This shocking photo of destroyed AR-15 bits and pieces was posted on Facebook by William Walter, a firearms instructor. William said this was “The worst AR-15 blow-up I have ever seen. The case head literally atomized …you can see the brass residue on the parts. The bolt was split in two also.”
There’s nothing inherently wrong with AR-platform rifles (well, except that they run dirty). Over the past six decades Eugene Stoner’s semi-automatic design has proven its merits in military and civilian applications. You may not know, but the original AR from 1955 was a .30-caliber. The Armalite AR-10 shot the 7.62×51 cartridge. Later, at the request of the U.S. Military, Armalite created a smaller version that became the M16/AR15. The rest was history. Now there are millions of AR “black rifles” in the hands of soldiers and sportsmen.
With so many ARs in circulation, it’s no surprise that some get used by folks who don’t know how to hand-load or otherwise fail to follow safe gun practices. The AR is actually a pretty sturdy rifle, but when it’s fed bad ammo, or abused, bad things can happen. Very bad things… commonly known as Kabooms.
The American Shooting Journal (ASJ) has compiled a set of particularly extreme AR Kabooms. Compiling the “evidence” from various web sites, ASJ has published nine (9) of the most Unbelievable AR-15 Fails. Here are two of the worst “AR-15 Fails”. CLICK HERE to see them all.
Nothing but busted parts after this catastrophic Kaboom…
Notice the bolt is still stuck in the barrel extension … with the rest of the gun in pieces.
Another view of this sad blow-up…
These catastrophic AR failures are eye-openers, that’s for sure. ASJ cautions: “Any weapon can fail if given the wrong ammunition, faulty reloads or a plugged barrel. Always be aware of what can happen at anytime if you fail to follow common sense and gun safety rules.”
ASJ Sources: Photobucket, Armory Blog, Pinterest, Northeastern Arms, Eric Nestor
20th Day of the 2020th Year!
For folks in the gun industry, the third Monday in January is the best day of the year. Held in conjunction with SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range lets us try out dozens of new rifles and pistols, as well as meet top gun designers and friends in the shooting sports. We saw some very great new products this year. Here are some of the most interesting “take-aways” from Industry Day at the Range, held in Bolder City, Nevada on January 20, 2020.
New Guns + Old Friends on 1/20/20
Meeting old friends, and shooting new guns. That’s what Monday was all about at the annual Industry Day at the Range, a “hands-on” preview the day before SHOT Show opens in Las Vegas. At the crack of dawn your Editor met with Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com and headed out to the Boulder City (NV) range. There we met up with GunsAmerica Editor True Pearce, F-Class aces Stan Pate and Matt Schwartzkopf, Down Range TV host Michael Bane, Top Shot’s Dustin Ellerman, and many other friends in the industry.
We were not disappointed — there was plenty to see this year. On display were a bunch of new precision rifles, some nice new revolvers, and some very exotic optics. SEE Exhibitor List.
Cool New Rifles and Chassis Systems
There is a definite trend towards metal modular chassis systems. We saw many more metal stocks than fiberglass stocks on the firing line. One of the most interesting chassis rifles was showcased by Advanced Shooting Analytics (ASA). This features a STEEL alloy center section that holds the steel rifle action. The thinking behind this is that aluminum expands as it gets hot at a different rate than steel. That can stress the steel action. Having “steel on steel” eliminates those stresses say the designers — providing an advantage compared to an all-aluminum chassis.
We tested the new Savage 110 Elite Precision, an impressive new rifle boasting an advanced aluminum chassis crafted by MDT. Part of Savage’s new Precision Series, this is clearly aimed at the PRS crowd. Savage also showcased its new rimfire precision rifles. See below:
The innovative, patented FightLite SCR® (Sport Configurable Rifle) blends the utility and accuracy of an AR15 with the classic lines of an American sporter. Importantly, this rifle is 50-state legal! The old-fashioned stock design of the SCR permits shipping to FFLs in all 50 states.
Cadex Defense showcased its CDX-R7 Sheepdog hunting rifle. A departure from the metal-chassis rifles. The Sheepdog features a comfortable outer skin and a very ergonomic design. Here’s a video preview:
Wild-Looking AR Rifles — Vivid Colors and Ports
Bling is the thing in 2020. There were some wild-looking AR-platform rifles with exotic finishes. One AR, used by the Eotech folks to showcase their Vudu optics, had a radically ported upper.
Optics — New Scopes and Electro-Optics
Actual view through Schmidt & Bender scope. Great glass — sharp and bright to the edge
Zeiss displayed some impressive Second Focal Plane scopes.
Here is the impressive Charlie TARAC prism unit from TacomHQ, set up on an ELR rifle with a massive barrel. The prism designer John Baker showed us new prototype units that allow the user to dial the amount of elevation increase.
One tripod sported an array of hardware, with a rangefinder and a big Swarovski Spotting scope fitted what appeared to be a Phone Skope adapter. This allows through-the-eyepiece viewing/recording.
Handguns — Rimfire and Centerfire
This striking image is from GunsAmerica’s Range Day Report on the new Colt Python. This report by Levi Sim features a video and many photos.
We viewed dozens of pistols, but were most impressed with a couple updated rimfires, and two ultra-accurate wheelguns — the Ruger Super 100 9mm and the “reborn” Colt Python, a stainless beauty. Show above are both 4″ and 6″ versions. The workmanship was superb — as was the accuracy.
We also tested a updated version of the classic Browning Buckmark .22 LR semi-auto pistol with a ported barrel shroud. This balanced great and had a very nice trigger pull.
Ammunition — Big News from Sierra and True Velocity
Sierra displayed one of the most noteworthy innovations in loaded ammunition. The new Sierra/True Velocity Composite Ammo features a POLYMER case. This allows a very significant weight savings — at least 35% compared to conventional ammunition. Sierra and True Velocity are partners in this project. Initial offerings of hunting ammunition should be available in late 2020.
New TECH — Shot-Locating Steel Target Plates from Israel
Israel’s A.D.L. Smart Solutions LTD. displayed an innovative shot location plotting system. This measures shot location and hit rates via a sensor module on the BACK (reverse side) of a thick armored steel plate. The designers tell us the armored plates have survived 7000+ rifle shots without a problem. The sensor unit transmits shot locations wirelessly back to a laptop which runs Apple or Windows software. The software can also keep profiles of different rifles/cartridge types with ballistics for each.
About Industry Day at the Range
With two dozen shooting bays, plus an elevated shooting station with targets out to 400 yards, there is plenty of action. Here’s the layout:
Next best thing to being there — this video shows 2020 Industry Day highlights. It’s a great overview featuring a wide variety of rifles, pistols and shotguns. The biggest commercial, hands-on “live fire” gun demonstration in the world, Industry Day at the Range is attended by over 1700 journalists and buyers.
Long Shot Precision offers a great new product for the popular Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) — a beautifully-crafted Adjustable Bag Rider (ABR). Made from CNC-machined aluminum, this fits an RPR perfectly, and weighs less than one pound. For more information, or to place an order, visit AdjustableBagRider.com.
The Patent-Pending Adjustable Bag Rider (ABR) is a direct replacement for the lower Picatinny rail of the RPR and RPR Magnum. Riding securely in your rear bag, the ABR provides horizontal stability and aids smooth, repeatable tracking. But in addition, now you have micro-adjustment built right into your RPR — the ABR adjusts up/down with a control wheel. This allows vertical adjustment without requiring positional body changes. This allows you to get on target faster, and reduces the vertical adjustment range needed from front rest or bipod. Because this unit is attached to the rifle, and does not move the bag up/down, it should be F-Class legal.
This video show how to adjust the ABR while in position:
ABR Installation is quick and easy with just two Allen wrenches. Once installed, you can leave the ABR on your Ruger Precision Rifle all the time. The bottom horizontal piece is available in two different styles: V-bottom or Square-bottom. Choose what works best for your bag. The maker suggests the V-Bottom for standard 2-stitch bags. The square-bottom ABR should fit bags with wider ear-spread and/or center flats.
The ABR is 100% made in the USA from high-grade 7075 aircraft aluminum. It is precision CNC-machined and then anodized for superior wear resistance. The length of pull adjustments are machined into the ABR. There are two custom hardened alloy steel dowels that ride in linear bearings for smooth operation. Though it weighs less than one pound, the ABR is made to last. This is an excellent new RPR accessory that works for competition, fun shooting, and varmint hunting.
Buell’s Beast with Massive 35 Inch Barrel
A few seasons back, Our friend Darrell Buell built a new Beast — a monster 64-inch-long .375 CheyTac that weighs more than 70 pounds! Designed for ultra-long-range shooting (two miles and beyond), this beast represents the state-of-the-art in extreme long-range rifles. NOTE: to see more details, click the two images above to open Full-Screen Photos.
Darrell reports: “This rifle is pretty much purpose-built to shoot 2+ miles extremely accurately. It is a .375 CheyTac (lengthened) built on a BAT 2.5″ action. The custom 35″, 1:10″-twist Brux barrel is a fat, 2″-diameter ‘straight taper’ with fluting. A custom 5″-long muzzle brake is fitted at the end. All barreled action work was done by R.W. Snyder Custom Rifles. The stock was created to fit the build by PDC Custom, and the massive muzzle brake as well.” The “bridge” at the end may look like a barrel block, but it’s not — the barrel completely free-floats. (The Picatinny rail on top of the bridge allows use of an overhanging bipod as an alternative to the JoyPod).
Darrell has lots of elevation on tap: “With 150 MOA in the Ivey rings, another 20 MOA in the scope rail, 55 MOA in the Nightforce Competition scope, and 10 MOA in the FCR-1 reticle, there’s an impressive +235 MOA available.”
Counter-Weighted SEB Joy-Pod Up Front
The bipod Darrell will be using for his ELR sessions and the ‘King of 2 Miles’ match is a custom counter-weighted JoyPod crafted by Seb Lambang. With the counter-weight, Darrell says his monster 70-lb gun “adjusts as smoothly as an F-T/R rig”. The glass is a Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope carried in Ivey +150 MOA rings, which in turn are mounted to a +20 MOA BAT scope rail. Darrell says: “It’s been a heck of a couple months, getting this monster built in time, thanks particularly to Southern Cerakote, which turned it around in less than 24 hours.”
Buell’s Beast runs 350gr solid bullets at approximately 3250 fps. Check out the massive .375 CheyTac cartridge compared to a .308 Winchester:
This one-of-a-kind “JoyPod” was produced by Seb Lambang specifically for Buell’s big .375 CheyTac rifle. Darrell needed a JoyPod that wouldn’t sink under a heavy load. Seb explains: “This is the world’s first JoyPod equipped with an adjustable counterweight, to balance his 75-lb gun. I did some experiments and put some weights ranging up to 60+ lbs on the top, and I found that the joystick action works like a regular one….it’s smooth, light, and precise. In addition, the counterweight can be bent down to not interfere with the bottom of the barrel. The counterweight is secured into the front center shaft by a thumb screw, and there is a tightly fitted pivotal joint on the counterweight to allow angle adjustment.”
Darrell is happy with his customized coaxial bipod: “In addition to the adjustable counterweight system on the front, this JoyPod comes with a longer, solid joystick. These additions will make for extremely smooth, precise adjustments, even if the rifle weighs in at 75 pounds or more. Not including the counterweight, the actual structure of this bipod weighs in at a mere 1.09 pounds — exactly what the standard JoyPod weighs. It is extremely strong, however. Seb has pictures of himself standing on the pod … and he weighs 150 pounds!”
Concealed Carry Yoga Pants? Yes these Alexo Athletica Leggings will securely hold a small carry pistol or taser. There are 4 holster pockets front/rear and 6 other pockets for phone, keys, or other items.
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2020, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products have not yet been revealed, including new rifles, chassis systems, handguns, reloading tools, and state-of-the-art optics.
However, the official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 357 new-for-2020 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are six interesting accessory products and tools. There is a very interesting Universal Bullet Seating Die, plus new products from Lyman and Accu-Shot.
1. FAB Defense — RAPS Adjustable AR Stock
We like this Rapid Adjustable Precision Stock (RAPS) AR buttstock because the LOP and cheek height is very easy to adjust. In addition, the lower rear section (toe) of the buttstock is straight and smooth so it can function as a bag-rider. Too many “tactical style” buttstocks put a rail or notches on the bottom that grab in a bag. The RAPS from FAB Defense has a patent-pending 1Latch system with a memory feature that returns the adjustable LOP to its pre-set position. The integrated cheek rest has a height adjustment of up to 42mm and a non-slip rubber buttpad with 10mm of height adjustment.
2. Frankford Arsenal — Universal Bullet Seating Die
We like this concept. Now you can seat a variety of bullet calibers with a single die. Spend less money on your dies and save (storage) space on your reloading bench. Frankford Arsenal’s new Universal Bullet Seating Die holds .224 to .338 caliber bullets in place while seating, including a built-in micrometer allowing for precise micro-adjustments to the seating depth of the bullet. The die has a standard 7/8×14 thread for standard reloading presses. This Universal Seating die comes in a handy plastic case that holds all the caliber inserts plus die body.
3. Lakewood Products — Toaster-Style Rifle Carry Case
We like vertical drop-in, “toaster-style” rifle carry cases. These are easy to deploy and they don’t side-load your expensive optics when you clamp a hard case-lid shut. The new Lakewood B141L Scoped Rifle Case (Long) is a top-loading, soft-sided hard case that fits rifles up to 52″ overall length (OAL). That will fit most hunting and varmint rifles, and many competition rifles. Note — this is NOT just a foam and fabric case. Inside the ballistic nylon exterior is a case constructed of ABS plastic enveloped in foam padding. The case’s exterior dimensions are: 55″ L x 6″ D x 13″ W. Choose black (as shown) or True Timber Kanati camo.
4. Accu-Shot — Atlas CAL Cant and Loc Bipod without PAN
Since the Atlas Bipod was introduced in 2005, maker Accu-Shot has been asked for a no-pan model. The new Atlas CAL (Cant and Loc) model is a stable, adjustable bipod that dispenses with the PAN feature of older models. Many shooters thought the pan simply wasn’t necessary (or helpful) when shooting show-fire at bullseye-type targets. The new Atlas Super CAL (S-CAL) has the same features with 45° of Cant and larger leg spread.
5. Lyman Products — New Torque Wrench for Rifles and Pistols
The Lyman Torque Wrench allows the user to safely and correctly attach scope bases, scope rings, action screws and other fasteners to firearms. The Lyman kit comes with a variety of bits to fit various screw/bolt types. The orange ring allows the user to precisely set correct screw torque. This is very important for proper mounting of optics.
6. Hoppes — New Gun Vise
You’ll probably seen the Tipton Gun Vises, both basic and deluxe. Here’s a new competitor offering good functionality for the price. Hoppe’s Gun Vise ($44.99 on Amazon) easily accommodates all styles of long guns, shotguns and other popular modern sporting rifles. We like the adjustable front cradle which will fit both narrow and wide fore-ends. There are multiple slots on the base for tools, solvents, and other gear. The Gun Vise also includes rubber over-molded feet for extra security.
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2020, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products have not yet been revealed, including new rifles, chassis systems, handguns, reloading tools, and state-of-the-art optics.
However, the official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 338 new-for-2020 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are TEN interesting new products. Since most are completely new items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. Accordingly the product descriptions are provided by the manufacturers.
1. Minelli USA — WOOX Furiosa Chassis
The WOOX Furiosa Rifle Chassis is a hybrid stock that combines wood sections over an aluminum sub-chassis, giving the “feel” of a wood stock with the strength and rigidity of a metal stock. The WOOX Furiosa is a full-length rifle chassis replacement for Remington 700s and Sauer 100s. The Furiosa pairs a full-length aluminum skeleton with high-quality wooden front and rear stock elements. The rear stock features an adjustable cheek rest and adjustable LOP and integrated flush cups. The front stock offers M-LOK® rails. The WOOX Furiosa retails for $999.00. Visit Website.
2. March Scopes — High Master 5-42x56mm Wide Angle
The new March 5-42x56mm High Master-Wide Angle is a premium First Focal Plane (FFP) optic developed for serious competition and tactical shooters. This scope features the advanced High Master lens system, with two Super ED lens elements for superb clarity, increased contrast, and minimal chromatic aberration. This advanced optic features a “Temperature Anti-Drift Lens System” which compensates for ambient temp changes by altering the refractive index of the lenses. The 5-42x56mm March High Master offers a full 40 MILs of vertical adjustment, so you can shooter very long ranges without an angled rail. The eyepiece is the new March Wide Angle model with greater field of view throughout the 8.4X zoom range. Center dot and cross are illuminated with .2 and .5 MIL hash marks. Visit Website.
3. GRS Riflestocks — GRS WARG Hybrid Stock
The innovative GRS WARG is a modular, hybrid stock with metal fore-end, full adjustability, and a fiberglass-reinforced main stock shell. The grip is comfortable and ergonomic and cheek height as well as LOP is quickly and easily adjusted using the GRS SpeedLock 2.0 system makes it easy to adjust the length and height of the stock. On the new WARG the AR-style fore-end boast an M-Lok mounting system for Picatinny rails, sling studs, flush cups and other accessories. The GRS WARG is offered in three colors, tan, matte black, and dark green. Stock weight is just under 3 pounds in Tikka T3 inlet. Price is $730.00. Visit Website.
4. Metal Art of Wisconsin — The Freedom Cabinet
The unique Freedom Cabinet is a patriotic, wall-mounted Stars & Stripes Flag-themed concealment unit. Available in Wood, Steel or Carbon Fiber, each secure Freedom Cabinet features inlaid steel and Invisible RFID or Biometric locking systems. The Freedom Cabinet costs $194.95. Along with this flip-up Freedom cabinet, there is a “Slider” version for $254.95. Visit Website.
5. DYX International — Quantum Rangefinder Riflescope
The Quantum Rangefinder Riflescope is a new, affordable option for hunters who want a scope with a built-in Laser Rangefinder that automatically calculates shot hold-over (like the Burris Eliminator). You input the ballistics, click on the target, ant the built-in AMOLED display shows your hold-over point. Notably, the display can also show wind speed/ direction, temp and humidity (from external sensors). DYX Int’l claims the laser works out to 3000 meters, but we suspect the usable range on non-reflective objects is well under 1000 yards. Weight is 570 grams, which is about 6 ounces lighter than the Burris Eliminator III. Visit Website.
6. FightLite Industries — 50-State Legal SCR Hybrid AR
The innovative, patented FightLite SCR® (Sport Configurable Rifle) blends the utility and accuracy of an AR15 with the classic lines of an American sporter. Importantly, this rifle is 50-state legal! The old-fashioned stock design of the SCR permits shipping to FFLs in all 50 states. SCR models for 2020 feature both solid walnut and laminated stocks and furniture as well as a free-floating M-Lok handguard option. The FightLite SCR accepts most Modern Sporting Rifle parts and accessories including magazines, upper receivers, barrels, bolts, handguards, and optics. SCRs start at $1169.99. NOTE: Along with the complete rifle, Fightlite also offers sporter stock lowers for $659.99. Visit Website.
7. Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) — Hybrid Stock System
Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) has a new Hybrid Stock System, designed to “bring the benefits of a chassis to shooters who prefer a more traditional feel.” This has an internal frame of CNC-machined 6061 aluminum. That is then clad in textured composite panels with textured finish. On the metal fore-end is an MLOK pattern attachment system. The MDT offers two (2) interchangeable grip options, angled and vertical (both included). The stock system retails for $549.00. Visit Website.
8. Elftmann Tactical — Savage 110 SE Trigger
The ELF Savage 110 SE Precision Rifle Trigger is a high-quality, drop-in trigger system for the Savage 110, Axis, and other Savage rifles. Pull weight adjusts from under 1.25 pounds to over 4 pounds. Users report this trigger has a good feel and very crisp break. Aerospace grade bearings assure consistency and a smooth pull. Because the bearings press-fit in the trigger, ELF claims “there is absolutely no play in any components”. The adjustable aluminum trigger shoe is offered in both curved and flat styles. Price is $149.00. ELF says this trigger is “100% Drop Safe”. Visit Website.
9. Danger Close — Reaper Multi-Function Target System
The Reaper System is a unique, multi-functional target system. Weighing only 180 pounds, this wheel-equipped mobile target system can be put in place in just a few minutes. Constructed with ⅜” thick AR-500 steel, the Reaper can safely withstand shots from handguns (7 yards and beyond), .223 Rem ARs (20 yards and beyond), all the way up to a .338 Lapua Magnum shot at 240 yards out. The system allows you to shoot a variety of target styles — Cardboard Targets, Anatomical Vitals Plates, or Dueling Tree Plates. Visit Website.
The new Shooter’s Choice Bullseye Box Utility Gun Cleaning Kit includes the necessary equipment for cleaning rifles, pistols and shotguns. Gear is stowed in supplied tackle-box with pull out drawers. This is a very complete kit with cleaning rods, brushes, mops and jags for most popular calibers: .22/.223, .243, .270, .308, 9mm, .40, .45, 20 ga & 12 ga. The kit also ships with 1″ and 2.5″ square patches (100 each). Plus you’ll get all these solvents/cleaners: MC-7 cleaner, FP-10 Lubricant, All Weather Firearm Grease, and Rust Prevent. Additional cleaning supplies are: 3 all-purpose receiver brushes, 50 pipe cleaners, 100 cleaning swabs, lens brush, dust brush, and 3 microfiber gun towels. Bullseye Box MSRP is $149.99. Visit Website.
It’s 2020! Welcome the new year and a new decade. We know many of our readers will be spending the winter day indoors. If you need a break from the bowl games on TV, here are eight interesting and informative videos that are worth watching. The subject matter runs the gamut from benchrest gunsmithing to long-range varmint silhouette competition. There are also reviews of some of the best precision rifle options for PRS and NRL22 disciplines. Enjoy our New Year 2020 Video Fest.
Epic Reloading Hardware Test — 14 Single-Stage Presses. In this remarkable video, Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com reviews fourteen (14) single-stage reloading presses. This is the most comprehensive reloading press comparison test ever done by anyone, anywhere. The presses range from compact units to large-frame exotics from Europe. If you are in the market for a single-stage press in 2020 this is a MUST-watch video. Brands include Forster, Hornady, Lyman, MEC, RCBS, Redding, Turban (Prazipress).
2. Precision Riflesmith — Profile of Benchrest Smith Mike Bryant
Texas gunsmith Mike Bryant is a talented benchrest shooter and a highly respected builder of competition and hunting rifles. In this wide-ranging interview, Mike talks about benchrest competition, the key factors that contribute to rifle accuracy, and about his career as a gunsmith.
3. Erik Cortina — Mag-Feed Testing Borden Action with 6BR
Click the Speaker Icon (lower right) to HEAR AUDIO
Our friend Erik Cortina has built a new PRS/NRL rifle based on the new Borden Super Short 6 Action. This video show Erik’s first mag-feeding test with ten 6BR loaded rounds. You’ll see there is NO problem speed-feeding the short 6BR case. Erik tells us: “I removed the firing pin from bolt for safety. The magazine has not been modified in any way. I would say there is no need to do anything to it, she’s ready to run!” Impressive indeed.
4. Shooting USA — Texas Varmint Benchrest Match
This episode of Shooting USA TV features long-range varmint silhouette competition in Texas. This discipline combine the pure accuracy of benchrest competition with the fun of knocking down critter targets. These are smaller than standard silhouettes, so it’s quite a challenge to hit them at 300 yards and beyond.
In this episode, host John Scoutten competes with his 6.5 Creedmoor PRS rifle. Most shooters use benchrest-grade rifles with premium front rests. NOTE: This video shows some top-flight benchrest rifles, and also covers the origins of benchrest varmint silhouette in Pennsylvania. There are even some AccurateShooter Forum members on screen.
5. Vickers Tactical — .308 Win Bolt Gun Vs. .308 Win Gas Gun
This interesting video from Vickers tactical compares and contrasts two tactical style rifles both chambered for the .308 Winchester. The test team compares functionality, accuracy, ergonomics, and versatility. Each platform has its advantages, as the video reveals.
6. Outdoor Life — The Best New Affordable Precision Rifles
This video showcases three modern tactical-style rifles suitable for the PRS Production (Factory) Class which is limited to $2000 for rifle alone, not counting optics (Rule 2.3.1). Outdoor Life Shooting Editor John Snow puts three capable rifles through their paces: Patriot Valley Arms John Hancock, BadRock Precision SouthFork, and Seekins Precision Havoc Bravo.
7. Aerial View of Deep Creek Shooting Range in Montana
The Deep Creek Range near Missoula, Montana, is one of the best 1000-yard ranges in the country. Many long-range benchrest records have been set in this scenic, tree-lined facility. Now, thanks to Forum member David Gosnell (aka “Zilla”), you can see Deep Creek from the air. David flew a camera drone over the Deep Creek Range, soaring from firing line to the target bay and back again. This video gives you a “birds-eye view” of one of America’s elite ranges.
8. Nat’l Rifle League — Intro to NRL22 Rimfire Tactical Matches
NRL22 is a great way to get into competition shooting with minimal expense. There are Five (5) classes: Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns (8-16), and Air Rifle. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic may not exceed $1050.00 (so you could spend $550 on a rifle and $500 on a scope for example). That keeps the sport affordable. Open, Youth, and Ladies Classes have no price limits on Rifle and Optic. Visit NRL22.org to find an NRL22 match near you.
In our Shooters’ Forum, one member recently asked: “What makes an AR accurate? What parts on an AR can really affect accuracy — such as free-floating handguards, barrels, bolts, bolt carriers?” He wanted an honest, well-informed answer, not just sales pitches. Robert Whitley posted a very comprehensive answer to this question, based on his experience building and testing dozens of AR-platform rifles. Robert runs AR-X Enterprises, which produces match-grade uppers for High Power competitors, tactical shooters, and varminters.
Building an Accurate AR — What is Most Important
by Robert Whitley
There are a lot of things that can be done to an AR to enhance consistent accuracy, and I use the words “consistent accuracy” because consistency is a part of it (i.e. plenty of guns will give a couple great 5-shot groups, but won’t do a very good 10- or 20-shot groups, and some guns will shoot great one day and not so good on others).
Here are 14 key things we think are important to accuracy.
1. Great Barrel: You’ll want a premium match-grade barrel, well-machined with a good crown and a match-type chambering, true to the bore and well cut. The extension threads must also be cut true to the bore, with everything true and in proper alignment.
2. Rigid Upper: A rigid, heavy-walled upper receiver aids accuracy. The typical AR upper receiver was made for a lightweight carry rifle and they stripped all the metal they could off it to make it light to carry (which is advantageous for the military). The net result are upper receivers that are so thin you can flex them with your bare hands. These flexible uppers are “strong enough” for general use, but they are not ideal for accuracy. Accuracy improves with a more rigid upper receiver.
3. True Receiver Face: We’ve found that truing the receiver face is valuable. Some may argue this point but it is always best to keep everything related to the barrel and the bore in complete alignment with the bore (i.e. barrel extension, bolt, upper receiver, carrier, etc.).
4. Barrel Extension: You should Loctite or glue the barrel extension into the upper receiver. This holds it in place all the way front to back in the upper receiver. Otherwise if there is any play (and there typically is) it just hangs on the face of the upper receiver completely dependent on the face of the upper receiver as the sole source of support for the barrel as opposed to being made more an integral part of the upper receiver by being glued-in.
5. Gas Block: You want a gas block that does not impose pointed stress on the barrel. Clamp-on types that grab all the way around the barrel are excellent. The blocks that are pinned on with tapered pins that wedge against the barrel or the slip on type of block with set screws that push up from underneath (or directly on the barrel) can deform the bore inside of the barrel and can wreck the accuracy of an otherwise great barrel.
6. Free-Float Handguard: A rigid, free-float handguard (and I emphasize the word rigid) really makes a difference. There are many types of free-float handguards and a free-float handguard is, in and of itself, a huge improvement over a non-free-float set up, but best is a rigid set-up. Some of the ones on the market are small diameter, thin and/or flexible and if you are shooting off any type of rest, bipod, front bag, etc., a rigid fore-end is best since ARs want to jump, bounce and twist when you let a shot go, as the carrier starts to begin its cycle before the bullet exits the bore.
7. Barrel Contour: You want some meat on the barrel. Between the upper receiver and the gas block don’t go real thin with a barrel (we like 1″ diameter if it’s workable weight-wise). When you touch off a round and the bullet passes the gas port, the gas system immediately starts pressuring up with a gas impulse that provides vibrations and stress on the barrel, especially between the gas block back to the receiver. A heavier barrel here dampens that. Staying a little heavier with barrel contour through the gas block area and out to the muzzle is good for the same reasons. ARs have a lot going on when you touch off a round and the gas system pressures up and the carrier starts moving (all before the bullet exits the bore) so the more things are made heavier and rigid to counteract that the better — within reason (I’m not advocating a 12-lb barrel).
8. Gas Tube Routing Clearance: You want a gas tube that runs freely through the barrel nut, through the front of the upper receiver, and through the gas key in the carrier. Ensure the gas tube is not impinged by any of them, so that it does not load the carrier in a stressed orientation. You don’t want the gas tube bound up so that when the gas tube pressures up it immediately wants to transmit more force and impulse to the barrel than would normally occur. We sometimes spend a lot of time moving the gas block with gas tube on and off new build uppers and tweaking gas tubes to get proper clearance and alignment. Most gas tubes do need a little “tweaking” to get them right — factory tubes may work OK but they typically do not function optimally without hand-fitting.
9. Gas Port Tuning: You want to avoid over-porting the gas port. Being over-gassed makes the gas system pressure up earlier and more aggressively. This causes more impulse, and increases forces and vibration affecting the top end and the barrel. Tune the gas port to give the amount of pressure needed to function properly and adequately but no more.
10. Front/Back Bolt Play: If accuracy is the game, don’t leave a lot of front/back bolt play (keep it .003″ but no more than .005″). We’ve seen factory rifles run .012″ to .015″ play, which is OK if you need to leave room for dirt and grime in a military application. However, that amount of play is not ideal for a high-accuracy AR build. A lot of front/back bolt play allows rounds to be hammered into the chamber and actually re-formed in a non-consistent way, as they are loaded into the chamber.
11. Component Quality: Use good parts from a reputable source and be wary of “gun show specials”. All parts are NOT the same. Some are good, some are not so good, and some aftermarket parts are simply bad. Don’t be afraid to use mil-spec-type carriers; by and large they are excellent for an accuracy build. Also, remember that just because a carrier says “National Match” or something else on it does not necessarily mean it’s any better. Be wary of chrome-plated parts as the chrome plating can change the parts dimensionally and can also make it hard to do hand-fitting for fit and function.
12. Upper to Lower Fit: A good upper/lower fit is helpful. For quick and dirty fit enhancement, an Accu-Wedge in the rear helps a lot. The ultimate solution is to bed the upper to a specific lower so that the upper and lower, when together, are more like one integral unit. For the upper receivers we produce, we try to get the specs as close as we can, but still fit the various lowers in the market place.
13. Muzzle Attachments: Don’t screw up the muzzle (literally). Leave as much metal on the barrel at the muzzle as you can. People like to thread the muzzle for a flash hider, suppressor, muzzle brake, or some other attachment, but if you really want accuracy, leave as much metal as you can there. And, if you have something that screws on, set it up so that it can be put on and have it stay there without putting a lot of torque and stress on it right where the bullet exits the bore. If you are going to thread the end of the barrel, make it concentric with the bore and make sure what you screw on there is as well. For all muzzle attachments, also ensure that the holes through which the bullet passes through are dead true to the bore. Many aftermarket screw-on things are not so good that way. Anything that vents gas should vent symmetrically (i.e. if it vents left, it should vent equally right, and likewise, if it vents up, it should vent down equally). Uneven venting of gas can wreck accuracy.
14. Quality Ammunition: Ammo is a whole story by itself, but loads that are too hot typically shoot poorly in an AR-15. If you want accuracy out of an AR-15, avoid overly hot loads. Shown below are test groups shot with four (4) different uppers, all with moderate loads. These four uppers all pretty much had the same features and things done to them as explained in this article, and they all shot great.
Curious about suppressors (aka “silencers”, “moderators”, or “cans”)? Below you’ll find an informative NSSF Infographic that covers the history, legal status, design, and operation of modern-day suppressors.
Here’s a cool video showing how suppressors work. This video features see-through rifle suppressors filmed with ultra-high-speed (110,000 frame per second) cameras. When played back in super-slow-motion, you can see the flame propagate through the suppressor and the bullet move through each baffle before it exists the muzzle. Check it out!
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
Suppressor Facts — What You Need to Know
In this infographic, the NSSF provides the history, specifications, benefits and uses of firearm suppressors. Don’t suppress your knowledge!
Suppressors reduce gunfire sound levels by using baffles that contain expanding gasses exiting a firearm’s muzzle when ammo is discharged. Suppressors are similar to car mufflers that were, in fact, developed in parallel by the same inventor in the early 1900s. Well-designed suppressors typically reduce the gun sound levels by 30-35 decibels (dB). Suppressors are becoming more popular even though it still takes many months to get approved. In fact, the number of suppressors registered with the ATF grew by over 1 million from 2011 to 2017. That’s a 355% increase.
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This episode of Shooting USA TV features long-range varmint silhouette competition in Texas. This discipline combine the pure accuracy of benchrest competition with the fun of knocking down critter targets. These are smaller than standard silhouettes, so it’s quite a challenge to hit them at 300 yards and beyond.
5. Gas Block: You want a gas block that does not impose pointed stress on the barrel. Clamp-on types that grab all the way around the barrel are excellent. The blocks that are pinned on with tapered pins that wedge against the barrel or the slip on type of block with set screws that push up from underneath (or directly on the barrel) can deform the bore inside of the barrel and can wreck the accuracy of an otherwise great barrel.
