DPMS Tactical Precision Rifle

DPMS Firearms

St. Cloud, MN --(Ammoland.com)- DPMS Firearms, (“DPMS”), continuing their commitment to customer service, has responded to numerous customer requests for a lighter, enhanced version of the previous DPMS Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (“SDMR”).

The new TPR (Tactical Precision Rifle) is built for long-range accuracy and features a 20-inch, bead-blasted, 416 stainless steel heavy barrel (HBAR).

Other features include a M111 Modular Free-Float rail system, an AAC Blackout flash suppressor, B5 Systems – Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) stock, Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) grip and trigger guard.

The DPMS Tactical Precision Rifle combines long-range precision and tactical adaptability and is chambered in 5.56 NATO. Suggested retail is $1349.00.

For more information on DPMS rifles, please visit http://www.dpmsinc.com

About DPMS Firearms:
DPMS Firearms, (“DPMS”) is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS provides choices for high-power and small-bore shooters by offering rifles and assemblies chambered in 204 Ruger, 223 Remington, 5.56×45 NATO, 243Winchester, 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8×43 SPC, 30 Remington AR, 308 Winchester and 338 Federal. More information about the company can be found at www.dpmsinc.com.

Magpul® is a trademark of Magpul Industries Corp.

Mossberg 715T Tactical Flat Top Rifle Red Dot Combo

Mossberg

North Haven, CT --(Ammoland.com)- In 2010, Mossberg International introduced a series of tactical .22LR rifles with the look and feel of AR-style rifles, based on the proven 702 Plinkster® autoloader platform.

With the phenomenal success of the carry handle offerings of the 715T Tactical rimfire rifle, Mossberg International is pleased to introduce a versatile 715T Tactical Flat Top .22LR version.

Available are fixed stock and six-position adjustable stock versions in non-reflective black matte and Mossy Oak® Brush® camo finishes and convenient Red Dot Combo package. Each version is available with an optional 10-round or 25-round capacity magazine.

These lightweight and fast-handling autoloading rifles feature a flat top receiver design with full-length, Picatinny top rail; compact 16 ¼-inch free-floating barrels with matte blue finish; and choice of synthetic fixed stock (13 inch LOP) or six-position adjustable stock (10 ½ to 14 ¼-inches LOP) for ease of customizing fit to the individual shooter. Rugged synthetic stocks and forends are available in matte black or Brush camo finishes. Picatinny quad-rail forend design allows the operator to easily equip rifle with optics or other accessories. Additional features include removable front and rear adjustable rifle sights (front sight is adjustable for elevation and rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation); removable A-2 style muzzle brake; ergonomic pistol grip; sling swivel studs; and option of 10-round or 25-round detachable magazines. The 25-round version comes with handy magazine loading tool.

A convenient, field-ready combo version of the black synthetic 715T Flat Top comes equipped with a 30mm Red Dot sight.

Whether you are looking for a versatile rimfire rifle for plinking at the range, hunting or for a cost-effective training tool, the Mossberg International line of 715T Tactical rifles has one to fit your needs. Please visit our web site at www.mossberg.com for complete specifications on these tactical .22LR rifles and other value-packed bolt-action and autoloading rimfires.

Mossberg 715T Tactical Flat Top Camo Rifle

Models Include:

• Mossberg International 715T Tactical Flat Top:
• Mossberg International 715T Tactical Flat Top Red Dot Combo:
• Mossberg International 715T Tactical Flat Top Camo:

Mossy Oak® and Brush® are registered trademarks of Haas Outdoors, Inc.

About Mossberg International

Founded in 2002 as a subsidiary of Mossberg Corporation and offers a lineup of semi-automatic and bolt action rimfire rifles, as well as over-under, side-by-side and semi-auto shotguns. To learn more about Mossberg Corporation family of companies, including Mossberg International, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, and Maverick Arms, please visit www.mossberg.com.

Parabellum Armament Ambidextrous Charging Handles For M4/M16/Ar15

Parabellum Armament

Cincinnati OH --(Ammoland.com)- Parabellum Armament Company, a veteran owned and operated company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of USA made products for military, law enforcement and responsible citizens, in partnership with Arma Dynamics is proud to announce the new line of Ambidextrous Charging Handles for the M4/M16/AR15 weapon system family.

Designed and intended for the military environment, the new line features two variants- The URL (Universal Release Latch) and ADF (Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning) models.Parabellum Armament Ambidextrous Charging Handles

Both models share a common, ergonomic shape which is wider than the standard USGI charging handle and designed with contoured ergonomic grasping surfaces to assist in charging handle operation. This patented shape is the result of a human, form-factors study and is unique within the industry. No other M4/M16/AR15 charging handle has ever been designed as specifically around the human movement.

Both the ‘URL’ and ‘ADF’ charging handle products share an identical shape and have 80%+ parts commonality.

‘URL’ Model Charging Handle - The Universal Release Latch model offers a large push tab on the rear of the grasping surface which goes beyond ambidextrous activation by making it universal. No matter what hand is used, an intuitive and normal grasping action is used to operate the mechanism. Closing the thumb and fingers together in a natural grip from any side or angle will compress the rear mounted latch release button, thereby freeing the latch simultaneously as the hand begins to withdraw the charging handle. The ‘URL’ charging handle provides the most intuitive and natural function possible based upon the normal physiology of the thumb and fingers naturally closing together during the gripping motion.

Installation of the ‘URL’ charging handle converts any M16/M4-based weapon system into a universal platform. No longer will any attention need to be paid to strong or weak side operation of the charging handle as the same completely intuitive and normal central grasping motion is instead utilized for every charging event and is equally available from either side or any condition. Weapon charging becomes a smooth, controlled and highly efficient operation that requires no re-training of muscle memory as the natural gripping action required is inherent in human physiology. Off-side, weak-side and non-traditional charging and weapons handling drills and exercises become a thing of the past as the ‘URL’ model charging handle allows the exact same grasping location, inherent feel, and tactile activation from all contact angles. There is no longer any need to switch techniques during these weapon manipulations as the centrally located rear operated activation button operates the same in all situations.

‘ADF’ Model Charging Handle - The Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning model appeals to the operator who prefers the advantages of ambidextrous activation, combined with aggressive activation during rapid-action scenarios.

The ‘ADF’ charging handle is engineered to eliminate the traditional weakness found in normal charging handles when certain modern charging techniques, such as “blading”, are used to rapidly and forcefully open the latch and charge the weapon. Under such techniques the full direct force of the operators actions are directed into the very small and weak latch retaining pin area, an area that was never designed to accommodate such forces.

The revolutionary ‘ADF’ activation mechanism design completely eliminates that pathway of force transmission. With the new design there is NO direct contact, or force transmission, into the latch pivot pin itself along that pathway, eliminating any chance of breaking the pin or tearing apart the charging handle at that location. Instead, this design offers right and left side activation levers that provide initial contact to begin opening the latch, but then the force transmission pathway immediately re-directs all rearward forces back into the structure of the charging handle itself, removing any shock and stress to either the individual activation levers or the retaining latch itself. By this mechanical force pathway management, a direct, rapid force can be applied to the charging handle at its strongest, most massive, location while removing any chance of damage to the activation levers or latch system.

Further, the dual activation levers feature true balanced-force activation such that activation of the handle using either lever results in a smooth, light and easy, opening of the retaining latch with no drag or hesitation. With this ambidextrous design, each activation lever moves independently of the other, biased only by a unique ultra-light spring force and not interconnected to the other lever or latch itself. Other designs mechanically interconnect the separate levers which cause drag, excessive opening force and wear to the components.

The ‘ADF’ design offers the traditional look and feel of forward mounted activation levers but adds the capability of utilizing newer manipulation techniques without fear of damaging the latch or handle. This greatly reduces the chance of damage to the host weapon’s internal components such as bolt, bolt rings, and bolt carrier as can happen when a conventional charging handle is overstressed and fails.

Both models are currently in limited series production and professional deployments. Pricing and availability have not been determined.

About Parabellum Armament:
Parabellum Armament, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a company owned and operated by seasoned combat soldiers. Dedicated to making USA made, high quality tactical gear and accessories for operators and individuals that put themselves in Harm’s Way, Parabellum Armament has set the bar to very high standards for quality products made to protect the very lives the protect our freedoms. Parabellum Armament designed and developed the patented AK Adaptive Rail System (AKARS) that upgrades the popular AK rifle and its variants to a level of accuracy often associated with AR/M16/M4 models. For more information on Parabellum Armament, visit www.parabellumarmament.com

Wilson Combat Develops Match-Grade Custom AR-15 Barrels

Wilson Combat

Berryville, AR --(Ammoland.com)- Wilson Combat, a leader in AR-15 parts, rifles and accessories since 1999 announces a line-up of custom, match-grade AR-15 barrels in numerous, popular calibers and multiple profile configurations geared towards the amateur or professional AR-builder alike.

Wilson Combat is quickly becoming the recognized leader in high quality custom AR barrels and now we have over 40 different variations of barrels that span 6 popular calibers that are sure to meet the needs of your AR project.

Whether you are punching holes in paper, hunting or building rifles for tactical applications, we have a match-quality barrel that can take your AR accuracy and reliability to a new level of performance.

Wilson Combat Match Grade AR-15 barrels are precisely crafted of the finest American-made 416R rifle rated steel on computer-controlled equipment to our exacting list of technical specifications. These proven barrels feature a hand-polished bore and feedramps and then complete a rigorous final inspection process that ensures your new barrel will meet your most demanding expectations.

All barrels feature crisp CNC markings, precision target grade muzzle crown and a chamber and gas port optimized for long-term reliability. Barrels are available conventionally or polygonal rifled in several configurations.

Starting at $249.95, All Wilson Combat AR barrels are available in a matte bead-blasted stainless finish or your color choice of our famed Armor-Tuff® finish. Barrels are available in .204 Ruger, .223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC-II, .300 Blackout and 7.62X40 Wilson Tactical calibers.

Wilson Combat Custom AR-15 Barrels

Learn more about our array of AR-15 barrels and our complete line of custom handgun and long gun parts and accessories at www.wilsoncombat.com.

Heckler & Koch MR556A1 Upper Receiver Kit

Heckler & Koch

Las Vegas, NV --(Ammoland.com)- The MR556A1 Upper Receiver Kit allows high quality AR-style rifles to be retrofitted to HK’s famous pusher rod operating system.

An MR556A1 Upper Receiver Kit includes a complete barrel assembly, HK Free Floating Rail System handguard, complete bolt carrier assembly, HK buffer, and HK buffer spring.

The same operating system is used in the combat-proven 5.56 mm HK416 as well as the G36, XM8, HK417, and a variety of other Heckler & Koch arms. The Upper Receiver Kit is designed to be fully interchangeable with all high quality AR-style firearms that use retractable buttstocks and MIL-SPEC buffer tubes. Installation is accomplished by inserting the HK buffer and buffer spring and attaching the HK upper to an AR lower receiver using the standard takedown pins.

The Upper Receiver Kit is the core of the HK 5.56 mm proprietary gas piston operating system. It employs a piston and a solid operating “pusher” rod in place of the gas tube normally found in AR15/M16/M4-style firearms. The HK piston driven operating system virtually eliminates malfunctions that are common to the direct gas impingement system since hot carbon fouling and waste gases do not enter the receiver area. This is the same key feature critical to the success of the HK416 rifles used by leading military and law enforcement customers.

Like the MR556A1 rifle, the Upper Receiver Kit is made in the USA using German and American made components. The MR556A1 Upper Receiver Kit is classified as a part and can be purchased without a Federal Firearms License ( FFL). Suggested Retail Price is $2,195.

About:
Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An international company with a manufacturing presence in Germany and the USA, Heckler & Koch is a transformative leader in design and manufacturing. Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, HK416 rifles and carbines, and the recently introduced HK45 and P30 series pistols. US WEBSITE: www.hk-usa.com

Del-Ton Extreme Duty

Del-Ton Incorporated Now Shipping The New DTI Extreme Duty AR-15-Style Modern Sporting Rifle

Del-Ton, Inc

Elizabethtown, N.C. -(Ammoland.com)- Del-Ton Incorporated has begun shipping its new DTI Extreme Duty AR-15 style modern sporting rifle (MSR). “I am very proud of this rifle,” says Tony Autry, president and CEO of Del-Ton. “This is our most ambitious design, to date, and we have succeeded in producing a spectacular MIL-SPEC rifle for the enthusiast seeking high end enhancements.”

Key features include:

• 16” FN Manufacturing 1X7 twist, hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel for long life (HPT/MPI tested)
• Chambered in 5.56 X 45
• Upper and lower receivers are MIL-SPEC, forged 7075 T6 aluminum, hard coat anodized
• MIL-SPEC phosphated 8620 steel carrier assembly with HPT/MPI tested Carpenter 158 bolt that are heat treated and plated; chrome-lined carrier interior and key
• M4 handguard with double heat shield and aluminum Delta ring assembly
• M4 rifling profile and feed ramps
• M4, five-position buttstock with MIL-SPEC buffer tube
• Troy Industries flip-up rear sight
• Ships with sling, 30 round magazine, buttstock cleaning kit, and hard case

The MSRP for the DTI Extreme Duty is $989.00.

About:
Del-Ton Incorporated is a manufacturer of quality of modern sporting rifles and an online supplier for parts, upgrades, accessories, optics and custom rifle kits. Based in Elizabethtown, N.C., all rifles and components for Del-Ton products are made in the U.S.A. and Del-Ton rifles carry a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.del-ton.com” www.del-ton.com for detailed product information.

• Time: January 28, 2012 all day
  
• Location: Will County Sheriff’s Police Range, Joliet, IL – classroom
  
• Organized By: Kim Heath

Women's Tactical Association

Joliet, IL - -(Ammoland.com)- Event Description: Introduction to the AR-15/M-16, first in a series of rifle classes.

This 4 hour class will focus on rifle nomenclature, how to disassemble and reassemble the rifle, how to clean it, inspect a pool gun for proper assembly and function prior to your start of shift, common function problems, lubrication, parts failures, and the why/how they work. Functional knowledge of your weapon system is vital to keep it up and running, and will allow the shooter to make better use of future training sessions.

This block of instruction is being offered separately from the other rifle classes, 102, 103, etc, to allow for more range/trigger training time for the shooters in those classes, and will minimize time spent on rifle malfunctions due to improper lubrication and assembly. The goal is for shooters to be comfortable with why their rifle works and be able to focus their future training energy and time on the new skills at hand.

Requirements for this class are an AR-15/M-16 rifle, clear safety glasses(no tint), notepad and pen. Class will be taught inside a heated classroom, there will be no live fire.

This class will last approximately 4 hours, depending on the needs of the attendees. I am off that day and have not set a specific time because I want to get your feedback and hold the class when it is convenient for the most people. Please post a comment to this event stating the time(s) that day that would be the best for you, if you plan to attend, majority wins.

Maximum class size is 18, price is $10. Payment via PayPal will be set up shortly.

See more details (you may have to register to sign in) and RSVP on Women’s Tactical Association: http://tiny.cc/gg9eo

About:
Women’s Tactical Association: The primary mission of the WTA is to promote and encourage training and education among female Law Enforcement in an effort to enhance and refine skills in the areas of firearms, combat mindset, tactics and fitness. Visit: www.womenstactical.ning.com

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, is pleased to offer five rifles that are compliant with California’s bullet button laws.

Colt’s LE6920CA, three of Colt’s Magpul-accessorized 6920s (the LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and the LE6920CMP-O) and the LE6940CA will all be made available in California for 2012.

“We are pleased to offer such a varied assortment of rifles for California,” said David Ridley, Vice President, Colt Defense LLC, “This selection of guns, complete with the necessary bullet button, give sportsmen numerous options when choosing a quality Colt rifle that meets the state’s compliance requirements.”

With its lightweight design and potent firepower capability, the Colt 6920 Law Enforcement carbine is a popular choice for tactical deployment and traditional patrol. Weighing 6.95 pounds and measuring 35.5 inches with the stock extended, the 6920 is effectively mobile. The LE6920CA has a 16-inch barrel with a safe-semi rate of fire and an effective range distance of 600 meters.

The Colt LE6940CA is another popular option for tactical operators. This M4 rifle weighs slightly less than the 6920 and offers a one-piece monolithic rail that extends from the rear of the upper receiver to the front sight. Built for long-range acquisition capability, the 6940 offers unmatched advantages in situations where accuracy is key. Other features of the LE6940CA include the A2 pistol grip, DCH rear sight, Colt flash suppressor and a nine-round magazine.

Colt’s LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and LE6920CMP-O are the bullet button versions of Colt’s newest rifle offering, the LE6920MP. Complimenting the black 6920 Colt M4 carbine are some of Magpul’s most popular firearm accessories in either black, flat dark earth or olive drab. Magpul parts that come standard on these rifles include the MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), MOE Hand Guard, Generation 2 Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS), MOE-K Hand Grip, MOE Trigger Guard, MOE Carbine Stock.

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

Colt And Magpul Partner To Offer Fully-Accessorized Rifle - Colt Magpull LE6920MP Rifle

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, will bring to market the LE6920MP, a rifle standard equipped with many of Magpul’s most popular firearm accessories.

Available this month, this version of Colt’s top selling LE6920 will be available in a variety of color combinations complete with multiple Magpul accessories.

This rifle is the first product Colt Defense and Magpul have developed together.

“By combining Colt’s quality firearm with Magpul’s popular accessories and offering them together in one standard product we are giving customers an option to save time and money,” said David Ridley, Vice President, Colt Defense LLC. “Magpul has earned its reputation for developing and manufacturing some of the most innovative firearm accessories available, and by making those accessories available as standard equipment on the new Colt LE6920MP we feel confident this firearm will be one of the highest quality products available.”

At the base of this new AR platform rifle is Colt’s popular 6920 Law Enforcement Carbine, proven to be effectively mobile during tactical deployment and traditional patrol. With a fully retracted buttstock, the carbine measures only 30.5 inches and weighs in at only 6.8 pounds. Tried and true, this carbine boasts proven advantages like a safe, semi-automatic rate of fire for potent firepower capability and speed of target acquisition.

The advantage of the LE6920MP is the addition of Magpul’s American-made accessories as standard equipment. The Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) additions are cost effective products engineered to enhance weapon performance and usability.

“The Colt name has been synonymous with quality, reliability and pride in craftsmanship for decades,” says Drake Clark Senior Director of OEM sales, Magpul Inds. Corp, “The integration of Magpul’s industry leading designs into Colt’s top quality AR-15s brings tremendous value to the customer.”

Magpul accessories on the new Colt LE6920MP platform include the MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), MOE Hand Guard, Generation 2 Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS), MOE-K Hand Grip, MOE Trigger Guard, MOE Carbine Stock and two durable 30-round Magpul Polymer Magazines (PMAG).

The Magpul MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), which is attached to the mid-length MOE Hand Guard and features an ergonomic design, is optimized for use with the thumb break shooting method. The LE6920MP is the only rifle on the market that offers the MVG as standard equipment.

The Generation 2 Magpul Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS) is a spring-loaded flip-up sight that stows to just .51 inches above the rail and can be folded with either aperture in position. The MOE-K Hand Grip, with a compact design and a steeper, more vertical grip angle allows for improved comfort and control. Paired with the MOE-K grip is the polymer MOE Trigger Guard that has rounded edges and features a shallow “V” shape, beneficial for shooters wearing gloves in tactical or cold weather operations.

Also issued on the rifle is the MOE Carbine Stock, which has a streamlined A-frame profile. An extra-power lock mechanism with premium chrome-silicon springs helps to prevent auto-collapse failure and resists spring relaxation to deter auto-collapse failure. The rubber butt-pad offers prevention from shoulder slippage, even while wearing modular gear or body armor.

All models also come with two durable 30-round Magpul Polymer Magazines (PMAG) which have become the industry standard for reliable, impact resistant and resilient rifle-compatible magazines.

In addition to the black model, LE6920MP-B, other models being offered are the LE6920MP-FDE rifle, which features Magpul parts in flat dark earth; the LE6920MP-O including Magpul parts in olive drab; and the LE6920MPG-B with green anodized receivers and Magpul parts in black. Excluding the LE6920MPG-B, these rifles are also available with a bullet button for California compliance.

Both companies are excited to announce this partnership and bring these superior firearms to market.

“Combining our products and giving shooters a quality rifle complete with accessories straight out of the box is something we’re excited to offer shooters,” said Ridley, “It is likely that this will not be the last product to come from this partnership.”

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

AR15.com & Rockcastle Pro Am 3Gun Championship

AR15.com

Honeoye Falls, NY -(Ammoland.com)- Rockcastle Shooting Center, the nation’s premier shooting competition site hosted the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro Am 3 Gun Championship August 26-28, 2011 in Park City, Kentucky.

Brownells, Sinclair and PoliceStore.com along with Hornady teamed up with AR15.com as title sponsors of the biggest match in 3 Gun history.

Accomplishing the goal of taking the popular 3 Gun format to the next level, the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro Am exceeded all expectations.

The pro course was fun and challenging and the amateur course was nothing less. When combined with first time competitors, it was probably some of the most fun shooting they’d ever done! I know every amateur shooter I spoke to said they’re looking forward to competing on a regular basis now. Mission accomplished.

STAFF
Let me start off by saying that no matter where you hold an event, it is the people that make it successful. I can tell you that you’d be hard-pressed to put together a better team than the folks that worked on planning and executing this event.

A HUGE thanks goes out to Joe DeBergalis, Jeff Cramblit, Nick and Nate Noble, Linda Chico, and everyone else that put in countless hours leading up to the event. Most people do not see the magnitude of effort involved in making sure everything runs smoothly, but when an event of this size is executed flawlessly, you can bet that it’s not by chance.

In addition, no less gratitude to all that worked the event from the lodging, registration, scoring, range officers, and water and cold towel teams (yes- not only did they make sure everyone had access to COLD water at all times, but they even brought you cold towels to cool off during the stages!). First class all the way.

FACILITY
Next to the incredible team, the Rockcastle Shooting Center itself was one of the key elements to making this event the success that it was.

It is the newest entity of the Park Mammoth property comprised of approximately 2000 acres. The Shooting Center offers sporting clays, rifle ranges from 50 out to 1,000 yards and beyond, multiple pistol ranges and two 20-target 3-D Archery courses set across picturesque and diverse terrain. They even have a permanent cowboy action shooting town complete with five old western facade stages.

It was also home for most of the attendees. This meant that you could wake up and have breakfast (either at the buffet in the restaurant or grab a couple of wraps from the LaRue BBQ trailer), go shoot your stages, come back and shower, visit the vendors, have dinner, attend the awards, and stay up late drinking with everyone all without leaving the event site!
The main building provided check-in, registration, bar and restaurant, scoring, and posted results each day.

STAGES
We arrived a day early and got a chance to go and scout the various stages. Spread out over the rolling Kentucky hills, the various stages were grouped together for the most part so both the amateur and pro versions of each stage were in the same general area. Many of the stages were very similar between the amateur/pro, with the pro stages typically having a few more targets perhaps at longer distances.

They varied from open long range rifle shots taken through a barricade to walking through the woods where targets were hidden throughout the trees to shooting both from in and around cars. I will say there were quite a few cars on the course!

The organizers did a great job not only setting up each stage to be different, fun, and challenging, but also scheduling everyone so that you never had to rush or wait for a stage. You also had the opportunity between stages to shoot a side match, watch others shoot, grab a bite to eat, or plan your next strategy.
Amateur Stage 5: long range targets are engaged from underneath orange ports, then transition to handgun to finish off the close targets.

SIDE MATCHES
In addition to the course of fire for competitors, there were a number of “side matches”; these were opportunities to shoot both for fun, and to compete. Awards were given to top performers in these side matches, but all of them were worth it regardless.

These stages were available to spectators as well as competitors, and firearms as well as ammo and any needed gear were provided at each by the sponsors. Here is a sampling of what was available:

Spikes/CMMG Machinegun Shoot
Both of these sponsors brought a variety of machineguns that folks were allowed to shoot. Everything from .22LR to 300BLK full-auto suppressed was available, and I know those that shot here had a blast.

Benelli Challenge
Benelli offered a chance to shoot prototypes of their new (coming soon) 3-Gun shotgun. Shooting a combination of steel and clay presented a difficult scenario that required not only quick shooting, but quick reloading. Benelli recorded and streamed this stage live, and it is amazing to watch some of the shooters perform this at speed.

LaRue 1000yd Range
LaRue set up on a long range with targets at various distances out to 1000yds. This was an opportunity to shoot both .223 as well as .308 versions of LaRue’s rifles.

Spotting for the long targets was provided by none other than Dakota Meyer, a Kentucky farm boy who just this past Thursday received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award, from President Obama at the White House. If you do not know who Dakota is, then I recommend reading up. Not only was it an honor to be there with him, but I watched him repeatedly hit the targets at 1000yds offhand with a semi auto rifle.

Crimson Trace Cave Shoot
Perhaps the most unique side match of the day was the Crimson Trace Cave Shoot. Leaving the 95 degree sun, you head into a dark but cool hole in the ground. About a hundred yards in is the start. Participants choose a handgun equipped with a Crimson Trace white light/laser combo, and then proceed through a narrow cave engaging multiple targets.

The first time through you realize this is probably the only time you’ll ever get to do this, so that drives multiple runs through this stage. I know we ran through it a couple of times one day, and then went through again on our way to the airport early the next morning. You just don’t get to shoot in caves often enough.
LaRue at their 1000yd range. They provided all the rifles, ammo, and assistance.

MISC
If the amazing stages weren’t enough, and the side matches still left you wanting more, rest assured things don’t end there…

Shooting Clinics
Seven individual Pro Clinics sponsored by NSSF, were conducted for amateurs by top 3-Gun competitors. Jumpstarting and demystifying the entry into 3-Gun competition, the pros offered shooting tips, equipment selection and overall advice. Nothing like spending quality time with some of the best shooters in the world.

Vendors
A number of vendors set up shop around the dinner/awards area so that after a day of shooting, you could browse their merchandise, upgrade your guns, or fix something that might have broken during the day. I think it’s a great resource to have these vendors on site, and I may have bought an item or two that I didn’t know I needed.

Food
Each night, dinner was provided right on site. These were catered meals with plenty of good food for everyone. CMMG sponsored the first night’s meal, and you got to love a vendor who’s not only making the cool products you want, but willing to feed you as well!

LaRue BBQ
Speaking of which, LaRue brought his BBQ trailer and I got to say it was one of the highlights of the event. Early morning through late evening, you could walk up to this trailer, order a couple of authentic dead-center of Texas brisket wraps, put your choice of condiments on it, grab a bag of chips and a cold drink and have yourself a great meal. And did I mention it’s always free?

Not only did Mark LaRue feed the attendees, but he personally delivered food to ROs and other staff working the show throughout the day. Once again folks- these are the types of businesses that support our community, and we couldn’t be luckier. A big thanks to Mark and his crew who cooked all day and night to make sure no one went hungry on their watch.
One of the highlights of any event is the LaRue BBQ- brisket and sausage wraps, chips and drinks free all weekend long.

SPONSORS
This event would not have been possible without the support of many in our industry. Special thanks for all those that put the event together, but also to those that supported it with the funds and products to make it a great success.

These include but are not limited to Brownells, Sinclair, and PoliceStore.com as well as Hornady. These folks not only helped make the event a reality, but they were there in person which in my humble opinion is worth at least as much as if not more than the dollars they contributed. So a big thanks to Pete and Frank Brownell, Steve Hornady, and the many other companies and representatives that donated their time, products and money to the event.

Keep these companies in mind when you make your next purchases, as these are examples of companies that are in this business because they’re like you and me. They love our sport, support our rights, and put their money and time back into it.
An example of the way this event combined advertising with course design.

On the flip side, I hope that all those that sponsored this event feel they got their money’s worth. The event staff did an incredible job making sure sponsors were listed on shirts, signs put up, and in many cases these companies were part of the course itself.

PRIZE TABLE
These sponsors not only made the event possible, but they helped put together the largest prize table ever in the history of 3-Gun Competitions. I kid you not when I say there was table upon table of prizes laid out as far as the eye could see. No picture can do justice to the number of prizes, and each prize was not a single item, but a package of many items. And this was just the amateur prizes! The pros had their own version of this the next day!

Each competitor got a prize package worth at the very least, the amount of their entry fee. While our hope was to make sure everyone felt they got their money’s worth, a side effect is that other events are going to pale in comparison. Thanks again to all of our sponsors for making this happen. In addition, this event raised funds for a number of organizations.

NRA
One company that I want to make sure I single out is the NRA. For years they have taken the punches as many accuse them of not supporting “our” guns, not standing up for black rifles, and whatever other accusations people have made.

While I do believe that a few years ago they may not have been as “black rifle outspoken” as many of us may have wanted, I think things have changed drastically and their support for this event is just one example.

The NRA was a strong partner in this 3-Gun shoot, and that included their donation of the shooter bags given to all attendees. They contributed prizes to the prize table, set up and ran a mini-3gun course for kids and spectators shooting .22LR, and had a strong presence by staff including several Board of Directors in attendance.

Whatever misconceptions you may have about the NRA, get over them and make sure that we all support those who work to protect our Second Amendment Rights. The NRA has never been more outwardly pro-black rifle than it is today, and that’s a reflection of it’s members driving it. Make sure you support the NRA, and encourage all your family and friends to do the same, and together we will make sure “our” rights are protected.

SUMMARY
Overall, I cannot say enough thanks to all for making this event the success that it was. To the organizers, staff, sponsors, attendees and everyone else that made it a reality, I offer my sincerest gratitude. Not simply for making it run smoothly and safely, but for the long term effect that it will have.

I think we have created a format that will more actively involve shooters in the years to come. I think it will encourage those that attended to continue to shoot. Those that did not attend to make sure they don’t miss the next one. Sponsors to be more intimately involved with their customers at events such as this. The media to continue to put these events on television so more and more people can be educated about these “scary” guns, get used to seeing them, and draw a bunch of them out to shoot.

So a heartfelt thanks to everyone for the 2011 AR15.com Rockcastle Pro Am 3 Gun Championship, and looking forward to seeing everyone at the next one!

About:
AR15.Com originated in 1996 as a mailing list for firearm enthusiasts. As the years passed and interest grew, a website came into existence to present those same enthusiasts with a means to collect, share, and explore information. Shortly afterwards, a bulletin board was added to create a more interactive experience for the growing list of users. The site was still in it’s infancy, but was growing in popularity. Visit: www.ar15.com

AR15.com

Honeoye Falls, NY -(Ammoland.com)- Last month I had the opportunity to go to the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro Am 3 Gun Championship. It has been fifteen+ years since I shot a 3 gun match, and a lot has changed.

I am now 53 years old and 25 pounds heavier than I was then, so I was skeptical to accept this invitation at first. I didn’t really need the hassle of gearing up and preparing for a whole new game and I remember 3 gun being complicated and overburdened with rules. Regardless, I decided to check it out and after reading the rules and requirements I was very pleased to see how easy it would be to key up for this match.

The rules were very basic, as always, SAFETY FIRST:

Cold Range, no handling firearms, other than in a designated safe handling area, keep your handgun in your holster, long guns cased or muzzles up until ready to shoot under the direction of a range safety officer
Eye & ear protection mandatory for everyone

Ammo requirements were easy and uncomplicated:

• Pistol requires 9mm or larger no AP or Tracer
• Rifle requirement is .223 or larger, no AP or Tracer
• Shotgun requirement is 20ga. or larger, no steel shot
• Any holster that retained the handgun at belt level and protects the trigger is allowed
• No cross draw or shoulder holsters

Firearm requirements were simple as well:

• Minimum requirement is a factory-configured handgun
• A revolver, single stack or high cap auto will all work fine
• No Race guns or Space guns needed
• Rifles were typically the AR15 type, however any semi automatic with a detachable mag will work
• Quite a few competitors were using pump shotguns, although semi auto with 7 plus round tubes seemed to be the most popular.
• Just about anything you have will work

You can dig out your old 1911, Glock or whatever you already have. Any old AR and a riot gun will get you started playing, but look out- 3 gun can be addicting!

The organizers put tremendous effort and succeeded in coming up with courses of fire that challenged your mind and body and required forethought as to shooting tactics, shooting skills, and a little physical effort as well. All of the stages were fun, fast, and challenging. Most of the stages required about 50 yards of movement while engaging 17 to 25 targets.

None of the stages were so difficult that you would need to run a marathon or the stadium steps to prepare for, however I was inspired to get into a little better physical condition after returning home.

Here is a brief description of the Amateur stages:

Stage #1 Shotgun only (17 targets) – Variety of steel and paper targets; and did I mention you got to kick down a door?

Stage #2 Shotgun only (17 targets) – Blazing fast course on larger targets if you didn’t mess up your reloads (like I did).

Stage #3 Rifle (14 targets) Handgun (8 targets) – Run downhill with rifle approx. 20 yards engaging 9 paper targets, on left and right. Then run up a steep hill about 30 yards and engage 5 more steel rifle targets at 100-250 yards prone through a port in a barricade. Then stand, draw handgun, and engage 8 targets both paper and steel. Side note: I’m glad we started running downhill, it gave this older, slightly overweight competitor the momentum to run up the other side.

Stage #4 Shotgun (14 targets) Handgun (11 targets) – All up hill in a heavily wooded area engage the 14 shotgun targets on left and right, some partially obscured by trees and shrubs. Upon reaching the summit, draw the handgun to engage 11 various targets. Piece of cake except for the uphill part and the one tree that would not get out of my line of fire.

Stage #5 Rifle (15 Targets) Handgun (8 targets) – Flat Ground finally. Proceed towards the car engaging 5 targets on left and right originally obscured by barricades. Then using the car for cover, engage 10 more rifle targets, between 7 and 230 yards. Then draw and engage 8 handgun targets both steel and paper. This was the longest course to shoot (time wise). Targets were challenging and the shooting positions were constrictive.

Stage # 6 Rifle (10 Targets) Handgun (12 targets) – Starting seated inside a car with hands placed on the steering wheel, grab your rifle from the passenger side and engage 8 targets through the passenger window (not something you get to do every day). Exit the car and engage 2 more rifle targets. Draw your handgun and engage 12 targets including poppers and movers, while moving an among the other cars on the range and try not to shoot the cars. Very fast and different from the norm.

Stage # 7 Rifle (10 targets) Handgun (10 targets) – Engage 10 rifle targets from between barrel barricades ranging from point blank to 7 yards. Draw handgun to engage 10 targets while charging forward into small room like areas. Fast and furious, this course was CQB at it’s best. Less than 20 yards movement, longest target 7 yards. It was one of the most challenging stages and many a competitor left more than one target standing.

I was on squad 16, a group of guys whose participation, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship made this event one of the most enjoyable events I have ever attended. Everyone on the squad pitched in to reset and tape targets, everyone was courteous, encouraging and helpful to each other in preparation and through clean up.

We were lucky enough to be squaded with Jim- one of the nicest, most accommodating and helpful gentlemen I have ever met. It wasn’t until later that we came to find out he was Jim Noble, father to Nick and Nate Noble who are the owners of the Rockcastle Shooting Center. I can’t say enough about what a pleasure it is to be squadded with a group of guys like this, and what a great family the Nobles are.

At this event I was blessed enough to meet up with old friends that I haven’t seen in years, and to meet new ones that I look forward to shooting with in the future.

All of the sponsors were extremely generous; the prize table (all 100+ feet of it) was spectacular! I’ve never seen such an array of prizes. Every shooter went away with a prize in hand valued higher than their entry fee. Everyone associated with the Rockcastle Shooting Range and Lodge was the best. Thanks to all for making this a great event!

3 Gun is a fast paced, fun new sport that you won’t have to break the bank to get started in. So grab your 3 favorite guns and dust them off. Grab your ammo, gear, and maybe your wife too! Find a local 3 Gun event and get started.

Looking forward to seeing you at next years AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro Am 3 Gun Championship!

About:
AR15.Com originated in 1996 as a mailing list for firearm enthusiasts. As the years passed and interest grew, a website came into existence to present those same enthusiasts with a means to collect, share, and explore information. Shortly afterwards, a bulletin board was added to create a more interactive experience for the growing list of users. The site was still in it’s infancy, but was growing in popularity. Visit: www.ar15.com

Del-Ton DTI TRX16 Rifle In Flat Dark Earth

Del-Ton, Inc

Elizabethtown, NC --(Ammoland.com)-   Del-Ton Incorporated is now shipping its new DTI TRX AR-15 rifle in flat dark earth as well as matte black.

“With an MSRP of $1250 and all these enhanced features, this rifle is a great value,” said Tony Autry, president and CEO of Del-Ton Incorporated.

Del-Ton DTI TRX16 Rifle In Flat Dark Earth

This “loaded,” 16”semi-automatic rifle offers several distinctive enhancements and ships with a hard case, a 30-round Troy magazine and a cleaning kit:

• 7075 T6 Aluminum hard coat, anodized MIL-SPEC upper and lower receivers.
• Troy Industries low profile gas block and A2 flash hider.
• Troy Battle Ax buttstock of reinforced fiber and Troy 13” Extreme Hand Guard.
• Troy DOA/STD rear folding and M4/HK front folding sights.
• 1X9 twist chrome-moly vanadium barrel has a threaded muzzle and mid-length gas system.
• Phosphated 8620 steel carrier assembly with HPT/MPI tested Carpenter 158 bolt.
• Chambered in 5.56 X 45 mm with a chrome-lined chamber and bore.
• Chrome lined carrier interior.

Del-Ton Incorporated is a manufacturer of quality of AR-15 rifles and an online supplier for parts, upgrades, accessories, optics and custom rifle kits. Based in Elizabethtown, N.C., all rifles and components for Del-Ton products are made in the U.S.A. and Del-Ton rifles carry a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. Visit  www.del-ton.com for detailed product information.

Please visit our booth at Shot Show (Booth #25407)

JP Enterprises Launches Its On-Demand Ready Rifle Program

JP Rifles

Hugo, MN --(Ammoland.com)- After years of building their reputation for premium custom rifles, JP Enterprises is announcing the launch of their new Ready Rifle program of stock JP-15 and CTR-02 configurations ready to ship at a moment’s notice.

Selected from several of their best-selling builds, each Ready Rifle is identical to a custom one-off JP rifle, but instead of a 4-6 week lead time, these Ready Rifles are built and ready to ship in as little as 2-3 days.

“Long lead times don’t make our rifles or any other product prestigious,” said JP president John Paul.

“It all comes down to hands-on impact and proven results. We want to get a rifle into the customer’s hands now because we’re not impressing him one bit for the weeks he’s waiting.”

By having new rifles available to customers in less than a week, JP expects a rousing response from shooters looking forward to an upcoming match or a hunting trip that’s right around the corner.

The program is structured around individual models tailored to the full gamut of uses from duty to competition to hunting to bench shooting.

By casting such a wide net, JP aims to win over shooters from every persuasion and already has plans for more configurations to add to the Ready Rifle offerings as the program grows.

For more information on JP Enterprises and their new Ready Rifle program, visit their website at www.jprifles.com and keep up to date on the newest JP developments at www.facebook.com/JPRifles and http://twitter.com/#!/JPRifles.

Armalite AR-10 DMC Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- Few firearm manufacturers have captured the imagination of American Shooters as thoroughly as ArmaLite.

ArmaLite first rose to prominence during the late 1950s, with a series of innovative rifles that looked unlike any produced before.

Although ArmaLite itself was unable to reap the full benefit of its work, the ArmaLite design team created innovative designs that still are setting the standard by which new models are evaluated.

There is great interest in the history of ArmaLite. This document is a team effort that summarizes ArmaLite’s origin in 1954, its corporate shifts and changes over the years, and the developments that have taken place over that period. It ends with the current status of the new company today, 56 years later. It is the official corporate history of ArmaLite.

This document was established in an ArmaLite letter dated March 1974, and subsequently updated in 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2010. It includes information taken from ArmaLite documents whenever possible. It remains a work in process, with information, updates, and corrections continuing to arrive from ex-ArmaLite personnel.

This document is the copyrighted property of ArmaLite, Inc. It is released for private, individual use. All rights are reserved.

Like Colt and most other firearm manufacturers, ArmaLite has passed through a number of management and ownership phases. Each will be discussed, with the participation of company officials of the time used where available.

Armalite Division, Fairchild Engine And Airplane Corp

ARMALITE DIVISION, FAIRCHILD ENGINE AND AIRPLANE CORP.
ArmaLite was first established as a Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation on October 1, 1954. At least two years of privately funded development preceded the Fairchild supported program. The ArmaLite Division of Fairchild is the first phase of the company’s history.

There had been very little fundamental development in the small arms industry for over fifty years. Increasing military use of the machine gun and production of semiautomatic rifles were the main significant changes. No fundamental change in military riflery doctrine had been made since the latter half of the nineteenth century, and production materials and techniques were also largely unchanged.

ArmaLite believed that a ready market existed for firearms of advanced design featuring lightweight, modern alloys and plastics, and economical production procedures.

The initial plan was to produce fine sporting firearms for the commercial market. It was considered likely that in due time, some of the concepts used in the commercial firearms would have acceptance by the military.

Shortly after Fairchild established the ArmaLite Division, ArmaLite was invited to submit a rifle to the U.S. Air Force as a replacement for the then-standard survival rifle. A few weeks after receiving information as to this requirement, ArmaLite submitted the AR-5, .22 Hornet Survival Rifle for Air Force evaluation. The AR-5 was adopted and designated the MA-1 Survival Rifle.

The initial success with the AR-5 led Fairchild to reverse the strategy of focusing on the commercial market first, then entering the military market. With the adoption of the AR- 5 and with a quantity purchase seemingly assured, ArmaLite decided to defer entry into the commercial field until such time as their reputation and financial position were established as a result of military sales. For the next five years, almost all ArmaLite activity was directed to the development of military firearms.

The concept of using the latest technical advances in plastics and alloys was the idea of George Sullivan, Chief Patent Counsel for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Sullivan had started work in his own garage shop after WWII. This work came to the attention of Fairchild in 1953 when Sullivan and Paul S. Cleveland, Fairchild’s Corporate Secretary, discussed the principles at a meeting of an aircraft industry committee. Cleveland called attention of this work to Richard S. Boutelle, Fairchild’s president and a long-time gun enthusiast.

In 1954, Eugene Stoner, who served in the Marines during World War II and who was something of an ordnance expert, became Chief Engineer for ArmaLite. Stoner had been working on small arms independently since WWII. Stoner’s patents form the basis of much of ArmaLite’s work.

From the beginning, Charles Dorchester directed and coordinated all development programs, first as General Manager of the ArmaLite Division of Fairchild, later as President of ArmaLite, Inc., and still later as Chairman of the Board. The combined efforts of these three individuals from this point on resulted in revolutionary changes in combat weapon concepts.

ArmaLite’s initial project, begun even before Sullivan brought ArmaLite to Fairchild’s attention, was the AR-1 Parasniper, a lightweight bolt action rifle started in 1952. The 1956 success of the later AR-5 caused ArmaLite to shift its attention to military designs. The AR-10 became the main focus of attention beginning in 1955. At that time the Army was considering the Springfield Armory T-44 (an updated Garand) and the T-48 (a version of the FN FAL) as replacements for the M1 Garand. ArmaLite hoped to present a rifle capable of displacing both models.

The AR-10 was stunningly different than any previous design. It was produced with aircraft grade aluminum receivers, and therefore weighed less than seven pounds. The lightweight material was possible because the bolt locked into a steel extension on the barrel, not into the receiver itself. The stock and other furniture were plastic, while those of the T-44 and T-48 were of wood. The configuration of the rifle itself, with its integral carrying handle and charging handle distinctively mounted within it, sparked intense curiosity.

In the end, the AR-10 wasn’t able to catch up; the T-44 was adopted as the M-14 rifle in 1959. The AR-10 fell victim to both its own weaknesses, (normal in early models of any product) prejudice within the Army Ordnance Corps, and the head start of the other rifles. Based on what they saw in the AR-10, however, other Army officials asked ArmaLite to develop a smaller version of the AR-10 in 1956.

The ensuing rifle was called the AR-15.

Like the AR-10, it was a developmental model. Not only was it too late to be considered against the T-44 and T- 48, it didn’t match the long-range marksmanship doctrine of the day.

Armalite Dutch Arsenal Ar10

The AR-10 was licensed to the Dutch Arsenal, Artillerie Inrichtingen, for sale on the international market. ArmaLite and its agents and assignees demonstrated the rifle around the world, but sales were limited. Even the Dutch failed to adopt the rifle built in their own arsenal. Despite the background Army interest in a smaller caliber rifle, ArmaLite licensed the designs and trademarks of the AR-10 and AR- 15 to Colt’s in January 1959.

Early Colt AR-15s, their magazines, and their operator’s manuals were marked with ArmaLite’s name. Colt’s retained the AR-15 designation on commercial rifles. To this day Colt’s has a model designation with the letters AR, which stands for “ArmaLite”. The mid-to-late 1950s was a period of intense development at ArmaLite. The engineering staff was especially strong, with Eugene Stoner, James Sullivan, and Robert Fremont present at the same time. Development of the AR-17 12 Gauge Shotgun was started in themid-1950s. In 1959 ArmaLite developed the AR-7 .22 caliber survival rifle, which exploited some of the features of AR-5.

The rifle entered production for the commercial market. Small numbers were sold to various military forces for use as survival rifles. In 1959 ArmaLite began developing the AR-16, a sheet metal version of the AR-10. Three specimens were produced. The adoption of the M-14 by the Army and ArmaLite’s focus on the AR-10 caused the AR-16 to be dropped.

The engineering team started to split up at the end of the decade. Fremont left for Colt in 1959. Sullivan left in 1960, and Stoner left in 1961 to serve as a consultant to Colt. ArmaLite was late with the AR-10 and, in a way, early with the AR-15. With both models gone ArmaLite was in trouble. It’s only rifle in production was the .22 caliber AR-7.

It wasn’t enough. The second phase of ArmaLite’s history therefore began in early 1961.

ARMALITE INCORPORATED
In 1961 Fairchild was undergoing financial troubles, and the original principals of ArmaLite acquired ArmaLite from Fairchild, including rights and title to all ArmaLite designs except the AR-10 and AR-15, which had previously been licensed to Colt’s.

The organization continued from this time on as ArmaLite, Inc., with substantially the same nucleus of key personnel. From the latter part of 1962 until near the end of 1971 the major portion of the ArmaLite development programs were funded by Capital Southwest Corporation of Dallas, Texas. In November of 1971 Charles Dorchester, Chairman, and Richard Klotzly, President, acquired the majority common stock position in ArmaLite held by Capital Southwest Corporation.

It was obvious from Army purchases of the AR-15 that Fairchild had erred in selling the AR-15 in 1959. To recover from that error, ArmaLite set about to develop a new rifle that wouldn’t violate the Stoner gas system patents, which now belonged to Colt’s. The result was the AR-18, which began development in 1963. The combat effectiveness of the .223 caliber cartridge was now well proven. ArmaLite hoped to build a new rifle capable of displacing the AR-15 in the hands of the Army. The AR-18 combined the lessons of the AR-15 and the AR-16 in a rifle capable of competing for the many expected contracts for new rifles.

The AR-18 is best described as a sheet metal AR-15, with a different gas system. It was to prove the main focus of ArmaLite’s efforts for the next two decades. ArmaLite arranged exhaustive tests by the H.P. White laboratory of Belair, Maryland, to verify their claims for the AR-18 with the hope of attaining DOD and State Department endorsement of the rifle toward filling the void existing for a modern combat rifle for friends and allies around the world.

The Army conducted tests of ten prototype rifles at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, and at Ft. Benning, Georgia, during 1964. The rifle was considered as “having military potential.” The Army requested an additional 29 rifles in1964 for further testing. These 29 rifles, with a detailed operator’s manual, were produced on a tool room basis in a four-month period in compliance with the government contract. The tests were conducted as part of the Army’s Small Arms Weapons System (SAWS) tests. Not surprisingly, the early rifles needed further development.

With the military market going nowhere fast, sales were shifted to the commercial market. A commercial, semiautomatic-only version of the AR-18 was produced as the AR-180.

In 1967 production of the AR-18 was started at the Howa Machinery Company of Nagoya, Japan. For Japanese political reasons the Howa rifles were allowed to be sold only to non-combatant nations, and even then only to non- Asian nations. During the Vietnam War, the AR-18 could not even be exported to the United States.

As a result of continued ArmaLite effort, the Army was directed to re-evaluate the AR-18 during at the end of 1969. It was too late. By the end of 1969 the Army had already standardized the M-16, and the AR-18 was unable to displace it. Further efforts focused on overseas and commercial domestic sales.

The AR-18 suffered similar results in the United Kingdom a well. The Ministry of Defense first evaluated the AR-18 in March 1966. It was found to be attractive in terms of its light weight and ease of manufacture. It suffered, in the eyes of the British, from lack of gas adjustment and the lack of a buffer system. Automatic accuracy was considered somewhat inferior, and it was considered unsatisfactory in mud and “drag sand” conditions. The rifle was modified with reinforcement of the hinge area of the lower receiver, addition of an ejection port cover and an improved muzzle brake/flash suppressor and re-tested in August of 1966. The strengthening was appreciated, but the sand and mud test results were largely unchanged, and the lack of a buffer continued to be criticized.

A Howa version was evaluated by MOD in January 1969. While it again failed the mud test, most criticism concerned minor physical characteristics that could be readily resolved.

In fairness to the AR-18, the MOD evaluations are somewhat suspect. The Royal Small Arms Factory could hardly be considered objective evaluators. The relationship between Sterling and RSAF was rocky at best, with RSAF benefiting from government preference and a willingness to appropriate the work of others. It’s especially interesting to note that the RSAF’s later 5.56mm rifle, the SA-80, (later adopted as the L85) was nothing more than a bullpup version of the AR-180. That rifle is now regarded as probably the worst of the recent military rifles. Lessons learned during evaluations of the AR-180 were ignored in the development of the L85, and ArmaLite’s knowledge of the mechanism wasn’t available.

Nonetheless, it was apparent that the AR-18 had not benefited from the intense field use, criticism, and rework that had been lavished on the AR-15. Major elements of its design have reappeared in several other rifles, but the AR-18 itself remains an unfinished work. The Irish Republican Army illegally acquired a number of Howa AR-180s in the early 1970s, and in 1973 the Japanese government halted all exports of AR-18 and AR-180 rifles. Howa produced 3,927 AR-180s between October 1970 and February 1974. In mid-1968 ArmaLite set up pilot production in its Costa Mesa plant. ArmaLite produced 1,171 AR-18s and 4,018 AR-180s at its Costa Mesa plant between July 1969 and June 1972. The Japanese government subsequently eased it restrictions and allowed the commercial, semi-automatic AR-180 to be exported to the U.S., and by the late 1970s U.S. production halted.

In order to concentrate full effort on the military sales program, ArmaLite elected to discontinue its other commercial firearm activities. In mid-1973 ArmaLite sold the AR-7 rifle to Charter Arms.

The Japanese restrictions on export of the AR-18 and AR 180 forced ArmaLite to move the production machinery to a new licensed producer. In 1974 Sterling Armament Company of Dagenham, England, was licensed to produce ArmaLite’s rifles. It took 15 months to complete setup and begin production. ArmaLite imported the Sterling rifles into the U.S., and Sterling and ArmaLite both tried to market the rifles around the world. Sterling manufactured 12,362 AR-180s between the 1975 and 1983, when ArmaLite and Sterling were both sold. 10,946 AR-180s were exported to the United States.

The AR-18 was highly regarded, but didn’t find the favor that it could have. Even as ArmaLite marketed the new small caliber rifle, FN and HK were selling more traditional 7.62mm rifles around the world. Colt was selling AR-15s. The AR-18 remained somewhat prone to breakage, and never enjoyed the success ArmaLite expected.

The AR-18, however, has proven to be another seminal weapon from ArmaLite. A number of later rifles, including the problem-plagued L85 (UK), the more reputable SA- 80 (Singapore) and the new G-35 (Germany) were derived from the AR-18.

With the floundering of the AR-18, ArmaLite’s owners elected to sell the company. In 1983 ArmaLite was sold to Elisco Tool Manufacturing Company, of the Philippines. ArmaLite Division of Elisco Tool.

ARMALITE DIVISION OF ELISCO TOOL

The short-lived third phase of ArmaLite’s history began with Elisco Tool Manufacturing’s 1983 purchase of ArmaLite. The new ArmaLite operation was headed by an Englishman hired to serve as interim President, Mr. Bruce Swain. Mr. John Ugarte later replaced Swain. ArmaLite continued to market existing rifles and parts manufactured by Sterling under the leadership of the new vice-president of Marketing, Mr. Joe Armstrong. Elisco Tool had successfully produced the M16A1 for the Philippine armed forces and police. Difficulties with Colt over M16 licensing prompted Elisco to seek another 5.56mm rifle, and the AR-18 was the only real contender.

Inventory, tooling, and machinery were therefore dispatched from Sterling’s plant to the Philippines. The process fell apart not in the U.S. market, but due to political events in the Philippines themselves. In short, Ferdinand Marcos was overturned and went into exile. The political and economic links of the government were dramatically shifted, and Elisco was unable to carry out the AR-18 production. The U.S. arm of the operation was closed in 1987.

ARMALITE INCORPORATED II

Independent of ArmaLite, Karl Lewis and Jim Glazier formed a company named Eagle Arms in Coal Valley Illinois in 1986.

Lewis had manufactured a wide variety of both commercial and military parts for M-16 rifles, and Eagle Arms assumed the increasingly distracting retail business from Lewis’ company, Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT). Eagle Arms initially marketed M16 and AR- 15 type rifle parts. The early Stoner patents had expired, and Eagle was able to build both parts and complete rifles. In 1989 Eagle commenced production of complete rifles, with LMT serving as the major supplier.

In January 1994, Mr. Mark Westrom purchased the company. Westrom was a former Army Ordnance Officer and a civilian employee of the Weapons Systems Management Directorate of the Army’s Armament Materiel and Chemical Command (AMCCOM) at nearby Rock Island Arsenal. After the purchase, he continued producing Eagle Arms EA- 15 rifles. Plans were made to add a line of telescopic sights to the product line. Westrom’s background in military Service Rifle competition produced a focus on high grade target rifles even before the AR-15/M-16 rifles came to dominate American Service Rifle competition in the mid-90s. In November 1994 Westrom decided to initiate the design of a .308 caliber AR-10 type rifle, to be called the “M-10” in line with Eagle’s production of .223 caliber “M-15” rifles. Work on the project began in November 1994. The bulk of the engineering work was contracted out to LMT, with an experienced Quality Assurance expert, Mr. David Dorbeck, doing the bulk of the work.

By coincidence, the president of the company manufacturing telescopic sights for Eagle, Dr. John Williams, had worked for ArmaLite in his youth. He introduced Westrom to the former Production Manager for ArmaLite, Mr. John McGerty. McGerty led Westrom to John Ugarte, the most recent President of ArmaLite.

Ugarte had retained rights to the ArmaLite trademark. In early 1995, Westrom purchased those rights, and production of ArmaLite rifles resumed in Illinois. The corporation was reorganized as ArmaLite, with Eagle Arms converted to a division of ArmaLite. First shipments of new ArmaLite rifles began in 1995.

With the reorganization as ArmaLite, the M-10 rifle was renamed. ArmaLite/Fairchild had already used the AR-10 designation with its 1950s era .308, and had developed the AR-10A as an improvement on it. The planned M-10 rifle series was designated the AR- 10B series, and deliveries commenced in January 1996.

The AR-10B rifle was developed using unusual reliance on computer design and simulation. In fact, the rifle was never prototyped. Individual sub-components were tested on a special lower receiver made of two slabs of aluminum fitted to an SR-25 upper receiver assembly. The full prototype AR-10B was the first rifle off the production line.

This approach was risky, but required by the limitations on cash at that time. It proved stunningly successful. Results from the prototype and the first production rifles disclosed that the only error was in not installing a firing pin retarding spring. The spring was planned early in the development, but left out of the final design because there seemed to be no need for it. Subsequent problems with the surplus ammunition used by some customers required manufacture of the spring. Fortunately, space for the spring was built into the bolt carrier, and it was quickly dispatched to the field and the production line.

In late 1997, ArmaLite began development of a new rifle, the AR-50 .50 caliber rifle.

Chambered for the Browning M2 Machine Gun cartridge, this innovative single-shot rifle was designed strictly for the commercial market. It was introduced to the industry at the 1999 SHOT Show, and is in production at the time of this writing. The AR-50 is an innovative single shot rifle conceived by Mark Westrom and the design team of George and Paul Reynolds at Knox Engineering Company of Altona, Illinois.

The success of the AR-50 prompted ArmaLite to consider the viability of a smaller version. George and Paul Reynolds were again enlisted to scale down the AR-50. They did so brilliantly, and the AR-30 is now offered in 7.62, 300 Win Mag, and 338 Lapua.

George Reynolds also brought two new projects of his own to ArmaLite in 1997: a Blank Firing System and Sub- Caliber Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 Grenade Machine Gun. These projects have been designated the AR-22 and AR- 23.

ArmaLite continues to produce firearms and design new ones. It has shipped far more .223 caliber rifles than ArmaLite did during its first through third phases. It has shipped more AR-10s than ArmaLite/Fairchild and Artillerie Inrichtingen combined. There are more active development projects in process today than any time since 1961. Throughout the past 56 years, ArmaLite’s durability has been based on one core theme: the innovation present in its firearms. That theme continues to serve both as the basis of ArmaLite’s corporate strategy, and as a challenging image to maintain.

ARMALITE’S FIREARMS

The following firearms were developed and/or produced by ArmaLite. Other AR family firearms were designed by Eugene Stoner but not developed by ArmaLite, and aren’t listed.

AR-1 (1954 and before)
“Parasniper” rifle, using either military or sporting calibers, including 7.62 NATO. The Parasniper is a very high quality, lightweight bolt action rifle designed as a fine sporting rifle or for special military sniping operations.

The AR-1 began life at ArmaLite’s first location in Hollywood, California. It broke new ground by using foam filled fiberglass stock (in brown) and an anodized aluminum barrel with a thin steel liner. A variety of receivers were to be used, with a Remington action common. The rifle with scope weighs a modest 6 pounds. Very few AR-1s were made.

Armalite AR-5 .22 Hornet Survival Rifle

AR-5 (1954 – 55)
A bolt action, four shot magazine, .22 Hornet survival rifle adopted by the Air Force in 1956. It weighed a mere 2 ¾ pounds.

Its distinguishing characteristic was the ability to detach the barrel from the action, and the action from the stock, and place both within the stock. With the buttcap replaced, the 10 rifle would float. The government specification for the MA- 1 called for a second, .22 long rifle barrel to be attached outside the stock.

After adopting the AR-5 as the MA-1, the Air Force failed to follow through with a purchase. The main effect of the AR-5 was to whet ArmaLite’s appetite for government business. It led to development of the AR-7.

AR-7 (1959 – 60)
The AR-7 Explorer was the first commercial item to be put into production by the ArmaLite Division of Fairchild.

This rifle is the civilian version of the Air Force adopted AR-5 Survival Rifle. The AR-7 fires the popular .22 long rifle rimfire cartridge. The rifle disassembles without the use of tools and stows inside its plastic butt stock. The AR-7 weighs as little as 2 ¾ pounds and will float in water, either assembled or in the stowed configuration. The action is semiautomatic and is fed from an eight-round magazine. It has been in intermittent production since.

Armalite Ar-10 Rifles

AR-10 (1955 – 56)
Basic infantry rifle, caliber 7.62mm NATO. The AR-10 was conceived by Eugene Stoner, and was tested by US Ordnance at Springfield Armory as early as 1956. It was licensed to Artillerie Inrichtingen in Holland in 1957, and with the AR-15 was licensed to Colt’s Patent Firearms Company in 1959. The AR-10 combined a number of previous features with a new gas system patented by Stoner. In the Stoner system, gas ported off the barrel travels down a tube back into the upper receiver, and into the bolt carrier. It enters an expansion chamber, where it expands and drives the carrier to the rear.

The rearward movement of the carrier transferred by a cam pin riding in a curved path and engaging the bolt, forces the bolt to rotate to unlock. (Common reports that the Stoner system is copied from the Swedish Ljungman system are incorrect: the Ljungman System has a tube carrying gas ported off the barrel, but the tube simply directs the gas into a cavity in the top of the carrier to blow the carrier to the rear.)

The AR-10 was later improved with lessons learned from the early AR-15s. The new model was designated the AR- 10A. It was produced in prototype form only. The AR-10 was intended to compete with Springfield’s M-14 rifle and FN’s FAL. It was, unfortunately, a bit too late. Although it showed great promise during tests, it required a bit of further development. It was too late.

The major effect of the AR-10 was to lead to Army interest in a similar rifle of smaller caliber. That rifle became the AR-15.

AR-10B (1994 – 96)
An update of the AR-10 placed in production in 1996. The AR-10 was fielded in very small numbers: less than 6,000. Despite the small numbers, the fame of the rifle grew to cult status. It was, after all, the more powerful and rare precursor to the AR-15. Civilian shooters took great pains to recover used AR-10s from the surplus market and convert them to civilian rifles by means of new, semi-automatic only receivers.

The popularity of the AR-10 rifle led Knight’s Manufacturing and, later, ArmaLite to return it to production. Knight entered the market first with an AR-10 derivative called the SR-25.

The SR-25 combined features of the AR-10 with as many parts of the AR-15 as could be used. The ArmaLite AR-10B was then patterned on the SR-25 rifle. To improve function, the ArmaLite AR-10B employs far fewer parts from the M-15/M-16 rifles than the SR- 25, and uses a modified version of the proven M-14 rifle magazine. By 2000, ArmaLite AR-10B production surpassed Dutch and ArmaLite/Fairchild AR-10 and AR-10A production.

Within the last few years, ArmaLite has drastically expanded the AR-10 product line with both new-featured rifles and carbines, to include the AR-10SuperSASS™ introduced at Shot Show in 2006. This product’s development stemmed from a 2004 US Military requirement for a Semi Automatic Sniper System (SASS) and includes a adjustable gas system to accommodate suppressed and unsuppressed fire.

AR-15 (1956 – 59)
Basic infantry rifle using ArmaLite developed .223 caliber ammunition. The AR-15 was licensed to the Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in January 1959. The U.S. Air Force completed tests of the AR-15 in January 1961. The Air Force procured 8,500 rifles in 1961 and standardized the AR-15 in 1963. 85,000 rifles were purchased in that year. The military designation of the AR-15 is M- 16. The Army also ordered 85,000 rifles in 1963. An additional 35,000 were ordered in 1964, 100,000 in 1965, and 100,000 in 1966. These rifles were initially issued primarily to combat troops in the Dominican Republic and to Special Forces, Airborne, helicopter crews, Air Commando and other special category troops in Vietnam. The M-16 was type classified standard A in 1965 and became the military’s basic service rifle.

AR-16 (1959 – 60)
The folding stock equipped AR-16 is a basic infantry rifle of 7.62mm NATO caliber and capable of launching rifle grenades “without modifications or attachments” to the rifle. The primary reason for the development of the AR-16 was to produce a weapon with the performance capabilities of the AR-10/AR-15 series, but at a greatly reduced production cost. Another consideration was to make a rifle less difficult to produce in countries without advanced technological resources. Although the AR-16 didn’t enter production, elements of its design influenced the 1995 design of the AR-10B.

Armalite AR-17 Semi-automatic Shotgun

AR-17 (1956 – 62)
The AR-17 is an innovative semi-automatic shotgun featuring a hard-anodized aluminum receiver and barrel and a brown wood grain plastic stock. The barrel was equipped with replaceable chokes. The AR-17 was called the “Golden Gun” due to the color of the aluminum components.

Two thousand sets of parts for the AR-17 were produced, but only 1,200 guns were sold.

The AR-17 never met commercial success; it was semi-automatic, but held only two shots. It was lightweight, but was marketed to trap and skeet shooters, who normally fire many shots per day.

AR-18 (1963 – 65)
Just as the AR-16 is basically a sheet metal version of the AR-10, the AR-18 is a sheet metal version of the AR-15.

The AR-18 was an effort to correct the 1959 mistake of selling the AR-15 to Colt’s. As the AR-15 became successful, ArmaLite needed a rifle that could compete in the same market. The AR-18 is a .223 caliber, gas operated, 6.9 pound rifle equipped with a folding stock. It is capable of both full and semi-automatic fire. The AR-18 uses steel stampings instead of alloy forgings, this simplifying manufacture and greatly reducing production costs. The main functional differences include the use of a Tokarev style sliding gas cylinder under the handguards that avoided violating the Stoner gas system patent that was sold to Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. The new system had the advantage of keeping powder residue out of the action. The second difference was the use of dual operating springs on rods in the upper receiver, which allowed the stock to fold to the side.

AR-20 (1998 – 1999)
The AR-20 was the initial designation of ArmaLite’s .50 caliber rifle (see AR-50 below). The designation was changed to the AR-50 to emphasize the caliber of the rifle.

AR-22 (1998 – Present)

The AR-22 is a Blank Firing Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 40mm Grenade Machine-gun, and is designed for training or testing the Mk 19. It employs the standard 7.62mm NATO Blank.

The AR-22 was conceived by CW4 John Miller, and designed by George Reynolds, President of Knox Engineering Company of Altona, Illinois. Reynolds brought it to ArmaLite when he began work on the ArmaLite AR-50 rifle.

AR-23 (1998 – Present)
The AR-23 is a Sub-Caliber Training Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 Grenade Machinegun. It will employ a special tracer cartridge designed to follow the same ballistic arc of the 40mm grenade. The AR-23 was conceived by CW4 John Miller, and designed by George Reynolds. Like the AR-22, Reynolds brought it to ArmaLite when he began work on the ArmaLite AR-50 rifle (see below).

AR-24 (2006 – Present)
Over the years, ArmaLite had developed and produced a wide variety of firearms. However, the ArmaLite brand had never been applied to a pistol. In 2005, Mr. Westrom met with representatives of Sarsilmaz, one of the premier firearms manufacturing companies in Turkey. Starting with their basic CZ 75 pistol, Mr. Westrom made changes that he felt would appeal to the American consumer. The result, in 2006, was a set of four 9mm pistols that bear the ArmaLite name.

Armalite AR-30 Rifle

AR-30 (1999 – Present)
The AR-30 is a unique rifle sharing many of the technical features of the ArmaLite AR- 50 .50 caliber rifle. The rifles are based on an aluminum stock that merges a machine rest with a rifle stock for stunning stability. It is intended for high-accuracy use such as varmint hunting, advanced target shooting, and law enforcement. The machine rest elements consist of an octagonal receiver, a matching V-shaped channel in the stock, and a recoil wedge. Conventional action screws draw the action down into the stock, and the recoil wedge forces the recoil lug into intimate contact with the stock. No hand fitting or bedding compounds are required, and the action can be removed and re-installed without significant loss of zero. It is immune to changes in temperature or humidity. The receivers are equipped with special mounting slots in addition to conventional threaded holes. The slots mate with ArmaLite’s special sight bases in a way that removes all recoil loads from the scope mount screws. The AR-30 will be available with optional integral bases. The AR-30 is built to handle calibers up to .338 Lapua.

AR-50 (1998 – Present)
ArmaLite’s normal pattern of sequential designation of models was altered for the AR- 50. The model reflects the rifle’s caliber. It is chambered for the .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun cartridge, and is capable of being built to accept the more powerful Russian 12.7mm cartridge. It features a unique stock made largely of aluminum. The forend, in particular, is interesting. It is extruded with a V cross section that mates with an octagonal receiver. This allows precise, repeatable bedding with no hand labor. The buttstock includes a vertically adjustable butt pad and adjustable cheek rest. The initial AR-50 departs from ArmaLite’s normal trend towards lightweight rifles: it weighs 41 pounds. It is intended for the commercial market, where the weight adds comfort when firing the powerful cartridge. Shorter and lighter versions are in development. AR-180 (1963 – 65) The AR-180 was the semiauomatic-only version of the AR-18.

AR-180B (2001 – Present)
The lower on ArmaLite’s new AR-180B is made of a high strength polymer, and features the trigger group and magazine well of the AR15, so it uses standard AR15 type magazines and repair parts are readily available. The upper is formed sheet metal like the 1st Gen AR-180 and features the AR-180 gas system to keep operating gasses outside the receiver. The 19.8″ chrome moly barrel features an integral muzzle brake and ArmaLite’s exclusive adjustable front sight base. The AR-180B is a .223 caliber, gas operated, 6 pound rifle equipped with a fixed stock and is semi-automatic. The new AR-180B’s upper and lower receiver groups are interchangeable with those of the 1st Gen AR-180, so earlier models may now be repaired by replacing the upper or lower half.

M-15 (1994 – Present)
In order to avoid a conflict with Colt’s trademark of “AR-15”, ArmaLite has designated our version the “M-15”.

OTHER PROJECTS

ArmaLite has a number of models in development or under consideration. They will be announced as soon as practical. The following is a list of our current patents and trademarks.

PATENTS & TRADEMARKS

• “ArmaLite®, “AR-10®”, and “SPR®”, are registered trademarks of ArmaLite, Inc. “M-15™”, “AR-30™”, “AR-50™”, and other model variants are trademarks of ArmaLite, Inc.
• The AR-10® Series Rifles and Carbines (including the SuperSASS™) are protected by U.S. Patents 5,638, 626 and 5,911,173 and 6,044,748. The M-15™ Series Rifles and Carbines are protected by U.S. Patents 5,911, 173 and 6,044,748.
• The AR-30™ and AR-50™ Series Rifles are protected by U.S. Patents 6,487,805 and 6,637,142.
• The AR-23 Subcaliber Device for the Mk-19 Grenade Machine Gun is protected by U.S. Patents 5,983,772 and 6,202,533.
• The Blank Firing Adapter for the Mk-19 Grenade Machine Gun is protected by U.S. Patent 5,438,907.

Other patents granted or assigned to ArmaLite include:

• Weapons Operating System, U.S. Patent 6,591,535
• Cartridge for a Firearm, U.S. Patents 6,367,389 and 6,959,647 and 6,976,431 and 7,458,332
• Light Weight Weapon Operating System and Cartridge Feed, U.S. Patent 6,591,535

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Now, here’s something really exciting!

Most of you know that the CRPA Foundation, (our 501 (c) (3) organization,) has been selling limited edition Henry Golden Boy .22 rifles with the CRPA logo as a fundraiser for the past year or so with great success.

Effectively immediately we are launching a similar fundraiser for our 501 (c) (3), The CRPA Foundation, and we’ll be using the same format CRPA has been using with the Henry Golden Boy rifles.

The difference is that we are selling limited edition AR-15 type rifles, California legal, of course, for $1,395.

The purchaser will be able to use a portion of that purchase price (approx. $700) as a tax deductible donation. We will send each purchaser a letter clearly defining the amount of their tax-deductible donation. The price includes shipping to all states except Alaska and Hawaii. Delivery time is about 45 days. Franklin Armory will ship your rifle to the licensed dealer of your choice. Send us a copy of your FFL’s license.

Your local dealer, in addition to collecting the $25 state DROS fee, may also require a transfer fee to receive the rifle for you. If you have any questions regarding this limited time special offer, please call the CRPA office at (714) 992-2772.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit our ongoing litigation funding and a new project called “Train a Soldier.” This new project will provide supplemental funding to the marksmanship training and competitive shooting programs of the California Army National Guard which now trains active duty military for deployment to the Middle East. There are numerous mutually beneficial sub-projects that this partnership will foster, including a new state wide multi-gun competitions on military installations.

This customized CRPA AR-15′s is a LIMITED EDITION, so order yours today and help CRPA continue to fight anti-gun litigation and help assist the California Army National Guard.

Make Checks Payable to THE CRPA FOUNDATION, and Return to:
CRPA, 271 Imperial Hwy., Suite 620, Fullerton, CA 92835
Phone: (714) 992-2772 FAX (714) 992-2996

For more information click here.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

Del-Ton TRX Rifle

American Tactical Imports

ROCHESTER, NY --(Ammoland.com)- American Tactical Imports is proud to introduce the brand new Del-Ton TRX16 rifle. Del-Ton fans have long awaited the release of a new product from the family owned, North Carolina-based AR manufacturer.

This new rifle from Del-Ton, Inc. is a 16” semi-automatic rifle already fully dressed with the latest Troy Industries accessories.

Chambered in 5.56×45 mm, the TRX features forged 7075 T6 Aluminum hard coat anodized mil-spec upper and lower receivers.

The 1×9 twist chrome moly vanadium barrel has a threaded muzzle, mid-length gas system, Troy Industries Low Profile gas block and A2 flash hider.

The TRX also features a reinforced fiber Troy Battle Ax butt stock and a Troy 13” TRX Extreme Hand Guard. It weighs 6.8 lbs. empty and has a fully extended length of 36.75” and a collapsed length of 33”. The sights are Troy DOA/STD Rear folding and Troy M4/HK Front folding. The TRX has an HPT/MPI tested bolt.

MSRP for the Del-Ton TRX16 rifle is $1250 and comes with a hard case, 30-round Troy magazine and a cleaning kit. Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth.

Del-Ton TRX Rifle

For more information please visit www.americantactical.us, www.del-ton.com or contact Monica Arnold, Public Relations Director – Blue August LLC at monica@blueaugust.com.

AR & AK - We're not that different, you and I...

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Gunsite instructor Jay Tuttle and NSSF’s Mark Thomas discuss the proper way to make the AR-15-platform modern sporting rifle ready for action and how to make it an unloaded, “condition 4,” carbine.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Who's the better man?

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. “These are the (partially) true stories of… My Gun Culture” says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

Mossberg MMR Tactical Rifle

Eric at the Gunmart Blog

United States --(Ammoland.com)- There has been somewhat of a shift recently by a few of the major firearms manufacturers with regard to ARs.

We are now starting to see ARs with MSRPs that are considerably lower than ever before.

It seems that the industry is quietly moving towards producing more affordable or entry level ARs. These are guns with MSRPs in the $700 – $800 range and a real world retail price in the $500 – $700 range. These guns are being brought to the market place in an effort to focus on a consumer who would never be anything more then a casual AR owner…

Its a gun for the hobbyist and at a hobbyist price.

These guns are not your standard Mil-Spec rifles. Many of these models are lacking standard features that can run up manufacturing costs. Features like the dust cover, forward assist, shell deflector, chrome lined barrel, carry handle/rear sight/front sight, and they often have light contour barrels. For the casual gun owner that just wants something to pull out of the closet a couple of times a year to go punch holes in paper, this might be an excellent way to get into the AR game. There are at least half a dozen models on the market right now from DPMS, Smith & Wesson, Bushmaster, and now Mossberg that all fall into this category. With a little searching, I have found these online for as little as $575 and some have even been seen in big box retailers being sold on promo for as low as $500.

So what’s my opinion on this new class of ARs?

Well, I honestly think that this is a great thing. I really like the idea of an entry level AR that comes at a much lower price point. While cutting corners to reduce manufacturing costs doesn’t sound too good on the surface to most gun buyers, we have yet to really see it result in inferior guns or major performance problems. These guns run, and despite the lack of some familiar features that can be found on Mil-Spec ARs many of these budget models get good overall reviews from those who have run them extensively.

So why is a cheaper AR good?
Well, first and foremost it makes AR ownership more appealing to the casual and/or new gun owner. A gun owner who is only going to go to the shooting range maybe once a year is not going to even consider plunking down $1,000 for some play thing that they might rarely use. Change that price tag to $600 and now you have their attention. Now they are starting to think about getting into the game. With a $500 price tag, you might just see them impulse buy one of these rifles on a whim… or maybe just because all of their shooting buddies have one.

This is great for our culture (read country). More guns in the hands of more Americans means more people on our side of the political debate. This would result in more people having a stake in the “evil assault rifle” and “high capacity 30 round clips” debates. It will also just bring more gun owners into the fold. Lowering the cost to play always, repeat always, results in increasing the number of players. Even if these guns just sit in the back of closets, it shifts the overall culture of this country. The other big possibility is that this might get the casual gun owner out shooting more. It might convert more casual owners into enthusiasts… and in turn might just shift us back to once again being a nation of riflemen.

Another reason I like seeing this push towards affordable ARs is because its good for us hardcore gun nuts. Why is a budget AR good for the most serious of us gun owners… someone who may already own one or more ARs? Because it lets you buy an AR for between $500 – $700, that’s why. Are you someone who has been looking for a decent truck gun or a gun to keep on your boat or at your cabin? How about an extra 5.56 upper or just an extra complete AR to have “just in case”? Well, I’m thinking most of us who meet that criteria would jump at the chance to buy a $500 AR. Not to mention what these guns are gonna go for once they start showing up on the shelves of gun shops as used guns. It gets me excited just to think about it.

Finally, this is going to be very good for the gun and ammo industry… both in the short term and in the long term. In the short term this will produce instant revenue streams and even more profit. Make no mistake about it, these guns are going to sell very well. In the long term this new class of ARs will potentially increase their target market (number of gun owners).

The more people that are brought into the fold, the bigger the industry numbers get, and the more people there will be that the gun and ammo manufacturers have to potentially buy their products. This will have a significant impact on the long term success of individual companies as well as the industry as a whole.

This could very well be the biggest game changer with regard to long guns that we have seen in a very long time. I like that.

About:
Eric at the Gunmart Blog – Eric is a gun blogger, firearms enthusiast, and sorry excuse for a hunter. He is also an AmmoLand Shoting Sports News Columnist. Leave him some comments on this article before you go. You can also follow Eric on Facebook, Twitter and at his blog, Gunmart. Visit: gunmart.blogspot.com

Sterling Arsenal Gladius SAR-XV AR-15 Rifle

Virginia Gun Owners Forum

The Virginia Gun Owners Forum (www.VGOF.net) is nearing the 100,000 post mark, and to celebrate this event, we have teamed with Sterling Arsenal to give away a custom built Gladius SAR-XV AR-15 rifle with an MSRP of $1,350!

Sterling Arsenal is a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) and National Firearms Act (NFA) Special Occupational Tax (SOT) Manufacturer and Dealer operating out of Sterling, VA. Sterling Arsenal custom builds AR-15 rifles to your specifications. They just redesigned their website to provide you with a good online experience.

Sterling Arsenal SAR-XV AR-15 5.56mm Rifle details

• - SAR-XV custom matched 7075-T6 70-Rockwell finished lower and upper receivers
• - Mil-spec chrome-lined bolt carrier group
• - 7075-T6 billet 70-Rockwell charging handle
• - 16″ chrome molly steel barrel
• - 1:9 rifling
• - Heat treated RC 25-32 phosphate finish
• - 0.925 diameter
• - Chrome lined bore,
• - Carbine position gas port
• - 5.56 chambered M4 extension match-fitted to SAR-XV upper receiver feed ramps
• - Integrated one piece gas block
• - Front locking flip sight/bayonet lug
• - Black phosphate finished hard chrome gas tube
• - Low profile locking rear flip sight;
• - Forged fire controls, single stage, polished and tuned to 5.5lbs – 6lbs
• - MOE mil spec fitted collapsible stock, hand guards, and pistol grip
• - Available in Black, Dark Earth, and Foliage Green
• - Ambidextrous Sling Adaptor Plate
• - Magpul P-Mag w/Window

The right side of the SAR-XV lower includes an etching of crossed Roman Gladius swords with the words Sic Semper Tyrannis beneath. Sic Semper Tyrannis means “Thus always to Tyrants” and is used on the State Seal of Virginia, which depicts Virtue with a sword in one hand a spear in the other standing over the dead body of the Tyrant.

Special thanks to our sponsor STERLING ARSENAL (http://sterlingarsenal.com) for providing the custom built SAR-XV AR-15 rifle that we are giving away! Good luck to everyone – the author of the 100,000th post will be declared the unofficial winner (pending age and background verification, as required by law).

American Gunsmithing Institute

NAPA, CA --(Ammoland.com)- It is impossible to understand the history of modern handguns without first understanding the history of Smith & Wesson due to their numerous accomplishments.

They have been an industry leader since 1852 when Smith & Wesson was first founded and continue to lead the world today with innovations into the 21st century.

American Gunsmithing Institute now has a new, first run Collector’s Edition DVD release on the History of Smith & Wesson: An Interview with Roy Jinks.

History of Smith & Wesson: An Interview with Roy Jinks

In this Collector’s Edition DVD release, Gene Kelly, American Gunsmithing Institute President, sits down for an extensive interview with famed Smith & Wesson Historian Roy Jinks to bring the viewing audience the ultimate insider’s guide to the history of Smith & Wesson. Besides just having the names, dates, models and production information of Smith & Wesson products at the tip of his tongue, Jinks is a treasure trove of really interesting facts and stories about both the founders of this American firearms icon and their key employees. Jinks also discusses how and why particular guns were developed and whose ideas they really were.

Jinks shares his extensive collection of rare Smith & Wesson pistols, photos and documents in this comprehensive three and a half hour video. After watching this, YOU will be an expert on the history of Smith & Wesson as well!

Also included in this video is a private guided tour of the Smith & Wesson Factory Museum, where the viewer will see Daniel Wesson’s original office just as he left it.

This video is a valuable Collector’s Edition for any Smith & Wesson fan. Full of visual demonstrations and stories, you’ll learn something about Smith & Wesson each time you view it. The AGI History of Smith & Wesson Collector’s Edition is available at www.americangunsmith.com for only $59.95 (Product ID# 215DVD).

If you want to become a Professional Gunsmith, look into our basic AGI Professional Gunsmith course where in 108 hours of your own time, you can become a certified gunsmith and start making money at the hobby you love.

About American Gunsmithing Institute:
American Gunsmithing Institute offers a variety of affordable DVD gunsmithing courses that can be viewed in the comfort of one’s home at one’s leisure. Unlike traditional schooling, the DVD’s can be played over and over again for reinforcement. All of the AGI instructors offer the highest quality of instruction since AGI’s founding in 1981. Visit AGI at www.americangunsmith.com to download their free course catalog and find out more about the Professional Gunsmith Course and other affordable course.

Armalite Ar-24 Pistol 9mm 15 Round Magazine

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- The latest addition to the ArmaLite line of gun products!

Incorporating traditional lines, innovative designs and state-of-the-art factory production, the ArmaLite AR-24 pistol simply outshines similar models made by other manufacturers.

The ArmaLite AR-24 pistols are CNC machined to the finest manufacturing standards using the highest quality materials.

Slide, frame and barrel are fully machined from all steel forgings resulting in the best possible slide to frame fit of this design on the market today.

The AR-24 Full size pistol features serrations on the forestrap and backstrap, and dovetail front sight, fixed rear sight 3 dot luminous sights. Safeties include external thumb safety and internal firing pin box, half cock.

Included with Pistol: Two 15 round magazines, pistol case, pistol lock, manual and cleaning brushes.
10 round magazines available.

• Model: AR-24 Full Size Pistol with serrations on front & rear strap, fixed sights
• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4.671″ Machined from Alloy Steel Forging
• Rifling Twist: 6 Groove, RH 1:16″ Cut Rifling
• Rear Sight: Fixed, 3 Dot Luminous
• Trigger: 12 lbs Double Action, 5.5 lbs Single Action
• Overall Length: 8.27″
• Weight: 34.9 oz
• Finish: Manganese Phosphate, Heat-Cured Epoxy

Your Price: $550.00 EA

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Bob Whaley instructor at Gunsite shares their method for zeroing the AR-15 Platform and why they prefer a 50/200-yard zero

Bob Whaley of Gunsite Academy discusses how to zero in your AR-15 rifle for accurate shot placement from 3 yards to 200 and beyond by using a 50-200 zero.

Zeroing in a couple of times a year will save you frustration and time both at the range and on a hunt.

When your sighting system and firearm are in synch, you know where your bullet will strike–always a good thing!

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Mossberg MMR Hunter Rifle

Mossberg

North Haven, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Though referred to as the “modern rifle”, the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle has been deployed with military personnel and law enforcement agencies for decades; and more recently, this very adaptable and versatile platform has become popular with recreational shooters and hunters alike.

Mossberg is pleased to offer MMR Hunter rifles with advanced features specifically-designed for the avid hunter and a line of MMR Tactical rifles configured with the components most highly desired by competitive shooters and tactical operators.

The initial offerings of the MMR Hunter and MMR Tactical rifles will be chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem).

All MMR rifles feature a traditional direct-impingement gas system for reliable, smooth operation; free-floating, button-rifled, carbon steel barrels with 1:9 twist rates for increased accuracy in this standard military chambering; single stage triggers; and black phosphate/anodized metal finishes for enhanced durability. An oversized trigger guard allows for use with gloves. For a more positive grip and less shooter fatigue, these value-packed rifles feature Stark® Ergo Pistol Grips with a convenient battery storage compartment. To further enhance operation of the MMR rifles, the charging handle is oversized for quick and effective engagement by right or left-handed shooters and the forward assist has been removed.

MMR Hunter – Three initial offerings of this series in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) will be dedicated to the predator, varmint and small game hunter: a black phosphate/anodized version and two fully camouflaged versions in Mossy Oak® Treestand® and Mossy Oak Brush®. A slender, checkered aluminum tubular fore-end is matched with an A2-style buttstock for a more traditional fit and feel. Dual swivel studs grace the forend for the addition of bipod and sling and the stock features a rear stud with attached sling swivel. The clean profile 20-inch barrel is optimized with a 1:9 twist rate and features a recessed hunting crown. The machined aluminum receiver has an integral Picatinny rail for ease of adding optics with Weaver-style rings. A five-round magazine is included; however, the MMR Hunter accepts most higher-capacity AR-15 style magazines.

MMR Tactical – Designed to support both sport shooting and tactical applications, the MMR will meet your needs. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) the Tactical versions come with a durable black phosphate/anodized finish and feature a 16.25 inch free-floating barrel with removable A2-style muzzlebrake; aluminum Picatinny quad-rail forend with vents for maximum cooling; receiver-mounted integral Picatinny rail; and standard dust cover. Options include 6-position adjustable or fixed stock which allows for up to 4 inches of LOP adjustment; available with or without removable Picatinny-mounted front sight (adjustable for elevation) and rear sight (adjustable for windage and elevation); and choice of 10-round or 30-round magazine. MMR Tactical rifles accept most higher-capacity AR-15 style magazines.

Mossberg has delivered dependable, innovative and value-packed firearms to hunters, recreational shooters and servicemen and women around the world for over 90 years, so it is only natural that Mossberg would bring the next generation of firearms to the marketplace – the MMR Hunter and MMR Tactical rifles.

Mossberg MMR Tactical Rifle

Hunter Specifications:

Mossberg MMR Tactical Specifications:

Stark is a registered trademark of Stark Equipment Corp. Mossy Oak, Treestand and Brush are registered trademarks of Haas Outdoors, Inc.

About O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
Founded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. is the oldest family-owned firearms manufacturer in America, and is the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world. Leading the way with over 100 design and utility patents to its credit, and standing as the first ISO 9001 Certified long-gun manufacturer, Mossberg is considered to be one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers in U.S. History. For more information on commercial, special purpose, law enforcement and military shotguns, rifles and accessories, please visit their website at www.mossberg.com.

MGI Enhanced Reliability AR15 7.62x39 Firing Pin Bolt

MGI Industries

Bangor, ME --(Ammoland.com)- The MGI enhanced reliability firing system 7.62×39 firing pin & bolt. MGI’s new Enhanced Reliability Firing Pin & Bolt were designed to increase detonation reliability when shooting the 7.62×39 round in converted AR-15 style rifles.

The MGI Firing Pin & Bolt system closely mimics a true AK 47 firing system for greater reliability and control. In fact, Wolf Performance Ammunition highly recommends using the MGI Firing Pin & Bolt system when firing 7.62×39 ammo.

For many years, shooters have been trying to increase the reliability of their 7.62 AR’s. There have been many attempts ranging from removing metal from the rear of the bolt, or from the flange of the firing pin, in an effort to get more penetration into the harder primers used in many 7.62 type rounds. In truth, the problem was not so much a matter of penetration as a matter of displacing enough mass in the primer to insure detonation.

MGI has combined a harder firing pin with a magnafluxed mil-spec bolt and D-fender D-ring to increase extraction reliability. The combination of these MGI inventions will increase the firing reliability in the 7.62×39 AR platform.

Order online! www.MGI-military.com Another MGI innovation from the original inventors of the Bushmaster!

Recommended by Wolf Performance Ammo!

About MGI:
As a Maine based company, MGI is committed to providing the United States military and the American law enforcement community a weapons platform of endurance, reliability and lethality to face the mission and tactical challenges of a post 9/11 World. MGI products are MADE IN THE U.S.A. and available through Camfour (413-564-2300) or Zanders (800-851-4373) or visit www.mgi-military.com. Contact MG Industries at 207-945-5441 or MGI@MGImilitary.com for more information.

Chiappa .22 LR Caliber M4-22 Upper for AR Platform Rifles

MKS Supply

DAYTON OHIO --(Ammoland.com)- MKS Distributing, the Distributor for Chiappa Firearms débuts its M4-22 AR-15 type upper chambered in .22LR.

This high-quality and affordable Chiappa Mil. Spec. M4-22 upper now makes it possible for most folks to purchase a .22 Long rifle caliber conversion for their high-power AR platform (all models of AR-15, M-16, and M4s now on the market).

And, with the money saved on the Chiappa upper price you can buy more ammunition (always a good thing) because this is not only a practical conversion (for practice) these.22 LR conversions are a ball to shoot.

The Chiappa M4-22 Upper features a Picatinny integral rail upper and the barrel and has the same profile of the current military M4 carbine.

Chiappa’s M4-22 upper is reliable, robust and installs in seconds and you’ve got yourself a mean looking .22 caliber fun gun.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Barrel Length: 16-inches
• Overall Length: 34.25 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Magazines: Two 28-round capacity magazines. NOTE: in restricted states such as California two 10 magazines are shipped with each upper.
• Price: Suggested retail $349.00.

MKS Supply, Inc.
8611-A North Dixie Drive
Dayton, OH, 45414
937-901-0363
mkschiappa@aol.com

Visit: www.mkssupply.com

American Gunsmithing Institute

NAPA, CA --(Ammoland.com)- America’s love affair with the AR isn’t ending anytime soon.
American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI), the foremost authority on instructional video gunsmithing courses has developed courses specifically for the AR platform.

The classic Eugene Stoner masterpiece is relived in all its glory by Master Gunsmith Robert “Bob” Dunlap, AGI’s Senior Instructor. In the AR-15 Rifles DVD (Product ID#103DVD for $39.95), Bob explains this successful design from its beginning over 40 years ago to today’s many variations.

Bob uses a cutaway rifle to guide the viewer through the design and function of the rifle and includes many demonstrations to giving viewers a thorough understanding of gas systems, buffer assemblies, auto-fire and semi-auto modes and the forward assist. From disassembly and cleaning and lubrication to reassembly, Bob provides viewers with an excellent familiarization course on your AR rifle. Besides the basics, Bob will advise on accessories, tuning tips and troubleshooting. This course shows viewers how to convert a rifle to a M-4 Carbine configuration.

If building an AR system is the goal, the AGI course Building the AR from a Kit (Product ID#323DVD for $39.95) is the definitive course for the AR student with step-by-step instructions using parts from the top AR-15 manufacturers. Again, Master Gunsmith Bob Dunlap, will walk students through the entire process from building a lower receiver from scratch to installation and fitting of parts, head spacing the barrel and final assembly and tuning. The AGI Building the AR from a Kit course will help students build their AR while avoiding the common and costly mistakes.

More and more shooters are using their AR for competitive shooting and varmint hunting. The AR-15 Trigger Job (Product ID#335DVD for $39.95) is the course for shooters looking to hone their trigger pull for increased accuracy. The AGI AR-15 Trigger Job course is a great instructional video for AR owners with a good knowledge base of the AR platform that are looking to enhance the rifle’s performance.

Looking to become a professional Gunsmith?
The AGI Professional Gunsmith Course takes an in-depth approach to this vastly popular rifle and is the only course that will give students the confidence to set-up their own gunsmithing business in less time and with less money than traditional gunsmithing schools.

American Gunsmithing Institute offers a variety of affordable DVD gunsmithing courses that can be viewed in the comfort of one’s home at one’s leisure. Unlike traditional schooling, the DVD’s can be played over and over again for reinforcement. All of the AGI instructors offer the highest quality of instruction since AGI’s founding in 1981. Visit AGI at www.americangunsmith.com to download their free course catalog and find out more about the Professional Gunsmith Course and other affordable course.

Brownells AR-15 M16 Paratrooper Charging Handle

Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- The Brownells Paratrooper Charging Handle for AR-15s and M16s improves the function of your favorite modern sporting rifle by providing the longest grasping surface on the market today.

When you need to use it, the handle’s deeply serrated front face ensures non-slip hand contact for positive operation in all conditions.

The Paratrooper is an oversized, left-side lever that folds against the receiver to present a slim, no-snag profile during carry or storage. It angles down slightly when retracted, so it won’t interfere with a scope or sight mounted on the receiver rail. The handle is 2.5 inches wide when open, and measures just under an inch wide when folded.

Made in the U.S., the Paratrooper Charging Handle is machined from billet 7075 T6 aluminum – the same material as USGI receivers – for superb strength and reliability. The hardcoat-anodized finish resists corrosion and surface wear, and the matte-black finish matches most factory receiver finishes.

The AR-15/M16 Paratrooper Charging Handle (#080-000-819) is drop-in ready for a Mil-Spec AR-15/M16 upper receiver. There’s no gunsmithing required.

To learn more about the Para-Trooper Charging Handle, enter stock number #080-000-819 into the Search window on brownells.com or click here.

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

CCI Tactical .22 LR AR Rifle Ammunition

CCI Ammunition

LEWISTON, Idaho. --(Ammoland.com)- CCI now offers a load specifically for AR-style rifles—new .22 Long Rifle AR-Tactical.

Shooters can find these accurate and affordable bullets on store shelves now.

Consistent Performance
These new rounds are built to CCI’s high standards. AR-Tactical bullets offer excellent accuracy––including 1.5 inches at 100 yards for 10-shot groups in factory testing. Testing also was conducted specifically for common law enforcement and military Smith & Wesson M&P 15/22 firearms. This testing confirmed the performance that tactical users require.

Optimized Design
A CCI case, primer and bullet lube combine with clean-burning powder to provide tactical-grade performance. The 40-grain rounds are a target bullet with a copper-plated round nose (CPRN) for smooth feeding. Tactical shooters can blast through an entire magazine without worrying of a glitch in feeding or on-target performance. A speed of 1200 fps allows for excellent accuracy with low recoil.

“These new .22 Long Rifle AR-Tactical rounds are a great value to all shooters,” said Brand Director Rick Stoeckel. “Our rigorous testing came back with impressive results, showing that these guns like a heavier bullet with a relatively low muzzle velocity. Now we are ready to meet the rising demand of AR-style shooters.”

AR-Tactical is available in 375-count loose packed, re-closeable boxes. To learn more about the new rounds and the entire CCI lineup, visit www.CCI-ammunition.com

Part No. Description

• 0953
• .22 Long Rifle
• 40-grain
• CPRN AR Tactical
• 1200 fps

About CCI
Dick Speer founded Cascade Cartridge, Inc. in 1951 next to the Snake River in Lewiston, Idaho. The company manufactured and marketed centerfire primers for government use in its infancy. CCI now develops them for sporting applications as part of ATK Security and Sporting and is the world leader in rimfire products. The company also produces shotshells, industrial powerloads and Blazer centerfire handgun ammunition. For more information, visit www.cci-ammunition.com

Gundigest.com

Cincinnati, Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- The Master Blaster is back in the Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle!

Written by Patrick Sweeney, an acknowledged expert in the field, Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle contains everything you need to know about customizing and enjoying precision tactical rifles.

This book teaches you how to choose, shoot and maintain the tactical rifle, whether it is a semi-auto or a bolt-action rifle.

Tactical rifles include any precision rifles, especially those used for law enforcement or recreational use. Readers will learn about the wide range of accessories available—from optics to bipods and slings to compensators and magazines. Sweeney teaches you how to buy them wisely, install them, and use them to maximum effect.

Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle is a fun and fact-filled exploration of high-volume shooting at its finest. Inside, you will find hundreds of photographs with real-world advice on tactical rifles from around the world. Sweeney does the dirty work for you, giving you the scoop on all the drawbacks and positives on each rifle before you buy.

This is a great go-to book for shooters, collectors, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in tactical rifles. No other book covers as many different styles of tactical rifles, and is written by a more qualified author.

You can find Sweeney’s book and all other great Gun Digest titles at www.GunDigestStore.com.

To purchase the Book of the Tactical Rifle, click here: http://tiny.cc/z81jw

Gun Digest® Book of the Tactical Rifle

About the Author
Patrick Sweeney is a renowned competition shooter, master gunsmith, film consultant and certified Armorer Instructor for police departments nationwide. He has written many of Gun Digest® Books’ best-selling titles, including 1911: The First Hundred Years, Gun Digest® Book of the 1911, Vols. I and II; Gun Digest® Big Fat Book of the .45 ACP, Gun Digest® Book of the AR-15, Gun Digest® Book of the AK and SKS, Gun Digest® Book of the Glock and Gunsmithing: Pistols and Revolvers, among other titles.

US $26.99 (CAN $30.99) | 978-1-4402-1432-5 | (Y0046) 224 pages
Gun Digest Books, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

Modern Sporting Rifle

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Owners of modern sporting rifles (MSR) –those rifles based on the AR platform– are among the most passionate gun owners.

Most shoot their rifles often and wish they had time to shoot them even more. Most use them for target shooting. Most own multiple modern sporting rifles. Most enjoy accessorizing them.

Given these and other insights into ownership, it’s no wonder MSRs were among the hottest sellers during the firearms sales boom from late 2008 through early 2010.

With so many MSRs purchased during that period, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, wanted to learn more about owners’ use and attitudes related to these firearms.

A survey conducted in 2010 on behalf of NSSF by Sports Marketing Surveys has been compiled into the NSSF Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) Comprehensive Consumer Report. The complete survey and a description of the methodology used are available at www.nssf.org/MSR/facts.cfm.

“The findings give NSSF a baseline for future research into the ownership and use of these popular sporting firearms,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of industry research and analysis. “Our goal was to learn more about this category, and we certainly did.”

Included in the survey findings are these 21 fascinating facts about owners of modern sporting rifles who responded to the survey:

• 60 percent of MSR owners that responded to the study own multiple MSRs, with the average owned being 2.6.
• 30 percent of all MSR owners purchased their first rifle in 2009 or 2010.
• 99 percent of all MSR owners owned some type of firearm prior to their first MSR purchase.
• 9 out of 10 owned a handgun prior to acquiring their first MSR, and 34 percent of those under age 35 owned a paintball gun before owning their MSR.
• Nearly half (44 percent) of MSR owners are current or former military or law enforcement members.
• 51 percent of MSR owners have a shooting-range membership.
• 8 out of every 10 MSR owners purchased their MSR new.
• 39 percent of all MSR owners purchased their most recent MSR at an independent retail store, with the average purchase price being $1,083.
• 3 out of every 4 MSRs most recently purchased were chambered in .223/5.56mm.
• MSR owners consider accuracy and reliability to be the 2 most important things to consider when buying a MSR.
• 84 percent of MSR owners have at least 1 accessory on their rifle, and they spend an average of $436 on after-market accessories and customization.
• 71 percent of MSR owners use a scope or red-dot as their primary optic. Older owners prefer scopes; younger owners prefer red-dot optics.
• One-third of MSR owners use a 30-plus round magazine most often in their MSR.
• The 3 most-owned accessories were a rifle sling (81 percent), soft carrying case (70 percent) and mounted rifle scope (68 percent).
• 25 percent of those who own 3 or more MSRs describe their MSRs as heavily accessorized (4-plus accessories).
• Recreational target shooting (8.9 out of 10) was the No. 1-rated reason for owning a MSR in terms of importance. Home defense was next (7.7/10), followed by collecting (6.28/10) and varmint hunting (6.23/10).
• 95 percent of owners said they have used their MSRs in the last 12 months, and 29 percent of owners shoot their MSRs more than once per month.
• 25 percent of owners shot more than 1,000 rounds out of their MSR in the last 12 months.
• 8 out of 10 owners feel they have not been able to shoot their MSR as much as they would like in the last 12 months.
• Not having enough free time and the cost of ammo are the 2 main issues preventing MSR owners from shooting as much as they would like.
• The typical MSR owner is 35-plus years old, married and has some college education.

NSSF has led the way in educating sportsmen and the public about modern sporting rifles. These AR-style rifles are sometimes incorrectly referred to as assault rifles or assault weapons. They are not. (The AR stands for ArmaLite, the company that developed the rifle in the 1950s.)

The rifles do resemble military firearms such as the M4, but the similarities are cosmetic only. The AR-style rifle functions like other semi-automatic sporting firearms, firing one round with each pull of the trigger. Since the 19th century, civilian sporting rifles have evolved from their military predecessors, and the modern sporting rifle follows that tradition.

Gun owners who want to be accurately informed on the subject can learn more at www.nssf.org/msr.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Learn about the Foundation’s history at www.nssf.org/50.

The Practical .30 Cal. AR-15 Solution

Wilson Combat

Berryville, AR -(Ammoland.com)- Available now from Wilson Combat – The 7.62×40 WT (Wilson Tactical) is an all new powerful .30 caliber cartridge solution for the standard AR-15 rifle platform that is inherently accurate, low recoil and only requires one unique part – a new barrel.

The 7.62×40 WT works with all other standard pattern 5.56 AR components and is completely reliable with the new Lancer® L5 AWM magazines as modified by Wilson Combat.

Wilson Combat AR15 Rifle

Ideal for Hunting and Tactical Use
The wide range of available .30 caliber hunting bullets makes the 7.62×40 WT an ideal choice for hunting of medium to large size game with the downrange ballistic performance only a .30 Caliber projectile can deliver. Experienced shooters will be pleased by the match grade accuracy and terminal effectiveness and energy easily exceeding the 7.62×39 Russian, while novice shooters will appreciate the mild recoil and low report. 
Tactical shooters looking for a hard hitting, fast handling, practical .30 Caliber AR-15 service carbine will find the 7.62×40 WT a viable alternative to the 5.56×45 for self defense and law enforcement applications. With 18/19 or 28/29 round capacity using Wilson Combat modified Lancer® L5 AWM 5.56 magazines, maximum firepower is retained.

Components, Loaded Ammunition and Complete Guns

7.62x40 WT cartridge

The 7.62×40 WT cartridge is based on a standard Lake City 5.56×45 NATO/.223 cartridge case that goes through a simple shortening and reforming operation to achieve appropriate cartridge dimensions. Wilson Combat has reloading dies, case gages, cartridge cases, handload data and a variety of loaded ammunition to fully support this caliber.
A complete lineup of Wilson Combat 7.62×40 WT rifles, uppers and match-grade barrels are also available now.

Ballistic Performance Comparison
7.62×40 WT (16” Barrel) 110 gr: 2450 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1466 Foot Pounds of Energy
125 gr: 2400 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1599 Foot Pounds of Energy
150 gr: 2200 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1612 Foot Pounds of Energy

5.56 Nato (16” Barrel) 55 gr: 3150 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1212 Foot Pounds of Energy
62 gr: 3000 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1239 Foot Pounds of Energy
77 gr: 2750 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1293 Foot Pounds of Energy

7.62×39 (16” Barrel) 123 gr: 2320 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1470 Foot Pounds of Energy
6.8 SPC (16” Barrel)
110 gr: 2550 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1594 Foot Pounds of Energy

300 BLACKOUT (16” Barrel) 125 gr: 2275 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 1436 Foot Pounds of Energy

NOTE for Handloaders: Once a 7.62×40 WT case has been fired once it will be fire- formed and provide approximately 1 gr. additional powder capacity and the potential for approximately 25-50 FPS more velocity at comparable pressure levels.

Trajectory and Remaining Velocity
125 gr. Nosler Ballistic Hunter, 2375 FPS MV, Zero range 175 yards
100 yds +1.7” 2156 FPS
150 yds +1.1” 2052 FPS
200 yds -1.6” 1951 FPS
250 yds -6.6” 1854 FPS

About:
At Wilson Combat we’re proud of our position as the acknowledged leader in customer satisfaction and quality products. We work hard to maintain the reputation we’ve built over almost thirty years, and continue to invest in the human resources, training, capital equipment, research and development to stay on top. We have added new leadership personnel in engineering, manufacturing management, materials, research, design, operations, and business development. One of our goals is to be a little better every single day, and we work hard to meet that goal.

AR15.com Billet Lower Receiver

AR15.com

Honeoye Falls, NY -(Ammoland.com)- So it’s been a while coming, but they are finally here.

To give you some details on how they came to be, describe what components we have chosen to include and why, and hopefully answer a number of questions, below is an introduction and guide to the AR15.com Billet Lowers.

HISTORY
The AR-15 lower receiver has remained relatively unchanged through the first 50 years or so of its existence. A few tweaks have been made over the years to provide reinforcement or protective fencing, but no one really varied much from the “mil-spec” forging design.

A few years ago, Magpul introduced what I still believe to be the nicest lower receiver design to date. Made from aluminum billet (essentially a raw block of aluminum) vs. a forging meant that the manufacturer had more opportunity to vary the design outside the constraints of that preformed forging. These receivers were quickly sold via pre-order lists, and despite the demand for them, their production was very limited. Magpul never got into the lower receiver business due to liability insurance reasons, and their lowers disappeared into collector’s safes.

Back in the Summer of 2008, AR15.com bought the “rights” to the Magpul lower design with the intent to produce these the same year. However, we fought a long battle as one manufacturer after another promised to make them for us, and failed to deliver. The reason for the most part had to do with the presidential election of 2008. With the threat of an Obama win and the sure to follow ban on “assault weapons”, every manufacturer jumped into manufacturing overdrive with their own products, and so ours fell off the schedule. The eventual election of our current president did nothing to help us get on a schedule, and we approached no less than 4 major manufacturers in that time.

Finally, in the Fall of 2010, after the ban failed to materialize and as the gun industry was feeling the impact of all that excess manufacturing inventory, we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. We were given a window for our lowers, and we were assured we would have them in time for the Holidays. Then that schedule slipped to mid December, then to SHOT 2011 (January), and eventually, we received the first batch in March of 2011.

Our lifetime members got a first shot at our lowers, with the first product being delivered on April 1, 2011. With the recent sale of Magpul lowers reaching $3000+, we wanted to take advantage of the date and the “soft” roll out of the product as we prepared parts, process, and a new manufacturing environment.

So despite the fact that it’s been nearly 3 years in the making, during which just about everyone else has released a billet lower of their own, we are finally glad to announce that ours are here. Perhaps a bit late to the party, but as they say “Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember”, and we’re proud of our final product. We firmly believe that it is the finest lower receiver in the marketplace, and that is a result of all of the different component manufacturers that we’ve worked with.

Before we get into those, let’s go through the brief list of features on the receiver itself.

FEATURES

• Magazine well – aggressively flared for easier loading, and with a textured front
• Markings – Bolt Face Logo is milled rather than outlined, and other than the company name below it, all text is on the right side of the magazine well. We chose to mark these 5.56mm vs. ‘multi’ to differentiate the 5.56 platform vs. the 7.62 platform to come later. Also, FIRE selector pictograms on both sides are at 68 degrees vs. 90 degrees to support both 45 and 90 degree selectors.
• Trigger guard – integral “Magpul” style vs. the often seen ’round’ version to maintain the clean lines
• Roll Pins – there are no roll pins required in the assembly of this lower; the trigger guard is built in, and the bolt catch/release assemblies both use a threaded pin
• Takedown pin – comes with a threaded takedown pin detent spring channel so your takedown pin detent and spring remain in place when the stock is removed
• Ambi-Bolt release – receiver features a bolt release on the right hand side, and this lever includes the AR15.com name

COMPONENTS
Our lowers are being sold as complete assemblies, with a number of selectable options. We are doing this in order to leverage a number of the components that work well together, limit the number of components required to be kept in inventory, as well as to ensure the highest level of performance. We understand that there are lower cost alternatives out there, and while that market is saturated, we wanted to present an alternative that requires no upgrading. We may extend the available configurations in the future based on user demand, so we welcome your feedback.

Trigger
Our goal in selecting a trigger was to offer a solution for the typical user; a 90% case if you will. We chose the Geissele Automatics Super 3 Gun trigger with a slightly heavier spring and a laser etched BFL on the hammer. This trigger is what I would consider a “fast” trigger; it allows for quick follow-up shots as typically used in a defensive, combat, or simulated environment such as dynamic training and competition.

Selector
For the selector, we went with a Battle Arms Development Short Throw ambi selector. This is the first lower receiver manufactured specifically to accommodate the ST or 45 degree selector. With the various levers available for this selector, a user can customize their setup exactly the way they want it. We ship with a standard lever and short lever, but B.A.D. offers a policy unmatched by any other manufacturer to exchange your levers for any other available choice, and they will ship it to you before you return it so you can try it and make sure you are making the right decision. Try finding that level of customer service anywhere else!

Combining the 45 degree selector with the modified S3G trigger means this lower allows you to go from a ready position with your weapon on safe to engaging a target with multiple rounds, and back to safe faster than any other production AR lower. It may take a bit to get used to, but once you do, you’ll wonder how we’ve put up with a 90 degree design for so long. If for any reason you cannot use a 45 degree selector, the lower is compatible with a 90 degree selector.

Norgon Ambi Mag Release
Rounding out the ambidextrous controls is the Norgon Mag Release. What you end up with is a lower receiver with controls on both sides for mag release, and above those for the bolt release. This means that whether you’re left handed or right, or you train shooting from both sides, your controls are in the same place regardless of which hand is manipulating them. A true ambi-lower for those environments where obstacles do not always allow you to shoot from your “strong” side.

Grip
We chose the Magpul MIAD grips for all builds, and these are available in black, OD, and FDE to match the selected stock. All parts and accessories (for this and all components) are included with your lower. This means you can change out any of the inserts if you so desire.

Stocks
Stocks are the main option in configuring your lower. We currently are supporting 3 models, all from Magpul, and some with color choices. Once again, if demand dictates, we can expand this offering.

CTR
The CTR is a great choice for a lightweight fighting carbine, and we offer it in black, OD, and FDE (MIAD grip will match your stock color selection). The CTR stock comes with a 6-position anti-tilt receiver extension featuring drainage holes, and your choice of lower receiver back-plate/sling attachment point. The choices here include a Magpul ASAP, Noveske QD, and Black Widow NoMar plate.

UBR
The UBR is a heavy collapsible stock featuring a fixed cheek piece, storage compartment, QD mount points, and the ability to set a preset open position. Both the storage compartment and the QD mount points can be reversed for LH shooters, or the compartment can be removed altogether. This stock is only available in black right now, but we can order other colors, and expand the offerings if the demand is there.

PRS
The PRS stock is perhaps the finest non-collapsible stock made, and features length of pull adjustment was well as cheek height adjustments. This stock is a great fit for a longer-range rifle, or for states where the collapsible stocks have been banned, but it is seeing more and more use in 3-gun competition.

CONCLUSION
So there you have it- an official announcement as well as a short description of what we’ve put into our lowers in time, labor, features, and parts. As the AR-15 platform has evolved over the years through numerous initiatives, we feel this product offers the most advanced components available today. This is not only a great looking receiver, but one that is highly functional in a way that may make you leave your other lowers in the safe more often.

Rather than make this a limited production item, we hope to improve on it over time through comments from our users. We look forward to feedback from those that have purchased and used the product, as well as your pictures. For those that are interested in ordering, check out the AR15.com store.

We will be making a factory SBR offering on these; when you order, put SBR in the comment box.

AR15.com Billet Lower Receiver

About:
AR15.Com originated in 1996 as a mailing list for firearm enthusiasts. As the years passed and interest grew, a website came into existence to present those same enthusiasts with a means to collect, share, and explore information. Shortly afterwards, a bulletin board was added to create a more interactive experience for the growing list of users. The site was still in it’s infancy, but was growing in popularity. Visit: www.ar15.com

AR-15 Rifle Cleaning

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- As a gunsmith I clean a lot of rifles.

I also fix a lot of rifles caused by improper cleaning; most of which are not permanently detrimental to the rifles or their accuracy, but each year I get a few rifles that are reduced to wall decorations.

If you ask 10 different shooters how they clean their AR rifle chances are you will get 10 different answers. Of course, the mechanics will be the same, but the details are different and we all know the devil is in the detail.

I interviewed two different groups of shooters to find out how they cleaned their rifles. Group one consisted of shooters who shoot much more than the average Joe including; competition shooters and shooters who are employed by firearm companies to do nothing but shoot firearms all day…Can that really be a job?

These shooters were adamant about their cleaning procedures – almost ritual like. A certain amount of patches wetted with a solvent or other concoction guaranteed to remove all the copper fouling and liberal amounts of elbow grease followed by dry patches and then neutralized so the solvent doesn’t pit the barrel followed by a patch lubed with oil to protect the bore.

Group two consisted mostly of gunsmiths who described horror stories of over-cleaning or improper cleaning procedures and whom spend little time cleaning their rifles, especially the barrel.

Somewhere in between is a happy medium.

The operation of the AR and its dirty little secret.
When the AR is fired; the gases from the ignited powder propels the bullet down the barrel. As the bullet passes over the gas orifice drilled in the barrel a small amount of gas, carbon and other crud travels down the small gas tube to the carrier key which actuates the bolt driving it rearward. Not all this gas, carbon and crud stay in the carrier key of the bolt. A lot of it gets deposited inside the rifle’s action.

I’m not sure who first coined the phrase, “The AR pukes on itself” but I can think of no better way to describe it. With as much crud that builds up inside the rifle it is a surprise it works as well as it does.

Cleaning the AR Style rifle – A method to the madness
The military teaches the newest of recruits to disassemble and reassemble a rifle using a systematic method. It is a good idea to employ this tactic in your cleaning.

Disassembling the rifle, I keep the groups together and as I disassemble these groups further, I place the parts on the bench from left to the right in the order they are removed from the rifle. When reassembling; the reverse order is used. This ensures no part is missed while cleaning or reassembling and is a good time to look for worn or broken parts.

I’m not going to go into the actual cleaning procedure as this is well documented on several video series like the ones from Brownells.

How To Clean the Ar15 Rifle

How much to clean
This question always resonates with me. I feel the amount the rifle is used and how it is used should dictate how much to clean your rifle.

If you are set up on a prairie dog town and shooting hundreds of rounds per day, detail cleaning the rifle, daily, to include a thorough barrel scrubbing should be considered SOP, the same with match shooting where precision bullet placement is crucial.

However, if you are going through a 5 day training class or casual plinking, I would punch the bore with a dry patch after each day afield removing any obvious build up from the inside as well as wiping down the exterior of the rifle.

If hunting with a black rifle, I would not punch the bore or use any petroleum product on the rifle until I was finished hunting for the season unless moisture became an issue.

Long term storage, anything more than a month, demands thorough cleaning of the rifle followed by an application of a protective coating like RIG or Cosmolene. Just remember to remove any thick preservative before the next shooting session.

Tools for cleaning
The simple design of the Modern Sporting Rifle makes cleaning and the tools needed fairly straight forward.

The cleaning rod – The cleaning rod should be a one piece rod coated with nylon or plastic sheath or made of brass. Stick with one manufacturer when choosing your cleaning rod. There is nothing more frustrating than digging through a drawer full of brushes, jags and eyelets that don’t fit the cleaning rod when you are trying to clean your rifle. Avoid the military sectional rods if possible; the sections bend easily and the steel on steel does a rifle bore no good.

Many shooters like a long shafted cleaning rod and a shorter coated rod with a “T” handle for cleaning the chamber and locking lug area.

The Bore guide – A bore guide as the name implies keeps the cleaning rod centered in the action and bore of the barrel. This eliminates the chance of scratching the rifle’s chamber or bore. If you are not using a bore guide, start!

Brushes - To clean the AR two types of brushes are advised. The chamber brush and the bore brush. The brushes should be made of phosphor bronze and the body of the brush of brass as should be the couplers. The chamber brush is used to clean the barrel extension which can pack full of crud and unburned powder which can prevent the bolt to close causing misfires.

The bore brush should match the bore diameter of the barrel. It is certainly a good idea to change bore brushes every six months, more if you tend to clean your rifle habitually. Check the Ar-15 Brush Pak

Standard issue AP (all purpose) brush – There’s nothing better to get into hard to reach places.

Patches – I’ve used some unlikely items for cleaning patches but to keep a rifles barrel in tip top shape I like uniformity in my patches, Too thick and they get stuck in the barrel, too thin and they won’t do a thorough job. As I write this, Brownell patches sit on my bench. They are sized properly both in size and thickness without trimming and only rarely do I stick one.

Solvents – So many solvents so little time.
I prefer a solvent designed for a specific purpose; copper solvents to remove copper build up and a powder solvent for general cleaning. I’ve used many different kinds and can’t say one is better than another. I have seen some copper solvents pit the bore so now I dry the bore and neutralize it with several patches wetted with denatured alcohol followed by several drying patches and finally a patch wetted with a light coat of oil like Hoppes.

Powder solvents are much the same; they all perform equally, but I do like the idea of a more green friendly approach as much for my well being and wear and tear on my hands as for the environment.

The new spray cleaners are very handy especially for a quick clean. Just spray the solvent, let it loosen the crud and then spray it out again.

One word of caution! When using any solvent on painted firearms especially the wildly popular camo finishes, either factory or after market, always test the solvent in an inconspicuous place like under the handguard. Some of these solvents can unknowingly double as a paint remover, I’ve seen firsthand these “Safe for all Finishes” solvents strip paint and coatings.

AR-15 Rail Vise

Other tools that make cleaning less of a pain
The Rail Vise (www.railvise.com) is a modular holding fixture designed to hold black rifles. It features extruded aluminum bases and molded polymer clamping adapters.

I like the Sinclair AR-15 lug recess cleaning tool to clean out the stubborn locking lug area. This tool, made of Delrin puts a cotton patch deep into the recess of the lug and cleans out the crud you cannot reach with a standard AP brush.

Holding fixtures like the Brownells Lower Receiver Holding Fixture Block is placed in a vice while allowing the rifle owner to use both hands to clean the rifle, however, the upper gets a little wobbly while in the holding fixture. To prevent this, the Sinclair AR-15 Rod Guide and Link Kit keeps the two halves locked together all the while allowing access to the barrel and the inside of the rifle.

The Brownells Handguard Tool is also handy if your AR style rifle is equipped with a delta ring. Simply insert the tool around the delta ring, place the lever point in the magazine well and press down on the delta ring. Brownells feature a video of how to use this and many other tools on their website.

Ar15 Handguard Removal Tool Video

Cleaning a rifle will never be as much fun as shooting it, but with a little common sense and the same amount of elbow grease on a regular basis your shooter will remain that way.

About Steve Felgenhauer:
Steve Felgenhauer is an up and coming freelance writer that focuses on writing about all things firearms – from product reviews to hunting and everything in between. Steve is a frequent contributor to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.  You can read more about gun writer Steve Felgenhauer on the following page.

Brownells Ar15Builder Named Finalist in Technology Association Awards

Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- Brownells has been named a finalist in the sixth-annual Prometheus Awards, the technology industry’s celebration of extraordinary achievements among Iowa’s high-tech businesses and individuals.

Leann Jacobson, president of the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI), which runs the awards program, said, “This year’s group of technology-industry standouts represents a broad spectrum of business and innovation initiatives that set Iowa apart as a technology state and a big player on an international level.”

Brownells was nominated in the Best User of Technology category, along with GCommerce, Nationwide Insurance, Ovation Networks, Inc., and Vision 1, LLC.

Company President Pete Brownell said, “It’s a great honor to be named as a finalist in the Prometheus Awards Best User of Technology category. The Prometheus event is the largest technology gathering in Iowa and the industry’s most prestigious award.”

The winners will be announced at the Prometheus Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 7, at the Meadows Convention Center in Altoona, Iowa, northeast of Des Moines.

Brownells Marketing Director Clayton Whipple said the company’s entry was focused on the patented AR15Builder.com technology. Whipple said, “The AR15builder.com site is a remarkable resource. Customers can build whole guns on the site, and ‘virtually’ select from hundreds of parts to order exactly what they want.”

For more information about the Prometheus Awards Ceremony, go to www.technologyiowa.org, or call 515-280-7702. TAI is a member-based, not-for-profit organization recognizing Iowa’s technology industry.

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association has learned that the Washington State Patrol (WSP) has sent a letter, apparently to every firearms dealer in the state of Washington, as part of an investigation into “a missing/stolen AR-15.”

The WSP has requested an incredible amount of information regarding dealer’s sales and acquisitions of AR-15’s and lower receivers over the last nine months.

They want names, dates of births, addresses and more… from the past nine months! A statewide search through a mountain of information for ONE missing/stolen AR-15?

It seems preposterous to the NRA that the WSP would conceivably request this massive amount of sensitive data, in a search for ONE AR-15! It is the NRA’s view that there must be more to this story, a lot more. The NRA has placed two phone calls into the WSP today in search of clarifying information but has yet to receive any response on the matter. The NRA has also followed up with a letter of inquiry which notes that dealers are under no obligation to comply with the request.

We will keep our members apprised of any information that is forthcoming from the WSP. In the meantime, NRA suggests that you contact your State Legislators and let them know about this far-reaching and overly-broad request of firearm dealers by the state law enforcement agency. Ask your legislators to contact the WSP in an effort to find out what is going on in this case. You may contact your state Representative or state Senator by clicking here. If you don’t know who your elected officials are you may look them up here.

Also, please contact Governor Chris Gregoire, let her know about the requests currently being asked of Washington’s firearms dealers by the WSP and urge her to find out what is going on in this case. You can contact the Governor by clicking here.

National Rifle Association of America Washington State Police Inquiry

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Wilson Combat UT-15 Tactical Carbine - Guaranteed 1 MOA at 100 yards.

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Think your AR can’t be as accurate as the high end custom AR above? Think again.

The AR or AR15 rifle is plenty accurate. Oh, yours isn’t? Maybe it’s time to look at some options to make your rifle the envy of the rifle range.

Like all rifles the AR is made up of components; each playing a role in its accuracy.

Though shooting style may differ from shooter to shooter, for example, those who participate in service rifle matches have different requirements from an AR used for long range hunting. However, high quality components are crucial for both top scores or long range hunting success.

Whether you are building a black rifle from parts or customizing your existing AR rifle to better suit your shooting style, here’s a rundown of what works for me and a suggestion where to spend your hard earned dollars to maximize black rifle accuracy.

The barrel: the heart of an accurate rifle.
The accuracy of any rifle begins and ends with its barrel. This should be the greatest single expenditure when looking to wring the most from your AR. Many rifle manufacturers use decent barrels capable of good accuracy. If your rifle isn’t accurate enough for your liking, replace the barrel first and choose a reputable barrel maker. Shilen Rifles makes one of the finest. Their drop-in barrel is available complete with matching bolt chambered, headspaced and ready for installation. Their barrels are available in many contours. Don’t skimp on a barrel.

The process of installing an aftermarket barrel is usually combined with installation of free float tubes. If you are utilizing a drop-in barrel, the barrel simply fits into the receiver and is held in place by the barrel nut. The nut must be aligned so that the gas tube clears the holes in the nut. Most free float tubes then screw onto the barrel nut.

If you would like to see this and other procedures, go to Brownell’s website. It has one of the most comprehensive video collections available on building an AR Rifle. www.brownells.com

Changing An AR-15 Barrel Video

Free Float Tubes
Any kind of pressure put on a rifle barrel will cause the impact of the bullet to shift. For this reason, I like free float tubes on my AR. If building an AR with some sort of attachment for a bipod, mount it on the free float tube so it makes no contact with the barrel whatsoever to include the gas block.

Free float tubes can be installed on CMP rifles by removing the heat shields from the issued hand guards then reinstalling the hand guards over them. Most shooters use a second set dedicated to this use as the original hand guards do need to be modified.

Free Float Tubes come in an array of styles and materials and are a personal preference AR accessory.

Upper and Lower Receiver
The upper and lower receivers for the AR- 15 are Mil- Spec. In theory, the parts are interchangeable. The AR- Style .308 is not, but I foresee one or two designs taking the lead and becoming the “standard”.

The upper and lower receivers are simply nothing more than housings to keep the guts of the rifle from flying apart. The upper holds the barrel in place and houses the bolt carrier. The lower houses the hammer and trigger while holding the buttstock and pistol grip in place.

J P Enterprises AR-15 Tensioning Pin

Though many shooters feel the slop between the upper and lower receiver robs accuracy, I have yet to experience this. But, the slop rattle can be quite aggravating and distracting. If the rattling halves bother you, an Accu-wedge or JP Tension Pin can remove this slop. I prefer glassing the two halves. To do this, a minimum of tools will be needed:

• Bedding Compound – I like Brownell’s Acraglas Gel, 4 ounce kit – This will provide more than enough bedding compound to glass an AR and still have plenty to bed a bolt action rifle or two. This kit comes with everything you will need to do a professional-looking job. One word of caution, the release agent included in the kit prevents the two pieces from sticking together. It is imperative to use this release agent according to the directions.
• Degreasing Agent – I use denatured alcohol.
• Shim stock – The thickness of the shim depends on the desired tightness. I prefer a .005 of an inch thick shim stock (the thickness of two sheets of typing paper) though many match gun builders use a shim up to .012 of an inch thick.

Degrease the lower receiver where the lug from the upper fits into it. Apply the release agent to the upper receiver and the rear takedown pin. I also put a small piece of clay in the hole in the lug. The pin will not be pushed all the way through but will fill up with the Acraglas; the clay prevents this.

Apply a small amount of glass in the pocket of the lower receiver where the lug will sit. To get good adherence, I will occasionally rough up the receiver with a Dremel tool and a small bur and degrease it again. Once the glass is applied in the pocket, put the shim on the top of the lower receiver. Slowly close the two halves. I put the shim just behind the ejection port; the two halves should not close. Apply pressure to the upper receiver; enough so you can start the takedown pin in the lug. Do not push the pin all the way through.

The deed is now done. All that is left to do is clean up any glass that runs out and set aside, preferably in a horizontal position until the glass sets up. Once the glass is set up, remove pins and clean up all residue. The rifle is then ready to reassemble and shoot and viola, no more rattle.

The only specialized feature on an upper receiver other than the cool factor is matching it to your shooting style. If you are a Civilian Marksman Program (CMP) shooter, you will need to choose an upper that will accept rear sights, like the A2 upper. For a long range shooter or hunter who plans on mounting optics, a flat top or optic-friendly high rise upper is in order. I prefer the high rise to a standard flat top. I want to keep my optics as close to the receiver and bore as possible instead of using ultra high scope rings.

Don’t get too worked up over the upper and lower receivers and don’t overspend here.

JP EZ Trigger

The Trigger
The standard issue trigger isn’t conducive to accuracy unless you are familiar with a two stage trigger. I like a crisp, single stage trigger that breaks at 3- 3½ pounds. The JP EZ trigger is one of my favorites and as its name implies is rather easy to install. For service rifle shooters who are restricted to a 4 ½ pound trigger pull, a CMP set up is available. This is achieved by springs rather than sear and trigger engagements. This is one area in which I would not cut corners.

The installation is better watched than explained. JP Rifles has a wonderful video of the trigger installation and set up on their website. Go to www.jprifles.com/1.4.8.1_ezt.php to watch the video of the complete installation. Trigger control is important, but again it is a luxury and will be priced accordingly.

Stock
Often looked upon as an oversight, a stock is important to long range shooting. A consistent stock weld is imperative to consistent success when shooting long range. The Magpul Precision Rifle/Sniper stock is the choice for serious shooters. It is fully adjustable both for length and height and facilitates optic mounted ARs. These are premium made stocks and priced as such. A less expensive option is the standard A2 style buttstock and an aftermarket cheek piece to attach to it. While not high speed, it performs the same task and is a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

Magpul Precision Sniper Rifle Stock

Optics
Optics is a matter of opinion. Red dots are fine for the new 3 gun shoots and the sort, but once the shot ranges over 400 yards, a traditional scope complete with a range-finding type reticle is the choice of long range shooters. Many shooters like the Mil – Dot reticle, however, I find the distance between the dots too extreme for shots over 500 yards. Nikon’s Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) used in tandem with their Spot On software program makes shooting long range child’s play. Purchase the best optics you can afford and learn how to use them.

Getting the most out of an AR isn’t difficult, but does take some planning. Determining your intention and expectations for the rifle is important. Can an AR keep up with a bench rest target rifle? Probably not, but it was never designed to do so. The bolt action rifle as we know it has a big head start on the relative newcomer, the Modern Sporting Rifle.

AR variations have already taken the rifle to heights even Stoner could have not imagined and the best is yet to come.

About Steve Felgenhauer:
Steve Felgenhauer is an up and coming freelance writer that focuses on writing about all things firearms – from product reviews to hunting and everything in between. Steve is a frequent contributor to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.  You can read more about gun writer Steve Felgenhauer on the following page.

Winchester M-22 Rimfire Round Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- Winchester Ammunition continues to invest in its rimfire product line with the development of a new 22 LR round for use in Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR).

New for 2011, this bullet is designed and packaged specifically for use in the growing number of high-capacity MSR 22 LRs.

The new M-22 features a 40-grain Plated Lead Round Nose bullet optimized for reliable feeding in high capacity magazines.

In addition, the M-22 utilizes non-corrosive priming and clean burning powder that delivers an ultrafast 1255 fps velocity and exceptional accuracy.

“The M-22 is designed for the high capacity MSR and provides a smooth functioning, affordable option with great accuracy,” said Brett Flaugher, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition.

“We made the M-22 available exclusively in a 1000-round bulk value pack to meet the demands of our customers at an attractive price point.”

The new M-22 LF Bullet features:

• Velocity: 1255 fps
• Grains: 40
• Bullet Type: Plated Lead Round Nose
• Cartridge: 22 LR
• Availability: 2011

Winchester is Proud to be a Leader in the Shooting Sports
Winchester Ammunition pledged $500,000 to permanently endow the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, thus becoming the exclusive sponsor of the officially renamed Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program is a self-paced shooting development program. Open to adults and youngsters alike, the program measures an individual’s shooting proficiency against established par scores in 13 courses of fire across three disciplines: pistol, rifle and shotgun.

By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winchester is providing everyone the chance to explore the benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer. To learn more about the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, please call 800-672-3888 ext. 1505 or visit www.nrahq.org/youth.

ISSC Austria

WARE, MA --(Ammoland.com)- ISSC-Austria, exclusive importer and distributor of rugged, Austrian engineered and manufactured .22 LR training pistols and rifles, has announced that it will transfer ownership of its domains www.modernsportingrifle.com and www.modernsportingrifle.org to the National Shooting Sports Foundation as a demonstration of ISSC’s good faith and support of the NSSF’s ongoing modern sporting rifle media campaign.

ISSC-Austria released the MSR MK22 rifle in December of 2010 as the first product in ISSC’s future line-up of modern sporting rifles.

The MK22 rifle is a metal and polymer, durable, military-style rifle built on the modern elements of today’s modern sporting rifle platform. ISSC-Austria purchased the two domains as part of the ISSC MSR MK22 marketing campaign. NSSF began a national modern sporting rifle media campaign in 2009 in order to educate gun owners and non-gun owners alike about AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles and to correct widespread mis-perceptions about their use and operation.

Through its MSR campaign, the NSSF continues to place educational ads in major firearm and sporting magazines and on outdoor cable television networks. Furthermore, NSSF created a dedicated website NSSF.ORG/MSR to serve as the industry’s preeminent resource containing facts, videos, and other information about MSRs. As part of its mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports, the NSSF has made its national MSR campaign to rebuild the image of AR-15 rifles and other commonly used and owned sporting firearms its number one priority.

“The ISSC MSR MK22 rifle is one of the first rifles in our industry to promote the ‘modern sporting rifle’ moniker,” Michael Weisser, President of ISSC-Austria said. “ISSC-Austria stands behind the efforts of the NSSF in their promotion of educating the American buying and non-buying public of these great rifles and giving these domains to the NSSF demonstrates our full intent to continue to partner with this prestigious association.”

“As the originator of the ‘Modern Sporting Rifle’ and ‘MSR’ terms, the NSSF is delighted that ISSC-Austria plans to use them in connection with its new MK22 rifle,” Jeffrey Yue, NSSF Associate General Counsel commented on behalf of the NSSF. In fact, NSSF wants to ensure that everyone can freely use these terms and is encouraging industry members to use them as much as possible in the mainstream so together we can reshape the public’s attitudes about AR-15-style rifles.

“We are further pleased that Mr. Weisser and ISSC-Austria are generously turning over these domains in support of our joint efforts to promote and educate consumers on the MSR campaign.”

About ISSC-Austria:
ISSC-Austria is the exclusive importer distributor and marketer of the M22 Range Pistol and MK22 Modern Sporting Rifle. www.issc-austria.com

About the NSSF:
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, the NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. www.nsssf.org.

NSSF celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011.