Extreme Point bullet with
a much larger polymer tip than traditional hunting
bullets. The design translates to impressive
expansion and quick, clean kills on deer-sized game due to massive
hydrostatic shock.
The long, polymer tip
allows the bullet to retain
a spritzer prole for higher
ballistic coefficients
and better long-range
accuracy. Initially the
ammunition will be loaded
for .243 Winchester, .270
Win, .270 WSM, 7mm
Remington Magnum,
.308, .30-06, .300
Winchester Magnum and
.300 WSM. Expect this
new ammunition to hit
shelves early in 2015 at
very competitive prices.
Contact:
Winchester.com

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW SHOT-12-17-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:37 PM Page 16

The author
shoots the new
Savage LRH in
.338 Federal.

A close-up look
at a pair of .338
Federal cartridges.

SAVAGE INVESTS IN THE .338 FEDERAL

In 2006, when Federal announced the introduction of
the new .338 Federal cartridge, there were high hopes
that the slick new round would prove viable. After all, it
was a design that had been in wildcat form for years (as
the .338-08), developed by necking up a .308 Winchester
to accept .338 bullets.
Ballistically, its an impressive cartridge, capable of
driving a 200-grain bullet at 2,700 feet per second and
generating over 3,200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. That means it provides more energy than its parent
cartridge, has a relatively at trajectory, and doesnt recoil
nearly as much as the more powerful .338 Winchester
Magnum.

The .338 Federal Bear

Hunter is one of six Savage
ries recently chambered for
the now-popular round.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

As good as the .338 was (and is),

it was slow to win mass appeal, in part
because there are so many outstanding
cartridges on the market. The demand
was always there, and with good reason:
the versatile .338 Federal is capable
of taking all but the largest and most
dangerous game on the planet, ts in a
short action and uses widely-available
.338-inch bullets.
2015 brought some good news for
.338 fans, though. Savage has announced
that the company will be chambering six
of their bolt-action ries for .338 Federal,
including the Model 11 Long Range Hunter
($1,104) and Hog Hunter ($560), the
Model 16 Bear Hunter ($1,035) and FCSS
($885), and the Model 11 and 16 Trophy
Hunter XP packages ($612 and $740,
respectively).
I had a chance to try out the new Long
Range Hunter .338 Federal at SHOT, and
it was a wonderful rie to shoot. I went
through an entire magazine on the bench,
hearing the staccato clang of the
long-range gong every time the crisp
Accutrigger broke. Its great to see that
Savage has invested in the .338 Federal,
and if enough of these budget-friendly,
accurate ries get into the hands of
shooters and hunters theres a good
chance that the .338 Federal will begin to
get the credit it deserves. Its a versatile,
efficient, powerful hunting cartridge that
doesnt abuse the shooters shoulder or
wallet.
Contact:
SavageArms.com

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_17 3/2/15 2:36 AM Page 17

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:41 PM Page 18

Bolt-Action
BONANZA

Text by Lee Boyt

Photos courtesy of the manufacturers

Despite sti competition from semi-autos and other operating

systems, bolt-action ries continue to make their mark.

olt-action ries offer a special

appeal to gun-heads of all avors,
but especially to us gearheads who
feel an unnatural connection to mechanical
devices and how these things work.
When shooting a bolt-action, you are
a key component in the guns operating
system. Youre actively involved in the
shooting process, rather than a passive
participant holding the trigger down until
the ammo runs out.
Bolt-action ries have been around for

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

well over a hundred years, literally

improving as the years go by, much to the
consternation of the semi-automatic folks
who consider our beloved bolts to be
antiquated relics of another time.
If bolt-action ries are outdated and not
suitable for todays theatres of operations,
why do professional operators and hunters
prefer bolt-action ries to engage targets
more than a mile away?
Because bolt-action ries get the job
done.

www.gunworld.com

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:42 PM Page 19

Browning T-Bolt Suppressor

Ready Carbon Fiber
Operation: Straight pull bolt-action
Caliber: 22 LR
Magazine capacity/type: 10 rounds, double-helix detachable rotary
magazine
Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
Sights: None, drilled and tapped for scope
Stock: Composite, two-tone silver/carbon ber nish
Finish: Blued
Weight (Empty): 4 pounds 9 ounces
Overall Length: 34.75 inches
MSRP $799

Features:
16.25-inch medium weight free-oating barrel threaded for suppressor
Straight pull bolt-action
Top-tang safety; Adjustable trigger
Composite stock with textured gripping surfaces and spare magazine
storage in the buttstock

Contact
Browning
800-333-3288
Browning.com

Weight (Empty): 6 pounds 1 ounce

Overall Length: 38-3/8 inches
MSRP $859

Browning X-Bolt Micro Midas

Operation: Short action bolt-operated repeater
Caliber: 22-250 Rem
Magazine capacity/type: 4 rounds, double-helix detachable rotary
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Sights: None, drilled and tapped for scope
Rails: None
Stock: Black walnut
Finish: Blued

Features:
Compact package for small-framed shooters includes downsized
checkered black walnut stock with three 1/4 removable spacers
Top tang safety
Adjustable feather trigger
Detachable rotary magazine

Contact
Browning
800-333-3288
Browning.com

Browning X-Bolt
All Weather Left-Hand
Operation: Short action bolt operated repeater
Caliber: .243 Win.
Magazine capacity/type: 4 rounds, detachable rotary magazine
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Sights: None, drilled and tapped for scope
Stock: Laminate
Finish: Matte stainless steel
Weight (Empty): 6 pounds 12 ounces
Overall Length: 42 inches
MSRP $1,199

www.gunworld.com

Features:
Left-handed stainless steel bolt-action
Gray laminate stock
22-inch glass bedded, free-oated barrel
Top tang safety, bolt unlock button

Contact
Browning
800-333-3288
Browning.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:42 PM Page 20

CZ 455 Training Rie

Operation: Bolt-action
Caliber: .17 HMR
Magazine capacity/type: 5 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 24.8 inches
Sights: Tangent adjustable sights
Stock: Beechwood with Schnabel forend
Finish: Blued
Weight (Empty): 6.3 pounds
Overall Length: 42.6 inches
MSRP $399

Features:
455 interchangeable barrel system
Adjustable tangent rear sight
Adjustable trigger
Beechwood stock with classic Schnabel forend

Contact
CZ-USA
800-955-4486
Cz-usa.com

Weight (Empty): 6.8 pounds

Overall Length: 46.42 inches
MSRP $449

Features:

CZ 455 Ultra Lux

Operation: Bolt-action repeater
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine capacity/type: 10 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 28.62 inches
Sights: Tangent adjustable sights
Stock: Beechwood, European with cheekpiece
Finish: Blued

Extra-long barrel and adjustable tangent rear sight makes this rie a
target shooters dream gun
455 action allows quick barrel swaps
10-round detachable magazine
European-style beechwood stock with cheekpiece

Contact
CZ-USA
800-955-4486
Cz-usa.com

Weight (Empty): 7.8 pounds

Overall Length: 41 inches
MSRP $775

Features:

CZ 527 Varmint Thumbhole

Operation: Bolt-action
Caliber: .223 Rem
Magazine capacity/type: 5 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Sights: None, integral scope bases
Stock: Turkish walnut laminate, thumbhole varmint style
Finish: Blued

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

24-inch hammer forged barrel

Controlled round feed and claw extractor
Single set trigger
Forged, square bridge receiver with integral scope mounts

Contact
CZ-USA
800-955-4486
Cz-usa.com

www.gunworld.com

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:42 PM Page 21

Weight (Empty): 4 pounds, 13 ounces

Overall Length: 37.25 inches
MSRP: $1,768

Features:

Kimber Adirondack
Operation: 84M Bolt-action
Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout
Magazine capacity/type: 4 rounds, internal
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Sights: None
Stock: Carbon ber
Finish: Matte stainless steel

Stainless steel action, threaded barrel for suppressor or muzzle brake

Spiral uted bolt with full-length Mauser extractor and hollow bolt knob
3-position wing safety
Reinforced carbon ber stock nished with Gore Optifade Concealment
Forest Pattern

Contact
Kimber Manufacturing, Inc.
888-243-4522
Kimberamerica.com

Finish: Matte black

Weight (Empty): 10 pounds 6 ounces
Overall Length: Adjustable
MSRP $4,419

Features:

Kimber Advanced Tactical SRC

(Suppressor Ready Compact)
Operation: 8400 Bolt-action
Caliber: .308 Win
Magazine capacity/type: 5 or 10 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Sights: None
Stock: Folding aluminum

Aluminum side-folding stock with rear monopod, adjustable comb and

bipod mount
Sub .5 MOA accuracy
MIL-STD-1913 rails for optics and aiming devices
Threaded stainless steel 16-inch barrel has a muzzle brake/suppressor
adapter

Contact
Kimber Manufacturing, Inc.
888-243-4522
Kimberamerica.com

Overall Length: 44 inches

MSRP $4,351

Kimber Advanced Tactical II

Operation: 8400 Bolt-action
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine capacity/type: 5 or 10 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Sights: None
Stock: Manners MCS-TF4 folding stock
Finish: Desert Tan KimPro II
Weight (Empty): 10 pounds 10 ounces

www.gunworld.com

Features:
Sub .5 MOA accuracy
Manners MCS-TF4 folding stock with adjustable comb
20 MOA bases, aluminum bedding block and QD sling mounts
Extended bolt handle has a large knob for positive operation with
gloved hands

Contact
Kimber Manufacturing, Inc.
888-243-4522
Kimberamerica.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:42 PM Page 22

Weight (Empty): 8 pounds

Overall Length: 42.75 inches
MSRP $649

Mossberg Patriot Rie

Vortex Scope Combo
Operation: Bolt-action
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine capacity/type: 5 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Rate of Twist: 1:10
Sights: None (scoped model)
Stock: Walnut
Finish: Blued

Mossberg MVP LC (Light Chassis)

Operation: Bolt-action
Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.
Magazine capacity/type: 10 rounds, detachable box
Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
Sights: None (optics rail)
Stock: Aluminum MDT LSS Light Chassis, Tan
Finish: Matte blue
Weight (Empty): 10 pounds
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
MSRP $2,102

Features:
Button-ried, uted barrel with recessed crown
Spiral-uted bolt with new bolt angle
Adjustable trigger
Vortex Crossre II 3-9X40 scope
Dead-Hold BDC reticle

Contact
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
203-230-5300
Mossberg.com

Features:
The MVP LC stock contacts the receiver only on the V-shaped bedding
and recoil lug area
Threaded muzzle with removable SilencerCo Saker Trifecta muzzlebrake/QD mount is standard
Compatible with AR15 and LR308/SR25 magazines
Bipod and adjustable Magpul buttstock included

Contact
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
203-230-5300
Mossberg.com

Overall Length: 43.25 inches to 44.75 inches

MSRP $1,099

Ruger Hawkeye Predator

Operation: Bolt-action
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine capacity/type: 4 rounds, hinged oorplate
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Sights: None
Stock: Green Mountain Laminate
Finish: Matte stainless steel
Weight (Empty): 8.12 pounds
22

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

Features:
Cold hammer-forged barrel
One-piece stainless steel bolt with three-position safety
Non-rotating, Mauser-type controlled round feed extractor
Hinged solid-steel oorplate allows easy and safe unloading
Green Mountain laminated stock

Contact
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
603-865-2442
Ruger.com
www.gunworld.com

GW BOLT-18-23-MH.qxp 3/4/15 10:42 PM Page 23

Savage Landry Rascal

Features:
Operation: Single-shot bolt-action
Caliber: .22 S, L, LR
Magazine capacity/type: NA
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Sights: Adjustable aperture
Stock: Synthetic
Finish: Blued
Weight (Empty): 2.66 pounds
Overall Length: 31.5 inches
MSRP $233

www.gunworld.com

Synthetic camo stock dimensions t young people well

Single-shot bolt-action is safe and unintimidating
Adjustable aperture sights make each shot count
Low price with high fun quotient

Contact
Savage Arms
Savagearms.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:01 PM Page 24

Running with
the BIG GUNS
Text & Photos by Mike Dickerson

Thompson Centers Venture Compact Has the Form,

Fit and Function of a Longer Gun in a Practical Package

Thompson Centers Venture

ries are entry-level priced,
but they all come with an
MOA accuracy guarantee
and are designed to resist
inclement weather.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 25

iding around a 16,000-acre,

low-fence ranch in a variety
of vehicles packed with
hunters and their gear, I quickly
decided that a shorter rie would
make a handy truck gun, easier to
maneuver in the tight connes of a
deer blind than standard-size ries.
The gun would also be a good choice
for hunters who have to bundle up
under thick layers of clothing for
cold-weather hunts or those who
regularly hunt in thick cover, where
room to maneuver is at a premium.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 26

I was reminded of the virtues of

The test rie was put through

The black nitride-coated bolt

compact ries on a recent south-

its paces with six different factory

has three lugs and a 60-degree lift

west Texas deer hunt to test the

loads, but before I share the results,

that provides plenty of clearance

new Thompson Center Venture

heres a closer look at what you get

for mounted scopes. Thats a good

Compact rie. The Compact fea-

for your money with the Compact.

thing because in the stocks short-

tures an ergonomic design that fa-

Hint: its a real bargain.

est conguration, youll need to

vors shooters of small stature,

thanks to a shortened, 20-inch barrel and a stock that comes with a

mount the scope a bit farther for-

FULL-FEATURED FIREARM
With an over-the-counter sales

ward than you may be accustomed

to on standard-size ries. The bolt

spacer and recoil pad that lets you

price of less than $500, the Com-

cycles quite smoothly. I would go so

adjust length of pull from 13.5

pact doesnt have some of the frills

far as to call it slick, and thats

inches down to 12.5 inches.

and renements common to more

more than can be said of many

expensive ries, and its not meant

more expensive ries.

DOWNING DEER

The bolt face completely sur-

to. Venture ries are entry-level

priced, but with one important dis-

rounds the cartridge head and em-

morning of my hunt with Double T

tinction: they all come with an MOA

ploys a standard push-style ejector

Outtters, downing an 8-point

accuracy guarantee. Theyre also

and T-slot extractor. In ring several

management buck at 100 yards

designed to resist the effects of ad-

hundred rounds through Venture ri-

using a Compact chambered in

verse weather.

es, I experienced no issues with

I put the rie to the test the rst

.308 Win. Later that afternoon,

cartridge extraction and ejection.

Starting at the business end,

after a short stalk, I dropped a nice

the Compacts barrel has a re-

(for the area) 12-point buck at 140

cessed target crown and 5R riing

yards, and followed that up the next

for reduced bullet deformation and

day with two does. With four shots

less copper fouling, resulting in re-

red and four deer bound for the

peatable accuracy from shot to

freezer, it was hard to ask for more

shot and easier cleaning. The free-

out of the Venture Compact, but I

oated barrel mates to a roller-bur-

did.

nished receiver that is pillar-bedded

I wanted to put one of the ries

TRICK TRIGGER
Thompson Center says the trigger is adjustable for a pull weight of

to aluminum posts.

through a formal test and evaluation, and Thompson Center obliged

by sending me one chambered in
.22-250 Rem. (The Compact is also
available in .223 Rem., .243 Win.,
.308 Win and 7mm-08).

I quickly decided that a

shorter rie would make a
handy truck gun

The Venture Compact has a

20-inch barrel and a stock with
an adjustable length of pull.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 27

The Venture Compacts detachable polymer magazine holds three rounds. The author experienced no issues with feeding or magazine reliability, even during several
days of high-volume prairie dog shooting.

3.5 pounds to 5 pounds and pro-

offs are hard to spot with the

vides a small Allen key that allows

Venture line, but an obvious one

you to make adjustments without

is the ries three-round polymer

pulling the action out of the stock.

detachable magazine.

You can adjust the trigger pull by

If Im going to use detach-

simply removing the bolt and turn-

able magazines, I like mine to be

ing the adjustment screw in the de-

made of metal. Despite that old-

sired direction.

school bias, Im pleased to report

The trigger on my test rie

that I had zero feeding issues

broke consistently at 4.5 pounds,

with the magazines, even while

and I left it at that setting to dupli-

using them in marathon prairie

cate a buyers out-of-the-box expe-

dog shooting sessions. I would

rience. The trigger had just the

have liked more magazine ca-

tiniest hint of creep with slight n-

pacity for that specic use, but it

ger pressure, but you had to really

was no big deal to quickly swap

focus to notice it. The break was

empties for full magazines.

crisp and clean, and overall the trig-

Of course, when hunting deer-

ger was a pleasant surprise. It was

sized game, the average hunter

far better than I expected it to be.

should be able to get the job

The two-position safety is

done with three rounds. If they

situated just behind and ush with

cant, its probably not the fault

the top of the bolt. Unlike many

of the rie.

two-position safeties, you can operate the bolt and unload a chambered round with the safety
engaged.

STOCK TALK
Theres some room for debate on the Compacts stock.
Stock preferences are highly

POLY MAG
Entry-level ries typically em-

subjective, and people tend to

either love or hate the stocks

ploy a few tradeoffs in order to sell

supplied with a particular pro-

at a particular price. Those trade-

duction rie. The Venture line,

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 28

With four shots red and four

deer bound for the freezer, it was
hard to ask for more out of the
Venture Compact, but I did.

The bolt has a 60-degree lift, ensuring ample

clearance for mounted scopes. For testing, a Weaver
Super Slam 2-10X42mm scope was installed on the
rie using Talley one-piece lightweight mounts.

SPECIFICATIONS
THOMPSON CENTER
VENTURE COMPACT
Action: Bolt action
Caliber: .22-250 Rem.
Stock: Black composite with Hogue
rubberized grip inserts
Finish: Blued
Barrel: 20-inches, 5R riing, 1:12 twist
Sights: None, drilled and tapped
Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds,
detachable box
Length of Pull: Variable, 12.5 inches to
13.5 inches
Weight: 6.75 pounds
MSRP: $537
28

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

The trigger is adjustable to a pull weight of 3.5 to 5 pounds.

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_29 3/2/15 11:11 PM Page 29

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 30

The rie has a two-position

safety that lets you unload
a chambered round with
the safety engaged.

PERFORMANCE RESULTS:
THOMPSON CENTER VENTURE COMPACT RIFLE .22-250 REM.
LOAD

AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY (FPS)

AVG. 100-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)

BEST 100-YARD
GROUP (INCHES)

Barnes VOR-TX 50-gr.

TSX FB

3126

1.01

0.99

Federal Fusion 55-gr.

3029

1.31

1.03

Federal Power-Shok
55-gr. SP

3057

0.88

0.44

Federal Premium Vital-Shok

60-gr. Nosler Partition

3005

1.56

1.00

Hornady Varmint Express

55-gr. V-MAX

3036

0.86

0.73

Winchester Varmint X
55-gr.

3042

1.19

0.71

Note: Groups shot over Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 chronograph in wind ranging from 12 to 19 mph.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 31

including the Compact, employs a

composite stock of classic conguration, but with some differences.
In places, the stock tends to be a bit
narrow and sharply rounded. Some
of this is undoubtedly intended to
help the rie shed weight, and the
Compact succeeds in this respect,
weighing in at a trim 6.75 pounds.
The recoil pad supplied with
the stock does a good job of taming
recoil. Handling characteristics, especially in inclement weather, are

A VENTURE FOR EVERY HUNTER

In addition to the Compact model, the TC Venture rie is available in the
standard-sized blued version with 22- or 24-inch barrels in 16 popular chamberings ranging from .204 Ruger to .338 Win. Mag. Theres also a Weather Shield
model, with a weather-resistant coating, in seven calibers ranging from .22-250
Rem. to 7 mm Rem. Mag.
For just a bit more money, you can get the Venture Predator rie, with uted
barrels and a choice of Realtree MAX-1 or Realtree AP Snow camo nish on the
stock, action and barrel. Its offered in .204 Ruger, .22-250 Rem., .223 Rem., .243
Win., .308 Rem. and 7mm-08.
My rst introduction to the Venture lineup came during a multi-day prairie
dog shoot last year in Wyoming, where I put a Venture Predator chambered in .204
Ruger through a rather severe test. I came away so enamored of the rie and caliber that I bought one to add to my predator-hunting rie collection.
Topped with the new Burris Predator Quest 3-9X40 scope in matching Realtree MAX-1 camo, and zeroed with Hornadys Superformance 32-grain V-MAX
loads, it routinely turns in 0.5-MOA or tighter groups from the bench. This rig is a
sweetheart to shoot (you can see impacts through the scope), but its quickly
proving to be a coyotes worst nightmare.

further enhanced with the addition

of Hogue rubberized panels in the
grip area and the stock forend.
testing ries from the bench, has

with ammo it likes. All six factory

and well balanced. My only real ob-

taken everything Ive thrown at it

loads turned in best groups meas-

jection to the stock is the fact that if

including being mounted on some

uring an inch or less and that was

you somehow manage to break the

real thumper ries without com-

while shooting on a less-than-ideal

integral trigger guard, youll have to

plaint. Knowing that any poor

windy day.

replace the entire stock.

shooting would be entirely due to

In the hands, the rie feels light

ACCURACY ACCOLADES
For testing, I mounted a Weaver
Super Slam 2-10X42mm scope on

The Barnes VOR-TX 50-grain

the shooter or the rie, it didnt take

TSX load produced one-inch aver-

long to nd out if the rie would

age groups, while Hornadys

hold up its end of the deal.

Varmint Express 55-grain V-MAX

It did, and in admirable fashion.

load delivered average groups

the rie using Talley one-piece

The test rie, like other Venture ri-

measuring 0.86 inches and a best

lightweight mounts. This combina-

es Ive red, easily met Thompson

group of less than 0.75 inches.

tion, which is one of my favorites for

Centers MOA-accuracy guarantee

The pleasant surprise of the

Wet-weather handling
is great with the Hogue
rubberized panels in the
grip area and the stock
forend.
www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW VENTURE-24-33-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:02 PM Page 32

CONTACT
Barnes Bullets
435-856-1000
BarnesBullets.com
Burris Optics
970-356-1670
BurrisOptics.com
Competitive Edge Dynamics
888-628-3233
CEDhk.com
Double T Outtters
210-413-1597
DoubletHunting.com
Federal Premium Ammunition
800-379-1732
FederalPremium.com
The author shot this 12-point buck while testing a Thompson Center Venture Compact
rie, in .308 Win. on a 16,000-acre low-fence Texas ranch.

The greatest velocity loss was

group was the bare-bones Federal

Power-Shok 55-grain soft point

704 fps registered by the Barnes

load. It printed average groups of

VOR-TX 50-grain TSX load, while

0.88 inches and a best group of

the Federal Vital-Shok load with

0.44 inches. The largest groups

the 60-grain Nosler Partition bullet

were turned in by the heavier Fed-

registered the smallest velocity loss

eral Vital-Shok 60-grain Nosler Par-

of 495 fps.
Reduced bullet velocities cer-

tition load, which produced 1.5-inch

average groups and a one-inch best

tainly didnt affect the hunt de-

group. That would still get the job

scribed at the beginning of this

done on deer-sized game with

story. Six hunters completely

proper bullet placement.

tagged out on that hunt, harvesting

Bullet velocities out of the 20-

Hornady Manufacturing Company

800-338-3220
Hornady.com
Nagels Gun Shop
210-342-5420
NagelsGuns.net
Smith & Wesson
800-331-0852
Smith-Wesson.com
Talley Manufacturing
803-854-5700
TalleyManufacturing.com

two bucks and two does apiece

inch barrel were signicantly less

with Federal factory soft point

than factory-advertised velocities,

loads and Venture Compact ries

but that was to be expected. Across

chambered in .308 Win. or .243

six factory loads, velocities aver-

Win. Thats 24 deer, plus a trophy

aged about 600 fps slower than

free-range aoudad and a trophy

you can expect from longer barrels,

blackbuck, taken over several days

but each load still managed to ex-

at distances of up to 250 yards with

ceed 3,000 fps as measured over

100% positive performance from

my Competitive Edge Dynamics M2

the Venture Compact ries.

Every rie should be this good.

chronograph.

Thompson Center Arms

866-730-1614
TCArms.com
Weaver Optics
800-379-1732
WeaverOptics.com
Winchester Ammunition
Winchester.com

GW
32

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_33 3/2/15 11:19 PM Page 33

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:08 PM Page 34

Sweet
SAVAGE
Text & Photos by Phil Massaro

The Savage Trophy Hunter XP Package Rie

The Savage Trophy Hunter XP in

.300 Winchester Short Magnum.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:08 PM Page 35

eeking over the eastern horizon, the

suns rays slowly pushed away the
darkness, saturating the scene with
the undeniable hope of the rst day of deer
season. I was sitting in a tower blind in
northern Minnesota, staring back east
toward my native New York, looking over a
40-acre cut eld interspersed with light
brush.
The ambient temperature was a tolerable
12 degrees, with a seasonal 30-mph breeze,
eliminating the threat of mosquito bites this
morning. With my vantage point being 10 feet
in the air, and knowing my shots might
exceed 400 yards, I was glad to a have a .300
Magnum in hand.
The occasion was my participation in the
annual Minnesota Governors Deer Hunting
Opener, and I found myself in the camp of
Ron Otterstad, who was kind enough to
provide a hunting spot and share the
hospitality of his camp. We have some long
shooting on the east side of the farm,
Otterstad told me, so youll want to bring
something that can reach out and touch em.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:08 PM Page 36

and dramatically increases accuracy with a wide variety of ammunition. Those features are pretty well
standard to the Savage line.
The Nikon 3-9x40 has an
equally solid reputation, giving a
very clear image at different magnication ranges, and the BDC reticle
is an added bonus in this package.
The BDC system is a very userfriendly method that makes distant
shots easier by offering a series of
small circles on the lower vertical
crosshair, each calibrated to hit at
certain distances. The Nikon website allows you to input your chosen
ammunition so you will know the
distances at which the circles will
hit your target, and its easy enough
to interpolate the in-between shots.

.300 WSM
The tang-mounted,
three-position
safety is naturally
positioned under
the shooters
thumb.

If youre looking to buy a package gun, Id be willing to bet youre

looking for a fairly universal cartridge. Many choices will suffice, but
I am a fan of the .30 caliber mag-

PACKAGE OF CHOICE
I chose a sensible combination:

tastic shooters; I rmly believe that

num cartridges as an all-around

Savage makes one of the best bar-

choice.

the Savage Trophy Hunter XP. The

relsif not THE best barrelon the

package is set up by the good folks

market today. Their bolt system,

Magnum (.300 WSM) has proven

at Savage and features their Model

with its oating bolt face, virtually

itself for over a decade, and I feel

11 rie, a Nikon BDC 3-9x40mm

eliminates any headspace issues,

its here to stay, unlike some of the

The .300 Winchester Short

scope and a black synthetic stock.

The fact that it was chambered for
the .300 Winchester Short Magnum
made me feel even better that
morning, with the stiff wind and
long shots.
I usually shy away from package deals, as some of the early offerings had less-than-desirable
glass, or features that I didnt want
or enjoy. However, this was not the
case with the Savage Trophy
Hunter XP.
There is no question that the
value-priced Savage ries are fan36

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

The Savage free oating bolt head is a genius design, solving most headspace issues
and better aligning ammunition in the chamber.

www.gunworld.com

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:08 PM Page 37

newer short magnum offerings. It

to argue with for most North Ameri-

plastic-to-metal t, but the barrel

offers ballistics similar to the .300

can hunting situations. There are

is free oated, and the molded

Holland & Holland and the .300

plenty of different bullets, with

checkering, designed in a series of

Winchester Magnums, but in a

varying constructions, available

small panels, affords a good grip on

short action rie.

within 165 and 180 grains, from

the rie.

standard cup-and-core bullets like

At rst, the length of pull felt a

affair, but it will deliver ne accu-

the Winchester Power Point, to the

bit on the long side, but I soon real-

racy with the proper load. While

seriously strong Nosler Partition,

ized that it was just the pliable rub-

there are many good 150-grain

Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped and

ber recoil pad rubbing on my

loads on the market, I prefer 165-

Hornady GMX.

clothes. That recoil pad deserves a

The .300 WSM is a stubby little

and 180-grain bullets because they

Its rather easy for a hunter to

mention, as the rie/scope package

hold together better and have been

tailor the bullet choice to the game

weighs in at 7.5 pounds; my initial

shown to be very accurate. The 165s

because .30-calibers are among

reaction was this rie is going to

are usually driven to just over 3,100

the most popular bore diameters,

hurt. Not the case at all. The recoil

fps, while most 180-grain loads

and the 165- and 180-grain bullets

pad absorbed so much of the mag-

travel at around 2,950 fps. This

are among the most popular .30s.

nums kick that this lightweight

translates to a rather at shooting

cartridge with plenty of throw
weight for deer, hogs, moose and
bears.
Good .308-inch diameter bullets in these two weights are hard

www.gunworld.com

package was a pleasure to shoot,

FURNITURE, PAD
The Savage rie comes with a

even from the bench.

The pad is a bit grabby when

black, lightweight synthetic stock,

shouldering the rie, but Ill take

well proportioned and well tted to

that over a rie that pounds hell out

the metal. I have a hard time saying

of you.

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:08 PM Page 38

The Nikon 3-9x40 BDC riescope comes boresighted

and is included as part of
the package.

pass out from oxygen deprivation.

Action: Bolt action

I usually shy away

from package deals
However, this was not the
case with the Savage
Trophy Hunter XP.

Caliber: .300 Winchester Short

Magnum

ACCUTRIGGER

also comes with one of my favorite

Stock: Synthetic

with the AccuTrigger, and Im a

cated on top of the tang, just be-

huge fan of the Savage design. The

hind the bolt. Although Ive become

trigger itself is set to break cleanly

accustomed to the lever style

at less than 2.5 pounds, but there is

safety on Remington 700s and the

no risk of accidental discharge from

wing style safety on the Winchester

dropping or jarring the rie.

Model 70 and its clones, a tang

SPECIFICATIONS
SAVAGE TROPHY
HUNTER XP PACKAGE RIFLE

The Trophy Hunter XP comes

Finish: Matte black barrel, black stock

Barrel: 24-inch carbon steel, 1:10-inch
right-hand twist
Sights: Nikon 3-9x40BDC, factory
bore-sighted
Magazine Capacity: Two rounds,
detachable
Overall Length: 43.5 inches
Weight (empty): 7.5 pounds
MSRP: $629.00
38

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

The small silver blade in the

Features like this are rarely offered in a package rie, and its nice
to shoot a rie that has a good trigger right out of the box.

SAFETY FIRST
The Trophy Hunter XP package
styles of safety: a thumb safety lo-

safety easily operated by the trigger

center of the trigger acts as a sear

hand thumb is one of the most nat-

block, and the rie cannot re un-

ural feeling safeties ever designed.

less that blade is depressed before

The Savage design is a three-

the trigger is pulled. This results in a

position affair, with the forward po-

safe, crisp trigger pull that allows

sition for ring, the middle position

the shooter to put his or her shots

for operating the bolt and unload-

where they belong without squeez-

ing the rie without fear of dis-

ing the trigger for the better part of

charge, and the rear position for

a week, all the while trying not to

blocking both bolt and trigger.

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_39 3/2/15 11:39 PM Page 39

We stop at nothing to build the worlds finest tactical gear. BLACKHAWK! was started in 1990 by a Navy SEAL whose pack failed in a minefield and nearly cost
him his life. He vowed to build equipment the right way. We are honoring that vow with every piece of gear that bears our name. For you. For our way of life.

SERPA LEVEL 2 TACTICAL HOLSTER

Configures to any mission and features a fast, intuitive ultra-secure
Auto Lock that also reinforces proper weapon grip.

2015

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:09 PM Page 40

The Savage AccuTrigger

breaks at just about
three pounds, helping
the shooter place his or
her shots accurately.

PERFORMANCE RESULTS:
SAVAGE TROPHY HUNTER XP IN .300 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM
LOAD NAME

AVG. MUZZLE
VELOCITY (FPS)

AVG. 3-SHOT 100 YD.

BEST 100 YD.
GROUP (INCHES)
GROUP (INCHES)

Federal Premium
150-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip

3,215

1.15

0.90

Federal Vital Shok

165-grain Trophy Copper

3,130

0.85

0.65

Fusion 180-grain

2,930

1.25

0.90

Massaro Ballistic
Laboratories
180-grain Nosler Partition
(handloaded)

2,875

0.95

0.75

Velocities measured with Oehler Model 35P chronograph, 5 yards from muzzle

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW HUNTERXP-34-43-MH-CX-p41.qxp 3/8/15 11:29 PM Page 41

LOW-CAP

the stout 180-grain Fusion loads

of each circle to further extract the

were no problem to shoot from the

reticles accuracy potential. Again,

does come with one disadvantage:

bench thanks to that sweet recoil

this will work best with the aid of a

the efficient, short and stubby de-

pad.

good rangender that gives you the

The .300 WSM chambering

exact distance to the target.

sign compromises magazine capac-

The barrel that Savage pro-

ity. Its reduced to the point that the

vides is 24 inches and slightly heav-

Trophy Hunter XP detachable mag-

ier than sporting weight, which

azine only holds two rounds, al-

helped steady the rie while

though the shooter can stuff one up

preparing for a shot in the eld. The

phy Hunter XP to be an outstanding

the pipe prior to inserting the maga-

muzzle is rounded, rather than a re-

value. With an MSRP of $629, this

zine.

cessed target crown, but the test

rie/scope package gives a hunter

ries crown was just ne, as indi-

the opportunity to purchase a

cated by the guns superb accuracy.

rearm that is accurate, depend-

Three shots should be plenty

for most hunting situations, and I
didnt really nd it to be a problem,
but I thought you might like to know
that up front. The magazine itself is

CLOSING STATEMENTS
Overall, I nd the Savage Tro-

able, and fully functional without

SMART SCOPE
As previously mentioned, the

breaking the bank.

And the deer? They missed our

a polymer outer layer with a steel

Nikon website offers a program

meeting, and decided to spend

insert, and is secured with a exible

called Spot On that will plug the

their time at a location that wasnt

tab at the muzzle end of the maga-

chosen factory ammunition, at ad-

within view of the Trophy Hunter

zine well. Loading the magazine

vertised velocities, into a ballistics

XP. Better luck next time. GW

posed no problems, even with

calculator, and report to you the

frozen ngers in Minnesota, and

various distances which the circles

there were no feed issues with the

on the reticle will hit. This allows

rie whatsoever.

the shooter to either print or copy a

drop chart and use the reticle in

THE PROOF IS
IN THE SHOOTING
The rie shot like a dream right

conjunction with a rangender.

Plugging in the 180-grain Federal Fusion load at a velocity of

out of the box. The scope was fac-

2,950 fps and a B.C. of 0.495 will

tory-mounted, and was only two

work with the BDC reticle in this

inches off the bullseye with the rst

manner, according to the program.

three-shot group.

The main crosshair should be used

I used four different loads: Fed-

to zero the rie at 75 yards, which

eral Premium in 150-grain Nosler

should give you a center hold out to

Ballistic Tip, 165-grain Trophy Cop-

about 125 yards.

per, and 180-grain Fusion, as well as

The center of the rst circle

my own handloads featuring the

below the crosshair will place your

180-grain Nosler Partition. All the

bullet dead on at 216 yards, while

loads gave more than acceptable

the second circle down will impact

hunting accuracy, with the Federal

at exactly 322 yards, the third at

165 Trophy Coppers and the hand-

422 yards and the fourth at 542

loaded Nosler Partitions being sub-

yards. The top of the lower vertical

MOA.

crosshair will give a zero at 655

Velocities were within reason

when compared to advertised values, with the handloads being

yards, but thats 250 yards past my

comfortable shooting distance.
The program also presents a

about 100 fps slower than factory

more complex breakdown, offering

ammo, which is no surprise. Even

the yardage for the top and bottom

www.gunworld.com

CONTACT
Savage Arms
(413) 642-4262
SavageArms.com
Nikon Optics
(800) 645-6687
NikonSportOptics.com
Federal Premium Ammunition
(800) 379-1732
FederalPremium.com
Massaro Ballistic Laboratories
(518) 588-8070
MBLAmmo.com
Nosler Bullets
(800) 285-3701
Nosler.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW_1505_42 3/2/15 11:37 PM Page 42

JANTZ-USA
JANTZ USA MADE BLADES

Jantz Blades are the highest quality pre-shaped blades available anywhere.
Each of these hollow ground blades are designed by our team and crafted 100% on site at our facility.

Pattern 65

Oyster Blade

HANDLE
MATERIAL

1 1/2 X 10 Scales below.

Glow

The back is flat.

Designed with beauty and usability in mind, the rounded

and ground tip is perfect for shucking oysters practically
and safely. Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall
length 6 3/4, blade is 2 1/4 x 1.04 wide, .100 thick.
Handle Holes 3/16.
CAT.#
J1008
J1089

STEEL
440C
Damascus

FINISH TEMPER
Satin
Cryo
Etched
Cryo

HRC
57-58
58-60

PRICE
29.95
49.95

Pattern 35

Overall length 6 5/8", blade is 3" x 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick.

Handle Holes 3/16", Thong Hole 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J3508
32.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J3528
32.95
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
59-60
J3558
39.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J3589
49.95

Large Caper

Overall length 7 3/4", blade is 3" x 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick.

Handle Holes 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
59-60
J8258
34.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J8289
59.95

Small Caper

Overall length 5 1/8", blade is 2" x 1/2"

Handle Holes 1/8".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
J8158
Damascus Etched
Cryo
J8189

wide, .100" thick.

HRC
59-60
58-60

PRICE
29.95
29.95

Overall length 8 7/16", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 1/8" wide, 5/32"

thick. Handle Holes 3/16", Thong Hole 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J6508
39.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J6528
39.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J6589
99.95

Pattern 51

Similar to our Pattern 31 with a full hollow grind.

Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall length 7
5/8", blade is 3" x 1 1/8" wide, 5/32" thick. Bolster Holes
1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4". See online for
accessories.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
J5108
57-58
34.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J5128
34.95
154CM
Satin
Cryo
J5148
58-59
39.95
CPMS 90V
Satin
Cryo
56-59
J5178
99.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J5189
99.95

CAT.#
KI1815
KI1315
KI1415

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
10.95
15.95
19.95

Desert Camo

CAT.#
KI1802
KI1302
KI1402

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95

Lava Flow

Pattern 52

Similar to our Pattern 22 with a full hollow grind.

Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall length 8
3/8", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 3/32" wide, 5/32" thick. Bolster
Holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4". See page
online for accessories.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J5208
39.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J5228
39.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J5289
99.95

CAT.#
KI1804
KI1304
KI1404

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95

Red Pearl

Jantz Blades are the highest quality pre-shaped blades available anywhere.
The two blades below are only a portion of our at ground Jantz Blades. Designed and crafted 100% on site at our facility.

Pattern 31

Pattern 61

Pattern 31 is at ground and has optimal edge holding

capability. Overall length 7 5/8, Blade Length 3, width 1 1/8,
thickness 5/32. Bolster holes 1/8, Handle Holes 1/4, Thong
Hole 1/4.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
D2
Peened Cryo
J3127
59-61
31.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
J3128
59-61
31.95
154CM
Peened Cryo
J3147
58-59
35.95
154CM
Satin
Cryo
J3148
58-59
35.95
1095
Satin
Cryo
J3198
57-58
24.95
1095
Black
Cryo
J319K
57-58
24.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
J3189
58-60
79.95

Pattern 61 is at ground and has optimal edge holding

capability. Overall length 7 3/4, Blade Length 3 1/4, width 1
1/4, thickness 9/64 (.140). Bolster holes 3/32, Handle Holes
3/32 and 3/16, Thong Hole 1/4.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
D2
Peened Cryo
J6127
59-61
32.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
J6128
59-61
32.95
440C
Peened Cryo
J6107
57-58
32.95
440C
Satin
Cryo
J6108
57-58
32.95
CPM154
Peened Cryo
J6157
59-60
44.95
CPM154
Satin
Cryo
J6158
59-60
44.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
J6189
58-60
89.95

CAT.#
KI1808
KI1308
KI1408

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
10.95
13.95

Green Pearl

CAT.#
KI1810
KI1310
KI1410

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
10.95
13.95

GW_1505_43 3/2/15 11:38 PM Page 43

NIFEMAKING.COM
Kirinite is one of the most
stylish resin materials on the
market. Use standard wood
working techniques at slow
working speeds and low
temperatures. Pictures are
example only. Other colors
and 5 x 10 slabs available.

Patriot

BLADE STEEL

All steel offered below by JANTZ is made in the USA. Visit www.
knifemaking.com to purchase other widths and thicknesses.

FOLDER ACCESSORIES
Bearings

CPM S110V Stainless Steel

CPM S110V is a high alloy martensitic stainless tool steel.
Offers better corrosion resistance than 440C or CPM S90V.
Aim hardness is 58/61. Typical chemistry C 2.8, Nb 3.0, Cr
15.25, V 9.00, Mo 2.25, Co 2.5.

18 Steel
CAT#
QF118
QF658
QF718
QF728

THICK
1/8"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"

WIDE
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"

FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH

PRICE
$ 65.95
$ 98.95
$ 86.95
$113.95

1/8"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"

1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"

MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH

$129.95
$195.95
$171.95
$225.95

36 Steel
CAT.#
KI1801
KI1301
KI1401

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95

QF136
QF656
QF716
QF726

CPM 20-CV Tool Steel

Toxic Green

CPM 20CV is a martensitic stainless steel with exceptionally

good wear resistance and outstanding corrosion resistance.
Aim for hardness is 58-59Rc. CPM 20CV is a registered
trademark of Crucible Industries LLC.
Typical chemistry: C 1.9, Cr 20.0, V 4.0, Mo 1.0, W.6.

18 Steel
CAT.#
KI1803
KI1303
KI1403

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95

Royal Pearl

THICK WIDE MILL FINISH

1/8"
1 1/2" TF218 - $ 36.95
1/8"
2" TF228 - $ 44.95
5/32" 1 1/2" TF318 - $ 48.95
5/32"
2" TF328 - $ 65.95

BLANCHARD
TU218 - $ 42.95
TU228 - $ 52.95
TU318 - $ 54.95
TU328 - $ 73.95

PRECISION
TG218 - $ 48.95
TG228 - $ 60.95
TG318 - $ 60.95
TG328 - $ 81.95

TF216 - $ 72.95
TF226 - $ 93.95
TF316 - $ 90.95
TF326 - $123.95

TU216 - $ 84.95
TU226 - $109.95
TU316 - $102.95
TU326 - $139.95

TG216 - $ 96.95
TG226 - $125.95
TG316 - $114.95
TG326 - $155.95

36 Steel

1/8"
1 1/2"
1/8"
2"
5/32" 1 1/2"
5/32"
2"

GTC 440C stainless steel thrust ball bearings caged

in stainless steel retainers developed by Gustavo T.
Cecchini's GTC Knives to reduce friction and failures,
increase opening time, and easier cleaning. The 100%
stainless steel construction eliminates the problems
of other thrust bearings that are not 100% stainless.
Sold separately.
CAT.#
O.D.
I.D.
BALL DIA.
PRICE
.354
.157
.062
GC101
1.29
.358
.192
.062
GC106
1.29
.378
.218
.062
GC111
1.29
.415
.255
.062
GC121
1.29
.454
.258
.078
GC102
1.29

Decorative Torx Screws for Pivot Pins

Designed and manufactured by JANTZ in our facility.
Use with our threaded pivot barrels. 303 Stainless Torx
head screw, .350 in length and threaded 6-48.

Spinner

Galaxy

Orchid

Turbine

CPM REX M4 High Speed Steel

CPM REX M4 HC(HS) is a special purpose high speed steel
exhibiting better wear resistance and toughness. Also
providing enhanced machinability and grindability. Aim
hardness is 63/65.
Typical chemistry:
C 1.42, Mn .30,
S .06, Cr 4.00, V 4.0, Mo 5.25, W 5.5.
CAT.#
KI1807
KI1307
KI1407

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95

18 Steel
CAT#
JF428
JF518
JF528
JF548

THICK
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
1/4"

WIDE
2"
1 1/2"
2"
4"

FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH

PRICE
$ 52.95
$ 52.95
$ 70.95
$134.95

JF426
JF516
JF526
JF546

3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
1/4"

2"
1 1/2"
2"
4"

MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH

$103.95
$103.95
$139.95
$268.95

36 Steel

Black Pearl

Solar Flare
CAT.#
FF401
FF402
FF403
FF404
FF271
FF273
FF275
FF276
FF277

Gear

Bullseye

NAME
DIAMETER
Spinner
1/4
Galaxy
1/4
Orchid
1/4
Turbine
1/4
Solar Flare
5/16
Gear
5/16
Bullseye
5/16
Cosmos
5/16
Texas Star
5/16

PRICE
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49

FITS
1/4
1/4
5/16
5/16

PRICE
1.95
1.95
1.95
1.95

Threaded Pivot Only

CPM D2 Carbon Steel

CAT.#
KI1806
KI1306
KI1406

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
10.95
13.95

CPM D2 is an air-hardening, high carbon, high chromium

tool steel, heat treatable to HRC 60-62. It offers excellent
abrasion resistance. Machinable in the annealed condition
and exhibits minimal distortion on hardening. Typical
chemistry: C 1.50, Mn .40, Si .40, Cr 12.00, V .95, Mo .90.

18 Steel
THICK
1/8"
1/8"
5/32"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"

Blue Pearl

WIDE
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"

MILL FINISH
ZF218 - $ 26.95
ZF228 - $ 34.95
ZF318 - $ 28.95
ZF328 - $ 39.95
ZF418 - $ 35.95
ZF428 - $ 45.95

BLANCHARD
ZU218 - $ 32.95
ZU228 - $ 42.95
ZU318 - $ 34.95
ZU328 - $ 47.95
ZU418 - $ 41.95
ZU428 - $ 53.95

PRECISION
ZG218 - $ 38.95
ZG228 - $ 50.95
ZG318 - $ 40.95
ZG328 - $ 55.95
ZG418 - $ 47.95
ZG428 - $ 61.95

1/8"
1 1/2"
1/8"
2"
5/32" 1 1/2"
5/32"
2"
3/16" 1 1/2"
3/16"
2"

ZF216 - $ 51.95
ZF226 - $ 65.95
ZF316 - $ 55.95
ZF326 - $ 75.95
ZF416 - $ 66.95
ZF426 - $ 86.95

ZU216 - $ 63.95
ZU226 - $ 81.95
ZU316 - $ 67.95
ZU326 - $ 91.95
ZU416 - $ 78.95
ZU426 - $102.95

ZG216 - $ 75.95
ZG226 - $ 97.95
ZG316 - $ 79.95
ZG326 - $107.95
ZG416 - $ 90.95
ZG426 - $118.95

36 Steel
CAT.#
KI1809
KI1309
KI1409

THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4

PRICE
8.95
10.95
13.95

Pivot barrels are threaded 6-48.

CAT.#
O.D.
LENGTH
3/16
.350
F85B
3/16
.500
F88B
1/4
.350
F96B
1/4
.500
F98B

DOWNLOAD OUR
NEW ONLINE CATALOG AT

knifemaking.com

1-800-351-8900

JANTZ

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:16 PM Page 44

Variations
on a THEME

Text & Photos by John N. Raguso

Photo by RUGER

The Gunsite Scout Rie Keeps Getting Better

The Ruger Gunsite Scout rie has

continued to evolve following its
introduction in 2010.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:16 PM Page 45

he scout rie concept was the

brainchild of retired U.S. Army
Col. Jeff Cooper, who, in an article
on the subject back in 1984, called for a
lightweight, hard-hitting, multi-function
rie chambered in .308 Win.
For survival in the world Cooper
envisioned, his ultimate rie would
have the optics mounted forward of
the receiver, giving the operator a wide
eld of view for fast and effective
engagement of multiple targets.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:17 PM Page 46

Heres a view of the GSRs starboard side, showing the 3-position safety, the magazine release lever forward of the trigger guard, the
standard Accurate Mag steel 10-round magazine, and outtted with a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42mm BDC reticle scope. Ruger includes the
standard offset stainless steel scope mounts/rings that clamp into receiver recesses, but accommodating this classic layout requires
removal of the rear sight and front Picatinny rail.

ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION

According to Ruger, the Gunsite
Scout Rie was developed in conjunction with Gunsite instructor Ed
Head, and is a branch of Rugers
M77 family tree of bolt-action ries.
While the Scout has some M77 features such as controlled round feed
and integral scope mounts, the 10round detachable box magazine,
iron sights and forward Picatinny
rail are obvious clues that this
Scout follows its own unique path.
First introduced in 2010, the
original Gunsite Scout Ries were
manufactured from blued alloy
steel with 16.1-inch barrels in both
right and left-hand congurations.

This portside prole of the GSR shows the ash suppressor, removable
stock spacers to adjust the length of pull, aggressive checkering in the
forend and grip, plus Nikons 4-16x42mm Monarch scope.

Chambered for .308 Win., these

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:17 PM Page 47

this quartet is available in both

right-hand and left-hand, with alloy
steel or stainless steel barrels/receivers and composite wood
stocks.
The nal two yearling Scouts
are right-hand only and are chambered in .308 Win. They sport 16.1inch hammer-forged barrels, are
available in either blued alloy or
stainless steel nishes, and both
feature a new durable synthetic
stock.

MY GENERATION
The second-generation Scouts
The GSRs laminate stock features a very aggressive checkering in the grip area for
excellent controllability either with gloves or bare-handed in a variety of weather
conditions.

that appeared in 2013 were

equipped with longer 18.7-inch
hammer-forged stainless steel bar-

handy carbines also had the ability

Winchesters potential while reduc-

rels and birdcage ash suppressors,

to digest affordable milspec 7.62

ing muzzle ash and recoil.

and they totally changed my mind

NATO ammo.

Ruger has recently expanded

about this unique and interesting

the Gunsite Scout Rie family tree

platform. Ive always been a big fan

buted in 2013, reengineered with a

for 2015 to include a half-dozen

of stainless steel barrels and ac-

matte nish stainless steel receiver,

new siblings, with four of them

tions, so that was the rst thing

bolt and an 18.7-inch cold hammer-

chambered in 5.56 NATO. Equipped

that caught my attention on the

forged barrel to optimize the .308

with 5.56-friendly 16.1-inch barrels,

newer Scout Ries.

Second-generation Scouts de-

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:17 PM Page 48

The GSRs Mauser-style rigid

blade ejector folds into a recess in
the underside of the bolt when in
battery and pops up to eject the
spent shell casing when the bolt
is pulled rearward.

The second appeal was more

artistic. When viewed from the port
side with the righty bolt mechanism
out of view and its 10-round staggered-stack Accurate Mag in place,
this Scout looks similar to an
M1A/M14, which is still one of the
coolest-looking military ries
around. Its only upon closer inspection that you notice a Picatinny rail
in front of the receiver, which is
where the upper handguard would
be on an M1A.
In prole, the Scouts stock
shape, comb angle, mag release
lever, magazine shape and size all
bear an eerie resemblance to the
venerable M1A. It was worth a
closer look, so I arranged to get a
product sample from Ruger to see
what this iteration was like.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

The GSR features a removeable

6-panel ash suppressor that can
be replaced with a standard
threaded barrel cap to reduce the
ries OAL.

www.gunworld.com

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:17 PM Page 49

The GSRs laminate stock features removable half-inch stock spacers to adjust the length of pull to each operator, plus a very
aggressive checkering in the grip area for excellent controllability.

DESIGN NOTES
The Gunsite Scout Rie features a reliable bolt-action opera-

safety on the aft end of the bolt assembly.

The investment cast stainless

A steel 10-round detachable

box magazine is standard, with
other capacities and materials

tion that uses the proven Mauser

steel receiver is attached to the

available. The berglass reinforced

98-type bolt with a single claw ex-

multi-layer laminate wood stock via

nylon magazine well and trigger

tractor, a receiver-mounted xed-

a forward-angled front screw that is

guard are attached to the stock

blade ejector, and a three-position

secured to the receivers integral

with a rear mounting screw and a

recoil lug.

perpendicular cross bolt.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:18 PM Page 50

In prole, the Scouts

stock shapeand size all
bear an eerie resemblance
to the venerable M1A.

A recess cut into the GSRs

laminate stock minimizes
snags of the stainless steel
bolt handle.

SPECIFICATIONS

RUGER GUNSITE SCOUT RIFLE

Model: 6822
Caliber: .308 Win.
Weight: 7.3 pounds
Overall Length: 39.5 inches to
41.0 inches
Barrel & Receiver Material: Matte
nish stainless steel
Bolt: Stainless steel, with Mauser
type extractor
Barrel Length: 18.7-inches,
cold hammer forged
Barrel Twist Rate: 1:10-inch R/H
Grooves: 6
Front Sight: Post with protective ears
The Gunsite Scout Rie can be

Rear Sight: 3/32-inch ghost ring

aperture, adjustable for windage
& elevation
Magazine: Steel 10-round
detachable box

tailored to each shooters individual

Length of Pull: 12.75 inches to

14.25 inches
Flash Suppressor: Birdcage

equipped with standard iron sights

0.5-inch plastic recoil pad spacers

that borrow the adjustable

that vary the length of pull from

windage/elevation rear peep sight

12.75 inches to 14.25 inches.

from the Ruger Mini-14, which is in-

MSRP: $1,139
50

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

stalled just forward of the bolt han-

second-gen design that differs from

dle on the receiver top via a single

the M77 Mark II ries and features a

Allen screw. Rotating the 3/32-inch

clean, crisp break with no creep and

diameter aperture in half-turn in-

surprised me every time I

crements will move the point of im-

squeezed it off. My only complaints

pact approximately 1.25 inches at

about the GSRs trigger are that it

100 yards.

was non-adjustable and had a bit

Safety Selector: 3-position

The Gunsite Scout Rie comes

prole using a trio of removable

The LC6 trigger on the GSR is a

Stock Material: Black laminate wood,

with checkered forearm and pistol grip

LINES OF SIGHT

Although the protected front

of a heavy touch, breaking between

blade sight is similar to the Mini-

5.5 pounds and 5.8 pounds

14s, its not the same; it protrudes

about a quarter-inch above the prowww.gunworld.com

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:18 PM Page 51

Here the 3-way safety is in the locked bolt position with the levers notch tting into a
recess in the striker and preventing the ring pin from moving forward.

tective steel ears to enable accu-

easily mount on the Picatinny ac-

squeeze and to use the match

rate sighting, given its position on

cessory rail.

grade ammo that the gun liked best

the receiver relative to the bore axis.

If going with a traditional vari-

to ensure consistent groups. Once I

able powered scope is your prefer-

learned the secrets, I was able to

front and back iron sights measures

ence, Ruger has included with the

shoot a handful of 1-inch 5-shot

22.5 inches, which makes the Scout

GSR a pair of heavy-duty S/S rings

groups at 100 yards with my Gun-

an accurate shooter right out of the

that mount securely into beveled

site Scout Rie, eyeballing the tar-

box, especially if you set your zero

cuts positioned on either side of the

get through a Nikon 4-16x42mm

at 50 yards. This is the magic

receivers ejection port.

Monarch scope equipped with a

The sight radius between the

BDC reticle.

mark on many .308 Win and 7.62

NATO guns, giving excellent accuracy from the muzzle out to 200

LET IT LOOSE
I had a challenging time trying

Mostly, the groups averaged

somewhere in the 1.25-inch to 1.5-

yards with minimal ballistic rise or

to place 1-inch 5-shot groups at 100

inch range, which is not too shabby,

drop.

yards. After burning through a sig-

all things considered.

Other sighting options include

nicant amount of ammo, I eventu-

The iron sights were totally

reex sights, ACOG-style optics and

ally learned to wait at least 30

deadly at 50 yards, and I was con-

long eye relief scopes, any of which

seconds between each trigger

sistently able to produce 0.5-inch

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW GUNSITE-44-53-MH-CX-p52 3/9/15 12:21 AM Page 52

The author sends rounds downrange with the GSR using a Trijicon 3.5x35mm TA11E ACOG with BDC set on the forward rail. Whether
using a xed power ACOG or a variable power long eye relief scope, this sighting position is most consistent with Col. Jeff Coopers idea
of having a full eld of view when sighting in a target.

to 0.75-inch groups at this distance.

My favorite quick-strike sight
setup employed a Trijicon RX-34 reex with 4.5-MOA dot that

was able to appreciate the guns

quires minimal maintenance with

moderate weight and aggressively

its stainless steel nish, this one

checkered forearm and aft grip.

might be your perfect go-to rie.

One potentially cranky habit of

snapped on and off the Picatinny

my Gunsite Scout Rie was the

rail with the simplicity of a single

bolts tendency to get stuck when

throw lever, and was most consis-

the bolt handle was angled just a

tent with Col. Coopers scout rie

bit during rapid-re stress drills. Un-

doctrine of both eyes open

like other push-bolt systems that

shooting.

feature a lug and raceway in the re-

The best groups were achieved

ceiver on opposite sides of the bolt,

using 168-grain BTHP match ammo

due to the Mauser style extractor

by Hornady, Federal and Winches-

setup, the GSRs bolt only has a lug

ter. Hornadys 155-grain OTM

on one side (180-degrees opposite

ammo, in both the brass case and

the bolt handle), so be advised.

CONTACT
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc
603-865-2442
Ruger.com
Federal Premium Ammunition
800-379-1732
FederalPremium.com

the lower-powered steel case varieties, also impressed with spot-on

accuracy through the 18.7-inch
barrel.
Away from the bench, when

WELL?
If youre looking for a robust, reliable shooter thats easy to carry in
the eld, is adjustable to each oper-

shooting from positions that in-

ators body shape, offers multiple

cluded offhand, sitting, prone and

sighting systems, carries one-shot

supported by a stationary object, I

.308 Win. stopping power and re-

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

Hornady Manufacturing Company

800-338-3220
Hornady.com
Winchester Ammunition
Winchester.com

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_53 3/2/15 11:40 PM Page 53

RELIABLE. DURABLE. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

The Del-Ton Evolution is an excellent, all-purpose rie that will serve
you ably on the range as well as in home defense and in the eld.
All Del-Ton factory-built ries come with a lifetime warranty to the
original owner, exceptional customer service,
and superior quality for the price.
Del-Ton is a manufacturer of rst-rate AR-15-style modern
sporting ries and your online source for parts, upgrades, optics,
and accessories. All ries and kit components are made in the U.S.A.
Ask your dealer about Del-Ton products
The DTI Evolution features:
s#-6CHROME LINED
BARRELWITHXTWIST
s(04-0)TESTED
#ARPENTERBOLT
s3AMSON%VOLUTION
vFREEmOATRAIL
s-AGPUL#42-IL 3PEC
BUTTSTOCK

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:28 PM Page 54

Low Tech,
HIGH TOUCH
Text & Photos by James E. House

Metallic Sights Hold a Steady Position

in an Optics Optional World

he sights saga began when someone

realized that to make a projectile go to
the desired point there must be some
way to align the barrel with the target. The rst
sights consisted of a notch in a blade on top of
the barrel near the rear and a raised lump or
post near the muzzle. Thus was born a crude
type of sighting device known as the open sight.

For generations, a receiver

sight has been the choice of
many shooters who use a
lever action rie.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 55

Williams produces a receiver sight

for the Ruger 10/22, the base of which
matches the contour of the receiver

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 56

This Williams Foolproof

has target knobs. The light
colored screws are lock
screws for the windage
and elevation adjustments

now use optical sights to such an

ily add a pound or more to the

equipped with a V-notch in a blade

extent that manufacturers omit

weight of a rie and make it top

welded to the rear of the barrel and

open sights since they know a

heavy. As a result, I nd that I have

a piece of folded sheet metal simi-

scope will probably be installed.

to grip the rie differently to carry it,

The rst BB gun I had was

and even when shooting from a

larly attached near the muzzle; the

arrangement worked well, as I recall.

I LIKE SIGHTS
I must confess that the major-

The rst rearm that I used ex-

ity of my ries, even those of recent

bench the rie has a tendency to tip

because of the weighty optic on
top.
There are situations in which

tensively was a Winchester Model

production, are models that have

90 pump chambered for the .22

sights. I like the way they look, and

open sights are desirable. Someone

Short. Its octagon barrel has a bead

sometimes I want to carry and use

I know was in a tree stand with a

front sight and a blade rear that

a rie that does not have a scope

rie outtted with a 3-9X scope set

could be elevated by means of a

attached. Todays scopes are su-

on 9X. Suddenly, a buck appeared

screw projecting through the sup-

perb and I love them, but not all the

less than 10 yards away and it was

port, pushing against the barrel.

time.

impossible to tell what part of the

Today, with the exception of in-

Part of my love for metallic

animal was in the crosshairs. In that

expensive rimres or big game

sights is that they add hardly any

eeting moment, there was no time

guns, most ries have no built-in

weight or bulk to a rie. A large

to adjust the magnication and

sights. Thats because rie shooters

scope with a sturdy mount can eas-

then locate the deer. The result was

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 57

a missed chance at a very ne buck.

brightest spot to look through in

for shooting paper targets, the most

Under those conditions, the

this case, the center of the aperture

common practice is to adjust the

hunter would have been well served

this type of sight can be aligned

sight to give a six oclock hold on the

with open sights. Today, ries that

very accurately on the target. In

bull. A square-topped post or an

may be used on dangerous game at

fact, this is the type of sight utilized

aperture sight that circles the bull is

short ranges are still furnished with

in high-level match shooting, and

normally used as a front sight.

open sights, as they should be, but

the Winchester Model 52 target rie

metallic sights also work well for

I used many years ago was so

sight is adjusted so that the top of

other types of hunting at short

equipped.

the post is placed in the center of the

With a post front sight, the rear

The aperture is mounted in

aperture so it almost touches the

such a way that adjustment screws

bottom of the bull and the bullet

can be rotated to move the aper-

strikes the center of the target. This

ture to compensate for windage

gives a reproducible sight picture

metallic sight is the aperture or

and elevation. It should be men-

that permits accurate, reproducible

peep sight, which is usually

tioned that military arms such as

shooting.

mounted on the receiver so itll be

the M1 and the M1 Carbine were

close to the shooters eye. The

equipped with aperture sights.

of different sizes, or irregularly

strategy is to look through the aper-

Good aperture sights are precision

shaped targets, a better plan is to

ture at the front sight, which is then

instruments and consequently they

adjust the rear sight so that the bul-

placed on the target. Because the

are not cheap.

let strikes where the top of the front

ranges.

APERTURE SIGHT
A versatile and accurate type of

human eye tends to locate the

When a receiver sight is used

When shooting at game, targets

post or bead rests on the target. In

Lyman 66 series sights have been produced for many years

and mount on at-sided receivers of Winchesters and Marlins.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 58

This sight, which

bears target knobs, is
designed specically
for use on airguns.

that way, the shooter knows where the

bullet will strike at that distance.
For hunting situations, the hunter
should always adjust the rear sight so
the point of impact is where the top of
the post rests. That way, the shooter
can simply center the top of the post
in the aperture and align the top of the
post where the bullet is to strike.
Because of the improved sight
picture and the precise adjustments
presented by peep sights, it is much
easier to place bullets accurately than
with open sights. In a discussion of
metallic sights, the question of accuracy always arises. The best groups
that I have obtained at 100 yards
measure about 1.5 to 2 inches when
using an aperture sight.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

This compact
sight mounts on
grooved receivers
of rimre ries or
airguns.

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_59 3/10/15 5:49 AM Page 59

Clean your handgun at speeds in excess of 1100 fps

with new Copper Fouling Eraser (CFE) Pistol powder.
Because the simplest way to wipe out fouling is to
not let it build up in the rst place.
Phone 913-362-9455

www.hodgdon.com

GW METAL-54-63-MH 3/5/15 1:35 AM Page 60

Globe sights have

interchangeable inserts
that allow the shooter to
vary the sight picture.

OPEN OPTIONS
If a shooter wants open sights

sight allows the bead to be posi-

justment is very precise and sight-

tioned more easily. The V shape

ing in is a trial and error process.

Knowing the distance to the

instead of aperture sights, the vari-

does not mate well with either a

ety of congurations is extensive. A

square post or a round bead, and it

target, how much the point of im-

popular variable is the nature of the

tends to be darker in the bottom,

pact needs to be changed and the

notch or groove in which the front

making accurate placement of the

distance between the front and rear

sight is aligned. The most common

front sight difficult.

sights, it is possible to calculate

type of notch has a U or V

Usually, the rear sight is held to

how much the rear sight must be

shape, but square notches are also

the barrel by a dovetail notch. The

moved to make the point of aim

used, especially when the front

sight can be tapped to move it lat-

and point of impact coincide. This is

sight is a post with a square top.

erally when adjusting for windage,

virtually never done with open

Because many front sights

and elevation is usually changed by

sights because measuring exactly

have a round bead on top of a post,

means of a screw or a sliding blade

how much the rear sight is moved is

the U-shaped notch in the rear

with notches. Neither type of ad-

not practical.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 61

Todays scopes are

superb and I love them,
but not all the time.

Eagle International
produced this Zephyr
combination of
receiver and front sight
for the Ruger 10/22.

Another type of folding rear

the ivory bead sight. These addi-

sight is the folding leaf sight. It is

sight has multiple blades of varying

tions can make it easier to see the

held to the barrel by a dovetail

heights so the rie can be sighted in

front sight clearly, especially in dim

notch, but the sight blade is hinged

at different distances by simply

light. In recent years, ber optic in-

so it can be folded downward to

choosing the appropriate blade.

serts have displaced the gold and

Another popular type of open

ivory bead front sight inserts for su-

make it lie nearly at against the

As mentioned earlier, front

barrel. Windage adjustment most

sights are relatively simple in most

perb visibility. On many ries, the

often requires movement of the en-

cases, with the bead or post being

front sight has a hood to protect

tire sight, but elevation adjust-

common. In order to make the bead

the post or bead.

ments are made by loosening

more visible, the back face some-

screws that hold a small sliding

times has a brass or copper insert

a simple process. The bead or post

blade that can be moved vertically.

(a gold bead). White inserts give

is positioned in the rear sight notch

www.gunworld.com

In principle, using open sights is

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW METAL-54-63-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:29 PM Page 62

There are situations

in which open sights
are desirable.

This excellent combination

of front and rear sights is
produced by XS Sight Systems.

and the rie is held so the front

100 yards using open sights. A cou-

sight is aligned on the target.

ple years ago, I was shooting one of

However, different shooters may

my open sighted .22 WMR ries at

position the front sight somewhat

50 yards and obtained three-shot

differently in the rear sight, which

groups that measured about 0.60

results in a variable sight picture.

inches, but I can not do that consis-

In addition, the human eye cannot

tently. However, the accuracy ob-

be focused simultaneously on the

tainable with open sights is

front/rear sights and the target,

adequate for many types of shoot-

which are at different distances

ing.

from the eye. The result is that

In many situations metallic

you should adjust the sights ac-

sights are entirely adequate, and

cording to the sight picture you

that is why I still prefer ries with

will use.

metallic sights. Maybe its because I

started shooting with open sights

TALLEY
I sometimes read of someone
who obtained a 1.5-inch group at
62

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

and have been using them for so

long, but a rie without sights

CONTACT
Lyman Products Corp.
800-225-9626
LymanProducts.com
New England Custom Gun Service
603-287-4836
NewEnglandCustomGun.com
Williams Gun Sight Co.
800-530-9028
WilliamsGunSight.com
XS Sight Systems, Inc.
800-734-7939
XSSights.com

seems indecently attired. GW

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_63 3/2/15 11:42 PM Page 63

M&P 15 SPORT . AN EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE TO FEEL TO BELIEVE.

FEEL PERFORMANCE BACKED BY OUR LEADERSHIP IN MODERN SPORTING RIFLES. PLUS

A LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY THAT LETS YOU SET YOUR SIGHTS ON JUST ONE THING
MORE ADRENALINE.

#EXPERIENCE #MANDP AT SMITH-WESSON.COM/MPRIFLES

M&P15 SPORTTM

GW HUNTER-64-69-MH-cx-p64-p65.qxp 3/8/15 11:14 PM Page 64

TODAYS
HUNTER

Fave Four
Text & Photos by Thomas C. Tabor

Here Are Four Hunting Destinations to Put On Your To-Do List

Tom took this excellent

trophy buffalo using his
custom .500 Jeffery rie
shooting a 570-grain
Barnes Triple-Shock X
Bullet.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW HUNTER-64-69-MH-cx-p64-p65.qxp 3/8/15 11:14 PM Page 65

hile some hunters seem

satised conning their
hunts to their own state
of residency and focusing on the
usual species like whitetail deer,
Im of the opinion that doing so
is akin to always going to the
same place on vacation, or opting
to order the same thing off the
dinner menu. I actually have
several friends who do this and
they seem happy as can be.
Sometimes mixing things
up a bit can add a great deal of
stimulus and challenge to a
hunters life. It has certainly done
that for me over the years and the
following are a few places I would
rank among the best of the best.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HUNTER-64-69-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:37 PM Page 66

TODAYS HUNTER

New Brunswick, Canada has some of the best black bear hunting found anywhere. Tom took this massive bruin with his Ruger #1
chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum using a 180-grain Nosler Partition Bullet.

AFRICAN SAFARI
A hunting safari to Africa frequently ranks very high on many
hunters bucket lists, and for good
reason. Not only does such an adventure offer the thrilling chance to
add exotic and beautiful game
species to ones collection, it also
allows the hunter and even their
families the opportunity to experience Africas drastically different
cultures.
Ive often said that no matter
how many times I travel to Africa,
every single day offers something
new and exciting that adds to the
memories of the hunt. Thats the
major reason Africa tops my personal list of hunting destinations.
When considering an African
hunting safari, costs can vary dramatically based on in which country
you choose and the game species
you will be pursuing. Three coun66

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

The wildebeest makes a ne and unique game trophy.

www.gunworld.com

GW HUNTER-64-69-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:37 PM Page 67

tries South Africa, Namibia, and

leopard) you can expect those

Zimbabwe consistently rank low-

hunts to be very costly; however,

est in overall cost, but still manage

species like impala, wildebeest,

to offer excellent hunting opportu-

blesbok, springbok, warthog, duik-

nities for a wide variety of game. On

ers and steenbok often have more

the other hand, if you choose to

reasonable trophy fees.

hunt in Tanzania, Botswana and

Typically, African hunting sa-

various others, you should expect

faris last one to three weeks, but

your costs to increase exponen-

even a weeklong safari provides the

tially.

opportunity to return home with a

GROUP SAVINGS
A great way to save money on
hunts is to involve your hunting buddies.
Frequently, guides and outtters will
charge less per person when hunting in
groups. That might make it necessary
for two hunters to share a guide, but in
many hunting environments that can
work out very well and even add to the
fun of the adventure.

In addition to location, an

number of great trophies. By care-

hunting Down Under is every bit as

equally important consideration to

fully selecting both your safaris lo-

exciting and challenging, especially

keep your costs down is the species

cation and what game you will be

pursuing the desirable Asian water

you intend to hunt. For animals

hunting, you might be surprised at

buffalo.

taken or wounded on safari, fees

just how affordable an African sa-

are generally assessed on the

fari can be.

rareness of the animal in that geographical area and its desirability as

a trophy.
For example, if you are looking

The Asian water buffalo of Australia are found in the largest concentrations in the northern most

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE
Even though Australia pales in

reaches of the country. These animals were brought into the country

comparison to Africa when it comes

centuries ago, and while most peo-

to go after any of the African Big 5

to the sheer number of unique

ple dont consider them quite as

(elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion or

game species, in my opinion,

dangerous to hunt as their African

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HUNTER-64-69-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:37 PM Page 68

TODAYS HUNTER

Wallabies and kangaroos are a bonus when hunting in some areas of the South Pacic.

counterparts, you should never underestimate what one of these

massive beasts is capable of doing
to you.
Encountering a particularly

NEW BRUNSWICK
BLACK BEAR
Black bears are plentiful
throughout most of Canada, but
one of my favorite bear hunting

nasty bull can have devastating

haunts is in New Brunswick. Lying

consequences for the hunter who is

just north of the state of Maine, this

unprepared or careless. Because of

is the perfect habitat to nd great

the huge size and toughness of

black bear hunting at decent prices.

these animals, I personally consider

The majority of bears in this

A hunting safari
to Africa frequently ranks
very high on many hunters
bucket lists

Hunting licenses and tags are allocated to guides and outtters, who
resell them to clients and other

the .375 magnum to be the mini-

area are solid black, but they may

hunters in turn, making it fairly easy

mum caliber necessary for these

have a spot or two of white some-

for the bear hunter coming in from

brutes.

where on their chest or feet. The

the lower 48 to obtain the necessary

number of bears, the size of the ani-

permits.

Other species scattered

I have found that the best spring-

throughout the country can provide

mals and the shooting opportuni-

excellent hunting opportunities, ei-

ties are all outstanding in New

time hunting is in the evening hours.

ther on their own or combined with

Brunswick.

You make your way quietly into the

a buffalo hunt. They include wild

Most hunting is done over bait

blind mid-afternoon and walk out

after dark.

boar, donkeys, scrub bulls, wild cat-

and from tree stands, which may be

tle, camels and even wild horses

permanently mounted. This style of

called brumbies.

hunting is a great choice for older

means you should take along a ash-

Obviously, walking out in the dark

and younger hunters. Possibly one

light, but youll also need a soft rie

wallabies, foxes, hares, rabbits and

of the best things about such an

case to carry your unloaded rie out

other small game can sometimes

adventure is that some of the best

of the woods after legal hunting

be hunted in some areas under

hunting takes place during Spring,

hours. Be sure to check local regula-

certain restrictions.

when there is little else to hunt.

tions before departing for the hunt.

In addition, dingoes, kangaroos,

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

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GW HUNTER-64-69-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:37 PM Page 69

PLAN EARLY
When traveling outside U.S. borders for hunting, it is extremely important to
start planning early. You can expect the requirements will include some type of
gun permit for bringing your own rearms into their country.
In some instances, obtaining the necessary approvals can become a laborious
process, taking several months to complete. Your guide/outtter or booking agent
can frequently help you in this endeavor, but you will need to allot a signicant
amount of time for this. Sometimes you can skirt those requirements by using a
rearm provided by the guide/outtter, but there will likely be a charge associated
with that service. It does make the entire process much easier and less burdensome, but personally, I get a great deal of satisfaction from using my own guns and
ammunition.
Another important factor is to make sure your passport is up to date. It should
have several blank pages and a minimum of 6-months remaining before it expires.
In some instances shots, vaccines and malaria medication may be required, or
if not required may still be appropriate.
It is also imperative that you check with your airlines to make sure you comply
with all their requirements for traveling with rearms and ammunition. Each airline
has its own restrictions, and you need to be thoroughly knowledgeable about their
requirements and adhere to them precisely to avoid any problems along the way.

KIWI COUNTRY
Hunting in New Zealand has

distinctive roars produced by

African lions.
The weight of a trophy red

become very popular over the last

couple of decades because the

stag bull can sometimes exceed

country has a diverse population of

500 pounds, making it the fourth

desirable game.

largest deer species in the world.

One of most popular is the red

But physical size isnt this ani-

stag, but there are also Himalayan

mals most impressive feature.

tahr, chamois, wild boar, kangaroo

That has to be its enormous

and even water buffalo in some

antlers that bear a huge number

areas.

of points, culminating in a crown

Though the overall size of a red

on the very top that can be large

stag pales in comparison to our

enough to encircle a small melon

American elk, the number of alter

in its clutches.

points on the stag frequently exceeds those of its bigger bodied

EXOTICALLY SPEAKING

U.S. cousin. While many countries in

Wherever you choose to

South America, Europe and Asia

hunt, do your homework. Not

support good populations of red

everything on the internet is true,

stag, the ones found in New

so contact the foreign embassies

Zealand seem to sport the most

of each country you consider vis-

impressive antlers.

iting to get important details you

Like most deer species, the

wont nd elsewhere.

prime time to hunt the red stag is

United States Embassies in

during the rut, called the roar in

foreign countries can offer plenty

New Zealand. This begins as early

of insights into the dos and

as February and can run into early

donts of visiting these exotic

June, during which time the bulls

destinations.

seek out the hinds (females) for

The last thing you want is to

breeding. The unique roars made

be reading old copies of Gun

during this time are frequently

World in some third-world prison.

described as sounding like the

www.gunworld.com

With the extensive line

of authentic Umarex
action pistols, now
you can train without
traveling to the range.
They are authentic in
shape, weight, and
feel, like their rearm
counterparts, but use
readily available, low
cost ammunition.

See the selection here:

UmarexUSA.com/GUNWORLD
MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 70

RELOAD

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 71

Duplicated

EFFORT

Text & Photos by James E. House

Increasing the Versatility

of the .223 Remington

ne of the denitions of versatility is the ability to do

many things competently.
When one thinks of cartridges that
t this description, its not surprising
that the .308 Winchester and .357
Magnum, among numerous others,
come to mind. One of the reasons is
that ammunition manufacturers
produce a wide variety of loads in
these calibers.

For preparing reduced loads

in the .223, many powders
such as Power Pistol, IMR
4198, Titegroup, Clays, and
Unique are useful.
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MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 72

RELOAD
A bolt action .223
Remington such as
this Savage Axis
can be much more
than just a .223.

dangerous to simply use reduced

atively small charges of faster burn-

ble to increase the versatility of al-

charges of slow burning powders in

ing powders. For many years, this

most any cartridge. For example, a

cartridges that have a relatively

has been done using powders that

center re small bore such as the

large capacity for the bore diame-

more often than not are used in

.223 Remington can be loaded to

ter. It has been reported that this

handgun or shotgun ammunition.

duplicate other lower-powered car-

practice leads to detonations that

Older handbooks sometimes listed

tridges such as the .22 Hornet, .22

produce disastrous results.

such reduced loads, but these were

With careful loading, it is possi-

WMR, or even the .22 LR. There are

So, to produce light loads the

generally for use with cast bullets.

My goal in this project was to

some issues that must be consid-

course of action is not to simply re-

ered for this to be safe and practi-

duce the powder charge well below

enable my .223 Remington to dupli-

cal. For example, it can be

normal levels, but rather to use rel-

cate the performance of the .22 LR,

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 73

.22 WMR and .22 Hornet calibers

by using appropriate loads. Loading data of this type is not often
encountered, but such data does
exist. For example, tables of
loading data from Hodgdon
show reduced loads for the .223
Remington utilizing Tightgroup,
Clays, and Trail Boss. However,
all suggested loads are with a
55-grain bullet of the full metal
jacket type. I wanted to develop

This 0.26-inch group was produced at 50 yards by a load consisting of the 40-grain
Hornady V-Max with a charge of 7.0 grains of Power Pistol.

loads that would be useful for

varmint hunting under appropriate conditions, which means ex-

ing intermediate velocities.

An enormous range of suitable

panding bullets of different

bullets is available for loading the

weights.

.223 Remington, but with the objec-

the 50-grain Speer TNT and Sierra

spitzer, and the 55-grain Hornady
SPSX bullets.
The accompanying table

tive being to produce reduced

shows the loading parameters and

ance issue, I wanted to make

loads, I chose to work with bullets

the results obtained. Cases utilized

sure that the accuracy of the

in the 40- to 55-grain range. Ac-

were Federal or Remington as indi-

loads would be sufficient to

cordingly, I chose the 40-grain Hor-

cated. Five cartridges were assem-

make them suitable for quiet,

nady V-Max and Sierra BlitzKing,

bled for each load and velocities

In addition to the perform-

short-range varmint hunting.

Moreover, with some of the loads
requiring such small powder
charges, a pound of powder can
load 1,000 to 2,000 cartridges,
which makes for economical
shooting.
The list of powders suitable
for reduced loads in many cartridges is rather long. Over the
years I have used many types,
but for this project I selected
Hodgdon Titegroup and Clays,
Alliant Unique and Power Pistol,
and IMR 4198. The last of these
was selected to achieve velocities approximately equal to those
produced by the .22 Hornet, utilizing charges that are approximately two-thirds of a full-power
load. The very fast-burning Titegroup and Clays were chosen for
the lowest velocity loads,
whereas Unique and Power Pistol were appropriate for develop-

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 74

RELOAD
were measured 10 feet from the
Although the .223 Remington
is a ne varmint cartridge in
its own right, with judicious
loading it can also duplicate
the performance of the .22
LR, .22 WMR and .22 Hornet.

muzzle using a Competition Electronics ProChrono chronograph.

The loads were tested in a Savage
Axis with a Leupold 3-9X scope,
and accuracy is expressed as the
size of a ve-shot group followed
by the closest four shots. This eliminates the effect of one errant shot
caused by a sudden breeze on a
range where it is almost always
windy. As shown by the data, the
tested loads traveled at velocities
ranging from approximately that of
a .22 LR to that of a .22 Hornet. For
example, the 55-grain bullet propelled by a 3.8-grain Titegroup
charge gave a velocity of 1,307
ft/sec, whereas a 40-grain bullet
propelled by a 16-grain charge of
IMR 4198 gave a velocity of 2,523
ft/sec, which approximates a .22
Hornet load. Some loads gave velocities between these limits and

2.200 (F)

Titegroup

3.8

1307

0.48/0.44 b

Bullet

Average velocity is for 5 shots.

Groups at 50 yards
c
Groups at 100 yards
b

Accuracy values given as group size for ve shots/best four shots.

Federal or Remington cases denoted as (F) or (R).
These loads were safe and reliable in the authors rie, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts any
responsibility for their preparation and use by others. These loads should be approached with caution.
74

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW RELOAD-70-75-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:44 PM Page 75

are, therefore, approximately

recoil, but such loads are not for use

equal to the .22 WMR. Conse-

in autoloading ries.

quently, the results show the

The results obtained in this

original plan was successful.

work show that not only are re-

The accuracy of lower-veloc-

duced loads for the .223 Remington

ity loads was tested at 50 yards

capable of duplicating the .22 LR,

while the accuracy of higher-ve-

.22 WMR and .22 Hornet, but they

locity loads was tested at 100

also show such loads can be very

yards, and some loads produced

accurate and economical. I plan to

outstanding accuracy. For exam-

keep some of the loads prepared

ple, the 40-grain Hornady V-Max

for special occasions. GW

CONTACT
Alliant Powder
(800) 276-9337
AlliantPowder.com
Hodgdon Powder
(913) 632-9455
Hodgdon.com

driven by a charge of 7.0 grains of

Power Pistol gave a velocity of
2,233 ft/sec and a small, ragged

INTRODUCING THE

hole for a ve-shot group at 50

LAR-8 X-1 RIFLE

yards.

Combining custom features and all-new

components with RRAs years of experience
and dedication to making the best ries
available, the RRA X-Series.

Also, the 50-grain Speer TNT

propelled by a charge of 16.0
grains of IMR 4198 gave a velocity of 2,422 ft/sec and a 0.80inch group at 100 yards. I
consider this level of accuracy to
be exceptional. Additionally, as
mentioned above, a load that
consumes only 7.0 grains of powder makes it possible to load
1,000 rounds per pound. The
noise level is signicantly reduced and there is essentially no

LAR-8 X-1 RIFLE X308A1750T

TAN WITH OPERATOR A2 STOCK

MSRP: $1850*

RRA HUNTER
MUZZLE BRAKE

Although these cartridges are all

loaded with 40-grain Hornady V-Max
bullets, the similarity ends there. On the
left is a low-velocity load that duplicates
the .22 LR, in the middle a more potent
load that gives .22 WMR power, and on
the right a load that produces velocities
around 2,500 ft/sec, which is similar to
the power of the .22 Hornet.
www.gunworld.com

* Prices are subject to change.

Optics and scope mount not included.

ROCKRIVERARMS.COM
MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:55 PM Page 76

HANDGUNS

The Old
CENTURIONS
Text & Photos By Dave Workman

Two Classic Cartridges

the .45 ACP and .45
Colt Still Have What It
Takes to Stop Fights

hoever heard of a 100-yearold charging into battle and

stopping a ght?

By the time one reaches the

century mark, the terms frail and
tired seem to show up in most
conversations. That applies only to
people, not cartridges. After more
than a hundred years, there are two
champions of proven power and
performance that are a long, long
way from giving up the ghost: The .45
ACP and its older sibling, the .45 Colt.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

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GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:56 PM Page 77

Be it a semi-auto or an old-style
thumb-buster, the .45-caliber handgun
remains a stalwart after more than a
century of service. Workmans 7 1/2inch Ruger New Vaquero is a very
accurate sixgun with his handloads,
and the custom Olympic Arms Street
Deuce is a powerhouse with plenty of
ght-stopping repower.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH-CX-p79-p80-p81.qxp 3/8/15 11:05 PM Page 78

HANDGUNS

The author took a shine to a

Pietta single-action that
follows closely the original
Model 1873 design. It would
be a formidable sixgun in
competition or on the trail.

Back in the day, when it

Even the .45 ACPs reputation

NEW PIETTA

seemed like some gun magazines

took it on the chin a few times from

had nothing better to discuss than

the 9mm devotees, who considered

all of this was a pals recent acquisi-

9mm versus .45 until we got so

the nearly-as-ancient Luger round

tion of a Pietta Model 1873 single-

sick of it that we stopped reading

hot stuff thanks to double-stack

action sixgun. A remarkably

those magazines, the one compari-

magazines and the spray-and-pray

handsome specimen with a color

son that would have made perfect

mentality.

case nish on the frame, one-piece

sense, but never happened, was the

For the past few years, as I get

What inspired me to reect on

walnut grips tted precisely to the

.45 versus .45. Nobody, far as I can

closer to some semblance of retire-

blue steel frame and a front sight

recall, went anywhere near that

ment, the idea of parking my trusty

blade tall enough to allow simple

one.

single-action Colt Commander in

stoning, this smokewagon is a win-

favor of a single-action revolver

ner.

Perhaps its because the .45

Long Colt a misnomer since

chambered for the .45 Colt as an

there never was any such cartridge,

everyday carry gun becomes more

New Vaquero, with its solid blue

and the one were thinking of was

intriguing. I dont really care to

frame and barrel, aftermarket Ajax

never officially called that was

chase brass all over the range oor

yellow aged ivory grips and a

considered a has-been during the

or the landscape, and anything you

smooth, reliable action. Ive worked

heyday of those boringly repetitive

can do with a 230-grain FMJ or JHP

up two loads for this gun using Hor-

articles. It was a cowboy cartridge

red from a semi-auto can be done

nadys 255-grain lead atpoint

from a throwback era, an anachro-

with a 225-grain JHP or even a 250-

ahead of 6.9 grains of Hodgdon

nism whose time had come and

grain lead bullet. Old western

HP38 or a 250-grain cast lead bul-

gone.

cemeteries are lled with the proof.

let ahead of 8.0 grains of Winches-

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

We compared it to my Ruger

www.gunworld.com

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH-CX-p79-p80-p81.qxp 3/8/15 11:05 PM Page 79

While I prefer to carry factory

ter Auto Comp. They both check out

barrel, I can bounce a tin can

at about 900 fps, which is compa-

around consistently with a two-

ammo of the same brand as the

rable to a 200-grain JHP out of a

hand hold out to 25-30 yards, and

local police or sheriff in my Com-

Model 1911 and a bit faster than a

farther if necessary with all of these

mander, or any other .45-caliber

230-grain FMJ.

loads. Incidentally, all of the loads

semi-auto I happen to be packing,

above are within pressure levels for

Ive spent a good deal of time at the

well on top of 5.8 grains of Trail

standard frame revolvers, but con-

loading bench with the .45 ACP, put-

Boss, with its funny donut-shaped

sult your loading manual. Each

ting together comparable loads for

kernels that just about ll an empty

manual should list specic heavier

practice, or for those occasions

case. That chugs along at about 725

loads that should only be used in a

when it rides with me into the

fps. I have also experienced decent

Thompson/Center Contender or

boonies.

results with 15.0 grains of 2400

Ruger Blackhawk, or some other

pushing a Speer 250-grain lead

heavier frame revolver.

The 250-grainer also works

SWC across the screens at just over

Both the Pietta and Ruger de-

Ive known two men in my life

who killed large black bears with a
.45 Model 1911. Neither of those ani-

900 fps, a load that falls slightly

light me for another reason. They

mals ever got up to complain about

under the maximum recommended

have transfer bar ring mecha-

lack of stopping power, and on both

with that bullet and powder in

nisms, meaning that you can load

occasions they were in rather surly

Speer Manual No. 13.

all six chambers safely. On the trail

moods.

Out of my two New Vaquero

or in an urban defense situation,

For my .45 ACP, I run a 230-grain

models, one with a 4 5/8-inch bar-

that additional round could come in

FMJ ahead of 5.3 grains of HP38 or

rel and the other with a 7 1/2-inch

handy.

6.3 grains of Auto Comp, two powders which Ive grown rather fond of.
They both burn clean and fast
enough to reliably cycle a slide, and
they produce good accuracy in my
pistols.
I have also had very good success with the 185-grain Nosler JHP
ahead of 6.2 grains of HP38, and 5.5
grains of Titegroup. Both of these
loads cycle well through all of my
Model 1911 variations.
Lest anybody be skeptical, you
do not want to be hit by a .45-caliber
bullet even a hundred yards downrange, so some serious damage will
be incurred within 25 yards.

STOPPING POWER
Early in my career, I had a pal
who worked for the local sheriffs department. Deputy Jack Beard and I
were chatting one evening and he reCompare the Pietta (left) with
authors Ruger New Vaquero.
Both are fast, with smooth
actions and may be carried safely
with six rounds in the cylinder.

marked that he was a rm believer in

a big, slow-moving bullet. That observation never left me, and the principle still stands all these years later.
So, should the .45 in either the

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MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH-CX-p79-p80-p81.qxp 3/8/15 11:05 PM Page 80

Should the .45 in either the

old Colt cartridge which has
been around since 1873, or the
ACP version which came along
just over a century ago
be considered a modern day
stopper? Bet the farm on it.

A look down into the

action of the Pietta
shows its transfer
bar (upper right),
and the same design
improvement appears
in the Ruger New
Vaquero
(this page).

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH-CX-p79-p80-p81.qxp 3/8/15 11:05 PM Page 81

warping along at more than 1,000

they all have in common is a

fps, and there are a couple rated at

close-range impact that resembles

more than 1,100 fps. Tell me thats

being hit with a 10-pound

not going to hurt.

Hornady produces a .45 Colt

sledgehammer, and most guys I

know might opt for the hammer.

with a 185-grain FTX bullet in its

Critical Defense family. It leaves the
muzzle at 920 fps with 348 foot-

NOSTALGIA?
Now, guns are fun, but car-

pounds of energy, enough to knock

tridges are a kick, especially two

some attacker at on his back.

old-timers like the .45s. I get a

Winchester offers a .45 Colt

chuckle out of listening to people

with a 225-grain Silvertip JHP that

who suggest the old warhorse

also clocks at 920 fps, and with a

rounds have outlived their useful-

reported muzzle energy of 423

ness. Those enamored with todays

foot-pounds. Can you say Wham?

hot stuff the .40 S&W, .357 SIG

Speer has a 250-grain Gold

and 10mm tend to overlook the

Dot JHP that, by comparison, sort

of lopes out at 750 fps with 312

history of both .45s.

One round helped tame the

foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

West and the other helped win a

Although thats not quite as fast

couple of world wars.

and energetic as the other loads,

Call me a hopeless romantic or

its still sure to get someones

somebody born a hundred years

attention.

too late. When the .45 Colt came

There are so many

along back in 1872, it was the high

high-energy .45 ACP factory loads

point of the Wild West. Men still

available that theres not enough

drove cattle a thousand miles from

room here to list them all. What

Texas to Kansas. James Butler

old Colt cartridge which has been

around since 1873, or the ACP
version which came along just
over a century ago be considered modern day stoppers? Bet
the farm on it.
Thanks to developments of
new propellants and bullet designs, both the .45 ACP and .45
Colt remain

sizzlers today, more

so than when they rst appeared.

While consulting with the 2015
edition of Hodgdons Annual
Manual, I found loads for the .45
ACP using 185-grain JHPs that
sprint out of the muzzle at over
1,000 fps.
Slide on over to the .45 Colt
and see what can be done with a
180-grain cast lead at-point and
you will nd several safe loads
www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW HANDGUNS-76-83-MH.qxp 3/4/15 11:57 PM Page 82

HANDGUNS

There is one signicant difference found on the Pietta: its trigger

is noticeably narrow

Hickok was still alive, and so were

George Armstrong Custer and
Jesse James. Wyatt Earp was still
in his mid-20s and William Bonney a.k.a. Billy the Kid still

Theres an oft-told story, the

was something of a kid.

origin of which Ive never been able

That a cartridge introduced

to pin down, about an old lawman

when those men were alive is still

who was once asked why he carried

a viable round today speaks well

a .45. His answer seemed to nail it:

of its design and its continued de-

Because they dont make a .46.

velopment 143 years later.

And so it is with the legendary

The .45 ACP went along with

.45, be it a Colt or an ACP. Both are

Black Jack Pershing in his pursuit

of Pancho Villa in 1916. A year
later, it traveled with the Yanks to

in for the long haul, and I suspect

while the New Vaquero has a much
wider trigger and a crisp let-off.

Europe and saw plenty of combat

son sub-machine gun.

It became a gangsters gun and

bang comes along to become the

cover story in every gun magazine

in the trenches of France, both in

sidearms and in the famed Thomp-

that no matter what hot new whiz-

on the rack, that big, slow-moving

Just when everybody thought it

bullet will keep coming back from

was time to retire the cartridge, it

whatever grave to which it is pre-

came roaring back to life with the

maturely assigned. GW

a crime-stopper in the Roaring

exploding popularity of action pis-

Twenties, went back to war in the

tol competitions, and even with a

1940s, and again in the 1950s, and

new generation of police. The

and consult a loading manual be-

still again in the 1960s. Lawmen

Model 1911 became the most

fore producing your own ammuni-

adopted it. A retired Texas Ranger

cloned and customized pistol on

tion. Start with the minimum

of my acquaintance carried a light-

the planet, and the .45 ACP car-

recommended loads and gradually

weight Commander on the job.

tridge made it so.

work up from there.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

* NOTE: Always use caution

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_83 3/2/15 11:48 PM Page 83

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GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:05 AM Page 84

GUNSMITHING

Before we begin work on the rie

project, we need to establish a
baseline accuracy standard for the
gun. My son Kyle shot very good
groups with the factory Remington
M700, with both factory loads and
handloads.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:05 AM Page 85

Project
VARMINT
(Part 1)

Text & Photos by Steve Seiberts

A Remington M700 Gets Prepped

to be Transformed into a
Customized Varmint Rie

his column marks the start of a new

Project Gun, the Remington M700. I
covered a brief inspection of the rie
in an earlier column, but now we are going to
get into the nuts and bolts of turning one of
the countrys best bolt-action ries into a
fully customized varmint rie.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:06 AM Page 86

GUNSMITHING

We wont permanently glue

the action and barrel
together Ill also show how
to get the rie apart if you
do inadvertently glue
it together.

The Wenig Gunstocks

semi-inletted walnut
stock. This part is done
by machine, but the
nal tting is all done
by hand.

The rie for this Varmint Rie

Project will get the full treatment,
including stock tting, glass bedding and nishing a new semi-inletted walnut stock, which includes
installing the recoil pad, and sling
swivel studs. I will install and t a
new match grade trigger and stainless match grade barrel, accurizing
the action and setting the minimal
headspace. I will also install a new
ring pin and, nally, Ill show you
how to glass bed an H-S Precision
berglass stock with bedding block
system in order to get maximum accuracy from the system.
86

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:06 AM Page 87

Ill talk about and demonstrate

tools, tips and techniques to get the
most accuracy out of just about any
bolt action rie.

BEDDING BASICS
First, lets talk about accurizing
a rie via bedding the rie stock by
tossing out some terms well be
using: glass bedding, pillar bedding,
skim bedding, and spot bedding.
Glass bedding which is really
somewhat of a misnomer these
days, since we usually dont use
berglass as a bedding material
anymore refers to the process of
applying some type of two-part
epoxy to the stock of a rie in order
to remove the gaps between the
stock and the barreled action.
The bedding process stabilizes the
stock and prevents the barreled action from shifting during ring.
Years ago, Benchrest Shooters,

Devcon steel bed two-part epoxy putty. This can be ordered through Brownells.

a group obsessed with accuracy,

found that applying a thin lm of

sitting and bedding process over

size of the groups on the target

berglass (later epoxy) stabilized

the course of several columns. Ill

downrange. Tightening the action

the barreled action in the wood

also show how to get the rie apart

screws wont help because this only

stock, resulting in tighter, more con-

if you do inadvertently glue it to-

compresses the wood bers between

sistent shot groups.

gether.

the barreled action on top and the

Remember, accuracy is all

about consistency from shot to
shot. Consistent marksmanship
fundamentals, consistent ammuni-

oorplate metal on the bottom. After

PILLAR BEDDING
Small shifts in the barreled action will have a huge impact on the

a few shots, the barreled action will

start to shift again, especially in the
larger calibers.

tion, and consistently repeatable interactions among the

various components of the
rearm all contribute to maximum accuracy.
We wont permanently
glue the action and barrel together. However, if bedding is
done wrong the action and
stock can bond together, so

SSK
HANDCANNONS

CUSTOMS: Revolvers, single

shots, semi autos, bolt guns
and suppressors. Over 400
calibers including Whispers,
JDJs and B & M. Rechambering
and rebarreling services. Mouse
to Mastadon killers. Settle
back and enjoy our website. No
boring guns allowed.

we have to use a release

agent and techniques to prevent this.

SSKINDUSTRIES.COM
740-264 0176

Ill cover this entire stock

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:06 AM Page 88

GUNSMITHING

Locating holes used

in the making of the
stock, which will also be
used in the installation
of the recoil pad.

SKIM BEDDING
Skim bedding is usually used
when we have already glass bedded
the rie but there are minor voids,
pinholes or other imperfections in the
bedding job that we need to x. If you
nd yourself in this situation, you
cannot apply bedding compound to
organic wood bers failed under the

a specic spot. You have to apply it

torque of the action screws.

over the entire existing bedding sur-

Inserting hollow metal sleeves

face, otherwise you may create a high

or spacers (pillars in gun-speak)

area in the bedding where the action

pillar bedding. Pillar bedding came

inside the stock between the bar-

is only sitting on this high spot.

about when those same Benchrest

reled action and the bottom metal

Shooters found that when they

lets us tighten the action screws to

lm of epoxy that will patch up the

tightened the action screws, the

the specied torque, ensuring those

job, sort of like trying to nish drywall

wood compressed and the screws

fasteners wont loosen up any time

compound in your house. It can be

eventually backed out because the

soon.

done, but its not a quick x.

This led to the development of

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

Here, we just want to apply a thin

www.gunworld.com

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:07 AM Page 89

SPOT BEDDING
The other method is spot bedding. With this procedure, we just

the epoxy sticking to wood,

not nish.
We also need inletting pins and

EPOXY COMPOUNDS
ABOUND
I want to talk about the epoxy

apply a small amount of bedding

stockmakers screws (see photos).

itself. Over the years, many types of

material behind the recoil lug and at

A couple other items well need are

bedding compounds have been

the rear of the receiver tang. This

bedding tape and modeling clay,

tried and used and all are of the

technique is great for the hobbyist

but in a pinch you can use electrical

two-part variety.

gunsmith that doesnt want to

tape or duct tape.

plunge into a full pillar-bedding job,

We also need some sort of re-

In the early years berglass liquids and gels were used, and

but still wants some of the accu-

lease agent. Brownells sells a great

Brownells Acraglas was the primary

racy enhancement that a glass

spray release that Ive used for years.

material. Acraglas is a two-part

bedding job provides.

Spray-on cooking oil actually works

epoxy where you mix the resin with

pretty well and doesnt add calories!

the hardener together in a specic

demonstrate using the factory

I will also use a good grade of paste

ratio. It comes in either a liquid ver-

Remington laminated wood stock

oor wax along with the spray. Using

sion or the gel, and it was the com-

next month.

both ensures that when we screw

pound I learned to use when going

the rie together with the epoxy, it

through gunsmithing school. I also

will come apart easily. The spray

used it at the National Match Gun-

works well for covering large areas,

smithing Course at Rock Island Ar-

well need scrapers to get the

and the paste works well on inter-

senal, where I was taught how to

polyurethane nish off the stock

nal/external screw threads and

accurize the M1A rie for National

where the epoxy will go; we want

other small areas.

Match competition.

This is the technique Ill

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

In order to spot bed this rie,

The Wenig stock has a nice palm swell that makes it

comfortable to shoot.

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:07 AM Page 90

GUNSMITHING
Acraglas is still a good choice
to use on wood stocks where we
want to hide the fact that we have
used a bedding material. If Im tting a high-end grade of wood stock
to the rie Im building, I dont want
to use an epoxy that will be visible
afterwards. Using Acraglas mixed
with a wood coloring can hide the
tiny gaps between the wood and
metal and, its almost invisible.
The Marine Corps used to use
Marine-Tex, which many people,
myself included, found very difficult
to work with.
Benchrest Shooters, once
again, came up with a very good
epoxy called Devcon. This is a two
part epoxy made of a semi-viscous
steel based resin. When mixed with
the hardener it becomes putty with
the consistency of peanut butter,
which is very easy to work with.
It hardens into a very strong
steel-based block that can actually
This shot shows that the barrel channel is cut out just enough to get the stockmaker
started. There is quite a bit of material left to remove.

The Wenig stock used in this project gun is standard grade American walnut, semi-inletted for the gunsmith to begin tting. Wenig offers many types and grades of wood for both ries and shotguns.

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_91 3/2/15 11:44 PM Page 91

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GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:07 AM Page 92

GUNSMITHING

The Remington X-Mark

Pro trigger is adjustable
for weight from 2 to 3.5
pounds by adjusting the
1/16 set screw in the
face of the trigger. For a
varmint rie, 2 pounds
is about right.

demonstrate how to do a spot-

be drilled, tapped, and otherwise

them at various times with great

machined. Its used to rebuild steel

success. However, I will say that the

bedding job next month using the

machinery and gears in many in-

titanium Devcon, while quite strong,

factory stock for smiths that dont

dustries.

has a very short working time. In

want to jump into a full bedding job,

other words, when you mix the two

but still want to gain some measure

uct called Steel-Bed that also

parts together you only have a few

of accuracy and stability from a

works very well. The downside to

short minutes before it starts to

bedding job.

this steel epoxy is that its not

harden.

Brownells sells a similar prod-

cheap. One pound will run about

Devcon steel and Brownells

BASELINE PREP

$40, and you will only get a couple

Steel-Bed have very generous

of ries from it if you are doing a full

working times, giving the gunsmith

shoot the rie with a variety of fac-

pillar-bedding job. If you are doing a

plenty of time to get the rie

tory loads and old-standby hand-

spot bed, you will get several jobs

screwed together and the excess

loads to establish a baseline accuracy

out of a one-pound tub.

epoxy cleaned up before it starts to

standard for the gun.

Devcon is made in aluminum

and titanium, and Ive used all of
92

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

set up.
Thats it in a nutshell. I will

Before we get to work, I want to

Remember, the better the gun

shoots initially, the smaller the results
www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_93 3/2/15 11:45 PM Page 93

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GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:07 AM Page 94

GUNSMITHING

I worked up two test loads for this range session. Here is one of the loaded rounds with the Redding Competition Seating die.

well get. In other words, if we are

starting out with a rie that shoots
5-shot groups of 2 inches at 100
yards, it will be easy to get it cut it in
half at least, depending on caliber
and other factors.
Conversely, if I take this heavy
barreled rie in .22-250 and it already shoots less than one inch at
100 yards, it may take a large
94

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

I used two bullets for this rst shooting session: the Hornady 50-grain Z-Max, and the
52-grain Berger FB HP.

www.gunworld.com

GW SMITH-84-95-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:07 AM Page 95

amount of work and money to get

that group size to shrink in half with
consistency.
There is a rule of diminishing

ter primer for the Berger handload.

All handloads were assembled
with the outstanding Redding Big
Boss press with a Redding Compe-

returns between money spent and

tition micrometer seating die. This

reduction in group sizes. Once you

seating die lets me set the seating

get groups substantially under an

depth of the bullet to .001-inch in-

inch, youll spend more money and

crements. This way, I can have the

effort to get smaller groups. Some-

bullet sitting just a few thou-

times it takes working on the rie,

sandths off the lands of the barrel

and sometimes it takes carefully

for best accuracy.

developing quality handloads.

For this initial range session, I

For the scope I used the Leupold 6.5x20 VX-3L varmint scope,

took several factory loads and two

and the spotting scope was the

handloads. The factory loads were

Nightforce 20x70 tactical spotting

Federals 50-grain load utilizing

scope, which made nding those

Barnes Triple-Shok bullet, and their

little .22-caliber holes much easier.

60-grain offering using the Nosler

Once the rie build really gets un-

Partition. This would be good to use

derway Ill be stretching out the

when you need a deeply-penetrat-

Match barrel to 200 and 300 yards,

ing load, such as a coyote load.

and the spotting scope will really

The 60-grain bullet is on the

ington Varmint barrel. Well correct

BASELINE ESTABLISHED
The rie shot really well. I shot

this when we rebarrel the rie with

one Hornady load, two Federal

the Shilen Stainless Match barrel

loads and two handloads.

with the 1:7-inch twist. That twist

The Federal rounds loaded

will stabilize even 70-grain .22-cal-

with the Nosler Ballistic Tip shot

iber bullets for long range shooting.

the best, turning in a 5-shot group

I also chose Federals 55-grain

of 1.049 inches. My handload with

softpoint as a kind of standard gen-

the Berger 52-grain FB Varmint bul-

eral-purpose varmint load, and

lets shot second best, with a 5-shot

Federals 55-grain loads with the

group size of 1.103 inches. The

Nosler Ballistic Tip. Two more fac-

grouping was actually better than

tory loads I used were the Hornady

that, with four shots going into one

40- and 55-grain V-Max rounds.

tiny hole.

For handloads, I chose the Hornady 50-grain Z-Max bullet over

36.0 grains of Reloader 15 with a
Federal case and Winchester Large
Rie primer, and the Berger 52-

TODAY IS GOOD,
TOMORROW WILL BE
BETTER
There is a difference between

grain Varmint bullet. The Berger

inherent accuracy and potential ac-

bullet is a very accurate match

curacy. The Federal load shows

grade bullet with a large hollow

what the rie is capable of today,

point for great expansion. I also

and the handload shows what we

used 36.0 grains of Reloader 15

can expect from the rie when

with a Federal case and a Winches-

were nished. GW

www.gunworld.com

Redding Reloading Equipment

607-753-3331
Redding-Reloading.com
Wenig Custom Gunstocks
660-547-3334
Wenig.com
Nightforce Optics, Inc.
208-476-9814
NightForceOptics.com
Berger Bullets
714-441-7200
BergerBullets.com

come in handy.

ragged edge of stability with the

1:14-inch twist of the factory Rem-

CONTACT

Blue Grass Sportsmen's League

859-858-4060
BGSLInc.com
Hornady Manufacturing Company
800-338-3220
Hornady.com
Leupold & Stevens
800-538-7653
Leupold.com
Oehler, Inc.
800-531-5125
Oehler-Research.com
Federal Premium Ammunition
800-379-1732
FederalPremium.com
Brownells Inc.
800-741-0015
Brownells.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW BACK-96-99-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:10 AM Page 96

BACK PAGES
cartridge, in this case, a .350 Remington Magnum, an item we covered briey in this space a couple of
months ago.
An advertisement for the rie
goes right after the primary selling
point, and as might be expected,
the Remington copywriters werent
shy about tossing out a few superlatives. Power? it opened,
Mister, youve just bought yourself
the most powerful magnum ever
made. The Model 600 was touted
as the rst sporting rie with a
laminated stock, and advertisements also informed a curious public that the proprietary cartridge
offered up to 3,260 foot-pounds of
brush-bucking energy that will stop
any game in North America!
Fifty years of 20-20 hindsight
tell us that the Model 600 received
mixed reviews from gun writers immediately after its launch, but instead of focusing on performance
issues, those reviewers tended to
focus on what they believed to be

Theres nothing like packing a batch of circa-1965 outdoor gear for a quick Cessna ight
to test out a new hunting spot. At least thats what our editorial team must have thought
as they lined everything up on the Van Nuys airport tarmac before heading off to hunt
ducks and varmints in Death Valley.

Bygone
BOLT ACTIONS
By Craig Hodgkins

When it comes to proprietary

featured an early look at Reming-

calibers, the question is often

tons Model 600 rie in .350 Mag-

which came rstthe rie or the

num. As with a few other select

cartridge?

ries of that era (more about that in

The primary eld test article in

the May 1965 issue of Gun World
96

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

a bit), the Model 600 was launched

in conjunction with a corresponding

With the launch of the .224 Varmintmaster, Weatherby sought to bring highvelocity cartridge performance to the
varmint rie.

www.gunworld.com

GW BACK-96-99-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:10 AM Page 97

unusual design choices (besides the guns ve-layer

laminated walnut and beech
stock, protected by DuPont
RKWtoughest nish on any
gun, it also featured impressed checkering and a detachable ventilated plastic
rib).
In addition, although the
ries relatively light weight
(6.5 pounds) and the short
barrel (18.5 inches) improved
handling, some testers felt
Remingtons
mid-60s advertisement for their
Model 60 Magnum
hyped the ries 6
pounds of boltaction fury.

these very features led to increased felt recoil.

However, the Gun World
team which had previewed
the 600 at Remington headquarters in late 1964 before
receiving a test model the
following spring thought

Advertiser Index

the powerful rie and belted

cartridge duo was more than
up to the task, namely on a
wild goat hunt on the Santa
Catalina Islands.
Remingtons newest
version of the Model 600
carbine, the piece stated,
has a heavier action for the
.350 magnum round, as well

Black Hills Ammunition

CROSSBREED HOLSTERS

67
7

Major Surplus & Survival

Numrich Gun Parts Corporation

CZ-USA

Old Faithful Holsters

Davidson's

Pat Crawford Knives

Del-Ton

Reds Gun Lube

Dillon Precision

Rio Grande Custom Grips

as a laminated stock and a

Double Tap Ammunition

Rock River Arms

heavy recoil padWith plastic

GTUL

Smith & Wesson

rib removed, the Model 600

Guncrafter Industries, LLC

SSK Industries

Hodgdon Powder Co.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.

Hogue Grips

ULTIMAK

Umarex USA, Inc.

still boasts a clean and com-

3, 100

pact outline, although some

may prefer it removed.
For range testing, Dan

Jantz Supply

42-43

Cotterman mounted a

Les Baer Custom,Inc.

Vista Ourdoor-Blackhawk

Bushnell Scopechief II four-

LWRC International

Walther Arms

Lyman Products Corp

WILSON COMBAT

power tube, using the new

Conetrol mounts designed
specically for this carbine.
And although at least half of

The advertiser index is provided as a service to

Gun World readers. Gun World is not responsible
for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

the review centered on the

www.gunworld.com

MAY 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW BACK-96-99-MH.qxp 3/5/15 12:10 AM Page 98

The rie sported a reduced version of Roy Weatherbys popular

Mark V action and an attractive
wooden stock, and featured a proprietary cartridge designed specically for varmint hunting. As the
advertisement stated, the cartridge
was the rst factory varmint load
to feature a belted case.
Like the Remington Model 600,
the rie weighed in at 6.5 pounds,
making it highly toteable during a
full day in the eld, but it didnt
come cheap at nearly $300. Produced for twenty years, the rie was
discontinued in 1994.
When the rie was discontinued, the cartridge was renamed the
Weatherby .224 Magnum.

BROWNING POWERS UP
Although the company did not
produce a corresponding cartridge,
Browning marketed and sold HighPower bolt-action ries manufactured in Belgium by FN and in
Finland by Sako. These ries came
in a variety of congurations (short,
medium or standard action),
lengths (22- and 24-inch barrels)
and calibers (16 total), featuring eiBrownings High-Power rie was offered in short, medium and standard action models.

ther a Mauser (the FN models) or

Sako action.
To compound the available
choices, Browning also offered

ballistic performance of the car-

The .224 Varmintmaster shares

three grades: Safari (the standard

tridge, the rie fared well where it

the Weatherby tradition of excel-

model), Medallion (scroll engrav-

mattered most: in the eld.

lence, the advertisement began.

ing), and Olympian (extensive

That tradition insists every Weath-

game scene engraving.

WEATHERBY WEIGHS IN

erby be a rie of uncompromising

Advertisements of the day

perfectionThats why the new .224

highlighted the number of congu-

reaching shooters around the same

Weatherby Varmintmaster, cham-

rations available, and pitched

time came from Weatherby, a pio-

bered for the only belted cartridge in

package opportunities with

neer in high-velocity shooting per-

existence, has the strongest, safest

Browning riescopes. GW

formance.

action ever designed.

Another rie/cartridge combo

GUN WORLD | MAY 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW_1505_C3 3/2/15 11:46 PM Page C3

GW_1505_C4 3/2/15 11:47 PM Page C4

THE RUGER 22 CHARGER PISTOL IS BACK AND

RECHARGED
FOR 2015
22 Charger
Takedown *

22 Charger *
22 Charger
Takedown
Hard Case

R E - E N G I N E E R E D

W I T H

E N H A N C E D

F E A T U R E S

The Ruger 22 Charger pistol is back recharged and re-engineered with enhanced features and a new 22 Charger Takedown model.
First introduced in 2007, this unique .22 LR pistol became a favorite of long-range target shooters and plinkers alike. The new 22 Charger
pistol offers improved ergonomics and new features, including the new BX-15 magazine. The takedown model employs the very
popular 10/22 Takedown quick disconnect feature that allows this pistol to be taken down quickly and easily.

Adjustable
Bipod Offers
Rock-Steady
Sighting
(Included with
Both Models)

Included BX-15
Magazine is the
Perfect Length
When Shooting
Prone or From
the Bench

Threaded Barrel Features a 1/2''-28 Thread Pattern

* Some pistols may not be available in all states and locales due to laws limiting magazine capacity and feature-based restrictions. Please check with your local law enforcement agency prior to purchasing
this rearm to verify that it may legally be purchased and/or possessed in your particular state and locale.

RUGER.COM/CHARGER

2015 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

022415

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