Custom Ultralight Surgeon Scalpel Rifle—Full Review

The author had a custom variant of this .260 Rem. Surgeon Scalpel built with a Proof Research barrel for a lightweight precision rifle.

To find out more about Surgeon Scalpel rifles, visit https://surgeonrifles.com/.
To learn more about Proof Research, visit http://proofresearch.com/.
To purchase a Surgeon Scalpel rifle on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=surgeon%20scalpel.
Weight can be a critical consideration on rifles. The farther you have to carry one the more critical it becomes. If all you do is lay out on a mat or belly up to the bench, weight is probably less of an issue. If the farthest your rifle moves is from the trunk to the bench, a 15 pound base rifle is no issue. It’s critical enough that most popular rifle systems have shed weight over the years and continue to do so. It’s always a balancing act between cost, recoil mitigation, reliability and consistency—seldom is weight not a factor. Many AR companies are making receivers and hand guards that maintain strength while shedding weight. Bolt rifles are doing the same thing using lighter chassis systems and composite stocks made of carbon fiber, Kevlar, even magnesium or titanium. Steel barrels are getting lighter using flutes, slimmer tapers, and shorter lengths. The days of trailer axles or battleship propeller shafts for barrels are quickly fading on rifles used in practical applications, and rightly so. One of the latest additions to this equation are steel barrels wrapped in carbon fiber, often shedding pounds while maintaining barrel length and rigidity. Some of the most recognized and thoroughly tested today are made by Proof Research, which is part of a precision rifle project I have been working on. But first, let’s talk about the base rifle for this effort, shall we?

The Cutting Edge

Surgeon Rifles, part of Strategic Armory Corp, builds some of the finest precision rifles you can acquire. Their 591SA Repeater is the quintessential Remington 700 style action, none are better. Single-piece fluted bolts make them incredibly strong, concentric, and smooth as glass to operate. The Scalpel adds a large round knob for ease of operation with gloved hands or in adverse conditions. Mounted in an Accuracy International AX-AICS stock, it includes an MTU tapered steel barrel that is 24” long and chambered in .260 Remington. Designed for use with the THOR PSR suppressor, the muzzle brake is built specifically for the task and this caliber. After testing a Scalpel for a couple of projects, I found it to be incredibly accurate, smooth, and a joy to shoot; just heavy for my needs. So, a new project was born. A Proof Research 24-inch barrel was ordered up along with a Timney Trigger.  The result for me is precision rifle Nirvana!

Working the Surgeon during a PRS clinic put on by Marcus Blanchard. It is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.

I worked with Surgeon Rifles on the project, and they expertly completed the Proof Barrel blank, mating it to the action and adding a PSR brake. All the metal parts were coated in an FDE Cerakote matching the AX-AICS stock provided by Accuracy International. Timney Triggers provided one of their new two stage triggers. Long my preference, this trigger was ordered with a one pound first stage and 2.5 pound second, perfect for combined use. Assembled and test fired, it was shipped with a single five-round AI magazine. Surgeon also provided some of their Nexus Ammunition 136-grain Lapua ammunition.

Surgeon’s Scalpel .260 uses an oversized bolt knob perfectly situated for solid and fast manipulation.

SPECS

• Chambering: .260 Rem.
• Barrel: 24 inches
• OA Length: 43.3 inches
• Weight: 10.4 pounds
• Stock: AX–AICS (Accuracy International)
• Sights: 20 MOA rail
• Action: Bolt-action
• Finish: FDE Cerakote
• Capacity: Depends upon magazine type
• MSRP: $5,405 (base rifle price)

Proof Research

Proof Research makes carbon wrapped barrels, but it’s not their only involvement in carbon fiber science. Their Ohio-based division has been devoted to the aerospace and defense industry for years. Building parts for the F-35 Strike Fighter and B2 Stealth Bomber, they are anything but new to mating carbon fiber to other materials.  They make and use resins, adhesives, and composite materials that are literally space age; wrapping barrels is just an extension of that science, and one that has been exceedingly difficult over the years. Their Montana facility seems to have cracked that nut as Proof Research Barrels are proving to be excellent.

Proof Research barrels offer light weight, durability, and precision accuracy. The PSR brake softens recoil even more.

Every part of the build process is completed in house. Starting with a purpose-built 416R stainless barrel blank, it is contoured to facilitate the carbon fiber application. Applied with proprietary materials and methods, their carbon fiber is applied to each barrel with incredible precision. Their proprietary carbon fiber has a specific strength 30 times that of stainless steel and specific stiffness seven times greater than steel. The wrapping process is designed specifically for rifle barrels. They weigh less, cool faster, and have increased strength and durability without affecting accuracy, consistency, or repeatability. If you are looking to shed weight without compromising accuracy and reliability, Proof barrels are excellent.

Testing

Given this rifle’s emphasis on competing, my Kahles K 624i 4x24x 56mm scope was mounted in a set of Seekins Precision rings. A JEC Customs TLD (Target Locating Device) was added that includes a level. Attaching a Trijicon RMR, it allows you to spot targets at range without turning the magnification up and down. Aadmount scope covers protect the glass.  Stronger than any other covers tested they fold flat against the scope.  David Tubb’s Distance Reduction Indicator (DRI) was attached for deep angle adjustments.  It’s simple with no need for a calculator. Elite Iron’s Revolution Bi-pod provided support. Designed to cradle the rifle it is incredibly stable. It’s strong, and a front ring allows me to drive the rifle into barricades or other barriers for support. It’s one of the most versatile field bi-pods I have ever used. My last addition was the Thor PSR suppressor for some of the testing.

This Federal 142-grain SMK was very accurate in the Proof Research barrel and consistent a distance.

Accuracy

Once broken in, the accuracy with the Scalpel was as expected—impressive. My best group came with my handloads using Berger 130-grain Hybrid bullets. Designed for use in magazine-fed weapons, it allows me to safely get 2,900 feet per second for seriously flat shooting. Every group with this load was under 0.40 inches, with my best measuring right at 0.25 inches. The Nexus ammunition was almost the same at 0.27 inches. Nothing was outside 0.45 inches. This is at the limits of my ability under normal conditions. Over the years I have produced a few five-shot groups that are tighter, but not many, and not in awhile. This rifle is essentially shooting at the limits of the load and the shooter—as good as it gets.

Using hand loaded 130-grain Berger AR Hybrid bullets and Nosler brass, the Surgeon was very scalpel-like with superb accuracy and long-range stability.

Where this rifle really shines is working off the bench or the ground. Moving around barricades and obstacles is a dream. Balance is about perfect, and it is very handy moving it in and out of ports. Used during a PRS (Precision Rifle Series) clinic taught by Marcus Blanchard of Sidewinder Industries, it really shined. A top-tier PRS shooter, his clinics run you through previous matches while he provides insight and training. Marcus’s two-way sidewinder dope card was also used at each stage. Using Federal Gold Medal Match 142-grain SMK, it was deadly accurate. The action was smooth with zero binding, even under stress. Its first test was stellar so I am really looking forward to more.
Back at the home range it proved just as consistent out to 1,000 yards during preliminary testing and truing using Nexus 136-grain ammo. Groups on paper at 300 yards were mostly sub inch with a few in the 1.25-inch range. At 500 yards the group grew to fist sized, so 4 inches or so. My best 10-shot group on the 1,000-yard steel measured in the 8-inch range using the reticle in the scope to measure. Given a still day it may get better, but this rifle is holding accuracy under 1 MOA with ease out to 1,000 yards.

Considerations

AWC’s PSR suppressor was designed for the initial PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle) .338 LM contract. It is very light weight in incredibly quiet.

AWC’s PSR Thor is quiet, very quiet, even as a .338 suppressor on a 6.5mm bore. Impact shift at 100 yards was 2 inches low with no side to side movement. So long as you are not running rapid fire it provided no issues. Speed things up and the bolt lift force required increased considerably. Given the bore difference the first round push was minimal, but back pressure built up pretty quickly. Unlike and AR that immediately unlocks the bolt sending gas out the ejection port, a bolt gun stays locked until you lift the bolt. Wait a bit and it dissipates out the suppressor, otherwise it gets hard to lift the bolt. Suppressors vary; just something to test and be aware of.
The PSR brake works great, so it is loud as expected, but it tames recoil quite a bit. Even using my hand loads it was possible to stay on target and watch for hits, misses and splash where appropriate. It’s painful in tight spaces, but manageable in the open for the shooter.

 Final Thoughts

Over the years I have tested and fielded numerous precision rifles. Proof Research barrels are as accurate as any comparable steel counterpart, and more accurate than many. Weight savings on longer barrels is substantial, often measured in pounds. For small carbines not as much, but noticeable. Retail on a bolt-action blank is $900.00, about twice the cost of similar barrels, or more depending on the steel barrel. Threading to the action and muzzle costs the same; installation is identical. Drop-in AR barrels are $940.00, a little more, but the margin is smaller compared to high-end steel barrels that can run $700.00. Probably not something you put in your budget AR build, but worth it on some custom rifles. It really boils down to weight and how critical that is to you. You get the same contour with a longer barrel, still saving a couple pounds in some cases. For some it’s worth every penny when building a high-end custom rifle.

Accuracy International’s AX stock allowed the author to mount the Elite Iron Bi-pod farther to the rear for use on barricades or obstacles. Those teeth bite into wood or other surfaces.

This project took awhile to put together, but it was worth it. Overall weight is minimal; almost light for a precision rifle. Balance is perfect, and the AX stock provides usable adjustments that stayed put. The action is smooth and precise, ejection consistent and positive, and accuracy superb. Given a duty requirement, I would field this rifle in a heartbeat. Loaded in a pack, it carries easily and it will get used on long hikes into the back country. Any limitations on the competition circuit are mine, not the rifle’s. If you are looking for a truly precision rifle, then give the Surgeon Scalpel a solid look. If you want to lighten it up, then a Proof Research barrel should be your first upgrade.
To find out more about Surgeon Scalpel rifles, visit https://surgeonrifles.com/.

Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine

Review: Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine

By Wilburn Roberts published on October 21, 2016 in Firearms, Reviews

Among the most useful, reliable, and practically accurate .22 caliber rifles made is the Ruger 10/22. Introduced in 1964, the Ruger 10/22 has become the most popular .22 rimfire rifle in America.
My experience with the rifle goes back some 40 years. I have enjoyed excellent results with every Ruger .22 I have owned. I have never seen a malfunction with the rifle when the 10 22 is fed the proper high velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition.

The Ruger .22, lower, mimics the look and outline of the US M1 Carbine, above.

Variations include rifles designed for long-range target work, hunting, and even tactical versions for personal defense. It is difficult to choose a favorite among the many variations, but a new version of the rifle has my attention. Ruger has introduced a version of the rifle that is similar in appearance to the M1 Carbine.
The M1 .30 Carbine was used in World II, Korea, and Vietnam and is a highly collectable firearm. Light, handy, and firing a mid range cartridge, the M1 carbine was the first low-maintenance military rifle and the first issued with non-corrosive ammunition. The Ruger 10/22 M1 version isn’t a reproduction as it is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but it is fittingly called a tribute to the M1. For performance, appearance, and fun factor, the Ruger makes the grade. The look is classic but the performance is all 10/22.

Ruger magazines with steel inserts are famously reliable.

The heart of the rifle is the proven 10/22 action. This is the most proven .22 caliber self-loading rifle ever manufactured. The rifle will use any accessory designed for the Ruger 10/22 including the X series magazines. Previously, Ruger’s 10/22 featured the famously reliable 10-round rotary magazine. This design is among the standouts of all Ruger products for engineering success.
The magazine is trouble free and very reliable. The X series magazines, introduced a few years ago, give the rifle a 25-round capacity. Unlike the many aftermarket magazines offered for the Ruger 10/22, Ruger magazines are reliable, well made of good material, and rugged.
The Ruger 10/22 M1 is provided with a new version of the X magazine, the X 15, with a 15-round capacity. This mimics the original M1 .30 carbine’s 15-round box magazine. The action is the same as any other 10/22 with a cocking handle on the right side, push button safety in the trigger guard, and magazine release in front of the trigger guard.

The protected front sight is a good feature.

The Ruger 10/22 M1 features a protected front sight in keeping with the military appearance theme. A most interesting modification to the original Ruger 10/22 is the rear sight. The rear sight is an aperture type that while not identical to the M1 carbine is used in the same manner.
The rear sight should offer real speed and excellent practical accuracy. It is smaller than some apertures, which should complement the 10/22’s accuracy. The rifle also incorporates a Picatinny type rail on the receiver. This will allow easy mounting of optics. I see the rifle as well suited to an affordable Red Dot sight for fast work at moderate range.
I have seen both original and reproduction .30 carbines fitted with optics, and they are formidable rifles. After all, the original was used in the Pacific with a night vision scope! The wooden stock is what sets this rifle apart from every other Ruger 10/22. The stock features a forend that closely mimics the design of the M1 carbine. The outlines, dimensions and style of the stock are similar to the M1 carbine including a slot in the rear of the stock that allows the use of a sling in the original M1 carbine manner. Overall, the design and execution of the wooden stock and furniture leave nothing to be desired.
It may seem redundant to extensively test fire a new variant of the Ruger 10/22. After all, the rifle is proven in many years of hard use. But the handling and practical accuracy of the new version invited shooting.

The rear sight proved very precise in accuracy testing.

The Ruger 10/22 in its many variations is among the fun guns of the last 50 years, and this rifle would prove no different. The original M1 carbine was among the fastest handling military rifles ever designed. The new Ruger mimics that speed in handling and makes for a valid choice as a go anywhere do anything .22 rifle.
Many recommend the .22 caliber rifle as a personal defense and survival type rifle. There is much merit in this recommendation. The rifle is light, ammunition weight a trifle, and accuracy is excellent. You can get a shooter up to speed on the .22 caliber rifle much faster than a centerfire rifle. But the .22 isn’t a center fire rifle and the power of the cartridge simply isn’t sufficient for personal defense or hunting medium-size game.
The .22 has been used in personal defense and has served well on occasion. The accuracy of the rifle and cartridge combination lends itself well to fast hits to the arterial region. But light cover or heavy clothing will defeat the .22.
The rifle is a great small game getter. Rabbit, squirrel and other animals to perhaps the 35-pound class may be taken cleanly with the .22 Long Rifle and a well-designed load such as the Fiocchi CPHP (Copper plated hollow point) or Winchester Super X. A good shot with a steady hand might find the piece effective against predators such as coyote, varmints, and ground hogs.
When the overall performance of the rifle and cartridge are considered, the Ruger 10/22 and .22 Long Rifle cartridge combination is among the most attractive, ounce for ounce, of all modern firearms. This Ruger gave excellent results. At 25 yards, groups were centered into an inch. The average 10/22 is good for 2 inches at 50 yards. The 10/22 M1 is a winner.

Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine
Barrel length	18.5 in.
Barrel Twist	1 in 16 inches
Magazine Capacity	10/15/25
Overall length	36 inches
Weight	5.2 pounds

Celebrate October 22—10/22 day—with your Ruger 10/22 story. Even if it’s not October 22^nd, do you really need a reason to brag about your 10/22? Share your story in the comment section.

ELECTION 2016

Hillary bus caught illegally dumping poop in street

'Toilet paper was scattered everywhere, and there was a foul smell'

Published: 14 hours ago

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Hillary’s “Forward Together” bus went through Lawrenceville, Georgia, and appeared to be illegally dumping human waste (Credit: Mike Robins)

Hillary’s been caught – again

It looks like properly disposing of No. 2 is not Hillary Clinton’s No. 1 priority.
A Clinton campaign “Forward Together” bus has been caught dumping foul-smelling human waste into the street and down a storm drain in Lawrenceville, Georgia, according to several reports.
“Police say when they arrived on the scene, toilet paper was scattered everywhere and there was a foul smell,” reported Atlanta’s WGCL-TV 46.
What do YOU think? Irrespective of your preference, who will be next president? Sound off in today’s WND poll
Local businessman Mike Robins snapped several photos of the bus dumping the stinky waste into the street.
Robins told Lawrenceville Police he saw someone get out of the bus bearing images of Mrs. Clinton and her running mate Tim Kaine and dump “its sewage into the storm drain,” according to an incident report.
In close-up images, what is likely a mixture of liquid feces, urine and toilet paper can be seen oozing from the bottom of the bus.

The “Forward Together” bus went through Lawrenceville, Georgia, and appeared to be illegally dumping human waste (Credit: Mike Robins)

A HAZMAT crew reportedly had to be called in to clean up the mess.
A DNC spokeswoman called the fecal matter “an honest mistake”:

This was an honest mistake and we apologize to the Lawrenceville community for any harm we may have caused. We were unaware of any possible violations and have already taken corrective action with the charter bus company to prevent this from happening again. Furthermore, the DNC will work with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as local and state officials to determine the best course of corrective action.

WGCL noted that the State Environment Protection Department and Gwinnett County Storm Water are now involved in the investigation into the dumping.
Hundreds of WND readers weighed in on the news, with comments including:

• How symbolic of what she is doing to AMERICA! TRUMP 2016
• Clinton always thought her s—t didn’t stink. Now it’s undeniable. Go Trump!
• Low turnout in that town? Leaving a message, were they?
• This is a symbol of what she thinks of We the People. Can it get any more obvious?
• Stand back! That poop has the “pneumonia” virus in it!
• I think I’m going to throw up.
• “An honest mistake,” my a–. EVERYBODY knows you don’t put sewer-type waste into a storm drain. The Dems think they are above the law, and the Hillary Clinton email case has reinforced that belief.
• What type of person dumps raw sewage directly on a public street and into the storm drains?
• Intentionally dumping waste into storm water runoff is a massive state and federal EPA violation. Fines can be tens of thousands and/or imprisonment. Watch what happens to a business if it pollutes storm water runoff, intentionally or unintentionally. Not just the individual, but the business is liable. So the individual and the Clinton campaign should be in serious legal trouble. Oh, I know, the Hillary defense.
• As a former charter bus driver, I know that the least experienced driver knows better than to do that. There are plenty of dump locations. It is inexcusable and criminal.
• Of course it was a mistake. Nothing to see here. Hillary is such a fine, lovely person. Move along. (Eyes roll with sarcasm.)
• If Trump did that, it would be national news for a week.
• When you exit the bus and see the problem, then do nothing about it, it’s not a “mistake.”
• A spokeswoman called the fecal matter an “honest mistake”? And so was Benghazi, and the video tape, and Hillary’s email.
• It seems like Hillary and her campaign s— on America, quite literally.
• I hope that big, blue, rolling turd doesn’t come to my town.
• They’re gonna need a lot of BleachBit.
• I guess she really does give a you-know-what.
• Another way to create more jobs Americans won’t do. She is a job creator after all.
• Policeman: “Clean it up.” Hillary: “You mean like with a cloth or something?”
• Well, that would explain the flies.
• The poor bus couldn’t contain any more of Hillary’s B.S.
• To the good people of Lawrenceville, GA … Be thankful she wasn’t traveling by air.

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PETITION URGING SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO INVESTIGATE HILLARY CLINTON'S CRIMES

Published: 6 days ago

   7332 others have already signed this petition. Sign now to show your support!

PETITION URGING DONALD TRUMP, IF ELECTED PRESIDENT, TO APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO INVESTIGATE HILLARY CLINTON FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT – AND URGING CONGRESS TO HOLD HER IN CONTEMPT FOR DESTROYING OVER 30,000 EMAIL DOCUMENTS AFTER THEY WERE SUBPOENAED Whereas, Donald Trump, during the second presidential debate on Oct. 9, said to Hillary Clinton, "If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation, because there has never been so many lies, so much deception. There has never been anything like it, and we’re going to have a special prosecutor"; Whereas, Trump added that not only are Americans "furious" over Clinton's crimes, but the FBI as well, stating, "In my opinion, the people that have been long-time workers at the FBI are furious. There has never been anything like this, where … you get a subpoena, and after getting the subpoena you delete 33,000 emails and then you acid wash them or bleach them ... So we’re going to get a special prosecutor and we’re going to look into it"; Whereas, even the left-leaning PolitiFact website confirms 33,000 emails were indeed deleted from Hillary's unsecure private server three weeks after she received a congressional subpoena demanding the production of her emails – an act that normally would result in being held in contempt of Congress; Whereas, news reports confirm that "FBI agents are ready to revolt" over Director James Comey's "cowardly" whitewash of Hillary Clinton’s long-term mishandling of classified information using an unauthorized private email server, with Dennis V. Hughes, former chief of the FBI’s computer investigations unit, saying, "The FBI has politicized itself and its reputation will suffer for a long time – I hold Director Comey responsible,” and retired FBI agent Michael M. Biasello adding, "Comey has singlehandedly ruined the reputation of the organization"; Whereas, fully 56 percent of Americans, including many Democrats, say FBI Director James Comey should have recommended that Hillary Clinton be indicted over her intentional mishandling of classified emails while secretary of state, according to an ABC News/Washington Post survey; Whereas, legal expert Judge Andrew Napolitano says, "the evidence of her guilt is overwhelming" and that "it was obviously a policy decision by the White House not to investigate her," and moreover agrees that Trump, as president, "could have his own attorney general reopen the investigation and assign a new team of people to examine the same evidence" – that is, Trump could have the Justice Department reopen the closed investigation into Clinton's private email server, even without appointing a special prosecutor; Whereas, when during the second debate Hillary Clinton's said it was "awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country," Trump quipped, "… because you’d be in jail"; Whereas, in response, the left has hysterically complained that "threatening to jail a political opponent is anti-democratic and anti-American," with leftwing Harvard law professor Lawrence Tribe (who in 2008 was a judicial adviser to the Obama presidential campaign) claiming, "some of the political leaders who’ve jailed their political opponents have been Hugo Chávez, Recep Erdoğan, Robert Mugabe, Manuel Noriega, Augusto Pinochet and, of course, Vladimir Putin"; Whereas, Trump obviously did not threaten to investigate Clinton because she is a political opponent, but because she has blatantly violated U.S. espionage laws, mishandled top-secret information, destroyed government files and obstructed justice – criminal misconduct that has nothing to do with being a political adversary of Trump’s; Whereas, it is, in reality, Democrats, not Republicans, who routinely target political adversaries for prison – such as the Obama administration's criminal prosecution of high-profile Obama critic Dinesh D’Souza (for which the Justice Department demanded a severe jail sentence, which the judge declined to impose) for a campaign-finance violation of the petty sort that the DOJ routinely allows to be settled by a civil fine; also Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, producer of the anti-Muslim video the Obama administration falsely and scandalously blamed for the Benghazi massacre, was subjected to a scapegoat prosecution and imprisonment (under the guise of a supervised-release violation) intended to bolster Obama and Clinton's shameful "blame the video" narrative; Whereas, Barack Obama, when running for president in 2008, promised an investigation of the Bush administration’s waterboarding (which Obama and the left insist on referring to as "torture") of a total of three terrorists, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. As Obama said in April 2008: "What I would want to do is to have my Justice Department and my attorney general immediately review the information that’s already there and to find out are there inquiries that need to be pursued. … If crimes have been committed, they should be investigated"; Whereas, many Americans have been convicted and imprisoned for violations of the same federal statutes Hillary Clinton has far more egregiously violated – or as Trump put it during the second debate, many people's "lives have been destroyed for doing one-fifth of what you have done. And it’s a disgrace, and honestly, you ought to be ashamed of yourself"; Whereas, despite the ludicrously biased behavior of the establishment news media on behalf of Clinton's candidacy, tens of millions of honest, hardworking, law-abiding, patriotic Americans – or as Hillary Clinton describes them, "deplorables" – know full well that Bill and Hillary Clinton have a long, sordid history of crimes and corruption, for which they have escaped consequence and prosecution decade after decade – and they are, as Trump rightly said, "furious" over it: SIGN THE PETITION Therefore, we hereby add our names to this petition calling on Congress to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for purposely destroying evidence three weeks after it was subpoenaed, and we likewise encourage Donald J. Trump, if he is elected president, to appoint a special prosecutor to conduct a complete and fair investigation – one not compromised by craven political loyalties – into Hillary Clinton's egregious abuse of America's state secrets. One of America's core principles, first expressed by President John Adams, is that ours is "a government of laws, and not of men." In plain language, America is not a monarchy and no one is above the law – not even the Clintons. Holding Hillary Clinton legally accountable, at long last, for at least some of her many criminal misdeeds by applying the same legal standard to them as to any other citizen would go a long way toward restoring citizens' flagging faith in America as a just, moral and great nation. THIS MAY BE AMERICA’S LAST CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE WE ARE TRULY A NATION WITH EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW!

SIGN THE PETITION URGING FOR A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO INVESTIGATE HILLARY CLINTON'S CRIMES

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Mossberg MMR AR-15 New M-Lok & Sub MOA

Mossberg MMR AR-15 New M-Lok & Sub MOA – Full Review

The new-for-2016 Mossberg Modern Rifle (MMR) is a thoughtful combination of the best features and performance possible at a reasonable price. Image courtesy of manufacturer.

For more information, visit http://www.mossberg.com/.
To purchase on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=MMR.
Mossberg has long been known for providing value-priced firearms that get the job done. In fact, my first real gun was a Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun that has taken many birds and deer. It was a no-frills field gun, but it never let me down.
Mossberg starting selling their first AR-15 rifles in 2011. The original MMRs were true to the Mossberg roots—solid rifles at attractive price points. They included the MMR Hunter series and MMR Tactical series rifles. For 2016, Mossberg decided it was time to update the MMR and in doing so, they’ve taken it to a new level. The older versions of the MMRs are no longer available as Mossberg rolls out the updated models of the MMRs.

A 30-round metal magazine comes with the gun. This Magpul 10-rounder also worked well as did a Bushmaster mag.

SPECS

• Chambering: 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.
• Barrel: 16-25 inches
• OA Length: 35.75 inches
• Weight: 6.75 pounds
• Stock: Six-position collapsible
• Sights: Post front, adjustable rear
• Action: Direct gas impingement
• Finish: Phosphate/anodized
• Capacity: 30+1
• MSRP: $910

The first new MMR is a basic model intended as an all-around carbine. Although basic, each component was carefully considered. The most obvious change is the slim new 13-inch aluminum handguard that wraps around the free-floating, A2-profile barrel. It’s also a good example of the thought process that went into building this gun.
The previous MMR wore a quad rail forend. Picatinny rails are great for mounting accessories, however, when you get a bunch of accessories attached to the handguard, it starts to get bulky. The sharp-edged rails can also be hard on the hands. In 2007 Magpul developed their first slot system to address this. They called it their MOE mounting system and it allowed attaching accessories directly to the handguard without the need for a rail. However, there was a drawback in that you needed to access the back of the handguard to install accessories.
Then in 2012, VLTOR and Noveske teamed up to develop Keymod. With the Keymod system, you could attach your accessories without the need to have access to the back of the handguard. Keymod use has been growing in popularity, but Magpul wasn’t about to leave it at that.
The new Magpul standard is called M-Lok, which stands for Modular Lock system. The slots are a little bigger than the MOE system and it’s no longer necessary to access the back of the handguard. The accessories are held in place by cammed T-nuts. This makes installation of M-Lok parts as easy as the Keymod system with added benefits. Due to the way Keymod functions, you can only install accessories one way. You have to go from the wide end of the slot to the narrow end. M-Lok accessories can be installed either way, giving you added positions for spacing. They also incorporate recoil lugs making the M-Lok mounts more resistant to shifting under recoil.

The slim new M-Lok handguard offers lots of locations to attach accessories.

Answering The Why

M-Lok accessories can be mounted facing in either direction and are held fast by a combination of cammed T-Nut and recoil lugs which extend into the slots. Image courtesy of manufacturer.

When I asked the folks at Mossberg about their thinking in going with the M-Lok system, this is what they told me:

• Magpul/M-Lok market share is stronger
• Direct attachment—Customer does not have to use aluminum rail mounts
• Direct mount capability—No access to back side of rail required
• Four-axis recoil-mitigation lugs—At every increment, accessories are supported by lugs on all four sides
• Adjusts evenly in 1/2 slot increments for precise accessory placement
• Multi-directional Mounting—Accessories can mount with either end facing forward
• #10 mounting screw—For greater strength and fewer stripped screw heads
• Optimized for both metal and polymer—Easy to manufacture, plus stronger and more secure
• Custom, self-aligning T-nut—Strong, inexpensive, and easy to use

So you can see they didn’t just stick it on because it looks good, although it does. They methodically identified what would be best for their customers in the long run. Which attachment system will have the most products, which system is superior in everyday use, which system is more versatile? That’s the philosophy I see reflected in the entire gun.

Intelligent Options

There’s a full-length rail mounted on top for sights. The supplied iron sights are target adjustable and the longer top of the handguard provides added sight radius.

The MMR sports a typical AR-pattern birdcage flash suppressor because it works.

The A2 profile barrel with mid-length gas tube is a good all-around barrel. It’s also ramped for more reliable feeding. The gas system is direct impingement for simplicity and reliability, and the barrel is free floated for accuracy. While the earlier MMR had 1:9 rifling, the updated MMR has 1:8 to stabilize the heavier bullets gaining popularity. In the range report you’ll see that this rifle really likes the Hornady 75-grain boat tail hollow points (BTHP).
The trigger has a typical mil-spec weight of 7 pounds, but is free of creep and is not at all gritty. That’s not typical. It provides a nice clean break with the reliability and safety factors afforded by a mil-spec trigger. I prefer a lighter trigger, but there are options available in the aftermarket if a little polishing doesn’t get you where you want to be.
The stock is a UTG Pro six-position adjustable unit that provides the best fit regardless of what you’re wearing, from a summer T-shirt to a winter parka. The Magpul trigger guard is curved to provide more room for gloved fingers.
All-in-all, the build quality is excellent. The upper and lower fit together as well as any mass-produced AR you’ll find. They’ll also interchange with other AR-pattern rifles. The steel surfaces are phosphate coated and the aluminum is anodized. If you’re not familiar with phosphate coating, commonly called Parkerizing (although that is actually a proprietary name which has come into common usage much like Kleenex), it’s a method for providing corrosion resistance that’s been in use by our military for decades. It provides more corrosion protection than bluing and also adds lubricity and anti-spalling properties.

The MMR is at its heart an improved AR. It takes all the strengths of the basic design and adds thoughtful upgrades and enhancements.

The bolt is made from Carpenter 158 steel, which is what Eugene Stoner specified in his original design to withstand the stresses on the locking lugs and the area of the bolt where the cam pin hole is found. Some other lower-price ARs use 8620 steel because it’s cheaper, although not as strong. Mossberg stayed with Stoner’s specs for longer bolt life. The bolt also gets phosphate coating.

Mossberg eliminated the forward assist and dustcover. It makes the MMR a little easier to maintain and less expensive to produce. Note the enlarged Magpul trigger guard.

ARs with 16-inch barrels generally utilize carbine length gas tubes or the newer mid-length tubes. The mid-length tubes run at lower pressures at the port which means less stress on internal parts and longer life/dependability. Mossberg went with the mid-length gas tube.
The included Magpul pistol grip is comfortable and well-positioned for extended shooting. It also doesn’t get sticky or oily in the heat like some rubber grips do. A storage compartment affords a handy place to keep backup batteries for your optic.
The birdcage flash suppressor is typical AR and, with slots only in the top, offers some compensation to offset muzzle rise. The most atypical features are the lack of a forward assist and dust cover. In both cases, I believe it’s a better gun without them. The forward assist is something that most people will never use in a sporting rifle. The dustcover is a maintenance item and is flimsy enough that it could easily be bent. They are both items I would gladly eliminate to get to the price point Mossberg has set for this gun.
MSRP is $910.00. That’s $10 less than the price of the gun it replaces, the old style MMR. You’ll find street prices to be significantly less.

Range Performance

The MMR is an easy gun to shoot, as are most ARs. It’s light with modest recoil and the top rail provides a sturdy mount for optics. For accuracy at 100 yards, I fired from a bench resting the gun on a wooden block. The first day at the range I used a Caldwell Lead Sled. The second day when I got to the range, 80 miles from my house, I realized the Lead Sled wasn’t in my truck.  Oops. So I fired anyway. I figured you won’t be shooting from a Lead sled when you’re drawing down on that trophy jackalope.
I’m just an average shot, so the figures listed here aren’t a thorough test of each brand of ammo. But it’s obvious that this is a better than 1 MOA gun. My three best groups were 0.935, 0.805 and 0.771 inches. It’s nice to see that Mossberg still delivers.

The ammo was graciously provided by Federal and Hornady. It worked great and is capable of much better groups than this average shooter can manage.

The Hornady .223 Rem 75-grain BTHP load performed extremely well in the MMR. This is a great round for reaching out.

The MMR is chambered for 5.56 NATO so it will shoot both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammo. The ammo used for evaluation ranged in price from less than fifty cents a round for the American Eagle to more than a dollar a round for the Hornady 75-grain load. Sighting-in was accomplished with the American Eagle 50-grain JHP Varmint and Predator ammunition from Federal. That was the lightest load tested. I then ran through the various cartridges increasing bullet weight till I got to the Hornady .223 Rem 75-grain BTHP.
Like most guns, the MMR showed a preference for some loads. My best groups were with the Hornady .223 Rem 55-grain V-Max, the Hornady .223 Rem 75-grain BTHP Match and a .223 handload using a 60-grain Nosler Varmint over 25 grains of Hodgdon Varget. However, all brands grouped into 1½ inch or less, which is excellent. We aren’t just in the golden age of guns today, we’re in the golden age of ammunition too. New shooters will take the consistency we’re seeing from the ammo manufacturers for granted, but if you’ve been around for a while, you know how much better ammo is today.

The UTG Pro six-position collapsible stock makes a lot of sense for a general use carbine.

As I said earlier, Mossberg has discontinued production of the earlier MMR models although you can still find some for sale. But when that inventory is gone, there won’t be anymore. Which is okay with me since the updated model provides even more value. Did I mention that it’s $10 less than the original MMR with iron sights!
Mossberg will continue to introduce more models and calibers of MMR through 2017. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a solid performing basic AR-15 for hunting, competition or home defense, I highly recommend the new Mossberg MMR. It’s a quality gun at a great price point, and from an American company that’s been around since 1919.

A .50-Caliber Glock? Full Review: Conversion Kit & Complete Gun

“Why do I carry a .45? Because they don’t make a .46!” is one of the popular sayings among large caliber enthusiasts, almost right up there with, “…because shooting twice is just silly.” We’ve all seen and heard them – and some of us will even admit to haven said them. Well, folks they may still not make a .46 – but guess what? You can get a Glock in .50! Guncrafter Industries has been making the .50 GI round for over a decade, and first offered their own specially chambered M1911 pistol to shoot it with. For those who would love to have the bragging rights of shooting .50 caliber on a more modest budget, Guncrafter also makes a conversion kit for the Glock 20/21 and 40/41 pistols. Or, if you prefer you can buy the complete gun. The latter will cost you $975 with the stainless steel slide, or $1,035 for the Melonite-coated version. If you already own a Glock 20 or 21 and want just the upper for quick conversion, they can be had for $595 stainless steel and $660 Melonite. Gen4 kits are available but not compatible with pre-Gen4 pistols and vice versa. Our test gun was a pre-Gen4 Glock frame with both the stainless steel and Melonite uppers. It comes with a nine-round magazine of excellent quality. Extra mags will set you back $49.95 each. But that’s nothing compared to filling them – the ammo is not exactly cheap. More on that in a bit.

Seeing the Guncrafter .50 GI touch off a round is a thing of beauty.

CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY

The first impression given by the Guncrafter Industries (GI) upper, or slide assembly, is that of high quality materials and workmanship. In an age seemingly dominated by knock-offs and quick-to-market parts, it is refreshing—almost surprising—to pick up and hold something of substance. As I turned the slide assembly over in my hand and viewed it from different angles, I could see that this is no mere copy of a Glock slide. There are subtle bevels and rounded edges, carefully milled gripping serrations, and tight tolerances that indicate that this is a carefully milled and fitted assembly—not a mass-produced part. If you are familiar with the components of a Glock then there is nothing new to see here—all the same parts in the same places, performing the same functions. Yet, you can tell that these parts fit just a little bit better and were given more attention to detail. This gave me high hopes, and frankly, high expectations.
Having only a Glock 21 Gen4 for comparison, I had to accept that there would be some inherent differences between the Gen3-ish .50 GI and my Glock. But those differences would be small and for the most part, obvious—like the dual recoil spring/guide rod assembly of the Gen4. Putting both on the scale, I was almost surprised to note only a 0.3-ounce difference. The G21 slide weighed 1 lb., 5.55 oz. and the .50 GI was 1 lb., 5.85 oz. Both the stainless and Melonite versions produced the exact same number. Not sure why I expected a bigger difference, but I suspect it is that sense of extra quality and tough construction. Of course, the parts are essentially the same size with the variation of a few thousandths of an inch here and there. Ballistically, the .50 GI operates at pressures not far above most .45 ACP loads, so it’s not as if a heavier slide is necessary.

Recoil of the .50 GI round is something be respected but is manageable.

The 185-grain JHP example on the left was provided by Guncrafter Industries and is the result ofit being fired into ballistic gelatin at 1,200 fps.

SHOOTING THE .50 GI

As I was loading the magazines, I mentally prepared myself for the experience of shooting the .50 GI for the first time. I try to “roll with it” when it comes to high-pressure loads, like magnums and +Ps. Rather than try to overcome the laws of physics and bend the gun to my stronger will – I have found it much more productive to allow the gun to recoil, using my elbows as shock absorbers. This is how I can spend a day shooting .44 magnum instead of shooting six rounds and going home. As a fictional character who was no stranger to shooting high-powered handguns famously said, “a man’s got to know his limitations.” Levity aside, that’s very true. If I cannot overcome physics and hold a heavy recoiling gun flat while shooting it – why try? Why force that energy into my joints and bones like I would with a competition 9mm load?

Side-by-side, the .50 GI (left) is slightly shorter but certainly more rotund than the .45 ACP (right). Pressures of the .50 GI are similar to a +P .45 ACP.

So, with that thought process in mind, I faced downrange at my target and raised the sights to eye level. Feels like a Glock 21… same sight picture… trigger feels the same… BANG! Hey, that wasn’t so bad. I’ve shot .45 loads that felt this hot. Okay, this is going to be fun!
One of the reasons the gun shoots as nicely as it does is due to the 24-lb. flat-wire recoil spring that Guncrafter uses. That soaks up a whole lot of energy as the slide starts to cycle, and unlike a traditional round-wire spring that has a resistance curve, a flat-wire spring has linear resistance. What this means is that it is applying its maximum strength against the force of recoil from the first instant and evenly through the stroke. Another reason is the Glock frame itself, and all the same benefits that it gives us generally. The polymer frame flexes to absorb some of the recoil. The width of the G21 frame spreads the energy out over a wider surface of your hand than something like a 1911 would. Have someone slowly swing a baseball bat to you and catch the thick end with one hand. Then reverse it, and using the same swing, catch the narrow handle. Feel the difference?

The .50 GI can be purchased as a conversion kit, or as the full pistol as seen here.

After spending part of the day shooting this pistol off-hand from about 12 yards, I was convinced of a few things. It’s fun to shoot. Not the “I’ll pretend it’s fun in front of my buddies” kind of fun, but I mean shooting a hundred rounds or more by yourself fun. It seems pretty accurate. Given that I am always the weakest link in the accuracy formula, the .50 GI puts ’em pretty much where you point it. It seemed to like a tight six o’clock hold and kept the hits within shooter error distance consistently. Perhaps most importantly, it just plain works. Not a single malfunction of any kind all day. The feel of the cycle is sound and deliberate. I’m betting the mean time between failures is very low for this gun.

Guncrafter Industries is the only known supplier of ammo, but they offer a nice variety.

AMMO & ACCURACY

Guncrafter Industries provided several variants of its ammo with the pistol – ranging from 185-grain hollow point to whopping 300-grain flat nose. All copper jacketed. All of the ammunition bore the Guncrafter Industries brand name. Some searching on the Interwebs indicates that your choice for ammunition would be to buy GI or roll your own. If you want to make your own handloads in .50 GI, Lee makes the dies, and GI will sell you the components.
Manufactured ammo runs from about $1.50/round to $2.50/round depending on bullet weight and configuration, with the hollow points being the most expensive. That’s understandable if you take a close look at them—they are meticulously manufactured. The cup of the hollow point bullets looks like it could serve as a candle holder during a power outage and the expansion pre-cuts travel below the case rim. This substantial cost, while certainly not prohibitive, would definitely keep this gun from becoming a plinker!

The components are basic and familiar. The spring is a 24-lb. flat-wire type for maximum recoil management.

The conversion kit includes the full slide assembly and one nine-round magazine.

From a rested position at 25 yards, the results were varied with the 275-grain and 185-grain loads performing the best. The 185-grain load produced a three-shot group that would make anyone proud, at just a hair over ½”! The available ammunition is diverse not only in weight and configuration but also in velocity. The 300-grain bullet walks down range at just 700 fps (though still producing enormous energy), while the lightest 185-grain load splits the air at 1,200 fps. That energy, combined with its accuracy and performance in ballistic gel, makes it a round to be taken seriously. Defending the homestead with this would make one sleep well.

The pistol the author tested did quite well with the 275-grain load.

It also shot well with the lightest 185-grain load.

CONCLUSION

Side by side with the Glock 21. Can you tell which is which?

The .50 GI is far more than a FrankenGlock. The quality of the slide and barrel are superb in both design and construction. The fit and function seem as flawless as the original Glock assembly they replace. I could not make this gun jam or misfeed. Accuracy of the .50 GI is very respectable, especially in the lighter and faster bullet, and the ballistic stats simply scream home-defense. I like that it is available as either a full pistol or as a conversion kit. The price is not out of line with custom work that is more common and less re-defining, such as simple coatings or engravings. With the .50 GI you are literally taking the Glock to the next level.
Down sides – there are a couple. First off, though the pricing is certainly justifiable and reasonable, it is an extravagance. Add in the cost to buy ammo or even the components to reload it, and it is an expensive gun to shoot no matter how you slice it. Lack of commercially available ammunition means that you are not only bound to using GI’s brand but if GI should cease to be, so will your ammo supply. Honestly, I think for the folks that would be interested in the .50 GI, this writer included, those down sides are obvious and insignificant. Whether you would want the Guncrafter .50 Glock pistol to defend hearth and home, or just to get your man card stamped at the range, it delivers. And whether you purchase the full pistol or conversion kit, you still have a Glock frame to which any number of available uppers can be mounted. It also accommodates the rich world of Glock parts and accessories. My Blade Tech holster and mag pouch for Glock 21 fit the gun and magazines just fine. Glock or aftermarket sights are interchangeable too, and even your custom back plate will slip right on. Whether your interest is in having the most stopping power you can get in a manageable and reliable handgun, or just another range toy with bragging rights, the .50 GI is legit and top quality. So, if you want a Glock pistol that will stand out from the crowd, definitely five this one a look.

FUCKING BEARS....... REALLY!!

Man interrupts bear sex, pays the price

Michael Harthorne, Newser staff 3:04 p.m. EDT October 13, 2016

(Photo: Michael Penn, AP)

(NEWSER) – Dan Richman must have missed the "do not disturb" sign. Officials believe the 54-year-old hiker interrupted a pair of bears that were trying to mate when he was attacked Monday in the Sierra Madre foothills of California, the Los Angeles Times reports.
According to KABC, Richman was going along a trail when he saw a bear on its hind legs 50 to 100 feet away. It was his first time seeing a bear in person. "I was pretty freaked out," he tells KTLA.
Richman turned around to leave and saw a second bear much closer. His attempt to scare it off by yelling failed, and it attacked when he tried to run by it. Richman played dead, letting the bear put its jaws around his neck, until it gave up.
Richman ran off, not realizing how injured he was until he reached safety. He had a head injury and multiple cuts to his head, legs, feet, and torso. He says he's "fortunate" to have survived, and a local police chief describes it as a "pretty good bear attack."
A spokesperson tells the Times a state game warden believes the bears "may have been a mating pair that was interrupted." “The hiker probably just surprised the bears and they reacted the way an animal with teeth and claws does, attack,” the spokesperson says.
Officials plan to euthanize the bear if it's caught. And Richman says he plans to bring a buddy next time he hits the trail.