The history of Ceska zbrojovka Uhersky Brod began in 1936 in the town of Strakonice where it was established as a branch of Ceska zbrojobka and production of a combined range of military and civilian arms commenced on January 2, 1937. In the intervening years, the company endured the Nazi occupation and, after the end of the war, a major reorganization of the company took place with each division of the company a focused on the production of industrial machine parts as well as firearms. Then, in July of 1988, the company was once again given its independence and reassumed its original name of Ceska zbrrojovak, s.p. and by 1992, the company was once again focused entirely on the manufacture of sporting firearms. Since then, CZ firearms have been available in the U.S. from such importers as Bauska, Action Arms, and Magnum Research. However, in 1997, CZUB came to the conclusion that it needed to manage its own destiny in the huge U.S. market and thus, they initially established their U.S. headquarters in Oakhurst, CA. but, are now located in Kansas City, KS.
The CZ 75 SP-01 pistol is a upgraded version, of the famous CZ 75 steel framed, double-action/single action, pistol that is specifically designed to be a military and law enforcement duty sidearm with an overall length of 8.15 inches, an overall height of 5.79 inches, and an unloaded weight of 41 oz. Also, it has an exposed hammer with a beaver tail extension to protect the shooter’s hand and the slide features fixed font sights with drift adjustable rear sights. In addition, it features a cold hammer forged, 4 5/8”, barrel chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and it contain 18 rounds in its steel magazine which is protected by a plastic bumper pad. Plus, it features CZ’s corrosion resistant, black, poly coat finish, rubber grip panels, and a 1913 Accessory Rail attached to the dust cover for mounting a tactical flashlight or a laser sight.
First imported into the U.S. in 1993, the CZ series of handguns has gained an almost cult-like following due to high quality construction and a highly ergonomic grip frame that is somewhat reminiscent of the Browning Hi-Power. In fact, most IPSC shooters choose a pistol with either a 1911 or CZ 75 grip frame which, in our opinion, says a lot about the popularity of this pistol. In addition, the CZ 75 SP-01 features a beefy, all steel, frame, slide, and barrel that results in very low recoil which enables the shooter to get back on target quickly for a follow up shot if necessary and greatly extends the service life of the pistol. In fact, many people report that the CZ 75 SP-01 has one of the most comfortable grip frames they have ever held and is one of the lightest recoiling 9mm pistols that they have ever shot. Also, while we would hesitate to call the rubber on the grip panels “tacky”, they certainly provide a more positive grip than hard plastic or even checkered wood grips do. Also, the CZ 75 SP-01 pistol features a beavertail extension and a deeper pocket for the web of the shooter’s hand designed to reduce the distance to the double action trigger to accommodate shooters with shorter fingers. In fact, the only drawback we see with the CZ 75 SP-01 pistol is that the heavy-duty frame and subsequent additional weight precludes the shooter from carrying it concealed and instead, relegates this fine pistol to the function of a duty pistol or competition pistol only. Otherwise, the design, construction, fit, and finish are absolutely top notch and we would be proud to carry such a fine pistol as a duty weapon.
Therefore, we find the CZ 75 SP-01 9mm pistol to be up to the usual, high quality, standards we have come to expect from the CZ brand name. Also, with the improved features found on the CZ 75 SP-01, we expect that this fine pistol will gain favor with both the law enforcement and military communities for which it was intended. However, some very notable IPSC shooters such as Adam Tyc and Angus Hobdell have also found favor with the CZ 75 SP-01 and thus, we expect that its popularity will grow in that community as well.
In 1963, a young gentleman named Gaston Glock began his professional career in working with plastics and metals. After spending the next 18 years learning his trade, Gaston founded Glock GES.M.B.H. in 1981and then proceeded to introduce a profound series of engineering feats that literally redefined what was possible in a modern pistol! In fact, today, Glock is the leading manufacturer of pistols worldwide and, their reputation for safety, durability, reliability, and ease of use has created a dedicated civilian and law enforcement following.
In fact, the model 17 was Glock’s first introduction to the market and it took us all by surprise because it is a polymer framed, striker fired, handgun with a steel slide and barrel chambered for the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge. Also, it features a 4 1/2” barrel with Glock’s proprietary, right-hand twist, hexagonal, rifling with a twist rate of 1in 9.84 inches and a 17 round magazine (made of a hardened steel insert covered in high tech polymer) for a total capacity of 18 rounds. In addition, has a fixed front sight with a drift adjustable rear sight and features Glock’s “Safe Action” trigger with a standard trigger pull of 5 1/2 lbs. and a standard trigger travel of 1/2”. Plus, it also features a full length recoil spring guide, a molded rail under the barrel for mounting a laser or a tactical flashlight, and low profile slide and magazine releases. Last, it has an overall length of 8 inches and an overall height of 5 1/2″ and has an unloaded weight of 22 oz. and a loaded weight of 32 oz.
However, what really sets the Glock 17 apart from the other pistols that were available when it was first introduced is the fact that it has no hammer. Instead, it has an internal, spring-loaded, Striker very similar to a standard pistol’s firing pin. Consequently, when the slide is racked, the striker is partially drawn to the rear where it is held in place by the internal safety mechanism in a half-cock position. Then, when the safety lever on the “Safe Action” trigger is depressed, a small bar is drawn downwards; thus unlocking the striker which then requires a 1/2” pull on the trigger itself to reach the fully cocked position where it is then released to strike the cartridge’s primer. Also, by removing the hammer from the rear of the pistol, the lock time is decreased for greater accuracy. In addition, while some firearms enthusiasts may disparage this type of firing system, it does have the advantage of being double-action-only which can possibly decrease your liability in a situation where you are forced to use your handgun to defend yourself or your family and are then faced with a criminal or civil law suit. Plus, striker fired pistols tend to place the web of the shooter’s hand farther forward for better balance which tends to lead to better accuracy. Furthermore, the angle between the bore plane and the grip has been carefully calculated to be very ergonomic and thus, it does an excellent job of absorbing recoil and doesn’t cause the muzzle to rise alarmingly when the pistol is fired. Also, the pebbled sides combined with the checkered back strap, the checkered finger grooves, and the concave trigger guard, give the Glock 17 pistol a very comfortable feel that allows the muzzle to be pointed very naturally at the target without undue effort required to align the sights. In addition, regardless of whether you are a civilian with a concealed carry permit or a law enforcement officer, you undoubtedly know just how arduous it can be to have to carry a fully loaded, steel frame, pistol all day long. Consequently, the polymer framed Glock 17, weighing a mere 32 oz. when fully loaded, makes this an excellent pistol for all day carry.
Thus, considering that the Glock 17 is the most widely used pistol of choice by law enforcement officers worldwide with a civilian following that is just as large, it would appear that consumers have exercised their economic vote resoundingly for the Glock 17 pistol. Plus, with several other very popular models available in numerous different calibers, it would appear that Glock will with be with us for a long time to come.
The story of the first “plastic” handgun began with a young gentleman named Gaston Glock who began a career working with plastics and metals in 1963. Then, using the knowledge and experience he had gained, Gaston founded Glock GES.M.B.H. in 1981, and proceeded to shock the world of firearms manufacture by introducing an amazing series of engineering feats that literally redefined what was possible in manufacture of modern handguns! Consequently, Glock is now the leading manufacturer of semi-automatic handguns worldwide and, their reputation for safety, durability, reliability, and ease of use has created a dedicated civilian and law enforcement following.
Based upon on the popularity of their full-sized Glock 17, the Glock model 19 is a more compact version that features a polymer frame with a steel slide and barrel meant to fulfill the need for a slightly smaller handgun for concealed carry use. Consequently, it measures 7.36 inches in overall length and 4.99 inches in overall height and thus, it is has 0.67 inches less length and 0.44 inches less height to more easily fit in a shoulder holster or behind-the-back holster or in a woman’s purse. Also, the Glock 19 features a 4 inch barrel chambered for the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge instead of the 4 ½” barrel used on the Glock 17 and it incorporates Glock’s proprietary, hexagonal, right-hand twist, rifling with a twist rate of 1in 9.84 inches. In addition, the Glock 19 features a 15 round magazine (constructed using a hardened steel insert covered in high tech polymer) for a total capacity of 16 rounds. Plus, the Glock 19 features Glock’s “Safe Action” trigger with a standard trigger pull of 5 1/2 lbs. and a standard trigger travel of 1/2”. Furthermore, the slide features a fixed front sight with a drift adjustable rear sight and a full length recoil spring guide, a molded rail under the barrel for mounting a laser or a tactical flashlight, and low profile slide and magazine releases. Last, the Glock 19 features an unloaded weight of 21 oz. and a loaded weight of 30 oz. with a standard 15 round magazine.
According to Glock’s web site, the purpose of the Glock 19 is to create a smaller, lighter, handgun for concealed carry use with the same firepower as its full sized brother the Glock 17. However, unlike many compact versions of full sized pistols, the Glock 19 does feel surprisingly good in the hand due the fact that the four inch barrel provides enough length and weight to be able to feel where the muzzle is without having to look at it and the grip frame is just long enough to accommodate a medium sized hand without the need to extend the magazine’s bumper pad. However, two major differences between the Glock 19 and a conventional handguns are the fact that the Glock 19 is fired by a “striker” similar to, but larger than, a traditional semi-automatic pistol’s firing pin. Consequently, when the slide is racked, the striker is withdrawn to the half-cock position where it is held in place by a steel bar which prevents its forward motion until the safety bar is withdrawn. This type of firing system in turn results in a Double-Action-Only trigger pull and, unlike the Double Action/Single Action trigger pull or Single-Action-Only trigger pull encountered on hammer-fired pistols, the Double-Action-Only trigger pull tends to adversely affect the shooter’s accuracy; unlike a single action trigger pull. Consequently, with a striker fired pistol, you are forced to accept a tradeoff between accuracy and liability by carrying the pistol in the half-cock position only and, instead of the trigger reverting to single action after the first shot as with a hammer fired pistol, the trigger retains its double action pull on each subsequent shot. On the other hand, the Double-Action-Only trigger system may possibly lessen your criminal and/or civil liability in the event that you are forced to use your handgun to defend yourself or your family and then face a law suit for having done so.
Next, concerning the grip frame, the angle between the bore plane and the backstrap has been carefully calculated to be very ergonomic and thus, it does an excellent job of absorbing recoil and doesn’t cause the muzzle to rise alarmingly when the pistol is fired which enables the shooter to get back on target faster for a follow up shot if needed. Also, the pebbled sides combined with the checkered back strap, the checkered finger grooves, and the concave trigger guard, give the Glock 19 pistol a very comfortable feel that allows the muzzle to be pointed very naturally at the target without undue effort required to align the sights. In addition, due to its polymer frame, the Glock 19 weighs a mere 30 oz. when fully loaded; making it an excellent pistol for concealed carry.
Thus, all things considered, the Glock 19 is a very well designed and meticulously constructed handgun with a long standing reputation for safety and reliability. Thus, it would be an excellent choice a concealed carry handgun for both civilians and law enforcement personnel since it pack the full power of the 9 x 19mm cartridge into a smaller, lighter, package.
As a major international manufacturer of firearms, Heckler & Koch’s stated mission is “to be the world’s premier small arms systems company”. In pursuit of that mission, H & K has been recognized as a leading designer of small arms and light weapons for over fifty years. In fact, the foundation of everything H & K does is based upon a dedicated commitment to excellence. Consequently, H & K’s leadership in the firearms industry rests on in-depth research and development as well as technological leadership and a self-stated obligation “to deliver the best possible products to their customers”. Consequently, they are the leading supplier of weapons systems to law enforcement and military forces worldwide in addition to manufacturing a premier brand of firearms for both commercial and sporting use.
Developed as a possible candidate for the Joint Combat Pistol and Combat Pistol programs conducted by the U. S. Military in their search for a new service handgun, the HK45 Compact is smaller and lighter than its larger brother the HK45 and features a black polymer frame with an integral Picatinny Rail that measures 7.2 inches in overall length and 5.59 inches in overall height with a 4 inch barrel chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge with a magazine capacity of eight rounds. Also, all HK45 barrels are made using H & K’s renowned cold hammer forging process and they all feature polygonal rifling and H & K’s proprietary O-ring barrel for superior accuracy. In addition, the HK45 Compact incorporates H & K’s unique internal mechanical recoil reduction system the reduces felt recoil by as much as 30% which can drastically improve the shooter’s control over the weapon and thus positively affect their accuracy in addition to extending the service life of the firearm. Furthermore, each HK45 Compact includes an extra backstrap that enables the owner to customize the feel of the pistol and it also features an H & K USP-style control lever which serves as both a safety and a decocking lever and which can be easily moved from one side of the pistol to the other for ambidextrous use. Last, the HK45 Compact can be converted to a wide variety of different configurations that incorporate different trigger firing modes including a Double Action/Single Action mode and a Double Action Only mode that uses H & K’s unique “Law Enforcement Modification” firing system to provide an enhanced double action trigger pull.
Now, we are all aware of the German people’s reputation for innovative engineering and precision manufacturing capabilities and consequently, it is no wonder that H & K has benefited from that reputation. In fact, it is quite possible that the argument could be made that they are perceived by consumers as being the pinnacle of firearms manufactures (with the possible exception of Sig Sauer), and they are certainly viewed amongst law enforcement and military personnel as being some of the best gear you can own. In fact, we really like the HK45 Compact not only because of its innovative features but, because it is ergonomically designed, lightweight, and the trigger configuration is user selectable and user changeable. In addition, we are especially pleased with the internal recoil reduction system because, firing a 230 grain, FMJ, bullet from a compact, polymer framed, pistol can be handful; especially if you are using +P loads! In addition, we believe that the ability to interchange the grip panels to adjust both the circumference and overall feel of the grip to suit each, individual, shooter is an excellent idea. Also, we like the feel of the low profile, frame-mounted, Control Lever as well as the slide release lever and the fact that the frame was molded with an integral Picatinny Rail that enables the shooter to mount a tactical flashlight or a laser sight on the pistol with no fuss. In addition, another feature of the HK45 Compact that we really like is the fact that it has a hammer instead of a striker as is the vogue with most pistols these days. The reason for this is that with a hammer-fired pistol, you have the choice to carry the firearm in either the half-cocked position or the fully-cocked position at your discretion which, in turn, provides you with either a double or a single action trigger. But, with a striker fired pistol, you are limited to the half-cock, double-action-only, trigger pull mode.
Consequently, the HK45 Compact is obviously a well designed and meticlously constructed pistol that definitely upholds the German’s reputation for fine machine work and excellent craftsmanship. Furthermore, it is both comfortable to hold and comfortable to fire thanks to H & K’s internal recoil reduction system and with a customizable grip frame via an interchangeable backstrap and grip panels, the HK45 Compact just may be the ultimate concealed carry .45 ACP.
LWRC International M6A2 5.56 NATO Rifle
Located in Cambridge, Md., LWRCI’s stated mission is to provide their customers with the most durable, reliable, and consistently accurate weapons possible. In order to accomplish this, they use innovative design and meticulous manufacturing techniques as well as state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing processes to create tools that are built to exceed the expectations of their users. Consequently, operating from three facilities encompassing over 250,000 square feet, LWRC International utilizes over fifty state-of-the-art CNC milling centers, laser cutting machines, screw machines, and welding robots, as well as military specification painting to produce their superior quality assault rifles.
Consequently, the LWRCI M6A2 rifle is a superior quality AR-15 style assault rifle chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge available with your choice of four different barrel lengths ranging from 10.5” to 16.1” with a 1:7” RH twist. In addition, this rifle features a B5 Systems SOPMOD collapsible carbine stock with an A2 “flat-top” receiver and LWRCI Folding BUIS Front and Rear sights. Thus, this rifle is perfect for those who prefer to mount optical devices on top of the receiver because there is no A-frame front site to obscure the shooter’s view. In addition, the M6A2 rifle also features a longer, free float, rail system with a removable, return-to-zero, top so that any M4 MIL Std 1913 accessory can be mounted to the rail. Also, because the rail has a monolithic profile, the shooter can seamlessly bridge those devices from the receiver to the rail. Plus, this rifle features a NiCorr finish (much tougher than Parkerizing) that is available in four different colors: Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab Green, and Patriot Brown.
Upon handling the rifle however, the first thing we noticed was the weight which is listed as 7.3 lbs. unloaded. Thus, by the time the shooter adds optical accessories and/or a tactical flashlight and then inserts a full magazine, the rifle can feel a little heavy. However, this weight is in part due to the heavy, match grade, barrel and LWRC’s patented, self-regulating, short-stroke, gas-bled, piston-driven action. However, this system has the added advantage of eliminating the venting of excess gases from the ejection port after each shot because any excess gasses are vented through the piston system instead. In addition, although some enthusiasts of the AR platform disparage the use of a piston driven action instead of the original Stoner, gas operated, action, stating that they are dirty, unreliable, and difficult to clean, LWRCI seems to have eliminated these problems by creating a piston driven system that is not only residue free, it is utterly reliable and, it’s easy to clean by simply removing two bolts that hold the upper forearm in place. Furthermore, the heavy, match-grade, barrel, aided by a crisp, two-stage, trigger makes this rifle capable of MOA groups with the Trijicon ACOG 3 x 30mm scope installed.
Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32mm Nickel-Boron Dual Illuminated Red Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle
Since the company’s founding in 1981, Trijicon has been an industry leader in the development of superior, any-light, aiming systems. Well known for their innovative applications of tritium and advanced fiber-optics, Trijicon manufactures some of the most advanced riflescopes and sights for both tactical and sporting firearms.
Consequently, the Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32mm rifle scope features a super tough, nickel-boron finish that not only gives the scope a distinctive look and the ultimate in abrasion resistance. In addition, this scope also features a dual illumination system and a ranging reticle that uses fiber optics to provide daylight illumination of the reticle and tritium to provide nighttime illumination of the reticle which is calibrated for 5.56mm (.223 cal) flattop rifles out to 800 meters. In addition, the Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32mm scope incorporates a Red Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle. This reticle enables the shooter to zero the tip of the chevron at 100 meters where width of the chevron at the base is 5.53 MOA (equals 19 in. at 300 meters) which enables range estimation for silhouette targets. Last, this scope features 1.5 inches of Eye Relief, an Exit Pupil of 8mm, and a field of view of 36.8 ft. a 100 yds.
While the Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 mm rifle scope with the Nickel-Boron, Dual Illuminated, Red Chevron, .223 Ballistic Reticle is certainly a very nice scope, with a retail price $1,450 most shooters will find it beyond their price range. Therefore, we suspect that the market for this scope will be limited to law enforcement, and private security contractors who truly have a need for it and a few individuals who absolutely must have the most expensive toys available. Also, with a weight of 9.9 oz. without the mount, adding this scope and its adapter to your rifle can add nearly a full pound to the overall weight. In addition, with an eye relief of only 1.5 inches, some shooters may be required to place their eye uncomfortably close to the Eyepiece. Plus, we found that the supplied flat top receiver adapter mounted the scope a bit too low on the receiver and thus, purchasing a Larue quick-detach ACOG mount and the 5/8 inch riser should raise the scope up to the proper shooting level. But, on the other hand, once the tip of the chevron is zeroed at 100 yds. this scope will remain zeroed even when removed from the rifle and then remounted. Also, having two sources of illumination for the reticle (neither of which requires a battery) makes this scope ultra reliable for operation in any light.
Therefore, the LWRC International M6A2 5.56mm NATO Assault Rifle with Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope would be an excellent combination for anyone who is in need of a superior quality assault rifle and matching combat scope.
While most shooters are at least somewhat familiar with Benelli shotguns, they may not be aware of the fact that Benelli Armi SpA is an Italian firearm manufacturer that was founded under the name of Benelli Armi in 1967 as an offshoot of the Benelli motorcycle factory who sold motorcycles through Montgomery Wards! Today, Benelli is best known for producing high quality shotguns for use by military, law enforcement, and private security personnel, as well as civilians all over the world. In fact, Benelli has such total confidence in its products that they back every gun with an industry-leading 10-year warranty.
Consequently, due to their familiarity with tactical shotguns, Benelli originally designed the M4 (M1014) 12 gauge Tactical Shotgun (which is an unusual, gas operated, semi-automatic, shotgun specifically designed for military use in urban warfare) for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998 and it was extensively tested at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Therfore, the Benelli M4 Tactical is now the official combat service shotgun of the U.S. Joint Services today. However, until just recently, Benelli did not offer a civilian version of this fine tactical shotgun. Fortunately for us, that situation has changed and thus, the Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun is now available to civilians. This shotgun features black, synthetic, stocks with a black finish, an 18” barrel designed to chamber 2 3/4” or 3” 12 ga. rounds, a magazine capacity of 4+1, a drilled and tapped Picatinny Rail pre-mounted on the receiver with either ghost ring or open rifle sights, a removable trigger assembly, a rotating bolt head, a bolt-lock lever, and screw-in chokes. But, the true heart of this extremely reliable tactical shotgun lies in Benelli’s piston-driven, Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.), semi-automatic, action which uses a short-stroke, self-cleaning, dual-piston design to cycle the bolt. In addition, this self-regulating system is designed to handle everything from low-brass target loads to high-brass buckshot loads reliably with no internal or external changes required from the shooter.
Our first impression of this shotgun was that it is very solidly built and that it is obvious that this shotgun is specifically designed for use in rugged conditions. Also, the fit, finish, lock-up, and machine work were all as you would expect from Benelli and thus, it is immediately obvious that they did not skimp on the details just because this is a tactical shotgun and not a sporting shotgun. Also, the buttstock is nicely proportioned and the pistol grip is made of very comfortable rubber/ploy blend but, the synthetic forend was not as “grippy” as we would like for it to be. However, when the forend is removed and the ARGO system is examined, you can see that it is a very simple mechanism with very few moving parts and thus, its extreme reliability under adverse conditions. In addition, the pre-mounted Picatinny Rail with either the ghost ring or open rifle sights is a nice feature since it saves the owner the trouble of having this done aftermarket. However, with a retail price $1,899.99, most shooters are likely to have a sticker shock induced heart attack upon seeing this shotgun in their local gun shop! Therefore, we suspect that the main market for this excellent, is somewhat esoteric, tactical shotgun will be military and law enforcement personnel and private security contractors. But, if you want the best tactical shotgun you can get and don’t mind paying the price for it, the Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun will certainly satisfy your need.
In closing, although we found the Length of Pull at 14” to be quite comfortable, many experienced military shooters seem to feel that this is too long and, if the shooter is wearing body armor, it’s way too long. In addition, Benelli did not see fit to incorporate an adjustable or collapsible stock on the M4 and thus, it either fits you or it doesn’t. Otherwise, the Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun would make an excellent choice for the homeowner who feels the need for a serious weapon to defend their family against criminals intent on invading their home and doing them harm.
Remington 700 Milspec 5R .308 Win. Sniper Rifle
Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Remington Arms Company is one of the nation’s oldest, continuously operating, manufacturers of firearms and ammunition and is one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. Also, it is the only surviving U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition. Today, Remington Arms Company, LLC, headquartered in Madison, N.C. where they design, produce and sell sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as the military, government, and law enforcement markets.
Today, Remington will occasionally produce a Limited Edition run of a particular rifle, shotgun, or handgun, and such is the case with the Remington 700 Milspec 5R sniper rifle. This rifle features a black, HS Precision, composite, stock with a 24 inch, stainless steel, barrel chambered for the .308 Win. (7.62 x 51mm NATO) cartridge with R5 rifling and an 1:11.2” RH twist mated to a stainless steel Remington 700 bolt action and Remington’s X-Mark Pro trigger along with a five round, internal, box magazine. Last, it features an overall length of 43 3/4” and an overall weight of 8 1/4 lbs.
The first thing we noticed when handling this rifle is the heavy contour of the Milspec barrel which is the same as that found on Remington’s 700P and Varmint rifles. However, although the Milspec 5R does have a heavy barrel profile, the diameter is noticeably smaller than that of the standard, military issue, M24 version of this rifle which lends credence to the rumor that these rifles first came about as a mating of M24 barrels that did not quite meet the required specifications and thus, they were re-contoured and mated with model 700 actions and offered as limited edition rifles (probably due to the R5 rifling). Next, we noticed the barrel on the Milspec R5 was two inches shorter than standard on the M24 and yet, the combination of the heavy barrel contour and the shorter length combined with the HS Precision stock caused the rifle to balance unusually well and the action was very smooth as is to be expected from Remington. However, we did notice that the Milspec 5R rifle has an aluminum alloy floor plate instead of the steel floor plate used on the M24 and thus, it is likely to be slightly less durable. In addition, we noticed that this rifle came with the new X-Mark Pro trigger which no longer features the ribbed shoe and the adjustment system has been reduced to one screw to adjust trigger pull weight. However, the trigger did break crisply and without excessive overtravel. In addition, although the 1:11.2” RH twist was originally designed for the M118 173gr. sniper’s round at the time, this rifle seems to capable of 1/2” to 3/4” MOA groups with a large diversity of bullets weights; possibly due to the R5 rifling. Consequently, we found the Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle to be a very comfortable and accurate rifle with all of the quality you would expect from Remington.
Nightforce NXS Compact 2.5-10 x 32 Rifle Scope
In the country of Australia, night hunting is not only legal, it is also extremely popular! Consequently, avid hunter and shooter Dr. Ray Dennis founded Lightforce Australia Pty. Ltd. with the single purpose in mind of manufacturing the finest spotlights on the planet. However, Ray soon discovered that although he had achieved his goal of producing the finest spotlights available, there were no rifle scopes on the market capable of taking advantage of his superior quality spot lights. Therefore, Ray decided to design and build his own scopes too! Thus, following his previous principals, Ray gathered the finest materials and incorporated the most advanced technology to build the most rugged and most precise riflescopes on the market today.
Therefore, the Nightforce NXS Compact 2.5-10 x 32 scope is an excellent choice for mounting on the Remington 700 Milspec 5R sniper rifle for firing out a range of 600 yds. It features a variable magnification of 2.5X to 10X, an Objective lens of 32mm, a Field of View at 100 yds. of 44 ft. to 11 ft., an Exit Pupil of 13.3mm to 3.3mm, and an Eye Relief of 3.7 inches. In addition, it is available with your choice of four different reticles depending on your preference and intended purpose. Last, this scope measures a compact 12 inches overall and weighs 19 oz.
Consequently, the 2.5 -10 x 32mm NXS Compact has proven to be extremely popular with shooters looking for a rifle scope that delivers the maximum in size-to-weight performance. In addition, the large Exit Pupil makes acquiring your target quick and easy and the internal design of the NXS eliminates parallax focusing issues. Plus, it is specifically designed to outperform other rifle scopes with much larger Objective Lens diameters by gathering more light for a clearer sight picture. In fact, the quality of the glass is superb and we feel that it definitely enables the shooter to easily acquire targets under different lighting conditions at different ranges. In addition, we had no trouble seeing the reticle, even against different types of backgrounds such as grain fields, hardwood forest, pine forest, and prairie. Last, we have seen many different brands of rifle scopes fail when the rifle they are mounted on is leaned against an object and then the rifle either inadvertently falls over or is accidently bumped. But, it is very obvious that the Nightforce NXS Compact scope is robustly built and thus, it is a scope that can be depended upon for reliability when mounted on any rifle that will be used in rugged terrain.
Therefore, the combination of the Remington 700 Milspec 5R .308 Win. Sniper Rifle with Nightforce NXS Compact 2.5-10 x 32 Scope is an excellent choice for precision shooting out to 600 yds.
Sako TRG-42 .338 Lapua Target/Sniper Rifle
Sako Ltd. is a Finnish small arms and ammunition company that was established in 1921 and consequently, it has a rich and eventful history. In fact, the company was first established to build and service firearms for Finnish Civil Guard but, played a key role in Finland’s struggle to survive the chaos of WWII. Since that time, they have become known for producing superior quality military, hunting, and target rifles as well as some innovative new cartridges. Thus, by combining their knowledge of both cartridge and rifle development and production, Sako rifles and cartridges provide the shooter with the advantages of uncompromising accuracy and reliability.
In fact, the Sako TRG-42 target/sniper rifle was specifically designed to do just that. Chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, the TRG-42 rifle is a true, precision, long range weapon for target or tactical use and it can be equipped with various accessories to make the rifle mission specific. Also, the solid, vault-like, action is cold hammer-forged from special steel alloy and it includes integral, 17 mm, axial, scope mounting rails with integral recoil stop-slots on the top of the receiver. In addition, the sturdy bolt (with three locking lugs) feeds rounds unfailingly from the centerline of a detachable, staggered, 2-row, 5 round, magazine for reliable feeding with various types of ammunition and the bolt lift is only 60° for a fast bolt throw. Plus, the super strong receiver is mated with a 27 1/8”, heavy contour, barrel with a 1:12” twist. Furthermore, the rifle is available in two different configurations: one of which is a black and green, fully adjustable, high-tech, aluminum reinforced, composite stock with a blued barrel and action and the other of which is an all-black, stealth configuration featuring a black, fully adjustable, high-tech, aluminum reinforced, composite stock and bolt with “phosphatized” barrel and action. Last, the rifle has an overall length of 47 1/4″ and weighs 11 3/4 lbs.
Although Sako’s origins are based in civilian marksmanship, they extensively studied the requirements of sniper’s when designing the original TRG-21/41 and, within a decade, these two models evolved into the TRG-22/42 competition/tactical rifle that is available today. In fact, the heart of the TRG system is the cold hammer forged receiver and barrel combined with three massive locking lugs to deliver sub-MOA groups. In addition, the short, 60°, bolt throw makes chambering a new round a very quick process which can be critical in tactical situations. Also, the free-floating, 27 1/8” barrel chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum has a 1:12” RH twist that is specifically designed to stabilize a 250 gr. bullet traveling at 2,860 fps and the chrome lined bore helps prevent throat erosion and enhances accuracy and barrel life. Plus, the fully adjustable, high-tech, aluminum reinforced, composite stock can be fully customized to fit the anatomy of any individual shooter. Consequently, when this rifle is mated with a superior quality target/tactical scope such as the Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25 x 56mm scope, it is capable of producing groups as small as five inches at 1,000 yds!
Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25 x 56mm Target/Sniper Rifle Scope
The German optics company of Schmidt and Bender was founded in 1957 by precision mechanic Helmut Schmidt and master precision engineer Helmut Bender who decided to pursue their “Project Passion”. Consequently, 50 years later, the name Schmidt & Bender is synonymous with quality and precision and now ranks among the world’s top optics suppliers. Also, because each hunt and each hunter is different, Schmidt & Bender offers a wide variety of different scopes in two product lines: the Klassik series which epitomizes the traditional style rifle scope in form and function and, the future oriented Zenith line which is specifically designed to display progress and aesthetic awareness.
Consequently, the Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25 x 56mm rifle scope is part of their Police and Military Forces series and it features a Field of View of 5.3m to 1.5m at 100m, a Parallax adjustment that ranges from 10m – ∞, an Exit Pupil diameter of 10.95mm – 2.28mm, a light transmission factor of 90%, and an Eye Relief of 90mm. In addition, this scope is available with two different reticle planes and the first reticle can be equipped with your choice of seven different illuminated reticles whereas, the second reticle plane can be equipped with your choice of three different illuminated reticles. Plus, each turret features two turns in the elevation and windage adjustment (Double Turn). Therefore, due to its large magnification factor and comprehensive reticle adjustment range along with the highest quality optical glass available, this scope may be successfully used up to a distance of 2,000 meters.
Consequently, the Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25 x 56mm rifle scope it is a perfect match for the Sako TRG-42 .338 Lapua Magnum target/sniper rifle since both the rifle and the round are capable of sub-MOA groups when combined with this scope. Also, because both the rifle and the scope have an effective range 2,000 yds, a skilled operator can eliminate targets at extreme ranges with this combination with a high degree of confidence.
SIG556 Classic Swat Assault Rifle
The famous firearms company we know today as SIG SAUER actually began in 1853 when two Swiss gentlemen named Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser and Conrad Neher began what they hoped would become a successful wagon factory located above the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. Just seven years later, as an answer to a challenge from the Swiss Federal Ministry of Defense, the “Swiss Wagon Factory” entered a competition to develop a state-of-the-art rifle in the hopes the Swiss Army would adopt it and then award them the manufacturing contract and that is just exactly what happened. In fact, four years later, the Swiss Wagon Factory was awarded the contract for its Prelaz-Burnand rifle. At this point, due to an order for 30,000 muzzle loading Prelaz-Burnand rifles, the owners of the Swiss Wagon Factory decided to change the name of the company to the Swiss Industrial Company – Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft: now known worldwide as SIG. Then, in 1985, a U.S. division known as SIG ARMS was established in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia and in 2007, SIG ARMS again changed its name to SIS SAUER in order to reflect its worldwide growth.
The SIG556 Classic SWAT is a semiautomatic rifle with a look that reminds us of the original “military-only” 550 model. Also, because it features a full-length, gas piston, operating system with a 2-position gas valve, the rifle will keep operating even in inclement environmental conditions. Chambered for the 5.56 x 45mm NATO round, the SIG Classic SWAT features a Swiss-type folding stock as well as an aluminum, Picatinny, quadrail, forend that is ideally suited for mounting accessories such as laser sights and tactical flashlights. In addition, the SIG556 SWAT model features a new, rear, rotary, diopter sight utilizing aperture calibrations for close quarter ranges out to 100m, 200m, and 300m. Plus, the Classic SWAT’s slim profile and short length is enhanced by a 16’’ button rifled barrel with a 1:7” twist and, SIG managed to reduce the weight of the SWAT Classic model a full pound by incorporating a redesigned, alloy, trigger housing, AR style magazine, and flash suppressor. Last, the SIG Classic SWAT features an overall length of 35 7/8” and weighs 8.2 lbs.
In addition, we suspect that most every avid shooter is familiar SIG SAUER’s well deserved reputation for quality and the SIG556 SWAT is no exception. Thus, our first impression of this rifle was that it is very well designed for its intended purpose and that it is very solidly built as is very apparent by the over eight pound weight which seems excessive to those of us who are familiar with the original Eugene Stoner design produced by Colt. On the other hand we believe that it is safe to say that this rifle is far superior in quality to those early Colt rifles as well. In fact, the folding stock as opposed to the collapsible stock makes the rifle far more compact and the integral Picatinny quadrail handguard provides the shooter with all of the room needed to mount any desired accessories. So, for those of you who would like to own a true, professional quality, assault rifle for either professional use or home defense, the SIG556 Classis Swat should be at the top of your list.
EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Sight with HHS II 3x Magnifier
L-3 Communications is now the parent company of EOTech which they acquired in 2005. Since then, the company has grown very quickly to become the sixth largest defense company in the United States. Consequently, they are a leader and prime defense contractor in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), secure communications, government services, training and simulation and aircraft modernization and maintenance.
Today, L-3/EOTech designs, manufactures, and markets electro-optics products and systems using advanced laser and holographic technology to enhance optical devices in target acquisition systems. In fact, L-3 EOTech manufactures a sighting device they call the Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) which is the world’s first holographic sighting system for small and medium-sized arms. They accomplish this by incorporating patented technology to provide the user with a parallax free sighting device that removes some of the complexities of acquiring a sight picture and allows the aiming process to become almost instinctive and reflexive. Consequently, the HWS is specifically designed to increase the speed of target acquisition and target accuracy by enabling the shooter to focus with both eyes open. Plus, the HWS is nearly indestructible! Furthermore, when transitioning from short to long range shooting, EOTech offers the HHS II 3x magnifier. This 3x magnifier with Switch-To-Side mount works with all existing HWS units and features a Reticle that is a 65MOA circle with two 1MOA aiming dots.
So, all things considered, the SIG556 Classic Swat with the L3/EOTech EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Sight with HHS II 3x magnifier in an excellent choice for the law enforcement officer or professional, private, contractor that has a need for one of the best assault rifles on the planet. But, with a retail price package price of around $3,150, it is not a package most average shooters would choose.
The Saiga AK-47 style shotguns were designed by world renowned engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov who also designed the world’s favorite rifle, the AK-47. Thus, the SAIGA shotguns feature the same basic internal design as the famous AK-47 rifle and are manufactured by the arms division of the Russian company Izhmash. In addition, although their shotguns and rifles were previously imported into the U.S. by European American Armories, their agreement with Izhmash expired in 2005 and thus, Izhmash then began exporting through the Russian-American Armory Company. However, the current export/import partner for the U.S. market is Wolf Performance Arms (good luck finding a web site!).
Consequently, as the name implies, the Saiga-12 is a 12 gauge, semi-automatic, shotgun that is visually similar to the Kalashnikov series of assault rifles and is available in a wide range of configurations. Also, like the many Kalashnikov rifle variants, the SAIGA-12 is a gas-operated shotgun with a a rotating bolt that feeds rounds from a detachable box magazine. In addition, it features the large, AK style, lever-safety on the right side of the receiver, the optic mounting rail on the left side of the receiver, and the large, top-mounted, dust cover that is held in place by the rear of the recoil spring assembly protruding through the back of the dust cover. Plus, the Saiga-12 incorporates an adjustable, two-position, gas system that engages a recoil buffer for firing high-power loads such as slugs and buckshot which generate so much recoil force that the receiver would be damaged if the excess gas were not vented by the recoil buffer and yet, by adjusting the system, the shooter can fire low-power loads such as bean-bags and flares from the same gun since these loads do not generate enough pressure to cycle an action deigned to handle the heavier loads.
Furthermore, because 12 gauge shotgun shells are nearly twice as wide as 7.62 x 39mm rifle cartridges are, the size of the extraction port in the side of the dust cover had to be increased to accommodate the 12 gauge shell. But, because the bolt had to remain the same length to fit inside the AK-47 sized receiver, the rear section of the bolt is covered by a sliding metal flap that rides on the recoil spring which allows the gun to be sealed against dirt when the bolt is forward. But, the compression of the recoil spring during firing causes the flap to move rearward in order to clear the extracted shells.
The Saiga-12 features a traditional rifle stock a barrel length of 23 inches chambered for both 2 3/4” and 3” rounds as well as AK-style with tangent rear open sights and high post front sights and a standard AK rail can be mounted on the left side of the receiver for optics. Also, this shotgun is available with two, five, seven, eight, and twelve round box magazines as well as ten, twelve, and twenty round aftermarket drums and all magazines may be interchanged with all 12 gauge models (sometimes minor fitting may be necessary). In addition, the SAIGA-12 has a threaded barrel that enables the shooter to add various muzzle brakes or chokes.
Since the SAIGA-12 was originally designed for hunting various species of small and medium sized game under adverse climatic conditions, its internal configuration is based upon the ultra-reliable AK-47 assault rifle and thus, the SAIGA-12 will provide the shooter with the same reliability when hunting or competing in harsh weather or rough country. In addition, the detachable magazines make reloading a very quick process when using the shotgun in various types of competition. Consequently, the SAIGA-12 is an excellent choice for the tactical or competitive shooter and for the home owner in need of a self defense weapon.
Last, it is important to note that a new version of the SAIGA-12 called the “Saiga Taktika model 040” was recently introduced that addresses all of the deficiencies of the previous models. Therefore, the new model features last-round-hold-open of the bolt that provides the user with instant feedback that the weapon is empty and enables a quicker magazine change, a hinged dust cover with Picatinny rail to make mounting optics easier combined with a Picatinny rail gas block that allows for the addition of combat lights and a vertical foregrip. In addition, it features a newly designed 8-round magazine that can be inserted straight up into the magazine well and can be done with only one hand instead of the traditional “rock & lock” method on older SAIGA and AK designs.
Thus, for anyone who is looking for a tactical style shotgun for either competition for home defense, the SAIGA-12 is an excellent choice due to the ultra reliability of the AK-47 style internal components and the ability to quickly reload the weapon via detachable magazines. Furthermore, the SAIGA-12 would also serve well as a hunting firearm due to its rugged, rifle-like, design and the ability to easily mount optics.
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