Ballistic comes to us with some long range shooting tips.
Today’s tip is simple. Muzzle velocity is important. Getting an accurate reading from the rifle you are using will always give you the best results. Use a chronograph and get a good average.
The Top 6 80 Percent Receivers
With all the talk around 3-d printed guns, I’ve seen an increased interest in building your own guns. Not just assembling, but building a firearm off the books. The increased interest seems to be largely built around not skirting laws, but almost as a political statement. A declaration that you can’t stop the signal. With a renewed interest in this type of build, I wanted to put a quick list together of all the guns you can build from 80 percent receivers. 3-D printing guns is cool, but they aren’t great or effective guns. 3D printers are expensive and the average Joe is going to be printed 1911s. 80 percent receivers are the more realistic route when it comes to building guns. There are more options than you’d expect.
1 The AR 15 and AR 10 series
When it comes to 80 percent lowers the number 1 name in the game is the AR 15. In all fairness in the firearms world the AR 15 kind of rules everything. The AR 15 and AR 10 series, in general, are extremely popular and when it comes to 80 percent receivers the AR 15 series is one of the easiest to jump in. 80% guns require 80 lower jigs, and the AR 15 series gives you tons of options for jigs and tooling. From a simple drill press jig to the almighty 5D tactical jig.
The AR 15 series, of course, allows you to easily build pistols and rifles and because of the selection out there, you also have a multitude of calibers. 5.56, 9mm, 300 Blackout and many more. An AR series weapon can be whatever you want it to be. The 80 percent lowers out there are plenty representative of the market with forged, billet, and even polymer receivers out there.
2 The AK Series
The second most popular rifle in the United States is, of course, the AK series. The AK 80 percent receivers are fairly common and their simplicity makes them pretty easy to complete. Building an AK is a bit more difficult than simply assembling an AR 15.
Not as many options exist for building AKs and it has become the more expensive route compared to the AR, but if you want to feel like a Kyber pass gunsmith then the AK is the way to go.
3 The Glock
I think its fair to say the Glock is the AR 15 of pistols. Everyone owns one, and the options for customization are truly astonishing. It’s not a big surprise someone made a polymer frame that’s completely off the books and unserialized. The Polymer 80 series are popular for a reason. These guns are actually very easy to finish and the polymer nature makes them easy to dremel and finish. The frame just so happens to include an awesome jig. This is a great beginner’s pistol build.
4 The 1911
The venerable 1911, just the mere mention has people in the crowd yelling, “Two world wars!” The gun itself has been around since 1911, not a big surprise. The gun is the 45 ACP killing machine designed by our Lord and savior John Moses Browning. The 1911 was a gun designed to be built mostly by hand and fitted so being able to build one isn’t that big of a surprise. Complete 1911 build kits are widely available and you can assemble government and commander size 1911s in 45 ACP and 9mm without much challenge. This is another gun with a massive aftermarket.
You can really customize each and every piece that goes into the gun. The barrel, the magazine, the sights, hammer, beavertail, and more. I mean seriously down to the grip screws you can finish and then build the 1911 of your dreams. The metal frame makes these a little trickier to mill, and you’ll need some more professional grade tools to finish the job. Building a 1911 is a labor of love.
5 Ruger 10/22
Is this America’s favorite rifle? I mean the AR 15, in general, has outsold the gun, but I’d bet the Ruger 10/22 has outsold any one company’s AR 15. The rifle is reliable, accurate, affordable and easy to use. I was honestly surprised Ruger 10/22 80 percent receivers exist, but it makes sense. You can buy nearly every part of a Ruger 10/22 without having Ruger stamped on it. The aftermarket is massive and Ruger 10/22s are used for nearly everything from precision shooting to popping squirrels.
The Ruger 10/22 is a simple gun, and its far from temperamental. It doesn’t take much to assemble one and you can do it at home. The 80% option allows you to start from scratch and build whatever you want whenever you want.
6 Sten Guns
Yep, a Sten gun. Did I save the best for last? I like to think so. The Sten gun was a gun made to be a cheap gat to beat back the Nazi menace. These guns are a little more than a tube, some springs, and a bolt. It worked though, and the gun is cheap, easy to build and Sten gun kits are an actual thing.
The 80 percent receivers are very cheap and finishing one is very simple. If you ever wanted to feel like a partisan a Sten gun is the way to go. It does take some more complicated tools. Grab a receiver from Indianapolis Ordinance and sit back and take a ride back to WW2. You can build Sten rifles or pistols, and it’s relatively affordable. You will have to convert a bolt to semi-auto only and to work as a closed bolt, do a bit of welding, and ultimately darken your home and enjoy some Newcastle as you do it.
80 Percent Receivers
Building guns have always been an American past time and it’s not a difficult task. The ability to build, customize, and make your own guns is also an American tradition and way back when our forefathers did it to fight the British. The tradition continues, and if you enjoy building unserialized, untraceable guns then 80 percent receivers are for you.
Robinson Armament XCR-M In a Nutshell
As I mentioned in a previous article I had never heard of Robinson Armament before this year. After a little research I am glad I finally got my hands on one. The Robinson Armament XCR was developed in 2006 to meet the requirements of The United States Special Operations Command SCAR Contract. At the time SOCOM wanted a family of Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifles, the so-called SCAR, designed around two different calibers but featuring high commonality of parts and identical ergonomics. The winner of that contract went on to be commonly know as the SCAR.
The XCR is a completely original design. Robinson Armament borrowed ideas from the best rifles and improved on them. The action is a lot like an AK, easy to operate and a very reliable gas piston system. The grip and feed system are very much like the AR-15. If you are used to running an AR-15 or one of its variants magazine changes will be intuitive. Add the quick change barrel and you can have a reliable rifle in a plethora of calibers that seems to conform to you. Speaking of barrels, Robinson armament fired a full power round through a barrel which was obstructed with several squib loads and came out smiling. It can even shoot while full of water.
Take down is performed by the push of a small button on the upper portion of the receiver. Upon disassembly the first thing you will notice is a very robust three lug bolt and ejector. The barrels are chrome lined and easily swapped out with the turn of just one screw.
I have AR-15’s, bolt guns and AK-47’s, knowing this my wife asks why I need another rifle. In her mind the XCR can fill the roles of most of my other guns. She is right. If I could only have one gun the XCR-M would be at the top of my list. It is portable and accurate. It is chambered calibers capable of penetrating light masonry, wood, and level 3 body armor. It can be used for hunting, survival, and excels in the designated marksman rifle category which is the role I chose for my XCR.
The XCR-M is very popular in Canada where it is unrestricted unlike the AR-15. Canadian residents can own and enjoy shooting their XCR’s just like us Americans. The 3-Gun crowd is giving the XCR glowing reviews in reliability. They are saying the XCR is more reliable than the AR-15 platforms being used. My XCR-M will be put to the test in the Precision Rifle Series next year and should yield some pretty impressive results.
Recent tests at the range proved Robinson Armaments quality and accuracy have only gotten better as the company aged and grew. My best shot groups in .308 win were 5/8moa using factory loaded Lapua Scenar 155gr HPBT. That’s pretty impressive for any gun let alone a semi-auto gas gun. For more information about the range testing see the article titled “Robinson Armament XCR-M: Zeroed In“.
The Robinson Arms XCR-M weighs between 9 and 10 pounds. That is average for most battle rifles. Take a close look at one and you will see why its in that 9 to 10lb category. The main body of the XCR is one piece aluminium monolithic rail and receiver. The stock is adjustable and fold-able made from aluminum. With a quick turn of the adjustment screw the stock stays in position with no play. The XCR comes standard with flip up sights. I chose to mount a scope on mine as I want expect it to hit targets consistently out to 800m.
I put the XCR-M up side by side with the FN SCAR 17. Both rifles are chambered in .308win. Coincidentally the FN was the winner of the SOCOM contract. It is lighter than the XCR, has many of the same features, but to me the XCR-M feels more solid. FN used a lot of polymer to keep weight down which I think makes it feel a little cheaper. One of the greatest features of the XCR is its ability to change calibers easily, unlike the FN. The Robinson Armament XCR-M out shot the SCAR on the 100 and 200yd ranges.
One thing I would like to see improved on the XCR is their options for triggers. 
The standard trigger works and feels great, however in the marksman role I would like to see a lighter, crisper feel to it. Standard AR-15 triggers do not fit the XCR so the only options are to have a gunsmith modify it or send the gun back to Robinson Armament for an upgrade.
Don’t expect to walk into your local gun shop and put your hands on one. A quick look on their website shows only 21 dealers in the United States. The closet one to me is a 3 1/2 hour drive each way. The best way to experience Robinson Armament is through their website. Robinson Armament makes customizing and purchasing their firearms easy. They make sure yours does not look like every other gun at the range. The process is just like ordering a car online. You pick the color, barrel length, profile and caliber. They also let you pick your muzzle brake, gas system, and whether you want M-LOK or Key Mod for your forearm. Once all of your options have been selected the production process begins.
Robinson Armament may be the newer kid on the block but they are quickly making a name for themselves. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of their pistols. Now I just have to decide if I want it in 5.56 or .308. They say XCR stands for “eXchangeable Caliber Rifle” After shooting my XCR-M I say it stands for “eXtremely Capable Rifle”.
This Old Gun – The Model 81
Pop Quiz, what was the first successful semi-automatic rifle for the civilian market? The correct answer is the oft-forgotten Model 8 by Remington. Designed by our Lord and Savior John Moses Browning the Model 8 was a magazine fed, semi-automatic rifle that carved its own way into American history. The Model 8 later evolved into the Model 81 Woodmaster. The Woodmaster made numerous improvements over the Model 8 and was introduced in a couple of new calibers. The Model 81 Woodmaster was a rifle I was able to recently pick up quite cheaply and has fascinated me since I purchased it.
The Bubba
Okay, half you are furious at me and the other half are wondering why is it camo? Both are valid. Unfortunately, the gentlemen who owned it before me Hydro Dipped the wood and spray painted the rest of the rifle black. I intend to remove this as time goes by and when I have the time to take my time to preserve the wood and metal as best I can.
The Legacy Of the Model 8
The Model 8 really deserves a place in the rifle Hall of Fame. Right beside the M1 Garand and the Winchester 1894. Unfortunately, it seems to lack the same amount of fame those rifles achieved. The Model 8 and later Model 81 was advertised heavily by Remington as hunting rifles. They promised 5 rounds of rapid fire to quickly put down big and dangerous game.
One advertisement read “… 5 shots discharged in one second. That’s American action.”
Legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer apparently loved the rifle. He owned a variety of them and his favorite was a customized model in 35 Remington that fed from a special high capacity magazine. Reports state the magazine is either 20 or 15 rounds. This model was customized with a removable magazine so its possible he had a 15 and a 20 round magazine. Frank Hamer reportedly used a Model 8 when he and his posse killed Bonnie and Clyde.
These removable magazines were often offered by gunsmiths and were a Special Police factory option. A number of companies produced these conversions and you can still find advertisements for these conversions here and there. Rifles converted to a removable magazine platform are quite popular and widely available.
Inside the Remington Model 81
The Remington Model 81 was designed to add a few improvements to the Model 8. This included a more robust stock and forend, as well as the addition of a pistol grip versus a straight stock.
The Remington Model 81 is still the same rifle internally as the Model 8, it is a semi-automatic rifle with an internal 5 round magazine. The gun works off of a long recoil-operated system with a rotating bolt head. When you fire the gun the bolt, bolt carrier and barrel actually recoil together. The barrel and bolt move together against two springs. The springs then force the barrel forward, which unlocks the bolt and barrel. Once the barrel and bolt separate the bolt ejects the fired round and picks up the next round and chambers it. It’s pretty simple and very robust.
Remember the design came to be from the Model 8, which was invented in 1905. No gas is used to regulate the system, and the design is similar in nature to the M2’s short recoil operation. This is a very reliable system when used correctly.
She’s a Beaut
My gun is well into its seventies and round after round, it goes bang. The Model 8 and Model 81 even feature a last round bolt hold open. A pretty nifty feature for a gun designed in 1905. Since the magazine is fixed you load through the top of the action. Round after round, and it’s easy to do so. The right side charging handle is nice and large and does require a bit of force to rip rearward.
By now you’ve seen the safety, and I’m sure you recognize it. It’s very AK like in nature and functions identically to an AK safety. It’s easy to use, but obviously a little slow and far from modern. I love the fact a somewhat obscure American rifle had an influence on the AK series of rifles.
You can also easily remove the barrel and barrel shroud form the gun, but I won’t call it a take-down design. You have to remove the wooden fore end and then unscrew the barrel from the receiver. For transport this is neat, but it’s not practical if you ever needed the gun in a hurry.
Shooting the Remington Model 81
The Remington Model 81 is a heavy gun for what it is. At 8 pounds without an optic, and only a five round magazine the gun feels heavier than it should be. It is made of real steel, so like a classic car its a tank.
That weight does help with recoil control but I imagine the recoil is slightly increased due to the rearward force of the barrel and bolt. The sights on the rifle are dinky open sights mounted on the barrel shroud. They are very small, but would likely be fast for close quarters and brush hunting.
Redfield made a peep sight you could mount on the rear of the receiver, but these are rare and expensive these days. Mounting a scope was possible, but difficult. It has to be offset mounted on the left side of the receiver due to receiver design. It’s an accurate gun though. At 100 yards I can make respective groups with those little iron sights.
My best groups averaged around 3 inches with high quality 300 Savage ammo. That’s no optic, no bipod or rest. Just me, open sights, the prone position, and good ammo.
It’s a fun gun to shoot and something entirely different. Most full powered semi-auto guns are tactical in nature. The Remington Model 81 is far from tactical, and the combination of steel and wood and a semi-auto action just screams classic. It really is like driving a classic muscle car. Without a doubt, a modern car is faster and more efficient, but there is just something about driving a classic piece of American steel that makes it appealing.
FN SCAR 16 MOD1 Technical Data Package
In 2009 the FN SCAR entered service and joined the ranks as a U.S. service rifle platform, first deployed with 75th Ranger Regiment of the United States Army.
After 5 years in development and testing, winning the US SOCOM solicitation, it was put into service and sent to war.
Nine years later the SCAR is in use by 20 nations in various configurations. There is no doubt it is considered one of the preeminent modern carbines developed in the 21st century.
It’s 7.62x51mm ‘H’ Model, the Mk. 17 in U.S. service, has been of particular note due to its lightweight, accurate, reliable, and robust construction delivering a combat rifle of exceptional firepower in a weight most can only field a 5.56mm.
The FN SCAR has seen success worldwide but technology advances at a breakneck pace even in the firearms world.
While the core tech surrounding modern centerfire rifles hasn’t leapt forward, the steady evolution and refinement of the designs and the recent explosion of advances in supporting tech (optics, lights, lasers, etc.) has.
During this advancement the SCAR’s technical data package remained very early 2000’s. The stock SCAR 16’s and 17’s are as they have always been.
With AR-15’s being the popular everyman’s rifle that they are technology had focused very heavily on them. I love the AR-15, I own six at this point, it is and will be a mainstay defensive rifle for decades to come.
But I believe the SCAR is the superior platform. Data from the DoD supports this conclusion, most telling in my opinion from the USMC’s IAR trials.
As such I set out to retrofit a SCAR 16 as a modernized technical data package.
I launched the SCAR MOD1 Project.
I set out to make a rifle designed for SOCOM’s early 2000’s requirement list keep up with the decade of advancement. Keeping the SCAR a premier 5.56 carbine.
Old parts needed to be updated. Newly developed parts needed to be added to conform to changes in supporting gear used and tactics.
The conversation I had with FN illustrated their interest. However ultimately they understood the rapid prototyping and development by smaller after market sources outpaced them, plus SOCOM and their other purchasers were buying the TDP’s as they were being produced.
It was resource inefficient to develop a theoretical update on a system their large buyers take as is. It made more sense for the aftermarket to innovate then for FN to tool up and vastly complicate the process of finishing the rifles that are already selling like wildfire.
FN’s people have high praise for their aftermarket partners. They’ve innovated and kept pace with the AR, skipping a great deal of the noise and nonsense that the larger market experienced.
The Hardware
So what items made the cut for MOD1?
The Barrel and Muzzle
The barrel was shortened to an approximate 14.5″ and capped permanently with a new muzzle device for legality. I would, if given the option, just keep it a 1/2×28 thread for end user muzzle device selection however the NFA does not allow me that luxury. I have found 14.5’s are very maneuverable without cutting the SCAR’s barrel length so short that muzzle velocity starts being dropped at a substantial and detrimental rate.
It is still a Title I rifle by BATFE definition, keeping legal life easy. Bonus: In my state it is a handgun (legally) and it is conferred the benefits of being a handgun. I can conceal carry my SCAR MOD1.
The barrel modification was done by Parker Mountain Machine. Jarod and Travis not only properly cut, recrown, and thread the barrel, they also reoptimize the gas system for the altered dwell time for proper cycling.
There is a wait time on the services, as they offer a wide variety, but the work is premier tier and the attention to detail is superb. I couldn’t be happier with the performance of the reworked barrel.
The old Primary Weapons Systems muzzle break was, in my opinion, an inferior choice for a fighting and defensive rifle (good for competition but still a little overkill on a 5.56) I chose a BCM MOD1 Compensator to reduce muzzle flash and direct gas forward during shooting. Better indoors and designed for short barrels.
Any task appropriate muzzle device and a change to the shorter 14.5″ barrel summarize this MOD1 upgrade.
The Handguard
The original handguard system for the SCAR rifles is integral to the receiver. The small side rail sections, the under barrel rail, and the monolithic top rail all end at the front of the receiver. This designs accounts for a factory short barrel that can be dropped into the rifle, quickly torqued into place, and equipment made mission ready.
This design decision didn’t leave much mounting space. Many users, myself included, wanted to push our grip further forward too and our AR’s had allowed this luxury. The stock configuration just wasn’t conducive to these desires.
Parker Mountain Machine had this solution too, or rather several solutions. Replacing the side rails with longer sections of M-LOK and then extending the rail and handguard around the barrel and gas block with their MRE.
This upgrades the mounting space to the smoother, lighter, stronger system NSWC Crane tested variant, M-LOK won the blessing over Keymod. These negative space mounting systems are additionally much more comfortable than their older picatinny predecessor.
Greater ergonomic freedom to the end users and more mounting space for the supporting mission essential equipment. More protection for the hands around the barrel. Everything I felt needed greater utility is served by this series of modifications.
Parker Mountain Machine even sells the whole kit of upgrades in a discounted package.
The Light
This one is simple. No one is making better lights than Surefire at the moment. I picked up an M600DF. With rechargeable 18650 cells and a 1,500 lumen output the light, like the entire Scout line, is durable, reliable, and bright. A serious choice for a deadly serious topic.
Before almost any other item a light is a necessary addition to a fighting/defensive carbine. See it. Blind it. Light it up.
The Optic
The Trijion ECOS, a version of the TA31 ACOG in widespread use across the U.S. Armed Forces. Variants for the Marine Corps, the Army, and USSOCOM exist for various applications. This is a SOCOM variant for the M4 and Para SAW (Both having 14.5″ barrels)
I’ve covered the optic selection process thoroughly here, here, and here. Trijicon’s ACOG is arguably one of the most combat proven and durable optical systems in circulation today. The selection of the ACOG for an all purpose fighting rifle, especially mine, is not a hard conclusion to come to.
The Trigger
A functioning trigger is a must on a rifle. The SCAR’s single stage offering from the factory is a functional, solid, reliable one. Vitriol that spread around the stock SCAR trigger, as is also common with mil-spec AR triggers, is repetition of something someone heard from someone who heard from someone whom that individual assumed knew what they were talking about.
That said this upgraded trigger is a Geissele Super SCAR, a refined 2-Stage combat trigger that is precisely engineered for a trigger pull allowing a shooter to minimize sympathetic movement during trigger press. It improves the inherent accuracy of the weapon system when properly utilized. The Super SCAR reinvents Geissele’s SOCOM approved SSF/SSA triggers.
I prefer Geissele triggers in every platform that can utilize one. This isn’t to indicate the stock triggers are bad, most are good, excellent even. But as an optimized rifle, failing to take advantage of a refined trigger would rob the rifle of capability. This upgrade allows any user, experienced or novice, results closer to the raw undisturbed potential of the SCAR. The shooter can access more of the practical mechanical accuracy of rifle.
The Controls
Smaller upgrades, and less expensive than many, were quicker to implement on the rifle. Adding the BCM foregrip to the handguard and swapping the A2 style pistol grip to the modernized ergonomics of the BCM MOD3 continue the rifle’s style shift. These upgrades ergonomically drift the SCAR to be shot with greater ease. This is especially true in the squared off isosceles stance variations taught in modern courses for shooting.
The A2 pistol grip was from an era where it was still the assumption the rifle would be slow fired from the prone position most often. Our knowledge of the situational reality has evolved since that time in the 1980’s.
Also upgraded was the safety selectors. The stock selector is perfectly serviceable. But even I have to wonder who phoned in the two backgammon disks with legs as the final SCAR selector design. The Magpul selectors bring it back closer to the AR-15 with better texturing for positive engagement both on and off.
The Sling Mounts
If you are carrying a service rifle you should be using a modern 2-Point sling. A single point is passable in certain circumstances on small platforms. A two point is the best option in nearly all situations.
Parker Mountain Machine makes the solution once again. The greatest of which is the rear sling mount. The PMM SCAR Stock QD allows for the best sling placement you can acheive on a rifle. The sling runs from front of the receiver, around your body, and the into the far side of the stock. The rifle maintains full contact with the shooter through the stock and isn’t compromised by sliding nylon. The sling isn’t placed between the shooters body and the rifle unlike many earlier designs. It further minimizes any sort of pressure point creation and allows the shooter to swap shoulders without choking.
The MOD1
This SCAR is a culmination of purpose driven upgrades. A top down technical data package that mitigates discovered weak points and optimizes strengths in the design.
Levi’s Does “Something!”
In the latest corporate effort at political posturing over “gun violence”, a major denim pants manufacturer recently threw their hats and money in with Everytown for Gun Grabbing.
Levi’s, a company that started out by outfitting hardscrabble miners in the gun-filled Old West, announced that it “simply cannot stand by silently” anymore.
Why that statement is both worrisome and amusing is because when large organizations get a case of the impotent “Something’s” – as in “We have to DO Something!” – we need to prepare to be baffled by bullshit. It apparently doesn’t matter if that “Something!” is useful, productive or actually addresses the problem, as long as the organization is seen to be “Doing Something!”. It’s the visibility that’s the important thing, not the viability of the plan or the production of actual results. Levi’s seems to be following that playbook precisely.
According to Levi’s press release, what is supposedly on the agenda are, “…common-sense, measurable steps — like criminal background checks on all gun sales — that will save lives.”
This, after claiming that they aren’t after a repeal of the Second Amendment, or claiming that gun owners are irresponsible. Apparently no one has told Levi’s that all the recent adult mass shooters DID pass background checks, and that other criminals buy their guns on the street illegally, or simply steal them from someone else. More background checks only affect people who buy their firearms through legal channels.
As far as “saving lives” goes, even the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently published research indicating that urban youth criminal activity drives most of the statistics on shootings of young people. Despite all of the breathless headlines about “child deaths from gun violence”, toddlers are NOT dropping like flies in the streets of suburbia, and lawful firearms owners are NOT the ones who are doing the shooting.
Here are two quotes from that recently published research:
“In previous research, it has been identified that male sex, nonwhite race, low median income, and older adolescent age are risk factors for sustaining both fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries; these data, however, are largely driven by firearm assaults in urban settings.”
“Urban 15- to 19-year-olds account for >75% of all pediatric firearm-related hospitalizations, and they average over 5500 hospitalizations each year or ∼15 hospitalizations per day. Specifically, more than two-thirds of these hospitalizations are related to firearm injuries due to assault, and 15- to 19-year-olds in urban areas are hospitalized for firearm assaults at a rate 8 times higher than 15- to 19-year-olds in rural areas.”
It would seem then, that Levi’s sinking their money into programs addressing the social ills that produce youth gangs in places like Chicago might be a better strategy to “save lives” than additional background checks targeting lawful citizens. Chicago is already a “gun free zone” yet regularly experiences appalling levels of “gun violence”
Stringent gun control hasn’t worked out so well for places like Chicago thus far. But we wouldn’t want facts and logic to interfere with Levi’s virtuous “Something!” plan, now would we?
Considering that suicide also drives a huge number of annual “death by firearm” statistics, there are plenty of programs working on suicide prevention that Levi’s could funnel their money to that would NOT involve infringing on the rights of lawful citizens. But that is apparently not what is going to happen.
Levi’s will be establishing something called “The Safer Tomorrow Fund” which will supposedly send money to “non-profits and youth activists”. Despite the lofty yet vague name of the fund, it remains to be seen whether that money will go to combating youth gang activity (where it might actually help), or to funding “activists” like that loudmouth kid from Florida instead. We probably shouldn’t hold our breath on that one.
In the end this is just another politico-publicity stunt by a name brand corporation. It seems the move was motivated less by civic-mindedness than by an attempt at marketing-by-moral-posturing.
The real question is – Do overpriced blue jeans even HAVE a morality? We’d probably have to ask the Asian sweatshops they’re made in.
The Good Idea Fairy Strikes Again: Detroit, MI
Wayne County Commision member Reggie Reg Davis has a proposal to reduce gun violence.
With the macabre background of a local cemetery to generate a properly somber mood, Davis has proposed a superbly asinine method for curbing the violent actions of violent people.
Tax ammo and make the cops sell it. Oh and “Mental Health” background check.
Why is this a terrible idea that would never in the slightest legitimately influence violence rates for the positive in any meaningful way? Let’s count it down.
Mental Health Background Check
This over touted piece of vaguebooking is a fancy way to say you are doing something while actually not. There is HIPA and every other legal right a patient has to have their records be kept private except in the most extenuating circumstance already covered by law.
The only database already in place to accomplish screening on this scale is NICS and its parameters are established. If you are flagged as a prohibited person for a mental reason instead of a criminal one it is a rare occurrence. What new magic parameters are going to take a bite out of violent crime? What new situation are we filtering?
So a vague ‘new’ background check with a new fancy title, similar to New York’s SAFE Act, is supposed to stop criminals already happy to ignore rules, like the fact homicide is illegal.
Brilliant. Thank You Mr. Davis
Ammunition Sold by Law Enforcement
You know what LEO’s have better to do than operate a retail counter for ammo? Everything. They have everything better to do than use tax dollars to sell and stock ammunition.
Does Mr. Davis understand just how many types of ammunition their are? Does he comprehend the colossal task he wants to saddle departments with in addition to all their other duties?
Selling anything requires an inventory and sales system. Since this is a government office and it isn’t a retail store the process will probably take as long or longer than any other government purchase.
Do the officers running the store have to have relevant knowledge and experience to answer questions from customers? Probably not. With the exception of those officers that are into firearms technology they have no basis to answer whether a customer is asking for .17 HMR, Hornet, or Fireball.
Are the officers then liable for making mistakes? Selling wrong ammo. People getting hurt. Do they have to stock all ammunition in order not to show a bias, are they allowed to profit from the sales? This is a logistics nightmare anyone sane in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is shaking their heads at while trying to grasp the depth of the stupidity.
Don’t make cops do retail. Ask all the retail employees how bad this will be.
Raise Taxes on Bullets
This is the money grab. The criminal isn’t buying a 200 rounds pack of 9mm from Walmart, Cabela’s, or Gander Outdoors. But your average firearm consumer is. This move will not impede ammunition acquisition for the criminal element. It can’t, it’s a logistical impossibility.
Starting with the fact you can just leave Wayne County to avoid this brain dead rule and buy from a location with a lukewarm IQ, you can also purchase ammunition online or… steal it! Since this preemptive preventive is supposedly to impede crime, there is a crime that solves that problem.
In reality this is a barely veiled attempt to make buying ammo a pain for the consumer and pocket a few extra dollars for the state. Which will then all be spent by the state on creating an additional logistical nightmare for law enforcement to track by making them into an ammo store.
Mr. Davis you have managed to congeal an impressive pile of terrible ideas veiled by good intentions, I’m not even mad.
Anderson Manufacturing Red Dot Sight… Yes Really.
Anderson Manufacturing has been floating a new red dot sight around.
Anderson Manufacturing?
Yes.
Like “Poverty Pony” Anderson Manufacturing?
That’s the one. The company known for its incredibly affordable selection of AR-15 receivers and lower parts kits has purchased space in the game of rifle optics. Since micro red dots are the current trend setter for general purpose rifles chasing this space does make sense. However, the space is crowded. Sig Sauer, Vortex, and Holosun all have contracted designs with the expected list of features in value optics.
With 50,000 hours of battery life in an IPX sealed housing that will, in theory, keep the rain and mud out this optic is sporting the standard pedigree. Will it last? In my opinion, maybe, it has its place and China has a reputation for electronics at certain price points. The key will be the quality control from the contractor. But I suspect this will work out fine for a plinkster rifle or a .22 clone like a 15-22.
The Streamlight TLR-1 – Robust and Reliable
When it comes to weapon lights, there are two big names in the industry, the Surefire X300, and the Streamlight TLR-1. Today we are going to look at the TLR-1. The Streamlight TLR-1 comes in a wide variety of different lumen models. They range from oh that’s nice to holy hell that’s the light of God! Well, maybe I’m exaggerating (editor note: he’s not). The TLR-1 comes in 300 lumens and 800 lumens. Both have their place and mine is for inside the home, so I went with the 300 Lumen model.
This handgun weapon light mounts to nearly any handgun and Streamlight includes a small set of adapters to fit a variety of different rail systems. The Streamlight TLR-1 is a full-sized light, so it works best on full sized guns. As you can see it’s found its way onto my CZ P09, where it stays for home defense duty.
The Ergonomics and Controls
The Streamlight TLR-1 is a simple design, and it does have three modes and ambidextrous controls. The controls are a rotating switch, so they are slightly different for right and left-handers. The controls are placed perfectly for access with your trigger finger when it’s off the trigger and alongside the frame of the weapon.
The modes are constant on, momentary on, and strobe mode. It’s everything I need in a weapon light. The strobe mode is a little complicated it requires you to double tap the switch into either the momentary or constant on mode. It’s easy with the momentary mode, but tricky with the constant on.
The constant on typically locks the gun into always on. It takes a soft touch to turn the light on without flicking it entirely into the constant on mode. I couldn’t do it under stress.
Attaching and detaching the light is easy, and you don’t have to place your hand in front of the gun to attach the light. That’s a nice touch.
The Streamlight TLR-1 In Use
I’ve owned this light for several years now. It’s been on an extensive variety of firearms. This, of course, includes my CZ P09, your standard AR 15, and even my Mossberg Shockwave. It’s had hundreds if not thousands of rounds downrange. It’s never dimmed, never flickered and never shut off due to recoil or round counts.
The TLR-1 keeps going and its proven to be a reliable and robust choice on a variety of weapons. It runs for over two hours continuously and uses easy to find CR123A batteries. The light weighs only 4.18 ounces and is 3.39 inches long.
The Streamlight TLR-1 is a very robust light, and I don’t notice any forward weight imbalance with a full magazine. With an empty mag you will feel some of that forward weight, but if you are out of ammo, the imbalance is hardly a problem.
The 300 Lumen light is perfect for indoor use. It’s bright enough to fill an entire room with light. The beam is full and does give you a full field of vision, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it lights an entire room up. From wall to wall your have illumination.
Logistics
One of the significant benefits of buying the Streamlight TLR-1 is the logistics of choosing it. Its popularity makes it easy to find holsters that are light-bearing. The TLR-1 can also be fitted with a rifle kit with a pressure switch. This makes it easier to adapt the light to multiple weapons and to carry the light and a handgun in a concealed way. Their popularity is a significant reason to own them. Also, the TLR-1 is an affordable option, and you can find the basic 300-lumen model without strobe for about a hundred bucks if you shop around.
The Streamlight TLR-1 is an all-around excellent weapon light. It’s perfect for home defense, and even duty use. The light is bright, throws a precise beam, and is ergonomic and easy to use. The light’s sturdy and long lasting as well. I give it a hearty thumbs up, and it’s not my first or last Streamlight product.
Sunday Sermon: Finish the Fight, Quickly
The quicker a fight ends the less shot you will get. Every second that a fight remains active is another second the hostile person or persons are sending hot jacketed lead, unforgiving steel, or heavy blunt force trauma at you and others.
It is simple math, the longer the fight lasts the more injured you will become. It is in your extreme best interest and that of anyone you are protecting to end the fight swiftly and decisively. How do you go about that?
Speed
First. When it is time to use force, use effective force. The last post talks about how quickly to get violent if called for.
Short answer: Very damn quick.
Once that determination is made do everything in your power to deliver overwhelming debilitating force to the threat. Make them unable to fight NOW.
Effectiveness
Simply put, in a gunfight deal multiple (as necessary) center mass and central nervous system impacts. Damage the body until it voluntarily or involuntarily gives up. Involuntary is more secure but either one is a decisive win in your corner, and physically speaking if they aren’t fighting they are by legal definition not a threat right now.
So prepare to live. Prepare to end a fight quickly. Mentally steel yourself to the decisions that will end the fight in your favor and do so at minimum risk to yourself and others. Time is your greatest risk exposure.
If you’re unsure of how to effectively disable someone in a fight you suspect you could be put into, then my friends you’ve identified a course or series of course that you need to take. Wounding science is a very real thing that better prepares you for both causing and treating wounds.
Cause them to the bad guys, treat your own and those around you, treat a bad guys last and ONLY if safe to do so. They matter dead last is any situation in which you needed to flip on that violence switch.
The Mythic German AR: The H&K 416
Mike over running GarandThumb takes on a topic that many many folks have some questions on.
What makes the H&K 416 the H&K416? What makes this classically German over engineered variant of the AR-15 the legend it is?
Data set after data set see two weapons consistently out perform the modern layout. Both are US Service rifles within USSOCOM. The SCAR and the 416 compete incredibly favorably in accuracy, reliability, and high praise end user feedback. What sets the rifle apart?
The SCAR and the 416 have top marks on their failure rates and accuracy. The meet standards that no other firearms have been held to in official trials. What details make the guns run?
GT highlights the highs and lows of running the H&K 416. He compares this against the other popular SBR platfrom, the Mk 18 (and clones). This is the German gun in the raw.
Going to the Belt – The Bravo Concealment AR Mag Pouch
I’m not sure when the big switch from carrying gear on a vest rig went to carrying gear on a belt but I’d like to say I was a cool guy when it happened. By cool guy I mean active duty Marine Infantryman. I think it had a lot to do with the advent of smaller and lighter plate carriers with less room to mount gear. In 2009 I was in Afghanistan and witnessed a massive change in my squad. Guys were dropping gear from their plate carrier to a variety of belts. We did nothing but foot patrol so a Marine’s width wasn’t the issue. As time moved on belt rigs became the norm and so did belt ready gear. Almost ten years later we have gear like the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch.
The Modern Difference
The Braco Concealment AR mag pouch is made almost entirely from Kydex, if it’s not kydex its metal. As mentioned above this is a belt mounted mag pouch and you have to order it specific to your hand orientation. The magazines are canted slightly forward for a quick and easy draw with your weak hand.
The design is an opt top and the retention is based around friction. With the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch, you can adjust the tension via a single screw. This is great because you can adjust it for the slight differences most magazines will have. With so many companies making so many different, magazines this adjustment is a great feature to have.
In my experience, these magazines have zero issues accommodating the following magazines.
- Magpul P-Mags
- Lancer Hybrids
- Mission First Tactical
- Hexmags
- USGI Style aluminum magazines
I have yet to find any that didn’t fit the magazine pouches, but with so many different AR 15 magazines out there, its likely one doesn’t fit. I can’t say every AR 15 magazine will function with the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch. The most important magazines for me work, so I’m good.
The Bravo Concealment AR Mag Pouch in Action
I was a machine gunner so rapid reloads of a rifle weren’t that necessary of a skill to me, but we did them enough where I know my baseline. These are so much faster than a traditional flapped mag pouch mounted on a carrier. The belt area is just much easier to reach, especially when you are keeping a rifle aimed downrange.
Grip, rip and reload is all it takes. The cant of the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch is perfect and makes it intuitive and quick to get your mag to your gun. The magazine pouch features a slight curve, very slight, that pushes the magazine away from the body. This makes it easy to get your hands around the magazine when pulling for a reload.
I took out my shorty, cobbled together 80 lower AR 15 with two Bravo mag Pouches and just ripped and rolled for 15 minutes a day. This was to build both skill and speed, as well as review the mag pouches. I love that they don’t move when I rip the magazine out of the pouch. It lets them with the perfect amount of pull. At the same time it doesn’t let the mag just fall out when you are running, moving, and reloading the magazines stay put.
System Integration
If you are looking for just an extra magazine pouch or two then you are good with just these pouches. A combat load of 7 30 round magazines is a bit rougher. However, the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch is still well suited for a combat load setup.
I see this being a great option for a speed reload under fire. Keep it on your hip and with its open top design, you’ll have a magazine ready for easy access. If you empty under fire you’ll have a quick means to reload and keep rocking and rolling.
Plus, if you remove your gear for something like a meeting with the village elder you’ll still have a mag pouch on hand in case you have to move to aggressive negotiations.
The pouch is rock solid and well made. I’ve done it over and over and the retention doesn’t loosen and neither has the belt clips. It’s a simple design, but damn does it work. If you are looking for a belt mounted rifle pouch I’d suggest the Bravo Concealment AR mag pouch with complete confidence.
Weapon Retention Fail: Robber Loses His Pew
It worked out for the staff but it the gem is really for us of the internet. The video showcases the robber drawing and then immediately relinquishing control on his weapon.
It flies from his hand like he had prepped for this particular heist by buttering his hands with popcorn butter.
Pro Tip: No butter, also no robberies.
Robinson Armament XCR-M Part 2: Zeroed In.
I have had a little time to play with my Robinson Armament XCR-M. So far I am impressed. I love the ergonomics. No matter if you’re a righty or a lefty all administrative functions can be performed quickly with little to no effort. The gun is built solidly, looks great, but the true test of a rifle is not how awesome it looks but how well it groups shots at varying distances.
XCR-M Break In Procedure
Depending on who you talk to, using the proper break in procedure will greatly increase the accuracy of your firearm. There is a little controversy about the “proper” break in procedure one should use.
Basically it comes down to how you want to use your gun. My plan for the Robinson Armament XCR-M is to make accurate shots at various distances without needing to constantly clean it between shots. I need it to maintain optimum accuracy for 175 to 200 rounds. For this type of shooting the Cu Equilibrium or Copper equilibrium procedure makes the most sense.
Copper Equilibrium
To achieve Cu equilibrium you fire single shots with a cleaning between each shot for the first five rounds. When I say clean I mean only removing the carbon. I do not use a copper solvent during this procedure. We repeat but only cleaning after every 5 shots. I do that 6 times. Now we bump it to 10 shots between cleaning for 8 repetitions. Finally cleaning after 15 shots for 3 repetitions.
As the copper builds up the shot groups get tighter. you will notice the group size and bullet speed stabilize. This is called the sweet spot and the best time to find what ammunition your gun likes best.
Robinson Armament has their own break in procedures for the XCR-M. The manual says to open the gas system up and fire 40 rounds down range. Not wanting to use my expensive test ammo for the first part of the break in I bought two boxes of Armscor 308 to send down range.
Timeline
Day 1 consisted of firing 40 rounds with the gas system opened up. I followed the Cu equilibrium procedure perfectly. I did not use a target as I was not worried about group size. A milk jug at the bottom of the berm sufficed. The XCR-M handled the Armscor very well. Recoil was very manageable even with the gas system opened up.
Day 2 I concentrated on dialing in the gun, optic, and ammo to get the best groups. I was not quite half way through the Cu equilibrium procedure but decided to use my test ammo anyway. I figured if I got good groups now, they would get even better once I arrived at the sweet spot.
The plan for testing started with open sights, then through my scope at 25 yards to make sure everything was working properly before hitting the 100 and 200 yard ranges. Next I wanted to shoot several brands of ammo to see what worked the best. The final test was to shoot a group, remove the barrel, re-install the barrel and re-shoot the group.
The Robinson Armament XCR-M is a modular rifle with the ability to quickly perform caliber changes. I have had rifles in the past (LMT) with this capability and was wondering if the XCR-M would perform as well in this test. Robinson Armament says I should expect the group to move about 1″ right or left after reinstalling the barrel.
Ammo Testing
I picked up several brands for my testing ammunition because I wanted to see how the rifle would function with a wide variety of rounds. My selection included Remington 168gr Matchking BTHP, Armscor, Hornady Black 168gr A-MAX, Lapua Scenar 155gr HPBT, and some military surplus all chambered in .308 win. I had watched several older reviews and was expecting accuracy to be about 1 minute of angle (moa).
Day 2 was a perfect day for testing ammo, it was cloudy, cooler, very little wind, and very few people at the range. I set up on the 100 yard range,used a bi-pod, and sandbags to stabilize the rifle. My best groups of the day were with the Lapua 155gr. Not surprising as Lapua brand ammunition is a known precision performer, with a price to match. In my circle of friends very few would be willing to pay $75 to $90 a box for 308 Win. After seeing the results I am definitely considering this round for competition.
The Lapua loads were averaging 5/8 moa. This impressed, since I expected maybe 3/4 moa at best. I know its match grade ammunition but this in not a bolt gun, it is not a GA Precision or a Seekins Precision Rifle; It is a Robinson Armament XCR-M gas piston gun. It was not just a one group fluke either. I shot 6 groups that consistently averaged 5/8 moa out of an 18.6″ Heavy profile barrel with the Lapua 155gr BTHP ammunition.
Ammo Performance
The Hornady, Remington and Armscor performance did not disappoint either. Remington and Hornady both averaged 3/4 moa. Armscor came in 4th with an average of 1 moa. I did not get any group data on the surplus ammo as I had some feeding and extraction issues. I thought it might need to oil the gun a bit, but before I did that I fired some more of the Armscor through it with no feeding issues.
Robinson Armament says I should have no issues cycling steel or surplus ammo once the rifle is completely broken in. I am not worried as I don’t plan on shooting anything but match grade ammunition.
Holding Zero
The next test I wanted to perform was to see how well the gun held its zero after removing and reinstalling the barrel. Robinson Armament says their rifles will maintain accuracy within 1 moa. It took a little effort to remove the barrel the first time as the screw was pretty tight. Once the Allen screw was loosened enough the barrel and gas system slides right out. I slid the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel in its place and torqued the Allen screw to the required specifications.
The Hornady Match 6.5 Creedmoor gave me even better groups than the Lapua in .308win. I averaged 3/8 moa with the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr ELD Match. I only brought one box of ammunition as my main focus was on accuracy of the 308. Next I rapid fired 10 rounds as quickly as I could making sure I saw the cross-hairs on my target between each trigger pull. My rapid fire group opened up to 1.25moa. Not bad for rapid fire shots.
With barrels swapped again, I shot two groups of Hornady Black 308 to test group shift. Robinson Armament nailed it when they said 1 moa. My groups were exactly 1moa to the left.
End of Day
I capped the day off by taking one shot at a 6″ steel target at 200yds. That sweet sound of ringing steel and a quick glace through the spotting scope confirmed that this is my new favorite gun. Dead center hit told me its time to put the gun away. You should always end a shooting session with a positive experience.
The Robinson Armament XCR-M exceeded all of my expectations on the range. Older reviews had me curious about its capabilities but just like wine gets better with age so does Robinson Armament.
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad. -Christina Rossetti
17 Years ago at 8:46 am this nation suffered the worst surprise attack in its history. This attack did not come from a nation state with a standing army. It was not an invasion.
It was a message… a message from a small violent group who were told by their leaders and whose leadership may have even believed that if they brought fire, blood, and death to the west that somehow, someway, they may be taken seriously.
They were taken seriously.
But not, I suspect, in the manner they wished…
Out of the dust, smoke, and torn steel rose men and women. Scared, scarred, and confused they rose. Coughing, bleeding, and burnt they rose. Carrying the wounded, lifting the fallen, and with slowly clenching fists they rose.
When the blood and smoke was wiped from their eyes and they saw the adversary laughing at their state they looked down into the dust and debris. They saw what they were looking for.
Many voices around us, many nations shared our horror and anguish. A few chuckled along with the adversary.
We bent into the dust. We watched the laughing enemy. Some of his friends were openly laughing too now.
We brushed off a case under the debris… the latches were a little tarnished. We hadn’t used this in years, not in a major way.
The adversary started pointing, talking to his friends. What were we doing? He told us we would bleed again and again as we got out of line. He promised the same to our horrified friends.
We opened the case.
“They won’t do it. All bluster, all of them.” Said the small group. But they weren’t laughing anymore.
We shouldered the rifle.
The small group began to scatter. A few looked defiant, they had picked a fight for a reason after all.
We fired.
They ran. They threw innocents in the way. They fled seeking refuge from a wrathful nation. They sought every corner of sympathy and spun every tale they could to find shelter.
We found them anyway. We killed them.
We now find ourselves in a time where we want to put down the rifle. We’ve gotten hurt. Our friends have gotten hurt. The enemy has tried many times to come again. We shot them. Our friends shot them. They bled, but so did we.
They bled far more.
We want to set the rifle down. But we know now we cannot case the rifle, as tempting as it may be. Instead we must maintain the rifle. We must maintain our vigilance. We know our reasoning is not the enemy’s, if it were we would need the rifle.
We are weary now. Much of our anger is a memory. But we must keep the rifle ready.
Readers, remember that the only thing that prevents violence against you as a person, a community, or a nation, is the will of others. They need only the will to act and suffer the consequences.
Your response though. That is your choice.
If you must respond, make it count.
But today, this moment, remember it all. Those who where hurt, those who are gone, and the lessons we have learned at a cost.