COLT’S .357 MAGNUM KING COBRA
February 2020
The W orld’ s Oldest And Lar gest Fir earm A uthority
The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority
EZ 9 MM
Smith & Wesson
M&P9 Shield EZ
Of cial Journal of the National Ri e Association
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CONTENTS OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Photo courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co.
134th Year of Publication
VOLUME 168, NO. 2
The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to FEBRUARY 2020
“keep and bear arms,” believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to
the ownership and legal use of rearms, and that every reputable gun
owner should be an NRA Member.
features Bloomberg Sets Presidential Sights On Second Amendment. .. .. .. .. 18
Jason Ouimet Surrounded by armed lackeys and fueled by bad ideas, Democrat presidential candidate
Michael Bloomberg proclaimed a singular purpose: to oppress your freedoms.
“A Grizzly Surprise” .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 39
Mark A. Keefe, IV No bear spray? How about a ve-shot autoloading ri e designed by John Moses Browning?
Second Act: Upgunning The S&W M&P Shield EZ To 9 MM .. .. .. .. .. .. 40
Mark A. Keefe, IV The .380 ACP version of S&W’s easy-to-rack Shield EZ was such a big hit that the
concept is now available chambered in the higher-performing 9 mm Luger.
Colt’s King Cobra: Coiled For A Comeback .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 48
John Zent A legendary Snake Gun from the house of the prancing pony gets a new lease on life.
Built On A Firm Foundation: Customizing The RPR .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 54
Kelly Young The Ruger Precision Ri e is solid straight from the box, but upgrades make it even better.
Piercing The Darkness: The U.S. T3 Carbine .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58
Bruce N. Can eld Fitted with the infrared “Sniperscope M2,” the U.S. T3 Carbine saved American lives
in the closing days of World War II.
40 48
Photo by Forrest MacCormack Photo by Forrest MacCormack 54 Photo by Forrest MacCormack 58 U.S. Army photo
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NRA PUBLICATIONS
Doug Hamlin
Executive Director
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Evelyn Q. Kessler
Deputy Executive Director
Wayne R. LaPierre, Executive Vice President Marshall J. Flemion
Managing Director, Integrated Marketing
Terri A. Wolfe
Senior Executive Assistant
of cial journal The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Rachel Carr
Publications Operations Coordinator
Special Reports Larry Quandahl
Senior Firearms Inventory Manager
Standing Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 EDITORIAL
President’s Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 John R. Zent
Editorial Director
Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Mark A. Keefe, IV
Editor In Chief
ILA Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 Brian C. Sheetz
Senior Executive Editor
Featured Program .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 70 Ann Y. Smith
Senior Executive Editor,
Regional Report/Member Info & Bene ts .. .. 71 AmericaRi eman.org
Joe Kurtenbach
Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 72 Executive Editor
Kelly Young
Managing Editor
Christopher Olsen
correspondence The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 Maureen A. Denfeld
Associate Editor
Editorial Assistant
Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Bruce N. Can eld, Wiley Clapp,
Rick Hacker, John Haviland,
Favorite Firearms .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 35 B. Gil Horman, Jeff Johnston,
12-Gauge Therapy Jeremiah Knupp, Jim Wilson
Field Editors
ART
Mark S. Weaver
reports News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 David J. Labrozzi
Creative Director
Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 30 Senior Art Director
Peter Fountain
Photography Director
Forrest MacCormack
technical Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 Senior Photographer
Jesse Snyder
Rarest "Trench Guns" Photographer
Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 64 American Ri eman (ISSN 0003-083X) is
EAA MC312 12-Ga. Shotgun published monthly by the National Ri e
Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill
Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag. Revolver Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000,
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 76 for the bene t of its members. Membership
dues (U.S. and possessions) $45 a year, $100
Great Western “The Deputy” for 3 years, $150 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is
designated for a magazine subscription. For
foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and
$10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries
only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2020,
the National Ri e Association of America.
All rights reserved except where expressly
waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fairfax,
VA, and at additional mailing of ces.
POSTMASTER: Please send address
changes to American Ri eman, c/o
COLT’S .357 MAGNUM KING COBRA
THE COVER: Smith & Wesson broke new ground when February 2020 National Ri e Association, P.O. Box 420648,
it released the M&P380 Shield EZ in Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648.
.380 ACP. Now the 9 mm Luger version is The W orld’ s Oldest And Lar gest Fir earm A uthority TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to
The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority
report a damaged or undelivered magazine,
available, shown on this month’s cover, write: American Ri eman, c/o National Ri e
and it promises new levels of performance Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast,
for the concealed carrier seeking a gun FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your
account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org.
that is easy to load and rack. For more on Do not return damaged copies. Change of
the M&P9 Shield EZ, turn to Mark Keefe’s EZ 9 MM address should include both new address and
a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of
Smith & Wesson
report beginning on p. 40. Photo by Forrest Of cial Journal of the National Ri e Association duplication send both labels.
M&P9 Shield EZ
MacCormack. Design by David J. Labrozzi. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG
R2002_COVER.indd 1 12/13/19 10:01 AM
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NRA PUBLICATIONS
PUBLISHING OPERATIONS
Michael J. Sanford
Managing Director, Publishing Operations
Michelle E. Kuntz
Director, Production
New ARTV Segments Online James C. Handlon
New segments of American Ri eman TV Director, Marketing/Advertising
have now been uploaded to our Debra Oliveri
Senior Production Coordinator
website. If you missed any of the 2017 Adam Wilson
or 2018 seasons—which include Production Coordinator
director’s cut bonus scenes and the Samantha Brown
Senior Advertising Coordinator
popular “I Have This Old Gun” series— Cheryl Doden
Accounts Receivable Staff Accountant
you can watch them at your leisure by Sarah Cote
going to americanri eman.org/artv. Advertising Operations Assistant
Director, Eastern Sales
Tony Morrison
Trail-To-Town Big-Bore Revolvers (860) 767-9801
What are the most potent yet practically NE Sales Of ce Manager
portable trail-to-town guns on the market Alycia Clemons
(860) 767-9801
today? To nd out, go to Southeast Sales Executive
americanri eman.org/bigbore. Stan Yates
(850) 619-8148
Eastern Sales Executive
Rachelle Trout
(910) 262-0913
Northeast Sales Executive
J. P. Carter
(980) 229-3493
Detroit Advertising Sales
Ken Glowacki
(703) 267-1300
Director, Western Sales
Tune in Wednesday nights to the Outdoor Channel for the Courtney Olson
best rearm show on television. Now in its 18th year, (703) 267-1300
Western Sales Executive
“American Ri eman Television” brings you a Feature, a James O’Neill
“Ri eman Review” and an “I Have This Old Gun” seg- (703) 267-1300
Midwest Sales Executive
ment in each show. To preview upcoming episodes, visit: Tim Hamill
americanri eman.org/artv. (703) 267-1300
Western Direct Sales Executive
Debbie O’Connell
(805) 501-9138
Men & Guns Of Market-Garden nramediakit.com
DIGITAL OPERATIONS
January 29 Michael Pedersen
Managing Director, Digital Operations
Men & Guns Of Operation Market-Garden: The Battle Begins; Troy Kelly
Thompson/Center T/CR22 In .22 Long Ri e; Remington Model 32 Over-Under Art Director, Digital Operations
February 5 Tom Rickwalder
Senior Digital Producer
Men & Guns Of Operation Market-Garden: 101st Airborne; Steve Dulco
Digital Producer
Colt King Cobra In .357 Mag.; Japanese Type 3 Machine Gun MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: (877) 672-2000
February 12 WARNING: All technical data in this publication,
Men & Guns Of Operation Market-Garden: 82nd Airborne; especially for handloading, re ect the limited
Winchester Model 70 In .30-’06 Sprg.; Spiller & Burr experience of individuals using speci c tools,
February 19 products, equipment and components under
speci c conditions and circumstances not nec-
Men & Guns Of Operation Market-Garden: Nijmegen; essarily reported in the article and over which
the National Ri e Association (NRA) has no
Spring eld Hellcat In 9 mm Luger; SKS Carbine control. The data have not otherwise been test-
ed or veri ed by the NRA. The NRA, its agents,
of cers and employees accept no responsibility
for the results obtained by persons using such
data and disclaim all liability for any consequen-
tial injuries or damages. See asterisked (*).
* NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR
SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AR-
EAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY
LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CAR-
RYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK
LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING.
MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN
ADVERTISEMENTS OR TEXT DOES NOT
NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN
TESTED OR APPROVED BY THE NRA.
OFFICIAL NRA POSITIONS ARE EXPRESSED
ONLY IN STATEMENTS BYLINED BY NRA OF-
FICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDENTIFIED AS SUCH.
THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR
PHOTOGRAPHS.
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• Stacked leather handle f there was any doubt about the
• Combat proven design current ascendancy of the 9 mm
• USMC leather sheath ILuger cartridge, I would point to
• Stainless steel blade Exhibit A. That would be the gun
Item #17 UC3092 on the cover of this magazine—the
BUY NOW AT Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ.
Smith & Wesson had so much
success with the .380 ACP version of disengage. That’s because it does not
this gun (June 2018, p. 56) it had require much pressure, and it is hinged
to dedicate considerable resources to at its bottom. I’ve encountered no one
keeping up with demand. Going down handling either the .380 or 9 mm who
in cartridge performance allowed the has had dif culty depressing that grip
Offi cially gun to be very easy to operate, but safety. But what that safety does is
Licensed! some consumers were unwilling to ensure that this hammer- red gun is
take that step down in power. seriously drop-safe. Without that grip
Smith was asked almost immedi- safety depressed, you cannot connect
ately when it could have a 9 mm ready. the trigger bar to the sear.
And now we have our answer. Not even Another reassuring safety feature
two years after we reviewed the .380, for those interested in the EZ are the
we have the production 9 mm in hand. bilateral manual safeties. Multiple
No offense to my friends at Smith & sources report that nearly three-
Wesson, but this is like turning on a quarters of .380 EZ buyers wanted the
dime for them. manual safety. They voted for it with
While the operating system remains their wallets and pocketbooks.
the same, there was much engineering And then there is perception at
that needed to be done to accommo- the gun store counter. I have jested
date the higher pressures and energy with friends that if you want to sell
of the 9 mm Luger cartridge. A whole a polymer-stock bolt-action ri e at
new frame had to be designed and an average retailer, my advice would
molded—a not insigni cant cost, be to make sure it has a good trig-
even when you do it yourself as S&W ger and a very smooth bolt travel.
does—a new magazine had to be cre- Because those are about the only two
ated, and the mass of the slide and the things you can learn about a ri e at
recoil spring con guration had to be the counter. And now I would add
adjusted and tuned. ease of racking the slide for a 9 mm
If you read the story beginning pistol at that very same counter (even
on p. 40 we get into the gun, but we though proper technique can over-
did not spend a lot of time discuss- come just about any recoil or striker
ing the consumers embracing this spring). That’s because being able
new class of handgun. More and more to competently operate the gun is
Americans are choosing to arm them- one of the most important aspects of
selves daily for personal protection, owning a personal protection hand-
and while micro guns such as the new gun. If you can’t do it at the counter,
Spring eld Hellcat and SIG P365 are you might not be able to do it when
current category leaders—perhaps it really counts. A certain amount of
even de ning their own category— con dence comes from knowing you
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THE ARMED CITIZEN ®
man and his mother were working at an Akron, Ohio, beauty supply store
when two alleged armed robbers wearing masks and gloves entered
A around 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. Both employees were behind the counter of the
glass-fronted store. During the alleged robbery, the son pushed his mother back
to protect her, drew his handgun and fired a few shots at the masked men, fatally
wounding one in the head. The dead robber’s handgun, found on the floor nearby,
was loaded. The other suspect crouched down, crawled out of the store and
fled. The alleged robbery was recorded on store security cameras. Days earlier,
the armed citizen’s father suggested he bring a firearm to work after noticing
a suspicious man enter the store. The other suspected robber was still at large.
(Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, 11/20/2019)
IF YOU HAVE Chicago man, 30, was leaving a firefighter (also a reserve deputy
A FIRSTHAND Abusiness Dec. 1 at 4:45 p.m. when Aconstable) was working on his home
“ARMED CITIZEN” two men approached, at least one of under construction May 2018 in Zachary,
whom was armed. With his handgun
La., at 3:30 a.m. when an armed male, 23,
EXPERIENCE, drawn, the one suspect allegedly approached him while riding a bicycle. The
CALL NRA-ILA PR/ demanded that the man hand over his robber demanded money, but when the
COMMUNICATIONS property. Instead, the armed citizen, firefighter said he had none, he was forced
AT (703) 267-3820. who has a valid concealed-carry license, at gunpoint into his vehicle and told to drive
drew his own handgun and fired at the to multiple ATMs, where he withdrew cash,
Studies indicate that firearms armed man, who fled on foot with his according to sheriff’s deputies. Unhappy with
are used more than 2 million accomplice. No arrests were made, and the amount of money, the robber told the
times a year for personal the suspects were still at large, according firefighter to go to his residence and get his
protection, and that the to Chicago Police. (Chicago Sun-Times, wife’s ATM card. The firefighter asked the
presence of a firearm, without Chicago, Ill., 12/2/2019) man to wait outside because he had large
a shot being fired, prevents dogs inside that would attack. The robber
crime in many instances. 23-year-old masked man allegedly agreed but threatened to kill the man and
Shooting usually can be Aentered a Fort Wayne, Ind., his family if he didn’t return to the vehicle.
justified only where crime
apartment March 31 at 4 p.m. after Once inside, the firefighter told his wife
constitutes an immediate, breaking down the front door. Hearing to call 911 and armed himself. The robber
imminent threat to life, limb, breaking glass, the resident, in his became impatient, entered the house and
or, in some cases, property. bedroom with his girlfriend, realized was promptly shot once by the armed citizen,
Anyone is free to quote or it was the front door. He grabbed his who disarmed the robber and detained him
reproduce these accounts.
AR-15 platform pistol, took a position until police showed up. The robber was
Send clippings via email to on one knee and aimed at the bedroom briefly treated for injuries from the gunshot
armedcitizen@nrahq.org, doorway, according to court documents. and released from the hospital. He was then
or by mail to “The Armed The suspect, wearing all black, came into booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
Citizen,” 11250 Waples Mill the doorway pointing a semi-automatic and convicted Oct. 31 of aggravated burglary,
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030- handgun. The resident fired at the armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping,
9400. For bonus features, intruder, who retreated into the living the last of which carries a mandatory
visit “The Armed Citizen Blog” room and then to the kitchen, where they sentence of life in prison. (The Advocate,
at americanrifleman.org. exchanged gunfire. The suspect ran out Baton Rouge, La., 11/1/2019; wafb.com,
Share this column online at of the front door bleeding, left a trail of Baton Rouge, La., 5/7/2018, 6/27/2018)
nrapublications.org. blood through the parking lot and fled
in an SUV with a group of men. Local law n Oct. 22, a Virginia man allegedly forced
enforcement arrived shortly afterward Ohis way into an apartment after 9 p.m.
and were notified about an SUV matching when a tenant shot him in the leg, according
a bystander’s description that had run red to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The
lights. The officers located the suspect suspect, who fled the scene on foot, was
at a nearby emergency room, where he apprehended nearby by police less than
was being treated for a gunshot wound to an hour later. After being treated for minor
his upper thigh. Police charged him with injuries, the suspect was charged with breaking
burglary with a deadly weapon, carrying and entering with intent to commit larceny.
a handgun without a license, residential The suspect reportedly knew the tenant and
break-in and criminal recklessness had a criminal history. The armed citizen is
committed with a deadly weapon. The disabled and acted in self-defense, according
suspect was held in a county jail without to investigators. (wjhl.com, Johnson City,
bail. (The Journal Gazette, Tenn., 10/22/2019; wcyb.com, Bristol, Va.,
Fort Wayne, Ind., 11/21/2019) 10/23/2019)
10 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
STANDING GUARD
Why The Democratic Party
Turned Against Your Freedom
he mainstream media likes to purposely expunge more rational opinions
insinuate that the NRA is a partisan from their political party with regard to this
T organization. It isn’t. Politicians earn constitutional issue?
their grades and endorsements from us Here are two big reasons.
(nrapvf.org/grades) based on how they First, mainstream-media outlets located
vote and on what their positions are with in big cities along the coasts dominate the
regard to the Second Amendment. It’s that conversation on the left. These left-leaning
simple. A politician’s grade has nothing to media outlets aren’t interested in honestly
do with their party affiliation. investigating gun-related issues. They
If it seems as if the NRA is partisan today, are instead solely focused on pushing an
this is because the Democratic Party is a anti-gun narrative. They don’t host guests
much smaller tent than it used to be. When who can humanize the freedom side of this
By Wayne LaPierre Barack Obama first won the presidency in issue; for example, they have little interest
2008, for example, there was a sizeable block in having a woman on who just had to use
Executive Vice President
of Democratic members of Congress who her self-defense firearm to defend herself or
understood that our Second Amendment her children. What these media outlets are
freedom is a good thing that must be interested in is pushing gun control. One way
protected. Many of those Democrats, they do this is by helping candidates who
however, lost their seats in Congress as express anti-gun opinions.
Obama pushed the party left.
This purge of Democrats in Congress who “MICHAEL BLOOMBERG IS A
vote for your Second Amendment rights has GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE LEFT’S
continued. Today, the party has pushed out
almost all of it pro-freedom politicians. By DEEP-POCKETED ELITES.”
2016, in fact, the Democratic Party’s official
platform, under Hillary Clinton, was more The other big reason is these politicians
anti-Second Amendment than it had ever follow the money. Michael Bloomberg is a
officially been before. good example of the left’s deep-pocketed
All of the candidates currently fighting elites. Bloomberg has long used his $50-plus
for the Democratic Party’s nomination billion war chest to further restrict or outright
for president want to ban popular semi- take away your right to keep and bear arms.
automatic rifles; they want to bankrupt He is now in the race for president, and he
America’s gun manufacturers by once again is spending big. Whether Bloomberg wins
giving frivolous lawsuits legal cover; they the Democratic Party’s nomination or not, his
want to nominate judges who don’t believe money is a real factor in this election.
the Second Amendment is an individual right Many of the Democrat’s big donors hold
and so much more. fundraisers in places like Beverly Hills and
These extreme positions aren’t even New York City’s Upper East Side. These
smart politics. Past polling has indicated the far-left donors have pushed the Democratic
number of union households with guns in Party further left—especially on issues like
them in the United States goes from a low Second Amendment rights. These wealthy
of 40% in California, to a high of 60–70–80% Democratic donors live behind walls and
in states like West Virginia, Michigan and have armed security—they live separate, elite
North Carolina. These gun owners in those lives—and they look out over America and
states want their Second Amendment rights think that all those little people between the
protected. When Democrats go against the coasts should not have the Constitutional
Second Amendment, they go against a large right to own a firearm nor should they be
part of their base. entitled to the same level of self-protection
This isn’t true of the Democratic Party in they themselves enjoy. Voters need to
every local election, and I have hope that remind them—as they did to Al Gore in 2000
the Democrats will come to their senses. and Hillary Clinton in 2016—that American
Nevertheless, the polarization on this issue, freedom should not be a partisan issue, and
which again is coming from the left, is not Americans will always stand and fight for
helping us. their Second Amendment freedoms.
Like us on Facebook at the So why did the Democratic Party decide
National Rifle Association. that its own party’s platform should blame
For related articles, go to law-abiding gun owners for the actions
nrapublications.org. of criminals? Why did their party’s elites
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PRESIDENT S COLUMN
Trump Is Latest Among Eight U.S.
Presidents With NRA Membership
n February, Americans celebrate President Taft, another lifetime member, was
Presidents Day to pay tribute to the also greatly interested in the work of the NRA
I leaders of our great nation—their lives and its efforts to enhance the skills of American
and achievements. It is also a special day riflemen. In more recent history we find that
for members of the NRA as we recall located in California among the personal and
the sacrifices our first president, George presidential papers of President Nixon is his July
Washington, and other Founding Fathers 1957 lifetime membership in the NRA. A few
made to create this United States of America years later, President Kennedy formally accepted
and endow us with our cherished Second an NRA membership while represented by
Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Chester Clifton, military aide to the president,
Presidents Day was originally established in during a formal presentation on April 28, 1961.
1885 to recognize George Washington, our In 1983, President Reagan spoke to
By Carolyn D. Meadows first commander in chief. It is interesting to members during an NRA annual banquet.
note that among his highly prized possessions “Being a part of this group, you know that
President
during his lifetime was an English pistol. The good organizations don’t just happen. They
firearm (a .71 caliber flintlock) was given to then take root in a body of shared beliefs. They grow
23-year-old Washington in 1755 while he served strong from leadership with vision, initiative, and
under English General Edward Braddock. We determination to reach great goals.” During that
know about the importance that Washington rousing address, Reagan shared that he had
placed on this pistol from a letter his aide sent “always felt a special bond” with NRA members.
NRA OFFICERS July 2, 1777. “Your philosophy put its trust in people.
“Sir, His Excellency Gen. Washington desires So, you insist on individuals being held
Carolyn D. Meadows you to look among his effects for a pistol which responsible for their actions. The NRA believes
President
was mislaid or possibly lost. You will know it by that America’s laws were made to be obeyed
Charles L. Cotton being a large brass barrel and the lock of which and that our constitutional liberties are just as
First Vice President is also of brass with the name of Gabbitas, the important today as 200 years ago.”
Willes K. Lee Spanish armorer, thereon. It has also a heavy It is noteworthy that when President Reagan
Second Vice President brass butt. His Excellency is much exercised spoke 37 years ago, he discussed the issue
over the loss of this pistol, it being given him by of gun control—which we are facing with
Wayne LaPierre Gen. Braddock, and having since been with him heightened anti-gun political maneuverings as
Executive Vice President through several campaigns, and he therefore never before seen. Remarking briefly on the
John Frazer values it very highly.” Today this pistol is part 1982 assassination attempt on him, Reagan
Secretary of “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War” declared, “It’s a nasty truth, but those who seek
collection at the Smithsonian National Museum to inflict harm are not fazed by gun control
Craig Spray of American History in Washington, D.C. laws. I happen to know this from personal
Treasurer
Following in the footsteps of our first experience.” He noted that “the Constitution
Jason Ouimet president, George Washington, to safeguard does not say that government shall decree the
Executive Director, our freedom have been other notable right to keep and bear arms. The Constitution
NRA-ILA American presidents, as well as the National says ‘. . . the right of the people to keep and
Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr. Rifle Association, founded in 1871. The NRA, bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’”
Executive Director, since its inception, has been on the forefront of As we look forward in the coming months
General Operations protecting our Second Amendment freedom and next presidential election in November,
while counting among its patriotic members we members would do well to look at another
eight U.S. presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, NRA lifetime member, President Donald
Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Trump. He knows us and the critical issues
Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard we face. And he continues to stand with us
M. Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Donald J. Trump. at the NRA—just as he has on issues, in his
To underscore their commitment to the crucial appointments of judges and joining
goals and objectives of the NRA, many of these us side-by-side during our 2018 and 2019
presidents have been lifetime members, such as Annual Meetings and Exhibits. We need to do
Teddy Roosevelt. In 1907, Roosevelt wrote to all we can to re-elect President Trump so he
NRA President James Andrew Drain: “I am so will continue to protect our Constitution, the
heartily interested in the success of the National Second Amendment and the firearms freedom
Rifle Association of America and the work done of law-abiding Americans. Stand and fight with
For news about your NRA, in cooperation with the National Board for the us. We have a country to save.
visit: nra.org and nraila.org. encouragement of rifle practice, that I take
Share this column online at pleasure in sending you herewith my check for
nrapublications.org. $25 for life membership therein.” His successor,
14 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
POLITICAL REPORT
Trump Administration Completes
Pro-Gun Regulatory Reform
hanks to President Trump, small components; making small springs and screws for
businesses and individual gun owners guns exposed your business to heavy regulation,
T will no longer suffer the longstanding regardless of whether you actually exported
roadblocks imposed by America’s Cold War- anything outside the United States. As the costs
era “export” regime for firearms, ammunition of regulatory compliance climbed, so did prices.
and related accessories. The chronology of this The problems for American gun owners
transformation—and its relevance to Second only increased when the Obama administration
Amendment rights—warrants some attention. folded gunsmithing into its regulatory defini-
As with most bureaucratic endeavors, tion of “manufacturing.” This maneuver trig-
America’s export rules were built upon profes- gered State Department registration for those
sions of good intent; our country wished to performing common gunsmithing operations
protect its most sensitive military technology on existing firearms. Because many gunsmiths
By Jason Ouimet from falling into enemy hands. But the export could not afford ITAR’s registration and compli-
Executive Director, rules themselves ignored the overlap that ance costs, the result was not only foreseeable,
NRA-ILA naturally exists when goods are capable of both but intentional: many gunsmiths and gunsmith-
military and non-military uses. Radar systems, for ing schools were quickly driven out of business.
example, are commonly utilized by civilian and As the USML’s scope extended beyond
military vessels. Another obvious example: fire- physical items and onto “technical data” about
arms and ammunition. Items capable of dual use items, the government began to regulate blue-
YOUR MEMBERSHIP (i.e., military and non-military use) were therefore prints, diagrams and service manuals. The State
DUES ARE NOT termed “dual-use” items by export control pro- Department also began treating the online pub-
ENOUGH. fessionals. This should have been simple enough. lication of such information as the equivalent of
Unfortunately, the bureaucratic hostility toward an “export” requiring prior approval. Before too
If you want to DEFEND your firearms and ammunition soon crept in. long—and unconcerned by the Constitutional
right to own and carry a Because most household items could—at implications—the State Department was threat-
firearm … least theoretically—be stretched to resemble ening to flex ITAR jurisdiction over everyone
If your FREEDOM to hunt and something with military potential, the export law who dared to “publish” a parts diagram or
shoot is important to you … slapped the strictest regulations and oversight handloading formula online.
onto inherently military equipment. By limiting The Trump administration reforms are poised
Then you need to SUPPORT bureaucracy’s reach to warfighting equipment, to finally relieve these bureaucratic pressures.
the NRA Institute for politicians reassured American industry of its Most firearms and ammunition, as well as their
Legislative Action. continued dominance in foreign markets, free of parts, components and accessories, would now
We are the only arm of overly burdensome red tape. Export oversight be managed under the business-friendly CCL
NRA specifically charged of these items was ultimately delegated to two instead of the oppressive USML. The aforemen-
with defending your departments: the U.S. State Department and tioned problems for non-exporting manufactur-
Second Amendment the U.S. Commerce Department. ers, gunsmiths and those who publish technical
freedoms on Capitol Hill, The U.S. State Department was tasked with data about such items on the web would no
and in state legislatures and administering the International Trafficking in longer exist. In the absence of such weights,
courtrooms across America. Arms Regulations (ITAR), where regulated items America’s exporting manufacturers are free to run
were itemized on the U.S. Munitions List (USML). more competitively among the global markets.
Visit nraila.org to support Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department When it comes to the business of firearms,
NRA-ILA today!
used the Export Administration Regulations America’s regulatory approach is finally returning
to regulate items via the agency’s Commerce to its baseline commitment: American security.
Control List (CCL). Exports will continue to require licenses and
Although regulated items on the USML multi-agency review to safeguard against
were reportedly pared-down to those that harm, alongside compliance with the importing
“provide the United States with a critical military country’s laws. Regulations that favored
or intelligence advantage” or, in the case of unscrupulous overseas competitors weren’t
weapons, “are inherently for military end use,” what America needed—our security interests
the government increasingly restricted whatever are much better served when foreign arms sales
made the USML list. One official described it as are handled by U.S. companies possessing an
building “a taller fence around a smaller yard.” unrivaled record of compliance, transparency
Compliance became a veritable minefield. Any and freedom to perform at their best.
business hoping to manufacture the most basic With export reform,
NRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683 component of an item on the USML was forced President Trump has
NRA-ILA website: nraila.org to register with the State Department and pay a provided yet another win
For related articles, go to $2,250 annual fee. These regulatory burdens soon for Second Amendment
nrapublications.org. fell upon every small business making firearm advocates.
16 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
ILA STORY
BLOOMBERG SETS
PRESIDENTIAL SIGHTS
UPON SECOND
AMENDMENT
his past November, as Americans were Think about that, Bloomberg is so desperate
preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, to control your freedoms, he’s bombarding
T Michael Bloomberg, like the royalty of teenagers who aren’t even old enough to vote
old, rode a $34-million media carriage into the with propaganda about how great he is (and
2020 Democratic Presidential race. Surrounded how evil your rights are, of course).
by armed lackies and fueled by bad ideas, We need no introduction to Mike Bloomberg.
Bloomberg proclaimed a singular purpose: to As the country’s leading pusher of gun control
oppress your freedoms in ways that he would and spineless politicians, every patriotic
never oppress his own. supporter of the Second Amendment knows
The immediate reaction was telling: Bloomberg and his elitist agenda. New Yorkers
“Michael Bloomberg is making a bet about like myself know Bloomberg for the nanny-state
democracy in 2020—he doesn’t need people, he nonsense he imposed against large fountain
only needs bags and bags of money,” said one sodas, trans fats and table salt.
politician at a campaign stop in Iowa. My fellow NRA members in Appalachia may
Another politician put it this way: better know him for his campaign to close every
“What I would say to Michael Bloomberg coal-fired power plant in the United States.
and other billionaires: ‘Sorry. You ain’t gonna Way to go, Bloomberg—instead of
buy this election.’” courageously prosecuting actual
Who were these voices criticizing criminals and creating jobs, you just
Bloomberg’s intent to buy his way into our invented silly new crimes and
homes and the White House? These were destroyed American industry.
Photo by Thomas Peipert/AP Images take our word for it; even some of the most anti- rights? $1 million?
So how much will
not the criticisms of conservative politicians,
but Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders,
Bloomberg spend to
respectively. That’s right—you no longer need to
restrict your gun
gun Democrats know the threat that Bloomberg
poses to your freedoms in this election.
But how much notoriety can $34 million
actually buy a politician in one week? The
answer might surprise you. According to one
ILA staffer, Bloomberg’s ads weren’t just running
on your news stations; the staffer’s 15-year-old
son saw more than a half-dozen Bloomberg
ads running on YouTube channels aimed
at teenage video-game enthusiasts.
18 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
By Jason Ouimet
Executive Director,
NRA-ILA
19
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
$5 million? Not even close. He spent “They get a paycheck . . . with your law for four decades because of
tens of millions on soda-tax campaigns paycheck comes some restrictions and the danger it poses to our Second
across the nation, and he pledged $500 responsibilities.” Amendment rights. And, he wants the
million towards his effort to shut down As a husband and father, this registry because he knows it will pave
every coal-fired power plant in the insight into Bloomberg’s true character the way for firearm confiscation.
country. Bloomberg has promised to was more valuable than any airtime He knows that because he already
spend “whatever it takes” from his $55 Bloomberg ever purchased. I knew has experience using a firearm registry
billion personal fortune to control you that Bloomberg was an elitist coward to confiscate firearms. As mayor of
from our nation’s capital. who wanted to destroy the Second New York City, Bloomberg signed
For Bloomberg, pumping millions— Amendment, but Bloomberg’s an ordinance that made it illegal for
and potentially billions—of dollars into blatant, unrepentant trampling of anyone to possess a rifle or shotgun
his campaign to convince American the First Amendment surprised even that held more than five rounds.
families of his own greatness is merely me. Let this be another reminder of Then, he used the Big Apple’s existing
pocket change. how entwined our civil liberties are; registry to confiscate the banned
Putting aside the acreage of ego weakening one link weakens them all. firearms from his own constituents.
that Bloomberg’s effort must require, While he has no qualifications to be
watching this unfold made me wonder: BLOOMBERG HAS ALSO our commander in chief, his record
If Bloomberg is really so “great,” certainly proves he has the experience
and has such a long track record of WASTED LITTLE TIME to be confiscator in chief.
“awesomeness,” why does he need IN ANNOUNCING HOW There’s also the inconvenient truth
to spend a massive fortune now to that Bloomberg leaves out of all of
convince people of it? Wouldn’t all of HE WILL RESTRICT OUR his proposals: nothing dreamed up
the good people he supposedly helped SECOND AMENDMENT in his penthouse would have actually
already know about his supposed stopped the crimes he pretends to care
goodness and support him? RIGHTS IF HE WINS THE about. For someone who claims to be
As we know, Bloomberg spends so bright, Bloomberg always misses
money to conceal the bad in order to WHITE HOUSE. the most basic point: When you limit
lie about the good. Consider this fact, peoples’ ability to defend themselves,
Bloomberg’s “straight news” media Fortified by a fawning press, deep you make them less safe, not safer.
apparatus just announced that it will pockets and desperate followers, I will say this, Bloomberg is a master
not be writing any investigative news Bloomberg and his armed bodyguards deflector. Regardless of the topic—
pieces on Bloomberg, his family or his are already flying around in luxury to his buying elections, suppressing the
businesses. But wait, there’s more—to lecture voters against their gun rights. speech of his supposed “news” outlet,
ensure the uneven playing field on When he popped into Norfolk, Va., to the harassment claims of his female
which he relies, Bloomberg’s media meet all of the flunkies he funded into employees, etc.—Bloomberg always
outlets have agreed to extend their office by buying the Virginia elections pivots to another topic from which he
selective censorship to Bloomberg’s last year, Bloomberg didn’t even know can more comfortably peddle some
fellow Democrats, while retaining what city he was in. Poor guy—it must billionaire-level virtue signaling. He does
an “open season” against President be hard when the “help” doesn’t remind that a lot with us. Whenever a bad guy
Trump, conservatives and Republicans. you where your private jet just landed. with a gun is stopped by a good guy
For years, the NRA has warned Bloomberg also wasted little time with a gun, Bloomberg and his cronies
America’s families about the threat in announcing how he will restrict our can be counted on to deflect attention
of such oppression and coordination. Second Amendment rights if he wins away from the criminal in order to
As Bloomberg’s shenanigans have the White House. falsely portray the NRA’s membership
revealed, that threat is very real. After hearing them repeated this as the problem. Apparently, truth and
Here, Democrats and Republicans month, I can tell you this, Bloomberg’s leadership are among the few luxuries
should agree. Bloomberg’s eagerness proposals haven’t gotten less crazy that Bloomberg can’t afford.
to suppress freedom should be with time. He wants to ban the Why is this? What is it about your
disqualifying for reasonable people on most popular rifle in America and gun rights that so offends Michael
both sides of the political aisle. The the magazines that many millions of Bloomberg? After all, he’s not really
fact that Bloomberg’s first decision as a law-abiding Americans use to defend “anti-gun;” he and his wealthy friends
candidate for president was to muzzle themselves and their families. He wants are surrounded by armed bodyguards.
the press should give any freedom- to impose arbitrary age limits that The only guns he’s against are the ones
loving American pause. If candidate would prohibit a young woman under possessed by you and your family for
Bloomberg was so willing to restrict 21 from buying a firearm to protect their protection. Personally, I suspect
press freedom on day one, how far will her family, even while her spouse is he hates our freedom because it’s the
President Bloomberg be willing to go away on deployment or patrolling the one thing that, so far, he’s been unable
in his war on our civil rights? streets in uniform. He wants to create a to buy. This is the year we’ll find out.
When questioned in a CBS interview “central system” for all firearm records. Want to know more about
about his decision to curtail who and In other words, he wants a federal Bloomberg’s history of attacking our
what his personal news outlet could firearm registry, something that has Second Amendment freedoms? Learn
cover, Bloomberg’s answer was simple: been expressly prohibited by federal more at meetbloomberg.com.
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䄀洀攀爀椀挀愀渀刀椀˻攀洀愀渀⸀漀爀最
吀栀攀 圀漀爀氀搀ᤠ猀 READERS WRITE
伀氀搀攀猀琀
䄀渀搀 䰀愀爀最攀猀琀
䘀椀爀攀愀爀洀 American Luger
䄀甀琀栀漀爀椀琀礀
The article on American Eagle
Lugers (November 2019, p. 92), was a
superb nale to the magazine’s pages.
While I understand that space is lim-
ited, I found it odd that one key facet
was omitted from the history lesson on
these pistols: the U.S. Army’s trials of
the M1900 at the turn of the century.
U.S. cavalrymen put these sidearms under scrutiny in theaters across the
globe while considering a replacement for the venerable Single Action Army
revolver. Francis Bannerman VI, of military surplus notoriety, bought approxi-
mately 1,000 of the leftover Lugers at government auction—of which I own
three—after the government’s rejection. Michael Reese II wrote an informative
book on this fascinating foray into nding a new service pistol. Years later, the
iconic M1911 would ultimately ll that role, but the fact that these Lugers in
.30 Luger were considered is of signi cant interest.
MIKE VAHSEN, VIA EMAIL
Brothers In Arms HISTORICAL 100
50
Once again, the NRA has come An American Rifleman
In The Battle For Germany
through for me with your article
on Buck Marsh, “An American
Ri eman In The Battle For Germany”
(December 2019, p. 48). Mr. Marsh
and my father, Merton “Babe” An infantryman with the 3rd Armored Division
gures prominently in the bestselling book
Spearhead. Now 95 years old, Buck Marsh
Furhman, were both replacement relates some of his combat experiences as a
ri eman armed with the M1 Garand from
three-quarters of a century ago.
troops in 1945 in the 36th Armored While this illustration depicts Buck Marsh as a 19-year-old ri e-
BY HAYDEN FOSTER
man in Germany, we had the opportunity to meet now 95-year
Marsh and his friend Clarence Smoyer this year. Read about these
two World War II heroes at americanri eman.org/buckmarsh.
Infantry Division of the 3rd Armored 48 DECEMBER 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Illustration by Gareth Hector, AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG DECEMBER 2019 49
courtesy valorstudios.com
Division. My dad was in Company B; Mr. Marsh was in Company A. Both were
the same age, and both were decorated Purple Heart combatants. My father
died more than 30 years ago, and I plan to reach out to Mr. Marsh in the hope
they might have crossed paths. Thank you so much for this article.
HERBERT FURHMAN, VIA EMAIL
More Shared Experiences
I really enjoyed reading Hayden Foster’s article about Buck Marsh. I had
the honor of hearing Mr. Marsh speak during his book tour with Adam Makos
after Spearhead came out. I had both of them autograph my copy of the
fascinating book.
I well remember one point mentioned by Buck. As you wrote, he attended
Auburn after the war with Eugene Sledge, well-known author of With The Old
Breed, about Sledge’s horri c experiences on Peleliu and Okinawa. Buck said
that having another combat veteran to talk with helped him avoid what we
now know as PTSD. It’s well-known that Sledge did not avoid it, and appar-
ently Clarence Smoyer didn’t either. Mr. Makos told us that Smoyer had
never spoken much about the war until contacted by him for the book. The
emotionally healing reunion in Cologne with a German veteran of the battle
is recounted in Spearhead.
BILL BROCKMAN, GEORGIA
䄀洀攀爀椀挀愀渀刀椀˻攀洀愀渀⸀漀爀最 “Readers Write” affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in
American Ri eman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity. Send letters to:
Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or email us at
publications@nrahq.org.
24 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
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REPORTS | OPENING SHOT
“I Love It When A Plan Comes Together”
hat line, from actor George Peppard—as Col. John
“Hannibal” Smith in the ’80s-era television series
Tabout falsely accused, renegade commandos, “The
A-Team”—is a likely reaction when fans of the Ruger between Samson Mfg. and Sturm, Ruger & Co., the metal
Mini-14 factory folding stock used in the show realize that side-folder is faithfully re-created by Samson using mostly
those shown here are newly manufactured examples of parts supplied by Ruger from its original casting molds and
models now available for sale. The result of a collaboration upgraded walnut wood, along with modern polymer grips to
REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES
T-Series L2C Holsters Recall Updated Pistol Course Goes Live
lackhawk has issued a recall for a limited number of its RA Education and
T-Series L2C Holsters after, “An internal review of the Training has updated
Breferenced holster with the military rearm (M17/M18) Nthe NRA Guide: Basics
showed that the holster may interfere with the mechanical Of Pistol Shooting course, and
re safety switch of the M17/M18.” A notice on the company’s incorporated comments and
website explains “There is nothing per se wrong with the hol- feedback from NRA instruc-
ster … ” but when used with SIG Sauer’s versions of the P320 tors and training counselors
marketed to consumers as the M17/M18, conditions were such nationwide. The new version
that the rm voluntarily noti ed the U.S. Consumer Product contains updated content
Safety Commission (CPSC) and issued a fast-track recall. and newly inserted graphics,
Enthusiasts who own one of the roughly 3,100 holsters all with the intent of improv-
in circulation should discontinue its use immediately and ing the learning process. The
contact Blackhawk for a full refund. Call (888) 343-7547 course handbook’s landscape
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. layout and spiral binding are
Only Blackhawk T-Series L2Cs designed for use with intended to make it easier
SIG Sauer P320/P250s are affected. To determine if your for students to follow along
Blackhawk holster is subject to the recall, inspect the during a class. The course
exterior of its black, molded-polymer body and locate the also includes updated content
model number. If it reads “2101213 A,” discontinue use and new lesson plans, with
immediately and contact the company. blackhawk.com detailed information in the
notes section visible only to the instructor. Lesson plans even
include live links to web-based resources and videos when
used in a classroom with Internet access.
The NRA plans to apply lessons learned from instructor
surveys to develop future versions of ri e, shotgun and
concealed-carry courses. Users are urged to provide any
feedback they have through telephone, email and survey
responses, as well as in comments on future installments
of the “Instructors Notebook” by calling the NRA Training
Dept. at (703) 267-1500. training@nrahq.org
28 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
functionally and visually duplicate the originals. Those early the Mini—and are well-regarded as one of the strongest,
stocks, which relied on stained birch and Bakelite grips, trimmest folders ever. While Ruger has not yet stated
have soared in value in recent years, receiving another whether new folding-stock Minis will be available from the
Hollywood bump when one was depicted on the DVD factory any time soon, Mini-14 and Mini Thirty owners can
cover of a lm reboot of the series starring Liam Neeson. buy them as accessories for retro- tting to existing guns
Regardless of their dramatic DNA, the stocks were originally through shopruger.com. And, for the rst time, a model
sold by Ruger exclusively through law enforcement chan- will be available to t the ever-popular 10/22 rim re.
nels—including on the fully automatic AC-556 version of —BRIAN C. SHEETZ, SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Don’t Miss The Great American Outdoor Show Vegas Gun Show
the range, don’t miss the host of semi- Awards $10,000
their effectiveness in the eld or on
nars available to help enhance your
outdoor skillset. These educational
sessions are instructed by experts in
their respective areas of interest. NATIONAL GUN
GAOS also allows those who long COLLECTORS SHOW
to go on a dream hunt or the perfect Las Vegas, NV
shing trip to book the opportunity of 2020
a lifetime thanks to the more than 400
world-class out tters and boat captains 25 Anniversary
th
who will be on the show oor.
he Great American Outdoor Show Though there’s so much to see and he 25th Annual NRA National
(GAOS) is always a hit among do at GAOS, the exhibitor list can’t be Gun Collectors Show will take
Toutdoorsmen and women. If forgotten. Nearly 1,000 companies, Tplace at the Westgate Hotel &
you’ve not been to the show before, including industry leaders such as Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., February 28
mark your calendars, and travel to Colt, Smith & Wesson, Savage Arms, to March 1, 2020. Hosted by the Las
Harrisburg, Pa., between Feb. 1 and Ruger, Hoyt, Magpul and Foxpro Inc. Vegas Antique Arms Show, this is one
Feb. 9. And if you have traveled to will be present with representatives of the nation’s premiere gun shows,
GAOS before, then you already know ready to discuss new products and to and the display competition is rich
what amazing things are in store. answer questions. in award money, and is extraordinary
Between the NRA Foundation’s To make the most of your experi- for the rarity of ne arms placed on
Wall of Guns raf e, Eddie Eagle ence, visit the show’s of cial website exhibit. Display tables are still available
Kid Zone and Kids Casting Contest, (greatamericanoutdoorshow.org) where for sale, contact Paul and Karen Balfour
Friends of the NRA Banquet, DockDogs you can get help with planning your at Beinfeld Productions, (951) 970-9669,
Competition and, to cap off the nine- trip, buying tickets, booking hotels, beinfeldproductions@gmail.com.
day outdoor extravaganza, the NRA making travel arrangements and more. Open to the public, mark your calen-
Country Concert, there is no shortage And be sure to download the app to dars and be sure to visit the longest
of activities and entertainment. further enhance your experience at the running gun show in Vegas history.
For those who want to increase world’s largest outdoor show. antiquearmsshow.com
29
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES
Federal Ammunition Awarded DHS Tactical Buckshot Contract
he U.S. Immigration and agencies for up to ve years (starting recoil reduction that, when combined
Customs Enforcement (ICE) has in 2019). The contract will provide with the FliteControl wad, result in
Tawarded Federal Premium a the organization’s agents and of cers dependable and predictable pattern
major ammunition contract for up with 12-ga. Tactical Buckshot duty performance. “We are proud to provide
to 2,227,500 shells of 12-ga. 2¾", ammunition. the highest-quality duty ammuni-
00 buckshot duty ammunition for The awarded ammunition is similar tion to DHS agents in the eld,” said
delivery to multiple Department to Federal’s LE133 00 load, and features Federal Ammunition President Jason
of Homeland Security law enforce- a FliteControl wad. Tactical Buckshot Vanderbrink. For more information,
ment components and other federal also features copper-plated shot and visit federalpremium.com.
REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS
Savage Minimalist Rim re Ri es
avage Arms has introduced a
new Minimalist Rim re Ri e
Sline, intended as a different
take on the classic rim re design.
Models will feature green or brown
laminate stocks for lightweight
strength, supporting matte-black, sporter-contour,
threaded barrels, which are button-ri ed for accuracy. Atop their carbon steel
actions, the Minimalist’s Weaver-style bases are pre-installed, for the easy addition of
an optic. Below the action, meanwhile, user-adjustable AccuTriggers are included for
a greater level of personal tment. The bolt-action Minimalist ri es, fed by 10-round
detachable box magazines, are available in .22 Long Ri e, .22 WMR and .17 HMR.
Price: $359. Contact: Savage Arms; (800) 370-0708; savagearms.com.
Viktos Strife Mid
A
mid-height version of the company’s high-top Strife boot, the Viktos
Strife Mid is designed to be both rugged and comfortable enough for
active daily use. Utilizing the same shock-absorbing foam and rubber
outsole as its big brother, the 6"-tall boots feature a chassis made of full-grain
leather and 600 denier nylon, both with a liner that is waterproof
yet breathable, and a re-inforced toe box. Offered in men’s sizes
from 7 to 15, color options for the Strife Mid include Nightfjall
(black) and Gunstock (brown). Price: $140. Contact: Viktos;
(800) 597-7179; viktos.com.
McMillan Z1 Fully Adjustable
ith the release of the Z1 Fully
Adjustable, a drop-in-ready stock
Wfor right-hand Remington 700 (and
700 clone) actions, McMillan’s new Universal
Stock line now features as a universal inlet to
accommodate a wide variety of Remington-type actions length-of-pull adjustment from 13.5"-15". Finally, a
and barrel contours. A low top line helps eliminate the clampbar-adjustable cheek piece ensures optimal weld to
need for bolt-release inlets and port cuts, and the stock the 4-lb., 30.75"-long short-action stock. Available colors
comes with 6" of Picatinny rail beneath the front of the are Painted Urban Transition Camo and Painted FDE.
2.15"-wide fore-end for bipod attachment. Toward the Price: $942. Contact: McMillan Fiberglass Stocks;
rear, a spacer system with a 1" Decelerator pad provides (877) 365-6148; mcmillanusa.com.
30 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
Thunder Ranch Digital Training
lint Smith and the Thunder Ranch team are offering a new digital training
medium for those who can’t make it to Oregon, Texas or other “live” training
Clocations, but who still want to experience Smith’s famous brand of rearm
instruction. Thunder Ranch is offering nearly 35 hours of training videos and
audio lectures directly to customers via branded USB drives. The Master Collection
($195) includes everything: 12 feature videos, previously available on DVD; two
audio lectures in MP3 format (Urban Ri e 1 and Defensive Handgun 1); and an
additional 14 hours of instructional video, broken up into dozens of segments.
The latter content is also available in Clint’s Of ine Digital Web Training col-
lection ($79), and a la carte purchases can also be accommodated (from $20).
Contact: Thunder Ranch; thunderranchinc.com.
Kitanica Utili Totes
eaturing the same overbuilt quality found in Kitanica cloth-
ing, the company’s Utili Tote bags weigh and stow like cheap
Fenviro-friendly grocery bags—but are likely to last decades. The
15"x14"x6" totes are constructed with 330 denier Cordura nylon and
mil-spec webbing, and are sewn with heavy-duty nylon thread. Strap
handles fully encircle the bag, and two outside pockets ease organiza-
tion. A zipper-top option is available, and, while color combinations
vary, rest assured that all are tactical-centric. Price: $60.
Contact: Kitanica;(510) 893-3014; kitanica.net.
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REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS
Work Sharp EDC Pivot Knife Sharpener
easuring only about 2¼" tall by 2¾" wide and 3/4" thick, the handheld EDC
Pivot Knife Sharpener from Work Sharp is a supremely portable piece of vital kit
Mfor the avid outdoorsman. The unit’s pull-through-style carbide sharpening slot
does the heavy lifting, and has some adjustment for material take-off via the button-
activated Pivot Response system. A ceramic slot facilitates honing a blade, and a at,
medium-grit diamond plate is designed for touching up blades, tools and even features
a narrow trough for sharpening shhooks. Price: $4. Contact: Work Sharp;
(800) 597-6170; worksharptools.com.
Phlster Floodlight Holster System
esigned for appendix or strong-side IWB carry by either a right- or left-hander,
the Phlster Floodlight is a modular holster system that allows for a wide range of
Duser adjustment and customization. Its claim to fame, however, is near-universal
acceptance of compact and fullsize pistols equipped with either a Sure re X300 Ultra A/B
or a Streamlight TLR-1/TLR-1 HL light. Clips, loops, a concealment claw and adjustable
retention are all standard features, and the holster’s open top and bottom allow use of
pistol-mounted optics, extended slides and threaded barrels. Price: $119.
Contact: Phlster; phlsterholsters.com.
PowerFilm Lightsaver Max
he U.S.-made Lightsaver Max solar charger rolls up into a 2.5"-diameter, 13.5"-
long package, making it ideal for sportsmen who need to keep phones and other
Telectronic devices charged even in remote outdoor locales. Measuring 34.5"
unrolled, the device’s 18,000-mAh integrated battery is fully charged after six to
eight hours of full sun. The LightSaver Max features dual 2.5 amp at 5 volts USB ports
and an up to 5 amp at 12 volts output. Three cables are included: USB-A to USB-C;
12V Input Charging; and 12V Output. Price: $339. Contact: PowerFilm Solar, Inc.;
(515) 292-7606; powerfilmsolar.com.
Pelican G40C Personal Utility Go Charge Case
he G40C Personal Utility Go Charge Case, from Pelican, is an IP67-rated
oating case that can defend against water damage (up to 1 meter for
T30 minutes) and dust exposure. Despite its durable nature, the case also
features Qi-certi ed wireless charging when connected to an integrated charging
tray, which has the capacity for up to 48 hours of additional battery life for a smart-
phone. An additional USB port also enables charging for nonwireless devices, such as
digital cameras and portable speakers. A carry handle aids portability of the anthracite
grey case. Price: $100. Contact: Pelican Products, Inc.; (800) 473-5422; pelican.com.
Where Can I Get … ?
SIGNAL-BLOCKING PHONE CASES THAT ARE U.S.-MADE LEATHER RIFLE AND SHOTGUN G.I.-STYLE SIGHTS FOR MARLIN 60 & 795 RIFLES
GASKET-SEALED AGAINST WATER, DUST AND DIRT SCABBARDS IN BLACK AND WALNUT FINISHES TECH-SIGHTS; (843) 332-8222;
THYRM, LLC; (408) 444-5734; THYRM.COM TRIPLE K MANUFACTURING CO.; TECH-SIGHTS.COM
TRIGGER GUARD SCREWS FOR MODERN AND (619) 232-2066; TRIPLEK.COM MINI-REFLEX PISTOL MOUNTS WITH INTEGRATED
VINTAGE BOLT-ACTION RIFLES INCLUDING: EXTENDED MAGAZINE BASEPLATES ALLOWING U-NOTCH/DOT REAR SIGHTS THAT REPLACE
ARISAKA, ENFIELD, KRAG, MAUSER, REMINGTON, THREE ADDITIONAL ROUNDS IN SMITH & FACTORY UNITS ON SPRINGFIELD XD AND
SAKO, SPRINGFIELD AND WINCHESTER WESSON SD, SDVE AND SIGMA MODEL PISTOLS OTHER SEMI-AUTOMATICS
FORSTER PRODUCTS; (815) 493-6360; APEX TACTICAL SPECIALTIES; SIGHT MOUNT; (541) 621-9277;
FORSTERPRODUCTS.COM (623) 322-0200; APEXTACTICAL.COM SIGHT-MOUNT.COM
32 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
Fobus RBT Lighthouse III Holster Attachment
he RBT Lighthouse III, from Fobus, is a holster attachment
designed to protect lights and lasers. Made from injection-
Tmolded polymer, the Lighthouse’s hinged design allows for a
straight upward draw, while an active retention polymer strap,
in conjunction with a muzzle stud retention system, keeps
things secure. The attachment is currently available for the
RBT17 and RBT19 holsters, which t a variety of Glock and
Smith & Wesson pistols. Price: $55. Contact: Fobus Holsters;
(267) 803-1517; fobusholster.com.
Javelin Lite Bipod
partan Precision Equipment—a UK-based maker of durable, ultralight, quick-
detach carbon- ber bipods and shooting supports—is offering customers a
Sstripped-down version of its agship Javelin Bipod at a much reduced price.
The Javelin Lite features premium components and construction, but savings
are realized by utilizing xed-length legs and including Spartan’s Universal Ri e
Adapter, rather than the multiple adapter set of the standard Javelin. Three leg
sizes are available—4.5", 5.7" and 6.8"—and the Lite is compatible with other
Spartan Precision components and accessories. Price: $145. Contact: Spartan
Precision Equipment; +44 (0)208 0900 585; javelinbipod.com.
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro In Dark Earth
emand from military and law enforcement agencies, as well as civilian
consumers, for a brown/tan rendition of Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro
Dre ex sight has been heard and addressed by the Beaverton, Ore.,
optics manufacturer. Leupold is now offering its 2.5-m.o.a.-dot reticle
DeltaPoint Pro in Dark Earth, a bronze-brown nish that is sure to satisfy
the tactically-tan inclined. Price: $570. Contact: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.;
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com.
50 YEARS AGO Remington .380
Hammer Model
Pocket Pistol
Early in its development, an Although externally similar, there were [February 1970]
external-hammer version of the J. D. signi cant internal design differences.
Pedersen-designed Remington pocket One of the most notable of these
pistol was produced in limited quantity. is in the magazines. The magazine for Points of identi cation in the ham-
The early hammer-model pistol the external-hammer pistol has the mer model magazine are the integral
had the same ne grip and nish that ejector in the left magazine lip, a design ejector, the elongated slots and holes
characterized the subsequent produc- feature dropped in the hammerless in the sides, and the “.380 CAL”
tion arm, the Model 51 hammerless. production model. marking.—E. J. HOFFSCHMIDT
33
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Rarest “Trench Guns”
Rarest “T rench Guns” ITHACA MODEL 37
I hav
I have become interested in U.S.
e become in
ested in U.S.
ter
military shotguns, especially the
military shotguns, especially the REMINGTON MODEL 10
Qbayonet-equipped “trench guns.”
bayonet-equipped “trench guns.”
Can you tell me which were the rarest?
and bayonet adapters being removed. characteristics including an entirely
Not counting prototypes and Surviving, genuine, unaltered speci- different serial number range and
experimental models, the rarest mens are rarely encountered today. a Parkerized nish rather than the
Aproduction U.S. military “trench Ithaca manufactured 1,422 Model 37 blued nish of the World War II guns.
guns” are the World War I Remington trench guns in 1942 until the company Genuine World War II-production Model
Model 10 and the World War II Ithaca was directed by Ordnance to cease pro- 37 trench guns are seldom seen on the
Model 37. duction in favor of making the Model market today.
There were 3,500 Model 10 trench 1911A1 pistols. Beginning in the 1960s, Due to the extreme rarity of these
guns manufactured by Remington Ithaca produced a trench gun variant of two examples, and the typical high
during the rst World War, ful lling a the Model 37, primarily for the civilian market value, one must be very wary
supplemental role to the well-known and law enforcement market. The gun of fake specimens purported to be the
Winchester Model 1897 trench gun. was very similar to the rare World War II “real thing”—caveat emptor.
The Model 10 had a wooden hand- version, but had several distinguishing —BRUCE N. CANFIELD, FIELD EDITOR
guard and separate bayonet adapter
rather than the one-piece ventilated From the thousands of questions and letters on guns, ammunition and their use that American
Ri eman receives every year, it publishes the most interesting here. Receiving answers to technical and
metal handguard/bayonet adapter historical questions is a privilege reserved to NRA members.
assembly as used with the Winchester Questions must be in the form of letters addressed to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road,
trench gun. After World War I, virtu- Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the member’s code line from an American Ri eman or American Hunter
mailing label or membership card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope;
ally all of the Model 10 trench guns and must be limited to one speci c question per letter. Non-members may submit a question with a member- Photos courtesy of author
were converted to “riot gun” con gu- ship application. We cannot answer technical or historical questions by telephone, email or fax, and we cannot
ration, which resulted in the barrels place even an approximate value on guns or other equipment. Please allow eight to 10 weeks for replies.
“Questions & Answers” is compiled by staff and Contributing Editors: Bruce N. Can eld,
being cut down and the handguard Michael Carrick, Garry James, Charles E. Petty, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.
W
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I WANT YOU
TO SWITCH TO
BRING Y
BRING YOUR OWN PHONEWN PHONE
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OR BUY A NEW ONE
OR BUY A NEW ONE
OR BUY A NEW ONE
OR BUY A NEW ONE
tributions ar
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No NRA member dues or contributions are used for this
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FAVORITE FIREARMS
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NRA member photo
12-Gauge Therapy
was a teenager when my dad and recreational shooting again because that he didn’t know just how much I
I bought my rst rearm. He it seemed to be therapeutic for me. I loved the shotgun that we purchased
Iworked at Sears & Roebuck, so we enjoyed trap and skeet so much that I together all those years ago. Isn’t
purchased the Winchester Model 200 would even go to the local gun range it strange how rearms are one of
Ted Williams edition 12-ga. pump- over lunch breaks just to shoot a the few things that last for decades,
action that they sold there. I was couple of shells. I have subsequently creating remembrances that bind
thrilled with the gun, and my dad purchased several other shotguns, and generations together?
promptly enrolled me in a hunter I alternate shooting all of them—but, My advice is this: Spend time
safety course. He took me pheasant even today, nothing shoots as well with your loved ones, enjoying the
hunting in Iowa one winter with my for me on the trap range as that rst outdoors, hunting and shooting, and
uncle and cousins, a great memory. I 12-ga. Model 200. celebrating the Second Amendment
didn’t shoot my shotgun much in col- Every time I pick up my Winchester that allows us to create so many
lege, and after graduating from West shotgun, I think of my dad and wish unique and special memories. And,
Point I got busy with the Army and he was still with us. I feel bad that to quote the old song, “D o it in the
my own family, so I didn’t shoot for we didn’t spend more time together living years.”
years—except, of course, for manda- at the shooting range, and I worry ROBERT MOORE, TEXAS
tory military weapons quali cations.
I went downrange to Iraq for a year
in 2010 and then to Afghanistan in Nearly every shooter has a favorite rearm. If you would like to share the experience of owning yours
with other American Ri eman readers, or on americanri eman.org, send a sharp color photograph of the
2014, and my dad passed away during gun, accompanied by its story in fewer than 400 words, with your name, address and daytime telephone
my deployment to Afghanistan. After number to: Favorite Firearms, American Ri eman, National Ri e Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road,
Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, or email it to americanri eman@nrahq.org. Photos and submissions cannot be
two combat tours, I started into returned and may be edited for clarity and brevity.
35
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
Wayne LaPierre
NRA Executive Vice President and CEO
“There has never been a more crucial
time for our Second Amendment than
right now. Every NRA member, every
hunter, every citizen who values their
right to own a firearm for personal
protection...in fact, anyone who values
their freedom…we must all stand and
fight. Our march to victory starts in
Nashville. Join us.”
Charlie Daniels
and Friends!
Catch country legend and NRA supporter
Charlie Daniels perform a special show
Official Sponsor
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just for the NRA! Saturday night, April 18.
Music City Center, Come see the spectacular displays from every major
Nashville, TN firearm and accessory maker, hunting outfitters, as well
April 16-19, 2020 as priceless gun collections and interactive displays.
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Or visit www.nraam.org for more information.
EXCITING EVENTS INCLUDE:
NRA LIVE MUSIC NRA WOMEN’S NATIONAL FREE Exhibit Hall Admis- EXHIBIT HALL HOURS:
LEADERSHIP EVENTS ALL FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP PRAYER sion to NRA members, their Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FORUM WEEKEND! BANQUET & FORUM BREAKFAST … immediate family, uniformed Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
AUCTION AND MORE! military and law enforcement
and organized youth groups. Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ACRES OF
GUNS & GEAR
VINTAGE SPORTING
38 “ rizzl urpris ” FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
BY MARK A. KEEFE, IV, Editor In Chief
No bear spray? How about a ve-shot autoloading
ri e designed by John Moses Browning?
here were at least four grizzly bear attacks on people in Montana alone last fall, so those out and about in lands roamed by Ursus arctos horribillis need to be prepared. The guns were pretty spendy—twice the price of the aver- paint promotional images for catalogs, calendars and the like. As for me in bear country, I might add the Peace Of cer’s
Long before bear spray was a thing, there was the Remington “Autoloading Repeating Ri e,” which made its debut in 1906. age levers or pumps of the day—so the Remington Arms Co. commissioned accomplished illustrator Philip R. Goodwin to This one, “A Grizzly Surprise,” is one of my favorites. The Remington, soon to have its name changed to the Model 8, was a locked-breech, long-r
Frank Hamer. capacity to 15 rounds.
Image courtesy of Win eld Galleries, win eldgalleries.com
39
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
COVER STORY
40 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photo by Forrest MacCormack
SECOND ACT
Upgunning The S&W M&P Shield EZ To 9 mm
Easy to rack, easy to load and easy to clean, the S&W M&P380 Shield EZ rapidly became one
of the Massachusetts maker’s top-selling pistols. But one of its limitations was its .380 ACP
chambering. Now offered in a 9 mm Luger version, its critics have less ammunition.
BY MARK A. KEEFE, IV, Editor In Chief
hat’s great, but when will you have a 9 mm?” If not dis-
counted out of hand, that was one of two likely responses
to the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ chambered in
.380 ACP. The other was, “I’ll take it.”
This gun in its .380 guise represented a solution to what
many gun company executives didn’t even know was a question.
And while the industry was consumed by a no-longer-Quixotic
quest to cram the maximum number of 9 mm rounds into the
smallest possible package, an entire class of consumers was,
perhaps, not given due consideration or engineering attention—
until the EZ.
We thought so much of the gun—and of the lawful armed
citizens whose needs it was intended to address—we put it
on this magazine’s cover (June 2018, p. 56). It also came
out on top of 25 other guns in the Ladies Pistol Project 3—
americanrifleman.org/lpp3—and notched the 2019 Golden
Bullseye for American Ri eman Woman’s Innovation Product.
But this isn’t just a girl gun. Those features that made it appeal
to women also made it of interest to others. Managing Editor
Kelly Young addressed these folks in “The Aging Defender” last
month (p. 60), which is worth reading even if you aren’t the
target demographic for Centrum Silver.
41
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
SMITH & WESSON
When news of the 9 mm arrived, several of the editors pistols, these are hammer- red guns. Much like some call
were sitting in my of ce, and I was looking for a volun- the S&W Model 442 revolver “hammerless,” there’s one
teer to write the story on short notice. That’s when Senior in there—you just can’t see it. Too, you have mechanical
Executive Editor Brian Sheetz just looked at me deadpan advantage on the EZs’ low-mounted internal hammers as
and said, “If only we had the author of the .380 cover story you rack the slides.
right here.” It turns out I was that guy. Speaking of slide racking, there are short scallops cut
Is the M&P380 Shield a thing? Is it here to stay? If not, on the slide’s fronts above the frame’s Picatinny rail slots,
S&W would not have introduced a Performance Center but then there are full-height scallops on the slide’s rear.
model. Nor would there be a version in 9 mm Luger, the In addition, there are subtle ears (adding about an extra
M&P9 Shield EZ. Frankly, who doesn’t appreciate a gun 0.10") machined integrally with the slide’s back, giving the
with an easy-to-load magazine, a slide that’s easy to rack shooter something to grab onto when working the black
and a takedown lever that won’t cost you a thumbnail? Armornite- nished, stainless steel slide.
Both EZs accept single-column, detachable eight-round
So, What Makes The EZs Easy? magazines (for the 9 mm it’s 1.25" deep and 0.56" across).
What the M&P Shield EZ line does is make it easier for By not going double-stack, single-feed, loading effort is
those without a lot of hand strength or manual dexterity reduced. There’s enough room inside the frame for tabs on
to ef ciently operate their pistols. The U.S.-made, recoil- either side of the orange follower, allowing one to really
operated polymer-frame guns have 18-degree grip angles, get a hold of it and depress it for loading without having
and they are actually a little larger than the standard 9 mm to reach for one’s trusty Maglula. Other EZ traits include
M&P9 Shield. minimum spring tension on the slide lock/release and the
An internal hammer is one of the keys to the ease of takedown lever. They stay in place, but you don’t need to
cocking effort. Even though they look like striker- red be the Hulk to overcome them.
The M&P9 Shield EZ eldstrips in the typical manner and consists of subas-
semblies that do not appear out of the ordinary. The secret to its easy-to-
operate slide, controls and magazine are in the details: effective scallops on
the slide’s front and rear; a low-mounted internal hammer (inset, arrow);
and tabs on the single-column magazine’s follower (below, r., arrow) that
make it easier to load than many double-stack models.
42 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD EZ
MANUFACTURER: SMITH & WESSON (DEPT. AR), 2100 ROOSEVELT AVE., SPRINGFIELD,
MA 01104; (800) 331-0852; SMITH-WESSON.COM
6.86"
3.67"
4.98" MAGAZINE: EIGHT-ROUND
DETACHABLE BOX
SIGHTS: STEEL SQUARE-
NOTCH REAR, POST
FRONT; DRIFT-ADJUST-
ACTION TYPE: ABLE, THREE-DOT
RECOIL-OPERATED, TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION;
SEMI-AUTOMATIC, 5-LB.,13-OZ. PULL
CENTER-FIRE PISTOL WIDTH: 1.07"
CHAMBERING: 9 MM LUGER (1.45" WITH SAFETY)
SLIDE: BLACK ARMORNITE- WEIGHT: 23 OZS.
FINISHED STEEL ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S
FRAME: POLYMER MANUAL, LOCK, EXTRA
RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE; MAGAZINE
1:10" RH TWIST MSRP: $479
SHOOTING RESULTS (15 YDS.)
9 MM LUGER VEL. @ 10' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK DEEP 952 AVG. 272 2.12 2.75 2.41
135-GR. JHP 12 SD
HORNADY AMERICAN GUNNER 1062 AVG. 288 2.52 3.66 3.28
115-GR. FTX 12 SD
SPEER GOLD DOT 916 AVG. 274 1.06 3.28 2.35
147-GR. GDHP 6 SD
AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.68
NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED OVER AN OEHLER MODEL 36
CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT
15 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 65° F. HUMIDITY: 46% ABBREVIATIONS: FTX
(FLEX-TIP EXPANDING), GDHP (GOLD DOT HOLLOW POINT), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT),
SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).
The grip safety pivots at the bottom of the backstrap (top). It is ilk, many polymer-frame duty and service pistols do not
linked to the disconnector/trigger bar/sear assembly (middle). have manual frame- or slide-mounted safeties. For the EZ,
The at-wire recoil spring rides on a steel guide rod (below, r.). though, according to a couple of reliable retailers, the ratio
can be as high as three to one with a preference for the
A distinctive EZ feature is its grip safety, which is manual safety over slick slides. This customer, apparently,
pinned at the frame’s bottom and prevents the gun from is a belt-and-suspenders kind of person. You get not only
ring unless depressed with a rm grip. But it does more the grip safety but can have bilateral manual safeties at no
than just act as a safety. If not depressed, the passive r- extra charge.
ing safety, which protrudes down from inside the slide, is
not lifted up by its frame-mounted plunger, and the ring
pin cannot move forward if hit by the hammer.
The grip safety is linked to the disconnector, which acts
as a “connector” between the trigger bar—running along
the inside right of the frame—and the sear. When the grip
safety is depressed, the disconnector lifts the trigger bar.
Then, movement of the trigger pushes the trigger bar rear-
ward, which allows the “connector” to trip the sear and let
the hammer go forward.
Since the ascendancy of guns like the Glock 17 and its
43
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
SMITH & WESSON
There are slight
differences in length
and width between
the M&P380 Shield EZ
(top) and the M&P9
Shield EZ (bottom).
The Change To 9 mm Luger
In upgunning the EZ to 9 mm, Smith engineers tried to GDHP has a muzzle velocity of 1210 f.p.s. delivering
keep as much the same as possible. Overall length for the 374 ft.-lbs. of energy. That’s a 73 percent increase in energy.
9 mm is 6.86" with a 3.67" barrel, and the height is 4.98", Pressure for the .380 ACP is around 21,500, while standard
pretty close to the .380. There are dimensional variations 9 mm loads are at about 35,000 p.s.i. For 9 mm +P (for
to the frame, which had to be completely re-molded, and which the M&P9 Shield EZ is rated), it moves up to
S&W believed the demand is there to justify that expense. 38,500 p.s.i. You can’t defeat or eliminate physics; even
Even though the polymer grip frame is slightly deeper to with 4.5 ozs. more weight and a heavier recoil spring, you
accommodate the longer 9 mm cartridge, trigger reach is the are still looking at additional recoil. Make no mistake, the
same for both at 2.69" thanks to a slight difference in trig- 9 mm EZ is snappier than the .380, although we did not
ger geometry. None of the major components—meaning the nd it as punishing as some of the new lightweight com-
frames, slides, magazines and springs—are interchangeable pacts that seem to be proliferating.
between chamberings. The 9 mm EZ was red for accuracy at 15 yds., and
One of the ways you deal with additional recoil is by the accuracy results can be found in the accompanying
increasing mass. Weight on the 9 mm is 23 ozs., as com- table. Two guns were function- red—one a slick-slide and
pared to 18.5 ozs. with the .380. The M&P380 EZ’s slide another with the thumb-safety—by nine different staffers
weighs 6.9 ozs., while the blockier 9 mm slide weighs without a hitch to the tune of more than 600 rounds. One
10.2 ozs. That difference is appreciable in the hand—and small-statured shooter who had trouble with a stock M&P9
appreciated due to the increased recoil of the 9 mm. Shield going back into battery ran the EZ without issue.
There is also an increase in recoil spring tension—
the 9 mm has a single coil at spring. With the frames So Why A 9 mm, Anyway?
chucked into a vice with a sturdy clamp on the slides and Self-defense is probably the main reason for upping the
using a sh-type scale, the .380 EZ came in at 9 lbs. of EZ to 9 mm. No one disputes that the 9 mm Luger is more
cocking effort while the 9 mm EZ registered 13 lbs., which effective than the .380 ACP given proper defensive ammu-
is in marked contrast to the 23 lbs. required for a stan- nition. But there’s more to it. One of the reasons for the
dard M&P9 Shield in 9 mm. increased popularity of the 9 mm is cost. When you make a
lot of something, you gain ef ciencies and ultimately can
By The Numbers charge less for it. All of the major ammunition factories
A petite neighbor of mine liked the .380 EZ very much, in this country, and frankly all of the world, make 9 mm
but her ex-federal-of cer husband talked her out of it, tell- pretty much all day every day.
ing her that .380 was an inadequate defensive cartridge. He One of the things that the 9 mm EZ does is serve as a
argued her gun had to be 9 mm or larger. Period. Instead crossover platform. If the user can handle the increased
of the M&P380 EZ she liked and handled at the gun shop recoil, it opens up a whole new world in terms of afford-
counter, she ended up with the gift of a .40 S&W Glock 23 able ammunition. The M&P9 Shield EZ takes the platform
she can barely rack and tends to avoid shooting. into a new arena by retaining the ease of operation, while
Volumes have been written about .380 ACP and 9 mm. increasing its defensive capability, and reducing the cost
Both have projectiles that measure 0.355" across, but the of shooting for practice and for fun.
difference comes in the case length and cartridge overall Every gun is a compromise. Those who embraced the .380
length; 0.680" and 0.754" for the .380, while for the 9 mm EZ knew it was on the lower edge of the accepted threshold for
it’s 0.984" and 1.168", respectively. In short, the 9 mm has defensive cartridges, but balanced its ease of operation with
more case capacity, meaning more propellant, and it can its shortcomings. With the M&P9 Shield EZ, thanks to modern
accommodate heavier projectiles than the .380. Selecting defensive 9 mm Luger, you are not compromising on bullet
from a popular and effective self-defense line, Speer Gold performance. Maybe these guns will get shot a little more, and
Dot Personal Protection, can give us some numbers to com- their owners will become more con dent and pro cient.
pare. According to factory data, the .380 ACP 90-gr. Gold That neighbor I mentioned earlier? Her husband is get-
Dot Hollow Point (GDHP) leaves the muzzle at 1040 f.p.s. ting a slightly used Glock for his birthday … and half a
with 216 ft.-lbs. of energy. Speer’s 9 mm Luger 115-gr. box of .40 S&W.
44 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
AMERICA REMEMBERS PRESENTS...
The American Indian Tribute Rifle
A Tribute to the Indians of the Western Frontier
They were the lords of the American Plains. Their lands stretched from horizon to horizon, as far as the sky would Each Tribute is
reach. They were Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Pawnee, or any of the more than two-dozen migratory tribes who a detailed recreation
called the vast lands between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains their home. The buffalo was their life...and of the legendary Henry
the nation's westward expansion became their downfall. rifle, produced by the
Today, for many of us, one image above all others captures the spirit of the American frontier, and that image master gunsmiths of Uberti.
is a Plains Indian warrior on horseback. We have painters and photographers like Remington, Russell and Curtis Craftsmen commissioned
to thank for this indelible image. As artists and storytellers, they were fascinated by the figure of an Indian in specifically by America Remembers
full regalia sitting astride his war pony. To them, the Native American represented freedom, dignity, and decorate each rifle in 24-karat gold and
the untamed wilderness of the American West.
nickel with a special blackened patinaed
A Historic Tribute background to highlight the artwork.
In honor of the Native Americans of the Plains, people who treasured their freedom and Detailed scenes on the rifle’s wide receiver
struggled so bravely to preserve their traditional way of life, America Remembers is proud to capture a period when the Plains Indians lived
present the American Indian Tribute Henry Rifle. as one with nature. These were proud… strong…
Of all the firearms of the Western era, the Henry rifle is certainly one of the honorable…and noble people. Their lives symbolize
firearms that had the greatest impact on the Plains Indians’ way of life. Its accuracy the majesty and freedom that was – and is – America.
and firepower made the Henry ideal for hunting big game on horseback. America Remembers is issuing The American Indian Tribute
A forerunner of the famous Winchester rifles to follow, the lever action Rifle to honor the heritage of the Plains Indians, and to
Henry repeating rifle, with its newly designed rimfire metal cartridges, was remember the power and spirit of the legendary first Americans
easy to load and could fire up to 15 shots in rapid succession. That feature whose way of life was altered forever by the changes that took place
gave any shooter a big advantage... whether hunting buffalo or in on the Western frontier during the late 1800s.
combat. It’s no wonder that the Henry rifle was so highly prized
by the tribes of the Plains!
Only 500 Available
Only 500 of the American Indian Tribute Rifles
will be produced for this special limited edition.
Reservations will be accepted in the order they
are received. Because this is a working Henry
repeating rifle, we will arrange delivery
through a licensed firearms dealer of your
choice. If for any reason you are less than
satisfied with the Tribute, you may
return it in original unfired condition On the left side of the receiver, the central image depicts a group of proud warriors on horseback.
within 30 days for a full refund. Like the men, their war ponies are also attired for battle with feathers, fetishes and painted spirit
Capture a long lost era symbols. It was the horse that gave the Plains Indians the ability to rule the West! A lone brave, not yet
when proud warriors on a full-fledged warrior, serves as a scout. Sacred eagle feathers and the all-important buffalo skull
horseback were masters of complete the design. The American buffalo was revered by the Plains Indians, providing them with the
the endless plains and the basic necessities of life. Of the buffalo, Sitting Bull noted “a cold wind blew across the prairie – when
landscape rumbled with the last buffalo fell – a death wind for my people.” Motifs adapted from traditional Native American
thundering herds of bead and quill work frame the art on both sides of the receiver.
buffalo. Reserve this
magnificent Henry rifle
today and own a tribute
to the American
Indian…and a piece
of Western
history.
Caliber:
.44-40
Barrel
Length:
24 1 /4"
The right side of the receiver features dramatic artwork of warriors gathered around the counsel fire to discuss strategy. Detailing
on the receiver of the American Indian Tribute Rifle is so fine you can distinguish the feathers on their war bonnets. These were
more than mere decoration. Each feather represented a personal act of bravery by the wearer. A leader in war bonnet and bone
breastplate sits astride his mount, a Henry repeating rifle decorated with tacks clearly visible in his hands. ©AHL, Inc.
I wish to reserve ___ of the “American Indian
Tribute Rifle(s)” at the current issue price of Name
$2, 95.* My deposit of $195 per rifle is enclosed. Address
I wish to pay the balance prior to delivery at the
rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying City/State/Zip
charges. Certificate of Authenticity included.
Telephone ( )
*Virginia residents please add sales tax.
Thirty-day return privilege. *Virginia residents please add 5% sales
tax.
All orders subject to acceptance and credit America Remembers ®
My check is enclosed for $____________. verification prior to shipment.
Charge payment of $____________ to: 10226 Timber Ridge Drive Ashland, Virginia 23005
Visit our website at: www.americaremembers.com
VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover
To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291
No. Exp.
HANDGUN
48 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Illustration by David Labrozzi
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