![\"GWLE](\"https:\/\/cdn.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gwle-a15-le10-xads.jpg\")
Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\nMagazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\n Liberator III Lite headset systems are exceptional headsets for law enforcement, military, and PSD Operators who require secure dual-comm capabilities. This product is an optimal communication system for operators who conduct operations with two radios simultaneously. It enables one headset to monitor and transmits on two radios with a streamlined cable configuration and a single Press-to-Talk enclosure with one button for each radio. For more information, visit tacticalcommand.com<\/a> or call 888-990-1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\n Liberator III Lite headset systems are exceptional headsets for law enforcement, military, and PSD Operators who require secure dual-comm capabilities. This product is an optimal communication system for operators who conduct operations with two radios simultaneously. It enables one headset to monitor and transmits on two radios with a streamlined cable configuration and a single Press-to-Talk enclosure with one button for each radio. For more information, visit tacticalcommand.com<\/a> or call 888-990-1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\n Liberator III Lite headset systems are exceptional headsets for law enforcement, military, and PSD Operators who require secure dual-comm capabilities. This product is an optimal communication system for operators who conduct operations with two radios simultaneously. It enables one headset to monitor and transmits on two radios with a streamlined cable configuration and a single Press-to-Talk enclosure with one button for each radio. For more information, visit tacticalcommand.com<\/a> or call 888-990-1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\n For law enforcement officers, losing a shoulder mic in a pursuit or fight can have tragic consequences. The Tactical Mic Klip (TMK) is a simple device that secures an officer\u2019s radio microphone to a button on the front of the uniform or on the epaulette. The TMK does not alter the uniform appearance and does an excellent job of securing the mic. Its MSRP is $10. For more information, visit thetmk.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liberator III Lite headset systems are exceptional headsets for law enforcement, military, and PSD Operators who require secure dual-comm capabilities. This product is an optimal communication system for operators who conduct operations with two radios simultaneously. It enables one headset to monitor and transmits on two radios with a streamlined cable configuration and a single Press-to-Talk enclosure with one button for each radio. For more information, visit tacticalcommand.com<\/a> or call 888-990-1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\n For law enforcement officers, losing a shoulder mic in a pursuit or fight can have tragic consequences. The Tactical Mic Klip (TMK) is a simple device that secures an officer\u2019s radio microphone to a button on the front of the uniform or on the epaulette. The TMK does not alter the uniform appearance and does an excellent job of securing the mic. Its MSRP is $10. For more information, visit thetmk.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liberator III Lite headset systems are exceptional headsets for law enforcement, military, and PSD Operators who require secure dual-comm capabilities. This product is an optimal communication system for operators who conduct operations with two radios simultaneously. It enables one headset to monitor and transmits on two radios with a streamlined cable configuration and a single Press-to-Talk enclosure with one button for each radio. For more information, visit tacticalcommand.com<\/a> or call 888-990-1600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a combination of Kevlar and titanium, the XADS LightShield is a compact ballistic shield that uses a 32,000-lumen light to disorient a suspect. The light is rechargeable and will provide up to 30 minutes of continuous run time. Its MSRP is $495. For more information, visit xtremeads.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Top 10 Duty Essentials For Law Enforcement","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"duty-essentials-law-enforcement","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-23 16:35:57","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-23 20:35:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/03\/06\/duty-essentials-law-enforcement\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129248,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2019-02-08 06:01:29","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-08 11:01:29","post_content":"\n\nD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu<\/em> took a funky twist that warm March morning in Texas. With my back wedged against a broad live oak and a camo shotgun resting on my left knee, my eyes cut left and right, nervously searching for the approaching red-and-white head of a Rio Grande longbeard. The setting was familiar, as the Lone Star State has long been one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations. The Remington Model DM Predator on my knee, however, represented a new experience\u2014my first hunt with a box-magazine-fed shotgun and an introduction to a surprisingly versatile platform.\n\n[in_content post=\"194663\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\nI\u2019d joined several other writers, folks from Remington and our hosts at Wildlife Systems Inc. at the Chaparrosa Ranch near La Pryor, Texas, to test-drive the DM Predator on turkeys, javelinas and feral hogs. With a full gun range and abundant game, the ranch would be the perfect proving grounds for the shotgun<\/a>. And the 870 DM Predator, with its specialized features and proven 870 pump action, was more than up to the task.\nMagazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
BROWSE BY BRAND
XADS LightShield<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
BROWSE BY BRAND
![\"GWLE](\"https:\/\/cdn.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/gwle-a15-le10-liberator.jpg\")
XADS LightShield<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
BROWSE BY BRAND
Liberator III LITE <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
XADS LightShield<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n \t
BROWSE BY BRAND
Liberator III LITE <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
XADS LightShield<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n
Remington 870 DM Predator<\/h3>\nEnter the idea of a box-magazine-fed 870 variant. The idea seems perfect for home-defense shotguns, as you can keep a full magazine separate from your gun and then load it almost instantly, without grasping for loose rounds and fumbling to fit shells into the chamber and magazine tube. And of course, the concept is ideal for shooting competitions that require competitors to reload quickly. Andy Haskin, director of research and development for long-gun programs at Remington, said those attributes also translate well to the hunting market.\n\n\u201cJust for instance, when I\u2019m turkey hunting, it\u2019s not at all uncommon to see coyotes or call in coyotes, so I would always keep a box of No. 5 buckshot in my chest pocket,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re sitting there calling turkeys, and the next thing you know, you have a coyote right on top of you. I would try to drop the gun and eject all my turkey loads out and then load in buckshot, and I\u2019m thinking, wow, if I could just carry a mag in my pocket, and all I have to do is hit that release and drop that mag in, I could be ready to shoot a coyote without all the commotion of emptying the mag tube and loading a new one.\u201d\n\nLikewise, Haskin said, waterfowl hunters will likely find similar value in the box-magazine-fed pump because it lets them reload fast for follow-up shots, or change shells in a flash when needed, like when a flock of geese approaches a duck spread. Further, the design promotes safe gun handling in the field, as you can easily pop the magazine out, pull the pump back and travel with an unloaded gun.\n
Early Reactions<\/h3>\nThat makes sense, but a great concept doesn\u2019t always translate to public acceptance. Designers watched closely as shooters first tried the 870 DMs. Cox said many people immediately recognized the gun\u2019s far-reaching practical applications. He mentioned a 35-plus-year law enforcement instructor who had very set, prescribed opinions about handling fighting shotguns.\n\n\u201cEven he came back and said, \u2018Honestly, it\u2019s different for me, because I have five decades of muscle memory, but there are people running guns on this range just as effectively as me right now who have never touched this thing,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cThe last thing we wanted was another gimmick. We wanted to put a meaningful option on the market.\u201d\n\nAt the SHOT Show\u2019s Industry Day at the Range, Haskin said, Remington set up a two-person competition in which shooters cycled a round, dropped the magazine, loaded another magazine and then cycled another round while being timed. That seemed to spark awareness.\n\n\u201cWhen they first picked the gun up, they all knew the 870 and about cycling the action, but when they cycled the action, hit the release, dropped that mag and put the next one in, it was almost instantaneous for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d see their faces light up. That was kind of their ah-ha moment. They were all used to an 870 and having to stuff the rounds in the mag tube, and when they could just pop that mag in, they would turn to their friends and say, \u2018\u201cThat\u2019s awesome.\u2019\u201d\n
Mags Afield<\/h3>\nOur first job in Texas was to become familiar with the 870 DM. The Remington DM Predator model we used features Kryptek Highlander camo, an 18.5-inch barrel, a SuperCell recoil pad, a ShurShot stock and tactical forend, extended extra-full predator and turkey chokes, and detachable 3- and 6-round magazines. The receiver has a rail, and our guns carried low-profile HWS optics for turkeys and hogs.\n\nFirst-evening range sessions went well. The extra-full turkey chokes centered thick, consistent patterns of Remington No. 5 shot on turkey targets at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil with the relatively light guns was easily manageable. With smiles and high expectations, we looked forward to the next morning, when the real tests would arrive.\n\nOur guide, Ted, dropped me off at a pasture road in the dark the first day. I watched the truck taillights fade into the distance, popped a full three-shot magazine into the DM and set about locating a turkey. The gun\u2019s light weight and relatively short overall length made it easy to carry while walking, though I wished I had brought a sling. (The gun has sling attachments. I\u2019d just neglected to think ahead.)\n\nAfter an action-packed but unsuccessful early morning, I called Ted and met him at the road. Fellow hunter Travis Ryan, then of Barnes Bullets, had scored a dandy gobbler with his DM, and we relived the story of his hunt. But Ted reminded me that the morning wasn\u2019t finished, and suggested relocating to another area.\n\n[in_content post=\"174720\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\n
Remington 870 DM Predator On the Hunt<\/h3>\nHe pulled the truck into a nearby pasture and showed me a winding trail that led through some pretty timber to two large water holes. Turkeys typically frequented the area at midmorning, he said, so he suggested I slip toward the water and attempt to strike a gobbler.\n\nMy first calls received no responses, so I tiptoed slowly along the trail, glassing ahead to be safe. Finally, figuring I was getting close to the water, I found a good-looking bend in the road and set up to call for a bit.\n\nSoft yelps and clucks on a slate were met with silence, so I pulled out an aluminum pot call, figuring its louder, high-pitched sounds would cut through the wind better. A gobble interrupted my first series, and two more quickly followed. The birds were about 120 yards away, on the other side of the nearest water hole.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Success Afield<\/h3>\nI continued calling, and the turkeys gobbled at about every other series, moving steadily from left to right. Then, after about five minutes, they went quiet. Figuring they had probably reached the road and were likely approaching, I set down the pot and readied the DM Predator.\n\nMoments later, two gorgeous Rio longbeards popped into view, and the lead bird raised his head on cue. I centered the sight above his wattles and fired, ending the hunt. The encounter had transpired just as seamlessly as if I\u2019d been using my own woods-worn 870 turkey gun. And although the 25-yard shot didn\u2019t test the DM\u2019s capabilities, the gun proved deadly effective.\n\nThat afternoon, our turkeys in the cooler, Travis and I switched out our three-round mags for six-round boxes loaded with hog medicine. And although we never saw any pigs, the DM\u2019s versatility was apparent.\n
Wrap Up<\/h3>\nWriters probably overuse the term \u201cdo-everything gun,\u201d but the Remington DM Predator sure fits the bill. From turkeys to larger game, or competition and home defense, the box-magazine-fed pump seems like a multiple-use champion.\n\nFor more information, visit remington.com<\/a>.\n
Remington 870 DM Predator Specs<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Solid Foundation<\/h3>\r\nFor this build project, Brownells was the source for all $648 of the newly manufactured early Model 601 parts, including the gray upper and lower receivers ($150 each), triangular charging handle ($60), early duckbill flash suppressor ($29), green furniture ($80), chromed bolt carrier group without serrations since the 601 had no forward assist ($150), non-captive and easily lost front pivot pin ($15) and aluminum 20-round magazine ($14). I chose the gray anodized receivers because the original black rifle wasn\u2019t really black at all. Brownells had some color consistency problems with the gray anodizing initially, but by the time you read this, that problem will be solved.\r\n\r\nThe new Brownells Retro parts are overall quite authentically rendered, but neither the parts nor the complete guns are meant to be exact copies of the originals. Brownells nailed the overall impression, but there are differences in the small details like the texturing on the magazine release button, the center holes in the heads of various pins, the metal and furniture finishes, and the receiver marking\u2014or lack thereof.\r\n\r\nI am sure a purist will criticize the company\u2019s USAF green stocks, grips and handguards. They\u2019re brighter than the dark olive drab paint applied to the brown fiberglass originals. The Retro stock, made from molded Zytel, may not be a perfect match, but it\u2019s much stronger and will wear better. And if you can\u2019t stand the color, you can just paint the furniture. Brownells also has a big selection of standard AR parts like lower kits, sights, headspace gauges and tools useful for any build.\r\n
Upgrading the Vietnam AR<\/h3>\r\nI wanted to build my own Model 601 with some modern enhancements that wouldn\u2019t detract from its old-school look. First on my list was an excellent Geissele Single Stage Precision (SSP) M4 Curved Bow trigger. With its crisp, consistent, 3.5-pound break, it doesn\u2019t cheat the rifle of its accuracy potential like a stock military trigger does. The Geissele is wire-EDM cut from S7 tool steel and given a black oxide finish with polished, butter-smooth contact points. It installs just like the mil-spec unit, but that\u2019s where the similarity ends. At $240, it\u2019s an investment in accuracy.\r\n\r\nThe original Model 601 had a slim-profile barrel with a 1-in-14-inch twist rate. Brownells\u2019 Retro rifles come with 1-in-12-inch-twist barrels. Both were optimized for 55-grain M193 ammo. You won\u2019t find that surplus anymore, so a 1-in-7-inch- or 1-in-9-inch-twist barrel would be more practical with modern 62-grain M855 ball rounds. Sherluk Defense, specializing in AR and other U.S. military firearms parts, offers 20-inch, 1-in-9-inch-twist \u201cpencil\u201d barrels complete with front sight bases, triangular front handguard caps, barrel nuts, original straight-sided delta rings, weld springs and snap rings for $195.\r\n\r\nBrownells offers the same ready-to-install setup but with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate as well as a chrome-lined chamber and bore for $243. I intend to use my retro rifle for general shooting and protection around the property at ranges under 200 yards. Probably more than anything, my son will shoot it with a CMMG .22 LR adapter. For those purposes, a 1-in-12-inch twist is no handicap. I also had a brand-new Vietnam-era Colt GI barrel on hand.\r\n
Upgraded Sights<\/h3>\r\nInstead of the standard round, elevation-adjustable front sight and dual-aperture rear sight, I chose XS Sights Systems\u2019 Tritium Stripe front sight and CSAT rear sight. The Combat Shooting & Tactics (CSAT) rear sight has a notch cut into the top of the small aperture that serves as a close-range (7 yards) open sight. Paired with the higher visibility of the tritium front sight in low light or darkness, this is an important consideration for home defense. The tradeoff is that the combination isn\u2019t conducive to long-range accuracy because the rear apertures are same-plane, and the front can only be adjusted in 180-degree turns, which translates to 2.5 inch at 100 yards instead of 1 inch like the military front post. This won\u2019t be my first choice for competitions, but woe to any home invader, ground hog or coyote trying to force their unwelcome presence upon us.\r\n
Build Tools & Notes<\/h3>\r\nI also tried out some well-thought-out from Real Avid for this build. Useful for any AR build is the Smart-Fit AR-15 Vise Block, which can be tightened in the magazine well to hold any lower still while you work, and the Lug-Lok Vise Block for barrel installation and removal. Instead of gripping the comparatively delicate aluminum upper receiver, the Lug-Lok engages the lugs in the barrel extension to hold it still while you torque the barrel nut down. Very little, if any, twisting stress is put on the upper receiver. The Real Avid AR-15 Master Bench Block is most useful for taking ARs apart, but it\u2019s also great for holding the receiver upright for installation of the bolt-hold-open latch pin and for bracing the front sight base when pinning in the gas tube.\r\n\r\nMost AR builds today are carbine-length guns with free-floating barrels. A retro AR build can be done with the same tools as long as your barrel wrench is the open type. The M16 series had triangular fixed front sight bases that you have to work around. Most inexpensive ($20) barrel nut wrenches are open type.\r\n
The Importance of Correct Torque<\/h3>\r\nApplying the correct amount of torque to the barrel nut and buffer spring tube can be the most intimidating aspect of a build for beginners. The rest of the assembly can be done on the kitchen table with a small vise bolted to a board and clamped to the table. To get the torque right, you need a few things: a solidly mounted, stable, workbench wise; a fixture like the Lug-Lok to safely support the receiver and barrel in the vise; some grease without graphite like AeroShell 33MS to keep the threads from galling; a barrel nut wrench; a \u00bd-inch drive torque wrench capable of delivering between 30 and 80 foot-pounds of torque; and a basic understanding of the principles of torque. Either a manual needle- or click-type torque wrench will do the job for less than $40. I prefer the manual type because they don\u2019t lose their calibration.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"202697\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Vietnam AR Toque By the Numbers<\/h3>\r\nKnow these principles to accurately apply torque. 1.<\/strong> Only pull the wrench from the handle (make sure it\u2019s centered on the bar with a manual wrench). 2.<\/strong> Anything that lengthens the handle results in the application of more torque than the wrench is reading, so only mount your barrel wrench at a 90-degree angle from the torque wrench handle. The combined tools make a letter \u201cL.\u201d 3.<\/strong> The barrel nut torque value of 30 to 80 foot-pounds is based on lubricated threads. Because of friction, dry threads will reach the same torque value with less tightening than lubricated ones. If you don\u2019t lubricate the threads and torque to the low end (30 foot-pounds), your barrel nut won\u2019t be tight enough.\r\n\r\nThe procedure to tighten a military AR barrel nut is to torque it up to 30 foot-pounds and then loosen it twice before you go for your final tightening to line up the gas tube hole in the receiver with the first available opening though the castellations on your barrel nut between 30 and 80 foot-pounds. And don\u2019t over-torque! Setting the threads with this method will give you a more accurate reading than using the \u201cone and done\u201d method.\r\n\r\nInstall the buffer tube without greasing the threads. Use a padded vise to hold the receiver steady along its full length, and use a bolt and washer to secure the wrench on the rear of the tube so it doesn\u2019t slip off and round the edges. Support the end of tube attached to the wrench with your free hand to minimize lateral flexing while you apply 35 to 39 foot-pounds. This is the weakest part of the AR receiver, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it.\r\n
Vietnam AR Finishing Touches<\/h3>\r\nAt this point, any anxiety about your build should be behind you. When you try to put the early three-prong flash suppressor on, don\u2019t be alarmed that it lacks wrench flats. Early GI barrel wrenches had slots to tighten it, but you can accomplish the same thing with a butter knife. Contrary to what you might expect, these weren\u2019t clocked any particular way and were held tight with a simple split-lock washer. Get it hand tight and you\u2019re done. It is solid steel and fairly robust despite reports from Vietnam to the contrary. Grunts bent them using the prongs to twist and break the steel straps on Army ration crates. Obviously, you should not do that.\r\n\r\nFor about the same cost as an off-the-rack Brownells BRN-601 rifle, my build captured the spirit and distinctive appearance of that first military AR-15, but with enhanced shooting characteristics that make it a better and more practical general shooter for my family. After all, getting exactly what you want is the whole reason for building your own rifle.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit brownells.com<\/a>.\r\n
Vietnam AR: Custom Model 601 Specifications<\/h3>\r\n
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BROWSE BY BRAND
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Liberator III LITE <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
XADS LightShield<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magazine Logic<\/h3>\nUsing an 870 for turkey hunting\u2014or any hunting\u2014is nothing new. Like tens of thousands of people, I\u2019ve carried one in the spring woods or autumn pheasant fields for 30-plus years. It\u2019s unquestionably one of the most enduring and dependable American firearm designs.\n\nSo when Remington introduced several 870 DM models, which feature box magazines instead of the 870\u2019s traditional magazine tube, at the 2018 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show, many folks raised their eyebrows, wondering why the company had tweaked such a proven product. The answer, according to Remington designers, lies in functionality.\n\n\u201cPump-action shotguns are far and away the most versatile platform there is, and the most prolific pump is the 870,\u201d said Daniel Cox, senior product manager of shotguns for Remington. \u201cBut as a manufacturer looking to innovate and modernize, you\u2019re constantly looking for ways to improve on anything out there to try to offer a solution to the market. How do you improve something like a pump-action shotgun? You really only have one commonly accepted shortfall when it comes to pump-action shotguns, and that\u2019s loading or reloading. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to load rounds up into the tube of the gun and into the chamber. That\u2019s the one Achilles heel anyone would agree on.\u201d\n