l ’ i
Coiled For A Comeback
Don’t fret if you can’t afford a vintage Snake Gun—
a new generation has arrived. The powerful but
portable King Cobra .357 Mag. is back with
enhanced performance and a lower price.
BY JOHN ZENT, Editorial Director
49
Photo by Forrest MacCormack AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
COLT'S KING COBRA
was extremely fortunate to fall in with a great Anaconda clad from butt to muzzle in Realtree camou age,
mentor when the time came to diversify my meager at that time a heavy, vinyl-like transfer lm that had all
gun collection. More than twice my age, he’d been the swank of plastic seat covers in Grandma’s living room.
working on his own collection since boyhood, a The big .44’s look was so disturbing he immediately went
lifetime stalking gun-show aisles, browsing area shops and and fetched a blued, walnut-stocked Trooper to remind me
seeking out the Bannerman’s catalog or surplus ads in each what a “real” magnum revolver ought to look like.
new edition of The American Ri eman and Shooter’s Bible. His discriminating eye notwithstanding, I’d invite him
While it would be wrong to pigeonhole the man’s taste to to nd a aw in the sample King Cobras I’ve been shooting,
any speci c type or brand, he clearly liked Colt handguns, primarily a 3"-barrel model introduced early last year, plus
especially big old Single Action Army and Navy revolvers. I recent follow-ups, a 2" snubbie called the Carry and the
think he was disappointed I never paid them much atten- King Cobra Target, tted with a 4¼" barrel and an adjust-
tion, but nonetheless was a great help when I developed able rear sight. All three stand up to my scrutiny with
an interest in a couple of Colt semi-automatic pistols. One machining as precise and spotless as any I’ve ever seen,
summer, we searched local gun shows for a Woodsman, the and that applies to bore and inner cylinder surfaces, too.
stylish, long-running .22, before it became apparent that But it wasn’t metalworking artistry that initially sparked
that classic model was impractical and too expensive for my interest. Rather, it was how natural it felt shooting the
my ambition of joining an indoor bullseye league. So, to new King Cobra right from the start, plus the results of those
ensure that I didn’t come away empty-handed, he helped me shots—a clean sweep of a plate rack at 15 yds., not such a
acquire a surplus M1911A1 in NRA Pretty Good condition. feat for a skilled handgunner, but because of a lack of dedica-
Writing this review of Colt’s new King Cobra (yes, you’ve tion to practice, that’s not me. After that encouraging intro at
the 2019 SHOT Show range day, I was motivated to dig deeper.
heard that name before and we’ll get to that directly), I’ve
heard that name before and we’ll get to that directly), I’ve the 2019 SHOT Show range day, I was motivated to dig deeper.
been thinking quite a lot about that gentleman who was
a true “in uencer” long before Twitter or Instagram came
to be, wondering what he’d have to say about a medium-
frame, stainless steel .357 Mag. revolver markedly different KC TARGET
frame, stainless steel .357 Mag. revolver markedly different
than his favorites, but whose uted, six-shot cylinder still
than his favorites, but whose uted, six-shot cylinder still
rotates clockwise, the way God and Sam Colt intended in
making us equals.
Let’s not assume my mentor would be impressed. When
Let’s not assume my mentor would be impressed. When
it came to newly manufactured guns, he was given to old-
it came to newly manufactured guns, he was given to old- KING COBRA
man scof ng about how “they don’t make ’em like they
used to.” Before even considering feel or performance, he
would carefully inspect t and nish, and if any tooling
marks were visible, he’d nd them. One time he couldn’t
do so occurred in the ’90s when I showed him a Colt KC CARRY
The chief internal innovation with the new
“Snake Guns” is a Linear Leaf spring that
produces a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull.
50 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
Carrying The King
oncealed carry was not my only,
or even my primary, interest when
CI took on this project. Along with
that pressing consideration, two things
appealed to me. First, like my mentor,
I’m fascinated by the simple, artful
machine that is a revolver. I’m drawn
to its appearance, and I appreciate
how the mechanics perform the task
at hand. A precision-forged, stainless lightweight, yet ts the new Colts as belligerent snakes and varmints.
sixgun bearing the historic prancing well can be. (Uncle Mike’s Sidekick line After that, the trim revolver became
pony marque could be as close as I get is one place to nd these.) a regular piece of my turkey-hunting
to the riding/shooting lifestyle that Thus carried, the revolver balances kit, and for those outings I kept two
was a boyhood ideal. well on my hip, is unobtrusive and its of the Browning pest loads on deck,
Though I have an outside-the- weight barely any burden at all, part backed up with four .38 Spl. FMJs.
waistband Galco concealment holster of which, I think, is attributable to In that sense, an exposed-hammer
that works just ne, what I found the wheelgun’s mostly vertical weight revolver can do double-duty, requiring
most practical and gratifying was distribution. Wearing it while hunting little effort to switch from one type
to carry the King cowboy fashion in and doing outdoor chores is a snap. It of load to another since you can turn
an old-style belt holster. The hol- does not impede vehicle entry/egress the cylinder without ring by carefully
ster I like best is hardly vintage gun or sitting on a car seat, chair, stool or manipulating the hammer and trig-
leather, but instead a molded nylon on the ground. It’s all but unnotice- ger. The same exercise with a semi-
number that’s both inexpensive and able belly-crawling, swinging an axe automatic would require a magazine
or carrying water buckets. Yeah, it change or removing the unwanted
just feels right. There’s an undeniable rounds by ring or some other means.
peace of mind having such a stand-up Advancing a revolver cylinder may not
tool—a .357 Mag., no less—poised so be any faster than a skilled handgun-
conveniently for any contingency. ner can swap out mags, but there’s a
Taking the 3" KC for a hunt in west lot less movement and invariably it’s
Texas was rather like taking one’s quieter. Luckily, I never encountered
guitar to Nashville. I split the cylinder a threat that caused me to shoot,
between .357 hollow points and the new though I have to admit that after
Browning Trail Force, a combo of No. 9 practicing I was very curious as to
lead shot with two copper-plated discs, how those snake-shot cartridges would
for a tougher-than-status-quo answer to perform on the real thing.
Colt Turns A New Leaf
The new King Cobra (KC) is part of a comeback for Colt’s re-issue’s frame is quite stout—“heavy-duty” in company
iconic double-action revolver “Snake Guns” that began parlance—including a 0.60"-wide topstrap beveled to meet
three years ago with the reprise of an updated Cobra. In an the solid barrel rib, plus a full-length underlug with a
“American Ri eman Television” interview, Colt marketing cutout for the ejector rod. When at rest, less hammer is
VP Paul Spitale discussed the rst factory-production Snake exposed than in the earlier design. Overall dimensions of
Gun since the 1990s (note that Colt’s Custom Shop produced the 3" model are 8"x5"x1.4", and, at 28 ozs., it is one of
limited runs after that) saying, “Customers were letting the lightest in the .357 Mag., six-shot class. The longer
us know they wanted Colt double-actions, and both new
models have been wildly successful since day one. It only While there is no rear sight, per se, a square-cut channel
made sense to use our original branding, which holds such a in the topstrap aligns with the front bead for a fast,
special place in the hearts of handgun enthusiasts.” durable combination. Following Colt tradition,
As the second of the next-gen Snakes, the King likewise the cylinder turns to the right.
hatched with improvements, but in many ways remained
true to its lineage. The original production from 1986-’92
and 1994-’98, was a mid-size .357 Mag. (Colt’s V-frame) with
2½", 4", 6" or 8" barrels. It came both in blued and stainless
nish options, though most versions shared black, nger-
grooved, neoprene stocks and solid barrel ribs.
The new KC bears a close resemblance, with the notable
exception of its elongated, rectangular trigger guard big
enough for former boxers or shooters wearing gloves. The
51
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
COLT'S KING COBRA
Target variant weighs 36 ozs., while the Carry, coming with mistake it for trigger reset, but in order to reset and fully rotate
a bobbed hammer in double-action-only, is a slim 26 ozs. the cylinder, the stroke must go completely forward.
The shorter variants sport Hogue rubber Overmolded stocks While my shooting experiences with the various Kings was,
that echo the original’s but lack its embedded gold medallion. on the whole, enjoyable and without issue, I noted that potent
Nonetheless, a silver “prancing pony” inset does grace the .357 Mag. loads, though not unbearable or literally painful,
Match’s custom Altamont wood stocks, the lower portion of quickly become unpleasant. Shooting more than 15 or 20
which are stippled for grip security. The entire run is rendered rounds translated to diminishing returns in my practice sessions
in stainless steel with a brushed nish that falls between versus the milder 125-gr. loads, which I could shoot in double
the matte and bright stainless options on earlier Kings. The that number before fatigue set in. Naturally, the heftier KC
familiar markings are still there. On the left, however, “KING Target made it easier to cope, but with the shorter Carry and its
COBRA” brackets a ared serpent head on the barrel, while the increased muzzle blast, it was smart to cut off sooner.
trademark pony prances near the grip cutout. Etched on the Also, the Target model, in general, did not perform as
barrel’s right side is “COLT’S MFG HARTFORD, CT USA,” plus a well as anticipated. Not only did its trigger exhibit a bit
QC-code square on the frame’s lower front corner that adds a more pull weight—breaking at 5 lbs. even in single-action
21st century touch. As before, the cylinders are uted. mode and 9 lbs., 7 ozs., in double-action—we also expe-
Fitting of its purpose, the KC Target pairs a notched, rienced a fair bit of shavings that blasted the shooter's
adjustable rear sight with a red ber-optic front, but its hand along with a sandbag rest that received a few tears.
littermates are considerably more basic, with a squared And while it shot higher-velocity loads better, the last two
0.195"-wide channel in the topstrap aligning onto a brass rounds red would not allow the cylinder to rotate. In all
front bead. Some may question the accuracy potential, but fairness, those were handloaded 100-gr. .38 Spl. wadcut-
there’s no doubt about this set-up’s ruggedness and utility. ters at 987 f.p.s., and it appeared they had a primer-seating
Clearly Colt is prioritizing dependability for users confront- issue. Of note, the best three-shot group measured with that
ing short-range threats, and in use, one’s sole focus goes to load was 0.75", but ve-shot groups weren’t so spectacular.
the gold bead—an old-school approach to low-light sights Of course, a saving grace of .357 Mag. guns is that they also
that is fast and sure. There are no protruding edges to catch digest .38 Spl. ammunition, and so shooters can tailor their
on clothing. The bead is interchangeable via a set screw, and power level, for carry and/or for practice, according to what
the maker plans to offer options to the current brass xture suits best. Take my word that .38 wadcutters are sweet-shooting
(Brownells already has ber-optic and tritium offerings). and mostly accurate in all three KCs, and it's much the same
To reduce glare, both the topstrap and top rib surface are shooting the lesser cartridge with top defensive loads.
noticeably duller than the rest of the metalwork.
Also stout is the barrel diameter at 0.702", and its Will The King Reign Again?
slightly recessed crown is another carryover from the old The crux of all this is the question: How well will King
days. The six-groove ri ing matches that of the Cobra’s, a Cobras serve personal-protection needs? Only those open
Colt standby, according to Field Editor Wiley Clapp, likewise to revolvers for carry or home defense will get that far,
its 1:14" left-hand twist. and then primarily those insisting on .357 Mag. repower.
While the biggest upgrade isn’t visible, it will be readily That’s not a big chunk of today’s market, and not one
noticed by many shooters. Upon re-entering the Snake that’s growing; but it is a stubbornly enduring user group,
Gun business, Colt engineers developed a new mainspring as evidenced by strong sales, not only for these new entries
and trigger assembly, the double Linear Leaf, or LL2. It from Colt, but also for competing models from America’s
replaces earlier leaf springs most nd preferable to the coil biggest handgun brand names.
springs used in some revolvers by Colt and other makers, My observation after limited carry is that there’s little
which tend to “stack” or increase pressure in the course difference between the 3" standard and the 2" Carry, a
of a double-action trigger pull. Colt says the LL2 largely mere 2 ozs. And the former is a more manageable shooter
prevents that problem and, moreover, it makes the hammer in my book. That said, if one is mostly seeking a pocket
swing more linear—and thereby faster—than was the case pistol, the smaller gun sans hammer spur is the better tool.
in earlier iterations. I didn’t know all that during my rst So judge for yourself: Beyond the myriad more-concealable
go with the KC, but it was immediately apparent that in options with greater magazine capacities, comes this new
double-action mode the 9-lb., 2-oz. pull was smooth and entry in a marginally larger class that takes a markedly
quick. In single-action our test model’s trigger broke con- different tactical approach. Viva la difference.
sistently at 4 lbs., 1 oz., with no grittiness or take-up. While earlier Cobras and King Cobras weren’t considered
The ejector rod plunges 3/4" to faithfully clear the emp- particularly high-end, Colt is clearly positioning its new
ties, but some of my colleagues weren’t so keen on the cylinder wheelguns for an upscale market, blending technological
latch because it pulls rearward (in Colt fashion), and that can advances with ruggedness and mostly traditional looks.
mean shifting one’s ring grip when reloading. Also pointed Given that, it will be interesting to see if the Snake Gun
out to me—I hadn’t noticed at rst—is that the trigger return revival extends to some of the more coveted series members.
hits a tiny bump about halfway through its release stroke. For now though, suf ce it to say that the King is back and
Semi-automatic shooters used to that sort of tactile cue might offers great versatility in a portable, powerful revolver.
52 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
COLT KING COBRA
MANUFACTURER: COLT’S MFG., CO., LLC. (DEPT. AR); P.O. BOX 1868,
HARTFORD, CT 06144; (800) 962-2658; COLT.COM
8"
S MFG
S MFG
HARTFORD, CT USA
HAR TFORD, CT US A
5"
3.06"
A000000
A000000
R R RA000000
TRIGGER: DOUBLE-ACTION,
9-LB., 2-OZ. PULL; SINGLE-
ACTION TYPE: DOUBLE-ACTION, ACTION, 4-LB., 1-OZ. PULL
CENTER-FIRE REVOLVER STOCKS: HOGUE
CHAMBERING: .357 MAG. OVERMOLDED RUBBER
FRAME: STAINLESS STEEL FINISH: BRUSHED
RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE; WIDTH: 1.4" (CYLINDER)
1:14" LH TWIST WEIGHT: 28 OZS.
CYLINDER: SIX-ROUND ACCESSORIES:
SIGHTS: SQUARE-NOTCH REAR, OWNER’S MANUAL, LOCK
BRASS BEAD FRONT MSRP: $899
SHOOTING RESULTS, KING COBRA 3" (15 YDS.)
FACTORY CARTRIDGE VEL. @ 10' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
(F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
PMC SPITFIRE 987 AVG. 324 2.12 3.28 2.64
.357 MAG 150-GR. SFHP 23 SD
SIG SAUER ELITE PERFORMANCE 862 AVG. 206 1.71 2.76 2.31
.38 SPL. 125-GR. FMJ 10 SD
WINCHESTER SUPER X 1121 AVG. 441 1.88 3.42 2.63
.357 MAG. 158-GR. JHP 32 SD
AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.53
NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A CALDWELL BALLISTIC
PRECISION G2 CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT
GROUPS AT 15 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 75° F. HUMIDITY: 45%.
ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), FP (FLAT POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION),
SFHP (STARFIRE HOLLOW POINT).
SHOOTING RESULTS, KING COBRA TARGET (25 YDS.)
FACTORY CARTRIDGE VEL. @ 10' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
(F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
AMERICAN EAGLE 865 AVG. 216 1.97 3.31 2.77
.38 SPL. 130-GR. FMJ 24 SD
COLT NATIONAL MATCH 1101 AVG. 334 2.37 3.17 2.65
.38 SPL. 124-GR. FMJ FP 11 SD
WINCHESTER SUPER X 1175 AVG. 484 1.51 2.38 1.96
.357 MAG. 158-GR. JHP 21 SD
AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.46
NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A CALDWELL BALLISTIC
PRECISION G2 CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT
GROUPS AT 25 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 75° F. HUMIDITY: 45%.
ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), FP (FLAT POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION),
SFHP (STARFIRE HOLLOW POINT).
Colt didn't stray far from the original King Cobra design with its rst new .357 Mag.
revolver in 25 years. Current features (l., top to bottom) include: a simple, interchange-
able brass-bead front sight; the iconic prancing pony logo; modern QC-code markings;
and a Hogue Overmolded nger-groove Monogrip, also bearing the molded-in Colt logo.
53
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
CUSTOMIZATION
BUILT ON A FIRM
FOUNDATION
54 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photos by Forrest MacCormack
Solid as it is straight from the box, the modular nature of Ruger’s Precision Ri e
opens it up to a wide variety of customizations that can increase the functionality
of the platform.
BY KELLY YOUNG,Managing Editor
n a couple occasions now within these pages I’ve it) remained in its stock factory con guration. This
called attention to the substantial modularity of seemed to me to be both dreadfully boring and a
Ruger’s Precision Ri e (August 2015, p. 50; January 2019, wasted opportunity.
p. 46). Not only is all of the bolt-action’s furniture compat- As superb as the RPR is straight from the box, it can
ible with standard AR-platform components and its barrel still bene t from some upgrades. Below are a few prod-
replaceable using AR-style tools, but, in the years since its ucts I’ve encountered that, after testing them on my own
launch, an aftermarket of dedicated parts and accessories ri e, I feel offer enhanced functionality. Some of the
for the platform has emerged. Yet, upon opening my alterations are quick and inexpensive to pull off, some
own safe recently it dawned on me for the rst time require real elbow grease and cost nearly as much as the
that my personal rst-generation 6.5 mm Creedmoor ri e itself. But I think the variety of products presented
RPR (yes, the test sample I evaluated back in 2015 does a good job of illustrating just how many options are
impressed me enough that I felt compelled to purchase available to the RPR shooter looking for a change.
CUSTOMIZING THE RPR
55
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
1.
2.
3.
Starting from the rear of the ri e, I rst replaced
Ruger’s proprietary Precision MSR buttstock assembly
with Magpul’s polymer PRS GEN3 (1., magpul.com, $255). I next replaced the oversize factory bolt knob with an
Essentially the gold standard for xed, precision-style aftermarket unit from CTK Precision, the Ruger Precision
AR-platform buttstocks, the PRS is compatible with both Ri e Bolt Knob (3., ctkprecision.com, $46). The part con-
ri e- and carbine-length receiver extensions, the latter of sists of a 6061 hard-coat-anodized aluminum knob head at
which is used by the RPR. Both stocks are capable of tool- the end of a high-strength steel extension that is threaded
less length-of-pull and comb-height adjustment, but I nd 5/16x24 TPI. The elongated head can rotate 360 degrees,
the dual thumbwheels of the Magpul (with an audible and and an integral set screw allows it to be locked in place in
tactile click accompanying each setting detent) to be easier the orientation of the shooter’s preference. I found that con-
to use for smaller, more precise adjustments than are the guring the knob so that its widest dimension ran parallel
two cam levers employed by the Precision MSR. to the barrel was a very ergonomic setup for me, making an
The shape of the Magpul is also much more conducive to already-easy-to-run bolt even faster and more natural.
reaching back and using the support hand to help stabi- In its factory con guration, the RPR’s pivoting magazine
lize the rear of the ri e, while likewise being considerably release lever, found between the trigger guard and the maga-
more visually appealing. The PRS GEN3 also incorporates zine well, necessitates the use of the shooter’s support hand
two M-Lok-compatible accessory attachment slots into its in order to actuate it. An ambidextrous, U-shaped accessory
toe for the mounting of a folding monopod—a setup that that mounts directly onto the release lever via a single screw,
is unobtrusive when not in use—and is personally prefer- the Ruger Precision Ri e Mag Release Extension (4., $37), also
able to the exposed Picatinny rail of the Precision MSR. by CTK Precision, allows the lever to be tripped by the trig-
Replacing the factory Ruger assembly with the PRS GEN3 ger nger while maintaining a ring grip. This frees up the
did add 6 ozs. to the weight of the RPR, however, I think support hand to focus solely on the task of loading a fresh
this is a fair trade-off for a full-featured buttstock that magazine, greatly speeding up the reloading process.
both looks better and feels better in the eld. While my original barrel hadn’t yet shown any signs of
The RPR’s bolt shroud is af xed to the rear of its bolt, wearing out, it had been well used during the past four
guiding the tail of the assembly as it travels within the years, so a fresh replacement was probably not necessary,
ri e’s vacant receiver extension during manipulation; but it was timely nonetheless. Helix 6 Precision is a maker of
depending on the time of the gun’s manufacture, the part carbon- ber barrels, and, in addition to blanks in a number
is either polymer (pre-May 2016) or aluminum (post-May of bore diameters, it also offers pre- t barrels for the RPR in
2016). Anarchy Outdoors offers Bolt Shroud Replacements in 6 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm Creedmoor and .308 Win. A hand-
a number of con gurations, but the one that most caught lapped 416R stainless steel core wrapped in carbon ber
my eye was the variant constructed of uted and polished using a proprietary process, the 6.5 mm Creedmoor barrel
high-grade titanium (2., anarchyoutdoors.com, $80). (5., helix6precision.com, $1,449) I selected for this project
Available with or without provision for the RPR’s ring pin measured a consistent 0.98" along its entire length, with
tool, and sized to accommodate either the short-action button-ri ed 1:8" twist ri ing and a 5/8x24 TPI threaded
or the magnum ri es, the tightly toleranced replacement muzzle. Thanks to its carbon- ber construction, the Helix 6
shroud reduces play in the bolt, resulting in a superbly replacement barrel weighed only 2 lbs., 12 ozs., shaving 19 ozs.
smooth stroke. off the weight of the factory 4140 chrome/moly steel barrel,
despite both being 24" long; once installed, this made a tan-
6. Removal of the factory barrel gible difference in the overall heft and balance of the RPR.
required the use of a barrel While the procedure of removing the RPR’s barrel is quite
vise from Farrell Industries. simple in principle—that of loosening the barrel nut using an
The heavy-duty aluminum vise AR-15 armorer’s wrench—it was a beast in practice, as Ruger
allowed the barrel to be secured had really tightened that thing on there. The process does
in place while the barrel nut require the use of a barrel vise to secure the tube in place
was torqued around it. while the nut is torqued around it, and a heavy-duty alumi-
num vise from Farrell Industries (6., kenfarrell.com, $185)
was used for this project. Once the factory chrome/moly steel
56 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
5.
4. 8. 9.
e carbon-
e carbon-
ess
ess
ber/stainl
ber/stainl
d th
eta
eta
d been d
d been d
ch
ed an
d th
ch
ed an
muzzle brake installed, but my rst-gen ri e shipped only
ed, but m
y
stall
ed, but m
y
stall
uzzl
e br
m m
uzzl
e br
e in
e in
ak
ak
el ha
el ha
barrel had been detached and the carbon- ber/stainless muzzle brake installed, but my rst-gen ri e shipped only rst-gen ri e shipped only rst-gen ri e shipped only
barr
barr
steel substitute had been placed, it was time to determine with a thread protector in place. As the more-than-satis ed
proper headspacing of the new chamber prior to cranking owner of a Dead Air Sandman-S suppressor who had recently
the nut tight. I reached out to Forster Products for both a removed the company’s Keymount Muzzle Brake
“Go” and “No-Go” gauge (7., forsterproducts.com, $36 each) (9., deadairsilencers.com, $90) from another ri e, I felt
for the ri e’s 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge. Once the optimum that the newly renovated Ruger would make a perfect silencer
measurement had been reached, one that would not allow host. Not only is the three-chamber Keymount an effec-
the action to close on the “No-Go” gauge but that permitted tive muzzle brake in its own right, but its presence allows
hassle-free bolt throw with the “Go” gauge chambered, the for one-handed installation of my can—and, in my opinion,
barrel nut was tightened and locked in place, and I moved the quickest way to upgrade any rearm is to suppress it. The
my attention on to the fore-end. Creedmoor is not a harsh-recoiling cartridge to begin with, and
A rst-run model, my RPR came from the company with the Keymount, either with or without the attendant suppres-
a round, free- oating Samson Evolution handguard with sor, cuts down felt recoil through this sizeable ri e dramati-
KeyMod slots at the 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions and a full- cally; the scope’s crosshairs never leave the target.
length Picatinny rail running along the top. Ruger quickly With the makeover complete, it was time to venture to the
abandoned this fore-end in favor of an M-Lok-compatible range to see just how well everything performed together. But
model with no Pic rail, and by substituting in the Catalyst before I started a formal accuracy evaluation, the necessary but
Arms Fast Track (8., catalystarms.com, $220) onto my tedious task of seasoning the barrel had to be slogged through.
personal gun, I have done essentially the same thing. For optimal performance of its barrel, Helix 6 Precision has
Omitting the 12-o’clock rail considerably increases scope developed a recommended break-in procedure that burnishes
clearance, and, in addition to M-Lok on both sides and the throat/leade area of the chamber before copper and carbon
the bottom surface, a 1.5" dovetail has been cut into fouling have the opportunity to deposit themselves there. It
the 6-o’clock face to provide Arca-Swiss-mount compat- essentially requires re-cleaning with copper-solvent-soaked
ibility. In addition to short-action RPRs, the Fast Track’s patches and bronze brushes after every three shots for the rst
dual-barrel-nut design also accommodates AR-15s with 50 or so rounds of ammunition red through the tube. And
low-pro le gas blocks. despite my general impatience when it comes to things stand-
Finally, with the new barrel and handguard in place, all ing between me and shooting, over the course of about four
that was left for the assembly phase was to nd an appropri- hours, I did follow the company’s guidance to the letter.
ate muzzle device. Latter-day RPRs come from Ruger with a continued on p. 74
SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.) PERSONALIZED RPR
Once the new
carbon- ber 6.5 MM CREEDMOOR VEL. @ 15' ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
barrel was in CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
place, “Go” and REMINGTON PM 2707 AVG. 2,278 0.44 0.68 0.53
“No-Go” gauges 140-GR. OTM 12 SD
from Forster SIG SAUER EMG 2744 AVG. 2,340 0.58 0.76 0.67
Products 140-GR. OTM 11 SD
were used to WINCHESTER MATCH 2667 AVG. 2,211 0.42 0.88 0.65
con rm proper 140-GR. BTHP 8 SD
headspace. AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 0.62
NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER AN OEHLER 36 CHRONOGRAPH
AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS.
FROM A CALDWELL REST. TEMPERATURE: 80° F. HUMIDITY: 14%. ABBREVIATIONS: BTHP
(BOAT-TAIL HOLLOW POINT), EMG (ELITE MATCH GRADE), OTM (OPEN-TIP MATCH),
7. PM (PREMIER MATCH), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).
57
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
HISTORICAL
Sergeant Stanley G. Tiemann of
the U.S. Army’s 546th Engineer
Detachment at Ft. Lewis, Wash., is
shown here sighting a T3 carbine
with an M2 infrared vision scope.
58 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
100
50
Piercing The
Darkness
The U.S. T3 Carbine
Built as a response to Japanese night-in ltration tactics
in the Paci c, the T3 carbine tted with the infrared
“Sniperscope, M2” may have looked like a Buck Rogers
ray gun, but it saved American lives in the closing days
of World War II.
BY BRUCE N. CANFIELD, FIELD EDITOR
59
U.S. Army Photo AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
U. S. T3 CARBINE
or countless centuries, ghting men have used
the cloak of darkness for concealment from their
adversaries. Various methods were devised to
counter this advantage, including torches, ares,
rockets and, later, searchlights, but these proved to be
ineffective for a variety of reasons. World War I resulted in
renewed interest in the development of night-vision tech-
nology, but no notable advances were forthcoming by the
time of the Armistice.
Early in World War II, the Germans developed some
rather rudimentary night-vision devices, but, due to the
size and weight of the equipment, their use was initially
restricted primarily to tanks and other vehicles. The Soviet
Union also experimented with night vision circa 1942, but
little progress was made by the time the war ended.
When the United States entered World War II and our
troops were deployed to the Paci c Theater, it became pain- scope added rather signi cant weight and bulk, and a car-
fully apparent that the Japanese were masters in nighttime bine tted with the relatively cumbersome infrared sight
in ltration tactics. It was equally apparent that effective would be easier to handle than a heavier ri e, such as the
night-vision devices would be extremely helpful in combating M1 Garand.
this very real threat. In June 1943, the Army Ground Forces Headquarters had
To that end, in 1943, the U.S. Army Engineer Board at developed a carbine tted with a telescopic sight to deter-
Fort Belvoir, Va., began development of an infrared sight mine the feasibility of a lightweight sniper ri e. The Inland
to provide night-vision capability to our troops. The Army Mfg. Division of General Motors fabricated a carbine with
engineers devised a rather rudimentary instrument con- integral scope mount brazed onto the receiver and tted
sisting of an electronic telescope and sealed-beam light, with a Weaver M73B1 telescope as used with the Remington
somewhat similar to an automobile headlight, tted with M1903A4 sniper ri e. The prototype “sniper carbine” was
an infrared lter. A lead-acid battery to power the device designated the M1E7. Extensive testing was conducted at
was carried in a canvas knapsack. An improved version of Aberdeen Proving Ground from early November 1943 to
the infrared sight was designated as the T120. January 1944. The results were not impressive, and the
The Army eventually decided that an M1 carbine with M1E7 telescopic-sighted carbine was not recommended
a suitable mount to accommodate the sight would be a for further service testing or adoption. However, it was
satisfactory platform for such use. Since night shooting recognized that the basic design of the modi ed “sniper
would typically be at relatively close range, the .30 Carbine carbine” would be ideal for use with the infrared sight.
cartridge was believed to be adequate. Also, the infrared Inland was selected to develop a carbine based on the
experimental M1E7, with an integral receiver mount to
accommodate the infrared sight. The modi ed carbine
The 1950s-era
T3 carbine
with an M3
infrared scope
was issued in
a storage chest
and came with
a backpack
carrier for the
powerpack and
battery.
60 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co.
The T3 carbine, tted
with the M2 infrared
scope, was used in the
Paci c Theater during
the closing days of
World War II. The bat-
tery dwarfed the gun.
tted with the T120 scope and infrared lamp was tested by
the Ordnance Dept. Engineering Board and recommended
for limited procurement on Feb. 17, 1944, as the “Carbine,
Caliber .30, T3, Sniperscope.” The recommendation was
approved on March 16, 1944.
The rst production contract for 1,700 T3 carbines was
granted to Inland, but the company manufactured only
811 before the contract was terminated due to the war
ending. Likewise, Winchester Repeating Arms Co. subse- The early T120 infrared
quently received production contracts for 5,160 T3 carbines scope was later standardized
but turned out only 1,108 by the time the contracts were as the “M1” (above). It was
cancelled soon after V-J Day. The Inland and Winchester T3 followed by the M2 infrared
carbines were very similar except for some con gurational scope (above, r.). There was
differences in the integral sight bases and, of course, the also a handheld M1 infrared
manufacturer markings. The right side of the rear sight “Snooperscope” (r.).
base was marked “US CARBINE/CAL .30 T3.” The Inland and
Winchester T3 carbines were serially numbered in special
blocks separate from the standard M1 and M2 carbines sights mounted on the T3 carbines, there was a hand-held
made by the two contractors. version, dubbed the “Snooperscope,” that was intended for
The original T120 infrared scope, later designated as the observational purposes. The Sniperscope and Snooperscope
“Sniperscope M1,” was followed by an improved version, the instruments were dubbed “Milly” and “Molly.”
“Sniperscope M2.” However, the latter version saw little, if The only signi cant difference between the T3 carbines
any, combat use in World War II. In addition to the infrared and the standard M1 carbine was the integral scope mounts
on the receiver and the con guration of the stock. All T3
carbines were semi-automatic and did not have selective-
The M1E7 carbine’s re capability. A cone-shaped ash hider, rst designated
receiver was modi- as the “T23,” was approved for standardization as the
ed for a sniper “Hider Flash, M3” on March 9, 1945, but none were put
scope. While not into production before the end of the war. After the war,
adopted, it became the M3 ash hiders were manufactured by Spring eld
the basis for the Armory and the Underwood Co., and these saw a sub-
T3 receiver’s inte- stantial amount of use with the later post-war infrared-
gral scope mount. capable carbines.
William W. Garstang, one of the individuals involved
in the development of T120 infrared scope, related in an
article he penned for the April 1946 issue of The Electronic
Beacon that the Electronics Laboratory produced 1,700
infrared scopes in World War II and built a total of 4,500
61
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
U. S. T3 CARBINE
before the company was sold to another rm in 1947. It is to the end of the war. Even though more than 1,900 T3
reported that all 1,700 of the wartime infrared scopes were carbines and some 1,700 infrared sights were made during
slated to be sent to either Okinawa or the Philippines. the war, only about 200 made it overseas and saw active
Garstang reported “[U]ntil mid-1946, the performance combat use for a few months in the later Paci c campaigns.
of the Sniperscope and Snooperscope, known to the GIs Nevertheless, they in icted many more enemy casualties
as Milly and Molly, was little known. However, they were than would be expected given the numbers employed.
used in the invasion of Okinawa, on Luzon and in the The infrared-capable T3 carbines were undoubtedly
nal cleanup of the Philippines. They effectively stopped a revelation to the American troops who had, rightly,
all (night) in ltration and eliminated one of the worst feared Japanese night in ltration tactics since the early
features of the Paci c warfare … .” Guadalcanal campaign. It is unfortunate the infrared sights
Nighttime in ltration by the Japanese had been a cause weren’t available in 1942, but advances in technology can-
of much concern for American troops throughout the war, not always be rushed.
and the infrared-sight-equipped T3 carbine was tailor-made The Germans, too, developed a number of infrared
to counter such tactics. Sniper historian and author Peter night-vision instruments for vehicle, aircraft and re-
Senich elaborated on the successful combat use of the control applications. Well before the end of the war, the
infrared sights in World War II: “A night-vision capacity Germans started development of an infrared night-vision
was to prove particularly effective in combating Japanese sight for their Maschinenpistole 43 (MP43) assault ri e,
in ltration tactics conducted during periods of darkness which was given the marvelous nickname Vampir (vam-
in the Paci c. It was reported during the rst seven days pire). The Wehrmacht had anticipated the use of infrared
of action of the Okinawa Campaign that the Sniperscope night-vision small arms sights by the Allies and produced
(infrared) accounted for approximately 30 percent of the about 10,000 hand-held devices that could detect infrared
total Japanese casualties in icted by small arms re. light sources. However, combat use of infrared night-vision
Combat reports cite approaching groups of Japanese being sights for rearms by the Germans was virtually nil and did
thoroughly decimated while attempting to pick their way not create any signi cant problems for the Allied forces.
through American lines. From that point forward, night Following the conclusion of World War II, the U.S. mili-
activity of the Imperial Japanese solider was to be in - tary continued development of improved infrared night-
nitely more hazardous. Although several thousand infrared vision sights. Very few genuine T3 carbines have survived,
units were manufactured during World War II, only about as virtually all were destroyed (“demillled”) by torch-
200 were actually employed in the South Paci c. The cutting after being withdrawn from service after the war.
Japanese military, cognizant of the infrared principles and In lieu of the specially made T3 carbine, a separate mounting
techniques, was, in fact, developing units for small-arms bar for the infrared sights that could be attached to standard
use late in the war. However, operational devices were not M1 or M2 carbines was developed. The mounting bar was
known to be employed in actual combat.” installed by attaching the rear portion into the carbine’s
Combat use of the infrared-sighted T3 carbine and dovetail sight base (after removing the rear sight) and
its effectiveness during the Okinawa campaign was also clamping the front to the barrel. The only modi cation
discussed in Robert Rush’s book GI: The U.S. Infantryman required to the standard carbine was an oval hole milled
In World War II, “There was a lot of talk about a new into the handguard to accommodate the front barrel clamp.
weapon some of the members of the Intelligence and The light source was mounted on top of the scope as eld
Reconnaissance Platoon were carrying. It looked to many reports from World War II indicated that the infrared lamp
like one of Buck Rogers’ ray guns, with a large dish mounted on the bottom of the stock could sometimes be
mounted beneath a … carbine and a large ashlight on top obscured by foliage. After the war, the M1 and M2 infrared
with a power cable leading to a metal box carried in a back- sights still in inventory were modi ed to relocate the light
pack. They called it a ‘sniperscope’ for good reason, and the source above the scope.
Army had developed it for the sole purpose of thwarting The M2 carbine retro tted with the modi ed M1 or M2
Japanese in ltration. Using this weapon, a soldier could infrared night-vision sights with the attached separate
see in the dark to a range of about 70 yds. (64 m), with mounting bar was standardized as the “Carbine, Caliber
objects appearing in the scope in various shades of green. .30, M3.” This change in nomenclature has resulted in
About 30 percent of the total Japanese casualties in icted some misunderstanding as the World War II T3 carbine is
through ri e re during the rst weeks of the Okinawa sometimes confused with the post-war M3 carbine. The
operation were from the sniperscope … . Although they two are differentiated by the fact the T3 had a special
were heavy and bulky, it was nice to sit in a concealed receiver with integral mounts and was semi-automatic
position and watch the green images of Japanese soldiers only, while the M3 was a M2 carbine (either a purpose-
creep forward. A quick blast … and another enemy soldier made M2 or a M1 converted by means of a T18-type kit)
lay dead. After a few nights, they discovered rain and night with the mounting bar added and equipped with an
illumination tended to cut down the scope’s ef ciency.” infrared night-vision sight.
Apparently, none of the T3 carbines and their infra- In the very early 1950s, an improved infrared night-
red scopes were deployed to the European Theater prior vision sight, the “M3,” was adopted and of cially
62 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
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able deterioration of their almost
70-year-old electrical components.
Technological improvements even-
tually resulted in greatly improved
infrared night vision devices that
could be used on the M1 and M14 Jim Sursely
ri es. Later “passive” night-vision
devices using highly ampli ed ambi-
ent light, such as moonlight and even
star light, for night vision capability
were developed and saw use primarily
with the M14 and M16 ri es. Today,
the U.S. military makes extensive
use of a host of modern night vision
devices and their utilization is gener-
ally taken for granted.
E
E
T
E
R
R
R
A
A
I A
I AM A VETERANN
I A
A
E
E
E
N
N
I A
M A V
M A V
T
T
M A V
Night-vision technology has come
a long way since 1945. However, I A M A V E T E R A N
AND THIS
T
A A A
HIS
HIS
HIS
T
D
D
D
N
T
N
N
the lineage of U.S. military night-
vision-equipped arms can be traced A N D T HIS
directly back to the T3 carbine and
O
O
.
.
Y
.
R
R
O
Y
Y
R
Y V
S M
Y V
Y V
IS MY VICTORY.
I I I
S M
S M
I
T
C
T
T
I
I
C
C
its infrared sight elded in the clos-
ing months of the Paci c War. While I S M Y V I C T O R Y .
today’s high-tech night-vision devices
are vastly superior to the now-
antique infrared sights used in the
latter stages of World War II, Milly “My victory is proving that a disability is not a limitation.” After
and Molly were welcomed with open losing an arm and both legs to a land mine, DAV helped Jim put life
arms by the American ghting men back together. Every year, DAV helps more than one million veterans
who heretofore had been at the mercy of all generations in life-changing ways—connecting them to the
of the darkness when battling their health, disability, and financial benefits they’ve earned. Help
support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.
stealthy Japanese adversaries.
63
Courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
11254_DAV_NRA_4.4375x4.75_Jim_4C.indd 1 5/10/16 11:36 AM
DOPE BAG
EAA MC312
enelli’s patent on the inertia the gun is red, it begins to move provide suf cient guidance in the
operating system has run its rearward; within the bolt is a strong disassembly of the gun. With the
Bcourse, and we are now see- spring that holds the rotating bolt barrel removed, the handle is pulled
ing near clones of the Super Black head rmly in battery with the lock- away from the bolt, allowing it to
Eagle on the market from a number ing recesses at the barrel’s breech. then slide out of the receiver. At the
of shotgun makers, including the By the time the spring’s tension is rear of the bolt is a cross pin that
Turkish-made Girsan MC312 reviewed overcome, the ejecta (shot and wad) is drifted out while the ring pin is
here. Imported by European American have exited the muzzle, and the bolt held in its forward position, and is
Armory Corp., this 12-ga. scattergun begins moving rearward, driven by the then released slowly—as the tension
offers inertial operation at a fraction remaining recoil. provided by the spring can propel the
of the cost of its Italian forebear. The bolt then extracts the red ring pin across the room if you’re
The inertia system is nothing new, shell, which is kicked out by the ejec- not careful. Following removal of the
as it was rst developed by and used tor nub, and, if a fresh shell is present ring pin and spring, the bolt index
in Danish gunsmith Carl Sjörgren’s in the magazine, it triggers the bolt pin is removed and the bolt head
Normal shotgun in 1903, the same release, reloading the gun. The bolt slides out. The MC312 can be cleaned,
year John M. Browning’s Automatic-5 locks open when the last shell is red. lightly lubed and re-assembled in the
hit the market. In function it’s a When empty, the two-piece carrier reverse order.
simple system with few parts. When necessitates the tripping of the carrier Drifting out a one-way pin releases
latch, located on the right side of the the trigger group. The guard is of a
forward portion of the trigger guard, composite material with metal work-
allowing the bolt to be locked open. ing parts. The cross-bolt-style, trigger-
This style of action is very easy block safety is located in the guard
to clean, as there are few parts, immediately behind the trigger. Of
and the MC312’s owner’s manual real interest is that the trigger of the
includes exploded drawings to test gun was amazingly crisp, breaking
Thanks to the simplicity of its inertia-driven action, the EAA MC312 is easy to disassemble
into a few subassemblies (below) for routine cleaning. Sights consist of a serrated, ventilated
rib with a red ber-optic pipe near the muzzle (l.).
64 64 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
2020
F
RIFLEMAN
EBRUAR
Y
AMERICAN
EAA MC312
IMPORTER: EAA CORP. (DEPT. AR), P.O. BOX 3008, COCOA, FL 32924; (321) 639-4842; EAACORP.COM
49.75"
2.25" 1.38"
28"
14.25"
GAUGE: 12; 3½" WEIGHT: 6 LBS., 15 OZS.
RECEIVER: ALUMINUM ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, FIVE CHOKE
STOCK: BLACK SYNTHETIC TUBES, CHOKE TUBE CASE AND WRENCH,
MANUFACTURER: GIRSAN (TURKEY) MAGAZINE: FIVE-ROUND TUBULAR TWO-SHOT PLUG
ACTION TYPE: INERTIA-OPERATED, SIGHTS: VENT RIB WITH RED FIBER-OPTIC PIPE MSRP: $399
SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN TRIGGER: 5-LB., 3-OZ. PULL
SHOOTING RESULTS (40 YDS.)
RIO TOP GAME STANDARD VELOCITY
12-GA., 2¾", 1¼-OZ., NO. 6
AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 290
MEASURED VELOCITY @ 4 FT.: 1291 F.P.S.
AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS
17 13
22 22
22 24
18 18
Capable of chambering 2¾ ", 3" and 3½ " shells (r.), the MC312 comes with a set of ve
choke tubes and a case that includes a wrench (l.) within which to store them.
= POINT OF HOLD
cleanly at an average of 5 lbs., and perhaps an 1/8" more drop. This MODIFIED (0.702")
3 ozs., as measured with a Lyman gun does not include stock-adjusting
Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, with abso- shims, but add-on stock pads can be 21" INNER CIRCLE: 90 (31%)
lutely no preliminary take-up. used to change the point of impact. 30" OUTER RING: 66 (23%)
The polymer stock and fore-end We then shot patterns using Rio TOTAL HITS: 156 (54%)
have molded checkering, and that 1¼-oz. No. 6 lead game loads, a
on the fore-end is suf ciently coarse popular pheasant and rabbit shell. The One could expect good results hunting
to enable a good grip—less so on MC312 comes with ve choke tubes with this combination. We also shot
the semi-pistol-grip stock. Also marked with both names and stars some clay targets, and compensating
molded into the buttstock is a sling that also match notches at the muzzle slightly for the higher pattern place-
swivel that mates with another on for quick recognition. We measured ment, scored very well. Although this
the magazine cap for hands-free their constrictions based on the is a 3½"-chambered semi-automatic,
carrying. The ventilated rib mounts cylinder bore of 0.724" with a digital it bears mention that it functioned
a luminescent bar-style front sight. bore micrometer: cylinder, 0.004"; very well shooting clays with 2¾",
Our test sample was the black improved cylinder, 0.011"; modi ed, 7/8-oz. No. 8 Rio light target loads.
model, however, a camou age ver- 0.022"; improved modi ed, 0.031"; We did notice a good bit of recoil
sion is also offered by EAA. and full, 0.038"—all very close to with the heavier loads due to the
We took the MC312 to the range standard speci cations. light weight of this aluminum-
and rst shot it at the 16-yd. tting For pattern testing we used the receiver gun, and the solid rubber
plate. We found this gun shot about modi ed tube, as it would best match recoil pad didn’t do a great deal to
3" high and 3" to the left, indicating hunting conditions. The patterns were soften the recoil. One might consider
a correction of 3/16ths more cast off quite uniform, with center density. adding a pre- t high-performance
pad, especially if one is bold enough
to shoot 3½" magnums.
For the low MSRP of $399 the EAA
MC312 would be a good gun to take
into rough elements or to keep in the
Employing an inertia-driven operating system, truck’s tool box just in case you spot
EAA’s MC312 is one of the least expensive a pheasant in a brushy corner or geese
shotguns of its type on the market. coming into the eld.
65
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
DOPE BAG
TAURUS RAGING HUNTER
nce a rarity, pistols with optics centers it to the barrel. The design out the seven-shot cylinder to ensure
have become commonplace results in an overall lighter package it was empty, we further observed the
Oin both the sport shooting that is far less front-heavy than tradi- black-oxide nish of both it and the
and defensive carry realms. Out in tional revolvers of this size. Four ports frame. In addition to all-black models
the eld, hunting with a handgun have been drilled into each side of the like this one, two-tone Raging Hunters
has been popular ever since sports- barrel’s muzzle, as have elongated slots are also available. Dry- ring the gun
men rst realized that dragging a on the sides of the shroud, allowing a gave us a feel for the overall heft and
ri e through dense woods wasn’t portion of the escaping gases to travel revealed the transfer bar safety that
always necessary in situations where upward—helping to tame felt recoil and ensures the magnum revolver is drop-
most shots are taken within 50 yds. counteract muzzle ip. safe. With the hammer cocked, we
Naturally, it was only a matter of time The Raging Hunter’s reduced weight were also able to observe the frame-
before these two notions merged, should not be mistaken for reduced mounted ring pin.
and Taurus’ answer is the optic-ready strength, however, as it features dual Of course, the Taurus Raging Hunter
Raging Hunter line of revolvers. cylinder locks. A secondary unit located is a double-action revolver that can
Offered initially only in .44 Mag., the in the crane locks into the frame for- also be red in single-action by manu-
company expanded the line in 2019 ward of the cylinder to increase overall ally cocking the hammer. After some
to include multiple .357 Mag.- and rigidity. This relationship helps to dry- re practice to both get a better
.454 Casull-chambered models—an absorb the stress created by the energy feel for the gun and to smooth out the
8.44"-barreled version of the former of the igniting cartridge. Having a lock trigger, we used a trigger pull gauge
being the subject of this review. both fore and aft of the cylinder also to measure the trigger’s break in both
Considering the additional heft improves the alignment of the bore to double-action and single-action modes;
of an optic, it’s important for manu- the chamber, which in turn improves the former yielded an average result
facturers to keep the weight of their accuracy. Once locked in place, the of 15 lbs., while manually thumbing
large-frame revolvers down at man- Raging Hunter employs a recess in the hammer back reduced the force
ageable levels, which was a driving the barrel shroud to keep the ejector needed to drop the hammer to 7 lbs.,
premise behind the Raging Hunter line. rod protected from being bent against 6 ozs. Despite both gures being rela-
Taurus engineers endeavored to keep impact with foreign objects. tively heavy, the pulls were pleasantly
the Raging Hunter’s weight in check Our test revolver consisted of a smooth; regardless of whether the
through the use of a lightweight stain- black alloy-steel frame and a hard- hammer was cocked or not, there was
less steel barrel surrounded by an alu- anodized barrel assembly. As we swung absolutely zero creep or slack.
minum-alloy shroud. During the manu-
facturing process, the barrel is rst
threaded onto the revolver’s frame, and
then the shroud is assembled over it.
As it’s attached, the shroud slips over a
post on the frame that ensures correct
sight alignment. This Picatinny-rail- The Raging Hunter’s peg-style grip
clad overlay is then secured to the frame accepts a one-piece polymer
barrel via a threaded bushing/nut that stock held in place by a single screw.
66 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
TAURUS RAGING HUNTER
IMPORTER: TAURUS INT’L MFG. INC. (DEPT. AR), 100 TAURUS WAY,
BAINBRIDGE, GA 39817; (800) 327-3776; TAURUSUSA.COM
14.5"
MIAMI, FL-USA
MIAMI, FL-USA
6.25" 8.44"
URUS ARM
TAURUS ARMAS AS MR000000
T
A
MR000000
M MADE IN BRAZIL 375H
ADE IN BR
AZIL
375H
SIGHTS: FIXED POST FRONT,
MANUFACTURER: TAURUS (BRAZIL) ADJUSTABLE-BLADE REAR
ACTION TYPE: DOUBLE-ACTION, TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION, 7-LB.,
CENTER-FIRE REVOLVER 6-OZ. PULL; DOUBLE-ACTION,
CHAMBERING: .357 MAG. 15-LB. PULL
CYLINDER CAPACITY: SEVEN ROUNDS WIDTH: 1.77" (CYLINDER)
FRAME: STEEL; WEIGHT: 58.5 OZS.
BLACK-OXIDE FINISH ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL,
RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE; LOCK, REAR SIGHT PROTECTOR
The Raging Hunter has a seven-shot 1:16.5" RH TWIST MSRP: $910
cylinder (top) that swings open when
dual cylinder locks on the left side of the
frame are actuated. SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)
.357 MAG. VEL. @ MUZZLE ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES)
In familiarizing ourselves with CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE
the gun, we also took notice of the AGUILA 1310 AVG. 602 1.26 1.49 1.35
ultra-comfortable stock employed by 158-GR. SJSP 9 SD
this revolver. Held in place by a single REMINGTON HTP 1390 AVG. 678 1.23 1.29 1.25
screw, the entire component is molded 158-GR. SJHP 32 SD
from soft-touch rubber, and a cush-
ioned red insert along the backstrap SIG V-CROWN 1571 AVG. 685 3.56 4.38 3.85
125-GR. JHP
17 SD
proved to be very effective in absorb-
ing the Raging Hunter’s recoil. AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.15
While adding an optic to most NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A SHOOTING CHRONY
pistols requires some modi cation to CHRONOGRAPH AT THE MUZZLE. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-
the gun, the Raging Hunter’s Picatinny SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS. FROM A CALDWELL BR COMPETITION FRONT SHOOTING
REST. TEMPERATURE: 59° F. HUMIDITY 50%. ABBREVIATIONS: HTP (HIGH TERMINAL
rail allows for effortless installation PERFORMANCE), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), SJHP
of your favorite red-dot sight or even (SEMI-JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SJSP (SEMI-JACKETED SOFT POINT).
a pistol scope. Our test pistol’s 8.44"
barrel length afforded us 13 slots with consistently landing within 1.5" of one Overall, we thought Taurus did a
which to place the Bushnell Advance another. The SIG ammunition did not great job in making a hunting revolver
Micro Re ex Sight used during testing. group well, but was likely designed that is accurate and far less cumber-
Although optics are desirable they are for smaller defensive pistols. Our best some than similar-sized handguns on
not mandatory, as the Raging Hunter group belonged to the Remington HTP the market. We were impressed with
comes with a fully adjustable rear 158-gr. semi-jacketed hollow points, how light the recoil was and how
sight and a xed front post, allowing and measured only 1.23". Overall han- enjoyable it was to send more than
the user to dial-in and hit the eld dling was excellent, as the ported bar- 300 rounds of .357 Mag. ammunition
immediately. rel, combined with the recoil-reducing downrange in a single session. The
On the range we tested ammuni- stock, really took the pain out of the Taurus Raging Hunter is an excep-
tion of various bullet weights and typical magnum shooting experience. tional revolver for those handgun
pro les from Remington, SIG and The reduced muzzle ip also allowed hunters looking to take whitetail at
Aguila. We red in both double-action us to spot hits as they landed on our short range, and the enjoyable ergo-
and single-action for function testing, target, something essential when con- nomics leave no excuse to not practice
however, all accuracy testing was per- rming impact on game. all year ‘ round.
formed in single-action to help elimi-
nate shooter error. While function The American Ri eman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend
Whelen rst titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used
was awless across all three brands of by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the ring line. “Sight dope” also was a
ammunition, the Raging Hunter was traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction
picky when it came to which was the was called “doping the wind.”
most accurate. WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based
on the limited experience of individuals under speci c conditions and circumstances. They do not detail
We found that the Aguila and the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to
Remington loads produced the best properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult
groups of the day, with ve shots comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures,
techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.
67
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
INSIDE NRA | ILA REPORT
Crooked California: Bad Gun-Control Laws
Once Again Foster Official Corruption
LATEST n news that will not shock gun-rights Further, the manufacturer must pay an annual
supporters, the anti-gun utopia of California fee for the firearm to remain on the roster.
LEGISLATIVE I has provided further evidence that unjust As some firearms are not designed with
gun-control laws invite official corruption. the mechanisms California requires, they
NEWS FROM
According to a press release from the cannot meet the state’s criteria and are
INSIDE THE NRA U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District unavailable for sale to the general public.
of California, former San Diego County Penal Code § 32000 includes an exemption
INSTITUTE FOR Sheriff’s Captain Marco Garmo was arrested for the sale or purchase of off-roster handguns
LEGISLATIVE Nov. 22 for allegedly using his position to to “sworn members” of “the Department
circumvent the state’s “roster of certified of Justice, a police department, a sheriff’s
ACTION handguns.” Further, another individual official, a marshal’s office,” as well as other law
allegedly made “unlawful payments” to a enforcement agencies.
member of the county’s “CCW processing The press release indicated that Garmo
staff” to assist in the acquisition of may-issue was allegedly working with local jeweler
California Concealed Weapons Permits. Leo Hamel and Federal Firearms Licensee
Readers should note that at press time, Giovanni Tilotta to acquire and sell off-roster
some of those mentioned in this article had handguns to those who would not qualify for
yet to be convicted of the crimes which the an exemption under Penal Code § 32000. In
state or federal government has accused describing the scheme, the report explained,
them of committing. “As part of his guilty plea, Leo Hamel, the
California Penal Code § 32000 provides owner of Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, admitted to
a penalty for a person “who manufactures purchasing a variety of off-roster handguns from
or causes to be manufactured, imports into Garmo, and engineered a series of ‘straw pur-
the state for sale, keeps for sale, offers or chases’ in which Garmo would falsely certify that
exposes for sale, gives, or lends an unsafe he was acquiring an ‘off-roster’ gun for himself
handgun.” The state maintains a “roster” of when in truth he was purchasing it for Hamel.
“safe” handguns that have met the anti-gun Hamel further admitted that he acquired several
jurisdiction’s criteria for sale. firearms from Garmo without proper documen-
In order for a handgun to be certified for tation through bogus, long-term firearm ‘loans’
sale, a firearm manufacturer must send an in exchange for money—which were sales in all
example of the handgun to a U.S. Department but name. Hamel agreed in his plea to conduct-
of Justice certified laboratory for testing. ing straw purchases with Garmo and Lt. Fred
Handguns must meet a drop-test requirement Magana, and to planning with Garmo and Tilotta
and include certain mechanisms, including to construct a false paper trail to make it appear
unavailable microstamping technology. that the straw purchases were legitimate…”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney
Peter Mazza speaks to
reporters on Nov. 22, 2019
during a press conference in
San Diego after federal agents
arrested Marco Garmo, a
former captain in the San
Diego County Sheriff’s
Department, who was charged
with operating an illegal
firearms trafficking business.
Photo by Gregory Bull/AP Images
ILA Grassroots:
(800) 392-8683
NRA-ILA: (703) 267-1170
NRA-ILA website: nraila.org
68 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
The release also noted that “Garmo received an explicit
warning” from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Elvie
Explosives (ATF) “that excessive resales for profit could violate
federal law.” Under federal law, a person engaged in the sale Shane
of firearms “with the principal objective of livelihood and
profit” must obtain a Federal Firearms License.
The indictment of Garmo also alleged that the former is
sheriff’s captain was engaged in an elaborate scheme
involving kickbacks from “consultant” Waiel Anton. The feds
have accused Anton of working with a member of the county’s
permit processing staff to fast track the Concealed Weapons
Permit applications of certain individuals. The release noted:
“Anton aided and abetted Garmo’s unlicensed firearms
dealing by helping Garmo’s firearms buyers apply for permits
to carry a concealed weapon (‘CCW’) as part of Anton’s
‘consulting’ business. In exchange, the indictment alleges
that Anton received cash payments from his clients and then
paid a kickback to Garmo for referrals. The benefit of Anton’s f you dig a good ole country tune infused with the soul of
‘consulting’ arrangement was to secure early appointments Southern Rock, you’re going to love Elvie Shane, one of the
for his clients to avoid the substantial backlog of CCW I newest artists signed to Broken Bow Records in Nashville.
applicants—a benefit that Anton provided by leveraging his The Kentucky native caught the attention of Music City execs Photo courtesy Elvie Shane
relationship with a member of the CCW processing staff to with his song “My Boy,” a beautifully written tune about a
whom he had made an unlawful cash payment.” father’s unconditional love for his stepson. Inspired by real-life
In California, local permitting authorities are given significant experiences, Shane uses his storytelling to reach his audience
leeway in the issuance of Concealed Weapons Permits. As through his music. His firsthand knowledge of working in the
a result, some jurisdictions operate shall-issue permitting mills helps Shane relate to the small town working man. Shane
regimes, whereby permits are issued to all applicants who meet loves the outdoors and is quick to note his respect for the hunt.
a discrete set of predictable criteria. Other jurisdictions operate NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi threw a few questions at one of
may-issue regimes, whereby a permit may be denied for any the hottest emerging artists in Nashville.
number of subjective criteria and applicants are forced to justify
a “good cause” for exercising their Right-to-Carry. VS: Do you have a favorite personal firearm?
Such may-issue permitting regimes invite corruption. Back ES: My favorite gun is an heirloom shotgun passed down from
in 2016, a wide-ranging federal probe of the New York Police my Great-Grandpa Elvie. He hand-checkered the stock with a
Department uncovered a New York City gun-license bribery pocketknife and everyone who’s had it has added something
scheme. According to the federal indictment in that case, to it, such as a pearl heart imbedded in the bottom of the grip.
applicants paid a person who had influence with the NYPD
VS: Does your time in the woods influence your
License Division $18,000 to facilitate issuance of gun licenses.
Authorities later uncovered further evidence of corruption songwriting?
involving so-called “gun-license expeditors.” According to ES: I do my best songwriting in a little cabin built by my
a complaint in that case, members of the License Division father-in-law smack dab in the middle of Daniel Boone National
“sought and/or obtained cash, paid vacations, personal Forest. I try to make it out there as often as possible. It always
jewelry, catered parties, guns, gun paraphernalia and other delivers.
benefits from multiple expediters.”
In the San Diego case, federal authorities alleged that VS: What’s your favorite hunting season?
“Garmo’s business of firearms dealing as undertaken for ES: I would have to say deer season in Kentucky. I always block
both financial profit and to cultivate future donors for his off a week to be able to go up and sit in the blind with my little
anticipated campaign for Sheriff of San Diego County.” brother. We haven’t harvested a deer together in five years,
As NRA-ILA has previously noted, police corruption in the but we have a hell of a lot of fun.
administration of gun laws is detestable, but merely a symptom
of the underlying problem. It is California’s restrictive handgun VS: When can we expect new music?
laws and may-issue concealed weapons permit regime that ES: We’re working on an EP that will be released in a few
allows those tasked with enforcing the law to use it for their months. I came into all of this on a mission to give a voice to
political and pecuniary advantage. what I believe to be a forgotten demographic. There’s even
a song called “Country Roads” with my high school chorus in
Grayson County, Ky., singing about growin’ up in rural America.
IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS
November 1 – November 30, 2019 Be sure to check out Elvie Shane in Instagram, Facebook and
Twitter at @elvieshanemusic. NRA Country is a lifestyle and a
Floyd “Bud” Rieck, Grants, NM (from: Patricia Rylander); Joseph “Joe” Powless, bond between the country music community and hard-working
Big Spring, TX (from: David and Candace Samuelson); Marvin Bowlin, St. Joseph, MO Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love
(from: St. Joseph Pistol and Rifle Club); Martha Ann Corrie, Plainfield, IN (from: Valerie
and Marvin Sweeney); Mancil Wilfred, (from: Gail Wilfred); Mernard D. Sapp, Bossier of country, respect for the military, and the responsibilities of
City, LA (from: Hellen S. Sapp); Stanley Garnsworthy, Menomonie, WI (from: Sue protecting the great American life. Visit nracountry.com and follow
Garnsworthy); Dustin “Dusty” Michael Scott, Stanfield, OR (from: Tom and Ru th Lane) us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
69
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
Online Regional Report
To search for
events in your nrapublications.org/regional-report Member Information & Benefits
area, go to
Visit the links below to find gun shows, programs, clubs, NRA.ORG
events and training in your area.
MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT
INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000
MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007
5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS
NRA Wine Club (800) 331-9754
ManageYOURiD (888) 759-7866
LAW ENFORCEMENT FRIENDS OF NRA Medical Concierge Network (800) 352-6094
le.nra.org friendsofnra.org Global Rescue (800) 381-9754
NRA Travel Center NRA.HotelPlanner.com
Public and private offi cers interested in Friends of NRA events celebrate American
becoming law enforcement fi rearm instructors values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement The NRA Foundation. To learn more about Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683
Firearms Instructor Development Schools. events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/
NRA Police Pistol Combat competition is contact your local fi eld representative or send GIFT PLANNING ( 877) NRA-GIVE
intended to be used as an extension of an email to [email protected]. THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894
an offi cer’s training. NRA INSTRUCTOR/
COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166
RECREATIONAL SHOOTING (800) 672-7435
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) 672-2582
RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282
LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640
FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342
NRA MUSEUMS/
GUN SHOWS TRAINING GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600
SHOWS & EXHIBITS (877) 672-7632
gunshows.nra.org refuse.nra.org | nrainstructors.org
MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595
®
Dates and locations of gun shows are subject The NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim program HUNTER SERVICES (844) 672-6883
to change. Please contact the show before provides information on crime prevention
traveling. Discounted NRA memberships and personal safety. To learn more about The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members,
is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored
are sold through NRA recruiters. Some shows the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most events scheduled in your region for the current month.
Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.
may offer free admission to people who sign up-to-date seminar and instructor training
up for new memberships or renewals. schedule is available on the Internet by visiting
To become an NRA Recruiter contact NRA nrainstructors.org, or online training is available
Recruiting Programs at [email protected]. at nraonlinetraining.org. Questions? Email to
[email protected] or by calling (800) 861-1166.
2020 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS
APRIL 16-21 • NASHVILLE, TN
For hotel accommodations at the
NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org
AREA SHOOTS STATE ASSOCIATIONS
ssusa.org/coming-events clubs.nra.org
For more information, send an email to Joining NRA-affi liated state associations
Shelly Kramer at [email protected] supports NRA’s mission in your state.
or call (703) 267-1459. See stateassociations.nra.org
for more information.
70 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES
NRA’s National Youth Shooting
Sports Ambassador Program
e all know the history of how the peers, meet industry influencers and travel to
NRA began, with a post-Civil national-level NRA events.
W War military interest in improving Claudia Olsen, NRA’s current Youth
marksmanship. A lesser-known fact is how Programs Coordinator said, “Participants are
those initial goals grew to include our nation’s not only selected because they are shooting
youth. In 1903, NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones sports enthusiasts, but also because of their
encouraged that rifle clubs at the military academic performance and community
academies be expanded to universities and involvement. And to make the program more
major colleges as well. By 1906, the NRA’s inclusive of all youth cooperative programs,
youth shooting program had grown to include including NRA State Associations and affiliated
200 boys competing in the National Matches clubs, we’ve opened the application process to
at Sea Girt, N.J. all high school sophomores, juniors or seniors
By Joseph P. Fast forward to 2008 when a similar who meet the program requirements.”
emphasis resurfaced as the NRA National Folks interested in the program may visit
DeBergalis, Jr.
Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador program. NRA’s ambassador website and apply online
Executive Director, From Chip Lohman, the program’s creator: in time for the annual review of applications
General Operations “As a member of NRA’s Youth Programs each July. The submission process is two-
office, I was the liaison to 12 national youth tiered. Once Claudia and her team have the
organizations such as the Jaycees, Boy Scouts, applications, they select 20 semifinalists who
4-H, JROTC and others. As part of the mission must submit a two- to five-minute video. Then
to educate 2 million youth shooters about from six to eight finalists are selected to be
NRA programs and resources, we thought it NRA Youth Ambassadors for a calendar year.
important to also remind industry leaders of Once selected, the Youth Ambassadors
the growing number of juniors in our sport. assume various duties such as participating in
The NRA, with generous support from the conference calls to discuss the program and
industry, helped representatives from those how they are progressing, writing articles which
same 12 youth programs attend the annual may be used in NRA publications or social
Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) media outlets, completing an NRA training pro-
Show as NRA Ambassadors.” gram, helping to organize an NRA Youth Day
Through the continued stewardship of and traveling to as many as three NRA events
NRA’s Youth Programs Office, the National as Ambassadors. In addition to gaining valuable
Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador Program life and industry experience, the Ambassadors
has remained committed to increasing youth also receive NRA Life memberships and a mon-
participation in the shooting sports while etary award for their service.
reinforcing the qualities of sportsmanship, To learn more about this
dedication and youth advocacy. On a personal wonderful program for our
note, I’ve witnessed how this program youth members, to nominate
also provides young men and women the someone or to apply, visit:
youthambassadors.nra.org opportunity to collaborate with like-minded youthambassadors.nra.org.
Photos by NRA Staff
71
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020
INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES
2020 NRA DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
he nominees for election to the Voting members will vote for a total of 31 and careful consideration. Thirty-eight
NRA Board in 2020 were selected candidates. The 25 candidates receiving candidates were selected.
T by the Nominating Committee the highest number of votes will be Nominations by Petition of the
and/or by petition of the membership. elected to three-year terms; the four Membership. Two people were
The Board consists of 76 Directors. candidates receiving the next highest nominated by petition. Each petition
The terms of office of one-third of the number of votes will be elected to sponsored by an NRA member or
75 Directors expire at each Annual two-year terms; and the two candidates member organization required the
Meeting of Members. One Director receiving the next highest number of signatures of not less than 706 voting
will be elected for a one-year term at votes will be elected to one-year terms. members.
each Annual Meeting of Members. That Nominations by the Nominating Prior to the ballots being printed,
Director shall be selected from only Committee. The Committee, elected one of the Nominating Committee
those candidates who were not elected by the Board of Directors, includes six candidates withdrew their name from
by the mail ballot. Directors and three Lifetime members consideration. Therefore, a total of
The 2020 election will fill the 25 who are not Directors. The Committee 39 candidates, the combined total
three-year terms that expire in 2023; four met and gave consideration to 65 names from the Nominating Committee and
two-year terms that expire in 2022; and recommended by the membership. Each petition of the membership, will appear
two one-year terms that expire in 2021. person was given serious, deliberate on the ballot.
1. Thomas P. Arvas 11. Charles L. Cotton 21. Herbert A. Lanford, Jr. 31. Leroy Sisco
Albuquerque, New Mexico Friendswood, Texas Columbia, South Carolina Boerne, Texas
2. Paul D. Babaz 12. John L. Cushman 22. Robert E. Mansell 32. Craig Swartz
Atlanta, Georgia Patchogue, New York Bullhead City, Arizona Adel, Iowa
3. Clel Baudler 13. Todd R. Ellis 23. R.B. Rocky Marshall, Jr. 33. Frank C. Tait
Greenfield, Iowa Huntingdon Valley, Boerne, Texas Wayne, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
4. J. Kenneth Blackwell 24. Jay Printz 34. John Thodos*
Cincinnati, Ohio 14. Richard Figueroa Hamilton, Montana Naples, Florida
Brenham, Texas
5. Dave Butz 25. Todd J. Rathner 35. Mark E. Vaughan
Swansea, Illinois 15. Jeffrey W. Hague* Tucson, Arizona Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Ellendale, Delaware
6. J. William Carter 26. Mark Keith Robinson 36. Linda Walker
Danville, Kentucky 16. Graham Hill Greensboro, Newark, Ohio
Arlington, Virginia North Carolina
7. Ted W. Carter 37. James L. Wallace
Jacksonville, Florida 17. Kevin P. Hogan 27. Carl Rowan, Jr. Newburyport,
Taylor Ridge, Illinois Washington, D.C. Massachusetts
8. Patricia A. Clark
Newtown, Connecticut 18. Niger Innis 28. Barbara Rumpel 38. Howard J. Walter
North Las Vegas, Nevada Winter Park, Florida Flat Rock, North Carolina
9. Anthony P. Colandro
Woodland Park, New Jersey 19. Curtis S. Jenkins 29. Ronald L. Schmeits 39. Judi White
Forsyth, Georgia Raton, New Mexico Tucson, Arizona
10. Allan D. Cors
McLean, Virginia 20. Phillip B. Journey 30. Steven C. Schreiner 40. Robert J. Wos
Wichita, Kansas Englewood, Colorado Sarasota, Florida
*Mr. Hague and Dr. Thodos withdrew their names from consideration after being nominated
NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Paul D. Babaz, Georgia; Scott L. Bach, New Jersey; William A. Bachenberg, Pennsylvania; Bob Barr, Georgia;
Ronnie G. Barrett, Tennessee; Clel Baudler, Iowa; J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio; Matt Blunt, Virginia; Robert K. Brown, Colorado; Dave Butz, Illinois; Dean Cain, California;
Ted W. Carter, Florida; Patricia A. Clark, Connecticut; Anthony P. Colandro, New Jersey; Allan D. Cors, Florida; Charles L. Cotton, Texas; David G. Coy, Michigan; Larry E. Craig,
Idaho; Richard S. Figueroa, Texas; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; Carol Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada; Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; Mark Geist, Colorado;
Marion P. Hammer, Florida; Maria Heil, Pennsylvania; Graham Hill, Virginia; Kevin Hogan, Illinois; Susan Howard, Texas; Curtis S. Jenkins, Georgia; David A. Keene, Maryland;
Tom King, New York; Herbert A. Lanford, Jr., South Carolina; Willes K. Lee, Virginia; Carrie Lightfoot, Arizona; Duane Liptak, Jr., Texas; Karl A. Malone, Louisiana;
Robert E. Mansell, Arizona; Carolyn D. Meadows, Georgia; Bill Miller, West Virginia; Owen Buz Mills, Arizona; Il Ling New, Idaho; Oliver L. North, Virginia; Robert A. Nosler, Oregon;
Johnny Nugent, Indiana; Ted Nugent, Texas; Lance Olson, Iowa; Melanie Pepper, Texas; James W. Porter II, Alabama; Jay Printz, Montana; Todd J. Rathner, Arizona;
Kim Rhode, California; Mark Robinson, North Carolina; Wayne Anthony Ross, Alaska; Carl T. Rowan, Jr., Washington, D.C.; Don Saba, Arizona; William H. Satterfield, Alabama;
Ronald L. Schmeits, New Mexico; Steven C. Schreiner, Colorado; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Bart Skelton, New Mexico; Kristy Titus, Oregon; Dwight D. Van
Horn, Idaho; Mark E. Vaughan, Oklahoma; Blaine Wade, Tennessee; Linda L. Walker, Ohio; Howard J. Walter, North Carolina; Heidi E. Washington, Michigan; Allen B. West,
Texas; Donald E. Young, Alaska.
Communications intended for any member of the NRA Board of Directors should be addressed to:
(Name of Board member), NRA Office of the Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; or [email protected]; or (703) 267-1021. Please include your name,
contact information and NRA membership I.D. number, as only communications from NRA members will be forwarded.
72 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
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ATTENTION
continued from p. 57
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74 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
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AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG FEBRUARY 2020 75
I HAVE THIS OLD GUN …
GUN: GREAT WESTERN “THE DEPUTY”
SINGLE-ACTION
MANUFACTURER: GREAT WESTERN ARMS CO.
CHAMBERING: .22 LONG RIFLE
SERIAL NO.: 186XX
MANUFACTURED: 1960
CONDITION: NRA GOOD/VERY GOOD
(MODERN GUN STANDARDS)
VALUE: $1,450*
* THE DEPUTY CARRIES A 100 PERCENT PREMIUM OVER
STANDARD GREAT WESTERN FRONTIER SIX SHOOTERS, WHICH
NORMALLY SELL FOR $450-$600 IN SIMILAR CONDITION.
GREAT WESTERN “THE DEPUTY”
olt’s 1949 announcement to done in-house, according to the book, .22 Long Ri e to .45 Colt, including
discontinue its Single Action Army Great Western Firearms Company by John the proprietary .357 Atomic.
C(SAA) inspired a few entrepreneur- C. Dougan and Jim Hoobler (Andrew One of the rarest, with less than
ial individuals to ll the void left by the Mowbray Publishers, 2012). Although 100 produced, was the 4"-barreled
Peacemaker’s departure. Consequently, the rst guns were rough in function “The Deputy,” featuring adjustable
in 1953 (prophetically, the same year (many were returned), eventually quality Micro rear and Bauman ramp front
that Bill Ruger introduced his Single- improved dramatically, inspiring Elmer sights, a lowered hammer spur and
Six), former aircraft engineer William Keith to praise the guns as better than some re-designed internal parts.
Wilson, with investors including Los “… any we have seen from Colt.” Prices ranged from $75 to $137.50,
Angeles Rams owner Dan Reeves, Burbank, Calif., rearm dealer according to chambering. Today,
established the Great Western Arms Co. Hy Hunter became a distributor values are between $1,200 to $1,500,
at 9001-7 Miner St. in Los Angeles, to and promoted Great Western so depending on condition. This 60
produce a full-scale, American-made aggressively that many erroneously percent condition blued version in
replica of the SAA. Wilson, who had no assumed it was his company. Guns .22 rim re was recently auctioned by
previous rearm manufacturing experi- were presented to such notables as American Gun Works, Glendale, Calif.,
ence, was company president. Audie Murphy, fast-draw champion (americangunworks.net) for $1,450.
The rst guns, blued or case- Dee Woolem (who created a Fast Draw The gun was made in 1960 under
hardened and priced at $97.50, were version), and John Wayne, who used Ferro Cast ownership, as no “GW”
assembled in May 1954 and admirably his engraved pair of Great Westerns serial number pre xes were used
duplicated the Colt SAA. In fact, many in “The Shootist.” from 1957 to 1960.
parts were interchangeable, with excep- Unfortunately, in 1955 the simul- Most Great Western single-actions
tions such as the hammer, which was taneous appearances of the Ruger sported Porter plastic faux “stag horn”
recon gured to accommodate a Christy Blackhawk and re-introduction of the stocks. Due to lack of company records
Gun Works oating ring pin (later, a Colt Peacemaker foreshadowed doom it is dif cult to con rm if these walnut
Colt SAA xed ring pin hammer was for Great Western, compounded by stocks are factory original. Note: Great
offered as an $8 option). Frames came ongoing nancial problems and chang- Western single-actions were American-
from Arwood Precision Investment ing corporate ownerships. In 1963 the made, not to be confused with later
Casting—the same company initially company folded, having made approxi- Italian versions. Great Western also
used by Ruger. Barrels were supplied by mately 22,250 guns, from Sheriff’s produced copies of the Remington
Weatherby, which also provided testing Models to Buntlines, plus do-it-yourself Double Derringer.
facilities. Assembly and polishing were kits, and ranging in chamberings from —RICK HACKER, FIELD EDITOR
American Ri eman does NOT accept submissions for the I Have This Old Gun column. Topics are assigned to Field Editors in advance. Due to the volume
of mail received, our writers are not able to answer individual questions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions through our
Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing. Details appear in the Q&A section.
76 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN Photos by author
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