The Firearm Blog

[ I am pleased to present this guest post was written by Isaac. ]

Knights Armament as a company has had a notable hand in the evolution of Eugene Stoner’s classic AR-15 design. One of the most obvious results of that heritage is visible in the SR-15 E3 IWS (Integral Weapons System).

The biggest question when people see the SR-15 is “what’s different about this gun to make it special?” And to answer that is to look under the hood and understand that the SR-15 doesn’t seek to be the most accurate, or the most durable gun (the SR-15 E3 IWS actually groups 1.25moa or better, so it’s no slouch). What it does is be one of the most complete package rifles that require almost no user modification or tweaking. And by doing so is an incredibly reliable and lightweight rifle with a plethora of features.

From the inside out Knights has given the SR-15 a longer than mid- length gas system, which provides for an extremely smooth and reliable operation. The rifle also features a larger bolt cross section, which serves to improve overall durability. The hammer forged barrel groups very well, and in combination with the very lightweight URXII rail (including integrated front sight, and included match grade rear sight), gives the gun an extremely svelte appearance and light overall weight. All combined with their match grade trigger assembly and offering completely ambidextrous controls to those who are southpaws (or shooters working off their reaction sides).

So, SR-15 feature primer aside, how well does it actually shoot? Amazingly well. Having run the gun in a few carbine courses and competitions, and run it hard, the gun has easily become the rifle I count on as my ‘go to’ gun. What it offers me is an extremely lightweight rifle (even running lights and lasers) that gives me an above average level of accuracy from a fighting carbine. Short of changing out some furniture to fit my personal needs, the gun has not required any tuning or fixes. An extremely smooth gas system in combination with the Knights Armament triple tap brake (not included) creates a rifle with almost zero muzzle flip. In the end what the rifle brings to me is a gun that far exceeds my own capabilities as a shooter.

The value of the SR-15 E3 IWS is obviously relative to the needs of the shooter. Some may never need the features of the SR-15, and that’s a valid point. However considering what you get as a package (LMT SOPMOD stock, 16” hammer forged barrel, ambidextrous lower, lightweight continuous railed forearm, etc) you’re getting a great value. For those who want or need a gun that requires practically no modifications to achieve maximum durability and performance, this is obviously an excellent choice that far exceeds the levels of what make up a top tier AR-15 rifle.

[ I am pleased to present this guest post was written by Bill Rushmore. Bill blogs over at The Quarterdeck Log. Bill also wrote the guest blog post The Beretta Folding Shotgun]

Earlier this year I decided I wanted get involved with shooting the shotgun sports. My sportsman's club had a monthly informal trap shoot which got me hooked. On my last guest post I blogged about the only shotgun I owned at the time. My sportsman's club shot doubles so a single shot was going to cut it. I really needed something that could at least fire two shots. The problem was I didn't have the money to spend on a sporting shotgun or really know what kind of shotgun I wanted anyway. As a stop gap I dug out from my Dad's basement my late grandfather's double barrel.

That shotgun of my grandfather's was a Stevens 311A in 16 gauge built in 1951. A true classic American side by side and quite popular, since back then a side by side was the shotgun for the common man. The 311A was just one example of a family of double barrels that Stevens made from 1877 to 1988. It's what is consider a “utility grade” shotgun. So it is very simple with no checker or engraving and a trigger for each barrel.

This particular shotgun sat for decades right next to my grandparents back door to protect the garden, the chicken coop, or the home from two or four legged thieves. It saw little (if any to be honest) maintenance. So when I rescued it from my dad's basement I was a little concerned if it would actually work. The finish on the stock was completely shot but the there was only some minor rust on the barrels with only some very minor pitting in one small spot. Some Hoppe's No. 9 and it was back in business and in good working order. It was quite a surprise really, a testament to Stevens quality from the 1950's.

To be honest I wasn't really all that excited about the double barrel at first. It wasn't because it wasn't a true trap gun. The trap shots at my sportsman's club are pretty informal and about 90% of the participants use Remington 11-87's. But come on, a double is Elmer Fudd's gun or what farmers shot rock salt at trespassers with right? Plus I was concerned about fumbling with two triggers or dealing with lopsided recoil. But my fears were unfounded. That old shotgun shots real nice. Although selective triggers would be better the double triggers are quite natural when it comes to follow up shots. I am still just a beginner so I doubt it matters if would use a dedicated sporting shotgun or this until I get the hang of shooting clays. I am also now a fan of the 16 gauge. At one point it looked like this guage was on the endanger species list but I think it is here to stay for the time being. I found the recoil not bad yet it still gives a decent punch in a light weight gun.

After a few trap secessions I grew attached to my grandfather's old double so I figured I would try to bring it back to life. I am certainly no expert gunsmith but I figured it would be hard to make it worse that it was so. So I picked up a blueing and stock finishing from Birchwood Casey at the local sporting good store. The kits come with detailed instructions. Anyone who passed wood and metal shop in school has the prerequisite skills (i.e. its pretty easy.) Since this the first time I did anything like this there are a few details that aren't perfect but at arms length it looks like a new shotgun. My intent wasn't to restore it back to its original condition so it could be hung up on the wall as a decoration but it bring it back to life for use in the field. What better way to honor my grandfather's memory than to enjoy his old shotgun hunting with my dad and my sons like generations have been before us.

[ I am pleased to present the first post in the series of guest posts that will run for the next couple of weeks. This post was written by Aaron Spuler. ]

I’d been looking at the local gun shops over the past few months, but they only have so much selection. The Saxet gun show is in Austin, Texas every third weekend of the month. Hadn’t been to a gun show in a while, and knew that it would be a good opportunity to not only see but get some hands-on time with a variety of different pistols. Specifically, I was looking for a reliable, compact every day carry pistol. I’d been planning on carrying my Bersa Thunder 380, but it is just a little heavy and large for daily carry. There is a variant of the Bersa Thunder 380 intended for concealed carry, but I just own the standard version. So I put together a list of different pistols to take a look at and did some online research before going to the show.

Kel-Tec PF-9

I was a little disappointed as the selection was not as varied as I’d hoped – predominantly Glocks and Sigs, with small amounts of others thrown in the mix. I did, however manage to get to handle a Kel-Tec PF-9. That was at the top of my list of pistols to check out at the show. The three vendors selling new Kel-Tec PF-9’s were selling them for anywhere from $15 - $65 over MSRP. In other words: not good. I’m glad I did a second look at one table, because there was a PF-9 on the table that I missed the first time around for under MSRP. Purchased the brand new Kel-Tec PF-9 for $302.85, including tax.

After the show I purchased an extra magazine, a Hogue Handall Jr. grip sleeve, and some Hornady Critical Defense 115 grain JHP ammunition to go along with the pistol. I already had a Desantis Nemesis holster, originally purchased for the Bersa Thunder 380, that the PF-9 fits into nicely.

I took the PF-9 out to the range on Saturday and put 130 rounds through it at a target posted 30 feet away. I tested a combination of 115 grain PMC FMJ and Winchester JHP. Both the FMJ and JHP ammunition cycled and fired flawlessly – I experienced zero errors (failure to feed, failure to fire, failure to eject).

The PF-9 does not possess an external safety, and relies instead on a double-action only (DAO) trigger. The trigger pull distance is slightly long, but the pressure is spaced evenly throughout, rather than a heavy jump right before the hammer is released. The trigger pull weighs in at a reasonable 6 pounds of pressure, similar to that of a double action revolver.

Surprisingly, for such a lightweight gun, I did not notice any issues with the recoil, and neither did another shooter that put 8 rounds through the PF-9. Perceived recoil may be slightly more than a full size pistol, but at 15.5 oz (fully loaded), that is to be expected with this size of pistol. Recoil is considerably less than that of a Ruger LCP, which weighs in at 9.4 ounces and fires the smaller .380 ACP cartridges.

The sight picture is a traditional 3 dot system, and point of aim is very natural. I could close my eyes, bring the PF-9 up to aim, and open my eyes to find the sights very near their intended location.

I tended to take up the slack in the trigger to about 80% and then jerk the remaining 20% during the first magazine. Although I was able to maintain a good sight picture, jerking the trigger caused groupings to be in the 8 – 10 inch range. After correcting that issue by maintaining a steady pull on the trigger all the way through, I found that the PF-9 is capable of more accuracy than I am. I was able to consistently get 8 round groupings that could be covered by the palm and fingers of one hand. The final 8 rounds fired for the day were in a grouping approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Once I have my license to carry (waiting on the state to finish processing my application) I'll be carrying this pistol with me everywhere I'm legally able to.

The original Mare’s Leg Pistol was a shortened .44-40 Winchester 1892 lever action rifle which featured in the ’50s TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive. Its distinctive design featured a cut down butt stock, shortened barrel and large cocking lever loop.

Since 2005 JB Custom have been look-alike that is registered as a pistol with the BATFE so it can be legally owned without jumping through NFA hoops.

Steve Doran has produced a video review of the pistol. It looks like a lot of fun!

The standard model sells for $1695.

Caleb has reviewed the Daniel Defense’s new DDXV Carbine and finds, like Mark Twain, rumors of their demise have also been greatly exaggerated.

It’s built right, and it’s built to shoot. From the factory you get an accurate, functional rifle with excellent iron sights – you don’t need to do anything to this rifle to make it an excellent home defense carbine. It terms of “no-muss no fuss” defensive weapons, the DDXV does very well for itself, providing an accurate, lightweight platform at a reasonable cost.

Mrs Caleb also got a turn with it.

Read the whole review at Gun Nuts.

One of the most useful gun cleaning / smithing tools I have is a dental pick.

The dental pick I use looks like the one pictured 3rd from the right.

Dental picks can be used for any number of common tasks such as scraping powder residue out of hard to reach places, holding down springs and miscellaneous adjustments. If you plink with dirty .22 LR ammunition they can be used to gently scrape off the powder that accumulates on the bolt face, so you can keep on shooting without feeding problems and without having to strip the gun.

They do have limitations. Because they are made from hard stainless steel you have to be gentle with them and you should keep away from outside finish of a gun.

A single stainless steel dental pick costs only a few dollars on eBay.

They get a 5 star rating from me, at only a few dollars they are worth every cent.

Murdoc has written a review of the Adam Arms retrofit piston system for the AR-15 for Guns and Hunting.

The new Adams Arms gas block quickly mounted with hex screws and a new bolt carrier key, a couple springs and a bushing were all that was needed before adding the sleeved drive rod. Supplied front handguards mounted normally, and I was left going back over the installation manual, convinced that I must have missed something. It was that easy. Though it took me more than half an hour due to the troublesome factory gas block, this is certainly a task that can be accomplished by a moderately capable gun owner.

It is a well written review and worth reading.

This 3D animation shows how the piston system works verses the AR-15’s normal method of operation, direct gas impingement.

fluwoebers, who must be in one of the SOCOM units, has written a must-read review of the FN SCAR, both light (5.56mm) and heavy (7.62mm) models.

Reciprocating Charging Handle
I remembered to keep my thumb down most of the time, but while practicing switching back and forth between strong hand and week hand, the charging handle caught me.
My thumb slowed it down enough that it caused a FTF.
It was not painful enough with 5.56 to learn my lesson.
I did it again with 7.62. That hurt.

…

“Softness/Brittleness” of plastic
The polymer is very dense.
It is a little on the soft side, so it is not likely to crack very easily.
It is not so soft though that it bends or deforms easily.
It feels like a pretty good balance in strength and rigidity.

…

Bottom Line:
The SCAR is a good system. I’m not ready to give up my M4.
As the SCAR evolves over the next couple years, it will be a top-of-the line rifle.
I’m not convinced that it is worth the cost to purchase and train on a completely new system.

I highly recommend reading the whole review. It is very comprehensive.

Big thank you to Jay for emailing me the link to the review.

The Next Chapter reviews the AR-7

IMHO, this is an affordable, expendable rifle. When weight and size are critical for packing, it is something that I can carry for use as a last resort, something that may be just barely enough gun to do get me through an unexpected crisis. It will never be my first choice for a kit gun or a survival rifle; it is an alternative.

…

While it will never be as popular as the versatile Ruger 10/22, the AR-7 does have a following. Only you can decide what would be a good fit for your kit.

More here.

Reader CBN3 wrote a brief review of the Magnum Research Micro Eagle pistol and provided me with some high quality photos of its internals.

Bought one 12/6. First shot perfect bulls-eye. Range officer said I might as well go home.

A little hand pain atfer a box of ball rounds- all tight groups. Still a lot more confortable and fun than shooting my LCP. 5 ounces heavier but shorter and fits in by back pants pocket better and have carried it there since I bought it.
I think it is the CZ design but better quality materials and tooling being made in America. You can tell how nicely made it is as soon as you chamber a round.

It also has a unique design. Barrel ported and beautiful. Hammer forged and twists to disengage slide from frame, no pin. Has 2 small rods and springs on each side instead of 1 big one in the middle. Leave it to the Czechs. I think the big trigger guard is for a pilots glove. After all if it is the Kevin design, ZVI is a weapons designer and manufactures weapons and ammo for jet fighters. My guess is they made it to be a small carry for a downed pilot.

Just happened to be in the gun shop getting a credit on my returned Kahr 9 mm and was introduced to this thing. Almost didn’t buy it because it was unknown to me but just from the looks of it I knew it wouldn’t be there when I returned to get it.

I’m sold, great gun.

Click to expand the photos.

A big thanks to CBN3 for the great photos and review. If you purchase a recently released firearm and want to write a quick review and/or provide some photos, please contact me.

Kahr have posted a review of their lightweight Kahr CW45 .45 ACP pistol. The review appears in the upcoming Jab/Feb issue of Handgun magazine. Veteran gun reviewer Paul Scarlata writes:

I believe the CW45 would be an excellent choice for those fans of large caliber handguns who need–or just want–a lightweight, easily concealable, fine shooting pistol chambered for the most popular big bore pistol cartridge of all time.

Whether you are a police detective, armed professional, licensed civilian or homeowner, the CW45 should be capable of doing whatever you want or need a pistol to doóat an economical price.

Kahr CW45

Read the full review here.

Zack @ The Next Chapter has reviewed his 1967 .380 ACP Walther PPK :

Suppose that I did not own this PPK; some might ask if I would I run out to purchase a Walther PPK over all other handguns available for home defense or concealed carry. No, I probably would not, but I certainly would not fault anyone who did choose one; the PPK is a fine little pistol.

More here.

Gordon @ The Shootist has reviewed the Crimson Trace Ruger LCP trigger guard laser sight.

And now, Crimson Trace has assured the LCP of iconic status by designing an innovative laser sight that clips on the front of the trigger guard, altering the outline of the gun only slightly, and adding practically nothing to its weight.

Using the laser sight and a slow measured fire, I was able to drop three 8-inch plates in six shots with the LCP at 20 feet. With an 8-pound, safety-conscious trigger pull, I was plenty proud of the accomplishment.

Read the full review at The Shootist

John Taranto at The Gun Shots is the first to review the new Mossberg LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) trigger:

The LBA’s trigger blade is not nearly as deep as that of the AccuTrigger. In fact, without using a measuring device, I’d say it’s about two-thirds to half as deep. Considering one of the primary purposes of this type of trigger system is to eliminate trigger creep, I think it makes sense that there isn’t a lot of anticipation as you bring the blade flush with the trigger itself. Bottom line: When I wanted the 4×4 to fire, it broke crisply at that moment, and not a millisecond later.

LBA Trigger

While I love the Savage AccuTrigger I hate the little tool it uses for adjustment. I just know if I ever need to adjust it the thing will have gone missing. The LBA uses a screwdriver which is a much better idea.

The LBA will be available next year on Mossberg 100 ATR and 4×4 bolt action rifles. I previously wrote about the LBA here.
More at The Gun Shots