Primer Actuated Blowback – John Garands Other Invention

By

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December 16, 2021

John Garand is mostly known for his famed M1 rifle design. However, he was a prolific designer that was often ahead of his time. He had been designing firearms for quite some time before he developed his namesake rifle. In fact, he developed more than just rifles, and he developed an early semi-automatic blowback system. In the early 1920s, John Garand developed a primer actuated blowback system that’s one of the more odd and rarely used systems of operation.

Specifically, Joh Garand wanted to produce a conversion to create a semi-automatic Springfield M1903. If you’re unfamiliar, the M1903 was a bolt action rifle. It served up into the early years of WW2 and would eventually be replaced by Garand’s M1 rifle.

In the 1920s, the idea to convert the M1903 made sense, and it would theoretically save the military money. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to develop a semi-auto conversion rather than build an entirely new firearm?

We need a specific system that can work inside the space offered by the bolt action design. Plus, gas systems weren’t very popular, and there was likely limited room to install one. So a simple blowback system was designed, and that system became the primer actuated blowback system.

What’s Primer Actuated Blowback?

Blowback systems utilize the inertia of a firing cartridge to drive the bolt rearward, which will attract and eject the round on its way rearward. A recoil spring or buffer of some type will drive the bolt forward, and it will pick up the next round and load it into the chamber. It’s pretty simple.

A primer actuated blowback system utilized a phenomenon that’s often undesirable, and it’s the effect of the primer blowing out of the rear of the cartridge. This can often cause malfunctions inside most guns. Primer actuated blowback systems actually use this phenomenon to unlock the breech and cycle the weapon.

This system allows rifles to use a locked-breech design, and the primer effectively unlocks the bolt and allows the blowback system to operate as a semi-auto rifle reliably. Garands system worked well with the US military’s .30-06 ammunition at the time. This older .30-06 ammo utilized a faster, hotter burning powder. The ammunition required uncrimped primers, though.

While the system worked and showed function as a proof of concept, however, the military soon turned to an improved progressive burning powder that utilized a slower pressure rise. This new ammunition rendered the primer actuated blowback system unreliable. Thus, John Garand decided to abandon the primer actuated blowback system and go with the famed gas system that ended up in the M1 Garand.

Did Primer Actuated Blowback Fade Away?

Primer Actuated blowback systems did fade away quite quickly. It was neat at the time, but better systems came to be, especially for rifles. Somehow the primer actuated blowback system stuck around and appeared here and there as necessary. For example, AAI used the system in the rifle they submitted for the SPIW system, but ultimately it went nowhere.

Later on, the Russians used the system in their own advanced carbine contest, specifically in the Postnikov APT prototype. Again, these systems never went mainstream and never made it beyond the prototype stage.

Where the primer actuated blowback did stick around was with spotting rifles for anti-tank weapons. For decades the Marine Corps utilized the Should-launched, Multipurpose Assault Weapon, aka the SMAW. Strapped to the side of the SMAW is a spotting rifle that replicates the rocket’s trajectory.

This oddball spotting rifle uses a necked-up 308 Winchester case that accepts a 9mm tracer projectile. Inside the round sits a 22 Hornet blank cartridge in the place of a primer. When the weapon fires the 22 hornet blank shoots out the back of the case and allows the rifle to unlock and cycle.

I asked a friend who was an 0351 and carried a SMAW in the Marine Corps how the spotting rifle worked. He looked sad for a moment as if a ton of stress piled onto him at once. “The damn thing never worked. It was basically a bolt action that jammed. It barely ever functioned as a semi-auto rifle. The SMAW was stupid.”

Not So Famous

While the M1 Garand was arguably ahead of its time, primer actuated blowback was never set to take off. With gas operation becoming a real possibility, the system was born too late to be effective. While fascinating, the primer actuated blowback never took off. However, it is pretty interesting to see the system and how it functions. It’s certainly a unique method of operation, but unique doesn’t always mean good.

TenPoint Nitro 505 Review (The Most Powerful X-Bow to Date?)

By

BullShooters

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December 16, 2021

TenPoint has been leading the cutting edge of crossbow technology for a couple decades now, and its latest, new-for-2022 Nitro 505 is simply ridiculous. It shoots a 400-grain arrow at 505 FPS (509, actually) to deliver 230 ft.-lbs. kinetic energy!

However, what JJ wants to know is: With all that speed and limb-vibrating energy, is it accurate? Will it hold up?

Watch the video for JJ’s exclusive, first-review, completely honest review of one of the first commercially manufactured crossbows that breaks the 500 fps barrier. This think is darn-near like a rifle at 100 yards!

Is the video long? Yes, but if you are contemplating purchasing a $3,000-plus crossbow, a few extra minutes might be worth your time. If you want the best, this is it.

https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/

Springfield SAINT Edge ATC

By

248 Shooter

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December 16, 2021

PTR 9CT 9mm Pistol

By

V. Caldwell

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December 15, 2021

It is good sometimes to step outside the comfort zone.

After decades of using and testing many types of standard handguns, carbines, rifles, and shotguns, I had the bug to test one of those big heavy pistols that is basically a cut down carbine. I did so and found a firearm with far more utility than I would have imagined.

The PTR 9CT 9mm is an interesting pistol. At this point I do not have to have a clearly defined mission for every firearm. Recreation, personal interest, and a whim is good enough.

When the particular firearm is very well made it is an investment in a firearms industry at its best.

PTR moved to South Carolina a few years ago. I was at the plant for the opening ceremony. PTR has provided the best jobs many of the employees have had in their entire life. One reason for the move for the company was the choice of excellent human resources. The move was a pleasant one for the company. The situation for business in the north is not good. The anti-gun movement is in many ways an assault on business as well. High taxes and oppressive regulations are an antiseptic to business growth, a way to suppress without a ban.

As an aside I saw Governor Nikki Haley at the meeting. It was interesting that when handed a PTR rifle for use as a prop for a photo, she checked the chamber to be certain the rifle was not loaded. When a reporter walked in front of the muzzle she deftly raised the muzzle away. She knows how to handle a rifle! Her husband is an officer in the National Guard and also the real deal by all reports. As for the rifle – I was impressed with the modern machinery and quality of parts.

At the time the PTR 91 rifle was the only product. A US made clone of the venerable HK G3/HK91 7.62mm battle rifles.

PTR rifles are based on the Heckler and Koch roller cam operated rifle and built on that tooling. These rifles are superb, high quality, and offer excellent value. PTR now manufactures a copy of the Heckler and Koch MP5 in the 9CT. The MP5 is a submachinegun designed in the 1960s, often copied and very popular.

The primary advantage of the MP5 over other SMGs from the era is that the MP5 fires from a closed bolt. This results is much greater accuracy. The MP5 is also a better candidate for manufacture in semi automatic form. Most SMGs fire from an open bolt. The bolt slams forward when the trigger is pressed. This prevents a chambered round from cooking off in a hot chamber. The MP5 was designed for greater accuracy potential. The MP5 is a high point in quality manufacture and as a result very expensive. The PTR version is a semi auto version manufactured completely in the United States.

The pistol’s fit and finish are exceptional.

The grip is well designed and the safety very easy to manipulate in the ergonomic sense. The safety is positive in operation and indents positively into position. The pistol features a diopter rear sight and a hooded front sight. The hooded front sight offers one of the finest combat sights ever designed. This sight is brilliantly fast on target and offers good accuracy. An advantage of the PTR over the original HK product is that the PTR version features a rail for mounting optics standard, not something the 60’s were as concerned with.

During the evaluation I have experimented with red dot sights, most of the testing has been with the stock sights however. The pistol features an 8.8 inch barrel and it isn’t overly heavy for its type at 5.5 pounds. The pistol is supplied with two clear plastic 30 round magazines, a sight tool, and a single point sling in an impressive foam lined locking hard case.

The PTR 9mm is operated like other HK type firearms with a non-reciprocating cocking handle. Bring the bolt to the rear, lock it in place. Insert a loaded magazine and release the bolt handle. The bolt flies forward loading the firearm. The HK design does not lock open on the last shot, a feature often picked on as showing the design’s age.

Prior to my experience with this pistol, I had little known use for a large heavy firearm like the 9CT. Either a SIG P226 or Beretta 92 was right, and the next step up was an AR 15 carbine. Intermediate weapons include a 12 gauge riot gun. The PTR 9CT did not fit my world view.

After a few weeks use and fifteen full magazines of various types of ammunition I it to be found a useful firearm. I have never mounted a wrist brace. Rather, I have used the pistol as built and delivered. I may step on some toes here, and while the AR 15 pistol may be a candidate for a wrist brace this pistol isn’t in my use. I have used the single point sling for a brace or simply used tension in holding the pistol on target. Sling tension method.

Often I simply used the front sight set low on the target to lead bullets into the X ring. This pistol is very easy to shoot well. Recoil is negligible. The pistol is very easy to stow away and keep at ready in the home or vehicle. The 9mm pistol doesn’t have much recoil to speak of with the roller action. Muzzle flash is modest, just a subdued glow with some loads.

The 9CT is easy to get hits with. Firing from waist level it isn’t difficult to send hits into the X ring of a man sized B-27 target out to 15 yards. Firing with the sling as a brace, the pistol is useful well past 25 yards. I have fired the pistol with a wide variety of loads including the Federal 115 grain FMJ load, Federal Syntech, and a good mix of hollow point loads. The pistol fed the Federal Hydra Shock, Federal HST, and Speer Gold Dot without any type of problem. The pistol has never failed to feed, chamber, fire or eject.

As far as absolute accuracy this isn’t the easiest pistol to benchrest properly. I managed to get a solid rest against the truck bed and fire the pistol from a cover. Firing carefully the pistol will place five rounds of 9mm into 4 inches at a long 50 yards when I manage the trigger properly.

The only thing about the pistol I was not impressed with is the magazines. They are easy to load and proved reliable feeding. However I have tested similar clear plastic magazines in the Glock pistol. When dropped loaded they shatter. For a recreational piece that isn’t as important. At present with the PTR moving into a more serious role in defense plans I obtained two original German HK magazines. They lock in place and function properly. The PTR features two magazine releases. One is a paddle type and the other a push button type. Each works well depending on your style. The HK magazines are necessary for me and my recommendation for critical use. These magazines are not inexpensive but may be found at around ninety dollars each.

I am impressed with this pistol. It is very well made, smooth in operation, and in many ways an important tribute to the history of HK firearms for the past sixty years. It is well worth the money and more useful than I would have thought.

Criminals, Guns, and the Right to Self-Defense

By

DRGO

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December 15, 2021

(from musicacoustic.com)

[Ed: Dr. Faria first published this article on GOPUSA December 9.]

Darrell Brooks, the 39-year-old criminal who plowed through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, had been arrested on November 2, 2021 for assaulting and running over the mother of his child. By November 16, Brooks had been released on a mere $1,000 bail, and less than a week later he plowed through the Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens of others.

Like many other repeat offenders, who are continuously being released, Brooks is a sex offender with a long criminal record stretching back two decades. Brooks’ release allowed him to perpetrate this heinous act.

As a result of our permissive criminal justice system, citizens nationwide now live in fear because of the thousands of criminals with lengthy rap sheets who have been released back into society and who soon after commit atrocious crimes.

The CDC and the Public Health Establishment

The public health establishment, that should have been protecting the public from contagious diseases, instead has contributed to the permissiveness of the criminal justice system and has even shifted the blame for “gun violence” from criminals to law-abiding citizens, who seek to own firearms to protect themselves and their families.

A favorite view of the public health establishment (PHE) has been the myth propounded by Dr. Mark Rosenberg, former head of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) of the CDC, who wrote, “Most of the perpetrators of violence are not criminals by trade or profession. Indeed, in the area of domestic violence, most of the perpetrators are never accused of any crime. The victims and perpetrators are ourselves — ordinary citizens, students, professionals, and even public health workers.”

That statement is contradicted by available data, government data. FBI statistics reveal that 75 percent of all violent crimes for any locality are committed by six percent of hardened criminals and repeat offenders; and the typical murderer has had a prior criminal history of at least six years with four felony arrests in his record before he finally commits murder. Less than one to two percent of crimes committed with firearms are carried out by licensed (e.g., concealed carry permit holders) law-abiding citizens.

Criminology — True Data on Crime

Criminologists point out that criminals do make quick “risk‑versus‑benefit” assessments about the looming, potential threat of a concealed carrier possibly being nearby. Thus, criminological studies consistently reveal that just the knowledge that one in five or six citizens in a public place could very well be armed can deter crimes and could very well avert massacres.

According to government data, including the FBI Supplementary Homicide Report, there are approximately 400 felons killed by police officers or justifiable homicides yearly in the U.S. In 2012, for example, there were 426 such justifiable homicides. Yearly, armed citizens shoot and kill more criminals than police, at least twice as many. Professor Gary Kleck found that good citizens kill between 606 to 1527 attackers and violent criminals in self-defense (or in justifiable homicides) every year. Citizens in fact have a better track record than the police in shooting the bad guys: “Only two percent of civilian shootings involved an innocent person mistakenly identified as a criminal. The ‘error rate’ for the police, however, was 11 percent, more than five times as high.”

The reason citizens do a better job than the police is because they are already on the scene. They witnessed what happened or were the actual victims, so they know who the bad guys are, while the police enter a scene in progress and must make judgments that occasionally turn out to be wrong.

As to how citizens can protect themselves from criminal assailants when the police, more often than not, are not immediately there to protect them: The National Victims Data suggests that, “while victims resisting with knives, clubs, or bare hands are about twice as likely to be injured as those who submit, victims who resist with a gun are only half as likely to be injured as those who put up no defense.”

Of particular interest to women and self‑defense, “among those victims using handguns in self‑defense, 66 percent were successful in warding off the attack and keeping their property. Among those victims using non‑gun weapons, only 40 percent were successful.” The gun is a great equalizer for law‑abiding citizens in self and family protection, particularly women, when they are accosted in the street or when they are defending themselves and their children at home.

Acts of Self-Defense are Morally Just & Undeniable in a Free State

In Macon, Georgia, we had the dramatic case of a businesswoman and grandmother, who was attacked by two thugs bent on robbing her and perhaps even raping and killing her. They followed the woman home at 1:30 a.m. as she left her convenience store business. The thugs pulled guns on her and demanded cash as she sat in her car. However, the grandmother was armed. Shots were exchanged. The woman wounded one assailant, who was later apprehended as he rushed to a local hospital. The other criminal also fired shots at her, but escaped. She was safe and sound. “I carry a gun all the time,” she told a local newspaper reporter!

Of course in the southern United States this grandmother is a heroine and no one would consider prosecuting her. That is not necessarily the usual course of events in other states or countries. For example, in England, the British subject Tony Martin, a farmer, defended his home and possibly his life. He shot a burglar, who was a known dangerous criminal, and for this act of self-protection in his own home, Martin spent time in prison. Thereafter, fearing for his life and losing all his worldly possession, he was forced to live in his car!

We must preserve our Constitution, the Second Amendment, and the right to self and family protection from the hardened criminals who have been released onto the streets by the same government that cannot protect us and yet, seeks to disarm us and deny our rights to life, liberty, and the right to keep and bear arms!

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— Miguel A. Faria, Jr, MD is a retired professor of Neurosurgery and Medical History at Mercer University School of Medicine. He founded Hacienda Publishing and is Associate Editor in Chief in Neuropsychiatry and World Affairs of Surgical Neurology International. He served on the CDC’s Injury Research Grant Review Committee. His latest book is America, Guns, and Freedom: A Journey Into Politics and the Public Health & Gun Control Movements (2019).

All DRGO articles by Miguel A. Faria, Jr., MD

EOTech, still in Michigan but outgrew Ann Arbor.

By

Keith Finch

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December 15, 2021

Despite a certain firearm authority highly disliking the EOTech HWS, they continue to be one of the most popular top end optics in the reflex type. The laser diode powered emitters continue produce the cleanest and most distortion free aiming point available from modern dot optics. Of the two, LED and laser, lasers are the more power hungry but virtually eliminate the parallax and allow for a very fine aiming point. They continue to be a preferred sight in the SOPMOD kit and top many an M4A1 and MK18.

Growing Demand Sparks EOTECH® Move, New Manufacturing Facilities and Headquarters

Plymouth, MI (December 15, 2021) – Firearm Owners love EOTECH’s battle-proven optics for the military, police, and consumers. And as a testament to its popularity, the Michigan-based optics manufacturer needed more space to keep pace with increased demand and an ever-growing product line.

EOTECH’s hunt for new locations led them to Traverse City and Plymouth. Ideally situated within Michigan’s regional technology and manufacturing hub, both cities offer a talented labor pool and enhanced supplier access. “The choice to move was clear. Both Traverse City and Plymouth welcomed EOTECH with open arms,” said Dean Loebig, EOTECH Chief Technical & Operations Officer. “Offering an economic development incentive proved these cities wanted our business, plus it’s a strategic place to base our operations.”

Late Summer, EOTECH’s new manufacturing facility was up and running at 2207 Traverse Field Road in Traverse City, MI. It features a state of the art 22,000 square foot building. The new headquarters, an impressive 67,000 square foot building located at 46900 Port St. Plymouth, MI, will be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2021.

The Shooter’s Christmas Gift Guide

By

Travis Pike

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December 15, 2021

Do you have a shooter in your life? A person who can be impossible to shop for because you might not understand the stuff they are into? Well, we gotcha covered, and hopefully, our Christmas Gift Guide for shooters, geardos, and outdoorsmen will make things a little easier.

Gerber Lockdown Drive

Why Gerber would release something called the lockdown after a couple of years of Covid is beyond me, but here we are. If you are looking to equip the boys and girls in your life with an effective and affordable multitool, check out the Gerber Lockdown Drive. Lockdown isn’t a cheeky, poorly timed joke, but a reference to the frame lock that locks your tools in.

The lockdown lacks pliers and sells itself as a small, concealable multitool that slips in and out of the pocket much like a standard pocket knife. It’s a low-profile tool that’s the perfect Christmas gift for your prepared person. It packs a knife, file, Exacto blade, a bit driver, and several more little but handy tools for a life well-lived.

FRED 3D Targets

This is a shooter Christmas gift guide, and one universal thing shooters need is targets. Some targets can be quite boring, and as such, I’m suggesting the FRED 3D targets. These are not your normal targets, but 3D targets the shooters assemble. They stand tall, have arms ‘legs’ and can even hold weapons.

FRED targets can be used to replicate hostage scenarios, shoot or no shoot events, and whatever else your imagination has in store for you. These targets aren’t the cheapest, but they provide a lot more training potential than your standard paper target.

Streamlight Wedge

A good EDC light makes an awesome Christmas gift, and the new Streamlight Wedge might be one of the better lights on the market. It’s a pocket-sized light that’s flat instead of round. It’s super ergonomic, pocket-friendly, and capable. The main beam is 300 lumens, but the option THRO mode turns things up to 1,000 lumens!

It’s super light, rechargeable, and doesn’t fill up your pocket when carried. Plus, the ergonomics are on point. The Wedge provides a handy little light for EDC and comes in at a respectable price point that’s tough to beat.

Mantis Blackbeard

Dry fire is boring, especially with your rifle. Well, Mantis aims to liven things up with the Blackbeard. The Blackbeard is a drop-in AR-15 bolt that automatically resets your trigger for you. No more recocking to take another shot. It works with AR 15 platforms and isn’t necessarily caliber specific. However, it won’t work with guns that have bigger than 5.56 bolts.

Every time you pull the trigger, the bolt resets the hammer and allows you to perfectly mimic shooting. The Blackbeard is fast, too, and can reset a trigger ten times a second, so even full auto is covered. It’s a sweet setup that takes dry fire to entirely new levels. It’s a great Christmas gift and gives some training potential without the cost of ammo.

A Drum! But a Good One

Drums are freaking sweet, but most suck. Drums are often plagued by reliability issues. Do you know what drums don’t suck? Magpul’s! Magpul makes drums for the AR 15, the AR 10, the Scorpion, and Glock weapons. These 50 to 60 round drums offer lots of firepower and are incredibly reliable.

Magpul cracked the code to make drums work, and as such, they make a great Christmas Gift that’s frustration-free, fun, and can even be practical.

The Heritage Barkeep

Guns can be tricky to Christmas gift, so make sure you follow all applicable state and federal laws. Guns can also be hard to gift because they are expensive. As such, let me suggest a fun, somewhat silly, but ultimately cheap gun. The Heritage Barkeep takes the Rough Rider and shrinks the barrel down to just a few inches.

This little 22LR will make boys, girls, adults, and basically everyone smile. It’s fun to shoot, reliable, and, as I mentioned, cheap. It costs about 150 dollars, so it doesn’t leave the realm of possibility. The Barkeep offers a fun plinker, and everyone loves plinking.

Experiences Not Things – A Class

Finally, last but not least, consider buying someone a class. Specifically a firearms class. Preferably from someone who has proven themselves as a competent trainer. Guys like Tim Chandler, Ashton Ray, Symtac Consulting, Sentinel Concepts, Larry Vickers, IWI Academy, and Sage Dynamics all teach outstanding classes.

Purchasing a class gives the shooter in your life an experience. Experiences rule! Consumerism tells you to want things, but trust me, a few days at the range with a competent instructor is always better than just another thing. Make sure you consider the location of the class, as well as the round count and skill level. If it’s a new shooter, aim for a basic class. If the shooter’s experience aimed for a more advanced class.

Heck, if you don’t know, just ask. Ask who they want to train with, and where, when, etc. It might not be a surprise, but it will get them exactly what they want, and that’s golden.

The Christmas Gift Guide In Full Effect

Hopefully, our Christmas Gift Guide for shooters has helped you narrow things down for the shooter in your life. Christmas gifts or hell, any gifts for anyone involved in a niche hobby, sport, or lifestyle can always be tricky. Hopefully, we gotchu you covered for the upcoming holiday season.

Who is Zeke Stout?

By

Zeke Stout

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December 15, 2021

That blog title is a fair question. If you meet me out and about you might see the 6’7”, full sleeved, bearded, shaggy haired Sasquatch and think im a washed up high school basketball player that …….errrrr….wait part of that is right. However for the last 8 years of my life I have been working in the firearms industry either in the media side or the business side, and it has been the greatest experience.

So why read about firearms related subject matter from this guy? I will answer that in detail at the end of this article. Lets start with where Im from. I was born in San Antonio, TX and hopped around the state and New Orleans for a year until my father’s job landed us in Sewanee, TN. Born in Texas and raised in Tennessee, those are some firearms friendly environments. The urban legends of those states giving you a lever action rifle when you come out of the womb may or may not be true.

If I go back to my earliest experience with a firearm It would be out in the Texas hill country where a friend of my parents took me out rabbit hunting for the first time. I wish I remembered the rifle but I am fairly sure it was a lever action rifle of some sort. Most likely a 22lr because if I recall I was only about 5 or 6 at the time. I will never forget that first harvest and it was on my first shot after a few practice rounds at make shift targets. The bug had bit and it wasn’t letting go.

I spend a short time in the Boy Scouts when we moved to Tennessee and the fascination for firearms and archery started to grow there. I went through middle school in a small area of Franklin County where we learned hunters safety and shot shotguns with our physical education classes. I also learned a little about Vietnam era weapons from my father, an Air Force veteran.

Then that whole growing like a weed thing happened and I discovered I could take this orange bouncy ball and throw it through a metal hoop wearing thick fishnet stockings. Basketball took over my life from my junior year until my mid twenties. I never hunted went plinking or even held a gun during this time.

Then when I was working at a health food store paying my way through college (bball didn’t pan out), my boss sold me a Lorcen 380. Yep …..that Lorcen 380. The 380 that was somewhat of a ppk knock off. I would take that thing out every day to the field behind the farmhouse I was living at with my first wife and “pow, pow, click……”. I would fix the jam, stove pipe, double feed, light primer strike (yeah it did em all) and feel all special and back to “pow, pow, click…..” That thing was the malfunction king but I still loved it. Looking back on it I face palm every time I think of it. Unfortunately the internet wasn’t what it is now or I would have gone deep down the rabbit hole of “getting into” firearms.

That same year, around 20 years old, I went deer hunting for the first time and was hooked on that too though I missed the shot on the first and only buck I would see for 20 plus years. That will be another story for another post though. Harvested my first doe a few years after and haven’t looked back.

Then the moment I got sucked in deep. The internet was full of info, YouTube videos were the wild west without any weird gun rules, and podcasts were starting to hit their stride. I was the Chief Administrative officer for a conglomerate of businesses in Nashville, TN and I was charged with opening a location in a rougher area so I went to a gun show, I had sold the Lorcen long before, and purchased a Taurus 357 magnum revolver. Dont ask which one because I don’t remember and flipped it for my first Glock.

After this purchase I went and got my carry permit and every day on my hour drive to that location I would listen to tactical training podcasts, new gun release podcasts, and really anything the firearms radio network had to offer. While I would be doing paperwork I would have Hickok45 orating all the great information about different guns to me through the computer speakers. One day there was even this security installer guy who worked on our system and he heard my computer and we started chatting it up about guns and I was shocked at how much I had learned and was able to go back and forth with. Come to find out this guy was 22plinkster and we had been high school basketball rivals. That is another post for another day. This introduction is giving me some great ideas for your reading pleasure later.

One drive back to the house I called my buddy Marty “lefthand” Holder and we talked guns the whole hour and at the end of the conversation I said “man, we need to do a podcast together” To which he responded “what the fuck is a podcast” and the rest is history. Talking Lead was born. A couple of the businesses the company I worked for owned was two Latin radio stations. I reached out to the owner about starting a podcast in the studios after hours and he gave the green light. So yes, Talking Lead, was born in a Mexican radio station. After our 4th episode which had Hickok45 as our guest, I looked at our downloads and we were being downloaded in 117 countries. One of our sponsors at the time was an online gunsmithing college (which I will not name because I am a big competitor of theirs now) and I sent them my resume because my passion for the gun industry had grown and I wanted to work in the business side. They hired me on as their chair and I worked my way to being the Executive Vice President of product and positioning. In this role I fostered a great deal of relationships with major manufacturers in the gun biz. I also had a radio show and podcast called Projectile Dysfunction that I started with my good friend Vanessa Mandrell Boyer. It was a fun, hanging with your friends in a cabin somewhere kind of show that was slightly irreverent but our guests really opened up about guns, hunting, and anything that came to mind. Then Discovery Channel came a knocking.

I received a Linkedin message of all places asking if I wanted to audition for a weapons building tv show on a major network. They wanted me to be the gun judge for the show. I never thought it would happen so I said “sure, why the hell not”. The first audition was via Skype and I nailed it because well I didn’t care and never thought this would get made. Then they found out about my radio/podcast/YouTube work and asked me to Audition for the host. Still not thinking it would ever happen. A couple of months later I received a call from Matador production company and found out it was for the Discovery Channel and would be a show called Master of Arms. They flew me out to LA the next day and we started filming a sizzle reel. About three hours into filming I said “hey I don’t mean to be rude but is this a normal audition process?”. The producer shook his head, dropped the script, looked at me, and said “Audition?!? Dude your the host of the show!” I was in shock and elated. 6 months later we were filming the show.

I am now the Chief Marketing Officer, Director and part owner of MGS trade school, formerly Modern Gun School. We are wanting to make our school a resource for the industry not just for the quality students we graduate but for many other educational resources.

So back to the why read my blog posts question. Im really not sure why you would choose that. I don’t have any “operator” experience, though I have trained with a great deal of them. Im not a top tier competitive shooter, though I have competed and even won a steel challenge. I am a Certified Firearms Specialist through IFSA and just a guy that has put a lot of hard work into this community and have a great deal of passion for it. In no way am I a master of the english language but I will just be me, which will be goofy at times, crass at times, but I will always shoot you straight on what I write. I hope you enjoy this new journey Im on as I share stories from the field and give an honest opinion here and there about products. Thanks for reading.

Shorty Sniper

By

Keith Finch

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December 14, 2021

I personally have not played Escape from Tarkov. I have seen it played. I have seen the very high quality movies they have done in conjunction with the game. I’ve seen the level of detail they put in.

But, being a game, it has the balance and optimization that a game has. Sometimes that results in hilarious combinations of equipment that are a little ‘off’ from their real world counterparts.

Sniper Krink is one such combinations. An SBR, dubbed a submachine gun in its original literature, that with a 4x optic on it is apparently very very good in the game. Not nearly as practical a setup in live fire, where the Krink was often used bare of any ancillaries and the new 13″ style AK’s working in the premier forces of the Russians still heavily favor non-magnified optics. LPVO’s will probably infiltrate their forces as they have ours, but we do have to account for how vastly we equip our forces compared to any other military.

Anyway, enjoy Henry and Josh Tarkov shenanigans.

Tag Soup – Hunting vs. Gathering

By

Dr LateBloomer

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December 13, 2021

984FEBC4-62AD-4B3A-9838-BEB083FA05F3 — Using up last year’s dehydrated veggies to make tag soup.

I’ve been facing the prospect of an empty meat freezer this year, despite trying the hardest I’ve ever tried to bag a deer by myself on family property.

In addition to scouting out and placing my blind by myself, placing four game cameras by myself, maintaining contact with local hunters who have permission, contacting law enforcement about trespassers, and finding a permitted processor for this CWD area (just in case), I’ve also spent untold hours with my butt in the blind seat.

I don’t want to add up how much money I’ve spent on an updated crossbow, a new blind, blind chair, game cameras, out-of-state hunting license etc. Not to mention lodging, gas, and food expenses. I’ve considered these as investments in future hunting opportunities and also “entertainment/vacation” expenses, and have few regrets about it. The process of it has been educational and even empowering, if that’s the right word.

I have enjoyed my time in the blind seat, wandering around the property, and watching wildlife remotely via game cam. Activities like this feed my soul – as long as I don’t allow other stressors – like “expectations” – to get in the way.

In contrast I had a banner garden/gatherer year – even better than last year despite battling not only Squash Bugs but also Mexican Bean Beetles. I’ve canned 34 pints of applesauce and dozens of pints of salsa, crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, pears, and pickled green beans. Not to mention dehydrating jars and jars of zucchini, carrots, onions, peppers, kale, spinach, and dry beans. Then there’s the potatoes, onions, pumpkins and squash I have on the basement shelves. I even dehydrated several batches of fruit leather for treats using my garden produce and foraged berries.

I still have one pound of venison burger left from my Texas cull hunt two years ago (my first deer ever), so I think I will defrost it and make a ceremonial last batch of jerky to go with my “tag soup” for the end of the hunting season.

Technically, archery season reopens after Christmas, but I’m not sure how motivated I will be in the January cold. Maybe after the holiday rush is over and the stress of moving our office/changing jobs I will have a new spurt of energy. We shall see. I suppose I shouldn’t be too eager to give up just yet. But even if I do – that’s okay. I keep reminding myself that this is supposed to be fun, not a third job.

I had a little talk with myself the other day. It seems that with this writing gig comes pressure that I put upon myself – pressure to perform and to always be successful in what I write about – especially about hunting. But why should that be?

The internet is already full of trophy hunters, women hunters, childhood hunters, and all other sorts – complete with photo documentation of their success. So if they’ve already got that “wild success” angle covered, why can’t I just write about my “process” instead? And so I do.

I’m thinking maybe I perform a “service” in writing about my “failures” – Ha! There are probably more of us out there than we think who need commiseration and encouragement. I’m wondering what percentage of hunting tags go unfilled every year? You really con’t go by state raw license numbers because some people (like me) buy licenses for other states or “just in case”. Or they only hunt small game or waterfowl, but not deer or turkey.

Even without the actual statistics, I’m thinking that I may be in the majority rather than the minority when it comes to not filling the freezer with meat every year. Show of hands – who else is eating tag soup this year?

I decided that if I want to skip a weekend and stay home to can those fifty pounds of tomatoes and the tree-full of apples instead of hunting, that’s okay. One could even argue that the activity I chose those days was “more” productive rather than “less” because I was in my kitchen preserving guaranteed food rather than chasing food on-the-hoof which may or may not show up for my effort, time, and gas.

I need to keep some perspective here – it’s okay to be more of a gatherer than a hunter some (or even most) days. It is entirely possible to be both, but I shouldn’t guilt trip myself if I’m feeling more of one than the other on any particular day. It’s just that the successful hunter gets more accolades than the successful gatherer/preserver. It’s “sexier” to pose with your hunt trophy than with your garden produce. But that’s okay too. We all have our roles.

I haven’t given up on deer hunting, I’m just ready for a break now. It’s getting to be seed catalog season and garden planning season, so I’ve got that to focus on for awhile while I’m eating my tag soup for dinner.

But I can practically guarantee that come July or August I will be ready to start pre-season prep again. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hunting it’s that hope springs eternal and there’s always next season to look forward to!

Review: Sig Tango6T S-VPS

By

Keith Finch

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December 13, 2021

This has been, honestly, the longest and hardest review to write I have ever attempted.

Why?

I keep getting distracted and going to shoot it more. This is probably the LPVO with the most rounds underneath it I have. I’ve certainly run it on the most rifles, six if I am recalling correctly.

What is the S-VPS?

The Sig TANGO 6T S-VPS, the Squad-Variable Power Scope, is one of the three military awarded contract optics Sig Sauer has won in partnership with the DoD. It is also probably the least visible of the three, as it was awarded to SOCOM (primarily) to use in the same role as the Vortex Razor Gen II’s, M4A1 and MK18 Optics.

It isn’t as glamorous or forward facing as the M110A1 optics and it won’t be as widely distributed as the DVO, once that reticle gets finalized and into production.

The S-VPS is simply a solid second focal 1-6 doing its thing, and it is damn good at its thing.

I don’t think there is quite enough appreciation of how high Vortex set the bar with the Razor II’s. Matching that or exceeding it in small subtle ways to be included, accurately, as ‘just as good’ is a mark of excellence.

When people ask about getting a good 1-6, “Razor II or a Tango 6T” is a very common response. An almost unconscious response. The optic series have, very swiftly, earned its spurs as a peer optic.

I think that’s the brilliance of the S-VPS really, it didn’t try and “beat” the Razor. It wasn’t built to be a “game changer” optic that redefined buzzword bingo. It was built to be an exceptional peer optic in a small field of them.

There are several 6T models, spanning both focal planes, but the S-VPS is the SOT61233. It’s defining characteristic is the reticle. The Hellfire M855A1 is, like other military optics, optimized to run on specific rifle platforms and match the BDC to military ammunition.

Hellfire, Dark Fire (name the reference)

You may notice that the ‘Hellfire’ options are all second focal plane, there’s a reason. The daylight bright capability that these SFP Tango6 models achieve is only doable in that focal plane. Front Focal reticles have to use a far more battery hungry and ultimately dimmer compromise that, so far, only the Razor III’s seem to have cracked the code on.

But a SFP 1-6 is a tried and true option, and for a carbine it is arguably peerless. 1-8 and 1-10 give you a larger target image at the high end, but in the employed role that doesn’t offer the user much when 1-6 will allow the user to make the shots they need and the SFP 1-6 doesn’t deny them the ability to run it quickly and easily both brightly and at low magnification.

In my personal opinion the 1-6 variable is the divider between where second focal and front focal are ‘more useful’ to the end user in the given magnification range. With 1-6 and below, second focal all the way. For 1-6 and above, front focal. This isn’t a hard divide by any means but a good rough gauge of what you can get capabilities wise. As an example that breaks the rule, EOTech’s 1-6 and 1-8. The 1-8 is SFP while the 1-6 is FFP, and I like the 1-8 a bit more.

The S-VPS is made to replace and enhance upon the red dot or holographic optic and the fixed power gunsight ACOG types. It is not a precision optic and is not meant to be run as a precision optic, even a precision optic in the same magnification range, like the SOT61239 with the DWLR6 reticle (these are the M110A1 optics).

These are the two roles, low power precision optic or reflex optic with variable magnification and by knowing which role you are using it in you can pick the focal plane you need.

Variable Magnification Reflex Sight

The S-VPS and its other SFP brethren are notably brighter in their glass then the FFP offerings. Not just a brighter center dot reticle, but the whole sight image has noticeably better light transmission.

Why?

SFP requires fewer lenses.

Does that mean you should use SFP and not FFP?

Not even a little, mission drives gear.

The reason you should (or would) be using an SFP optic like the Tango 6T with a Hellfire reticle instead of an FFP variant is that you are replacing the role of reflex sight (or ACOG) with a more capable optic that can cover down on those roles. The simplicity of the reticle and whether or not the graduation is on at every possible magnification isn’t critical, the bright quick aiming point and clear sight picture are.

Contrast that to needing precise graduation at all magnifications to let the optic perform better in the precision role and now you likely want FFP.

SFP are the variable magnification reflex sights, they allow you to do more than a dot and magnifier or a prism sight like an ACOG alone and the S-VPS excels in the role.

Instead of a Vortex?

If you’re a Vortex fan, you’re probably going to get a Razor II. No harm, no foul. It is a capable optic.

The S-VPS offers a few quality of life features I like that the Vortex lacked.

Firstly, the S-VPS had a bright sight image (in my opinion) where the Razor matched brightness with the Tango 6T’s FFP variants. Again, an unscientific observation but how I came away feeling from looking at the three and throwing rounds beneath.

Secondly, dedicated IR settings for passive aiming. Passive aiming through an LPVO is never great but this helps.

Third, quick level mark. This is just a nice addition, and was part of the contract, to get the optics into mounts and leveled quickly. It is a feature I appreciate because it does significantly speed the process.

Forth, and final, the knurled control surfaces and the smoothness of the power selector (and the inclusion of an indexed throw lever for power selector ring) are all rather pleasant user quality of life improvements.

The M855A1 reticle?

The Hellfire M855A1 is a take it or leave it proposition. Of note, it is only ‘on’ at 6x and on top of an M4A1. So any other rifle or ammunition combination will introduce variance into the BDC. Of counter note, this is a common trait to all BDC systems.

And both of those things said, the optic itself adds a lot of flexibility to any carbine I’ve topped it with. The X95, the SCAR, the ACR, two different M4 types and a 20″ M16 type.

It simply does its job and does it damn well.

HOLIDAY FLASH SALE: Maven C4 Binocular

By

Anna Martinez

-

December 12, 2021

Maven Outdoor Equipm ent Company, now through Monday, purchase the C.4 Binocular (either 15x or 18x) for 25% off, no code needed. Customers can save $175 on the 15x (on sale for $525, regularly $700) and save $181.25 on the 18x (on sale for $543.75, regularly $725).

HIGHLIGHTS

-Mid-Range Model
-Size: 7.75 in.
-Weight: 45.1 oz.
-Durable, Well-Balanced, and Lightweight Polymer Frame
-Extra-Low Dispersion ED Glass
-Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
-Exceptionally Clear, Bright, High Contrast Image
-Excellent Color Fidelity
-Waterproof and Fog Proof
-Tripod Adaptable
-Lifetime Warranty
-Direct to Consumer / No Retail Markup

Purchase HERE

Gunday Brunch 31: Gunday Brunch 31: Dumb Gun Myths We Believed

By

David R

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December 12, 2021

We’re all guilty of it, including the boys. What gun myth did you used to ardently believe that you now realize is wrong?

The Rifles of Heat – Long Gun Blues

By

Travis Pike

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December 10, 2021

Heat isn’t just a great movie. It’s one of the best gun movies. Shooters will appreciate the weaponry, the weapon’s handling, and the gritty realism in regards to firearms. It’s a slow movie with intense action and plenty of gunplay. Today we are going to examine the rifles of Heat. Specifically, the rifles utilized by the main characters in the film. They need to be a named star to get a spot on this list. In researching this, I learned a few things. First, the mid-90s had some great guns. Second, Mann loves names that are tough to type.

The Rifles of Heat

We are going to break this down by the rifles and the characters who use them. This seems to be the easiest way to organize the list. What you’ll notice as we go over the rifles of Heat is that there tends to be some logic in the rifles wielded by each character. It seems to match not just their mission but their attitudes and personalities as well.

FN FAL 50.61

My favorite character Cheritto utilizes the FN FAL, specifically a 50.61 variant with a 20-inch barrel and folding stock. FALs function as full-powered battle rifles and had armed the majority of Western European forces for decades. It’s an interesting choice for an armored car heist, but if a gunfight occurred would make short work of most thin skin cars. The FAL utilizes 7.62 NATO rounds and in 1995 would be a very capable battle rifle, although I’m not sure how comfy the metal stock will be.

HK91A2

Shiherlis makes use of a battle rifle during a meet to sell some stolen goods. He covers an ally and makes good use of the range and power of a battle rifle. The HK91A2 is another 7.62 NATO rifle and is a civilian variant of the G3 battle rifle. He utilizes a bipod in the prone, but when necessary, goes to the standing position. I can’t help but feel an optic would have been appropriate for this role. The G3 started HK’s love affair with roller delayed weaponry and helped make HK a household name.

Galil

In the main heist, Cheritto wields the Galil, proving his love of folding stocks. The Galil is an AK clone that heavily refines the ergonomics, makes use of better sights, and this model uses 5.56. This rifle is still heavy but much easier to wield than a FAL and easier to conceal under a suit jacket. The Galil came from the Israelis’ need for a domestically produced assault rifle, and the Galil answered the call with style.

AKM

We see Danny Trejo, named Trejo in the film, carry but never use a Chinese AKM. The weapon has an under folding stock and is carried with the stock folded. The perfect weapon for a street-level criminal who needs some cheap firepower that’s disposable for a quick heist. Famously, Norinco rifles like this were banned from export when the Chinese tried to sell rocket launchers to street gangs, so it lends the use of Type 56 even more credence as one of the rifles of Heat.

Colt Model 654

In that armored car heist, McCauley wielded the Colt Model 654. This lightweight carbine predates the M4 but features the familiar 14.5-inch barrel length. The Model 654 kills the second guard with a controlled string of fire. What stands out most about the 654 is the fact it’s essentially a carbine of the M16A1. We get an exceedingly lightweight weapon that trimmed off the forward assist. It’s a great choice when you need compact, lightweight firepower.

Cold Model 733

During the bank heist, McCauley and Shiherlis wield twin Colt Model 733s, and during the armored car robbery, Shiherlis wields one. These rifles are super light and feature very short 11.5-inch barrels but also feature forward assist buttons. The Model 733s provide both men with compact rifles that are almost completely concealed under suit jackets used inside vehicles. In fact, we see McCauley do just that by shooting through the windshield when the cops start the fight.

We see this gun get lots and lots of love and between McCauley and Shiherlis, the Colt Model 733 likely fires the most rounds of any of the rifles of Heat.

FN FNC

Most of the rifles of Heat make sense. One that sticks out is Pacino’s FN FNC. He’s an LAPD cop, so he should be suing an M16 like every other cop, but he gets a special gun, the FN FNC. The FN FNC came to be because FN saw that the world was moving from battle rifles and to assault rifles. They needed an intermediate rifle in their caliber, so the FN FNC came to be. This 5.56 caliber rifle wasn’t as successful as the FAL but proved to be a decent rifle.

Pacino’s had the shorter paratrooper length barrel and the folding metal stock. He uses it very efficiently to take a headshot in a hostage situation. The FN FNC never became a movie star but stood out well as a hero gun in Heat.

Long Guns

The rifles of Heat emphasize modern rifles circa 1995. Not only are the guns cool to look at, but it’s fun to watch well-trained actors utilize them. The action is slick, and the guns get lots of time on target. Well, most, we could’ve used more FAL and AK action, but I’ll take what we got to see those sweet 733s rock and roll.

SIG Custom Works is Proud to Introduce the P320 AXG Equinox

By

Keith Finch

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December 9, 2021

The Equinox finish lineup from SIG Sauer is among the most striking and recognizable in their catalog. It is now set to join the popular P320 AXG line as well.

Now the classic look of the SIG SAUER Equinox treatment is available on one of the most popular P320 platforms. Equipped with an optic-ready Equinox two-tone polished slide and nickel plated controls, this special pistol will only be available for a limited time.

Utilizing the new AXG (Alloy XSeries Grip) metal grip module as a foundation, the SIG Custom Works team has carefully selected a set of premium options and performance upgrades, creating a limited edition P320 that blends the style and shootability of a classic metal frame pistol with the modern features you expect from the P320. And like all Custom Works products, it is delivered in an exclusive, ultra-premium package.

The AXG brings the aluminum grip feel that people love about the P22X lines into the P320 line and have been incredibly successful starting with the Scorpion line. The weigh and feel of the frames, fine finishes, and the G10 grips make for a fantastic shooting experience different than the standard polymer framed striker gun that the P320 is standardized on.