CHEAP RIFLES

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WE KNOW GUNS SO YOU KNOW GUNS THE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2023
VOLUME 40 • ISSUE 16

The Convincing Case

For Not Cleaning
Your Firearms

PLUS
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 40 ISSUE 16

DEPARTMENTS
6 First Shot p.22
8 Know Your Cartridge

COLUMNS
10 Defensive Handgunning RICHARD MANN
14 Hardware Talk PATRICK SWEENEY
16 Reloading Bench PHIL MASSARO
18 Modern Gunnery SAM HOOBER
20 Guns & Gear GDTM EDITORS
97 First Look GDTM EDITORS

FEATURES
22 Don’t Clean Your Gun: Well … don’t waste
your time cleaning it too much. p.30 p.38
RICHARD MANN

30 Feeling Detached: When to use them, and

when to avoid them at all costs.
PHIL MASSARO

38 Levers and Cans: Is it practical, or

blasphemy, to modernize a lever gun?
JOSH WAYNER

72 Finish Strong: A guide to coatings, finishes

and treatments.
STEVEN KUO p.72 p.80
80 They Might Be Cheap, But They Are Mighty:
A buyer’s guide to budget rifle combos.
DAVID LANE

90 Stocks Matter: Give your AR a quick and

simple upgrade with a telestock.
PATRICK SWEENEY

THE BEST GUN LIST IN PRINT

48 Show & Auction Listings p.90
60 The Gun Digest Marketplace
GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE

CHEAP RIFLES
CHE
BUYER’S GUIDE
Low Cost, High Value Bolt Guns

WE KNOW GUNS SO YOU KNOW GUNS THE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2023
VOLUME 40 • ISSUE 16
GUNDIGEST.COM

The Convincing Case

For Not Cleaning
Your Firearms

PLUS
Gun Digest the Magazine (ISSN 1938-5943) is published monthly by Caribou Media dba Gun Digest Media, LLC. Corporate Headquarters
VOLUME 40 | ISSUE 16 DECEMBER 2023

Smart Wood: Defensive

CUT ’EM LOOSE
When to Use
Detachable
Scope Rings
Edge Products
Gunsmith Tray
Handgun:
Mastering
Double-Taps
is 5583 W. Waterford Ln., Suite D, Appleton, WI 54913. Periodicals postage paid at Appleton, WI 54913 and at additional mailing offi ces.
Gun Guy Tools:
11 Top Must-Haves POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 182, Williamsport, PA 17703. Copyright © 2023 Gun Digest Media. GUN DIGEST THE MAGA-
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4| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 FIRST SHOT // LUKE HARTLE

5583 W. Waterford Ln., Suite D

Appleton, WI 54913
Phone: (920) 471-4522 • FAX: (920) 471-0031

GunDigest.com
E-mail us: [email protected]
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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MANAGING EDITOR
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SR. ART DIRECTOR

SHOOT
GENE COO
ART DIRECTOR
KATIA SVERDLOVA
COLUMNISTS

AND SHINE
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PHIL MASSARO, PATRICK SWEENEY,
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ADVERTISING SALES
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

L
ike trucks (or muscle cars), the The good news is that cleaning your gun RYAN FARNER
shinier a gun is, the better she is likely needed less—a lot less—than you (760) 809-8729
[email protected]
looks. Ain’t no denying that. Re- were told by Dad, Grandpa or Uncle Bob.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
gardless of what it’s molded into, Remember that a gun doesn’t need to shine ALEX OSTROWSKI
polished metal has a way of making a fella’s on the inside or the outside, but it damned (920) 212-5677
[email protected]
heart skip a beat. sure needs to run. And, with reliability in
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
But, also like trucks, guns don’t need to mind, it’s also noteworthy to remind every- DAVID FIGG
be squeaky clean and spotless to run prop- one that lubrication and cleaning are not (813) 418-1060
dfi[email protected]
erly. Too much dirt and debris can certainly the same thing.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
cause operating issues, but a little mud on As a general guideline, you should clean LORI MCDANIEL
the fenders is a sure sign of a good time. your gun: (715) 498-3768
In today’s world of build-it-yourself • Before it stops working [email protected]
ADVERTISING ASSISTANTS
ARs, modular pistols and at-home gun • When it gets wet
BROOKE CASTLE
refinishing kits, we truly live in the clichéd • When it gets dirty CHING CORNFORTH
golden area of DIY gunsmithing. Even with • For long-term storage
GUN DIGEST MEDIA, LLC
minimal patience and two left thumbs, you You do not need to clean your gun after
GM/PUBLISHER
can accomplish quite a bit with a few tools, every shooting session just because it’s been
GLEN CASTLE
a good vise and proper lighting in your fired. Who’s got the time and patience for
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
basement. that? JENNIFER SEXSTONE
I think the original DIY project for the I will tell you, however, that PMCS is NETWORK MANAGER
armed citizen was gun maintenance and mandatory for every gun owner. Don’t TOM MARSHALL
cleaning. And, despite the incredible tech- know what that is? For the definition and NEWSSTAND SALES
nical advancements we’ve made in every an in-depth guide to when—and when you NPS MEDIA GROUP
[email protected]
other aspect of life, gun cleaning sucks to- don’t need to—clean your gun, check out
day as much as it did a century ago. the lead feature in this issue, beginning on Subscription Services
U.S. and Canada: 1 (800) 829-9127
If swabbing a bore is your cup of tea, page 22. P.O. Box 182
then good for you—but I’m comfortable Here’s to lots of shooting ... and minimal Williamsport, PA 17703
E-mail: [email protected]
representing the masses here in announc- cleaning.
ing my disdain for cleaning any and every
type of firearm. I don’t see the appeal … but
I do see the necessity.

6| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

Cold Heart,
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The modern,
short-action
equivalent of the
7mm Rem. Mag.
HISTORICAL NOTES
7MM WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM LOADING DATA AND FACTORY BALLISTICS
Introduced in 2001 and intended for BULLET POWDER GRAINS VELOCITY ENERGY SOURCE
ranks of riflemen preferring 7mm
140 BST WXR 70.0 3,200 3,184 Winchester/Olin 61,500 psi
cartridges, the 7mm WSM is crafted
140 SP WXR 66.5 3,220 3,224 Winchester/Olin 63,900 psi
from the instantly popular .300 WSM
150 SP WXR 68.0 3,145 3,295 Winchester/Olin 61,600 psi
case, necked down to accept .284-inch-
160 BST WXR 60.5 2,915 3,020 Winchester/Olin 61,700 psi
diameter bullets. Also, the 7mm WSM
140 BST FL -- 3,225 3,233 Winchester SBST7MMS
shoulder was lengthened by .038 inch to
prevent any possibility of chambering in
a .270 WSM rifle.
The 7mm WSM is the modern short- 7MM WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM LOADING DATA AND FACTORY BALLISTICS
action equivalent of the 7mm Remington BULLET POWDER GRAINS VELOCITY ENERGY SOURCE

Magnum, a cartridge that showed untold 150 RN WXR 60.5 3,100 3,200 Federal F7WSMFS1
numbers of hunters just how effective a 160 AccuBond WXR 60.5 3,050 3,306 Winchester S7MMWSMCT
flat-shooting, highly efficient .284 car-
tridge could be for North American and
large African plains game. SSK Industries chambered the round in its 4x4 rifle. spacing tolerances and bettered accuracy
also re-barrels the AR-10 self-loading potential.
rifle for 7mm WSM. GENERAL COMMENTS Shooters are cautioned never to fire the
At one point, Winchester and Brown- For efficient and consistent powder burn- slightly shorter, physically similar 7mm
ing offered several chamberings of their ing, the 7mm WSM continues the short- Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum
rifles in this round, including the M70 fat cartridge case geometry Winchester in .270 WSM- or 7mm WSM-chambered
Extreme Weather, Featherweight, and first popularized in the .300 WSM, a rifles, as the .270 bore is smaller and the
Coyote bolt actions. Browning offered benchrest-proven concept for nearly three headspace would be excessive, leading to
the round in several X-Bolt rifles and decades. Omitting a belt on the case, the possible injury or firearms damage. The
also the BAR Safari Rifle and BLR Light- 7mm WSM headspaces on the shoulder, WSM line still enjoys moderate appeal, es-
weight 81 Takedown. Mossberg also which should provide for tighter head- pecially the .270 and .300 offerings.

8| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

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 DEFENSIVE HANDGUNNING // RICHARD MANN

Understanding hammers and controlled pairs.

one of them. Two quick shots at each,
The primary dif- with immediate re-evaluation and
ference between continued engagement as necessary,
“hammers” and a
“controlled pair” makes sense.
is how you use But what if there’s only one threat?
the sights for the
second shot. This is In that case you could—and probably
splitting hairs; both should—continue to shoot the threat
are double taps.
until it’s no longer a threat. This makes
perfect sense for the military, but for
law enforcement and civilian self-de-
fense application, there might be some
difficulty convincing a jury that emp-
tying a 15-round magazine into the
perpetrator was an absolute necessity.
This brings us back to the standard
response concept: If you obtain two
quick hits and the threat still exists,
then firing additional rounds seems
much more justified.

SUBTLETIES OF THE DOUBLE TAP

As interesting as the history, legality
and common sense associated with the
double tap might be, from a training
standpoint, the terminology has got-

I
t’s thought that the concept of tated. However, because the effects of ten confusing. According to my friend
firing two fast shots to stop a bullet wounds are very complex things, Sheriff Jim Wilson, when Jeff Cooper
threat, also known as a double it cannot be said with any certainty was developing the Modern Technique
tap, was first taught by W.E. that two hits are twice as effective. of the Pistol, he incorporated the dou-
Fairbairn and E. S. Sykes, around Wounding speculation aside, the ble tap into the training program.
1944. The history is important but not delivery of two quick shots has evolved Ultimately, Cooper redefined the
as important as the logic behind the into the standard response that’s gen- concept with the terms “hammers” and
concept. erally taught by self-defense firearms “controlled pair.” Both are examples
Since handguns are notoriously instructors for law enforcement, mili- of two quick shots, but with hammers
poor at stopping fights, common sense tary and civilians. Of course, if two is you only see a sight picture before the
suggests that two hits achieved very better than one, then three and four first shot. With a controlled pair, you
quickly are better than one. It should shots are better than two, but time on see a sight picture before each shot.
be obvious that two hits will make an target must be considered. If you’re The reality is that hammers and a con-
attacker bleed more than one hit, and faced with multiple threats that need trolled pair are both double taps—the
the more an attacker bleeds, the soon- to be shot, it wouldn’t be wise to spend practical difference is how they’re ex-
er they’re likely to become incapaci- too long attempting to neutralize just ecuted.

10| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 Were these two
shots the result of
you’re Jerry Miculek or Bill Jordan—
hammers or a con- reincarnated—you’re going to have to
trolled pair? Who
knows, but the
see a good sight picture for both shots.
chances are high The fact that you were instructed to
this target was
double tapped.
conduct a “double tap” simply means
you’re shooting two shots as fast as you
can get two hits.
Ultimately, with practice, you’ll be
able to get two fast hits at ever-increas-
ing distances without having to obtain
a sight picture for the second shot.
Similarly, at very close distances, you
(Below) Distance might not even need a sight picture for
and target size
dictate the neces-
either shot. At 3 yards, I can easily put
sity of sights and two shots inside an 8-inch circle with-
the shot cadence
when executing a
out using the sights at all. However, if
double tap. you reduce the target size to 4 inches, I
have to find the sights to get my hits.
For example, using a version of my who more than anyone else estab- Some say the advantage to ham-
step-back drill, I recently conducted a lished the foundation for the appli- mers is pure speed, but the object with
test using multiple handguns by firing cation of the defensive handgun, it both hammers and a controlled pair is
two quick shots at an 8-inch target— doesn’t have to be that complicated. speed. I don’t see the need to compli-
from the holster—at 5, 10, 15, 20 and Regardless of what you want to call it, cate the exercise with different defini-
25 yards. The timed results established it’s the execution of two accurate hits tions when the end goal is the same.
my shot cadence at each distance. as fast as they can be obtained, and, The time it takes you to do that will
For example, my average time be- it’s a double tap! Distance, target size, be different for everyone, as will be the
tween shots at 5 yards was 0.35 second, skill level and the handgun used will factors that determine how much you
at 10 yards it was 0.63 second, at 15 determine how many sight pictures a need to use your sights to make it hap-
yards it was 0.86 second, at 20 yards it shooter must see, and it will be differ- pen. As a practitioner of the defensive
was 1.09 seconds and at 25 yards it was ent for everyone. handgun, your goal must be to emulate
1.38 seconds. Interestingly, each ad- Let’s just be realistic about what’s the advice of Clint Eastwood’s charac-
ditional 5 yards added—on average—a expected: If someone tells you to ex- ter Harry Callahan in the movie Dirty
quarter of a second to my split times. ecute a double tap on an 8-inch target Harry: “A man’s got to know his limita-
At 5 yards, I only saw a sight picture at 25 yards using a handgun, unless tions.”
before the first shot. At 10 yards it was
mostly the same, with what I’d call
about a 50 percent sight picture before
the second shot. At 15 yards and be-
yond, the only way I could obtain con-
sistent hits, quickly, was to see a sight
picture before each shot.
According to Cooper’s definition,
at 5 yards and maybe 10 yards, I was
shooting hammers, but beyond 10
yards I was executing a controlled
pair. Time matters, but with regard
to whether I was executing a ham-
mer or a controlled pair, time isn’t
the determining factor … it’s wheth-
er I was obtaining a sight picture for
each shot I fired.

SIMPLIFY YOUR SHOOTING

With all the respect due to Cooper,

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |11

 H A R DWA RE TA LK // PATRICK SWEENEY

Never lose a spring, screw or roll pin again. Ever.

E
ver be in the middle of an neighborhood revives and someone sembly template for your AR-15. Me, I
assembly project or reas- rehabs the building my gunsmithing see it as that and a great aid in keeping
sembling something after operation used to be in, they’ll find things straight during cleaning and
cleaning and drop a part? parts. Lots of ’e m. rebuilds.
Sir Isaac Newton had no clue regard- Other times, you’re holding a part The template is simple: a laser-
ing the physics of small parts: The up to the light, wondering which one cut and laser-labeled sheet of wood
smaller and more necessary a part is, is this one? bonded to a backer, so you have parts-
the faster it scurries to the darkest cor- Let Edge Independent Product shaped pockets. And this isn’t even the
ner of your workshop to hide behind a Developers help you with that. They best part—they have them numbered.
bench leg. I’m convinced when the old make a tray they plan for use as an as- There’s a laminated instruction sheet

The laminated
guide gives you the
number code just
in case you haven’t
committed them to
memory.

14| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 (Left) The Builder
Board, as they call it.
I call it, “A darned fine
idea.”

(Below) There’s a
magnet for small parts
you don’t want to lose,
and tweezers so you
can pick them up.

find a spray can of something poly-

urethane to give the board an oil and
carbon-resistant finish (it may already
have one, I haven’t abused it to see), so
I can easily clean it once I’ve dumped
grubby parts into it.
I won’t have to worry about losing
this or that (it’s amazing what parts
will do if you take your eyes off of
them for just a second) and can keep
them corralled waiting their turn.
Just to indulge in one of my pet
peeves of other gun writers: Patents
have been applied for. So, don’t go
thinking you can horn in on this great
idea. And I’ve been told there are
other popular firearms models receiv-
ing the same template treatment, so
you can soon have control of parts for
those when cleaning or building.
And the best part? The Edge tem-
plate is smaller, edge-to-edge, than a
sheet of copy paper and thinner than
a politician’s promises. This means
you won’t have to work hard to find
room for it in your workshop or load-
ing and cleaning bench. In fact, you
might have to work hard to find it,
in the kit that tells you what number parts. It even comes with tweezers so once you’ve slid it in-between a cou-
goes with what part, but the cut slot you can pick the small springs up out ple of boxes on the shelves. Now that I
for each makes it pretty easy to figure of the slot into which they fit. think about it, I might, once the poly-
out. urethane is fully cured, just paint the
Somebody out there is all set to ASSEMBLING AND CLEANING edges bright orange or neon green, so
be insulted. “I know my AR parts,” The fellow who got me onto this I’ll be able to find it on the shelf.
one will say. Yes, you do, but once thought it was a great idea for those Online, from Edge Independent
you bump the table and the various who are assembling an AR-15. I agree, Product Developer, it goes for $45.
springs all roll together, have fun sort- but it’s even better for those cleaning You might think that’s a bit high, but
ing them out. There’s even a small one. The kit comes with links to as- after dropping and breaking, or drop-
magnet set into the board to let you sembly instructions (not that those ping and losing (or spending a half-
keep ferrous parts from escaping, are difficult to find online), just in hour fishing it out of its special crev-
parts that you might want to keep case you need some guidance. ice behind your workbench) a vital
close at hand. And there’s an inset For me, the trick is in cleaning. For part, you’ll find it money well spent.
marked “misc” for the “whatever” that, I plan to dig into the shop and EdgeProducts.bkollar.com

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |15

 RELOADING BENCH // PHIL MASSARO

Despite its old-school design, the

.300 Win. Mag. still reigns.

I
f you look at the most recent extend considerably below the neck/ case. I can then use one of Redding’s
cartridge designs, the 60-year- shoulder junction, and that can have an Competition Shellholders, which are
old .300 Winchester Magnum is effect on the space left for the powder graduated in increments 0.002-inch
the antithesis of modern trends. column. As the neck of the .300 Win- deeper than a normal shellholder, to be
It’s belted, has a neck considerably less chester measures just 0.264 inch, the able to resize the case diameter and neck
than one caliber in length, and it func- idea of neck sizing—in order to keep fully, while leaving the shoulder in the
tions in a long-action receiver ... yet the the shoulder where it gives best con- spot that gives the best headspace and
engineers moved the shoulder forward centricity and headspacing—might not concentricity. Using this method also
to increase case capacity. This last fea- be the best solution. reduces case stretching significantly, ex-
ture certainly allowed more room for Instead, I much prefer to measure tending case life.
powder, but it preclude the use of long, the amount of shoulder movement by The .300 Winchester Magnum can use
sleek bullets that have proven to give using Redding’s Instant Comparator a heavy powder charge, sometimes over
the best downrange results. These new to give me the difference between the 80 grains, and runs best when sparked
bullets possess ogives so long that they SAAMI specification and the fired with a large rifle magnum primer. I’ve
can’t be seated in the .300’s case and
still fit in the magazine.
Being a derivative of the Holland
& Holland case, the .300 Winchester
Magnum headspaces on the belt, and
that can pose several issues. First, there
will be stretching above the belt as the
case is fired; this can be combated, as
we’ll see in a minute, and it’s why I use
fired brass cases when I’m getting seri-
ous about accuracy in any .300 Win-
chester. Second, the 25-degree shoul-
der can provide excellent headspacing,
so long as you don’t move that shoulder
too much during the resizing process.
Many claim that short neck fails
to give proper neck tension, yet I’ve
While not exactly conforming to modern
never had an issue in the thousands cartridge designs, the .300 Winchester
of rounds I’ve loaded. Unlike some Magnum still gets the job done.
modern designs, many projectiles will

16| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 Despite possessing
come to rely heavily on Federal Gold the Holland & Holland
belt, with use of the
Medal Match primers, and a GM215M Redding Competition
primer is my go-to: The consistency of shellholders, the .300
Winchester Magnum
these primers plays a definite role in case can be made
keeping velocity spreads low. to headspace off the
25-degree shoulder.

BUILDING WITH BULLETS

One of a .30-caliber is the wide selec- (Below) When loaded
with a truly stiff bullet
tion of projectiles available, in both like the 200-grain Swift
weight and conformation. Common A-Frame shown here,
the .300 Winchester
bullets range between 125 and 220 is a powerful cartridge
grains, but despite my best efforts with capable of handling the
majority of game spe-
traditional 125-grain bullets like the cies hunted today.
Nosler Ballistic Tip, I feel they’re too
light for the velocity generated. And
unless it’s of premium construction—
like the 130-grain Barnes TTSX—most
bullet choices will begin at 150 grains
… and even then, things can get messy
if it’s a cup-and-core design.
The copper monometal and alloy
projectiles, being longer than their lead
core counterparts of the same weight,
will give satisfactory hunting perfor-
mance at 150 grains; there are tradi-
tional choices like the Barnes TTSX,
or boutique choices like the Badlands
Precision Bulldozer 2, that come in at
this weight. Both offer excellent field
performance and will expand reli- All can be loaded to a velocity that needing to use so much that the load
ably at any sane hunting range. These will keep them supersonic out to 1,500 is heavily compressed. I like a column
150-grain bullets can be loaded to yards, and if you want a cartridge to that takes up about 90 percent of the
3,300 fps, and I’ve seen a chronograph pull double-duty for target and hunting available volume.
read 3,400 fps. work, you could do a helluva lot worse For reloading dies, the .300 Win-
With bullets between 165 and 220 than the .300 Winchester. chester Magnum warrants the best you
grains, you’ll see the .300 Winchester For the hunter, bullets between 165 can afford. I like the RCBS MatchMas-
really shine as both a hunting and a and 220 grains make one of the most ter Bushing Dies and Redding’s Type-S
target cartridge. Though many have flexible packages available. There are Bushing Dies; both have a micrometer-
made the switch to various 6.5mm car- too many wonderful hunting bullets adjustable seating die, and both offer
tridges or larger, and newer .30-caliber offered in component form to list here, a sizing bushing that can minimize
cartridges for target or competition though I’ve come to favor more than a excess stretching of the neck.
work, it wasn’t that long ago that the few: Federal Trophy Bonded Tip and The .300 Winchester Magnum is one
.300 Winchester Magnum was revered Terminal Ascent, Sierra GameKing, of those cartridges that has fantastic
as a target cartridge. Swift Scirocco II and A-Frame, Hor- accuracy potential with factory am-
U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle— nady’s Interlock (both round nose and munition, and gets even better with
immortalized in both print and film— spitzer), and Speer Grand Slam. handloads. Despite the recent lack of
relied heavily on a .300 Winchester favor for belted cartridges, the .300
Magnum based on a Remington 700 FUELING THE FIRE Winchester still shines, and if you’ve
action. Load your .300 Winchester During the past two decades, I’ve used got a rifle you love, it’s easy to cook up
with match bullet, such as the 178- Reloder 19, 22, 23, 25 and 26, IMR a handload that’ll engender all sorts of
or 195-grain Hornady ELD Match, 4064, 4350 and 4831, Hodgdon H414, confidence.
176-grain Hornady A-Tip Match or H4350, H4831SC and H1000, in ad- Pay a bit of extra attention, and you’ll
175-grain Sierra MatchKing, and dition to others. You’ll want a powder more than likely end up with a tack
you’ve got a formidable combination. on the slower side of things, without driver.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |17

 MODERN GUNNERY // SAM HOOBER

How to set up your own DIY armorer’s bench.

I Top Gunsmithing
f you’re going to have guns, you gun. Some firearms require specialty
should have some gunsmithing tools, and as such you should have the
tools. Many of the most useful ones tools for your particular firearms.
are available in your local hardware
store, but others are a bit more specialized. MOST COMMON AT-HOME TASKS
Tools Everyone
The terms “gunsmith” and “gunsmith-
ing” are often applied to what are more
properly called armorer tasks. A gunsmith
In terms of what most people mean by
“gunsmithing”, here are some of the com-
mon tasks you’re likely to want to be able
Should Have
is a machinist who specializes in firearms. to do:
If using a mill or a lathe isn’t a regular part • Changing or installing furniture, such
of someone’s duties, they aren’t a gun-
smith—they’re an armorer.
as AR-15 handguards or a bolt-action
rifle stock.
01Punch
Set
You’ll need them for many pistols and certainly
• Mounting optics, an optic rail and rings. for any gun that has roll pins, such as an AR-15.
Roll pin starters are highly recommended as
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT • Replacing or upgrading components well. The Wheeler Master Roll Pin Punch set has
THINGS TO CONSIDER: like triggers, firing pins and other small all of the common sizes of steel punches, as well
as the same sizes of roll pin starter punches that
• You are responsible for what you do to internal parts. are used for starting the roll pin into its socket. A
your gun. If you Bubba your gun and • Zeroing or replacing/upgrading iron nylon hammer is included as well. Street prices are
around $50.
ruin it, that’s on you. sights.
• Leave that which you cannot do, or are • Changing grip panels on a handgun.
uncomfortable doing, to profession- • Field-stripping and detail-stripping a 02Torque
Wrench
Torque wrenches tighten to a precise setting
als. Know thy skill level, and let those gun for inspection, cleaning or mainte- of torque, which is a measure of force around
who are more skilled than you do what nance. a fixed point of rotation. The most common
use in gunsmithing is tightening the barrel nut
you are not able, or willing, to do. • Installing various accessories like lights, of an AR-15. For most people, the house brand
• Know what tools you’ll need for your lasers, muzzle devices and bipods. at Harbor Freight or a Craftsman brand torque
wrench will suit them just fine.

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 06

08
09

07

04

03

11
01
10

05 02

03 Torque
Screwdriver
Torque screwdrivers measure torque in inch-
06 Driver
Bit Set
Even outside of gun stuff, driver bits of poor quality
09 Thread
Locker
When it comes to basic gunsmithing tools, a bottle
pounds rather than foot-pounds, so they’re used are a pestilence upon the earth. Look for a quality of Loctite Blue 242 is essential. It’s a thread-lock-
to precisely tighten very small fasteners such set that includes Allen and Torx bits as well. The ing compound that keeps fasteners from working
as optic bolts. For anyone thinking of putting a Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Driver 55-piece set loose under vibration, which is important for a
red-dot on a pistol, you’ll need one. The one by is a good starting place. They’re found in many gun. A $10 tube from most hardware stores will
Wheeler is a solid choice, and it includes a bit set. hardware stores and cost around $40 to $50. last a long time since you only need a little. Loctite
Street prices are around $70. Red—which requires heat to loosen—is sometimes
called for, but only in some specialized applica-

04 AR-15 Armorer’s
Wrench
07 AR-15
Vise Block
A vise block is especially necessary for certain
tions in firearms that most people will never have
to worry about.

Features vary by model, what’s customary are lugs parts of the build, including installing the buffer
for the radial slots on a D-ring, a slot for tightening
muzzle devices and a castle nut wrench. Typically,
there is also a square slot for using a ½-inch drive
tube, staking the castle nut and installing the
barrel and gas system. You’ll need both an upper
block and a lower block unless you get a model
10Multi-Bit
Screwdriver
Professional and amateur gunsmiths should have
torque wrench, and some may also include one that can do both. For just the upper, the Wheeler a full gunsmithing screwdriver set, but a good
for a ¼-inch wrench. However, bear in mind that Delta Series is an excellent choice, and it has pin multi-bit driver should cover most if not all of your
M-LOK rails don’t use universal barrel nuts. You holes to set AR-15 or AR-10 flat-top receivers in the bases. A DeWalt MaxFit Multi-Bit ScrewDriver is
may need a specific one to install or remove yours. block. Street prices are around $40. For a do-it-all not expensive (street prices are less than $20) and
The Midwest Industries Professional Armorer’s model, the Magpul BEV Action Block (up to $50) is will punch above its weight in terms of total utility.
Wrench (street prices around $70) is well worth another excellent choice as it can be used for both A telescoping ratcheting model is also available
the investment. the upper and lower receiver. for about the same price.

05 Nylon
Mallet
Using a regular hammer can put too much
08 Allen
Wrench Set
Get one set in imperial and another in metric,
11Touch-Up
Bluing
Re-bluing is not something you want to try at
force into the gun and result in damage or a then store them with labeled organizers to home, given the procedure is delicate and the
marred finish. While professional users will keep things straight. You can pick up a set materials are caustic. Ergo, you should put it off
want to spend more on their gunsmithing containing both from Harbor Freight for less as long as possible. A Birchwood Casey Blue Pen
tools, most people will be ser ved just fine by than $10, which will probably be fine for most will run you about $15 to $20 and does wonders for
one from the local hardware store or Amazon. uses, or opt for a Husky set that will set you touching up worn finish or scratches on blued or
You can get them for $10 to $15. back no more than $20 online. blacked gun surfaces.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |19

 GUNS & GEA R // GDTM EDITORS

01 Garmin C1 Pro 02 Brownells BRN- 03 Mesa Tactical- 04 Real Avid Master

Chronograph 601 KynSHOT Shotgun Gun Workstation
Is it time to jettison your bulky chrono- A bit out of the ordinary, retro AR builds Recoil Reducer Honestly, if you’re going to do any
graphs and Doppler radars? If Garmin have proven all the rage in recent years. If a shotgun is your preferred method DIY firearms work, you’re going to
has anything to say about it, then … yes. Who doesn’t want a little something of defense, one of the concerns in need the right tools for the job. Real
Perhaps a game-changing addition to harkening back to the early days of wielding it properly is recoil manage- Avid gives you the foundation for
the company’s catalog, the C1 Pro Chro- Stoner’s creation? If you count yourself ment. Mesa Tactical and Kyntec this with its new Master Gun Work-
nograph puts the power of radar into a among these ranks, it might be time to Technologies take a load off of deal- station. At the heart of the Master
package small enough to fit into a jacket check out Brownells. Long on throwback ing with kick in an intriguing part- Gun Workstation is a convenient
pocket. Shooters who clock their rounds build components, the company has nership: Mesa is now the exclusive quick-adjustable clamp feature
on the regular understand what a big reintroduced one of its classic complete dealer of KynSHOT Recoil Reducers, that allows for fast and secure
deal this is. Even better, the C1 Pro is com- upper configurations—the BRN-601. which work seamlessly in conjunction gun placement with one-handed
pletely wireless and works in conjunction A detail-accurate replica of the upper with the company’s buffer mounts. tightening, ensuring a perfectly
with Garmin’s ShotView smartphone app receiver on the first AR-15-type rifle ad- Available in adjustable and non- positioned firearm with minimal ef-
to deliver precise data and catalog it, so opted in the early 1960s, it features the adjustable models, the hydraulic buf- fort and frustration. The yoke is also
you have a dead-nuts ballistic profile at correct “slickside” receiver, fine-quality fer eats up nearly 60 to 90 percent one-hand adjustable for both width
your fingertips. In addition to velocity, the matte gray anodized finish, a 20-inch of a scattergun’s recoil (depending and height, and with an impressive
radar offers up a host of other vital infor- 5.56x45mm NATO barrel with a 1:12-inch on model), making the firearm much 18.3 inches of travel, it’s easily ac-
mation—from power factor to kinetic en- twist and chrome-lined bore. Addition- more manageable and faster, shot- commodating the longest rifles and
ergy—to give you an unparalleled picture ally, a chromed slickside M16 bolt-carrier to-shot. These hydraulic recoil buffers shotguns. Plus, it boasts a unique
of your ammo’s performance. The unit group with a robust 9310 steel alloy are exclusive to Mesa Tactical and are integrated leveling knob to aid
reads velocities from 100 to 5,000 fps, bolt comes as part of the package, as available as stand-alone components optics mounting, with up to +/- 3
making it just as handy for archery and does the distinctive original three-prong or as part of Mesa’s AR stock adapter. degrees of adjustment.
airguns as it is your long-range tack driver. “duckbill” flash hider.
MSRP: Starting at $186 MSRP: $200
MSRP: $600 MSRP: $900

05

06 04

02

20| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

05 MDT Field Stock 06 Luth-AR Titanium Nitride 07 Hornady Lab Scale
Few DIY rifle projects offer better results than a Coated Bolt Carrier Of all firearms DIYers, reloaders might be the most
stock upgrade. This component, after all, is the Getting the most out of your AR isn’t simply a matter obsessive. If you count yourself among these ranks,
foundation of an accurate iron. MDT has become of upgrading it to hit the mark every time—it’s also Hornady has produced just the tool for you: Shake hands
one of the industry’s leaders in providing just this ensuring the rifle runs like a top every time you pull with the Lab Scale. Engineered to be a best-in-class
advantage, and the company now offers a hybrid the trigger. Luth-AR goes a long way in delivering this device, the precise scale delivers unparalleled measure-
system ideal for nearly any precision endeavor. peace of mind with the release of its Titanium Nitride ments so you can tune your loads with the smallest mar-
Christened the “Field Stock,” the traditionally (TiN) Coated Complete AR-15 Bolt Carrier. Known for gin of error. How tight are the tolerances? Down to the
shaped polymer stock provides a rock-solid its wear resistance, reducing friction and improving hundredth of a grain, which is borderline ridiculous. But
shooting base with its aluminum core, complete overall reliability, the TiN-coated BCG offers nearly this is likely music to the ears of extreme-range shooters.
with V-block bedding—for air-tight matting with failsafe improvement to your carbine’s internal com- The lab scale has a 3,000-grain upper limit and allows
the action. It offers a one-size-fits-all system, ponents. If that doesn’t sell you, the fact the coating loaders some interesting functions, such as count, load
with a fully adjustable stock boasting both also reduced carbon buildup should—because who compare and percentages. Heck, it even comes with a
length-of-pull adjustment and comb rise. The doesn’t want to cut down on cleaning duties? hood to minimize environmental factors when weighing.
stock is configurable for any shooting discipline
MSRP: $150 MSRP: $566
with sling swivel studs and its M-Lok forend
enables you to customize your rifle for hunting,
competition or casual long-range shooting. Pres-
ently, the Field Stock is compatible with Reming-
ton 700 SA actions.

MSRP: $300

01 07

03

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |21

 DON’T CLEAN YOUR GUN // RICHARD MANN

Well … don’t waste

your time cleaning
it too much.

M
y father served in the
Army during the Korean
War. He’d been a shooter
and hunter prior to that,
but it was the military that taught him
about firearms preventive maintenance
checks and service (PMCS). The Army’s
modus operandi of cleaning your gun
every time you use it originated much
earlier than with my father’s military If you clean your rifle barrel
so often that you’re con-
career in the 1950s, and it’s persisted tinually wearing out cleaning
to this day. Dad passed that lesson to jags, you’re doing it too much
... or your rifle barrel sucks.
me, and it took a long time for me to
outgrow it. If you have the custom of
cleaning your gun every time you shoot
it, you might consider kicking that habit
like I did.

GUN CLEANING HISTORY

Our first guns were fueled with ammu-
nition loaded with black powder. Black the gun is shot, the worse this fouling
powder is made of sulfur, carbon and gets, and it can impede the operation of
potassium nitrate. When black powder the gun’s action.
is burned, it’ll leave a layer of soot inside Also, this soot or residue is hy-
the action and barrel of a gun. The more groscopic, and with the addition of

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GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |23
 DON’T CLEAN YOUR GUN // RICHARD MANN

“I don’t clean my car every time I drive it, don’t clean

my oven every time I use it, and I damn sure don’t
clean my guns every time I shoot them.”
moisture in the atmosphere, it forms a racy would degrade. Military armorers and after you use it. Hell, you can even
corrosive substance. The soot or oxide remain obsessive about this. When the get it out of the safe every month and
turns into potassium or sodium hydrox- world transitioned to noncorrosive clean it again. The truth is, with mod-
ide, which is corrosive to steel. If a gun smokeless powder, made from nitrocel- ern smokeless powders, gun cleaning
fueled with black powder isn’t cleaned lulose, nitroglycerin and additives to re- really only needs to occur under certain
very soon after it’s fired, it can begin to duce flash, fouling and for stabilization, circumstances.
corrode … and even be ruined. this practice of cleaning a gun every
Because of this, the military real- time it was fired persisted, and veterans WHEN TO CLEAN
ized the importance of cleaning guns like my father shared this with friends You learn as you go, and with more than
immediately after they had been used. and family. a half-century of gun handling behind
Otherwise, their reliability and accu- Is it necessary? me, I’ve learned a bit about cleaning
The companies that manufacture gun guns. I don’t clean my car every time I
cleaning gear would love for you to fol- drive it, don’t clean my oven every time
low this guidance because you’ll need I use it, and I damn sure don’t clean my
more cleaning gear. But, if the carbon guns every time I shoot them.
fouling in the action must be cleaned I’ve developed a very simple clean-
after every use, then why would it not ing guide and suggest you do the same.
need to be cleaned after every shot? The You see, one of the things that’s changed
same could be said of barrels. If you in this world, is time: A day is still 24
must clean the carbon, copper and lead hours long, but 24 hours don’t go as far
fouling out of your barrel after every as they used to. Knowing when your
use, then why would you not need to gun needs to be cleaned—and when it
clean it after every shot? doesn’t—allows you to better manage
Understandably, we spend a lot of time and keeps you from wasting ex-
money on our guns, and we want them pensive gun-cleaning gear.
to last as long as possible. If you enjoy
cleaning a gun, then by all means have
It’s not necessary to
at it: Make it your nightly ritual, clean field strip and fully
it before you use it, while you’re using it clean a gun just be-
cause you’ve fired it.

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#1: CLEAN YOUR GUN WHEN/
BEFORE IT STOPS WORKING.
When you fire a gun, it gets dirty. If you
shoot enough, there’s the possibility Lubricating a gun isn’t the
these deposits can negatively impact same as cleaning it. Lubrica-
tion should occur often; com-
the operation of the gun. Maybe not so plete cleaning, not so much.
much with a single-shot, break-action
shotgun, but it’s definitely the case
with gas-impingement-driven, semi-
automatic guns like the AR-15. Carbon,
copper, lead and plastic deposits can be
left in the bore. In some cases, this can
degrade accuracy. Also, magazine-fed
guns can become less reliable if maga-
zines get dirty. Not so much because of
fouling, bit it’s usually because maga-
zines get dropped on the ground and
attract dirt and debris.
If you start seeing reliability or ac-
curacy issues, it could mean your gun
needs to be cleaned. Just as importantly,
there might be something else wrong In addition to lubrica-
tion, some gun oils help
that’s causing the issue. Regardless, it’s with cleaning and metal
time to begin the PMCS process. But, protection.
ideally, you should know your gun well
enough so that you never get to the
point where a dirty gun is the problem.
I once had a Cooper rifle chambered
for .257 Roberts that was a tack driver. Most gun cleaning kits should be
looked at as PMCS kits, because
But after about 25 rounds, accuracy was PMCS should be done much
more frequently than thorough
cleaning.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |25

 DON’T CLEAN YOUR GUN // RICHARD MANN

There are a lot of ways to thoroughly clean a gun but thor-

oughly cleaning a gun is something that’s rarely needed.

substantially compromised, and I had to

clean the rifle’s bore. That’s an example
of how copper fouling can impact accu-
racy. I sold that rifle because I had bet-
ter things to do than clean it after every
box of ammunition I fired.
When I was shooting police pistol
competitions, I used handloaded lead
bullets and, after about 150 rounds, my
1911 would begin to cycle a bit sluggish-
ly. So, I’d field strip it between matches
and give it a good cleaning. With both
of these guns, I’d learned their fouling
point and conducted PMCS before it ter how well a wood stock might be are machines that need lubrication, but
became a problem. sealed and no matter how space age gun oil attracts dust, and guns aren’t de-
some coating might be, there’s always a signed to work when they’re gobbed off
#2: CLEAN YOUR GUN WHEN IT weak spot. A spot that didn’t get sealed, with dust-induced oily mud. Just as you
GETS WET. that didn’t get coated or that has been must remain vigilant in wet conditions,
It’s true that most modern firearms worn. you must also stay on top of your PMCS
come with high-tech coatings that are Moisture has a way of finding these in dry climates. Compressed air is your
very resistant to corrosion. But no mat- points, and this moisture doesn’t have to friend, as is the frequent but limited ap-
be in the form of rain or snow. Humid- plication of lubrication.
ity is the invisible corrosive. After any
exposure to moisture or extreme hu- #4: CLEAN YOUR GUN FOR LONG-
midity, you should take your gun apart, TERM STORAGE.
wipe it down and apply a light coat of If you’re wise, you have a gun safe with
gun oil to all metal surfaces, regardless humidity control for long periods of
of if they’re stainless-steel or coated. storage. This doesn’t circumvent the
need for some corrosion-resistant gun
#3: CLEAN YOUR GUN WHEN IT oil, but it helps. Because of the nature of
GETS DIRTY. my profession, I shoot a lot of different
Carbon fouling
I’m not talking about the dirt of car- guns often. Most of my guns rarely go a
can be difficult to bon or copper fouling: I’m talking month without being fired.
remove but it’s not
necessary to remove
about dirt and debris from out- However, I do own some guns that
it after every use. side the gun that might get on rarely get handled or fired because
or inside it. With guns, dry they’re either intended for very specific
and dusty environments applications or because they’re heir-
are devilish. Guns loom firearms. When the guns I rarely
shoot are fired, I give them a thorough
cleaning before they’re stored, partly
for their protection, but also partly so
I know their condition the next time I
take them out.

PERFECTING PMCS
The care, service and/or maintenance
of most mechanical devices is generally
dictated by a schedule. If you were in
the military, you’re familiar with PMCS
that’s regulated by a time or usage table.
For example, after so many days or

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 DON’T CLEAN YOUR GUN // RICHARD MANN

The blue tint on

this patch indicates
punching the tube or completely disas-
there’s copper fouling sembling and cleaning your gun after
in the barrel. But un-
less the rifle is shoot-
every use isn’t necessary. This doesn’t
ing poorly, it does not mean that, after you’ve handled a gun,
have to be removed
after every use. The
wiping it down with an oily rag is bad
black on this patch is idea. It doesn’t mean that, during a
from carbon fouling
after a single shot.
high-round-count range session, it’s a
It’s not necessary to waste of time to field strip a pistol and
remove carbon foul-
ing after every shot or
give it a quick check and wipe down.
even after every range And it doesn’t mean that after a day
session.
hunting you should just throw your rifle
in the rack without checking it out and
maybe applying some oil or lube.
At some level, PMCS should be
performed after every use and periodi-
cally, but this notion that you must fully
clean a gun every time you shoot it is a
superstitious belief. If it’s something you
think must happen, then I’d suggest you
don’t walk under ladders, stay home on
Friday the 13th … and never open an
umbrella inside the house.
Just sit in your easy chair cleaning
your guns. All the time.
Won’t that be fun?

a certain amount of usage, there are A little lubrication goes a

things you should check/clean. The op- long way, but lubricating isn’t
cleaning.
erative word within preventative main-
tenance checks and service is preventa-
tive. PMCS is done to prevent failures as
opposed to correct them.
For example, if you’re a long-range
precision shooter, there are checks you
should make before, during and after
every match or range session. Similarly,
some services need to be performed at
certain times. You might have a rifle like
my old .257 Roberts that needs to have
its bore cleaned after a certain number
of shots. You should check the tightness
of action screws, scope mount screws
and scope lens cleanliness before every
match. The list of checks and services
will vary, not only from gun to gun, but
in frequency.
But what PMCS is not is a mandate
that your gun must be completely disas-
sembled and cleaned after every use.
The point I’m trying to make is that

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 FEELING DETACHED// PHIL MASSARO

When to use detachable rings, and

when to avoid them at all costs.

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GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |31
 FEELING DETACHED// PHIL MASSARO

I
t was so nearly dark as not to matter,
and I was frantically waiting on the
green light to shoot the enormous
tom leopard feeding on bait just 60
yards away. When Tanya Blake uttered,
“Take him,” I wasted no time settling the
crosshair just behind the cat’s shoulder
and broke the trigger. Blinded by the muz-
zle flash, I heard the bullet strike flesh,
and Tanya told me I’d knocked the cat out
of the tree, but he’d recovered and trotted
away behind the bait, albeit very slowly.
Elation mixed with doubt combined for
one of the strangest feelings I’ve ever ex-
perienced. After the celebration of the fact
that we had good blood under the tree,
and all the team’s hard work had come to-
gether for the opportunity alone, we knew
we had to go to work. With just a sliver of perience surely had me thinking about the returned from boot camp in Fort Leonard
moon to illuminate our efforts, we had decision to use detachable scope mounts Wood, Missouri, as a teenager. Enlisted
to rely on the flashlights we’d brought in on a hunting rifle. I’d been a proponent of in the National Guard at the height of the
preparation for just such an event. the idea for nearly two decades, but I am Vietnam War, he was shown the benefits
I pushed a couple of buttons on the also the first to admit that detachable aren’t of the .308 Winchester cartridge in the is-
Smithson mounts and slid the Leupold always the way to go. sued M14 rifle, and Dad bought the first
off the receiver of the Ramirez Mauser decent rifle he could afford.
rifle, giving the wide-open view of iron EXAMPLES OF Now, in 1969, riflescopes weren’t any-
sights in hopes of fending off a charging, DETACHABLE MOUNTS where near as reliable as they are today; in
wounded leopard. My first experience with “detachable” fact, they were quite terrible. I’ve had folks
Luckily, I wouldn’t need them that eve- mounts was my dad’s .308 Winchester. tell me the story of how my father nearly
ning. The rifle—a Mossberg Model 800A—was ripped the 4x scope off that rifle, revert-
After the leopard was recovered, the ex- purchased shortly after my father had ing back to iron sights because the scope
(Above) For a danger-
ous game rifle—like
this Bansner & Co.
custom rifle built for
Alaska—detachable
scope mounts give
quick access to the
iron sights.

(Right) A Browning
BLR Lightweight Take-
down rifle, chambered
in .30-’06, makes a
great backcountry
choice. Talley detach-
able mounts can give
the shooter the option
of using the iron sights
should the scope be
damaged in a remote
area

32| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

Talley offers their should happen to the primary scope.
rings and bases
in stainless finish Being a skeptic, it took some convinc-
to match rifles so ing before I relied on that system. I’d load
finished.
up a bunch of 400-grain ammo, take a
cold-bore shot, remove and reinstall the
scope, and then take another cold-bore
shot. Despite the heavy recoil, that system
never moved more than ½-MOA when
tested at my backyard 100-yard range.
Simply put, it worked.
I can say the same for the Talley Quick
Detachable rings and mounts; they’ve
been nothing but utterly reliable. I first
used Talley stuff when I took the Heym
Express by Martini on back-to-back sa-
faris to South Africa and Zimbabwe; the
South African leg would see us hunting
plains game, and the Zimbabwean goal
Warne detachable
rings with the signa- was a bull elephant. Covering the bases
ture steel spacer and with just one rifle, I mounted a Swarovski
levers quickly remove
the ring from the base. 1-6x24mm in Talley detachables for any
of the plains game species, and for the
elephant, I’d revert back to the great
wouldn’t hold zero. He ended up with a bases on the receiver and giving me access iron sights on that rifle. With sub-MOA
Redfield Widefield 3-9x scope, with the to my iron sights. accuracy from the .404 Jeffery, I again
TV screen, set in Weaver Pivot mounts, This is perfect for follow-up of any repeatedly tested the rig for changes in
so he could access the iron sights quickly. dangerous game species or to pur- point of impact, and despite the recoil
That rig has held zero for more than a sue elephant with iron sights, while of a true, big cartridge, the Talley sys-
half-century … though I’ve had those carrying the petite scope in a pack, tem held things in place.
same mounts fail on me. should I encounter a kudu or impala
Modern detachable mounts are—quite on the way back to the truck. On more The author used a Todd Ramirez Custom rifle in
like the scopes they hold—much better than one occasion, I’d carry a second, 9.3x62 Mauser, with a Leupold VX-5HD in Smith-
son detachable rings, to take this tom leopard with
than they were just two or three decades smaller scope—zeroed in a second set Tanya Blake Safaris. Having the ability to use iron
ago. I’ve used all sorts, from the Ramirez of rings—in case something terrible sights for the follow-up is priceless.
proprietary design and Leupold’s Quick
Release mounts, to the Griffin & Howe
Sporting Top Mount and my personal fa-
vorite, Talley Detachable rings, with vary-
ing degrees of success and reliability.
I equipped my Winchester Model 70
Safari rifle in .416 Remington Magnum
with a Burris 1.75-5x20mm scope, set
in Leupold’s QR mounts. That rig never
let me down, and it was the only rifle I
brought along on safaris to both Tan-
zania and Zambia. I took my first Cape
buffalo with that rig, as well as varying
plains game species. Using a steel post
with a small half-moon cut in the shaft,
the system features two levers to engage
that recess in the shaft to pull the scope
downward, locking it into place. Reverse
the levers and the scope and rings can be
pulled upward, leaving only the shallow

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |33

 FEELING DETACHED// PHIL MASSARO

Talley’s Quick Detachable system is tachable mounts I’ve yet to come across. at least for that first shot.
similar to their fixed scope ring setup, but So, with the exception of my double
with a set of levers operating the screw PRACTICAL APPLICATION rifle, my dangerous game rifles wear de-
that clamps the ring to the bases; tighten So, when should the detachable mounts tachable scope mounts. These rifles are—
the levers and the rings are clamped to get the nod? And, when should the not? generally speaking—used inside of 200
the dovetail of the bases, while loosening For a dangerous game rifle—one which yards or thereabout, so in a worst-case
them allows the scope and rings to be re- might be relied upon to follow large, scenario, where we have a shift of even 1
moved. I haven’t seen more than a ¾-inch thick-skinned, dangerous game animals MOA, we’re talking about a 2-inch differ-
shift of point of impact at 100 yards, ir- armed with horn, tooth, tusk or claw— ence at 200 yards.
respective of the cartridge, and I’ve tested into dense vegetation, it makes complete For the hunter who regularly pursues
this system under recoil with cartridges as sense to have immediate access to the iron game at longer ranges—say the hunter
fierce as the .505 Gibbs Magnum. sights. Even scopes with 1x magnification after Coues deer, any of the sheep species,
My personal experiences with dad’s or a red-dot sight don’t seem to have the mountain goats and the like—the poten-
Weaver Pivot Mounts have been mixed. wide-open feel of iron sights, which can tial shift in point of impact could be an
While not truly detachable, the Pivot be shot with both eyes open. And while issue. For long-range precision shooting,
mount swings the scope off the receiver, I do appreciate fine iron sights, my eyes one goal is to make your scope mounts as
allowing the shooter to use the iron sights. aren’t getting any younger, and I much rock-solid as possible to allow your scope
With lighter-recoiling cartridges, it seems prefer the single focal plane of a riflescope, to “go to sleep.” The moving parts involved
to be OK, as the flat springs that snap the
(Above) Using a
unit into place are apparently capable of detachable ring/base
holding only so much recoil with repeat- system allows the
user to carry a second
able results. I can say from experience scope in rings, already
that they don’t fare well with the recoil zeroed, which can be
taken from a pack in a
generated by the .375 Holland & Holland flash if needed.
Magnum, and either the Talley or Leupold
(Left) A set of preci-
system is a much better choice. sion tools can help you
If you wanted to go with a high-end install your detachable
bases and rings prop-
choice, Custom gunmaker Joe Smithson’s erly—the first time.
mounts are very hard to argue with. They Setting the screws to
the manufacturer’s
use a pair of spring-loaded crossbolts to recommended torque
hold the rings in the dovetailed—and ball specs is an important
detail, necessary to
bearing-detented raceways in the receiver. minimize any shift in
These were supplied on the Todd Ramirez point or impact.

custom rifle I took on safari to Zimbabwe,

and though costly, they’re the finest de-

34| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 FEELING DETACHED// PHIL MASSARO

The author’s Browning

X-Bolt in 6.8 Western
is a great long-range
hunting rig, but prob-
ably wouldn’t ben-
efit from detachable
mounts, as any shift in
point of impact could
be magnified at long
distances.

with any of the detachable mounting offer detachable mounts compatible for the traditional continental detach-
systems would probably not appeal to a with a Picatinny rail, allowing immedi- able mounts; while costly, these are utterly
shooter who has taken the time to as- ate changes from hunting rifle to bed- reliable.
semble a rifle and ammunition capable room gun, utilizing the iron sights or Best of all, the vast majority of these
of hair-splitting accuracy. changing to a red-dot reflex-type sight. detachable systems can be installed by
Other than a dangerous game rifle, And like any bolt gun, the minute shift the user. Like a fixed base/ring system,
a hunter who regularly pursues game in impact—if any—won’t affect a rifle at I strongly suggest reading the manufac-
in remote areas might truly benefit hunting ranges. turer’s specifications and directions before
from the advantages of the detachable beginning the install. I also recommend
system. Many modern rifles come with CHOOSING THE PROPER you become very familiar with all the
a clean barrel, devoid of iron sights, DETACHABLE moving parts and put a towel down on the
and should you fall and hit your scope, The choice of detachable mount that table you’re working on to help catch little
you’re out of business, left with a fully works best for you is highly subjec- parts. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve
functional rifle that you cannot aim. tive. In terms of functionality, most dropped the little internal springs of the
Even if you sought out the lightest pos- of the reputable manufacturers offer Talley detachables, or the small screws and
sible fixed 4x scope and pre-zeroed the a dependable product. I like Talley other parts of various systems—using a
unit in a set of rings, you could easily rings and bases, as I’ve had great results light to crawl around on the floor isn’t my
stow it in a pack. The few ounces of ad- with their conventional setups. Warne favorite pastime.
ditional weight on your back are noth- makes a good set of detachable as well, Good scope rings won’t need to be
ing compared to the long trek back to as does Leupold, Burris and others. lapped and will center the optic in a
civilization with a useless rifle and an Recknagel and Joe Smithson certainly natural fashion; I can’t tell you how much
intact tag. take things up a notch, both in price ammunition I’ve saved from using quality
For the AR crowd, who often use and engineering, and are usually re- mounts. If you’re serious about getting a
the same rifle for hunting and home/ served for the higher-end rifles. NECG detachable mount system to give the opti-
personal defense, having a low-powered (New England Custom Gun Service) mum results, don’t cheap out when buying
variable scope in detachable mounts offers their Quick-Loc European-style the base/ring system. It’s one aspect where
makes complete sense. Many companies mounts, with spring-loaded dual claws, you’ll get what you pay for.

36| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 LEVERS AND CANS // J O S H WAY N E R

Is it practical, or blasphemy,
to modernize a lever gun?

L
ever-action rifles have become exceedingly popular
in the past few years, but there has been some con-
troversy over the “modernization” of these guns.
Several camps exist in the lever-gun world, namely
those who see these types of guns as a classic example of
Americana that needs no further modification, those who
accept the platform as necessary for legality … and those that
see it as a blank slate, aesthetic horrors be damned.

38| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 The cultural status of lever guns makes rifle on screen, and it’s often placed in the
them difficult to accessorize in a pleasing hands of characters who are designed to
way, and people are very concerned with embody that old American spirit and grit.
making what could be considered the Our modern era has seen the return
most beautiful type of rifle into an eye- and enhancement of these designs, but
sore. However, I think a middle ground in the AR era, the lever gun needed a leg
can be had considering one of the stron- up on America’s most popular rifle …
gest benefits inherent to the lever gun: somehow.
suppressors. The lever action, by nature, is a short-
range rifle; in special cases, it can be
NOT AS NOVEL AS YOU THINK stretched out or altered to use modern
Lever-action rifles have been a staple of bottleneck cartridges, but for most in-
the American experience for generations, tents and purposes, the lever gun is at
and that trend is showing no sign of slow- its best inside 200 yards with heavy-for-
ing down. The classics are present in just caliber bullets.
about every type of media we have today. The answer to the modern lever gun
It’s impossible to deny the presence of the puzzle came with the rapid explosion of

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |39

 LEVERS AND CANS // J O S H WAY N E R

suppressor popularity; however, it’s only LEVER GUNS AND SUPPRESSOR Lever actions are difficult to make ac-
recently that we’re seeing lever actions INTERACTION curate in the same sense in that nothing
come from the factory threaded, such as There are numerous concepts that make about their overall layout supports the
the highly customized Henry X Model lever guns among the best suppres- known features that we have determined
highlighted in this article. sor hosts, and some of these are in fact to be accuracy-inducing: Barrels aren’t
Suppressor use on lever-action rifles known handicaps of the rifle itself. free floated, stocks are rarely adjustable,
goes all the way back to the very first Lever actions are manually operated, optics are hard to install while looking
Maxim silencers, and you could, with closed-breach designs that allow the gas coherent, and the balance and handling
strong evidence, say we’re reinventing the to be sealed in, much in the same way as of the guns doesn’t naturally support
wheel on this topic. Yet, for having been a bolt action, offering some of the same items like bipods or tripod interfaces. The
something that was done historically, the advantage as bolt guns: They produce actions themselves require the shooter to
initial marriage of suppressors and lever little noise directed back at the shooter, come off a bit when working it, and it’s
guns was short lived. Suppressor owner- and there’s no gas blowback to irritate hard to go prone with them if you have to.
ship was essentially non-existent for the your eyes. Firing lever guns with sup- However, while these may be nega-
better part of 50 years, and to further pressors is a joy—pure and simple—and tive traits for a PRS match, they’re huge
that, other gun control actions put in it’s extremely effective, given the range of benefits for a fast-moving, short-range
place by the government ensured owning most designs. carbine that’s at its best without all the
them was as hard as possible. The nature of lever actions isn’t inherent encumbrances of kitted-out bolt guns or
Today, we’re in a golden age of suppres- to accuracy as we’ve come to expect from semi-autos.
sors. Most states have fully acknowledged other modern guns. The average AR out While technology has changed some
their legality, though there are a few hold- of the box is usually capable of producing things—the incredible new Ruger/Marlin
outs. Lever actions and suppressors are 1 MOA at 100 yards with good optics and rifles can in fact produce 1-inch groups
now reunited on a mass scale, and, boy, ammo, and we’ve come to expect that ac- at 100 yards in .45-70 Govt.—it’s still not
there’s a lot to talk about. curacy from virtually all modern rifles. the norm for these guns to be that ac-

A full bench and three suppressors. The two sealed units are
from SilencerCo, a Hybrid 46M and Osprey 2.0, while the far left
can is a JK Armament 155. The latter can be disassembled for
cleaning and is the only type you should use with lead bullets.

40| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 LEVERS AND CANS // J O S H WAY N E R

Lead bullets are viable so long as you’re

curate. Of note is that the slow speed and aware of how much cleaning you’ll
steep trajectory of the cartridge becomes need to do in your suppressor. Highland
Hatchet by Winkler Knives.
the limiting factor here. More accurate
guns are never bad, but don’t expect
them to be the norm when the cartridges
they fire aren’t able to remain ballistically
superior for long distances. Think high
mass, short range.

INDIVIDUAL SETUPS VARY

DRAMATICALLY
The .45 Colt Henry rifle in this article,
as set up with the Midwest Industries
rail and Leupold scout scope, is able to

cartridge. In no way would I consider this too much of it in a lever gun. Most lever
rifle for anything other than a 100-yard actions cannot feed long bullets or Keith
gun, ideally as closer. profiles without causing some sort of is-
The main thing when looking at sup- sues, and in the case of my Henry here,
produce groups of 2 inches at 50 yards pressing a lever action is taking advantage the standard SAAMI overall length is all I
and 4 inches at 100 yards with supersonic of your whole setup, not just one part. It’s get, maxing me out at 300 grains for jack-
velocity handloads using 250-grain Hor- great that you can have supersonic loads eted bullets for 100 percent reliability.
nady XTP bullets and Hodgdon H110, or in a .45 Colt lever gun, but if you’re trying The point: Don’t try to make your lever
TiteGroup. Making those same bullets to make that .45 Colt into a .450 Bushmas- gun into something it isn’t.
subsonic doesn’t change the accuracy ter … well, it’s just not going to happen for
much, but the drop from supersonic zero you. Despite being the same bore diame- CANS AND LEVERS
is substantial. ter, the .450 Bushmaster (even in subsonic In looking at the gun as a whole, you need
Switching to 300-grain XTP loads in form) is just substantially more powerful to pick a suppressor that fits your needs—
subsonic velocity produces better groups and far more accurate at distance. and the bullets you plan to use. In a pis-
and allows for a bit more retained energy While it’s true that the .450 Bushmas- tol-caliber rifle, like the Henry here, most
at 150 yards, which I believe is the abso- ter is slightly outclassed by .45-70 Govt. cans rated for .45 ACP will do the job just
lute maximum range for this gun and for the same reasons as it itself outclasses fine. If you’re shooting .30-30 Winchester,
ammunition. Using lead bullets results .45 Colt, the .45-70 isn’t legal in most most any .30-cal rifle suppressor will do,
in a moderate drop in accuracy to about straight-wall-case hunting zones. Try- the same as you’d use for a .308 Win. If
4.5 inches per five shots at 100 yards. Bear ing to force the .45 Colt (or other similar you’re even more old school and shoot,
in mind this is excellent performance pistol/revolver cartridges) to act like a say, a .32- or .358-inch bore, you’ll need
for a suppressed lever action in a pistol much more spacious cartridge is asking a suppressor that works with those, typi-

42| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

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 LEVERS AND CANS // J O S H WAY N E R

The .38SPL/.357 Magnum are excellent lever-gun

cartridges for close range and suppress well. Notice the
dramatic number of bullet profiles—you’ll need to make
sure that your gun can feed the variety of shapes.

layer of lubricant with can cause serious

Impact velocity is a very impor-
issues inside.
tant thing to consider. When This is the reason why I really will only
dealing with big-bore subsonic
loads, it’s best to test as much
fire jacketed bullets in a suppressed lever
as you can and make an effort action. The amount of time it takes to
to recover bullets from game if
you can to give you an idea of
disassemble and clean each individual
how that bullet performed. baffle, plus the rifle and barrel, makes
it not worth it to me. I know that I can
load a very accurate Rim Rock Bullets
cally a 9mm bore rifle-rated can, such anything related to suppressors, you end gas-checked 270-grain Keith bullet for
as the SilencerCo Hybrid 36M or even a up having trade-offs. my Henry that shoots very well, but I just
46M with a 9mm endcap. In turn, .45-70 Lead bullets are not just pure lead, don’t like the cleanup and smokiness of it.
rifles can likewise be suppressed with a they’re typically greased or lubricated and In shooting the Henry in .45 Colt with
model like the 46M. have been designed that way for ages. This dedicated subsonic loads, I always choose
Something to be considerate of is your lubricant atomizes and gets everywhere the Hornady 300-grain XTP, given the
bullets … not just your cartridges them- which, for the most part, isn’t an issue on limited effective range of the suppressed
selves. unsuppressed guns. But with a suppres- rifle. Inside the performance envelope, it
There are two main types of suppres- sor attached, not only is the device trap- delivers the best retained energy and is
sors: sealed and modular. There are of ping the gases, it’s also building up a thick easy to make subsonic to boot.
course some types of overlap in this area,
but if you plan to shoot only jacketed bul-
lets, such as our aforementioned Hornady
XTP, you should be fine with a sealed
can like I have on it with the SilencerCo
Osprey 2.0. If you plan to shoot lead bul-
lets, you’ll want a suppressor you can take
apart, like a stacking-baffle design, such
as the JK Armament 155 series.
Lead bullets in suppressors, especially
in big-bore calibers, are a filthy, greasy
mess. I’m not a person who enjoys clean- Different bullets mean different levels of clean … and what your suppressor type should be. Lead
bullets should be avoided in sealed cans, as should gas-checked bullets even though they have a
ing my guns—in fact, I try to avoid it as bit better results for accuracy and pressure management. Fully jacketed bullets should be the only
long as possible. But, as is the case with type fired in sealed cans. If you get a modular suppressor, you can obviously use all bullet types.

44| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 LEVERS AND CANS // J O S H WAY N E R

The cheek height on most lever actions

is quite low; as a result, products like the
Bradley cheek rest provide a fix for that ...
if you don’t mind a more modern look.

Ranger Point
Precision makes an
excellent lightweight
handguard that goes
well with the Henry.

SLINGING SUBSONICS Weird things happen when you’re try-

There isn’t a tremendous amount of ing for the subsonic barrier, so be careful
information available for subsonic rifle and make sure you have a chronograph.
loads in most lever-action calibers. When it comes to calibers like .30-30
The Hornady Sub-X line is about as and .45-70, you’ll need to exercise just as
far as commonly available suppressor- much caution, if not more. Not all 30-cal-
friendly loads with good bullets go. It’s iber bullets are suitable for subsonic loads,
hard to find reliable information for and in .45-70, it can be hard to fill the DRESSED TO KILL
barrels in the 16-inch range; most load case volume. It shouldn’t need to be said,
Accessories are popping up all over the
data for these guns is concerned with but please, please, please don’t use any place in the lever-gun world. Companies
supersonic only. If you want to go down wadding or filler through a suppressor … like Ranger Point Precision make some very
strong and lightweight parts as featured in
this road to truly maximize your short- and don’t shoot anyone else’s handloads this article—I love their handguards espe-
range game, you’ll need to be careful. through your can—ever. cially. Midwest Industries is absolutely killing
it with their lineup as well, and they make
My advice is to develop all your ammo sight/rail combinations to suit both classic
unsuppressed. If you’re trying to get to CONCLUSION and modern taste. Time will tell what acces-
sories will be made available for the growing
1,000 fps with your given caliber, you Suppressing lever guns isn’t without issues. line of Ruger/Marlin lever actions that are
risk getting bullets stuck in your bore. Because they’re chambered in cartridges steadily being reintroduced, but it’s safe to
say we’ll only continue to see innovation in
While it seems like that shouldn’t be a that are typically quite old and meant for this area.
concern, it is. hunting, you’ll be battling uphill if you That said, not everyone is going to want
Developing subsonic loads for hand- want to complete a truly well-thought-out to go this route of adding M-Lok rails and
AR-centered accessories. For many people,
guns is easy—they usually default to sub- system that takes advantage of the rifle, flashlights and lasers don’t belong on lever
sonic, or at least close. A load that’s mov- cartridge and suppressor together. Handi- guns, but scout scopes are fine. You certainly
can’t go wrong with a tasteful extended
ing at 1,000 fps in your 4.75-inch Colt ness and speed make the lever-action rail/sight combo, but if you truly want to go
revolver may easily jump to supersonic in rifle amazing at short distance, regardless bare bones with a threaded muzzle only to
add your can, well, that’s your right as an
a rifle … likewise a slower load you devel- of caliber, but adding a suppressor only American.
oped for your revolver may be too slow for makes it far more effective and utilitarian
a 16-inch or longer barrel. for the same ranges.

46| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

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Consult and comply with any and all applicable federal, state, and local: laws, regulations,
requirements, and/or restrictions, including but not limited to those regarding the purchase, ownership,
©2023 O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. use, transport, and carrying of a firearm. Not all products are available in all states or jurisdictions.
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H
H
Visit Us At: http://www.saxetshows.com H
H
H Box 5677, Corpus Christi, TX 78465 H
H
H * * * * Phone: 361-289-2256 * * * * H
H
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
 SHOW LISTING BY DATE
DECEMBER
Dec 2-3 SD, RAPID CITY. Rapid City
Firearms Association Gun Show.
The Monument Civic Center, 444
W. Blvd. N. SH: Sat. 9am-5pm,
Sun. 9am-2pm. A: $5.00 daily.
Children under 12 free. T: 200. F:
$40.00 pre-paid 30 days before
the show. $45.00 thereafter. Rapid
City Rifle Club. PO Box 1945, Rapid
City, SD 57709. PH: 605-209-1166.
ww.rapidcityrifleclub.com.
JANUARY
Jan 13-14 SD, RAPID CITY. 33nd An-
nual Tom Wenn Memorial Winter
Gun Show. Fine Arts Bldg., 8oo
San Francisco St, South LaCrosse
Street. SH: Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun.
9am-2pm. A: $5 Daily. children
under 12 free. T: 110. F: $40.00
prepaid. Rapid City Rifle Club. PO
Box 1945, Rapid City, SD 57709.
PH: 605-209-1166. www.rapidcity-
rifleclub.com.
Jan 20 PA, Greencastle. Franklin Co.
Pa Izaak Walton League Gun &
Sportsman’s Show-Greencastle,
PA. Winter Cabin Fever Gun Show,
3260 Sportsman’s Road. SH: Sat.
8am-3pm. A: $6.00 adults. T: 70.
F: $25.00. Franklin Co. PA Chapter
Izaak Walton League of America.
106 Greenleaf Rd, Chambersburg,
PA 17202-3134. PH: 717-977-9240.
106 Greenleaf Rd..
Jan 20 TN, Knoxville. Knoxville TN :
Smoky Mountain Gun Collectors
Association Gun Show. Kerbela
Shrine Temple, 315 Mimosa Ave.
SH: Sat. 9am-5pm. A: $10.00
each day. T: 120. F: $50.00.
Smoky Mountain Gun Collectors
Association,Inc. . P.O.Box 9251,
Knoxville, TN 37940. PH: 865-333-
4970. www.smokymountaingun-
collectorsassociation.org.

56| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 Jan 21 TN, Knoxville. Knoxville TN :
Smoky Mountain Gun Collectors
Association Gun Show. Kerbela
Shrine Temple, 315 Mimosa Ave.
SH: Sun. 9am-5pm. A: $10.00
each day. T: 120. F: $50.00.
Smoky Mountain Gun Collectors
Association,Inc. . P.O.Box 9251,
Knoxville, TN 37940. PH: 865-333-
4970. www.smokymountaingun-
collectorsassociation.org.
MARCH
Mar 8-9 UT, Vernal. Vernal Gun and
Knife Show. Uintah Conference
Center, 313 East 200 South. SH:
Fri. 12pm-7pm, Sat. 9am-6pm.
A: $5.00 daily. T: 175. F: $50.00.
Friend of Buckskin Hills Shooting
Complex. P.O.Box 790028, Vernal,
UT 84079. PH: 438-247-2254.
[email protected].
APRIL
Apr 6-7 TN, Crossville. Cumberland
County Gun and Knife Show. Cum-
berland County Community Com-
plex, 1398 Livingston Road. SH:
Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm. A:
Saturday Admission is just $5.00,
youth under 16 Free. Sunday Ad-
mission is Free to all attendees..
T: 200. F: $40 for 6’ table with
multi table discounts. Cumberland
County. 1398 Livingdston Road,
Crossville, TN 38571. PH: 931-484-
5028. www.gkshow.org.
AUGUST
Aug 3-4 TN, Crossville. Cumberland
SEPTEMBER
County Gun and Knife Show. Cum-
Sep 6-7 ND, West Fargo. Red River
berland County Community Com-
Range Gun Show. Red River Re-
plex, 1398 Livingston Road. SH:
gional Marksmanship Center, 640
Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm. A:
16th St NE. SH: Fri. 4pm-8pm, Sat.
Saturday Admission is just $5.00,
8am-4pm. A: $5.00 per day; 12
youth under 16 Free. Sunday Ad-
years and older. 11 and under free
mission is Free to all attendees..
with adult. T: 98. F: $38. Red River
T: 200. F: $40 for 6’ table with
Regional Marksmanship Center.
multi table discounts. Cumberland
640 16th St NE, West Fargo,
County. 1398 Livingdston Road,
ND 58078. PH: 701-356-0677.
Crossville, TN 38571. PH: 931-484-
rrrmc.com.
5028. www.gkshow.org.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |57

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>MARKETPLACE P. 6 1
M1 CARBINE Wimer’s Collectable Firearms
PARTS 541-786-5823 Make payment to: George Wimer
Download Our FREE Catalog!! PO Box 115 La Grande, Or. 97850
www.bestcarbineparts.com All guns Sold as Collector items.
Carbine Barrels
Smith & Wessons:
Stock Pouches 22LR Prewar Outdoorsman First Model #642,976 6”Bbl 5 Screw mfg 1932 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99+%$2995
Slings & Early Oilers 22LR Prewar Outdoorsman First Model, “Humpback Hammer” #669,795 6”Bbl 1937 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.5%$2995
Stocks & Handguards 22 LR Pre-Model 17 #30,945 6”Bbl 1948 Red-Bead King Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99%$1495
Type I Early Flip Sights 22LR Mdl 17-2 #K652,889 6”BbL mfg 1965 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99.9% LNIB $1495
22LR Model 43 Airweight Kit-Gun 3.5”inch #M38,805 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIB $1695
*Type I, II Dog Leg Hammers 32 Long Model 31-1 “.32 S&W Long #H-109,996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%Blue NIB = $1495
*Flat & Round Bolts: $95.00 & Up 357 Combat Magnum”Pre”-19-Model, 4-Screw, 4”inch Bbl #K260,850 I do not have a S&W Letter Yet ! *Note*=
*Front Bands Type I, II & III First-Year. This is The “Earliest” Pre 19 I’ve Ever Owned ! I Estimate This S&W was Shipped in the “Early
*Front & Rear Sights First Quarter” of 1955 ! Page 185 of my S&W Book; Says The 4 screw K Target Frame Began in 1955 at Serial
*Swivels (All Mfgs.): $18.00 & Up #K260,001 . This S&W also has The (6 Six-Groove Backstrap & Forestap) & The Factory Target Walnut
*Mag. Rel. Type I, II & III: $32.00 & Up Stocks. The Model 19 was Built “Slightly Larger” than a Standard “K” Frame. Pg.185 THIS “IS” one of the FIRST
*M1A1 Recoil Plate Covers: $65.00 Block of Serial Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100% $5995
*M1A1 Butt Plate Springs: $10.00 357 Combat Magnum”PRE-Model”-19-Model, 4-Screw, 4”inch Bbl #K264,619 *NOTE* S&W Letter Shipped 10-11-
*M1A1 Coil Springs (Pistol Grip): $10.00 1956 to Jonas Arms & Aircraft NY,NY. Walnut Target Stocks,*Note*First-Year. The Factory Sold 5,000 Revolvers
*Type I Band Screws: $7.50 & used up (the First Block of Serial numbers) = (K260,000 to K265,000) set aside for it’s manufacturing with
Orders for this model, which were RESERVED in the First 6 Months of 1956. THIS “IS” one of the FIRST Block of
*** Celebrating 30+ Years*** Serial Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99.9% $5995
L&S SUPPLY, INC. 38 Special U.S. Victory” VIP-England-Conversion by Cosswell & Harrison LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99%$895
38 Special + P” Model 442, 2”inch “Airlite-Titanium” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIB $1995
22211 Lofton Ave. N 38 S&W Special Ctg. = 38/44 Heavy Duty“Pre-War” Blue 5 Screw 5”inch 62,207 With Police S&W Letter; Belt, +
Scandia, MN 55073 Holster + more Leather. It has Mint Factory Checkered Walnut Stocks, with seial # 62,207…+ Lanyard ring on
E-Mail: [email protected] Butt of the pistol with # BCP239 etc…The Heavy Duty Production was only 11,111 made.. This 38 Special was
Shipped Oct. 25,1940 to Marshall Wells Co., Vancouver, BC. This Revolver was Ordered . for the British Columbia Police
Or call: (651)773-9972 Dept . and marked with their Property marking and a number .The S&W Letter also says that The .38/44 Heavy Duty
15 DAY 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed was designed to fire the .38 Special Super Police Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99.8% LNIB $5995
44 SPECIAL PRE-Model 24, Nickle 5 Screw, 6.5”inch S-146,5xx 3T’s S&W Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% NIB $4495
44 Special Model 624 3”inch #ALV 15xx First Year Stnls-Steel’Target’ Made1985-1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%NIB $2495
44 Special Model 624 3”inch #ALW48xx First Year Stnls-Steel’Target’ Made1985-1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%$2295
44 Magnum Pre-29 Blue Early 5 Screw 6.5”inch BBL Red Front & White-Rear Adj. Sights This Beauty Is a
Very“Early “First-Year ” Production” Serial # S-156,4xx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99.5% $6995
45 ACP Revolver Pre-Model-22 Blue 5.5”Bbl Factory Letter#S-88,357 Shipped 5-2,1952 Rare Mint Condition LNIB $4995
S&W 44 Magnum’s “Consecutive Pair” Model 29-6 Blue, Gold, Factory Engraved . Both (Serial # 8 & Serial # 9)
are New in their Wood & Glass Display Case’s With the Cardboard Sleeve box cover. Both have their own Factory
Letters . Only ” 137 “ Made. This “Consecutive”, “Single”-“Digit” Pair of Collectable Firearms is a “True-
Rarity” . Both shipped to Baron Technology Inc. Turnbull, Ct. 4”inch Light-Tapered Barrel, Blue finish & Goncalo
Alves Grips. With “Gold” Embellishments Both Are New in their Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000.

Miscellaneous - Pistols:
Astra Model 600/43 SN #44,5xx 9mm Parabelum Only 800 Made 1 of 800 M.R.P Portuguese Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95%$1395
COLT 45 ACP = Colt U.S.A.F. Air Force Model 1911 A-1 Mfg = Auto Ordinance Commemorative; Nickle & Gold
Embellishments…etc..NIB with Display Case etc … This USAF Commemorative has the Works =Gold Engraved
Left side = M 1911 A 1 & To FLY AND FIGHT with United States Airforce in Blue & Gold Emblem on Both Ivory
Grips. Gold clip release button, Screws, Trigger Safety Lever, & 18 SEPT. 1947 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIB $4,995
High-Std 22LR Victor 5.5”Bbl Solid- “SteeL”-Rib ML-Target SN #09,2xx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NIB $1295
High-Std G-380 “First Year” Production The 603rd Made ! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99%$1095
Reising Target 22 LR SN#1,3xx First Year with Rod & Holster Only 3000 made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99%$1495
Ruger 44 Mag / 44-40 = 2 Cylinders #87-00078 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% NIB $3795
Ruger 44 Mag = Super BlackHawk #5,54x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99%$1495
Ruger .45 Long.Colt. SN# 48-44,464 Ruger Blackhawk 5.5”inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99+% $1495
Sig Sauer Pistol 10”Barrel Cal .223/.556 Nato; Model 556 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99+%$1795

Rifles:
Mannlicher Schoenauer Caliber .338 Winchester SN 34,0xx. Double-Set-Trigger, Original Stock LOP = 13 3/8”, Stock
has Never been Cut; with an added Pad the LOP = 14 3/8”. Also, Factory Tapped Receiver for a Scope. This is the
Last .338 Win Caliber I have. I saved the Very Best for the Last & for myself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99.9% $7995
Winchester Model 61 “Deluxe” .22 S, L, LR TakeDown Matching Serial # 215,6xx , Factory Checkered Forearm,
Buttstock & Grooved Receiver…Steel checkered Buttplate. etc…. 95% barrel blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95% $2495
Marlin Model 39 22S,L,LR. 24” Octagon-Barrel, Tube Mag. Open sights, Take-Down mfg 1920-ish ”Early Multi-
Colored Case-Hardened Receiver, “S”Shaped Pistol Grip; Beautiful Bluing on the Barrel, Forend-Tip, Magazine-
Tube, Bolt-Hammer & Screws. Hard Rubber Butt-Plate. *Note* Earlier-Rifles with the “ S “ Prefix, are Noted for
their Superior Workmanship, and Fine Finish. This is one of them & it is; Gorgeous = Serial # S16,377 . . . . 99.9% $5,995

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |61

 RUBEN MENDIOLA
DEALERNFA, INC. SINCE 1985
PO Box 566300, Miami, FL 33256-6300, 305-271-3436
TOLL FREE: 866-NFA-WANT (866-632-9268), FAX: 866-415-7066, CELL: 786-256-6746 for pics or text,
EMAIL: [email protected], HOURS: 8am-9pm Eastern, 7 days a week

WANTED!
ALL TYPES OF LEGAL MACHINE GUNS!
NO COLLECTION TOO LARGE
GENEROUS FINDER’S FEES GLADLY PAID!
Estate and Machine Gun Appraisals!
Before selling your guns, please call me and make
sure you are getting the most for them!
Consistently providing Excellend and Discreet Service
& fairly priced high quality machine guns since 1985!
Attorney available for trust or estate matters.

** WE PAY UP FRONT **
100% of the agreed price before you ship your guns!
You will never have to wait until I sell your guns in
order to be paid!
100% risk, worry & hassle free transactions!
Avoid the uncertainty of consignment or brokering.
Specializing in investment grade transferable
machineguns.
Specialist in law enforcement purchases
and cashless trades!
OVERNIGHT FUNDING!
ELECTED TO I pay the ATF tax & do all the
www.subguns.com paperwork! I provide shipping
RECOMMENDED supplies, heavy duty container
DEALERS LIST & pay S&H!

www.dealernfa.com
ALWAYS PAYING TOP DOLLAR!
 RUBEN MENDIOLA
DEALERNFA, INC. SINCE 1985
PO Box 566300, Miami, FL 33256-6300, 305-271-3436
TOLL FREE: 866-NFA-WANT (866-632-9268), FAX: 866-415-7066, CELL: 786-256-6746 for pics or text,
EMAIL: [email protected], HOURS: 8am-9pm Eastern, 7 days a week

100s OF MACHINE GUNS ON SALE!!

Colt M16, M16A1, M16A2, 614, AR15 conversions, DIAS, Auto Links, all types and configurations.
HK MP5, MP5K-PDW, HK33, G3, HK51, HK21, Sear, Double Push Pin & Registered Receiver Guns.
HK Registered Machine Guns Sears.
Thompsons, Colt 21 & 28, WWII Savage & Bridgeport M1 & M1928 & Commercial Guns, Reisings, M2 Carbines, M3 Grease Guns, FNC, Ruger 556, AK47, MP40, MP44, Stens
MKII, S&W 76, MK760, M10 45ACP & 9mm, M11 9mm & .380.
Maremont and Rock Island M60 & M60E6. Belt Fed 1919A4, 1917A1, Browning M2HB .50 Cal, FightLite MCR060 Belt Fed Uppers for AR15 or M16 Platforms.
Extremely Rare Museum Quality Very Early Presentation Colt 1918 BAR
Pre-May Sales Samples Available only to Dealers.
HK MP5, MP5K, HK33, HK53, Steyr AUGs, FN FAL, BAR, UZI Full Size & Mini, M3 Grease Guns, Thompson, Walther MPK & MPL, Beretta 93R LNIB & SC70, Restricted Post
Sample: Glock 18
We are Always in the Market to Purchase Quality Machine Guns. We will never sell guns until they have been received and inspected. My staff and I welcome prospective
clients to come and inspect the firearms they are interested in purchasing in our state of the art, high security facility. We are dedicated, full time dealers with a full-time staff.
Every item we offer for sale is in stock and owned by us. We are not brokers, or a consignment store. We send every HK conversion to Terry Dyer for inspection and upgrade.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE FULL LIST OF

INVENTORY SPECIALS WITH A DEALER YOU CAN TRUST!

WE PROVIDE THE BEST QUALITY GUNS ON THE MARKET.

www.dealernfa.com
ALWAYS PAYING TOP DOLLAR!
 PACK AND POSTAL CENTER
210 Mill Street, Lancaster, MA 01523-2046
Tel. (978) 368-0910 — Fax (978) 368-3326
3-Day Inspection Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Current GUN LIST now available online
www.PackAndPostalCenter.com
$25.00 shipping for long guns (Fedex ground insured, adult signature required) and 3% restock fee for items paid with charge card. All firearms sold as “used” collector items
handguns (United States Postal Service, Priority, insured, adult signature) only. We do not test fire or guarantee suitability for live firing.

PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS 17-Z Harrington & Richardson .32 S&W Short Small Frame Double Action Only Top
1-Z Armi San Marco / Cimmaron .45 Colt “No. 3 Schofield” Single Action Top Break Break Hammer Revolver 3” ribbed barrel with minty bright bore, fixed sight, 95%
Revolver 7” solid rib barrel with mint bore, fixed sights, 98%+ original blue and case original bright blue, set up to function double action only, excellent target logo hard
colors, smooth cartouche rosewood grips, excellent function, comes with original blue rubber grips, excellent function (C&R) ........................................................................ $155
cardboard box and paperwork, manufactured 1998 ................................................. $1100 18-Z Harrington & Richardson .32 S&W Short “Hammerless Top-Break” Revolver 3”
2-Z Beretta .380 ACP “Model 84-BB” Double Action Auto Pistol 3 ¾” barrel with mint ribbed barrel with good strong but pitted bore, fixed sights, 98% original nickel, blue
bore, 98%+ brushed satin nickel finish, fixed sights, mint Walnut “PB” medallion smooth and case color, mint matching “target logo” hard rubber grips, excellent function, all
matching .......................................................................................................................$205
grips, comes with original fabric covered clam shell style case with cardboard outer
19-Z Harrington & Richardson .32 S&W Short “Hammerless Top-Break” Revolver 3”
sleeve, inside is paperwork and cleaning rod, like new ...............................................$955
ribbed barrel with good strong but pitted bore, 97% original nickel, blue and case color,
3-Z Browning .22 LR Belgian made “Challenger” Auto Pistol 4 ½” barrel with mint bore,
minty “target logo” checkered black hard rubber grips, all matching including scratch
98%+ original blue, 99%+ original gold plating on trigger, factory target style front sight
numbered grips, excellent function (C&R) .................................................................. $175
and fully adjustable target rear sight, checkered one piece Walnut grips show a little
20-Z Harrington & Richardson .32 S&W Short “Young America” Double Action Solid
holster wear on bottom edge, functions properly, comes with one factory magazine, Frame Revolver 2 ½” octagon barrel with good strong but pitted bore, 95% original
manufactured 1970 (C&R) ............................................................................................$670 nickel and blue plus faded case color, fancy pattern checkered hard rubber grips,
4-Z Colt .22 LR “Officers Model Target” Double Action Revolver 6” barrel with bright excellent function both single and double action (C&R) ............................................. $165
excellent bore, adjustable front and rear sights, 97% original blue with some light high 21-Z High Standard .22 LR “S-101 / Supermatic” Target Auto Pistol 6 ¾” barrel with
edge wear and blue to gray at muzzle, cylinder shows dragline and high edge wear, mint bore, 98%+ original blue, ramp blade front sight and fully adjustable target rear
service hammer and trigger, trigger and backstrap checkered, checkered Walnut grips sight, bottom of barrel has milled out strip for barrel weights and usually has a filler strip
with gold color Colt medallions, excellent function, manufactured 1933 (C&R) .......$995 but neither weights nor filler strip are present, trigger shoe added, mint checkered Walnut
5-Z Colt .38 Special “Officers Model Match” Double Action Revolver 6” barrel with thumbrest grips by “Herret”, push button barrel takedown, factory muzzle brake slots on
bright excellent bore, 98% original blue, light drag line and high edge wear along cylinder barrel but no brake, made in 1954, excellent function (C&R) .....................................$595
and at muzzle, pinned front undercut sight with adjustable rear sight, checkered Walnut 22-Z High Standard .22 LR Model D-101 Over / Under Derringer 3 ½” barrels with mint
grips with silver medallions, excellent function, manufactured 1959 (C&R) .............$950 bores, fixed sights, 98% blue and matte finish, white plastic grips, excellent function, 3rd
6-Z Colt .38 New Police 1st Issue “Police Positive” Double Action Revolver 4” barrel style derringer, comes with box and outer sleeve, manufactured 1972 (C&R) ..........$425
with bright excellent bore, 97% original blue with scattered pin prick pitting, cylinder 23-Z Hopkins & Allen .32 Centerfire “Safety Police” Top Break Revolver 1 ¾” barrel
shows blue going a light gray and some high edge wear, light thinning at muzzle, fixed with bright excellent bore, showing light scattered pitting, fixed sights, 98%+ nickel
sights, hard rubber “C” style grips scratch engraved with matching serial number, finish, light flaking on rib toward muzzle, light trace case color but mostly gray on
excellent function, all matching, butt of revolver has been engraved with serial number, triggerguard, trigger and hammer, black checkered H&A hard rubber grips, excellent
manufactured 1917 (C&R) ............................................................................................$800 function, manufactured 1902-1914 (C&R) ...................................................................$335
7-Z Colt .38 Special “New Service” with “King” Modified Sights Double Action “New 24-Z Iver Johnson .22 LR “Model TP-22” Clip Feed Auto Pistol 2 ¾” barrel with mint
Style” Revolver 6” barrel with excellent bright bore, 97% original blue with thinning and bore, fixed sights, steel slide shows 98% original blue with light pin prick pitting on
graying on backstrap, “King” mirror front sight and “King” modified square notch rear right side, alloy frame shows thinning blue to dark gray along front strap, black plastic
sight with milled half circle at rear of top strap notch that was originally filled with white, wrap around grips with “IJ” owl logo, comes with two magazines one nickel plated and
excellent checkered Walnut grips with silver Colt medallions, no lanyard at butt, 1926 one blue magazine with fingerest, comes with two piece red “IJ” cardboard box with
barrel date patent, excellent function, made in 1932 (C&R) ..................................... $1395 matching end label, inside is manual, test fire target and original limited warranty card,
8-Z Colt .38 Special 3 rd Issue “Officers Model Target” Revolver 4 ½” barrel with bright excellent function, manufactured 1982-1988 ..............................................................$395
excellent bore, nicely done 98% re-blue finish, adjustable target sights, checkered 25-Z Japanese / Nagoya Kokbunji 8mm Nambu “Type 14 Auto Pistol 4 ¾” barrel with
backstrap, service hammer and “blued” trigger, hard rubber “C” style grips with non excellent bore, front blade with dovetail base, rear sight is dovetail shape notch milled
into frame, 98% arsenal blue, 70% straw color on safety lever and trigger, early knurled
matching serial numbers “scratched” on inside, tight lock up, short barreled officers
cocking knob, Mahogany grips with 25 serrations, nickel plated magazine with aluminum
models are quite rare, manufactured 1926 (C&R) ....................................................$1000
base, small triggerguard, dated “14.4” 1939 (C&R) .................................................. $1025
9-Z Colt .38 S&W Special “Officers Model” Double Action Revolver 6” barrel with bright
26-Z Llama .22 LR “Model XV” Clip Feed Auto Pistol 3” barrel with mint bore, 95%+
excellent bore, adjustable front and rear sights, 98% original blue shows light high edge
original blue shows high edge wear and thinning toward muzzle along slide, raised rib
wear and scratches checkered backstrap, trigger and target hammer, checkered Walnut
with patridge front sight and adjustable rear sight, brown plastic grips with Llama logo,
grips with silver Colt medallions, manufactured 1932 (C&R) ....................................$945 comes with one 7 round magazine, excellent function, manufactured 1975 .............$385
10-Z Colt .38 W.C.F. “New Service” Double Action Revolver 7 ½” barrel with light 27-Z Llama .22 LR “Model XV Especial” Double Action Clip Feed Auto Pistol 3 ¾” barrel
frosted and pitted bore, fixed sights, non professional re-blue finish, brown checkered with mint bore, vent raised rib on slide, fixed sights, 98% blue finish, checkered Walnut
“Colt Wood” plastic grips, lanyard loop in butt, timing slightly off, flat cylinder latch, grips with Llama medallions, comes with one original magazine, original red and black
manufactured 1923 (C&R) ...........................................................................................$975 cardboard box written in ink on top is “Clarke”, box is not serialized to pistol, “J1” date
11-Z Colt .22 LR “Match Target 3 rd Model” Auto Pistol 6” barrel with mint bore, front code 1964 (C&R) ...........................................................................................................$450
pinned blade and adjustable Accro rear sight, 97% original blue with some light edge war, 28-Z Llama .380 ACP “Model III A” Auto Pistol 3 ¾” barrel with good pitted bore, chrome
minimal peppery pin prick pitting on lower edge near muzzle, bottom magazine release, finish with scattered light pin prick pitting on slide, brown plastic grips with Llama logo
dark Walnut checkered thumbrest grips, one original Colt magazine, excellent function, and left side thumbrest, comes with two magazines; one with chrome base and one with
manufactured 1963 (C&R) ......................................................................................... $1395 blue base, included is an original two piece original Llama cardboard box not serialized to
12-Z Colt .38 Colt “Model 1903” Pocket Hammer Auto Pistol 4 ½” barrel with mint pistol, manufactured 1974, “S1” date code .................................................................$400
bore, professional re-blue finish, fixed sights, pearl grips with silver Colt medallions, 29-Z Llama .380 ACP “Model III A” Auto Pistol 3 ¾” barrel with bright excellent bore,
one unmarked magazine, excellent function, very nicely refinished and restored, vent top rib with front blade rear adjustable sights, 95% original blue showing some high
manufactured 1923 (C&R) .........................................................................................$1685 edge wear, smooth Rosewood aftermarket grips, comes with one aftermarket magazine,
13-Z Erma Werke .22 LR “Model LA-22” Clip Feed Auto Pistol 4 5/8” barrel with bright excellent function, “S1” date code, manufactured 1974 .............................................$425
excellent bore, 95% original blue with front and rear strap of alloy frame shows gray, 30-Z Llama .380 ACP “Model III A” Auto Pistol 3 ¾” barrel with mint bore, 98%+ original
fixed sights, brown plastic grips, one original magazine, comes with original brown blue, top vent raised rib with front blade and adjustable rear sight, black plastic grips with
plastic case with matching serialized end label, manufactured 1964-1967 (C&R) ....$400 Llama logo, one original magazine, excellent function, collector quality, manufactured
14-Z F.I. Industries .380 ACP “Model D” Clip Feed Auto Pistol 3 ¼” barrel with bright 1982, “D2” date code ....................................................................................................$450
excellent bore, front blade sight, adjustable rear sight, 98% original blue, mint checkered 31-Z Polish Radom 7.62x25 “Model WZ 33” Tokarev Auto Pistol 4 ½” barrel with bright
Walnut grips with “F.I.” medallions, comes with one original factory magazine, excellent excellent bore, 98% arsenal matte refinish, added safety, black plastic serrated grips,
function, manufactured 1972-1973 (C&R) ...................................................................$385 fixed sights, import mark on left of slide, comes with one magazine, magazine has
15-Z Harrington & Richardson .22 Rimfire “Hunter Model” Large Frame Double lanyard loop and is etched engraved with non matching serialized number, circle “11”
Action Revolver 10” octagonal barrel with good bore, 85% original blue showing areas marked, excellent function, manufactured 1953 .........................................................$685
of thinning to brown and gray, peppery pin prick pitting along frame left side of frame 32-Z Remington .380 ACP “Model 51” Auto Pistol 3 ½” barrel with bright excellent bore,
shows oval area of blue loss where a sticker might have once been, 9 shot fluted pull pin fixed sights, 95%+ original blue thinning to gray with gray to brown on front and back
cylinder, checkered Walnut grips serialized to revolver, excellent function, manufactured straps, two piece hard rubber grips with “Rem, UMC” logo and checkering, comes with
one factory magazine and original flip top cardboard box, box shows non professional
1929-1939 (C&R) ..........................................................................................................$285
corner repair, inside lid has clean clear Remington safety, automatic pistol advertisement,
16-Z Harrington & Richardson .22 Rimfire “Trapper Model” Small Frame Double Action
overall box rates fair to good, manufactured 1918-1926 (C&R) .................................$695
Revolver 6” octagon barrel with good lightly pitted bore, fixed sights, 90% original blue,
high edge wear along barrel and 7 shot fluted pull pin cylinder, two piece checkered
Walnut grips not serialized to revolver, manufactured 1924-1930 (C&R) ..................$265 CONTINUED
 PACK AND POSTAL CENTER Tel. (978) 368-0910
33-Z Remington .41 Cal. “First Variation” Over/Under Derringer 3” barrels with CENTERFIRE RIFLES
excellent bores, fixed sights, 70% thinning blue to brown, scattered pin prick pitting on 50-Z Daniel Defense .308 Cal. “Model Delta 5” Bolt Rifle 20” stainless steel, CHF
metal surfaces, left side barrel hinge shows a small crack, black hard rubber checkered interchangeable heavy palma barrel with threaded muzzle and mint bore, 99%+ matte
grips, left side of backstrap where grips meets frame shows dings and dents, excellent black parkerized finish, Picatinny scope base with 20 MOA/5.8 MRAD of elevation with
function, manufactured 1911, no “L” serial prefix (C&R) ............................................$695 four number 10-32 bolts, mounted is a NiTrex 6-20x50mm scope, scope has fine duplex
34-Z Remington Rand/ U.S. Government 45 ACP “Model 1911A1” Auto Pistol 5” crosshairs, crisp clean optics, rile features adjustable single stage Timmy Elite Hunter
National Match barrel with bright excellent bore, sight alterations made to front of slide trigger with two position safety, mechanically bedded stainless steel action with integral
to mount blade target sight, adjustable Bo-Mar rear target sight, non professional re-blue lug, three lug bolt with 60 degrees throw and floating bolt head, removable bolt knob,
finish, frame marked “FJA” (Frank J. Attwood), frame “U.S. Property” marked, serrated carbon fiber reinforced polymer Ergonomic pistol grip stock with adjustable cheek riser,
aluminum trigger, Colt Pachmayr wrap around grips with gold medallions, comes with configurable buttstock, 14 total M-Lok points along forend with one point on bottom of
one magazine, very nice custom Rand has excellent function, serial number shows no buttstock, comes with one 5 round Pmag, Magpul nylon M-Lok sling, Magpul M-Lok
prefix ........................................................................................................................... $1025 bipod, excellent function, like new .............................................................................$1800
35-Z RT & M .45 Colt “Thunder” Side Swing Single Shot Pistol 3 ½” octagon barrel 51-Z Finnish / Tika Arsenal 7.62x53R “Model 91/30” Mosin Nagant Bolt Rifle 28”
with excellent bore, 98% matte blue finish, shows light scratches, no sights, straw color barrel with bright excellent bore, front post, tangent rear sight graduated to 2000
hammer and spur trigger, left side barrel release lever and safety lever on right side, two meters, receiver ring shows “SA” in a rectangular cartouche over the Tika arsenal mark,
piece Walnut grips, comes with a leather holster with no markers mark (C&R) .......$200 dated “1944” 98% arsenal blue, straight grip stock and handguard shows refinish oil
36-Z Ruger .22 LR MK II “Government Model Target” Auto Pistol 6 7/8” barrel with stain, forend has square finger groove joints, all matching numbers, excellent function,
mint bore, factory blade front sight with fully adjustable target rear sight, 98% original manufactured 1944 (C&R) ...........................................................................................$565
factory blue, black “Hogue” rubber grips with thumbrest, comes with one original factory 52-Z Finnish / Tika Arsenal 7.62x54 “Model 27” Mosin Nagant Bolt Rifle 27” barrel
magazine, manufactured 1989 .....................................................................................$525 with fair but pitted bore, 80% thinning arsenal blue, original sights, front barrel bond
37-Z Smith & Wesson .22MRF “Model 351PD” Revolver 1.875” barrel with mint bore, 99% has a modern replacement screw, barrel band on handguard also has replacement screw,
black finish, red fiber optic front sight, Rosewood boot grips, as new in box ...............$725 bolt serialized to rifle, fixed magazine not serialized to rifle, smooth hardwood straight
38-Z Smith & Wesson .32 S&W Long “Model 31-1” Post War 3 Screw Regulation grip stock and handguard, left side of buttstock is carved with letters “L.H. 1/1 P.R.”
Police Revolver 2” pinned barrel with mint bore, nickel finish, serrated ramp front manufactured 1932 (C&R) ...........................................................................................$625
sight, serrated trigger, service hammer, checkered Walnut grips with gold colored S&W 53-Z German / Dou Bruno 8mm “Model 98” Bolt Rifle 24” barrel with good light pitted
medallions and no diamond grips, comes with it’s original gray silver S&W reinforced bore, front post missing hood sight, rear tangent sight graduated to 2000 meters, non
corner two piece box and papers, box is in fair to good condition, shows original correct professional re-blue applied to rifle, barrel marked “CV, Dou43” along with German proof
matching end label, excellent function, manufactured 1968 (C&R) ...........................$675 marks, bolt safety, magazine floorplate all have been engraved with serial number using
39-Z Smith & Wesson .38 Special “Chiefs Special / Pre Model 36” 5 Screw Revolver 2” an electric pen, front barrel band/bayonet lug non serialized to rifle, laminated pistol
pinned barrel with bright excellent bore, 98%+ original blue, serrated ramp front sight, grip stock and forend wood are mint, buttstock has serial number stamped into left side,
U notch in frame rear sight, serrated flat latch thumb piece, 90% case color shows on cupped buttplate, excellent function, manufactured 1943, import mark under barrel
service style hammer and grooved trigger, light drag line shows on 5 shot fluted cylinder, (C&R) .............................................................................................................................$750
Ivory grips with S&W medallions are engraved with a decorative flower design that 54-Z Hi Point 9mm “Model 995” Clip Feed Auto Carbine 16 ½” barrel with mint bore,
front protected ghost ring sight, no rear sight but has a mounted “BSA” red dot optical
looks to be an Asian pattern, collector quality, many G.I.’s would have these style grips
sight, black polymer “skeleton” stock with pistol grip and forward grip, no magazine,
placed on their revolvers while over seas and this looks to be the case for this revolver,
excellent function ..........................................................................................................$295
manufactured 1950-1957 (C&R) ................................................................................ $1350
55-Z Henry Repeating Arms 30/30 “Model H015 Top Break” Single Shot Rifle 22” barrel
40-Z Smith & Wesson .38 Special Model 36 Chief Special 3 Screw Double Action
with mint bore, front blade with brass bead and folding adjustable leaf sights, mounted
Revolver 2” pinned barrel with bright excellent bore, serrated ramp front sight that has
scope base and rings, press checkered Walnut pistol grip stock and forend wood, rifle
been filed, 95%+ original blue with some flaking on 5 shot fluted cylinder, serrated trigger
has been updated through “Henry’s” voluntary recall, excellent function, comes with
and service hammer still show trace of case colors, checkered Walnut grips with silver
original cardboard box ..................................................................................................$425
medallions are serialized to revolver, excellent lockup and timing, manufactured 1969
56-Z Italian 6.5x52mm “Model 1941” Carcano Long Infantry Bolt Rifle 27” barrel with
(C&R) .............................................................................................................................$635
bright excellent bore, original sights, 98% arsenal blue finish, Walnut straight grip stock,
41-Z Smith &Wesson .38 Special +P “Model 642-1” Revolver 2” barrel with excellent
sling swivels, barrel bands and cleaning rod, all matching numbers, receiver ring marked
bore, 90% aluminum alloy air weight frame, steel barrel and cylinder, fixed sights, with crown in a rectangular cartouche, no import marks, excellent function (C&R) ....$645
internal hammer, Hogue rubber boot grips, comes with box and papers, manufactured 57-Z Japanese 6.5mm “Type 38” Barreled Action Receiver 30” barrel with poor bore,
1997-2002 .....................................................................................................................$455 protected front sight, tangent rear sight, NO bolt, receiver has a clean mum, metal surfaces
42-Z Smith & Wesson .38 S&W Special Model 649-1 “Bodyguard” “Alpha Precisions are blue to brown with peppery pin prick pitting, as is, non functioning (C&R) ..............$50
Inc. Custom” 3 Screw Double Action Revolver 2” barrel with mint bore, stainless steel 58-Z Japanese Government 6.5 Arisaka “Model 30 Hook Safety” Bolt Rifle 31 ½” barrel
finish, pinned serrated ramp front sight, adjustable rear sight, custom trigger job with with good strong but pitted bore, 95% original blue, intact “mum” on receiver, early style
custom smooth trigger, black “presentation compact” rubber boot grips, smooth excellent military tangent rear sight graduated to 1800 meters with a sight notch at top of ladder,
action, tight lockup, comes with blue cardboard box, manufactured 1989 .................$750 very good original laminate wood semi pistol grip with steel buttplate and bottom mount
43-Z Smith & Wesson .45 ACP “Model 625-8” Performance Center “Jerry Miculek swivels, detachable push button floorplate and triggerguard have gone gray, Koishikawa
Design” Revolver 5 ¼” barrel with mint bore, interchangeable rear sight, reduced arsenal marked, missing its wiping rod otherwise complete, original and excellent
cylinder freebore, 6 shot fluted cylinder with chamfered charge holes, deep cut broached function, made from 1897 to 1905 (C&R) ..................................................................$1050
rifling, hand honed bore, stainless steel finish, Jerry Miculek Houge laminated combat 59-Z Japanese / Tokyo Arsenal 6.5mm “Type 38” Bolt Rifle 31 ¼” barrel with poor
green and black grips, this was a Camfour Dist order revolver comes with performance bore, front inverted “V” sight, rear open “V” with folding leaf graduated to 2400 meters,
lockable aluminum case, inside case is test fired cartridge, all original paperwork, all metal surfaces show mostly brown with areas of gray, receiver has a good “mum”
two keys to internal locking mechanism on revolver, 3 moon clips, cable lock and wax and signifying marked “Type 38” stamped on top, missing is front band/cleaning rod,
paper, original brown shipping box with correct end label identifying product code, floorplate, magazine spring and follower, wood stock shows dings and dents, great
manufactured 2001 .................................................................................................... $1100 project rifle (C&R) .........................................................................................................$200
44-Z Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum “Model 19-3” 3 Screw Combat Magnum Revolver 60-Z Japanese Govt. / Nagoya Arsenal 7.7 mm Arisaka “Type 99 Last Ditch” Bolt Rifle
2 ½” barrel with mint bore, 98%+ original blue and 90% case colors on serrated trigger 25 ½” barrel with good bore, 97% arsenal blue toned to brown, mum has been ground off,
and semi target hammer, Baughman quick draw front sight with red insert and adjustable no dust cover, original sights, “blob weld” on bolt, Asian hardwood stock and handguard,
white line rear sight, grooved front and back straps, checkered Walnut grips with gold correct wood buttplate, crack at wrist on stock, bolt serialized to rifle, excellent function
color S&W medallions, excellent function, manufactured 1982 ............................... $1150 (C&R) .............................................................................................................................$595
45-Z Smith & Wesson .380ACP “Bodyguard” Auto Pistol 2 ¾” barrel with excellent bore, 61-Z Japanese Govt. / Kokura Arsenal 7.7 Arisaka “Type 99 24th Series” Bolt Rifle 25
95% original black slide with dovetail sights, dessert tan polymer frame with internal ½” barrel with good bore, 97% reapplied arsenal blue, mum has been removed, no dust
crimson trace lazer sight, thumb safety, one factory 6 round magazine ...................$325 cover, no cleaning rod, protected inverted V front sight and tangent rear sight graduated
46-Z Star 9mm Para Model “Super B” Clip Feed Double Action Auto Pistol 5” barrel with to 1500 meters, Asian hardwood semi pistol grips tock with full length handguard, sheet
mint bore, fixed sights, 98% original blue, 97% case color on hammer, 98% straw color metal cupped edge buttplate, matching serial numbers, excellent function (C&R) ....$475
shows on extractor, brown checkered polymer grips, one original magazine, “P.W. Arms” 62-Z Japanese / Tokyo Arsenal 7.7mm “Type 99” Short Bolt Rifle 25 ½” barrel with fair,
import marked, collector quality, like new, manufactured 1973 (C&R) .....................$665 pitted bore, 95%+ arsenal blue finish, shows scattered light pin prick pitting, inverted
47-Z Stevens .22 LR “No.10” Target Single Shot Pistol 8” barrel with good light pitted “V” front sight with guards, rear adjustable peep sight with folding leaf and anti aircraft
bore, front blade adjustable rear sights, 70% thinning blue on frame, barrel mostly gray wings attached graduated to 1500 meters, royal chrysanthemum has been ground off, no
with trace blue still showing, scattered pin prick pitting throughout, smooth Walnut monopod, dust cover attached, two piece buttstock with cupped edge buttplate, knurled
grips, top break with extractor works well, functions properly, manufactured 1919-1933 safety with notch safety indicator, plum shaped bolt handle, series 20-22, excellent
(C&R) .............................................................................................................................$265 function (C&R) ..............................................................................................................$300
48-Z Stoeger .22 LR “Luger Style” Clip Feed Auto Pistol 4 ½” tapered barrel with mint 63-Z Japanese / Tokyo, Juki Kogyo, Tokyo 7.7mm “Type 99” 27 th Series Bolt Rifle 25 ½”
bore, fixed sights, 98% original blue, light scratches on frame, checkered Walnut grips, barrel with fair bore, 90% arsenal thinning blue to brown, inverted “V” front sight without
left side safety lever, missing magazine, manufactured 1985 ....................................$400 guards, rear peep sight, ground off mum on receiver, plum shaped bolt handle with blob
49-Z Stoeger .22 LR “Luger Style” Auto Pistol 5 ½” barrel with mint bore, fixed sights, weld safety indicator, wood buttplate, two piece stock, riveted type barrel band, very nice
97% original blue showing light muzzle wear and very small spot of pin prick pitting on latch ditch rifle (C&R) ...................................................................................................$275
barrel, smooth Walnut grips, comes with one original magazine, fire and safety letters are
raised letters, excellent function, manufactured 1969-1980 ......................................$425 CONTINUED
 PACK AND POSTAL CENTER Tel. (978) 368-0910
64-Z Marlin 25/20 “Model No. 27-S” Tube Feed Takedown Pump Rifle 24” octagon 79-Z Winchester .32 Winchester Special “SRC” Saddle Ring Lever Carbine 20” barrel
barrel with good lightly pitted bore, 97% original blue with high edge wear, front dovetail with good light pitted bore, front pinned blade sight and replacement Marbles rear sight,
blade with white bead and semi buckhorn adjustable rear sights, smooth Walnut pistol 97% thinning blue showing tooling marks at rear sight along barrel, high edge wear along
grip stock and small corn cob style forend, steel crescent buttplate showing 95% receiver, the saddle ring has been removed and replaced with a screw, receiver also has
thinning blue to gray, excellent function (C&R) ......................................................... $1295 been drilled and tapped on left side for receiver sight, smooth Walnut straight grip stock
65-Z Romanian 7.62x54R Mosin Nagant “Model M44” Bolt Carbine 20” barrel with and long forend wood, 2/3 magazine tube, original hard rubber Winchester “shotgun”
bright excellent bore, 95% arsenal blue with thinning along high edges, protected buttplate, toe line of stock shows repair plug, excellent function, manufactured 1926
front post, adjustable rear to 1000 meters, folding spike style bayonet, non matching (C&R) .............................................................................................................................$795
bolt, magazine/triggerguard, and buttplate, Walnut straight grip stock and handguard, RIMFIRE RIFLES
excellent function, manufactured 1954 (C&R) ............................................................$385 80-Z Browning / Miroku .22 LR “Model T-Bolt Target/Varmint” Clip Feed Bolt Rifle
66-Z Ruger 7mm Remington Magnum “Model M77” Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 22” free floating heavy barrel with mint bore, 99%+ original blue, no sights, 1” Tally
raised front post, adjustable folding leaf rear sight, Ruger mounted scope base with scope rings with a mounted “Barska 3-9x44mm” variable power scope, scope has duplex
rings, 98% original blue, Mauser style bolt release, tang safety, checkered Walnut pistol recital, clean clear optics, satin finish Walnut pistol grip Monte Carlo stock with cut
grip stock with Ruger grip cap, red Ruger rubber buttpad, Q.D. sling swivels, excellent checkering, original Browning logo buttplate and Q.D. sling swivel studs, comes with
function, like new ..........................................................................................................$765 original black with gold lettering Browning box ..........................................................$895
67-Z Ruger 7mm-08 “Model M77” Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% original blue, 81-Z Marlin .22 S, L, & LR “Model 1897” Tube Feed Lever Rifle 24” octagon barrel
no sights, grooved receiver with Ruger scope rings attached, checkered pistol grip stock with good but pitted bore, 97% original blue showing scattered pin prick pitting along
with Ruger pistol grip cap, red Ruger buttpad, Q.D. sling swivels, excellent function, mint barrel, strong case colors shown on left side of receiver where right side is mostly in the
condition, manufactured 1981 .....................................................................................$765 gray, original brass Rocky Mountain front sight and adjustable semi buckhorn rear sight,
68-Z Ruger .243 Winchester Model “M77” Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% smooth Walnut straight grip stock and forend wood, shotgun style hard rubber original
original blue, front blade gold bead, adjustable folding leaf rear sight, grooved receiver Marlin buttplate, excellent function, manufactured 1902 (C&R) .............................. $1125
with Ruger scope rings, Mauser style bolt release, checkered Walnut pistol grip stock, 82-Z Mossberg .22 LR “Model 377 Plinkster” Butt Tube Feed Auto Rifle 20” barrel with
Ruger grip cap and red rubber recoil pad, Q.D. sling swivel studs, excellent function, mint bore, 97% original blue, grooved receiver with Mossberg M4D 4x scope mounted,
manufactured 1969 (C&R) ........................................................................................... $745 scope has plain crosshairs clean optics, some paint chipping and wear on finish,
69-Z Ruger .270 Winchester Model M77 Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% synthetic thumb hole stock with cheekpiece and press checkering at forend, excellent
original blue, raised front blade with gold colored bead, rear adjustable folding leaf, function, manufactured 1977-1979 ..............................................................................$245
Ruger mounted scope base and rings, tang safety, Mauser style bolt release, checkered 83-Z Mossberg .22 S, L, & LR “Model 26-B” Bolt Rifle 25” barrel with mint bore, 90%
Walnut pistol grip stock with black Ruger logo grip cap and red rubber recoil pad, factory blue, front ramp selectable blade sight, no hood, rear adjustable factory sight,
excellent function, manufactured 1975 .......................................................................$675 “No. 4” rear swing out aperture sight, NO bolt, plastic triggerguard cracked, Walnut pistol
70-Z Ruger .308 Winchester “Model M77” Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% original grip stock with red, green safety jewels, sling swivels, factory buttplate, no eye iris on
blue, front post gold bead, folding rear leaf sight, grooved receiver with Ruger scope rings, sight .................................................................................................................................$80
Mauser style bolt release, tang safety, checkered Walnut pistol grip stock, Ruger grip cap 84-Z Mossberg .22 S, L, & LR “Model 46-M” Tube Feed Bolt Rifle 23” barrel with mint
and red rubber buttpad, like new, excellent function, manufactured 1972 ......................$700 bore, 98% original blue, front hooded multi aperture sight, adjustable sporting rear sight
71-Z Ruger 30/06 “Model M77” Bolt Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% original and receiver mounted M-130 Mossberg peep sight, mounted to receiver is a Mossberg 4
blue, front blade gold bead sight, folding adjustable leaf rear sight, receiver mounted power M4D scope, scope has plain crosshairs and partly cloudy optics, two piece Walnut
Ruger scope base with rings, Mauser style bolt release, tang safety, checkered Walnut Mannlicher style pistol grip stock with cheek piece, polymer finger groove triggerguard
pistol grip stock with Ruger grip cap and Ruger red rubber recoil pad, Q.D. sling swivels and buttplate, original Q.D. sling swivels, missing green jewel on stock safety indicator,
installed, excellent function, like new, manufactured 1978 ........................................$650 manufactured 1940-1945 (C&R) ..................................................................................$425
72-Z Russian Izhevsk 7.62x54R “Model 91/30” Bolt Rifle 29” barrel with good pitted 85-Z Mossberg .22 S, L, & LR “Model 320-BA” Single Shot Bolt Rifle 24 ¼” barrel
bore, factory sights, 97% arsenal blue, straight grip hardwood stock with added finish, with bright excellent bore with light pitting near muzzle, 98%+ original blue, front
stock shows repair work, non matching numbers, comes with original sling, stock at top ramped hooded bead sight, sporting style open rear sight, grooved receiver and
of wrist shows light cracks, import information on side of receiver, excellent function, factory receiver mounted aperture sight includes screw in aperture, excellent smooth
manufactured 1943 (C&R) ...........................................................................................$365 Walnut pistol grip stock, factory sling swivels and buttplate, collector quality, excellent
function (C&R) ..........................................................................................................$215
73-Z Russian, Tula 7.62x54R “Model 91/30” Non Factory Sniper Bolt Rifle 29” barrel
86-Z Remington .22 LR “Model 24” Takedown Butt Tube Feed Auto Rifle 21” barrel with
with fair pitted bore, 95% arsenal blue, receiver ring show Tula factory mark, no “CN” or
mint bore, factory original open sights, 97% original blue, smooth Walnut pistol grip
“CH” marking on barrel or receiver, protected front post, tangent rear sights, mounted
stock and small splinter style forend wood, finish shows some crazing on buttstock,
is a non original scope base receiver mounted, original scope ring and 1942 PU 3.5x20
factory buttplate, manufactured in 1931, excellent function, receiver is drilled tapped and
scope with clean clear optics and leather eye cups protectors and green canvas case,
plugged for scope base (C&R) .....................................................................................$475
hardwood straight grip stock and forend handguard cleaning rod, matching numbers
87-Z Remington .22 LR “Model 24” Butt Tube Feed Auto Rifle 19” barrel with good light
except scope, import marked, manufactured 1932 (C&R) ........................................ $1200 pitted bore, 97% original blue showing nice early re-blue along receiver, scattered pin
74-Z U.S. Government / Winchester .30 Carbine “Model M1” (Benicia Arsenal Rebuild) prick pitting on barrel and receiver, factory open sights, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock
Auto Carbine 18” barrel with bright excellent bore, barrel marked “W”, 98% arsenal and Schnabel forend wood, stock has (2) 6” cracks top and bottom running from receiver
parkerized finish, protected front sight, adjustable milled rear sight, rotary “M” marked through grip, over all excellent function, manufactured 1928 (C&R) .........................$325
safety, type 3 barrel band/bayonet lug, low wood Walnut pistol grip stock and two rivet 88-Z Remington .22 LR “Model 241 LA” The Speed Master Butt Tube Feed Takedown
handguard, stock has circle “P” cartouche behind triggerguard, inside rear sling well Auto Rifle 24” barrel with mint bore, 97%+ original blue, receiver has high edge wear
is marked “U-M” “Marlin Firearms Co.”, left side is marked “B.A. JPL” in a square, this and scratches along top left side, barrel has some thinning at muzzle, bottom ejector
indicates Benicia Arsenal rebuild, comes with original WW-II green sling, excellent port show thinning to gray and along bottom of triggerguard, factory sights, factory
function, comes with one Winchester magazine (C&R) ............................................ $1975 drilled, tapped and plugged for tang sight, smooth Walnut forend wood and pistol grip
75-Z Spanish Mauser 7mm “Model 1916” Bolt Rifle 22 ½” barrel with good, light pitted stock, checkered steel Remington marked buttplate, 90% case color still show on trigger,
bore, 90% arsenal blue showing brown patina on barrel, bayonet band, barrel band/sling excellent function, manufactured 1940 (C&R) ............................................................$895
swivel, factory sight, receiver shows two “XX” marks, Walnut straight grip stock with 89-Z Remington .22 Short “Model 552 Gallery Special Speedmaster” Tube Feed Auto
a crack along the top of wrist, steel buttplate, excellent function, manufactured 1930 Rifle 23” barrel with mint bore, open sights, grooved receiver, 95% original blue, receiver
(C&R) .............................................................................................................................$385 shows scratches and use, dark Walnut pistol grip stock and forend, original black
76-Z Springfield Armory 30/06 “Custom Sporter” Bolt Rifle 22 ½” shortened and re- Remington plastic buttplate, shell deflector, chain ring on magazine tube is missing,
contoured barrel with mint bore, 98%+ professionally re-blued showing light spots of excellent function, manufactured 1971 (C&R) ............................................................$475
pin prick pitting, receiver has mounted Weaver scope rings and a Weaver K3 60-B scope 90-Z Remington .22 LR “Model 597 Dale Earnhardt Jr.” Clip Feed Auto Rifle 20” barrel
with a Targeteer 8 power magnified, included is the front lens for when the magnifier is with mint bore, raised front post, adjustable rear sight, grooved receiver, matte black
removed, custom Walnut Monte Carlo pistol grip stock with rollover cheek piece and finish, 98%+ red polymer pistol grip stock with white number “8” on right side, comes
Schnable forend, stock shows repaired crack from rear tang of receiver wrapping around with original cardboard box with matching side label .................................................$300
to floorplate, bolt modified to accommodate scope, white line spacer serrated buttplate, 91-Z Remington .22 S, L, & LR “Model 12” Pump Rifle 22” round barrel with excellent
excellent function, very well professionally done .......................................................$595 bore, 90%+ original blue getting a little thin and taking on a brown tinge, factory open
77-Z Winchester .308 Winchester “Model 100” Clip Feed Auto Carbine 19” barrel with sights, very good Walnut pistol grip stock and bullet shaped circular grooved forend,
mint bore, front raised ramp with silver bead sight, no hood, folding rear adjustable leaf “Remington/UMC” marked checkered hard rubber buttplate, excellent function, made in
sight, 98% original blue, receiver has Weaver scope bases attached, sling swivel in toe 1929 (C&R) ...................................................................................................................$575
of stock and at barrel band, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock and at barrel band, smooth 92-Z Ruger .22 LR “Model 10/22” Clip Feed Auto Carbine 18 ½” barrel “pre warning
Walnut pistol grip stock with wear at edges around original black Winchester checkered and micro groove” with bright excellent bore, 97%+ original blue on barrel and matte
polymer buttplate, stock also shows some wear from carrying and use just above matte black anodized finish on grooved receiver, front blade, adjustable folding rear leaf sight,
black aluminum triggerguard and original detachable magazine, manufactured 1971 mounted receiver is a 3-7x20 Tasco scope, scope has duplex reticle clean clear optics,
(C&R) ........................................................................................................................... $1100 Walnut pistol grip stock with steel crescent buttplate, Q.D. sling swivels one on front
78-Z Winchester .308 Winchester “Model 100” Magazine Feed Auto Rifle 22” barrel barrel band and one screwed into toe line of stock, excellent function, comes with one
with mint bore, 97%+ original blue showing spots of pin prick pitting on receiver and detachable rotary magazine, manufactured 1978 .......................................................$435
high edge war on charging handle, raised ramp with dovetail post, silver bead sight, no 93-Z Ruger .22 LR “Model 77/22” Clip Feed Bolt Rifle 20” barrel with mint bore, 98%+
hood, adjustable folding rear leaf sight, Bausch & Lomb 2.5-8x 36mm “Balvar 8A” scope original blue, front blade, rear folding leaf sights, grooved receiver with Weig-A-Tinny
mounted using Bausch & Lomb scope rings and base, scope has plain crosshairs clean 77/22 scope base mounted, checkered Walnut pistol grip stock, Q.D. sling swivel studs,
clear optics, press basket weave checkered pistol grip Walnut stock, stock shows dings original serrated Ruger buttplate, excellent function, comes with one 5 round magazine,
manufactured 1984, like new .......................................................................................$785
and dents along with discoloration around the 4 round Winchester magazine and sides of
forend wood, stock has 2 cracks on top just at rear of receiver, black polymer checkered
buttplate and sling swivels, excellent function, manufactured 1967 (C&R) ..............$875 CONTINUED
 PACK AND POSTAL CENTER Tel. (978) 368-0910
94-Z Savage .22 LR “Model 23 Sporter” Clip Feed Bolt Rifle 23” barrel with bright excellent 111-Z Ithaca 12 Gauge “Model 37 Featherlight Deerslayer” Pump Shotgun 26” barrel
bore, open sights, barrel shows all gray with just remnants of its original blue, cocking knob with smooth excellent bore, 2 ¾” chamber, improved cylinder choke, 97% original blue,
on bolt and magazine are missing, checkered Walnut pistol grip stock with Schnabel forend light tone to brown on magazine tube, light pinprick pitting along barrel and receiver,
tip, steel Savage buttplate also mostly gray, excellent function (C&R) ............................ $195 receiver shows game scene roll engraving, receiver has been mounted with off set scope
95-Z Weatherby .22 LR “Model XXII” Clip Feed Auto Rifle 24” barrel with bright mint
base, (no rings or scope) Walnut smooth forend wood with finger groove, pistol grip
bore, 98%+ original blue and 98% black anodized “grooved” receiver, right side of
receiver has light scratch, factory front raised ramp bead sight and folding leaf rear checkered Walnut stock with ebony grip cap and factory brown vent rubber recoil pad,
sight, checkered Monte Carlo pistol grip stock with cheek rest has a white line spacer sling swivels, functions properly .................................................................................$375
Rosewood forend tip and white line spacer Rosewood grip cap with white diamond 112-Z Ithaca 12 Gauge Field Grade Boxlock Hammerless Double Trigger (New Ithaca
inlay, factory rubber buttpad with a white and black line spacer, one 10 round unmarked Double) Side by Side Shotgun 28” raised solid rib barrels with bright excellent bores,
magazine has sling swivels, excellent function ...........................................................$765 3” chambers, fixed cylinder and modified chokes, 97% original thinning blue on barrels,
96-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & LR “Model 69A” Clip Feed Bolt Rifle 25” barrel with mint receiver with star engraving and engraved “pointer dog” along with load indicator is in
bore, fixed sights, grooved receiver, 98%+ original blue, nickel bolt handle trigger the gray with light scattered pin prick pitting, double triggers, extractors, barrel lever
and triggerguard, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock with original Winchester buttplate,
is at 12 o’clock, brown rubber recoil pad and black pistol grip cap, excellent function
excellent function, comes with one original Winchester 5 round magazine, collector
quality (C&R) ................................................................................................................$585 (C&R) .......................................................................................................................... $725
97-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & LR “Model 72” Tube Feed Bolt Rifle 25” barrel with mint 113-Z Mossberg .410 Gauge “Model 183-K” Bolt Shotgun 25” barrel with mint bore, 3”
bore, 90% original blue with thinning to gray on receiver and triggerguard, front post and chamber, attached adjustable poly choke, 98% original blue, smooth Walnut pistol grip
adjustable aperture rear sight, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock with Winchester original stock with plastic finger groove triggerguard, both red and green jewels are attached,
buttplate, manufactured 1938-1959 (C&R) .................................................................$750 excellent function, manufactured 195601960 (C&R) ..................................................$285
98-Z Winchester .22 LR “Model 77” Clip Feed Auto Rifle 22” barrel with mint bore, 98% 114-Z Mossberg .410 Gauge “Model 183-CD” Bolt Shotgun 24” barrel with mint bore, 3”
original blue, grooved receiver, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock, original Winchester logo chamber, factory screw on “Mossberg” improved cylinder choke, thinning blue to gray
buttplate, sling swivels, one Winchester magazine, excellent function, manufactured
with scattered peppery pin prick pitting, single silver front bead sight, smooth Monte
1955-1963 (C&R) ..........................................................................................................$365
Carlo Walnut pistol grip stock showing dings and dents, both red and green jewels are
99-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & LR “Model 1906” “Expert” Tube Feed Takedown Nickel
Trimmed Pump Rifle 20” barrel with excellent bore showing light pitting, 87%+ thinning missing at safety lever, black serrated polymer buttplate and polymer finger grooved
blue to gray, original front blade with “new old stock” replacement rear sight, nickel finish triggerguard, metal floorplate has a replacement screw, excellent function, 1948-1968
receiver showing small area of flaking on top right side, scattered light pin prick pitting, (C&R) .............................................................................................................................$205
smooth gumwood straight grip stock and fluted forend, wood shows normal wear, dings 115-Z Savage 12 Gauge “Model 720 U.S. Military” Marked Auto Shotgun 26” barrel with
and dents, shotgun style original Winchester hard rubber buttplate, excellent function, bright excellent bore, 90% original blue thinning to brown in areas, improved cylinder
manufactured 1919, collector quality (C&R) ............................................................. $1975 choke, 2 ¾” chamber, receiver shows scratch on left side in areas of “U.S. / Army
100-Z Winchester .22 LR Model 9422 XTR “Boy Scouts of America 75th Anniversary Ordnance” bomb proof mark, also high edge wear, safety and action function properly,
Commemorative” Lever Rifle 20 ¼” barrel with mint bore, 99% original blue, hooded
smooth Walnut forend wood has a 4” crack on bottom and shows some small repair on
front ramp sight, adjustable semi buckhorn rear sight, BSA engraved re-grooved receiver,
lever and barrel bands are all satin antique pewter in color, checkered American Walnut left side, Walnut pistol grip stock with Savage buttplate (C&R) .................................$795
straight grip stock and forend, stock has BSA logo coin, excellent function, manufactured 116-Z Savage 16 Gauge “Model 720” Auto Shotgun 28” barrel with mint bore, 2 ¾’
1984 ............................................................................................................................. $1625 chamber, fixed full choke, 95%+ original blue with receiver thinning to gray, checkered
101-Z Winchester .22 LR “Model 55” Single Shot Auto Rifle 22” barrel with excellent Walnut pistol grip stock and forend, showing added high shine finish, dings and dents,
bore, 97%+ original blue, light peppery pin prick pitting, open sights, smooth Walnut single raised silver bead front sight, manufactured 1939-1940 (C&R) ......................$485
pistol grip stock with chip at loading port, light scratches dings and dents, original black 117-Z Savage / Springfield 12 Gauge “Model 67H” Pump Shotgun 20” barrel with mint
plastic Winchester buttplate, manufactured 1924-1932 (C&R) .................................. $195 bore, 3” chamber, fixed cylinder choke, 97% original blue with light edge wear and small
102-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & LR “Model 55” Single Shot Auto Rifle 22” barrel with
spot of flaking on bottom of the triggerguard that is a matte black alloy, front blade sight,
mint bore, 98% original blue showing light pin prick pitting, open sights, smooth Walnut
pistol grip stock with original black plastic Winchester logo buttplate, right side of stock Williams adjustable rear sight, smooth hardwood pistol grip stock with lighter finish than
at loading port shows patch work, excellent function (C&R) .....................................$285 the grooved forend, serrated plastic buttplate, manufactured pre 1969 (C&R) ........$260
103-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & LR “Model 67A Boys” Single Shot Bolt Rifle 20” barrel 118-Z Stevens Arms Co. 20 Gauge “Model 345” Double Trigger Hammerless Boxlock
with mint bore, re-blue finish, open sights, chrome plated triggerguard and bolt, smooth Side by Side Shotgun 26” solid raised rib barrels with bright excellent bores, 2 ¾’
Walnut pistol grip stock with factory Winchester buttplate, excellent function ........$345 chambers, fixed modified and improved cylinders, 95% original blue with spots of
104-Z Winchester .22 S & L “Model 1902” Takedown Single Shot Bolt Rifle 18” barrel thinning to gray along rib and toward muzzle, 90% case colors on receiver, tang safety,
with bright excellent bore, 98% original blue with light thinning and edge wear, fixed checkered Walnut round knob pistol grip stock and splinter forend, both showing added
sights, one piece gum-wood straight grip stock with a 1 ½” crack on left side forward
Lynn speed oil high shine finish, black hard rubber Stevens buttplate, extractors, single
takedown screw, “S” shaped triggerguard, black Winchester hard rubber buttplate,
excellent function, collector quality, manufactured 1902-1931 (C&R) ......................$525 bead front sight, barrel lever is right of center, manufactured 1916-1928 (C&R) .....$350
105-Z Winchester .22 S, L, & XL “Model 1904” Takedown Single Shot Bolt Rifle 21” 119-Z Webley & Scott Ltd 12 Gauge “Model 1012” Boxlock Over/Under Shotgun 30” vent
barrel with bright excellent bore, 97% original blue with “S” style triggerguard and rib barrels, 3” chambers, full and improved modified choke tubes installed, mint bores,
crescent buttplate, show blue to gray patina, hard wood straight grip stock, excellent 98%+ original blue, red “Hi Viz” front sight, receiver is engraved “coin” stainless steel,
function, manufactured 1914-1931 (C&R) ...................................................................$275 single selective gold trigger, auto safety, auto ejectors, barrel release is right of center,
SHOTGUNS checkered Walnut pistol grip stock with fluted comb and black rubber recoil pad, checkered
106-Z Antonio Zoli 20 Gauge “Golden Eagle” Boxlock Over / Under Shotgun 26” vented Walnut forend wood with Schnabel forend, excellent function, comes with black lockable
raised rib barrels with excellent bores, 3” chambers, fixed cylinder and modified chokes, Webley & Scott hard case, shotgun sock, papers and 3 extra choke tubes (cylinder,
98%+ original blue and case colors, single trigger, extractor and greener cross bolt, modified and improved cylinder) in a black hard case, appears unused ......................$1000
barrel latch is just right of center, single bead front sight, checkered Walnut pistol grip 120-Z Winchester 12 Gauge “Model 50 Featherweight” Pre ‘64 Auto Shotgun 30”
stock and forend wood, original Zoli polymer buttplate, excellent function ............ $1275 barrel with mint bore, 2 ¾” chamber, fixed full choke, 98% original blue on both barrel
107-Z BSA 20 Gauge “Silver Eagle” Boxlock Over / Under Shotgun 26” vent rib barrels, and matte black on aluminum receiver, single brass bead front sight, checkered Walnut
3” chambers, improved cylinder and skeet choke tubes, mint bores, single bead front
forend with light dent on side and pistol grip stock with a brown rubber Pachmayr recoil
sight, 98% original blue with lazer engraved receiver, hand checkered Turkish Walnut
pad, L.O.P. 13 ¾”, manufactured 1961, collector quality (C&R) .................................$475
pistol grip stock and lever release forend, stock shows light dings and dents, shotgun
features tang safety, single selective trigger, extractors and unmarked vent rubber recoil 121-Z Winchester 20 Gauge “Model 50” Auto Shotgun 28” barrel with bright excellent
pad, L.O.P. 14 ¾”, barrel opening lever is right of center, excellent function .............$635 bore, 2 ¾” chamber, fixed modified choke, single silver bead front sight, 85% original
108-Z F.N. Browning 12 Gauge “Light 12 Auto-5” Auto Shotgun 28” solid raised rib, blue thinning to brown and gray with high edge wear along receiver, checkered Walnut
fixed modified choke, 2 ¾” chamber and mint bore, single silver bead front sight, 97% pistol grip stock and forend wood shows wear, original Winchester buttplate, excellent
original blue with light thinning on the scroll engraved receiver, gold color trigger, round function, manufactured 1956 (C&R) ............................................................................$595
knob checkered Walnut stock and checkered Walnut forend, “F.N.” buttplate, excellent 122-Z Winchester 12 Gauge “Model 12 / Skeet Grade” Pump Shotgun 26” vent rib
function, manufactured 1961 (C&R) .......................................................................... $1250
(2) bead barrel with mint bore, 2 ¾” chamber, no choke marking on barrel and factory
109-Z Fox / Savage 20 Gauge “Model B-SE” Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun 28” raised
“Cutts” compensator with spreader tube installed, “donut” post rib, 98% nice quality
vent rib barrel, 3” chamber, fixed full and improved modified choke with excellent bright
bores, 97% original blue, 97% matte black on roll engraved receiver, twin silver bead refinish blue with a partial name on right side lower edge, “Skeet” marked receiver,
sights, auto ejectors, single trigger and barrel lever is right of center, Walnut pistol grip beautiful deluxe grade Walnut pistol grip stock with logo buttplate and matching pump
stock and wide beaver forend having “Fleur de Lis” design press checkering, stock has a handle (C&R) ............................................................................................................... $1295
crack that runs around the upper tang and has been poorly repaired, black polymer pistol 123-Z Winchester 12 Gauge “Model 1200 Field Grade” Pump Shotgun 28” vent raised
grip cap (C&R) ..............................................................................................................$655 rib barrel with excellent bore, 2 ¾” chamber, screw in mobile “Win” improved cylinder
110-Z Harrington & Richardson 12 Gauge “Model M48 Topper” Single Barrel Shotgun choke tube, 98% original blue with light scratches on left side of receiver, checkered
28” barrel with good bore showing mid barrel pin prick pitting (not a barrel bulge), 2 Walnut pistol grip stock and forend wood, pistol grip cap, black polymer Winchester
¾” chamber, fixed full choke, 97% original blue, 75% tiger stripe case colors, base of
buttplate, excellent function, manufactured 1975 .......................................................$295
receiver shows gray with peppery pin prick pitting, single brass bead sight, ejector, barrel
latch to right of center, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock and forend wood, large chip 124-Z Winchester 12 Gauge “Model 37” Single Shot Shotgun 30” barrel with bright
missing from toe line, now exposing bottom portion of the non professional installed excellent bore, 2 ¾” chamber, fixed full choke, 98% original blue with light scratches,
brown rubber recoil pad, two small chips on both sides of grip at the tang, over all single bead front sight, smooth Walnut pistol grip stock and forend wood, black polymer
excellent function, manufactured 1943-1956 (C&R) ................................................... $120 Winchester buttplate, excellent function, manufactured 1936-63 (C&R) ..................$325
 More than
40 Years of
Experience
in German
Militaria!

Wittmann
Antique Militaria
Offering Collectors the World’s
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PO Box 350 ~ Moorestown, NJ 08057-0350
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GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |69
 GUN COLLECTIONS WANTED!
(any size)
Pre-64 Winchesters • American Doubles • Collectable Remingtons
• Sakos • Weatherbys • Colts • Smith & Wesson
Will pay a PREMIUM for Collector Quality Guns.
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P.O. Box 177, 321 Steelstown Road, Newville, PA 17241
Phone: 717-776-7861 FAX: 717-776-7034
Email: [email protected]

70| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

Your Guide to the
Firearms Lifestyle!
Now in its 78th edition, the 2024 Gun Digest still reigns as “The World’s
Greatest Gun Book!” Rifles, handguns, shotguns, ammo, optics,
muzzleloaders ... if it has anything to do with guns and shooting, you’ll find
it here. Written and edited by the industry’s leading writers and experts, this
is the book that every firearms fanatic needs. Get yours today!

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Also available on Amazon in print and e-book!
 FINISH STRONG // STEVEN KUO

A guide to coatings, finishes and treatments.

F
or all the advances in polymers toll on metal. For our purposes, standard- percent salt solution until they begin to
and Hollywood nonsense about ized hardness testing is measured on the show the effects of corrosion.
plastic guns, metal remains the Rockwell C scale (HRC) and Vickers Lubricity: Many finishes have very low
fundamental building block of (HV) scale, by putting an indenter under coefficients of friction—a measure of how
firearms. And where there is metal, there load against the surface. easily one surface slides against another.
are many options for how to treat, finish Corrosion resistance: Carry guns For example, the coefficient of friction for
or coat it. Long past the days of just choos- pressed up against your sweaty body or steel on steel is over 0.7 dry and around
ing between bluing or raw stainless steel, used in maritime or humid environments 0.2 with lubrication, which is more than
we now have a veritable bounty of op- are often a recipe for rust and corrosion. halved by many of the coatings. Again,
tions. Each has a certain set of character- It’s not a license to abuse your gear, but fin- we always advocate properly lubricating
istics that may make one or another more ishes intended for this purpose can help a your weapons, but these finishes enhance
suitable for your particular needs. Read lot—of course, remember that nothing is performance and provide you with more
on to learn more. truly corrosion proof. While it cannot ex- leeway in your maintenance schedule.
actly represent real-world performance, a Type of material/substrate: Some fin-
KEY CHARACTERISTICS TO KEEP standardized salt spray test (ASTM B-117) ishes or treatments can only be applied
IN MIND INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: is typically used to assess the corrosion to steel, not to aluminum or polymers.
Hardness, durability and wear resistance: resistance of materials and finishes. In Note also that many companies and end
For hard-use weapons, whether for duty such a test, the parts are placed in a testing users mix and match finishes on different
or competition, this is often a key con- chamber and exposed to a dense fog of 5 components.
sideration. Thousands of presentations
from a Kydex holster, thousands of rounds
These bolt carriers highlight various different finishes and treat-
through a barrel—this will ments (left to right): Parkerizing–BCM Mil-spec; NP3–Robar
take a Mil-spec; BlackNitride–Rubber City Armory’s Mil-spec and light-
ened variants; Titanium Nitride–Salient Arms International; Hard
chrome–Young Manufacturing’s super lightweight carrier. And a
cool stapler in Duracoat from GCNW.

72| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 Method of application: Some require high (Right) Juggernaut
Tactical lowers racked
heat, electrical processes or specific char- up and ready for anod-
acteristics, which may completely preclude izing at Dunham Metal
Processing.
use on, or else not be desirable for certain (Below) Anodized low-
components (e.g., an optic, non-ferrous ers coming out of the
electrolytic solution.
metals, non-conductive materials, etc.). Photos courtesy of
Tolerances: All except one of these Juggernaut Tactical
and Dunham Metal
processes add material to the substrate, Processing.
so this must be considered for specific
applications (e.g., slide rails, sears, etc.). In
some cases, high-tolerance areas might be
masked off, require some fitting afterward
or even be considered in advance during
gunsmithing or manufacturing, given an
intended coating (e.g., with custom 1911
builds or chrome-lined barrels).
Aesthetics: Desired color, surface treat-
ment and ability to mask flaws in the base
metal all come into play here.
Cost: Specialized equipment and solu-
tions, as well as how time and labor in- functionally—and how picky and anal easily depending on the conditions.
tensive the process is, factor into the cost. retentive you will be. Bob Cogan of APW Parkerizing (phosphating): Widely used
Note also that many processes benefit Cogan has been plating, coating and on military issue weapons, this process
from economies of scale, so one-offs can ’smithing guns for nearly 40 years. He ad- transforms the surface of the steel to a
be more expensive or your job might need vises that every process has its strengths, more corrosion-resistant manganese or
to be batched with others to bring down and the key challenge is getting a blend zinc phosphate. The coating also traps oils
the cost, potentially increasing wait times. of desired qualities at an affordable price. and lubricants.
It may go without saying, but a reliable, So set your budget and choose accord- Anodizing: Aluminum in the raw is rela-
experienced shop with talented craftsmen ingly—it may even make sense for you to tively soft when compared to steel. Hailing
is important to achieving satisfactory re- pick and choose certain key components from the 1920s, anodizing is a process that
sults. As with so many things, prep work is to be treated. For instance, for an AR-15 converts its surface to aluminum oxide,
absolutely critical, equipment can set limi- build you can literally piece together a
tations on what a shop is capable of, and build with your desired finishes utilizing
attention to detail (whether in properly only off-the-shelf components: e.g., hard
maintaining the chemistry of solutions or anodized receivers and handguard in the
achieving proper tolerances) will ensure a color of your choice, hard chromed bolt
good end product. Do your research and carrier group, nitride-treated barrel and so
set realistic expectations. forth. The possibilities are endless. We are
Be honest with yourself about what truly fortunate to have so many fantastic
you want from a finish—aesthetically and options these days.

BASIC FINISHES
Let’s start with an understanding of the
baseline finishes that you’ll typically come
across.
Bluing (black oxide): Bluing is a time-
worn chemical process that forms black
oxide on the surface of steel, typically by
dipping the part into various tanks. Essen-
tially controlled rust, the result is aestheti- Do It Your Way
cally quite pleasing and more corrosion This article is a bonus excerpt from “DIY
resistant than bare metal—but that doesn’t Guns,” a comprehensive guide to building,
customizing and upgrading your firearms.
always get the job done. If you’re not care- To get your copy, visit GunDigestStore.
ful, blued components can still rust pretty com and search “DIY GUNS.”

GUNDIGEST.COM
 FINISH STRONG // STEVEN KUO

Richard Utas of 2A Concepts preps and blasts a Glock

slide prior to Cerakoting it.

variant called DuraBake is available in a

essentially resulting in a ceramic coating— more limited selection of colors.
in the case of Type III anodizing (the hard- A turnkey finishing kit with everything
est and typically found on firearms and is finished off with a B5 Systems buttstock, you need to coat a few firearms costs
their accessories), roughly 0.002 inch, with BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 1, Geissele just $60, for those willing to roll up their
half penetrated into the material and half DMR trigger and Inforce WML light. A sleeves for some DIY fun. Alternately, Du-
built up above the surface. An electric cur- no-nonsense working gun, ready to rock. racoat now also comes in an aerosol can
rent is passed through an electrolytic solu- that automatically mixes in the hardener
tion, in which the work pieces are placed. DURACOAT with the press of a button. No sprayer re-
Aluminum oxide then forms on the Duracoat is a two-part chemical epoxy quired, and no measuring and mixing, for
surface. The result is quite hard (approxi- coating that is sprayed on like paint and $35 per can (with a selection of a couple
mately 60-70 RC) and corrosion resistant then air cured. No heat is required, so hundred colors).
(over 1,000 hours in the salt spray test). it can be applied to anything, including This proud Akdal semi-auto shotgun
optics or other sensitive gear. Besides this, belongs to RECOIL’s Iain Harrison. It is
CERAKOTE Duracoat’s greatest advantage is aesthetics, truly a work of art, having been the recipi-
Cerakote is a very popular ceramic-based as it is available in a large variety of colors ent of carefully crafted stencils and strokes
finish that can be applied to metals, poly- that can be mixed to generate infinite of the airbrush, courtesy of Andy Munson
mers and wood. It is available in over 100 variations and applied precisely with an with Gun Coat Northwest. The shotgun is
different colors and provides exceptional airbrush. With proper prep and applica- an Akdal MKA 1919 that was thoroughly
corrosion and chemical resistance, as well tion, Duracoat is quite durable, though rebuilt by Firebird Precision, modified
as improved scratch and wear resistance. not as much as the other processes in this with a side-charging railed handguard,
It is widely utilized by firearms and acces- guide aside from hydrographics. It also buttstock assembly, compensator, new
sories manufacturers as well as end users. provides strong corrosion resistance. Du- trigger group, 10-round magazine and
Parts are prepped by cleaning and blast- racoat withstands temperatures up to 500 other internal refinements. The colorful
ing them. Then, they are racked, pre-heat- to 600 degrees F; for applications where design is a nod to Iain’s homeland, with
ed, and sprayed with the coating solution. you might exceed this, an oven-cured album artwork borrowed from the Sex
Cerakote’s C-series coating can then be
air-cured, while its much stronger H-se-
ries coating is then heat-cured. Cerakote
H salt spray test results are stratospheric.
Our sample rifle was Cerakoted by
2A Concepts in OD green, coating the
Spike’s Tactical upper and lower receivers
and Geissele Super Modular Rail MK I
handguard. The smooth and hardy finish
provided the owner with his exact desired
color. The AR has a 14.5-inch Daniel
Defense barrel with a BCM Gunfighter
Compensator Mod 1 permanently at-
tached to keep it legal. An Aimpoint Pro
and Spike’s Tactical micro folding backup
iron sights keep it on target, and the build

74| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” single, this assertion. OK, not really, but trust us, FERRITIC NITROCARBURIZING
which was banned by the BBC in 1977 for NP3 is really slick—you could scramble Known by many names, such as Tenifer,
being “anti-establishment.” This 12-gauge eggs on this thing. The Kimber is topped Melonite, and quench-polish-quench
smoothbore brings the house down in off with Crimson Trace LG-401 laser (QPQ), ferritic nitrocarburizing differs
every possible way. grips—a great choice on the 1911 plat- from other processes listed here since it
form, with a conveniently located pressure is a thermochemical treatment that af-
ELECTROLESS NICKEL—NP3 switch and the electronics and batteries fects the surface of the metal, rather than
Electroless nickel is a process that can totally contained within the grip panels, a coating of additional material (however
actually be done in your own home, thus avoiding any tumor-like protuber- thin) layered on top of the substrate. The
utilizing an auto-catalytic reaction to ances on control surfaces as on some other part is immersed in a molten salt bath at
deposit a nickel phosphorus coating onto applications. For disciples of the almighty around 1,000 degrees F, diffusing nitrogen
a substrate without the need for electric .45 ACP, this is a perfect carry gun. and carbon into the surface and forming
current. Put on your Dr. Frankenstein lab
coat, prep your parts, mix the solution,
heat it to the specified temperature and
submerge the parts as long as necessary
to achieve the desired plating thickness.
The key characteristics of this process are
strong corrosion resistance and consistent
coating thickness, regardless of the shape
of the workpiece. Wear resistance is en-
hanced, but the hardness rating is not as
high as other alternatives. A home kit can
be had for $150 and up.
The Robar Companies took this process
to the next level by adapting processes
from the oil and gas industry, introducing
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) particles,
more commonly known as Teflon, into
the solution. This results in a coating that
is even more corrosion resistant, self-lu-
bricating, and wear resistant. With over 30
years under its belt, Robar is well-known
for its NP3 coating (not to mention their
custom gunsmithing). Notably, NP3 has
an extremely low coefficient of friction,
whether wet or dry. In fact, Robar’s Fred-
die Blish explains that with Teflon em-
bedded in the coating, NP3 actually gets
smoother and slicker with use. Their latest
formulation, NP3 Plus, boasts even more
outstanding corrosion resistance, with
a rating of over 1,000 hours in salt spray
testing, matching the polymer coatings.
The sample gun shown here is a Kimber
Classic 1911 with frame work by Chuck
Rogers of Rogers Precision. Rogers ma-
chined the front strap and mainspring
housing with his scallop design and high
cut the trigger guard; the rest of the gun
is stock. Robar coated the gun in NP3,
resulting in a beautiful, rich silver tone
that is literally slicker than snot. We even
sneezed on the gun to scientifically test

GUNDIGEST.COM
 FINISH STRONG // STEVEN KUO

an outer iron nitride layer with a nitrogen

diffusion layer below it.
It results in increased wear resistance,
corrosion resistance, and lubricity—with
no dimensional change. Since every
other process adds some thickness, this
is nitriding’s trump card, making it worth
considering for any applications where
critical tolerances are an issue. Hardness is
roughly on par with hard chrome, but salt loosened up a bit with use, but was still ex-
spray test results are much higher. And the tremely tight, presenting a great example ing such as hard chrome make
coefficient of friction while lubricated is of the benefits of a process that maintains any flaws more apparent in
very low. The tradeoffs of this process are all dimensional properties of the parts. the final finish, so careful prep
that it only works on ferrous metals like H&M Metal Processing expertly finished work is critical. Furthermore, Cogan em-
steel, and you better love black—because the weapon with their BlackNitride treat- phasizes that plating can be as much art
like the Ford Model T, that’s the only color ment, which came out scoring very high as science—different types of parts may
you’ll get. on the badass scale with a deep black be plated with different current levels or
The nitride treatment is gaining popu- color. In business since the 1940s, H&M lengths of time to achieve optimal results.
larity, on barrels in particular—chrome- works with many manufacturers and Featured here is a race gun built for
plated bores are widely employed in has even treated parts that are out of this USPSA Open division by Jojo Vidanes
hard-use weapons for their many benefits world, literally—BlackNitrided gears are of JV Industries. Built on an STI frame, it
in longevity and ease of maintenance, but on the NASA Mars Rover. The increased features a Caspian slide, T2 Trubor barrel
it has always been a tricky procedure to lubricity of the treated parts on our Les and compensator, C-More optic, Cheely
get just right given the potential impact on Baer was immediately felt when working Custom Guns scope mount and various
accuracy. The properties of nitriding com- the slide; the gun is still just as tight, but is components from Aftec, Matt McLearn,
bined with the lack of dimensional change smoother than before. We also fitted new Ed Brown, EGW and JV Industries. Com-
make it a great choice for this application. FRAG G10 stocks from VZ Grips with petition guns are run hard with extremely
Les Baer is known for building ex- the Super Scoop cut out to make the mag high round counts, week after week. So
tremely tight and accurate 1911s with release more accessible. The end result is durable hard chrome finishes like the one
precise tolerances. The Thunder Ranch an intimidating 1911 that Darth Vader found on this gun are very common on
special here is no exception; it came out himself would be proud of. the competition circuit. Open guns don’t
of the box with such a tight lockup that get much better than this one.
simply racking the slide was a challenge. It HARD CHROME
Electroplating dates back to the mid-18th HYDROGRAPHICS
century, and commercial chrome plat- Also known as hydrodipping, this is a pro-
ing came into its own in the U.S. starting cess to apply a film with printed designs
in the 1920s. Hard chrome plating has onto a three-dimensional object. This can
long been a staple in the firearms indus- be done on metal, plastic or wood (among
try, and you will find it in any issue M4, other things). The part is prepped and
lining the barrel and bolt carrier group. basecoated, then the film is suspended
Hard chroming is an electrolytic process in water and sprayed with chemicals to
whereby the workpiece is submerged in a dissolve it, leaving the ink behind. When
chromic acid-based electrolyte solution, the part is lowered into the water, the ink
H&M Metal Processing does a high volume of work
electric current is introduced, and chro- wraps around and adheres to the part. It’s
for firearms manufacturers such as Smith & Wes- mium metal builds on the surface. then sealed with a top coat. Hydrograph-
son, Beretta, Adams Arms and LWRC.
The resulting coating is very hard, cor- ics provides beautiful results with designs
rosion resistant and features a low coeffi- only limited by your imagination, but they
cient of friction. Hard chrome is available are not as durable with hard use as other
in various different colors, including sil- finishes.
ver, silver, and silver—and, for all its other Our example is a KAC SR-15 hydro-
advantages, this has historically been its dipped in Crye Precision’s MultiCam
Achilles’ heel over the years, as end users pattern by WW Guns. It is outfitted with
do not always want their guns to be silver. an Aimpoint Micro T-1 on a KAC mount,
Bob Cogan advises that light-colored plat- SureFire M620V Scout Light, and a La-

76| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 TITIES ,
WE PROD UCE IN SMAL L QUAN
TING NO MORE
EACH OF OUR STATI ONS CRAF
0 ROUN DS PER DAY. WE’RE A
THAN 20,00
IN THAT SENSE .
BOUT IQUE AMMO COMP ANY
more is not better.
better is better.
 FINISH STRONG // STEVEN KUO

ser Devices DBAL-A2 (AN/PEQ-15A). PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION— this process; the coefficient of friction is
Complete and total badassery. TITANIUM NITRIDE AND VARIANTS decreased (though not as much as some
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) other finishes), but corrosion resistance is
POLYMER-BASED—BLACK T, processes utilize a vacuum chamber to not significantly enhanced, per Grant.
ROGUARD, POLY-T2 deposit thin films of various substances If you thought chrome was eye-
There are several polymer-based coatings onto the surface of a workpiece. Specific catching, the gold TiN color is downright
that can be applied to steel, aluminum and methods and equipment for doing so can flashy. This example from the GlockStore
polymer (so long as it can handle the heat vary. Coating Services Group, for instance, has a Lone Wolf slide as well as other
cure requirements). Some well-known op- uses cathodic arc deposition, which was components coated with TiN. This look
tions are Black-T from W.E. Birdsong and developed around 1960 to 1970. Jeff might not be for everyone, so remember
Roguard and Poly-T2 from Robar. Gener- Grant, its president, describes the process: other colors are also available.
ally speaking, parts are cleaned, degreased, “In the middle of the vacuum chamber
and sandblasted, then pre-heated. They may is a rotating planetary geardrive carousel PVD—DLC
also be other surface preparation before the on which the parts are wired and racked. Another coating that utilizes PVD is
coating is sprayed by hand, then heat cured. There is an electrical bias on the parts so known as DLC, or diamond-like carbon.
Black-T was developed in the early that the coating will be attracted to them. A similar process as described before de-
1980s by Walter E. Birdsong Sr., and has In the corners of the chamber are four posits layers of amorphous carbon, pro-
been used extensively over the years by large titanium targets that are hit with an viding lower coefficients of friction, tight
custom gunsmiths as well as manufac- arc, vaporizing the titanium and creating tolerances, and off-the-scale hardness and
turers such as Springfield Armory. The plasma. Reactive nitrogen gas is intro- wear resistance—as the diamond refer-
polymer formulation contains Teflon, duced and a titanium nitride (TiN) coat- ence implies, this is DLC’s key character-
resulting in a very slick coating that boasts ing builds up on the parts. Our chamber istic. Corrosion resistance is somewhat
high corrosion resistance and low friction. and carousel design ensures the coating is improved, but again doesn’t approach that
Notably, Black-T is also flexible and can applied evenly to all surfaces. But there is a of other finishes.
even be applied on springs, unlike other limit to it, so we wouldn’t coat the bore of The Glock featured here was built by
finishes. Birdsong offers several base col- a rifle barrel, for instance.” ZEV Technologies and is a good example
ors, but is capable of creating any color. The result is a dense, extremely thin of incorporating several different types of
Similarly, Robar’s Poly-T2 is available in coating, which is extraordinarily hard finishes that ZEV offers for their builds
several colors and is composed of a Teflon and wear resistant. TiN has a unique gold and components. Their Dragonfly stain-
based epoxy. Their Roguard coating is a color that’s familiar to machinists, since less steel longslide features a black DLC
little harder and only available in black. it’s widely used on cutting tools. That coating (and a slide racker). The fluted
Note that Robar only offers these coatings should give some indication of how hard barrel has an iridescent—ZEV calls it
on steel and aluminum. it is—in fact, it’s so hard that it exceeds “chameleon”—TiN finish. And the Tri-
The Browning Hi-Power (circa 1970s) the Rockwell hardness scale typically jicon RMR optic is hydrodipped with a
shown here was customized by Don Wil- cited for metals (and is thus measured MultiCam pattern. They stippled the grip
liams of The Action Works. He dehorned using the Vickers scale). Slightly different and installed a ZEV Tech Fulcrum trigger
the pistol, stippled the front and rear strap, properties and colors can be achieved by and ZEV magwell. The result is one awe-
and beveled the magwell. He fitted a Bar- adjusting the reactive gas and target ele- somely tricked-out race gun. This is one
Sto match barrel, tightened and lapped in ments, including coatings such as TiAlN of the great delights of Glock pistols—you
the frame to slide fit, did a trigger job and (dark gray) and TiCN (gray to purple). could put together your own version of
worked it over for reliability. Then, he had Exceptional wear resistance, hardness and this gun, by selecting the exact compo-
it finished in Black-T. The work was done tight tolerances are the key advantages of nents that you want with the finish you
almost 10 years ago—the finish is as slick prefer, then assembling it yourself.
as ever and looks nearly brand new except
for wear on the barrel hood.

78| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 S E D R ANG
E S E
R

DA
P
A F U L LY S U P

Y + GUN SHO W

TRY OUT HUNDREDS OF GUNS, SUPPRESSORS AND OPTICS

+ GEAR FOR SALE + 50+ LANES OF FIREARMS + DAILY GIVEAWAYS

SAVE THE DATE

CANCONEVENT.COM
 THEY MIGHT BE CHEAP, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY // DAVID LANE

Buyer’s guide to budget rifle combos.

80| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM
W
e all like nice things. think they are. Check local and online bore sight the rifle for you, but not all,
Luxury cars, posh pricing before committing. and almost none of them without your
clothes, fancy cell Secondly, none of these rifles should asking for them to do it.
phones, whatever your be bought and then immediately taken Lastly, all of these packages have
vice might be, it’s nice to have the good to harvest an animal. You need to check strengths and weaknesses, all get the
stuff. But when it comes to rifles, that the level of the scope, the torque on the job done, and they’re all great values for
attitude can get really expensive. And mount and scope rings, zero the rifle their price. But they have limitations.
while none of us would turn down a and test with your preferred ammo. Depending on the hunting you want to
$10,000 Blaser R8, most of us aren’t lin- Some retailers will level, torque and do, these rifles might not cut it.
ing up to pay for one.
For the vast majority of hunters, a
cheap rifle will put as much meat in the SPECS HEAD-TO-HEAD
freezer as an expensive one. And these Savage Howa
days, those budget rifles even come 110 Apex Savage Winchester Gamepro Mossberg Ruger
with scopes. Hunter Axis II XP XPR 2.0 Patriot American
But are they any good? We got a MSRP $709 $530 $850 $650 $631 $880
whole pile of them to find out. Length of Pull 13.75” 13.75” 13.75” 13.75” 13.75” 13.75”

OUT OF THE BOX & Overall Length 44.25” 42.5” 42” 42.75” 42.75” 42”
INTO THE WOODS Barrel Length 24” 22” 22” 22” 22” 22”
Before we get into individual reviews, Weight 7.96 lbs. 7.38 lbs. 6.8 lbs. 7.8 lbs. 7.5 lbs. 7.5 lbs.
let’s talk about some big-picture things.
Hinged
First, don’t make your decision based Magazine DBM DBM DBM Floor Plate DBM DBM
on the MSRP. While MSRP ranges widely
Capacity 4+1 4+1 3+1 3 5+1 4+1
among these rifles, prices we’re seeing in
stores are much closer. The cost shouldn’t Vortex Bushnell Vortex Nikko Vortex Vortex
Crossfire II Banner Crossfire II Stirling Crossfire II Crossfire II
dictate your choice since these are really Scope 3-9x40 3-9x40mm 3-9x40 4-12x40 3-9x40 4-12x44
a lot closer than the MSRP makes you

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |81

 THEY MIGHT BE CHEAP, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY // DAVID LANE

The Savage’s
bolt knob and
handle are
a one-piece
casting,
which looks
and feels like
it belongs on
a cheap rifle.
Which it is.

SAVAGE AXIS II XP & BUSHNELL less than impressive. Although, shocking- Walmart scope, the Savage puts rounds
BANNER 3-9X40MM ly, the Bushnell Banner wasn’t the worst where you send them and does it for a
For the money, this is a capable rifle. But scope of the lot—more on that later. scary low price.
since it’s the cheapest of the lot—by a large The scope does its job; it held zero, it This might not seem like a positive
amount—you really need to manage your gives you a clear enough picture to see review, but considering the price, we don’t
expectations. game in the trees, and the adjustments hate this rifle. We wouldn’t pick one for a
The rifle and scope both feel really are good enough. But, as the price lifelong rifle, but for a beater that fills the
cheap. That’s understandable—they are would lead you to believe, this is about freezer or a loaner rifle to introduce your
really cheap. as low on the totem pole as we’d ever go non-hunting friend or family to, it won’t
Cycling the action has a distinct sand- for an acceptable hunting scope. fail you. And that’s what really counts.
paper feel to it that goes away after 100 Bottom line: This is a cheap rifle. It’s a cheap rifle and scope, but it isn’t a
cycles or so. The bolt feels rough to the Does it work? Yes, it does. Even with the bad rifle or scope.
touch, with a bolt lift that requires you to annoying Savage trigger safety blade, MSRP is $530, but we’ve seen them
power through it. And the scope is a lot action that feels like pot metal, and for about $470 in stores.

82| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

HOWA GAMEPRO 2.0 &
NIKKO-STIRLING 4-12X40MM If you can get over the cheesy
We really want to love this rifle, and in a branding and terrible scope, the
Howa is a lot of gun for the money.
way, we do. Having owned and shot a lot
of Howa 1500 rifles before, this one’s no
different—the 1500 is a great rifle.
For the price, Howa might just de-
liver a better rifle than anything else
on the market. The HACT trigger is
almost certainly the best factory two-
stage trigger you can get. The action is
second only to Tikka, and the overall
build quality and precision are out-
standing in this price tier.
Even the Hogue stock is amazing— light 18 in-lb, but with the scope off the scope is too far forward, and once you
soft, grippy and great to shoot. plumb by about 8 degrees. This was find it, it’s like looking through a straw.
The blind magazine isn’t our favor- clearly noticeable before even looking The edges are dark, light transmission
ite, but it’s a good, hinged design that through the glass. poor, and the chromatic abrasion would
works well for a hunting application. This probably didn’t happen in ship- look amazing if this were a kaleidoscope.
It’s also pretty easy to change out if you ping, as the scope was undamaged and the To top it off, the turrets are exposed
feel the need. coating under the rings didn’t show any and really tall, which for a hunting rifle, is
But then we get to the scope: the Nik- wear. Perhaps this slipped through quality simply a bad choice. In fairness, the other
ko-Stirling 4-12x40mm. As professionals control; it was the only gun/scope com- scopes in this review aren’t amazing. But
with standards, it’s our unpleasant duty to bination to arrive this way. Once disas- they’re definitely big improvements over
say there’s basically nothing redeemable sembled and fixed, we took it to the range. this one.
about this scope—except that it didn’t The results were … unimpressive. Apples to apples, the Howa 1500 is the
break during testing, but we also didn’t The eye box is tiny even at minimum best rifle in this review, but the Nikko-
set out to abuse any of these packages. magnification, and at max magnification Stirling scope is unquestionably the
While every other rifle in this re- finding the sweet spot is extremely hard. worst.
view had a scope level to the rifle, the This is made worse by the way it’s mount- MSRP is $650, but in-store could be
Nikko-Sterling came torqued at a fairly ed. Unless you have a neck like a giraffe, around $615.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |83

 THEY MIGHT BE CHEAP, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY // DAVID LANE

The Apex Hunter is a solid

choice if you want a combina-
tion of components that work
well together.

SAVAGE 110 APEX HUNTER XP & blade and a bolt release that requires Another big plus is that the scope
VORTEX CROSSFIRE II 3-9X40MM pushing a button while pulling the trig- is mounted via a 1913 rail. Not only
If the Savage Axis II XP were the ger, those are pretty easy to forgive when does this give you a lot more options in
Maruchan ramen of hunting rifles, the 110 you’re looking for a budget combo that terms of mounting the scope where you
Apex Hunter XP would be Top Ramen. It’s works. need it, but it also makes replacing the
still inexpensive, but it’s a lot better than Paired with a Vortex Crossfire II scope a lot easier should you decide to
the bare minimum. 3-9x40mm, this is probably the best do so.
The action is much smoother, the bolt scope offered in these combos. They’re The 110 Apex Hunter XP is a solid
lift feels like a normal rifle, and the stock decently durable, work well, and you can rifle. The Vortex Crossfire II is a solid
has checkering all over the place and feels trust Vortex to take care of any issues that scope. Of the two, the scope is a lot
great. Even the butt pad gets a major up- might come up. easier to upgrade if you wish to down
grade and helps dampen a lot of recoil. The eyebox is a little tight, and the glass the road.
While it still has the same Savage parts isn’t amazing, but for the price, it’s better MSRP is listed at $710, and the street
we don’t love, namely the trigger safety than what you used to get. price we’ve seen is about $650.

84| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 Winchester’s
XPR has one
of the best
triggers in
the rifles we
sampled and
feels like a
more expen-
sive rifle.

WINCHESTER XPR & VORTEX because two is one, and one is none. ACP and a 9mm. The smaller bolts of
CROSSFIRE II 3-9X40MM Nothing sucks more than having to the other rifles are a hair faster to cycle
This is another combo bundled with cancel a range or hunting trip because and take less effort, but the bigger bolt
the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm, so we won’t you forgot or broke your only mag. of the XPR feels smoother due to how
waste ink talking about it, since it’s And it wins some points by having a much mass is moving.
exactly the same scope as the last pack- 60-degree bolt throw. The bolt body is Winchester is really proud of their
age. extra thick and heavy, and while it isn’t MOA trigger system. They advertise
We haven’t used the current lineup the smoothest bolt to cycle, the weight it as having zero take-up, zero creep
of Winchester rifles very much, so we actually makes it feel pretty nice and and zero overtravel. We have to agree.
didn’t know what to expect, but we is harder to bind up than most of the While a touch heavy, it’s an outstanding
quickly found that we liked it. A lot. other bolts here. single-stage trigger.
On opening the box, Winchester Maybe this is a strange comparison, MSRP is $710, but again, the store
wins some points because they include but the thicker bolt kind of feels like price is lower at about $650.
two magazines. We’re fans of that the difference between shooting a .45

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |85

 THEY MIGHT BE CHEAP, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY // DAVID LANE

Mossberg probably isn’t

the first manufacturer
when you think of the
words “hunting rifle,” but
they offer a lot of value for
your dollar.

MOSSBERG PATRIOT SYNTHETIC &

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II 3-9X40MM
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm in this pack-
age is pretty common. See above.
The best part of the Mossberg Patriot is the
overall aesthetics of the rifle. The fluted bolt,
fluted barrel, lightning bolt in the trigger safety
… we just really dig it. Mossberg put some ef-
fort into the design to make a budget rifle that
also looks good, and we appreciate that. While
there’s nothing brilliant about the rifle, there’s
nothing too bad, either. The bolt is lighter than
most others on this list. That makes chambering
rounds faster and a little easier, and as much as
we dislike trigger safeties on rifles, this one at
least looks cool. The bolt lift is on the heavy side,
but the bolt knob has a lot of checkering and
a nice shape to it. The stock isn’t something to
write home about, but it does stock things well
enough.
There’s one thing about the Patriot that stands
out however, and that’s the trigger. User-adjust-
able between 2 and 7 pounds, it feels crisp and
familiar. We’re fans of this, but your taste might
differ.
MSRP is $631, but most stores seem to have it
in stock for about $520.

86| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

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 THEY MIGHT BE CHEAP, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY // DAVID LANE

about the same as any other butt pad.

Between the nicer scope, the 1913 rail
Will it be the difference between and the threaded barrel, the Ruger
RUGER AMERICAN & VORTEX meat on the table or not? Probably not, American earns a place in our Top 3 on
CROSSFIRE II 4-12X44MM but it’s nicer to use. this list.
Ruger stands out a little by includ- Ruger also scores points because the In full disclosure, this was the sec-
ing the 4-12x44mm instead of the scope is mounted on a 1913 Picatinny ond Ruger American tested. The first
3-9x40mm Crossfire II that seems so rail—just like with the Savage 110, this had a chamber issue and needed to go
common in these packages, and while gives you a lot of options for where back. From what we’re told, there was
its glass is the same, we’re not sure the your scope sits and makes adjusting the a manufacturing change, and the first
extra magnification really matters. rifle to fit you a lot easier. rifle happened to be one of the un-
But the extra 4mm of the objective And they score more points by having a lucky few that got caught in the middle
lens makes a noticeable difference threaded barrel for suppressor use. of that change. This second rifle has
in how much light is gathered. The Those features are in its favor, but worked flawlessly.
4-12x44mm version is brighter in the the rest of the rifle is unremarkable. MSRP feels high at $880, but the
4 to 9ish range than the 3-9x40mm ver- The stock is very plasticky, the grip store price is much more reasonable at
sion. Past that, things get a little darker. molding is OK, the bolt is a bit chunky around $700.
But in that sweet spot, this is a better with heavy bolt lift, and the butt pad is
scope. IS A RIFLE & SCOPE COMBO
WORTH IT?
Ruger’s American line have
established themselves as
For the reasons outlined above, none of
well-made, reliable rifles these combos are really a home run—a
capable of a surprising degree
of accuracy.
couple of standup doubles, but nothing
that’ll knock your socks off.
We don’t say that as a bad thing, it just is
what it is. When you’re looking at a price
point like this, you have to manage your
expectations.
For an absolute bare-bones option that
you don’t need to really think about, that
Savage Axis II is a lot of bang for your
buck. If you want something a little nicer
as a first hunting rifle, Winchester’s XPR is
a great contender. The combo we liked the
most is the Ruger American, but the one
that delivers the best bang for the buck is
the Mossberg Patriot, assuming you don’t
want to mount a can.
If you want to press the easy button
and just want something you can pick up
off a shelf, pay your money and take your
chances. But if you want a better long-
term experience, you might want to look
at getting a rifle, scope, mount, and rings
separately.

88| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 STOCK UP! // PATRICK SWEENEY

Give your AR a quick and

simple upgrade with a
telestock ... and
install it correctly.

When you’re loosening or tightening the castle nut, place the

lower such that the pistol grip acts as a rotational block. Here,
the Real Avid tool is ready to tighten the castle nut, since the
lower is on its left side.

90| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |91
 STOCK UP! // PATRICK SWEENEY

This buffer tube wasn’t

screwed in far enough,
and the buffer retainer
fell out. And when
it was opened, the
owner got the “buffer
surprise” that can be
so hazardous.

This buffer retainer Slide the retaining plate back from the
escaped and rattled
around until it could
receiver, and control, remove and set aside
find a way to cause the takedown spring. You can, if you wish,
problems.
now remove the buffer tube by unscrew-
ing it. Once it goes back a turn or two,
the buffer retainer and its spring will pop
loose, so control those and set them aside.
Doesn’t sound so bad, right?
This castle nut hasn’t Well, we can now get to the mistakes,
been staked. That’ll be
changed shortly.
errors and dimensional problems that
crop up.

O
ne of the things that we find stocks. Now, it’s rare to see a fixed stock,
very important in the LE they’re all telestocks. And yet, not all are BUFFER TUBE
Patrol rifle classes is getting properly assembled. Or even tightly as- The buffer tube has to be screwed into the
rifles to fit officers. While sembled. lower receiver hoop far enough to trap the
no one would consider for a moment the The telestock has a buffer tube, a sliding buffer retainer, but not so far that it binds
idea that the standard and only issue shoe stock with some sort of latch, and the tube the retainer down in its tunnel. If not
should be a size 9, the uniform jacket a 38 is secured to the lower receiver by being screwed in far enough, the buffer retainer
Regular and trousers 30L-32W, manage- screwed in and then locked in place with pops out, and it and its spring get to dance
ment blithely assumes that one pistol will what’s called a castle nut. It also holds on with the hammer, trigger or disconnector.
fit them all. And one rifle, as well. to the rear plate that guides the buffer tube Soon the rifle stops working. Install it in
Well … no. and holds in the takedown spring and too far, and the retainer gets bound down
So, in the early days, we saw officers plunger. and doesn’t keep the buffer under control.
arrive with fixed stocks, and they’d look Here’s a quick primer on how to take a When you open the action to disassemble
enviously at the one or two who had tele- telestock apart—not doing it correctly can for cleaning, you get a spring-launched
damage parts: buffer flying across the room. (Or it hits
Unload and disassemble, removing someone, who rightly objects to such
the upper and lower. Remove the treatment.)
buffer and spring. Use a castle nut The solution is to check the engage-
wrench to loosen the castle nut, ment. If the engagement is minimal, you
and then spin it back far enough can remove the buffer and spring, loosen
to clear the retaining plate. the castle nut, turn the buffer tube in
another rotation, and tighten everything
back down again. If your rifle has the
hoop threads cut wrong, then you’ll have
to either swap tubes until you find one
that works or file the lip of the tube you

92| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

 The center-punch goes onto the
Once you’ve
retaining plate, adjacent to the
clicked the
castle nut, at a locking notch.
punch enough
times, you’ll
have a staked
castle nut.

A spring-loaded
center-punch is the
tool you’ll need to
stake your castle nut.

have to fit properly. Screw it in until it notches go to the rear. No, I’m not kidding: things, you get the buffer surprise. So be
holds the retainer down. See how much I’ve seen castle nuts put on the wrong way, careful when you take the upper and lower
too much you have (and it may even stick in part because they’re sometimes screwed apart—you don’t want to take a buffer in
out of the top of the hoop as well), then on to the buffer tube (as a parts kit) at the the face.
remove the tube and carefully file the lip factory just to keep them from being lost Another quick warning here; if you
back until it’s just right. and end up being screwed on wrong. The have opted for a single-point sling and are
You might even end up with an un- castle nut must be torqued on with a prop- using a retaining plate with loops on it to
even—or lipped—tube, with clearance on er wrench. (Anything else will either not clip the sling onto, you can’t stake it. For
the top for the upper receiver, and enough provide enough torque or mar the castle some reason beyond understanding, those
protrusion on the bottom to hold in the nut heinously.) You can use Loctite, but plates are made too hard to be staked. This
retainer. this is more a vibration control, and a belt- is the one time you will have to depend on
Or you can buy a buffer tube that’s been and-suspenders approach. Don’t depend torque and Loctite—at least until you de-
built to provide a retaining lip and still solely on torque and Loctite. cide to give up on single-point slings and
clear the upper. PWS makes one, and it The castle nut has to trap the retaining can rebuild to a regular retaining plate. If
works like a champ. plate flat against the receiver, and once in you just have to have a single-point sling,
Tipped buffer tubes are those that have place you must stake the castle nut. That’s then go with the GG&G adapter, one that
been allowed to move when the castle what the smaller notches are for. Use a clamps on. With it you don’t have to re-
nut has been tightened. The tube, and the spring-loaded center-punch and put the build your telestock to use a single-point
stock attached to it, needs to be vertical to tip against the retaining plate, then close sling.
the bore axis, or else it will be uncomfort- to the gap of the notch. You want to kick
able or difficult to shoot. The trick here up a staked nib that’ll interfere with the CASTLE NUT TORQUING
is keeping the tube vertical while you castle nut unscrewing. You won’t do this You might think that the vise block that fits
tighten the castle nut. There’s no trick, just with just one click, you’ll have to keep at into the magazine well is the way to hold
patience. it until the nib is big enough to do its job. your lower while working on the castle nut.
An un-staked castle nut can loosen, and No. That risks breaking things. Instead, lay
CASTLE NUT when it does, the stock gets all wobbly. the receiver flat on a padded bench. The
The castle nut has notches in its front and If, on top of everything else, the buffer pistol grip will act as your lock. When you
rear edges. The big notches are for the tube wasn’t screwed in far enough, it may go to loosen the nut, lay the lower receiver
wrench that tightens or loosens it, and loosen enough to free the buffer retainer, down on its right side. This way you will
the small notches are for staking. The big and when you go to disassemble to fix by rotating the castle nut toward the pistol

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |93

 STOCK UP! // PATRICK SWEENEY

The PWS buffer tube,

with an extended lip
to retain the buffer
catch, will still clear
the upper receiver.

To remove the slider,

you’ll have to pull
down on the latch,
not lever it. On the
Magpul stocks, you’ll
have to pull down the
crosspin of the latch.

grip. You can place a hand on the pistol You just have to have
a single-point sling
grip and lean on it with your body weight, and use the GG&G
to keep things still. When tightening, lay adapter. That way
you won’t have to
it on the left side, so again, the pistol grip rebuild your stock
is in the direction you’re turning the nut. assembly and then
undo that work once
The Mil-spec limit is 40 ft-lb. That’s a lot you’re tired of the
for this, and all you need, but you still have single-point sling.

to stake it.
And you use a padded bench because
the various things that stick out, like the
bolt latch, or the magazine button fence,
would otherwise be pressed hard against
the bench top.

RETAINING PLATE
If you look at the plate, you’ll see a dished
section, and on the other side that section
is raised. Plates are made by stamping
them out of sheet steel, and part of the
stamping is to create that raised portion.
The raised portion fits into the recess
machined in the lower receiver. It seems
obvious but I’ve seen a couple of rifles that
were assembled with the raised portion
out. When that happens, the retaining
plate can’t stay in place; it’ll rotate, and it’ll
either take the buffer tube with it or it’ll
gouge the buffer tube.

94| GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE|DECEMBER 2023 GUNDIGEST.COM

The original buffer tubes had two locking notches:
open and closed. You can get a lot more today; this is
a six-position tube next to a clone of an original.

The plate also keeps the takedown

spring in place. A quick look to make sure
the spring was pushed fully into the tun-
nel on assembly is warranted. If it wasn’t, it
can be bent, and the plate is tipped. Also,
the spring might not have enough force
to keep the plunger under control, and
you might lose the rear plunger on disas-
sembly.

STOCK SWAP
While this isn’t something done by Wall eter as the tube. will fit a lower receiver, but they won’t per-
Street, exchange the sliding portion of the The threads are the same; they have mit stock swaps without tube swaps. Both
stock on the buffer tube for another one. to be to screw into the receiver. But the use the same springs and buffer weights.
The latch on the USGI style is a hinged slider portion differs, and a mil-spec stock Most tubes, and thus stocks, are now the
lever that pulls the plunger out of the won’t fit onto a commercial tube, while a mil-spec diameter. If yours has a commer-
drilled locking spots. (The originals had commercial stock will be a sloppy fit on a cial-diameter buffer tube, and you want
two: open or closed. Only later did we get mil-spec tube. The easy way to determine? a different slider, you’ll probably find it
more, now you can get up to eight posi- Measure it. Mil-spec tubes are a nominal easier to just rebuild the whole assembly
tions.) The locking plunger rides in a slot 1.148 inches while commercial tubes are a with a new mil-spec tube, to get the stock
machined on the ventral fin of the buffer nominal 1.168 inches in diameter. Either you want.
tube. The lever can’t move the plunger
enough to permit it to leave the groove.
So, to remove the slider, you have to grab
the whole lever, pull it away from the
slider and then slide the stock off. Install
the new one the same way.

MIL-SPEC VERSUS COMMERCIAL

The buffer tube isn’t the same for all
stocks. Less so now than in the old days,
there are “commercial” tubes that differ.
The original-spec tubes are made from
forgings, and the tube is machined. If you
look closely at a mil-spec tube, you’ll see
that the tops of the threads are higher than
the tube body. The commercial tubes (as-
suming anyone makes them anymore, but
you might still run into an older rifle with
one) are made by extrusion.
Here, a heated cylinder of aluminum
is forced through a shaping die, and the
tube is brought down to diameter while
the ventral fin is formed. Then, the tube
is threaded. The threads can’t be larger in
diameter than the tube. (Well … they can,
but that adds time, machinery and cost
to their manufacture … so it ain’t hap-
pening.) And if you look at a commercial
tube, the thread tops are the same diam-

GUNDIGEST.COM
 Atlanta, GA | June 7-9, 2024

Ft. Worth, TX Salt Lake City, UT

Feb 23-24, 2024 October 4-5, 2024

FOR DETAILS ON ALL THREE EVENTS, GO TO

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FIRST LOOK // GDTM EDITORS

SDS Imports is offering the 1911A1s

in both 9mm and .45 ACP.
bered for both 9mm and .45 ACP. Aviator pistols include their GI sights
Regardless of the caliber selected, with brass bead inserts, round ham-
Tisas 1911A1 Aviator pistols come with mers and 4.5- to 5-pound trigger pulls.
an H-151 Satin Aluminum Cerakote The guns ship with overmolded black
finish on their frames while the slides rubber grips installed, but a set of dark
and smaller components sport an brown plastic grips are included as

T
isas of Turkey is known for H-146 Black Cerakote finish. well.
its affordable 1911 pistols, Both models also feature 4140 ham- Further, both the .45 ACP and 9mm
and SDS Imports has just mer-forged slides and hammer-forged models will ship with a water-tight
announced two new mod- steel barrels that are 4.25 inches long. lockable hard case, a bushing wrench,
els that will soon be available in the For some extra flair, the pistols also a cleaning kit, a trigger lock and two
United States. Called the 1911A1 Avia- have the Army Aviation badge engraved 7-round magazines.
tor, they feature lightweight aluminum on their slides. The pistols share an MSRP of
frames and will be available cham- Other notable features of the 1911A1 $529.99.

GUNDIGEST.COM DECEMBER 2023|GUN DIGEST THE MAGAZINE |97

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