Saturday, June 25, 2016

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Huge loss for Obama Administration

Press ? for keyboaNHuge loss for Obama Administration

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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Obama’s Message to Americans: You Can’t Handle the Truth

Obama’s Message to Americans: You Can’t Handle the Truth

by | 3:56 pm, June 20th, 2016
It took less than four hours and a public rebuke from the Speaker of the House, but the FBI has retracted its decision to redact the Orlando terrorist’s 911 transcript. In the originally released version, the FBI deleted any references to the fact that the killer pledged allegiance to ISIS before slaughtering 49 patrons of a gay nightclub.
The Barack Obama administration has long refused to called radicals who commit terrorism in the name of Islam “radical Islamic terrorists,” arguing that the term is inaccurate. But this instance was almost a parody of that hypersensitivity. It felt less like a national leader respecting the feelings of a religious minority and more like the executive branch covering up the politically inconvenient.
Given that FBI director James Coney was openly talking about the killer’s pledge to ISIS last week, the original omission appeared to be a new policy that was drafted some time after the president went on national television and blasted those who say the words “radical Islam.” The redactions were unprecedented, an indication that either ISIS or more broadly radical Islam had received its own special accommodation from the FBI.
Make no mistake: this was an order that came from the top. The day before the transcript was released, Obama’s Attorney General Loretta Lynch made the rounds on the Sunday talk shows to explain the redactions. The explanations offered by Lynch were contradictory: on one show, she said the edits were made to prevent spreading the terrorist’s message, on another, it was to “avoid revictimizing” those wounded in the attacks. That latter argument in particular is unbelievably weak: it could be used to justify withholding any information about any crime ever. But that the official behind the decision can’t even seem to get her story straight telegraphs that neither are the White House’s actual concern at all.
Obama hinted at his real motivation in his speech last week.
We’re starting to see where this kind of rhetoric and loose talk and sloppiness about who exactly we’re fighting, where this can lead us. We now have proposals from the presumptive Republican nominee for President of the United States to bar all Muslims from emigrating to America. We hear language that singles out immigrants and suggests that entire religious communities are complicit in violence. Where does this stop? The Orlando killer, one of the San Bernardino killers, the Fort Hood killer — they were all U.S. citizens.
Translation: the avoidance of terms like “radical Islam” has little to do with its concern that it will inflame Muslims as Obama so often claims. It instead has everything to do with the fact that it will inflame non-Muslim Americans into oppressing their Muslims peers. Everyday Americans can’t hear their president acknowledge the truth about organizations like ISIS because they’ll all turn into terrible bigots (or worse: vote Republican).
It should go without saying that Obama’s fears are more than little insulting to the average American’s intelligence. Most Americans, most Muslims, most Democrats, most Republicans– most everyone, really– is perfectly capable of understanding that the vast, vast majority of Muslims are not radicalized and pose no threat to Americans citizens. They also recognize that there is a slim minority that has openly declared war on the West and actively carries out terror attacks on a regular basis. Obama seems to seriously believe that acknowledging the latter will lead people reject the former, even though millions hold both beliefs simultaneously.
It’s also laughably arrogant. 92% of the population believes “radical Islamic terrorism” is a serious threat to the United States, a number that naturally includes the vast majority of Democrats. This is an argument the President and have allies have already lost, but continue to fight under the belief that Obama is just so darn influential and well-spoken he can charm every American into believing 2 + 2 = 5. When even your hand-chosen successor reverses herself and says she has no problem saying “radical Islamism,” maybe it’s time to throw in the towel.
But most dangerously, it’s inconsistently applied. Obama and the FBI never shied away from recognizing the motivations of white supremacists like the Charleston shooter or Christian extremists like the Planned Parenthood shooter. There seems to be no other radical movement where the administration worries about potential backlash from naming the perpetrators. It’s only when it comes to Islam that the American people suddenly can’t be trusted to understand nuance.
Taken alone, this whole incident would just be a cause to chuckle at the administration’s tone deafness and it’s spineless retreat within hours. But within just the past six months we’ve had countless stories about the unusual steps the Obama administration has take to hide information from the American public:
  • White House staffer Ben Rhodes spoke to The New York Times and bragged about how the White House deceived reporters and the public about the timeline of the Iran deal. While the negotiations actually began with the madman Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the administration told the public it began after his ouster to make the other party seem more reasonable.
  • When confronted by Fox News’ James Rosen in 2013, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki tacitly admitted they lied to him in 2011 about the Iranian negotiations and strongly suggested the White House would lie to reporters if they wanted to keep negotiations secret.
  • The State Department scrubbed the video of the aforementioned 2013 press briefing. That scrubbing was originally explained as a “glitch,” something that anyone who watched the video could have seen was an obvious lie. When they admitted the edits were intentional, the State Department said that they didn’t know who ordered the edit and they had no interest in investigating further.
  • The White House translation of the French president’s mention of “Islamist terrorism” at a summit coincidentally cut out just before and after that phrase. When asked to explain the omission, the White House blamed another “glitch.”
  • When giving a White House press briefing, press secretary Josh Earnest refused to say that no administration official has ever lied about the Iran deal (probably after mishearing a question). When the White House transcript for those remarks was released, the relevant portion had been excised. Sadly, no “glitch” is blamed: instead the White House argues that Earnest’s remark was “inaudible,” inadvertently revealing that they hire the legally deaf to transcribe their briefings.
What we see is a disturbing pattern: White House is forced to confront a fact they don’t like. White House decides that rather than publicly reveal that fact, they’ll cover it up it a heavy-handed fashion. When caught covering up inconvenient fact, White House shrugs and gives terrible excuse. Media yawn and move on (when they’re not actively aiding the cover-up, that is).
Obama argues that the fight over the term “radical Islam” is a pointless one, but the same logic also drove the administration’s decision to hide serious concerns from the American public, including the fact that they were negotiating with Iranian hardliners. There were few-to-no sensitive national security concerns that would have been implicated by telling Americans about the negotiations back in 2011. The only concern was that if Americans knew, they’d be understandably skeptical and try to scuttle any deal.
In short, the administration was worried Americans were just too stupid to handle the fact that were speaking with Ahmadinejad. Rather than embracing the truth and trying to explain their position, they assumed Americans weren’t sophisticated enough to understand delicate foreign policy issues and kept them in the dark. There was a complete lack of self awareness that maybe the reason they wouldn’t be able to convince Americans that negotiating with a genocidal dictator was a good idea was because it wasn’t. Instead, they found themselves invoking Principal Skinner: “Am I so out of touch? No… it’s the children who are wrong.”
The ultimate farce is that in defense of his record, Barack Obama consistently swears that his is the “most transparent administration in history.” I’m sure he had a different meaning of “transparent” in mind, but he’s certainly correct.
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Paul Ryan: ‘Preposterous’ to Remove ISIS Pledge From Orlando Shooter’s 911 Transcript

Paul Ryan: ‘Preposterous’ to Remove ISIS Pledge From Orlando Shooter’s 911 Transcript

by | 11:58 am, June 20th, 2016
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan issued a statement Monday denouncing the decision to release the transcript of the Orlando shooter’s 911 call with references to ISIS redacted.
“My name is I pledge of allegiance to [omitted],” reads the transcript released by the FBI. “I pledge allegiance to [omitted] may God protect him, on behalf of [omitted].” Press reports at the time indicate that the omitted sections were likely pledges to ISIS and its leader.
“Selectively editing this transcript is preposterous,” reads the statement released by Ryan’s office. “We know the shooter was a radical Islamist extremist inspired by ISIS. We also know he intentionally targeted the LGBT community. The administration should release the full, unredacted transcript so the public is clear-eyed about who did this and why.”
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Monday, June 20, 2016

Isis beheads 4-year-old girl then forces mother to soak hands in her blood after 'swearing to Allah'

Isis beheads 4-year-old girl then forces mother to soak hands in her blood after 'swearing to Allah'

Record 65.3 million people displaced
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The brutal treatment of civilians by Isis has contributed to a record number of refugees - over 60 million according to the UN World Vision
Sick jihadists from the Islamic State (Isis) beheaded a four-year-old girl then forced her horrified mother to soak her hands in her dead daughter's blood. The latest shocking incident is said to have happened in the Daesh (Isis) de-facto capital of Raqqa, in Syria.
The extremists are renowned for their shocking punishments meted out by their feared al-Hisbah police who enforce their strict version of Sharia Law on the towns and cities they conquer. Often the punishments are handed out for seemingly minor infringements and their latest example shows just how brutal they can be.
According to reports, a jihadist overheard a mother 'swear to Allah' that she would behead her daughter if she did not return home from playing. Instead of ignoring the throw-away remark the woman was reported for what she said.
It was decided that as she 'swore to god' she should carry out the act. The mother however refused to kill her child so the jihadists decapitated the defenceless little girl as 'punishment' for her mother's behaviour.
Not content with taking the child's life they then forced the mother to soak her hands in the girl's blood after she died. The shocking tale was revealed by a woman who escaped from the terrorists who told the story to the Iran-based Al Alam International News Channel
She said: "A mother told her four-year daughter to go home and she refused. And then the mother told her unintentionally 'go home and I swear to God that I will behead you if you don't'."
"But they beheaded the little girl and soaked her mother's hands in her daughter's blood," the woman added. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous through fear of reprisals, told the news agency that the beheading took place in the notorious al-Naeem square.
The square is said to be filled with the heads of those slaughtered by jihadists who have become adept at scaring civilians into submission. "They rape women, take children to war, loot houses and threaten people in Raqqa with beheadings if they don't agree with their daughters' marriage with the Isis members," the woman continued.
Although the woman's story could not be confirmed by the IBTimes UK, a number of other similar petty executions have been reported from their self-declared caliphate. Only last week the extremists crucified three men in the street after giving them 70 lashes as punishment for breaking their Ramadan fast.
isis brothers
The jihadists are known for their brutal interpretation of Sharia Law and sick beheadings Islamic State propaganda image
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AK Pattern 10″ Entry Shotgun – The Fostech Origin-12 Takes Saiga Mags

AK Pattern 10″ Entry Shotgun – The Fostech Origin-12 Takes Saiga Mags





The 10"-barreled Fostech Origin-12 is an AK-based 12-gauge that makes for an amazing entry shotgun.
The 10″-barreled Fostech Origin-12 is an AK-based 12-gauge that makes for an amazing entry shotgun.
I have been using AK-based weapons for decades, including shotguns. My VEPR-12 remains a favorite, and I have owned more than a few Saigas over the years. While out-of-the-box AK-based shotguns can be a bit problematic, if tuned correctly they run well, shoot softly, and provide the advantage of a detachable box magazine design.
The author ran the Fostech in his full kit and found it to be easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around corners.
The author ran the Fostech in his full kit and found it to be easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around corners.
Detachable box magazine shotguns like these offer a lot of advantages. If you have the time to perfect the technique, more traditional tubular fed shotguns can be amazing, but just not easy for most people to master. Many see tubular magazines as training-intensive and limiting in both capacity and versatility. It’s one of the reasons many police agencies no longer issue shotguns, preferring the ease of operation an AR provides. Using a rifle-based shotgun can solve some of those issues. Employing one of the most proven and simple designs ever engineered, AK-based shotguns can be excellent home defense and tactical weapons.
Building around the AK has traditionally provided some stumbling blocks. Controls are less than left-hand friendly, safeties can be hard to reach and adding rails is costly and complicated. Most out-of-the-box guns are rudimentary, requiring substantial upgrades. Imported magazines are restricted in capacity, with aftermarket designs being less than optimal.
SPECS
CHAMBERING: 12 ga., 2¾ inch
BARREL: 10 inches
OA LENGTH: 30 inches
WEIGHT: 6 pounds
STOCK: AR-style collapsible, folding
ACTION: Gas-operated, semi-auto
FINISH: Matte black
CAPACITY: Detachable box magazines and drums
MSRP: $2,600
Several companies have tried to address these issues, but short of what amounts to a custom build they can be difficult to deal with. High-dollar custom shotguns are great, with many dedicated to the 3-Gun gaming world. However, few are designed to be modular with the tactical user in mind.
Fostech has come up with an interesting design that seems to address these issues. Built in the USA, import restrictions don’t apply.   Coupled with a number of upgrades designed around years of requests from users, the Origin -12 a refreshing change. Available in a standard length with an 18.5″ barrel, it can also be had as a short 10″-barreled shotgun.

Long & Short of It

Fostech’s Origin-12 is incredibly modular, making it easy to set up exactly how you need for any given mission. Shown with 18.5" barrel assembly.
Fostech’s Origin-12 is incredibly modular, making it easy to set up exactly how you need for any given mission. Shown with 18.5″ barrel assembly.
One of the best design features of the Fostech Origin-12 is ease in changing barrels. Turning a standard AK shotgun into an SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun) ranges from inconvenient to monumentally difficult. Stick with a 14” barrel and it’s not too intensive. You may be able to polish some things up, change the gas piston and it can work. Get shorter and most require shortening the gas system and some serious tuning. Move down to a 10” barrel and you are generally limited to full bore, high-brass buckshot or slugs for consistent operation.
They work, but it turns a pretty soft-shooting shotgun into a shoulder-fired jackhammer. Training becomes costly and painful, and most end up languishing in a safe. It’s a ton of money to spend on a gun you will probably never use. Fostech’s unique design makes the process simple and painless and their gas system allows operation with lighter loads.
You can order the Origin as an SBS from Fostech with the usual transfer times to your dealer, then to you. You can also start with the standard version, complete the appropriate NFA paperwork and register your existing 18.5”. As a Title 2 manufacturer, it’s a simple matter of filling out a form for me.
Swapping out barrels takes a minute or two. Remove the barrel pin, slide off the long barrel and reverse the process. Done! No gunsmithing needed. No fitting; just makes sure it all lines up, perform a function check and head to the range! Since many 3-Gun competitions have restrictions on barrel length, it also allows you to switch back to the long barrel easily.

Radical Design

The gas port regulator above the barrel can be adjusted easily by hand or with an expended shot shell. The hand guard is part of the barrel module assembly.
The gas port regulator above the barrel can be adjusted easily by hand or with an expended shotshell. The hand guard is part of the barrel module assembly.
Starting with a basic AK-pattern shotgun design, Fostech built around it from the ground up. Employing a good amount of polymer, it is relatively lightweight. Modular, it consists of a receiver and separate hand guard and barrel assembly. The barrel, gas tube, gas block and hand guard are all part of one separate module. It comes with rails on the top, both sides, and bottom along with a flip-up front sight. Each barrel module can stay zeroed to the rear sight regardless of length.
Gas is adjusted using a ported gas plug allowing you to bleed off gas as needed with heavier loads. It is restricted to 2.75” shells, which keeps it a tad shorter and lighter. Using standard Saiga/Vepr threads, the barrel will accept flash hiders, muzzle brakes or standoffs for these guns. Fluted and constructed of high-strength steel, the barrel is light with an attractive look. Installation and removal is easy; just slide it over the op rod on the lower and lock it in place using the barrel pin. It makes cleaning a breeze.
Controls are ambidextrous and easily reachable with either hand. Ambidextrous safeties allow access with the thumb or first finger of either hand in any position. A forward non-reciprocating, left-side charging handle sits forward of the receiver. The top cover is high-strength polymer and includes a rail that mates up to the hand guard rail. The magazines are rock solid and built very strong, using polymer bodies and steel feed lips. Insertion is straight up and in, and they are available in 5-, 8- and 10-round capacities. Also available are 20- and 30-round drums.
The Origin-12 provides an ambidextrous safety along with well-designed bolt and magazine releases that can be accessed without removing your control hand.
The Origin-12 provides an ambidextrous safety along with well-designed bolt and magazine releases that can be accessed without removing your control hand.
Locking open on the last round, the Origin-12 has a bolt release accessible using your strong hand. It allows you to run the shotgun using just your strong hand and never needing to come out of the “pocket.” Push the magazine release lever in front of the trigger guard and the magazines drop free. The Origin-12 uses a large ejection port cover that snaps open upon firing or when the charging handle is cycled. Snapping it closed keeps dirt and dust out of the action.
An AR-style stock slides over a buffer tube attached to a super strong folding mechanism. Using the standard stock, it folds flat on the left side of the shotgun, and the shotgun can be fired in this condition. Polymer flip up sights are included and co-witnessed my Shield red dot sight perfectly. Shield’s RDS is proving to be robust and easy to use for me, making it perfect for a shotgun.
The stock folds easily along the left-side of the receiver and provides a very compact package.
The stock folds easily along the left-side of the receiver and provides a very compact package.
An oversized charging handle allowed for positive loads, reloads and charging when gloves were used.
An oversized charging handle allowed for positive loads, reloads and charging when gloves were used.

Range Time

With a short length of pull and short barrel, the 10" Origin-12 was handy, controllable, and easy to use with a plate carrier.
With a short length of pull and short barrel, the 10″ Origin-12 was handy, controllable, and easy to use with a plate carrier.
Testing very short-barreled AK shotguns can be frustrating, if not painful. Most require full-length brass buckshot at 1,350 fps or more (mostly more), just to function consistently. They work and are great for duty applications, but not so much fun on the range.
The Origin-12 with the short 10” barrel was better than most. Attaching a King Armory KA1212 BR breaching brake was step one for me. It extends the barrel out a bit for safety, but more importantly it’s made of hardened steel. It’s not just a cosmetic attachment. The KA1212 provides excellent flash suppression and recoil reduction, and can even tighten some patterns. Using a square no-snag tooth design, it locks into doors for breaching without tearing up your gear. I have used this same muzzle device on numerous door breaches on a few other shotguns and it remains one of the strongest on the market.
Using light 1,150 fps loads with the gas at full-tilt, the SBR worked most of the time. Clean, oiled and pressed very tightly into the shoulder, it ran pretty consistently. Running dirty and with a loose shoulder, and it was less than reliable. Given most short-barreled AK shotguns won’t run this at all, it was a good start. Moving up to the 1,200 to 1,250 fps loads improved things. Keeping it tight to the shoulder, it ran most of the time, ejecting hulls a couple feet from the port. After a couple hundred rounds it would fail to eject on occasion.
The author found that when loaded with suitably powerful rounds, the Origin-12 would run like a top.
It really liked the Federal LE127 9 pellet 00 buckshot, cycling no matter how fast the trigger was pressed. Patterning was tight and you could shoot it all day long without any shoulder tenderness. It’s the same ammunition my Benelli M4 likes as well as my Mossberg 955 and was developed specifically for semi-autos. It has worked in my standard guns, just not one with a 10” barrel. So, the Origin-12 is a winner there. It also ran the Hornady Critical Defense well. At 1,600 fps it was a bit stouter, but it ran well and patterned the best of all out of this short barrel, likely due to the Versa Tite wad.
Patterning was similar to most shotguns. Quality tactical buckshot holds the pellets in the wad for a short distance after leaving the barrel. It makes the barrel length less meaningful. My tightest pattern with the Hornady was 4.75 inches at 20 yards, keeping well within the preferred size of a “fist.” From 5 to 15 yards it produced just one large hole.
Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 5.39.43 PM

Some Thoughts

Fostech has done a great job on the controls. Accessing the safety from any ready position with either hand was easy. It was possible to operate it exactly the same as my AR rifles. They included an oversized charging handle on this one and it was really easy to access when needed. Since it does not reciprocate, it does not interfere.
Shield’s SIS red dot sight stays in place through barrel changes and never came out of zero or loose.
Shield’s SIS red dot sight stays in place through barrel changes and never came out of zero or loose.
I equipped the receiver rail with a Shield SIS (Switchable Interface Sight). Shield’s SIS has an auto adjust brightness meter that worked really well. Moving in and out of the shoot house, it dimmed as needed on entry very quickly. It can also be adjusted manually. You can switch between a 1 MOA dot alone, 1 dot and ring, 8 MOA dot, or 8 MOA and ring. There are other versions available including one with a 2 MOA dot and BDC. Cycling through was pretty easy, but I landed on the 1 MOA dot and ring and stayed there. My eyes pick up the ring very quickly while allowing me to keep the dot small just in case precision is needed without occluding the target. This was a fantastic combination for an entry shotgun.
Magazines insert straight in, locking into place. It took a bit more pressure, but they inserted when full on a closed bolt. If you are using marginal ammunition in terms of cycling, you will want to download one round. With the buckshot it worked great.

Bottom Line

Short-barreled shotguns are great for tactical use, and the Fostech is excellent in this role. Not only can you use a red dot sight with ease, the supplied sights are usable by anyone used to an AR. The barrel module includes rails for easy attachment of lights or lasers. Made in America, none of the annoying 922r import restrictions apply. You can use the AR stock of your choice, making it possible to facilitate a good sling.
The 10"-barreled Origin-12 is a compact and powerful tactical shotgun ready for entry duty.
The 10″-barreled Origin-12 is a compact and powerful tactical shotgun ready for entry duty.
The Origin-12 can be equipped with an 18.5" barrel assembly in a matter of minutes.
The Origin-12 can be equipped with an 18.5″ barrel assembly in a matter of minutes.
It really has all you need for an entry shotgun, and for a 10” barrel it is about as reliable as it gets. Pricing is about the same as a standard AK shotgun followed by tons of gunsmithing that may take months. Tactical shotguns are not for everyone, but for some, like me, they are a great choice. If that’s you, take a close look at the Fostech!
For more information, visit http://fostechoutdoors.com/
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1,200 Yards w/5.56 AR-15 – AXTS MI-T556 SPR Range Report

1,200 Yards w/5.56 AR-15 – AXTS MI-T556 SPR Range Report





Adding a Silencerco suppressor, the AXTS SPR remained well balanced with very little shift in impact once attached.
The new AXTS SPR is a 5.56mm rifle designed for extreme long-range shooting. The author was able to engage targets out to 1,286 yards without missing a beat. Shown equipped with a Silencerco suppressor and Atlas bi-pod.
Although a relatively young company, AXTS Weapon Systems has earned a reputation for producing top-quality firearms designed to achieve very specific missions. And its newest, the AXTS MI-T556 SPR, continues that tradition.
The rifle is based on the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) that was brought into U.S. military service as the MK12 in 2002. It was designed as an accurized version of the M16 chambered in 5.56mm. It used an 18” barrel designed to stabilize the heavier 77 grain bullets (MK262) for longer-range applications. Hand guards were free floated, tolerances a bit tighter, and iron sights more precise. Original models were equipped with a muzzle attachment that would accept a suppressor.
the AXTS SPR delivers long-range 5.56mm performance. Engaging steel at 300 yards, the AXTS SPR was stable and accurate, even when used from improvised positions.
the AXTS SPR delivers long-range 5.56mm performance. Engaging steel at extreme distances, the AXTS SPR was stable and accurate, even when used from improvised positions.
Still in service today, the original design concept has really caught on both within and outside the military market. And, improvements in design and manufacture since 2002 have made building a rifle like this with the precision needed even more within reach. Barrels are better, receivers stronger, accuracy improved and operation consistent.
It’s not uncommon to see an SPR that will rival precision rifles for accuracy at ranges extending to 1,000 yards. Bullets are better, ammunition more effective and optics vastly improved. Whether you are a hunter, officer, target shooter, or just plain enthusiast, the SPR-style platform offers all you will ever need in a semi-auto rifle chambered in 5.56mm.

Long Range with the Mouse Gun?

For most of my career, “experts” have been telling me the .223/5.56mm is a 500-meter rifle, prevailing thought being it was ineffective beyond that range and lacked the accuracy necessary to get consistent hits any farther out. That may have been true in the 1980s when rifle and bullet technology was lacking. Given a rifle shooting into 4” at 100 yards on its best day and ammunition to match, 500 meters would be a stretch.
Well, it’s not 1980 anymore, at least for a couple decades! Rifles today are different, shooters are better, and ammunition has improved by leaps and bounds. Factory rifles shoot twice as well as most early ARs. Purpose-built precision ARs can be astoundingly accurate. As to effectiveness, while many are willing to decry the 5.56mm’s limitations at “range,” few are willing to test them in person.
The terminal effectiveness of the new 77-grain TMK is substantially different than the FMJ of the day. It and similar bullets are proving devastating at ranges as far as 700 yards on small game. Accuracy potential on steel or paper reaches out to 1,000 yards given the correct combination. There is little doubt the sweet spot is the 100-700 yard range, but that is not the extent of its range. It’s a new world, and there are lots of new rifles to match.

 Training at Range

Teh author employed Spuhr’s ISMS mount. He feels it is super strong and accommodates a number of accessories for long-range shooting.
The author employed Spuhr’s ISMS mount. He feels it is super strong and accommodates a number of accessories for long-range shooting.
I had been experimenting with longer ranges using the 5.56mm with a couple custom built ARs. Able to reach 700 yards at my range, it was pretty easy with 77 Grain OTM (Open Tipped Match) bullets. Given a custom barrel, solid build, and steady position, I could hold 1 MOA at that range, even beyond. Of late many factory rifles were more than capable.
While enlightening, it took some serious training with Buck Doyle from Follow Through Consulting to really open my eyes. Buck is a combat Marine with 22 years of service, much of it as a Force Recon Marine. Having used accurized ARs at range in combat gives him credibility. Several years of contracting afterwards added to his “been there done that” reputation. More importantly, he provided a means to learn how to do it yourself at his Scoped Carbine Class.
Held on his range at The Lodge at Red River Ranch in Teasdale, Utah, it’s a long-distance shooters dream. Targets are placed mostly from 300-1,100 meters amongst the beautiful red cliffs of Capitol Reef, Utah. It’s windy, dusty, and can be harsh, making it challenging. Targets are generally 12” circles with nothing bigger than a silhouette. Buck believes in “aim small, shoot small,” and practices that consistently.
Designed around a scoped 5.56mm carbine and the Horus TreMoR reticles, it’s all about ranging and getting on target fast. No knob turning; you use the reticle, and once dialed in you seldom see prone. It’s mostly from barricades, making the effectiveness of the SPR more surprising. It’s an eye opener. Having attended or assisted with several classes, students are hitting steel at 800 meters in stiff winds by day three. In at least a couple cases, students having never used an AR accomplish this. It rather quickly dispels any remaining mythology as to the ability of the 5.56mm cartridge to reach out.

AXTS MI-T556

Using just the Silencerco ASR flash hider, the AXTS SPR remains easy to maneuver, lightweight and well balanced.
During several classes AXTS provided their MI-T556 for use. Built to exacting standards, they were impressive. Over time a relationship developed between AXTS and Buck Doyle, resulting in his consultation on their rifles. Most of their previous rifles used pinned 14.5 or 16” barrels. While they worked great, they did not take full advantage of the latest loads like the Black Hills Ammunition 77-grain TMK.
Using one of my personal builds with an 18” barrel, the differences were obvious. Holds with the 77-grain TMK were often 10-20% less at the same range given muzzle velocities in the 2,750 feet per second range. It only proved what we both knew, that the 18” barrel was the ticket for taking complete advantage of modern ammunition without sacrificing usability. It prompted AXTS’s latest rifle based on Buck’s design input and extensive testing.
Buck Doyle’s dream AR, the SPR, was designed for practical application out to the limits of the 5.56mm cartridge. It started with an MI-T556, adding a few touches including a 17.5” barrel and full-length, custom hand guard to match. The results are impressive, to say the least.
The SPR features hand-fit, CNC-machined receivers. Controls are truly ambidextrous, recessed yet easy to access, and the proper size for easy application.
The SPR features hand-fit, CNC-machined receivers. Controls are truly ambidextrous and the proper size for easy application.
The MI-T556 starts with hand-fit, CNC-machined receivers using a proprietary configuration. Designed for use in harsh conditions, they are as light as possible without sacrificing strength. Controls in the A-DAC lower are completely ambidextrous, recessed, and strong. The forward assist is moved forward so it does not interfere with the charging handle. Made of titanium, it is DLC coated. The company’s Talon 45/90 degree safety sits on either side. The lines on these receivers are perfectly matched and tight.
For the SPR, a custom handguard using M-Lok is mated to the receiver ending just at the flash hider, covering most of the barrel. It protects the 17.5” barrel capped with a Silencerco ASR flash hider. Starting with a Shilen 416R blank, the barrels are profiled using a 1:8” twist rate. Each crown is hand polished. The highest quality barrel extensions are used with polished feed ramps and .223 Wylde chambers. An AXTS Black Nitrided bolt carrier group is utilized. Manufactured from case-hardened 8620 steel, the 4130 steel gas key is properly staked. The bolt is 9310 steel, MPI tested and CNC-ground following heat treatment for a perfect fit. It’s all coated in Black Nitride for the best possible operation under any condition. Charging is accomplished with an AXTS Raptor ambidextrous handle.
The rifle features an AR Gold trigger. Having a right-side bolt release makes reloads fast and keeps you locked into the gun.
The rifle features an AR Gold trigger. Having a right-side bolt release makes reloads fast and keeps you locked into the gun.
Each MI-T556 uses a custom American Trigger Corporation AR Gold Trigger nestled into the oversized trigger guard. Designed to be operational over the long term, it provides a crisp single-action pull with a predictable take-up. AR Gold triggers have proven reliable under the harshest conditions with design features that insure operation in dusty and dirty conditions. Magpul’s STR stock covers a mil-spec sized buffer tube with an H2 buffer. This rifle was coated in a very nice green Cerakote. Pistol grip is a Magpul. Each is shipped in a Grey Ghost soft case with a single magazine.
SPECS
Chambering: .223 Wylde
Barrel: 17.5 Inches
OA Length: 34 inches (collapsed)
Weight: 6.5 pounds (bare rifle)
Sights: Optics rail
Stocks/Grips: Magpul MOE grip/AXTS M-Lok Hand Guard/Magpul STR Stock
Action: Semi-automatic/rotating bolt/gas impingement
Finish: Cerakote
Capacity: Accepts standard AR-15/M16 magazines
Price: $3,000

Finishing the Rifle Out

My Leupold Mark 6 3-18X scope using a Horus TreMoR 3 reticle was mounted in a Spuhr ISMS mount and covered with Adamount lens protection. It keeps the scope low to the rail. The built-in level keeps you square at range. A Trijicon RMR was added at one o’ clock using Spuhr’s mount. An Angle Cosign Indicator was attached to the left side of the mount, keeping everything compact and solid. SLR provided an M-Lok rail for the Atlas bi-pod. Dueck Defense offset sights were mounted for close quarters work. Testing was completed using the ASR along with Silencerco’s Omega .30-caliber suppressor.
The author equipped the AXTS with Leupold’s Mark 6 using a T3 reticle. It allowed him to get hits on target quickly and accurately.
The author equipped the AXTS with Leupold’s Mark 6 using a T3 reticle. It allowed him to get hits on target quickly and accurately.
Silencerco’s Omega suppressor is lightweight, quiet and versatile and can be used on several calibers in different configurations.

Accuracy

The Shilen barrel really liked 77-grain bullets, including Remington’s Premier Match. It produced this sub half-inch group at 100 yards.
The Shilen barrel really liked 77-grain bullets, including Remington’s Premier Match. It produced this sub half-inch group at 100 yards.
Shooting itty-bitty groups with an AR can be a chore with varying success, mostly attributed to the shooter. Group testing occurred over two days using several bullet weights. Overall it seemed to favor the 77-grain ammunition, with Remington Ammunition 77-grain Premier Match taking the day at .47 inches. Black Hills 77-grain TMK was very close behind at .56 inches. Days were always windy, so many groups were in the .75 range, but when I was squared away it clovered most of the time. Overall this is a half minute gun at 100 yards with the right shooter and ammunition.
Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 2.10.38 PMHowever, that’s not where the accuracy story ends. Buck is fond of expressing his lack of interest in what a rifle does at 100 yards. The real question is will it hold that group at range, say 300 yards minimally, even better 700 yards or more. Black Hills 69 grain TMK was a perfect example. Struggling to shoot under .75 inches at 100 yards, it printed a nice 5-inch group on 12 inch steel at 669 yards. Overall it created a 6-inch clump at that range over 10 rounds. Moving out to 887 yards, the 77-grain TMK and 77-grain Remington both held under 1 MOA vertically. Even my group at 1,236 yards measured just over a foot vertically, staying around that 1 MOA range. Bottom line, this rifle is about as good as it gets in a semi and better than my capability most of the time.

Practical Application

The author found the AXTS SPR to be a true, long-range performer. This one can really reach out when needed.
The author found the AXTS SPR to be a true, long-range performer. This one can really reach out when needed.
This rifle really shines working in the field, and that is how Buck designed it. Given the time spent on the road or in my FJ, much of my training occurs in and around it. Setting up on the hood and bumper, 12” steel was engaged at 200 to 400 yards using a bag for a rest or the Atlas Bi-pod. Working different positions, it remained “point, hold, and shoot” out to 300 yards. The only time the knobs were touched were at 1,200 yards; everything else was completed using the T3, and it is fast.
With the Silencerco Omega installed it was easy to use under the truck, by the tires, or even next to the bumper. No concussion, minimal recoil, and plenty quiet for use without hearing protection. The MI-T556 remained balanced and the extended hand guard insured the barrel was never resting on cover. Using a GG&G barricade stop, it locked into barricades, trees, and the bench. Getting hits on 12 inch or smaller targets out to 400 was a no brainer; stretching it out to 800 took some solid wind reads, but this rifle is practical to 800 with ease and capable of hits at 1,000 with skill.

Other Considerations

Bullet impact shift was less than an inch when the suppressor was added, and was consistent. Return to zero was within half an inch when it was removed and reattached. Brass ejection was all but unaffected. With the suppressor attached or not it sent brass at roughly 4:00, just a bit farther with the suppressor. Gas in the face was almost unnoticeable, and over 100 rounds the magazine was still pretty clean. Given the lack of an adjustable gas block, this surprised me. It was pleasant enough that the Omega will stay on there for most training.
Working inside the truck and shoot house took some work, but after 10 years running an 18.5” shotgun it’s not hard. Certainly not what its best at, but no worse than a 16” gun, and it will do things a 10” AR won’t. My conversion to this barrel length for a scoped carbine is complete and will not change. I like a short gun for dedicated work across the parking lot using a red dot sight; for everything else this rifle is the ticket. This may be Buck’s dream rifle, but we clearly share the same vision.

Final Thoughts

Retail on this SPR is in the 3K range, so you expect it to work. Still, the attention to detail is superb, rivaling only my hand-built custom rifles. Everything is smooth, mates perfectly, and operates flawlessly. Only the best possible parts are used, making mil-spec rifles look like toys. It’s like a custom 1911 that has been hand fit and contoured.
This is the first production SPR off the line (not a prototype, but rather a full production model), but they are a few weeks out when it comes to ramping up the website to reflect the new product. AXTS prides themselves on a delivery time measured in weeks, not months, so give them a call to put in your order.
While you can certainly pay more you will not get much for it; it just does not get much better. At the same time it is a working rifle designed by a combat Marine with the sole purpose of using it, not hanging it in a safe. I test a lot of ARs, hundreds over the years. Nothing has come across my path any better, many less so at a higher cost. If you are in the market for a custom grade AR designed and tested for real world use this one needs to be at the top of your list, it may be your only choice!
Dueck Defense Rapid Transition sights operate like standard A2 sights allowing for use at any range as needed.
Dueck Defense Rapid Transition sights operate like standard A2 sights allowing for use at any range as needed.
The Talon 60 degree safety from AXTS is comfortable, easy to access and ambidextrous.
The Talon 60 degree safety from AXTS is comfortable, easy to access and ambidextrous.
A custom-made hand guard from AXTS locks up tight, providing one of the most solid ARs on the market.
A custom-made hand guard from AXTS locks up tight, providing one of the most solid ARs on the market.
Designed to match the barrel, the AXTS custom hand guard extends all the way to the base of the flash hider, completely protecting the barrel.
Designed to match the barrel, the AXTS custom hand guard extends all the way to the base of the flash hider, completely protecting the barrel.
Coated in Cerakote, the SPR is striking in certain light with a solid look that is useful in any environment.
Coated in Cerakote, the SPR is striking in certain light with a solid look that is useful in any environment.
For more information, visit https://www.axtsweapons.com/.
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