A common theme when discussing this utilitarian class of guns goes something like this: “I don’t need to drive nails with this thing. It’s my truck gun and I just want it to be handy and to work when I need it.” Technically speaking, a truck gun can be any firearm legally stored in a vehicle and on-hand in case of an emergency. You don’t have to own a truck or even an SUV, and only you can determine which type of firearm will work best for your situation. Said crisis could be anything from the benign task of putting down a road-injured animal to the extreme situation of fighting your way home if the seams of society suddenly come undone. While city folk may laugh at such notions, those living outside suburban America know these are among the many scenarios where a traveling gun may come in handy. I’ll focus specifically on long arms here, because in the worst-case scenarios we want to avoid getting into a protracted fight armed only with our concealed handgun.

A truck gun should be lightweight, portable and able to serve various purposes in a pinch. It must be reliable, use common ammunition and be capable of keeping multiple threats well beyond arm’s length. The right gun will depend on many factors: budget, vehicle type, location, familiarity, etc. I decided on a rifle and used my own “what-if” analysis to determine the best solution. If I were on the road—somewhere more than a couple hours from home—and suddenly had to deal with any threat preventing me from getting back, I would want a fighting rifle in my hands. For my purposes that turned out to be an AR, but a lever-action .30-30 Win., an old surplus Mauser or even a fourth-generation, single-shot rifle will serve well in a variety of circumstances—certainly better than a tire iron and a can of pepper spray.

I drive a 3/4-ton truck, so finding a place to keep a rifle of any size is easy. However, if your prime mover is a two-seater with a matchbox-sized trunk, then compactness will be the order of the day. A carbine with a folding or collapsible stock and little in the way of attachments may make good sense in that case. I decided my truck gun should be configured as trim and light as possible, and since my existing ARs were anything but streamlined, I built one for just this purpose. I used the lightest components I could find, including a carbon-fiber free-float tube, three-prong A1-style flash hider, pencil-thin barrel and the smaller, four-position collapsible CAR stock. The result was a very slick carbine weighing in at just over 5 pounds, unloaded. I added Trijicon’s RX01 reflex sight, an old nylon sling and a SureFire X300 light to round out the package. In doing so, I departed from my normal compulsion—to make every rifle I build shoot as accurately as possible—in favor of portability. It prints 2-inch groups with good surplus 5.56 NATO “green tip” ammo and 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards with match loads. This is a get-out-of-trouble gun, not a sniper rifle.

Several considerations need addressing when deciding to carry a long gun in your vehicle. Foremost is safety. Since this is a gun that won’t be on your body or in your immediate control, it should be unloaded. Even if retained in a rack or case, it will likely be oriented sideways at folks driving alongside or passing you in either direction. Having a round chambered in any firearm not directly in your control is simply a recipe for disaster. You must also ensure you don’t violate any federal, state or local laws by having a firearm in certain locations. Places like schools and some government property either prohibit outright or heavily restrict the transportation and possession of firearms. Learn the law and abide by it so you don’t lose the right to possess a gun. Another concern is how to best carry and store a rifle or shotgun. A soft case behind the seat of a pickup or in the trunk usually works well. However SUVs, vans and other vehicles without hidden storage space will require less-conspicuous packaging.

Remember: in extremely hot and cold environments, your truck gun will experience temperature and humidity swings as you cool or heat the passenger area. Keep any parts that are likely to rust—especially blued and Parkerized surfaces—well oiled or use a rust-inhibiting storage container. Check your rifle every so often to ensure it remains functional. Lastly, consider the best means to carry extra ammunition in the event you’re forced to go on foot. A purpose-built ammo satchel, surplus load-bearing vest or small pack will do the trick, and be sure to leave room for other survival essentials. Some soft rifle cases can be configured as a backpack, allowing you to carry the rifle, ammunition and other small items in a somewhat concealed fashion.

Not everyone needs a special firearm in their vehicle, and those who do may not carry one all the time. But, for long road trips or if venturing out when things are looking bleak, a truck gun may be the extra insurance needed to provide you with peace of mind, and more.

Following the success of the SR-25, Knight’s Armament turned to the AR-15 platform, and designed the Stoner Rifle-15 (SR-15), a rifle with a number of advanced design improvements. The latest version is the SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1 (Integrated Weapon System, Modification 1).

The SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1 comes with a 16-inch, chrome-lined barrel with a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle and an A2 flash hider. At 3.75 inches from the front of the flash hider, a mil spec Upper Receiver Extending (URX) 3.1 Rail System begins and mounted atop is Knight’s folding front sight. At 2.5 inches from the front of the rail are integral 3- and 9-o’clock side rails also measuring 2.5 inches, and both of these contain QD sling mounts at the front and a hex-head bolt at the rear. On the front of the bottom section of the handguard is a 2-inch rail and QD sling mount, and about 4 3⁄8 inches from the SR-15E3’s muzzle is a low-profile, mid-length gas block housed beneath the top rail.

While the author found the grip panels included with the URX fore-end difficult to mount, they provide a natural gripping surface and likely won’t need to be moved.

At the rear of the three short rail sections, the side and bottom sections of the handguard narrow approximately .105 inch to reduce the width of the fore-end by about .25 inch to 1.95 inches. The entire 7 5⁄8-inch length of this reduced width consists of a smooth surface. Five interspersed holes are present, with those of the side sections leading to threaded holes in the sides of the bottom rail where it interlocks with tracks within the main top rail. At the rear of the smooth sections are three more short rail sections. Those at 3- and 9-o’clock have QD sling mounts and hex bolts like their front counterparts.

Along with two QD sling swivels, four proprietary Knight’s rail panels are furnished with hex bolts and nuts to affix them along the side and bottom rail panels. While mounting the panels is slightly tedious, once in place they will likely never be moved. The same is true of the bottom rail with its heat shield. Inside the rear of the railed fore-end is a proprietary barrel nut that locks it rigidly and perfectly in line with the upper flattop receiver tail using a precise fixture during mounting. This renders the two-piece rail as rigid as a monolithic system, still while allowing a damaged fore-end to be replaced.

Made from mil-std aircraft-alloy forgings, the flattop upper receiver mates perfectly with the lower receiver and both display a high-quality exterior. Surpassing mil spec, the upper receiver comes with ambidextrous charging handle locks, suggesting such a handle exists or is planned. The charging handle has Knight’s well-designed extended latch. Also standard is its adjustable flip-up, peep-aperture rear sight.

Furnished for evaluation was a set of Knight’s excellent new 45 Offset Flip Sights, for use when a high-power optic is mounted.

The most significant design achievement on the SR-15E3 is its bolt, which features rounded lugs that reduce stresses and decrease the chances of breakage.

Deserving special mention is the SR-15’s bolt, from which the rifle gets its E3 designation. Where the standard AR-15 bolt uses seven rectangular-shaped locking lugs, Knight’s bolt has lugs that are rounded both on the top and bottom. The same design is used in the corresponding lugs of the barrel extension. Radii eliminate stress risers, and the extra material provided reportedly increases the lug strength by at least 50 percent. Sharing the spotlight is the cam pin, which (with the firing pin) is of a smaller diameter. This allows the bolt walls to be thicker.

Equally advanced is the SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1’s dual-spring extractor.  Extractor problems in the AR-15 are often due to centrifugal force, as the bolt rotates to unlock. The “E3” extractor is wider at the rear to house two springs, and the extra material adds weight to help balance the extractor’s front portion from backing away from the cartridge-case rim as it rotates.

The SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1’s lower receiver includes Knight’s ambidextrous magazine release, bolt release and safety/selector, and comes with a proprietary, enlarged fold-down trigger guard. Ambidextrous single-point QD sling mounts are located on the rear sides of the receiver. Also standard are extended M4 feed ramps and Knight’s 2-stage Match Trigger. For the buttstock, Knight’s has chosen the SOCOM buttstock produced for the military by Lewis Machine & Tool. Made of tough polymer, this stock has two waterproof full-length battery compartments, two ambidextrous sling mounts and a nonslip rubber buttpad.

Operations of the sample SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1 were exceptionally fine. Unlike some ARs, the SR-15E3’s charging handle was quite smooth. The magazine release proved equally smooth, and the Knight trigger is suitable for any type of shooting. With a crisp let-off of 4.5 pounds, this trigger proved excellent in all respects, and the ambidextrous safety has the lower half of the thumb pad machined flat to stay out of the way of the index finger.

The steel, flip-up front sight included with the SR-15E3 is easily adjusted for elevation using the wheel in its body rather than requiring the use of a tool.

The SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1 was tested using its open sights informally from the shoulder with a variety of 5.56 NATO ammunition and from sandbags using a Leupold 3-9×40 mm MR/T scope. The rifle preferred some bullets and brands to others, but generally produced excellent accuracy hovering near 1 MOA. There were no malfunctions during the tests.

Because of its exceptional quality, Knight’s Armament’s new SR-15E3 IWS Mod 1 would seem an ideal carbine whether for home defense, hunting or law enforcement.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Knight’s Armament; (321) 607-9900, knightarmco.com

Action Type: Direct-gas-impingement, semi-automatic

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Capacity: 30 rounds

Upper Receiver: T7075 mil spec aluminum

Barrel: 16 inches, cold-hammer forged, chrome lined

Rifling: 6 grooves; 1:7-inch RH twist

Fore-End: Knight’s Armament URX

Lower Receiver: T7075 mil spec aluminum

Trigger: Two stage, 4.5-pound pull weight

Sights: Steel; flip-up adjustable for elevation (front), flip-up peep aperture adjustable for windage and elevation (rear)

Stock: Lewis Machine & Tool SOCOM

Length: 33 to 36.25 inches

Weight: 6.6 pounds

MSRP: $2,207.50

An ambidextrous safety selector includes a dished-out thumb pad to keep the part out of the way when firing.

Shooting Results

Velocity measured in fps 15 feet from the muzzle for 10 consecutive shots using a Pro Chrony LE 15 chronograph. Temperature: 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Accuracy measured in inches for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yards from a benchrest.

In my research and experience, certain characteristics have emerged in a reasonably-priced training rifle optimized to the 25-meter ranges commonly found at indoor and outdoor ranges. Keep in mind, there is no specific “correct” rifle, but these common characteristics seem to make for a better experience for the majority of shooters.

They include:

●     .22 LR chambering

●     Semi-automatic operation

●     A 1.25-inch G.I. cotton or nylon web sling, as used on the M1 Garand

●     Sling swivel studs

●     Quick-detachable (QD) sling swivels

●     U.S. military-style aperture sights

●     At least two detachable magazines with a minimum capacity of 10 cartridges, each

●     An enhanced magazine release (Where needed)

U.S. military-style sights, a G.I. sling and an extended magazine-release lever turn a base-model Ruger 10/22 into a Liberty Training Rifle, though they can add significant cost to the platform.

Two rifles in particular seem perfect for modifications into this training-rifle platform, and it will come as little surprise that one of the semi-automatic .22 LRs favored for conversion to an LTR is the Ruger 10/22, in both rifle and carbine configurations.

The 10/22 is an obvious selection, being a very popular rifle because of its relatively low cost, good accuracy potential, modularity and immense aftermarket support. They vary from off-the-shelf rifles to highly-tuned precision variants retailing for more than $1,000.

Common additional modifications made to 10/22s include the previously mentioned extended magazine release, an automatic-release bolt hold-open, an aftermarket extractor and a tuned or aftermarket trigger.

A full list of modifications can easily double the price of a 10/22-based training rifle, however, and the added cost has played a role in the emergence of the Marlin Model 795 as a cost-effective alternative that will still deliver exceptional performance without much customization.

Based on the Marlin Model 70, which is itself an offshoot of the tube-fed Marlin and Glenfield Model 60s, the Model 795 is not blessed with the wide array of aftermarket parts that you will find for the 10/22. There are fewer stocks, no diverse aftermarket of barrels in various sizes, configurations and materials and fewer cosmetic options.

What the Model 795 does boast is out-of-the-box accuracy many claim is superior to a factory Ruger 10/22 and most other.22-caliber semi-automatics. This accuracy is attributed to a consistent, time-tested trigger, but more so to Marlin’s proprietary Micro-Groove barrel, which uses 16 small rifling grooves to impart spin on the bullets, instead of the four to eight grooves found in similar rifles (factory 10/22 barrels use six grooves). Less deformation by the many shallower grooves means the bullet keeps its shape better and flies straighter.

When modified to training-rifle specifications, a Marlin Model 795 can still be less expensive than an unmodified 10/22, making it a good choice for shooters on a budget.

When equipped with recommended training-rifle features—such as a 1.25-inch G.I. cotton or nylon web sling, QD sling swivels and U.S. military-style aperture sights—a shooter can have an training-rifle-spec Marlin 795 for roughly as much as he or she could expect to spend for a base-model 10/22.

Which is “better” between the Marlin 795 and the Ruger 10/22 as a training rifle? That depends entirely upon the shooter.

Physiologically, all base-model rifles are developed around the measurements of a mythical “average person.” If you are drastically taller or shorter, have appreciably longer or shorter arms, less than average flexibility in your shoulders, back, neck, etc. or specific physical maladies, you might legitimately perform better with a rifle that has a custom stock or other enhancements, and the aftermarket is going to favor the 10/22.

Likewise, if you want to have a firearm to tinker with—swapping parts out to make the same base gun a tactical or benchrest rifle—the 10/22 is also going to be your better option.

For those with average physical dimensions and a smaller budget, however, the Marlin 795 provides a cost-effective training rifle offering all the accuracy you’ll need to improve your marksmanship skills.

Both variants—and other semi-automatics that can be built to these standards—provide a tool for quality marksmanship training at reasonable prices, while still emulating the post-and-aperture sight picture used on American military rifles for the past 100 years.

You can spend more money learning to master the basics of marksmanship shooting centerfire ammunition, but any variant of this concept is a smart shooter’s more economical choice.

The VEPR (Russian for “wild boar”) is available in .223 Rem., 7.62×39 mm, 5.45×39 mm and .308 Win., and features a stronger receiver than standard AK-47 variant rifles. The guns have hammer-forged barrels, upgraded walnut furniture and adjustable sights, as well as side-mounted rail-attachment points. Early VEPRs were imported with either 20- or 23-inch barrels, while current models have 16.5- and 27.5-inch barrel lengths available as well. VEPRs are generally considered to be the highest quality rifle based on the Kalashnikov design, and having owned and shot a number of AK-based rifles, that assessment is accurate.

I acquired my VEPR six years ago, when it was one of the first models brought into the country as a “sporting” rifle—hence the thumbhole stock familiar to anyone that knows PSLs, Dragunovs or MAK-90s. One of the downsides to having a unique arm like the VEPR is that finding parts can be challenging. Now, though, with companies like K-VAR importing these rifles again, parts are easier (and cheaper) to come by, so it sees more rotation in the shooting lineup.

Shooting the VEPR has some pluses and some minuses. The good is the heft of the gun, combined with a generous rubber recoil pad, tames the .308 Win. recoil quite well and makes shooting it—even from a prone position—less punishing. It came with a genuine Russian POSP 4X scope, which was exchanged for this review for a Leupold 4-12×40 mm Mark AR scope. For long-range shooting, the clearer picture and superior optics of the Leupold worked much better than the former Soviet optic. This particular VEPR has a 23-inch barrel, and came with a single five-round magazine, although 10-round magazines are now available (and at a price that doesn’t necessitate the selling of corneas).

K-VAR offered a variety of VEPR models at the 2012 SHOT Show, and other importers also have variants of this beefed-up AK-platform rifle.

After a few rounds to sight in the new scope, the VEPR settled in nicely. Accuracy was about what I expected for an AK-47-based firearm—certainly not terrible, but not Camp Perry worthy, either (though the last two, four-shot strings were produced groups inside of 2 MOA; not bad for off-the-shelf ammunition and a duffer behind the trigger). Shooting prone with the rifle on a Harris bipod, the recoil was quite manageable, while shooting offhand, though taxing with a rifle coming in at close to 10 pounds, was also not unpleasant. A sling, which I forgot to bring, would have been of immeasurable help.

With the price of even bulk .308 Win. being what it is, I decided against trying to light the handguard on fire. Besides, the walnut is rather striking and it would be a shame to singe it, but beware: the barrel does get hot after repeated strings.

While the AK-47 platform may not be the most accurate option available, it is known and renowned for robustness. The VEPR performed as expected. Five different brands of ammunition with different bullet weights and powders were handled with equal aplomb. From high-end, 175-grain target ammunition, to 147-grain, steel-cased bulk surplus, the VEPR loaded, fired and ejected everything fed into it. Neither accuracy nor reliability suffered from repeated range trips without detailed cleaning—it’s a Kalashnikov.

The VEPR was designed as a hunting rifle, and with .308 Win. power and decent accuracy, it’s well-suited for most game in North America. From the bench, it’s accurate and easy to shoot. It is a very reliable gun that will work in any temperature a hunter is likely to endure, and its 100-yard accuracy is definitely within minute of deer, or wild boar. The VEPR is an unusual choice for a semi-automatic .308 Win., but it is likely to keep working for the foreseeable future no matter what you do with—or to—it.

Manufacturer: Vyatskie Polyany Machine-Building Plant (MOLOT)
Action Type: Gas-operated, rotating bolt semi-automatic
Caliber: .308 Win.
Capacity: 5 or 10 rounds
Receiver: black oxide finish
Barrel: 23 inches; hammer-forged, chrome-lined bore
Rifling: 1:12.6-inch
Stock: Walnut thumbhole
Sights: Adjustable rear, drift-adjustable front
Length: 43.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $1,029

“The Golden Bullseye Award has become a much-coveted symbol of excellence, innovation and quality in firearms, accessories and related equipment,” said Joe H. Graham, Executive Director of NRA Publications. “This year’s winning slate offers consumers the very best the shooting and hunting industry has to offer. We congratulate the winners.”

If you’re looking for a new gun, scope, load or accessory, the following products are a great place to begin your search.

Rifle of the Year was not an easy decision, but after Editor in Chief Adam Heggenstaller really put the DPMS Tac2 to the test, Shooting Illustrated staff knew it was the candidate to beat—and no other rifle tested this year outdid it.

Heggenstaller wrote, “DPMS builds the Tac2 around a rifle-length gas system, which is the technical ticket to the carbine’s adaptability. The gas tube extends a full 15.125 inches from the carrier key before ending in the gas block. This provides two advantages: an appreciable increase in sight radius and a theoretical decrease in felt recoil.”

Ever dream of a semi-automatic, 12-gauge shotgun with a 16-round capacity that isn’t longer than a football field? Enter our Shotgun of the Year, the SRM Arms M1216. Gary Paul Johnston summarized after extensive testing, “The SRM M1216 amounts to a major advance in self-loading shotgun technology with the ability to carry more ammunition in the gun, where it’s needed. As such, it has great application for military and law enforcement agencies, as well as for home defense.”

Handgun of the Year is the FNH-USA FNS-9, the company’s first striker-fired pistol. Ammo Editor Richard Mann put the gun through the paces and found, “Results tell the tale. I subjected the FNS-9 to my standard test drill: the Forty-Five. This is a five-shot drill from the holster with the goal of putting all bullets inside a 5-inch circle at 5 yards in 5 seconds. I passed on my first run and the next three. No problems there. I also flipped all six plates on an Action Target Dueling Tree at 10 yards in just a shade more than 4 seconds. No misses mind you. My 12-year-old son also did well on the dueling tree, going five for six on his first run, which took him about twice the time.”

Just like with handguns, proven reliability is an important characteristic of self-defense ammunition. If you’re looking for a threat-stopping load with consistently high performance, consider our Ammunition Product of the Year. Made with personal protection in mind, Buffalo Barnes Handgun Ammunition by Buffalo Bore uses monolithic Barnes TAC-XP and XPB bullets, along with low-flash powders, to deliver serious penetration and stopping power.

“Buffalo Bore is not mass-producing ammo that just goes bang,” wrote our Ammo Editor after extensively testing a wide variety of Buffalo Barnes loads. “It makes a uniquely tailored product designed to be ultra-effective for critical applications.”

Optic of the Year was another tough choice, but after Steve Adelmann provided a glowing review of the Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21×50 mm riflescope, it was obvious the product deserved the honor. “Large elevation and windage knobs provide adjustments in .1-mil increments and positively lock down to prevent inadvertent zero loss,” Adelmann wrote. ”Side parallax adjustment helps fine-tune target and reticle focus, which is especially critical at the long ranges allowed by a 21X scope. Both the Horus H59 and TRMR2 reticles are geared toward rapid, near and far target acquisition through the use of holdovers, moving target leads and wind holds.”

Accessory of the Year is always a fun category, because anything goes….well, short of a shotgun, handgun, ammo, optic or rifle. With 250 rounds downrange, another 250 to go, your smartphone rings. It’s the wife, so you’d better take it….oh wait, you’ve got to take your gloves off in time to work the screen. OK, my wife knows I never answer when she calls, so more realistically, the wind has changed and I need to adjust my ballistic app to find windage—those gloves still need to come off. 5.11 Tactical Screen Ops Gloves can stay on, yet your touchscreen recognizes your fingertip commands, which is why they are our Accessory of the Year for 2012. Ed Friedman explained, “I’ve used the Duty model for a few months and found the adaptation period quite short. From entering ballistic data into iSnipe to posting photos on Facebook, the gloves let me maintain my comfort while shooting thousands of rounds through various firearms without the annoyance or delay of removing one to use my iPhone.”

This year’s Pioneer Award recipient is a household name to shooters across the globe. NRA Publications Executive Director Joe Graham eloquently explained what an honor this award is when he acknowledged this year’s recipient, Stephen D. Hornady. “Whereas the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports, the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award, first presented in 2007, spotlights exemplary achievement by individuals who were responsible for the development, introduction and promotion of equipment that has made a profound and enduring impact on the way Americans shoot and hunt,” Graham said.

Shooting should be fun, and Hornady never has forgotten that fact. Take for example his company’s Z-Max ammo, just in case rodents can become infected with the zombie virus. Of course, for the two-legged “undead,” Hornady introduced Zombie Max first. Getting the next generation of shooters behind the trigger is important to Stephen Hornady, and the relatively recent introduction of the biohazard-handling ammo is a sterling example of that commitment.

However, when it comes to hunting and self-defense, his company reflects his belief that this is serious business. The ammunition needs to be 100-percent reliable, and the bullets need to stop the attack. Hornady’s Critical Defense loads were designed with the armed citizen in mind. The ballistic gel tests on .40 S&W speak volumes. Hornady didn’t forget about folks who carry smaller guns out of necessity or convenience, either. Take a look at the Critical Defense .22 Mag. performance.

What about providing the same performance for law enforcement, a load capable of defeating the variety of barriers required in the FBI testing protocol? Enter one of the company’s latest products, Critical Duty, and it’s obvious why Stephen D. Hornady is this year’s Poineer Award recipient.

So in the interest of both economy and practicality, it makes good sense to have a single AR that can tackle a variety of tasks without having to change a thing about it. Avid students of the AR may already have such a rifle, but it likely took them several years of thinking and tweaking, buying and selling before arriving at the “ultimate.” The rest of us should simply check out the new DPMS Tac2, as it highlights the AR platform’s flexibility—with no parts swapping required.

The Long and Short of It

DPMS builds the Tac2 around a rifle-length gas system, which is the technical ticket to the carbine’s adaptability. The gas tube extends a full 15.125 inches from the carrier key before ending in the gas block. This provides two advantages: an appreciable increase in sight radius and a theoretical decrease in felt recoil.

The DPMS Tac2 comes with Magpul’s ergonomic MOE pistol grip and trigger guard, which is shaped to allow clearance for a gloved trigger finger.

Since the gas block also includes the front-sight post, positioning the assembly farther down the barrel adds several inches of distance between it and the rear aperture. The sight radius on a standard M4-style carbine with an A2-type front sight at the end of a carbine-length gas system is in the neighborhood of 14.5 inches. On the Tac2, however, the distance between the aperture of the Magpul MBUS rear sight and the front post is almost 20 inches, an increase of about 38 percent.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you’ll be 38 percent more accurate with the Tac2. In general, though, a longer sight radius allows for a more precise sight alignment. Slight shifts in the position of the front-sight post relative to the rear aperture are more noticeable the farther the two are apart. It’s easier to spot misalignment.

Achieving a rifle-length sight radius with an A2-type front sight/gas block usually requires a barrel of 20 inches or more. But the Tac2 follows the trend set by “Dissipator” carbines by providing the sight radius of a rifle-length system on a handy 16-inch barrel—only with a substantial shift. Most Dissipator setups use a carbine- or mid-length gas system with a low-profile gas block hidden beneath a rifle-length fore-end. The A2-type front sight/gas block resides on the barrel where the gas port for a rifle-length system would normally be located, but it’s not actually part of the gas system. It’s only there to provide a front sight.

The A2-type front sight/gas block on the Tac2, however, is the functioning gas block, because the carbine has a true rifle-length gas system with the gas port located 13 inches down the barrel. This offers the potential for reduced recoil, as the pressure produced by expanding gases at the port of a rifle-length system is substantially lower than at the port of a shorter gas system. The force that the gases impart to the bolt-carrier group, and eventually your shoulder, is less violent. While felt recoil from an AR in 5.56 NATO isn’t exactly punishing, less of it means more control and faster recovery between shots.

A sling loop is pinned to the gas block, but a quick-detach setup mounted to the fore-end would alleviate undue pressure on the barrel when shooting with a sling.

That’s assuming, of course, the gas system functions reliably. The Tac2’s direct-gas-impingement operating system requires just the right amount of gas at just the right pressure to unlock the bolt at just the right time and initiate cycling. The location of the gas port plays a key part in this balancing act, and it is normally dictated by barrel length because of a factor known as dwell time. Dwell time is the period during which a fired bullet remains in the barrel after passing the gas port and before exiting the muzzle. While the bullet “dwells” in the barrel, the only place for the expanding gases to go is through the gas port and into the operating system.

Manufacturers traditionally pair carbine-length gas systems with carbine-length barrels and rifle-length systems with rifle-length barrels because reliability has been proven. A short gas system on a long barrel has the potential to be “over-gassed” due to high gas pressure at the gas port and increased dwell time. This could lead to excessive recoil, difficult extraction, broken parts and other headaches. The opposite is true for a long gas system on a short barrel—there may not be enough gas entering the tube at a high enough pressure to make the gun run. (Mid-length gas systems offer a compromise, but that’s another story.)

DPMS bucks the status quo and avoids potential problems by increasing the size of the gas port in the Tac2’s barrel from .070 inch in diameter to .113 inch. The larger gas port makes up for the lower gas pressure and shorter dwell time by allowing more gas to enter the system. It’s like the bolt-carrier group is being pushed with two hands instead of being slapped with one. Again, the advantage is a decrease in felt recoil, along with less stress on the bolt-carrier group.

Extended Benefits

The Tac2’s rifle-length gas system provides more room between the upper receiver and the gas block/sight tower for a fore-end. DPMS makes the most of it by giving the carbine a rifle-length M111 free-float tube. As far as looks go, the M111 fore-end is the coolest thing on the Tac2, but its length offers more benefits than can be appreciated by the eyes.

The Magpul ACS buttstock includes three compartments for storing essentials.

The M111 provides a wealth of options for mounting accessories without the added bulk of full-length rails. Less than 2 inches in diameter, the M111 is drilled and tapped to accept rail sections along its length at the conventional 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions. Additional rail-attachment points are located at the 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 marks toward the front and rear of the fore-end. Save for the integral, full-length top rail, you can add rails where you need them and remove them where you don’t, choosing from 22 locations in all. DPMS provides two, 2.5-inch rails and one, 4.5-inch rail with the Tac2.

Where you position the rails, of course, depends on what type of accessories you plan to add to the carbine, but the M111 fore-end also adapts to your shooting style or body size. For example, if you prefer to place your support-side hand at the far front of the fore-end, the M111’s extended length gives you plenty of surface area to grasp. Or, if you have short arms and like to use a fore-grip close to the magazine well, move a rail section to the rear of the fore-end.

Although rifle-length fore-ends typically weigh more than shorter versions, DPMS keeps the M111’s weight to a minimum with generous, oval-shaped cutouts. The larger ovals do double-duty by helping align the rail sections with the attachment points. They also work with the smaller cutouts to allow air to circulate around the barrel for cooling.

Reaching Out

The Tac2’s versatility outshined even the blazing sun during my test sessions. A couple friends and I started by hammering steel using the iron sights. We all enjoyed the benefit of the Tac2’s longer sight radius, especially on 8-inch squares of steel at 150 paces.

Eight rail-attachment points at the front and rear of the M111 fore-end provide numerous options for mounting accessories.

At close distances, the Tac2’s muzzle-heavy balance helped with control when transitioning between multiple paper targets. The carbine was responsive thanks to its compact overall length, but it didn’t feel “whippy” like some guns with thin, 16-inch barrels. Muzzle control was particularly apparent when, in the long shadows of the late afternoon, we switched on the LaserMax Uni-Max Green laser riding aboard the fore-end. Rarely did any of us sweep past a target and have to come back to pick it up. Certainly the Magpul ACS buttstock contributed to the Tac2’s handling, providing a place for a solid, continuous cheekweld while moving from target to target.

After cleaning the Tac2, the next day I mounted a Leupold VX-6 Multigun 1-6×24 mm scope, traded the fore-grip for a bipod and headed to the 100-yard line for accuracy testing. I was surprised to see the 1:9-inch-twist barrel handled 69-grain bullets as well as, and in some cases better than, 55-grainers. The overall group average for four loads was just shy of 1.5 inches.

Although the Tac2 turned in a respectable performance during accuracy testing, it also made its one flaw apparent. The trigger was, in a word, horrible. Its pull weight wasn’t unreasonable, but I wrestled with considerable creep and overtravel.

Naysayers claim a rifle-length gas system is too long for a 16-inch barrel. On the Tac2, it’s just right. The carbine digested nearly 500 rounds of six different loads having bullet weights of 55 to 75 grains without a single failure to feed or function. Reliability is paramount whether your carbine is intended for personal protection or for competition. The Tac2 would excel at either of these missions because it’s both reliable and versatile.

It’s smart planning to have iron sights on your long gun and to know how to use them effectively. The Tac2 gives you a set of irons with a healthy sight radius, plus the option of adding an optic. There is room to set up just about any accessory—several, actually—on the carbine’s fore-end the way you want it. Finally, you get the soft-shooting benefits of a rifle-length gas system with the maneuverability of a 16-inch barrel. The DPMS Tac2 may not be able to do it all, but its built-in adaptability goes a long way.

Manufacturer: DPMS; (320) 345-9223, dpmsinc.com
Action Type: Gas-operated, semi-automatic
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Capacity: 30 rounds
Upper Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 aluminum alloy
Barrel: Button-rifled, 4140 chrome-moly steel; 16 inches
Rifling: 6 grooves, 1:9-inch RH twist
Fore-end: DPMS M111
Lower Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 aluminum alloy
Trigger: Single-stage; 5.9-pound pull weight
Sights: Magpul MBUS flip-up rear, A2-type front
Stock: Six-position, collapsible Magpul ACS
Length: 34.25 to 38 inches
Weight: 8.5 pounds
Accessories: Two aluminum magazines, rail sections, nylon sling, polymer hard case
MSRP: $1,299

The current AR market is slowly creeping away from the standard configurations that use two-piece handguards and mil-spec front-sight assemblies. The trend toward more flexible models with folding sights and modular, free-floated barrels has not escaped Del-Ton’s attention. Its new TRX is a clear step away from the traditional AR flagpole. A quick look at the TRX on the floor of the 2012 SHOT Show confirmed I should test one. Fortunately, Del-Ton was happy to help and quickly loaned me a new TRX with Flat Dark Earth (FDE) furniture.

For more photos of the Del-Ton TRX, click here.

With a free-floated handguard surrounding its barrel, the TRX provides acceptable accuracy, even during extended range sessions.

The TRX appears to be set up for tactical shooting, but as with most other modern semi-automatics, it can certainly be pressed into service for other needs, too. Del-Ton incorporated Troy Industries’ products throughout the TRX. Most noticeable at first glance are the 13.8-inch BattleRail free-float tube and Battle Ax CQB stock. The fore-end has one each of Troy’s solid 2- and 4-inch moveable rail sections.

The TRX exposed me to Troy’s Battle Ax CQB stock for the first time. It is clearly designed with three things in mind: shorter overall length for use with body armor, a counterweight to the barrel and in the odd chance you need to butt-stroke your enemy, it provides a big chunk of steel on the rifle’s aft end. The shorter overall length is certainly noticeable, as I had difficulty obtaining proper eye relief with an 8X riflescope for accuracy testing, even though my one-piece mount and scope were fully forward.

Given that most modern AR carbine stocks are adjustable to any of six positions, I am not so sure the shorter-than-normal stock makes sense. Most of my 21 years in uniform were spent wearing body armor (with a chest plate), and I never had trouble shortening my collapsible-stocked guns for CQB. Although, the heavy stock does change the balance of the shouldered rifle in a very positive way. As for the inclusion of the metal buttplate for hand-to-hand combat, I will simply say this particular attribute is more whimsical than it is useful

The author found the TRX’s large rear Di-Optic Aperture easy to acquire at short to intermediate ranges. However, the sight’s V-notch blade may prove a challenge for older shooters.

Forward of the TRX’s mil-spec-diameter receiver extension are Del-Ton’s DTI-15 lower receiver and a flat-top upper with forward assist, ejection-port cover and M4 barrel-extension cuts. The standard A2 pistol grip, stock, free-float tube, sights and Troy’s 30-round, polymer BattleMag were all FDE colored. The folding Troy sights feature a “Di-Optic Aperture” rear, graduated for two sets of ranges. Its rear-most diamond-shaped aperture is marked for 0- to 300-meter targets and was easy to acquire. Rotating the aperture rearward brings up a fairly small, V-notch blade marked for 300- to 550-meter shooting. Here again, I had a problem with the shorter stock. My 43-year-old eyes simply could not resolve the finer aiming points of the long-range notch, so I was unable to use it with any degree of precision. Although your eyes should focus on the front sight for accurate shooting, you have to be able to see the rear well enough to align the two and I could not do that. Either the stock needs to be longer or both rear sight positions should feature enclosed apertures. I suppose eye surgery is another option.

Going with a heavy tungsten buffer proved wise, as evidenced by the TRX suffering no malfunctions or stoppages during testing.

The TRX’s guts contained a single tungsten “H” (heavy) buffer, stock-AR trigger group, enhanced extractor spring and a mil-spec, chrome-lined bolt-carrier group. The trigger had lots o’ creep, but eventually broke cleanly at 5.75 pounds, which is decent for a stock model. A medium-contour, 16-inch barrel sported a mid-length direct-gas-impingement system, Troy low-profile gas block and an A2 flash hider. Del-Ton provides a pushbutton QD sling attachment for use with any of the TRX’s four on-board QD sockets: one on each side of the stock, one on the stock’s toe and another on the moveable 4-inch rail section bolted to the Troy fore-end.

I do not believe a batch of good features necessarily makes a good rifle, so I was anxious to get the TRX out on a flat range to complete my shake out. The 1:9-inch twist barrel pushed me to select projectile weights on the lighter side, so I went with good 55-grain performers. I fired 90 rounds for accuracy and drop testing at 100 and 300 yards, respectively, and another 40 rounds of 55-grain FMJ target fodder inside 25 yards to get a feel for the ergonomics of the rifle when shooting on my feet.

No malfunctions were noted and overall shootability of the TRX was very good. The stock had a natural feel when placed against the cheek for firing, and its increased weight definitely helped balance the rifle nicely. I found transitioning laterally from one target to another was much smoother than with a barrel-heavy carbine. Using a 1.5X optic at close range, the increased eye relief provided by the sight eliminated the short stock problem I had while shooting prone at 8X. The best load tested managed a pair of 1-MOA groups and averaged 1.1 MOA overall at 100 yards. Such accuracy tells me a good trigger and a more user-friendly stock would likely make the TRX a prime candidate for pursuits requiring superior accuracy. As tested, Del-Ton’s TRX would make a fine battle rifle with above-average accuracy for a gun in that class.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Del-Ton: (910) 645-2172, del-ton.com
Action Type: Direct-gas-impingement, semi-automatic
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel: Free-floated, 16-inch chrome-lined, medium-contour
Rifling: 6 grooves: 1:9-inch RH twist
Sights: Troy flip-up BattleSights, dual-aperture rear; protected front
Stock: Six-position collapsible Troy Industries Battle Ax CQB stock, A2 pistol grip
Trigger: 5.75-pound pull weight, single-stage
Length: 32.25 inches (collapsed), 35.5 inches (extended)
Weight: 7.2 pounds
Accessories: One Troy 30-round BattleMag, one pushbutton QD sling attachment, operator’s manual, lock, hard case

MSRP: $1,250

Mack Gwinn Jr.’s inspiration for the Hydra goes back to his service with the Special Forces in Vietnam. The founder of the original Bushmaster Firearms, Gwinn’s fingerprints can be seen throughout the tactical-firearms market. I can definitely relate to his original desire for more mission adaptability in weapon systems through my own overseas experiences in uniform. Quick barrel changes are particularly interesting to me, so I was happy to receive a Hydra system that included all the parts necessary to shoot both 5.56 NATO and 7.62×39 mm cartridges. I have to admit I was skeptical about whether or not MGI’s system would be a practical solution to the switch-barrel challenge. Such guns typically suffer from a need for complex tools, procedures or parts to achieve a workable solution. The Hydra swims an alternate route around all those issues. For one thing, it does not require removal of the fore-end to free up the barrel nut and/or barrel. Instead of a barrel nut, the Hydra uses two locking levers (affixed to the bottom of the fore-end) that rotate 90 degrees, positioning a cam bar over each side of the barrel extension’s front lip, locking the barrel securely in place. The bottom line is this system works.

Multi-caliber firearms generally require barrel, bolt head and magazine changes at a minimum. The Marck 15 is no exception, but the truly modular nature of the lower receiver is what really sets it apart. Where most switch-barrel systems are limited by the type of magazine they use, MGI designed its lower to allow for an almost limitless number of magazine wells to be swapped out. The result is an AR capable of accepting standard G.I. 5.56 NATO mags, true AK 7.62×39 mm mags and even pistol magazines—all in the same lower receiver. Here, another key difference from most modular-barrel systems surfaces: The only tool needed to change chamberings is the pointed tip of a cartridge. This or any other similar object is used to free up the trigger guard’s detent pin from the removable magazine well to change it. Your fingers are the only other tools required.

The Marck 15 cartridge lineup consists of seven options as of this writing: .22 LR, .223 Rem./5.56 NATO, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 7.62×39 mm, .450 Thumper and .458 SOCOM. The fun does not stop there. MGI’s modular lower receivers can also be mated with the company’s dedicated upper receivers in pistol chamberings such as .45 ACP (configured for either Glock or surplus M3 “Grease Gun” magazines) and .45 Super Mag. This all-you-can-eat buffet of cartridge options has something to offer most shooters, especially in the tactical, defensive and competitive realms.

The base model Marck 15 looks like a standard AR-15, save for the 3-inch-long protuberance on the bottom rail, which makes all the difference.

The sample Marck 15 I received was what MGI considers its base-model 5.56 NATO unit. Its M4 configuration includes a flattop upper, detachable-carrying-handle rear sight, fixed front-sight assembly, collapsible six-position buttstock, A2-style grip, 16-inch M4-contour barrel, A2-style flash hider and a standard trigger. One deviation from a standard M4 setup is a quad-rail free-float tube around the barrel. This accuracy-enhancing feature is necessary to facilitate barrel changes. Another change is the 3-inch-long polymer and steel contraption hung conspicuously in front of the magazine well. Here, a sliding cover retains and protects the two cam levers holding the barrel tight to the upper receiver. While appearing somewhat out of place, this funny-looking bump gave me no trouble during testing.

Before heading to the range to run the Hydra through its paces, I did a trial barrel change in my shop. I hate reading directions. Fortunately, the Hydra was simple enough for my brain to figure out. I had no trouble intuitively making the needed barrel assembly, bolt and magazine well changes. That said, the Marck 15 is shipped with good directions that will talk even an AR novice through the process. It is critical to ensure the barrel is fully locked in place prior to loading and firing the Hydra. I quickly developed the habit of giving the barrel a hard pull away from the upper receiver after rotating the locking levers in place to ensure it was properly seated. One time it was not, and came right out in spite of appearing to be locked in. That was my fault, not the gun’s. Pay attention to the instructions and you will not go wrong. My first run, sans instructions, used up all of 94 seconds to do a complete conversion from 5.56 NATO to 7.62×39 mm. The process got even faster after that.

The Hydra’s basic configuration is not exactly set up for peak performance on target, but that is somewhat by design. There are plenty of tricked-out, off-the-shelf ARs to choose from, but none are as adaptable to different cartridges as the Hydra. Still, I wanted to give it a good test on the range, so I used ammo and optics appropriate for the task. The 5.56 NATO barrel has a 1:9-inch twist, so I selected two solid 55- and 69-grain loads that work well in loose twist rates, as well as two 123-grain loads for the 7.62×39 mm barrel. Since I knew I’d be fighting the stock trigger while shooting for precision, I mounted a Nightforce 3.5-15×50 mm F1 scope and a Harris bipod to help with my end of the equation.

Each caliber-conversion kit comes with a dedicated bolt-carrier assembly, so all that’s left is to install the appropriate version for the new caliber as you would in normal reassembly of an AR-pattern rifle.

Range testing the 5.56 NATO configuration revealed no surprises. Accuracy was slightly better than normally seen in stock AR carbines when using good ammo and optics. Average extreme spread for all 5.56 NATO groups together was 1.7 MOA. I fired a total of 100 rounds using a mixture of slow-fire grouping and rapid drills at close range with iron sights. No malfunctions occurred, and the carbine handled just as any other AR carbine I have fired.

I converted the gun to 7.62×39 mm configuration on the range without difficulty and first tested that chambering via slow-fire from a prone position. I was immediately reminded of how 30-round AK magazines tend to add difficulty to prone shooting. I like to keep my torso as low to the ground as possible when firing, but in this case I had to extend the bipod’s legs to clear the magazine. This is not really a problem on a firearm with which you don’t plan to shoot record groups, but it is good to remember if you go prone in a hurry without a bipod or other rest. Groups with the larger-caliber chambering were akin to run-of-the-mill AK performance. As with many other rifles and carbines I complain about, I suspect a simple trigger change alone would help the accuracy equation.

The trigger pull weighed in at 7 pounds with a fair amount of creep. Overall groups for both 7.62×39 mm ammo types averaged 2.9 MOA at 100 yards. I have seen sub-MOA accuracy with U.S.-made factory 7.62×39 mm ammo in other AR platforms, so there is definitely room for improvement on this particular Hydra head, but at least it went bang every time I pulled the trigger during 90 rounds of testing. Forty of those rounds were steel-cased fodder, which often gives tighter AR chambers trouble. The Hydra chewed right through the stuff without blinking.

I am always curious to see how well a quick-change barrel system will retain zero, so I checked the Hydra on this point after shooting 7.62×39 mm groups for accuracy. Strangely, the results differed for each ammunition type. Hornady’s 123-grain SST load showed no measurable shift in point of impact (POI) between barrel removals and reinstallations. However, DoubleTap’s 123-grain SST load averaged a 3-inch vertical shift. I only tested a couple of groups with each ammo type, so there is not enough data from which to draw any solid conclusions. Suffice it to say, the Hydra system certainly has the potential to stay relatively close to zero if the barrel is removed for ease of transport and later reinstalled.

Just like when using AK mags in their parent platform, they do not lock the bolt to the rear after the final shot in the magazine when used in the Hydra. The MGI 7.62×39 mm mag-well adapter does not even have a provision to manually lock the bolt to the rear. That took some getting used to. I normally lock the bolt to the rear during testing to allow faster cooling between groups and to show an empty chamber while on the firing line.

I was curious to know whether I could use MGI’s lower with the AK mag adapter on my own 7.62×39 mm upper. Fortunately, I looked in the accompanying manual before trying to mate the two. It turns out some machining is required to allow the higher-riding AK magazines to function in a conventional upper receiver. I elected not to permanently mill my upper for this test, so I cannot comment on the process.

I really like the pairing of this cartridge with the AR platform. Were I purchasing the base 5.56 NATO system, the 7.62×39 mm conversion package would be next on my list. The total cost for the base model 5.56 NATO Hydra and the 7.62×39 mm conversion kit is within the same ballpark as a stock AR carbine with an additional 7.62×39 mm upper. The disadvantage to the Hydra in this comparison is optics will have to be adjusted for each chambering, whereas multiple upper receivers on a standard AR will wear their own optics. However, that also makes the Hydra cheaper in the long run, because only one optic is needed and it really is not that hard to make note of scope or sight adjustments needed for different calibers. I can also testify to the fact it is a heck of a lot easier to find inexpensive magazines for the Hydra’s AK adapter than it is to find similarly sized 7.62×39 mm mags compatible with standard AR mag wells.

MGI’s Marck 15 Hydra should appeal to different shooters on at least one of several levels. First, it is truly modular and adaptable to a wide variety of cartridge chamberings. Second, the Hydra’s lower receiver is the only actual portion that qualifies as a firearm requiring the normal transfer procedures through an FFL. Third, its barrel lock-in system appears to be a good design. So long as the barrel is fully seated and the forearm-mounted protective cover is in position over the locking levers, the barrel is tightly secured. Last, the Hydra is a simple system. No complex tools or gunsmithing knowledge are required to swap chamberings. Just follow the instructions, and you will be able to handle your own cartridge conversions in mere seconds. This is one multi-headed creature even Hercules would have been happy to have on his side.

Manufacturer: MGI Industries; (207) 817-3280, mgi-military.com
Action Type: Direct-gas-impingement-operated semi-automatic; quick-change modular barrel and magazine well system
Caliber: .22 LR, .223 Rem/5.56 NATO (tested), 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 7.62×39 (tested), .450 Thumper, .458 SOCOM
Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel: 16 inches, chrome-moly, M4 contour (5.56 NATO); 16 inches, chrome-moly, medium-contour (7.62×39 mm)
Rifling: 6 grooves, 1:9-inch RH twist (5.56 NATO); 6 grooves, 1:10-inch RH twist (7.62×39 mm)
Sights: Dual aperture, windage-adjustable rear peep in removable carrying handle; fixed, elevation-adjustable front-sight assembly
Trigger: Single-stage; compatible with aftermarket small-pin AR triggers; 7-pound pull weight
Stock: Six-position, collapsible M4 buttstock, A2 pistol grip
Length: 32.3 to 35.7 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces
Accessories: One magazine, operator’s manual, optional additional caliber conversion kits
MSRP: $1,250 (base 5.56 NATO carbine as tested); $549 (7.62×39 mm conversion kit as tested)

The 5.45x39mm flanked by the 5.56 NATO (left) and 7.62x39 mm (right). In its original loading, the 5.45x39 mm used a 52.9-grain bullet that achieved 2,900 fps at the muzzle. Heavier bullets up to 64 grains are currently used.

The current popularity of AK-74 type rifles in the U.S. market was driven by political and market forces. Ten years ago, no one wanted a 5.45×39 mm. The ammunition and component shortages that followed the 2008 election made 5.56 NATO and 7.62×39 mm ammo scarce and expensive, while 5.45×39 mm remained largely available and relatively cheap. Many shooters purchased rifles in 5.45×39 mm, not because they were attracted to the ballistic capabilities of the round, but because they could get ammo without selling any organs. Many training schools saw a rise in students showing up to classes with 5.45×39 mm AKs—they left their “go-to” guns at home with their coveted ammo stashes. The result was shooters, by accident or necessity, suddenly realized these were great rifles and the 5.45×39 mm is a great cartridge.

Arsenal Inc.’s SGL-31 rifle is about as close as an American civilian can come to owning a true AK-74. These rifles are made in Russia in the Izhmash factory as “sporters,” and are then imported by Arsenal in Las Vegas. Once they get to Vegas, the rifles are outfitted with several U.S. made parts, not only to keep them compliant with federal law, but also to mimic the outward appearance of the Russian military arm. The rifles feature a stamped Russian receiver, Russian chrome-lined barrels and a U.S.-made anti-slap trigger. In my experience, Arsenal AK’s are far superior to bargain variants on the market that have often been hastily cobbled together from surplus parts kits.

These AKs are viable and effective rifles right out of the box, but there are a few modifications that can drastically increase the capability of an AK without trying to turn it into an AR. From a practical accuracy standpoint, the most glaring shortcoming of the AK-series rifle is its short sight radius, compounded by the use of open sights (an aperture sight can’t be properly employed due to the rear sight position). With today’s lightweight, high-quality optics, the most effective way to address the sight issue is the addition of a long-eye-relief optic that can be mounted forward of the receiver—out of the way of hands manipulating the working parts. The Ultimak Scout Mount is a great way to mount an optic down low, so the shooter can maintain a good cheek weld. It replaces the factory gas tube with one equipped with a Picatinny rail.

In an effort to keep this rifle light and slick, I chose the Aimpoint Micro T-1 with a 2-MOA dot as my optic. This setup is lightning-fast and allows for easy hits on man-size steel targets out past 300 yards. The heat transferred through the Ultimak mount can be too much for many optics, but the little Aimpoint has never quit on me.

The Colorado Shooting Sports Lightning Lever allows the shooter to manipulate the safety lever of any AK without breaking contact with the firing grip.

AKs get a lot of complaints about their ergonomics, and they certainly require a different manual of arms than many Western shooters are used to. My biggest issue with the AK platform is, to manipulate the charging handle or the safety/selector lever, the shooter has to either remove his hand from the firing grip or reach over or under the receiver with the non-firing hand. The AK Lighting Lever from Colorado Shooting Sports solves this problem using a small horizontal tab on the safety lever that allows the shooter to engage and disengage the safety using just the trigger finger—the shooter’s position on the grip is therefore maintained. Other additions included a U.S. Palm AK Battle Grip that is larger and more comfortable than the factory grip and an excellent two-point bungee sling from Original Special Operations Equipment.

With the improved ergonomics, all the SGL-31 lacked was a weaponlight. I used a Vltor Scout Mount to secure a SureFire G2X tactical light to the rail. This light’s tail cap on/off switch can be operated using the thumb of the weak hand, yet otherwise stays out of the way. With a proper sling, a well-mounted optic, a comfortable grip, a white light and an enhanced safety, this rifle loses nothing to more advanced designs while maintaining the legendary AK reliability. I have used this setup over the course of several months both on the practice range and in classes, and it has been 100 percent reliable. I have never felt handicapped, despite the fact that I’m an AR guy at heart.

The best part about this rifle is that it chews through cheap and dirty surplus ammo I wouldn’t dare shoot in my ARs. Hornady also loads 5.45×39 mm ammo, and it is excellent alternative to the Eastern European sources.

The Arsenal SGL-31 uses an AK-74 type muzzle break, which is very effective when combined with the high-velocity 5.45x39 mm round.

This SGL-31 is plenty accurate for its purpose, consistently placing rounds in the credit card-sized “A” box of a standard USPSA target at 100 yards. The combination of the efficient AK-74 muzzle brake and the small-caliber round make for a very fast combination, producing very little recoil or muzzle rise.

The AR versus AK and 7.62×39 mm versus 5.56 NATO/5.45×39 mm debates will rage on among posers for decades to come, but the reality is all of the above have proven themselves as viable fighting rifles and cartridges around the globe. The SGL-31 provides shooters with a high-quality firearm in an alternative cartridge that became quite appealing when the price of 5.56 NATO doubled and tripled. With a few accessories, the performance capability of these AK-74-style rifles can be taken to a whole new level.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Arsenal, Inc.

Action Type: Gas-piston-operated, semi-automatic

Caliber: 5.45×39 mm

Capacity: 30 rounds

Receiver: 1 mm stamped steel

Barrel: 16.3 inches; hammer-forged, chrome-lined

Rifling: 4 grooves; 1:7.68-inch RH twist

Stock: Fixed synthetic (Black, OD, Tan, Plum available)

Sights: Post front, 1,000 meter rear; receiver side mount for optics

Trigger Pull Weight: 7.5 pounds

Length: 36.5 inches

Weight: 7.3 pounds

Accessories: One 10-round magazine, cleaning rod

MSRP: $889

Taking a decade to design and develop through a web of politics, the otherwise excellent M14 came up short in a couple of departments and went way overboard in another. What should have been a priority from the start was a good optical sight base, but instead, the M14 came with a mediocre one, at best. On the opposite end of the spectrum was the inclusion of a well-designed selective-fire capability on a rifle that should never have had one. The value of the rifle’s conventional stock at a time when pistol grip stocks were well established remains debatable, as does the adoption of a full-power main-battle cartridge when several excellent intermediate rounds existed. And, there was another fly in the ointment.

This was the experimental Small Caliber High Velocity (SCHV) Pro-gram that caught the eye of Gen. Willard G. Wyman, of Continental Army Command, about the time the M14 was adopted. General Wyman told Eugene Stoner he wanted a lightweight selective-fire rifle shooting a high-velocity .22-caliber bullet. By the time the AR-15 and its 5.56 NATO cartridge were developed, the U.S. military was in Vietnam. The Air Force and then the Army adopted the rifle, mothballed the M14 and sentenced the American infantry to a half-century armed with a semi-effective shoulder weapon.

The author’s updated M1A is more than just a platform for showing off enhancements. Everything from the Vltor Emod buttstock to the Gemtech Sandstorm suppressor has a place on the battlefield.

During and after the Vietnam era, the jury remained hung on the 5.56 NATO cartridge, and hope continues to linger while attempts are made to develop more effective .22-caliber bullets that comply with treaty obligations. However, the distances of engagement dictated by the Global War on Terror quickly made it painfully obvious something more effective was needed to reach much farther. The rifle of choice was something we already had—the M14.

Although the Clinton Adminis-tration had tried to strip the U.S. military of its M14 rifles by giving hundreds of thousands to our friends in other countries, significant numbers remained. Concurrently, a commercial semi-automatic M1A rifle had been very successfully marketed by Springfield Armory of Illinois, and its popularity had generated a number of aftermarket improvements and accessories for it and the M14. When the U.S. Army decided to upgrade and field the M14 in the Middle East, the firearm industry wasted no time.

Improved optical sights, mounts, stocks and a host of other accessories for the M14/M1A platform soon began to appear, such as those from A.R.M.S., Sage International, Smith Enterprise and others. Smith Enterprise has upgraded many M14 rifles for the military using the Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10×30 mm sniper scope and the Sage EBR stock, adopted as the MK14. You can optimize the M14/M1A in a number of ways, and we’ll begin with one from Vltor Weapon Systems.

The stock telescopes to adjust for length of pull, and it has dual storage tubes for carrying spare CR123-size batteries.

Vltor Weapon Systems

Starting with a new, synthetic, U.S. military M14 stock, Vltor converts it to replace the standard buttstock and use Vltor’s own fully adjustable Emod buttstock system that includes a separate pistol grip. Removing the upper sling mount also allows the stock to accommodate Vltor’s new combination QD sling and bipod mount. Just as impressive is Vltor’s sleek new M14/M1A metal handguard.

The CAS-M1A, the new ventilated handguard, is an improved version of the system Vltor has made commercially for Springfield Armory. Rigidly mounted to the rifle’s operating-rod guide, this metal handguard runs from the ferrule all the way back to the receiver where it locks onto the rear of the barrel. On top of the handguard is a mil-spec 1913 rail that runs from the front all the way past the rear of the handguard to lock onto a special base that replaces the rifle’s charging handle guide. This system provides a mounting platform identical to that offered by a flattop AR-type rifle, as well as some now offered for bolt-action rifles. Along both sides of the handguard are heavy-duty mounts for Vltor’s ancillary rails on which can be mounted lights and laser designators such as those from Laser Devices and Insight. Vltor’s Epod two-piece bipod is particularly suitable to mount on the side rails.

A compartment in the buttstock is ideal for storing essential gear like cleaning supplies.

A revolution in bipod design, it rigidly mounts to each side rail of the CAS-M1A or any other 3- and 9-o’clock rail system. The Epod’s legs will lock either forward or backward when stored and vertically when deployed. When the Epod’s legs are deployed, the fulcrums are positioned at about the center of the bore instead of well below the bore line like a conventional bipod. This causes the rifle to more or less hang on the bipod rather than rest on top of it, and results in a major change in the center of gravity and stability. However, a conventional bipod can be mounted on the bottom rail at the front of the stock. With a number of spec-ops units using Vltor M16 rail systems and stocks, the company’s new M14 package is now also being evaluated.

Smith Enterprise

In the wake of the increasing demand for its upgraded M14 rifles for the military, Smith Enterprise, of Tempe, AZ, has undertaken production of state-of-the-art mil-spec M14 components. These include complete forged/CNC-machined M14 and M1A receivers, bolts, match-grade gas-cylinder groups, match-grade 16-inch (SOCOM) barrels and much more. The latter is of particular interest, as the U.S. Army has moved toward a 16-inch match-grade barrel rebuild for all of its 7.62 NATO precision rifles, including bolt-action and semi-automatic variants. Where the M14 is concerned, Smith Enterprise’s new MOA SOCOM 16 barrel provides match-grade accuracy to an effective range of 1,000 yards. Made from its inception to match specifications, Smith Enterprise’s 16-inch M14 barrel looks identical to the Springfield SOCOM 16 barrel, but is held to tighter tolerances, as is the gas-cylinder group. Refinement of these components over their issue M14 counterparts is noticeable. Using the proven 4-groove, 1:10-inch RH-twist rifling, the barrel is headspaced with a match chamber prior to being finished. This is necessary because of the proprietary salt-bath, nitride-type finish the company has trademarked as M80HT, which would make final chambering impossible, due to the 60 Rockwell “C” hardness it renders all surfaces. According to Ron Smith, a longtime U.S. government contractor, it will be next to impossible to wear out the bore of a barrel containing such a treatment.

In addition to building M14 sniper rifles for the U.S. military, the company manufactures a line of mil-spec M14/M1A and M16/AR-15 components. Smith Enterprise also makes a 7.62 NATO titanium sound suppressor, which it has supplied to the military for many years.

Sound Suppressors

The ability to attach Picatinny rails to the Vltor CAS-M1A ventilated handguard enables the classic battle rifle to meet modern tactical needs with plenty of room for mounting accessories.

Speaking of sound suppressors, the popularity of these devices used on precision rifles has continued to grow with new, improved models from SureFire, Advanced Armament Corporation, Yankee Hill and others, along with the use of lightweight titanium, which is 56 percent the weight of steel. One model is the Sandstorm from Gemtech. Weighing just 13.3 ounces, this 7.8×1.5-inch suppressor is offered for 7.62 NATO with standard 5⁄8×24 threads. With a 32-decibel reduction in sound, it has less effect on the point of impact than a heavier steel suppressor.

A.R.M.S.

A longtime contractor to the U.S. military, A.R.M.S. has supplied many thousands of optical mounting platforms designed around the mil-std 1913 rail that its founder, Richard Swan, designed in the late 1980s. New from A.R.M.S. is the No. 17 MK II, which is instantly adjustable in .0002-inch increments for use with the many non-mil-std rails on the market. Even newer are the A.R.M.S. No. 72 mounts that include an anti-harmonic system to help eliminate damage to expensive optical sights.

Leupold

Part of a growing number of fine optical sights used in various military roles is the magnificent mil-std Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M2 3.5-10×40 mm Illuminated Reticle telescopic sight. Issued with a hard-anodized flat dark earth finish, this scope also comes with brightness adjustable illumination reticle and .5-MOA windage and elevation adjustments. In any light where you can see your target, you can get on it with this scope out to 1,000 yards. Its tan color helps make it invisible to the enemy, even with thermal imaging.

All Together Now

To illustrate the latest developments in the M14/M1A platform, I combined components from Springfield Armory, Smith Enterprise, Vltor, A.R.M.S., Leupold, Gemtech, SureFire and
Blue Force Gear. The result was an 11-pound precision M14 rifle system that can be only be described as optimum if not state-of-the-art. No, this is not a Camp Perry, heavy-barrel, match-grade competition rifle, but the equivalent of one that must go into harm’s way with all the requirements that go with such a mission. (For detailed photos of the author’s Ultimate M1A, click here.)

Despite weighing 56 percent less than typical steel suppressors, the Gemtech Sandstorm still offers 32 decibels of sound reduction.

Sighting in the 16-inch precision-barreled M1A sufficiently was simple enough using the Ultimate Precision Shooting Rest (UPSR) manufactured by Carroll Targets, of Montrose, CO, at the company’s range and training facility. Just get on paper at 50-yards, shoot a three-shot group and lock the UPSR with the reticle on your original point of aim. Then adjust the windage and elevation knobs to center the reticle on the center of the group, move to a 100-yard target, shoot another three-shot group, settle the reticle and start shooting. The only changes you might want to make are to put your point of impact in the center of the target for photos, but for accuracy testing time may not permit this operation.

Testing the rifle was done with match-grade .308 Win. ammunition from several manufacturers at a distance of 100 yards. Accuracy was excellent even with an issue trigger, but equally as interesting is the POI with and without a suppressor mounted. The technology required to accomplish a reputable POI is not rocket science. On the other hand, the question becomes, once a suppressor is properly mounted, why shoot the rifle without it? Either way, a suppressor that will put hits within an inch of the POI with the suppressor removed is, I believe, a good thing. This is especially true if the suppressor reduces decibels to an acceptable level, an achievement that is also not rocket science. With the Gemtech Sandstorm suppressor, one can have it both ways together with a third advantageous feature—light weight.

The author’s ultimate M1A also includes a Smith Enterprise Vortex combination muzzle brake/suppressor adapter and gas-cylinder plugs.

There were no malfunctions with the excellent, user-friendly M14 platform that runs throughout this Springfield M1A descendant. So it was with the Vltor MI-S SOCOM/CAS-M1A Stock System, the new A.R.M.S. No. 17 MKII scope mount and the Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10×40 mm scope in its tough mil-spec/mil-std flat dark earth finish.

Throughout the Global War on Terror, both in the wake of widespread and continued failures of the M855 5.56 NATO cartridge to stop enemy combatants as well as in augmenting the insufficient numbers of long-range precision rifles, the seemingly timeless M14 rifle has continued to be called upon to return to service, perhaps finally reclaiming its place as one of the great battle rifles of our time. Many law enforcement agencies that received surplus M14s from the U.S. military will now be able take advantage of their full potential. For these agencies, as well as for law-abiding citizens, the Springfield M1A is ready for service. As a friend once said casually, “everybody should have one.”