Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater T.O.R. A1 rifle has a lever INSIDE the lower receiver. That lever is moved by the operator’s THUMB, causing the rifle to fire. The claimed benefits of the “thumb-gun” are: 1) Improved Ergonomics (thumb stays in alignment with point of aim); 2) Better Mechanics (thumb is strongest digit and can manipulate lever easily); 3) Enhanced Safety (trigger blade/lever is not exposed).
This AR-type rifle was developed by Iron Horse, now partnered with Blackwater Worldwide. The new T.O.R. (aka “Thumb Operated Receiver”) A1 is the industry’s first AR-platform rifle incorporating patent-pending, lever-driven fire technology.
Iron Horse A1 Precision Rifle
The manufacturer has made some interesting claims about this new thumb-lever system. Blackwater/Iron Horse claims that “Multiple samples of users show a shorter learning curve and reduced shot group size”, and that the design “lends to greater accuracy in precision shooting… with its inherent natural ergonomics.” One claim we do believe, is that the thumb lever may help disabled shooters. Additionally the manufacturer notes that because the “trigger guard completely encases the trigger” there is less chance of snagging the trigger in brush or vegetation.
How the Lever Trigger Works
The operator’s thumb goes into a port in the top of the polymer grip (see grip photo above). This allows ambidextrous firing by right- or left-handed shooters. The thumb points forward, in line with the barrel. The lever itself is contained INSIDE the lower. Watch this video to see how it works:
Is the Thumb Lever a Game-Changer?
“Ironhorse’s revolutionary trigger system has the potential to be a game changer” states Eric Prince, Founder of Blackwater Worldwide. “Our in-house testing has shown a significant decrease in shot group size when compared to a traditional AR-15 trigger set. We think this technology … could replace traditional triggers altogether at some point.” The manufacturer states that the thumb-operated trigger “has been shown to greatly enhance the experience of a large portion of the shooting community and makes shooting possible for those who have limited mobility or severely injured fingers.”
About Iron Horse and Blackwater Worldwide Iron Horse Firearms, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was founded by a former U.S. Marine Ryan McDonald. The Patent-Pending Thumb-Operated Receiver was first developed in August of 2016 and became a fully operational system in the fall of 2018. Moving forward, Iron Horse Firearms will be doing business as part of Blackwater Worldwide.
In 2019, Blackwater Worldwide re-entered the firearms and ammunition market in the United States. In its first year of operation, it has acquired or developed multiple firearms lines and a proprietary ammunition line. The company is headquartered in Concord, NC.
Spotting scopes are important tools for hunters and target shooters, but until now you had to position your head close to the eye-piece and look directly through the lens. LongShot Target Camera (aka TargetVision) has changed how we can use our spotting scopes with the company’s innovative Hawk Smart Scope Spotting Scope Camera. The Hawk employs a digital camera that “sees” through the lens of your spotting scope and then wirelessly transmits the real-time view to your mobile devices. This allows you to position the spotting scope anywhere you like, and then use a tablet or phone to observe exactly what the scope “sees” down-range. Priced at just $249.00, the advanced Hawk Spotting Scope Camera is a great value.
Hawk Review by F-Class John
As a frequent user of spotting scopes, I often find myself struggling to position my scope close enough without it interfering with my shooting setup. During a match this isn’t a big deal, but when I’m out doing load development or practicing there are plenty of times I’d like to set up my spotting scope out of the way but still see what it’s looking at. I’ve tried other digiscope systems but they’ve all required me to use a cell phone directly over the eyepiece. That can work but it still forces me to position the scope within my shooting space. All of these frustrations ended when I got the Hawk. Now I can put the Hawk anywhere I want, plus a shooting buddy (or coach) can watch the view through the spotter remotely.
Setting Up the Hawk is Easy — WiFi Connection
The Hawk comes in a nice hard-sided case that is big enough to fit the unit and charging cable and easily fits in a range bag for transport. Once its battery is charged, simply slide the Hawk over your eye-piece, tighten the screw clamp down and then turn the Hawk on. To pair, go to WiFi settings, select the HAWK IP address, and then open the TargetVision App. You’ll be asked to enter the provided passcode (only required the first time) and then you’ll automatically begin to see what your spotting scope sees. I like that it connects using WiFi because that frees up my Bluetooth for other items such as a LabRadar. This allows me to use the HAWK alongside other devices without competing for functionality.
Hawk Offers Shot-Marking System — GREAT Feature!
For use while target shooting, the Hawk has one outstanding built-in feature. The digital view from the scope can mark your shots! The Hawk’s shot marking software allows the Hawk to track and identify shots on target. The Hawk has a couple settings that allow you to change the color and size of the marked shots as well as showing your groups and group size. This is really a huge value-added feature of the Hawk. The shot-marking functionality turns your spotting scope into a highly capable shot-marker system. That’s especially great when doing load development.
Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
Another ingenious feature of the HAWK is that you can rotate the head unit without affecting your actual scope set-up. This allows you to easily “level up” the output image on your device while leaving your scope tight in its mount after zooming in or out. I found this to be a really useful at my local range which has uneven ground. As I moved the scope around, I simply turned the head and kept watching. With variable-power spotting scopes, the Hawk’s rotating head really helps you adjust the picture output quickly after adjusting the zoom power on the eyepiece.
SUMMARY — Excellent Product with Multiple Functions
Overall the HAWK exceeded my expectations. The image quality was clear and in general matched what my eye would see through the scope itself. In testing I found it worked equally well on my iPad and iPhone with gallery photos and videos easily transferred from the App to my device files. The HAWK is easy to install and configure for your devices. The ability to see downrange remotely — without having to stare through the lens — makes this device a great accessory for any spotting scope.
Great for Training — This unit is especially useful for training purposes. The coach can be watching the shooter’s position/technique, while keeping an eye on target and windflags downrange using the streamed image from the Hawk camera. Overall, we think Longshot Target Camera (TargetVision) has built a winner, and the Hawk is unquestionably a superb value at $249.00.
Hawk Owners Also Praise This Spotting Scope Camera:
“Image quality is outstanding and the camera is very easy to attach, set up, and use. No more straining at the eyepiece of my spotting scope. I love it!” Ned T., Verified Buyer
“The unit is extremely easy to setup. The App has great features and the unit has endless applications. A great addition to a nice spotting scope.” Evan D., Verified Buyer
“Hawk is built very well and works perfect. The App is easy to operate. Marks shots on steel out to 935 yards at the range … would definitely recommend this item.” Brett D., Verified Buyer
This Video Shows the Features of the Hawk Spotting Scope Camera:
Shooting Industry Magazine just released its April 2020 Issue. This contains a comprehensive summary of notable products showcased at SHOT Show 2020. You can access the entire April 2020 issue for FREE. Past monthly issues are free to access as well. This is great for our readers who are stuck at home under government orders. There are over FIVE YEARS of FREE back issues (back to January 2015). That’s a huge trove of FREE Gun-centric content to read while you’re stuck at home.
Dozens of interesting new products are showcased on the Shooting Industry Magazine New Products Page. There you’ll find rifles, pistols, shotguns, optics, powder, bullets, tools, accessories, and more. Here are some of the notable products we found on the New Products Page.
Leica has just introduced a new Amplus 6 line of scopes with 6X zoom, high light transmission, and premium glass — all at affordable prices. The line-up includes: 1-6x24mm, three 2.5-15x50mm models, three 2.4-15x56mm models (larger objective), and a 3-18x44mm. MSRPs range from $1199 to $1499. Designed primarily for hunting, these Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes offer illuminated dot reticles, wide field of view, generous eye relief (up to 90mm), and large exit pupils.
Leica states: “Leica Amplus 6 balances premium optical performance with rugged features and is complimented by the extremely sharp illuminated dot, 6x zoom, large exit pupil and wide field of view. The extra-precise, illuminated reticles of the Amplus 6 ensure fast target acquisition and a particularly sharp and brilliant image of the illuminated dot – without annoying over-radiation. This means that users always have a clear sight picture, even in challenging light conditions.”
There is a standard, simple L4A hunting Reticle, a L-Ballistic MIL Reticle, and a L-Ballistic MOA Reticle. These are Second Focal Plane. BDC compensating elevation rings and a Leica Ballistic App are also offered. GET Reticle INFO HERE.
The smaller Amplus 6 1-6x24i offers a very wide field of view, fast target acquistion, generous eye relief. This provides a lighter package for hunters.
Amplus 6 Line-Up of Scopes
Amplus 6 1–6 x 24i, 4a – $1,199 (available April 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x50i, 4a – $1,399 (available April 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x50i, 4a BDC – $1,449 (available May 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x50i, Ballistic BDC – $1,449 (available June 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x56i, 4a – $1,449 (available April 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x56i, 4a BDC – $1,499 (available May 2020)
Amplus 6 2.5-15x56i, Ballistic BDC – $1,499 (available June 2020)
Amplus 6 3-18x44i, Ballistic BDC (MOA) – $1,399 (available Aug 2020)
SHOT Show 2020 Special Episode
This week, Shooting USA features a full hour of SHOT Show coverage. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA this year, it should be the SHOT Show 2020 Special which runs today, March 5th at 3:00 pm ET on the Outdoor Channel. Jim Scoutten’s team works hard every January, bringing you highlights from the gun industry’s largest trade show. Jim, son John Scoutten, and other staffers prowled the 12 miles of aisles in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, visiting many of the 1,600+ exhibitors. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Click HERE to learn more about this week’s 2020 SHOT Show episode.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, and much more.
Shooting USA’s SHOT Show 2020 will air today, Thursday, March 5 at 3:00 pm ET on the Outdoor Channel. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is jsut $0.99.
Here are some of the 50+ new products featured on the SHOT Show Special. Click Images for detailed product information.
Kestros ZR Stock — Impressive Design for Competition
Review by F-Class John
Walk the line at just about any rifle competition and you’ll see your share of McMillan stocks. Known for crafting high-quality fiberglass/composite stocks, McMillan has long been at top choice for competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical marksmen. Now McMillan is out to dominate F-Open with the Kestros ZR stock. The Kestros line features several models, but the ZR represents the pinnacle of craftmanship. Each one is finished off by a single craftsman and takes roughly four times longer to create than any other Kestros. So when McMillan offered me a chance to test one out, I jumped at the opportunity.
The aluminum Z-Rail extends nicely from the front of the stock and has a nice contrast of metal against the matte finish of the stock. I inspected the rails and noticed that they are very cleanly machined — all the corners and rails were precise and sharp. As a result, I grabbed some 1000-grit sandpaper and just lightly knocked the edges and corners down just to keep from accidentally scratching myself or my gear.
Lead time for a ZR is currently 6-9 months. I was like a kid on Christmas when mine arrived after seven months. Holding a Kestros ZR is definitely a unique experience compared to a traditional wood stock and you can’t help but feel like you’re holding something special. I chose three shades of blue that transitioned dark from the butt stock to lighter on the fore-end in a spectacular flame pattern. With McMillan, there are thousands of possible color and pattern combinations. These color/pattern options are outlined on McMillan’s Gallery Page.
The Kestros ZR comes fully inletted with pillars. I was able to bolt my Defiance action right into the stock “as is” without a bedding job. (McMillan states bedding is not required, though this is certainly something most Kestros owners will do). I threw in my action, fit a couple action screws and tightened it all down. I was amazed at how nicely it all fit together with even the little details like the port cutout being perfectly smooth with my action port. I loaded up some .284 Win rounds and headed to the range to test the new stock at 100 yards.
Here are examples of targets shot with the Kestros ZR at 100 yards.
During initial range testing (see above) I shot nine groups for vertical and all of them were under 0.40″ with the smallest being .08″ of vertical. I topped off the testing by shooting a 200-11X the next week at my club match. The thing that really stood out was how smoothly the stock tracked with its lower center of gravity while shooting free recoil and ultimately this translated to success on target.
Low-Rider — You may find that because of how low the Kestros rides as well as its additional length due to the Z rail, you may require an extension for your front rest.
CONCLUSION — Great Modern Low-Profile F-Class Stock
Overall the Kestros ZR exceeded my expectations. After a small learning curve, it was a joy to shoot and it performed great. As someone who believes in the power of muscle memory, I found each time I transitioned between the Kestros and my traditional wood stocks there was a slight adjustment period but not enough to impair accuracy in any way. Something to consider is that because every Kestros is made to the same dimensions, it makes owning multiples an easy process of switching between guns without any need for readjustment.
For those willing to put in the practice, your patience will be rewarded, and I think most shooters will find the Kestros ZR could become their new favorite stock. If you’re in the market for a new F-Open stock, the Kestros ZR is definitely one to consider.
Tips for Ordering a Kestros ZR
Ordering the Kestros ZR is a simple process thanks to McMillan’s online order form. While there are a number of options available, McMillan has a helpful guide that walks you through each one to ensure you get exactly what you need. While filling out my form I realized that because I have a custom-designed action, I needed some help, so I gave McMillan a call. The staffers were incredibly helpful and their knowledge of all the major actions out there made answering my questions a snap. I liked the fact that there is no set, fixed price on any of the stocks. The pricing system allows customers to get just what they want (within limits) and not have to pay for anything they do not want or need.
A few seasons back, our Editor and his friend Joe Friedrich flew to Texas to visit Gene Beggs and test rifles in Gene’s 100-yard indoor tunnel. That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shoot centerfire rifles in such a test facility. Here’s our report…
The South Texas Tunnel
Gene Beggs operates his own 100-yard indoor tunnel and rifle testing facility just outside of Odessa, Texas. Surrounded by tall fencing, this place really looks like a “Area 51″ secret military facility.
In his South Texas tunnel, Gene provides instruction and “tunnel time” for serious benchresters looking to improve their skills and optimize the accuracy of their rifles. Along with teaching the fine points of short-range benchrest, Gene employed his tunnel to develop a pair of radical rifles, one chambered in 220 Beggs, a slightly modified 220 Russian, and a second chambered in 6mm Beggs, a necked-up version of the 220 Russian that retains the original body taper and shoulder angle.
Radical Skeleton Stocks with Aluminum Sled mounted to Barrel
Both rifles shared a skeleton design which uses the Stiller Cobra or Viper action as a central load-bearing member. Remarkably, there is no conventional fore-arm at all. Gene has bolted, directly to the barrel, a 3″-wide bag-riding aluminum sled. The sled was not designed as a mid-barrel tuner, but it might have some beneficial effects in that regard. However, the tuning functions are handled by two concentric rings threaded to the muzzle. Gene believes that with minor rotations of his front tuning rings, he can dial the gun into tune and the tune can be easily adjusted as conditions warrant.
Do Mr. Beggs’ guns shoot? Absolutely. We had the chance to visit Gene in Odessa. We shot both the 220 Beggs-chambered rifle, and its 6mm Beggs-chambered cousin. Both rifles are nearly identical, though the Heavy Varmint-weight 220 has a longer, 27″ barrel compared to 22″ for the Light Varmint 6mm.
In the tunnel, the 220 HV, with a no-turn-neck 220 Beggs chamber, produced three-shot groups in the low ones and zeros right out of the gate, even before the tuner was optimized. With a barrel with over 1000 rounds through it, after firing 40 rounds without cleaning, Gene produced a tiny 5-shot group in the low ones. The first shot was slightly high (a common occurrence in the tunnel according to Beggs). The last 4 shots, rounds 42-45 since the barrel had been cleaned, went into 0.084″. This rig, though radical in the extreme, certainly appears fully competitive with more conventional BR rigs, and it tracked superbly, with no hopping or rocking on the bags.
220 Beggs — Simple, Accurate, Efficient
We were also very impressed with the 220 Beggs cartridge. It’s basically a plain 220 Russian with a sharper radius at the neck-shoulder junction. Gene has commissioned a 220 Beggs reamer with matching seating and full-length sizing dies. The little cartridge achieves 3600+ fps with a 52gr bullet, pushed by Benchmark powder.
Less Recoil Than 6PPC — From what we could tell during our short visit, the 220 Beggs is easy to load for, and performs exceptionally well with either turned (.250″) or no-turn necks. The recoil was noticeably less than a 6mm PPC, making the gun a joy to shoot. This round, we felt, could also be an outstanding varmint cartridge. The velocity is there, and we don’t think any other 22-caliber varmint cartridge is going to beat it for inherent accuracy.
As for the 6mm version, Gene told us: “The 6mm version of the cartridge performs best with Hodgdon’s H4198 Extreme, but the 220 has proven it will shoot well with just about anything you put in it including N133, H322, Benchmark, 8208, Norma 200 etc. It is the most trouble-free, user friendly cartridge I have ever worked with and will compete heads-up with anything. It’s also very easy on the shoulder.”
Gene Beggs sells components (reamers, dies etc.) for the 220 and 6mm Beggs, and also, under special circumstances, offers training/testing sessions in his West Texas Tunnel on an appointment basis.
Breaking News: The organizers of the IWA Outdoor Classics Trade Show — the Euro SHOT Show — have postponed the event. The event will NOT be held March 6-9, 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany, as planned, but will be re-scheduled for a later “date in 2020, which has yet to be determined”. NürnbergMesse, operator of the show facility, declared the event is being postponed due to health concerns related to the Coronavirus, COVID-19.
Petra Wolf, Member of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse stated:
“We hope that the industry will understand the decision to postpone. The aim of every exhibition has to be to create a special experience for exhibitors and visitors likewise and to enable networking and expansion of existing business relations. Unfortunately, this goal cannot be achieved under the current circumstances. We are aware of the great importance of the IWA for our exhibitors and visitors. All the more reason for us to put high pressure on the task to find the best possible alternative date for such an important event for our customers.”
NOTE: The Enforce Tac trade show, which normally runs before the IWA Outdoor Classics event, will also be postponed in 2020.
Sako has a new S20 line of “hybrid” rifles. These feature an internal aluminum chassis, adjustable trigger, and integral Picatinny rail on top. Users can change fore-ends and rear sections to suit different disciplines. Use the rifle for a PRS match one weekend and hunt with it the next. Sako states: “The user will be able to switch between the stocks and fore-ends quickly and easily and can change the rifle from a tactical to a hunting rifle or vice versa in a matter of minutes with no need to re-zero optics after assembly. The stocks can be taken down easily by loosening up two screws between the rear stock and fore-end.” Both 20″ and 24″ barrel versions will be offered, with a wide variety of chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag.
Unboxing Video of New S20 with Thumbhole Hunter Stock
This S20 “first look” video was created by the UK Fieldsports channel. The reviewer was impressed with the S20’s interchangeable stock system: “The modularity allows the rifle to be configured to the shooter’s preferences with different rear stocks and fore-ends. At launch, Sako introduced both the tactical precision stock and the ergonomic hunting stock, the latter being an improved version of a traditional thumbhole stock more like a pistol grip. Switching between rear stocks is fast and easy, virtually changing the rifle from a target rifle to a hunting rifle, or vice versa, with the correct grip, in a matter of minutes.”
The S20’s aluminum chassis is covered by a strong but comfortable outer shell material that Sako calls H.I.R. – High Impact Resistant. The same H.I.R. material is used on car dashboards. The outer shell is currently offered in two styles — a thumbhole hunter (photo below) and a more tactical style with straight toe and conventional grip.
The Picatinny rail is machined directly on the receiver. The S20 action features a 3-lug bolt with 60° bolt throw. Sako says the “high locking-lug surface area increases both safety and performance.” The full length of the action mates with a matching V-bed in the aluminum chassis.
Full Adjustability — Even Trigger Position
Adjustable ergonomics are a big part of the S20 design. The multi-adjustable trigger (available in both single-stage and two-stage variants) can be moved backwards or forwards to better fit different hand sizes. An adjustable cheek piece and LOP spacers help provide a proper fit.
M-Lok System Allows Easy Mounting of Accessories
The new Sako S20 can accept a wide range of accessories, attached via aluminum M-LOK placements. Sako-made accessories include Rear Mono-Pod, Barricade Stop, and Thumbrest. And yes Sako threads the muzzles 5/8×24 for use with brakes and suppressors. This video shows how accessories mount:
The Sako S20 features a full aluminum chassis under a comfortable composite exterior. Watch this video to see how the S20’s barreled action fits in the chassis.
Want to show off some groups you’ve shot? Or keep a handy pack of mini-targets in your range kit? Then check out this unique product from stockmaker Bell & Carlson. Shoot’n Aces cards feature a 1-inch black square aiming box with a 1/2-inch inner square. These cards are normal poker-playing-card size, 3.5″ high x 2.5″ wide (89 × 64 mm). Shoot’n Aces cards come 56 to a pack. Carry a few extras in your wallet or a pack in your vehicle glove compartment and you’ll always have a precision target to shoot at the range. Cards can be stapled or taped to target stands.
Sniper Central says these cards work well as targets: “The bold square is easy to pick up with the inner white portion making a nice aiming point. The material of the cards is the same as normal playing cards and the bullets make a very nice hole when passing through.” The sharp edges of the bullet holes makes it easy to measure group sizes with precision.
Each pack of Shoot’n Aces contains 56 premium-quality target cards. If you want some, order Bell & Carlson item SA-2006. This is a set of four (4) card-packs with 56 cards per pack (224 cards total) priced at $20.00 (i.e. $5.00 per pack).
Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater T.O.R. A1 rifle has a lever INSIDE the lower receiver. That lever is moved by the operator’s THUMB, causing the rifle to fire. The claimed benefits of the “thumb-gun” are: 1) Improved Ergonomics (thumb stays in alignment with point of aim); 2) Better Mechanics (thumb is strongest digit and can manipulate lever easily); 3) Enhanced Safety (trigger blade/lever is not exposed).
Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
Gene Beggs operates his own 100-yard indoor tunnel and rifle testing facility just outside of Odessa, Texas. Surrounded by tall fencing, this place really looks like a “Area 51″ secret military facility.
Do Mr. Beggs’ guns shoot? Absolutely. We had the chance to visit Gene in Odessa. We shot both the 220 Beggs-chambered rifle, and its 6mm Beggs-chambered cousin. Both rifles are nearly identical, though the Heavy Varmint-weight 220 has a longer, 27″ barrel compared to 22″ for the Light Varmint 6mm.
