Gear

LMT CQB MRP Defender 5.56mm

by Tactical Life Staff

October 31, 2023

Guns

Smith & Wesson M&P15PC 5.56mm

by Paul Markel

May 31, 2023

Guns

Adams Arms PDW 5.56mm

by Tactical Life Staff

October 31, 2023

Gear

Colt’s M4A1 5.56mm Carbine

by Tactical Life Staff

October 31, 2023

Page 11 of 13 Previous 1 … 10 11 12 13 Next

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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LMT CQB MRP Defender 5.56mm

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Smith & Wesson M&P15PC 5.56mm

by Paul Markel

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The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Bill Ruger\u2019s vision of creating a light, rugged carbine was clearly realized with the Mini-14. The fact that it cost less than its main competitor, the AR15, became a strong selling point. Another quality that worked to the Mini\u2019s advantage is that it looked like a sporting rather than a military arm. In some quarters, its appearance, together with cost, still make it a far easier sell to the town fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Ruger\u2019s vision of creating a light, rugged carbine was clearly realized with the Mini-14. The fact that it cost less than its main competitor, the AR15, became a strong selling point. Another quality that worked to the Mini\u2019s advantage is that it looked like a sporting rather than a military arm. In some quarters, its appearance, together with cost, still make it a far easier sell to the town fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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BROWSE BY BRAND

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Bill Ruger\u2019s vision of creating a light, rugged carbine was clearly realized with the Mini-14. The fact that it cost less than its main competitor, the AR15, became a strong selling point. Another quality that worked to the Mini\u2019s advantage is that it looked like a sporting rather than a military arm. In some quarters, its appearance, together with cost, still make it a far easier sell to the town fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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\n

The original Mini-14 was chambered for the popular .223 round and this handy rifle became an instant hit with law enforcement. More recently, the Ruger Mini-14 platform is chambered for the 7.62x39 and 6.8 SPC cartridges. A version with full-auto capability, the AC556 has also been manufactured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Ruger\u2019s vision of creating a light, rugged carbine was clearly realized with the Mini-14. The fact that it cost less than its main competitor, the AR15, became a strong selling point. Another quality that worked to the Mini\u2019s advantage is that it looked like a sporting rather than a military arm. In some quarters, its appearance, together with cost, still make it a far easier sell to the town fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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Introduced in 1974, the Ruger Mini-14 has become one of the most popular self-loading rifles of all time. The casual observer will note a strong resemblance between the Mini-14 and the older M14 service rifle and this is hardly a coincidence. In coming up with the Mini-14, designers L. James Sullivan and William B. Ruger borrowed heavily from the M14 blueprint, but incorporated numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original Mini-14 was chambered for the popular .223 round and this handy rifle became an instant hit with law enforcement. More recently, the Ruger Mini-14 platform is chambered for the 7.62x39 and 6.8 SPC cartridges. A version with full-auto capability, the AC556 has also been manufactured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Ruger\u2019s vision of creating a light, rugged carbine was clearly realized with the Mini-14. The fact that it cost less than its main competitor, the AR15, became a strong selling point. Another quality that worked to the Mini\u2019s advantage is that it looked like a sporting rather than a military arm. In some quarters, its appearance, together with cost, still make it a far easier sell to the town fathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve owned a few Minis and have had considerable experience with several more on my job. For the most part, Mini-14s have been reliable performers and have continued to work with just a minimum of upkeep. One quality that often came up short, however, was accuracy. Compared to the AR15 and other military sporters, the Mini-14 lagged far behind and accuracy potential was less than stellar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 2003, Ruger began to revamp production of the Mini-14 in a very significant way. The gas system was modified, new sights were offered and the new Minis were built to much tighter tolerances. At this time, Ruger also noted that many police departments were exploring the concept of a patrol rifle and felt their upgraded rifle could fill that niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Mini-14s optimized for the patrol mission are now available. Perhaps the best news of all is that these rifles are equipped with a re-contoured, flanged barrel that is heavier than the original in an effort to achieve better accuracy. Several different law enforcement configurations are now offered including some with M4-style telescopic stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gun\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I was able to obtain a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical for test and evaluation. The Tactical version features a full-length rail in place of the polymer handguard to facilitate the mounting of an optically enhanced sight system. My middle-age eyes need all the help they can get in obtaining a reliable index and red dot sights hold considerable appeal for me. Let\u2019s see how it all shakes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 is a gas-operated, box-fed, autoloading rifle that combines the best features of the Garand and M14 with modern technology. Its operating mechanism uses Ruger\u2019s proprietary fixed piston\/moving cylinder gas system in conjunction with a simplified Garand-type rotating bolt. Field stripping to basic sub-assemblies is accomplished without the use of tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes the new Tactical special? Most obvious is the use of a synthetic rather than the walnut-finished American hardwood stock of the original. Action and barrel of my sample were rendered in stainless instead of carbon steel. The Tactical is outfitted with a Mini-Scout Mount II, full-length rail by Amega Ranges. Aimpoint\u2019s T-1 Micro red dot sight proved to be the perfect companion for the sample rifle. Standard iron sights consist of a ghost ring aperture rear mated to a blade front. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A set of protective wings keeps the front sight safe from hard knocks. Like all new generation Ranch-style Mini-14s, the Tactical version has recesses in the top of the receiver for the attaching of scope rings to mount a telescopic sight. Barrel contour is indeed beefier than the original Mini-14. The 16.12-inch barrel features a 1-in-9-inch right-hand twist, which stabilizes most .223 loads quite well. The barrel of the Tactical also sports a flash hider, a big plus when firing in low light environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manual safety of the Mini-14 is located forward of the trigger on the left side of the triggerguard, similar to the safety of the M14. When in the \u201con\u201d position, the safety extends past the forward edge of the triggerguard. In the \u201coff\u201d position, the safety is fully forward of the triggerguard. This southpaw shooter has found this system very easy to work with, but it may take some getting acclimated to, particularly for shooters who cut their teeth on the AR15\/M16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger makes both 5- and 20-round magazines for the Mini-14. Aftermarket magazines that boast even higher capacities are readily available. A paddle-style magazine latch is positioned just to the rear of the magazine well. In order to release the magazine from the rifle, the latch must be pressed to the forward position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation of the Mini-14 is very straightforward and its manual of arms is a study in simplicity. To load up, first place the weapon on \u201csafe\u201d and point it in a safe direction. Next, retract the bolt to the rear and lock it open by depressing the bolt lock plunger. Insert a loaded magazine, run the bolt forward to chamber a round, and you are good to go. Pushing the safety forward and pressing the trigger will fire the gun. To unload, simply reverse the process. Once again, point the rifle in a safe direction and make sure it is on \u201csafe.\u201d Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine from the rifle. Run the bolt to the rear to clear the chamber. Finally, depress the bolt lock plunger to lock the action open and visually and physically inspect to verify an empty chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shots\u00a0Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mini-14 Tactical was evaluated over the course of several months and did not disappoint. After cranking off a few shots to break the ice, I mounted the Aimpoint Micro and zeroed the rifle in short order. Time constraints didn\u2019t allow for anything other than a quick sight-in at the initial session, but I discovered this Mini-14 had greater accuracy potential than others I had fired in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My next experience with the Tactical rifle was at a firearms instructor conference. I took the big plunge and opted to use the mini as my demonstration piece while teaching a trio of CQB rifle classes. In short, the Mini-14\/Aimpoint didn\u2019t let me down and allowed me to perform in fine style throughout my classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, I broke the rifle out a few more times and it continued to deliver the goods. I was becoming a believer! On a bright December day, I felt the time was right and it was time to get down to some serious business. So off to the range we went, along with my chronograph and an assortment of .223 ammunition. On the plus side, the temperature had climbed to an unseasonably warm 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind, however, didn\u2019t cooperate and was cranking a steady 20 knots with higher gusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, so much for the best laid plans. Instead of abandoning this adventure, I sought out a lee from the wind behind the range shed. I wouldn\u2019t be able to shoot 100 yards, but I could scratch out 50 yards and see what this Mini could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting off an Uncle Bud\u2019s Bulls Bag, most 5-shot groups ran between 1 to 2 inches. Sure, I know it\u2019s only 50 yards, but with the wind, I still felt this was darn good. My best efforts were realized with Federal\u2019s 55-grain Nosler Ballistic, which posted an average spread of an inch. Hornady\u2019s 55-grain TAP load and Black Hills 77-grain HP also turned in good results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week later, I was able to assess long-range performance by sniping away at a small, steel swinging target set 100 yards distant. From a stable sitting position, I merely painted the steel swinger with the red dot of the Aimpoint and pressed the trigger. As long as I held up my part of the bargain, the result was a hit. I was also able to print some sub-2-inch groups with Black Hills 77-grain HP at this distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, there really wasn\u2019t anything I could take issue with while putting the Mini-14 Tactical through the paces. It proved to be both accurate and reliable and that\u2019s all I can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final\u00a0Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t tried out a Mini-14 lately, you owe it to yourself to check out the new generation of this self-loader. My past grievance was that the Minis weren\u2019t nearly as accurate as competitive designs. That apparently has been resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One piece of support equipment that I took a fancy to while testing the Mini-14 was the Patrol Bandoleer from Eagle Industries. The M4\/9mm version of the Patrol Bandoleer holds up to four rifle magazines plus a pair of hi-cap pistol magazines. Magazines are secured by flaps with hook n\u2019 loop fasteners. This compact pouch is equipped with a shoulder strap and gives the patrol officer access to extra ammunition when responding to a hot situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, many agencies are considering the concept of a patrol rifle as either a supplement or replacement to the shotgun. From what I have seen, the Mini-14 Tactical could certainly fill that role. Other models optimized for law enforcement are also available from Ruger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like this re-born Mini-14 is ready to get up and run with the big dogs. This upgraded package should make the Mini-14 a viable contender for law enforcement applications in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruger Special Edition Mini 14 Rifle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ruger's Special Edition Mini-14 Rifle to benefit NRA-ILA will only be produced in 2008 and will raise money for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the legislative arm of the NRA that is committed to protecting our second amendment rights. The Mini-14 Rifle features a blued finish and 16-1\/8\" barrel in a patented black Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stock. The grip cap of the stock features an NRA metal gold-tone logo. This special rifle is chambered for .223 Remington and ships with two 20-round magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ruger\u00ae Mini-14\u00ae series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Long considered simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname \"Ranch Rifle,\" which is the name Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with integral scope mounting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patented Hogue\u00ae OverMolded\u2122 stocks are constructed by molding a super strong and rigid fiberglass reinforced insert or \"skeleton\" that precisely fits the firearms action. The stocks are then OverMolded with an exclusive rubber compound. This provides the ultimate in shooting comfort, is non-slip in adverse weather and creates a super quiet finish while walking in wooded or brushy country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the special limited edition NRA Ruger Mini-14 rifle and the extensive line of Ruger products and services, visit www.ruger.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Ruger's Mini-14 Tactical .223","post_excerpt":"PATROL RIFLE Proves Accurate, Reliable and Affordable!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"rugers-mini-14-tactical-223","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-11-07 09:37:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-07 14:37:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/16\/rugers-mini-14-tactical-223\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160648,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-07-14 13:57:45","post_date_gmt":"2009-07-14 19:57:45","post_content":"\r\n\r\nThis experience begins when a friend of mine, a defense contractor, returned home after serving nine months in Iraq as a personal protection specialist. We planned to get together to catch up and throw some lead downrange. Meeting up at a private indoor range, I agreed to come up with ammo and he was responsible for the guns. The curious thing was that he only brought one, a new Noveske Rifleworks N4 Light Shorty.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve already short barreled it. I ordered it before I deployed. I always wanted to own a 10.5-inch carbine like the one I carry in Iraq,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nPointing to the cylindrical object attached to the muzzle, I asked, \u201cIs that flash suppressor effective?\u201d\r\n\r\nHe didn\u2019t respond but walked over to the switchboard and dimmed the range lights, leaving one to silhouette the target. With a P-Mag of just 20 rounds, he tapped, racked, flipped the selector before dancing his finger on the trigger and sending a fresh box of American Eagle ammunition to the silhouette\u2019s chest. Beams of light shot out from the impressive group of holes carried by the smoke that filled the air. The flash I normally see out of a SBR (short barrel rifle) was, for the most part, absent. The device is Noveske\u2019s KX3 flash suppressor and it has an unusual pair of notches where a strand of wire can be positioned to assure a round will cut it. As effective as the \u201cPig\u201d was at killing flash, Cameron Hopkins later brought it to my attention that there was more to it. \u201cEven though Noveske describes it as a \u2018flash suppressor,\u2019 it\u2019s really more of a blast deflector. If you\u2019ve ever shot next to [someone] with a short barreled AR, you\u2019ll appreciate its benefits!\u201d\r\n\r\nN4\u00a0Light\u00a0Shorty\u00a0Details<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe Noveske N4 Light Shorty has a cold hammer forged, 10.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch twist barrel that is made to the US machine gun M249 barrel steel and chrome lining specifications. The unspoken match-grade tolerance in the barrel-making arena is 2\/10ths of a 1000th concentricity, a uniformity of bore diameter from muzzle to breech that John Noveske requires in his barrel specifications. M249 SAW barrels are known for their \u201cdouble chrome lining\u201d required to extend the service life of machine gun barrels suffering from the heat created when firing a high volume for extended periods. This isn\u2019t to suggest that Noveske chromes his barrels twice. Rather, they are chromed once to the thickness that is nearly twice that of other Mil-Spec AR-style rifles. Many people attest to the belief that stainless steel barrels are inherently more accurate than a standard steel barrel and for these shooters many N4s are fitted with them as well.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Shorty tested featured the Low Profile Upper, which is available separately. This configuration features a forged Vltor MUR (Modular Upper Receiver) with anti-rotational interface and a 9-inch railed handguard. Flip-up front and rear sights were included but an Aimpoint did the short work on that particular range day. For those preferring an A2-style front sight assembly, barrel lengths or handguard types, the N4 Light Carbine Series comes in a myriad of optional configurations.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you get to own a complete Noveske N4 with a Low Profile upper, one typically comes equipped with a Vltor carbine buttstock, a TangoDown pistol grip, an MP-tested bolt, Noveske flip-up front and rear sights, and a low-profile gas block that\u2019s pinned to the barrel. As a symbol of Noveske\u2019s quality control, the company logo is stamped on a complete rifle\u2019s right side above the trigger pins where the upper and lower receivers meet.\r\n\r\nLight\u00a0Recce\u00a0Upper\u00a0Details<\/strong>\r\nAs soon as I got back to work from that initial range experience, I contacted Noveske Rifleworks and ordered my own. Preferring Noveske\u2019s 16-inch version, I learned that the N4 Light Recce Low Profile rifle that I desired was backordered. I searched various outlets and couldn\u2019t find one in stock. To my joy, Noveske called back and asked if I\u2019d be interested in the just the upper. Sacrificing a lower in my inventory, I accepted.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe N4 Light Recce Low Profile upper features a 16.1-inch, cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist to stabilize the 5.56mm NATO round. The barrel features extended feed ramps, which aid in the upper\u2019s reliability. The Mil-Spec phosphate finished barrel is MP HP (magnetic particle high pressure) tested with a mid-length gas system and no M203 notch. The bolt is also MP tested and shot peened and sits within an auto carrier with a staked carrier key. The upper receiver is the aforementioned forged Vltor MUR connected to an 11-inch free-floated quad-rail handguard. The low-profile gas block is offered some protection under the handguard and is pinned to the barrel. Atop the rails are Noveske-supplied flip-up front and rear sights. Doing the work of killing the flash is a Smith Enterprise Vortex combat proven by the Canadian Special Forces.\u00a0\r\n\r\nU.S.\u00a0ARMY\u00a0SDM\u00a0PROVEN<\/strong>\r\nA few weeks after putting together the N4 Light Recce, I hadn\u2019t done anything more than a barrel break-in when I received an invitation to participate in an eight-day 82nd Airborne SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the US Army picking up the bill for the training ammo, I was given an equipment list that required an M4-style carbine and combat optic.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAfter a couple days in the classroom, Sfc. Brad Kennedy instructed soldiers, \u201cYour M4 is a 3-MOA rifle\u2026 at best! Some of you have Aimpoints. Most of you have Trijicons. Many of you have had the same rifle for years on all of your deployments. Do you know your round count? When was the last time your barrel was replaced? I\u2019m going to show you how to take that rifle and be confident making an effective shot past 500 yards. That\u2019s your job as an SDM.\u201d Knowing that I had a rifle capable of sub-MOA accuracy, I had no room for mistakes as a guest of the US Army.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first two days were spent learning how to shoot a 3x5-inch card with metallic sights. The shortcoming of the Noveske rear sight was quickly noticed by an SDM coach. Sfc. Kennedy loaned me a Knight\u2019s Armament flip-up rear used by SDM soldiers. The problem with the Noveske was that it wasn\u2019t adjustable for elevation. Taking shots out to 500 yards with iron sights, I would need that capability. Using nothing but M855 62-grain military ball all week, the Noveske attracted attention on the firing line after plotting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. With one 3-inch black spotter covering the white 3x5-inch card, my coach called down to the range pit for a target confirmation. The pit boss reported back, \u201cThey\u2019re all under that spotter sergeant.\u201d As the crew sent the target back up, the black spotter fell off the target. A message followed indicating that the shots were touching and created a hole just larger than the marker\u2019s plug.\r\n\r\nBy mid-day, all shooters had made the proper sight adjustments and knew how to compensate for wind, a much-needed skill to be effective against enemy personnel targets beyond 200 yards. The N4\u2019s performance was recorded in a data book, impressing the instructors at the end of each day. Confirming with the soldiers marking the target 500 yards away, I had fired 3 out of 5 groups using metallic sights that measured between 4 and 5 inches with most rounds staying impacting within the 3x5-inch card.\u00a0\r\n\r\nA few days later, we qualified with the metallic sights and attached our optics. The Trijicon ACOG I was using woke me up. After going back to 500 yards with open sights, seeing the target with a 4-powered optic made pinpoint shooting simple. Shooting at 100 and 200 yards with the ACOG seemed as easy as throwing rocks at a target. The best group fired with the ACOG measured 0.68 of an inch at 100 yards of ideal conditions on the final day of qualification.\r\n\r\nThroughout the week, wind gusted and rain poured. Mornings distorted the target with fog and the afternoon sun changed the lighting conditions we had just become accustomed to. This wasn\u2019t just a typical gun test in a controlled environment. This week proved to the soldiers and myself what the Noveske N4 delivers \u2014 accuracy and performance.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParting\u00a0Thought<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe SDM instructors handled and groped the N4 Light Recce each evening in the barracks during the period allotted for weapon\u2019s maintenance. \u201cI can\u2019t even begin to imagine how effective we\u2019d be in combat if SDMs were equipped with a sub-MOA rifle like this,\u201d noted Sfc. Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything shoot like it.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the time of this writing, Noveske Rifleworks\u2019 disclaimer reads, \u201cUntil we deliver on our current backorders, we are not taking any new orders. Check back for instock items.\u201d This statement is a sign of a good investment if you\u2019ve already managed to obtain one. Complete Noveske N4s have been on back-order long before the rush for \u201cblack rifles\u201d began in late 2008. If you don\u2019t have the time or patience, you might have an easier time obtaining a complete upper receiver assembly and upgrading a specific lower. There are opportunities to purchase a complete rifle from Noveske but if you don\u2019t check back often, you may just miss a chance at owning one of the finest contemporary battle rifles.","post_title":"Noveske N4 Light 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven low-profile battle-tested configurations \u2014 improving on the modern assault rifle!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"noveske-n4-light-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:40","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:40","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/07\/14\/noveske-n4-light-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160700,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:14:37","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:14:37","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI\u2019ve been a fan of the Sig Sauer 550 for at least 20 years, and truly believe it is the best 5.56x45mm battle rifle ever. So I was thrilled when I heard rumors that Sig Sauer was considering producing a version of the 550 in the US. Then, on a visit to Sig Sauer, I learned that the carbine would not actually be a 500, but a hybrid between the 550 and AR15. I was glad that even a partial 550 would be readily available, but I was a bit skeptical. Once the SIG556 was introduced I saw things about it I liked. Simply, it combined many aspects of the 550 upper with a lower designed to take AR15\/M16 magazines. It also showed typical Sig Sauer quality. In fact, the SIG556 combines the best features of three excellent carbines: the SIG 550, AR15, and AK47.\r\n\r\nI considered the SIG556 an excellent carbine, one of the best on the market. I\u2019ll admit, however, that I was a bit prejudiced because it used a CAR-type telescoping stock. My 550\u2019s side-folding stock is the most comfortable I\u2019ve ever used, and I missed it on the SIG556. On the other hand, the SIG556 has a Picatinny rail, which allows quick mounting of optical sights. The well-designed cocking handle and safety\/selector levers are the same as on the 550. An AR15-type magazine release on the SIG556 is different from the 550\u2019s paddle release, but I don\u2019t mind that, since I shoot AR15s a lot and instinctively use my trigger finger to operate this style magazine release. The five-port flash suppressor is different from the 550\u2019s but does the job just fine.\r\n\r\nMy 550 has a 1-in-9-inch twist, 6-groove barrel, while the SIG556 has a cold hammer forged 1-in-7-inch twist 6-groove barrel. The SIG556 twist will stabilize heavier bullets and also allow the use of tracer ammo. The adjustable gas piston system and rotating bolt are similar to the AK series of rifles and is an extremely reliable operating system. There are some improvements in the AK system incorporated into the SIG556. For example, the SIG556\u2019s recoil spring is around the operating rod, which allows a shorter receiver. The gas cylinder is fabricated of stainless steel and the gas piston is chromed. The SIG556\u2019s gas tube is easily removed for cleaning. All of these are good features.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 that I had been waiting for is the SWAT model in flat dark earth with a side folding stock. While I did not feel the telescoping stock on the original SIG556 was particularly noteworthy, the side folding stock is. As with FNH\u2019s SCAR, this stock telescopes so that length of pull can be changed to fit different arm lengths and to adjust when body armor is worn, but it also folds to the side to keep overall length folded to 28 inches. This stock is also very comfortable when shooting. With the stock folded, it is possible to operate the cocking handle and the trigger, but one cannot reach the magazine release button.\r\n\r\nAccessory Rail<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT also incorporates a MIL-STD-1913 quad rail with 10-inch top and side rails, and a 7.25-inch bottom rail. The SWAT model comes with a vertical foregrip that has a built-in light carrier. Since the rails make the SIG556 SWAT model a bit heavy forward, the vertical foregrip is a useful feature. The inclusion of the light mount and light is a plus. The only problem is that the foregrip\/light carrier is impossible to remove without substantial takedown of the rifle. I like being able to attach a vertical foregrip and\/or light. When I zeroed the scope I had mounted on the SIG556 SWAT it was virtually impossible to shoot from a rest comfortably with the foregrip in place, which made zeroing more difficult.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556\u2019s cousin, the SIG550, comes with an integral bipod, which would have helped, but one is not present on the SIG556 SWAT. The pistol grip of the SIG556 SWAT model is very comfortable and is fairly close in feel to the 550\u2019s grip. As with many better current generation battle rifle pistol grips, the one on the SIG556 SWAT has a compartment for storing batteries.\r\n\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT comes with polymer 30-round magazines that can be coupled so that a spare magazine rides next to the one in the magazine well. The 550 magazines have this feature, which I have always liked.\r\n\r\nI worked on one security detail where we had two 550s available to the team members who patrolled the estate or were in the gatehouse. We kept them each with a pair of fully loaded 30-round magazines in place. Another time we had 552s, which have shorter barrels, available for carry in team vehicles. For deployment from a vehicle I always preferred a pair of coupled 20-round magazines. The coupling system on the 550 magazines and SIG556 magazines allows one to couple three or even more magazines, but I always found that more than two was unwieldy and added too much weight. I always carried the 550 or 552 with the left side magazine in the rifle so that when it was dry I pulled the magazine from the well, moved my hand slightly to the left and inserted the loaded magazine. I found this system was very natural. Certainly, if one uses the linked magazine feature for the SIG556, I would recommend this system for anyone who is right-handed. Note that the SIG556 will take standard M16\/AR15 magazines as well. By the way, the SIG556\u2019s magazine well has a sturdy flared lip that helps guide magazines in during a fast change.\r\n\r\nAmong other features is a hold open when the last round is fired. Once the magazine change has been carried out, the bolt may be released using the cocking handle or via a button on the left side of the receiver. Using the magazine change drill I described above for a pair of coupled magazines, it is faster to work the bolt release with the left thumb.\r\n\r\nSights & Optics<\/strong>\r\nThe SIG556 SWAT incorporates very basic flip-up iron sights, which are a good usable peep rear\/post front combo. Since this carbine will normally be used with an optical sight, they will suffice. The MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver allows the user to mount a wide array of optical sights. I wanted to keep the weight down on the SIG556 SWAT but also wanted an optical sight that would let me quickly engage at CQC ranges or reach out further. I have used SIG550s with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) mounted and found the combo excellent, so I decided to use an ACOG on the SIG556 SWAT. One of my favorite ACOGs is the RCO (Rifle Combat Optic) used by the USMC, so that was my choice.\r\n\r\nThe Trijicon TA31RCO-M4CP has proven itself in service with the USMC and offers an excellent day\/night 4X optic, which is quite compact. Only 5.8 inches overall and 9.9 ounces in weight, the RCO allows the SIG556 SWAT with scope mounted to remain under 9 pounds.\r\n\r\nThe RCO employs a red chevron reticle, which I find very fast, especially when bringing the carbine up from the ready position, since I have learned to stop and engage as soon as the tip of the chevron is on target. As with other ACOG scopes, the RCO is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters. For engagement at longer ranges, the post and chevron may be used without having to adjust elevation. The interior point of the chevron is the aiming point at 200 meters, the top of the post at 300 meters, and stadia lines at longer ranges. It takes some practice to use this system quickly, but once you do, it is very effective.\r\n\r\nThe RCO does not need batteries for illumination. The chevron and top of the post show red at night due to tritium inserts. There is also a fiber-optic tube atop the RCO, which adjusts brightness of the chevron based upon available light. For example, in bright sunlight it enhances the chevron so it is easily seen, while in low light, the tritium provides the proper amount of illumination. ACOG optical sights are designed for use with both eyes open, which allows very fast target acquisition in CQB mode.\r\n\r\nShooting Impressions<\/strong>\r\nSince the SIG556 SWAT has a 1-in-7-inch twist, I did my initial zeroing with surplus SS109 ammo. I also took along some Black Hills 68- and 77-grain loads. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that the vertical foregrip\/light mount cannot be readily detached makes it difficult to shoot from a rest. By bracing my arms on a shooting bench I did manage to get a fairly solid position for shooting groups to get the scope zeroed. Even with surplus SS109, which is not renowned for its accuracy, I managed a 100-yard group of an inch, though 1.5 to 2 inches was more common. Once the RCO was on, I tried some groups with Black Hills 68-grain loads. As expected, point of impact was a bit different than that of SS109, but accuracy was good. At 200 yards, most of my groups were around 3 inches, with the best about 2.5 inches. I decided to leave the RCO setup for the SS109. Ammo is expensive these days, but I have a few thousand rounds of surplus SS109 left so figured I would do most of my shooting with it.\r\n\r\nAs I mentioned earlier I don\u2019t normally use a vertical foregrip, but I did find it useful when I was shooting offhand at hanging plates at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The SIG556 SWAT handles quickly and is super for moving among targets. Since I have used the RCO for a couple of years now, I am fairly adept at acquiring the chevron quickly and switching over to the top of the post for 300 yards. That helped me shoot well with the SIG556\/RCO combo.\r\n\r\nThe cocking handle, safety, magazine release, and bolt release are all well located and allowed me to shoot the SIG556 SWAT smoothly and carry out magazine changes readily. Reliability was 100%. I fired 150 rounds during my first test session with no malfunctions. I didn\u2019t clean the SIG556 SWAT and put another 120 rounds through the gun on my next range session. It was still functioning reliably without adjusting the gas valve.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nI started off talking about how much I like the 550. I still do. I\u2019m not ready to say that the SIG556 SWAT is better than the 550, just different. Right now, one of the relatively few semi-auto 550s imported into the US before the first assault weapons ban will cost $7500 or more. You can purchase a SIG556 SWAT for less than one-third of that amount. The 550 has a 20-inch barrel, while the SIG556 has a 16.25-inch barrel, which makes it handier.\r\n\r\nI think the SIG556 SWAT offers an excellent 5.56x45mm battle rifle for law enforcement or military personnel who appreciate the legendary quality of Sig Sauer rifles.","post_title":"Sig Sauer 556 SWAT 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Quality hybrid carbine boasts a super-versatile performance!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/sig-sauer-556-swat-556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":160708,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2009-06-13 14:04:42","post_date_gmt":"2009-06-13 20:04:42","post_content":"\r\n\r\nI was surprised a few years back when, on a trip to my licensee\u2019s premises, I found Smith & Wesson had shipped a long gun to me. Opening the polymer container, I found the M&P15T. The \u201cTango\u201d had a free-floating 16-inch barrel, 1-in-9-inch rate of twist and was chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The sights were flip-up, front and rear, made by Troy.\r\n\r\nI took the new rifle out to the police range and the rangemaster had some fun shooting it, as did I. I immediately took to the M&P15 line of AR carbines.\r\n\r\nSince then, I\u2019ve been the beneficiary of several trips to Wyoming with S&W and SureFire, among others. The M&P was prominently featured, especially the Performance Center versions with big optics, fairly light and really clean triggers as well as specialty barrels.\r\n\r\nLast summer was no exception. S&W brought some other rifles, including the new M&P15X. I\u2019d been told that this was the most popular law enforcement package Smith & Wesson makes and it\u2019s no wonder. A 16-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist carbine, it is provided with a Troy Folding Battle Sight (rear), a four-rail tactical handguard and a 6-position collapsible stock.\r\n\r\nThis is (almost) the M&P15T at a lower cost. It has everything the agency wants, including optics-ready capability, with nothing it doesn\u2019t need. One of the \u201cx-rays\u201d was made available to me. It was fitted with a Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) 4x32. I used that carbine for much of the time I was there. I\u2019d hate to have to estimate the amount of ammo that chugged through that gun, but I believe it to be well in excess of 1500 rounds.\r\n\r\nTrigger Details<\/strong>\r\nThe trigger on that example was service grade serviceable. It was long, gritty and creepy. I worked to make hits and it was well worth the time. I can tell you, the trigger was much better at week\u2019s end than it had been at the start of the testing.\r\n\r\nThe Performance Center guns had a trigger best described as a whisper, if you describe the X\u2019s as a stomp. The trigger was something I needed to use. It\u2019s more like the triggers I\u2019ll face if I have to use one of these rifles operationally. In fact, I\u2019d say the lighter, shorter trigger would hamper me operationally. Longer and heavier, as long as I train with it and can control it, is better.\r\n\r\nSince the inception of the S&W M&P15 project, I\u2019ve handled no less than 12 different M&P15 samples in numerous variations. I even got to shoot one PC gun chambered in .204 Ruger; that was quite a gun. I\u2019ve been happy with every one I\u2019ve handled. S&W shipped an \u201cx-ray\u201d for me to home base. I wanted to spend some quality time with it.\r\n\r\nGun Details<\/strong>\r\nAs the M&P15X was the second M&P in the stable, I reduced the designation to the phonetic of the suffix in the model name. The \u201cTango\u201d referred to earlier has been around for some time and it would be a good choice for the precision shooter\/spotter whether on a response team or a rifle squad. Good magnifying optics properly set for use with a 16-inch 5.56mm and a specific load would be good, along with irons set at 1 o\u2019clock for the sudden, close-range encounter.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cX\u201d with a reflex sight or with the Trijicon I\u2019ve been using, is a patrol rifle. Effective engagements at 100 to 150 out to 200 yards are eminently doable if you can identify the threat and it\u2019s not moving fast and unpredictably.\r\n\r\nI elected to use the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD 4x32mm optic. I also took the time to attach a vertical foregrip, this one a TangoDown Shorty, just for comfort. Not having yet permanently installed a light, I haven\u2019t installed the forend covers supplied by S&W. I did install a Streamlight Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Illumination System light, their TL-3.\r\n\r\nThis sample X was S&W M&P all the way. The prominent markings left no doubt as to the carbine\u2019s origin. The end of the barrel is graced with an A2 flash suppressor. The pistol grip, stock and magazine are GI-ish, as is the front sight tower. The rear sight is by Troy Industries, prominently marked with the S&W logo.\r\n\r\nI was a little surprised at the magazine that was packaged with the carbine. It was an aluminum-body, GI in appearance with green follower. I\u2019d heard a rumor that S&W was going to package its M&P15 line with something a little different.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I\u2019d seen an M&P15 with a Lancer Systems magazine at a recent trade show. The Lancer L5 translucent polymer AR magazine has a body marked with round count at intervals and has hardened steel feed lips that have been treated with PTFE. The floorplate is a rubber-coated bumper; they must assume that empties will hit the ground. The L5 has been tested at high and low temperature extremes.\r\n\r\nAnother potential alternative magazine is one we\u2019ve been using around here for some time. That\u2019s the MagPul PMAG. PMAG stands for \u201cPolymer MAGazine.\u201d These are AR magazines for the 5.56mm NATO, available with standard bodies or with a window to help you keep track of remaining rounds. A pop-off storage\/dust cover keeps the pressure of the stack of rounds off of the feed lips. This prevents the aluminum magazine malady, \u201cammo creep.\u201d The PMAG features an anti-tilt follower, as one might expect from MagPul, the home of anti-tilt followers for standard magazines, and stainless springs.\r\n\r\nNow available in a 20-round edition, the PMAG has a track record of reliability in operations around the globe. My local police response team has been using them, as have I. I\u2019m unquestionably a fan.\r\n\r\nRange Time<\/strong>\r\nI made but a single trip with the current sample X to the range. As this sample is destined for suppressor testing later on, I wanted to get some shooting done to check it out before changing anything.\r\n\r\nI installed the Trijicon ACOG TA31TRD. This is the 4x32mm ACOG with a TRD (Trijicon Red Dot), placed on top. The little reflex sight is there for room-to-room combat and other close-range encounters of the worst kind.\r\n\r\nThis ACOG has dual illuminated reticle with tritium supplying light in the darkness and a fiber optic tube providing illumination in better-lit conditions. The reticle is a ranging type with bullet drop compensator. The reflex has an 8-MOA aiming dot.\r\n\r\nThe TA31TRD is supplied with a flattop mount, a scope coat, a Lenspen, manual, warranty and it\u2019s packaged in a medium Pelican case.\r\n\r\nI elected to take the short time I had and try the sample\u2019s accuracy. I used the Lancer L5 magazine as I\u2019d had experience locally with the PMAG with the local response team and with my own magazines.\r\n\r\nI tried four different loads for accuracy. Even though it was 38 degrees with winds at 10 to 15 MPH, the range wasn\u2019t empty. I got to use the 50-yard backstop. I braced the X-ray over a range bag. I found the Winchester 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip would put five rounds into 1.06 inches. Hornady 60-grain TAP Urban put the same number of rounds into a 1.13-inch cluster. CorBon 53-grain DPX gave a 1.56-inch group. Black Hills blue box, remanufactured, loaded with the 60-grain V-MAX bullet fired a 0.88 of an inch group at 50 yards.\r\n\r\nThe X was typical of 16-inch AR carbines and could be expected to display 2- to 4-inch groups at 100 yards. It seems to be what the breed is built for. That said, with the right load and a trigger that slicks up from use, you could get some sub-2-inch groups with this particular gun.\r\n\r\nFinal Notes<\/strong>\r\nWith all the M&P15 versions out there, why does the M&P15X stand out? It\u2019s the format, how the rifle is supplied. It doesn\u2019t need a free-floating barrel for its mission. The railed forend is a help to install the (definitely needed) white light and the vertical grip, which is handy especially if you have to deploy the piece for a long time.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not provided with the removable carry handle. Everyone takes those off and stores or sells them. Imagine having to deploy 100 patrol rifles. Do you want to store 100 carry handles in the armory?\r\n\r\nThe Troy Industries flip-up rear sight is an industry standard and it\u2019s a good unit. There\u2019s a good reason that the Smith & Wesson M&P15X is so popular with law enforcement, it has everything that\u2019s needed with nothing that isn\u2019t.","post_title":"Smith & Wesson M&P 15X 5.56mm","post_excerpt":"Proven law enforcement favorite\u2014a no-nonsense patrol carbine!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:08:44","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:08:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2009\/06\/13\/smith-wesson-mp-15x556mm\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":11},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};

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