Taming Recoil with the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

By

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June 15, 2024

As we develop as a shooter, recoil changes from a thrill ride to inconvenience. Kick and muzzle flip are fun at first. But as time goes on, we realize that these things get in the way of what matters most—our split and transition times. This doesn’t mean that we’re going to revert to .22 LR for the rest of our lives, as downrange energy is still a major concern. This is where the 5.7mm comes in, and Smith & Wesson has an M&P 5.7 that fits the bill perfectly.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

In the 90s, FN answered the call with its 5.7x28mm cartridge and the accompanying pistol built to fire it. Reserved to fan lore for close to three decades, both the cartridge and firearm never truly caught on because of their limited availability.

However, that has started to change, and the U.S. market is finally seeing the 5.7 as a legitimate ammo choice. Mainly because Fiocchi has been able to flood dealer shelves with it.

With a newfound trust in ammunition availability, manufacturers started to breathe life into their 5.7 designs once again. The latest comes from Smith & Wesson. On paper, the new pistol is an extension of their famed M&P line. However, once you get your hands on one, it becomes clear that it is anything but.

M&P DNA

With this new handgun being called the M&P 5.7, naturally, a few features were carried over. The most obvious would be the polymer frame with its signature grip contour and texture.

However, because the cartridge is long, the grip is a bit on the wide side to accommodate the oversized magazine. This is compensated for by its thinness. For these reasons, this model does not come with interchangeable backstraps, as few hands will find that this area needs to be extended.

The next most notable family characteristic is its straightened and widened trigger, featuring the newer bow safety in place of the original hinge. Like other late-model M&Ps, it too exhibits a crisp break and rapid reset.

This is extraordinarily valuable on a gun that doesn’t leave the target under recoil. Using a Lyman Digital Trigger Scale, I measured a consistent breaking point at 3 pounds, 10 ounces, which is exceptional for a production pistol.

Although this serves as an excellent standalone safety, Smith& Wesson also offers the 5.7 with an ambidextrous thumb safety should you prefer additional assurance. This would complement the ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine catch for the left-handed shooter. So, if you are a southpaw, there is no need to make this additional control a sticking point.

Running an Optic on the M&P 5.7

Depending on when you started working with M&Ps, the slide cut on the 5.7 will either be an improvement or just standard equipment. I think it’s more important on this pistol than any other chambering because the lack of recoil makes it easy to keep the dot within the optic’s window while the gun fires.

This is one of the hardest transitional points for shooters switching from irons to glass. So, this setup is an optimal bridge between the two sighting systems.

By removing the cover, I found that this pistol could directly accept a Shield RMS2 sight. The RMS2 is an excellent choice for something firing this cartridge. The 5.7’s manageability means that an oversized optic window wouldn’t be necessary to track the dot between shots. This allows for the use of streamlined red-dot units that keep the overall silhouette of the gun sleek and carry less of a chance of impeding slide function.

Besides, its idiotproof “always-on” technology, coupled with auto light sensing, flattens the learning curve. This lets me get to the range without having to read up on anything other than zeroing, which is also easy guesswork.

Lastly, I was a big fan of how low it sat. It allowed me to run standard sights and keep the presentation that I’ve drilled into a habit.

TEMPO Timing

One aspect that is refreshingly new on the 5.7 is the TEMPO system. Although this cartridge might be easy on the wrist, its high operating pressure is sadistic to actions. Therefore, a delay system must be put in place to keep the breech from cracking open when the pressures are at their highest.

There are a few different ways to do this, but nothing is more effective than gas operation. The only trouble is the space requirements for all the components that comprise conventional designs.

Smith & Wesson realized that by doubling up on the barrel, this could be accomplished in a way that’s smaller than previous systems. Since the bore diameter is only .224 inches, this leaves enough room to sleeve the barrel itself with a shroud.

The barrel then rotates within this shroud after the bullet passes the gas port drilled into the barrel, unlocking a pair of lugs and allowing the fired case to be extracted and ejected. All the while, this rotation works to soak up some of the felt recoil, adding to the pistol’s overall shootability.

Firing With Fiochi

Fiocchi was gracious enough to send us all three of its current 5.7 loads for our testing, each with unique properties. The 35-grain ammo is built with a frangible projectile, opening closer-range practice on steel targets. This is new to me, for sure.

With a few hundred of these at my disposal, I also decided to pack a pair of Caldwell IPSC targets. The company’s 40-grain load features a tipped hollow-point projectile, making it ideal for long-range engagements.

Lastly, the 62-grain variant is loaded to subsonic velocities, making it perfect for suppressed shooting. With that in mind, I screwed a Banish 22 can to the end of my test pistol and was both surprised and delighted that it did not obstruct either sight picture. With the gun now fully kitted out, I set out to see how she ran.

I started by zeroing the pistol at 15 yards with the 40-grain ammunition. My initial thoughts were that this gun performed exactly as advertised. It felt like shooting a .22 LR, and with the can attached, it wasn’t too far off from that report either.

Stealing the term “Hollywood quiet” from Silencer Central best describes what that report was reduced to when using the subs. Honestly, that phrase even takes away from this setup. Movies usually use a chirp or whistle effect to simulate what they think a suppressed firearm sounds like.

Firing subsonic 5.7 through the Banish 22 was even quieter. So much so that when I pulled the trigger, I was able to hear the internal hammer drop as well as the complete cycling of the action. As I started with paper targets, the only real noise I experienced was the rounds crashing into the dirt after passing through the cardboard backer.

Ringing Steel

I needed to generate my own noise. So, I swapped in the steel targets and addressed them with a combined 45 rounds or two magazines worth 5.7. Landing two hits in less than half a second was no trouble at all. Likewise, double taps on each target were had in as little as 0.76 seconds.

Something S&W doesn’t disclose with the 5.7 is that you’re going to attract a bit of attention. As I wrapped up my final leg of testing, I was joined by a buddy and his 11-year-old son. They had heard the barrage of tings and caught a glimpse of what I was shooting.

Always interested in others’ opinions, I let both send some rounds downrange at a 66% Caldwell target that I had now moved out to 100 yards. Dad put about half a magazine’s worth into the center of the steel—with no hold over, mind you.

A touch recoil shy, I offered it to his son, knowing he’d enjoy shooting it. Leaving him the last five shots, he put three of them onto the plate. Not bad for the second time he’s ever shot a pistol.

The Upshot

I wrapped things up with a quick field strip and oiling of the M&P 5.7. It was a bit dirtier than other pistols I fired that day. However, I can easily attribute that to the higher round count as well as the suppressor use.

Nonetheless, it ran without any issues, and I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t continue to do so for another several hundred rounds. Smith & Wesson has done an excellent job of bringing another 5.7 option to the American market. And at an MSRP of $700, it’s an easy buy as well.

For those who are on the hunt for something in the ultra-capacity niche that is easy to shoot and ridiculously accurate, this is the gun for you. Just don’t expect the thrill ride of something nearly flying out of your hands when you press the trigger.

For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Specs

Caliber	5.7x28mm
Barrel	5 inches
Overall Length	8.5 inches
Weight	26.7 ounces (empty)
Grips	Textured polymer
Sights	White-dot front, adjustable rear
Action	Semi-auto
Finish	Matte black
Capacity	22+1
MSRP	$700

Performance

LOAD	VELOCITY	ACCURACY
Fiocchi Hyperformance 35 Frangible	1,730	1.25
Fiocchi Hyperformance 40 HP	1,676	1.89
Fiocchi Range Dynamics 62 FMJ	1,001	2.14

Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups from 15 yards.

The Importance Of The Revolver Yoke Screw

By

P.E. Fitch

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June 14, 2024

Revolver Yoke Screw Heritage Manufacturing Roscoe

Arguably, the most important screw on a standard double-action revolver is its yoke screw. These screws tend to sit just above the revolver’s trigger towards the front of the cylinder on the bottom portion of the frame. Their primary job is to function as a set screw that retains the revolver’s entire cylinder assembly.

In fact, loosening this screw is the first step to stripping down a revolver to clean it. Likewise, keeping it tensioned ensures the revolver’s cylinder remains securely in place. Depending on the design of the revolver and its specific yoke screw, the screw can also be enhanced to stay put to help keep the cylinder in place.

Furthermore, regularly checking the yoke screw’s tension is an obligatory part of revolver ownership and smooth shooting experiences. You don’t want to end up like that YouTuber who claimed the Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver he was reviewing had a “catastrophic” malfunction when that gun’s cylinder fell off the frame because its screw was loose.

In fairness, we all have to start somewhere, and revolvers aren’t like modern guns (which hardly use screws to hold things in place, maybe except for grip panels if applicable). But the lesson to take away is that whether a revolver costs $300 or $3000, its yoke screw needs to be periodically looked at to ensure it’s snug.

Taurus’ New Revolver

Last week, I picked up Taurus’ new 692 Executive Grade revolver so I could shoot it and write about it in the near future. This revolver was one of the brand-new products that Taurus showcased in its booth during the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits held in Dallas only a few weeks ago.

Besides being a brand new product, the Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver is the company’s fourth revolver to receive its premium “Executive Grade” treatment, following the Taurus 856, Taurus 605, and Taurus Judge. At the time of this writing, I have yet to fire any rounds through this new revolver, though I am looking forward to doing so.

What does this new release from Taurus have to do specifically with revolver yoke screws? Well…

One of the most distinctive and unique features of the 692 Series is the fact that it ships with a spare 7-shot cylinder whose charge holes are bored out for the 9mm Luger cartridge. So, the shooter is able to shoot three types of ammunition through the 692: .357 Magnum, .38 Special and 9mm Luger.

Perhaps the neatest detail found in this revolver, I think, is its “cylinder retention system.” Taurus engineers implemented a creative “quick-detach” solution and elevated the meager yoke screw retention system to the next level.

Any time a 692 owner wants to change out cylinders to swap calibers, they only need to depress the spring-loaded plunger to release the cylinder’s yoke from the revolver’s frame and then simply swap the cylinders. There is no tedious screw to tighten and loosen when changing cylinders, nor does it require any tools.

Finally, with this slick implementation, the concern for monitoring the tension screw disappears. However, there is a smaller screw on the left side of the assembly that I can best describe as working similarly to the special screw found on a traditional 1911 mag catch assembly (opposite of the button).

Revolver Yoke Screw Taurus 692 Executive Grade — A close-up of the Taurus 692 Executive Grade’s cylinder release plunger which brilliantly replaces the traditional cylinder screw. The regular screw immediately to its left helps hold the sideplate to the frame. And yes, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on it from time to time.

Standard on Taurus 692 Series Revolvers

To be clear, this feature is standard on all Taurus 692 series revolvers, not just the recent Executive Grade model. Besides the added convenience and ease of use the special QD plunger affords, it also gives these revolvers a futuristic Space Age feel that sets them apart from the traditional regular yoke screw.

While I have yet to officially shoot and review this revolver, I got a good impression from the models at the NRAAM show floor in Dallas. That good impression continued when I picked up my own unit and took it home. It’s just that understanding how crucial the job of a revolver’s yoke screw is and seeing the way they implemented it with its unique mechanism was just really neat and wonderful.

In the end, it’s good to stop and smell the roses every once in a while and appreciate the small details.

Ribeyrolles 1918 – The First Assault Rifle

By

Travis Pike

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June 14, 2024

If you ask a room full of gun guys and gals what the first assault rifle was, you’ll get chimes of “STG 44.” You might also hear a minority shout, “Fedorov Avtomat.” You can sit back and watch them argue. If you want to give them something to think about, bring up the Ribeyrolles 1918, which is arguably the first true assault rifle if we use the current definition we established for assault rifles.

That definition is a select-fire rifle with a detachable magazine that fires an intermediate cartridge. The Fedorov Avtomat was a select-fire infantry rifle, but it chambered the 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka cartridge, which is not quite intermediate. The STG 44 fits the bill, but as the name implies, it was created in 1944. Now, the Ribeyrolles 1918 also fits the bill and came almost two decades prior.

Arguably, the STG 44 won the first successful assault rifle category and gave birth to the modern world of assault rifles we now know. However, it wasn’t an original idea.

The Origin of the Ribeyrolles 1918

The Ribeyrolles 1918 was the brainchild of Paul Ribeyrolles, a Frenchman who was the plant manager of the Clement-Gladiator motor vehicle and bicycle factory. During World War I, France’s wartime economy necessitated the conversion of everyday factories into weapons production centers.

Clement-Gladiator had already produced the infamous automatic rifle, the Chauchat, for the French Army. Ribeyrolles helped produce the Chauchat and later helped develop the gas-operated semi-automatic Fusil Automatique Modèle 1917 for the French forces at the tail end of the war. Paul Ribeyrolles defined the idea of forward thinking. He was a trailblazer and a well-known one at that.

World War I and trench warfare established that easily controllable, rapid-firing weapons were necessary for close-range combat. The big bolt-action guns weren’t great for clearing rooms. This led to the development of submachine guns, and the Ribeyrolles 1918 aimed to fall between the submachine gun and the battle rifle.

What We Know About the Ribeyrolles 1918

There is very little information on this Ribeyrolles 1918. We only have one photo of it, and it doesn’t seem like any surviving examples exist. Maybe some French attic has one stored unknown to the occupants, but that seems unlikely. What we know about the Ribeyrolles 1918 is that the rifle was a select fire design. It has a three-position safety: the rearmost position is semi-auto, the middle position is safe, and the forward position is full-auto.

The rifle operated on a straight blowback principle and fired a 8x33mm cartridge. This would have scored on the intermediate scale. Ribeyrolles scaled down the .351 Winchester Self-Loading cartridge to create the 8x33mm cartridge. The bullet was from an 8mm Lebel. The magazine held twenty-five rounds and was detachable.

The blowback action promised lots of recoil and forced the weapon to be exceptionally heavy. Blowback guns require hefty bolts to keep the action closed until the bullet leaves the barrel. Trying to use a blowback action with a rifle cartridge is tough.

It works for handguns but doesn’t do well with the power generated from a rifle. At 11.25 pounds, it weighed as much as the Fusil Automatique Modèle 1917 but fired an intermediate cartridge rather than a full-powered battle rifle cartridge. The gun measured out to about 43 inches in total.

Testing the Carabine Mitrailleuse 1918

The Ribeyrolles 1918 was presented to the French twice. Once before the war and once after the war. In both presentations, the rifle had severe reliability issues, and it often jammed and failed to operate. Additionally, the world really wasn’t ready for an assault rifle. It was a weapon without a purpose. The French saw it as too unwieldy and cumbersome to be a submachine gun, and the 8x33m cartridge only reached out to 400 yards.

In this era, the full-powered rifle rounds dominated, and the French watched the range they provided. The Ribeyrolles 1918 simply didn’t fit into their idea of how to arm a military force. Plus, this introduced another logistical concern. They’d have to issue cartridges for handguns and submachine guns, full-power battle rifles, and the Ribeyrolles 1918. Thus, the weapon has entered the realm of obscurity.

It’s most certainly a fascinating idea and was way ahead of its time, but sadly, its use is regulated to Battlefield 1

Shot Timers: CE Pocket Pro 2 v PACT Club Timer III

By

P.E. Fitch

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June 13, 2024

As far as training with firearms is concerned, shot timers are essential tools in the repertoire of both the serious student and trainer. Much like the whistle hanging around the neck of any field sports coach, the shot timer might as well be the whistle in the world of firearms. These days, shot timers are evolving with the latest technology and can connect via blue-tooth and talk to apps on cell phones or tablets for score keeping and time management. Hell, today, the latest and greatest devices can even recharge exactly like a modern phone.

However, we mustn’t forget about the two classic workhorses in this arena: the Competition Electronics Pocket Pro 2 and the PACT Club Timer III. Both of these shot timers are fast approaching the threshold of becoming old school, but in reality, they’re still perfectly viable and useful. I use both on a regular basis, and I like them for different reasons.

Competition Electronics Pocket Pro 2 Shot Timer

Though now discontinued, the Pocket Pro 2 is one of the most popular “classic” shot timers. Even today, it’s not hard to find them in the range bags of many shooters. The Pocket Pro 2 was the updated model that succeeded Competition Electronic’s original Pocket Pro (which ironically can still be purchased brand new).

Pocket Pro 2s remind me of my childhood when many toys and games ran off 9-volt alkaline batteries. These devices still have that quartz display screen and late 1990s chunky aesthetic of the era. There’s a spring-loaded belt clip on the back of the device so that one can hang the Pocket Pro 2 off their belt or pocket while training alone.

Using the Pocket Pro 2

Navigating through the settings and controls is also reminiscent of sending text messages on pre-smartphone devices. Likewise, there’s a bit of a learning curve to get the hang of it. But it’s not too bad once the user understands its rhythm. The black/green display itself is also reminiscent of the Texas Instruments Ti-34 calculator I used to bring to school.

Settings for timer start delays and par times are easily adjustable along with the device’s shot sensitivity, loudness, and brightness. I figured out early on that it’s best to run the display as dark as possible to conserve battery life. And honestly, when shooting outside during normal daylight hours, it has never been an issue.

The ability to adjust the loudness of the beep is much appreciated, especially when working and dry-firing inside the house, where normal shot timer beeps can be deafeningly loud (especially without hearing protection).

Durability-wise, my Pocket Pro 2 has generally held up okay, and I’ve never been exceedingly rough on mine. But at some point, I did have a failure in which the soldering between the battery terminal pad and the wire that powered the electronics gave out. A good friend of mine was nice enough to re-solder the connection and bolster it. I haven’t had any issues with it since he repaired it.

The Pocket Pro 2 has now been succeeded by the Competition Electronics Pro Timer and the Pro Timer BT (Bluetooth). Mine works fine, and I have no plans to retire it anytime soon.

PACT Club Timer III

The PACT Club Timer III is probably the most direct competitor to the Pocket Pro 2. And this shot timer works almost the same as its rival, save for some subtle differences. For example, the Club Timer III also uses the basic low-tech “calculator screen” display and runs off a 9-volt battery. Its external shell is also fairly voluminous, and it has a clunky body, although it’s more rotund and “aerodynamic.”

This device also comes with a handy spring-loaded clip, which makes it easier to hang off a belt or pocket for self-directed training sessions. Anyone who can successfully navigate the Pocket Pro 2 timer should also be able to navigate the Club Timer III settings just as easily.

Pocket Pro 2 vs Club Timer III: The Differences

In many ways, comparing these shot timers is no different than making a classic Coke-vs-Pepsi comparison because both are so similar in form and function. But there are some differences that should be taken into account. The most obvious one is that the settings on the Pocket Pro 2 are far more user-adjustable than the settings on the Club Timer III.

For example, users can adjust the “beep’s” sound level on the Pocket Pro 2 from very soft to quite loud, while the “beep” on the Club Timer III is immutable—and loud. Without hearing protection, the Club Timer III’s beep can be as loud as a smoke alarm and honestly unpleasant to work with indoors.

Similarly, the Club Timer III’s “delayed start” time is fixed at 3 seconds, while the user can adjust it to whatever time they want with the Pocket Pro 2. I work with the Club Timer III on a regular basis, and the fixed three-second delay time has never been a hindrance.

Build

Externally, the Pocket Pro 2 resembles a 1990s boxy Mercedez (or a giant pager), while the curvier Club Timer III resembles a Volkswagen Beetle. Both have the same footprint, but the Pocket Pro 2 isn’t as wide.

The Club Timer III edges out the Pocket Pro 2 with its bigger display. Not only is it physically larger, but it’s also easier to see pertinent information like “DTFS” (draw to first shot), number of shots fired, and splits than it is with the Pocket Pro 2.

Sure, the latter will also show this information on its main screen. But I think the Club Timer III’s presentation is simply cleaner.

Price

The honest truth is that, currently, the PACT Club Timer III is probably the best deal overall, objectively—especially when it comes to dollars and cents. Competition Electronics has discontinued the Pocket Pro 2 and replaced it with its successor, the Pro Timer. However, the newer Pro-Timer retails for nearly $170, while the Club Timer III seems to retail for nearly $40 less.

These days, the best way to find a deal on a Pocket Pro 2 is to look out for a used one. But just because they stopped making them doesn’t mean people stopped shooting with them.

The Takeaway

Frankly, a shooter can’t go wrong with either shot timer as far as basic units for shooting, training, and practicing are concerned—even in 2024. Sure, the market offers more expensive and sophisticated shot timers today. But even these older designs, like the PACT Club Timer III or the Competition Electronics Pocket Pro 2, still perform the basic functions of any shot timer just fine and provide the shooter with the information they need.

Moreover, 9-volt batteries can still be found in almost any type of retail/grocery store today. So, their fuel source isn’t hard to find either.

The use of neither will restrain anyone from having a productive training session overall. Personally, these days I’ve been keeping my Pocket Pro 2 indoors for dry-fire since I can control the volume and I leave the Club Timer III in the range bag for live-fire.

Push the Mower – Smart Teaching Concepts

By

Travis Pike

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June 13, 2024

I really love teaching new people how to shoot guns. I went through the entire NRA course to learn how to be an instructor. As much as people make fun of the NRA courses, their basic ones are pretty good. I find it super rewarding to see new shooters start to hit targets, have fun, and be safe. That’s why we do it. I can’t be the only one who enjoys teaching new shooters, and I think new shooters are how we maintain the Second Amendment. With that in mind, I wanted to share a tip I’ve learned for teaching new shooters and how to get through to people who don’t have a background. I call it Push the Mower, and it’s an idea that helps normal people understand basic shooting fundamentals by relating it to everyday things.

The Push the Mower

My kids go in and out of shooting phases. My son asked me to teach him to shoot, but his smaller stature made it tough to get him a rifle. I promptly purchased a Savage Rascal, and we got to shooting.

We started with a bench-rested rifle, but when he transitioned to standing off the bench, he had this bad habit of leaning super far backward. I taught him to lean forward just a bit, but he kept leaning back like he was trying to do the limbo. I couldn’t seem to get him to lean forward; there seemed to be a disconnect between what I was saying and what he was hearing.

There was a failure to communicate between us and the failure frustrated me more than his limbo technique. Why couldn’t I get something so simple across to him? I’ve always heard that boys learn best by doing things and not by being told. How do I get him to lean forward…. Then I spotted my old push mower.

A quick adjustment of the handle was made for his smaller stature, and I had him push the mower. It was off, but maybe I should have gotten some free lawn mowing out of this. Anyway, I had him push the mower a few laps back and forth. We went back to the rifle, and I told him to lean forward like he was pushing the mower. It clicked, and he leaned forward, a little too far at first, but that was self-correcting.

This gave birth to the push the mower idea.

It’s Not All About the Mower

While I call it Push the Mower, the idea relates to any way you can simplify a concept for a new shooter. When it comes to stance, most people have an idea of how a boxer stands. Shooters stand a lot like boxers. When it comes to sight focus, explain it by holding up a finger and alternating focus from the finger to a fixed point.

As gun guys and gals, we often get stuck in our own language and nomenclature. We get stuck on knowing how to do something so easily that it becomes somewhat difficult to relate to a beginner. Finding ways to illustrate concepts through everyday activities and common knowledge simplifies things. It helps new shooters learn more efficiently and effectively.

One of the worst things for new shooters is frustration. New shooters should be excited to learn, and to have fun. Getting frustrated due to a failure to communicate can be massively detrimental. When you and a new shooter get stuck on some basic fundamental marksmanship skill, take a moment. Find a way to relate it to something simple and nongun-related. Find your mower and push it!

Training With Cornerstone Performance: 2-Day LPVO (Pt.2)

By

P.E. Fitch

-

June 12, 2024

(continued from Pt.1)

^{Title Picture: A current-generation Nightforce ATACR 1-8 LPVO with the updated FC-DMx reticle mounted on a Reptilia AUS and their ROF mount with an Aimpoint ACRO P-2, all in peanut-butter. Honestly, I made it the cover image because it’s cool.}

My Gear for the Cornerstone Performance LPVO Course

Because the emphasis of Cornerstone Performance’s LPVO course is on marksmanship and scoped-in shooting, the list of required gear isn’t extensive. Similarly, the round count wasn’t very high either for a 2-day carbine course. All one needed was at least 500 rounds of ammunition along with three rifle magazines, their properly mounted LPVO, and their carbine, of course (with a modern 2-point adjustable sling). Avoid bringing green-tip ammo to class; there’s simply too much steel to shoot.

In my case, the only new piece of gear that I brought was the fairly new Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 LPVO with the ACSS Griffin reticle. Although this scope was launched last year, I’m currently shooting with it in order to do a full review at a later date.

The PLxC got my attention because of its relatively short length and lighter weight (that directly rivals the Nightforce NX8 LPVO). Also this particular scope famously landed Primary Arms a contract with the Department of Energy—a huge milestone for this Texas-based company.

Cornerstone Performance LPVO
Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 — A close-in of the relatively new Primary Arms Optics PLxC 1-8 FFP LPVO mounted atop my current go-to carbine put together by Ft. Worth based Lone Star Armory. In this picture it sits on Primary Arms GLx 1.5″ mount, but by TD2 I put the scope on a taller ADM mount.

Lone Star Armory Carbine

Besides the new-to-me LPVO, which I’m generally liking so far, I did my shooting with the same carbine I shot at Bill Blowers’ class and for more than half of the Green Ops LPVO course. It is the 14.5” P/W midlength carbine I had Lone Star Armory build for me as a dedicated gun to run the Law Tactical ARIC carrier.

At this point, this carbine probably has at least 1,500 rounds through it, and I haven’t had any real issues other than some growing pains with the original ARIC T&E unit that I’ve been using. Perhaps the only thing I don’t love about this gun is its Schmid nickel-coated USGI trigger. Even for a standard single-stage AR trigger, this one, in particular, feels heavier. It’s not the end of the world, but I do think a scoped carbine deserves a little better.

Interestingly enough, one of the comments Wise made during the first day of the class was that a shooter was better off first upgrading their trigger instead of rebarreling their rifle. I ironically saw his point over both of these training days.

Insights And Takeaways

Even though Cornerstone Performance’s LPVO course isn’t labeled as an “advanced” carbine class, I don’t think I’d recommend it for brand-new shooters who aren’t comfortable shooting and handling the AR-15. It was easy to notice how basically everyone in the group of students was already familiarized and comfortable with the safe handling and operation of AR-15 pattern firearms. This includes the use of the modern 2-point sling.

To get the most out of their training dollar, the prospective student is ideally already comfortable with the AR-15 and its basic marksmanship protocols. At least, I think so.

Since I started writing about firearms and shooting, I’ve now taken three different carbine courses overall. Two were LPVO-specific courses, while the course I took with Bill Blowers was optics-agnostic. Nonetheless, I’ve shot all three courses with LPVOs regardless because I’m so interested in them.

On the evening after the first day of the Cornerstone class, I actually switched mounts from a standard 1.5” mount to a taller 1.93” mount that another scope had been occupying. On the morning of the second day, I re-zeroed the scope in its new mount and carried on.

Now having some time behind standard 1.5” mounts and a taller 1.93”, I’m finding that I much prefer having the taller mount which seems to help bring the scope to eye-level better.

Final Thoughts

As a lifelong student and proponent of the LPVO, it’s been very fun going around and learning about shooting carbines with LPVOs from different sources. Cornerstone Performance’s course certainly won’t be the last LPVO course I take. However, I appreciated having a chance to hear about the LPVO from the context of an experienced police officer.

In this particular class, a good portion of the students were also local police officers. So, a lot of the discussions and conversations from the class had to do with cops and their patrol rifles. Contextually this was something fantastic to pick up on and add to my knowledge bank.

In addition, it was nice that we did the majority of our shooting at steel targets between the 275 and 300-yard lines from barricades. Shooting at distances further than 100 yards isn’t a normal occurrence—at least for me, as a regular guy, it isn’t. Not only was popping steel at varying distances quite fun but it afforded every student in class multiple chances to get comfortable with shooting their targets a little further away.

Although Eric Wise did touch on height-over-bore concerns when it came to making careful, close-distance shots, the course didn’t really delve into CQB-style shooting much at all. Its focus was geared more towards using the optic at further ranges and those more deliberate shots.

Oh yeah, before I forget, I also had a lot of fun taking this class.

Cornerstone Performance LPVO
Primary Arms PLxC 1-8
Big Tex Ordnance — Shamless plug for Big Tex Ordnance!

Mossberg Model 464 ZMB – You Laughed At It

By

Travis Pike

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June 12, 2024

It was 2012. Zombies were everywhere. For the entirety of the 2000s, there was this buildup of zombies. In 2003, we got the Zombie Survival Guide; in 2004, we got the Dawn of the Dead remake, Land of the Dead in 2005; and, of course, the highlight of the zombie universe, the 2010 premiere of The Walking Dead. The gun industry got into the zombie theme, and it was fun for a while, but eventually, they ran it into the ground, and it got a bit cringe. In 2012, Mossberg released a series called the ZMB series. This consisted of a few shotguns and a very interesting version, the Mossberg Model 464.

Everyone laughed at the Model 464 ZMB. It was seen as the gun that helped jump the shark for the zombie theme. How dare someone take a lever gun and make it tactical. They laughed at it! I can’t lie, I loved it. I thought it was a really neat idea, but I hid this shamefully. I will admit the bright green ZMB markings were kind of lame. However, the idea of the Model 464 as a tactical gun was new for the time. Lever guns were never supposed to be tactical and were firmly planted in the realm of Fudd.

Those Model 464 ZMB models, see you now. They see your 200-dollar Midwest rails and your 400-dollar Chisel stock on your Marlin 336. It sees you pre ordering the Magpul ELG furniture. It sees your Surefire Scouts, your LPVOs, and even your MAWLs, and it remembers!

The Model 464 ZMB – Too Soon?

SHOT Show 2024 made it apparent that the tactical lever gun was here to stay. Everyone had one and had a variety of different options widely available. Henry has an AR mag fed 5.56/.330 Blackout rifle option. POF has the Tombstone. Bond Arms has an AR lever gun. Fightlite has one, and so does Aero! They are everywhere.

As mentioned companies like Magpul, Midwest, Chisel, and more have produced rails and stocks to tacticalize your chosen lever gun platform. You can accessorize a lever gun to almost AR-like levels. It’s never been easier to create a tactical lever gun, but these really aren’t new. Mossberg’s 464 ZMB had the same idea. We should also mention that Mossberg made a 464 SPX, which ditched the ZMB markings but kept the factory tactical look.

It bears mentioning that in 2012, M-LOK and Keymod weren’t the hot thing. It was all about strapping rails everywhere you could. The hot AR15s of the time had quad rails. The Model 464 ZMB and SPX took that route and outfitted the gun with a tri-rail system on the handguard. Later on, the SPX series featured a scope rail for long eye relief optics or red dots. The top ejection of the 464 made traditional scope mounts impossible.

The gun did have high-visibility open tights. At the end of the barrel, we had an A2-style flashhider. The most interesting feature was the stock setup. The stock was lever gun-like and lacked a pistol grip, but it still had an AR-type adjustable stock. It looks weird and feels a little weird, but it worked.

Inside the 464

The Model 464 is a Winchester 1894-like rifle. It’s not really an 1894, but features a similar open-top design, guts out the bottom system, and tube magazine. The bolt is different from the 1894, and so is the ejection system. The Model 464 was famously an affordable, American-made lever gun.

It had that Mossberg slop that we shotgunners are familiar with. It’s not a bad gun, but it wasn’t a tuned-up lever gun. It also costs nowhere near that of a tuned-up lever gun. Even the SPX and ZMB models were fairly affordable. Accuracy was okay, and for short-range use, it was more than adequate.

These guns were .30-30s and held six rounds in their magazine. The Model 464 was nothing revolutionary, but the ZMB and SPX models were way ahead of their time. In 2012 it was often joked about, but in 2024 it would just be another tactical lever gun. But don’t worry the Model 464 ZMB remembers and so do I!

Hunting Trip: Of Dogs And Shotguns Pt.1

By

P.E. Fitch

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June 11, 2024

I’ve always been fascinated by firearms and shooting; I’m even fortunate to write about them regularly. But one thing I don’t do is hunt. I don’t have a hunting background at all. My grandfather was supposed to take me decades ago, but unfortunately, the wickedness of cancer stole that opportunity—and him—from us. For over two years now, I’ve been writing about guns and shooting. The most peculiar aspect of this wordsmithing adventure is how it led me to try hunting.

My First Hunting Trip

I’m not completely ignorant about hunting. I carry a basic understanding of the gear and topics, from ecology to cartridge selection and maximum point-blank range. Something cool and ironic happened last autumn around the start of the 2023 hunting season. By chance, I worked on reviewing this Bergara rifle. Out of the few long guns I’ve officially reviewed, that’s the sole bolt-action rifle on record and pretty much the only hunting firearm.

In order to write that article properly, I had to delve into the topic of hunting like never before. With the timing of this project revolving around hunting season, football, and the cool crisp autumn air, the melange of these North American traditions led me to plunge into the world of hunting and develop a brand new fascination.

While I didn’t have the chance to pursue hoofed game, my schedule just happened to align with the chance to hunt both ducks and ribeye-in-the-sky (Sand Hill Crane) in north Texas. I made it happen. I was, after all, supposed to hunt ducks with my grandfather. So, I couldn’t agree more on ducks for my first-ever outing.

Hunting in Childress County, Texas

I linked up with Straight Flush Outfitters in early December 2023 for a weekend that involved Sand Hill Crane on a Saturday and ducks on a Sunday in Childress County. Childress sits adjacent to the Texas panhandle, the Red River, and Oklahoma. Highway US-287 also flows through here, connecting Dallas-Ft. Worth to I-40 and Amarillo, Texas.

With Childress County being rural and right under a major migratory flyway for wintering fowl, there are plenty of fields and ponds to sustain southbound flocks. If you’ve seen Steven Rinella’s Meat-Eater episode about Sand Hill Crane hunting, the location where they filmed that episode is only a few hours away and shares the same climate and terrain.

Getting Outfitted for My Hunt

For the uninitiated, the Texas panhandle can be shockingly frigid during the winter months, especially during early morning before the sun rises and legal shooting hours begin. I won’t lie in that I took advantage of Black Friday discounts ahead of time to score some deals on high-end technical gear from some Gucci hunting apparel brands. After a lifetime of working for a living, mostly outside, I don’t believe in skimping on proper gear and footwear.

Interestingly, during this shopping spree, I learned why nearly every piece of kit is heavily camouflaged: because these birds have surprisingly keen sight. Please don’t hold it against me as a non-hunter. The only times I had seen ducks otherwise were in a pond or a Chinese restaurant.

Hunting Beretta 1301 Shotgun Ducks Sandhill Crane — Author in blind during the Crane Hunt alongside Beretta 1301 Competition shotgun.

Shotgun-wise, I grabbed my Beretta 1301 24-inch Competition shotgun out of the safe. I’ve fired scores of shells for training and fun through this shotgun, and I consider it my workhorse. Function-wise, it’s no different than the Beretta A400 Xtreme guns that are marketed to waterfowlers, save for the lack of a 3 ½ inch chamber and a barrel four inches longer. Twenty-four inches of shotgun barrel is still plenty to shoot and kill fowl with, after all.

Dan Was a Spectacle to Behold

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of getting outfitted for my first hunt wasn’t any shotgun or piece of kit. It was Dan. Dan, a highly trained Labrador retriever, belongs to Jim, my guide and good friend.

Since Dan was a puppy he’s undergone bird retrieving training to the tune of thousands of dollars. And so far he’s also accompanied Jim on his first season of duck and crane hunts in the Texas panhandle. In fact, as I write these words, Dan is wrapping up another three-month stint of advanced bird-dog training in Alabama during the off-season.

Even being new to hunting, seeing a dog like Dan in action all over a duck pond and in his blind is a sight to behold. Seeing him patiently waiting for commands in his little dog blind, with a steadfast sense of duty. Then observing him spring into action after that signal from Jim, with his wet and matted fur that caused moisture to steam off him. And the contortion of his muscles like tightly wound springs underneath all that.

Dan is a mass of deep orange ochre fur that springs into action. For the uninitiated, it truly is a spectacle to behold.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where I cover my actual experiences, thoughts and emotions during my first-ever hunts.

The Henry Homesteader – Old School Cool

By

Travis Pike

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June 11, 2024

Henry’s surprise of SHOT 2024 was a lever action rifle that came in 5.56 or .300 Blackout and takes AR mags. The surprise of last year might fall in that gun’s shadow. However, the Henry Homesteader stands out with its unique features. Unlike the traditional Henry lever guns, the Homesteader is a 9mm PCC that fully rejects the tactical nature of most modern semi-auto carbines.

It was a wood and Monte Carlo stocked rifle. The gun didn’t even have an optics rail. (Although it’s drilled and tapped if you want to add one.) Admittedly, the Homesteader stood out among a sea of M-LOK and black, and I was a fan. I’m a weirdo who likes PCCs, and the Homesteader scratched an itch I didn’t know I had.

Heading Homesteader

At first glance, the Henry Homesteader could be mistaken for a fudd take on the Ruger PCC. They both share a classic layout and simple design. The big difference is the wood stock and forend equipped to the Homesteader. The Homesteader even uses a modular magwell. Every Homesteader comes set up for Henry’s own proprietary, ban state-friendly five and ten-round magazines, but you can swap the magwell with a Glock, SIG P320, or S&W M&P model.

The Henry Homesteader delivers a solid performance. It uses a direct blowback system with a reciprocating mass to help reduce recoil. This system—while keeping the gun affordable—can result in harsh recoil for a pistol caliber. However, Henry has addressed this issue by installing a reciprocating mass that slows down cycling and cuts recoil, enhancing the shooting experience.

The Homesteader comes with iron sights that focus on speed more than precision. The rear sight sits on the barrel and is a wide peep sight. The front sight is blacked out and massive. I’m fine with this setup, but if speed is the key, it would make sense to have an open sight. A rear open sight would be slick and fast, and a higher-visibility front sight wouldn’t be a bad idea.

The Homesteader – Home Run Ergonomics?

One of the standout features of the Henry Homesteader is its ergonomic design. The charging handle can be easily swapped to either side, making it more comfortable for any shooter. Despite the reciprocating action with each shot, I haven’t found it to be a hindrance.

Henry went with a tang-style safety that gives off Mossberg 500 vibes. It’s naturally ambidextrous and textured for easy engagement. It clicks nicely and delivers tactile and audible feedback.

If you shoot with the Homesteader mags, the mag release is a somewhat awkwardly placed ambidextrous option. It’s a lever that needs to be pulled forward to release the magazine. If you’re like me and have swapped to Glock, SIG, or S&W mags, you have a standard push-button release on the left-hand side. It’s perfectly placed for a support hand release.

The Homesteader’s furniture has some nice texturing. It looks good, and it feels nice in your hand. The gun comes outfitted with a thick recoil pad, which is not necessary but not a downside either. Henry saved shooters from needing a workout by making the rifle a handy 6.6 pounds. What I don’t like about the rifle is the unnecessary 14-inch long length of pull. It could be much shorter and more comfortable for smaller shooters.

To The Range!

The one thing I wanted to find out was if the Homesteader’s recoil system worked. Would it be a violent, snappy thing? Luckily, the Henry system worked quite well. The recoil delivers a slow push-like impulse that’s soft and comfortable. You can run through a Bill Drill without your group moving more than an inch from shot one to shot six.

Recoil isn’t bad, but how’s accuracy? The sights are big and designed for speed, but they make some odd decisions. I’d still prefer a rear open sight if I’m going for speed rather than a long eye relief peep sight. The front sight is huge, but it’s all black, and a little white paint would make it easier to see and use.

The sights work best within 50 yards. At 50 yards, that big front sight covers a lot of the target, but it’s doable. For a pistol round, it’s not bad, but I do think a red dot would extend that range a little. At 25 yards, you can easily turn an IPSC target’s A-zone into Swiss cheese. For a defensive weapon, or even a working rifle, the accuracy is good enough to relieve a coyote of the burden of their mortal coil at 50 yards.

The gun’s super fun to shoot. Its low recoil and decent accuracy make it fun to run and gun with. With a red dot, I could see it as a fun PCC competitor. Maybe not at the pro level, but it’d be fun to draw some eyes at a local match. The little rifle eats and eats without complaint. I used a variety of Glock mags and had no problems.

Protecting the Homestead

Henry delivered with its first semi-auto PCC. It’s a very fun, low-recoiling, and stylish rifle. The ergonomics are interesting and mostly spot-on. I’d like to see a shorter length of pull, and I’d sacrifice the recoil pad to do so. I like that the company went with a modular magazine well, and I like using mags I already have on hand.

The Homesteader delivers in more ways than one. It’s a handy little carbine that breaks from the norm and delivers old-school appeal on a modern platform.

Training With Cornerstone Performance: 2-Day LPVO (Pt.1)

By

P.E. Fitch

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June 10, 2024

A few days ago, I serendipitously lucked into an open spot at Cornerstone Performance’s 2-Day LPVO class in Hutto, Texas. This opening was donated by someone who couldn’t make the class at the last minute, and I was able to take this spot (if you’re reading this, thank you for your kindness).

I’ll preface the rest of this write-up by disclosing that I am very much in favor of the LPVO as the main sighting system on a general-purpose carbine.

In spite of my bias, I still strive to learn as much as I can about their nuances, shortcomings and subtleties with regards to employing them effectively. After having the privilege of participating in the Green Ops LPVO course, I was honored to train with a different outfit and listen to a different perspective on these versatile optics.

Cornerstone Performance is a small training company based in central Texas and headed by Eric Wise. In addition to running Cornerstone Performance, Eric is also an accomplished shooter, competitor, and professional instructor for a large central Texas police agency. I didn’t meet him until this class, but his name sounded familiar, and I’m pretty sure we’ve shot some of the same local matches.

Cornerstone Performance’s Philosophy On LPVOs

Wise’s outlook on the role of the LPVO atop a modern carbine is informed by his many years of police service with a patrol rifle. During the course of this two-day class, he often reminded us, students, that he didn’t see the LPVO as anything more than a “fancy” red dot that could zoom in better [than an off-set magnifier].

Furthermore, he often drove home the point that LPVOs aren’t precision sniper scopes, nor should they be treated as such. This point in particular, that LPVOs are not to be treated as sniper scopes, was something that I specifically recall the Green Ops instructors also emphasizing when I took their class last autumn.

Beyond that, I enjoyed getting a veteran street cop’s perspective on the LPVO and how it worked for him in the context of his job around a major metro area and its surrounding suburbs. The same type of environment that the majority of civilian defenders would have to contend with should they ever need a scoped defensive carbine.

With Wise’s idea of framing the LPVO as a more elaborate red dot, he also contextualizes the carbine being a three-minute weapon (as a firearm capable of producing solid 3 MOA composite groups at 100 yards with duty ammo). This 3 MOA benchmark refers to a composite group with a statistically significant amount of shots, call it at least 20 rounds. So, those 3-round sub-MOA groups that both gunmakers and people on the Internet love to brag about don’t count.

A 300-Yard Tool

From my own experiences, I do agree that a 3 MOA benchmark is more than reasonable for most modern carbines and LPVOs using the appropriate type of duty ammo. Following this three-minute benchmark, Wise also emphasized that a carbine equipped with an LPVO was a 300-yard tool in his world and the context of a street cop with a patrol rifle.

LPVO Cornerstone Performance Big Tex Ordnance — Running into Big Tex Ordnance’s very own Ike Stephens at the class was a pleasant surprise. He and BTO as a whole have been very supportive of my writing (not to mention emotionally) so you should buy your stuff from them.

These concepts of carbines being 300-yard weapons with a real-world 3-MOA performance envelope are important for two main reasons.

Parts of a System—Not Isolated Variables

The first is that Wise wants his students to understand that the LPVO and the carbine, along with its cartridges, are parts of a system and not isolated variables. If any of these “variables” is tweaked it affects the system as a whole. I’m glad he points this out because I think it’s easy for modern shooters to get “lost in the sauce” and conceptualize a rifle’s raw accuracy potential as its own independent variable.

In other words, I think many erroneously focus on a rifle’s “pure” group sizes alone, absent of any other context. Even the finest single-cut precision rifle barrel with the finest scope will be hamstrung if it’s shooting bulk ammunition with varying muzzle velocities and prints 4 MOA 20-shot groups on average, for example.

Eliminating Guesswork

Second, and perhaps the more salient reason for highlighting this, is that by having an understanding of how the rifle actually performs in real life, the shooter is able to eliminate a lot of the guesswork in how a given rifle with a given cartridge will perform accuracy-wise. Being armed with this knowledge makes it easier to understand impacts and call shots without needing to wonder how or where rounds will print.

For example, if someone had a 3-MOA carbine but had to shoot an 8-inch steel going (8-MOA target) at 300 yards, they’d understand that their rifle was capable of grouping shots within a nine-inch cone of fire at that distance. So, there would be a statistical chance that some shots would completely miss the 8-MOA target.

Now, take this same example and apply it to a police officer involved in a standoff with a suspect. One can easily connect the dots between the officer knowing his or her equipment and whether they can safely and legally take their shot. The curriculum for Cornerstone’s Performance LPVO courses is formed with both of these concepts in mind.

Cornerstone Performance LPVO Course Overview

LPVO Cornerstone Performance Live Demo Eric Wise — Eric Wise going over the finer points in properly mounting an optic to its base and the carbine during our working lunch on Training Day 1.

Training Day 1

As an instructor, one of Wise’s teaching styles is to put the power of demonstration in the students’ own hands so they can see concepts for themselves.

For example, the first day of this class primarily focused on the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship at distance. So, students fired several well-aimed groups at distances of 100 to 300 yards. Some of these groups were to establish a proper zero.

Like any good class, Wise made sure all students’ rifles were properly zeroed before covering the rest of the material. There was no shame to students who showed up to class with unzeroed optics, as I did. In fact, zeroing was so important that we also kicked off the second day by confirming zero at 100 yards all over again.

By spending a good portion of the first day covering these marksmanship topics, Wise was able to show his students everything from those aforementioned composite groups and real-world accuracy potential to how ammunition points of impact shifted over distance. As a gun-nerd, I was quite happy when he touched on the concept of “mean-radius” without having to actually use the term or obfuscate his explanation in the middle of a rifle range out in the Texas heat.

Furthermore, he had us shoot careful groups from the prone at both 200 and 300 yards. As a result, we collectively had a chance to intelligently collect “DOPE” (data on previous engagements) in real time for each of our carbines, reticles, and ammo selection without having to fuss over a chronograph and a ballistics-app.

Sure, this quick and dirty method isn’t as refined but it’s suitable for a 300-yard, 3-MOA defensive carbine.

Scope Mounting Protocols

During our “working lunch” on the first day, Wise lectured the class on proper scope mounting protocols and did a live demo. This type of information is invaluable because when it comes to mounting optics, any optic, the devil is always in the details. Glossing over key parts can lead to optics failures or worse—the critical loss of accuracy.

The last part of the first training day actually had some shots taken at closer distances. This showcased the relationship between the LPVO and the shooter closer in, like the important height over bore phenomenon. With this said, CQB-style close-in shooting was beyond the scope (pun intended) of this LPVO course.

Training Day 2

We performed another round of zero confirmation (or re-zeroing for those who needed to) on the morning of the second day. Then, we carried out the Burpee Drill for fun. We then spent the rest of the day shooting from barricades in various positions at the 275-yard line at both 8-inch gongs and C-zone steel that was laid out at varying distances.

A good portion of the second day was also spent on the vital nature of target selection or discrimination. We even paired up to shoot at pass/fail targets towards the end of the day.

One of the lessons driven home during this portion was to prove how invaluable the LPVO’s magnification abilities are for providing positive target identification. In short, one should buy the best optic they can afford because it will generally have more magnification power while also having better quality glass. This is not necessarily for shooting further away but rather for seeing the target better.

This probably applies more to police officers than defensive-minded civilians, but it’s still a good takeaway regardless. After all, one of the safety rules in shooting is “be sure of your target and what lies beyond.”

The Burpee Drill

The Burpee Drill was a voluntary bonus drill that was carried out on the morning of the second day. I wanted to touch on it because it was equal parts fun, neat, agonizing, informative, and challenging.

It’s an easy drill to conduct. Par time is set for five minutes, and the goal of the drill is to have the shooter fire 30 rounds at 100 yards from the prone at an NRA B-8 target and ideally land all 30 rounds inside of the 10-ring.

The only catch is one has to jump up and then sprawl back down into the prone in between shots (thus 30 complete modified burpees with carbine in hand). Even for those who are physically fit, the drill starts to get challenging after the first 15-20 rounds.

Besides the physicality and challenge of the drill itself, its lesson is that accuracy with an LPVO at 100 yards does not degrade as bad as people expect even with an elevated heart rate and while trying to beat the pressure of the clock.

It’s fun and worth trying once. But forget the 10-ring. Even landing all 30 rounds inside the 8-ring would be a worthy achievement.

(To be continued in Part 2)

DRESSING UP VS. DRESSING WELL: The Difference Between Wearing a Costume & an Intentional Wardrobe

By

The Suited Shootist

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June 10, 2024

People think that “dressing well” and “dressing up” are the same thing. Because of this, many think that the mere fact they’re wearing a tie or collared shirt is sufficient. The truth is that it looks like very little care or effort was put forward. However, when you are intentional about your wardrobe choices, it makes a statement.

Being Intentional About Your Wardrobe

It can be a very in-depth topic, and there are numerous books written on the subject. My goal with this video is for it to serve as a primer, highlighting the distinction between the two concepts.

Dressing Up has two common implications. We dress up for special occasions (like weddings, graduations, etc.) or for Halloween—masquerading as someone we’re not.

All too often, people look like they’re wearing costumes or at least look out of place. This is specifically because they’re so unfamiliar with how to dress correctly that their wardrobe exudes this.

However, the well-dressed individual can look presentable almost regardless of what they’re wearing because they understand the underlying principles and can apply them to a wide range of situations.

At its core, being well-dressed is as simple as having your clothing fit in a flattering manner. The colors jive with your complexion, and you are in control of the message that the image portrays.

Simple things like switching from graphic tees to solids, baggy clothes to ones that fit closer to the body, avoiding jarring color contrasts, and wearing appropriate footwear and accessories can have a huge impact.

The First Kydex Holster – Older Than You Think

By

Travis Pike

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June 9, 2024

Kydex, Bolatron, and other thermoplastics rule the holster market. The idea seems kind of new. By new, I mean it really took over in the last twenty years or so. It seems like one of those GWOT inventions from which we all benefitted. In reality, it dates all the way back to 1972. It was 1972 when FBI Agent Bill Rogers created the first Kydex holster. The story of Kydex holsters and their rise to dominance is interesting and proves that certain attitudes never change.

The First Kydex Holster

Bill Rogers found himself in a wrestling match with a bad guy. In this melee, his gun escaped his Hank Sloan holster and bounced off a wall before it finally came to rest on the ground. The Hank Sloan holster is another interesting story. The FBI adopted the Hank Sloan holster for their S&W Model 10 revolvers. Hank Sloan was an FBI agent who served from 1935 to 1971.

Hank’s rig was an all-leather design with an open-top holster. It was a gun bucket, which was more or less standard for the time. Bill Rogers wanted to create a more modern holster, and he had a history of working with fiberglass and started there. That didn’t pan out due to the fragility of the material.

He then turned to a material known as Noryl. Noryl worked but had a very high forming temperature, so it was difficult to mold. This new material called Kydex sprung into the world and was first used in the interior of aircraft. The material was tough, chemical resistant, and, best of all, had a forming point of 350 degrees. Mr. Rogers formed the first Kydex holster in 1972 and had an almost instant buyer.

The FBI and Kydex

An armorer working at the FBI liked the holster and experimented with one for a bit and came to Bill and offered to purchase 400 of them—but there was a catch. The hard internal thermoplastic ate the finish off of the Model 10s, and the FBI couldn’t have that. How do we fix that? How about gluing leather to the panel prior to forming it over the gun?

Well, it’s an idea, but the 350 degrees needed to mold the holster melted the glue, and it just didn’t work. It was a bit of fate that Rogers would work a case regarding interstate property theft that involved a trucking company in some way. While investigating, he witnessed the shop recap tires and asked how it worked.

He learned that a mix of nitrile with some other chemicals created a heat-resistant adhesive. He began using this adhesive to secure shoulder leather inside the holster but found out that it didn’t work well. Experimentation resulted in learning that belly leather wasn’t only cheaper but more pliable and worked better with heat because it moved as the holster molded to the gun.

Rogers solved the problem, and the FBI kept their word and ordered 400 of the original Rogers Holsters. Bill Rogers filed for a patent in 1972 and received the patent in 1975.

Familiar Attitudes

The original holsters were sold to the FBI, but they weren’t that popular elsewhere at first. People didn’t want a plastic holster, and like the M16, it was compared to something made by Mattel. It’s a similar attitude we’ve seen over and over again with the gun industry. The resistance to kydex holster is no different than the initial resistance to semi-auto handguns, polymer frame pistols, the M16, and intermediate calibers.

That didn’t stop Rogers Holsters. The company moved to layering leather on the outside of the holster. This created a kydex rig that was completely covered with leather. It looked like a leather holster but still had the benefits of kydex. This includes better retention, a faster draw, and greater durability.

Other companies tried to create similar designs, and holsters with metal cores would bend under pressure and often lock the gun in the holster. Kydex’s little give and flexibility prevented it from permanently bending and breaking as easily as other options.

This led to Rogers working with the SEAL teams. In fact, he and a SEAL worked together to develop a waterproof holster. Testing involved open-water swimming in the ocean, and Roger’s holsters succeeded and were adopted. Major police forces purchased his holsters across the world.

Rogers Today

Years later, Rogers designed a holster for Safariland, the Model 070, and eventually, Safariland purchased Rogers Holster Company. Bill Rogers still develops new products, trains new shooters, and is a force for the betterment of defensive handgun use.

Gunday Brunch 149: It’s a Bug, not a Feature

By

Keith Finch

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June 9, 2024

The boys are back and they’re talking about things that people think are features but are actually bugs.

WHY I DISLIKE THE CLIPDRAW: Pros & Cons of Holsterless Carry

By

The Suited Shootist

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June 8, 2024

Some folks noticed the Clipdraw on my P32 and asked my thoughts on it. Honestly, I’m not a fan. There are a ton of drawbacks to holsterless carry.

Even setting aside the potential concern that comes from an uncovered trigger (which is less of an issue on DA guns), my biggest issue is with the ride height.

Combine that with the insufficient standoff from the beltline, and you can’t get the type of deep concealment draw that Rhett talks about in his video.

The Wyatt Deep Cover S&W 637

By

Travis Pike

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June 8, 2024

H5403-L371354544_original — Centurion Auctions

Smith & Wesson has a rich history of producing beloved revolvers. Their semi-custom guns from the Performance Center are highly sought after, and many companies use S&W revolvers as their base. S&W also collaborates with select shops to create unique semi-custom designs, such as the new UC series. However, if we delve into the past, we discover the Wyatt Deep Cover S&W J-Frame revolvers, a decade-old gem with its own distinct features.

I only recently discovered these guns when I attended a local auction, and one hit the block. While I wasn’t personally interested in the gun, I wrote the name down out of curiosity. I like somewhat obscure limited lines of guns and would forget it by the end of the day. I found a fascinating story in researching the Wyatt Deep Cover line of S&W J-frames.

What’s a Wyatt Deep Cover 637

The Wyatt Deep Cover J-Frames were semi-custom guns produced with a partnership between Richard Wyatt and S&W. Richard Wyatt told S&W he could take one of their J-frames and modify it in under half an hour to create a super smooth and slick double action trigger. S&W invited him to their business to do just that, and sure enough, he could. In less than half an hour, he conducted a trigger job on an S&W 637 that resulted in a trigger reportedly better than the Performance Center Triggers. It reduced the pull weight from 15 pounds to 11 pounds.

S&W purchased Mr. Wyatt’s idea and created a line of Wyatt Deep Cover Revolvers. These guns were quite a hit. They offered a silky double-action trigger without costing much more than a standard 637. Manufacturing the gun only added a half hour, so it was a win for both S&W and the customer.

Outside of the trigger work, the guns also wore Desantis Clip Grips. These are hard plastic grips with a clip built in to allow you to carry the gun in your waistband sans holster. It’s not my method of carry, but with a trigger guard device it could be perfectly safe. This line of Wyatt Deep Cover guns seemed to be quite small, and I doubt many folks outside of S&W collectors have ever heard of them. I’m curious if S&W still uses the technique Wyatt taught them in any of its guns.

Wyatt, Gunsmoke, and the Discovery Channel

One of the most striking features of the gun on the auction block was the Gunsmoke logo emblazoned across the barrel. Gunsmoke, a name synonymous with the classic Western television show, was also the name of a gun store owned by Richard Wyatt. While his name may not ring a bell, Richard Wyatt and his family were no strangers to the limelight. They had a show on the Discovery Channel called American Guns, which I remember watching during its run.

I probably watched more than a couple of episodes during its run, and it was a contemporary of Sons of Guns. I can’t recall much about the show, but after doing a little research, I can easily see why neither series lasted long. Will Hayden and Richard Wyatt were both convicted of felonies, albeit Rich’s was way less heinous than Will’s.

Richard Wyatt lost his Federal Firearms License in 2012 for numerous infractions. It seems like he was making deals and sales outside of his shop or a regularly recognized gun show. From what I understand, FFL holders can only conduct business at their shop or at an established gun show.

That was right in the middle of the American Guns show run. Rich couldn’t sell guns anymore, but, not wanting to lose his show, he pulled a sneaky. Folks would come into his gun store and browse but were directed to another FFL holder to complete their purchase. Rich wasn’t a fan of paying taxes.

It turns out that when you run a show about selling guns, you should probably have an FFL. If you’re going to break federal firearm laws, you should probably pay your taxes. I live by the advice of only breaking one law at a time.

The Fate of the Wyatt Deep Cover Specials

These guns still pop up here and there. Prices vary, and they aren’t considered highly collectible but are admittedly rare. You’ll probably spend more than a J-Frame, but not much more. The Wyatt Deep Cover guns are neat little pieces of history. Understandably, S&W didn’t seem to want to keep them around after Wyatt was sentenced to six years in prison.