KIMBER RE-INVENTS THE WHEELGUN

March 2019

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

The World War II

G.I. Thompson
Henry Big Boy
BUL 1911 Ultra
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 OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

CONTENTS
133rd Year of Publication

MARCH 2019 VOLUME 167, NO. 3

The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American
right to “keep and bear arms,” believes every law-abiding citizen

NRA
is entitled to the ownership and legal use
EXPERTS
of firearms, and that every reputable gun IN THE
U.S. Army photo owner should be an NRA Member. FIELD

features Congressional Democrats Target Gun Owners

For Persecution With Extreme Firearm Transfer Bans .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18
Chris W. Cox The ink had hardly dried on H.R. 8 before anti-gun media outlets acknowledged there is
virtually no evidence that universal background checks reduce homicide or violent crime.

This Is My Rifle: The Case For The 20"-Barreled AR-15 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40

Jeremiah Knupp Although the semi-automatic M4-style carbine has dominated the AR market, there is
growing interest in ARs more akin to the original design. Why? The rifle-length AR
may be your best bet when it comes to ballistics, reliability and durability.

Re-inventing The Wheelgun: Kimber K6s. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46

Wiley Clapp Introduced in 2016, Kimber’s K6s revolvers were initially in short supply. Now,
production is humming, and new models of the wheelgun include the K6s Deep Cover
and the K6s Stainless 3".

“Almost Perfect”? The G.I. Thompson In World War II .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50

Bruce N. Canfield Although the U.S. Army was slow to adopt the Thompson, Marines had been using it
since the 1920s, and it became an important tool in defending freedom.

NRA Annual Meetings In Indy As Big As Ever. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 56

The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be returning to Indianapolis, Ind., from
April 25 to 28, with new events, performers and activities for the whole family.

40 46 56
Photo by Forrest MacCormack
American Rifleman Archives

Photo by Holly Marcus

28
MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888
 AMERICA REMEMBERS PRESENTS

The Transcontinental Railroad Tribute Rifle

SALUTING TH E HISTORIC 150 TH ANNI V E R SARY OF T H E GOLDE N S PI KE

A fter more than five years of hard labor and 1,912 miles of track, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met on May 10, 1869 in Promontory
Summit, Utah. The impossible dream to connect the country with a single, transcontinental railway had been accomplished.
The creation of the First Transcontinental Railroad was arguably the single greatest engineering feat of the 19th century. It took the teamwork of
thousands of politicians, businessmen, surveyors, tradesmen, engineers, and laborers to blaze a path across the Western Frontier.
When it was finished, Union Pacific engineer Silas Seymour said that there was "Nothing like it in the world.” As our nation observes the
150th anniversary of that historic event, it’s still hard to grasp the magnitude of what happened.
The Transcontinental Railroad Tribute Rifle
To commemorate this important historical event in American history, America Remembers proudly presents the Transcontinental
Railroad Tribute Rifle. For this special tribute, we selected an Old West classic; the Model 1866 Rifle. This rifle was a fixture on the
American frontier and was used by the workers during the construction of this historic American achievement. The Model 1866 was the
first firearm to ever bear the Winchester name. Affectionately known as the “Yellow Boy” for its bright brass frame, the Model 1866’s
ability to fire 15 consecutive rounds made it a favorite among cowboys, lawman, and outlaws of the Old West.
The Transcontinental Railroad Tribute is a working, lever-action Model 1866 Rifle in caliber .44-40 (.44 W.C.F.) with a
handsomely blued, 24 ¼” tapered octagonal barrel. Rifles for this edition are produced by the artisans of A. Uberti, where
master craftsmen have painstakingly reproduced the greatest firearms of history for more than five decades. This Tribute
is offered exclusively by America Remembers and is strictly limited to an edition of 500. Craftsmen, commissioned
specifically for this Tribute by America Remembers, decorate each Tribute in elegant 24-karat gold with a nickel
embellished background serving as the canvas for the artwork.
The Railroad Race That Reshaped Our Nation
In 1862, the Pacific Railroad Act authorized the creation of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific
Railroad companies, who were tasked with connecting the line from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San
Francisco Bay. Both companies would earn land grants, government loans and bonds, but the
railroad that built more and built faster would earn more.
The construction of the railroad became a race against time and a quest for treasure. Money t The right side of the receiver features details from
proved to be a great motivator as workers for both companies performed almost superhuman Thomas Hill’s painting, “The Last Spike.” The 1881
feats of daily labor and endurance. The laborers, including Civil War veterans and recent painting of the historic driving of the last spike features
immigrants from Ireland, China, and countries all over the world, proved themselves up over seventy portraits of individuals who helped make the
to almost any task that was offered. There were no power tools or backhoes. They Transcontinental Railroad possible. On the left, Jupiter is shown,
used muscle to fill 50-foot deep gorges, sledgehammer boulders, and set every officially known as Central Pacific Railroad #60. On the far right, a
railroad tie in place. group of workers are featured laying the last rail (pictured above).
On May 10, 1869, locomotives from the two railroads met nose-to-
nose at Promontory Summit in Utah. Crowds of workers, onlookers,
and railroad dignitaries gathered as Leland Stanford drove the final
spike that joined the rails of the transcontinental railroad. Stanford’s
sledgehammer and the spike were connected directly to a telegraph
wire so that the strike could be heard “as it happened” at stations
across the country.
The First Transcontinental Railroad was a remarkable
achievement that catapulted America to new heights. It
displayed our boldness, tenacity and ingenuity. It was a
technical feat that earned us the respect of the world,
but it also connected our country and reconnected
our hopes and dreams for the future.
Only 500 Available
Only 500 of the Tribute Rifle will t The left side of the receiver features the moment that the Union Pacific and Central Pacific met at
ever be produced. Each Tribute is Promontory Summit. CP Chief Engineer Samuel S. Montague (left) and UP Chief Engineer Grenville
individually numbered and shipped M. Dodge shake hands, surrounded by dozens of assorted crew, laborers and railroad officials. Pictured
with a matching numbered prominently to the scene’s left is the Golden Spike. The 17.6-karat gold ceremonial spike was driven by Leland
Certificate of Authenticity, Stanford to mark the joining of the tracks (it was quickly removed and replaced with ordinary steel). Union
which will confirm your place Pacific No. 119 is pictured to the right. The 4-4-0 steam locomotive was one of the engines that made history at
among the elite ranks of Promontory Summit. To the left, a group of railroad crew and laborers pose alongside the Jupiter locomotive.
collectors. Order now and we will
arrange delivery of your working
Tribute through the licensed
firearms dealer of your choice.
As always, you will receive
your Transcontinental Railroad
Tribute Rifle with our 30
day guarantee. If you are
not completely satisfied,
you may return your
Tribute to us in
original, unfired
condition for a
complete and
courteous
refund. MODEL: 1866 Rifle BARREL LENGTH: 24 ¼ inches CALIBER: .44-40 (.44 W.C.F.)
I wish to reserve ___ of the Transcontinental Railroad Tribute Rifle, Name ___________________________________________________
a working Model 1866 Rifle, at the introductory price of $2,395.*
My deposit of $195 per rifle is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at Address _________________________________________________
the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Certificate
of Authenticity included. Thirty-day return privilege. City/State/Zip ____________________________________________
*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain
states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
q Check enclosed for $_____________ . Daytime Telephone No. ( ________ ) _________________________________
q Charge payment of $ _____________ to:
q VISA q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover
America Remembers®
10226 Timber Ridge Drive ✭ Ashland, Virginia 23005
www.americaremembers.com
©AHL, Inc. No. __________________________________________ Exp. ___________ To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291
 NRA PUBLICATIONS
Doug Hamlin
Executive Director
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Evelyn Q. Kessler
Deputy Executive Director
Wayne R. LaPierre, Executive Vice President Marshall J. Flemion
Managing Director, Integrated Marketing
Terri A. Wolfe
Executive Assistant
official journal The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10
Rachel Carr
Publications Operations Coordinator
Larry Quandahl
Special Reports Firearms Inventory Manager
Standing Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 EDITORIAL
John R. Zent
President’s Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Editorial Director
Mark A. Keefe, IV
Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Editor In Chief
ILA Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 64 Brian C. Sheetz
Senior Executive Editor
Regional Report/Member Info & Benefits .. .. 66 Ann Y. Smith
Senior Executive Editor, Digital
Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 Joe Kurtenbach
Executive Editor
Kelly Young
Managing Editor
Christopher Olsen
correspondence The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8 Assistant Editor
David Herman
Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Assistant Editor
Maureen A. Denfeld
Favorite Firearms. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 37 Editorial Assistant
Bruce N. Canfield, Wiley Clapp,
Rick Hacker, B. Gil Horman,
Jeff Johnston, Jeremiah Knupp,
Jim Wilson
reports News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28
ART
Field Editors

Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Mark S. Weaver

Creative Director
David J. Labrozzi
Art Director
Karen Haefs
technical Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36 Assistant Art Director
Peter Fountain
A Winchester Riflescope? Photography Director
Marlin Heirloom Forrest MacCormack
Photographer
Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58 Jesse Snyder
Henry Big Boy All-Weather .45 Colt Carbine Associate Photographer
IFC BUL 1911 Ultra 9 mm Luger Pistol
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X 56 mm Riflescope American Rifleman (ISSN 0003-083X) is
published monthly by the National Rifle
Handloads: .22-250 Rem. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 78 Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000,
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 80 for the benefit of its members. Membership
dues (U.S. and possessions) $45 a year, $100
Detonics Combat Master Mark VII for 3 years, $150 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is
designated for a magazine subscription. For
foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and
$10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries
only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2019,
the National Rifle Association of America.
KIMBER RE-INVENTS THE WHEELGUN All rights reserved except where expressly
THE COVER: With most of the U.S. military now using M4 March 2019

waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fairfax,

carbines rather than full-length rifles—and with VA, and at additional mailing offices.
consumers interested mostly in 16"-barreled POSTMASTER: Please send address
The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

The World War II

G.I. Thompson changes to American Rifleman, c/o
carbines these days—have we forgotten the Henry Big Boy National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648,
virtues of the rifle-length AR? That’s a question
BUL 1911 Ultra
Leupold Mark 5HD Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648.
addressed by Field Editor Jeremiah Knupp in an TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to
report a damaged or undelivered magazine,
article starting on p. 40. Shown on the cover In Defense write: American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle
is a 20"-barreled FN 15 Military Collector M16 Of The Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast,
in 5.56x45 mm NATO with a 4X 32 mm Trijicon FN 15 Military Collector M16
FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your
account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org.
Official Journal of the National Rifle Association
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ACOG. Accessories courtesy of Propper. Design by Do not return damaged copies. Change of
David J. Labrozzi. Photo by Forrest MacCormack. address should include both new address and
a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of
duplication send both labels.
R1903_COVER.indd 1 1/10/19 11:18 AM

Printed in the United States of America

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 NRA PUBLICATIONS
PUBLISHING OPERATIONS
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You Must Be Choking Director, Production
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Is your gun balking with certain kinds of ammunition? If Director, Marketing/Advertising
so, read americanrifleman.org/bestfit for information Debra Oliveri
Senior Production Coordinator
about the causes of ammunition sensitivity and what you Adam Wilson
can do to resolve it. Production Coordinator
Samantha Brown
Senior Advertising Coordinator
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Colonial Craftsmanship Senior Accounts Receivable Coordinator
Go to americanrifleman.org/colonialskills Sarah Harrison
Advertising Operations Assistant
to see a video of gunsmiths at Colonial Director, Eastern Sales
Williamsburg, Va., creating high-quality, Tony Morrison
period-correct firearms with naught but (860) 767-9801
NE Sales Office Manager
hand tools. Alycia Clemons
860-767-9801
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(850) 619-8148
Gun Sleuths: M1903 Springfield Surprise Eastern Sales Executive
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National Archives documents explain how and why the (910) 262-0913
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Tune in Wednesday nights to the Outdoor Channel for the best Tim Hamill
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More D-Day Plus 75 Years

DIGITAL OPERATIONS
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February 20 Senior Digital Producer
D-Day +75: 82nd Airborne, St. Mére Eglise & La Fiére Bridge; Steve Dulco
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Digital Advertising Trafficker
February 27
MEMBERSHIP INQUIRES: (877) 672-2000
D-Day +75: Pegasus Bridge, British Airborne & Commandos;
WARNING: All technical data in this publication,
Thompson/Center TCR22 In .22 Long Rifle; Dutch Lugers especially for handloading, reflect the limited
March 6 experience of individuals using specific tools,
products, equipment and components under
The Springfield XD Story; EAA MKA 1923 In 12 Gauge; S&W Registered Magnum specific conditions and circumstances not nec-
essarily reported in the article and over which
March 13 the National Rifle Association (NRA) has no
Kel-Tec Innovation; Winchester XPR Hunter Vias In .308 Win.; control. The data have not otherwise been test-
ed or verified by the NRA. The NRA, its agents,
Danish Madsen Submachine Gun officers and employees accept no responsibility
for the results obtained by persons using such
data and disclaim all liability for any consequen-
tial injuries or damages. See asterisked (*).
* NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR
SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AR-
EAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY
LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CAR-
RYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK
LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING.
MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN
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FICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDENTIFIED AS SUCH.
THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE
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The New Audit Bureau of Circulations

 ™
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10/22® LULA® THE KEEFE REPORT
loader and unloader set
for
I
Ruger’s 10/22® .22LR
t was customary for more than a
factory mags century to read about new firearm
! introductions first in these very
New pages. Now, you will likely find it on
loader americanrifleman.org, Facebook or
some other digital platform first. When
we broke the news on the diminutive
new Mossberg MC1sc polymer-frame
9 mm pistol on Facebook, less than an
hour later, one of our followers, Jeremy
M., commented “Go to bed Mossberg,
you’re drunk … .” I can assure you
p/n LU30B that the engineers who developed
Mossberg’s first new handgun in a
century were not inebriated at the
BX-1, 5, 10 time. It will be next month’s cover
unloader BX-15 & BX-25 story as written by Executive Editor
Joe Kurtenbach, or you can read
about it, and see a video, now at
americanrifleman.org/mossberg/mc1sc.
So, what did the blogosphere and
Twitter trolls think of the AR-15 when
introduced by Colt’s? Nothing. Crickets.
Absolute silence, because the commer-
cial version of the AR-15 was intro-
AR15 LULA® duced in 1963. There was no Internet.
Al Gore was still in high school.
5.56 / .223 loader & unloader But there was The American
Rifleman. And, as always, we reported
LULA loaders are US patented & pat. pending, and trademarked by maglula Ltd.
! on new firearms of the day, with the
New II
n . AR-15 being covered by then Editor
Ge Walter J. Howe and Associate Technical
ars Editor Col. E.H. Harrison. In the gun-
f t e r 17 ye n -
A tio writing world of the day, these were
oduc
of pr ompact, the big guns. Although a preliminary
c
Now , test of the AR-15 as made by ArmaLite
a s i e r
e
t e r appeared in the June 1959 issue,
ligh
this was the first review of the rifle
as made by Colt’s. “The management
of Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corp.
decided to divest themselves of the
AR-15 rifle. License to produce the
AR-15 was acquired by Colt’s Patent
p/n LU10B
Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., Inc.”
While the article, which you can
Ruger, 10/22, BX are reg. trademarks of Sturm, Ruger, CO., Inc.
read at americanrifleman.org/
firstcoltar15, covered the concept and
World’s best selling design of the selective-fire gun (mean-
magazine loaders ! ing both semi-automatic and full-
automatic capability)—especially its
Over thirty professional pistol & rifle .223 Rem. cartridge—there was some
mag loaders - Made in Israel foreshadowing of where the military
maglula.com
version of AR-15, shortly dubbed
Ask your local dealer the M16 in 1963, was headed. “In
December 1961, The Rifleman staff
maglula Since 2001
Ltd. team visited Colt’s ... in Hartford,
Conn., where AR-15 rifle production
8 MARCH 2019
is being carried
on in the same
plant where Colt’s
handguns are
made … . There
appeared to be no
special production
problems in the
present operation.
“Production at that time was at the
rate of 1,000 rifles per month … Colt’s
states that tooling for production of
20,000 rifles per month could be com-
pleted within three months … . It is
the frequent experience that quantity
production rates are not reached at the
time expected or without difficulties,
nevertheless the above does give an
indication of what is possible at Colt’s.”
That makes basic AR platforms, as
offered commercially, more than a half a
century old. In this month’s issue Field
Editor Jeremiah Knupp (p. 40) tells the
story of the evolution of the AR with
a 20" barrel as a rifle, which seems to
have been forgotten by many who have
made the basic AR platform the most
popular center-fire rifle in America.
By 1963, Colt’s began offering the
semi-automatic-only AR-15 SP1. On
p. 28 you will see one of the first adver-
tisements for the civilian AR-15, which
has become quite a collectible gun more
than a half-century after its introduc-
tion (p. 44), and we have an “American
Rifleman Television” segment on it at
americanrifleman.org/ihtogsp1.
And if you like the lines of the
retro AR, as personified by the SP1,
rather than the M16A4-looking FN rifle
featured on this month’s cover, then
you have some choices. Knupp also
covers Brownell’s first foray into rifles,
the BRN-601. Then there are the truly
“Retro Reissue” M16A1 rifles—semi-
automatic-only, of course—offered by
Colt’s that look exactly like the guns
that rolled off of the West Hartford
plant floor back in the 1960s. You can
find out about them at colt.com.
Sincerely,
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
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THE ARMED CITIZEN
®

I
n Columbia, S.C., a pair of escaped convicts looking for an easy target picked
the wrong home. After managing to escape from the county jail, one convict
kicked in the back door, then armed himself with a knife sharpener before
advancing to an upstairs bedroom. Roused by the 3 a.m. disturbance, the home-
owner grabbed her firearm and shot the intruder as he came into her bedroom.
“This was a big guy. If she hadn’t had a weapon there’s no telling what would have
happened,” said County Sheriff Rick Clark. “This is the shining example of why
owning and knowing how to use a gun is important. She came out on the good
on this end and the other guy, the bad guy, didn’t.” (The Times and Democrat,
Columbia, S.C., 12/5/18)

IF YOU HAVE
A FIRSTHAND S oundly asleep in her bedroom, a 74-year-
old woman awakened to the sounds of
a burglar breaking her door open. Startled,
“ARMED CITIZEN” the woman grabbed her recently purchased
EXPERIENCE, handgun and met the intruder at the top of
CALL NRA-ILA PR/ the stairs, where she took aim and fired a
COMMUNICATIONS single fatal shot. EMS arrived on scene to
AT (703) 267-3820. save the life of the homeowner, who suffered
a heart attack after the incident. (The Kansas
Studies indicate that firearms City Star, Kansas City, Mo., 11/30/18).
are used more than 2 million
fled through several neighborhoods and
a construction site before crashing into a
mailbox. Witnessing the pursuit and crash
outside his window, a nearby resident
armed himself in case he was drawn into the
confrontation. And sure enough, the carjacker
chose to force his way into that very house,
where he was met by the vigilant homeowner
and held there until the police arrived to arrest
him on multiple charges. (The Missoulian,
Missoula, Mont., 12/18/18)

A
times a year for personal t a Prospect, Conn., car dealership, the

protection, and that the
presence of a firearm, without
a shot being fired, prevents
crime in many instances.
Shooting usually can be
justified only where crime
constitutes an immediate,
imminent threat to life, limb,
or, in some cases, property.
Anyone is free to quote or
reproduce these accounts.
Send clippings via e-mail to
armedcitizen@nrahq.org,
or by mail to “The Armed
Citizen,” 11250 Waples Mill
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-
9400. For bonus features,
visit “The Armed Citizen Blog”
at americanrifleman.org.
Share this column online at
nrapublications.org.
owner and an employee were tending
to business when two masked invaders
burst in through the back door. Armed with
handguns, the offenders began assaulting
the owner and employee. Luckily, an armed
patron happened to be in the building, and
he opened fire on the two attackers. Both
men fled through the back door. Police and
EMS found one attacker nearby, and he
was subsequently declared deceased at the
scene. (Citizen’s News, Prospect, Conn.,
12/13/18)
A thief looking to make a quick score had
the tables turned by an off-duty fireman.
Upon entering a restaurant in Ukiah, Calif.,
the crook ducked into a restroom, then
re-emerged with an employee at gunpoint
and proceeded to rob the establishment.
Seeing his chance, the first responder drew
his own concealed firearm, fired and sent the
I
attacker fleeing. Though he quickly fled the
premises and dumped the cash and his gun in
the parking lot, police later found the holdup
man at a nearby store and arrested him
without incident. (The Ukiah Daily Journal,
Ukiah, Calif., 12/14/18)
A
Texas couple out doing errands had
to fight their way out of danger after
being targeted by criminals looking for
someone to rob. The husband-and-wife duo
were followed on their way from a bank to
the grocery store, and then upon loading
groceries into their car, a black SUV pulled
into an adjacent parking space. Abruptly,
one of the SUV’s occupants jumped out,
pulled a gun and demanded the woman’s
purse. Fearing for his wife’s safety, her
husband drew his own firearm and used it
to fend off the suspects. The two robbers—
both injured—drove off, but proceeded to
crash their vehicle before attempting to flee
on foot. Police arrested one suspect after
he turned up at a nearby fire station seeking
help for a shoulder wound. (abc13.com,
Katy, Texas, 12/29/18)
n Lake Odessa, Mich., a man suspected of
substance abuse stole a truck and trailer to
take it for a joyride. Stopping the vehicle in
a local neighborhood, the suspect forced his
way into a nearby house. The homeowner
awoke to discover the desperate man stating
he was being chased by someone attempting
to kill him. Grabbing his gun, the resident

A thief got more than he bargained for after

stealing a sport utility vehicle in Missoula,
Mont. Just after 8 a.m., local deputies were
called to investigate the theft, and in their
search for the offender, the officers spotted
the SUV and attempted to pull it over and
apprehend the illicit driver. However, he
followed the intruder outside to face the
attacker, but found no one. Both men headed
back into the house where the bad guy
began to act in an erratic and angry manner,
eventually attacking the homeowner. The
resident fired his gun and killed his attacker.
(mlive.com, Lake Odessa, Mich., 1/2/19)

10 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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standing guard
NRA Protects Americans From
Chicago’s Violent New Normal
W
here in America would anyone cel-
ebrate and crow about thousands
of shot and slain citizens?
It can only be Chicago, where some
officials are glowing over slight decreases in
homicides and shootings in that city in 2018.
All while thousands of citizens were shot
and killed as Chicago continues to burn with
rampant violence the politicians refuse to
fully address.
According to a report in the Chicago
Tribune, homicides dropped by 15 percent
By Wayne LaPierre last year and shootings decreased by 18
percent.
Executive Vice President But as of the end of the year, according
to The Tribune, more than 2,900 citizens had
been shot in 2018, along with at least 570
homicides. Data also shows that in some of
the most violent districts of Chicago, the
violence continues largely unabated. In fact,
an area on the Far South Side of Chicago
“FOR DECADES, was hit by a 33 percent increase in homi-
cides and a 21 percent increase in shoot-
WE’VE FOUGHT ings. That is according to the Chicago Police
FOR TOUGH Department.
No matter how hard politicians and the
ENFORCEMENT media may try to twist and spin numbers
and data, the reality of Chicago is deadly
OF EXISTING violence.
GUN LAWS “We’ve normalized gun violence,” a
Chicago teen told an interviewer. Think
AGAINST VIOLENT about that word “normal” for a moment.
CRIMINALS. For us, normal is dropping our kids off
at school and going on to work. Normal is a
THAT’S JUST family dinner at the end of the day. Normal
COMMON SENSE. is daily routine in our lives.
In Chicago, normal is violence. Death.
THAT WORKS.” Readers of this space may recall the
words of Chicago Police Superintendent
Eddie Johnson. Last August, on the heels of
another weekend when at least 60 people
were shot, Johnson told Chicago CBS, “I’m
tired of it…People are sick and tired of it,
and they should be.”
Johnson pointed to the fact that most of
the mayhem in Chicago is committed by the
same, repeat violent criminals. “As long as
we fail to create repercussions for carrying
and using illegal guns, or more importantly
hold repeat, violent offenders accountable
for their actions, we’re simply going to con-
tinue to have these discussions.”
That has been the position of NRA
members for decades and, for decades, I’ve
Like us on Facebook at the fought for tough enforcement of existing
National Rifle Association. laws against violent criminals, drug deal-
For related articles, go to ers and gangs with guns. That’s just plain
nrapublications.org. common sense. That works. But that doesn’t
12 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan
fit the agenda of the powerful political
and media elites to destroy the Second
Amendment and ban civilian ownership of
firearms. To these elites, the destruction of
our constitutional right to keep and bear
arms is more important than making streets
in cities like Chicago safer.
Instead of calling for full, tough enforce-
ment of existing laws to take violent preda-
tors off our streets, the political elites cry for
more laws that effect only the law-abiding.
From gun bans, to ammunition bans, to
special taxes on lawful gun owners, to every
licensing and national registration scheme
they can conjure, their siren call for more
gun control is backed and shouted to the
rooftops by most in the national media.
But it is just that—a siren call, an outright
lie aimed not at cracking down on violent
criminals, but upon the honest, law-abiding
Americans who own firearms.
As you know, they’re coming after
us again. Already, new legislation has
been introduced in the U.S. House of
Representatives—more regulation, more
bans and more government thumbs down
upon our freedom. All of it has been slickly
packaged as “public safety” measures,
but none of their measures would enhance
anyone’s safety. But it would disarm us and
make no mistake—their end goal is total
disarmament, your gun and mine.
They know—and we all know—that
the only force in America that can stop
them cold in their anti-freedom tracks are
the men and women of the National Rifle
Association.
We stand for protecting American
citizens by fully enforcing existing federal
gun laws against violent criminals with guns,
drug dealers with guns and criminal gangs
with guns.
We stand for the absolute constitutional
right of every law-abiding American to own
firearms for any lawful purpose, especially
the God-given right of personal protection.
The NRA has always stood with law
enforcement and always fought for our
personal Second Amendment liberty. The
majority of Americans believe in that and we
will always stand and fight to preserve both
our nation and our freedom.
We must be strong, unwavering and
dedicated to that cause, and always stand as
Freedom’s Safest Place.
OFFICIALLY
LICENSED
COOLER OF THE

LEARN MORE AT:

CORDOVAOUTDOORS.COM
president’s column
LtCol Oliver L. North,
USMC (Ret.)
President
NRA OFFICERS
Oliver L. North
President
Richard Childress
First Vice President
Carolyn D. Meadows
Second Vice President
Wayne LaPierre
Executive Vice President
John Frazer
Secretary
Craig Spray
Treasurer
Joseph De Bergalis, Jr.
Executive Director,
General Operations
Christopher W. Cox
Executive Director,
Institute For Legislative
Action
For news about your NRA,
visit: nra.org and nranews.com
Share this column online at
nrapublications.org.
14
The NRA Has Always Supported
America’s Law Enforcement Heroes
A
s a Marine, I know all too well the
bloody sacrifice of our brave men and
women in the military in defense of
our country, our security and our freedom. It
takes a special sense of duty and courage to
be willing to put one’s own life in harm’s way
for the sake of others.
That is why our NRA honors the members
of our armed forces as noble patriots. It’s
why we mourn as flags are draped over the
coffins of fallen heroes and why we proudly
stand with hands over hearts to honor the
flag and anthem of the nation they defend.
For those same reasons we never take the
service and sacrifice of America’s law enforce-
ment officers for granted. Like Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Guardsmen and Marines, law
officers don their uniforms and go into harm’s
way every single day. They patrol our streets
and neighborhoods; protect our borders;
watch over our communities and schools; and
spend precious off-duty hours volunteering for
programs that help our children and support
local charities. They risk their lives every single
day with a singular purpose—to serve and
protect us. And too often, that service comes
at the ultimate cost—the loss of their lives.
According to a preliminary report by the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Fund, 144 federal, state, local, tribal and ter-
ritorial officers died in the line of duty during
2018. This figure represents a 12 percent
increase over the 129 officers who died in the
line of duty in 2017. That’s simply horrifying.
These courageous public servants were
slain in a variety of ways: while making
arrests, conducting investigations, respond-
ing to domestic and public disturbances,
conducting traffic stops, transporting violent
prisoners, and even ambushed while on duty.
When these officers strapped on a gun and
donned a badge, they went to work to pro-
tect us, to keep evil from our doors, and to
put their own lives on the line for ours.
The classical definition of a hero is a
person who puts him or herself at risk for the
benefit of others. These law officers meet
that definition.
That is why the NRA, throughout its his-
tory, has been proud of our partnership with
America’s law enforcement community, a
partnership that dates all the way back to the
founding of our organization in 1871. In fact,
there are five expressed major purposes of
the NRA. One of our principal objectives is to
train members of law enforcement agencies.
Another is to promote public safety, law and
order, and the national defense.
March 2019 aMerican rifleMan
In other words, since our founding, two of
our specific purposes are to support the men
and women of America’s law enforcement
community.
To help meet that objective, some 60,000
law enforcement instructors have been
trained and certified by the NRA. At our
headquarters in Fairfax, Va., we offer officers
tuition-free training on our indoor range. We
also provide support and seminars on the Law
Enforcement Officer Safety Act, with legal
and training updates, in addition to a free law
enforcement newsletter that is distributed to
35,000 agencies and officers around the coun-
try. The NRA also provides law enforcement
instructor liability insurance, as well as retired
and off-duty liability insurance.
To serve the families of slain officers, the
NRA provides a “Line of Duty Death Benefit”
to every public law enforcement officer, who
is also a member of the NRA, killed in the line
of duty. Since that benefit was established
two decades ago, the NRA has awarded
more than $3 million to the survivors of mem-
ber officers tragically lost in service.
To further promote law and order and
support our law enforcement officers, the
NRA has fought for decades, and will con-
tinue to fight for meaningful criminal justice
reform. Officers are threatened every day
by the politicians who repeatedly undercut
them by failing to enforce existing federal
laws against violent felons with guns, drug
dealers and gangs with guns, and by failing
to remove violent repeat predators from
America’s streets.
Every American citizen, especially our law
enforcement officers, can count on the NRA
to stand up and fight for a return to the basic
principles of right and wrong, and law and
order, to make all of our neighborhoods—as
well as those who serve them—safe.
Despite the all-too-frequent criticism
and attacks by the so-called “mainstream”
news media, the NRA will always be proud
of, always honor, and always defend our
law enforcement officers and their families.
That’s why we recognize a “Law Enforcement
Officer of the Year” at our Annual Meetings
& Exhibits—as we will next month in
Indianapolis.
They walk the thin blue line on the front
lines of protecting us and our ability to live
safe and free.
They are our American heroes.
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political report
By Chris W. Cox
NRA-ILA
Executive Director
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
DUES ARE NOT
ENOUGH.
If you want to DEFEND your
right to own and carry a
firearm …
If your FREEDOM to hunt and
shoot is important to you …
Then you need to SUPPORT
the NRA Institute for
Legislative Action.
We are the only arm of
NRA specifically charged
with defending your
Second Amendment
freedoms on Capitol Hill,
and in state legislatures and
courtrooms across America.
Visit nraila.org/donate
to support NRA-ILA today!
NRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683
NRA-ILA website: nraila.org
For related articles, go to
nrapublications.org.
16
Gun Controllers Want to Monitor and
Restrict Lawful Firearm Purchases
G
un controllers have become increas-
ingly frustrated that Americans have
repeatedly rejected their gun-
confiscation agenda through their elected
representatives. Rather than accept the will of
the American people, they’re attempting to
circumvent the legislative process and restrict
gun rights by way of the private financial sys-
tem. Their goal is to pressure financial services
companies into either not doing business with
the firearms industry and gun owners or to spy
on their lawful activity.
This should be chilling not just to law-
abiding gun owners, but to anyone who cher-
ishes their privacy. On Dec. 24, the New York
Times ran a thinly veiled advocacy piece by
Andrew Ross Sorkin in the news section, titled,
“Devastating Arsenals, Bought With Plastic
and Nary a Red Flag.” The piece outlined how
some of the perpetrators of high-profile mass
murders had purchased firearms and ammuni-
tion in the same manner that many ordinary
law-abiding Americans do: with credit cards.
The online edition of the piece carried the
headline “How Banks Unwittingly Finance
Mass Shootings,” suggesting that financial
services companies were somehow complicit in
violence by facilitating the exchange of lawful
goods that were ultimately used for criminal
purposes. According to the misbranded op-ed,
banks and other financial services compa-
nies are “uniquely positioned” to monitor
gun owner purchasing habits. Under Sorkin’s
preferred scenario, credit card companies
would require retailers to tag firearms-related
purchases with additional data that could be
used by the credit card companies to compile
information on gun owners. The surveillance
data could then be used to flag suspicious
purchases for law enforcement.
Moreover, the piece suggests that this
data collection could be used to restrict
certain types of lawful firearms transactions
outright. Sorkin suggested:“Walmart and
Dick’s Sporting Goods this year announced
that they would not sell firearms to anyone
under 21. If banks chose to use the systems
they already have in place, they might decide
to monitor such customers, perhaps prevent-
ing them from exercising their right to acquire
a firearm.”
To their credit, when asked for comment
by the Times’ advocate, the major financial
transaction firms expressed a reluctance to
violate the privacy of their law-abiding custom-
ers. A Visa spokesperson explained, “We do
not believe Visa should be in the position of
setting restrictions on the sale of lawful goods
March 2019 aMerican rifleMan
or services … Asking Visa or other payment
networks to arbitrate what legal goods can
be purchased sets a dangerous precedent.”
A Mastercard spokesperson added that the
transaction company values the privacy of its
customers’ “own purchasing decisions.” These
responses are promising, but don’t expect anti-
gun extremists to relent with their pressure.
The Sorkin article is simply part of a
wider-ranging effort to attack firearm owners
through the financial system. In April 2018,
Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun
Safety expressed support for increased credit
card company surveillance of firearms transac-
tions. In fact, the anti-gun organization has
developed “guidelines” for financial institu-
tions doing business with the firearms industry.
Under the guidelines, firearms manufacturers
and retailers would be forced to adopt a host
of gun control measures in order to do busi-
ness with financial services providers.
The recent credit card proposals prompt
important questions. Under what scenario
would a gun owner’s purchases be flagged as
“suspicious,” or be outright denied? Might
the criteria be defined by anti-gun activists to
include any volume of firearms-related goods
they consider deviant? Gun owners routinely
purchase large quantities of firearms products
and ammunition for the same reason consum-
ers buy anything in bulk: to save money.
Gun owners should also be aware that
any increase in the information that financial
services companies collect may wind up in
the federal government’s hands. To that end,
a June 2013 item in the Wall Street Journal
reported that the National Security Agency
was scooping up large quantities of data from
credit card providers.
Even those who do not value our Right to
Keep and Bear Arms but do cherish other civil
liberties should be concerned with such credit
card transaction proposals. In early 2018,
when some of these ideas were first floated,
Georgetown University Law Professor Adam
Levitin pointed out, “There’s a privacy angle
here … There’s the slippery slope danger if
it’s guns today ... and the day after it’s right-
wing literature.”
New rules or surveillance procedures
imposed by the credit card industry on
firearms transactions would have a profound,
negative effect on gun owners and the firearm
industry and pose a broader threat to all
liberty-minded Americans.
ila story
Target
Practice
CONGRESSIONAL
DEMOCRATS TARGET
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EXTREME FIREARM
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I
n January, while the United States
government was still partially shut
down, anti-gun members of the U.S.
House of Representatives decided to
focus on gun control rather than to en-
sure that the country has a functional
government.
Arch anti-gunner Nancy Pelosi
(D-Calif.) quarterbacked the effort in
her capacity as Speaker of the House.
“[T]oday is … a day of action,” she
said at the press conference introduc-
ing the 116th Congress’ first major
gun control push. “We say enough is
enough by finally bringing common-
sense, bipartisan background check
legislation to the Floor of the House.”
As applause erupted, she added,
“Isn’t that exciting?”
Joining her in the effort was Rep.
Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), chairman of
18
the Democrats’
Gun Violence Prevention
Task Force. He characterized
the day’s proceedings as the culmina-
tion of a six-year effort “to find the
most efficient and most effective way
to help save lives.”
Their first big play was H.R. 8, the
“Bipartisan Background Checks Act
of 2019.” The single-digit bill number
was meant to convey the high priority
the Democrat-controlled Congress
places on gun control.
The pair also chose Jan. 8 to launch
their effort for ostensibly symbolic rea-
sons. This was the date in 2011 when
an assassination attempt in Tucson,
Ariz., tragically wounded then U.S.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and resulted
in the deaths and injuries of innocent
bystanders.
March 2019 aMerican rifleMan
Giffords was in attendance as
Pelosi and Thompson introduced
H.R. 8, along with other fixtures of
the anti-gun cause, including Josh
Horowitz, David Hogg, Lucy McBath
and Shannon Watts.
Yet as infamous and deplorable as
the Tucson event was, it was a strange
occasion to use to mark the launch of
a “universal” background check bill.
The individual convicted of the
attempt on Giffords’s life had, in fact,
purchased the firearm he used in his
crimes from a federally licensed dealer
after passing the mandatory back-
ground check.
 By Chris W. Cox
NRA-ILA
Executive Director

But then the concept of “universal”
background checks has always been a
matter of style over substance.
For one thing, the sorts of criminals
committing the vast majority of violent
crimes in the United States—most
conference—and others have repeat-
edly shown that criminals usually get
the firearms possessed during their
criminal acts from family members,
criminal associates, the black market
or by stealing them.
have not pursued a criminal lifestyle
for profit or gain but who, on a single
occasion, act out of a twisted desire
for notoriety or a sadistic impulse to
inflict large-scale suffering and with
no expectation of getting away with
Photo by Associated Press/Bill Clark

of whom are legally prohibited from
firearm ownership and know it—
rarely obtain crime guns directly from
federally licensed dealers (FFLs), who
already must run background checks
on customers.
Studies by the U.S. Department
of Justice—including one released
the day after the H.R. 8 press
Another way prohibited criminals
get around the background check
system is by paying someone else who
can pass the background check to buy
the gun on the criminal’s behalf, an
act that is already illegal for the buyer
under current federal law.
Then there are the perpetrators
of high-profile mass murders who
it. Both a 2018 report by the FBI and
a 2015 article by the New York Times
recognized that in the vast majority of
such cases, the perpetrators obtained
their firearms from a licensed dealer
who conducted a background check.
If a person lacks a significant history
of criminal conduct or state-mandated
mental health treatment, a background

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 19

UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, WHILE INCONSEQUENTIAL TO PUBLIC SAFETY,
ARE A NECESSARY PIECE OF AN OVERALL PUZZLE THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE U.S.
RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS INTO A EUROPEAN-STYLE PRIVILEGE.
check can’t simply manufacture a
reason to deny them. To state the obvi-
ous, a background check looks toward
the past, not toward a person’s future
intentions. It cannot stop someone
who remains under the radar while
planning to end his life with a mass
casualty event.
There is also the important ques-
tion of how the government could
enforce a “universal” background
check law, given that private gun
owners (unlike FFLs) are not required
to identify themselves to the U.S.
government.
This has led experts, includ-
ing President Obama’s own Justice
Department, to explain that universal
background checks are unenforceable
without a comprehensive national
registry of firearms.
Indeed, the ink had hardly dried on
H.R. 8 before reliably anti-gun media
outlets were grudgingly acknowledg-
ing that there is virtually no evidence
that universal background checks
reduce firearm-related homicide or
violent crime.
Vox.com, which supports increased
federal gun control, admitted in a
January 9 article that “a growing body
of research suggests that comprehen-
sive background checks alone won’t
do much, if anything, to combat gun
violence in America.” The article went
on to cite studies by well-established
anti-gun researchers at institu-
tions that in some cases have entire
research departments devoted to
producing empirical support for gun
control, including U.C. Davis, Johns
Hopkins and U.C. Berkeley.
Even Michael Bloomberg’s own
dedicated anti-gun propaganda outfit,
thetrace.com, admitted on January
10 that “the real-world evidence that
[universal background checks] reduce
crime is more complicated than the
political momentum might suggest.”
While The Trace strained to portray
the evidence as “complicated” and
“all over the place,” it nevertheless
admitted, “it’s clear that in many cases
the policy isn’t working as hoped.”
Despite these concessions, Vox.
com and The Trace aren’t ready to
20
abandon their support for universal
background checks, arguing they
need to be better implemented and
enforced to really prove their worth.
But they also gave away the game
being played with H.R. 8 and similar
legislation by suggesting that even if
universal background checks themselves
don’t reduce violent crime, they can at
least support the implementation of
more radical and intrusive gun control.
“Democrats need to think way big-
ger on guns,” the Vox.com headline
urged.
In particular, both outlets sug-
gested that firearm buyers should
have to go through a licensing
process, while also citing research
that praised the “potential synergistic
effects” of simultaneously unleashing
and implementing a raft of interna-
tional-style gun controls “within a
narrow time window.”
Translation: Universal background
checks, while inconsequential to public
safety, are a necessary piece of an
overall puzzle that will transform the
U.S. right to keep and bear arms into
a European-style privilege reserved for
wealthy elite who can afford to comply
with burdensome, bureaucratic proce-
dures to acquire a firearm.
But do law-abiding gun owners
really have anything to fear from legis-
lation like H.R. 8 in the meantime?
Absolutely.
While the legislation is being
deceptively marketed to the public
as applying to gun sales and aimed
at keeping guns out of the hands of
dangerous and prohibited people, it
is actually a broadside against gun
ownership in America.
H.R. 8’s background check require-
ment applies not just to sales or
changes of ownership but to tempo-
rary “transfers” of possession.
The simple act of handing a firearm
to another person could potentially
trigger penalties of up to one year in
prison and/or a $100,000 fine under
this legislation.
Every transfer in which the recipient’s
possession did not remain “exclusively
… in the presence of the transferor”
would have to occur on the business
March 2019 aMerican rifleMan
premises of an FFL and include all the
usual formalities, including a back-
ground check.
While there are limited exceptions,
their extreme specificity only under-
scores the broad scope of the general
rule.
For example, there is no general
exception for persons living together
in the same household.
Loans or “bona fide gifts” are
allowed between “parents and their
children” but not between adults and
children who they are raising as their
own but who are not related by blood
or adoption.
Likewise, exemptions apply to
transfers between aunts and uncles
and nieces and nephews, but a person
who loaned a gun to a cousin would
be committing a federal crime.
The rule is so broad, in fact, that
it could interfere with transfers that
even gun control advocates might
consider desirable.
A suicidal person, for example,
could not simply ask a trusted friend
to take possession of his or her guns.
An elderly widow who wanted to
rid herself of her husband’s large gun
collection could not sell it to a long-
term neighbor who has the facilities to
property store and secure it.
An injured victim of a car accident
could not ask an EMT or fireman to
safeguard the gun in his vehicle.
All these transfers would have to
be processed by an FFL.
And if there wasn’t a participat-
ing FFL in the area, or if the parties
couldn’t afford whatever fees the
FFL decided to charge, the transfer
couldn’t happen at all.
Similar legislation—S. 42, the
Background Check Expansion Act—
has been introduced in the U.S. Senate
by staunch firearm prohibitionist Chris
Murphy (D-Conn.). His version would
even impose felony penalties for
violations.
There is, to use Nancy Pelosi’s
words, nothing “commonsense,”
“exciting,” “efficient,” or “effective”
about these bills. With your help, the
NRA will lead the fight to ensure they
never become law.
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 READERS WRITE
bolt-action

Ruger’s M77 Round-Top

A half-century on, it’s no coincidence that the upstart bolt-action that took on the big boys
remains one of most respected rifles in the field.
BY JOHN ZENT, Editorial Director

ow’s this for oddball coincidence? For last year’s

bear hunt in our 49th state, I took a rifle then in
its 49th year of manufacture. If you can find any
significance in that, please let me know. As far as
I can see, it simply means that the Ruger Model 77 has
reached a big, round milestone here in 2018—uncommon
longevity for any consumer product, let alone a firearm.
It was my first time using the Ruger in Alaska, and I
have to wonder why, since on eight trips spread over 25

Editorial Director John Zent’s otherwise-

years, there were guides in nearly every camp relying on
M77s, including on a Dall sheep hunt just a few months
back. That seems worthy of our attention, since the men
and women who work in those camps tend to have more
than average gun sense and must balance value with
everyday performance under conditions far more trying
than most of us face. While I’m not arguing that my limited

excellent overview of the Ruger M77,

observations apply to Alaskans as a whole, later in this
article I will share evidence from a well-positioned source
suggesting that this may indeed be the case.
Even so, sales to Alaskans aren’t what has kept Ruger
in the M77 business for a half-century. This seminal
bolt-action—in many incarnations—has proven itself

“Ruger’s Rugged Flagship: The Model 77

around the globe, including wherever you hunt and shoot.
Ruggedness and real value have always ranked high in our

[January 1969]
American character, and those two stubbornly appealing
traits allowed an upstart rifle from an ambitious gunmaker
to compete with a pair of national treasures.

How An Upstart Tackled The Icons

Turns 50” (December 2018, p. 44), didn’t

On the heels of its .44 Mag. (1959) and 10/22 (1964)
semi-automatic carbines, plus the classy No. 1 single-shot
(1966), Ruger was still fairly new to the long-gun business
when it introduced the Model 77 in 1968. From what was a
modest launch—an economical ($160) short-action offered
Three distinct M77 generations (opposite, l. to r.) are exemplified by:
a first-year production push-feed action with innovative Ruger integral
scope bases; a Mark II Magnum with true controlled-round feed and an
integral barrel rib; and a current Hawkeye with the fine LC6 trigger.

44 December 2018 american rifleman Photos by Forrest MacCormack americanrifleman.org December 2018 45

mention one notable early variation—the

Model 77 round-top. It featured a receiver contoured to take conventional scope
mounts rather than the Ruger dovetail. After getting out of the Army in the early
1970s, I desperately wanted a .270 Win. rifle. Rugers were getting a lot of positive
press and were more affordable than other brands. The only .270 I could find was
a round-top. I bought it and have used it on a variety of game ever since. Like
many 77s it is extremely accurate—only one of the many I have owned would not
shoot into an inch. Oddly enough, that was a heavy-barreled .308 Win.
Keep up the good work!
RANDOLPH DOMINIC, JR., ENDOWMENT MEMBER

Thanks kindly for weighing in on my article about the Ruger M77 with your
correction concerning the round-top. Though I’ve never actually seen one, I did
learn about it while researching the article and probably should have mentioned
it, along with some other notable variants. In order to make the text fit our
space, however, I simply wasn’t able to include all of the rifle’s incredibly rich his-
tory. Also, we appreciate hearing about your personal experiences with Ruger 77s,
and, moreover, we are grateful for your support for NRA. In other Model 77 news,
Ruger has announced a 50th Anniversary edition, and you can read about it at
americanrifleman.org/m77anniversary.
—JOHN ZENT, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Controlled-Round Feed? Not So Fast

I was glad to see the article by John Zent
about the 50th anniversary of the Ruger 77.
Two years after I was born, my dad bought
a new M77 in .270 Win. and took many
game animals with it—most with one shot.

NRA member photo

When I was 14, my first bolt-action rifle was
an M77 in .300 Win. Mag., which is still the
most accurate rifle I have ever owned. I cur-
rently own many Rugers in many chamber-
ings, as well as most other brands, but will
always have a soft spot for the old 77s.
As a full-time gunsmith for more than 20 years, I can tell you though that
Ruger did not correct the push-feed 77 into controlled-round feed with the
Mark II. Some Mark IIs are push-feed. I have no idea why, as they did have fixed
ejectors and claw extractors, which would enable controlled-round feed. Check
out the bolt face of some Mark IIs, and you will see a lip on the lower edge, just
like an early 77. This lip positively prevents controlled-round feed.
I have included a photo of just such a rifle that I have, and you can clearly
see the claw extractor. The cut for the fixed ejector and the lip on the bottom of
the bolt face preclude controlled-round feeding. Thank for letting me clear this
up for your readers.
JEFF HUTCHINS, OREGON

“Readers Write” affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in

American Rifleman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity. Send letters to:
Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or email us at
publications@nrahq.org.

22 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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REPORTS | OPENING SHOT

C
olt had already held the manufac-
turing rights to the AR-15 rifle for
half a decade when the company
decided that, in addition to pursuing
U.S. military contracts for the gun’s fully
automatic counterpart, the M16, it could
sell an early semi-automatic version of
the design to civilians. Thus, in 1963, the
AR-15 Sporter was born, and the American
firearm marketplace would never be the
same. To learn more about the history of
the now collectible AR-15 Sporter, or SP1,
see the sidebar (p. 44) to this month’s
feature “This Is My Rifle.”
[December 1964]

28 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

 REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES

Wright Leather Introduces Mec-Gar Notches

Signature Collection Milestone Certification
T I
he acclaimed artisans at Ohio-based Wright Leather Works have talian magazine manufacturer
introduced a new customizable collection to the top end of Mec-Gar has been awarded the
their catalog. The Signature Collection features the smooth, ISO 9001:2015 certification, the
leather-lined interior found within the company’s Master Collection, world’s most widely recognized quality-
and also allows customers to personalize the holsters’ appearance. A management standard. To become
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exteriors and stiffeners. wrightleatherworks.com automatic pistols. mec-gar.com

The Art Of Cylinder Engraving

50 YEARS AGO

Scenes on antique revolvers were roll-engraved.

T
he stagecoach holdup scene is probably the
most common and most familiar engraving to
arms enthusiasts. This one (top r.) is on Colt
cal. .31 Pocket Models of 1848, 1849, 1850 and 1853,
cal. .36 Pocket Model, and cal. .38 cartridge con-
version revolvers. A similar Stagecoach can also be
found on large-frame cal. 36 Colt Paterson revolvers
(bottom r.). [March 1969]

Telling The Tommy Gun Story

T
here are quite a few books avail-
able today telling the story of
the iconic Tommy gun. In addi-
tion to U.S. Infantry Weapons Of World
War II (gunandswordcollector.com,
$40) by Field Editor Bruce N. Canfield—
author of “‘Almost Perfect’? The G.I.
Thompson In World War II,” starting
on p. 46 of this issue—there is what
may well be the finest work on the
subject in print. Indeed, at 872 pp.,
Tracie Hill’s The Ultimate Thompson
Book (collectorgrade.com; $150) is
the most comprehensive reference
to date, and it was written with
the help of other members of the
NRA-affiliated American Thompson
Ass’n (nfatoys.com), along with the
late Blake Stevens. The hardbound
tome is spendy, but no aspect of the
Thompson has been spared. Need the
complete list of Colt-made 1921 serial
numbers, or want to know the fate of
the guns smuggled to the IRA? This
one has both and a whole lot more.
A more affordable overview by
Frank Iannamico, American Thunder:
The Military Thompson Submachine
Guns, is now in its third edition
(smallarmsreview.com, $40). The
hardback 412-pp. book includes both
black-and-white and color images,
and Frank did a nice job of provid-
ing background and context for the
Thompson and its use, as well as
detailed descriptions of the various
versions of the gun, its magazines
and parts, and other accessories.
One of the contributors to The
Ultimate Thompson Book wrote one
of his own. The paperbound Great
Britain – The Tommy Gun Story by Finally, frequent contributor Martin
Tom Davis, Jr. (amazon.com, $30) is Pegler wrote The Thompson Submachine
a very well-researched and thorough Gun From Prohibition Chicago To World
treatise on the British procurement War II (ospreypublishing.com, e-book
and use of the Thompson. In it, $16). The well-illustrated 80-pp. paper-
among other things, you will learn back was, rightly, the first in the Osprey
how many Tommy guns were sent Weapons series, and it is a worthy primer
to the bottom of the Atlantic by for the budding Thompson enthusiast.
U-boats. —MARK A. KEEFE, IV, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 29

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

10/22 Loading Made Easy

A
ny time I am staring down a range day involving If you regularly shoot a 10/22, or anything that uses
several hundred rounds of .45 ACP or 9 mm Luger, Ruger factory BX-1, -5 and -10 rotary or BX-15 or -25
the one accessory I never forget to pack in my range “banana”-style magazines along with T/CR22 10-rounders,
bag—in order to save both time and my thumbs—is my then the 10/22 BX LULA is a veritable necessity, and pays
trusty Maglula UpLULA handheld magazine loader. Now for itself after several hours of range time. Price: $40.
Maglula has applied the same technology to another of Contact: Maglula LTD.; maglula.com.
America’s most popular platforms: the Ruger 10/22 rifle. —DaviD Herman, assistant eDitor
Sold as a pair, the Maglula 10/22 BX LULA Loader and
Unloader set is easy to set up and quick to use. Simply
orient the large and small pins on the 10/22
magazine toward their respective holes on
the loader (front and rear) and press until
the magazine snaps into place. Then push
on the top lever, which only requires light
pressure to hold down the follower and car-
tridges so fresh ammunition can be added.
To disengage the magazine, press the release tab on the
bottom and it falls right out.
Load a magazine too many? Clip the handy unloader
onto the small rear magazine pin. Once in place, actuate
the lever back and forth until the magazine is empty, a
process that only takes seconds.
Gatorskins Men’s Zippered Shirt
S
ewn in the United States by a veteran-owned company, the Gatorskins
Men’s Zippered Shirt combines technology-driven fabric and practical
design. The DuPont-developed microfiber fabric is both breathable and
windproof, yet is three times warmer than wool for its weight. The shirt is cut
long in the body and features a zip turtleneck, handwarmer pockets and thumb-
hole sleeves. It can be used as a base layer next to the skin, over a T-shirt or as
an outer layer. Conventional machine washing and resistance to shrinking make
the shirt practical and long-wearing, respectively. Price: $110.
Contact: Gatorskins; (717) 501-4655; gatorskinsusa.com.

Match Weight VP9 Compensator

M
ade in America and CNC machined from either 1018 steel or 6061-T6 anodized alumi-
num, frame-mounted compensators from Match Weight accommodate a broad assort-
ment of modern Heckler & Koch semi-automatics (VP9 model shown). By adding weight
to the host firearm’s front end—the steel model weighs 12 ozs. while the aluminum
version adds 4 ozs.—the Compensator helps counteract and minimize the muzzle rise
inherent to pistol recoil. Installed in only minutes with the included Allen key, the
Match Weight Compensator is available either with or without a four-slot section
of Picatinny Rail along its bottom surface. Price: $195 (aluminum), $350 (steel).
Contact: Match Weight; (630) 400-9060; matchweight.com.

WHERE TO BUY | VISIT OUR DEALER LOCATOR AT MOOSEUTILITIES.COM

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Mount-N-Slot Triglide 2-To-1-Point Adapter

D
eceptively simple in concept and construction, the U.S.-made, one-piece,
machined-aluminum Mount-N-Slot serves double-duty as both a triglide for
securing two layers of nylon webbing together and as a push-button sling
swivel receptacle, allowing a two-point sling to be instantly converted to a one-
point sling. The device is available for 1", 1.25" and 1.5" web-
bing widths and also accepts H&K- and MASH-style hooks.
Price: $20. Contact: Impact Weapons Components;
(970) 980-8378; impactweaponscomponents.com.

Otis Patriot Series Cleaning Kit

C
ontaining all the tools necessary to clean firearms of a specific caliber or gauge, Otis
Technologies’ Patriot Series Cleaning Kits are now available in 13 of the industry’s most
popular bore diameters. As an example, the 6.5 mm Rifle kit includes a double-ended
receiver brush, a 30" Memory-Flex cable that facilitates breech-to-muzzle cleaning, a bronze
bore brush, a slotted tip, a mop, four bits (two Phillips, one flat, one hex) and three
cotton patches. An included multi-purpose tool also functions as a T-handle for use
with the Memory-Flex cable, a rod handle for the bore brush, slotted tip and mop, and
a driver for the four bits. Price: $20. Contact: Otis Technologies; (800) 684-7486; otistec.com.

RIFLE OF
THE YEAR

Find your nearest Barrett Fieldcraft dealer,

visit Barrett.net | follow us @barrettfieldcraft
 Corvus Defensio
AUG Case Deflector
T
he Case Deflector, from Corvus
Defensio, is designed to fit onto

Geissele Super Sabra Trigger Pack & the ejection port of a Steyr AUG
without the need to disassemble any
components, change bolts or swap
Lightning Bow Trigger For Tavor out the ejection port cover. Simply
insert the 1-oz. device into the ejec-

B
ullpup-configured rifles have never been tion port and expand it into place via
known for precise trigger pulls. While the two setscrews at the deflector’s rear.
IWI US Tavor SAR and X-95 rifles are not Once installed, the Deflector ejects
regarded as the worst offenders in this arena, spent cases either forward or to the
they can still benefit greatly from an after- side, allowing the shooter to fire the
market unit such as the Geissele Super Sabra AUG from either shoulder. The Case
Trigger Pack. The pack is self-contained in Deflector can be mounted on any AUG
a hard-anodized aluminum housing and that has not undergone a 9 mm Luger
features nitrided S7 tool-steel internal conversion. Price: $125. Contact:
components. Installation is drop-in easy, Corvus Defensio; corvusdefensio.com.
and the resulting total pull weight ranges
from 5 lbs., 8 ozs., to 7 lbs., 8 ozs., with a user-adjustable first stage. The com-
pany’s complementary Super Sabra Lightning Bow Trigger unit, sold separately,
is machined from 17-4 precipitation-hardened stainless steel and features a
set screw that can be adjusted to reduce slack between it and the trigger pack.
Combining the two results in a two-stage, match-grade trigger pull that com-
pares favorably with those of other high-grade, conventional rifles. Price: $350
(Super Sabra Trigger Pack); $99 (Super Sabra Lightning Bow Trigger).
Contact: Geissele Automatics; (610) 272-2060; geissele.com.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 33

 REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Devil Dog Concepts Hard Charger

P
lacement of the AR rifle’s charging handle might well be described
as awkward, as it requires that the user’s head come far off the gun
when chambering a round or locking the bolt back. Such movements
can slow reaction times and reduce situational awareness. Side-charging AR
uppers are one solution, but can be costly and require unique bolt carriers or
other components. The Devil Dog Concepts Hard Charger, on the other hand,
installs quickly to standard flat-top upper receivers, replacing the factory charging handle assembly and clamping in place
on the Picatinny rail by way of a single machine screw. The unit is made primarily from anodized 7075-series aluminum
and stainless steel and weighs only 5 ozs. Charging handles are available in several styles made from solid aluminum or
polycarbonate or from polycarbonate with a steel core. Rear-mounting models are also available to accommodate specific
optic mounts. Price: $134. Contact: Devil Dog Concepts; (844) 666-7244; devildogconcepts.com.

KDG Kinect M-Lok 3-Slot Rail Adapter

K
inetic Development Group’s Kinect M-Lok 3-Slot Rail Adapter is a three-slot
section of Picatinny rail that can be affixed to any M-Lok-compatible interface
nearly instantly—and removed just as quickly. When pressed down into an
M-Lok slot, two spring-loaded wedges inside the foot of the black-anodized aluminum
adapter deploy to securely grip the rail. Depressing the tongue at the base of the
unit will release the rail segment, allowing for quick removal or repositioning of an
accessory. It is also available in a seven-slot configuration. Price: $50. Contact: Kinetic
Development Group, LLC; (717) 517-7320; kineticdg.com.

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©2019 Davidson’s, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SLR Rifleworks Helix 7.5"
M-Lok Handguard
W
ith models spanning from 3.7" to 16" long, the
Helix Series of free-floating handguards from SLR
Rifleworks offers lightweight ruggedness to match
virtually any AR-15 build’s needs—the 7.5" version being
perfect for pistols or SBRs utilizing an 8" barrel. Available
in both M-Lok- and KeyMod-compatible configurations,
the Helix Series features Picatinny rail along the top of
the handguard at the receiver and the muzzle, and a
pair of QD sling sockets on the 3- and 9-o’clock faces.
Price: $220. Contact: SLR Rifleworks; (855) 757-7435;
slrrifleworks.com.
Hammer Strut Support
For Ruger Mark Series Pistols
O
wners of Ruger’s excellent Mark series .22 Long Rifle
semi-automatic pistols have long dreaded cleaning
them because of the onerous nature of the reassembly
process, which could sometimes result in a non-functional
pistol. While the new Mark IV model solved that dilemma,
original Standard Model, Mark II and Mark III guns can
now be made similarly foolproof with an inexpensive,
user-installed component that remains in the pistol and
precludes future incorrect reassembly. The patented,
U.S.-made Hammer Strut Support blocks the hammer
strut from becoming lodged under the sear spring stop
pin, which lies transversely in the pistol’s grip frame. The
device can be installed in minutes and fits most
Mark series pistols. Price: $15. Contact:
Hammer Strut Support; (256) 527-3527;
hammerstrutsupport.com.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Photo courtesy of Bruce N. Canfield

A Winchester Riflescope?
Q
I read an article in American
Rifleman about the use of
Winchester scopes as sniper
optics during World War I. I have a
Winchester A5 riflescope that I’ve been
told is in very good condition—the
glass is clear, and the reticle is also
clear and unbroken. I’d like to know
more about what I have. My father
used it competitively in the early 1900s
with a Winchester Model 52 rifle.
optics designers and producers.
While not widely used by the
general public, scopes were eagerly
sought by target shooters of the
late 19th and early 20th centuries,
especially for long-range applications.
Some of the early examples were
longer than the barrels of the rifles
onto which they were mounted. By
1900, there was much commonality
in design and straight-tube appear-
ance between the various U.S. makers,
market made good business sense.
Most of the interest in this, and similar
scopes, is for the purpose of assembling
period-correct pieces, rather than for
their field utility. Unless you know of
a person or persons in your area that
might have an interest in this sort of
item, it can be difficult to market. A

A
Your scope is a wonderful piece
of shooting history. While
technology has rendered scopes
such as yours primitive, fragile and
crude when compared to today’s
marvels of precision, there remains an
appreciation for the efforts of early
including Stevens, Malcom, Sidle
and others. Stevens was especially
aggressive, offering scope/mount
systems advertised for model-specific
Remington, Winchester, Marlin, Savage
and, of course, Stevens rifles.
Winchester’s entry into the scope
quick check of online auction houses
shows recent sales of similar Winchester
A5 riflescopes ranging from $450 to
$550. Winchester’s Model 52 was intro-
duced in 1919, which fits within the
production range of your A5 scope.
—JOHN W. TREAKLE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Illustrations from c. 1920 Marlin catalog

Marlin Heirloom
Q
I have an octagonal-barreled
.30-30 Win. lever-action rifle
with no definitive past, other
than it belonged to my grandfather,
who supposedly was stationed in the
Philippines with the U.S. Navy. The rifle .30-30 Win., .32 Win. Spl., .32-40 Win. barrel lengths ran from 24" to 32".
has the words “SPECIAL SMOKELESS and .38-55 Win., with .30-30 Win. The fact it is stamped “MODEL 1893”
STEEL” stamped on the left side of the being the most common. Both rifle and on the tang, plus the barrel markings,
barrel below the rear sight. It is also carbine configurations were offered, as indicate that it was probably made
stamped “MARLIN SAFETY” and “MODEL well as special-order guns. Your Model between 1894 and 1916.
1893” on either side of the hammer. A 1893 is definitely a rifle variant. Rifle —GARRY JAMES, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
stamped serial number, 384XXX, can be
seen forward of the trigger guard. Can From the thousands of questions and letters on guns, ammunition and their use that American
you help identify this family heirloom? Rifleman receives every year, it publishes the most interesting here. Receiving answers to technical
and historical questions is a privilege reserved to NRA members.

A
Nearly 1 million Model 1893
Marlin lever-action rifles were
manufactured between 1893 and
1935. It was a highly regarded repeater
available in the popular chamberings
of the day, including: .25-36 Marlin,
Questions must be in the form of letters addressed to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road,
Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the member’s code line from an American Rifleman or American Hunter
mailing label or membership card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope;
and must be limited to one specific question per letter. Non-members may submit a question with a member-
ship application. We cannot answer technical or historical questions by telephone, email or fax, and we cannot
place even an approximate value on guns or other equipment. Please allow eight to 10 weeks for replies.
“Questions & Answers” is compiled by staff and Contributing Editors: Bruce N. Canfield, Michael
Carrick, Garry James, Charles Pate, Charles E. Petty, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

36 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

FAVORITE FIREARMS

My Model 37—Six Decades On

S
ixty years ago, on my 16th birthday, my father surprised
me with a wrapped, shotgun-shaped package. An old,
seasoned hunter, Dad decided that I had handled my old
Mossberg bolt-action 20 gauge with due respect and that I
was ready for a full-size shotgun. Inside the package I found
a brand-new 12-ga. Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight. It was
a beautiful thing; not only did it eject the empties straight
downward, it also broke down into a neat little package.
Sometime later, an old Mexican leather worker in
Jalisco made me a fitted case for the Ithaca for 100 pesos.
All these years later, both are a bit worn, but still in good
shape. During the past 60 years, I’ve carried the shot-
gun in a lot of places, from the swamps of Mexico to the
Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It has shot its
way through thousands of rounds of wildly mixed ammu-
nition, and brought a lot of game to the table. The Ithaca
NRA member photo
has always been dead reliable, and has never missed a
shot—I certainly have, though! Nearly every shooter has a favorite firearm. If you would like to share the
experience of owning yours with other American Rifleman readers, or on
I have owned a lot of shotguns over the years, but americanrifleman.org, send a sharp color photograph of the gun, accompanied
when bird season next arrives here in New Mexico, it is by its story in fewer than 400 words, with your name, address and daytime
with the old Ithaca—my favorite firearm—that I will be telephone number to: Favorite Firearms, American Rifleman, National Rifle
Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, or email it to
out to greet it. americanrifleman@nrahq.org. Photos and submissions cannot be returned and
Bruce Moffitt, New Mexico may be edited for clarity and brevity.

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Two current iterations of retro-style,
20"-barreled ARs are the FN 15 Military
Collector Series M16 (below)—shown
here with a Trijicon 4X 32 mm ACOG—
and Brownells’ BRN-601 (bottom) with
its fixed carry handle, green furniture
and waffle magazine.

40 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan Photos by Holly Marcus

 COVER STORY

THIS IS MY RIFLE
The Case For The 20"-Barreled AR-15
Although the semi-automatic M4-style carbine has dominated the AR market
for many years, there is growing interest in ARs more akin to the original design.
Why? The rifle-length AR may be your best bet when it comes to ballistics,
reliability and durability.
he world of the military M16 and, by
extension, the civilian AR-15 market, has
become dominated by M4-style firearms.
This means, in the broadest sense, a 14.5"
or 16" barrel and a telescoping buttstock. The
utility and do-all capability of the M4-style
carbine is hard to deny, and its ubiquity makes
it easy to forget that the AR-15 started out as a
20"-barreled rifle as opposed to the more domi-
nant present carbine form. But the “full-size”
M16/AR-15 has both a storied history and some
distinct advantages that make re-visiting the
“rifle-length” AR a worthwhile journey.
Most civilian shooters’ experiences with rifle-
length ARs are limited to heavy-barreled match
or varmint-hunting rifles—the first being a style
brought to the civilian market by Colt in 1986
with its AR-15A2 “H-BAR.” While heavy barrels
have the potential for amazing accuracy, their
heft results in a front-heavy rifle that can tip the
scales at nearly 10 lbs. In contrast, M16s and the
earliest AR-15s feature a light barrel profile (the
difference in weight between an M16A4 and an
M4 is only 1 lb.), which yields completely differ-
ent handling and balance characteristics than an
H-BAR rifle.
Recently, rifle-length ARs have regained
popularity, with manufacturers including Colt,
FN America, Bravo Co. USA and Palmetto State
Armory building ARs with the 20" “government-
profile” barrel of the M16A2. Whether your
purpose is hunting, target shooting or self-
defense, there are three distinct advantages
of the rifle-length AR over its shorter-barreled
siblings—ballistics, reliability and durability.
First, let’s look at the ballistics. The M16’s
20" barrel has a 200-f.p.s. advantage over the
BY JEREMIAH KNUPP, Field Editor
14.5"-barreled M4 when shooting M855 ammuni-
tion. In my testing, using Federal’s XM855 ammu-
nition, a 20" barrel recorded about a 150-f.p.s.
advantage compared with a 16" barrel, the com-
mon length for civilian carbines. For the carbine,
that means about a 5 percent loss in velocity. The
muzzle energy difference is about 125 ft.-lbs. or
10 percent.
For reliability and durability data we can look
to tests conducted by the U.S. military, which
give an edge to the M16 over the M4. The main
reason lies in the gas system. The “rifle-length”
gas system of a 20" barrel is 5" longer than the
“carbine-length” gas system used on all 14.5"
and many 16" M4-style carbines. Due to the
drop in pressure over this longer distance, the
gas port on a rifle can be larger, which results
in a larger volume of lower-pressure gas heading
back to the action. The extra length of the gas
tube also means the velocity of the gas is slower
when it reaches the bolt carrier. This means less
force and heat on the working components of a
rifle’s action. In contrast, the shorter length of a
carbine gas system means the bolt is unlocking
sooner, while chamber pressure is higher, which
results in more stress on bolt lugs and extractors.
While the contemporary M4-style carbines
have evolved into a highly reliable platform, it
was a process that was not without its teeth-
ing problems, a path marked by the necessity
of innovations such as mid-length gas systems,
extra-power extractor springs, modified feed ramps
and H (heavy) buffers. The bottom line is that, for
the first three decades of its existence, the M16/
AR-15 rifle, and its 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridge,
were developed and refined around a 20" barrel.
Anything shorter is a compromise.

americanrifleman.org march 2019 41

THE 20" AR

To examine the story of the 20" rifle in U.S. military ser- as the Model 601. Fewer than 15,000 601s were made by Colt
vice we can look at two current models that bookend the between 1959 and 1963. Most went to the Air Force, with
M16’s service history. The Brownells Model BRN-601 mimics the remainder used by the Army and the Navy SEALs.
the earliest M16 adopted by the U.S. military. On the other In early 2018, gun parts megastore Brownells announced
end is the FN 15 Military Collector Edition M16. With its that it would begin selling complete “retro” AR rifles. Its
flat-top receiver and Knight’s Armament rail system, the models included four AR-15s (replicas of the Colt 601,
rifle is a semi-automatic-only clone of the last M16 adopted XM16E1, M16A1 and XM177E2) that represented the variants
by the U.S. military as a general-issue infantry rifle. available during the Vietnam War, and two .308 AR-10s.
The BRN-601 is a pretty close replica of America’s first
As Gene Intended It: The Brownells Model BRN-601 issued M16, from its triangular-shaped charging handle to
The origin story of the M16/AR-15 is well-known. the open-pronged “duck bill” flash hider. The rifle’s “slabside”
Starting in the late 1950s, Eugene Stoner’s original lower receiver has no fence around the magazine release but-
7.62x51 mm NATO-chambered AR-10 was refined by ton or a housing for the pivot pin detent and spring (the 601’s
ArmaLite engineers Robert Fremont and L. James Sullivan pivot pin has a built-in detent and is not captured). There
into the AR-15 to meet the demands of the U.S. Army’s
Small Caliber, High Velocity (SCHV) project. The AR-15
design retained the 20" barrel of its AR-10 parent.
The U.S. Army would start testing the AR-15 by late
1958, but it was the Air Force that was the early adopter,
purchasing 8,500 AR-15s in 1961. The Army officially
adopted the rifle in 1963, designating it the “M16.” The new
M16 was 4" shorter and 3 lbs. lighter than the M14 then in
service. Its size was comparable to the iconic M1/M2 carbine,
then a favorite among South Vietnamese troops and U.S.
advisors in the escalating Vietnam conflict, with the M16
coming in just 2" longer and 4 ozs. heavier than the carbine.
In 1959, ArmaLite sold the manufacturing rights of the
AR-15 to Colt. The earliest Colt-production AR-15 was known

USMC Sgt. Anthony Viggianni, assigned to the Battalion

Landing Team (BLT), 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 22nd Marine
Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC) is
shown with an M16A4 rifle after participating in a firefight with
Taliban insurgents near the village of Khabargho, Afghanistan,
during Operation Asbury Park. The ensuing firefight resulted in
the death of five Taliban fighters, along with three Marines being
wounded and three enemy combatants being captured. During
eight days of intense fighting more than 80 Taliban fighters were
killed, while eight Marines were wounded in the most intense
clashes during the MEU’s deployment in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom.

42 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photo courtesy of National Archives

 The FN 15 Military Collector Series
M16 is a semi-automatic clone of the
M16A4, and includes updates such
as the Knight’s Armament M5 Rail
Adapter System and MaTech folding
rear sight, components which replaced
the original M16’s round handguards
and carry handle/rear sight assembly.
The upper receiver’s M4-style feed-
ramp cuts (top, arrows) are indicative
of a later AR design.

The Brownells’ BRN-601, while reminiscent of Eugene Stoner’s original concept—with its lack of
forward assist, unfenced magazine release button, and triangular shaped charging handle and
handguards—differs in other noncritical details. Older ARs, and those made in the style of the
earlier guns, have a “duck bill” flash hider with open prongs (r.).

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 43

THE 20" AR

is no forward-assist device and no trapdoor in the buttplate
because the early “maintenance-free” M16 wasn’t issued with
a cleaning kit. Brownells even supplies the rifles with an
early-style “waffle”-pattern 20-round magazine.
For the black-rifle purist, there are a few quibbling points.
The selector and rear takedown pin lack the proper “divots,”
and the ejection-port cover, magazine release and bolt release
are of a later style, as are the rear sight directional arrows,
which are molded into the carry handle instead of on the
sight wheel. The original 601 barrel has a 1:14" twist, whereas
the Brownells rifle has a 1:12" twist. And the BRN-601’s green
polymer furniture doesn’t quite match the green-paint-over-
brown-fiberglass look of the original 601.
Still, the result is very close to Eugene Stoner’s original
design concept. Stoner explained many of these elements in
his interviews with firearm expert Edward Ezell in the late
1980s. The 601’s “A1”-style aperture rear sight is adjust-
able for windage only. The front post adjusts for elevation.
According to Stoner, the military had originally requested a
fixed, nonadjustable sight on the rifle. Their experience in
World War II showed that soldiers tended to fiddle with the
adjustment knobs on the rear sight of their M1 rifles during
lulls in combat, leading to a loss of zero. ArmaLite’s compro-
mise was a sight that could be adjusted, but not easily.
The 601 also notably lacks a forward assist. Soon after it
adopted the M16, the Army saw the need for a bolt-closing
device, as the rifle’s nonreciprocating charging handle
can only be used to pull the bolt to the rear. The XM16E1
added a forward-assist device on the right rear of the upper
receiver, and the design was standardized in 1967 as the
M16A1. Stoner was clear in his belief that the forward
assist had no place on the AR-15 design.
“The rationale was if the weapon was dirty enough or
has sand or dirt or mud or something in it and doesn’t
close, the first immediate reaction should be to open
the bolt and try to find out the cause of it, and not beat
it shut and then find out you’ve got a disaster on your
hands,” Stoner pointed out to Ezell.
But by then, the rifle’s design was long out of Stoner’s
hands. The Colt 601 had launched the M16’s career with

Colt’s SP1: THE ORIGINAL CIVILIAN AR-15

1977, a carbine version of the SP1 was

introduced that mated an NFA-legal
16"-barreled upper receiver to a lower
receiver that used the two-position
receiver extension and aluminum col-

T
he history of the civilian AR-15
closely parallels its military coun-
terpart. In 1959, Colt bought the
manufacturing rights to ArmaLite’s
AR-15 and continued to refine the
rifle. The design was soon adopted
by the U.S. military as the M16 in
1963. At the same time, Colt started
manufacturing a semi-automatic-only,
civilian version of the M16. It called
it the “AR-15 Sporter,” also known as
the “SP1” (p. 28).
When introduced, the SP1 retailed
for $189.50 (at the time the U.S.
military was paying $125 for its M16s
in bulk). American shooters now had
their own version of “the black rifle.”
For 20 years, the SP1 would be the
only AR-15 in the civilian world. Colt
marketed the rifle as a do-all firearm,
in the same way it had sold the design
to the U.S. military. One of the earli-
est Colt ads called the SP1 “the superb
hunting partner” that was ready
for “adventure” and perfect for the
“hunter, camper or collector.”
Early SP1s closely mimicked the
Colt 601 version of the M16, with a
three-prong “duckbill” flash hider,
solid stock, fenceless “slabside” lower
receiver and upper receiver sans
forward assist. The rifle was modified
to have a special large-diameter pivot
pin that screwed together (the slabside
lower lacked a housing for the pivot
pin detent and spring) that prevented
the SP1 components from having com-
patibility with M16 upper and lower
receivers. This design feature would
define Colt AR-15s into the early 1990s.
By the early 1970s, the SP1 got
some of the upgrades of the M16A1,
including a chrome-lined barrel,
bird-cage flash hider and hollow
buttstock with trapdoor, but it was
never given the A1’s forward assist. In
lapsible stock of the XM177 carbine.
The SP1 also introduced the AR-15 to
the American law enforcement mar-
ket. “Arm your men with confidence”
instructed a Colt law enforcement ad,
which features a tie-wearing, revolver-
carrying trooper holding an SP1 in an
early thumb-over-bore assault position.
The ad called the rifle “Colt’s answer to
the law enforcement agencies’ demands
for a semi-automatic version of the M16
automatic rifle purchased by the United
States Armed Forces.” The SP1 replaced
pump shotguns and M1 carbines in law
enforcement armories around the coun-
try. It answered the need for a modern
rifle as police departments were devel-
oping their first tactical teams and the
SP1 dominated the hat-on-backwards,
jumping-out-of-a-bread-truck SWAT
team era.
In 1977, Stoner’s patents expired
and other companies started making

44 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

 usmc
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the U.S. military. Nearly 4 million M16s of all types of would be produced dur- With Leather Sheath
ing the Vietnam War, the majority by Colt, with smaller numbers coming from • Combat proven design
Harrington & Richardson and GM’s Hydra-Matic Division. • Stacked leather handle
• USMC leather sheath
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After the Vietnam War, the U.S. military never stopped tinkering with the M16 Item #17 UC3092
design. By the early 1980s, the Marine Corps was experimenting with an updated BUY NOW AT
M16, called the M16A1E1. Among the rifle’s improvements were re-designed
furniture, with a round handguard and a 5/8" longer buttstock, and, much to
Stoner’s chagrin, a fully adjustable rear sight with click-adjustment knobs. Stoner Officially Licensed
grumbled to Ezell that the update was “arbitrarily” heavier and “more of a target
rifle than a combat rifle.”
The E1’s barrel, while thin under the handguard like the original M16, was
thicker from the front sight base to the muzzle. The rifling was a faster 1:7" twist
to utilize the newly adopted 62-gr. M855 ammunition. The E1’s most infamous new
feature was its three-round burst mechanism, which was meant to help servicemen
fire shorter, more accurate, bursts; there was no provision for fully automatic fire. In
1983, the Marine Corps adopted the M16A1E1 as the M16A2, followed by the Army
three years later.
continued on p. 70

AR-15-style components and rifles.
Colt now had competition. As the
U.S. military modernized its M16
with the introduction of the M16A2,
Colt updated its Sporters. Production
of the SP1 ended in 1985. In 1984,
Colt had introduced its AR-15A2
“Sporter II” line. Curiously, early
AR-15A2s used the barrel profile and
furniture of the M16A2 combined
with the SP1’s slabside lower receiver
and an A1-style upper receiver with
no forward assist.
It was a trend that would mark
Colt’s civilian AR-15s into the mid-
1990s. Rifles would be a mix of SP1,
A1 and A2 features, often changing
during a model’s production run. Many
AR-15A2-era Colts still used an SP1-
style slabside lower. Upper receivers
were a mishmash of no-forward assist,
A1 or A2 forward assist configurations
that sometimes had a case deflector
and sometimes didn’t. Rear sights
lacking both flash hiders and bayonet
lugs, would carry the brand through
the next decade.
All the while, used SP1s could be
had at a reasonable price. They were
old-school in a time of tactical “won-
derguns,” when most shooters wanted
the latest and greatest innovations
in AR-15 design. The SP1 was one of
the only choices for those looking for
a vintage-style rifle and who didn’t
want to spend the time scouring gun-
shows for the surplus parts needed to
build a period-correct example. Then
came the AR boom. First it was mid-
lengths, then SPRs, on to AR pistols
and .300 Blackout, and finally … retro
rifles. The SP1, the original retro, was
once again relevant.
In the modern AR-15 market more Ex clu siv e
AR-style rifles are probably built in a Of fe r!
month than the total number of SP1s
in existence. During the rifle’s produc-
tion history, parts and features were
$
19 99
plus free
Each

could be A1 or A2 style. in a constant flux that mirrored the

Post-1989, Colt’s rifles became the
company’s “Sporter Target” line. The
name “AR-15” was dropped from the
rifle’s receiver, as was the bayonet lug
from the front sight base. By the time
their production was ended by the
1994 ban, Colt Sporter Target rifles
had been standardized with A2-type
lowers. “Match Target” Colt AR-15s,
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG
military’s refining of its M16, leav-
shipping!
ing a diverse and fertile field for the
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America has once again “discovered”
its original AR-15, the SP1. 800-877-7140
MARCH 2019 45
HANDGUN

RE-INVENTING T
K6S DEEP COVER

KIMBER K6s
Introduced in 2016, Kimber’s K6s revolvers were initially in short supply. Now, production is humming,
and new models of the wheelgun include the K6s Deep Cover and the K6s Stainless 3".

46 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

BY WILEY CLAPP, Field Editor
Photos by Forrest MacCormack
THE WHEELGUN
ntil recently, Kimber specialized in high-end sport-
ing and tactical rifles, pocket pistols and seemingly
endless variations of the beloved M1911 .45 service
pistol. With those observations, we can examine a
firearm introduced not as a follow-on to any
previous platform, but a traditional gun made for
the first time by Kimber. Called the K6s, it is a six-
shot .357 Mag. revolver. That’s right, a revolver.
The demise of the revolver has been loudly proclaimed
at gun store counters across the land, but perhaps that has
been exaggerated. Undeniably, sales of the American-familiar
wheelgun have tapered off significantly. No longer do the
majority of the nation’s police officers go to work with them.
Although still viable, the medium-size service revolvers—
Ruger GP100s, K- and L-frame Smith & Wessons and I-frame
Colts—no longer compete for the implied endorsement
of law enforcement use. This leaves the large and power-
ful sportsman’s revolvers, as well as the small, concealable
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG
K6S STAINLESS 3"
snubbies. Good quantities of the former still sell well, and
the latter are as popular as they ever were.
Kimber chose to develop and market a compact, short-
barreled revolver because it has a good chance of commercial
success. Intended for the ever-growing concealed carry mar-
ket, the K6s is a type of revolver that has been produced in
America since just after the Civil War. Many companies made
revolvers of this class, which has long been identified as the
so-called “hammerless.” As with other such wheelguns, the
K6s actually does have a hammer—it is internal, completely
enclosed and so cannot be manually cocked. The mechanism
is double-action-only, where trigger pressure turns the cyl-
inder and cocks the hammer, then fires the gun. It is a very
simple system, and simplicity is often best in a defensive
arm. There is a further advantage in the sense that an inter-
nal hammer has no cocking spur to snag on clothing or gear.
In addition, such a small, defensive gun can be maneuvered
in and out of pocket or purse with great efficiency.
MARCH 2019 47
KIMBER K6s

A view inside the K6s reveals a mechanism that is

not a copy of any other, but that has some simi-
larities to those of S&W double-actions in its use
of a coil spring to power its hammer. The locking
bolt (arrow, r.), protrudes up from the frame/
sideplate junction to engage the cylinder notches.

Kimber’s new creation is a fine example of the form.

It is made of steel, except for the polymer stocks (also
offered in G10 and various walnut configurations,
depending on the model), and weighs 23 ozs. Chambered
for the .357 Mag. cartridge, the K6s has six chambers
in the cylinder. It should be noted that comparable
guns from other makers are usually five-shots. Despite
its capacity, the Kimber measures a reasonable 1.39"
in width. The barrel is the traditional 2" size with an
actual length of 2.125". Overall, the Kimber is 6.62" long
and 4.46" in height. The stocks on my shooting sample
are a version of the Boot Grip pioneered by Craig Spegel.
Despite the gun being an enclosed-hammer revolver, the
contours are distinctly different from all others.
Since Kimber designers started with a blank sheet of
draft paper, its engineers had no constraints imposed by
tradition. The stainless steel frame of the K6s is com-
pletely new and different. There is an obvious effort to
build a firearm to be carried on the person with ease and
even comfort. Every major edge or corner on the frame is
beveled or radiused. This means no edge or corner is likely
to create a problem by giving up the gun’s profile through
light clothing, nor is the gun as inclined to dig into the
shooter’s body. The “melted” nature of the K6s also means
a quicker draw from concealment when the tactical cir-
cumstances dictate. Even the cross-hatched cylinder latch
is smoother than the competition. That latch, by the way,
rocks inward in much the same way as those of Ruger
double-action revolvers.
Other contours on the little revolver contribute to its
fine overall ergonomic design. The trigger guard is a bit
elongated to give the trigger finger plenty of room. On the
revolver’s barrel, there is an underlug to protect the ejector
rod, and the cross section of that part is somewhat ovate;
it’s both graceful and practical. Inside the underlug, there is
a spring-loaded detent that presses inward on the cylinder
rod. The cylinder has recessed chambers so the cartridges are
flush with the back of the cylinder face. Also, in contrast to
most American revolver makers, which lighten their guns’
cylinders by cutting flutes between the chambers, the K6s
achieves a clean, modernistic appearance through the use of
flats instead of flutes.
Kimber is a company that likes to offer its customers
lots of options. At the time of writing, Kimber offered
at least six versions of the K6s with distinct color and
feature combinations: CDP, DC, DCR, Stainless, TLE and
engraved Special Editions. In the time it took the editors
to put this story together, Kimber introduced both 3" bar-
rels and an external-hammer DA/SA model that stands, of
course, for double-action/single-action. That’s a gun for
another time.
I used the double-action-only K6s DC as the main gun
for this review, and DC stands for “Deep Cover.” Finished
in a businesslike gray-black DLC, the little gun lives up

Though referred to as ”hammerless,” the K6s has an internal hammer.

The cylinder pin, in the center of the recoil shield, is withdrawn by a
release button on the gun’s left side that is depressed in similar manner
to that of a Ruger double-action revolver. Left of the cylinder pin is the
recess cut for the hand, which advances the cylinder.

48 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan

 KIMBER K6s DEEP COVER
MANUFACTURER: KIMBER MFG. INC. (DEPT. AR), 1120 SAW MILL RIVER ROAD,
YONKERS, NY 10710; (888) 243-4522; KIMBERAMERICA.COM
6.62"

.357 MAGNUM

2.125"
4.46"

CYLINDER CAPACITY: SIX

CHAMBERING: .357 MAG.
(.38 SPL.)
ACTION TYPE: DOUBLE-
ACTION-ONLY REVOLVER
FRAME: STAINLESS STEEL
RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE;
1:16" RH TWIST
SIGHTS: THREE-WHITE-DOT
WITH TRITIUM
TRIGGER:
DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY;
10-LB., 1-OZ. PULL
WIDTH: 1.39"
WEIGHT: 23 OZS.
ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S
MANUAL, ZIPPERED GUN
RUG, CABLE-LOCK
MSRP: $1,155

SHOOTING RESULTS (7 YDS.)

.38 SPL. VEL. @ 12' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
BLACK HILLS (+P) 748 AVG. 155 1.22 2.34 1.59
125-GR. JHP 11 SD
WINCHESTER 732 AVG. 188 1.26 2.19 1.64
to the name. Also note that the DC 158-GR. LSWC 10 SD
version comes with three-dot tritium .357 MAG. CARTRIDGE
night sights. While the front sight
REMINGTON 1158 AVG. 471 1.45 2.08 1.79
is pinned into the top rib of the 158-GR. JHP 16 SD
barrel in a conventional style, the
rear sight is different. Located at AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.69
the top rear corner of the frame, the NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER AN OEHLER MODEL 35P
rear sight is a separate block of steel CHRONOGRAPH AT 12 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT
7 YDS. FIRED FROM BENCHED SANDBAGS. TEMPERATURE: 65° F. HUMIDITY: 34%. ABBREVIATIONS:
dovetailed into the frame. It presents JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), LWSC (LEAD SEMI-WADCUTTER), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).
a wide, deep notch to the shooter as
he prepares to fire. In most snubby
revolvers with fixed sights, the notch is rather small,
almost vestigial; this one is a full, 1/8" wide and works
well. A small amount of windage adjustment is available
by moving the sight laterally, and both front and rear
units are replaceable.
I took the Kimber to an advanced pistolsmith with
decades of experience inside handgun mechanisms. That
gentleman and I disassembled the gun and observed its
action. The K6s has a sideplate on its right, secured by
three screws, only one of which is visible without remov-
ing the stocks. Inside, it’s different from any of the Colt,
Smith, Ruger or Taurus revolvers he has worked on in the
past, but, with its internal hammer and coil mainspring
on a strut, probably bears more resemblance to the S&W
than anything else. The hand comes up through the recoil
shield’s right to advance the cylinder, while the lock-
ing bolt comes up through the right side of the frame
continued on p. 74
The three-dot sights are steel and surprisingly good for a snubnose front is pinned in place (above l.). The K6s is a six-shot revolver,
revolver. The rear is dovetailed into the receiver (top), while the and its chambers are recessed for the cartridge rims (above).

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 49

HISTORICAL

Taken on Okinawa in 1945, this iconic image depicts Marines

armed with an M1 or M1A1 Thompson and an M1918A2 BAR.

50 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN U.S. Marine Corps photo colorized by Paul Reynolds
 The “Almost Perfect”?
G.I. Thompson
⁄
In World War II
Although the U.S. Army was slow to adopt the iconic gun, the Marines had been using them since
the 1920s, and the Thompson became an important tool in defending freedom.
ne of the most iconic American firearms is the
Thompson submachine gun. A staple of the Hollywood
gangster movies in the 1930s, it is instantly recogniz-
able to many people who otherwise know little about fire-
arms. Nonetheless, the notoriety it garnered in the “Roaring
Twenties” is only a small part of the Thompson story. The gun’s
enduring legacy was earned in World War II, during which it
proved to be a vital part of America’s small arms arsenal.
The first practical submachine gun, the German MP 18.1,
was fielded during World War I. An American Army officer,
Col. John T. Thompson (later a general), had foreseen the
value of an arm with somewhat similar attributes—even
before the MP 18.1 arrived on the scene. Thompson formed
a commercial entity to develop and market such a gun, but
the war ended before a prototype could be completed.
The early U.S.-issue Model 1928A1
Thompson featured a fully adjust-
able Lyman rear sight and a Cutts
Compensator. The sight was later super-
seded by a stamped non-adjustable sight.
National Firearms Museum americanrifleman.org
BY BRUCE N. CANFIELD, Field Editor
This early World War II-production U.S. Model
1928A1 Thompson is fitted with a 20-round
detachable box magazine and M3 canvas sling.
Author’s collection
In 1920, Thompson’s company, Auto-Ordnance Corp.,
had a prototype ready, but the firm had no mass-production
facilities. An agreement was reached with the Colt Patent
Firearms Mfg. Co. to manufacture 15,000 Thompson subma-
chine guns for Auto-Ordnance. The new gun, designated the
Model of 1921, was introduced in 1921.
Naturally, Auto-Ordnance was seeking to have its unique
new arm adopted by the U.S. military, but the timing
couldn’t have been worse for Thompson and his organiza-
tion. The American military had large inventories of rifles,
automatic rifles, shotguns and machine guns after the end
of World War I, and the U.S. Ordnance Dept. had no interest
in another infantry arm.
Spurned by the U.S. government, Auto-Ordnance sought
to market the Thompson to civilians, but a lack of demand
march 2019 51
G.I. THOMPSONS
resulted in few sales, due primarily to its price of $200
(almost $3,000 in 2019 inflation-adjusted figures) and
its limited appeal to hunters and sportsmen. Thus, the
bulk of the 15,000 Colt-made Thompson submachine guns
languished in the warehouse with only a relatively small
number trickling out periodically.
Although the American military had little interest in
the Thompson, the U.S. Postmaster General purchased 200
to arm Marines posted to duty in 1926 to counter a rash of
violent armed mail robberies. The Marines soon quelled the
robberies, but they held on to the “Post Office” Thompsons.
They took their Thompsons along to various hotspots
around the globe in the late 1920s and early 1930s, includ-
ing Nicaragua and China, where they proved to be very
effective. In 1928, the Navy Bureau of Ordnance made a
few changes to the existing Colt Model 1921 Thompsons
acquired by the Marines, including the reduction of the
rate of fire and the addition of a compensator on the barrel
to improve controllability. The modified guns were marked
“U.S. Navy / Model of 1928.”
Despite its successful use by the Marines, the Army was
not interested in the Thompson as an infantry arm but
thought it might have some application for cavalry use.
The Thompson was tested at Ft. Riley, Kan., in February
1928, but the test results concluded: “[It is] an undesirable
weapon, effective only at short range, is unnecessary and
undesirable for the cavalry. Recommendations: The Board
recommends that the Thompson Submachine Gun not be
adopted for cavalry service.”
By late 1938, there were still some 4,700 unsold
The M1 Thompson did away with
the Lyman rear sight. This example
has a later 30-round magazine.
52 MARCH 2019
The M1A1 had a fixed stock, no Cutts,
simplified sights and a charging
handle on the right side.
Colt-made Thompsons, and Auto-Ordnance was in dire
financial straits, resulting in the sale of the company
to a group headed by Russell Maguire. Maguire’s timing
was excellent as, less than a year later, war erupted in
Europe. Since the remaining inventory of the Colt-made
Thompsons was dwindling, it was apparent the supply
would not last long when allied nations came calling for
guns from the United States. Since Auto-Ordnance still
had no production facilities, Maguire made arrangements
with the well-established firm of Savage Arms Corp. of
Utica, N.Y., to manufacture Model 1928 Thompsons.
As Great Britain and other countries began placing
orders for arms, Savage was inundated with requests for
Thompsons. In order to supplement Savage’s production,
Auto-Ordnance acquired what was formerly a brake shoe
plant in Bridgeport, Conn., to manufacture Thompsons.
Thus, just before America’s entrance into World War II,
there were two companies, Savage and Auto-Ordnance,
engaged in production of the Model 1928 Thompsons. This
would soon prove fortuitous for the U.S. military.
In 1928, the Thompson was considered by the U.S.
Army to be “unnecessary and undesirable,” but by 1941
the perception did an abrupt about-face. On the eve of
America’s entry into World War II, the Army standardized
the “Thompson Submachine Gun, Caliber .45, M1928A1,”
and plans were being made for large-scale procurement of
the guns.
When the United States became actively involved in
the war after Pearl Harbor, the demand for all manner of
arms, including submachine guns, increased dramatically.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photos courtesy James D. Julia, Inc.
Auto-Ordnance and Savage engineers sought ways to increase the rate of
production and reduce costs. For example, the early Model 1928A1 Thompsons
had a finely adjustable Lyman rear sight. While great for a rifle, such a sight
for a submachine gun was an unnecessary and expensive extravagance that did
not increase its utility. The Lyman was replaced by a simple, non-adjustable,
“L”-type, stamped-metal peep sight. Also, the fins on the barrel, which required
a lot of machining, were deleted as they were not vitally essential for adequate
cooling. The familiar vertical fore-end front grip was soon dropped in favor of a
horizontal fore-end, which was more durable for military use.
During the early part of the war, two types of magazines were manufactured
UPGRADE YOUR REMINGTON 700
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for the M1928A1: the 50-round rotary drum and the 20-round box magazine.
BARRELED ACTION
Canvas pouches were procured to carry the magazines.
M1 Thompson Submachine Gun
Auto-Ordnance and Savage Arms continued to seek ways to further simplify
the M1928A1. While the stamped-metal rear peep sight and the elimination of
the barrel-cooling fins were certainly steps in the right direction, they were
little more than cosmetic changes. One item that received a hard look was the
signature feature of the Thompson’s mechanism, the Blish lock. This mechanism
was incorporated into the original design at the insistence of John Thompson,
even though key individuals on the production team at the time had doubts as
to whether it was really necessary. Twenty years later, Savage engineers came to
the same conclusion and felt that the relatively low pressures created by the .45 ACP
cartridge did not require an extremely strong locking system and that the Thompson
would function just as well with a straight blowback mechanism. The Blish lock was
eliminated, which further reduced manufacturing time and cost.
In late February 1942, a prototype of the re-designed Thompson was submit-
ted to the Ordnance Dept. The simplified gun performed very well in subsequent
testing and, on April 24, 1942, the “Submachine Gun, Caliber .45, M1” was
adopted. The following day, the Model 1928A1 Thompson was re-classified as
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Pvt. Charles R. Plaudo’s face prior to boarding a C-47 transport. Both men were part of
the 101st Airborne Division, and Pvt. Plaudo is holding an M1 or M1A1 Thompson.

americanrifleman.org march 2019 53

G.I. THOMPSONS
“Limited Standard,” which meant that the guns already on
hand could continue in use but no more of that type would
be procured. The M1 Thompson had a slightly higher rate
of fire than the M1928A1: approximately 700-800 rounds
per minute.
Aside from the change in the design of the locking
mechanism, there were a number of external differences
between the M1 and M1928A1. The actuator handle on top
of the receiver of the M1928A1 was replaced by a cocking
handle re-located to the right side of the M1’s receiver. The
M1 was not fitted with the Cutts Compensator, which was
intended to aid in keeping the muzzle down when firing
fully automatic. While it did help to some extent, it wasn’t
judged to be of sufficient utility to warrant the expense.
Other subsequent changes included the use of simple “pin-
type” selector and safety levers to replace the previously
milled components, which required more machining. Also,
the M1 had a fixed buttstock rather than the removable
type as found on the M1928A1.
These changes resulted in a significant decrease in the
cost of the M1 model as compared to the M1928A1. On
Feb. 24, 1942, Savage contracted with the Ordnance Dept.
to manufacture the new model at a cost of $36.47 per gun.
Auto-Ordnance’s contract price for the M1 Thompson was
$42.94 each.
This U.S. Marine—wearing “frog skin” coveralls in a 1942 photo
taken at an undisclosed “Jungle Training Camp”—is firing a
later-model M1928A1 Thompson as evidenced by the simplified
“L-type” rear sight. The 1928A1 had a rate of fire of between 600
and 725 rounds per minute.
54 March 2019
M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun
The Savage engineering team that developed the M1
Thompson continued its efforts to further refine the gun.
The M1 Thompson’s bolt contained a firing pin activated
by a hammer that was released when the trigger was
pulled. Savage devised a bolt with a projection machined
directly on its bolt face that eliminated the need for
the hammer and related parts. This resulted in an even
simpler and less expensive mechanism. The revised gun
was officially adopted on Oct. 29, 1942, and designated
as the “Thompson Submachine Gun, Caliber .45, M1A1.”
Externally, there were no differences between the M1 and
M1A1 except for the markings on the receiver.
Neither the M1 nor M1A1 models had the provision for
attachment of the 50-round drum magazine. In order to
provide a magazine with a greater capacity than 20 rounds,
a 30-round box magazine was developed that could be used
with all three Thompson models. The 30-round magazine
was identical to the 20 except for the increased length.
It has been stated that the drum magazine was only
used early in the war and was dropped from use as the war
progressed, as the drum was expensive, heavy and tended
to rattle. While it did have all of these negative attributes,
it also possessed the undeniable advantage of providing
an impressive amount of firepower. World War II-vintage
photographs refute the assertion that the 50-round maga-
zine was dropped from field use later in the war. A number
of images show drum-equipped M1928A1 Thompsons still
being employed at least as late as June 1945 during the
Battle of Okinawa.
World War II Thompson Use
The Thompson’s first substantial American use in combat
was during the invasion of Guadalcanal in August 1942 when
M1928A1s, along with a number of Reising submachine
guns, accompanied the Marines to the Solomon Islands.
As was the case with all infantry arms, some of the
fighting men cherished the Thompson while others didn’t
care for it. The two most common complaints regarding the
Thompson were the lack of the .45 ACP bullet’s ability to
penetrate brush and foliage (an important feature in jungle
warfare) and the gun’s weight.
The Thompson’s lack of penetration power was echoed in
an October 1943 Marine Corps report detailing the various
arms used by a Raider Battalion on New Georgia Island:
“Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, Cal. .45; Held up well on
all operations with very little maintenance. There were some
instances of jamming after a large volume of fire had been
delivered. This weapon became extremely unpopular though,
because of its poor penetrating power of trees, roots and dug-
outs, to anywhere near the degree of the .30 Cal. bullet, and
this is vital in jungle warfare. It is suggested that this weapon
in the squads be replaced with a .30 Cal. Automatic weapon.”
An even more scathing critique of the Thompson was
conveyed in a report from Marine Corps Col. Victor H.
Krulak, who attended an Army Ordnance Committee Meeting
on Dec. 23, 1943, and discussed his views of various arms
aMerican rifleMan
U.S. Marine Corps photo
colorized by Paul Reynolds
 RL 550C
The Most Versatile
Reloading Machine

EVER
This Colt-made Model 1921 Thompson,
with its finned barrel, Cutts Compensator
and 50-round drum magazine, was modi-
fied for use by the U.S. Marine Corps in
1928. Note the receiver markings, includ-
ing the “1” in “Model of 1921” over-
stamped with an “8” and “U.S. Navy.”

used by Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater: “[It] is much too heavy; it is uncom-
fortable to carry and it does not function well. I know the Russians like it, but I
believe they just don’t know any better. It does not function well in the jungle. STANDARD FEATURES:
It does not stand up. That is a generality. I suppose I should expound on this a • Accommodates Over 160 Calibers
little bit. When I say, they do not stand up, they do not react well to the destruc-
tive effect of continued immersion. As you know, small arms consume quantities • Loading Rate: 500-600 Rounds/Hr.
of powder which makes a dandy paste with water and sand, and presently the • Comes With One Caliber Conversion
automatic function is destroyed.” • Interchangeable Toolhead Assembly
On the other hand, firsthand accounts of some soldiers and Marines paint
an entirely different picture of the Thompson, as it was held in high regard by • Lifetime “No-B.S.” Warranty
many of the men who used it in combat. For example, in the authoritative book • RISK FREE 30-Day Trial Period!
on U.S. Marine Corps Raiders in World War II, Our Kind Of War, the comments
regarding the Thompson were positive: “The Thompson submachine gun was a
favorite of the Raiders, as it was rugged and reliable and fired the same readily
available ammunition as used in the M1911A1 .45 pistol.”
Another combat veteran who held the Thompson in high regard was Charlie
Feeback, who was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and saw combat in the
Philippines, New Guinea and Palau Island with the 24th Infantry Division.
Feeback discussed his experiences with the Thompson in the book U.S. Infantry
Weapons In Combat:
“I liked the Thompson; it was a good combat weapon. I kept a clip in the
gun and two 30-round clips in a pouch. Then I had an extra canteen cover with NOTE:
one of those little waterproof bags that I carried extra .45 ammunition in. Pictured
“A lot of the fighting we did was at close range and the Tommy gun was the here with
ideal weapon for that. Sometimes you were right on them and they’d pop up out available
of a hole at you … . The Tommy gun was great for close range; you didn’t have options.
to be a good shot. If you needed to shoot way off, we had a couple of guys with
sniper rifles and the M1s were pretty good for that too.
“[A]fter I was wounded in May 1945, I had to go back to the hospital on Leyte.
When I came back to join my outfit, they gave me one of those grease guns. I
wasn’t too happy about that … I didn’t think it compared to the Tommy gun.”
Another World War II combat veteran who was effusive in his praise for the
Thompson was Carl H. Cartledge, Jr., a member of the 501st Parachute Infantry
Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, who saw extensive combat during
the war. Cartledge wrote a lengthy positive critique regarding the Thompson in
continued on p. 76

This late-production M1928A1 has

a simplified “L-type” stamped, non-
adjustable rear sight and the cooling
www.ar.dillonprecision.com
fins on the barrel were eliminated. FREE Catalog L32-14690, Call 800-762-3845
Photos courtesy of
Rock Island
Auction Co. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 55
ANNUAL MEETINGS PREVIEW
NRA Annual Meetings
In Indy As Big As Ever
THE CAPITAL OF THE HOOSIER STATE IS SET TO
HOST THE 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS & EXHIBITS. By NRA Staff
T
he NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will
be returning to Indianapolis after five
years with new events, performers and
activities for the family from April 25 to 28.
Last year, more than 80,000 NRA mem-
bers converged on Dallas, Texas, to stand
tall for cherished freedoms and connect with
like-minded patriots. In Indianapolis, mem-
bers from nearby Midwestern states and
across the nation will enjoy Hoosier hospital-
ity while they rally around the NRA banner of
shared values and every imaginable type of
firearm, shooting and hunting interest.
The National NRA Foundation BBQ and
Auction kicks things off Thursday evening.
The highly anticipated affair will combine
great food, raffles and exciting auctions,
presenting opportunities to win exclusive
firearms, outdoor gear, unique merchandise
and hunts across the globe. Limited seating
is available, so get your tickets now.
Starting Friday morning, members can
56 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
spend the day canvassing the giant Exhibit
Hall which will feature every major U.S. fire-
arm company plus many more worldwide.
You’ll see shooting accessories, knives, hunt-
ing outfitters and priceless gun collections.
With more than 600,000 square feet of exhib-
itor space and more than 800 exhibitors on
tap, members are sure to find new products,
gadgets and gear to whet their appetites.
Live shows from top country music artists
can be heard all weekend long at the NRA
Country sound stage, located right outside
the exhibit floor.
Attendees can gather for the Women’s
Leadership Forum Lunch and Auction, the
NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, and ILA Auction
and Dinner scheduled throughout the day on
Friday, April 26. Second Amendment leaders
from across the country will join NRA’s Wayne
LaPierre and Chris Cox to inform members
on the critical battles affecting our Second
Amendment rights in the coming year.
 Members will have their chance to
vote and comment during the Annual
Meeting of Members to take place
Saturday, April 27. It’s your chance
to learn first hand about the state of
your NRA, and what’s in store for 2019.
Saturday evening offers an exciting
line-up of music performances by top
country artists, as we celebrate the
values making America great again.
Ending the weekend are fam-
ily events. Early Sunday, April 28,
marks the Annual National Prayer
Breakfast that draws thousands of
worshippers for a morning of praise
and inspiration. Later, there’s lots of
fun in store at Youth Day, where par-
ents, kids and teens can take part in
a scavenger hunt and other special
activities intended to foster patrio-
tism and a shared love of the Second
Amendment.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Apr 25 National NRA Foundation BBQ
& Auction
Apr 26 Women's Leadership Forum
Luncheon & Auction
Apr 26 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum
Apr 26 NRA-ILA Dinner & Auction
Apr 26 NRA Country Jam
Apr 27 Annual Meeting of Members
Apr 27 NRA Saturday Evening Concert
Apr 28 National Prayer Breakfast
Apr 28 Women's New Energy Breakfast
Apr 28 NRA Youth Day
The 2019 NRA Annual Meetings &
Exhibits offers fun activities for all ages. EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Go to nraam.org for additional event Apr 26 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
and hotel information. We’ll see you Apr 27 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
there in April! Apr 28 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 57
DOPE BAG
Henry Big Boy All-Weather
T
he versatility of pistol-caliber
rifles and carbines is undeni-
able, and their popularity has
skyrocketed as of late. The light-
recoiling long guns are easier to
shoot accurately than their handgun
counterparts, and their longer barrels
contribute to higher velocities and,
correspondingly, more energy on
target. Depending on the chambering,
these guns can make great hunting or
animal-control guns, and many folks
The Henry Big Boy
All-Weather’s solid-top
receiver is drilled and
tapped for the installa-
tion of an optics rail.
Hard chroming of the steel
receiver both provides
corrosion resistance
and results in an
attractive finish.
58
leave them stored in their vehicles
for emergency use. For home defense,
pistol-caliber long guns often get the
nod over a shotgun based on capac-
ity alone. The Henry Big Boy All-
Weather would make an ideal pick for
a truck or home-defense gun for all
the reasons mentioned above, and we
recently received a test sample cham-
bered for the .45 Colt cartridge.
Henry Repeating Arms introduced
the Big Boy All-Weather in 2017 after
seeing the tremendous success of its
.30-30 Win. and .45-70 Gov’t rifles with
the All-Weather treatment. Though
the original Henry Big Boy uses a
brass receiver, the All-Weather gun
instead utilizes a steel receiver, and
both it and the barrel are plated with
an industrial hard chrome to provide
plenty of corrosion resistance—giving
it the ability to stand up to the ele-
ments and long periods of inattention.
The internals of the All-Weather
model are identical to the brass-
framed Big Boy, though the brass
guns are normally about a pound
heavier because they use a heavier
octagonal barrel. The All-Weather rifle
uses a rubber recoil pad while the
original Big Boys use a brass butt-
plate. Henry outfits the All-Weather
model with an American walnut stock
and fore-end, both of which are given
a tough, black polyurethane finish.
MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
The buttstock provides a 14" length
of pull and has already been fit with
a sling swivel stud, and the fore-end
has a steel cap also fitted with a stud.
While many of the lever-action
rifles on the market today are deriva-
tions of guns designed more than a
century ago, the Big Boy features all-
new engineering and coil-spring con-
struction. The Henry rifle is of robust
design, with a solid-top receiver and
no cuts for a loading port. Henry drills
and taps the top of the Big Boy All-
Weather’s receiver, and both Picatinny
rail and a rings/base set are available
for this model.
We examined the Big Boy All-
Weather and found its construction
to be well-executed and displaying
a good deal of attention to detail.
The lever of our test gun worked
smoothly, and we found very few
machine or tool marks. The wood-
to-metal fit around the buttstock
was exemplary.
There are no manual safeties on
the Big Boy, but it can be safely car-
ried with a round in the chamber and
the hammer down thanks to a transfer
bar safety that prevents the gun from
firing unless the hammer is cocked
and the trigger pulled. There is no
half-cock on the hammer. Trigger pull
on our test sample measured 3 lbs.,
12 ozs., and it did possess a little bit
HENRY BIG BOY ALL-WEATHER

MANUFACTURER: HENRY REPEATING ARMS (DEPT. AR), 59 E. 1ST ST., BAYONNE, NJ 07002; (201) 858-4400; HENRYUSA.COM
37.5"
2.38" 2.0"

20"
14"

RECEIVER: STEEL, HARD-CHROME FINISH; SIGHTS: FOLDING SEMI-BUCKHORN REAR,

DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR OPTIC MOUNT BRASS BEAD FRONT
STOCK: AMERICAN WALNUT, TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE; 3-LB., 12-OZ. PULL
BLACK POLYURETHANE FINISH WEIGHT: 7 LBS.
CHAMBERING: .45 COLT MAGAZINE: 10-ROUND TUBULAR ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL
ACTION TYPE: LEVER-ACTION, CENTER-FIRE BARREL: STEEL, HARD-CHROME FINISH; MSRP: $1,050
REPEATING RIFLE 1:16" RH TWIST

SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.)

.45 COLT VEL. @ 10' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
BLACK HILLS 1039 AVG. 599 1.66 2.63 1.94
250-GR. RNFP 12 SD
DOUBLE TAP 1384 AVG. 787 1.62 1.90 1.78
BONDED DEFENSE 27 SD
185-GR. JHP
FEDERAL 1141 AVG. 650 1.18 2.35 1.69
225-GR. SWHP 18 SD
AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.80
NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A PACT PROFESSIONAL XP
CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT
50 YDS. FROM A CALDWELL REST. TEMPERATURE: 90° F. HUMIDITY: 44%. ABBREVIATIONS:
JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), RNFP (ROUND NOSE FLAT POINT), SD (STANDARD
DEVIATION), SWHP (SEMI-WADCUTTER HOLLOW POINT).

The sights consist of a folding semi-buckhorn rear unit (above l.) and a brass bead
front (l.). Similar to many rimfire lever-action rifle designs, the rifle loads via a
tubular magazine mounted beneath the barrel.

of creep, but for a general-purpose or
home-defense gun, it seemed to be
appropriate.
The Big Boy All-Weather uses a
tubular magazine under the bar-
rel similar to those of many rimfire
rifles. To load the rifle, start with a
completely unloaded gun with an
empty chamber and the hammer in
the down position. With the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction, rotate
the inner magazine tube to disengage
it from the magazine tube. Pull the
inner magazine tube out until the
follower (the black spring-loaded part
at the end of the inner magazine
tube) clears the loading port of the
outer magazine tube. You’ll be able
to load up to 10 rounds of .45 Colt.
Next, push the inner magazine tube
back down into position, and turn it
to lock it into place. Cycling the lever
now chambers a round, making the
rifle ready to fire.
Henry sent us a Picatinny receiver
mount that attaches to the receiver top
with three screws. We used medium-
height scope rings to attach a Leupold
VX-2 2-7X 28 mm Ultralight scope
with a Duplex reticle. It has precise
1/4-m.o.a. finger-click adjustments
for windage and elevation, and seemed
perfect for the Big Boy All-Weather. We
fired all groups from a seated position
using a DOA Tactical portable shooting
bench and a Caldwell rifle rest with our
targets set out at 50 yds.
Federal’s 225-gr. lead semi-
wadcutter hollow point printed the
best five-shot group, measuring just
1.18". This load also had the small-
est aggregate group size of 1.69" for
five groups. While chronographing
the Henry Big Boy we brought along
a Taylor Firearms 1873 Cattleman also
chambered in .45 Colt, with a 4¾"
barrel, for comparison. What we found
was that the Henry’s extra 15¼" of
barrel accounted for 21 percent more
velocity. More importantly, that extra
velocity also equated to 37 percent
more energy.
Henry Repeating Arms currently
offers the Big Boy All-Weather in
three different handgun chamberings;
in addition to the .45 Colt tested here,
.44 Mag. and .357 Mag. guns are also
available. Besides the All-Weather,
Henry offers other models of the Big
Boy rifle in a variety of barrel lengths,
chamberings and finishes.
Henry’s Big Boy All-Weather
proved to be both accurate and
reliable during our testing. The
gun is of robust design, is well-
constructed and finished to stand
up to a lifetime of hard use with
minimal care. For those looking for
a pistol-caliber long gun capable of
handling a multitude of chores, the
Henry Big Boy All-Weather certainly
deserves consideration.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 59

DOPE BAG

is fitted with an extended ejector

to ensure empty cases are forcefully
ejected. BUL outfits the Ultra with a
single, strong-side-only thumb safety
that engages and disengages crisply.
A checkered aluminum mainspring
housing is used on the pistol, and G10
stocks are affixed to the frame with
hex-head screws.
Like many manufacturers, BUL uses
metal injection molding (MIM) parts
for its lockwork and other small parts
to save the cost of machining them.
The elongated, Commander-style
hammer, sear, disconnector, slide stop
and magazine release are all made
using the MIM process. Though purists
might demand machined parts, these
MIM components allow BUL to sell
the Ultra at an economical price. Of
course, any of the factory MIM parts
can be replaced with aftermarket

IFC BUL 1911 Ultra

machined components, if desired.
The Ultra’s frame and slide are of
Series 70 design, with no trigger-
actuated firing pin safety. Along

T
here’s been a trend of late among BUL machines the Ultra’s frame with the lightweight aluminum
M1911 manufacturers to build from 7075 aluminum alloy. It fea-
9 mm Luger-chambered guns tures machine checkering on the
on alloy frames. Sport shooters have frontstrap at 30 lines per inch and a
discovered the lightweight guns to black anodized finish. In an effort to
be accurate and fast to shoot with let the shooter get as high a grip as
minimal recoil, while the familiarity possible, the frame is undercut at the
of the M1911’s operating system and juncture of the frontstrap and trigger
manual of arms has made the alloy- guard. Combined with a sweeping
framed 9 mm a popular option for stainless-steel beavertail, shooters
concealed carry use as well. can achieve a high grip, which helps
Israel’s BUL Transmark is among in controlling muzzle flip. The frame
the latest to throw its hat into the
ring with the Ultra pistol. Built on an
alloy frame and with a 3.25" barrel,
the Officer’s-size gun has a capac-
ity of eight 9 mm rounds and comes
with two magazines. Imported by
International Firearm Corp., the BUL
Ultra possesses many of the features
savvy shooters ask for at a surpris-
ingly affordable price.

60 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan

 IFC BUL 1911 ULTRA
IMPORTER: INTERNATIONAL FIREARM CORP. (DEPT. AR), 5701 E. RENO AVE., SUITE E,
MIDWEST CITY, OK 73110; (844) 432-4867; INTERNATIONALFIREARMCORPORATION.COM
6.85"

trigger used on the pistol, that

allowed BUL technicians to tune the
trigger pull to a crisp 3 lbs., 12 ozs.,
which is very sensible for a defen- BUL LTD IFC Midwest City, OK.
sive gun. The trigger breaks cleanly MADE IN ISRAEL
MF-00000
with nearly no overtravel.
BUL machines the Ultra’s short 3.25"
5"
slide from 4140 carbon steel. It
features wide rear cocking serrations
and a lowered and flared ejection
port. The slide uses a traditional-style
internal extractor, and the front sight SLIDE: 4140 STEEL; BLACK-OXIDE FINISH
is dovetailed in place. The low-profile FRAME: 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY;
HARD-COAT ANODIZED
rear sight is also dovetailed into the RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE; 1:10" RH TWIST
slide and is adjustable for windage MAGAZINE: EIGHT-ROUND
and elevation. The slide is finished in DETACHABLE BOX
a nonreflective black oxide coating. SIGHTS: LOW-PROFILE, DOVETAILED;
ADJUSTABLE REAR, FIXED FRONT
The Ultra’s bushingless design uses
TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION;
a 416 stainless-steel bull barrel with 3-LB., 12-OZ. PULL
an integral feed ramp. The supported MANUFACTURER: BUL TRANSMARK WIDTH: 1.3"
barrel measures 3.25" from the end (ISRAEL) WEIGHT: 28 OZS.
of its hood to the flat-faced muzzle. CHAMBERING: 9 MM LUGER ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, PLASTIC
ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI- CASE, EXTRA MAGAZINE, CLEANING ROD
Because of the short barrel there is AUTOMATIC CENTER-FIRE PISTOL MSRP: $699
very little room for a recoil spring,
and it is doubtful that a single spring
would allow the gun to operate prop- SHOOTING RESULTS (15 YDS.)
erly, so the BUL Ultra uses a common 9 MM LUGER VEL. @ 10' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
dual-spring setup. CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
There is a tightly wound, small- AGUILA 1079 AVG. 321 1.54 1.86 1.67
diameter recoil spring wrapped around 124-GR. FMJ 11 SD
the recoil spring guide. A steel cap
FEDERAL SYNTECH 928 AVG. 287 1.26 1.58 1.38
with a flange slides over the recoil 150-GR. TSJ 5 SD
spring guide, and a larger-diameter
HORNADY CD 1126 AVG. 324 1.23 1.71 1.47
spring is wound around the cap so 115-GR. FTX 9 SD
there is no spring-to-spring contact.
Together they provide the needed AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.51
action for proper functioning, yet NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED OVER A PACT PROFESSIONAL XP
the slide can easily be hand-cycled to CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 15 YDS.
FROM A MILLETT BENCHMASTER. TEMPERATURE: 70° F. HUMIDITY: 85%. ABBREVIATIONS:
chamber a round.
CD (CRITICAL DUTY), FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), FTX (FLEX TIP EXPANDING),
Because of the gun’s abbrevi- SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), TSJ (TOTAL SYNTHETIC JACKET).
ated barrel length and short sight
radius, we shot our accuracy groups quickly dialed-in the sights until size for all three loads tried was
at 15 yds., per our testing protocol. the point of aim and point of impact just 1.51". Recoil of the Ultra is
We fired all groups from a seated coincided. Our test gun’s crisp trig- minimal, and even hotter defensive
rest using a DOA Tactical shooting ger and excellent sights aided us in loads were very manageable. The
bench and a Millett BenchMaster for firing some very respectable groups. firm reset of the trigger made quick
support. We fired five consecutive, Hornady’s 115-gr. FTX Critical Duty follow-up shots easy.
five-shot groups for each ammunition rounds produced the best five- We were impressed with the IFC
type tested, with the results shown shot group, measuring just under BUL Ultra. It proved to be 100 per-
in the accompanying table. 1.25", and the groups from Federal’s cent reliable during our testing and
Our first group printed about 3" 150-gr. Syntech rounds were just displayed all of the accuracy needed
left of our aiming point, and we slightly larger. The average group for use as a concealed carry hand-
gun. The pistol possesses exemplary
The BUL Ultra utilizes a bushingless design, with a 3.25" bull barrel and a dual recoil- fit and finish for a gun in this price
spring assembly. Low-profile sights are dovetailed into the slide, with the rear unit also range, and offers shooters an eco-
being adjustable for elevation. A sweeping stainless-steel beavertail allows shooters to nomical, compact solution with many
achieve a high grip on the handgun, which helps in controlling muzzle flip. custom features.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 61

DOPE BAG
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X 56 mm
I
t’s no secret that long-range
shooting has become extremely
popular in this country. Whether
participating in precision rifle
competitions, hunting at extended
ranges or merely plinking on steel
targets, America’s rifleman are
interested in shooting farther than
ever. Optics, along with a suitable
rifle and ammunition, are a key
element in the long-range shoot-
ing equation, and can often mean
the difference between success and
failure. To fill this expanding niche,
Leupold has developed the Mark 5HD
5-25X 56 mm.
As could be expected, the Mark 5HD
5-25X 56 mm is a big scope; it’s almost
16" long, with much of that length
extending forward of the mount-
ing area (or body tube) of the scope.
That said, the Mark 5HD is actually a
full pound lighter than many other
models in the long-range precision
category. The main tube is 35 mm in
diameter, which means that the cur-
rent selection of mounts is slim. At the
time of this writing, 35 mm mounting
62
solutions are available from Leupold,
Badger Ordnance and Geissele. There is
a reason for the large tube, though—
the ability to dial sufficient eleva-
tion adjustment is a key element of
long-range shooting. The Mark 5HD’s
generous tube diameter gives it an
impressive elevation-adjustment range
of 120 m.o.a./34.9 mils, and a wind-
age range of 60 m.o.a./17.5 mils.
This optic features a 5:1 magni-
fication ratio, from 5X to 25X, with
adjustments made by turning the
power ring located just forward of
the ocular lens housing. A threaded
and removable throw lever gives the
user added leverage, a useful feature
when making adjustments from field
positions. The Mark 5HD’s parallax can
be adjusted via a side-focus knob, with
seven yardage graduations from 75 yds.
to infinity.
The Mark 5HD uses turret-style
adjustments for both elevation and
windage in 0.1-mil graduations; each
click is both audible and tactile. The
most efficient method of zeroing this
scope is to remove the adjustment
turret by loosening the hex screws,
which reveals a single flat-blade
screw head. Using a screwdriver
to make the requisite adjust-
ments makes the process fast and
simple, and, once the rifle is zeroed,
remounting the turret caps at the
The scope’s parallax can be adjusted, via a side focus knob, from 75 yds. to infinity.
MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
“0” position means that the dials are
automatically calibrated.
When dialing for elevation, it’s not
uncommon for a shooter to lose track
of both his zero and the position of
his turret—especially when a turret
can turn multiple revolutions as this
one does. The Mark 5HD provides
solutions for both of those potential
problems. The first is an adjustable
zero stop that prevents the user from
dialing below “0” when the turret is
installed correctly: When in doubt,
dial clockwise until the turret stops.
The second issue can arise when
dialing for true long range and the
shooter isn’t certain how many revo-
lutions the turret has made. On this
optic, the turret utilizes a mechani-
cal indicator that provides tactile
and visual feedback as to the turret’s
position so that it’s useful in any
lighting condition.
In order for a scope to be truly
useful for long-range shooting, its
adjustments must be both reliable and
repeatable. To properly evaluate the
capabilities of this optic, we mounted
it to a Bergara B-14 BMP chassis rifle
chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor that
has proven itself to be capable of
consistent sub-m.o.a. accuracy. With
a 100-yd. zero established, we fired
a test group to set a baseline for the
rifle, optic and ammunition.
LEUPOLD MARK 5HD 5-25X 56 MM
MANUFACTURER: LEUPOLD & STEVENS, INC. (DEPT. AR), 14400 N.W. GREENBRIER PARKWAY, BEAVERTON, OR 97006;
(800) 538-7653; LEUPOLD.COM
35 MM
RETICLE: FIRST-FOCAL-PLANE; TMR (TESTED)
MAGNIFICATION: 5-25X
FIELD OF VIEW: 20.5' (5X) TO 4.2' (25X)
@ 100 YDS.
EXIT PUPIL (MM): 9.4 (5X) TO 2.3 (25X)
TMR
With a confirmed zero, we then
“shot the square” by firing a shot and
then dialing either one mil of elevation
or windage before firing a subsequent
shot and repeating that step in a
clockwise direction. This ensures that
the scope’s internals tracked accurately
and repeatably. If everything goes as
planned, the bullet holes on the target
form the corners of a perfect box
shape. This scope passed that test, so
we progressed to an elevation chal-
lenge that would simulate a long-range
shot: we hung a perfectly level target
downrange, calibrated with two dots
separated by four mils of elevation.
A shot was taken at the lower target,
and then the elevation was dialed into
the scope to ensure that the point of
impact not only moved the correct
distance but also that it tracked in a
perfectly vertical plane. The Leupold
passed this test as well. The scope
consistently returned to a precise zero,
no matter what adjustments were
made—a trait that is not as common
as one might assume.
Our test model came equipped with
Leupold’s TMR reticle, mounted in the
scope’s front focal plane; the CCH,
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG
15.67"
56 MM
EYE RELIEF: 3.58" TO 3.82"
ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT: 120 M.O.A.
WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT: 60 M.O.A. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, FLIP-UP
CLICK VALUE: 0.1 MIL LENS COVERS, SUNSHADE
WEIGHT: 30 OZS. MSRP: $2,600
A mechanical indicator built into the scope’s elevation-adjustment turret (inset) provides
both tactile and visual feedback as to how many revolutions the knob has been turned.
H-59 and Tremor 3 reticles are also especially in the competitive realm.
available. The TMR uses hash marks to This is not a budget-priced scope,
denote windage and elevation holds— and its price tag makes it ineligible
these marks occur at 0.5-mil intervals for use in the Production Division of
for the first four mils and then transi- the Precision Rifle Series, but it is
tion to 0.2-mil spacing. Because it’s a considerably less expensive than the
first-focal-plane reticle, the gradua- two most popular precision scopes on
tions are calibrated correctly regard- the market, so everything is relative.
less of the magnification setting. The Mark 5HD is designed, machined
The generous eye box, long eye and assembled in the United States.
relief, positive adjustments and The Mark 5HD 5-25X 56 mm is
intuitive controls made this a very Leupold’s answer to the premium,
easy scope to master. Clarity was long-range precision optics craze, and
excellent, thanks to the quality of it follows the Oregon maker’s tradi-
the lenses and their coatings. While tion of being lighter and sleeker than
optical quality usually ranks below the competition. This is a serious
the precision of the adjustments in scope for true long-range applica-
priority when it comes to long-range tions, and, according to our testing,
shooting, the ability to spot hits and it meets the stringent criteria that
misses downrange is a key attribute, those users demand.
The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend
Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used
by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” also was a
traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction
was called “doping the wind.”
WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based
on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail
the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to
properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult
comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures,
techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.
MARCH 2019 63
inside nra | ila report

LATEST
LEGISLATIVE
NEWS FROM
INSIDE THE NRA
INSTITUTE FOR
LEGISLATIVE
ACTION
Gun Owners Resist Restrictive
Measures In New Jersey And Canada
T
reating nice people like criminals isn’t and several local police departments. In

Photo by Jesse Snyder

likely to enhance respect for the law.
That’s a tough lesson anti-gun officials
in New Jersey and Canada are learning now
that deadlines are past or nearly arrived for
certain newly enacted gun control measures.
Both localities are apparently experiencing
widespread noncompliance with new require-
ments for firearm owners.
New Jersey gun owners faced a Dec. 10
deadline for compliance with a state ban
on magazines capable
of holding more than 10 … there are
rounds. Residents in pos-
session of formerly legal roughly 1.6
each case, the entity either refused to
comment or reported that no magazines
had been surrendered. Thus, Garden State
residents have either been discreetly dealing
with the matter personally or perhaps not
dealing with it at all.
And it’s not just gun-loving Americans
who are displaying skepticism toward newly
enacted gun control. After the Canadian gov-
ernment scrapped its failed long gun registry,
Quebec enacted long gun
registration requirements
of its own that went into
effect early in 2018. The

million long guns

ILA Grassroots:
(800) 392-8683
NRA-ILA: (703) 267-1170
NRA-ILA website: nraila.org
magazines had to sur- territory’s public secu-
render, destroy, transfer, rity minister improbably
or modify them or face
felony penalties of up to in Quebec. But claimed at the time that
the measure would “both
18 months in prison and a
$10,000 fine. since the registry prevent and solve crimes.”
Nearly a year later,
The New Jersey State
Police answered a news
opened, only and with penalties of
up to $5,000 set to take
outlet’s request to elabo-
rate on how they would
284,125 guns had effect later this month,
the Montreal Gazette is
enforce the new maga-
zine ban by referring the
been declared. reporting that less than
18 percent of the guns
reporter to the Attorney General’s Office. estimated to be covered by the law have been
That office, however, had no comment. registered. According to that article, there are
Another writer on firearm-related issues roughly 1.6 million long guns in Quebec. But
was told by sources within the New Jersey since the registry opened, only 284,125 guns
State Police that they had received no guid- had been declared.
ance from the attorney general’s office on What the backers of the measure fail
how to enforce the ban, nor did they have to appreciate, however, is that the registry
any current plans to investigate suspected itself is unenforceable for exactly the same
violations. reasons. Only time will tell if New Jersey
That same writer attempted to determine and Quebec will try to back up the dubious
whether any magazines had been surren- and high-minded public safety rhetoric that
dered by asking the governor’s office, the accompanied the enactment of these gun
attorney general’s office, the state police control laws with enforcement action.

64 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan

 HOUSTON PHILLIPS
is

Photo courtesy Houston Phillips

Focusing On Criminals
A
s they say in Nashville, “it all begins
with the song.” Without songwriters
Yields Public Safety Results coming together to craft a captivat-

A
ing song, there would be no big radio hit,
nti-gun organizations want you to believe that the next new anti-gun no national tour and no adoring fans. NRA
law will be the game-changer. Whenever gun control fails – and it Country’s current Featured Artist, Houston
always does – the answer is that the effort didn’t go far enough. Phillips, is one of the hottest new songwrit-
Chicago experienced fewer homicides and shootings in 2018 than in ers, working behind the scenes on Nashville’s
2017, marking the second consecutive decrease. The city has long been famed Music Row writing songs that will spark
held up as proof that gun control doesn’t work. Do two years of declining an emotion when you hear it on the radio.
murder rates indicate that gun control has finally worked? NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi sat down with
According to an interview in the anti-gun “news” outlet The Trace, the Phillips to ask him about the intersection of his
answer is no. The Trace interviewed a research director from the Chicago two passions – music and the great outdoors.
Crime Lab. As the research director acknowledged, crime is “very, very
localized, even to certain blocks in certain neighborhoods.” Chicago’s VS: You’ve written songs for Jason Aldean,
recent strategy was to change the policing and management practices Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann and Colt Ford,
in its police districts. Twenty of the 22 police districts are now home to among others. How does your love for the
Strategic Decision Support Centers, which put crime analysts and police outdoors impact your songwriting?
officers in the same room to address problems close to the source. HP: Coming up with the idea for a song can
New Orleans is another 2018 success story, having reached a 47-year be the hardest part as a writer. Some of my
low in the number of homicides. There were also about 28 percent fewer best songwriting ideas have come from being
non-fatal shootings than in 2017. New Orleans hasn’t enacted any so- out in the woods hunting with no one else
called “gun control” measures. The city owes this success to police work. around. If I didn’t have that, I’m not sure I
From The New Orleans Advocate: could do what I do for a living.
“New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison has said none of
that is by accident. He said he tasked a specialized team of tactical officers VS: Have you had any memorable outdoor
and detectives with removing repeat violent offenders from the streets experiences with other artists?
over the past two years, no matter how long the cases took to build, and HP: Oh yeah. Tyler Farr and I have been
they’ve delivered results.” friends a long time and we do a lot of hunting
Chicago and New Orleans show that solid police work makes a differ- and fishing. We’ve hunted turkey in northern
ence. Community-based efforts, like Operation Ceasefire and others like California, fly fished in Utah, sword fished off
it, operate as partnerships between law enforcement and community lead- the coast of Miami and hunted a lot of white-
ers. These programs work to alleviate violence by focusing on those likely tail deer at his house in Tennessee.
to engage in it in the neighborhoods most prone to violence, working to
defuse conflict and building a culture that rejects violence. VS: What is your favorite personal firearm?
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York recently announced the state will HP: My papaw handed down a Browning A5
spend more than $3.1 million funding a street outreach program to “curb gun humpback 12 gauge that is my favorite gun
violence and save lives by intervening in the aftermath of shootings to prevent I’ve ever owned. Love that thing.
retaliation, working with high-risk youth to connect them to services and pro-
grams, and other community engagement initiatives.” From National Network NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between
for Safe Communities Director David Kennedy’s quote in the press release: the country music community and hard-working
“The developing science of violence prevention shows very clearly that Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride,
focused attention to the very small number of high-risk groups and indi- freedom, love of country, respect for the military,
viduals at high risk for serious violence can be very effective.” and the responsibilities of protecting the great
The common thread between the heads-up police work in Chicago and American life. Visit nracountry.com and
New Orleans and the community-intervention models in New York and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
elsewhere is that they are law enforcement solutions focused on criminals, For more information on Houston Phillips, check
not on law-abiding gun owners. out MV2Entertainment.com.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 65

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT CENTRAL

2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

AREA SHOOTS Nebraska Marksmanship Ass’n.

nemarksmanship.com

F or more information, send an email to

Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges,

F riends of NRA events celebrate

American values with fun,
fellowship and fundraising for The
or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
Clubs & Educators
wisconsinforce.org

NRA Foundation. You’ll have the PISTOL GUN SHOWS

opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and
more. Your attendance contributes to
Highland, IL
Marshalltown, IA
MAR. 2-3
MAR. 10 D ates and locations of gun shows
are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
Lansing, MI MAR. 17
grants that promote firearm education, Discounted NRA memberships are sold
safety and marksmanship. To learn SMALLBORE RIFLE through NRA recruiters.
more about events in your area, visit Jackson, MI MAR. 9-10
*Some shows may offer free admission to
friendsofnra.org, contact your local Neenah, WI MAR. 9-10 people who sign up for new memberships or
field representative or send an email to renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
HIGH POWER RIFLE
friends@nrahq.org. (800) 672-0004.
Freedom, IN MAR. 2
Central Regional Director—Donald Higgs MAR. 1-2 MERRILL, WI
dhiggs@nrahq.org SILHOUETTE
Merrill Expo Building, North Central
Wright City, MO MAR. 24 Wisconsin Gun Collectors Ass’n.
IA, NE—Tim Bacon
STATE ASSOCIATIONS
tbacon@nrahq.org (715) 443-2825
Northern IL—Mike Huber MAR. 1-3 WASHINGTON, MO
mhuber@nrahq.org
Southern IL—Donald Higgs
J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
N-Sports Rec Center, Bob & Rocco’s
Gun Shows (608) 752-6677
dhiggs@nrahq.org more information. MAR. 2-3 JANESVILLE, WI
Rock County Fairgrounds, Rock County
IN—Craig Haggard Illinois State Rifle Ass’n. Inc.
Rifle & Pistol Club (608) 754-1911
chaggard@nrahq.org isra.org
MAR. 2-3 BARRON, WI
KY—John LaRowe Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.
Barron Area Community Center, Bob
jlarowe@nrahq.org isrpa.org & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677
MI—Allan Herman Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. MAR. 2-3 OZARK, MO
aherman@nrahq.org iasrpa.org Christian County Elks Lodge—Ozark,
Northern MO—Travis Scott League of Kentucky Sportsmen Inc. Elks Lodge #2777 (417) 693-2090
tscott@nrahq.org kentuckysportsmen.com MAR. 2-3 SEDALIA, MO
Southern MO—Tim Besancenez Michigan Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Missouri State Fairgrounds,
tbesancenez@nrahq.org michrpa.org R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176
WI—Scott Taetsch Missouri Sport Shooting Ass’n. MAR. 2-3 LOUISVILLE, KY
staetsch@nrahq.org missourisportshooting.org Kentucky Exposition Center,
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176
MAR. 2-3 SEYMOUR, IN
Seymour National Guard Armory,
Tri-State Gun and Knife Collectors
(812) 521-9367
MAR. 2-3 TOPEKA, KS
Kansas Expocentre, R.K. Shows Inc.
(563) 927-8176
MAR. 8-9 SHIPSHEWANA, IN
SIG Sauer P210 The Michiana Event Center, Gun
Slinger Promotions (260) 624-5996
The SIG Sauer P210 American
MAR. 8-9 ASHLAND, MO
Standard is a 9 mm pistol featuring a Copper Kettle, Promotions
Friends of NRA design on the slide. (573) 338-1524
The 2019 Gun of the Year is exclusive
MAR. 8-10 EAU CLAIRE, WI
to 2019 Friends of NRA events. Menards Expo Center, Bob & Rocco’s
Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

66 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

 MAR. 29-31 INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Stout Field National Guard Armory,
Gun Slinger Promotions (260) 624-5996
MAR. 29-31 ONALASKA, WI
Onalaska Omnicenter, Bob & Rocco’s
Gun Shows (715) 381-7991
MAR. 30-31 KALAMAZOO, MI
Kalamazoo Fairgrounds, Sport Show
Promotions (517) 676-4160
MAR. 30-31 CAVE CITY, KY
Cave City Convention Center, S/T
Promotions (270) 622-2185
MAR. 31 ANTIOCH, IL
Antioch VFW, Vintage Arms of IL
Photo by NRA

(847) 875-9975

TRAINING
Crime Prevention
MAR. 9-10 SPRINGFIELD, MO MAR. 22-24 WEST BEND, WI
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds,
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176
Washington County Fair Park, Bob &
Rocco’s Gun Shows (715) 381-7991
T he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim®
program provides information on
crime prevention and personal safety.
MAR. 9-10 DECATUR, IL MAR. 22-24 RICHMOND, KY To learn more about the program, visit
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Madison County Fairgrounds, refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date
The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810 R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 schedule is available on the internet by
MAR. 9-10 FORT. WAYNE, IN MAR. 22-24 EVANSVILLE, IN visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending
Allen County War Memorial Evansville National Guard Armory, Gun an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by
Coliseum, CPI Shows (260) 483-6144 Slinger Promotions (260) 624-5996 calling (800) 861-1166.
MAR. 9-10 GRAND RAPIDS, MI MAR. 22-24 AUBURN, IN MAR. 9—WEST PLAINS, MO (Seminar)
4 Mile Showplace, Sport Show National Military History Center, Gun Lou Kimble (417) 505-9000
Promotions (517) 676-4160 Slinger Promotions (260) 624-5996 MAR. 10—APPLETON, WI (Seminar)
MAR. 9-10 PARK CITY, KS MAR. 23-24 KANSAS CITY, MO Gail Feher (920) 202-3080
Hartman Arena, Chisholm Trail KCI-Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. MAR. 12—METRO ST. LOUIS, MO
Antique Gun Ass’n. (316) 755-2560 (563) 927-8176
(Instructor Development Workshop)
MAR. 10 ST. CHARLES, IL MAR. 23-24 CADILLAC, MI Kevin Cummins (636) 207-1900
Kane County Fairgrounds, Wexford Civic Center, Sport Show
Kane County Sportsman’s Show Promotions (517) 676-4160 MAR. 16—LAFAYETTE, IN (Seminar)
(815) 217-2266 Len Halascsak (765) 423-9388
MAR. 24-25 PRINCETON, IL
MAR. 15-16 WEYERHAEUSER, WI Bureau County Fairgrounds, Sauk MAR. 30—MEREDOSIA, IL (Seminar)
Weyerhaeuser School, Blue Hills Trail Gun Collectors (309) 689-1934 Steven Hall (217) 248-4397
Sportsmen’s Club (715) 828-1182 MAR. 29-31 BRIDGETON, MO MAR. 30—MEREDOSIA, IL
MAR. 15-17 ROLLA, MO Machinist’s Hall, Midwest Arms (Instructor Development Workshop)
Hwy 72 Events Center, Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004 Steven Hall (217) 248-4397
Militia Armaments Gun Club
(636) 295-0624
MAR. 15-17 ELKHART, IN
The Northern Indiana Event Center,
Gun Slinger Promotions MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
(260) 624-5996
MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MAR. 15-17 INDIANAPOLIS, IN NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
Indiana State Fairgrounds, World MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
Class Gun Shows (405) 340-1333 GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
MAR. 16-17 ST. CHARLES, MO NRA INSTRUCTOR/
St. Charles Convention Center, 5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
Midwest Arms Collectors LLC EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
(660) 956-6004 RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
MAR. 16-17 KANKAKEE, IL NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
Kankakee County Fairgrounds, COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810 Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
MAR. 16-17 BIRCH RUN, MI NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
NRA MUSEUMS/
Birch Run Expo Center, Sport Show GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
Promotions (517) 676-4160
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
MAR. 16-17 OWENSBORO, KY The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
Owensboro Sportscenter, Midwest Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.
Promotions (270) 724-1684

americanrifleman.org March 2019 67

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT EAST
2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org
F riends of NRA events celebrate
American values with fun,
fellowship and fundraising for The
NRA Foundation. You’ll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and
more. Your attendance contributes to
grants that promote firearm education,
safety and marksmanship. To learn
more about events in your area, visit
friendsofnra.org, contact your local
field representative or send an email to
friends@nrahq.org.
East Regional Director—Bryan Hoover
bhoover@nrahq.org
ME, VT, NH—Brian Smith
bsmith@nrahq.org
NJ, MA, RI, CT & Southern NY—
Craig Decker
cdecker@nrahq.org
New York—Bruce McGowan
bmcgowan@nrahq.org
Northern OH—Marc Peugeot
mpeugeot@nrahq.org
Southern OH—David Graham
dgraham@nrahq.org
Eastern PA, DE—Kory Enck
kenck@nrahq.org
Western PA—Tom Baldrige
tbaldrige@nrahq.org
Eastern VA, Eastern MD, Washington,
DC—David Wells
dwells@nrahq.org
SIG Sauer P210
The SIG Sauer P210 American
Standard is a 9 mm pistol featuring a
Friends of NRA design on the slide.
The 2019 Gun of the Year is exclusive
to 2019 Friends of NRA events.
66
Western VA, Western MD, WV— Gun Owners Of New Hampshire Inc.
Michael Swackhamer gonh.org
mswackhamer@nrahq.org
Ass’n. Of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs Inc.
TRAINING
Crime Prevention
anjrpc.org
New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.
nysrpa.org
T he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim®
program provides information on
crime prevention and personal safety.
Ohio Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
orpa.net
To learn more about the program, visit Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date pennarifleandpistol.org
schedule is available on the internet by
Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition
visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending
ri2nd.org
an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by
calling (800) 861-1166. Vermont Federation Of Sportsmen’s
Clubs Inc.
MAR. 2—ASHAWAY, RI vtfsc.org
(Seminar)
Lyd Neugent (401) 377-8184 Virginia Shooting Sports Ass’n.
myvssa.org
MAR. 17—KITTANNING, PA
(Seminar) West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
Raymond Henderson (724) 525-0496 wvasrpa.org
STATE ASSOCIATIONS GUN SHOWS
J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your D ates and locations of gun shows
are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
Discounted NRA memberships are sold
more information.
through NRA recruiters.
Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Ass’n.
csrra.com *Some shows may offer free admission to
people who sign up for new memberships or
Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n. renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
dssa.us (800) 672-0004.
Maine Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc. MAR. 1-2 MARMET, WV
mainerpa.org George Buckley Community Center,
Cabin Fever Gun, Knife & Coin
Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
Shows (304) 942-7609
msrpa.org
MAR. 2-3 WINCHESTER, VA
Goal (Massachusetts) Winchester Sportsplex & Indoor
goal.org Event Center, Southeastern Guns &
Knives (757) 483-5385
MAR. 2-3 DALE CITY, VA
Dale City VFW, Showmasters Gun
Shows (540) 951-1344
MAR. 2-3 FAIRMONT, WV
Marion County National Guard
Armory, Showmasters Gun Shows
(540) 951-1344
MAR. 2-3 SALAMANCA, NY
Seneca Allegany Event Center,
York-Penn Shows (716) 569-6810
MAR. 2-3 CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH
Edmidio’s Expo Center, Heritage Gun
Shows (330) 806-1110 *
MAR. 2-3 ALLENTOWN, PA
Allentown Econo Lodge, Eagle Arms
Productions (610) 393-3047
MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
MAR. 2-3 WILMINGTON, MA MAR. 17 PORTLAND, PA MAR. 30-31 CLARKSBURG, WV
Aleppo Shriners Auditorium, New William Pensyl Social Hall, Portland National Guard Armory, R&R Gun &
Mart Promotions (914) 248-1000 Hook & Ladder Co #1 (610) 216-4191* Knife Shows (304) 575-6865
MAR. 2-3 LIMA, OH MAR. 22-24 OAKS, PA MAR. 30-31 GETTSYBURG, PA
Allen County Fairgrounds, Tri-State Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, All Star Events Complex, Eagle Arms
Gun Collectors (419) 647-0067 Eagle Arms Productions Productions (610) 393-3047
MAR. 2-3 RUTLAND, VT (610) 393-3047
MAR. 30-31 MARLBOROUGH, MA
Franklin Center at the Howe, MAR. 22-24 WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD Marlboro Best Western Royal Plaza
NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743 Howard County Fairgrounds, MD Trade Center, New Mart Promotions
MAR. 2-3 LEESPORT, PA Sportsman Show (410) 320-5069 (914) 248-1000
Leesport Farmers Market, MAR. 23-24 MANASSAS, VA MAR. 30-31 SHARONVILLE, OH
Appalachian Promotions Prince William County Fairgrounds, Sharonville Convention Center,
(717) 697-3088 Virginia Gun Collectors Ass’n. Inc. Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows
MAR. 2-3 EAST STROUDSBURG, PA (571) 215-8761 (502) 538-3900
MAR. 23-24 ROANOKE, VA
AREA SHOOTS
VFW Post #2540, Jaeger Arms
Promotions (570) 470-6404 The Bergland Center, Showmasters

F
MAR. 3 ONEONTA, NY Gun Shows (540) 951-1344 or more information, send an email to
Quality Inn, Midstate Arms Collectors MAR. 23-24 SPENCER, WV Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
(607) 748-1010 Old Spencer Armory, R&R Gun & or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
Knife Shows (304) 575-6865 listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
MAR. 9-10 CHEEKTOWAGA, NY
Knights Columbus Hall, Niagara MAR. 23-24 ALBANY, NY PISTOL
Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929 Polish Community Center, Wappingers Falls, NY MAR. 3
MAR. 9-10 HARRISBURG, PA NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743 Stratford, CT MAR. 9-10
PA Farm Show Complex, C&E Gun MAR. 23-24 BEREA, OH Oak Harbor, OH MAR. 10
Shows (540) 953-0016* Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Ohio Blue Hill, ME MAR. 23-24
MAR. 9-10 WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA Shows (330) 539-4247 Sharon, MA MAR. 24
Eastern States Exposition, Mid- MAR. 23-24 COLUMBUS, OH Manassas, VA MAR. 24
Hudson Promotions (914) 248-1000 Ohio Expo Center & State SMALLBORE
MAR. 9-10 DAYTON, OH Fairgrounds, C&E Gun Shows Ridgewood, NJ MAR. 3
(540) 953-0016 Vienna, OH MAR. 9 & 16
Montgomery County Event Center,
Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows MAR. 23-24 NORWALK, OH Washington, PA MAR. 16-17
(502) 538-3900 Huron County Fairgrounds, Auburn, ME MAR. 24
MAR. 9-10 MEDINA, OH Bill-Mar Promotions (440) 986-5004
HIGH POWER RIFLE
Medina County Fairgrounds, Conrad MAR. 29-31 EDGEWOOD, MD New Tripoli, PA MAR. 17
& Dowell Productions (330) 948-4400 Edgewood American Legion, Greenville, PA MAR. 23
MAR. 9-10 FREDERICKSBURG, VA American Legion Post 17
(410) 937-3421 SILHOUETTE
Fredericksburg Expo & Convention
Center, Southeastern Guns & Knives MAR. 30-31 RICHMOND, VA Suffolk, VA MAR. 3
(757) 483-5385 Richmond Raceway Complex, Montpelier, VA MAR. 9
Showmasters Gun Shows Mansfield, PA MAR. 10
MAR. 9-10 ELKINS, WV
(540) 951-1344 Sudlersville, MD MAR. 16
National Guard Armory, R&R Gun &
Knife Shows (304) 575-6865
MAR. 15-17 BECKLEY, WV
Beckley Raleigh County Convention
Center, R&R Gun & Knife Shows
(304) 575-6865 MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
MAR. 16-17 TIMONIUM, MD MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
Maryland State Fairgrounds, NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
Maryland Arms Collectors Ass’n. MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
(301) 681-8153 GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
MAR. 16-17 HAMPTON, VA NRA INSTRUCTOR/
Hampton Roads Convention Center, 5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
Southeastern Guns & Knives NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
(757) 483-5385 RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
MAR. 16-17 LAKE HARMONY, PA Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
Split Rock Resort, Eagle Arms COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
Productions (610) 393-3047 Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
MAR. 16-17 BATAVIA, NY NRA MUSEUMS/
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
Quality Inn, Alabama Hunt Club INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
(585) 343-7620 Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
MAR. 16-17 MONTPELIER, OH The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
Williams County Fairgrounds, sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.
D&K Enterprises (419) 737-2801

americanrifleman.org March 2019 67

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT MIDWEST

2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

TRAINING New Mexico Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

nmssa.org
Crime Prevention Oklahoma Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

F riends of NRA events celebrate

American values with fun, T he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim®
program provides information on
crime prevention and personal safety.
oklarifle.com
Texas State Rifle Ass’n.
fellowship and fundraising for The tsra.com
NRA Foundation. You’ll have the To learn more about the program, visit
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and
refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date
schedule is available on the internet by
GUN SHOWS
more. Your attendance contributes to
grants that promote firearm education,
visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending
an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by D ates and locations of gun shows
are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
safety and marksmanship. To learn calling (800) 861-1166.
Discounted NRA memberships are sold
more about events in your area, visit MAR. 7—BROOMFIELD, CO through NRA recruiters.
friendsofnra.org, contact your local (Instructor Development Workshop)
field representative or send an email to *Some shows may offer free admission to
Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315 people who sign up for new memberships or
friends@nrahq.org.
MAR. 9—SCHERTZ, TX renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
Midwest Regional Director—Tom Ulik (Seminar) (800) 672-0004.
tulik@nrahq.org Alison Adams (210) 508-0317 MAR. 2-3 MOUNTAIN HOME, AR
AR—Erica Willard-Dunn Baxter County Fairgrounds,
MAR. 14—AUGUSTA, KS
ewillard@nrahq.org Twin Lakes Gun Club (870) 431-8947
(Seminar)
CO—Brad Dreier Gregory Rupp (316) 651-7877 MAR. 2-3 GATESVILLE, TX
bdreier@nrahq.org Gatesville Civic Center, Whipp Farm
MAR. 23—COLORADO SPRINGS, CO Productions (817) 929-1816
KS—Tom Ulik (Seminar)
tulik@nrahq.org MAR. 2-3 MESQUITE, TX
Paul Pucci (719) 353-8414
Big Town Event Center, Premier Gun
NM—Michael Guilliams
Shows (817) 732-1194
mguilliams@nrahq.org STATE ASSOCIATIONS MAR. 2-3 BELTON, TX
OK—Darren DeLong
ddelong@nrahq.org J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
Bell County Expo Center, Lone Star
Gun Shows (214) 635-2009
Eastern TX—Liz Foley MAR. 2-3 PASADENA, TX
efoley@nrahq.org more information.
Pasadena Convention Center, High
Northern TX—Kevin Post Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Caliber Gun Shows (281) 489-1741
kpost@nrahq.org arpa-online.org
MAR. 2-3 LONGVIEW, TX
Southern TX—Tyler Ward Colorado State Shooting Ass’n. Longview Maude Cobb Exhibit
tward@nrahq.org cssa.org Building, Classic Arms Productions
(985) 624-8577
Western TX—Jack Cannon Kansas State Rifle Ass’n.
jcannon@nrahq.org ksraweb.org MAR. 2-3 SAN ANTONIO, TX
San Antonio Events Center,
Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256*
MAR. 2-3 BUFFALO, TX
Buffalo Civic Center, Buffalo Lions
Club (972) 571-5504
MAR. 2-4 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma
Gun Shows (918) 955-1092
MAR. 9-10 ABILENE, TX

SIG Sauer P210 Abilene Civic Center, Texas Gun &

Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575
The SIG Sauer P210 American MAR. 9-10 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Standard is a 9 mm pistol featuring a Colorado Springs Event Center,
Friends of NRA design on the slide. R.J. Promotions (816) 676-1200
The 2019 Gun of the Year is exclusive
MAR. 9-10 AMARILLO, TX
to 2019 Friends of NRA events. Amarillo Civic Center, Texas Gun &
Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575

66 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

 MAR. 30-31 BROWNWOOD, TX
Brownwood Coliseum, Silver Spur
Trade Shows (806) 253-1322
MAR. 30-31 KINGSLAND, TX
Kingsland Community Center,
Wild Weasel Productions
(830) 992-5291
MAR. 30-31 LITTLE ROCK, AR
Little Rock Fairgrounds—
Hall of Industry, R.K. Shows Inc.
(563) 927-8176

AREA SHOOTS
F
Photo by NRA

or more information, send an email to

Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
MAR. 9-10 CANTON, TX MAR. 16-17 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK PISTOL
Canton Civic Center, G&S Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Golden, CO MAR. 2-3
Promotions (918) 659-2201 OKC Gun Show Inc. (800) 333-4867 Manor, TX MAR. 17
MAR. 9-10 FORT WORTH, TX MAR. 16-17 TULSA, OK Amarillo, TX MAR. 30
Will Rogers Center, Lone Star Gun Tulsa Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. Denver, CO MAR. 30
Shows (214) 635-2009 (563) 927-8176 Carrollton, TX MAR. 31
MAR. 9-10 MCALLEN, TX MAR. 16-17 SEARCY, AR SMALLBORE RIFLE
McAllen Convention Center, White County Fairgrounds, Amarillo, TX MAR. 1
Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256* G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201 Houston, TX MAR. 2
MAR. 9-10 JACKSONVILLE, AR MAR. 23-24 CONWAY, AR Pine Bluff, AR MAR. 2
Old Walmart Shopping Center, Conway Expo Fairgrounds—Expo
Hanging Judge Promotions Center, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201 HIGH POWER RIFLE
(479) 858-9079 Manor, TX MAR. 3
MAR. 23-24 JACKSONVILLE, TX
Carthage, TX MAR. 3
MAR. 9-10 MAMMOTH SPRING, AR Norman Activity Center, Whipp Farm
Productions (817) 929-1816 Friendswood, TX MAR. 9
George D. Hay Music Hall, George
D. Hays Foundation (501) 412-3610 Van Buren, AR MAR. 23
MAR. 23-24 MESQUITE, TX
Ore City, TX MAR. 23
MAR. 9-10 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Big Town Event Center, Premier Gun
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Shows (817) 732-1194 SILHOUETTE
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 MAR. 23-24 LOVELAND, CO Byers, CO MAR. 3
MAR. 15-17 MONTROSE, CO Outlets at Loveland, P.E. Gun Shows Haltom City, TX MAR. 9
Montrose County Fairgrounds, (970) 779-0360 Miller, KS MAR. 16-17
Montrose Rod & Gun Club MAR. 23-24 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX Sand Springs, OK MAR. 23
(970) 249-9008 Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, Houston, TX MAR. 23-24
MAR. 16-17 DENVER, CO Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256* Bauxite, AR MAR. 30
Denver Mart, Tanner Gun Shows
(720) 514-0114
MAR. 16-17 PASADENA, TX

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

Pasadena Convention Center,
Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194
MAR. 16-17 WAXAHACHIE, TX
Waxahachie Civic Center, Premier
Gun Shows (817) 732-1194
MAR. 16-17 CONROE, TX
Lone Star Convention Center,
High Caliber Gun & Knife Show
(281) 489-1741
MAR. 16-17 DALLAS, TX
Dallas Market Hall, Dallas Arms
Collectors Ass’n. (972) 369-6062
MAR. 16-17 FREDERICKSBURG, TX
Gillespie County Fairgrounds,
Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322
MAR. 16-17 SAN ANTONIO, TX
Austin Hwy Event Center,
Austin Hwy Events (210) 242-3683
MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
NRA INSTRUCTOR/
COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
NRA MUSEUMS/
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

americanrifleman.org March 2019 67

inside nra | regional report south
2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org
F riends of NRA events celebrate
American values with fun,
fellowship and fundraising for The
NRA Foundation. You’ll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and
more. Your attendance contributes to
grants that promote firearm education,
safety and marksmanship. To learn
more about events in your area, visit
friendsofnra.org, contact your local
field representative or send an email to
friends@nrahq.org.
South Regional Director—Al Hammond
ahammond@nrahq.org
AL, MS—Bobby Berthelot
bberthelot@nrahq.org
Northern FL—Bret Eldridge
peldridge@nrahq.org
Southern FL—Tom Knight
tknight@nrahq.org
GA—Neely Raper
nraper@nrahq.org
LA—Chad Bowen
cbowen@nrahq.org
Eastern NC—Garland “Tra” Storey
gstorey@nrahq.org
Western NC—Doug Merrill
rmerrill@nrahq.org
TN—Mike Webb
mwebb@nrahq.org
SC—Freeman Coleman
fcoleman@nrahq.org
STATE ASSOCIATIONS
J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
more information.
Alabama Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
jmoses1936@gmail.com
Florida Sport Shooting Ass’n.
flssa.org
Georgia Sport Shooting Ass’n.
gssainc.org
Louisiana Shooting Ass’n.
louisianashooting.com
Mississippi Gun Owners Ass’n.
msgo.com
66
North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. MAR. 25-29—EUSTIS, FL
ncrpa.org (Patrol Rifle)
Gun Owners of South Carolina MAR. 25-29—FLORENCE (UNA), AL
gosc.org (Handgun)
Tennessee Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc. Contact le@nrahq.org or call
tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org (703) 267-1640.
TRAINING GUN SHOWS
Crime Prevention
D ates and locations of gun shows
T he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
program provides information on
crime prevention and personal safety. Discounted NRA memberships are sold
through NRA recruiters.
To learn more about the program, visit
refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date *Some shows may offer free admission to
schedule is available on the internet by people who sign up for new memberships or
visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by (800) 672-0004.
calling (800) 861-1166. MAR. 2-3 DECATUR, AL
MAR. 11—BUFORD, GA Decatur Shrine Club, VPI Gun Shows
(Seminar) (256) 381-0506
John Bain (678) 238-2504 MAR. 2-3 SANFORD, FL
MAR. 11—BUFORD, GA Sanford Civic Center, Great American
(Instructor Development Workshop) Promotions (865) 453-0074
John Bain (678) 238-2504 MAR. 2-3 WINTER HAVEN, FL
MAR. 16—CORRYTON, TN Winter Haven National Guard Armory,
(Seminar) Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677
Fred Styciura (732) 551-8263 MAR. 2-3 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
MAR. 23—PINELLAS PARK, FL Florida National Guard Armory, Sport
(Seminar) Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*
Thomas Flanagan (727) 453-0827 MAR. 2-3 GROVETOWN, GA
Columbia County Exhibition Center,
LAW ENFORCEMENT Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867
P ublic and private officers interested
in becoming firearm instructors
should attend one of NRA’s Law
MAR. 2-3 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds,
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176
Enforcement Firearms Instructor MAR. 2-3 CONCORD, NC
Development Schools, designed
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center,
to enhance the instructors’ firearm C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016
knowledge and handling skills, as
well as prepare them to develop MAR. 2-3 NEW BERN, NC
effective training programs, instruct in
a professional manner, and conduct
Craven County Fairgrounds,
S&D Gun & Knife Shows
(252) 745-5647
practical training exercises. Restricted
MAR. 2-3 MEMPHIS, TN
to law enforcement officers only.
Knoxville Expo Center, R.K. Shows
MAR. 4-8—SUMMERVILLE, SC
Inc. (563) 927-8176
(Handgun)
MAR. 8-10 TUPELO, MS
MAR. 4-8—TALKING ROCK, GA
Tupelo Furniture Market, Tupelo Gun
(Handgun/Shotgun)
Show (662) 401-1270
MAR. 11-15—FLORENCE, AL
MAR. 9-10 PORT ST. LUCIE, FL
(Handgun/Shotgun)
Polish American Social Club, Great
MAR. 11-15—TALKING ROCK, GA American Promotions (865) 453-0074
(Patrol Rifle)
MAR. 9-10 MIAMI, FL
MAR. 18-22—PEARL, MS Miccosukee Gaming Resort, Florida
(Patrol Rifle) Gun Expo (305) 922-3677
March 2019 american rifleman
MAR. 9-10 DELAND, FL MAR. 16-17 LEBANON, TN MAR. 30-31 LAKE CITY, FL
Volusia County Fairgrounds, Sport National Guard Armory, Great Columbia County Fairgrounds, Cliff-
Show Specialists (321) 777-7455* American Promotions (865) 453-0074 hangers Gun Shows (386) 325-6114
MAR. 9-10 COLUMBUS, GA MAR. 22-24 MANCHESTER, TN MAR. 30-31 MIRAMAR, FL
Ironworks Convention & Trade Center, Manchester/Coffee County Conference Miramar National Guard Armory,
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677
MAR. 9-10 MARIETTA, GA MAR. 23-24 STUART, FL MAR. 30-31 JACKSON, MS
Cobb Civic Center, Eastman Gun Martin County Fairgrounds, Great Mississippi Trade Mart Building, New
Shows (229) 423-4867 American Promotions (865) 453-0074 South Gun Shows (601) 922-8138
MAR. 9-10 GONZALES, LA MAR. 23-24 MELBOURNE, FL MAR. 30-31 MURFREESBORO, TN
Lamar-Dixon Expo Hall, Classic Arms Melbourne Auditorium, Sport Show Mid-TN Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc.
Productions (985) 624-8577 Specialists (321) 777-7455* (563) 927-8176

AREA SHOOTS
MAR. 9-10 JACKSON, MS MAR. 23-24 ORLANDO, FL
Wahabi Shrine Temple, Big Pop Gun Central Florida Fairgrounds, Florida
Shows (601) 498-4235
MAR. 9-10 RALEIGH, NC
Gun Shows (407) 410-6870
MAR. 23-24 FORT MYERS, FL F or more information, send an email to
Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Araba Shrine Temple, Fort Myers
C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Antique Arms Collectors listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
(954) 294-2526
MAR. 9-10 FLETCHER, NC PISTOL
WNC Ag Center, Mike Kent Shows MAR. 23-24 OCALA, FL Oak Ridge, TN MAR. 17
(770) 630-7296 Ocala Motel 6, Cliffhangers Gun
Jacksonville, FL MAR. 17
Shows (386) 325-6114
MAR. 15-16 DALTON, GA Creedmoor, NC MAR. 23
Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention MAR. 23-24 SAVANNAH, GA
Center, J. Bruce Voyles Auctioneers & Savannah Civic Center, Eastman Gun SMALLBORE RIFLE
Appraisers (423) 238-6753 Shows (229) 423-4867 Gaston, SC MAR. 2
MAR. 16-17 HOOVER, AL MAR. 23-24 WILSON, NC Palm Bay, FL MAR. 9
Hoover Met Complex, Alabama Gun Wilson County Fairgrounds, First
Light Outfitters (252) 560-7739 HIGH POWER RIFLE
Collectors Ass’n. (205) 438-1998
Covington, GA MAR. 2
MAR. 16-17 LAKE WALES, FL MAR. 23-24 WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Palm Bay, FL MAR. 6-9
Lake Wales National Guard Armory,
Great American Promotions C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Gaston, SC MAR. 10
(865) 453-0074 MAR. 23-24 FAYETTEVILLE, TN Arlington, TN MAR. 23
MAR. 16-17 WEST PALM BEACH, FL National Guard Armory, Gonzales, LA MAR. 24
South Florida Fairgrounds, Sport Great American Promotions
(865) 453-0074 SILHOUETTE
Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*
Rutherfordton, NC MAR. 2
MAR. 16-17 JACKSONVILLE, FL MAR. 30-31 FORT PIERCE, FL
Havert L. Fenn Center, Patriot Hoover, AL MAR. 2
Ramona Pavilion, Cliffhangers Gun
Productions (866) 611-0442 Quitman, LA MAR. 2
Shows (386) 325-6114
MAR. 30-31 PALMETTO, FL Batesburg, SC MAR. 9
MAR. 16-17 GAINESVILLE, GA
Bradenton Convention Center, Andersonville, GA MAR. 9
Gainesville Market, Eastman Gun
Shows (229) 423-4867 Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870 Brandon, MS MAR. 23
MAR. 16-17 FOREST PARK, GA
Atlanta Farmers Market, Gem Capitol
Shows (828) 524-2064
MAR. 16-17 KENNER, LA
Pontchartrain Center, Great Southern MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757 MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
MAR. 16-17 LAUREL, MS
Laurel Fairgrounds, Big Pop Gun MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
Shows (601) 498-4235 NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
NRA INSTRUCTOR/
MAR. 16-17 HICKORY, NC COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS
Hickory Metro Convention Center, EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
MAR. 16-17 JACKSONVILLE, NC ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
American Legion Building, S&D Gun Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
and Knife Shows (252) 745-5647 Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
MAR. 16-17 COLUMBIA, SC FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
NRA MUSEUMS/
South Carolina State Fairgrounds, GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
Mike Kent Shows (770) 630-7296 INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
MAR. 16-17 KINGSPORT, TN
The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
MeadowView Convention Center, Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

americanrifleman.org March 2019 67

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTHWEST

2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

F riends of NRA events celebrate

American values with fun,
fellowship and fundraising for The
NRA Foundation. You’ll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and
more. Your attendance contributes to
grants that promote firearm education,
safety and marksmanship. To learn
more about events in your area, visit
friendsofnra.org, contact your local
field representative or send an email to
friends@nrahq.org.
Southwest Regional Director—
Jason Quick
jquick@nrahq.org
AZ—Winston Pendleton
wpendleton@nrahq.org TRAINING STATE ASSOCIATIONS
Central CA, Southern NV— Crime Prevention
J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your
Steve Wilson
swilson@nrahq.org T he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim®
program provides information on
crime prevention and personal safety.
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
more information.
Eastern CA, Western NV— To learn more about the program, visit Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
Cole Beverly refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date asrpa.com
cbeverly@nrahq.org schedule is available on the internet by California Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
Mid CA—Sheila Boer visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending crpa.org
sboer@nrahq.org an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by
calling (800) 861-1166. Nevada Firearms Coalition
Northern CA—Dan Wilhelm nvfac.org
dwilhelm@nrahq.org MAR. 30—MENIFEE, CA
(Instructor Development Workshop) Utah State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
Southern CA—Mike Davis William Flory (951) 928-2794 usrpa.org
mdavis@nrahq.org
UT, Eastern NV—Jim Reardon
MAR. 31—RENO, NV
(Seminar)
AREA SHOOTS
jreardon@nrahq.org Joel Durden (775) 813-8130
F or more information, send an email to
Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
SMALLBORE RIFLE
Phoenix, AZ MAR. 16-17
HIGH POWER RIFLE
Seeley, CA MAR. 3
Ojai, CA MAR. 3
Boulder City, NV MAR. 10
Lincoln, CA MAR. 16
SIG Sauer P210 Castaic, CA MAR. 16
The SIG Sauer P210 American SILHOUETTE
Standard is a 9 mm pistol featuring a Sloughhouse, CA MAR. 2
Friends of NRA design on the slide. Burney, CA MAR. 3
The 2019 Gun of the Year is exclusive Cupertino, CA MAR. 13
to 2019 Friends of NRA events. Phoenix, AZ MAR. 16
Mesa, AZ MAR. 17

66 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by NRA
GUN SHOWS
D ates and locations of gun shows
are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
Discounted NRA memberships are sold
through NRA recruiters.
*Some shows may offer free admission to
people who sign up for new memberships or
renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
(800) 672-0004.
MAR. 1-2 LOGAN, UT
Logan Fairgrounds, Crossroads of
the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125
MAR. 2-3 VISILIA, CA
Visilia Convention Center, Mountain
Aire Promotions (209) 215-5599
MAR. 2-3 YUBA CITY, CA
Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, U.S. Gun
Trader (530) 701-8659
MAR. 2-3 TUCSON, AZ
Pima County Fairgrounds,
Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
(801) 544-9125
MAR. 2-3 YUMA, AZ
Yuma County Fairgrounds, Collectors
West (800) 659-3440
MAR. 2-3 OGDEN, UT
Weber County Fair, Utah Gun
Collectors Ass’n. (801) 486-1349
MAR. 2-3 SANDY, UT
Mountain America Expo Center, Rocky
Mountain Gun Shows (801) 589-0975
MAR. 9-10 MESA, AZ
Mesa Convention Center, Crossroads
of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125
MAR. 9-10 ST. GEORGE, UT
Dixie Center, Crossroads of the West
Gun Shows (801) 544-9125
MAR. 9-10 SILVER CITY, NM
Grant County Veterans Memorial Busi-
ness & Conference Center, High Desert
Sportsmen’s Club (575) 313-4644
americanrifleman.org
MAR. 9-10
Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, Buck
UKIAH, CA MAR. 23-24 WINNEMUCCA, NV
Winnemucca Convention Center,
Stop Gun Shows (530) 306-6011
MAR. 16-17 KINGMAN, AZ
American Dream Gun Show
(775) 835-9677
Mohave County Fairgrounds, Pioneer MAR. 30-31 LAS VEGAS, NV
Country Events Gun Show Palace Station Hotel & Casino
(928) 692-0937 Convention Center,
Western Trails Gun & Knife Shows
MAR. 16-17 DEL MAR, CA
(702) 222-1948
The Cow Palace, Crossroads of the
West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125 MAR. 30-31 SAN BERNARDINO, CA
MAR. 16-17 VERNAL, UT National Orange Show Events
Uintah Conference Center, Friends Center, Crossroads of the West
Gun Shows (801) 544-9125
of Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex
(435) 781-1848 MAR. 30-31 LAS VEGAS, NV
MAR. 23-24 LAKE HAVASU, AZ Las Vegas Convention Center,
Aquatic Center, Arizona Collectibles Midwest Arms Collectors LLC
& Firearms (928) 310-8544 (660) 956-6004
MAR. 23-24 COSTA MESA, CA
Orange County Fair & Event Center,
Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
(801) 544-9125
MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
NRA INSTRUCTOR/
5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
NRA MUSEUMS/
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.
March 2019 67
INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT WEST

2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

LAW ENFORCEMENT South Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

sdshootingsports.org

P ublic and private officers interested

in becoming firearm instructors
Washington State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

F riends of NRA events celebrate

American values with fun,
fellowship and fundraising for The
should attend one of NRA’s Law
Enforcement Firearms Instructor
wsrpa.org
Wyoming State Shooting Ass’n. Inc.
Development Schools, designed wyossa.com
NRA Foundation. You’ll have the
to enhance the instructors’ firearm
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions and knowledge and handling skills, as AREA SHOOTS
F
more. Your attendance contributes to well as prepare them to develop or more information, send an email to
grants that promote firearm education, effective training programs, instruct in Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org
safety and marksmanship. To learn a professional manner, and conduct or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete
more about events in your area, visit practical training exercises. Restricted listing, see ssusa.org/coming-events.
friendsofnra.org, contact your local to law enforcement officers only.
PISTOL
field representative or send an email to MAR. 11-15—ASHLAND, OR
Wadena, MN MAR. 3-4
friends@nrahq.org. (Patrol Rifle)
Portland, OR MAR. 10
West Regional Director—Brad Kruger Contact le@nrahq.org or call
Billings, MT MAR. 16
bkruger@nrahq.org (703) 267-1640. Bismarck, ND MAR. 24
Northern AK—Josh Toennessen
jtoennessen@nrahq.org
STATE ASSOCIATIONS Palmer, AK
Honolulu, HI
MAR. 30
MAR. 30-31
Southern AK—Greg Stephens
gstephens@nrahq.org
J oining NRA-affiliated state associa-
tions supports NRA’s mission in your
state.See stateassociations.nra.org for
SMALLBORE RIFLE
Delta Junction, AK MAR. 9
more information. Billings, MT MAR. 9-10
ID—Steve Vreeland
Bismarck, ND MAR. 23
svreeland@nrahq.org Alaska Outdoor Council Inc.
Portland, OR MAR. 31
MN—Eric Linder alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org
SILHOUETTE
elinder@nrahq.org Hawaii Rifle Ass’n.
hawaiirifleassociation.org Sherwood, OR MAR. 23
MT—Joe Crismore Lander, WY MAR. 24
jcrismore@nrahq.org Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
ND, SD—Doug DeLaRoi
idahosrpa.org
GUN SHOWS
Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Ass’n. Inc.
ddelaroi@nrahq.org
OR, HI—Mike Carey
mrra.org
Montana Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.
D ates and locations of gun shows
are subject to change, so please
contact the show before traveling.
mcarey@nrahq.org mtrpa.org Discounted NRA memberships are sold
WA—Michael Herrera North Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n. through NRA recruiters.
mherrera@nrahq.org ndssa.org
*Some shows may offer free admission to
WY—Logan Duff Oregon State Shooting Ass’n. people who sign up for new memberships or
lduff@nrahq.org ossa.org renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call
(800) 672-0004.
MAR. 1-3 GLENDIVE, MT
EPEC Building, Weapons Collectors
Society of Montana (406) 377-3969
MAR. 1-3 HELENA, MT
Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds,
Weapons Collectors Society of
Montana (406) 633-2206
MAR. 2-3 COEUR D’ALENE, ID
SIG Sauer P210 Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Sports
Connection (406) 633-2206
The SIG Sauer P210 American
MAR. 2-3 ALBANY, OR
Standard is a 9 mm pistol featuring a
Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany
Friends of NRA design on the slide.
Rifle & Pistol Club (541) 491-3755
The 2019 Gun of the Year is exclusive
to 2019 Friends of NRA events. MAR. 2-3 PALMER, AK
Palmer State Fairgrounds, Palmer
Lions Club (907) 354-3798

66 MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

 MAR. 23-24 ANOKA, MN
Anoka Armory, Crocodile
Productions (763) 754-7140
MAR. 23-24 BEMIDJI, MN
Bemidji National Guard Armory, Russ
Bowers Gun Shows (218) 845-2530
MAR. 23-24 EAGLE RIVER, AK
Eagle River Lions Clubhouse, Eagle
River Lions Club (907) 694-1780
MAR. 23-24 MCMINNVILLE, OR
Yamhill County Fairgrounds,
Collectors West (800) 659-3440
MAR. 23-24 POST FALLS, ID
Photo by NRA

Greyhound Park & Event Center,

Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555
MAR. 23-24 MEDFORD, OR
Medford Rifle & Pistol Club
MAR. 2-3 POCATELLO, ID MAR. 16-17 RICHLAND, WA Clubhouse, Medford Rifle & Pistol
Mountain View Event Center, Lewis Shilo Inn, Sports Connection Club (541) 582-0333
Clark Trader (208) 746-5555 (406) 633-2206
MAR. 24 PORTLAND, OR
MAR. 2-3 GRAND FORKS, ND MAR. 16-17 EUGENE, OR Jackson Armory, Oregon Arms
Alerus Center, Dakota Territory Gun Lane County Event Center & Collectors (503) 254-5986
Collectors Ass’n. (701) 361-9215 Fairgrounds, Willamette Valley Arms
Collectors Ass’n. (541) 954-8460 MAR. 29-31 KALISPELL, MT
MAR. 2-3 MANKATO, MN Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade
Mankato National Guard Training MAR. 16-17 PORTLAND, OR Center, Northwest Montana Arms
Center, Crocodile Productions Portland Expo Center, Wes Knodel Collectors Ass’n. (406) 471-0972
(763) 754-7140 Gun Shows (503) 363-9564
MAR. 30 EAGAN, MN
MAR. 8-10 BOZEMAN, MT MAR. 16-17 HONOLULU, HI Eagan Civic Arena, Heritage Arms
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Neal S Blaisdell Center, Hawaii Society (651) 260-4532
Weapons Collectors Society of Historic Arms Ass’n. (808) 942-8664 MAR. 30-31 HASTINGS, MN
Montana (406) 580-5458 MAR. 16-17 WATERTOWN, SD Hastings Armory, Crocodile
MAR. 8-10 ROCK SPRINGS, WY Coddington County AG Building, Productions (763) 754-7140
Sweetwater County Events Complex, Dakota Territory Gun Collectors MAR. 30-31 WILLMAR, MN
Up In Arms Gun Shows Ass’n. (605) 793-2347 Willmar Civic Center, Willmar Rifle &
(208) 420-2295 MAR. 16-17 ST. PAUL, MN Pistol Club (320) 212-7460
MAR. 9-10 LEWISTON, ID Minnesota State Fairgrounds, MAR. 30-31 TILLAMOOK, OR
Nez Perce County Fairgrounds, Minnesota Weapons Collectors Ass’n. Tillamook County Fairgrounds,
Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555 (612) 721-8976 Collectors West (800) 659-3440
MAR. 9-10 RENO, NV MAR. 21-23 GREAT FALLS, MT MAR. 30-31 PUYALLUP, WA
Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Exhibition Hall at Montana ExpoPark, Washington State Fair Events Center,
Crossroads of the West Gun Shows Weapons Collectors Society of Washington Arms Collectors
(801) 544-9125 Montana (406) 580-5458 (425) 255-8410
MAR. 9-10 PENDLETON, OR
Pendleton Convention Center,
Mike Voss Promotions
(541) 786-1900
MAR. 9-10 REDMOND, OR MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS
Deschutes County Expo Center, MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
Central Oregon Gun Shows NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org
(541) 610-3717 MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE
MAR. 9-10 MITCHELL, SD THE NRA FOUNDATION
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007 (800) 423-6894
Davison County Fairgrounds, Dakota NRA INSTRUCTOR/
Territory Gun Collectors Ass’n. 5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
(605) 630-2199 NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
MAR. 9-10 CENTRALIA, WA RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB
SouthWest Washington Fairgrounds, Medical Concierge Network (800) 351-6094 RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
Wes Knodel Gun Shows COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
(503) 363-9564 Global Rescue (800) 381-9754 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
MAR. 15-17 CASPER, WY NRA MUSEUMS/
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Up In INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805
Arms Gun Shows (208) 420-2295 Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
MAR. 16 MOSCOW, ID The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter,
Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or
Latah County Fair Grounds, Lewis sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.
Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

americanrifleman.org March 2019 67

inside nra | programs & services

Win An NRA Special-Edition Kryptek Minotaur

Truck, Tons Of Guns And Gear, And $50,000 Cash
D
on’t miss your chance to win
the NRA’s biggest truck sweep-
stakes ever. Sponsored by Prefix
Corp. and Kryptek Outdoor Group, the
NRA Big Truck Giveaway’s grand prize
includes a Kryptek Minotaur pickup
truck, a highly customized 2018 Ram
Sport 1500 4x4; firearms from Springfield
Armory, Weatherby and Spike’s Tactical;
a Leupold VX-6HD riflescope; 600 rounds
NRA SPECIAL-EDITION of Nosler ammunition, $50,000 in cash,
KRYPTEK MINOTAUR TRUCK: and more for the winner.
Sporting the Kryptek Raid pattern
■ 2018 Ram Sport 1500 4x4 side and hood graphics, as well as NRA
■ KORE Tactical Suspension with 14" logos and exterior badging, the crew-cab,
of Suspension Travel short-bed NRA Special-Edition Kryptek
Minotaur truck is sure to turn heads
3" FOX Internal Bypass Shocks
wherever it goes. Custom interior touches
■
as the capability of tackling the most rug-
ged of off-road conditions.
The truck, the cash and $21,840
worth of guns and gear can all be yours.
Online entries must be received by
11:59 p.m. EST on March 29, 2019, and
entries via U.S. Mail must be post-
marked by March 29 and received by
April 5. Visit truckraffle.nra.org to enter
and for more information regarding the
NRA Big Truck Giveaway.
There is no purchase or contribution
necessary to enter or win the NRA
Special Edition Kryptek Minotaur Truck,
and a purchase or contribution will not
improve the chances of participants
winning. The “NRA Big Truck Giveaway”
sweepstakes is open to legal residents

■ Side-exit Performance include Kryptek embroidered headrests, of the United States and Washington
Exhaust System floor mats and trim panels. And thanks D.C., age 21 years or older at time of
■ Wide Body High-Impact Fenders to its KORE Tactical Suspension with 14" entry who are licensed drivers. For
(Front & Rear) of suspension travel and 35" all-terrain more information, see Official Rules
tires, the limited-edition pickup provides for details, entry limits and alternate
■ Low-Profile Front Fascia enhanced stability at high speeds, as well methods of entry.
■ LED Fog Lamps
■ Blackout Headlamps
■ Aluminum Skid Plate
■ Race Red Tow Hooks
■ 35" All-Terrain Tires
■ 17" Painted Aluminum Wheels
■ Minotaur Sport Bar
■ Kryptek (RAID pattern)
Side Graphics
■ Kryptek Hood Graphics
■ NRA Logos and Exterior Badging

NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Paul Babaz, Georgia; Scott L. Bach, New Jersey; William A. Bachenberg, Pennsylvania; Bob Barr, Georgia;
Ronnie G. Barrett, Tennessee; Clel Baudler, Iowa; J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio; Matt Blunt, Virginia; Dan Boren, Oklahoma; Robert K. Brown, Colorado; Pete R. Brownell, Iowa;
Dave Butz, Illinois; Dean Cain, California; Ted W. Carter, Florida; Richard R. Childress, North Carolina; Patricia A. Clark, Connecticut; Allan D. Cors, Florida; Charles L. Cotton, Texas;
David G. Coy, Michigan; Larry E. Craig, Idaho; John Cushman, New York; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; Carol Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada;
Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; Julie Golob, Missouri; Marion P. Hammer, Florida; Maria Heil, Pennsylvania; Graham Hill, Virginia; Susan Howard, Texas; Curtis S. Jenkins,
Georgia; David A. Keene, Maryland; Tom King, New York; Timothy Knight, Tennessee; Herbert A. Lanford Jr., South Carolina; Willes K. Lee, Virginia; Carrie Lightfoot,
Arizona; Duane Liptak Jr., Texas; Karl A. Malone, Louisiana; Sean Maloney, Ohio; Robert E. Mansell, Arizona; Carolyn D. Meadows, Georgia; Bill Miller, West Virginia;
Owen Buz Mills, Arizona; Craig Morgan, Tennessee; Il Ling New, Idaho; Oliver L. North, Virginia; Robert A. Nosler, Oregon; Johnny Nugent, Indiana; Ted Nugent, Texas;
Lance Olson, Iowa; Melanie Pepper, Texas; James W. Porter II, Alabama; Peter J. Printz, Montana; Todd J. Rathner, Arizona; Kim Rhode, California; Wayne Anthony Ross,
Alaska; Carl T. Rowan Jr., Washington, D.C.; Don Saba, Arizona; William H. Satterfield, Alabama; Ronald L. Schmeits, New Mexico; Esther Q. Schneider, Texas; Steven C. Schreiner,
Colorado; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Bart Skelton, New Mexico; Kristy Titus, Oregon; Dwight D. Van Horn, Idaho; Blaine Wade, Tennessee; Linda L. Walker,
Ohio; Howard J. Walter, North Carolina; Heidi E. Washington, Michigan; Allen B. West, Texas; Donald E. Young, Alaska.
Communications intended for any member of the NRA Board of Directors should be addressed to:
(Name of Board member), NRA Office of the Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; or nrabod@nrahq.org; or (703) 267-1021.
Please include your name, contact information and NRA membership I.D. number, as only communications from NRA members will be forwarded.

68 March 2019 aMerican rifleMan

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THE 20" AR
continued from p. 45
By the 1990s, the use of optical sights was becoming more
prevalent on U.S. service arms. While such sights could be
mounted to the M16’s carry handle, a lower mount closer to the
bore is optimal. To better utilize optics, the M16 family’s fixed
carry handle was replaced by a removable handle that, when
taken off, revealed a “flat-top” receiver with a Mil-Standard
1913 Picatinny rail. The modified M16A2 became the M16A4
(the M16A3 was a flat-top receiver A2 with full-automatic capa-
bility). In July 1997, the A4 was officially adopted by the Army,
followed by the Marines in 2002.
While the M16 continued to be refined to meet the
needs of the modern battlefield, the seeds of the demise of
the 20"-barreled rifle had been sown during the Vietnam
War. Immediately after the M16 was adopted, there was a
demand for a shorter carbine version. After experimenting
with several designs, the XM177E1 was introduced in late
1967 with a 10" barrel capped with a 4.5" “moderator” and
a stock that telescoped along the carbine’s receiver exten-
sion for a package that weighed slightly more than 5 lbs.
and collapsed down to 28" (February 2019, p. 44).
Colt’s M16 carbine program continued after the Vietnam
War and resulted in the Model 653, an A1-style carbine that
used a 14.5" barrel, which gave it the same overall length
as the XM177E1 with its moderator. After the adoption of
the M16A2, the Army sought an updated carbine that would
N A T I O N A L R I F L E A S S O C I A T I O N
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70 March 2019
have many of the features of the A2 rifle. Colt started devel-
oping the XM4. It was adopted in 1994 as the “Carbine, M4.”
The M16 and its 20" barrel began to show its limita-
tions in the military actions that followed the 9/11 attacks.
Troops increasingly wore body armor, and the M16A4’s fixed
stock could make the rifle’s length of pull too long. The
M16’s overall length made the rifle unwieldy when traveling
in Humvees and MRAPs and for combat operations in con-
fined urban spaces. By the early 2000s, the Army was replac-
ing its M16 rifles with the M4 carbine for frontline service.
The proud riflemen of the Marine Corps held out the longest.
It wasn’t until 2015 that they announced they would replace
their M16s with M4s. While the U.S. still fields the M16, the
M4 has become the new king of the battlefield.
FN America celebrates the company’s role as a supplier of
firearms to the U.S. armed forces with its Military Collector
series, which offers M4-, M249- and M16-style rifles. For
the Military Collector M16, FN takes its standard FN 15 20"
rifle (now discontinued) and adds a Knight’s Armament M5
Rail Adapter System (RAS). The RAS, a two-piece, non-free-
floating design with four full-length M1913 rails, allows the
bottom rail section to be removed so that a grenade launcher
can be attached. The Military Collector edition also substi-
tutes the military-issued MaTech folding back-up iron sight
for the standard carry handle.
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 Compared to the “full-size” FN 15 Military Collector Series M16
with its Trijicon optic and vertical fore-grip (top l.), a bare-bones
M4 is significantly shorter and is lighter in the hands.

A1-sight-equipped rifle will find the task much easier if

FN takes the details further, down to its nonfunctioning
“AUTO” marking on the receiver (though technically such
a marking would be found on the full-automatic M16A3
and not the M16A4, which would have a “BURST” selector
position) and its Unique Identification (UID) label on the
magazine well. The resulting rifle is a near-perfect visual
replica of the M16A4.
On The Range
For accuracy testing, I evaluated both rifles “as issued.”
For the BRN-601 this meant using its iron sights (though
the 601’s fixed carry handle has provisions for mount-
ing optics). The A1-style rear sight has an “L” flip with
two apertures. Both apertures are the same size, with the
standard aperture designed for 0-300 meters and the “L”
marked aperture for 300-400 meters. Though designed to
be adjusted with the aid of a bullet tip, those zeroing an
they use a sight adjustment tool.
For the FN 15, I mounted a Trijicon TA31RCO-A4CP 4X
32 mm Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. The ACOG is the
sight the Marine Corps issues with its M16A4 and features
an illuminated reticle system, with a red chevron as its
aiming point, that combines fiber optics with tritium for
battery-free operation. Its built-in bullet drop compensator
is calibrated for the 62-gr. M855 cartridge fired from a 20"
barrel. With its forged aluminum housing, the ACOG and its
mount add a pound to the rifle.
For those who have used a military M16, both of the
rifles’ triggers will be familiar. Each are “service-grade”
single-stage units. The 601’s trigger broke at 5 lbs.,
8 ozs., and the FN’s at slightly more than 7 lbs.—within
the military’s acceptable range of a 5-lb., 8-oz. to 9-lb.
pull. Reliability was also “mil-spec” in that I experienced
no malfunctions with either rifle throughout testing.
The Brownells and FN each feature chrome-lined
bores. While chrome lining sacrifices some accuracy for
continued on p. 72

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72 March 2019
THE 20" AR
continued from p. 71
durability, both rifles still exhibited
service-grade accuracy. The 601’s
1:12" twist only gave satisfactory
results with 55-gr. bullets. This is
not an issue, as plenty of excel-
lent practice, match and defensive
rounds are available with this bullet
weight. The FN’s 1:7" twist bar-
rel handled a wide range of bullet
weights equally well.
Stepping away from the bench for
off-hand shooting, both rifles come
into their own. For those whose AR
experience extends only to fully
accessorized M4-style carbines, the
BRN-601 is a revelation. Adding optics,
lasers and lights can push the weight
of an M4 upward of 10 lbs., eclipsing
its original purpose as a compact and
handy rifle. In contrast, the 601 is a
lesson in simplicity, an AR-15 stripped
to its most basic. It carries, handles
and points more like an M1 carbine
than a modern AR.
Those who have shot heavy-barreled
ARs will be pleasantly surprised when
handling the FN 15. Its 20" A2-profile
barrel, mated with its fixed stock,
result in a perfect off-hand balance.
While the FN’s refinement over the 601
is obvious, it pays a price in complex-
ity, weight and cost.
In these two rifles the technical
and historic trajectory of the M16 is
clearly traced, from an innovative
and revolutionary lightweight arm
whose flaws were revealed when it
was pressed into service as a front-
line battle rifle, to a design that has
reached perfection at the cost of
losing sight of its original intent. The
Brownells Model BRN-601 and FN 15
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choice of either extreme.
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KIMBER K6s
continued from p. 49
between it and the sideplate to lock into recesses cut into
the cylinder between chambers.
Kimber did a great job with this gun, as the action is
very good. The trigger weight seems a bit lighter than most
current-production revolvers, being just over 10 lbs. Dry-
firing the gun builds an appreciation for the mechanical
design and its execution.
As a revolver intended for close defensive roles, the
Kimber K6s is unlikely to see much shooting at distance.
For this reason, we did the standard shooting proto-
col of five consecutive, five-shot groups at 7 yds., fired
from benched sandbags. Although the K6s is a .357 Mag.
revolver capable of handling any load in that chambering,
many defensive shooters will shoot .38 Spl. For that reason,
our ammunition list was two kinds of .38 Spl. and one
.357 Mag. Accuracy with all three kinds of ammunition
averaged well under the 2" mark. In view of the short bar-
rel, instant recoil and minuscule sight radius, I’m pleased
with that. It’s all tabulated on p. 49, but there is also a
very interesting statistic to be derived from the table. Note
the velocity of a 158-gr. bullet fired from a .38 Spl., as
compared to the velocity of the same weight bullet from
a .357 Mag. It is 426 f.p.s. more for the .357 Mag. Now
compare the energy differential, which is calculated with
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nowhere close to 470 for the .357 Mag.
Recoil with .357 Mag. ammunition out of the K6s is
severe but still manageable—after all, the gun weighs only
23 ozs. I found it to be notably stout. Part of reason is in
the way the gun is shaped and the way it moves in the
hand when fired. I freely concede that this is a subjective
impression, and other handgunners may not see it the
same way.
My local gun shop tells me that the Kimber K6s is
hard to keep in stock, so it has achieved some degree
of popularity. I’ve heard some criticism of the gun on
the grounds that it is ugly or ungainly. Others think it
is a beauty. Certainly the K6s profile is unusual, hav-
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G.I. THOMPSONS
continued from p. 55
which he extolled the virtues of the .45 ACP cartridge and
denigrated the effectiveness of the enemy’s 9 mm round.
Several excerpts from the article he penned, titled “The
Airborne Thompson; The Real Death From Above” follow:
“I fell in love with the Thompson the first time I picked
it up. TIME magazine called the Thompson ‘the deadliest
weapon, pound for pound, ever devised by man.’ In combat,
I found this to be an understatement … . I can tell you
from experience that three rounds from a Thompson lifts
a large man about six inches off the ground and drops him
two feet from where he was hit. We found the MP40 to be
a good gun and often used it against the Germans. The
problem was one of our men hit with an MP40 went back
to the aid station and rejoined the line in half an hour.
[Once hit] with a Thompson, whether killed or not, [they]
went nowhere. We felt, by experience, that a man with a
9 mm submachine gun was unarmed. … I would be remiss
in not mentioning the respect the Thompson gained in
France. France was the toughest, fiercest fighting of the
war. Word spread quickly through the German ranks of
‘bastards in baggy pants’ and of our terrible Thompson gun.
The Germans learned quickly that we had many of them
and our use of them made the American gangster movies
they had seen pale by comparison. The most chewed-up
of Jerry’s wounded in field hospitals had been the lucky
76 March 2019
These are the milled fire selector and safety levers typical of the
early-production U.S. M1928A1 Thompson.
survivors of the American Thompson. ... I found the
Thompson to be an almost perfect combat weapon right
out of the crate … We found the Thompson particularly
good at street fighting. A burst from General Thompson’s
gun usually dismantled the doors in small European towns.
The fight ended quickly.”
It might not be entirely accurate to state that the
American combat troops of World War II had a “love-hate”
relationship with the Thompson, but it cannot be denied
there were strong feelings on both sides regarding it.
The Thompson’s merits as a military arm continues to be
discussed, if not argued, even today. Numerous firsthand
accounts both praise and condemn it. It was reported in
one account that: “American paratroops, as soon as they
could get their hands on a German Schmeisser, broke their
Thompsons over the nearest rock; the roadside from Salerno
to Naples was littered with Thompsons discarded by soldiers
tired of carrying the heavy things.”
aMerican rifleMan
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Accessories for the Thompson include two
50-round drum magazines, one in a World
War II U.S. canvas pouch and a 50-round
box of “G.I.” .45 ACP ammunition. Also
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Another account stated that: Save at the NRA Travel Center
“[T]he Thompson was such a desirable
weapon that infantry soldiers often
WWW.NRATRAVELCENTER.COM
bought or stole them from tank crews;
when the new M3s arrived, many
Marines would not turn in their bat-
tered but faithful Thompsons.”
The Thompson certainly possessed
some obvious deficiencies, including its
size, weight and cost compared to the 22nd Annual
later submachine guns made largely
from stamped sheet metal. However, NATIONAL FIREARMS
many of the criticisms leveled against
it can be attributed to the soldier’s
typical propensity to consider the ene-
my’s arms he had to face to be superior
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EDIT
infantrymen will, understandably, tend at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
to venerate a gun that may have saved
their lives during combat and overlook INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
whatever deficiencies it may have With special luncheon speaker
otherwise possessed.
Professor David Yamane | Modern American Gun Culture
Whatever shortcomings it may have
had, the Thompson was the only subma- Topics Include:
chine gun available to our armed forces ★ What is next at the Supreme Court? ■ Legal ethics with Justice David,
at the beginning of World War II, and it ■ FBI NICS updates & appeals Indiana Supreme Court
served through the end of the war. While ■ Restoring veterans’ rights ■ Making and gunsmithing firearms –
still often thought of as a “gangster ■ Firearms forensics unlicensed activities, 80%
gun” to some, the Thompson subma- receivers, and 3D printing
■ State constitutional provisions
chine gun is, nonetheless, one of the
■ Protecting ranges
most revered American infantry arms
of World War II. Register: lawseminar.nrafoundation.org | Phone: 1-877-NRF-LAWS | E-mail: lawseminar@nrahq.org

Photos by author AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG MARCH 2019 77

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I HAVE THIS OLD GUN …
DETONICS COMBAT MASTER MARK VII
A
s a compact semi-automatic
chambered in .45 ACP, named
after an explosives company
and conceived before “concealed carry”
became a buzzword, the Detonics
Combat Master is understandably
obscure—except to a small group of
dedicated fans.
The concept of a hard-hitting
pistol that could be carried in one’s
coat pocket, but was more than just a
chopped-and-channeled M1911, was
conceived in the 1960s by Pat Yates,
an Explosives Corp. of America (EXCOA)
engineer. A fellow worker, Sid Woodcock,
offered to help. They were soon joined by
Mike Maes and Chuck Lyford, who owned
a Seattle, Wash., explosives company
called Detonics. Having no firearms
experience, they nonetheless decided to
mass-produce the pistol. Thus, nam-
ing the gun after their company, the
Detonics Combat Master was born.
Measuring 6¾" long by 45⁄8"
tall, with a 3½" barrel, the Combat
Master was not much bigger than a
Walther PP, but was chambered for the
80
GUN: DETONICS COMBAT MASTER MARK VII
CHAMBERING: .45 ACP
SERIAL NO: CR14XXX
MANUFACTURED: C. 1980S
CONDITION: 99 PERCENT—NRA EXCELLENT
(MODERN GUN STANDARDS)
VALUE: $1,769
man-stopping .45 ACP. The magazine Master’s $389 price tag. In comparison,
held six rounds; a seven-round M1911 a new Colt Combat Commander cost
magazine would function, but it pro- $250 at the time. By 1984, the Combat
jected from the frame. Even the six- Master’s price had risen to $754.
round magazine protruded slightly, The company went through numer-
but with only five rounds, it fit flush ous owners and name alterations, and at
against the beveled magazine well. one time was owned by the late novelist
There was no grip safety, and a flared and gun writer Jerry Ahern—who
muzzle meant no barrel bushing was featured the Combat Master in many of
needed. But perhaps the most visu- his apocalyptic novels. Although other
ally arresting feature of the Combat models were produced, the Combat
Master was its fixed rear sight, which Master remained Detonics’ flagship. The
was positioned far forward, close to matte-finished stainless steel Combat
the ejection port. Master Mark VII shown here has no
The first guns were matte blue; sights (allegedly a special CIA version),
brushed nickel, chrome, polished blue which adds to its mystique. In its 99
and two-tone finishes came later. percent condition, with accessories—
Stocks were wood or Pachmayr rubber. original box, fleece-lined case and
Approximately 17,000 guns were made original accessories brochure—it sold
between 1976 and 1987, but 10 percent for $1,769 in July 2018 at Lock, Stock,
were returned because of malfunction- and Barrel Auctions (lsbauctions.com).
ing. Another problem was the Combat —RICK HACKER, FIELD EDITOR
American Rifleman does NOT accept submissions for the I Have This Old Gun column. Topics are
assigned to Field Editors in advance. Due to the volume of mail received, our writers are not able to
answer individual questions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions
through our Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing.
Details appear in the Q&A section.
MARCH 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photos by author