DefenseReview has info on new FERFRANS FAS combat optic/sight
“This concept started when my instructor for the FERFRANS Full-Auto Course complained that the aimpoint and the EOTech [550-series] was too big for a sighting system. He opted to use the iron sights. So we did a lot of testing and he finally agreed that the red dot or the EOTech’s circle dot is faster, but it’s too big that it will block his view. So I thought of a smaller sight that is compact and small like the DocterSight. The only problem [with] the DocterSight is it is not robust enough for combat duty. So we created the FAS. I had some Navy SEALs test it in our full-auto course and they all love it. There were civilians that tested the fast and they have nothing negative to say about it. The dot is 3MOA. It uses a lithium battery 3V, CR2032. It similar to the DocterSight. It has a brightness sensor with the Seals using it at noon time with no problems of brightness. All other specifications are the same as the DocterSight.”
The FERFRANS FAS combat optic/sight is ideally-suited to CQB/CQC applications, but it can also be used to engage targets out to medium distances (as far as 200-300 yards) with its 3-MOA dot.
As neat as the kit is, though, if the rifle isn’t good it’s just window dressing. Kimber’s Advanced Tactical Rifle is chambered for the .308 round, the standard for law enforcement and many military applications. Probably the first thing most shooters will notice with the Advanced Tactical is the McMillan A-5 stock in desert camo. It is very striking in appearance, but it also incorporates a lot of really useful tactical features.
For example, it incorporates five sling swivel studs, one of which is only for bipod attachment. The others, however, offer the ability to attach a sling in various positions using quick detach swivel connectors. Since the rifle weighs close to 10 lbs without scope and bipod, a good sling is a necessity.
The choice of attachment points allows a tactical marksman to tighten up to use the sling for shooting from the seated or kneeling position or even from off hand but or have the option for switching attachment points for ease of carry. Length of pull is adjustable through removal or addition of spacers beneath the recoil pad. Drop at heel and drop at comb are adjustable as well. I also like the flat on the forearm which allows use of a sand bag or other rest.
The first one is a Ruger Mini-14 Stainless model in .223. This one has been “modified” with a Choate stock, muzzle break/flash disperser, an inexpensive Eurolux 4x bullet drop compensating, side mount scope and an Eagle Ent. 36 round polymer, see through, constant tension spring magazine. With all the extras, 2″ groups are the norm for this piece. Not a tack driver, but certainly “good enough” for plinking, fun shooting and serious close in (less than 150 yard) tactical purposes. This piece is utterly reliable (only problems have been with Wolf polymer coated rounds) and everyone that has shot it has enjoyed the experience. Total cost of gun and accessories is around $525. I bought the basic gun, new, about 8 years ago for just under $400.
I think the Choate stock had a lot to do with the improvement in accuracy which I experienced. Yes, it is a tight fit, which is good – less wiggle room for the receiver to move around from shot to shot. The stock is lighter than the factory wood and very durable. The hand grip is probably one of the best features as it provides a more steady grip, at least for me. The hand grip and the fore stock have very aggresive checkering molded in and provide a non-slip grip. The rubber recoil pad on the butt adds just a little bit of extra reach and helps lock the stock into the shoulder. It is well worth the money if you want to improve the performance of your Mini-14. The muzzle break was probably the biggest contributor to accuracy – from what I’ve read recently, one of the factors affecting Mini accuracy is barrel harmonics because of the thin taper barrel. The new Target Mini has a barrel harmonic dampener – I think the muzzle break has a similar affect. It is not there just “for nice” it does work.
AccurateShooter has an excellent post on the effects of canted scope reticles (when the cross-hairs are not aligned with the scope).
There was widespread agreement that too many scopes are leaving the factory with canted reticles, i.e. cross-hairs that are not plumb with the turrets. In fact, to my surprise, most of the top shooters I polled said, yes they have, at least once, purchased a $700+ scope from a major manufacturer that arrived with a canted reticle. The amount of cant ranged from an estimated one to three degrees.
This 25 minute video shows the operations and ceremonies of the Detroit Police Department. It is in the classic 1950’s style of cinematography. Worth a watch if law enforcement history interests you.
“He learned to use all types of firearms and spent many hours on target practice. Marksmenship might someday mean saving his own life and the lives of other people.”
Game have a new line of spring powered airguns with integrated suppressors.
They do not use the word “suppressor” which I find odd. Instead they call it “ND25 Noise Reduction Technology”… A suppressor by any other name.
The Whisper is a single cock break barrel action with a rifled steel, fluted bull barrel and an integral, non-removable noise dampener that reduces noise up to 52 percent. 2-stage adjustable trigger and automatic cocking safety with manual trigger safety. Fiber-optic front and rear adjustable sights. Includes 3-9×40 scope with a 1-piece solid mount. .177 caliber shoots 1200 fps with PBA ammo or 1000 fps with lead pellets. Weight: 5.28 lbs. Length: 43.5″.
17+1 Capacity. (Note: 17-round magazines are not available in all states and locales; 10-round magazines are available where required to meet state and local regulations limiting magazine capacity.)
Chambered in 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19).
Short trigger reach.
Unique reversible backstrap (flat or arched) to accommodate grip preferences.
Slim, ergonomic grip features a 17-degree grip angle and three, 22 lpi checkered panels that provide a sure grip without being abrasive.
Patented Ruger camblock helps absorb recoil.
High-visibility 3-dot sight system is click adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage.
Picatinny rail accepts modern sighting devices (lights, lasers, etc.).
Ultra-slim stainless steel slide.
Ambidextrous magazine release.
Ambidextrous 1911-style manual safety.
Internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, and magazine disconnect.
Visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
Suggested retail price of just $525, including hard case, extra magazine, magazine loader, padlock, and instruction manual.
SR9 Specs:
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 17+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.5 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol
SR9-10 Specs:
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 10+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.25 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol
CAUTION: Dry firing your RUGER SR9 with the magazine removed may result in damage or unnecessary wear to the striker blocking mechanism.
Didn’t we just go through this with the P345? Guys, if you just HAVE to include a mag safety, at least go to the trouble of engineering it so the damn thing won’t break like that.
Ruger VP Bob Stutler explains the 20-year journey Ruger has taken in the evolution of their handguns to the new SR9 starting with the Ruger P85 centerfire autoloading pistol.
Ruger VP Bob Stutler points out the various features of the new Ruger SR9 including the reversible backstrap, low-profile sights, ambidextrous safety, and high capacity 17-round magazine.
While on the subject of the SR9 trigger, I have heard early reports from those who have handled, but not necessarily fired, the SR9 that the trigger pull is somewhat gritty. Mostly this is due to dry-firing the weapon without a magazine in place. Ruger warns SR9 owners to not dry-fire the pistol without the magazine in the gun. The SR9 has a magazine safety, which is located in the slide… The trigger pull on my sample gun exhibited these same traits when dry-firing the pistol without a magazine in place. However, while actually firing the pistol, it has a pretty decent trigger pull… After shooting the SR9 extensively, the trigger pull has also improved somewhat. It compares favorably with the trigger pull on other pistols of its type.
The sights on the SR9 are a very good design. The front is drift adjustable for windage, and the rear is adjustable for windage and elevation. They are much better sights than those that are supplied with most competitive pistols.
I like many features of the SR9. It is very user-friendly to left-handed shooters like me. It is slim. It is reliable, rugged, and backed by the famous Ruger reputation for customer service. I like the thumb safety. I like the large trigger guard that can easily accommodate a gloved finger. I like the steel magazines. I love the slim grip! I also like the fact that it is American made.
Ruger are now offering a version of the SR9 with a blackened stainless slide
The recently launched Ruger SR9™ pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, is now available with a blackened stainless slide. The multi-step blackening process improves both the durability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel slide by creating a surface hardness of 68Rc. The extra hard finish also reduces scratching and holster wear.
Looks nice, but I think the stainless slide looks better.
A OD green frame model is now available. Looks nice.
UPDATE:
Jason took some great photos and has licensed them under a Creative Commons Lisence. I have uploaded one of them to the wikipedia Ruger SR9 page. Thanks Jason
Two years ago, an M16 automatic rifle could fetch $5,400 or more in the Palestinian West Bank. Now buyers at Hebron’s clandestine gun market are asked to pay more than double.
Four months after Islamist Hamas routed secular Fatah in the Gaza Strip, fears that clashes between the Palestinian rivals could erupt in the West Bank and uncertainty ahead of a U.S.-led peace conference are fuelling a scramble for guns.
Dealers at the gun market in Hebron, the West Bank’s most populous city, say weapons sales have jumped by up to 70 percent since Hamas took control of Gaza, while buoyant demand and supply bottlenecks due to tighter security have inflated prices.
In the northern West Bank city of Jenin, every bullet for an AK-47 rifle costs 35 Israeli shekels, or more than $8. In Hamas-controlled Gaza, an AK-47 bullet goes for 4-6 Israeli shekels, $1-1.50.
I have heard it said that gun prices reflect upcoming conflict….
Also, I wonder where they get M16 or AR-15’s from.
Remington have just announced their new AR-15 rifle, the R-15
The basic idea of the R-15 VTR is to bring a sporting focus to the black gun market. As such, the new rifle will be offered in three configurations–the Predator, Predator Carbine and Predator Carbine CS (collapsible stock) in two calibers-the .223 and Ruger .204-and will retail for $1,145. The three platforms (all in Advantage Max-1 HD camo) will feature button-rifled, fluted barrels with recessed hunting crowns. The uppers and lowers are machined from aluminum forgings and all will carry the Remington name. The free-floating fore-end tube is drilled and tapped for accessory rails and all rifles come with a five-round magazine box and a lockable hard case.
Everyone knew Remington was going to produce an AR-15 after they were purchased by the parent company of Bushmaster. It makes sense. There is a lot of money in black rifles.
New semi-automatic AR-15-style rifle developed in conjunction with industry leader in AR platform
Free-floating button-rifled 0.680″ Muzzle OD ChroMoly barrels with recessed hunting crown for superior accuracy
Fluted barrel design reduces weight
Clean-breaking single-stage trigger
Receiver-length picatinny rail for adding optics
Ergonomic pistol grip
Fore-end tube drilled and tapped for accessory rails
Full Advantage Max-1 HD coverage
Includes 5-round magazine
Legal for hunting in most states
Compatible with aftermarket AR-15/M-16 magazines
The industry leader in AR-platform rifles met the world leader in hunting firearms, and Remington Country will never be the same. Working in close conjunction, we created an unrivaled combination of precision accuracy, blazing-fast follow-ups and hunt-specific features. The new R-15 VTR modular repeating rifle was born of the most advanced design aspects of AR-15-style rifles available today with a strong emphasis on optimizing form and functionality for the modern predator aficionado. The results are astounding – with very, very fatal implications for every coyote, fox or bobcat that crosses your path.
For peak accuracy, the R-15’s 0.680″ OD barrel sis precision-crafted from ChroMoly steel. It’s free-floated within the machined-aluminum fore-end tube and given a recessed hunting crown to ensure gasses escape evenly around the bullet for the ultimate in shot-to-shot consistency. Six longitudinal flutes forward of the gas block promote rapid barrel cooling and increase rigidity while reducing weight, further contributing to this rifle’s ability to print tiny clusters at an incredible pace.
And our exclusive single-stage trigger design is as clean-breaking as they come. The semi-automatic gas action all but eliminates muzzle jump and recoil so your target remains in the crosshairs. And when it’s time to add optics, the receiver-length picatinny rail makes it a rock-solid cinch.
Control comes natural with the ergonomic pistol grip and lightweight overall design of the R-15. Its uppers and lowers are machined from aluminum forgings for featherweight durability, and the fore-end tube is drilled and tapped for accessory rails.
This new family of firearms consists of three models. Each designed with input from leading predator authorities and decked in the ultra-effective Advantage MAX-1 HD camouflage to blend with sage, open country and a multitude of hunting terrains. All come with five-round magazines and are compatible with all aftermarket AR-15/M-16 style magazines and other accessories.
The most memorable Valentine’s Day gift I ever received was a black nylon fanny pack designed to hold a gun. For my live-in, gun-nut boyfriend, it was a grand romantic gesture and an encore, of sorts, to his Christmas present, a .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol. I had hoped for the new “lady friendly” hammerless Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, but the fanny pack would have to do.
It definitely topped his gifts from years past: a can of pepper spray and a tactical pocketknife. And the timing was perfect. I had just qualified for a concealed-handgun permit under a recently passed state law-the state, of course, being Texas.
Great to see positive firearm articles in mainstream magazines.
The Mall Ninja is easily distinguished by an abundance of “tactical” gear, such as fatigues, a thigh holster (with, of course, a Glock), combat boots, bandolier and other accouterments that you’d usually only see on a SWAT operative. Median age is usually 19-25, and they tend to boast about their various exploits with certain Special Forces units, all of which they’re too young and idiotic to have joined (real Special Forces types don’t brag). They typically have opinions on everything, regardless of expertise, they are uniformly poor shots, and they tend to exhibit a frightening lack of safety training.
Hi, welcome to my gun blog! This blog is dedicated to all things firearms related. If you are into AR-15 and AK rifles, skeet shotguns, self defense pistols or hunting arms there will be something here for you. I hope you enjoy it.
I want this blog to appeal to a worldwide audience and so I will be focusing on firearms and shooting rather than country specific politics. There are already many great blogs defending your rights!
Hi, welcome to my gun blog! This blog is dedicated to all things firearms related. If you are into AR-15 and AK rifles, skeet shotguns, self defense pistols or hunting arms there will be something here for you. I hope you enjoy it.